What an entire year this had been.
Eliza didn't even know where to begin, truthfully. Things had gotten off to a flying start with Bradford jailbreaking her from the tank and events had only picked up since then. Overall, things kept getting slightly more absurd and hard to believe-she started drumming up a resistance against the Elders, and now she had an Elder imprisoned on her ship and practically half of her force was alien. Maybe the multiple partners thing didn't help, either.
Speaking of multiple partners... Rodin was currently standing by her side in the Resistance Ring, with a few of his Archons taking up post by the door. She really felt like a queen with this setup-or at the very least, the high-ranking official she technically was. A security detail was nice, especially one as handsome as the Archons. It had taken her a bit to get over the fact that they weren't originally Floaters, but she was glad once she did. Didn't take too much of a brain to see the appeal of having that kind of wall of meat. Or, would that be a wall of metal?
She must've been gawking, as Rodin chuckled, gently puffing out his chest. "I seem to have distracted the Commander from her duties! Shame, I was here to ensure they were carried out."
As Eliza blinked and brought herself back to reality, Virgil-one of Rodin's guard-gently sighed behind them. "My lord, please. Don't infect others with your tendency to get distracted while at work."
"Please! We could all use some leisure even in our work." Rodin half-turned to Virgil. "Besides, I know I can always count on you to keep things running smoothly, hm?"
Virgil pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sir, you are our king. By all rights, you are the one who should be running things, not me essentially puppeting you! I don't know how many times I have to tell you this."
"And I don't know how many times I have to inform you that I see nothing wrong with the arrangement," Rodin said easily. "I am the face of the council, you and the others are the intellect to back it up."
Groaning, Virgil let his hand drop. "I know Izhizha was essentially using you like a talking doll but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to."
The Archon on the other side of the door-Jason, if Eliza remembered correctly-cleared his throat. He must've been one of the natural Archons, as his skin was a rich brown and his metal was dyed blue. "Excuse my interruption, but I think you both are now obstructing Eliza's duties."
At Virgil's defeated sigh and Rodin's grin, Eliza couldn't help but laugh. "As much as I like staring at you boys, Virgil does have a point." She was here to contact Betos regarding a lead the former wanted to give her-and she felt like she knew where that lead was going. She looked back at the controls on the table, punching in Betos's frequency. "Just stand there and look pretty, would you?"
Rodin laughed heartily. "Oh, you hardly need to inform me again!"
Rolling her eyes fondly, Eliza waited as the connection established and Betos was rung. She thought back to the tip on Jane's location and how she'd passed that by Volk and then summarily got an answer from all three of the faction leaders. Were they having a meeting she didn't know about? She was surprised Geist would ever leave the temple and that Volk would host Betos. Ah, well, if Betos was back at her own headquarters, the time must've passed.
Soon the line went through and Eliza straightened into a more proper pose. On the other screen, Betos appeared, sitting at her desk per usual. "Commander."
"General. It's good to see you again. I trust things have been going well for the moment?"
"Your trust would not be misfounded. My kind and I have been busy making preparations for the future-as confidence in winning this war grows, we must think on how we will rebuild in the False Gods' wake."
"Glad to hear someone's thinking ahead." Personally? Eliza didn't know how intact she'd be by the time they got the Elders out of Earth's affairs. She'd pretty much already resolved to take a vacation for a year once they were all done-and if anyone was going to have the chops to rebuild, it was the factions. "And what about you, Betos? I hope you haven't been pushing yourself too hard."
"I take my breaks as necessary, Commander. It would do me, nor my Skirmishers any good to burn myself out."
Eliza gave a semi-nervous chuckle. "I feel like I'm getting called out."
Betos gave a wry smile. "If you believe it applies to you, then perhaps that warrants action?"
"We're working on it. Now, do you mind if I ask about—?"
Eliza summarily trailed off. From the side of the screen entered Volk, wearing a more underclothes-like affair. He was in the middle of saying something Eliza didn't catch as he walked in, but he stopped too as he looked over and presumably saw the live screen.
There was a healthy few moments of silence as Eliza opened her mouth to say something, closed it, then rubbed it with her hand. Finally, she got her words together. "Is there, uh. Was there a meeting between you guys I didn't catch?"
Betos looked pretty flustered, and Volk laughed nervously. "You, uh. You could say that. I think me, Betos, and Geist have something to bring up with you, Liz."
Eliza crossed her arms. She could make a healthy guess. "-so that wasn't a meeting a little while ago."
Volk, to his credit, looked a touch guilty. "Liz, I... it was originally... look. I had meant to bring it up to you. But I was pinning Betos with my chest against her back—"
Betos raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, it was I who was able to pin you."
"Whatever. Semantics. One of us pinned the other, I popped a crafty one, and things kinda snowballed from there. By the time the dust had settled..." Volk sighed. "Things were said and done and I realized just how big a dick move I'd just pulled. I know the terms of our relationship have been pretty open, but I at least wanted to clear it by you, you know? I'm sorry."
Eliza smiled gently, shaking her head. "While I would have preferred you telling me, in this case... I know the people you're getting in bed with, and I can vouch for them. In more cases than one." She then turned her attention to Betos. "What I'm more appalled by is your tastes including Volk, Betos. Seriously? I thought I was the only one with terrible taste in men."
Even though the color quality of the feed wasn't so good, Eliza could still see Betos's face flush orange while Volk sputtered and Rodin laughed. Betos fiddled with some papers on her desk, seemingly to vent her nervous energy. "He... he has proven a wonderful sparring partner. And I admire that. There is also the conviction he holds in his beliefs, the gentle kindness that shows in his minute actions—"
"Hey, hey," Volk interrupted, "if it was just Liz, I'd let you go on all day, but don't blab about everything in front of the Archons."
At her side, Rodin grinned. "Ah, young love. Reminds me of Shazara-Ta's bluster-he's ever so adorable when you catch him out."
"Besides," Eliza said, knowing what she was about to say would really get to Volk, "weren't Elena and Mox doing this before it was cool?"
