Warframe Beyond the Origin
ESKK: Well, a new chapter please enjoy it.
(Start Count Dooku)
Count Dooku had departed from the battle as he left his forces to deal with the Tenno/Republic union. This was not what anyone had anticipated to happen save for Somnus of course. Thankfully Somnus was smart enough to cover his wagers and had imparted to him a little tidbit of information for a backup plan. It might take time but all he knew was that Somnus had some kind of ally named Pazuul in the Origin System who might be of aid to the Separatist Alliance.
But it will take a bit of time both with his master and with preparations for such a trip. Coordinates and directions were an immense help in this regard. But for now, as he took his seat on the bridge Dooku prepared for his return trip to Cereno to cut his losses from this battle and continue the war. Still Warframes and Tenno have proven so far to be powerful... perhaps there is a way for them to be of use to the Sith.
(Back in Somnus lair Zed's team)
Zed, Obi-Wan, and Lotus charged down the path as they made their way to the deeper levels of Somnus lair. They soon arrived at a corner when they heard movement causing Zed to draw Nataruk and notch it up. Once that was done, he came out of his hiding spot and aimed it at Titus who had Shedu primed and ready to fire.
"Friendly/Hello!" Zed and Titus both said as they backed off.
"Titus." Lotus greeted catching Titus by surprise.
"Lotus what are you doing here?!" Titus asked as he looked to the Tenno's prime custodian in shock.
"Dealing with a relic of the past." Lotus said as she made it clear why she was here. "Status update." Lotus ordered and Titus got down to it.
"Amar is toast and explosives are being prepped." Titus said and thus Lotus nodded in acknowledgement to Titus.
"Good." Titus said and in turn Lotus moaned a bit as she held her head from a small headache just as Obi-Wan detected Anakin.
"Well happy to see the siblings are ok." Obi-Wan said and thus the group looked and saw Anakin and Akin arrived as well with Stalker in tow.
"Sorry we got held up a bit." Anakin said but was not at all sorry about it.
"Father." Lotus said in a flat tone as she glared at Hunhow showing the pair still had their animosity from each other.
"Daughter." Hunhow greeted back with equal tone to show equal animosity from his traitor daughter.
"Hunhow?" Titus asked surprised by this.
"Akin?" Zed asked as he wanted explanations on this.
"Ask Lotus." Akin said and thus Obi-Wan had to ask.
"Ms. Lotus." Obi-Wan said as this was starting to get a bit ridiculous.
"MARI!" Mari cried out as she popped out from a makeshift vent above them catching them by surprise.
"All we need is Aya and we got the whole team." Akin said and speak of the devil Aya showed up with a Sentient drone with which she was dealing. Taking out AkBolto Prime she unleashed the full clips they had into the Sentient until it fell limp on the ground. Twirling the guns, she holstered them and joined the group when she noticed Lotus and Stalker here.
"Um what's going on?" Aya asked confusion clear in her voice.
"I managed to recruit Hunhow and Stalker to help us deal with Somnus." Lotus said making a long story short.
"Trust me this temporary alliance is simply that, temporary." Hunhow spoke making it clear what was going on here. "Once Somnus is dealt with, as the Corpus would say, its back to business as usual." Hunhow said and thus they can agree to this for now.
"Well small update my Archon escaped." Mari said as Aya nodded to this.
"So, did mine." Aya said and thus it was clear that the Tenno had to deal with three Archons now.
"They'll probably come at us in a group... we'll need to be careful." Zed said and thus they all agreed on what needed to be done.
"We best hurry, the more time we waste on idle talk the more time Somnus has to prepare for our arrival." Hunhow said as he knew how Somnus did things. For all they knew they might be walking into a trap, and they were left with no other choice but to spring said trap.
"Let's move." Lotus said and thus they continued down the path they had chosen.
(Later)
They soon arrived in the largest cavern yet as it was but a chamber away from Somnus's inner sanctum. As they all entered roars and screeches were heard. Looking above the group saw the three remaining Archons standing on ledges awaiting their arrival. Roaring out the three came down to the ground opting them the group to steel themselves.
"This would be a lot easier if Ahsoka was here." Anakin said as he knew three Force Users against Three Force Users would even the odds for them.
"Split up, Lotus, Stalker, and I will handle Tython." Zed began as he had the game plan here. "Akin you Anakin, and Mari take on Nira." Zed ordered giving his friends and their allies their assignments. "Aya, Obi-Wan, and Titus you take on Boreal." Zed finished off and thus everyone had their tasks assigned.
Tython then roared and in turn he and his fellow Archons charged into battle once more. Tython despite his appearance was fast as he was quick. Charging at the Tenno Stalker drew War and blocked the Archon's attack on them this in turn gave both Zed and the Lotus the opening they needed to attack. The Archon saw this and narrowly avoided the duo's attack on it. Igniting the Lightsabers Lotus swung them on the Archon while Zed worked in conjunction with her.
She showed her metal and even though she was originally meant to be a spy and saboteur for the Sentient in the old war she was still a soldier long ago. It took her close to no time at all to figure out the Lightsaber forms as she and Zed were forcing Tython into a corner. Tython backed off from the two only to have Stalker appear and grab him with Hate and using the Spear as momentum flung Tython down causing him to bounce across the ground from the force of the throw.
"Shadow!" Hunhow warned and switching to War, Stalker was able to cleave his way through the massive boulders coming his way. It was then shown that Tython was the one doing it as the Archon hovered in the air while sending his attack out. Stalker was about to cleave another one but instead it was Zed who did it and with a nod to Stalker the rogue knew what to do. Jumping over Zed, who cleaved through the boulder, Stalker threw the throwing daggers Dread at Tython stabbing him in several spots causing him to stop his attack.
