Ayatan Entrati, Tenno and partner to Warframe Excalibur Umbra, investigates a bizarre spacial distortion in the space near Lua. As the Tenno Clans attempt to investigate this mysterious anomaly, Ayatan is beset by both Corpus and Grineer forces, who appear to have their own plans for this anomaly.
It is not until after the fight has begun does she realize the true purpose of the anomaly as her Cephalons Ordis and Cy are dragged inside the spacial distortion, taken to the furthest reaches of space and away from the hands of the Origin System.
When Ayatan awakens, she discovers she is far from home indeed.
Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is a progress.
Working together is success.
—Henry Ford
I dreamt of happier times; of when I was not a warrior nor a fledgling trying to force itself to become an adult, but of when I was a child. I dreamed of the days when I was with my father, watching the stars and everything in the vast reaches of space fly away outside the viewing deck. I remembered how I would press myself against the glass, desperately hoping to see something glide out into the open. I dreamed of how ordinary our lives once were before our entry into the Void, even aboard a military ship. I dreamed of what awaited us when we reached the so-called "Outer Gates." Would it an adventure or perhaps a grand odyssey like the one father used to tell me when I could not sleep?
When I awoke, I reminded myself that I was no longer a child; I was a warrior, a child forced to grow up.
I dreamt of bittersweet days; of when the Lotus found me and stirred me before the Grineer could take me. I dreamed of how beautiful she had been, of how wonderful her voice was, of how she guided me as though she were my own mother. I remembered how kind she was, whether it be towards myself or my "brothers" and "sisters" that were already traveling across the stars we once saw as children. I dreamed of how I longed for the day when I would meet her face-to-face and proudly call the Lotus "mother".
When I awoke, I reminded myself that I had no "mother"; the Lotus had long since woken from her blissful dream and returned to her true family. Natah cast her dreams into the abyss and thought nothing of it.
I dreamt of terrible times; of how lost we had become without the Lotus. I dreamed of how no was there to offer kind words of encouragement, of how to comfort ourselves when we had failed, of how frail we were without someone to guide us. I dreamed of how helpless we had been once, lost and confused and without someone to teach us what we could and could not do. I remembered how, even now, we were still but children. I dreamed of the day when we would see "mother" again.
When I awoke, I reminded myself that the Lotus was our enemy; the Lotus was dead in all but name, and Natah considered us her enemy.
I remember each and every dream I have had since the day we entered the Void. I remember how joyful, how bittersweet, how awful my dreams could be.
There are days when I do not wish to dream, so that I may forget them. The dreams where I was still a child learning from his "mother," of the day she left and forced us to grow up, of the fateful encounter when she scorned our existence.
Sometimes, I believe that I am still dreaming—no, I believe that I am in a nightmare and desperately beg to wake up, expecting happier days ahead of me.
But I know that I am not dreaming or living a nightmare; I know that I am awake, and that what awaits me is a trying time. Even so, I want to make the best of it.
It is what I believe "she" would have wanted.
"…erator? Wake up, Operator!"
A voice was calling out to me. At first, I did not recognize who they were until I felt my consciousness start to stir. My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the dull grayish-white interior of the Railjack. The dim lights from the docks poured inside, casting blue tinges of thin shadows across the room.
I was confused at first, wondering why I was inside the Railjack, before I realized that I had somehow fallen asleep.
Sleep was something Tenno didn't need and was usually something they did to help pass the time or when they felt bored. I slept when there was nothing happening at the moment and wanted to relax, seeing sleep as a form of meditation. The only downside to these was when I started to dream. I used to be able to enjoy my dreams, though ever since our encounter with Natah after discovering what had become of Ballas, I chose to spend every moment traversing the system. It helped take my mind off things, keep me distracted.
I rolled my neck as I stood to my feet, or at least that was what I attempted to do. It was only now that I realized that a pair of arms had wrapped themselves around me. I looked over my shoulder, greeted by the gold-horned "face" of Umbra. He made no movements or acknowledged that I was awake. The subtle motions of his head told me that he was asleep as well. Being a Warframe with an actual consciousness within it, Umbra was capable of things other Warframes weren't, sleeping being one of them.
Unlike Tenno, who didn't need to sleep, Umbra did it because he wanted to. He slept because then he could dream of Isaah.
I smiled softly at my old friend before I gently pried myself away from his grip. He did not stir, which left me to stand up fully.
"Sorry, Ordis, did anything happen while I was out?"
A diamond encircled by codes and shifting lights appeared on the "screen" of the Railjack's main console. "Apologies, Operator. Ordis assumed you were undergoing meditation. Had I realized you were s-s-sslacking off-f-f-f asleep, Ordis would have left you alone."
"It's fine. Has anything happened?"
"We have received a message from Teshin. It would appear that there is unusual activity near Lua, though he is unable to determine the specifics."
Ordis loaded the information onto the console. Teshin's scouts all across the Origin System had reported some sort of "unknown spacial distortion" several thousand miles away from Lua. The distortion in question was already documented and presented on the console. At first glance it looked like someone had torn the black, starry world of space apart and opened a gouging purple wound in the process. Streams of omni-colored lights spilled out, twisting, folding and spreading outwards in shapes oddly similar to that of branches.
It was definitely unusual—and bizarre. My first thought was Orokin, but something seemed off about this.
"What is it?" I asked the Cephalon.
"Unknown. Other Tenno in the system were also been notified and are investigating it to the best of their abilities. Investigations are already underway."
I closed down the spread of information on my console. If my "brothers" and "sisters" were already on the move, I suppose that made me late to the party. We couldn't have that, now could we?
"Cy, you up?"
A grid of red blocks replaced Ordis' diamond avatar. "Always, captain."
"We were here f-f-f-first! Welcome back. Have you finished diagnostics, Cephalon Cy?"
"I have. Modifications and repairs to the Railjack are satisfactory. Awaiting orders, captain."
"Thanks, Cy. Set a course for the coordinates Teshin sent us. I want to see this thing up close for myself. Ordis, contact my siblings would you? If they're already running around looking into this, I want to know what they've got so far."
"Understood, Operator!"
The navigators of the Railjack and Liset respectively went about their respective tasks. Cy's voice echoed across the docking bay as he gave orders to the volunteers and workers aboard the Railjack to begin preparations before they disembarked. Since I had no idea what to expect when we arrived at our destination, I wanted to be prepared for anything. Teshin's message was sent out only a few hours ago, and odds were high that the Grineer, Corpus and Sentients were also aware of what was happening. Whatever this distortion was, I dread to think what our enemies could do with it if it were weaponized.
I stopped halfway when I saw Umbra stir from his slumber, rolling his neck as he stood. The black-and-gray body of the Excalibur did not take in the faint lights from the docks, making it seem like he was a shadow. He looked around for a moment then stopped once he saw me. A pulse echoed in the back of my head, emitting feelings of concern and worry.
I smiled at Umbra. Isaah was lucky to have a father like him if he fretted over seeing a child that just woke up from their nap. "I am fine, Umbra. Thank you."
Umbra growled faintly before he followed after me. Thanks to our 'bond' I did not need to repeat Teshin's message to him. Umbra shared in my concerns about the possibility of the distortion drawing the attention of the enemy factions across the Origin System. Conflict was something all Tenno were to expect when thrust into an unknown situation, especially ones where they had limited information to work off of.