It had the intended effect. Volk jabbed a finger at the screen. "Hey! I don't wanna hear shit out of you, Ms. I'm Kissing Every Chosen! I know for a fact that if Mox and Elena weren't bumping uglies we'd still get shit for this!"
"More importantly," Eliza mused, "I can't believe Geist's taste in men includes you."
Volk beat a fist on the table. "Eliza, I am personally going to kick your ass the next time I see you."
She laughed, joined by the Archons. The Commander shook her head again. "Ah, I love you, Volk. Back to my original point-you're fine. I'd prefer any new partners brought up ahead of time in the future. Which leads me to my next point..."
"Figures," Volk said fondly. "... I asked them. Betos?"
Betos smiled warmly. "I am honored at the idea of being your partner as well, Eliza. It would please me greatly to know you as a lover."
"And Geist said something similar, and maybe a few things about 'clearing up misunderstandings.' From what I got, apparently the two of you occasionally still butted heads even after Betos and I were cooperating with you?"
"Well, Betos cooperated from the start, the lovely woman she is."
Betos ducked to the side to hide her face while Volk groaned. "Look, I know I was a suspicious bastard at the start, but can you really blame me? Before you went around turning aliens left and right, the idea of reformed ADVENT was a little far-fetched." He sighed. "... ultimately I'm glad it was true, though, even considering how much of a xenophobic old bastard it made me in hindsight."
"Change is a wonderful thing," Eliza assured. "But ultimately, yes. I feel like Geist always cared more than he let on-he sent his oracle and best knight after me after saying his help would be limited. I think he talks a big game-that, or just doesn't know how to say things nicely. Do things nicely, sure." Of course, there was the small matter of what Geist may have remembered of her from back then. Eliza was somewhat hoping his memory had undergone a complete wipe, as potentially selfish as that was. The less people that remembered having to deal with the Old Her, the better. He was different from what he was back then, too, and Eliza had to take a minute to get used to that. Back to the point, though. "-let me run it by everyone else, because as far as they knew before now, Volk was the only faction leader getting in on this whole relationship. I want to clear it by the others, though I don't expect anyone to raise a fuss."
"Still good practice, so I get you." Volk scratched at his stubble. "So, yeah, that's what I wanted to impart. Were you guys talking about something before I came in, or?"
Oh, right. Eliza nodded. "We got awfully sidetracked thanks to you, but yes. Betos, you contacted me regarding another suspicious area one of your satellite camps found?"
"Indeed, and I figured it would be important enough to discuss as close to in person as we could manage." Betos reached for one of the papers on her desk, propping it up to look over it. "According to correspondence I've gotten from them, they've located what was previously an abandoned lab. 'Previously' as in they have noted activity going in and out. It seems as if usage has resumed, and there was an interesting human that they noted."
Eliza's mouth settled into a line. "Vahlen."
Betos blinked a few times. "... according to the physical description you have given us, yes. Has another party already told you, or?"
"Consider me informed. We... well, no way to say this other than we went by a fortune teller recently. Fal-Mai saw herself confronting Vahlen in a rundown lab. I'd be willing to bet the lab your people located would be one in the same."
"Fortune telling?" Volk scoffed. "Liz, thought you'd be beyond that."
She shook her head. "Normally, yes, but when we have an oracle on board whose predictions keep coming true? I'm more inclined to believe."
"I will trust your intuition," Betos responded. "How soon would you be available to scout the location?"
How soon was a good question. They'd been getting more and more glimpses of the UFO on the radar, like it'd switched to actively pursuing them, waiting for the right time to strike. Maybe coming closer to the Skirmisher headquarters would make them delay to gather a bigger force, but did she lead them right to their HQ? Or did she send the Skyranger and divide her forces? If she followed the vision, they could be ambushed while Fal-Mai was away, and Eliza would need to have all hands on deck.
Well, Betos and Volk were involved in the decision, and Rodin might have some insight. Best to make her thoughts clear. "-that's hard to gauge. You guys likely know there's a UFO haunting the skies."
"We've noticed," Betos confirmed. "My technicians say our signal masking should stop them from picking us out from range, but up close is another matter."
"About that." At Betos's concerned look, Eliza went on. "... we. Well. We have good reason to believe there's a live tracking chip in the Avenger." Eliza gave a deep sigh, massaging her forehead. "We recently got Jane Kelly back, but the extraction was too easy, even for the soldiers I brought. Inspection hasn't returned any sign of chip-related scarring, but the tip we got, combined with the timing of the UFO, there's no reason to not believe Jane's at least got a homing beacon in her."
Volk gestured at the screen. "You're smart, Liz, which is why I'm not going to ask 'why haven't you taken it out yet?' So, what's the reason behind that?"
"Jane was responding alright, but she was severely physically weakened. We're seeing about getting a scan ready to at least figure out where the chip is, but... she's in no state for surgery. She'd need about a week or so more of recovery in order to shrug off the operation necessary to extract it-and this is assuming best case scenario and there's no secondary measure regarding the chip being removed." Eliza rolled her wrist. "This is essentially all working up to the fact that I... I don't know how to proceed outside of bunkering down. If I come close with the Avenger for numbers, I risk exposing the both of you. If I send the Skyranger with my operatives, we could be ambushed without them-and at the very least I have to send Fal-Mai." Eliza wouldn't admit she was scared, not in front of all these people. But she was. "What're your thoughts?"
Betos and Volk both got contemplative for a moment, but it was the former who spoke first. "I would not abandon you when I could assist you, Eliza. Your odds are worse with lower numbers, and if XCOM falls... if we were not cut out of the war entirely, we would be on our last legs. You are welcome to shelter here if it means warding off the UFO even for a few more days."
"You're an honorary Reaper, Liz," Volk began, "and I try to make it a habit to not leave my own behind. Not when I can help it. We're currently bedding down in the Skirmisher's area, and I can extend our grounding until you're ready to go. Our combined firepower should at least give them second thoughts."