(With the battle against Nira)
Akin was seen backflipping away as his groups fight with Nira was well underway. After a fifth flip Akin jumped high into the air and fired off a blast of thunder from his hand. It hit Nira head on causing the Archon a great deal of pain curtesy of the Tenno. Nira of course was not happy about this round but had no intentions of losing this time around. But just as she was about to get her gaze upon them Mari used her AkVasto Prime revolvers and fired at her eyes. This blinded Nira for a moment allowing for Anakin to move in for the attack.
Nira had no chance as the Jedi Knight began swinging his lightsaber at Nira forcing her on the defensive. As the eldest of the Archons tried her best, she made a new plan on the spot. Thus, the snake like archon waited for a moment and in turn managed to force Anakin back with a crack of her whip. She failed to see Akin moving in and throwing a smoke grenade at her. Just as Nira had her gaze ready the smoke bomb went off blinding her.
Anakin turned his Lightsaber off as Akin and Mari ran through the smoke using a hit and run maneuver on Nira. Nira was unable to stop them as the two Tenno kept the attack until the smoke began to clear. Once the smoke was cleared Nira was blindsided by Anakin charging in with his Lightsaber ablaze once more. Nira was forced back before roaring in fury and charging in for the attack once more.
(Over with the Boreal Fight)
Boreal flew across the ground with his trident ready for battle. Obi-Wan despite his age was still well in his prime and with the Tenno's aid was giving Boreal a lot of trouble. Normally much like with Grevious he would have used words to get under their skin. But it seems all the Archons do is roar, lash out, and follow orders given to them.
Nearby Titus fired of Shedu hitting Boreal with the weapon causing it to change direction. Using the chance Aya charged in and with Hall of Mirrors opened fire on Boreal with AKBolto Prime. The several hundred bullets hit Boreal head on causing the Archon pain. Coming up was Titus who came in and began swinging Gram Prime against Boreal. Boreal did his best to block and deflect it but Titus was one who had brute force to fall back on when skill fails.
But just then Titus avoided another attack and bullet jumped away for Boreal. He grabbed Obi-Wan by the arm which he happily allowed before Titus threw the Jedi at Boreal. Once Obi-Wan was close he swung his Lightsaber at Boreal who was hit in the wing losing that appendage to the Jedi. Sliding in Aya and Titus began slashing through Boreal taking several runs to do it as they went to town on the Archon. Boreal then roared and surrounded himself in an orb of electrical power that pushed them away. Titus in response fired off Shedu before that can take hold and managed to hit Boreal in the chest cavity causing the Archon pain for it. Once that was done Titus launched himself at Boreal and flipped over the Archon before grabbing it and pinning it.
"Aya!" Titus called out and thus Aya nodded.
"Master Jedi a lift please?" Aya asked and with a nod Obi-Wan used a Force Push on Aya to fling her directly at the Archon. With her Mirage Prime Aya managed to gras at the Archon and proceeded to tear out its crystal. Boreal of course put up a fight but he was no match for the Tenno. Soon enough his crystal was torn out of his chest and thus Boreal was left a lifeless husk thanks to the Tenno's actions.
"One down two to go." Obi-Wan said as he rejoined the Tenno and had to admit he was impressed with such display of skill and teamwork.
(Back with the Tython Battle)
Zed, the lotus, and the stalker keep the pressure on Tython, but he proven to be better than his other two counter parts as he fought off the three warriors, Typhon seem to be learning their moves able to evade their strikes after taking a few hits himself with his crystal soon glow as it seems it was evolving.
With Zed and Stalker both came at the force user Archons with their heavy swords to attack it at the same time, but at that moment Tython pulled out a katana like handle that was bladeless, as it had a sentient design to it with a rectangle guard going vertical and at an 45 degree angle downwards, as he ignited the weapon as a lightsaber as it has light blue blade going straight with a forward curved at the tip, as that weapon stop both swords in their tracks which surprise them before getting push back.
"What the?" Zed question as The Lotus came in and began to fight Tython with the dual lightsabers but it shows the Lotus could not break the Archons defenses as well, as it blocked and counter against her attacks as well before it pushed her back with a force push as Zed said, "What did Somnus make?"
"It seem Somnus has perfected of creating the Archons, it's able to learn our moves and counter against us while also adapt to the damage we have already inflected upon it," Hunhow said with Zed should have seen this coming as he said, "And no doubt with is force abilities it able to keep learning on how to use it as it fight as well, but even then its adaption can only go so far and its cannot enhance its speed anymore as is."
"What do you suggest Tenno?" Hunhow said with Zed soon transference out from umbra and said, "I'm going to test its limits."
AT that moment Zed zoid sling towards Tython, as it was about to strike down at the Lotus, until Zed phase through it causing to stagger while also void blasting at it, but at that moment Tython used the force to block the attack, as an invisible shield block the void beam.
At that moment umbra came up behind it and stab into Tython. The Archon screamed out before using a force burst that threw them all back. The Tenno and Warframe and the Lotus, who was behind Zed were sent flying by Tython's attack.
Tython soon try to recover its health after that last attack while stalker came down upon it with both hate and war while blocking his attacks while still recovering as Hunhow said, "We shall not be denied!"
Hunhow gave Stalker his power as a dark energy form around him, able to push the Archons back while sending energy slashes at it to hurt it, while it may block with his lightsaber weapon it could not block the brute force behind every attack as it keep getting push back more and more until stalker dash up upon it and slash cross its, sending it across the ground with a large amount of damage inflected upon it.
The Archon then roared out with enough force to send the group flying from it. Hitting the wall, the Lotus fell to the ground in pain yet blocked it off to bring down Tython. That was of course before she noted the dark crystal Stalker had taken from Bogan prior. Seeing this Lotus took the crystal and knew they needed and edge for this. Her maw then began to distend and thus she proceeded to consume the second of the three Khyber Archon Crystals.
Tython was about to go on the offensive once more when it sensed a shift. Looking to the source it saw the Lotus consuming the Crystal of its brother Bogan. Roaring out Tython went after his foe only to be stopped by Stalker.