The jump to Lua was as quick as it was uneventful. The Railjack arrived at the location where the spacial distortion was. From the main deck, I could see it clearly.
"It's bigger than I thought it would be," I said with a mix of awe and dread. It was mesmerizing almost, like peering into an abyss of swirling rainbows and kaleidoscopes. "Do we know anything about it?"
Ordis spoke, "Yes, Operator. According to the information Octavia II has provided us, the spacial distortion is paracausal in nature, not unlike the Void. In the time it has manifested in this place, it has shown no signs of activity or increase in form. There is also an unidentified power emanating from the spacial distortion, but we know nothing of it."
I frowned. When it came to information gathering and all manner of science, be it "forbidden knowledge" and otherwise, Octavia II was without equal. She oversaw a massive spy network that spanned the entire system, monitoring enemy movements and listening to every communication transmissions broadcasted. A few of our "siblings" even served as her eyes and ears, occasionally asked to infiltrate a certain group or sabotage an attempt to establish alliances. Many Grineer operations that may have otherwise prove to be dangerous for us were culled before they had a chance to expand or succeed.
The only time Octavia II had failed—a failure she herself still carried no matter how much they consoled her—was when Vay Hek launched his assault.
The scars he inflicted that day had yet to heal, and even after his rampage, we were only able to restore a single Relay.
In terms of knowledge, a fellow Tenno, one whom she affectionately called her younger brother, assisted her; Loki II was as violent with his sword as he was distasteful with his tongue, but his loyalties and love for Octavia II were unquestionable. He regularly invaded former Orokin territory, now controlled by the re-awakened Sentient forces, often stealing pieces of information from their libraries and databanks for Octavia II to peruse at her leisure. Some aided her task in observing their enemies, but others were for experiments that were more studious.
If she lacked any knowledge as to what sort of "power" was emanating from the distortion, then it was best to keep our distance for now. Better to observe it from afar than risk doing so up close. I glanced at Umbra, finding the Warframe staring at the distortion with a sense of foreboding. He could sense it as well. Something about it felt off, and it was not just the distortion's unnatural form. It was hard to put into words, but I felt something reaching out from it. From within that mesmerizing, mysterious hole in the middle of deep space, I felt as though something within was calling out to me.
"Impressive looking, isn't it?"
A voice, not unlike my own, snickered behind me. I did not turn around for I saw who it was from the reflection of the main deck's viewing glass. A glowing-eyed phantom, identical to me in every way, down to the heart-shaped face to the fair skin and chin-length raven hair and the intricate black-clad suit with gold tailings around the "hood" of the suit. In spite of its otherwise "human" appearance, its smile was anything but.
My mind raced, wondering if this distortion was my doppelganger's work. To my displeasure yet simultaneous relief however, The Man in the Wall shook his head.
"Sorry, but I claim no credit for this. Even I'm as surprised as you, kiddo. It's a welcome surprise nonetheless, though. It's been so dreadfully boring since Deimos!"
Umbra looked at me in concern. Even though we shared a special 'bond,' stronger and different than any connection my "siblings" held with their Warframes, he couldn't sense its presence. To him, The Man in the Wall may as well not exist. Or perhaps Umbra was capable of sensing him and the entity preferred to keep itself out of his gaze for whatever reason. Surely not out of fear, as much as it would be incredible. The Man in the Wall was as alien as the Void, almost untouchable even. The only times I ever saw it wounded was in my otherwise hopeful dreams that would never happen.
I smiled gently at Umbra, assuring him that I was fine. The Man in the Wall laughed but otherwise took his leave. One moment he was here, and in the next he was not.
If The Man in the Wall was not responsible for the presence of this spacial distortion, then it raised even more questions about what it was.
"Captain," Cy's voice boomed across the Railjack. "Incoming transmission from Trinity II."
"Patch him through."
A welcome face greeted me on the main deck. As usual, my "brother" was in his Warframe. His namesake, Trinity, bore a gray mask with a black-and-red "headpiece," encircled by elaborate gold decorations and gray tassels flowing down on either side.
"Long time no see, sister. How've you been livin'?"
I shrugged. "Fairly well, I suppose. I'm near Lua looking at the spacial distortion Teshin informed us about. It's certainly something. I don't suppose you have anything about it?"
"Sorry, but I got nothing. The rest of our family's scrambling to find answers. Octavia's been keeping an eye on the Grineer and Corpus, checking to see if they want a piece of the pie too."
"Any sign they'll move?"
Trinity II shook his head. "Doesn't look like it. But then again, they've been quiet ever since you went to Deimos. Speaking of, how was your vacation there? I hear you made friends with the Entrati family?"
"They were pleasant, if a little strange. And what of you, brother dearest? How has your recent venture been going?"
He sighed deeply, head hanging low and shoulders sagging in defeat. "Not good. I thought this whole Gambit business would take off flying, but instead, it crashed and burned."
"That's what happens when you don't have the resources to fund your so-called training programs."
In theory, the idea of testing Tenno against one another while facing off against our usual assortment of foes was good. It would strengthen our camaraderie and instill a sense of competitive spirit. In practice, however, it fell flat. Not because it failed to achieve its purpose, but because Trinity II lacked the means to capture said enemies.
That, and our "siblings" were quite incensed when they were not given the loot they were promised. I was starting to believe we had become obsessed when we were not grinding for parts and pieces to rebuild Warframes.
"Perhaps you can try something else?" I said thoughtfully. "I've heard that this Crucible might yield some results."
"Maybe," Trinity II nodded. "But enough of that, there was a reason I'm transmitting to you. Octavia II's been tracking Sentient movement across the system."
All traces of humor vanished the moment the word "Sentient" left Trinity II's lips. The image of Lotus—of Natah—filled my mind. Umbra stepped closer to me when he felt the burst of emotion raging in my chest.
"Are they closing in on Lua?"
"The opposite; they're staying as far away from the spacial distortion as possible." I stared at my "brother" in shock. "I don't understand it myself, either. The reports said they were getting ready for something while you were away on Deimos, maybe prepping for an assault, but for them to just scatter…"
"Is it possible they're afraid?"
"I have no idea, and frankly, neither does Octavia II."
Unease settled in my stomach. The spacial distortion was bizarre on its own, but the fact that whatever it was caused the Sentients to become wary was alarming. I looked away from Trinity II's transmission feed and back at the distortion. I watched as its "branches" twisted and shifted, gliding across the backdrop of space as if searching for something nearby.
What in the world was it?
The main deck flashed red. Cephalon Cy overtook Trinity II and spoke with cold urgency. "Captain, I am detecting Grineer and Corpus ships approaching our location."
"What? When did they-?!" Trinity II flickered in and out for a moment before he began to curse wildly. "Damn! Octavia II just sent me a message. Vay Hek sent out a stealth ops team! Nef Anyo actually made a smart decision for once in his life and struck a deal with Vay!"
I scowled. Umbra's hand reached for his blade. "Cy, how many ships are approaching us?!"
"Estimated enemy force is ten dozen strong."
"Operator?" Ordis began eerily. "May I offer a suggestion? G-g-give them he-e-e-ell."
"That was already my intention, Ordis. Cy, load up the Archwing! Take automatic control of the turrets!"
"Acknowledged."
