H.E.L.M.

H.E.L.M.
Interior Ship
Overview
Planet:	Earth
Location:	Last City Moon Orbit (formerly) Earth Orbit (formerly)
Gameplay
Accessibility:	Social
Player capacity:	6

The H.E.L.M. or Hub for Emergency Logistics and Maneuvers is a Vanguard operations outpost set up on a large ship, originally docked within a hangar of the Last City. It acts as the location where seasonal vendors can be interacted with through different wings.

It was initially staffed by Vanguard Frames and opened shortly after the Arrival of the Black Fleet. It first came into operation to deal with the arrival of Empress Caiatl's fleet in the Sol System.

During a confrontation with the re-emerged Fikrul, the Scorn rammed a Ketch into the HELM, shattering the frontal viewport and disabling the controls. Failsafe was able to guide the failing ship into a crash landing on Europa, and the majority of the ship was later recovered. The HELM now sits atop the city walls, where repairs seem to be underway.

Features

War Table

The War Table

The centerpiece of the H.E.L.M., the war table offers real-time tactical information on the current conflict the Vanguard is monitoring. A terminal on the table can be used to read messages and receive incoming transmissions from Vanguard agents for briefings and reports from the field. Members of Vanguard task forces frequently meet at the war table to discuss ongoing operations.

Umbral Decoder

Confiscated from the Drifter by the Cryptarchy, the Umbral Decoder and Prismatic Recaster have been refined and studied by the Cryptarchs in their ongoing effort to further understand Umbral Engrams which began to appear after the Black Fleet arrived.

Other Features

The H.E.L.M. has a post box for items lost in the field for recovery, along with a terminal for accessing a Guardian's Vault. Additionally, a terminal containing intercepted messages and Vanguard reports during the Clash of the Chosen is located near the post box. On the other side of the area there is another terminal, from which Guardians can access any abandoned quests they may want to reacquire.

Wings

On the left and right of where the Guardian(s) spawn are two separate rooms used for other operations.

• The Eliksni Wing was the main operational hub for the House of Light located within the left wing of the H.E.L.M. It prominently housed the Splicer Servitor which was modified to supply Ether to their encampment.
• The Awoken Wing was the main operational hub for the Reefborn Awoken within the H.E.L.M. It prominently housed the Wayfinder's Compass, a portal to Mara Sov's chambers and was guarded by some Corsairs.
• The Psiorium Wing, located at the back entrance next to Crow, was a former containment unit for captured Lucent Brood lieutenants. It was shut down after the success of Operation Elbrus in stopping the Scarlet Keep from being captured by the Lucent Hive for an invasion of Earth.
• The Crown of Sorrow Quarantine Wing took the place of the Eliksni Wing during Operation Midas. The area is outfitted with heavy quarantine equipment, a decontamination unit at the entrance with two Imperial Guard Legionaries right outside and a Hive Tombship used to transport the Crown, as well as to eject it from the H.E.L.M in case it grew to dangerous. Egregore would also be found around the Crown that continued to grow as the Guardians continued severing powerful Nightmares, even spreading to the main area of the H.E.L.M.
• The Eliksni Star Chart
• Wing of the Deep
• Wing of the Witch
• Wing of the Wish

Radio messages

"And my vanquisher will read that book, seeking the weapon, and they will come to understand me, where I have been and where I was going."The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.

Season of the Chosen

Caiatl's Address

"Warriors of the empire. I see your fury. For years, you have waited for your leaders to reclaim you. But time has not changed your nature: Your rage becomes the swing of the cleaver, the thrust of the shield, the shout of the cannon. I send out a challenge to the remains of the broken Legion: prove your worth in battle. The ancient rites live again. The triumphant will become the first members of my war council. We are Cabal. We eat the mountains. We drink the seas."

Amanda's Cosmodrome Report

"This is Amanda Holliday, reportin' on my Cosmodrome flyovers. The Cabal set up shop on a bluff overlooking the Mothyards. Hive's been chewing on 'em pretty good, but they're dug in like ticks. You know how they are. Frigates parked overhead haven't put a single round my way. One thing I haven't seen are any civilians. I don't know how big the Cabal fleet is these days, but it's gotta be spread thin. There must be a group of carriers in deep space somewhere with all their kids and old folks aboard. The whole rest of their species. Shows how much they want payback. They're risking it all, on our turf, just for a piece of the Hive. I know this Cabal force looks like aggression, but I'd wager it's grief through and through. They ain't here for us. They're here for revenge. Goodness knows, I can relate."