When Eliza turned to Rodin, he nodded in turn. "It seems the most sound strategy to me. There is strength in numbers, and it would be churlish to decline their help, no? And the more allies to join in a well-fought battle with us, the better."
Eliza sighed. "Ok. I just don't want to call their bluff and have them descend upon you guys. I know the Reapers can just move-it's your guys I'm worried about, Betos."
"We have relocated in the past. While it is not ideal, it is within our means. And perhaps the Reapers could impart their wisdom as to their nomadic ways?"
Volk chuckled. "We can definitely see about that. So don't worry about it, Liz. I'd feel worse if you guys got shot down when we could've done something about it."
The Commander let out a calmer breath. "Thank you two. I don't think I'll bunker down the whole time-I'm not going to choose to drag you guys into it-but we'll land for the duration of the mission. We can be ready to move in a few hours, just need to pack up some of our equipment that's on the ground."
"I know you need to move eventually, but drag us into it all you want." Volk's expression softened. "I'm worried for you, Liz. You and everyone else on that ship. Betos said it like it was-without you guys, we don't stand much of a chance."
"Begrudge the Commander her pride," Rodin said softly. "I can only imagine it seems to her like she is cowering in your combined force. We shall accept your hospitality, but when the time comes, I suspect Eliza will take flight, to carry the potential carnage away from you and yours."
"Rodin's essentially right." Eliza readjusted her gauntlets. "I'll leave once the mission is done. Are we clear?"
Betos nodded. "We are clear."
Volk, however, spoke up again. "Oh, honey? Could you float the idea by Mordenna that I'd still like to talk to him once you guys touch down here? I wanna have a heart-to-heart with him. I feel like I have some explaining and... well, catching up to do."
She nodded. "That I can do. I'll let him know. Anything else?" When the two leaders shook their heads, Eliza reached for the disconnect button. "Alright. The two of you take care of yourselves. I'll be seeing the two of you soon."
With that, she disconnected the call, the room going somewhat dark. Eliza sighed again, slumping. "Thanks for backing me up there, Rodin. I... I really don't want to drag them into this. This is on us. I know it would be them helping us out, but I still can't help but feel I'm going to get them killed. ADVENT knows we at least have the Chosen on this ship, not to mention—" Eliza facepalmed. "Fuck. I forgot to bring up Argus."
"Quite the conundrum. Virgil?"
Virgil nodded. "'My apologies, Volk, Betos, but there was something I wanted to mention in person that I deemed too sensitive to even bring up over communications.' That would be an opener that sweeps your forgetfulness under the rug and masks it as discretion."
Rodin grinned, looking back to Eliza. "He is the head of my council for a reason, always with a smooth answer to my occasional blunders. I trust him with my life and more."
"I appreciate the sentiment, sir, but please think for yourself occasionally."
"And where's the fun in that?"
Eliza rubbed at her mouth. "Say, uh, what's succession like on the Archon homeworld?"
"To boil it down," Jason piped up, "the new king must best the old king in combat."
"Nothing else? Popular election?"
"That's reserved for the council and is why Virgil has held his position for so long." Jason gestured at Rodin. "Far be it to degrade our king, of course. He is still knowledgeable! He simply... believes a fair bit in his council."
Eliza looked back to Rodin. "Explains a lot, but doesn't temper my affection. You're great just the way you are, Rodin."
While Rodin's grin grew, Virgil's expression became desperate. "Please don't swell his ego! He doesn't need the encouragement!"
She laughed, shaking her head. "Ah, I don't think I can take it back now." Still, there were things she needed to do today. Eliza took her datapad from the table and put it back on her belt. "Well, Rodin, I've got a Hunter to talk to and some flying to orchestrate. Care to join me?"
Still looking full of himself, Rodin stood at attention. "Very much so! Please lead the way-and may I say it's refreshing to hear the truth from you?"
As the Archons parted from the door, Eliza stepped out, smirking as she heard Virgil's exasperated groan. It was fun to stir the pot, occasionally.
Well, wasn't it quite the party down in the Shadow Chamber?
Mordenna had originally come down with Julian in tow to see about getting testing started for the XCOM Network. He'd taken the time the night after seeing Argus to vent off his steam coding until his hands at least wanted to fall off. Maybe a night wasn't much to other people, but Mordenna, his lack of sleep, and hilariously wired brain? Progress was booming. Helped that he wasn't coding it from scratch and had a framework-hostile framework, yes, but there was a reason it was able to withstand so many units being connected at once.
Things got a little bit louder when Vix popped in, seeking company. Mordenna happily let her sit in as he coded, entertaining conversation between her and Julian. Then his brother wanted to hang out, and Fal-Mai was with him, one of the huge bean bags from the Studio got involved, and now Mordenna was sitting on the chair he'd brought to code on. Julian was locked in a SPARK crouch, and Vix was sitting between Fal-Mai and Jax. It'd been a hot minute since they hung out like this.
It had also been a hot minute since he launched into one of his terrible, terrible thinking pieces.
Mordenna pointed at Julian. "Next item that is a sandwich: lasagna."
"No. Absolutely not."
"You know the rules, disprove it."
"Well!" Julian threw a hand out. "Isn't that traditionally pasta?"
"Pasta doesn't exclude it from being a sandwich, and the only thing that's pasta about it is the noodle. Pasta's the bread, the meat, cheese, and sauce is the filling."
"But that would make such a mess!"
"Badly-made sandwiches tend to. Didn't say it was a good sandwich. Just that it was."
Jax, perhaps seeking to aid Julian, joined in. "Don't most lasagnas have meat on the bottom as well? If I were employing the traditional sandwich method, which is to convey the food to me between two slices of bread or bread substitute, I do not think I would also want some of my condiments on the bottom of the bread."
Mordenna moved his pointing to Jax. "Excellent counter argument. But you are forgetting that lasagna is layered with the flat noodles, starting with one of the noodles. And before you argue there's cheese on the top: sesame seed buns. Garnishes can exist on top of the sandwich."