I looked to Umbra. I felt our 'bond' resonate between us as I reached for him. By now, Transferrence was as easy as breathing. At first, it felt like my senses were being overtaken by something. I honestly felt like I was going to puke, if not for the fact that Warframes weren't capable of vomiting.
Now that I think about it, could Tenno puke?
Transferrence with Umbra was a little different compared to when I did it with Excalibur. Umbra actually had sentience, or to be more accurate, he was more "conscious" than the others. Since normal Warframes were "half-awake" for lack of better words, I guided them. Directed their actions without full overwhelming their consciousness, no matter how willing they were. With Umbra, it was more accurate to say that their minds merged. My thoughts became mixed with his, and his with mine.
The first time I melded our minds, I was so overwhelmed. Our memories became so mixed that I remembered the day Umbra murdered his son.
The Man in the Wall seemed rather happy that I knew that memory to be my own. Why, I didn't dare ponder. Nothing good came from trying to understand its mind.
I opened my eyes, seeing the world through the eyes of Umbra. Our thoughts intertwined, but we shared the same intention. The Archwing waited for us below.
The sound of blasters and gunfire echoed across the Railjack. Flashes of light boomed outside the windows. Already, Cy had eliminated a few enemy fighters that attempted to approach and board my ship.
"Ordis, are any Tenno heading our way?"
"Nezha II and the Jigoku Clan are en route to our position," Ordis answered. "They w-w-won't make it-it will be some time before they reach us."
"We'll make time."
I reached the launching pad. The Archwing descended and clamped over Umbra's back and hip. In seconds, I was sent out into the battlefield of space. Not ten seconds after I disembarked from my Railjack was I assailed on both sides. Grineer cruisers and Corpus fliers were circling around me, firing at me with everything they had. I evaded them easily, Umbra weaving through the hailfire and reciprocating with swift slashes and cuts that either bisected them or cut them down the middle. Some of their blasts were deflected with a deft handling of the blade.
Their erratic movements almost gave me pause. The attack was obviously planned if Vek and Nef were actually cooperating if only just to have the chance to kill a troublesome Tenno, but they fought with absolute panic. It was as if they were possessed or something.
"Operator, something is wrong!" Ordis suddenly called out in alarm. "I am detecting unusual activity from the spacial distortion!"
The distortion hadn't changed. If there was activity like Ordis said, I couldn't see it. I did notice that the fighting had drawn me closer to it. I had a closer look at the "branches" that stretched out from the opening. They looked like ghostly rainbow-colored limbs, shifting color every second with thin stick-like structures breaking off every now and then, only to break down and retreat back into the main structure.
Was it just my imagination, or was I hearing a humming inside the distortion? No, not inside—I was hearing it all around me.
"Ordis," I started. "Are-are the Grineer and Corpus singing?"
"I… I believe they are, Operator."
What the hell was happening?
The Grineer and Corpus continued to assault us relentlessly. Umbra and I grew irritated with these strange circumstances. A howl exploded across the non-existent airs of space, giving our enemies a brief moment of pause. An exalted sword sliced through them with angry vigor. Not far away, the Railjack was blasting holes into a Grineer carrier ship that was attempting to board it. I could already hear Cy grumbling at their lack of finesse and tact.
I cut through another company of Grineer before Umbra charged at a Corpus vessel that threatened to creep up and bombard the Railjack. Neither myself or Umbra would allow that and cut a bloody swathe through the Corpus mooks that tried to get in our way. More than a few found themselves being skewered by our javelins. The Archwing pushed us as fast as possible to reach the ship. Our targets were the turrets on the ship's surface.
The ship detected our approach and opened fire upon us. Umbra weaved through it while I readied our sword. The blade stabbed straight into the barrel of one of the turrets, easily piercing through the hull. Umbra dragged the blade through as I cut my way across the side of the ship, destroying the other turrets in our path. When the last was destroyed, we broke off and rammed the sword into a Grineer mook trying to board the Railjack the old fashion way—by bombing his way inside.
"You have my gratitude, Captain," Cy told me in his neutral voice.
"How're we doing, Cy?"
"Enemy forces still outnumber us. Threat level has decreased significantly."
"The activity in the spacial distortion is increasing rapidly, Operator," Ordis informed me. He would have continued if not for the beeping. "Incoming transmission from Octavia II."
The Cephalon aboard my Liset wasted no time in patching her through. Octavia II's worried yell was the first thing that greeted me long before the image of her Warframe came into my field of vision. "Sis, you have to get out of there right now!"
"I'm a little busy here!" I retorted. A beam nearly burned through one of the wings of my Archwing. Umbra did not appreciate it in the least and shot toward the Corpus Gox. Another beam was fired and tried to shoot us down, but I evaded it with a barrel-roll and retaliated by ramming a Radial Javelin into its crown. "I have Grineer and Corpus to deal with!"
"No, you don't understand! The distortion, it's-!"
The communication cut off abruptly. "Octavia? Avi, are you there?!" I received no response. Just static. "Ordis?! Cy?!"
No response from either of them.
I only just now noticed that the Grineer and Corpus had stopped. All ships ceased to move, their fliers halted in mid-air and their manned drones just hovering there.
"What the…?"
Tenno.
Umbra and I stared at the amassed enemies before us. A transmission feed was broadcast across all channels, transmitting from the Grineer and Corpus forces before us. I would have stopped to listen had I not been alarmed by what was happening. Umbra readied his sword, but stopped when we felt something grab hold of us. I glanced over my shoulder, only just now realizing that after I destroyed the Gox, Umbra had flown us right in front of the spacial distortion.
We have been waiting for you.
The "hands" that sprouted from the distortion began to pull us in its embrace. Umbra howled, desperation and fury spreading across my mind. He would not allow the death of another child he cherished. The Void surged through us, attempting to pry these "hands" off of his form and escape. They would not relinquish their hold, seemingly undisturbed by the Void touching it.
"Unhand my Operator!"
"Release the Captain at once!"
I heard the roars of Cephalon Cy and Ordis, right as I heard the disoriented and confused outcries of Grineer and Corpus troops. Whatever spell that had been placed upon them was broken once the distortion had achieved its goal of obtaining me. In exchange, however, Umbra and I felt our minds beginning to warp. My vision was twisting and fading in and out, as though I were being dragged into unconsciousness. Umbra struggled to stay awake, fighting off its influence.
Likewise, I struggled to maintain consciousness. I continued to call forth the Void to repel this foul interference. The Railjack had changed targets and attempted to bombard the spacial distortion as if to save me. Cy likely thought Umbra could withstand the bombardment. It was hardly the first time he accidentally caused friendly fire.
The "hands" did not stop. I was brought closer and closer towards the distortion.
My mind began to fall into a haze. I couldn't hold on any longer.
I…
A bone-chilling growl rumbled in my ear and addressed the distortion.
"Hands off my kid."
My vision turned white. The last thing I heard was the Man in the Wall's vicious snarl.
I awoke on what looked like a beach.
On first glance, it looked otherworldly. Few planets I visited had one, although the one in front of me was truly bizarre. The sky was entirely pitch-black. There were no stars or clouds, yet the surroundings were illuminated enough for me to see spires of curved black rock, crawling out from the sand and sea and encompassing the shore like a prison.
I took in the sight for only a moment before I winced. My head was throbbing. How had I even found myself here? I remember fighting, yet here I was. Had the distortion brought me here for some reason? It was only now that I noticed that I was no longer with Umbra; I was by myself, and the black Warframe was nowhere to be found.