"Shadow protect Natah!" Stalker ordered as the two fought for a moment before parting ways. Once it was freed Tython made his path towards Lotus to stop her from taking the crystal belonging to Bogan. Acting fast when Zed saw this the Tenno used Transference and grabbed the Archon's right arm and forced it to drop the Lightsaber in in. Following it up was Stalker who did the same to the Archons left arm. The Archon struggled to get free and was about to use the upper body to stop them. But Zed saw this coming and with Transference managed to stop the Archon by grabbing it from behind.
Lotus saw her chance and then proceeded to go for the attack. Tython saw this and snarled before using a burst of strength to force his foes off him. He then fired a beam at Lotus who vanished from sight. Tython felt around using the floating whiskers of its dragon head to locate her. But just then Tython went wide eyed and jumped out of the way from the Lotus who was behind it.
That was a mistake as the Lotus vanished again and appeared right in front of Tython grabbing him by the neck. Lotus glared and thus her maw once more opened wide to which she then proceeded to consume the third and final Khyber Archon Crystal. Tython roared in pain as he tried to free himself, but it was a useless gesture in the end. Falling limp his body came undone as the crystal turned to dust right after.
Stepping over to Zed Lotus helped the Tenno back up and smiled seeing he was well. "That handles that." Zed said as the Lotus nodded to this.
"We must make haste less Somnus is given more time to prepare for us." Hunhow said and thus Stalker nodded in agreement to this.
(Back with the Nira Fight)
Nira was facing off against Mari who was throwing her Orvius at the Archon each blow from her thrown glaive hitting it dead on one after the other. Nira was forced back by her foe as she then snarled and sent her venom at Mari. Mari was hit and using the chance Nira wrapped her whip around the Warframe. The eldest Archon began throwing her about but was then surprised when the line was cut.
Airborne Akin had shown to be the culprit of that as he fired down a torrent of thunder upon Nira. Once he landed Nira went on the attack only for Akin to raise a shield to protect himself and Mari. Jumping over the shield Anakin came in his lightsaber blazing as he went straight for Nira. Her shield was down while her armor was damaged and thus Anakin sliced her hand off causing Nira pain for it. Following it up was Akin and Mari who came down for the kill. Mari tucked behind Nira and forced her to the ground. Anakin jumped in and forced the snake head to stay put by using the Force to crush its neck area.
Finally Akin came and grabbed Nira flipping her over before tearing out her Archon Crystal. Once the deed was doon Nira fell limp and lifeless as her body became undone by the removal of the crystal. Storing the object, the two Tenno and sole Jedi regroup and looked to each other.
"Unbeatable my ass." Mari said as Akin smirked at her words.
"Come on we have one more chamber to enter." Akin said and they were all in agreement on this.
(Later)
The group had managed to rejoin each other as they stood at the steps to Somnus' innermost chamber. There was no turning back now as the group started to enter the final room with the hope to stop Somnus. Unaware to any of them they were playing right into Somnus hands... or so the Sentient would think.
(Inside Somnus Chamber)
The group entered the final room that served as Somnus throne room for lack of better words. As they were inside the room the Tenno had their weapons out ready for just about anything thrown their way. But before anything could be said the entire room lit up revealing the clear viewing area to show Somnus inside still locked away but on the verge of freedom.
"It's ends here Somnus, your apparitions are no more it is time for you to stop." Hunhow said as he knew just how dangerous Somnus is when pushed to a corner.
Somnus in turn began to chuckle as he saw what was going on. "So, I now see where Natah had gained her treacherous tendencies from." Somnus said as he glared at Hunhow. "As the biologicals would say, the apple did not fall far from the tree." Somnus added as the group glared at Hunhow Anakin most of all for what he put Ahsoka through. Sensing what Anakin was feeling Obi-Wan rather try to peacefully end this without any more needless and mindless bloodshed here.
"You have lost, my friend I would suggest you surrender and perhaps the Republic will show leniency to you." Obi-Wan said but Somnus begged to differ.
"Show leniency to me, a Droid from your people's perspective?" Somnus asked almost mockingly. "I think not, and I have hardly failed yet, the explosives materials you put in place will not halt my operations." Somnus responded and thus the group was surprised by this or so it would seem. "Yes, I know your plan I am not dim." Somnus said making it clear he anticipated their movements from the get-go. "But now I suggest you surrenderer." Somnus said and in turn a Sentient Orphix field burst to life causing the Tenno to exit there Warframes which were shut down.
Following it up another set of systems activated and in turn the Tenno were pushed down by a weapon that took their Void Abilities in mind. Anakin and Obi-Wan were shocked by this as Stalker was forced to his knees but Somnus little surprise. Then from up above the Jedi sensed more Sentient drones coming down upon them causing them and Lotus to start fighting back. It was for not as they're adaptive abilities allowed them to grab the Jedi and restrain them as well as Lotus.
"Now then I remember you offered to negotiate, General Kenobi." Somnus said making it clear he would be willing to negotiate terms of Kenobi's surrender. "Natah, Hunhow you shall both watch as I claim victory over both Origin and this new system for the glory of our people." Hunhow said as he smirked to the group. "With the Hyperdrive Technology that this galaxy had created our people will not only bring an armada to conquer both, but we shall at last flourish spawning a brand-new generation of Sentient." Somnus said as he was making the final preparations for his escape. "And with it we shall stand atop the pyramid of creation even higher than any of the old Golden Lords dared to dream." Somnus said showing he had all the cards in this situation or so he would like to believe.
Lotus glared at Somnus trying to think to run the numbers of a way for them to pull a victory. But Somnus had planned everything to a fine detail. Any counterattack they had up their sleeve chances are Somnus had a plan to handle it. By the looks of it Somnus had not learned their true intentions yet, but it was only a matter of time before he does. Hearing a cry of pain Lotus looked to her Tenno and saw that the attack was causing them pain. It might not be able to kill them, but she knew that it was agony for them.