Caiatl's Message to Zavala

"Commander Zavala. I thought to contact you directly, free from the prying interests of... advisors. When I was a child, listening to stories of the Cabal's many rulers, I imagined that sovereignty was absolute power. The power to triumph. To spill blood. To rule. But now, I realize the ironic truth: sovereignty is a form of servitude. As empress, my people's will comes before my own. That is why Cabal forces cannot leave the Sol system empty-handed. After losing Torobatl, we cannot lose our honor. It's the only thing we have left. You offer an alliance as equals. But I offer something even more valuable: exaltation. Within our ranks, the Guardians will be revered. They will be free, as the Psions are now. They will be our most elite force - the pride of the Cabal Empire. So, for the last time, join us. For revenge against the Hive. For survival against the Darkness. Join me. Join the Cabal."

Saladin's Message to Zavala

"Commander. An attack on your life within our own walls. In the streets where the City's children play. I wish it surprised me. Every minute we waste, our enemies grow bolder. I saw it with the Warlords, Zavala: give them slack, and they'll hang you with it. You must act. Remind our enemies that there are consequences when Darkness breaches our walls. Remind the people why they put their faith in the Guardians. This attack was just a taste. Next time, they'll target someone else; someone you can't save. That loss will be on you. The weight of it will crush you. Trust me."

Qalec's Execution

"Warriors of the empire. Today, we chose strength and honor over personal glory. But two of our soldiers chose to pursue their own victory — their own glory before the glory of the empire. Only one of these soldiers stands before me now. The Psion Valir faced his death with honor — but his accomplice, the Psion Qalec, chose to run. To hide. Qalec is a stain on our history. A traitor. I revoke the name Qalec, for a coward has no name under the empire. [gunshot] These traitors did not work alone. I will find the others, and they will meet this same fate. We are one Cabal, and we strike as one fist."

Season of the Splicer

Crow's message to Zavala

"Can't say I'm enjoying lying low, Commander. Reminds me of the old days. But hey, I'm nothing if not good at following orders. If it was my choice, I'd be there helping you get the Eliksni settled in the City. Might be hard to believe, but they're more like us than you think. Just… give them a chance. Like you did for me. "Velask." That's how they say hello. Just so you know."

Lakshmi's first broadcast

"The Last City has always been a place of refuge. For centuries, the vulnerable have found shelter and security under the watchful eye of the Traveler. Now, it seems that includes Fallen. Once they sieged our walls, and now, Ikora Rey throws open the gates. A charitable act from a compassionate leader. But is it the right thing to do? Can we really spare the energy and resources to shelter our enemies while we are under Vex attack? Can we afford to extend a peaceful hand to those who might bite it? As leader of the Future War Cult, I have foreseen violence and strife within our walls. This is not the first time. I warned you all of Ghaul before the Red Legion took our City during the Red War. I am warning you again now. Are these newcomers the cause of our visions? That, we do not yet know. What we do know is that the Vanguard owes the people an honest and transparent explanation."

Ikora's address

"People of the Last City: Commander Zavala and I have been touched by the generosity and kindness you've shown toward our new Eliksni neighbors. We also understand the reluctance some have shown toward their resettlement. To those who mistrust our arrangement, let me remind you that this very city was founded by refugees. We sought shelter not only from alien aggressors, but from other Humans. The bandits and warlords that profited from our suffering. So it is with the Eliksni. For the first time in our shared history, we need the Eliksni, and they need us. Together with Mithrax and his Sacred Splicers, we can end the Endless Night. But only if we stand united for the betterment of all."

Lakshmi's second broadcast

"People of the Last City: we are governed by a consensus. A democracy where the people have a say over what happens in their city. Or so we thought. But did you agree to shelter a mob of dangerous Fallen? The same Fallen that spent a century stealing from us, besieging our city, and destroying our families? Did you agree to suddenly forgive and forget? No. Ikora Rey decided, without the people's consent, to allow House Light inside our walls. These are not the actions of a democratic leader. She claims that this "Mithrax" can end the Vex curse. Then why has he not done so? Perhaps because he has no such power. Or perhaps because he's simply biding his time… I have gazed into the future using Vex technology and have seen only strife and conflict with the Fallen. Unless we change course immediately, bloodshed is inevitable."