"Umbra?" I called out while getting back on my feet. My hand went for my Amp. "Cy? Ordis? Avi?"
I received no response. I received only silence and the gentle sounds of the crashing silver sea against the obsidian shore.
A man was standing at the edge of the sea. His presence was…unusual. I felt as though he did not belong in this place.
Unsure whether or not he was friendly or dangerous, I cautiously approached from behind. Whether or not the man acknowledged my presence I did not know, his gaze never leaving the sea. He only deigned to speak to me when I was a meter away from him.
"Disgusting, isn't it?" His voice was solemn as it was miserable. "Once upon a time, this place used to have a sky. A beautiful one at that, with so many stars you couldn't count them all."
Seeing that he was not hostile, I set my amp back to my hip and walked up to him. His face was gaunt and harrowed, looking older than he actually was. His eyes continued to look up at the sky before he sighed deeply and shook his head.
"What is this place?" I asked in the hopes of learning an answer. "I was fighting, and then…"
"I cannot recall, to be honest," he replied depressingly. "My only memories are being trapped in this place and nothing else. I cannot even remember my own name, much less how I came here." He paused for a moment before he turned to look at me. "And what of you, young girl? What has brought you to this accursed place?"
"I do not know. All I know is that I must return to my family."
I had no idea how I came to this place, but nor did I have the time to understand it. For all I knew, Ordis and Cy were being besieged by the Grineer and Corpus, and I dread to think what my "siblings" thought had happened to me. The only thing I understood was that the distortion brought me here for some purpose, and I would have no part in it.
My only problem was that I didn't know where this place was. Worse still, I had no idea where Umbra was. My top priority was to find him, and then find a way off this planet.
"Family…" Something danced across the man's eyes, his brow creased in thought. "I… I believe I had a family, once. But, what has become of them? Have they…?" His lips curled in frustration, his face falling into his palm. "I cannot recall. Damn this place."
I could not help but pity the old man. I couldn't even hazard to guess how long he had been in this place. He called it a prison, but what did that mean? What even was this beach? How could there be light if there was no sun or moon? How could it have no stars? Not only that, but I felt a presence lingering all around us. Something about this place felt…warped. Distorted. Evil.
I turned back to the old man. "What can I do to help you?"
The old man looked at me in surprise, eyes blinking rapidly. His shock faded as a warm smile appeared beneath his beard. "…thank you, but I'm afraid there is not much you can do for me here. At least, that is what I believe. You should focus on escaping this place yourself."
"But I don't have a ship."
"You do not need a ship."
I almost asked him what he meant by that before I felt something tugging at my mind. It was faint, barely even noticeable, but I felt it all the same. Someone was reaching out to me, calling out through the Void—through our bond.
Umbra was calling out to me.
My vision began to flicker. The world was falling apart, vanishing into an inky-black void.
"W-wait!"
I desperately tried to tell Umbra to hold off on whatever it was he was doing to me. I couldn't just leave the old man here, not when he needed help. Something deep inside told me that I needed to help him. I wasn't sure why when I only just met him, but I could feel it. I needed to help this man.
I reached out to grab him, only just barely touching his hand when I felt Umbra's reach finally grab hold of me.
The old man's eyes widened. "Wha-?!"
My vision faded to white, and the world vanished before me.
"…erator? Operator! Please, wake up! Operator!"
My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of Umbra looking over me in worry and concern. It took me only a moment to realize that I was lying on my stomach, face-down against a smooth metal surface. My body groaned and ached as I moved myself off the floor. I could barely keep myself steady, forced to lean on Umbra for support before I found my sense of balance again.
"What…" I swallowed, taking a moment to get my bearings. "What happened?" I looked around, and to my surprise, I found myself in the Liset's navigation room. "This is… How did I-"
"Operator!" Ordis exclaimed with immense relief. "Oh, thank heavens you're alright. I feared the worst."
"Ordis? What's going on? What happened? H-how did I even get here? I should be in an Archwing."
"You were. You were suddenly pulled within the spacial distortion and nearly disappeared. Cephalon Cy followed after you, as did myself, but when you were brought within the spacial distortion, an anomaly occurred."
"An anomaly? What kind?"
"Unknown. It was w-w-weeeeird unusual. I am unsure as to what became of the Grineer and Corpus forces. I am also unable to establish communications with Cephalon Cy."
That was worrisome. If we couldn't establish contact with Cy for whatever reason, that meant either he was disabled or was in a position where he couldn't contact us. Both options were bad.
Umbra hissed. I felt disappointment and anger coming from him, but it was aimed at himself and not me. He felt as if he should have seen this coming and moved us away from the distortion. It was clear to us both that whatever the distortion was, it was to draw us out. I could still recall that odd voice that called out to us, or the presence that somehow took control of the Grineer and Corpus.
The question on my mind was what had the power to do both of those things, and what did they want with me.
For now, though…
"It's alright, Umbra. It wasn't your fault."
The black Warframe groaned, feeling ashamed still in spite of my reassurance. I gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, then looked to the main console.
"Ordis, where are we?"
"Unknown," the Liset's Cephalon replied. "The nearby celestial bodies do not match any known star charts in the database. We are currently located near a planet, but it is not one I recognize."
"Is it possible we're in another star system?"
"It is possible. What is our course of action?"
I paused briefly. If the distortion did bring us to another star system, then the first order of business was to find Cy and the Railjack, then find out where in the universe we were and plot a course back home to the Origin System. Nezha II and her clan were heading to back me up before I was caught by the distortion, and unless the Grineer and Corpus were caught up in it with me, they would be walking head-first into a congregation of angry Tenno-hating monsters that wouldn't think twice about blowing them to hell.
"…we'll have to play it by ear," I said after a moment of thinking. "Let's enter the planet's atmosphere, then search for a landing zone."
"Understood, Operator. Plotting course to unidentified planet now."
The Liset lurched as Ordis assumed control of the Orbiter, descending down to the planet below us.
Alright, we have my first ever Sufficient Velocity fanfic. I mentioned I would be writing this way back when on FF.net, but it took so long due to a long list of factors, namely double-checking my sources and replaying certain campaigns and rewrites. This chapter alone went through at least three different scripts before I finally settled on what you guys see now, though I still feel unsatisfied with how it went. It feels...unpolished is the word?
To clarify some things, the Tenno take up the names of the Warframes they are all close to. One Tenno who favors the Loki would name themselves Loki II, another who has a particular liking to Nidus would take up the name Nidus II and so on. It's the closest thing I've got for a naming convention for the Tenno, with the exception of the Operator, who is named Ayatan Entrati here. "Ayatan" is, in my opinion, the closest the Operator has to a canon name thanks to the Heart of Deimos, so it sort of fits.
Now that I've finally pumped out this story, and before the end of the month, I can resume my other works. inFAMOUS Hero Academia needs some love and attention after all, alongside my other My Hero fanfic.
I hope everyone here enjoys this. Please let me know what you all think.
Also, does anyone know if the Darksaber was already made by the time The Old Republic rolls around, or if it was made long afterwards?
I like the fact you picked 'Ayatan' for the name. Those Deimos interactions were really heartwarming. It looks like you've set up some good social options here as well by including Umbra and Cy in the story. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
I always flinch when I see someone use Frame names for characters. With how easy it is to switch between frames, and how frequently I personally am changing frames because I'm either bored, or changing frame based on what I am doing, it always feels wrong to me for someone to go 'This one. Just this one. Only this one.'
