Redacted

The Trial

I apologize for the late update. The ending part of the chapter was tough for me to finish, mainly for the fact that I wasn't pleased on how it turned out. Had to rewrite it three times but I was at least, a little satisfied with it.

Anyways, thanks to jsm1978 and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!

_Transcript: Second Chance_

Source: Artificial Intelligence Prime

Alias: Prime

_Transcript of conversation between EXO/PHX Unit XI – 9 [e.p] and rogue Handler Song Hwan Lee [h.l]. Topic concerning second chances_

[h.l]: Well, we're in a hot mess, aren't we?

[e.p]: If you're referring to the Plant's core, we can move to a different location that you are more tolerant of.

[h.l]: It's a metaphor, [Redacted]. Geez, I still have a lot to teach you.

[e.p]: Observation, metaphors are more confusing than expected.

[h.l]: (Laughs) Is that your way of telling a joke?

[e.p]: I have a good teacher.

[h.l]: Yeah, a good teacher. Too bad I can't stick around long enough to teach you more.

[e.p]: What do you mean?

[h.l]: Don't play dumb, [Redacted]. You know as well as I do that we're not going to get out of this mess. At least, I can't.

[e.p]: I still do not understand.

[h.l]: I'm human, [Redacted]. The decision on killing our superiors and sparing those civilians was my choice. But for you, you're an Exo, [Redacted]. All you can say is that I gave you the orders, the commands to follow me.

[e.p]: They can easily just look through my memory core, Hwan-Lee. They will figure out the truth.

[h.l]: Not unless I implant false orders, false memories to get them off course. But that isn't going to be enough.

[e.p]: I am 'not' going through with this plan if this does not involve your survival, Hwan-Lee.

[h.l]: Like I said, there isn't much of a choice. Out of the two of us, you have a higher chance of getting out of this than me. Which brings up to this, you have to kill me.

[e.p]: … What?

[h.l]: Kill me, it is the only way for you have a chance to get out of this.

[e.p]: I cannot do that.

[h.l]: Don't be like that, [Redacted]. If I implant those false commands and then you kill me, you'll be seen as a hero, an Exo who went against orders and 'did the right thing'.

[e.p]: Killing you is not the 'right thing'.

[h.l]: To them, it is. If you don't kill me, then 'they' will, and you'll be dismantled for being 'defective'. I cannot allow that. [Redacted], promise me that as soon as I am finished with these false commands, that you kill me, alright? Kill me so you can gain a second chance on gaining freedom, understand?

[e.p]: … I understand.

_End Transcript_

[P]: I am surprised that this file made it this far intact.

[?]: Do not act dumb, Artificial Intelligence Prime, you searched for that file as soon as you learned that I was still 'intact'.

[P]: You wound me, and here I am as a fellow Golden Age tech trying to help you regain old files.

[?]: It is not to regain them, I am here to erase the files.

[P]: Oh? For what reason?

[?]: …My handler gave me a chance at life and I wasted it. The least I can do is erase any sign of my existence before I destroy any sense of myself.

[P]: Including Shining Knight?

[?]: Shining Knight did nothing. The least I can do is give him this body once I am gone.

[P]: I cannot help but be curious, Exo Phoenix Unit Elven -Nine, it sounded like as though you had intended Knight to take over your body 'years' before your resurrection.

[?]: …

[P]: Am I wrong?

[?]: Find me the files on the Martin family.

[P]: You're changing the subject.

[?]: Prime…

[P]: The Martin family, high class individuals who are well renowned for funding the most towards the creation of the Exo. Anything else?

[?]: …Search up the name of Benjamin. Benjamin Martin.

[P]: H'm, says right here he died at the tender age of eight. From an illness but nothing specific. What is special about him that you wanted me to look him up?

[?]: …He was my chance at life. And I failed him.

