A Rising Chorus: Act I

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A Rising Chorus: Act I
Game:	Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes
Quest giver:	Failsafe
Objective:	Investigate the aberrant behaviour of the Vex on Nessus.

A Rising Chorus: Act I is the first quest in the Episode: Echoes quest chain.

Steps

"And my vanquisher will read that book, seeking the weapon, and they will come to understand me, where I have been and where I was going."The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.

Step 1

Failsafe, fully updated and integrated into Vanguard systems, requires your help to investigate the strange behaviour of the Vex.

Secure high priority date to discover the connection between the Vex and the mysterious object that fell to Nessus.

---

Failsafe delivered a Standard Radiolite Sampler and asked you to investigate strange silica formations within the Well of Flame on Nessus.

• Begin your research with Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.

---

Failsafe has sent you a Standard Radiolite Sampler. It displays a series of radiation detection bands. There is also a note.

"Captain! This is the beginning of our research partnership. The Sampler I have sent you can extract unique radiolaria formations from new silica structures erupting on the surface of Nessus."

Failsafe has designated a central point for a large number of nodes within the Well of Flame.

Step 2

Failsafe requests you use the Standard Radiolite Sampler to extract samples from the Well of Flame on Nessus.

• Investigate the locations Failsafe marked on Nessus, where she anticipates you may find silica formations that emit a signal similar to that of radiolaria.
  • First sample taken
  • Second sample taken
  • Third sample talen

Step 3

• While extracting a sample, a minor quake occurred and revealed a unique object. Collect this object from within The Well of Flame.
  • Specimen collected

---

• Failsafe: Perfect, that's one sample isolated! At your convenience, Captain, bring it to me for processing!

Step 4

Deliver the research specimen to Failsafe's remote uplink in the H.E.L.M. for processing and analysis.

• Take the research specimen to Failsafe in the H.E.L.M. for analysis.
  • Specimen analyzed

---

You place the specimen into one of Failsafe's research bays.

Failsafe's pleasantly toned voice chimes in.

"Captain, I am so glad that you and I are able to embark on this journey of exploration and research together, in the metaphorical sense. I will be with you in spirit, and through radio transmissions, and satellite telemetry data, but not physically."

A scan passes over the specimen. "Time to put my new "body" to use."

"I'll begin my analysis right away. These new structures of radiolaria may reveal something about why Nessus, and the Vex, are changing. In the meantime, the radiolite's methodology for reformatting data has given me an idea for fabricating new fireteam equipment. More updates in the future."

Her tone flattens.

"For now, we should figure this radiolite stuff out. The Vex have always been focused on changing what's around them to suit them, not the other way around."

Research Instrument Fabricated: Radiolite Research Bay

Step 5

• Discuss your research findings with Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.

---

• Failsafe: Greetings, Captain. I have been analyzing the Vex data you collected earlier; and... It's weird. Yes! It is super weird. If I were to posit an explanation... I would say that Nessus itself is undergoing rapid change on a molecular and geological level. I have been observing the Nessus Vex for centuries, and their current behavior is utterly unfamiliar to me. I mean, the Vex are a techno-organic mesh of networked consciousness... unbound by time, inevitable and patient, and cruelly ambivalent, et cetera. What I'm saying is they're decisive. And this feels different. Like they're... figuring things out. Something's happening on Nessus, and I'm not sure the Vex are behind it... and that terrifies me. Nothing you can't handle, right, Captain? It's an exciting mystery, and I can't wait to figure it out together!

---

Failsafe has been analyzing the samples and data you collected from Nessus, and she sums them up in a single word: Weird.

"It is super weird!" she says. "I have been observing the Nessus Vex for centuries, and their current behavior is utterly unfamiliar to me."

"The Vex are a techno-organic mesh of networked consciousness," she begins to explain, "unbound by time, inevitable and patient and cruelly ambivalent, et cetera."

Her tone becomes gravely serious. "This feels… different. Something's happening on Nessus, and I'm not sure the Vex are behind it."

And that terrifies me.

Her voice becomes bright and cheerful once again. "Nothing you can't handle!" she says, brimming with enthusiasm. "It's an exciting mystery, and I can't wait to figure it out together!"

Step 6

• Failsafe is analyzing the data you have claimed from the aberrant Vex on Nessus. She will contact you when her processes have finished.

