S1-196
The greatest Golem who ever lived
1:47 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Korj - Angel City District 10: Phoenix Central
Boardwalk (North)
Music
Destiny 2 - The Last City
Another calm day on the Frontier. While Samus headed out with Petra and Ikora for a 'Girl's Day Out', Michael decided to invite Cayde for some bro time out at Phoenix Central.
"I still can't wrap my head around it." Cayde stated, taking another sip of his Starbucks hot chocolate. "Dr. Hammond wants to take what he did to my Exo body and turn it into an upgrade for all Exos and Simulacrums?"
"When the IMC finds the Deep Stone Crypt, I'm sure we'll get all the answers we could ever ask for... concerning the Exos." Michael replied.
"True that, brother." Cayde then realized his cup was empty, so he tossed it into a nearby trash can. "Two points." He chuckled. "Any idea where it might be?"
Michael thought about it. "Well, we haven't expended all our options back in Earth's solar system. I don't think Clovis Bray ever reached past Pluto, so..."
"So the search is narrowed down to Earth's solar system. It really is only a matter of time." Cayde then considered a different topic. "So Calus is still grinding down Nessus, right?"
This caused Michael to chuckle. "I was wondering when you'd get curious about the exiled Cabal Emperor." He finished his Pepsi, looking around for a recycling bin.
But a passing 99-40 Frame grabbed the bottle from him. "I'll take care of that."
"Thanks." Michael replied to the Frame before turning back to Cayde. "Anyway, Calus halted that process. His Loyalists are combing the surface for leftover wreckage of the Exodus Black, as well as the remains of everyone who was onboard in case any of them happened to be unrisen Guardians. The salvage is then handed to us for processing. Once Nessus is cleaned, Calus will restart the Leviathan's harvester."
Cayde nodded. "Sounds like a fair deal. You recover the remnants of humanity's past, as well as potential Guardians yet to be woken up, and Calus gets his Nessus-derived royal wine."
"He's also cut the Shadow in on another deal. Calus is delivering Vex captured on Nessus for Death to 'recruit'."
"Might as well get SOME use out of 'em." Cayde saw the Shadow's logic.
As Michael was about to speak, he heard a nearby conversation that caught his attention. Two guys over at another table were talking about something on Frozic. "Did you hear about the infusion meltdown incident?"
"No. What happened?" The other guy wondered.
"Apparently, the Shadow wanted Mark to try and focus his Light into one of Rasputin's massive cannons. But it ended up malfunctioning and going into a cascade meltdown. I don't think the Shadow's gonna try anything like that ever again. And the IMC's most likely gonna be busy fixing it for months at the least."
Michael did not know about that.
"Anyway, I understand why you had Rocco take a vacation for the rest of the year. If Sundance went through anything like what Rocco experienced, I'd probably go off-duty and give my Ghost a vacation too."
The Pilot smiled. "Thank you for understanding, Cayde."
Cayde nodded, then looked over Michael's left shoulder and squinted his optics. "Is that...?"
"What?" Michael looked back, seeing what looked like a Golem... who still had his helmet on. "Who is that?"
"Saint-14...! We thought he died in the Infinite Forest!"
"I have no idea who that is."
It was then that the Golem's voice was heard right behind the Pilot. "You have no idea who I am?!" Cayde chuckled as Michael's eyes widened in surprise.
Michael turned back again. Saint-14 was standing over him. "First I've heard of you." He got up, finding the Golem to be taller. "I'll bet you have no idea where anything is. But I can show you around. Cayde too, if he wants."
Cayde shrugged. "I got nothing better to do. But this is a true honor."
"These 'Elites' helped me fight off the Fallen House of Rain. Then I met them again at the entrance to the Infinite Forest today. And now you offer to show me what this 'Frontier' has to offer?!" Saint-14 laughed. "I accept."
