09/03/20
This one was a long time coming, I think i'm...80% satisfied with this chapter but if i just keep tacking on more things to it, that won't make me happy. I think it serves its purpose as it should and once you finish the chapter, you'll see what the purpose of it was. Thanks again to everyone for reading as this wild adventure continues. Real talk, this story has the potential to become my longest fanfic ever.
(Noun) The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.
Chapter Thirty One
Time
August 14th, 2056
Two days after Elma, Irina, Frye and Albus returned from their expedition, everything in New Los Angeles changed. For the better.
Kirsty's debriefing at the top of the newly named BLADE Tower went incredibly smoothly. Countless Outfitters and assorted engineers were there for her presentation on what her team had been working on: a network designed to catalog every facet of their new home, the details on how it worked and the depth of what it could uncover and decipher were almost limitless. The information this new network could grant them would do nothing but grow with every day they spent expanding it.
The meeting wasn't all bright however as Kirsty recounted her last moments aboard the White Whale and how some foreign enemy laser destroyed much of the Frontier laboratory. Countless bits of important information regarding the network were scattered across the planet and many of her research comrades were lost in the destruction. She wasn't sure who remained, but if they expanded the network enough they'd be able to read active and inactive Mimeosome signals and finally have an accurate count regarding the losses following Starfall as even now there were too many people who didn't even make it off the White Whale.
In honor of the team lost to the destruction, the unofficial title for the network was now what it would be forever known as: FrontierNav.
The first task Kirsty put the assembled teams to was rush production on the Data Probes, devices that would gather, store, exchange and communicate information from all across the surface of Mira.
While the exact nature of all the creatures of Mira was not yet known, there have been enough engagements to warrant burying Data Probes, thus preventing the larger creatures from knocking them over or destroying them.
"While on that subject, let me propose a quick fix we should have thought of at least a week ago."
Vandham interrupted, all eyes on him.
"These...creatures, the indigineous life on this planet. Let's just give em a blanket term. Indigens."
"Simple and to the point as always, Vandham."
Nagi commented, the head engineer shrugging. Many of the gathered BLADEs simply nodded, a few whispering their acceptance of the name while Kirsty sighed.
"Would have been handy to have that name assigned when I was preparing this presentation."
"I'll consider your feelings next time, Kirsty."
Vandham shouted, the woman rolling her eyes though no one could see them behind her shades.
As the debrief continued, Kirsty highlighted the exact information on how to bury and activate the Data Probes and how to access them through the BLADE Datapads which would be updated to work with the new FrontierNav network, although Kirsty admitted that most of them would have to be traded in for newer models.
"How is progress on the Second Generation Skells going, Jack?"
Chausson asked when Kirsty told them that they would need the Skells to bury the Probes.
"Fantastic! We've got three platoons worth completed and another two in the final stages. All these Skells are now equipped with a transforming vehicle mode. No more getting into fights with every flock of flying Indigens."
Nagi nodded.
"Yes of course, we only need to worry about crashing into every other creature that dots the land."
"Hey! You said the idea was good!"
Vandham yelled, to which Nagi chuckled.
"It is a good idea, I'm simply pointing out a little fact. Let's all try to be a little more careful with this new line of Skells, yes?"
The gathered BLADEs all shouted affirmations and bowed to Nagi who gestured for Kirsty to continue.
Administrative District
All the gathered BLADEs filed out of the Tower and back into the streets where they were planning team composition and what areas they would survey and bury the Data Probes once they were complete. The engineers were on a massive rush job to get the first batch of Data Probes ready for deployment, tomorrow.
Elma stood aside as the many BLADEs continued to spread out around the plaza. It wasn't long after that when the leading figures left the Tower as well.
"Colonel. What did you think of my little presentation?"
Elma turned to Kirsty.
"It went well. We all learned a lot."
"Good, good. That was the hope. Of course there are still other problems my work can't fix. Like our impending shortage of materials…"
Elma sighed. Up until now, the teams had been using spare parts found around the Habitat Unit as well as White Whale wreckage to get their work done. The Outfitters' Hangar had ample supplies that were put there during construction and there was a surplus of spare equipment from that time lying around. But all things considered, it was very limited.