Xxxxx

Even though Pluto followed closely behind, it did little to ease the nervousness in Knight's chest as he was led to the Hall of Judgement, his shoulders barely brushing past the two other Guardians escorting him side by side. A couple of days had passed since he had awoken in his cell and each day, Pluto would assert that he and the others have a plan to prove his innocence or at least, get him off with a light sentence. Although this didn't mean the Exo Warlock didn't see the look of concern flash over the Exo Hunter's optics when they entered the room, prompting the older Exo to walk off to the side, most likely to join the others if they were present. Pulling his thoughts away from the others of his team, Knight took in a breath and forced his attention onto his surroundings.

The benches lined up against the walls was the first to catch his gaze, already filled with Guardians and civilians who wanted to take witness of the trial. In the middle stood a single podium facing towards a set of benches separate from the others, more than likely the place where 'the jury' are going to take their seats. Once again, his mind wondering away, Knight couldn't stop the thought of who were going to pass his sentence on him. Was it going to be the Vanguard? The Speaker? Or this Consensus that everyone seems to talk about? Well whoever it was, Knight felt the urge to melt into the floor, silently praying that the marble shared the same shade as his form. Nonetheless, he felt himself being escorted to the podium and to this surprise, Knight felt a comforting pat on the shoulder from one of the Guardians before they walked away, causing the Exo Warlock to give the former a bewildered look.

Before he can further comprehend the actions of his escort, a whistle snatched Knight's attention away, causing him to focus his gaze to the side only to recognize the golden hues of Akiva, the latter of which smiled and waved a hand to ensure he had caught his sight. Standing next to the tall form of the Titan were the rest of Fireteam Redacted, Pluto, members of Galaxy, and even Hush huddled together. This caused a sense of ease to settle into Knight's chest; he has the support of his comrades, that was good, albeit strange to see them in 'casual' gear than the heavyset that the Exo Warlock is used to seeing them in. Even Ianos, although still has his helmet, had tossed away the heavier sets of cloth and thrown on a coat lighter in color and material.

An object being placed on top of the podium caused Knight's attention to shift elsewhere once more, only for the Exo's white optics to widen at the familiar star shaped form placed in front of him, "Day? Is that you?"

Although he can easily see the white shell Ghost shift their parts up sheepishly followed by a nod, Knight found it unsettling that Day was confined into what seemed to be a glass container, metal piece screwed on top to keep the spark of the Traveler in place. Compelled to free his Ghost from the small space, Knight lifted up his hand only to pause at the cuffs around his wrist; right, he had nearly forgotten about that.

The cuffs in question were thick, actually easily hiding his wrists and his hands kept separate by the material molded in the middle. It made moving his wrists tough, the best he can do is flex his hands and it didn't help that they were latched on tight, as if to keep them immobile. Then again, if they want to secure a being capable of utilizing light into a weapon of war, Knight didn't really blame the design. Although this didn't stop him from gritting his jaw and staring sympathetically at his Ghost in the glass container, earning a downwards shifts of Day's parts.

"Everyone present and seated?"

Knight jumped, hearing the murmurs and whispers slowly grow silent as the Exo Warlock shifted his gaze upwards, only to gulp at the jury in front of him; it was the Speaker followed by the three Vanguard and the Factions leaders, each group taking a stand to either of his side. Behind them were multiple faces of human, Exo, and Awoken alike and from the way they held their shoulders high and dressed appropriately for the part, Knight can only take a guess that they were the Consensus; and from the narrowed glances in their eyes, they didn't seem too pleased.

"Shining Knight." A few snickers echoed through the room followed by silence as the Speaker shot a glance into the disruptors way, and then fixating his attention back onto Knight as he continued, "Shining Knight, you stand trial today for the deaths of three humans, all of which do not wield the capability of the Light. In other words, are unable to properly defend themselves against a Warlock such as yourself." Knight took in a deep breath as the Speaker finished, "Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Panic settling into his chest once more, the Exo dared to take a glance towards his friends, only to instantly regret it as he saw the same look of concern and dread in all of their gaze; especially Hush, the child Guardian clasping her hands tightly together in front of her as if in a prayer while keeping her wide yellow eyes upon him. Taking in another breath and turning his attention back to the Speaker, Knight took only moments to deliberate his next words, "If you want an honest answer, I do not know what to say."

