Are you in the military? "field". Just curious because i am. If not its all good :P On topic, here's a little trick i picked up for shards. Go to the exotic blueprints in the tower and buy yourself a exotic heavy that you've already owned for 2500 glimmer and 1 e-shard. I found the "Truth" rocket launcher works best. Then buy yourself a heavy telemetry from the Gunsmith (double xp earned for heavy weapons). Use around 6 motes of light which should be enough to max out your "Truth" and then dismantle it. You'll receive 2-3 motes of light back, "2" exotic shards, and some glimmer. So basically, for 2300 glimmer and 3 motes you can buy an exotic shard.