Vix kicked her legs. "But isn't lasagna classified as a casserole?"
"Categories can overlap, Vix. But good thinking." He'd figured he'd worked enough today. They had the basis of Julian being able to interface with the Network and govern it, with Mordenna contributing processing power like he used to. It'd be nice to use up the space in his brain that usually went to any number of his mental illnesses with what he used to do. He never hated the idea of being the battery for a Network, just hated Odin forcing him to be the one for ADVENT.
Fal-Mai was petting Rosetta, relaxing back in the chair and smiling. She seemed to think about something for a moment, though. "... is a hotdog on a bun a sandwich?"
Mordenna rubbed his chin. "... no, that's got a closed side, a singular one. I, honestly, would faster classify it as a taco."
Jax sighed. "Oh, by the Void, here we go again."
Mordenna jabbed a finger at him. "You love my needless questions about the classification of things and you know it!"
"And I love you just as well, brother," Jax griped, "but that does not take away from the fact that sometimes I must step back and realize just what we're going on about."
"I, however," Julian spoke, "do not love this discussion. It's incredibly frustrating. It seems as if you are just distracting yourself from your work, Mordenna."
"Among other things," he admitted. Yesterday had been... heavy. Mordenna was still thinking about what he did. He was starting to see why Jax got so concerned about expressing his anger, but ultimately... he wanted to feel justified. Argus chose to do nothing, in a way. Maybe it wasn't much of a choice, but it was one. If they could stop Cronus from killing Jax, why not Mordenna? Granted, for Jax it would've been permanent, but... Mordenna sighed. "Apologies that I'm looking for some mild levity after recent events."
"Don't apologize. I'd just prefer not having to discuss sandwich integrity." Julian readjusted his balance. "You have just seemed... off in a way I cannot describe since we took in that Elder yesterday. I'd just rather discuss it and get to the heart of the problem."
Oh lord, talking about his problems. Why did Julian have to be so direct? It was a good attitude in ways, but still. Mood slightly dampened, Mordenna rubbed the back of his neck, his nano scarf shifting and readjusting. "Yeah, maybe I am distracting myself. Easier than facing the truth. Maybe one day I'll learn it's better to talk about it?"
Jax's expression softened. "Mordenna, if you are still feeling conflicted about yesterday..."
"I mean, I am. I'd like not to be. I'd prefer it to be cut and dry." He sighed. "Elders are ba-I mean..." Vix was in the room. "Look, we know how that statement ends. It was a motto, a mantra. A truth. But now Argus is on the ship and just... they're unlike the others. Cooperative, apologetic, guilty. I'm not a fan! I'm not a fan of it, all told. So yeah, not feeling the best about it."
Fal-Mai sighed empathetically. "I very much understand, Mordenna. As much as I want to hate Argus, they are far too... docile. So accepting of their fate. And..." She looked to Jax. "If what you confirmed with them is true, well, they saved you. And I find it very difficult to maintain my ire underneath that."
"Even as sympathetic as I am to them," Jax said in turn, "I will readily admit that Argus exists in a gray area. Perhaps closer to white than black, but still within the margins. So do we, perhaps, but the scale of the crimes Argus has been party to is much larger. But how much agency did they truly have?"
"Don't start," Mordenna pleaded. "I... I can't really take back everything I said to them. So I want to believe they had some kind of choice, even if it wasn't much of one. I'm at least open to the idea of them helping us out in order to even start to make up for what they've done. Just... yeah."
Julian couldn't really emote, but his silence before he spoke said enough. "If I am to understand the situation correctly, I don't think they had much of a choice at all. Morbid, and... humbling."
Vix turned her head towards him. "Why humbling?"
Julian looked away. "If this Argus went for who knows how many years, forced to commit atrocities and work with the Elders, and came out the other side still wishing to cooperate and fight against them? It... nevermind."
"No 'nevermind's on this ship," Mordenna countered. "You dragged me into talking about what's bothering me, return the favor." He could make a good guess as to what Julian was thinking about, though.
"-fine. It makes me... it makes me wonder why I turned out the way I did. The comparison of time between us is monstrous. And yet I, well. You know." Bitterness crept into Julian's voice. "I'm the one who came out the other side wanting to kill everyone."
In response, Mordenna got up. Julian's head snapped to him as the Hunter walked over, not hesitating in administering a hug. "Hey, look. Argus being the way they are doesn't invalidate the shit you went through, ok? No matter how long they went through it, you went through it too."
"But... you can't possibly say—"
"Oh I am and I will for as long as it takes for you to accept it. You're kinda dealing with veterans of 'trying to get notions into our heads' here, Jules. Don't go beating yourself up because you didn't have it 'that bad.'"
He went silent for a moment, but eventually gave a digitized sigh. "Fine. Ending the discussion for now. I'll talk about it later." Probably in private. Rightfully, Mordenna had pried out more than maybe he should've, especially with an audience.
Speaking of said audience. Mordenna gave Julian a squeeze before standing back up. "Well! To wrap up the previous topic, I'm not getting my hopes up, but I do genuinely hope that Argus turns themself around. And per Julian's wishes, I'll drop the 'sandwich or not' conversation. I don't think I ever got around to asking how you two were doing." Jax had wanted to hang out, but they'd quickly picked up on an unrelated topic of conversation. "I know the last few days, hell, the last few weeks have been slugging us repeatedly, but I'm sure we're doing stuff between the punches, yeah?"
Fal-Mai smiled. "I have been learning hobbies. Benald is an excellent teacher, and apparently I am a wonderful student. He has been steadily teaching me the recipes he knows, and Pattie has been teaching me how to sew. Mostly to fix holes and such in clothing, but a few other techniques as well. I am looking to eventually begin to create." Fal-Mai gestured at him. "And what of yourself, Mordenna?"
