Samuel's logbook
OK, things are getting interesting.
Well, first off, we finally established that 'neural link', but it felt like my head was splitting and turning into the Grand Canyon.
Glad that's over.
Now we're got a very strange Fallen Dreg in what looks like Pilot armor.
He's got this evil version of a Ghost called a Phantom, and it looks like he has a dark version of a Tone-class Titan.
What's more, he speaks more fluently in english than Variks of the Fallen House of Judgment did! Can all Fallen do this?
I think I know who's gained control of the Taken. Savathûn. I should've known...
FB-8276 Auto-Transcription
Protocol 1: Link to Pilot. Neural link established. Samuel Henter is now confirmed as acting Pilot of FB-8276.
New threat. Fallen Dreg named 'Zarx'. Dark version of Tone-class Titan: Dark Tone. Dark version of Ghost: Phantom.
Protocol 2: Uphold the Mission. Eliminate Zarx. Use of similar weaponry is advised.
Music: Destiny 2 - The Blight
The battle between Samuel and Zarx was to begin, but then the rest of the Fireteam caught up.
"Vanter, Verona, this is a battle between me and this Dreg Pilot!" "A Dreg became a Pilot? Care to fill us in?" Verona questioned. "Now is not the time. I'll tell you about it later." "Not like you'll be around to do that when I destroy your Ghosts!" Zarx yelled through the radio.
Vanter-11 and Verona ran to cover as Samuel and Zarx readied their weapons, one 40mm magazine appearing in a flash of Light, the other from a black cloud.
Just then, the battle began with successive shot to each other, Zarx having to reload first. With a simple command, the Shadow Tone sent out Tracking Rockets.
Thinking fast, Samuel pulled up a Particle Wall to block the homing projectiles. Seeing this, Zarx deployed a Particle wall of his own to protect himself. "Well played, Guardian, Well played." "Thanks, I've been training." "Training pretty well, I'd have to say. Let's see you block THIS!" Zarx activated the Salvo Core and sent a massive storm of missiles at Samuel. As the Particle Wall collapsed, Samuel dashed out of the way, but a portion of the attack managed to hit, dealing substantial damage. "[Critical damage! I recommend evasive maneuvers!]"
Samuel let loose a full volley of the Multi-Target Missile System, then pelted the Dark Tone's cockpit with explosive rounds, all while avoiding as many 40mm Tracker Cannon rounds as he could, sustaining occasional damage from the Tracking Rockets.
Eventually, FB-8276 and the Dark Tone were both damaged extensively, but FB-8276 wasn't in Doom-State this time, the Dark Tone was.
"~pant, pant, pant~ Well... ~pant~ Well done, Guardian. You're better than I thought. No wonder you easily eliminated those Taken I was with." "Yeah? Well, FB was in AI-Mode at the time." "Wait... So, where were you?" "Recall where you were with those dead Ghosts. FB was incoming from the front, I was at the right of your position." "Oh yeah, I caught a glimpse of you as I turned to run through the portal and I didn't know it until now."
"[The Dark Tone's Reactor is exposed.]" FB-8276 reported.
"With your Titan doomed, I can do THIS!" Samuel dashed up and grabbed the Dark Tone's 40mm Tracker Cannon, yanking it to send a fist through the cockpit. He pulled out Zarx and released a massive cloud of smoke and steam from the interior of the Dark Tone, throwing the Fallen Pilot into a nearby wall as the enemy Titan fell with a clang.
Samuel [Termination] Dark Tone
Samuel [Termination] Zarx
Music: Titanfall 2 - Uphold the Mission
With Zarx's death, his Phantom appeared and revived him. "You're interesting, Guardian. Most interesting. Until we meet again... Samuel Henter." Zarx vanished without a trace as Samuel disembarked.
"How did he know my name?" "[Unknown. We must be careful when engaging him, it would prove disastrous should we run into a fight with him without a plan.]"