Step 7

Failsafe wishes to speak with you at her remote uplink in the H.E.L.M.

• Continue your Nessus research by speaking to Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.

---

• Failsafe: I'm glad you've returned, Captain! I have been studying the data you gathered from Nessus, and I believe I have discovered a new way to help you! So I won't get abandoned again! By analyzing viable radiolaria samples from different sites across the planet... I can determine whether the aberrant behavior of the Vex is a regional phenomenon or something deeper. Of course, to guide you to the correct sites, I would need permission to temporarily promote myself to your commanding officer... Which I have just done, as my parameters include tacit approval! C'mon, Captain. Let me take the lead for a change. It'll be an adventure.

Failsafe is delighted by your return. She excitedly shares how she believes she can be of use to you as you discover more about the Nessus Vex.

"By analyzing viable radiolaria samples from different sites across the planet," she explains, "I can determine whether the aberrant behavior of the Vex is a regional phenomenon or something deeper."

She admits would need a temporary promotion in order to plan the mission to find the radiolite and crystallized radiolaria samples herself… and takes your momentary silence as permission.

"C'mon, Captain," she says, clearly eager to show you around Nessus. "Let me take the lead for a change."

"It'll be an adventure."

Step 8

At the Exodus Black on Nessus, follow Failsafe's proximity sensor to find the optimal scanner activation spot. Keep an eye on your helmet's readout for proximity readings.

• Deploy Failsafe's proximity sensor in the Exodus Black area of Nessus. Keep an eye on your helmet's readout for proximity readings.
  • Location scanned

---

• Failsafe: All right, Captain! I will engage my proximity-based sample detection method. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep beep beep beep. Beep beep beep! Target located! Please investigate the area.

Step 9

Scans detect a radiolite vein that runs all the way to the Glades of Echoes. Following it might lead to a better scan location.

• Deploy Failsafe's proximity sensor in the Glade of Echoes area of Nessus.
  • Location scanned

---

• Failsafe: Wait, something's wrong here...

Step 10

Go to the Hallows on Nessus to complete Failsafe's scan data.

• Despite incomplete scan data, Failsafe is confident she can triangulate the optimal location to scan from within the Hallows. Use Failsafe's highly advanced proximity sensor to find the optimal location to deploy her scanners and uncover the object.
  • Location scanned

---

• Failsafe: Ah jeez, this isn't right either! Sorry.

The Guardian enters the Hallows.

• Failsafe: Sorry, Captain. I think I kinda led you into an ambush before. Let me try this again. [Failsafe proximity detection]

Step 11

Collect the research specimen.

• Collect the research specimen within the Hallows.
  • Specimen collected.

Step 12

Deliver Failsafe's research specimen within the "Exodus Crash" strike.

• Deliver the newly collected specimen to the terminal in the mainframe room of the "Exodus Crash" strike on Nessus.
  • Samples deposited

---

• Failsafe: Ah, that's better! A perfect sample. I will process it and use it as a baseline for our future research! Please deliver it to my mainframe in the remains of the Exodus Black here on Nessus... but be warned, the Vex and Fallen are swarming in increasingly concerning numbers!

Step 13

NES002-C is likely to look similar to the other specimen you have already collected.

• Failsafe has detected an energy signature on Nessus matching that of NES002. She has dubbed it NES002-C and requests your on-the-ground assistance with hunting it down. She's excited to try out her new proximity sensor.
  Complete a run of Breach Executable and locate NES002-C.
  • NES002-C found
  • Breach Executable completed

Step 14

Speak with Failsafe about the research specimen at her remote uplink.

• Check Failsafe's initial analysis of the specimen.
  • Failsafe visited in the H.E.L.M.

---

You place NES002-C into Failsafe's research bay NES002-A and NES002-B.

"Shining and beautiful! Just like me." Failsafe gives an awkward chuckle and pauses for a moment.

The moment grows longer. The silence remains unbroken.

"Uh... Guess they can't all be winners. Leave me here and I'll take a look at our new prize, Captain."

Her tone brightens.

"And attempt not to be the first A.I. to die of embarrassment!"

Step 15

Give Failsafe your research specimen and receive a message at the holoprojector in the H.E.L.M.

