Ch.12: Upgrades & Crew Members
Epsilon Eridani System, Reach
July 18, 2552 / 1415 AM
Dock 15
Waiting on the docking platform were a group of people. Ranging from battle-hardened ODST troopers to nervous, but excited technicians; they were waiting for the Tenno to introduce themselves. Three hours and thirty minutes ago, they had been briefed on their new officers, their experience and its ship. They did not expect to find themselves under the command of aliens. Yet, if what was said about them were true; they were more than willing to serve with pride.
Sargent West stood at attention as they came out to inspect them. The hulking six feet and two inches mass of grey and black looked him, its white eyes staring at every inch of his body. West couldn't help but feel scared.
"Maybe they think I'm not good enough. I mean, they did look at my service record right?" He was a survivor of two battles, the Battle of New Constantinople and Battle of Arcadia. He considered himself lucky to have lived through the harrowing battlefield.
The four alien beings stood before the group before the grey and black being stepped forward. He had a booming voice, with a trace of a German accent.
"My name is Roscoe and I'm your Captain. Behind me is my ship, the Plantagenet." He pointed his thumb at the pristine white ship. "As you know, we are strangers in a strange land. However, despite our predicament, we are willing to aid the UNSC in its fight." He surveyed the group before him.
"Before you enter my ship, I thought I would give you a gift." He pointed at several boxes on a long rectangular table. Each box was labeled with their first and last name. "In those boxes are your new gear. On your left, you will find some changing rooms. I will explain what they do."
As everyone shuffled off to grab their respective boxes, Carson nudged Roscoe.
"Think they will like it?"
"Yeah, I heard it's comfortable, why?"
"It's just that, this armor, wasn't this for the Syndicates?"
Roscoe paused. The armor and skinsuit that they were handing out for free was meant for the Syndicate. After rescuing the Red Veil operatives during the Specter of Liberty operation (occurred in 519 POE), the Tenno clans agreed to research and develop a better armor for their allies. The goal was to create an armor that was similar to a Warframe. In secret, Roscoe had donated the blueprint as an anonymous archaeologist. Almost immediately, the massive joint venture began making improvements. Field tests were conducted and the results were used to improve the armor. Finally, the armor was rolled out in 529 OE.
It was called the Personal Defense Armor and Skinsuit (PDAS). The armor were collapsible armor pieces, which could fit into a luggage bag. The skinsuit was an updated version of the skinsuit Syndicate operatives wore. On each body part was a clip, which attached the armor piece. What made this armor unique from the MJOLNIR armor was the armor piece's ability to evolve. As time passed by, the armor would grow stronger and change its shape to provide the maximum benefit for the user. It would know which places were hit the most and which places were the most vulnerable. More importantly, it adapted to the user's combat style, whether they were infantry grunts to specialized soldiers.
Over the years, it was continually improved on and each iteration was better than the previous one. The current armor was the third iteration of PDAS. It had the basic functions of a Warframe. It had energy shieldings, a basic HUD screen and protected the user from a variety of elemental hazards. The newest addition was a camouflage system. It changed the energy shields into an invisibility cloak. However, it only lasted fifteen minutes. If the user tried to run while in camo, it would dissipate in five minutes or less.
As they stretched and tested their armor, Carson placed a data pad on the ground, which produced a holographic image of the PDAS. He then explained its functions to their crew members. Most were surprised by the fact they had energy shieldings, but only one person was angry despite the technological advancements.
"And with that, we will now split up into groups. Marines, introduce yourself to Carson. He will be in charge of you guys. Engineers, meet up with Rylan at the Void Engine room. He will give you the rundown on repairing the ship."
That left the ONI officer, who stepped toward Roscoe and Jack. The officer stopped and gave a quick salute. "Lieutenant Lambert of the Prowler Capet, reporting for duty" The Rhino gave a short nod and she clasped her hands behind her back.
Roscoe coughed and spoke, "So, what exactly can you do for us?"
"I have a specialty in communication interference tactics and astronavigation, sir."
Jack frowned. Why did they need a navigator in the first place? Ordis could just cloak the ship and no one would know where they were. It was even more strange that she was an astronavigator. Calling back from intercepted files, almost no one was an astronavigator in ONI.
"So, why were you sent here? I think it's more than keeping us in line, am I correct?"
The lieutenant shifted her feet. "Yes, I have another assignment as well. In case your Cephalon is damaged, I will be your substitute navigator."
Of course. It was rare for Ordis to malfunction. The last time he malfunctioned, he was temporarily transferred to Simaris's simulacrum to prevent a full cascade on his Cephalon weave network.
"Why didn't you give your PDAS to the UNSC?" asked Lambert.
"I didn't hand it over because of two factors. One, it is part of my personal inventory. I don't have to give it to you. Two, you guys have already reversed-engineered the Covenant's energy shield technology. Besides, the PDAS has several flaws compared to the MJOLNIR armor." He motioned her to follow him. He continued to speak to her. Jack followed close behind.
"First of all, it does not enhance the user in any way. It's main purpose is to protect the user from any elemental includes radiation and Void energy specifically. Secondly, the armor provides limited protection to plasma. In the computer simulations, it showed it protected the user from plasma Needler shots. However, a few swipes from an energy sword will render the armor useless."
"So, how did you 'inherit' this armor?" asked the ONI lieutenant. The trio had reached the bridge and were standing at the main screen. The Rhino sighed. "Before he met his untimely demise, my friend gave me all the prototypes he had made."
"Incoming transmission from the Capet" chirped Ordis. The main screen dissolved into black before a face appeared. Dressed in black battle armor stood the Capet's captain.
"This is Captain Maxwell speaking. I see my lieutenant is with you. How are things going?"
"Fine, Captain. Where are you, though? I imagine somewhere on the planet being cloaked."
Maxwell smiled. "Indeed. In fact, we finished our routine patrol in the Highland Mountains. Perhaps you would like to join us for our next patrol at the Viery Territory?"
Roscoe nodded. "What time?" Maxwell took a peek at his offscreen agenda. "July 23 at 1300 hours."
"Ok then. I will see what my ship needs and if it can be modified with your tech. Roscoe out." The transmission was cut and the main screen reverted back to its normal state. "All right, let's finish up before nightfall."
At 2015 PM, everything was finished. The collapsible bunk beds, shower area and weapons rack were done. The navigation system was installed and cross-referencing process was complete. All in all, the first day had gone well.
"We will be doing some exercises tomorrow. Be here at 0750 am sharp. Dismissed!" The weary crew members dragged their feet to the waiting jeeps that would take them back to their barracks.
Total Crew Number:
4 Tenno Warframes
4 ODST Troopers
3 Technicians
1 Astronavigator / ONI Officer
Author's Section
For those that were wondering why none of the Tenno could use their abilities, its because the enemies don't exactly spawn energy orbs from their dead bodies. Hopefully, the last chapter was able to explain that weird phenomenon. I will showcase their abilities in the next chapter, though!
As always, I look forward to your comments and questions.
- The Phantom Traveler