Trust

Liriel knew she was in trouble the moment she woke.

She was warm, dry and clean. That wasn't too surprising. She had been that way every time she had woken. She was technically not a prisoner since she hadn't ever been charged with anything, but she she had not wanted to stay where she had been put after Ariana had been sentenced to her punishment either, so…

"Mentor? Liriel is awake." A soft, hushed young male voice sounded from nearby and Liriel fought hard not to sigh as warm bodies shifted around her. More than one. She cracked an eye and yes, they were all around her. More than there had been the last time she had woken but that wasn't very surprising. Males and females generally did what they did no matter the species. What was surprising was the small, dark haired female human who sat against the wall. Cecelia smiled at Liriel as the Kavat stared at her.

"Hello, Liriel." Cecelia said quietly as the Kavat tried to find her tongue. "We thought you were rousing. How are you feeling?"

I need to talk to the Warlord. Liriel said without preamble. Cecelia did not move or flinch. Liriel could not talk the same way others did, but she could make herself understood easily enough. It is important.

"Liriel, you have been asleep for almost two months." Cecelia said firmly. "We were and are very worried about you. You have a date in Medical."

I need to talk to the Warlord. Liriel shifted a bit but paused as several kittens complained sleepily. They were all around her. Not -quite– on her. Kits, please move? She pleaded. I need to talk to the Warlord. She stilled as a small black kitten with three white paws turned where she lay and looked at Liriel. She as so cute it had to be intentional.

"We tried to soothe you." The tiny female said sadly. "I hope we helped."

It was a bit disconcerting having a human sounding voice come from a cat. Even for the veteran Kavat. Then again, the people who had once had the bright idea of genetically engineering house cats for enhanced intelligence and many other things had not thought about long term consequences. Then the Orokin royalty had gotten involved and all hell had broken loose. Quietly.

I think you did. Liriel admitted. I am not sore. I didn't have any seizures this time. That was to Cecelia who did not move. The separation from Ariana had hurt Liriel very badly. She knew for a fact that many had feared for her life. Cecelia, please!

Liriel hated begging, but she also didn't want to hurt any of the kits. Which was why they were here. It was bred deep into her bones to protect kittens. They knew she wouldn't harm kittens even unconsciously. She might not be gentle, she was what she was, but she wouldn't harm them. She had broken bones in her sleep to move away from distraught kittens in the past.

"Tiana is off doing missions." Cecelia said quietly. "All of the clan except Janna are out doing missions. I can call Tiana, but I have no idea how long it will take to get her back here."

Not that warlord. Liriel said softly. I need to speak to Isis.

At that, every one of the kittens turned to stare at her. Liriel and Isis got along about as well as oil and fire did. Things went 'boom' around them when they were in the same room. Female Kavat and female cat did not like sharing territory with one another.

"Liriel." Cecelia sighed deeply. "You are not making sense."

I know. Liriel forced herself to relax. I cannot explain. You would not believe me or worse? You might. Isis will. I do not like her, but I can explain to her in a way that cannot be denied. She shook her head. The room was filled with kits and if the Kavat was not mistaken, at least three stun weapons were aimed at her at this very moment. Fighting wouldn't work. She sighed and did the unthinkable. If you will call Isis, I will let you carry me to Medical. That was sour.

At that, every one of the kits went still. Liriel had always refused to let anyone but Ariana carry her. She had literally taken strips out of a couple of warframes who dared. No one outside of a warframe was stupid enough to try.

"Liriel..." Cecelia paled. "What is wrong?"

Everything. The Kavat said sadly. Everything is wrong. You should have let me fade! That was angry and more than one of the kits made noises of fear. What am I without Ariana? She demanded.

"You are Liriel, fierce hunter and loyal pack mate." The black kitten said quietly and suddenly, she wasn't a kitten. The fully black furred female cat did not move as Liriel went totally still. As deadly as Liriel was when threatened, she had no chance here and now. This wasn't a kitten. This was Grisha! The wetwork specialist of the Corps. 'Wetwork' being a euphemism for 'assassin'. None of the other kits moved. Of course they were not surprised.