Lakshmi's third broadcast

"People of the Last City: The Vanguard protects us from enemies outside our walls. But did you know they also protect us from information? Did you know that the Fallen unleashed the Vex on Europa? That they corrupt our Guardians with the poisoned gift of Stasis, tempting them to wield the Darkness? These same Fallen are now inside our city, at the invitation of the Vanguard. Ikora Rey knows all this and more. Her Hidden spies report as much. Yet she continues to support these false alliances over her own people! Whether her lies are born of malice or incompetence matters not. What matters is that I have gazed into the future and foreseen bodies in our streets. Make no mistake: an invasion is coming. And if we are to triumph, we must first take back our city."

Mithrax and Ikora's first address

Mithrax:

"Eliksni of the House Light, hear Misraaks now. I know many of you feared this place. You have seen death at the hands of the Guardians. It was right to expect death in their house. But I said, and say again, that if we help them, they will help us. And here we are, alive. It is true that some of us have attacked our new home. It is true that some try to share their hate with us. It is always so. But if Eliksni feel Darkness inside, only look up to see the Great Machine, and know that House of Light is blessed."

Ikora:

"We're all blessed to have such friends in dark times. Humanity will not allow these hateful and ignorant acts to define us. We will prove it by bringing those responsible to justice."

Mithrax:

"Walk the path of hardship with joy in your hearts. Be brave."

Lakshmi's fourth broadcast

Lakshmi:

"People of the Last City: I come to you with an emergency announcement. One that the Vanguard leadership wishes to keep from you. Future War Cult has learned, from Guardians sources, that the Endless Night is the work of the Hive God of Deceit... This is a grave development, but we cannot give into despair. Instead, let it propel us into action! We must demand accountability from Vanguard leadership! We cannot allow Zavala and Ikora Rey to sell our city to the Fallen while-[Static]"

Ikora:

"Enough! This is Ikora Rey. I will NOT stand by while this hateful rhetoric goes unchallenged. I understand it's hard to put the violence of the past behind us, but the Vanguard's responsibility is to preserve a just peace. Not for some, but for all. Lakshmi would have you live in fear. Fear of the Eliksni. Fear of the future. I propose something much stronger: faith. Faith that bravery is not just a Human quality. Faith that we are stronger together. With that, the Vanguard and our Eliksni allies will break the Vex hold on our city. And we'll do it united, as one, for the good of all."

Lakshmi's fifth broadcast

"People of the Last City: the last time I spoke to you, I was silenced. Clearly, Ikora fears the ugly truth: the Vanguard have betrayed you. You need not take my word for it. Simply look at their actions. The Vanguard have turned their backs on the Light, and now openly wield the Darkness. They force you to shelter a horde of Eliksni, led by a fugitive with ties to the Vex. And finally, they tried to cover up Savathûn's involvement in it all! Ikora Rey claimed that the Fallen could stop the Endless Night. But on the contrary, they have only made things worse. It's even possible that the Witch Queen walks among them! Unfortunately, the current Vanguard will stop at nothing to protect their place in their ivory tower. They don't understand the people of the Last City. And their actions prove it. Future War Cult and New Monarchy say: enough! We intend to return this city to its people. If the Vanguard won't protect you, then we will."

Mithrax and Ikora's second address

Mithrax:

"Eliksni of House Light. After the fall of Riis, we have had many homes, and in every new home, culture evolves. We hang new banners. We follow new Kells. We weave new traditions. And here, under the Great Machine, is a new custom called "Solstice of Heroes.""

Ikora:

"The Solstice is a reminder that our victories belong not only to us, but to those who gave their lives along the way. Asher, Sloane... Cayde. Sagira... even Brother Vance, and for the first time, we will share Solstice traditions with our Eliksni allies who risked their lives to free us from the Endless Night."

Mithrax:

"Misraaks likes this tradition. Eliksni, too, have many heroes. Without them, House of Light would die on Europa far from the Great Machine. Now is the time for all to join in the Solstice so past heroes can bring peace to the living."

Ikora:

"May our heroes unite us and lead us toward a brighter future. Together."