Music: Destiny - The Tower
Later back at the City, Samuel decided to tell his team about the new enemy he faced. "So this Dreg's name is Zarx. Looks like he's joined up with Savathûn, the new leader of the Taken, in order to help him destroy us. That Titan he had was a Tone, like the one Verona is linked with. He called it a Dark Tone. I just got an idea. Instead of calling them Titans, we'll call that Guardian class 'Golems'." "Sounds similar, pretty much means the same thing for a Guardian, I like it." Zavala had come to the group.
"Commander Zavala!" "Good to see you again, Reclaimer 724. It seems that we have a need for the remaining Titans at that IMC tech cache you discovered."
Music: Titanfall - OST 04
Later that day, Reclaimer 724 brought the Vanguard to the IMC garage, finding everything just the way they left it when KF-9294 and TX-6284 were first activated.
"[It is strange being back here at a time like this.]" "Don't worry, TX. We're just getting the others online." "[If you say so, Vanter.]"
"Y', this one kinda fits my style." Cayde-6 had decided on the Ronin.
"I'm not sure why, but I think I like this one already." Ikora chose the Scorch.
"With this one, the Darkness will begin to shudder in fear." Zavala settled on the Legion.
"[I have located more Assault Chips.]" FB-8276 pointed to four more Assault Chips. "Wait. There's still one more Titan in storage." Samuel pointed out. "[The Ion-class Titan has not yet been selected to be linked with a...]" "What is it?"
Music: Destiny - Excerpt from The Hope
"[Before I went down, there was a Simulacrum Blisk attempted to get to safety near where I went offline. It was a Phase Shift Pilot named Jordan. According to record, Jordan once attempted to communicate with the Traveler, stating that he would do what it takes to prevent humanity's extinction. Records show that a small glow enveloped him right after his attempted communication. Upon examining this Ion's datafiles, it appears that it was meant to be linked to Jordan.]"
As the Fireteam left the tech cache, a stray Ghost was spotted looking around the area.
"Hey, you, Ghost!" "{What?}" "What are you looking for?" "{I'm still looking for my Guardian. If you could help me, I'd very much appreciate it.}" "[We have a new task of looking for this Ghost's Guardian, but I have an estimation as to who it is. Vanter, Verona, TX-6284, KF-9294, help the Vanguard with their Titans. We will return shortly.]"
"So, you think this Jordan guy could be this Ghost's Guardian?" "[It is beginning to make more sense the more I process it, and my calculations still indicate this to be true. I have hope for this, Samuel.]"
"{Wait. I'm picking up the dying Light of a Guardian, and there's no Ghost. This way!}" The Ghost floated ahead as FB-8276 picked up Samuel, placed him on his shoulder, and started running after it.
"{I think I found my Guardian, but it doesn't look right.}" FB-8276 picked up the odd mechanical humanoid before projecting a beam from his optics. "[It is Jordan. He is still in low-power mode. We must repair and recharge him.]"
"{Let me take a look at him. He might actually be my Guardian.}" The Ghost projected a beam at the Simulacrum.
A while later, the Ghost was done with its analysis. "{Yep, I've found the Light. It's not the kind of Guardian I expected though, but it's my Guardian nonetheless.}" The Ghost vanished.
After a while, the Simulacrum began to show activity. "[Jordan, are you there?]" Faint garbled static could be heard from the Simulacrum as the lights on it faded and blinked on. "Uh... FB, I'm not sure that Pilot is... still a Pilot." "[Have faith in the Ghost. You have faith in yours, correct?]" "I- Good point."
The static coming from the Simulacrum cleared up as the lights on it glowed strong. "Where... am I?" "[Current location: Earth, Russian Cosmodrome.]" "Are you Jordan?" "Yeah, that's me. IMC Pilot Jordan. Who are you?" "[Jordan, this is Samuel Henter, a Guardian, one of the remaining members of humanity. He has been reborn through the Light of the Traveler. My original Pilot, IMC Commander Kuben Blisk, was KIA. I am now linked to this Guardian, and I would assume you are the Pilot of the Ion-class Titan we found in an IMC tech cache. Come with us.]"