1:56 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Hangar bay 5
Music
Titanfall - OST 02
Touching down in hangar bay 5 of the IMC HQ, Michael and Cayde began Saint-14's tour. "This is the Headquarters of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation. It's the center of all Frontier-wide operations. This is where Pilots like myself spend time while not on missions." Michael then spotted a certain robotic entity approaching the trio. "Oh. Will you look at that. It's the Vice Admiral of the IMC. His name is Spyglass."
Spyglass looked Saint-14 over. "A new Golem? You match an entry in the old City archives. Saint-14. Last seen en route to the planet Mercury following the exile of the Warlock Osiris."
"Yes. And it is a pleasure to meet you, er... Spyglass." Saint-14 offered a handshake. Spyglass accepted the gesture, finding his hand ever so slightly warped afterwards. His Ghost mended it as if it had never happened.
Michael continued onward. "I'm sure you're wondering why we're calling you a 'Golem' rather than a 'Titan'."
Saint-14 nodded. "It has been on my mind. Yes."
"The word 'Titan' was already being used. This way."
2:09 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Titan barracks
Making their way through the halls, Michael and co. entered the expansive Titan barracks, where Titans were stored, mostly with their Datacores uninstalled and hooked up into the IMC's network. "We present to you... the Titans." Cayde announced.
"By the Traveler..." Saint-14 extended his arms outward. "Look at all of them! It's like an army that could crush other armies, both figuratively and literally!"
"And this..." Cayde stood next to a Tone-class Prime Titan. "...is my partner. Chassis number Alpha-Charlie-Echo Two-One-Seven-Two." ACE-2172 was still plugged into his chassis.
The Titan waved. "[Hello. You must be Saint-14. There's been quite a bit of talk about you today. I am ACE-2172; a Tone-class Prime Titan of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation. And Cayde is my official Pilot following the successful completion of protocol 1: Link to Pilot.]"
"Titans establish a neural link with their Pilot. Think of it as a form of biometric authentication." Michael explained. "ACE will accompany Cayde on missions. And the neural link also enables communication without needing a helmet radio. I should know... since I'm linked to 11 Titans."
"Is... that normal?"
Michael shook his head. "Pilots normally link with only one Titan. I just happened to be a... not-so-normal Pilot."
"If you are willing, you may register for induction into the IMC's ranks as a fully certified Pilot." Spyglass offered. "You will be given a new set of Pilot weapons and armor, then linked with a Titan of your choosing, followed by your Ghost being outfitted with a miniaturized version of our shielding technology as a means of protection. I understand you are still new to the Frontier, so once your tour is over, you may come back here to sign up if you wish. It is ultimately your decision."
Saint-14 tilted his head a bit, now thinking on this new choice he has just been given. "A... tempting offer. But not today. My skull will need rest after my tour." Spyglass's only response was a nod in understanding.
2:13 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Black Armory
Music
Destiny 2 - The Black Armory
Michael and Cayde then led Saint-14 to the Black Armory. He seemed to recognize it. "To think the Black Armory remained hidden all this time."
"You know about it?" Michael was surprised.
It was then that Ada-1 approached the trio. "Saint-14. It's been a while."
"That it has, Ada. That it has."
Just then, Ajax appeared. "{Ada, care to introduce me to your old friend here?}"
"By the Traveler...!" Saint-14 took a step back in shock. "You... have a Ghost?"
Ada-1 chuckled. "Ajax here was born during the IMC's Shadowkeep operation on Earth's moon a few days ago. If he never came to be, I wouldn't even be here right now. The Traveler spoke to me... through Michael. It... saved me."
"It spoke... through him?" Saint-14 was increasingly confused.
Just then, the Eye of the Traveler opened. "Saint-14." The Traveler's voice coming from the Pilot's mouth startled the Golem. "It is good to have you back." Michael's mouth curved into a smile as the Traveler chuckled. "I know you must have questions. All in due time. The Frontier is a safe haven. Relax a while. And yes, I did save Ada from certain death. But not before seeing that she was worthy of the Light. I will speak with you further another day. Welcome back." The blue glow in Michael's right eye faded, followed by the Pilot stumbling a bit.