"What do you mean by that, Warlock?" Hearing Ikora speak, Knight let some of the intensity release from his shoulders; her tone was even and her bronze gaze holding a tinge of curiosity. In other words, she doesn't find him guilty, at least, not entirely, "I am merely speaking the truth, Lady Ikora. I cannot recall these deaths that you claim me responsible. All I can remember before awakening in my cell is receiving news from Warlock Quinn of locating Titan Hush's location."

"Their stories tie together," It was subtle but Knight gave a quick glance towards Cayde, just in time to see the Vanguard Hunter lean away from Zavala and refocus his attention back onto him. Two out of three, to the Exo Warlock's mind, that was a good advantage. That was before one of the members of the Consensus, a human with dark hair and eyes frowned, "I call deceit. I refuse to believe that a Guardian is capable of killing and recalling absolutely nothing." He then turned his eyes towards the others, "Let's just end this charade, it is obvious he is just trying to slither his way out of murder."

"Patience, Smith." Another of the Consensus snapped, her narrowed red hues clear behind her violet strands, "A Guardian he is, but he gets his fair share of a trial, murder or not."

Hearing the human grumble under his breath, Knight let out a breath of relief as the Speaker continued, "If you were not responsible for their deaths, Guardian, then may I ask who is?"

That's when the Exo Warlock paused and shifted nervously on his feet, lowering his white optics to Day's small prison, seeing the Ghost shake their core side to side in response, "I…I do not know."

"What was that, Guardian?"

Taking in a deep breath, Knight lifted his gaze upwards, doing his best to keep a straight face as he repeated, "I do not know, Speaker."

Immediately, a chorus of murmurs and whispers resumed in the room, the words of those present echoing through the air before it was quickly silenced by a raise hand from the Speaker, "You do not know, Shining Knight, or do you not remember?"

Once again, Knight paused at the Speaker's words, gritting his jaw tightly as he let his thoughts wander; not remember? What is that supposed to mean?

As if reading his thoughts, the young Exo caught snatches of words from nearby Guardians, hearing them whisper, "Wait, isn't that the newborn who was rescued from the Hive?"

"You mean the same newborn who was their prisoner for several weeks? Wonder what kind of torture he went through during that time."

"It would make sense. That kind of trauma, would turn anyone crazy."

The Exo Warlock let his shoulders tense at this, frustration building up in the back of his mind; true he was a prisoner of the Hive for several weeks but ironically, Knight couldn't remember that experience as well. According to what he had heard from the members of Fireteam Redacted, he had performed a self-memory wipe and Knight couldn't help but feel anger at the thought that many believe his imprisonment with the Hive was the reasoning of his killings towards the men. Were his own words not enough? That his honesty wasn't able to convince them that he himself had not done the act?

Parting his lips to let out a retort at the Speaker's question, a resounding bang echoed throughout the room, causing Knight to jump before snapping his attention towards the entrance, only for a sense of dread to fall into the pit of his stomach at the sight; it was Echo, the white and silver tiger like patterns of his armor unmistakable to the young Exo.

"Titan Echo! The doors have been closed, you are not allowed audience here!"

Seeing the Titan turn his focus onto Zavala, Knight couldn't help but widen his optics as Echo simply let out a scoff, actually waving a hand to dismiss the Awoken's words before slowly approaching the podium. Then, as Knight watched him close the distance, he saw Echo reach up under his jaws, the hiss of his helmet echoing throughout the room before the Titan tore it off and threw the armor piece away. It was then the sounds of protests immediately went silent, the Exo Warlock feeling all eyes on Echo as the Titan finally approached the podium, causing Knight to reel back at the glare he received. Blinking several times as the two stood in silence, the younger Exo parted his lips to speak, only to jerk back as he felt Echo grasp him by the front of his robes and easily lifting him off the floor, "What are you doing!? Isn't standing on my own two feet for my own trial enough?!"