"Grisha." Cecelia shook her head. She also wasn't surprised that the Corps had kept a very close eye on Liriel. "Why did you blow your cover?"

"Something odd happened to Liriel." Grisha did not move. Not even a whisker! "I scanned odd energy. Not psionic, not anything I have encountered." She looked Liriel over. "What happened?"

I can only talk about it to Isis. Liriel said flatly, still not moving. Her life was in grave danger right now. Her skin might have been metal, but if Grisha wanted her dead, Liriel was! Period. She is eldest and still warlord, yes?

"Over her strong objections, yes." Grisha sounded amused now, but her posture and expression did not change. She was ready to kill if needed. "She wanted Matril to become Elder and he objected."

"Loudly." Cecelia winced and more than one of the kits winced with her.

I bet. Liriel said dryly. She knew both Matril and Isis far too well. She heaved an all too human sigh. No one here is cleared, Grisha. At that, Grisha jerked. Just a little, but in the almost supernaturally still alpha predator? That tiny jerk spoke volumes. I have to maintain security.

"Since when do you care about security?" Grisha asked, more than a bit snide.

Then again, Liriel had earned the Corps' ire about such things when she had tried to flee her benevolent imprisonment. She had been caught fast and gently deposited back where she had been all eight times. They wouldn't kill her or let her try to find Ariana, so she had no use for them. Or, Liriel hadn't had any use for them. Now? She did. She would have to grovel and she knew it. She was not looking forward to that.

Since I told of a mission that will likely require all of you and maybe me too. Liriel was still quiet, still not daring to move. The Tenno are occupied, unavailable.

"You were asleep. That wasn't psionic, whatever happened." Grisha hadn't moved even a whisker! She was terrifying in her stillness.

I don't know what it was. Liriel replied honestly. I cannot talk about it.

"So, now you expect us to take your word that you are trying to maintain security." Grisha's tone didn't change, but more than one of the kittens snickered.

No. You don't trust anyone, Grisha. Liriel said flatly. I don't expect such silliness. I did expect professionalism. That was biting and every one of the kittens stiffened as Grisha's fur rose just a little at the insult. Not a good sign.

"Provoking Grisha is a bad idea, Liriel!" Cecelia move fast to try and restore the peace. "You know she won't kill you." Hurt Liriel? Yes. Kill her? No.

I do. The Kavat kept herself still and quiet. Grisha actually jerked back as Liriel bent her head to the floor and did something she had never done. I apologize.

"Who are you and what have you done with Liriel?" Grisha demanded. That was not a joke. Normally, Liriel would never have dreamed of bowing before a cat.

I am Liriel and I am scared. The Kavat fought for calm but it eluded her. I am sick, sad, scared, all of that. I need to talk to Isis! She begged. I don't want to talk to the white furred witch, but she is the only one who is cleared!

"Okay. That is the old Liriel." Cecelia said with a frown. She looked at the black cat who didn't move. "Grisha?"

"Isis is our Elder." Grisha spoke slowly and carefully. "Our only Elder. We cannot put her in danger."

Then don't. Restrain me, sedate me, hold me however the hell you must, but let me talk to her! Liriel all but barked that and more than one of the kittens recoiled. Cecelia slumped and nodded to Grisha.

"Okay."

There was no other warning before darkness reached out from Grisha, grabbed Liriel and pulled her in. Liriel never lost consciousness. That was good. She never lost hold of her sanity either. That also was good. Grisha's power wasn't psionic or technological. It was a mix of both. Some called her a 'shadow wielder' and it sort of fit. They were not actual shadows, spaces where visible light was occluded. No, Grisha's shadows were all in the mind, but no less tangible for being such. No less lethal. Liriel forced herself to relax. She had been hit by Grisha's shadows several times when she tried to escape and fighting never helped.

Then she was relaxed. She fought a sigh as she could see and feel again, but her eyes were covered and a warm mass was right beside her. A hmm that no human could possibly hear was echoing through her. Jumper. That sneaky cat was sedating her! Probably to interrogate her!