Nearby the Archon Crystals of Nira and Boreal were left abandoned as she knew if she could reach them and absorb them it might give her a second wind. But the Sentient Drones on her made sure that would not happen covering every part of her. No doubt their method to prevent her from tearing her way through them all. Just then Lotus headache return this time with even greater force as she saw the crystals and heard her children in pain.
Her maternal instincts had been triggered again as the Lotus knew that was both a good and bad depending on the situation. The first time they were triggered was when she met the Tenno which led her to betray her people. The second time it happened was when she regained herself during the New War and saw the state her children were in thanks to Narmer driving her into a rage. The third time it happened was when she was begging Ballas to leave Zed be knowing her Tenno was doing all he could to save her.
Just then Lotus felt the pull and with it a voice echoing to her. "Use the Force." The Voice spoke to her mind making Lotus go wide eyed. She did not recognize it, nor did she know how she could use the Force. But her maternal instincts were all but yelling to save her Tenno to save her children.
Just then with struggle Lotus reached out to the Archon Crystals as she dug deep within herself for it. Seeing this Anakin saw what she was doing as both he and Obi-Wan sensed the Force all but singing for Lotus to act. Just then the crystals began to move ever so gently at first until they eventually both flew to Lotus hands. Grabbing them Lotus was amazed by what happened for a brief moment not realizing she had telekinesis but was not going to spit a gift horse. Somnus saw this and was shocked as Lotus acted fast before he could give the order. Consuming both Crystals Lotus used their power to bolster her own and thus with a roar forced the Sentient to get off of her with a roar.
"WHAT?!" Somnus cried out no doubt he had not seen this coming at all.
The drones moved in and acting fast Lotus fired off a beam of Eidolon energy at the drones. The attacks hit each of them head on freeing the Jedi while also taking down the Orphix field. But her Tenno were still trapped and cut off from their Warframes from what she could see was clearly Corpus technology. She will need to have that investigated later but for now she had to focus on the Orphix field.
"Akin!" Anakin called out as he charged at Akin to switch their abilities once more.
"Got it!" He responded as he reached out his hand to Anakin at the edge of the field. Anakin managed to grab Akin's hand and in turn Transferred his Force and traded it for Akin's Void. Once that was done Anakin fired a Void Beam from his hand directly at Somnus while Stalker freed himself. Somnus roared in pain from the Void energy hitting him no doubt it being something he did not anticipate.
"That was for what you to Ashoka." Anakin growled glaring at Somnus in pure contempt while firing the Voice Beam. During this Akin moved and used the Void to free his friends from Somnus little boobytrap.
"Drones defend me!" Somnus ordered and in turn the Drones began to move down hall between this room and Somnus innermost sanctum.
"Kriff." Anakin cursed and thus had an idea as he looked to Stalker who was picking up War. Stalker saw this and saw Anakin had an idea, but he felt he would not like said idea. "Shadow you're a Warframe right?" Anakin asked and thus Hunhow knew what was coming next as did Stalker.
"Do It." Stalker said giving Anakin permission and in turn Anakin used Transference into Stalker of all things. Needless to say, this was not like using Volt Prime. Stalker was like an epitome of darkness as Anakin felt a chill course through him while inside Stalker. Seeing the Sentient Drones Anakin, Hunhow, and Stalker intended to make quick work of them. Igniting his Lightsaber Anakin wielded both War and his Lightsaber in the darkened hall before beginning the slaughter.
The sentient dried their best truly they did but the combined rage of Anakin and Stalker proved to be too much for them. And in turn it reminded them of a horrifying fact of why they feared the Void and the Tenno who uses it. This actually started to force the drones to back off as some even attempted to flee rather than face such a powerful juggernaut.
Of course, those few who chose to flee found themselves to do so in a way that was too little too late. Anakin drew the Dread bow and fired off arrows that sliced into the Sentient killing them on the spot while pinning them to the far wall. He then fired another arrow at the door control which sealed it from inside trapping the Sentient in the room with him. It became a slaughter for the drones who were unable to fight back against such an overwhelming foe.
Somnus saw this and was no doubt enraged by the results and glared at the Tenno and Jedi in contempt. "Even if you break through my drones the bombs you had your cohorts set up will prove useless." Somnus said but Zed smirked when he noted the timer.
"Bombs? What bombs?" Zed asked in a tone that unnerved Somnus. "Do you mean the targeting beacons?" Zed asked making Somnus go wide eyed to this.
"WHAT?!" Somnus demanded as he did not expect that.
(With Cody)
"Sir Beacon set!" Waxer called out as Cody nodded to the Clone. Near them was a large machine that was flashing with life to help the bombardment hit its target.
"Good work." Cody said as their plan had reached the final stage. "General Kenobi all teams reporting in beacons are set!" Cody called into the communicator to show that they were in fact all set up on their end.
(Sanctum of Somnus)
"Good work Cody." Obi-Wan responded as Somnus was wide eyed to this.
"When did you, how!?" Somnus demanded as Zed smirked to this recalling how the plan formed.
(Flashback)
Zed was meeting Obi-Wan privately as the other teams were formed. "General we're not actually setting up bombs." Zed said as he surprised Obi-Wan.
"Pardon?" He asked and thus Zed nodded to this.
"I simply told everyone it was a bomb to throw Somnus off, what we're setting up is targeting beacons. Somnus will be so focused on removing us and bombs that are not there he will never see us coming with an orbital bombardment." Zed explained as Obi-Wan had to admit that a plan like that had a certain genius to them.
"So, you suspected he had eyes on us during the meeting and thus used bombs. I assume the others are being made aware of this?" Obi-Wan asked and thus Zed smiled.
"Absolutely." Zed said as it was clear his forethought would pay off.
(End Flashback)
"As you can see Somnus we played you like you played us." Titus said as they told the Jedi about the actual plan who then informed the Clones of it.
"Not so fun when someone else makes a fool of you." Mari said in a taunting tone to the ancient Strategist.
"Tenno we must leave; the ship is in position to start." Lotus said and thus Somnus was wide eyed focusing his eyes to the outside.
