[Network]

[deal_me_in]

[The image flares brightly, the way a camera freshly exposed to light does before the picture adjusts, but even between its focusing one can tell that the thing is moving. Once it clears up it still might be difficult to make out what anything is, the close-up of worn leathers, the edge of a ragged cloak.

The swinging of the camera feed makes it evident Cayde's walking with his tablet in hand, a sort of listless pace that stops abruptly with a jolt and a thud, and viewers get treated to a glimpse of the ground before it blacks out as the thing falls flat. Even then, it's still recording.

Finally the screen lightens again, flash of brown accompanied with the crunch of gravel and a weary groan, and eventually, sky. Cayde lets out a long, convincing sigh.]

...so that was a thing. Have I ever told anyone how much I hate screaming moons? If anyone needs me I'll be at the bar.

...soon as I get up. I dunno, maybe I'll just nap here.

Comments

[deal_me_in]

Which somehow physically still manages to affect us. It is not fun when these guys hit back. I don't think they ever did that before. If it's just a projection, how's that even work? Unless it's all in our heads?

[only_an_echo]

Every storm has gotten worse with them, especially with the larger beasts that roamed about before disappearing at will. But if it happens again, we may have a chance to test that theory.

[deal_me_in]

You saw 'em? The big ol' Agrii-looking things? Yeah, those were new. And weird.

...I don't want it to happen again! [Yes he's whining.]

[only_an_echo]

[Even if Cayde can't see him, Echo shakes his head.] Agrii? No, they looked different - furrier, with giant red eyes. Something acidic dripped from their mouth, but there wasn't any damage left behind...

[With the Exo whining, the clone trooper takes a moment to pause, withholding a sigh.]

With all of the storms we've been through so far, I feel like it's going to be inevitable at this point.

[deal_me_in]

Huh? Wait, seriously? Where'd you see something like that?

See, now you're gonna jinx us. If we get a repeat I know who to blame.

[only_an_echo]

In Sh'Ka. The fog was a problem, but those things had a habit of showing up and vanishing into thin air when you least expected them to.

If it makes you feel better, fine. I'll try not to say 'I told you' when it happens.

[deal_me_in]

-and they were drooling acid? Those sound more like...the Graq?

[You can just imagine the scowl.] No, it would not make me feel better because it'll still be your fault.

[only_an_echo]

Yeah. The Graq, you said?

Cayde. [There's a sigh in his name.] Look, there's nothing else we can do except prepare for what may come up. And if it doesn't happen, it doesn't.

[deal_me_in]

Yeah, yeah- that's right. You missed them. We were heading back from their planet when you first arrived, right? ...if you remember that.

Anyway, signs of habitation in Sh'ka point to Graq being previous uh...inhabitants. On the squattier side, kinda resemble dogs in the face department, and their drool can melt stone, which is how they form tools and stuff. Although if it comes into contact with people then it makes them go loopy.

[Have a sigh back.]

I know, I know! But it's hard preparing for this stuff even when we know what's happened!

[only_an_echo]

Barely. It's been...years. [Now isn't the time to be sobered by the amount of time that has passed.] So they're supposed to be smaller? And that explains why the buildings look the way they do.

Were they facing a similar problem in terms of trying to go back home, like the Agrii? And why would they go 'loopy'...?

[He hums, not expecting Cayde to actually answer the questions. It's stuff to think about.]

...I'll give you that. Better to work on that later when we're actually feeling up to the task.

[deal_me_in]

Smaller than the Agrii- they're...more in proportion with our standards, just a bit more squattier. You saw the clothes and stuff over in the department store there, right? It's why they fit us better.

[The frame of the video captures brief movement, a loose wave of a familiar hand.]

No idea, I just know that back when someone was trying to convince us that they were the enemy boarding party on the Agrii's ship, a few of our guys got hit by the spit and started seeing things. Jon even shot me! ...not that it's stopped him from doing so even when he's sober...

Nnnnyaah.... I am not in the mood for trying to solve screaming moon problems at the moment. I need...to get off the floor. Obviously trying to nap here isn't working.

[only_an_echo]

[Echo recalls briefly passing through the department store in Sh'Ka, nodding to acknowledge that fact. Not like Cayde can see him, but he continues listening, helmet tilting slightly until he suddenly leans back to zone in on that one detail about the Archivist.]

-Jon shot you?

[There are so many questions about that working relationship, but now isn't the time to ask for it. The Exo is stuck.]

...Shutting off the feed may be the best option. As for getting some help off of the floor, you're gonna need someone who's already in the area to assist you.

[deal_me_in]

Yeah, with one of those Agrii death tools! -guns, mind you. That time was on purpose too! [oh the implications]

...right. That would mean I'd have to... where is it... am I close..?

[That hand reappears at the edges of the screen, fingers feeling around but somehow missing the tablet with each pass.]

Mff. Right, you're in the other city. Fine. Maybe someone'll come along. Oooor I'll finally nap and then be able to walk myself home.

[only_an_echo]

Sounds like he's overdue for a review of the basics and safety protocols that go into handling weapons in general...

[Glancing down at the comm, he sees the hand repeatedly blur past the screen.]

-No. A little more to your left- [sigh] You went over it again.

Traveling from Sh'Ka will take a couple of hours. Maybe if you're still out wherever you are, I'll drop by to see if you're alive.

[deal_me_in]

[He is totally not snickering at the thought here.

As he realizes Echo's trying to guide him to his tablet he tries reversing the direction his hand's been sweeping.]

Hot or cold?

Such a pal. Well, if you're flying in you'll know where to find me.

[only_an_echo]

Cold. Still cold- warm. Getting warmer. Almost.

Roger that. Get in your rest while you can.

[deal_me_in]

What do you mean, 'almost'! Ah, forget it, I'll find it eventually.

See ya later, chief.