The Lighthouse, Mercury
// OPTIONAL
Osiris: Guardian, I've detected a single Cabal within a simulation, carrying encrypted data between two points. The scientist in me would say the Vex are running a test - a continual loop to establish a benchmark dataset. To what end, I am not sure.
Ghost: Sounds like we'd better find out what they're after.
// OPTIONAL
Sagira: Remember that big Cabal trapped in the labyrinth? You're not going to believe this - it's back.
// OPTIONAL
Osiris: The Vex are continuing their studies of Cabal behavior. They have reestablished the encrypted data transmission.
Sagira: More to the point, the Cabal are marching again. Better get moving.
Infinite Forest, Mercury
// OPTIONAL
Sagira: The Vex are focusing a lot of processing power on this particular simulation. This is a big deal for them.
Ghost: If you can tell that, can't you terminate it from your end?
Sagira: Ever try to remotely control a machine on a perpetual feedback loop? YOU'RE the off switch. Go close it down.
// OPTIONAL
Sagira: It's funny. The Vex keep running the same test, but they haven't changed the defenses yet.
Osiris: They are eliminating all stray variables that could affect their results.
Sagira: So, Guardian… Go be you - the stray variable.
The Guardian traverses the Infinite Forest, heading towards the entrance to the Simulant Present.
// OPTIONAL
Ghost: With everything they could be doing in the Forest, why would the Vex choose to focus so much effort on a solitary Cabal in a single simulation?
Sagira: It will depend on how important that one Cabal is. What it carries may be critical to their ultimate plans.
// OPTIONAL
Sagira: If they're trying to transmit data, why use the Cabal?
Osiris: That is what we must determine through careful study and observation.
Sagira: I say you smash first and ask questions later.
Simulant Present, Mercury
The Guardian finds Valus Traud, Proxy.
// OPTIONAL
Ghost: He's making a break for it. Let's drop him.
// OPTIONAL
Sagira: Aaand he's on the run. Bet you can stop him.
The Guardian pursues Valus Traud, Proxy through several checkpoints.
// OPTIONAL
Ghost: Now's our chance.
// OPTIONAL
Ghost: Oh, no. We're not done with you.
// OPTIONAL
If the Guardian defeats Valus Traud, Proxy.
Ghost: OK, let's see what inside. Oh. This is code for what looks like a phage. Part technology, part biology. Just like the Vex.
// OPTIONAL
If the Guardian defeats Valus Traud, Proxy.
Osiris: Yes, good. This will force the Vex to recalibrate.
Sagira: That means "thank you" in Osiris.
// OPTIONAL
If Valus Traud, Proxy escapes.
Ghost: We've lost him.
The Guardian defeats a Gladiator and a Centurion.
Osiris: Another abstraction destroyed. Their data might have reached its destination, but the framework will soon be lost. And that is still a measurable victory against an enemy like the Vex. Well done.