Ikora paces at Lodi's side on their way to the local settlement, Ophiuchus silent and wary at her shoulder. Green wisps float around their ankles, tugged by unseen currents.

Lodi continually looks at her in short little bursts, as if he's sipping too-hot coffee. Scared to burn his tongue. Kepler is a hard spot for a mortal from Earth to have been summoned to; the anxiety must be wearing on him.

Eventually, the corners of his eyes crinkle in a warm smile.

"Well, Ms. Rey, I've gotten your name, but I've been rude when it comes to your floating friend here."

Ikora holds out her palm; Ophiuchus lands on it lightly as a falling leaf. The introductions are made.

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Mr. Ophiuchus," Lodi says. "Have you two worked together long?"

Ikora can't help but smile at his gracious way of asking her age. "Oh, we've been together for dozens of lifetimes. I'm sure Ophiuchus could tell you precisely how many times he's brought me back from death."

Lodi looks at her with poorly hidden concern. It can be hard for mortals to reckon with Guardian lifespans.

"And how often do you die?"

"Much less often than I used to," she assures him. "Though I like to think my record was fairly good, even in the field."

Ophiuchus flips his shell sarcastically at her. He remembers their Crucible days well.

"Well, I hope it's been a positive career change."

Ikora folds her hands behind her back. She looks up from the rocky ground to the alien sky above it. The beginnings of a smile tug decorously at the corner of her mouth.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world."