"The Traveler..."
"Big T's just fine. He's sitting up in orbit around this planet; Vez-2."
Saint-14 nodded. "Ah. Those Elites have already brought me to two planets. Demeter. Korj. The Frontier is so expansive. So much larger than Earth's solar system."
Hayden-10 spoke up. "The planet Demeter is the location and namesake of the Demeter refueling facility. The Elites must've stopped there to refuel for another jump. And Korj is the location of our special metropolis: Angel City, which is home to civilians and Guardians. You've already been to the 10th district, which is also known as Phoenix Central. That is the home of the Guardians... with special exceptions."
"Special exceptions?" Saint-14 had become curious. "How so?"
"A sort of subcategory. Guardian-Pilots. Cayde came up with the name." Michael stated. "Guardian-Pilots are either Pilots who were resurrected by a Ghost, like me, or Guardians who passed Pilot certification as some point after their first resurrection."
"Pilot training puts Shaxx's training regiment to shame." Cayde added. "As such, Guardian-Pilots are a lot more serious on the battlefield. More alert. Focused. They could easily wipe the floor with your typical run-of-the-mill Guardian." The Sim-Exo then chuckled. "And don't get me started on their weapons! Those things are designed to get the job done right as reliably as possible! And for you, with your Perfect Paradox shotgun there, I'd say you might go with an EVA-8 Auto, which is also a fully automatic shotgun."
Saint-14 bellowed with laughter. "Such impressive advancements!"
2:32 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Frozic - Clovis Bray Hellas Basin facility
BrayTech Futurescape
Music
Super Mario Galaxy - Ice Mountain
Finishing their tour of the IMC HQ on Vez-2, Michael and Cayde brought Saint-14 to another planet. "Saint, this is the Clovis Bray facility once located in the ice caps of Mars."
"Rasputin is here too?" Saint-14 wondered.
Another voice was heard. "Hooked up to the IMC's defense network." Mark-18 had joined them. "Big Red thought it best to finally deactivate MIDNIGHT EXIGENT once he was settled in."
Saint-14 nodded. "I do not trust the Warmind. But I will take your word for it."
"I assume Ana's still inside?" Michael questioned.
Mark-18 shrugged. "Nah. Big Red and I convinced her to take a vacation. Planet Zaiter."
"The Haven resort? Sweet."
2:49 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Troy
Colony G22
Music
Destiny 2 - The Farm
Bidding Mark-18 farewell, Michael and Cayde brought Saint-14 to what was once the farm on Earth before the planet was cleaned and abandoned. "Look at this place! It is like the old days mixed with the new! And..." He saw the Eliksni. "Are those... Fallen?"
"Not Fallen anymore. House of Judgement. Eliksni. Allies. Friends."
"The House of Judgement? I do not know of them." Saint-14 stated, finally removing his helmet.
It was then that a certain someone showed up. "The House of Judgement was loyal to the Queen of the Awoken. But we fled when Oryx attacked. Now we are at war with the remaining Eliksni who have chosen to try and steal the Great Machine from those who are more deserving. I am Variks, the Kell of Judgement. And those we fight are of the House of Dusk."
"The House of Dusk? They have abandoned their beliefs and honor?"
"Yeah, pretty much." Cayde replied.
Saint-14 looked over the Eliksni around him. Vandals were helping the farmers with their crops. Captains, Shanks, and Blaster Servitors were patrolling the outskirts. There were even some Eliksni younglings, which was something he had never seen before, and they were playing around with the other kids. Even to Saint-14, it looked surreal. "I have watched Fallen burn and pillage entire villages. I've watched Dregs eat children... But them... House of Judgement... If what you say is true, then..." He then saw a Guardian having a friendly conversation another Eliksni. It was Sloane and Misraaks. He heard them chuckle. "The House of Judgement must be smart enough to see no point in trying to take back the Traveler. They were chosen before us. The way I see it... Judgement has stayed true, while all others have become corrupted."