Music: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption - Bryyo
As Samuel and FB-8276 walked back to the facility, Jordan got up and tried to process what he was told before following.
"[Activation complete. Identify!]" "Easy there, buddy!" "[IDENTIFY!]" "[ZF-2672, cease your hostility.]" FB-8276 showed up just in time to stop the Ronin from pulling out the Leadwall, and he used the identification code. "[IMC Atlas-class Titan detected. Chassis number: Foxtrot-Bravo Eight-Two-Seven-Six. Identify Pilot and directive.]" "[Original Pilot: IMC Commander Kuben Blisk, KIA. Current Pilot: Warlock Guardian and Rifleman Pilot Samuel Henter. Protocol 2: Uphold the Mission. Protect what is left of humanity and extinguish the Darkness. This is one of the members of the Vanguard, Cayde-6, a Hunter Exo, and he has chosen to be your Pilot. Northstar TX-6284 has linked with Vanter-11 and Tone KF-9294 has linked with Verona Abernethy.]"
Without a second of hesitation, FB-8276 remotely uploaded Guardian information to all the unlinked Titans. "[Information received and processed. I understand now, and I apologize for my hostility. Cayde-6, do you wish to establish a neural link?]" "Alright, if that helps."
"Cayde, it starts out extremely painful, so just keep that in mind." "Right, I'll prepare myself for one killer headache."
With Cayde-6 linked with ZF-2672, the Legion and Scorch were activated. They processed the Guardian info before accepting Zavala and Ikora as their Pilots. "[Predator Cannon at your disposal.]" "[Thermite Launcher ready.]"
The neural links were made before Jordan caught up, the Ghost from before above his shoulder. "Is it safe to assume that these are your friends?"
"Guys, this is Jordan." "I was told there was a Titan for me?" "[Correct. Your Ion-class Titan is over there.]" FB-8276 pointed at the one motionless machine at the end of the rack. "Alright. Time to activate my link with the Titan."
The Simulacrum went to the terminal in front of the Ion-class Titan, connecting to the system. "Hey, you weren't kidding about it being assigned to me." The Simulacrum remotely activated the inactive Ion with an IMC activation code. "[System engaged. Rebooting databases.]"
Just then, the Ion's lights dimmed. "[Power low. Insufficient power.]" The Ion was let off the support arms of the garage, only for it to fall on its knees and fists.
With a flash of energy, a Titan Battery Pack appeared in Samuel's hands. "Here, Jordan. You can use this Battery to charge your Titan." "Thank you. I appreciate it. Good to know a great Pilot can come from anywhere, from anyone, even a superior soldier like a Guardian."
Jordan climbed on the Ion and inserted the battery. With one twist, the Titan Battery Pack locked in place, powering the downed Titan. "[Power restored. All systems online. Pilot Jordan detected. Optical systems online. Mapping systems remain offline, unable to connect to IMC Global Positioning Satellite. Satellite not found. System ready. Information received and processing.]" "[The Guardian information I sent earlier.]" "[Titan identified: FB-8276. You are the one who sent the information?]" "Yeah, he sent it to the other Titans. By the way, I'm Samuel Henter, a Guardian and FB's Pilot. The Darkness is making evil versions of Titans, giving the Dark Titans to various followers. So far, we've encountered a Fallen Dreg with a dark version of a Tone-class Titan."
Music: Destiny - The Tower
With everything all taken care of at the IMC tech cache, the Vanguard decided that they could go back into battle after the long time they were at the tower.
"You haven't seen a thing yet. You wait until we're there to destroy the battlefield." "Alright, Cayde. See you then." Samuel nodded.
After a while, Jordan was given a tour of the City. Everything was just so new to him that he had to stop to process it all. The Simulacrum joined Samuel's Fireteam as his Ghost had figured AX-2474 out.