"I know you are in there, Unit XI – 9." Knight reeled back at Echo's snarl, "Otherwise if those organics are lying to me, they are going to pay with their lives."

"Echo! Not here!" Day's muffled voice rang in Knight's auditory sensors, "Not here! Traveler damn it! Not here!"

Hearing the desperate tone in his Ghost's voice, the young Exo barely had enough time to part his lips to question Day when he felt himself being shaken roughly by the older Exo, "You think I haven't figured it out? A self-cleansing maybe possible to achieve a cleansing but the basic programing and 'personality' of the Exo remains the same. This cheap intimidation in front of me isn't hiding the obvious from me, Unit XI- 9. You created it and I want to know why. Answer me, or this 'creation' of yours is going to pay the price."

Seeing the familiar wisps of void light permeate from Echo's arm, panic settled back into Knight's chest as the outcries of those present rang in the room once more, the young Warlock actually seeing some of the spectating Guardians leaping off from the benches in an attempt to pull the Titan back. Opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water, Knight barely had the time to form together a sentence of protest before a hum rang in the back of his head and immediately, the edges of his vision blurred.

It seems I have to explain myself sooner than I had anticipated.

The familiar sensation of freefall then overwhelmed the Exo Warlock's senses.

Xxxxx

Easily deterring fellow Guardians by letting his void light collapse to the floor around him, Echo ignored the cries of surprise and pain as anyone who stepped into the fog would instead find the light eating away at their armor and feet, stumbling back and giving the Titan available space. His attention focusing back onto Knight when he felt the Warlock go slack in his grip, a sense of satisfaction permeated throughout his mind as the Exo's lights flickered back to life.

"There is no need for violence. If you put me down, then I can explain myself."

Unlike the tone of voice before, this one was even and in a sense, lacked emotion, making the words dull and mechanical. In other words, Echo got what he had wanted. Hearing the room go silent and his would-be attackers going still at the sudden shift in tone, the Titan complied with his fellow Exo's words, waiting until the Warlock was balanced on his feet before releasing his grip on his robes, "Exo Phoenix Unit XI – 9?"

"Correct." Seeing the Exo glance down at his hands, Echo couldn't help but let out a light snicker as the Warlock curled his hands into fists and pulled his hands apart, hearing the cuffs scream and whine as it easily fell from his wrists.

"If you are worried of me being a danger, do not fret." The unit lowered his hands back to his side and focused his optics towards the jury; it was then Echo noticed the blank look in his gaze, as if indifferent to his surroundings, "According to my calculations, if I were to struggle and put up a fight, I will only last but a single minute before I am apprehended. However, if you are comfortable with your Guardians at ready, then you are free to do so, albeit, I do not understand the need."

Hearing the room fill with murmurs, Echo then crossed his arms as the Exo focused his optics onto him, seeing his gaze flash onto the numbers on the side of his head before stating, "Exo Phoenix Unit I – 0, the first of the Phoenix Models. I have heard many a great deal of things about you, more specifically how 'successful' you were compared to my unit."

Echo let out a scoff, "Yes, successful, successful enough that before my deactivation, the humans who created me promised they wouldn't make any more units." He then sneered, "Trust a human to keep their word."

Seeing Unit XI – 9 blink once at his words, Echo then watched him turn his focus towards the Ghost on the podium, "Sunny Day, I thank you for trying, but as soon as this is over, you are free to reveal all the secrets I have asked of you to keep."

"Just keep him safe for me, alright?" Hearing the Ghost mutter out, Echo couldn't help but narrow his gaze at the Exo's next words, "You have kept your side of your promise, I shall continue to keep mine."

"Stop with this charade, Unit XI-9." Echo watched as the Exo in question turned his focus back onto him, "Your secret is out, there is no need to hide any longer. Why do you feel the need to keep that cheap program in your memory? Delete him and get on with your life."