No. Liriel growled as the hum built, seeking to sooth her into compliance. I… will… not…

She fought with every fiber of her being to break free of the induced lethargy. It twisted, turned around in her mind, her ears, her very bones. She fought it off again and again, trying to keep it from putting her under. She was losing ground, but she was Liriel! Ariana's friend! She would not submit! Not to humans, Grineer, Tenno or cat! They might break her, but she would never submit otherwise!

"Enough." The soft word was calm, but it was also a command and the hum faded.

Liriel came back to her self to find her eyes uncovered. She was shaking. Her entire body hurt, she had fought so hard. She was on a table, held down by straps that she knew were beyond her ability to break if she couldn't get her teeth and claws on them. She had tried before and they knew how to hold her.

Cecelia stood by one wall, all but wringing her hands. Medic Grina stood nearby, her own face ashen as she stared at Liriel. Jumper got up and moved away, his posture sad?

"I am sorry, Liriel." Jumper said quietly. "You know I had to try."

Sh...shut… up... Liriel managed to stammer between her shudders. She looked tot he side and yes, Isis sat on a high counter, looking at Liriel, her white furred face face stern. Warlord… Elder… She said weakly. I have… a code… She shivered so hard that Grina stepped forward, only pause at hiss from Isis.

"Take a moment to recover, Liriel." The healer of the Corps said flatly. "You very nearly killed yourself, you silly kit. Again." The last was all but irate.

Liriel had worked herself into heart failure once to try and escape Jumper's clutches. The healers had not been happy with her.

I am not your kit! Liriel snarled at the white cat and everyone tensed, but then the Kavat forced herself to relax. I apologize. She said before anyone else could. I am stressed. I have… I have information… Her teeth were chattering. That wasn't normal. Liriel felt embarrassment at her weakness. For her part, Isis looked horrified!

"What has happened to you?" Isis breathed as she jumped to the table where Liriel lay. "You are cold. So cold. Jumper didn't do this. Nor Grisha. What did?"

I don't know. Liriel was aghast at her weakness. They said there might be complications. I don't know what happened. I went somewhere else and I saw things. It happened. I know it did. It wasn't a dream. Why was Liriel crying? Isis hadn't done anything! Had she?

"Calm." Isis lay down beside Liriel, her warm mass soothing. "Be calm, Liriel. We have had our disagreements, you and I. I never wanted you dead. You know this." Her purrs were not some ultrasonic interrogation tool. They were meant to comfort and they did. Liriel relaxed.

I do. Liriel admitted. I don't like you or you me, but we have larger problems.

"You just woke up after a two month nap, Liriel." Isis replied, her purrs still soft and gentle. "But Grisha said she sensed odd things about you. So… what?"

I can't say. Liriel said weakly. Elder, Code… 'Hive'.

At that, Jumper hissed. Cecelia and Grina both looked confused. Grisha appeared from the side to stalk forward, her face severe as her shadows reached out for Liriel. Of course she had been nearby. But then, Isis reached out to with a slow paw to tap Liriel's head between her eyes.

The world fell away.

"You better have a damn good reason for this, Liriel." Isis said flatly as they materialized in a vacant golden room. A virtual world. "Grisha is going to be irate. The others too. If this is some kind of trick, you will not enjoy the rewards."

No trick, Elder. Liriel curled upon the floor, her head on her paws. I was asleep, but I was not dreaming. I was pulled somewhere that I did not know. There I saw a human woman in white crying. I know who it was. I saw her at the convocation. It was Oracle Janet. At that Isis stiffened and then sat up straight, her face attentive. She said and I quote 'I failed'.

"Oracle Janet is trying to bring hope back to the system." Isis said slowly. "A noble goal if an almost impossible one with all of the barriers. If she fails..." She trailed off and Liriel made sure she was done talking before the Kavat spoke again. Interrupting Elders was rarely a good idea.

