As Noctua hovered above me, trying to heal the torn ligaments in my shoulder, I spoke in a tone that left no room for doubt:
"Complete the bonding of the shoulder ligaments with your energy, because I have something in mind. Finish it and cast a veil over us and the fallen."
She hadn't understood why I said it—her face made that clear. "I know you don't get it, but do what I say, quickly! In any case, have your pistol ready."
I glanced up at her above my head, slightly annoyed by the puzzled look she gave me. I knew what she was thinking: whether she should trust me. But she still wanted to say what lingered at the edge of her mind.
"What are you talking about? We just need to…"
She kept treating my wound, but exhausted and nearly in a rage, I gave her no choice. "LISTEN, NOCTUA! Do what I tell you!"
She was rattled—I rarely spoke that way—but she responded fairly quickly. Her gaze fell on me, full of doubt, but she didn't hesitate to begin the veil process. It wasn't long before she cast the veil over the team and chanted, "Relium personæum!", which means Protection in the shadows!
Luckily, whenever she began the healing for my shoulder ligaments, I had a brief moment within the veil to react. Through the Codex, I contacted all the survivors with a tone that was relaxed, slightly irritated, and humor-tinged.
"Toast, toast, can you hear me? This is Prometheus. You still have that pouch of crystals I gave you? If yes, perfect. Now—eat one! It restores half your life and energy. I'll use mine to heal whoever's still breathing. Don't screw this up!"
The battle raged on fiercely, but I didn't stop there. "Plus, I want to ring in the new year with food, drink… and good company! I don't know about you, so let me ask, ladies and gentlemen… What do you desire? Death or life? It's your choice… over and out."