Vates’ journey back home was not as exciting as his journey outward. He managed to stay concealed for the majority of the journey, having only spotted a couple of scavengers whom he easily avoided. By the time he made it back to Turborg Heights Vates was absolutely exhausted. The earlier run alone had taken a lot out of him, but the journey back carrying the massively long and heavy rope and the bag full of supplies had nearly finished him off. Still, the biggest hurdle lay before him… the ladder.

“fuh- in- urgh- art- urgh-” gasped Vates incoherently as he slumped into his apartment. He could hardly breathe from the effort, he had a dry metallic taste in his mouth, and his whole body was tired to the point that trying to move a limb resulted in it weakly shaking. [b][i]“I foresee us getting a decent night’s sleep tonight.”[/b][/i] mused Janus, but the humour was lost on Vates. 

Vates laid there for a while until he mustered the energy to drag himself to his feet. It was far too early to call it a day, and he was determined to spite the ladder (despite it being an inanimate object) by sorting out an easier means of exiting. Taking the rope, Vates made an anchor out of a metal column in his apartment by doubling up the rope. Now he had a rappelling rope. Having done this he sorted out any ties that needed to be done and continued on to sorting out a makeshift harness. The harness in the end was an extension of Vates’ belt; it was perhaps the only practical thing he wore, having long lost or traded his more stealthy attire. It was useful this way as it meant he could always wear it and be ready to rappel down the rope in the elevator shaft, or any other rope of zip line should a situation permit.