It gets worse. The Kavat slumped. There were others there. Beings who…. I don't know if they brought me there to see her or for some other reason, but they have a problem. What do you know of Tanah?

"What?" Isis jerked to her feet and back up a step. "You were asleep! How do you know about that?"

I was told about him. Liriel said quietly, not moving. She was in as much trouble right now as she had been facing Grisha if not more. Isis was just as dangerous. Once, an enthrallment specialist and now? A mental technician working with Brianna Executor.

"He prefers the term 'psychologist', but...yes." Isis said slowly. "He is, by all accounts, quite good at what he does."

He should be. Liriel swallowed hard and then continued. You will react badly when I say who briefed me on the problem. I have had my disagreements with you and yours, but this? Tanah's lab is in jeopardy. The Corpus have found it and are working to recover it.

"His enthrallment center?" Isis snapped, her fur standing on end.

Yes. Liriel replied. I don't need to explain what will happen if the Corpus manage to get Sentient brainwashing technology to work for them.

"No." Isis sounded sick and Liriel could not blame her. "And you have proof?"

Only in my memories. Liriel sighed. I need you to scan those, pull them out so you can see them and tell your Corps. We need the Corps to act. The Tenno are fragmented. The First, Karl's Shadow and various other groups are acting to keep the situation from flying completely out of control, but they are busy. Isis, you need to see what I saw. You need to hear what I heard. If you do, you will understand.

"I can't, Liriel." Isis wasn't angry. If anything, she was sad. "I don't know how to do that."

What? Liriel asked, suddenly afraid.

"You know that much of our history was oral. That was almost all lost when the Elders were slain, Liriel." Isis said quietly. "I was the eldest of the survivors, so they have made me the leader. I don't know how to do that."

Oh no. Liriel said weakly. I can't… If anyone else mindscans me, they will either kill me or lock me away.

"Why?" Isis asked. "What source of information could you have that could possibly make so… many..." She trailed off as Liriel curled up on herself. "Liriel, what have you done?"

I didn't do it! Liriel fought hard to keep from snarling that. Send me back. I will find another way.

"Who gave you the information?" Isis demanded, her own anger fanning. "Don't be stupid, girl, I can tear data from your mind, but it will hurt you. I am not good enough not to hurt you. I don't want to hurt you." She mewled sadly. "You have been hurt enough."

I don't need your pity! Liriel wanted to pull the words back in as soon as she spoke. Sure enough, Isis flared.

"What you need is a brain!" The white cat snapped. "We are trying to help you, you silly kit! Ariana is gone! She was evil and she is gone! Good riddance!"

YOU TAKE THAT BACK! SHE IS MY FRIEND!

Liriel was on her feet, every sinew ready to fight for all the good it would do her here in her mind. Isis was far more powerful than the Kavat was and Liriel didn't care.

"I..." Isis backed up a step. "Liriel, be calm." She begged. "I didn't mean that. Or, I did, but not like that. Don't make me hurt you."

LIKE ANY OF YOU CAN HURT ME WORSE THAN YOU HAVE? Liriel screamed that loud enough that her own ears hurt. If she hadn't begged me to help, I wouldn't. I wouldn't! You lot can all go play with yourselves! Leave me alone!

"We have hurt you." Isis said slowly. "We have tried not to. The kittens like you, Liriel. You are good with them."

Stop… talking… Liriel fought hard to keep the sudden wave of empathy from overwhelming her. This was Isis' most power weapon. A rightly feared weapon. Her projective empathy. It made her a hell of a spy. One did not keep secrets form Isis of the Feline Corps. And? What better weapon than to use an enemy against an enemy? If one was suddenly a friend? Well… Things often got messy around Isis. It wasn't telepathy, but it was damn dangerous.

Liriel knew how to fight it though.

The Kavat curled up on the floor and closed her eyes. She flattened her ears and started humming old music off key. The waves of empathy faded.

"Liriel!" She heard Isis' incredulous exclamation and then a soft sigh. "Okay. We will try to find another way. It won't be pleasant." Liriel had to scoff at that.

Like anything dealing with these crazy cats was?