Music: Metroid Other M - The Biological Experiment Floor
It was then that a new mission had been assigned.
"Alright, here's the plan. FB picked up a distress signal from the Vanguard. It seems as if the Darkness has created another Dark Titan, which means another unique hostile may be piloting it."
Upon reaching the location, Samuel and the others were baffled by the sheer amount of absolute mayhem done to the area.
"Everyone, we'll need our Titans."
"{Look out below!}" "No, Ghost. The phrase is: 'Stand by for Titanfall'." Jordan corrected. "{Alright. Stand by for Titanfall!}" FB-8276, KF-9294, TX-6284, and AX-2474 dropped from the atmosphere, weapons armed.
"[I am detecting extensive thermal readings, and DX-4879 is already down.]" FB-8276 reported.
Music: Destiny 2 - The Blight
Heading further into the area, the team was surprised to see a Dark Scorch Titan rip Cayde-6 out of ZF-2672. The cockpit opened up, revealing a Cabal Psion in unique armor similar to what Zarx wore. "So... THIS is the strength of the legendary Vanguard? A pity... I was expecting a challenge from you."
The Psion tossed Cayde-6 into a wall like he was nothing.
Armored Cabal Psion [Termination] ZF-2672
Armored Cabal Psion [Termination] Cayde-6
The Psion then turned to face Samuel and his team. "Well well, more Guardians... and an IMC Atlas-class Titan." The Psion looked as if it was thinking on this. "WOO! NOW we're talking! Heh heh heh, this should be more interesting." The Psion sat back in the cockpit as the Dark Scorch pulled out a T-203 Thermite Launcher with red, purple, and grey war paint.
The cockpit closed, and the Psion was ready to battle.
"Let me and TX deal with this one." Vanter-11 jumped into TX-6284's open cockpit.
"You be careful around that one, OK? You do remember Zarx and the Dark Tone, right?" "Of course I remember. We've got this, don't worry."
Music: Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Squizzard (Normal)
"I wasn't expecting another slim one to challenge me. This will be over in no time." "You think so, huh? I'll prove you wrong." Vanter-11 charged his Plasma Railgun.
With a press of the trigger, Vanter-11 sent a powerful precision shot at the Dark Scorch, who blocked it with a vortex of black flames from the left hand. "Not bad, but how about this?" Vanter-11 launched a Cluster Missile at the Dark Scorch's feet, just under the Thermal Shield.
The Cluster Missile drew the Psion's attention while Vanter-11 flew into the air and activated the Flight Core, raining down on his target with a barrage of missiles. "GAH! ACK! ARGH! You... You're a good Pilot." "Thanks, I've been training. The name's Vanter-11." "I'm Xargon. Savathûn saw my willingness to become a powerful force of the Darkness, and she gave me some powers, and a Phantom to assist me. Zarx lead me to this massive chamber where there were some mechanical giants." "They're called Titans. Looks like you've got yourself a Scorch-class Titan." "Scorch? Sounds tough and fiery."
With a nimble move, Vanter-11 dodged another thermite shot and dropped a Tether Trap where Xargon wouldn't see it. The non-explosive mine latched onto the Dark Scorch, hindering its movements so Vanter-11 could land a fully charged plasma shot, dealing incredible damage as the blast went straight through his target and hit the wall behind it. "Heh heh... Say goodbye, Xargon!"
Vanter-11 dashed up before sweeping the Dark Scorch's legs off the ground, knocking the whole thing down and giving him the chance to execute.
Jetting into the air, Vanter-11 thrust the end of the Plasma Railgun into the Dark Scorch's cockpit, charged it up, and took the shot. The blast completely destroyed the cockpit, reducing the Pilot to vapor dust.
Vanter-11 [Termination] Dark Scorch
Vanter-11 [Termination] Xargon
Music: Titanfall 2 - Uphold the Mission
A moment later, Xargon appeared in a cloud of darkness on the other side of the structure. "Well now, I'm impressed. You're not the Vanguard, but I'd say you're better than them. I'll see you later... Vanter-11." Xargon vanished.