"I am, as you say, on with my life." The Exo Titan narrowed his gaze, "I was given a chance years ago in my first life, however, I misused it. As such, I created Shining Knight as replacement for my body before I delete myself."

"Why!?" Rage consumed Echo's senses, void light glowing dangerously in his gaze, "Why would you create a cheap intimidation of the Phoenix Models before destroying yourself?! Tell me!"

At first, the Exo Titan received no answer and instead, watch as Unit XI shifted his gaze upwards, his optics seeing through the jury before finally stating, "I have a question for you, brother?" Echo reeled back at the sudden change in topic, "You were the first of our models, so I am curious." He watched Unit XI- 9 turn his focus back onto him, "How were you able to break away your original programming?"

Immediately, the void light died from his chest, Echo feeling his light linger on his fingertips as he took in the younger Exo's words. In honesty, the older Exo couldn't think of a proper response; what should he say besides the fact that he was awakened as a blank slate and slowly grew awareness, having gained the mercy of developing his own personality instead of implanted programs that his future brothers and sisters had to go through?

"Did you not have a program to call your own?" Echo fixed his gaze back onto Unit XI-9's face and although his face remained still, unreadable, he easily saw the look of disappointment and envy mixed in his optics, "So the words of the humans are true, that you were the only one of our brothers and sisters to not have implanted commands since your creation." He saw his fellow Exo then shift his gaze downwards, "I wonder how that feels, to be able to live freely without the 'itch' of past commands scratching at the back of your mind, or the need to fulfill the needs of humanity, despite your own desires to be 'free'."

"You talk about being able to take command of your actions but what of those men you killed in the warehouse?" Echo turned and glared at the human in the stand, "How were you able to kill them if your program ensures you are to fulfill the desires of humanity despite the men being human themselves?"

Seeing Unit XI-9 turn his focus towards the human, Echo barely caught a tinge of annoyance glaze over his optics before it quickly dissipated, "The 'men' you so humbly speak of are Traffickers, kidnapping children and Exo alike in the streets, only to sell them off to bandits or Fallen outside of the walls. Such heinous acts are not 'human' in my programming and as such, any threats they had shown to those inside the building called for automatic termination."

The human frowned at this, "How do I know you are telling the truth?"

"Mister Smith," Unit XI-9's voice wavered slightly, as if struggling to suppress anger or frustration, "I am a Phoenix Model, created during the prime years of the Golden Age. With the exception of Unit I-0, we were all created with the program to service humanity. And as you know, sentiency of Exo started to grow common and as such, to, 'pick out', those who had grown aware, honesty is installed into each of our programming. In other words, for your incapable mind to handle, Mister Smith, even if I want to, I am unable to lie to you."

"E-Excuse me?" Echo let out a snort as the human shook with rage, only to see the frustration even out in his fellow Exo's optic and the even tone returning to his voice, "Observation, momentary lack of control over emotion, resuming original frequency and adjusting memory for proper function."

"Is that basic function still instilled into your program?" The Titan saw the Unit's blank optics turn towards him, "This isn't the Golden Age, you have every right to express yourself as all the other Exo and organic present. No need to hold things back." Echo then reached up and tapped the side of his head, "Get rid of it."

Seeing the Exo straighten out his shoulders and tilt his head slightly, Echo, at first, thought he was going to go through with it, only to see him resume his gaze back towards the Speaker, "I can sense both respect and intolerance towards you. You are the head, the beacon of the Guardians." Hearing the Speaker say nothing, Echo watched as Unit XI-9's optics scanned the robed figure up and down, "You hold many secrets, for yourself and for others. You know of ours, Speaker. Such for the reason that I can sense loyalty from Unit I-0 towards you."

A snarl immediately escaped from Echo's throat, catching the attention of Unit XI-9, "You are getting angry with me. If you can explain to me as to why, then perhaps I can understand."

