"It's quite impossible, I'm afraid," Master Rahool said to Ikora Rey. "I've got a schedule to keep at the College. I don't think I could facilitate this lecture to your liking."
He smiled at the Warlock Vanguard and hoped he didn't look too desperate. For the love of all things under the Light, her suggestion had to be a joke! Ikora was a sensible, reasonable Warlock. Surely she could see that there was no way he could possibly be expected to accompany Cayde-6 on a City outing. Ikora returned his smile from the other side of the table in the Vanguard Hall. His heart sank. He knew that smile. She had made up her mind.
"Cayde will go with you to the College today," she said. "That works out all the better for you both. You can administer the Cryptarchy application examinations, and Cayde can get to know the students and familiarize himself with the auditorium. Tomorrow, after the second part of examinations, he can give his speech."
Rahool looked around the Hall helplessly. Commander Zavala glanced up from his reading at the far end of the polished table. You're on your own this time, his look said.
"But…but this is Cayde we're talking about!" Rahool protested. "Quite frankly, I'd rather put a leash on an ogre and walk it around the Tower! I'd probably have better luck at that than keeping an eye on him! How do I know he's not going to just run off into the City?"
"That's precisely why we're sending you with him." Ikora continued smiling. "Zavala and I can't go. If we sent another Guardian, Cayde would be likely to persuade them to deviate from the plan. You're the only one I know who won't be swayed by his smooth talking."
Blast it all! At any other time that would have been a great compliment. Of course he wouldn't be swayed by Cayde's ridiculous notions! But it wasn't just talking he'd have to worry about. The Hunter Vanguard was quite capable of making himself disappear when he wanted to. How in the Light was he supposed to stop a headstrong Guardian? It was laughable! No, it was just plain absurd!
Rahool opened his mouth to protest. Ikora held up a hand.
"I know what you're thinking," she said. "It's up to you to find a way to make it work. We need a civilian to accompany Cayde to keep him down to earth — literally — and to help ease the minds of people who might be uncomfortable meeting a Guardian. Besides, you know the City even better than he does."
Rahool closed his mouth and scowled. He didn't care that Ikora could see. He had every right to be upset about this! The Vanguards were just foisting Cayde upon him like a naughty child they were too exasperated to deal with any longer. Let Rahool handle it! Let the Cryptarchy bear the brunt! Blessed Light, what else was new?
"If it's any consolation," Ikora said, her hazel eyes twinkling, "Cayde was just as upset at learning you would be going with him."
A tiny snort of laughter escaped from Zavala. Rahool glowered at him.
"Take heart, Cryptarch," Ikora said. "By sending you, Cayde knows we mean business. Zavala has cleared a shuttlecraft for your use. Send a message to Cayde on the Ghost interlink when you're ready to depart."
Rahool grumbled a rather ungracious goodbye and stalked off to the Archives to gather his things. It felt like walking to his own trial.