• Deliver your research to Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.
  • Speak with Failsafe

---

• Ikora Rey: Failsafe briefed me about your progress on Nessus. She seems pleased that things are going so well. I'm concerned they're about to get worse. My Hidden have been studying the Valence, the aurora that spread from the Traveler after the Witness' defeat. I don't have all the answers yet, but we know the object that fell from the Valence emitted an unusual power signature... unlike anything we've ever seen. We're operating under the assumption that the Nessus Vex took control of it. Their new behavior could be a result of interfacing with an unknown variable. I believe they're unpredictable, because they don't yet know how to command this power... but I think they're learning. Give Failsafe all the support she needs. She may be a bit unpredictable herself, but she's our best source of intel on the Vex. We can't afford to be reactive. Stay alert.

Ikora greets you on the holoprojector while Failsafe process the date you retrieved for the aberrant Vex.

"Failsafe briefed me about your progress on Nessus," she says. "She seems pleased that things are going so well."

The smile falls from her face. "I'm concerned they're about to get worse."

She tells you her contacts have been studying the Valence, the strange aura you've noticed spreading from the Traveler. The phenomenon began when the Witness was killed, and the mysterious object that fell to Nessus originated from that astral cloud.

She thinks the Nessus Vex have retrieved the object—and you must learn all you can, as quickly as possible.

"Give Failsafe all the support she needs. She may be a bit unpredictable herself, but she's our best source of intel on the Vex."

"Stay alert," she says, and cuts the feed.

Step 16

• Failsafe is analyzing the data you have claimed from the aberrant Vex on Nessus. She will contact you when her processes have finished.

Step 17

Failsafe wishes to speak to you at her remote uplink in the H.E.L.M.

• Receive a mission briefing from Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.
  • Speak with Failsafe

---

• Failsafe: Greetings, Captain! Ikora has requested that I accelerate my studies of the Nessus Vex, so I am overclocking my internals to—Uh, Captain, I'm gonna disengage my socialization filter, if that's okay? Maintaining this uplink takes a lot of power. Yeah, this is better. I'm running those scans Ikora wanted, and I've got some ideas about new sample sites down on Nessus. And, hey, I want you to know... I'm glad to be a part of the team again. Working with you and the Vanguard, the whole deal. It's really... it's nice. I like to be useful to people. It gives me a reason to... I mean — ahem, it's part of my programming. So even if I don't sound excited, know that I am. I am way into it. Anyway... ready when you are — eh, nope, filter's not re-engaging, let's just get going.

Failsafe greets you and shares that Ikora requested that she redouble her efforts to study the aberrant Nessus Vex.

To maximize the power flowing to her research banks, she turns off her socialization filter. She sounds audibly relived as her voice is stripped of it's forced politeness.

"This is better," she says. "I'm running those scans Ikora wanted, and I've got some ideas about new sample sites down on Nessus."

Perhaps due to the disabled filters, she tells you that she appreciates being given the chance to help on this mission.

"I want you to know," she confides, "I'm glad to be a part of the team again. Working with you and the Vanguard, the whole deal."

"It's really… it's nice."

"Anyway, ready when you are," she says with forced enthusiasm, though her filter fails to re-engage. She sighs. "Let's just get going."

Step 18

Follow Failsafe's improved readings to The Cistern area of Nessus and search for radiolaria samples.

• Locate sites from which to extract radiolaria samples.
  • Radiolaria Sample x/5

---

• Failsafe: Welcome back to Nessus, Captain! I will now re-engage my proximity-based detection method to lead you toward a useful sample! Don't worry, I refined it after last time. It's a lot more sophisticated now. [Failsafe proximity detection]

Step 19

Follow Failsafe's improved readings to the Chamber of Water and search for radiolaria samples.

• Locate the next site from which to extract radiolaria samples.
  • Radiolaria Sample x/5

Step 20

Follow Failsafe's improved readings to the Pools of Luminance area of Nessus and search for radiolaria samples.

• Locate the next site to extract radiolaria samples.
  • Radiolaria Sample x/5

---

• Failsafe: Excellent, this sample will do nicely! I can use this radiolaria to see how far the unpredictable behavior of the Vex is spreading.

The Guardian enters the Pools of Luminance.

• Failsafe: Let me attempt to locate another radiolarian spring. [Failsafe proximity detection]

Step 21

A worried Osiris urgently requests your help.

• Answer Osiris's call for assistance and meet him in the H.E.L.M.