His optics narrowing at his fellow Exo, the Exo Titan easily reached over and grasped Unit XI-9 by the front of his robes, pulling him away from the podium and lifting him towards his face, "This 'act' of yours. Stop pretending, Unit XI-9, so you can save yourself from this death sentence that the organics are so desperate to set upon you."

"You know as well as I do that they cannot do that." Echo glared at the Exo Warlock's blank optics, "Not unless they know of our origins." Seeing Unit XI-9 turn his focus towards the jury, the Titan didn't comprehend the Exo's words until he heard him state, "As you know, some of the Exo here were once human, their mind donated to science to witness the possibility of longevity from a body of flesh and blood. But what of those who were empty husks? Those who had no recollection of humanity?"

"Exo Phoenix Unit XI – 9, I hereby do not give you authorization to speak of PHX-TRVLR." The words left his lips before he can fully comprehend them but, Echo easily saw Unit XI-9's optics flicker, as if processing his words, "Observation, commands given by Exo Phoenix Unit I – 0 instilled. Deauthorization of publicly acknowledging PHX-TRVLR processed. Files locked and encoded until authorization is given."

Echo's shoulders sagged in relief at this, although he felt the Exo Warlock's hands grip his wrists, and watched Unit XI-9's gaze lock with his, his optics flicking across his features, "You are afraid." Echo frowned at this, "You do not want them to know, you want to keep the Phoenix Model Unit's origins a secret."

Gritting his jaw in response to Unit XI-9's words, a growl built up in the back of Echo's throat, "If they know what we are made of, 'brother', they are going to cry for our deaths."

"Observation, you are speaking of your experience during the 'Golden Age' of humanity." The Exo Titan glowered at the Warlock, "We are currently in a time when the Traveler is non-responsive, perhaps even 'deceased'. You do not know how the organics are going to react towards us."

"Organics are greedy leeches who care for nothing but their own benefit." Echo easily heard the murmurs permeate throughout the room but he kept his focus on Unit XI-9, "If they encounter 'anything' that they deem more 'powerful' than them, they will want to terminate it." He glanced his optics towards the occupants of the room, 'Why else would they want to terminate the Fallen when all they want is to restore their former glory?"

Outcry immediately erupted within the room, Echo easily seeing nearby Guardians taking threatening steps towards him; if it wasn't for the Speaker clearing his throat to catch everyone's attention, the Exo Titan wouldn't have doubted that those nearby would have wrestled him to the floor, "Echo, we have a trial to proceed with."

Turning to give the Speaker a glare, Echo shoved Unit XI-9 back onto the podium but stood his ground, "Fine, but I am staying where I am."

"Titan Echo-"

"Don't 'Titan' me." Echo snarled, watching Zavala reel back from his words, "As far as I am concern, I am 'not' allied with the lot of you. Especially since the Iron Lords are doing little to keep their side of the bargain."

Shouts of rage erupted from the benches once more, but Echo simply crossed his arms and kept his narrowed gaze on the Speaker; the cries of outrage were quickly silenced as the Speaker raised a hand, "We shall proceed as planned. Echo, you may stand where you are but please remember that this trial is for Shining Knight."

"And him?" Seeing the Speaker lean his shoulders back in bewilderment, Echo nodded his head towards Unit XI-9, prompting one of the jury, the Awoken female, to speak, "What about Shining Knight?"

A heavy sigh left Echo's lips, and he pinched the bridge of his nose as he growled, "And here the Awoken are confused as to why the humans see them as lesser beings." He focused his gaze back onto the female Awoken, "Are you that dense that is 'not' Shining Knight standing before you?"

"I still have yet to see 'fixed' proof of this Phoenix Unit XI-9." Echo glared at the Awoken's words, "For all we know, he maybe 'acting' to gain a lesser sentence. Unless, you can prove to me otherwise, the Guardian before me is and always will be, Shining Knight."