And the name of 'frame II' would not be enough to cover very many tenno that may choose to like a particular frame if that did become the standard.
I do have to say though that I really enjoyed the part where they ask the Old Man what they can do to help him. It fits so closely with the characterization that was the core of the Sacrifice.
I like the fact you picked 'Ayatan' for the name. Those Deimos interactions were really heartwarming. It looks like you've set up some good social options here as well by including Umbra and Cy in the story. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Like I said, it's pretty much the closest we've got to a canon name for the player Operator. That, and you do have to admit, "Ayatan Entrati" just sounds awesome.
I feel like Umbra just doesn't get enough love after the Sacrifice, even though he's since become the poster child for Warframe, so I decided "fuck it, why not?" and make him Ayatan's main Warframe.
I always flinch when I see someone use Frame names for characters. With how easy it is to switch between frames, and how frequently I personally am changing frames because I'm either bored, or changing frame based on what I am doing, it always feels wrong to me for someone to go 'This one. Just this one. Only this one.'
And the name of 'frame II' would not be enough to cover very many tenno that may choose to like a particular frame if that did become the standard.
I do have to say though that I really enjoyed the part where they ask the Old Man what they can do to help him. It fits so closely with the characterization that was the core of the Sacrifice.
That, unfortunately, is one of the weaker points that I found myself cringing at. In hindsight, it would have been so much easier just to write out actual names instead of them taking on the names of their "go-to" Warframe. I'll probably go back and change it if I ever have the time.
Funny enough, though, the bit with the Old Man is pretty much the only part of this whole segment that survived the rewrites. Him and Ayatan meeting is pretty important, especially when you consider exactly who the old man is. I've already given a few hints as to who he might be already, so don't expect anymore freebies. Unless their unintentional.
That's one of the big reasons why I've been having trouble writing this. The whole planning process was easy enough...until I asked myself the question, "How would the abilities of a Tenno, much less the Void, affect the Force and vice versa?" It's sadly one of the only plot details I've yet to determine as I'm still not sure how Force-users would perceive Void abilities and Tenno in general.
I kinda feel like the Force would have a home field advantage against the Void, but the Void would benefit from not actually being part of the Force, reducing the effectiveness of precognition.
That's one of the big reasons why I've been having trouble writing this. The whole planning process was easy enough...until I asked myself the question, "How would the abilities of a Tenno, much less the Void, affect the Force and vice versa?" It's sadly one of the only plot details I've yet to determine as I'm still not sure how Force-users would perceive Void abilities and Tenno in general.
The Void and the Force are very different and the difference is definitely not helped by Kuva/Oro. The only real rule with the Void is that it breaks it's own rules, but there are some patterns to it that hold most of the time. My rough understanding of it that the Void is damaging to souls, even those granted Oro by Kuva that would normally let them survive the death of their bodies. This doesn't always kill as we see with the Eidolons/Sentients but they do require Kuva to regain what they lost.
Of course the Tenno are a great big exception to that. Having been seemingly subsumed by the Void but also have both Oro and souls. Considering this would be highly desirable to the Orokin yet they did not do this to themselves I can only presume that it wasn't the normal reaction to the Void.
This would seem to imply an adversarial relationship between Void and the Force. With the Void being a poison that would strip the Force's connection along with the mind and to a lesser extent body. That might not be desirable for your story so don't be afraid to work around it.
Also keep in mind not all of the Tenno's abilities are directly Void related. Transference being the most prominent example, Transference is not a technique exclusive to the Tenno but we are shown it has deleterious effects that Tenno do not suffer. Considering how Continuity is similar enough to Transference I would expect that Kuva could enable a non Tenno to use it more effectively without suffering the same fate as the women who used it to become a forest.
directly Void related. Transference being the most prominent example, Transference is not a technique exclusive to the Tenno but we are shown it has deleterious effects that Tenno do not suffer. Considering how Continuity is similar enough to Transference I would expect that Kuva could enable a non Tenno to use it more effectively without suffering the same fate as the women who used it to become a forest
Actually what happen with the Silver Grove is basically exactly what happens during the continuity - someone's mind leaves their body to inhabit the target instead. Continuity just also includes smothering the host body's mind in despair to effectively mind kill it first, leaving it open to possession.
Though based on descriptions and timelines, Continuity was something that happened far before they discovered transference, and unlimited connection duration is exclusive to Tenno.
As for the Soul and Oro, from what I understand of the two, Oro is effectively a refined soul that can self-sustain past body death, allowing the person to easily come back to life with minimal issues or mental decay. Exact mechanism for most to revive is unknown, but Tenno appear to be able to do so spontaneously, reforging their body through will.
For how Void and other things interact, I always like going to the other description of the man in the wall, The Indifference, while remembering it's paracasual nature. Until someone applies actively using the Force on the Void/Tenno the void would be indifferent to them. Maybe feel different, as if the one sensing them feels like they are mostly cutoff from the force without being a hole or wound. Physical manipulation wouldn't be affected, but trying to directly influence or connect to a Tenno's mind gives proportional degree in minor Void exposure.
As for the Soul and Oro, from what I understand of the two, Oro is effectively a refined soul that can self-sustain past body death, allowing the person to easily come back to life with minimal issues or mental decay. Exact mechanism for most to revive is unknown, but Tenno appear to be able to do so spontaneously, reforging their body through will.
From what I'm aware Oro isn't the soul. It's the name for a force which sustains the soul after death. Whether that means a specific force or just any force that does is unclear.
From what I'm aware Oro isn't the soul. It's the name for a force which sustains the soul after death. Whether that means a specific force or just any force that does is unclear.
Oro has been specified to be something that is unique to the individual holding it, which means that it is something more than just a force otherwise it would be something that everyone would have equally.
Honestly some of Teshin's comments in Conclave are more informative about Oro than most other places in the game, considering how often such a potentially vital feature of the lore is not spoken of. Due in no small part to only Tenno, Sentients, and (top?) proper Orokin having Oro.
And I have seen nothing that would imply that the Soul and Oro are something that is uniquely and distinctly separate things. Thus Oro being either an enhanced or refined characteristic that is part of a Soul. Or is close enough to being so there is no practical or effective difference between the concepts, at least when Oro is present.
Umbra looked at me in concern. Even though we shared a special 'bond,' stronger and different than any connection my "siblings" held with their Warframes, he couldn't sense its presence. To him, The Man in the Wall may as well not exist.
We never actually get any confirmation whether or not Wally exists at all or is just a delusion caused by Void Madness.
Chains of Harrow quest has Lotus very much of the opinion that there's no such thing...but she has somewhat of a vested interest in that viewpoint, given the Void is inimical to her, and something inhabiting it would make it even scarier to her.
Heck, even if Wally exists we don't know whether it's an independent entity, or it's just the nature of the Void to reflect you back on yourself.
That's one of the big reasons why I've been having trouble writing this. The whole planning process was easy enough...until I asked myself the question, "How would the abilities of a Tenno, much less the Void, affect the Force and vice versa?" It's sadly one of the only plot details I've yet to determine as I'm still not sure how Force-users would perceive Void abilities and Tenno in general.