"Frontier-born Eliksni." Michael chuckled. "May they never experience anything like the Whirlwind or the Collapse."
"Amen to that." Cayde replied.
2:57 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Klirix
Zone 18
Music
Metroid: Other M - Main Sector Theme 2
Michael decided to bring the two to a location he hasn't been to in... a long time.
"What is this?" Saint-14 wondered, looking around the facility.
Cayde was just as confused. "Yeah, I've never been here either."
"This is known as Zone 18. It's a recommissioned IMC facility for advanced robotics research." Michael explained. "This was the site of my third mission in the IMC's ranks on Sunday 4th of November in the year 2283."
"That's almost a thousand years ago." Cayde whispered to Saint-14.
Michael chuckled. "It was also here that my team was joined by 10th Gen Pilot Carlos Gaust, and his Atlas-class Titan; Mr. Mortar."
"That's some history." Cayde remarked, genuinely impressed.
As if on cue, an IMC Atlas Titan with a Quad Rocket stepped out from behind a nearby building. Its chassis number was TZ-1636. "[Hello, Michael. Introducing our newest Guardian to where you first met my Pilot?]"
"Hey, Mr. Mortar." Michael waved. "Saint here's getting to know the Frontier better."
"[Ah. I understand. But if you'd like him to learn some history, feel free to let the IMC's network handle that.]"
3:11 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Yixx
IMC Sandtrap facility
Music
Metroid: Other M - Pyrosphere Industrial Theme
But Michael had other plans. He brought Cayde and Saint-14 to another place he hasn't been to... in a slightly longer time.
"Michael, why did you bring us here?" Cayde was questioning Michael's choice in destinations.
"Zone 18 was the site of my 3rd mission, right?"
Saint-14 nodded. "As you've said."
Michael extended his arms out into the air. "This is where it all began. Mission 1."
"Your first mission site...?" Cayde's optics went wide.
"Sunday 7th of October in the year 2283. Went in as a Grunt. Came out as a Pilot. And I had established my first neural link... with Stryder-class Titan SN-6726 A.K.A Vanessa."
Saint-14 nodded, looking over the sandy area. "Your journey as a Pilot in the ranks of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation began here. You must consider it hallowed ground."
Michael shrugged. "Not really. Everyone's gotta start somewhere. This was also my first mission with my former mentor, Dane C Smithsonian. At the time, he was still linked with Atlas-class Titan CZ-9247 A.K.A Jeeves, who later became my third Titan. But I'd... rather not relive Dane's death."
"I just can't believe it." Cayde started. "Your first mission... was here."
"What is this place anyway?"
The Pilot smirked. "This is the Sandtrap facility; a formerly decommissioned refueling facility reactivated after the Battle of Demeter." He chuckled. "That's all I'll say. You can read the archives."
3:18 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Faslorix - Apex Predators HQ
Landing site
Music
Metroid Prime - Tallon Overworld Depths
This time, Cayde had decided on their next destination. "Wasn't this place abandoned?"
"It was." Cayde stated. "But I heard that Dr. Hammond instructed Blisk to reinstate the Apex Predators as an elite faction. Maybe you should look into it."
Just then, Kuben Blisk walked by, seeing the trio. "Oi! Michael! Welcome back to the Apex Predators HQ. The Apex Predators isn't a mercenary group anymore. Now we're a fully-fledged faction for what Zavala called the Nightfall Strike protocol."
"Is... Zavala still around?" Saint-14 wondered.
"He is." Blisk stated. "But he's no Commander anymore."
Cayde then spoke up. "The Speaker's still around. I just haven't seen him since the Red War."