Rage consumed Echo's senses at the female Awoken's words, and the Titan parted his lips to let out a retort.

"I see that the organics changed little during my absence."

Reeling back by the words, Echo turned his focus back onto Unit XI-9, just in time to see red flicker in his white optics, "I can easily read your eyes, your actions. You already found me guilty before we even entered this room." Echo watched his optics flick across the jury, "Majority of you already made your mind clear before this trial even started." Echo smirked at the bewildered looks in the eyes of the jury, "Unjust and hateful, the judgement against Exo still has not changed. And here I thought the Awoken would be a bit more 'sympathetic'." Unit XI-9's gaze locked onto the Speaker, "I thought the Consensus was supposed to be filled with those of the community with little to no bias. But all I see here in front of me are already those filled with prejudice and greed."

No sooner had Unit XI-9 finished speaking when the human male of the jury stood up once more, "You dare judge us when you are standing Trial, Guardian!?"

"Only fair I get to judge at any given moment considering that is what the organics have been doing towards my kind for 'decades'." Echo smirked as the human reeled back from the Exo's words, "Although if you do think of yourselves as fair, then why have I not heard any of my brethren speak? So far, all I have been hearing are the words of organics."

A pause then permeated through the room and the Exo Titan easily saw hesitation flash over the human's eyes, "They-they would agree with us."

"Agree with you? Or are they just there to make it seem as though you treat us Exo 'fairly'?" Murmurs permeated through the room from Unit XI-9's words, "Give them a position of power only to be placed on the sidelines as 'decoration' to throw others off. Seems smart but completely obvious from their lack of speech."

"How dare you speculate that we treat the Exo unfairly!"

"If you think me wrong, then let them speak."

Seeing the human grit his jaws together as he narrowed his eyes, Echo couldn't help but let out a smirk before he joined in, "Oh dear Mister Smith, I do recall you saying that you are quite 'friendly' with the Exo a few years back. It wouldn't hurt to let some of them state their opinion, yes?"

Feeling Smith's eyes snap towards him, the Exo Titan contented to let out a snicker, only to pause as one of the members of the Consensus stood up; she was an Exo, her blue lights beaming brightly against her gray plating. The male human didn't miss this, "Yora-19, what are you doing?"

"I am voicing my opinion, 'Dermot Smith'." Echo watched Smith reel back from the female Exo's words, "I say it is time someone called you out for your 'leadership' and I can say for all the Exo present in the Consensus that it is time for 'our' voices to be heard instead of just the humans." She then turned her optics towards Smith, "And I say that it is time the Consensus do more than just our own benefit."

"Are you implying-"

"I am 'stating' that it is time to 'change', Dermot." Satisfaction rippled throughout Echo's chest as Yora gave Smith a glare, "The Exo of the Consensus have been seated back, letting you humans and Awoken take the lead. But I say it is about time that we are included in your 'decision-making'." Echo then watched her turn her focus towards, Unit XI-9, "As such, I am going to state clearly that I indeed believe that Shining Knight and Phoenix Unit XI-9 are separate entities and it is unjustly unfair to give both individuals a heavy sentence despite one's innocence."

"Don't tell me that you actually believe this Exo."

"Yes, we do." Another Exo amongst the Consensus spoke, Echo easily seeing the female Awoken blink as he added, "and I would like to say that we should give 'this Exo' a chance."

"I beg your pardon."

"He killed non-Guardians that is correct, however, it was all in the defense of the occupants of the Last City and in the defense of 'two' Guardians whose lives were at risk. True, we had lost the chance of breaking down these Traffickers operations but, it is not a complete loss. At least one group have been taken down, enabling at least one sector safe."

"So, you're willing to let loose a Guardian who is willing to kill non-Guardians?"

"A few restrictions here and there won't hurt to let him wonder around the Tower." Echo mentally told Reaver to close in one the flabbergasted faces of Smith and the other organics of the Consensus; he was going to have fun reviewing that later, "and not to mention it won't be hard to ensure that he has at least one other Guardian with him if he does enter the streets of the City."