The Deimos Albrecht Vitruvian messages are great for exploring the deep Void lore stuff, namely we can see that by every scientific standard there's nothing to know. No mechanism can observe that the Void has any properties at all, nor interact with it. The Void fundamentally relates to consciousness, not materiality. Cy can't even see the reliquary.
Well, regardless of I decide, the Jedi and the Sith are going to have a field day trying to understand Ayatan.
By the way, I already asked this in the author's notes, but was the Darksaber made before or during the events of the game, or well after? Also, does anyone have a timeline for how the character classes (i.e. the Sith Warrior, Inquisiter, Jedi Knight, etc.) storylines interact? I know they all take place around the same time, but I don't have the exact time table.
By the way, I already asked this in the author's notes, but was the Darksaber made before or during the events of the game, or well after? Also, does anyone have a timeline for how the character classes (i.e. the Sith Warrior, Inquisiter, Jedi Knight, etc.) storylines interact? I know they all take place around the same time, but I don't have the exact time table.
SWTOR era is nearly three thousand years too early for the darksaber.
SWTOR timeline can be found here, though basically the character stories don't interact by and large, and don't have any specific timeline, it's mostly just the planetary storylines and expansions that have specific dates.
The different class stories have rough time points that they are set in. Some Prelude/Chapter 1 is far before the restart of the war, others are right at the beginning(Trooper) and others are after the start. Later chapters have similarly vague timings. But none of them directly intersect.
My guess is a shared delusion jury-rigged together by the Tenno's parents to channel the effects of void madness into something less harmful for their children, it doesn't come from the void it comes from the Tenno.
My guess is a shared delusion jury-rigged together by the Tenno's parents to channel the effects of void madness into something less harmful for their children, it doesn't come from the void it comes from the Tenno.
Deimos lore has Albrecht Entrati encounter his own double in the void, and he's the source of all void technology, so that particular theory doesn't hold up.
Deimos lore has Albrecht Entrati encounter his own double in the void, and he's the source of all void technology, so that particular theory doesn't hold up.
Chains of Harrow quest has Lotus very much of the opinion that there's no such thing...but she has somewhat of a vested interest in that viewpoint, given the Void is inimical to her, and something inhabiting it would make it even scarier to her.
Also, natah i think implies that she heard Wally during the Ropalolyst fight:
"Your great power, your great evil. The Voice, the Void, within you. Our ancients still wither at its touch... but have you forgotten Lua? You were saved. But I... I was changed."
My personal opinion is that Wally IS the void, a dimension like the Warp, spaceless and timeless.
Albrecht Entrati awoke him, giving him a way to limit himself copying him, giving him an identity, and a taste of our world.
Then the Orokin started using the Void, using Him, for everything, and that pissed him off after a while.
But he could do nothing, as people went mad when interacting with him (probably that atemporal bit)
And then we arrived. Zariman 10-0. 'Innocent' children, blank states, without idea of what we were seeing, and doing, and we gave him a foothold on our world.
As for interaction with the force...i think we would look like an empty place in the force, in human shape.
Not hungry and eating, like a Wound in the force. Simply there, just moving, creating ripples, existing, and always existing.
A deep dive in our mind would let them see Wally, and let Wally see them (Mad-end?)
@TheStranger have you decided how to incorporate the Tenno ways and how to switch between them( if they can be switched) in operator mode?
Also, totally loving that last snarl from Wally
#Best daddy since the Radiation Wars
Edit: As for names, i don't think they are very original, maybe from the weapons and their names, maybe from their orokin indoctrination, or maybe for the Void, i just had this impression.
For example, my operator after TWW choose the name Wax, his reasoning was basically:
He was a soldier, tasked to protect the innocent and mantain balance -> inspired by Tenshin -> Dax
His/Mine primary is Wukong (Prime)
W-Dax -> Wax
So maybe an ivara main called Dread, Ghost, or Maprico( he got caught by grineers collecting them....With an Ivara...)
Or maybe another Tenno is called Stalked, because he was so unlucky he got caught by the Stalker 3-4 times.
Basically i think they would choose names from anecdotes, like the SW Clones
My guess is a shared delusion jury-rigged together by the Tenno's parents to channel the effects of void madness into something less harmful for their children, it doesn't come from the void it comes from the Tenno.
Deimos lore has Albrecht Entrati encounter his own double in the void, and he's the source of all void technology, so that particular theory doesn't hold up.
Also, natah i think implies that she heard Wally during the Ropalolyst fight:
My personal opinion is that Wally IS the void, a dimension like the Warp, spaceless and timeless.
Albrecht Entrati awoke him, giving him a way to limit himself copying him, giving him an identity, and a taste of our world.
Then the Orokin started using the Void, using Him, for everything, and that pissed him off after a while.
But he could do nothing, as people went mad when interacting with him (probably that atemporal bit)
And then we arrived. Zariman 10-0. 'Innocent' children, blank states, without idea of what we were seeing, and doing, and we gave him a foothold on our world.
As for interaction with the force...i think we would look like an empty place in the force, in human shape.
Not hungry and eating, like a Wound in the force. Simply there, just moving, creating ripples, existing, and always existing.
A deep dive in our mind would let them see Wally, and let Wally see them (Mad-end?)
@TheStranger have you decided how to incorporate the Tenno ways and how to switch between them( if they can be switched) in operator mode?
Also, totally loving that last snarl from Wally
#Best daddy since the Radiation Wars
Edit: As for names, i don't think they are very original, maybe from the weapons and their names, maybe from their orokin indoctrination, or maybe for the Void, i just had this impression.
For example, my operator after TWW choose the name Wax, his reasoning was basically:
He was a soldier, tasked to protect the innocent and mantain balance -> inspired by Tenshin -> Dax
His/Mine primary is Wukong (Prime)
W-Dax -> Wax
So maybe an ivara main called Dread, Ghost, or Maprico( he got caught by grineers collecting them....With an Ivara...)
Or maybe another Tenno is called Stalked, because he was so unlucky he got caught by the Stalker 3-4 times.
Basically i think they would choose names from anecdotes, like the SW Clones
I haven't quite decided, not yet anyway. I do plan on bringing up the Sun and Moon alignment system at some point, though, maybe have Ayatan compare and contrast it with the ideologies of the Sith and Jedi.
Also, Wally was partially acting out of protectiveness. He does care about Ayatan, if only because she's "a curiosity among her siblings", but the main reason he lashed out was because someone had the gall to try and mess with his favorite plaything.
As for the naming conventions, I'll probably change them at some point in the future. Thinking back on it now, I really shouldn't have named them after their Warframes. Ugh.
As for the naming conventions, I'll probably change them at some point in the future. Thinking back on it now, I really shouldn't have named them after their Warframes. Ugh.
Its one of those things that seems like a reasonable thing to do in planning, the first time.
Deep dives always make it a pain.
For general Tenno stuff, I always assume that Tenno are not super unique compared to each other in broad strokes, though oddities will always pile up vastly differently. And always assume that anything your Tenno is doing, that there are literally 1 million others doing basically the same thing somewhere else in the Origin system.
The only exception to the last point is the main quests - Nata/SD/TWW/CoH/Sacrifice - as even a full squad doing them - especially SD/TWW/Sacrifice - is too jarring for the narrative. The faction quests can all be done in force, as at most there is single point of decision in Glast Gambit that requires actual choice but even that can be completed by a small unified force acting in concert with no meaningful change to the narrative besides the specific perspective. Events remain the same.