Lakshmi's final broadcast

"People of the Last City: we have endured many great tragedies thanks to our strength and a steadfast commitment to humanity. The Traveler chose us. It abandoned the Fallen because they are unfit, unworthy of the Light. They would take it from us if they could. The Vanguard has lost their way. They embrace the Darkness. Welcome Eramis's followers into our midst with open arms. Force us to celebrate our lost heroes alongside those who murdered them. Yes, the Endless Night is over. But now, Mithrax and his House will use this opportunity to do what the Fallen have always done. Covet. Cheat. Steal. Kill. I have seen the future with my own eyes, and it has not changed. Doom still builds on the horizon like a terrible storm. Right now, loyalists to the Future War Cult and New Monarchy have rounded up the Fallen in our city. With the aid of Osiris, I have learned how to safely command the power of the Vex. I will use it to do what the Vanguard will not. I will tear open a rift: banish the Fallen to the depths of space from where they came. We alone will save humanity. I have seen the darkest of futures, and with this act, I will - No. NO! [agonized scream]"

Mithrax and Ikora's second address

Ikora Rey:

"People of the Last City: I have some troubling news to share. As some of you know, a portal was opened in the Eliksni Quarter of the City allowing Vex to breach our walls for the first time. Thankfully Guardians, working together with Eliksni Splicers, were able to repel the assault. We've since discovered that Lakshmi-2, former leader of the Future War Cult, was responsible for the security breach. Regrettably, Lakshmi was killed by Vex during the assault. It seems that the other faction leaders were culpable, if not responsible. Executor Hideo and Arach Jalaal have fled taking the remainder of their factions with them. In their absence, we are now one people: stronger, thanks to our alliance with House Light."

Mithrax:

"House of Light is forever in your debt. You stood by us when we had no one. Now, we stand by the people of the Last City in the grace of the Traveler, come what may. The Light provides."

Ikora Rey:

"The Light provides."

Season of the Lost

Ikora and Mara's first discussion

Ikora Rey:

"And you're certain she's contained?"

Queen Mara Sov:

"Certainty is a necessity. It is your doubts we should fear with Savathûn among us."

Ikora Rey:

"Be straight with me."

Queen Mara Sov:

"Remember who you are speaking to. I hold all the keys to all your futures. I would not let them dangle carelessly without attention."

Ikora Rey:

"Savathûn's never been a one-track type of opponent. She's playing you."

Queen Mara Sov:

"We are not the same, Ikora. This is a plan long set in motion. She is contained, and soon to be dead."

Ikora Rey:

"Was Osiris's capture part of your plan, then? Sagira's death?"

Queen Mara Sov:

"Navigating the future is not always clear."

Ikora Rey:

"If you're willing to sacrifice my people for your plans... how can I be sure you'll wait to see Osiris returned before slitting the Witch Queen's throat?"

Queen Mara Sov:

"I mourn for Sagira. I have every intention to see Osiris returned safely. It's more than you did for me. If my assurances mean nothing to you, let me offer a warning instead: you are following your doubts into Savathûn's trap."

Ikora Rey:

"Your arrogance might kill another one of my friends... if he isn't dead already."

Queen Mara Sov:

"Had I more wishes, things would not be as they are."

Ikora Rey:

"Had you more wishes, they'd be much worse."

Ikora and Saint-14's discussion

Saint-14:

"Osiris. I will not abandon you. As I speak, Guardians of the City patrol across the system searching for you. I am searching for you. No amount of Hive spawn or Savathûn's trickery will stand between us. You will see freedom. You will return. It is not your way to die. Wait for me, as I did for you. You have never practiced patience, but hold on a few moments more."

Ikora Rey:

"Saint."

Saint-14:

"Have the Hidden found him?"

Ikora Rey:

"Saint. You don't have to broadcast these live."

Saint-14:

"I see. This is true."

Ikora Rey:

"Geppetto can establish a repeating signal. It will forward any response directly to you. Besides, I could use you in the field."

Saint-14:

"Yes. I am, if nothing else, useful."

Ikora Rey:

"More than that. You are needed."

Saint-14:

"I knew it was not him, but I would not listen to my heart."

Ikora Rey:

"Compassion can be abused. Optimism has its pitfalls. Flaws don't make them worthless. Even lies can be learned from."

Saint-14:

"Do not worry. I think I will not be using compassion next time Savathûn stands before me."

Ikora Rey:

"No, I think we will have a whole different set of emotions to deal with that moment. Osiris is out there. We will find him."