"Getting the XCOM Network up and running, mostly. Was working on Vix's bow, but when I mentioned wanting to shift focus, Lily said she'd take up getting it completed. Still want to get my own mask and armor done, but unless I can subcontract to both our engineering team and the Reapers, well. I can't be everywhere at once, unfortunately. And god knows the Reapers would have a heart attack over how much 'alien tech' I'd be shoving in both." Mordenna rubbed at his mouth, looking at the place they'd installed the Gate. "Been also thinking about that Sarcophagus project. Did some examinations on the side since I last brought it up, and... I think I'd have to ask Argus what they used. I don't think there's a way in hell we'll get our hands on the exact compound used, but we can definitely go for a synthetic substitute. Something that'll channel the conduit to the Void well enough that somebody's body and soul could be thrown into it, patched up, united, and then thrown back out. We're working with a far more limited space, too, so it won't be the giant 2001 monolith anymore. Think I'll have to look into a sphere, maybe, just to make it fit. Maybe even groove it for surface space for the—" Mordenna looked back over to his audience, listening patiently. Even if they were listening, he was rambling. "Uh, you get the point. Jax? What about you?"
"Psionic training, both for myself and the Commander whenever I catch her in a spare moment. Which is usually when she is physically training herself." Jax flexed his fingers. "As for myself, I had reached a ceiling, before having Lucifer unleashed. Now I feel as if I have more progress to be gained."
"Oh yeah, where is the handsome fellow?"
Jax smiled fondly. "Taking a nap in my consciousness, though I shall pass the compliment along. I find nothing personally wrong with Lucifer's appearance, though they are self-conscious of it."
Mordenna chuckled, sitting back down in his chair. "I just think he stepped off the front of a metal album cover."
That made Jax snicker, and he shook his head. "I understand the comparison, and it's one a few others have made before. Still, to what I was saying, there was something I wanted to bring by the two of you. I want to train both of your psionics."
The Hunter tilted his head. "What brings this up?"
"A simple want to further my siblings' abilities." After a second, Jax's expression dampened. "And I want the two of you to have everything at your disposal once the UFO arrives."
Vix shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Fal-Mai seemed to take notice, as she put an arm over Vix's shoulders. Once she looked calmed for the moment, Fal-Mai then spoke. "And how would our abilities improve? Outside of making my cloak impenetrable or extending its range, I cannot think of much."
"There is an inherent nature in all psionics." Jax sat up straighter. "And inherent specialties reflected in that. From simple observation, Mordenna's seem to be of misdirection, and yours seem to be of cloaking. Though, perhaps they can be more than that. It is only through training that I would be able to see their true nature."
What would Mordenna do with upgraded powers? He never thought of himself as a psion, really, but if it put more tools in his arsenal he'd take it. "Misdirection" was a broad category. How vaguely defined could it get? Misdirection of eyes, misdirection of bullets at him, misdirection of his own bullets... honestly, Mordenna was curious to know. He looked at his terminal. He'd gotten a lot of progress done. Honestly, he... kinda underestimated Odin's ability to code. It was hostile, yes, but it was competent. He'd be done faster than he first thought-practically just needed to configure it to accept Julian and then he could start the tests. He looked back to Jax. That could wait a little bit if necessary. "Sure. I'm down. I'm gonna be juggling working on the Network, though, but I've got a moment to spare. Interested in seeing where my little party trick of a distraction field goes."
Jax got up, careful of Vix. "Then we shall be anon, yes? The Psi Lab should suit our purposes-and I should discuss with Dr. Tygan if we can use the cells to enhance your powers further."
Julian unlocked from his sitting position, standing up. "I think I'll go for a stroll. I know people likely don't trust me here alone with the server, so off I go."
Mordenna wanted to protest at that, but... it was probably better for all those involved. Still, as he left, Mordenna called after him. "You're welcome to hang out at any time with us, Jules!"
Making a sound of acknowledgement, Julian left. Fal-Mai and Vix stood up, with Vix tottering over to Mordenna. "Could I come with you guys, dad?"
Mordenna smiled. "Absolutely. And by the way—"
He would've gone on about his discussion with Julian, but the door opened. Half expecting him to have changed his mind, Mordenna looked up, witty greeting ready, just to see Eliza walking in. Rodin was behind her, and beyond the door was a few Archons. Mordenna threw up his eyebrows. "Huh! I miss a memo about you being declared queen of the Archons, or?"
Eliza laughed, making the joke worth it by that alone. "Nah, nothing so grand. I just wanted to keep you guys informed on the situation-and pass along a message to you, actually." His siblings stood at attention and Mordenna motioned to go on. Eliza continued. "We'll be landing at the Skirmisher HQ in a few hours, and we'll be there for a few days. While we're there, Betos says her scouts have found an interesting laboratory..."
She meaningfully trailed off, looking at Fal-Mai. Mordenna caught the hint as Fal-Mai nodded. "I will be ready for the mission ahead, and... am looking forward to bringing Vahlen to justice."
"As is deserved," Rodin muttered, an undertone of anger running through his voice.
Eliza gestured to Mordenna. "Second of all, well. Volk's in the area too. He wants to talk and catch up with you, Mordenna."
So Volk was finally making good on talking Mordenna's ear off, huh? Better late than never, and... Mordenna had initially given up on getting anything out of the Reapers about his past. But if Volk was as involved as he seemed to be, perhaps he would be Mordenna's best bet. Hopefully he was willing to divulge. Mordenna didn't want to linger on the past-but knowing about it couldn't hurt. All the people from back then save Volk were probably dead by now. "Good by me. I'll see if I can't sneak a fight in and show the old man's who's boss."
Eliza rolled her eyes, but became serious again by her next statement. "Third order of business, I suppose, and that goes to the three of you... it's also come out that Betos and Geist would like to enter this relationship we've established." Even as serious as she was trying to be, the corner of her mouth perked up in a smirk. "Surprisingly, I'm not the only one with bad taste in men, either, as they're both apparently smitten by Volk?"