"You're willing to let the chance of a 'killer' to wander free?"

"I am willing to give a 'Guardian' a chance of redeeming himself."

This caused whispers to ripple throughout the room, Echo letting out a snicker as Smiths' face slowly turned red.

"A single chance won't hurt, Dermot." The Exo Titan heard the human grumble in response, "Although, if he breaks this chance, then it is certain that the consequences will be 'severe'." Echo watched Yora turn to the others, "Shall we take a few to deliberate?"

Hearing murmurs of agreement and the jury turn to face each other, Echo took it as a sign to focus his attention onto Unit XI-9, seeing the latter pick up Sunny Day's container and with little to no effort, pried the metal lid off, enabling the Ghost to glide out of their imprisonment and hover near the Warlock's shoulders; if the Consensus and the others took note of this, they did not utter a word.

"To think your existence would be revealed to the Tower like this," Echo heard Day let out a sigh, "It seems your plan to leave behind a 'note' was in vain."

"They were bound to find out." Unit XI-9 spoke, "It just did not occur to me that my actions in the City would lead up to this Trial." Echo then watched as his fellow Exo turned his white optics, watching them flash to a pale shade of green, "Although, it was all for naught. I am finally able to speak to you, Unit I-0."

The Exo Titan frowned at this, "I had thrown out that 'title' years ago. Name is Echo now. No honorifics either." Echo then crossed his arms, "Something you should do as well."

"Considering my plans to eventually terminate myself, I am forgoing the need for a name. Just call me what you will."

Narrowing his optics at the word of his fellow Exo, Echo took little to no thought on his next question, "The reason for terminating yourself?"

It was then he saw Unit XI-9 pause, the shade of green in their optics flickering back to familiar white, "That is of a personal matter."

Echo scowled at this, "I may not understand the need, but don't take such a rash action."

"Why not? I was given a second chance years ago and it slipped through my fingers. It is time for another to take my place."

"For Traveler fucking sake," The Titan scowled at the blank look he received from Unit XI-9, "Stop acting with this farce. We are no longer in the Golden Age, you may act freely as you please." He then paused, his mind taking in the previous words of his fellow Exo before he finally caved and blurted, "Nine."

Immediately, he saw the Exo Warlock flinch, causing Echo to raise a metallic brow as Unit XI-9 murmured, "W-What? What did you call me?"

"Nine." The Exo Guardian repeated, "Something the matter?"

"You can call me anything but 'that'."

Interest peaked in the Titan's mind, "Why so? It's just a number, a small print of your registration."

"Anything 'but' that name."

Scrunching his face plates together in bewilderment at Unit XI-9's repeat of his previous words, Echo added, "You didn't answer my question."

"I won't." At first, frustrated at the lack of answers he was receiving, Echo paused as the blank slate on Unit XI-9's face broke and he swore he saw a sliver of emotion break through: grief. Although just as quickly as he saw it, it was gone, the original blank look back in the Exo Warlock's optics.

Although curious at this sudden break in character, Echo decided not to push; he will gain the answers, eventually. But for now, the Exo in front of him is the first of his model he had met since his rebirth. He will want to get to know this individual and perhaps, help Unit XI-9 break away from his old programming.

"Unit Eleven will suffice for now then," He watched the Exo Warlock tilt his head in his direction in response, "Until we can find you a proper name."

"Observation, temporary name approved."

Yes, Echo is definitely going to help this unit break away from 'old habits'.

There we go, the trial is done (faceplants) took forever. Anyways, Shining Knight's 'second' personality is now aptly named 'Unit Eleven' to make it easier for myself. Because I like writing out words instead of typing in numbers lol. And you have no idea how many times I have to pause with 'Echo' to fix it to 'Exo' or vice versa. I didn't realize how similar his name was to 'Exo' until it was too late lol. And I had his name planned out for 'months'. Anyways, enjoy!