---

• Failsafe: Okay, more radiolaria. This is strange... there's definitely something influencing the — wait, am I getting a call? I'm getting a call! Hello?

• Osiris: Guardian, this is Osiris. It's... it's Saint. Meet me at the H.E.L.M. immediately.

• Failsafe: Ooh, that sounds important. We'd better go.

The Guardian meets Osiris in the H.E.L.M.

• Osiris: Saint! Come in! Damn it all. Guardian, I've been unable to get through to Saint. The Vex must be jamming the frequency.

• Failsafe: Saint-unit, please respond! Uh, there's no interference. His comms are open, he's just... not answering.

• Osiris: That is not like him at all. Something's wrong.

• Failsafe: One moment... I have triangulated the last known coordinates of the Saint-unit. He touched down not far from the Nessus object impact site.

• Osiris: The impact site... Guardian, you know that area. Go back to Nessus and follow his path... please. Saint can stand against any Vex... But I fear there may be something more sinister at work here.

• Failsafe: Sharing coordinates. Ready when you are, Captain!

Step 22

Investigate Saint-14's last known coordinates in mission "Mesmerize".

• Track down Saint-14 beneath the crust of Nessus.
  • Mission "Mesmerize" completed

Step 23

Speak with Saint-14 and learn what happened to him on Nessus.

• Meet with the rescued Saint-14 in the H.E.L.M.

---

• Osiris: Saint! What did they do to you?

• Saint-14: I don't know. A voice spoke to me on Nessus. I could not deny its commands. It was not like any Vex I have seen. It connected to my mind and called itself, "the Conductor".

• Failsafe: Exo and Vex do share radiolaria as a base material... Maybe they were interfacing for intel on our operation?

• Saint-14: They cared not of our plans. They measured... my humanity. My legitimacy.

• Ikora Rey: What do you mean?

• Saint-14: They said... we are a lie, Osiris. The real Saint-14 was not meant to live. You love a forgery.

• Osiris: Saint...

• Saint-14: My existence is an error. [scoffs] You chose me because your Saint is dead.

• Osiris: Preposterous!

• Saint-14: Almost like... a simulation.

• Osiris: No. You're the man I knew before. To the serial number. In the Corridors of Time, I only peered into timelines that mirrored our own. I didn't want to pull you away from a happy life, or change you. I wanted to rescue you.

• Failsafe: See, you're as close as mathematically possible!

• Saint-14: Yes.

• Ikora Rey: Saint, this doesn't change anything — it's a tactic.

• Osiris: You feel real to me.

• Ikora Rey: We know you. And you know us. You're right where you belong.

• Saint-14: But this feeling, this... displacement, it rings in my head. That voice... I hear it still. I would like to be alone.

• Osiris: I—

• Saint-14: Alone, please. For now.

• Osiris: Yes.

• Ikora Rey: I know it's useless to tell you not to worry... but try. I'll look into this.

Step 24

Failsafe wishes to speak with you at her remote uplink in the H.E.L.M.

• Discuss Saint-14's ordeal with Failsafe in the H.E.L.M.
  • Speak with Failsafe

---

• Failsafe: Hey, Captain. Is Saint-unit... okay? It sounded like that voice, he called it the Conductor, said some stuff that really got to him. I never thought I'd see him shaken up like that. He's always so strong... I figured if something bothered him, he'd just laugh it off. But I'm sure he'll be fine! He's surrounded by people who care about him — you, Osiris, Ikora, and the whole Vanguard! No one can stay sad when they're surrounded by that much support! I assume. I'll continue processing all the samples you've extracted from Nessus. Now that the Conductor has harmed Saint-unit, I have disabled my compassion protocols! We will locate it, and we will make it pay!

There's concern in Failsafe's synthesized voice as she discusses Saint's ordeal on Nessus.

"Captain, is Saint-unit... okay?" she asks. "It sounded like the Conductor, told him some stuff that really got to him."

She is comforted by the fact that Saint has so many people around that care about him. "No one can stay sad when they're surrounded by that much support!" she says. "…I assume."

Failsafe will dedicate herself to studying the research samples so you can prepare to fight the Conductor.

"Now that the Conductor has harmed Saint-unit, I have disabled my compassion protocols!" she declares.

"We will locate it, and we will make it pay!"

Step 25

• Episode: Echoes Act I complete. Ikora will contact you when Act II begins.

Appearance

• Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes (First appearance)