Oh, he couldn't help it. Mordenna laughed, trying desperately not to snort. "That-that scans! Boy, I can't wait to give the both of them grief for getting the hots for Volk. That's rich." That joke of a situation handled, there was the actual one at hand. "But, yeah. So you're asking us if that's alright?" Mordenna gestured at Eliza. "Personally, I'm fine with Betos, but hasn't Geist given you trouble before?"
"Apparently the man has a problem with expressing himself properly."
"Fair enough," Mordenna muttered, "but he better get that straightened. If he's nasty towards you I might kill him my damn self."
He then looked to his siblings, offering them their chance at input. Fal-Mai laced her fingers together. "I do not know much of Geist, so I will cautiously observe his behavior. As for Betos... I have trust that she will treat you well. I am accepting of it."
In turn, Jax's eyes shifted to the left. After a moment of consideration-his eyes flashing red as well, perhaps talking to Lucifer-he nodded. "Geist I will vouch for. I feel as if he has your best intentions at heart, even if he finds difficulties getting this across. I am without personal experience with Betos, so I will trust Fal-Mai's decree on the matter."
All three Chosen more or less agreeing, Eliza nodded. "Alright. The concern about Geist is noted, of course-I don't know if I'll immediately move into being an item or anything of the like with him, I also want to get to know him as he is now a little better."
Something nagged at the back of his mind, and Mordenna spoke up. "'As he is now?' That reminds me, wasn't Geist part of the—"
"He was," Eliza almost hastily interrupted, "but... to make a comparison point, that was Tomko, I'm dealing with the Hunter now."
Ah. Memory loss, complete shift of personality. "That scans. Question rescinded." Judging by Eliza's haste in interrupting him, he wouldn't press the matter further. "So yeah. I'll prepare to go get a Reaper welcome-and maybe I can get work started on my armor while I'm down there."
"Glad to hear it. That was about all I wanted to float by you guys. What're you all doing in here, if I may ask?"
Well, Julian wasn't in the room, and Mordenna had new audience members. He grinned, rubbing his hands together. "So, Liz. What do you think constitutes a sandwich?"
Fal-Mai sighed and Jax groaned. This was gonna be great.
Even if they were largely isolated, Argus considered this much better than their previous accommodations.
After all, they could move reasonably freely, and weren't under constant threat of "work or you die." About the only person who was remotely out for their blood was Mordenna, and even then his reasons were fairly justified. Argus was just free to contemplate their situation in their cell. Solitary isolation would've been worse without Ossio, though. Maybe a visit would help.
Quite suddenly, Argus's wish was granted. The door opened, and Argus was startled into standing from their sitting position on the floor, Ossio jumping back into them. Mordenna was on the other side, walking in calmly. He was in more casual clothes this time around, letting the door close behind him before saying anything. "Fine evening we're having."
Argus tentatively nodded. "Fine evening. What brings you here...?"
Mordenna looked somewhat uncertain behind a mask of passiveness, but to his credit, he played it well. "Just some questions. Burning at me too much, so while my siblings are busy with something, I wanted to pop in and ask. Wouldn't kill you if I did, would it?"
It was quite the departure from last time, but it was as if Mordenna himself was aware of that. You didn't quite take back something like what Mordenna did, but Argus wouldn't blame him. "I'd be happy to answer whatever you'd like to ask."
"Good. Good." Mordenna leaned on the wall next to the door. "Got two to start, so I'll start with the longer one first, might tell me if you can handle the second one. Might." He crossed his arms. "I'm looking into constructing our own Sarcophagus for various reasons, most of them as insurance. I managed to take a piece or two of Jax's before we left, and all signs point to you guys using a compound we likely won't be able to produce on Earth. Was the compound you used crucial to the Sarcophagi, or was it simply the best for the job?"
Well, if anyone could recreate the genius of the Sarcophagi, it would be Mordenna. The Elders personally never used them-getting brought back to life was meaningless if you were still at your decrepit state, and especially since they couldn't quite manage the dropoff process hooking them back to life support theoretically. Something that didn't require being hooked back into a tube, such as a Chosen, saw more use out of them. "The best at the time. What was crucial to the Sarcophagi was the conductivity of the metal, in a sense. Something that could allow great amounts of the Void to be channelled through it without too much friction on the material itself. We sourced a material from the Archon homeworld, both because it was renewable and was one of the best candidates for maintaining such a channel directly into the Void."
Mordenna nodded. "So, theoretically, something else would do as long as the strain on the metal used wouldn't be too high?"
"Likely, but managing that is... tricky. Elerium is your second best bet, and we noted the metal known as 'silver' from this planet also harnesses the Void well." Argus thought for a moment. "The pieces of Sarcophagus you have could be used as focal points in the new one, easing the strain by utilizing them almost as vents. You would have to polish them and distribute them evenly, I'd think, but the amount of Elerium you'd need..."
"Does surface area matter, or just volume?"
"Surface area."
"So a grooved, maybe even multi-layered sphere is what I'm hearing."
Argus paused for a moment, then nodded, hands out. "That's... yes. That would greatly improve on the design. Hm. Wish I'd thought of that, would have saved on space."
That got Mordenna to grin. "Work smarter, not harder. Still, anything else that went into the construction of them?"
"Not much else, but as you know, it'll need a Network to connect to those who would be revived. Also the small matter of powering the revive."
"Those two I've got answers for, so no problem there." Mordenna looked a little more at ease. "Alright. Sounds like you might be able to answer my next question. I'm, naturally, looking into replacing my eye. You seem to be a master of all things biological, from what I've heard of your work on the Avatar Project. I'm... actually looking into completely replacing it, rather than regrowing it. You wouldn't happen to be able to help, would you?"
"Of course. I was the one who organized your Sight in the first place." Argus sighed. "Unfortunately, without access to a very specific species the Collective had encountered in their conquests, I won't be able to fully restore it, but the Gatekeeper DNA provided enough in that department. They can see quite enough into the Void. Merging biological components into technology is a little more outside my field, but I estimate that's where you come in?"
