[i][u]Episode 8: No Place for a Hero[/u][/i] The trip to the Reef was exhausting. Harley and Teddy simply would not shut up about what we were potentially about to learn about Winston's prior run-in with the Queen. Ratchet and Merv were lucky. They had gone into temporary shut-down mode for the duration of the journey. As I was in charge of our navigation through the galaxy I had to remain awake and endure the insufferable nonsense that these 3 Guardians were capable of sustaining for amazingly long durations. Just when I thought the constant bickering was about to overload my circuit board and fry my hard drive the Reef came into view. It was happiest moment of my life. Just as we entered Reef airspace two ships appeared on our left and right flanks. A brief moment later a voice rang out over our comms. [b]Female voice:[/b] Unidentified spacecraft, you are entering restricted Reef territory. Turn back immediately or you will be shot down. [b]Teddy:[/b] Well that solves the mystery as to why this place is nothing but ship debris and garbage. [b]Harley:[/b] Teddy, shhh! [b]Teddy:[/b] Just sayin... [b]Harley:[/b] Reef Corsair, this is Harley T'Shaul of the Guardians of the Last City, Earth. My companions and I seek an audience with your Queen. Our message is of great importance and urgency. [b]Female voice:[/b] The Queen grants no audience with your kind. Turn back now or we will be forced to destroy you. [b]Harley:[/b] Please we- [b]Winston:[/b] Petra? Is that you? [b]Female voice:[/b] ....Winston? [b]Winston:[/b] Petra, we need to see Mara immediately. [b]Petra:[/b] ......I will grant you access to the Queen's Bay, Winston. But be warned; you face the Queen at your own risk. [b]Winston:[/b] Don't I know it. [b]Petra:[/b] Conform to our trajectory. I'll guide you in. [b]Teddy:[/b] That's what she said. [b]Harley:[/b] Shut the -blam!- up, Teddy! A short time later we were landing in the Vestian Outpost. Upon disembarking we were met by a handful of guardsmen led by Petra Venj. Winston stepped forward and bowed to her, carefully avoiding her stern stare. [b]Petra:[/b] You have a lot of nerve showing your face here again, Winston. This had better be worthwhile. If not, I can't guarantee you'll make it out of our domain alive. [b]Winston:[/b] Trust me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't imperative that I come. [b]Petra:[/b] For your sake, I hope that's true. Follow me, Guardians. Petra led us through the outpost and past the silent sentinels that guarded the large door to the Queen's throne room. [b]Teddy:[/b] Traveller's balls this place looks like a scrapyard took a shit in here. Is that -blam!-ing duct tape? [b]Winston:[/b] Why don't you say that a little louder, dumbass I don't think the Queens Royal Guard heard you. [b]Teddy:[/b] Seriously though. [b]Harley:[/b] Winston? Is there anything we ought to know before we go in there? [b]Winston:[/b] The less you know, the better. We passed through the archway leading inside and crossed a long bridgeway until we reached a platform. There, on a large throne, sat the Queen of the Reef. She was beautiful beyond compare. The only mar in her gorgeous appearance was the piercing glare she aimed at Winston as he cautiously approached the throne. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] Winston. [b]Winston:[/b] Mara. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] You dare address me by my name? [b]Winston:[/b] Mara, please. Two Royal Guardsmen quickly moved to either side of Winston and pointed their weapons at his throat. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] Say my name one more time and it will be the last word that ever escapes your lips, Winston. I should have killed you long ago for what you did. [b]Winston:[/b] I made a mistake, Ma- Your Grace. [b]Teddy:[/b] Quick interjection here. What exactly did he do? We've all been dying to find out. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] This walking bag of shit and I were once very close. Weren't we, Winston? [b]Winston:[/b] Yes, M'Lady. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] That is, until he was caught consuming Helium Filaments and... "socializing" with an Exo stranger that came to the Reef seeking supplies for repairs on her jumpship. [b]Teddy:[/b] Hold on.. Winston, you cheated on the Queen of the Reef with a -blam!-ing Exo of all things??? [b]Winston:[/b] Ever slept with an Exo before? [b]Teddy:[/b] No, why the hell would I -blam!- a machine? [b]Winston:[/b] Bro, they vibrate. [b]Teddy:[/b] Wait, you mean like- [b]Winston:[/b] Yeah... everywhere. [b]Teddy:[/b] Holy shit. [b]Harley:[/b] Traveller's Light you two. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] Silence! I assume you didn't come all the way to the Reef to discuss Winston's sexual exploits? [b]Teddy:[/b] No, Your Grace. But before we get to why we're here I'd just like to point out that unlike Winston here, I don't do Helium Filaments and Exos scare the shit out of me. Soooo if you ever want to go to dinner or take a nice romantic trip through the Asteroid Belt, I'd be more than happy to oblige. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] Will someone please shut this idiot Titan up before I order him thrown over the edge of the damn Reef? [b]Teddy:[/b] Oh my god the mouth on her. So sassy, I love it. [b]Harley:[/b] Teddy, for shit sakes man! Your Majesty, we come bearing urgent news regarding your Fallen subjects. We have reason to believe they mean to betray you. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] And do you have any evidence to back up these allegations? Or am I to take you on your word? As Harley explained the scene we witnessed on Earth, Winston stepped to the back of our group and stood silently. Teddy couldn't resist winking at the Queen and puffing out his chest every time she shot a glance his way. She returned his unabashed display with nothing but a stern glare. When Harley finished her narrative the Queen sat silently for a few moments, pondering the information she had been presented. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] I will need time to consider the information you've provided me and discuss it with my advisors. You may remain in the Reef and await my summons. Petra will show you where you may sleep for the night. I will call on you soon. [b]Harley and Winston:[/b] Yes, Your Grace. As we turned to walk away Teddy stepped forward, bent down, and gently kissed the Queen's hand. She quickly pulled away and glared at him. [b]Teddy:[/b] Mmm, you smell like lavender and honey. [b]Queen Mara:[/b] Get out of my sight, you troll! Teddy smiled, bowed, and slowly backed away. [b]Teddy:[/b] See you soon M'Lady. Petra led us to our quarters, bade us goodnight, and walked off to attend her other duties. Having nothing to do and nowhere to go until the Queen summoned us, we bed down for the night. All except Teddy, who laid awake with a broad smile on his face, the Queen ever present at the front of his thoughts. [i]Part 2[/i] https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/132129268/0/0