Ikora's address

"People of the Last City. Recently, the Vanguard has been scrutinized for a lack of transparency, and we've paid for it. I hope this broadcast represents our efforts to the contrary. Many of you came to me having witnessed the Vex attack. Many of you claim to have seen... Osiris was present there. We now know this was a deception; an illusion spread by our enemies to turn us against each other. It worked, for a time. And we mourn those lost to the senseless violence unleashed in our streets. But we have overcome that fear, and we now stand united: Humanity, Eliksni and the Awoken of the Reef. Our allegiance is what the Witch Queen fears. It is what she meant to stop by sewing discord. It is what will lead us to victory. Know that this battle is not one we are bringing to your doorstep, but it is one we fight to keep the City out of the line of fire. The Vanguard asks for your patience, and understanding... if you can offer those, we will offer what insights we can offer to your questions. You are always welcome in the Tower, but I will be in the streets."

Ikora and Mara's second discussion

Queen Mara Sov:

"How long have your Hidden been privy to Uldren's resurrection?"

Ikora Rey:

"Long enough to watch over him in your absence."

Queen Mara Sov:

"And you didn't direct him home. Why?"

Ikora Rey:

"There was a concern he'd pick up some old habits."

Queen Mara Sov:

"You know the Garden made him sick. Riven twisted his mind. Eris would have seen it. She is not so easily deceived by skin-deep tricks."

Ikora Rey:

"It's true I made mistakes, out of an idea of justice... out of grief. Are you leveling this same scrutiny toward Petra? Wasn't she supposed to be watching his grave?"

Queen Mara Sov:

"Petra has paid her dues. The Vanguard murdered him and has yet to pay theirs."

Ikora Rey:

"We both lost family. I am sorry for my part in yours, but... Crow has been treated —"

Queen Mara Sov:

"My brother is dead. He was exhumed; his body twisted into caricature. You had your vengeance."

Ikora Rey:

"Is that what you're after? Cayde... I still feel that grief like a stone caught in my chest. Some days, it's more pronounced than others. Vengeance didn't erode that grief."

Queen Mara Sov:

"Then tell me. Who am I to blame? Who sent him into Savathûn's clutches? Who bludgeoned Uldren into a scared animal and drove him from his home?"

Ikora Rey:

"You did, Mara. And those Guardians who hurt him did so out of misguided anger. Don't make their same mistake. Don't make my mistake."

Ikora and Petra's first discussion

Ikora Rey:

"Petra, it's Ikora Rey. I thought now would be a good time to check in."

Petra Venj:

"Things are progressing as well as can be expected, given the circumstances. While we've recovered some of the lost Techeuns, we still don't have everyone we need to separate Savathûn from her worm."

Ikora Rey:

"Understood. Don't rush this on my account. Savathûn may be waiting for the freedom she thinks is coming. But frankly, I don't care what she wants. This needs to be done with as minimal risk to your people as possible."

Petra Venj:

"I know you hope that this will lead you to Osiris... But you want my opinion? Osiris is already dead. Savathûn is a creature of lies. She has no honor."

Ikora Rey:

"Your opinion is noted. And on the subject of opinions... how's Crow?"

Petra Venj:

"You want my take? On him? In a word: vulnerable. But Queen Mara refuses to send him away. Though... you could."

Ikora Rey:

"Trust is a delicate thing, Petra. I don't want to lose his. This is important to him. I trust Crow to make the right choices... and for you to protect him from himself if he doesn't."

Crow contacts Ikora

Crow:

"Ikora. I need to get out of here."

Ikora Rey:

"What happened?"

Crow:

"I don't want to talk about it. I want out, now. Either you reassign me, or I'm done."

Ikora Rey:

"Done?"

Crow:

"With you, with the Vanguard, with everything."

Ikora Rey:

"Crow, you have my full support. If you want to be reassigned, I can do that. But maybe you need to take some time first..."

Crow:

"If I stop moving I... I'm afraid I'm going to fall apart at the seams. I need to keep moving, but I — I can't do that here. I need to be as far away from her as possible."

Ikora Rey:

"Would you mind working with someone you know?"

Crow:

"Who?"

Ikora Rey:

"I need an operative to act as an intermediary with Empress Caiatl. It's an important responsibility. Maybe we could discuss it in person?"

Crow:

"I'll be at the Tower soon."

Glint and Petra's discussion

Glint:

"Um... Petra? Ms. Venj? Can you hear me?"

