Vanguard Orbital Command, H.E.L.M.
The Guardian approaches Crow and Petra.
The Crow: So this is what, the third bargain we've struck with a compulsive liar?
Petra Venj: Having your back to the wall is never a good feeling.
The Crow: It's so much worse, being back in the Dreaming City.
Petra Venj: Now that you remember?
The Crow: I know every inch of it. The gardens, the palace… How it used to be — before Riven's curse.
Petra Venj: Uld— Crow.
The Crow: If it wasn't for me, the curse would never have happened.
Petra Venj: Riven used you. Used us. Our grief, our desperation. I wanted vengeance more than anything. [sighs] The truth is, if I thought hiding from my guilt would help anyone, I'd be on the far side of the system.
The Crow: Hmph… You don't think we're just making the same mistake?
Petra Venj: Uldren used to say, “if you don't like the odds, don't sit at the table.” Trusting Riven is a risk. But without her, we have no way of pursuing the Witness. I'd rather risk failing than wait here for the final shape.
The Crow: Right there with you.