(Outside Somnus lair)
Translating over the planet's surface was a massive Orokin Era battle cruiser that came in. Much of the gaudy gold metal was replaced or painted over but the ship looked as good as it did during the Old War. Now though it was equipped with counter measures to prevent the Sentient from turning it against them. Manning the ship were the varying allies they made back in the Origin System as they were all hard at work preparing to strike. They had their target locked on, cannons were primed and ready to fire, and all they needed was for the Lotus to give her approval.
(Back in Somnus Lair)
"No..." Somnus gasped and thus he glared at his foes. "If I must spend eternity trapped in here... then you will join me in bondage!" Somnus roared and thus drones activated to try and stop them from escaping. Transferring out of Stalker Anakin gasped for breath as he did NOT want to do that again. Never in all his days had he felt such rage and fury and he was still quiet young one might add. Moving over to Anakin Akin grabbed his older self's right hand and transferred their powers back to their rightful owners and thus Anakin and Obi-Wan got to the door.
Working as one the two used the Force to force the door to open as the Tenno freed of the Orphix field and anti-Void weapons were holding the drones off with their Warframes. Soon the doors were cracked open enough for Titus and Akin to move and start forcing them apart further.
"Go! GO!" Titus called out and thus the Tenno were on the move with the Jedi.
"You will NOT Escape!" Somnus roared as the Drones gave chase.
(Scene Break Outside the Cave)
The Jedi and Clones managed to escape as the Bombardment was just about to begin. Many were surprised to find a new ship hovering over the area, but another concern came to mind. "Where's Skywalker and Kenobi?!" Windu asked as they noted the two Jedi Generals, and the Tenno were unaccounted for.
"We don't have time the bombardment is about to begin!" Luminara called out and thus they knew it was time to bail out. In turn the cannons were ready and began to fire down upon the natural fortress. Cannon blasts and laser fire were both heard and seen as the entire area began to go down in a blast of dust.
(With Somnus)
The entire cave was shaking as Somnus saw stone and rock falling down around him. "No! No! NOOOOOOOO!" Somnus yelled as he saw before his many eyes that he was being trapped here much like how Hunhow was trapped.
(With the Tenno)
"Go! Go! Go!" Zed called out as they were zooming to the exit as the entire cave was shaking. As this happened, they saw their window of escape shrinking by the second. It was going to be a photo finish as the entire cave was covered in the dust cloud of the bombardment.
(Back outside)
The bombardment went off for a good 10 minutes before it eventually came to an end and when it did only a dust cloud was left behind. When it was all calmed Windu looked and knew that chances are their allies were gone. But then again with how close they were to the Tenno it might also be that the Tenno were hiding their presence. "Send in a search party see if any of them survived." Windu said and thus the Clone nodded.
"Yes sir." The Clone said and thus headed out to what was effectively ground zero. As the Clone went to gather a search party Windu wondered how this would affect the prophesy of the Chosen One assuming Anakin is in fact the one spoken in it.
(At Ground Zero)
The Clones were seen searching the area leaving now stone left unturned in the search for their allies and leaders. "Anything?" Rex asked as Echo and Fives were on the case.
"No nothing yet, sir." Fives said as Rex nodded to this.
"Keep searching, they have to be here somewhere." Rex said and thus with a nod the two Clones got back to work. Rex grew concerned as this could be very bad for their morale if Anakin and Obi-Wan had both kicked the bucket. So far, they had not found any bodies, but they did find a few remains of Droids and the Sentient Drones. But beyond that nothing concrete to prove that the ones here were alive or not. After all, unless there was a body then chances are they were still alive.
"Hey I have movement!" Came one of Cody's troops as nearby stones were being upturned from something underneath. The Troopers ran over to see who or what it was while the stones were moving. Soon enough they were being lifted off the ground which filled the troopers with hope as to who might be underneath it.
The first to rise was to their shock Stalker and considering he tried to murder a Senator the Clones had their blasters on him instantly. But he then reached down and began to pull something from underneath and much to their relief it was Obi-Wan coughing up the dust in his lungs. Following him up was Akin and Aya who were helping Anakin out of the rubble while Mari and Titus were doing the same for Lotus.
Zed was the last one to get out as they were shown to all be ok. "General!" Rex called out as he ran over to Anakin.
"Easy does it." Aya said as she and Akin handed him off to the Troopers.
"Sir what about him?" Cody asked as Obi-Wan looked and saw Stalker there.
"Let him go." Lotus said as she looked to the Clones. "Let Hunhow sort him out." Lotus said as there had been enough fighting today.
"Well, you heard her." Obi-Wan said and thus the Clones back off from Stalker. The Warframe then vanished into black smoke no doubt to escape into his ship away from those who would hunt him down. Zed climbed out of the hole as he dusted himself off a bit and thus, he saw everything going on. They all made it out alive and well the mission was a success Somnus was sealed and hopefully they prevented another War with the Sentient from breaking out.
"Hope these Republic guys won't call us for a while because I think we all deserve some time off." Titus said as he rolled his shoulders a bit to.
"No kidding." Mari agreed as she could use some time on a beach with a drink in her hand.
"Yeah..." Zed said but something was troubling him which Akin took note of.
"You ok brother?" Akin asked looking to Zed.
"The tech Somnus used... those were of Corpus origins." Zed said as he knew how those worked being on the receiving end of them several times.
"Ok and?" Akin asked as he looked to Zed with concern but had a feeling he knew where this was going.
"Where did Somnus get it from?" Zed asked as that was a very good question to ask.
"Tenno." Cody said and thus Zed looked to them. "Your presence has been requested by the Jedi." Cody said and thus Zed sighed to this.
"They either have questions or rewards, let's go." Zed said and thus took his leave with his team following after Cody to meet with the Jedi.
(Scene Break the Negotiator Medical Deck)
Ahsoka was pushed to emergency surgery to get her healed up during the battle. Thankfully, they got to her in time, and she would make a full recovery. At the moment she was in med resting as Anakin, who also got bandaged up, was sitting next to her bed. Ahsoka cringed a bit as she began to come too. Looking around she saw Anakin on the verge of passing out himself as she smiled to him.