"Yeah. Just need to get you down in the Lab or in the Workshop, either way. But as of right now, nobody really wants you out of this room. Not without restraints, of course, but I'm going to need you to be able to at least use your hands in order to collaborate with you. So, psionic suppressors, naturally, and Liz floated that idea by me. I'm going to be working on those right quick so we can work on things together." Mordenna sighed. "... we didn't get off to the best start. And I still mean some of the things I said. But I also meant it when I said I was open to the idea of you turning yourself around. I think... I think I believe you when you say you want to work with us. I know the other Elders haven't made you easy to trust, but it's just the reality of the situation. Just... don't burn me, ok? Don't burn Eliza. It'd be bad enough if it was just me. But she's got the biggest stake in all of this. And if you truly care enough about her that you'd be willing to stall for twenty years for her... then I think you care enough to make her not a liar. Don't prove me wrong."
Argus shook their head. "I wouldn't dream of it, Hunter. And... Thank you for your trust. I know that is not so carelessly given, especially to someone like me. I do wish to work with you on whatever you would have me for."
"Fair, fair. Just let me get those suppressors done so everyone else doesn't rightfully riot." Mordenna rubbed the back of his neck. "I think that's about it. If I think of anything else, I'll come down here to bother you. I've basically got everything but tests of the Network done, but I might have you look over that later, if you know anything?"
"Just Admin integration and testing, really."
Mordenna grimaced for a second, but went back to calmness. "Right, right. Stay sane, Argus. And don't fuck things up for yourself."
With that, Mordenna left the room, leaving the quiet of Argus's cell behind him. Argus hardly needed to be told twice to not burn anyone with their actions or prove anyone wrong for trusting them. They truly wanted to help, to strike back at the Collective that had put them through so much. They'd happily work with the suppressors just to have the chance at doing that.
The door opened again, and Argus half thought that Mordenna had forgotten something at first. But Tygan was the one beyond the door, stepping in. "Afternoon, Elder Argus."
"Please, just call me Argus." The farther they could distance themselves from the rest of the Collective, the better. "But good afternoon regardless." Wasn't it evening when Mordenna came in? Eh. "What brings you to my room?"
"A question or two, and perhaps a request. Could I ask you to keep something secret from Mordenna, first of all? It's nothing malicious, and he'll learn the truth when it's time-it's strictly a beneficial project to him."
Well, beneficial secrets Argus could do. They nodded. "What would you have of me?"
Tygan took his datapad from his hip, presumably opening a file or two. "As you may well be aware, Mordenna has lost his eye to his adoptive father. Lily and I were looking into replacing it for him. We were certain that it was one of the first things he would handle, but... I understand his reluctance to work on it. So we've taken the matter into our own hands. We're almost finished, only requiring some assistance with the more biological aspects of the project. Unfortunately, I've never worked with something such as this before, and the closest Shen has come has been assisting Mordenna with the construction of the Specter limbs."
Ah, right. Argus had noticed Fal-Mai's new arm and its occasionally amorphous nature on some of the security footage before. Mordenna truly was a marvel of an engineer. Truly a shame Odin did not appreciate him more. Still, there was a problem to this. "I'd be more than happy to assist, Tygan, but I have a small problem. Mordenna seems now keen to work on the project himself and was just in here earlier as one of the two things he asked me for."
"Hm." Tygan readjusted his glasses, with them catching the light and hiding his eyes. "A problem, indeed. It would present more of one if Mordenna didn't already have a considerable amount on his plate. The Network, his own armor, Vix's weapon... he has his hands full. I will see about talking to Lily to further distract him-there are always more projects he seems keen to start work on. Perhaps she would have an idea on the matter. Still, I take it you will cooperate with me once you are cleared to leave your cell?"
They nodded. "Absolutely. Would you have anything else of me?"
"Of course. I have another request." When Argus motioned for him to go ahead, Tygan went on. "You may have heard of the Alien Rulers at one point or another. With your propensity towards genetics, I would almost assume you were the one who set them up to be used as cloning templates."
A decision that Argus hadn't been proud of in the moment and was even less proud of now. They winced, but nodded. "That would be another crime on my shoulders, but yes."
Tygan looked up to Argus, the angle making the light in his glasses disappear. "Be that as it may, what's done is done. What matters now is what you can do to assist, and I believe you can. If you've seen the state of them now, you must have clearly thought that they were altered. One of XCOM's former members of staff is to blame, but she is beside the point. Would you, once you can leave this cell, be able to assist me in trying to restore a sense of normalcy for them? Even if we can't fully revert the changes that Vahlen made, the least we can do is reverse or ease what we can."
What a noble goal. Argus clasped their hands together. "I'd be more than happy to assist on that matter. I should be able to help quite well, though I will not go as far as to brag about my skills. I merely think I should at least be able to revert a change or two. The thorns on the Viper King, for one. I haven't seen enough of the others to know what might be wrong with them, but a quick examination should be enough."
"In two of the cases, yes, but we're still making discoveries as to what was altered with Rodin, the Archon King. Overclocking of his systems, for one, and Shen is led to believe Vahlen may have installed some sort of endorphin release system whenever Rodin exerts aggression. Thankfully, if so, it may be damaged and not outputting as much as it should, but..." Tygan sighed. "I digress. I am happy to have your cooperation, Argus. I look forward to it."
"Likewise. You seem to have a very good head on your shoulders, Tygan, and I appreciate your acceptance."
The look Tygan gave Argus was of cold detachment. "Do not mistake my willingness to work with you as acceptance. I will accept you only when you work to make up for the crimes you and the Elders have committed, and no sooner. I only wish to speed that up for your own sake."
Oh. Well, Argus wasn't expecting everyone to be so pleasant out of the gate, but... Tygan seemed to hide it well? If Tygan hadn't said that, Argus would've fully believed he had no qualms with working with Argus. "I... o-of course."
That cleared, Tygan entered a few more things on his pad, then put it away. "With that addressed, I will take my leave. I would like to see about getting a communicator for our mutual convenience. Until next time, Argus."