As for the naming conventions, I'll probably change them at some point in the future. Thinking back on it now, I really shouldn't have named them after their Warframes. Ugh.
As addendum to my previous answer and note to myself both:
Probably there are someone that calls themselves that, I think i read a story about a Tenno that called himself Nezha even after changing frame i think?
The point is if you want to introduce Tenno that call themselves Octavia/Limbo/etc. give a few lines every now and then about the origin of the name:
For example, a Tenno decided to call him/herself Titania, as they were the one that discovered the silver grove and took the mantle of Titania in her honor.
Maybe the tenno that called himself Volt was one of the first awakened, and so much time had passed until the Second dream that he subconsciously adopted it as his name, and he saw no reason to change it.
I don't know about Octavia, I am still collected Mandachord pieces😅
I have an extended fight scene with Phyrra that I don't like. Its written, and partly rewritten, and going through another rewrite. Might skip to the next section and bring the fight scene in later, but that makes a mess of the thread so I have put it off.
The planet's topography was no different from any other planet I have come across. Lush woodlands, barren deserts, civilization, proof of intelligent life. What was different was the feeling I got from this place. Each planet had its own "feel" to it. It is hard to describe, honestly.
Finding a landing zone proved a little tricky. I had no way of knowing if the natives knew of the Tenno or any other life in the Origin System. I had no idea where I was. This was alien territory for me. For all I know, the natives of this planet could be hostile to outsiders. For now, my course of action was to explore, hang back, and observe. If the wildlife proved hostile, I would retaliate.
My consciousness melded with Umbra's as we disembarked. The Liset climbed back into the air and made its way into the atmosphere. Once it vanished from sight, Ordis opened a private channel.
"The nearest activity of intelligent life is approximately one hundred miles from your position. It will be quite the trek."
I smile softly. "You call it a trek. I call it a walk. By the way, any news on those ships we saw earlier?"
During atmospheric entry, I had caught sight of numerous ships surrounding the planet. Some were larger than the others were, perhaps the flagships of an armada. At first, I wondered whether they were invading, but Ordis and I saw no indication of large-scale battles occurring on the surface. The fleet of ships occupied opposing sides of the planet, each bearing a different symbol on their hulls. I wondered whether to hack into their communications and radio frequencies but decided against it for the time being. There was always the possibility that they could discover me, and I did not want to make possible allies hostile.
"There appear to be no movements, aside from smaller ships going to and from the apparent flagship. I will continue to monitor them and inform you if anything changes."
"Thank you, Ordis."
"My pleasure, Operator!"
Ordis falls silent, but the channel remains open. I walk into the dense woodlands and keep my senses sharp.
…it looks beautiful almost. The orange sky above, the wind blowing through the trees…it reminds me of home. Earth was the closest thing I had to a home with how often I visited, if only to venture into the Plains of Eidolon. I cannot remember the last time I visited. Perhaps when I return to the Origin System, I will find a nice place to fish.
Umbra growls softly. I laugh. "Come now, Umbra. Fishing is a good way to pass the time."
I have yet to understand why Umbra despises fish with such passion. The only time I ever took him out fishing was during a respite when my 'siblings' told me to take the week off and enjoy myself. Now that I think about it, was Umbra so averse to fishing because of—?
I halt my advance. Movement occurs in the corner of my eye. A bush quivered and shook as something within began to exit. Umbra's hand reached for his sword. The void seeped into my fingertips, ready to engage at the drop of a hat.
Seconds pass. Finally, the hostile made its move. It leaped out from the bush, claws stretched and a maw lined with teeth open. It did not make it halfway toward me when Umbra slashed its head clean from its shoulders. It was after the body touched the ground that I realized that was not the only one. More hostiles began to appear, as if enticed by the prospect of food.
The wildlife before me resembled some bizarre cross between a canine and a lizard. It was bipedal and walked on all fours, a tail swishing behind it while a Mohawk of fur ran down its spine. Its skin appeared almost leathery. Adorned on each foot was a set of razor sharp claws, matched only by the jagged fangs in its mouth.
They growl and hiss at the sight of Umbra. I looked at them in fascination before shaking my head. Umbra snarls back and raises my blade.
This would take only a moment.
My encounter with the local wildlife was a short affair. They were unable to damage Umbra's frame whatsoever, though I had taken notice of the blood smeared across their fangs and mouths. As it had turned out, a group of these creatures was in the middle of eating a person before they came across me and decided to make a meal out of me. Sadly, they found themselves on the other end of Umbra's blade.
I investigated the corpse as best I could. They tore up the body quite a bit, but I was able to make out some details. The first was that they were human, which gave me some hope. Perhaps I was close to the Origin System after all. However, their clothing was odd. It appeared to be a uniform, dark gray with a red emblem matching one of the ships occupying the side of the planet.
Looking at the wounds and his expression, I could only grimace and sigh. "Poor man… They ate him alive." I looked over his belongings. He had a strange gun I've never seen before, along with a disk, a datapad of some kind, and what looked like syringes. "Ordis, do you know what these are?"
"I am scanning the items now, Operator." Ordis examined the items via the link and responds back almost immediately. "The firearm is not made with any known material in the Origin System, and appears to use some form of energy as ammunition. The disk and datapad are communication devices. The latter contains access to what appears to be a world-wide network, while the disk is connected to a communication frequency belonging to one of the ships."
I hummed thoughtfully. "I see… See if you can hack into the datapad and scrounge up data from the network. I want to know what I'm working with."
"Acknowledged. I will begin expunging data immediately."
I stood up and paid my respects to the man. If I come across his commanding officers, I will inform them of what has transpired.
I resumed my trek towards where we would find the natives. We did our best to avoid unnecessary confrontation, sticking close to the main path and evading the hostile wildlife prowling the forest.
Before long, we reached our destination. The settlement was a mixture of modern technology and old Native American. Some buildings were made of what looked to be metal, others of stone. At first glance, it looked to be a village, though the number of people clad in armor and the fortifications said otherwise. The number of people ready for combat outnumbered those in what I assume was civilian clothing.
Speaking of the civilians, they were not human. They had the same distinct shape as a homo sapien, but their features composed of colorful flesh and bright-colored eyes.
I disentangled myself from Umbra, hoping to make a good impression. I stepped inside the settlement, the Warframe following close behind and gripping the handle of his sword.
It did not take long for the natives and the humans here to notice my presence. The natives looked upon me with wary eyes, some cautious and others more curious. The humans watched me with scrutiny, some reaching for their guns.
One of them approached. A man wearing a uniform not unlike the one worn by the body I found along the way here. His features were gaunt and dark rings sagged beneath his eyes. He looked as if he had not slept in days.
"Hold a moment there, lass." I breathed a small sigh of relief upon hearing the unmistakable language known as English. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"A long story, I'm afraid," I told him. "I am looking for help. I'm afraid I am lost, for lack of better word. My name is Ayatan Entrati." I bowed in greeting.
The man stumbled for a moment, surprised by my greeting before clearing his throat. "I am Lieutenant Raum, of the Empire."
"A pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant."
"You have yet to explain why you are here."
I gave him the half-truth. I told him that my ship had crashed and attempted to find help, only to return later empty-handed and discovered my ship went missing. Left stranded, I broadened my search and found my way to the settlement. It was not the full truth, but I doubted he would believe me if I told him I found myself here because of some unknown anomaly.
