Vanguard Orbital Command, H.E.L.M.

The Guardian activates the radio.

Petra Venj: Osiris, are you on this channel?

Osiris: I am. Quite frequently, these days. How may I assist the Queen's Wrath?

Petra Venj: A personal matter. I was hoping you could tell me about your experience with Strand — how it's affected you?

Osiris: Strictly research, but it is fascinating.

Petra Venj: We know you've learned to wield it.

Osiris: Who told you this? [chuckles] Mara. The rumors are true, though I am still only a figment of my former self.

Petra Venj: That's understandable, but your worth was never seated in the Light. It's in your mind.

Osiris: I imagine I'm not unlike one of your Techeuns, then. If I'm not mistaken, the queen mentioned you trained as one yourself.

Petra Venj: A long time ago, without much success. Though my sister, Pinar, excelled in her training. She was the pride of Amethyst. I was not. But even with that power, she couldn't stop the House of Wolves from razing our home. I joined the Corsair shortly after, to hunt the Wolves down.

Osiris: Loss has a way of shaping us all.

Petra Venj: And clouding us. I thought the decisions I was making were the ones required of me. A kind of honor-bound reaction to pressure. I burned bridges across the Reef on my hunt. Without Mara, I'd be an outcast. Now, seeing the new coven, having their respect, their trust… I can do more than just react. Maybe I can tap into that training for something progressive, as something other than a Techeun. For the benefit of our people.

Osiris: I've learned that failure is not a lacking within us. It is a sign that we were not ready to face the challenge we chose at the time. We must fall to start again, Petra. But as long as we persist, hope remains… potential remains. Perhaps, you're ready now.

Petra Venj: I can see why Mara values your perspective. Thank you, Osiris.