"Until next ti—" Oh, wait. Something occurred to them. "Wait, Tygan!" Tygan stopped in the middle of turning for the door, raising an eyebrow. "You-XCOM has rescued Jane Kelly, yes? Jane is compromised. There is a tracking chip in her left shoulder."
"Well... we were afraid of that much." Tygan sighed. "I'll let the Infirmary team know of the location of the chip-but unless we can construct a Faraday cage that won't block the signals the beds send and receive to the Avenger systems, such as updates on patient state, or we quickly engineer a temporary wired bed for such a situation and construct a connection in the wall that could accept that wire... well, you can see the issue. Until Jane has recovered enough to withstand a surgery, we... we can only prepare ourselves for the inevitable. I appreciate the warning, but there is little we can do about it."
How vexing, indeed. Argus backed up and sat down on the bed in the cell, withholding their own sigh. "I supposed I should say what I know. I have nothing else to say, Dr. Tygan."
"Then I will resume my leave. Take care-you will surely need it."
With that, Tygan left, and Argus somehow felt more uncertain of their place on the Avenger.
In the wake of everything that had happened so far, a portion of XCOM's unified force reflected in the Commons.
Edgar was arguably the focal point of the room, lounging in one of the recently-made bean bags with Nevermore in his lap. Near him was Dolly, ever so carefully handling one of the ravens, petting it gently. Wiki and Schro shared their own seat nearby, quietly conversing amongst themselves. Other soldiers and even a few aliens were in the room, chatting or lounging, but it was Sherry who walked over to Edgar, sitting on the floor. "Hey, Edgar. Dolly." She smiled at the mutated raven. "Nevermore."
"Von Unadoria!" Edgar spread out his hands. "Always happy to see you, metaphorically speaking."
Dolly withdrew his own hand from the suit, waving in his containment tank. "Hey, Sherry. Good to see you."
Nevermore stopped in his preening, inclining his head towards her. "Good evening, Sherry." The nearby ravens croaked "good evening," some without really looking.
Sherry chuckled, and as it became clear she was going to remain seated, ravens flocked around her. She spared scritches to whoever was in range as she spoke. "Heard you wanted to talk to me, Edgar?"
"Yes, yes." Sherry had long gotten over Edgar's eyes not quite focusing on her as he talked with her. "-I wanted to look into procuring a white cane. The type I would use were I not as psionically gifted. I ought to have a steady indication of my surroundings without Nevermore's help, and tree branches aren't in ready supply on the Avenger..."
Nevermore almost seemed to pout. "You request this as if I do not want to help you always."
"Independence is a good thing, Nevermore, but excuse me if I gave off that impression regardless."
Bracing as a raven flapped up to rest on her shoulder, Sherry then relaxed. "Of course, Edgar. We haven't produced blind canes in a little bit, but there was the need for it a while back for a haven or two. I'll pass the request along to the engineers to get one fabricated-standard length good?"
"Standard length would be well, and all else fails, we can get it resized, right?"
"Hm, not that simple, but an extra blind cane is an extra blind cane. A haven will surely need it, or we can use it as your spare." Sherry went "hm." "I've been hearing rumblings around the scientists about making replacement eyes, probably thanks to Mordenna and Jane. We could include you on that, if you like."
Edgar shook his head. "I will pass. As strange as it sounds, I've grown quite accustomed to being blind. I see plenty well thanks to my ravens and Nevermore. I essentially do not see it as a problem to be fixed, do you understand me?"
"It's your right to choose, so absolutely." Sherry almost batted at her head, feeling her hair getting tugged, but remembered she had a raven up there probably trying to groom her. Eh, she'd fix her bun later, then. "I'll look into more accessibility options around the ship-and before you say I don't have to, I'll remind you of the curb cut effect."
"You just needn't put yourself out for me..." Edgar sighed. "Still, on the topic of the eyes... I am sure Mordenna and Jane will appreciate them-and Rozen, just as well." His mouth pressed in a line, and he began to run his hand over Nevermore. "Further bouncing off-I hate to even think over it, but... I hope we're ready."
Dolly had long since resumed petting the raven in his lap, but he paused again. "Ready for what? Do you mean...?"
Edgar nodded. "O'Leary can try to hide it, but it is no longer a question of if. It is a question of when. I have heard from the soldiers that ADVENT has attempted to launch UFOs in the past, but they'd never been successful. With Jane on the ship, and none of us so heartless to abandon her somewhere in the event of her having a homing device, we have a fight on our hands."
Sherry could hear the room hush for just a moment, as if privy to the conversation. Then Benald made a shot at Pattie nearby and one of the groups laughed, making Sherry feel all the more strange for the conversation. She didn't really want to confront the aliens getting so close, honestly, but to some extent? Sherry felt that Eliza feared it more. Maybe if she had less confidence in the Commander, she'd be more afraid. But she knew Eliza well, and Eliza's fears weren't unfounded.
She reached up, stroking the beak of the raven on her shoulder. "Then it's a fight they'll get. They'll have to pry the Commander from our cold, dead hands. We've got the Chosen on our side, the aliens, robots, the turrets..." She looked out at her friends, the ones that had survived the year of war. "And most of all, us. Everyone who's stuck around because she gave us something to fight for. If not for Eliza, I'd be still trying to find somewhere to survive with March. Would've never gotten the support XCOM offers. Would've never met everyone here. Yeah, I've lost some friends along the way, but... they went out for a good cause. And I'll always remember them. So I say let them try."
Well, Sherry hadn't intended for that to turn into an impromptu speech, but she could tell by Edgar's impressed smile and Dolly's approving nod that she had at least done well. "Couldn't have said it better myself," Dolly concurred, "even if I haven't so much as lost friends as I have people I'm fighting to end this war for. I've got a family to see again, and I'm not stopping until I can go home for good."
"And I've got a future for my omen to clear," Edgar croaked, reaching out to scritch a nearby bird. "So, yes. Let ADVENT come, and let us beat them back! We've a war to win, and all, and they can struggle all they'd like."
Sherry chuckled. "I'll drink to that."