The lieutenant stared at me for several minutes, digesting my words. Slowly, he nodded. "…I see. Well, unfortunately, I have no idea where your ship is, and I cannot help you. As you can see, none of us here are in any real position to help."
"What's going on, exactly?" I asked. "And who are these people?"
"They're called Voss. They're the natives of this planet, and they're all extremely talented with the Force."
"The what?"
Lieutenant Raum raised a brow. "I take it you've never heard of the Jedi or Sith?"
"Can't say that I have."
"Hmph. Lucky you. At any rate, my CO ordered my men and me to defend this village. We made a deal with the people here; in exchange for offering us housing, we provide them with protection. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well. For some reason, the wildlife has been getting angry."
Umbra gave a low hiss. The lieutenant looked at him for a moment in confusion before I spoke up. "Sorry, this is Umbra. He is a dear friend of mine. He cannot speak, unfortunately. And in regards to the local wildlife problem, perhaps you mistakenly intruded upon their territory?"
"I wish that were the case!" Raum scowled. "When we set up camp here, the Voss told us which parts of the forest belonged to which pack of animals. We don't venture far into those areas unless we absolutely have to. Despite that, somehow, we've incurred the wrath of almost every goddamn monster in the vicinity! And that isn't even the strangest part! During the day, the damn things leave us alone, but when night rolls around the damn things are rabid!"
I looked over his shoulder. His men certainly looked as though they went through the wringer. Some had bandages wrapped around parts of their body, others sporting a few scrapes and tears along their armor. The walls and partitions built on the entrance worn, battered, and marred by claws and scratches.
I glanced at Umbra. He looked back and hissed. Smiling, I turned back to the Lieutenant. "Would it be alright if we helped out?" Raum raised an eyebrow. "If you cannot tell from our equipment, Umbra and I are mercenaries. We would be happy to help you."
"In exchange for what?"
"That depends on you, Lieutenant."
The man narrowed his eyes. It was clear he did not trust us, but neither was he turning us away. I saw the gears turning in his head as he looked away and creased his brow in thought. I would have helped him for free, but he was more likely to think we had an ulterior motive for doing so. It was better to put a price for our services, loathe as I was to do it.
Lieutenant Raum stopped his pacing and sighed. "I don't like hiring outsiders, but the situation is looking pretty grim. Alright, fine. You have a deal, Ayatan. You said you're looking for your ship?" I nodded. "I'll see if I can start looking around for your ship. I can't make any promises, though. However, that's only if you can figure out what the hell is driving these things bonkers."
I smiled slightly. Hopefully this would be a good start for future negotiations.
"It is impossible. She cannot help."
A female voice intersected our conversation. Lieutenant Raum's face twisted into something close to displeasure and disgust, leveling a glare at the speaker. "Must you say such pessimism?!"
I looked to my side. A Voss woman with red skin and blue eyes, garbed in robes with a hood pulled over her head. Beside her were fellow Voss with blue skin and orange eyes, all clad in armor and weapons at the ready.
"We have spoken before," the woman said. "This place is doomed to fall."
"And I refuse to accept such a thing! I have no idea why my superiors believe this mystic nonsense, but I refuse to hear a word of it any further."
Umbra made a sound of confusion. I shared in his feelings as I looked back and forth between the two. "…I'm sorry, what's going on?" I looked to the Voss woman. "Why do you believe this place will fall? Granted, the Lieutenant's men have seen better days, but surely they can make it through whatever's causing the animals to run wild."
"Because she has forseen it," one of her guards replied. "Sana-Rae is a Voss Mystic."
"And by that—" Raum spat. "—he means she sees visions of the future. The Voss interpret what these visions mean extensively. And she claims that this village will fall within the next few days."
Visions of the future? On the one hand, I was almost curious to know more about it, but on the other hand, I shared in the man's skepticism. If I had a Platinum coin every time someone told me destiny was set in stone, I would be filthy rich. I remembered during my last visit to Fortuna that some Corpus-sponsored Fortune teller tried telling me my fortune. Half the things she told me sounded legitimate, such as finding a powerful Warframe lying in wait. The other half just sounded like nonsense.
I mean, really. A time-manipulating Warframe?
(I would later learn that such a Warframe does indeed exist. Protea is a cheating ass bitch and I was oh-so happy to abuse the hell out of her abilities once I managed to get her blueprints.)
"Accepting help will not change this," Sana-Rae insisted. "This place will fall. It is better for you to leave."
Lieutenant Raum's face tinged red as he glared at the Voss mystic. "You listen to me, 'mystic'. I am under orders to hold this point at all costs, and you had goddamn better believe I will defend it. Nothing you, your council, or even the blasted Jedi will stop me from doing otherwise!"
To anyone else, such words would be passionate and symbolize loyalty. Umbra and I saw it differently. There was a hint of fear and desperation, as if failure terrified him for some reason. The first thought that came to my mind was that his superiors did not tolerate failure. It is something I have seen far too many times before, both with the Corpus and the Grineer.
Ignoring Sana-Rae's presence, the Lieutenant turned his full attention to me and took out a familiar communications device.
Ordis.
"I am already setting up a connection, Operator."
"I'm sending you the coordinates to one of the dens. Investigate it and see if you can find out anything as to why the wildlife is in such disarray. Report back if you find out what's causing them to act this way."
He turned and walked away back to his men. Sana-Rae and her guards look to me as if expecting something to happen. I merely gave a polite nod and greeting before I turned on my heel and walked away.
"Ordis, do you have those coordinates?"
"I have them locked and am transmitting to you now. It would appear the den Lieutenant Raum speaks of is located not far from your position. Also, Operator, I have successfully integrated with the network, or holonet, as it is called. I am currently compiling relevant information and will forward them to you at a later date. S-s-s-so much work! I wish you happy hunting!"
I smiled as we left the settlement. Once we were in the clear, I Transferred back into Umbra and the two of us immediately went to work.
Sana-Rae watched as the outsider, Ayatan Entrati, left the encampment with her companion.
"Mystic?" one of her guards asked. "Is something the matter?"
She could not tell them what was on her mind now, not when she herself did not fully understand it. Something about this Ayatan felt different. The best she could describe her presence was that the girl was here, but at the same time, she was not.
Sana-Rae shook her head and walked away. Regardless of who Ayatan was, she would not succeed in her endeavor. The settlement would fall, and the ones orchestrating the attack would be free to act out in the open. She already informed the Jedi of this. She knew that they did not want to stand aside and watch a settlement fall to the wilderness, even if said encampment was being occupied by the Empire, but for the sake of their mission, they would allow it.
It was a shame. For all his hostility towards aliens, Lieutenant Raum was a good person.
And here we are with chapter 2. I was not expecting it to take this long, to be honest. Between real life, school work and covid, not to mention other stories that were too tantalizing NOT to be update, this ended up being put on the back burner.
This chapter was originally going to have Ayatan end up on Ach-To and meet a Miraluka, who would have been her first companion, but I decided against it. That isn't to say I'm entirely writing out that segment, though.
Sana-Rae is a character introduced in Knights of the Fallen Empire. My goal at the moment is to use characters who have been introduced in the story, but are generally one-off side-characters who only get mentioned once. One example being Ensign Durmat from the Sith Warrior storyline, who only shows up for one or two scenes and is never mentioned again.