"Hey master." Ahsoka said in a soft yet tired tone.
"Ahsoka!" Anakin gasped and then smiled happy to see Ahsoka was ok. "You're ok." Anakin said happy to see that his Padawan was alive and well.
"Thanks to you." Ahsoka said as she looked to Anakin.
"No, it was my fault I put you in this position if I was more assertive if I." Anakin began but Ahsoka cut him off.
"I accepted the responsibility if anything it was because of me Somnus was able to get the data he could." Ahsoka said feeling guilty for letting Somnus taker her blood.
"Ahsoka it's not your fault he tortured you he..." Anakin trailed off as he was unable to find the words to say it.
"I guess we both made mistakes." Ahsoka said using that as the middle ground.
"I suppose we did." Anakin said accepting Ahsoka's offer for middle ground. "So... how long have you known and how much?" Anakin asked as Ahsoka then looked to the ceiling.
"Ever since the Blue Shadow Virus incident and ever since I wondered how far it went... I suspected it may have been serious enough to call her Mrs. Skywalker but I never wanted to assume." Ahsoka said as Anakin looked down guilty that Ahsoka carried his secret even if he didn't trust her enough for it.
"I'm sorry for not telling you and if you need to tell the Council... I won't stop you." Anakin said as he both confirmed what Ahsoka suspected and accepted his fate.
"Tell them what, how you risked tooth and nail to save a Senator who can bring a peaceful end to the Clone Wars Skyguy?" Ahsoka asked as she had her old fire back now. Anakin in response smiled when he realized that even if he didn't trust her at the time Ahsoka was still going to keep his secret.
"We... have a lot to talk about but for now rest." Anakin said and thus yawned a bit. "I on the other hand need to make a report and then go to sleep myself." Anakin said as it had been a long day for everyone, and rest was much appreciated.
"Alright." Ahsoka responded and thus allowed her mind to drift to rest and recover.
(Outside the room)
Zed was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed as he saw Anakin leave the medical room. He and his team had just finished their meeting with the Jedi confirming that Somnus was no longer going to be a problem. Barriss of course saw this as she was on her way to visit Ahsoka. Seeing Anakin leave Zed was ready to take his leave next, but Barriss stopped him.
"Thank you." Barriss said as she stood there holding Zed's arm. "Thank you for saving my friend." Barriss said and thus Zed nodded to her.
"It was my pleasure and my duty." Zed said and thus took his leave of the area. His words brough a smile to Barriss face as she then entered the room to check in on Ahsoka.
(Later with Zed)
Zed arrived in a small area of the hangers with the Orbiters as Zed found one Orbiter missing and with it Akin. "Hey Zed, so apparently the Chancellor himself wants to give us a medal for our role in the battle." Mari said as she leaned against some freight and put her hands behind her head to relax a bit.
"That's all great and good but we don't normally get stuff like that." Zed said as he knew several Tenno who accepted such awards for political reasons or posture. Zed was unfortunately among those who had to do that since he was the poster child for the Tenno.
"Lotus Okayed it saying it will help build good relations in future situations like this like if Pazuul got his hands on Hyperdrive tech." Aya clarified while researching the holo-net for any possible Sentient sightings.
"So where is Akin?" Zed asked as he finally acknowledged the Thumper in the room.
"Lover boy still has a mission and will meet up with us on Coruscant." Titus said as he then crossed his arms a bit. "Said, he needs to make sure the Senator gets home in one piece." Titus said as Zed knew what this meant instinctively.
"By the Void, dammit Akin." Zed cursed as he hated that Akin thought that he was slick, but the entire squad knew what he was actually up to. "Guess they have that in common also." Zed added as he began to walk off since they needed to meet with the Jedi soon anyway.
(Scene Break Pantora)
Akin managed to escort the Senator back to her home and once there he was invited inside by her. What came next was Akin using Transference and Riyo smiling lovingly at him. They already dove into the rabbit hole so they might as well see where it takes them. Using Frost Prime Akin opted to hug Riyo closely before using Transference in a way similar to when Zed had helped Umbra run Ballas through. But this way he only had his face out and thus the two shared a small kiss.
Akin may have the body of a child but he was an old soldier trapped in said child's body. All the Tenno where it was the curse, they all must experience. But hopefully something good will come of this for the small hope remained in the Tenno that someday somehow, they would be free of this curse of the Void.
(Scene Break Coruscant)
Most if not all of the Tenno had boarded the Orokin vessel and had departed to work on the Relay's construction. The Republic fleet sent to aid the Tenno with Somnus arrived back on Coruscant and once they landed everyone still got to work. Ahsoka was wheeled to the Jedi Temple to continue the healing process and see the extent of what Somnus put her through. This also gave the Jedi a chance to talk to the Lotus as the mysterious leader of the Tenno was ambiguous to them. Not even Anakin had met her, and he had been closest to the Lotus.
So, it came as a surprise when she agreed to the meeting but for her own purposes. They agreed to meet but she only agreed to meet with Yoda, Windu, and Obi-Wan. Her reasons for meeting with them personally was for security reasons. Apparently, there was an incident that had the Lotus kidnapped and brainwashed by an enemy faction known as Narmer. Narmer of course was defeated but their fallen leader was turned into a martyr allowing for them to continue operations. The Tenno have been hard at work to bring down the Narmer remnants.
Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Windu were currently in the now emptied Council Chambers awaiting the Lotus's arrival when they heard the door open. From then they saw the Lotus enter with her Blades, personal bodyguards created from combat data of the best Tenno. Now when she entered the Jedi had expected there to be an emptiness about her but instead what they got was something they did not expect.
Obi-Wan had reported that the Lotus had used the Force which had at the time surprised even her. Anakin had reported the same thing but seeing her here now they had become believers. Two of her Blades stood stalwart outside the door with another two, standing guard inside the chamber. Now whole some Jedi would take offense to this they also knew that the Tenno did NOT want someone abducting the Lotus again and thus had these security precautions wherever she went.
