[i]For those just tuning in the link to part one is above. Shoutout to AltroGamingBros and Venom Sniper for working with me to create a miniverse. Disclaimer I don't own any Bungie stuff. Now let's begin![/i] Ajax looked at Malex sound asleep in bed. The big German Shepard leaped onto the sleeping guardian, waking him up with a fury of pokes with his wet dog nose. Malex: Alright alright knock it off! Ajax jumped down and sat at the foot of the bed, tail wagging a million times a minute. It was morning and it was time to go out. Malex chuckled and got dressed. He made himself a cup of black rifle coffee and opened the door to his room. Ajax bolted out of the room and for the elevator. Malex cought up and the hunter and his dog took the elevator down to the first floor. Malex walked out of the tower and Ajax ran to a grassy area to relive himself. Malex took a sip of his coffee and smiled. He had been training Ajax for the past few days and the canine was a quick learner. He already knew all the commands Malex needed him to and them some. Malex's ghost popped up Peacemaker: Hey Malex I just got a transmission from the vanguard, looks like some shadows are messing around the site were you killed Sevestapol. Malex: Well, it looks like I'm going back to Texas. Peacemaker: Should I gather up the rest of Fireteam Ranger? Ajax came trotting up and sat down in front of Malex. Malex: Nah, I got all the backup I need right here. Ajax wagged his tail [i]Back in Texas[/i] Malex touched down in Texas, Ajax landed right next to him. The German Shepard still wasn't quite used to transmatting but he didn't mind it. The two walked into the camp where Malex had defeated Sevestapol. It was also the place Rika had found Sev's Malfeasance. Malex shuddered at that memory and he was glad Rika was okay now. Malex walked up to the old cabin, he was about to go in when he heard the sound of a hammer being pulled back. Shadow: You shouldn't have come here gunslinger, this place is sacred. Around here, Drifter is king. Malex elbowed the shadow in the face. He spun around, drew The Last Word, and fanned off three shots, killing the other shadows there. He looked down at the first shadow. Malex: Drifter may be king here, (pulls hammer back) but I'm an Army Ranger you little piece of Sh#t. (pulls the trigger) Peacemaker: Did you really have to phrase it like that? Malex was in that select group of guardians who knew their past. He had been a US Army Ranger killed while fighting the fallen during the collapse. Malex: Oh shut up Peace, (kicks in door) VANGUARD, OPEN UP!!! Malex entered the cabin and Pointed his gun at a Stormcaller warlock who in turn had a wishbringer shotgun pointed at him. She was quaking with fear. Dredgen: Stay back! Malex: You must be Zara, or is it Dredgen Storm now? Word is you have quite the number of invasion kills in gambit. Almost as many as Slayer. Zara: You know me? Malex: Sure I do, been trackin you for a while. This you're first time? Zara: First time? Malex: I bet it is, killing a guardian for real that is. You've killed in gambit but never their ghost. If you're with drifter you're gonna have to learn (holsters weapon) Put yours down too. Zara: (begins to lower gun) No! (raises it) Malex: Ajax pin! The German Shepard leaped onto Zara, bringing her down to the ground and biting her neck. Ajax held her there. Zara: Ack, l-let me go! The usually harmless German Shepard growled, it was work time now. Malex: All I have to do is give him the command and he bites down harder squishing your neck like an egg is a vise grip. And I'm sure I can find your ghost. See, unlike you, I've put down many guardians. Shadows to be sure, but guardians nonetheless. Zara: Please, don't kill me. I surrender! I surrender! Malex: Ajax heel! (the dog let's go and sits by Malex) Good boy Ajax Malex slapped the handcuffs on her and they all transmatted away. [i] At the Tower, holding cells[/i] Malex and Ajax walked up to the interrogation cell where Zara was being held. Rika and Elite-5 stood there waiting for him. Elite-5: So, you had some fun without us huh? Malex: Yeah well, you know how it is. (turns to Rika) hey babe Rika: Hi (kisses him) Why hello Ajax (pats his head) So you think she'll talk? Malex: I have no idea, probably not. She's a new drifter recruit so there's still some hope Rika: Alright, let's give it a shot. Malex: Elite you stay outside and watch Ajax. Rika and I will go talk to Zara. Elite-5: You mean I have to dog sit? Malex just smiled and walked into the cell, Rika followed. Elite-5 looked at Ajax and the dog looked back up at him. Elite-5: Great... Malex walked up to the table Zara was sitting at, he leaned on the table and looked at her. Malex: Okay Zara, spill it. What's the Drifter up to? Zara: (crosses arms) Oh come now, you know I won't talk Malex: (Leans in closer) Oh you will. Zara: Will I now? (leans closer to him) So big and strong (touches his hand) why don't you leave that girl you're with and come be with a woman? Malex: (pulls hand away) What the...!? Rika: (slams fist on table) HOW DARE YOU!!! (grits teeth) Malex, honey why don't you step outside so I can, talk to this little prick. Malex knew better than to get in Rika's way when she was this mad. He calmly left the room and closed the door. Elite-5: So how'd it go? Malex: Well...(hears a crash) It's going Elite-5: Is that? (hears muffled scream) Rika in there? Malex: Yep (another crash) Rika: (muffled) If you ever call me "girl" again I'll... (crash and scream) Zara: (muffled) I'm sorry! Rika: (Muffled) Oh you will be more screams and crashed were heard from the interrogation room Elite-5: Do...you think we should stop her? (crash) Malex: I think we're safer out her Rika: (muffled) If you ever make a move on my man again so help me I'll... Zara: I won't I swear! Suddenly there was silence in the room. Rika walked out, calm and smiling. She pushed her dirty blonde hair out of her eyes and kissed Malex. Rika: So I think she'll talk now. We still on for tonight? Malex: (smiles) Wouldn't miss it for the world Rika: Great, I'll see you later then. Rika walked away. Malex and Elite-5 watched her go. Elite-5: Malex? Malex: Yeah? Elite-5: You're one lucky man. Malex: Oh I know it. Come on, let's see what Zara has to say. The two hunters enter the interrogation room. The table was flipped, the chairs where thrown about, and Zara was curled up in the corner of the room. Malex: Zara? You okay? Zara: Yep, I'm fine Malex: Alright then, (helps her up) Sorry about her Zara: She really loves you huh? Malex: Yeah I guess so. Look, Drifter ain't your friend. I can guarantee that he won't send anybody for you. And if he does it'll be to make sure you don't talk. I know what Rika just did wasn't to friendly but to be fair you did make a pass at me. Zara: Yeah, I know. But, the Vanguard never did anything for me! Zavala just bosses me around and Ikora thinks she's the best. They've never supported me! Malex: What about Cayde? Zara: W-what about him? Malex: You saying he never helped you? Gave you a weapon? Told a joke that was so bad it made you laugh? Even though you're a warlock I bet Cayde-6 helped you as best he could. When he died I avenged him. You joined the Drifter. He'd be ashamed of you. Zara: ... Malex: Think about it. Come on Elite. (they leave) Zara was left alone in her cell [i]In the Annex[/i] Drifter: Think she'll snitch? ???: I don't know, she hasn't been here long. (holds up Sevestapol's Black Talon) But she accomplished her mission. We have her sword, do you really think we can bring her back? Drifter: (holds up mote of darkness) Only one way to find out [i]To be Continued[/i] Part 24: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/251717171