"The Speaker and I have been keeping in contact." Michael said, holding up his PDA. "Ever since Spyglass snuck him out of a Cabal-occupied Last City, he hasn't been back on Earth."
"So... where is he now?" Cayde wondered.
"He's been living in Angel City since his extraction." Michael replied. "We've... checked in every now and then." He then pointed upward. "Big T's been concerned about him."
Blisk turned his head to the side, staring off into space. "Uh-huh. Yeah. Got it. Makes sense, NL. Thanks." He was speaking to his Legion-class Titan through their neural link. "OK. NL just told me that Dr. Hammond's sent out an order to Sarah Briggs. Apparently, he wants her to reinstate the Marauder Corps as a faction for Strike operations." He then chuckled. "I think Dr. Hammond likes the idea of factions for different jobs."
"I have not seen Osiris for a long time." Saint-14 began. "Do you know where he is?"
"My guess? Still on Mercury." Michael shrugged. "The Infinite Forest continues to call to his attention."
Saint-14 nodded. "I see. Wait... You said you were a Guardian. But I have not seen your Ghost."
Michael then took notice of the Ghost floating above the Golem's shoulder. Sundance was also out, floating around Cayde. Blisk's Ghost was with the Apex Predator as well. "My Ghost, Rocco, had a... traumatic experience on Earth's moon, so I had him take the rest of the year off."
"Ah. I understand. If something had scarred Geppetto in such a way, I would also let him take some time." Saint-14 gently cradled his Ghost. "He has become a close friend of mine."
Just then, Michael's IMC PDA rang. "IMC ace Pilot Michael W Johnson speaking."
"Hello, Mr. Johnson." That voice...
Michael's eyes widened. "Dr. Hammond...?"
It was indeed the founder of the IMC. "It's been a long time since we last spoke. I understand you and Cayde are introducing a newly rescued Guardian to the Frontier. Come to planet Yitune. It's about time we met."
3:31 PM
11/29/3273
Planet Yitune
Hammond Robotics Corporate HQ
Music
Metroid: Other M - Title Screen
Michael and Cayde promptly brought Saint-14 to Dr. Hammond's office. A call like that was considered a high honor.
Oddly enough, Michael was exceedingly nervous during the trip. After all, he was about to meet Dr. Hammond; the founder and namesake of Hammond Robotics, and the subsequent founder of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation.
The trio finally entered Dr. Hammond's office. "Saint-14. Good to see you."
"Judging by how nervous Michael has become since your call, I assume this is a high honor." The Exo stated.
"Indeed." Dr. Hammond nodded. "In fact, this is the first time he's come here in his 1,000 or so years of life. Then again, he's spent most of it dead."
Saint-14 looked back at the Pilot. "So to what do I owe this honor?"
"It has come to my attention that you were trapped in the Infinite Forest for an unknown period of time. As such, I feel it best to have you relieved of duty for the rest of the year. After that, you are to report back to the IMC HQ for proper training before you can be cleared for battlefield entry."
"So, I am to rest and train before you will allow me to rejoin the fight?"
Dr. Hammond nodded. "Times are getting complicated. We need all Guardians, Pilots, and Guardian-Pilots to be at their best. This is not a pursuit for glory. This is war. And we need you to be in top shape before deployment."
"I understand."
Cayde spoke up. "When I joined the IMC's ranks, things got more intense than I was expecting. In those battles, there was no room for enjoyment. No time for fun. Gotta get it done. And get it done right."
Regaining his composure, Michael joined the conversation. "I've been an IMC Pilot my whole life. I never found for glory, fame, or fortune. That's not our way. We protect our people. We risk our lives so that they may keep theirs."
Saint-14 faced Dr. Hammond. "Sign me up. I would like to join your ranks."
The IMC Elites have done it! Saint has returned!
And I plan to reintroduce the Speaker into the reader-active part of the story very soon.
See you next time.