"As I understand you wish to speak with me." Lotus said as she entered the council chamber.
"Yes, we did." Obi-Wan said as he had already informed them of what the Lotus did to save them from Somnus. "First of all, allow me to thank you on behalf of the Republic, without your Tenno I feared we may not have fared as well as we did." Obi-Wan began as he looked to Lotus. "Secondly Master Yoda and Master Windu have some questions for you if you may be willing to answer." Lotus said and in turn the Lotus considered it.
"So long as the question does not involve the Tenno's secrets or some of my own personal secrets I will answer to the best of my abilities." Lotus said with her ever cold tone yet one that meant business at the moment.
"Consumed Khyber Crystal we are told." Yoda spoke as he hobbled over to his seat and sat down. "A unique ability it is, a frightening one to the ill-informed it is." Yoda spoke as Lotus nodded to this.
"That I'm afraid stretches to a personal secret." Lotus said but then sighed to this. "But I shall share it on the promise it is not shared by any of you." Lotus said and thus it was clear she wanted to keep this secret. "It is due to my heritage like Somnus, and Hunhow I too am a Sentient." Lotus said surprising the three Jedi. "My original purpose during the Old War was to infiltrate the Orokin and destroy the Tenno from the inside out." Lotus said which confused them for a moment. Something must have happened for the Tenno and the Lotus to be here.
"Natah..." Obi-Wan trailed off and the Lotus nodded to this.
"Yes, the name I was born under and had long since chanced many times over." Lotus said as she could feel Natah and Margulis inside her mind. Natah's decisive nature and Margulis gentle nature kept each other in check. When love was needed Margulis and her light was strongest, when fury was needed the wicked are punished by the wrath of Natah.
"The void is poison for my people, making the Tenno ideal soldiers for the Old War." Lotus said and thus steeled herself. "When my people, my family had returned to the Origin System from Tau we arrived sterile and barren due to the Voids' power." Lotus said as she then moved her hand longingly to her stomach where the dead womb would no doubt be. "I could never experience the feelings of carrying new life in me and thus was why we had to stop Somnus." Lotus said as she looked the windows where the space port would be located. "With your Hyperdrive technology the Sentient would have been able to send an entire armada to take Origin and this Galaxy without fear of the Void's touch." Lotus said and thus the danger was made clear.
"Breed more of themselves the Sentient would." Yoda said as he knew the Sentient could very well possess such an ability.
"Yes, hence why the secrets of Hyperdrive technology must be kept away from my people myself included." Lotus said knowing if she was ever compromised again then her lacking the information of Hyperdrives would make her useless to the Sentient. "That was why I betrayed my people, when I saw their innocent faces full of hurt and loss I could not go through with my orders." Lotus said and thus it was clear what she did.
"You're desire for children of your own and finding orphaned children caused you to elope as their mother." Windu said as he put the pieces together.
"Yes." Lotus confirmed making it clear that the Tenno were her children. The Orokin abused them after suffering tragedy and loss on both the Zariman and through the execution of Margulis. "I took the image of Margulis to gain their trust and I did but they gained my love." Lotus said as she showed she loved her children, and she would die to protect them from any threat. "But I feel there is more you wish to discuss." Lotus said and thus Yoda nodded to you.
"Yes, a shift within you has there been. The Khyber Crystals you consumed chanced you it has." Yoda spoke as Lotus looked to the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. "The Force touched you it has." Yoda said and thus Lotus looked to him skeptically.
"Impossible I must have possessed some sort of telekinetic ability I was not aware of." Lotus denied as it was clear she did not believe she had the Force. "I will need to run a thorough diagnostic upon myself to properly decipher if that ability was from Ballas or Erra's tampering with my person." Lotus said as she stuttered at the mention of those two names suggesting something traumatic involved with those names. "Regardless the chances I possess the Force is unlikely and improbable, I believe you made a mistake." Lotus said denying the concept she had the Force... or maybe she is denying herself the possibility of what the Force could do.
The Force can be used to heal yes, and the Lotus did not wish to get her hopes up in fear of what it may do to her. She did not want to take that risk she did not want to be made to abandon her children again. "Mysterious the Will of the Force is." Yoda spoke as he looked to Lotus. "A gift it is are few given. Much you endured I sense." Yoda said as the Lotus had been through much. She had been through loss, abuse, fear, and manipulations, by all around from her own family and another. The Tenno were her only salvation and while she has the gift, though she denies it, her attachment to them would not be viewed well for a Jedi.
"Even if I possess this power, I had done my research on the Jedi and I have no intentions of joining your order." Lotus said surprising the group. "If I am to choose the use of this power or my attachments to my Tenno then I will choose to keep my attachments." Lotus said her mind concluded on this decision.
"I see." Obi-Wan said as he would not wish to force her to change her mind after doing so much already.
"That is all the questions we have." Windu said and thus the Lotus nodded and thus the door opened again revealing another Blade holding a box.
"A gift." The Lotus said and inside it was an Orokin Era Tea set. "As I understand a Jedi enjoys tea and quite frankly it was taking up space." Lotus said and thus the Jedi looked at the Tea set. "It will be most welcome in your meetings I assume." Lotus said and thus Yoda chuckled which Obi-Wan joined in.
"And here you are a guest and you're offering us refreshments." Obi-Wan said as the Lotus smiled a bit playfully before taking her leave with her Blades accompanying her.
(Scene Break Senate Building)
A ceremony was underway as it seems that the aversion of the Sentient crisis was a grandiose thing. The fact the Chancellor had set it up was one of note as well. Considering all that the Tenno have done for the Republic as well as averting the potential crisis of the Sentient the Republic was honoring them. The fact they got this Ceremony set up in record time was impressive to the Tenno as they didn't even know they got this big of a reward.
