Arrival
Samus guided her ship towards the docking bay the Galactic Federation installed at the site she had landed at during her first mission to Aether. She swore as she saw the extent of the Federation's expansions to the area, there were even Federation personnel about.
"Shit! You'll have to stay in animal form while we're here," Samus said to Jake.
Don't worry, I actually enjoy using this form. He said into her mind as he took on his quadrupedal form.
Samus stationed herself in the space the controller pointed her towards, ascending through the roof hatch with Jake at her side. A Federation officer jogged towards them as they descended to the ground.
"Welcome back to Aether, miss Aran," he said through his Suit. Samus noted that his voice sounded young, probably a newer recruit.
"Thanks. Can you tell me anything about the distress signal that was sent out?" She asked flatly.
"I haven't been briefed much on it. I only know that it was sent out from the Sanctuary Fortress area and that we haven't been able to reach them since. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the Federation's control area," he said, turning to guide her towards the old Service Access area.
They entered the Service Access, but it had been rebuilt into a steel corridor with controlled access doors leading to the Meeting Grounds and Hall of Honored Dead areas. The young Federation officer led them towards the door to the Meeting Grounds, using a holographic keycard to open it. He led them to a newly constructed space that was similar to command centers aboard the Federation's flagships.
"Samus Aran to Briefing Room three, Aran to Briefing three," a robotic female voice said over the loudspeakers as they neared the middle of the lobby area.
The young officer led the pair to a hallway off to the side, a handful of doors lining either side of the steel walls. He stopped in front of the second door on their left, opening it and ushering them inside.
Samus had been expecting the holographic representations of the local Federation command unit, but she was both surprised and relieved to see U-Mos and one other Luminoth physically present in the room. She and Jake knew that the Federation would snatch him away for experimentation if they discovered Jake's secret, but Samus believed the Luminoth would be more accepting of him. She noticed one of Jake's ears twitch as he glanced at U-Mos, but was broken from her thoughts as the Federation commanders addressed her.
"Samus Aran, thank you for coming to Aether so quickly. What details have you been given on this mission?" Said one of the female command officers, her tone giving Samus the impression that they had been trying to keep the reality of the situation under wraps.
"Only that a distress signal was sent out from the Sanctuary Fortress area and that you've been unable to communicate with them since," Samus replied.
"We have had one communication since the signal was sent, but we believed it best not to reveal it to anyone outside this room. You'll see why in a moment, but I believe you should see the security footage of the incident first," one of the male officers said, confirming Samus' suspicions as he punched in keys that she couldn't see.
A monitor appeared above the table, displaying what looked to be the Sanctuary Temple. All seemed normal until a rift appeared suddenly in the middle of the large chamber, just like the portals that once connected Aether to it's dark half. A horde of Ing swarmed out of the portal, many having taken over enhanced Space Pirates. Samus' blood went cold as she saw one of the Ing infected Pirates dripping a glowing red substance from its jaws. Even Jake couldn't help but snarl at the sight on the monitor as the Ing horde wiped out everything in sight before the monitor went black.
"This was the communication we received shortly after," the same officer said, changing the image on the monitor.
It now showed a Federation officer staring at them as though in a daze.
"Nothing we had could stop them. I don't know what could possibly harm them. Even the Light beam weapons had no effect on these new Pirate/Ing fusions. We lost the Sanctuary Energy Controller. It's only a matter of time before they over-run the whole planet," the officer on the screen said slowly. Samus jumped as he suddenly pulled his sidearm, put it in his mouth, and then pulled the trigger.
"We need to reclaim that Energy Controller before the Ing can bring about the same calamity of our worlds' dual existence," the Luminoth beside U-Mos said.
"I agree. The Ing must not be allowed to possess the Energy Controller. We have already tripled security around the other Control Units," U-Mos added.
"You can count on me, U-Mos. I will help your people in their time of need," Samus said to him, causing both of the Luminoth representatives to bow their heads in thanks.
"We can give you twelve hours to prepare before you set out. We heard that you encountered a Space Pirate frigate on your way here," one of the Federation commanders said.
"Thanks," Samus answered flatly.
"I would ask that you come to the Great Temple before setting out, Samus. We still have the upgrades you previously borrowed, you may need them," U-Mos said to her on his way out.
Samus followed the Luminoth warriors as they exited the briefing room, stopping when Jake bumped her with his shoulder.
They know who and what I am. He said into her mind.