Petra Venj:

"What do you need?"

Glint:

"Well — I just... do you know? I mean, what she — what Savathûn showed Crow? He won't tell me."

Petra Venj:

"The truth, I imagine. Or perhaps some shade of it. My queen is furious."

Glint:

"Oh. I — I'm sorry. For a lot of things, but mostly for Crow... being Crow."

Petra Venj:

"It's not your fault."

Glint:

"I could have told him."

Petra Venj:

"So could I."

Glint:

"It's not the same."

Petra Venj:

"No... I suppose it isn't."

Glint:

"How long did it take Mara to forgive you? For uh, what happened to, um..."

Petra Venj:

"To Uldren? Be patient, Little Light. He'll come around."

Glint:

"How do you know?"

Petra Venj:

"Because Uldren was always a fool for love. And your Crow loves you."

Ikora and Petra's second discussion

Ikora Rey:

"What happened?"

Petra Venj:

"Savathûn happened. The Techeuns believe she enacted a contingency spell the moment the crystal shattered. She transposed herself with another subject marked with a matching Hive rune. Osiris."

Ikora Rey:

"Is he alive?"

Petra Venj:

"He is. Very weak, but alive. The Techeuns have confirmed his identity. It's Osiris. No tricks."

Ikora Rey:

"Do you have any idea where Savathûn is now?"

Petra Venj:

"We... do not. She could be anywhere. If it's any consolation, we do have one thing."

Ikora Rey:

"What's that?"

Petra Venj:

"We have Osiris. In a way... Savathûn kept her word. To the letter."

Ikora Rey:

"I'll be sure to send her my thanks."

Season of the Risen

Zavala and Saladin's first discussion

Zavala:

"For now, we have to trust that we share a common enemy with the empress."

Lord Saladin:

"Every instinct I have is telling me to strike. Centuries of conditioning. But... instincts can lie."

Zavala:

"If I had told you just a handful of years ago that we'd have a Guardian who was once Uldren Sov here in the Tower... A Ketch docked in the City, and the beginnings of an alliance with the Cabal?"

Lord Saladin:

"I'd have locked you up."

Zavala:

"You and Ikora both."

Lord Saladin:

"On that note: Crow. He's undisciplined. No respect for the chain of command. And now with Uldren's memories, do you honestly think that behaviour will improve?"

Zavala:

"You're not wrong. But he's stepped up, time and again, when lives are on the line. Including mine."

Lord Saladin:

"We can't afford mistakes now. Won't survive them."

Zavala:

"I know. I also know you're willing to take chances on someone who's a risk."

Lord Saladin:

"He's dangerously overconfident."

Zavala:

"So was I."

Lord Saladin:

"You were different. Times were different."

Zavala:

"They were. But I changed, thanks to you. And together, we changed the times. What was that saying of yours? Every blade needs a whetstone?"

Lord Saladin:

"Zavala."

Zavala:

"Crow needs guidance, and I can't think of a better guide. Give him the same chance you gave me, Saladin, once upon a time."

Zavala and Saladin's second discussion

Zavala:

"Did you assure him that they aren't... suffering?"

Lord Saladin:

"It was a stupid question."

Zavala:

"Saladin."

Lord Saladin:

"There's no answer I could have given that would satisfy him. It doesn't matter whether or not they suffer, if they're alive or dead, or something in between. He sees himself in them. Like he sees himself in Uldren."

Zavala:

"How do you know this?"

Lord Saladin:

"I asked Caiatl's Psion. Crow radiates pain, he said. He's the one suffering, and in a way his Ghost can't heal. I know what self-loathing feels like."

Zavala:

"And I know grief."

Lord Saladin:

"This isn't anything like... [sighs] You're stronger than he is."

Zavala:

"And who helped me find that strength, when I was at my lowest?"

Lord Saladin:

"[grunts]"

Zavala:

"Crow is grieving. For himself, for the innocence he's lost. For the price of the truth."

Lord Saladin:

"He's going to hurt himself — or worse, hurt someone else."

Zavala:

"You've always been more than a soldier, Saladin. You're a protector. So protect."

Caiatl and Zavala's discussion

Zavala:

"I didn't expect your people to deploy a cannon quite that large. I don't think the Hive did either."

Caiatl:

"A cannon is unexceptional, no matter the size. But a Guardian with the tusks to climb into one and fire themselves at a Hive command ship?"