Music: none
"He's a formidable opponent, I have to give him that." Vanter-11 disembarked from TX-6284. "[Well done, Vanter. We have sustained no damage. You are perfectly skilled at evasive maneuvers.]" "Thanks, and I should thank you for helping me out." "[Protocol 3: Protect the Pilot.]"
With Xargon defeated, the Vanguard could be safely revived and their Titans brought back. "Can't believe we couldn't beat a single opponent, even with superior numbers and equal terms!" "We're rusty, Cayde. We just have to get into shape, and we'll be fine." "[Ikora is correct, Cayde. You must train and recover your faded skills, only then can you stand as much of a chance as you did when you were still out in the field, battling the Darkness.]" "I also can't believe I'm getting lectured by my own Titan..."
Music: Destiny - The Tower
That afternoon, Reclaimer 724 and the Vanguard signed up for a match in the Crucible, to which Shaxx was wondering how it would turn out.
"So, a Guardian Fireteam against the whole Vanguard, huh? This should be good."
"You guys ready?" "Yes, Guardian. The real question is, are you ready for defeat?" "Defeat?! Vanter and TX-6284 took out a foe the three of you couldn't beat!" Samuel and Zavala began to argue.
"Guys. Guys! GUYS! Save the fighting for your Crucible match!" Jordan stepped in, shoving the two Guardians apart. "[I would advise you follow his words if you do not want to be on the receiving end of my Splitter Rifle.]" AX-2474 powered up her primary weapon systems.
"Uh... Eh heh heh... What do you say we get this over and done, Zavala?" "Yes, let's do this. I'd rather not be vaporized by Jordan's Titan." Samuel and Zavala stopped arguing and shook hands.
The battle would soon begin.
Delta-X-ray Four-Six-Seven-Nine (DX-4679)
Titan: Scorch - Normal
Titan kit: Assault Chip
Scorch kit: Tempered Plating
Titanfall kit: Dome Shield
Titan Camo: Fire Hazard
Nose Art: Father of Dragons
Weapon Camo: Checkmate Gold
Titan execution: Unleashed Fury
X-ray-Alpha Eight-Six-Eight-Four (XA-8684)
Titan: Legion - Normal
Titan kit: Assault Chip
Legion kit: Sensor Array
Titanfall kit: Dome Shield
Titan Camo: Gun Hazard
Nose Art: Tactical Predator
Weapon Camo: Arterial
Titan execution: Predator and Prey
Zeta-Tango Two-Six-Seven-Two (ZT-2672)
Titan: Ronin - Normal
Titan kit: Assault Chip
Ronin kit: Temporal Anomaly
Titanfall kit: Dome Shield
Titan Camo: Midnight Strike
Nose Art: Red Stripe
Weapon Camo: Digital Ocean
Titan execution: Thunder and Lightning
Jordan
Primary: Grenadier - EM-4 Cold War - (Extra Ammo) - (Speedloader) - (Factory Issue)
Pistol: Hammond P2016 - (Extra Ammo) - (Tactikill) - (Pro Screen)
Anti-Titan: MGL Mag Launcher - (Extra Ammo) - (Speedloader) - (Pro Screen)
Tactical: Phase Shift
Ordinance: Firestar
Boost: Phase Rewind
Tier 1: Phase Embark
Tier 2: Kill Report
Execution: Inner Pieces
Pilot Camo: IMC Orange
Primary Camo: Warship Warm
Pistol Camo: Frontier Woodland
Anti-Titan Camo: Frontier Forest
Alpha-X-ray Two-Four-Seven-Four (AX-2474)
Titan: Ion - Normal
Titan kit: Assault Chip
Ion kit: Grand Cannon
Titanfall kit: Dome Shield
Titan Camo: Desert Strike
Nose Art: Laser Stripe
Weapon Camo: IMC Orange
Titan execution: Death Stare
I'll see you next time.