The Blueprint

Location: The Moon

Duke-24 ran the edge of his blade along a shard of Hive chitin, testing the sharpened surface before slipping it back into place. Around him lay pieces of broken armor and bone-white plating, all carefully collected from the remains of a fallen Wizard. Jade hovered nearby, watching him work.

"Are you doing okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine. Just searching."

"For what, exactly? You still haven't told me anything besides the fact that we need to find an Ogre."

"Yes."

Jade gave an irritated chirp.

"It's not that simple, is it? Then again, when is it ever simple with you?"

"Maybe you should've thought about that before reviving me."

"If I'd known I was bringing back a Hive-weapon-hunting maniac, I might've taken my chances with Eris Morn."

Duke laughed.

"That's rich coming from you. You know how many times you've told me to use Osteo Striga or Thorn?"

"And you never listen."

"For a variety of very good reasons."

Jade drifted closer.

"I just don't want you ending up like the Guardian inside Xenophage."

The humor left Duke's voice.

"I know."

"Besides... I can't lose you."

Duke looked down at the pieces scattered across the ground.

"That's why I'm being careful. I'm only looking for specific Hive parts. I need them for something I've been working on."

Jade paused.

"What kind of something?"

"I drew up the blueprint already. Banshee and Eris said they'd help. Even Drifter wants to see what it'll do to Invaders the next time I'm available."

"That does not make me feel better."

"It should."

"It really shouldn't."

Duke picked up another fragment of chitin and examined it.

"I'm calling it The Dredge."

Jade went quiet.

"You know how Wizards throw those Solar projectiles at us?"

"Yes."

"And how Ogres fire that Void beam?"

"Yes..."

"I want both."

Jade stared at him.

Duke continued.

"When it's finished, I'll need a piece of Oryx's chitin to help stabilize the power source. That, and a little of my Light."

"Duke."

"Think of a trace rifle."

"Duke."

"But heavier."

Jade let out a long electronic groan.

"Oh. You really are going all in on this."

Duke smiled beneath his helmet.

"Like Drifter says, sometimes it feels good to be the bad guy."

"Traveler help me," Jade muttered. "Please don't let my Guardian die because of his own stupidity."

"I heard that!"

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