Zavala:

"When death is no longer an obstacle, it becomes... a remarkable teacher."

Caiatl:

"Lessons learned in your Crucible."

Zavala:

"And the Iron Banner. Lord Saladin is very proud."

Caiatl:

"He may not appreciate the comparison, but he thinks like a Primus."

Zavala:

"Empress. I know this is a sensitive topic... but how long do you believe your forces can commit to a sustained war against our enemies?"

Caiatl:

"Until the last of us draws their final breath."

Zavala:

"We have a loose assessment of your numbers. Estimates on your fleet in orbit. If this is to become a permanent alliance..."

Caiatl:

"Our war with the Hive is not a matter of strategy or force, Commander — but one of honor. Billions died on Torobatl. Countless more on other worlds of the empire that collapsed to in-fighting or further invasion by Xivu Arath. Outside our rituals, the death of even one Cabal demands reprisal; a life for a life. The Hive have accrued a great debt."

Zavala:

"And who will raise a monument to your people's honor when the last Cabal dies... waging a war of vengeance?"

Caiatl:

"You."

Crow and Saladin's discussion

The Crow:

"It should've been me... I could have died for something I believed in."

Lord Saladin:

"You lack the self-awareness to know what you believe in."

The Crow:

"Wha — I..."

Lord Saladin:

"Your mind is a storm of guilt, both your own and someone else's. We put a gun in your hand and told you who we wanted you to be. And now you're struggling to reconcile a lifetime of Uldren Sov's experience with only a few years of your own. We all die a final death. Yours was not meant to be today."

The Crow:

"I was wrong about you. Saladin, I'm so sorry."

Lord Saladin:

"I respect you for sticking to your convictions, but let this be another lesson. Doing what you believe is right — as you have, as I have — doesn't absolve you from the consequences of those actions. Someone must always pay the price."

Caiatl's message

"Greetings Guardian. I come bearing enlightening news. Bracus Forge has earned himself quite a reputation among the Cabal. Within his first three days aboard my ship, he was challenged to six Rites of Proving. He prevailed in them all. One of those challenges came from an officer on my War Council. Bracus Forge defeated him with a single thunderous blow. As is our custom, he was promoted to "Valus" for his courage. He has also started a version of the Iron Banner aboard my flagship, at my request. There are many volunteers for his training. He calls his Legionaries "Iron War Beasts." We have much to learn from one another, and Valus Forge is an excellent ambassador. I dare say he even likes it here. And if a human can ascend to the rank of Valus in such a short time... imagine what the future holds. May we all live long enough to find out."

Season of the Haunted

Amanda and Crow's fight

Amanda Holliday:

"We need to talk."

The Crow:

"This isn't — this is not a good time."

Amanda Holliday:

"It's NEVER a good time. I've been trying to talk to you for weeks, and you keep dodging me!"

The Crow:

"I can't... It's not — Amanda..."

Amanda Holliday:

"How long did you know? How long have you known who you were?"

The Crow:

"[chokes up]"

Amanda Holliday:

"We're done. We're — done here. I do not have time for this. For you. For anything."

The Crow:

"Wait! I was scared. I am scared. People used to kill me. Kill me for — for something I didn't — You don't understand!"

Amanda Holliday:

"I cared about you, and you lied to me. You wore that mask, you kept secrets from me, pretended to be my friend."

The Crow:

"Amanda, I am your friend."

Amanda Holliday:

"No. You're not. I had a friend, and you murdered him."

Caiatl's Leviathan report

"Per our arrangement, I am delivering a status report on the Imperial survey of the Leviathan. Our scouts confirm your reports of psychic anomalies emanating from the red phantoms seen throughout the ship. Psion Opti theorize that these phantoms are manifestations forged from a psychic "background radiation" permeating the Leviathan. Navigational equipment shows that the Leviathan entered a gravitational anomaly and... It was once within and outside of the known universe for an indeterminate period of time. When it emerged from this state, most of its crew were missing, and an infestation of unknown fungal matter had infiltrated all decks of the ships. Command structure appears to have broken down. Loyalists who emerged from the anomaly disembarked from the Leviathan. We are attempting to determine their location. Those currently aboard are newly grown, combat-ready clones that have no higher brain function. They operate as an extension of my father's will. At Valus Forge's suggestion, I have submitted a suggestion for Crow to participate in a joint investigation to supplement