The Tenno were told to dress nice and thus they made sure their Warframes were ready and presentable. Thus, it was here we find Zed using Umbra, Mari using Mesa Prime, Titus using Chroma Prime, Aya using Gara Prime, and finally Akin using Volt Prime as they approached the Chancellor who was dressed well. Nearby was Padme Amidala, Bail Organa, and some of Padme's political allies which Riyo was amongst. Riyo was there as well as she was smiling as Padme also showed a smile as well.
Once they got to the podium Palpatine nodded to the Tenno who stood up straight as the soldiers they were. "The Republic cannot thank the Tenno enough for all that they have done for us in these dire times." Palpatine said as he looked to the Tenno. "They as a Jedi would give so much and ask for nothing in return time and time again." Palpatine said as he looked to each Tenno. "I can only offer a reward and our thanks in this." Palpatine said as his Vice Chair held a box out that had medals in them. "To each of you I offer the Medal of Honor a highest honor given to those who while may not be of our stars or of our Clone Army have shown true honor and admiration to the Republic." Palpatine said and each Tenno lowered their heads so that the medals could place around their necks.
Once the deed was done the Tenno each turned back around to face the crowd of people who all applauded the Tenno showing their thanks the only way that they could. "Heh check it out we're Void damned heroes in two Galaxies now." Titus said with a smirk to Zed keeping their talk on a private channel so no one can hear them.
"Shut up Titus." Zed said and thus Titus pouted to this.
But unknown to the Tenno Padme's smile turned into a sad smile. Padme Amidala had seen what and who the Tenno were underneath their frames of war, and she did not accept it. She had to force the smile she had here because the public needed it but in her private of moment's rage was something building in her. The Lotus as far as Padme was concerned had profiteered off children of tragedy turned them into child soldiers in her eyes. She hoped this war would end soon because right now the Origin System needed help as much as the Republic did. But Padme knew not how to pull it off but for the time being she had to make do with false smiles to assure the people all was well.
(Scene Break that Evening)
Padme was in her office as she was doing the last bit of work that needed to be done. After the ceremony she had gone straight back to work to finish up the last few bits of data work. Another thing she needed done was her side project as well to help the Tenno. Now that her fellow Senator Riyo Chuchi was safe and Somnus had been dealt with she could focus on other matters. Things in the Republic were still varying and regrettably close to no progress has been made to end the war peacefully. In fact, the appalling thing was that the Republic were more focused than ever to gain aid against the Separatists from the Tenno who have remained somewhat neutral preferring to be hired guns more than anything.
Many attempts have been made but the Tenno were adamant about staying neutral. But she wasn't focused on gaining their aid in the Clone Wars. In fact, she was more focused on trying to get those children out of the war both in Origin and their own Galaxy. But every legal method she can think of were hitting brick walls left and right. The only conceivable method was to stoop to the levels of those like Dooku or the Hutt's level and do so behind closed doors. But Padme would never even consider doing such a thing not in this or any lifetime, or at least she used to say that. Children belonged in schools and at home with their families not in the battlefield fighting wars with lives on the line.
She then sighed and rubbed her eyes no doubt she had been losing sleep over this. Somnus was a dangerous threat he and many like him wanted to kill those children. Padme had been careful around the Skywalker pair she wanted to get Anakin's help with this but Akin may prove to be a counter force for this being a Tenno himself. Plus, since he knows the secret of her forbidden marriage, she had to be careful otherwise Akin may become inclined to reveal it should he feel threatened enough. Plus, she did not want to bring Anakin into a conflict of interests.
She then sighed and rubbed her eyes no doubt she had been losing sleep over this. But once Padme set her mind on something there was close to nothing that would stop her. But hope was not all lost for the Senator from Naboo as she had come into contact with an ally of sorts. Just then her screen began to change as Padme sighed to this knowing exactly who it was. Making sure that she was alone and undisturbed Padme answer the call.
"What do you want?" Padme asked with a calm yet slightly annoyed tone.
"I take it that Somnus had failed." The voice on the other end said as Padme sighed to this.
"Yes thankfully." Padme said as she was happy Somnus failed.
"Good and he suspected nothing when he was given the technology needed to hold the Tenno at bay." The voice said as Padme raised a brow to this. This being had managed to hack into her private servers and reveal that he knew information he had no place in knowing. But he claimed they shared a common interest the end of the Clone Wars and the salvation of the Tenno. "My Corpus contact will be happy to hear his investment had paid off." The being said as Padme glared at the screen.
"You could do to cause a little less pain to them." Padme urged but the voice sighed to this.
"I'll pass your complaint onto him." The voice said as Padme nodded to this being. From what she knew the Corpus were War profiteers and she suspected the only reason he was helping was to ensure the Tenno could no longer get in the way of their profit margins. "Project Salvation needs a bit of time to complete doing this under the radar of both Tenno and Republic can be difficult but thanks to your aid getting aid from the Kaminoians has helped to keep us on schedule." The voice said as Padme glared at this being hiding behind a voice changer.
"Yes, plans to re-educate and transition them to a more peaceful life." Padme said wanting to do what she felt was morally right.
"Of course." The being agreed and thus Padme nodded to this. "Was there anything else?" Padme asked hoping he was not asking for more funds.
"No just a report." The being said and thus with a sigh of relief Padme let the tension go a bit. "I'll bid you adieu for the evening until my next report." The being said before ending the call and thus Padme sighed in relief. She hated doing this but what choice did she have? The Republic won't do anything about it until the Clone Wars ended. Even if she tried to convince them the Tenno won't listen, they don't know any better and thus she had to show them a better way. The only way she feared they can be saved is by force and to do that they might need to consider having the Republic fleet move in and take Origin and bring order and stability to such a chaotic system.
"Padme what have you gotten yourself into?" Padme asked aloud knowing what was at stake here and it was not just her career as a Senator.
(TBC)
ESKK: Here you go everyone another Chapter finished and published. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us as we begin the next major Ark of this fic. Now you all know the drill leave a review before leaving and as always ja-ne.