Revamping the Skells, getting the rovers up and running and managing all their weapons and equipment as well as the fabricators was a massive drain on what they had on hand.
"I take it BLADE teams have at least been cataloging what they found out there, even on paper."
Elma nodded.
"Whatever catches their eyes. We've been juggling a dozen jobs at the same time."
Kirsty crossed her arms.
"I don't doubt that...either way, the biggest cheer I got for my presentation was telling the BLADEs that whatever valuable materials they found and brought back for analysis, they would get to name. Haphazard but it's a little motivation."
Elma couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of what names they would wind up giving to the natural materials all over Mira.
"I take it you left out the part where the more analytical professions will stick to their own scientific terms."
Kirsty shrugged.
"Tomato, toh-mah-toh."
Elma fell silent as Kirsty observed the plaza, a frown on her face.
"We could really use the Professor. I don't mean to push but she's brilliant. We all know this."
Elma nodded.
"We do...she would be instrumental but...I can't say when she'll be willing to work on anything."
"Of course."
Kirsty took her shades off, revealing her dull eyes as her frown deepened.
"I watched the lab go up in flames...I saw the bodies of so many of my comrades before I made it to my Lifepod. My nights have been rough, that's why I've been working. Keeps me occupied."
Elma nodded.
"There is a lot of that going on. A lot."
"We're not the best at dealing with our traumas are we?"
Elma sighed.
"Unfortunately not...we should invest in some mental health workers but most of the people who specialize in that field also went through Starfall with the rest of us, I doubt there is a single person who isn't grappling with demons."
"Wonderful…"
Kirsty put her shades back on.
"A fine thank you to your team once more, Elma. Despite everything I am glad to be here."
Kirsty held her hand out, Elma taking it and shaking.
"Glad to have you."
With a sigh, Kirsty began walking away.
"Back to work."
As the woman vanished from sight, Elma looked back towards BLADE Tower to see Nagi, Vandham and Chausson speaking with a smaller group of BLADEs. There was so much to discuss and so much to do.
Checking her datapad, Elma saw several notifications about new arrivals at the MMC including a note of one rather rowdy man refusing to listen to the MMC doctors. Nodding to herself, she put her device away and headed off.
Mimeosome Maintenance Center
"I said I'm fine, I don't have the time to lay around on my ass when we have so much work to do!"
The man tore his arm away from Doctor Bradbury.
"We all know how much there is to do but you have to allow at least one day after awakening before-"
"I know the regulations, I read all the paperwork."
"And you're being absurdly foolish."
The man turned to Doctor Falkan, a stern look on her face as she took a step towards him and placed a hand on his chest, pushing him back and away from the main doors.
"If you're about to lecture me doc, save it. There are far more pressing matters than your pride at stake here."
Iris shook her head.
"You are every bit as terrible a man as I've heard."
Before he could retort, the doors opened and Elma stepped inside. Spotting the man, she let out a long sigh and approached.
"Ivan Birtwhistle."
"Colonel Elma. Do these doctors need you to aid them whenever someone coughs."
Elma rolled her eyes.
"Hardly. Doctor Falkan would sooner lay you flat than allow you to walk out those doors."
Ivan looked at the doctor then back at Elma, a smirk on his face.
"Her? You've read my action reports right Colonel. I may be more akin to a detective or investigator now but I spent years in service."
"As did I."
Iris stated, her voice dropping lower.
"Don't test me, Birtwhistle."
The man's eyes moved from Iris to Elma before he shook his head and walked back towards a bench near several other recently awoken soldiers and staff.
Elma moved closer to Iris, placing a hand on her arm and earning a smile from the doctor.
"When did he get here?"
"Twenty minutes ago. He hasn't shut his hole since."
Elma sighed.
"He's always been like this. Part of his reputation."
Iris shook her head.
"His reputation is as a cold and calculating internal investigator not as a whiny brat."
Elma nodded.
"I meant his personal reputation."
There was some understanding in Iris' eyes. Doctor Bradbury approached and whispered something in Iris' ear. Her scowl gave way to a wide smile.
"Seems a team just came in with a newly recovered Doctor Hope Alanzi."
Elma smiled as well.
"That's great. She's fantastic."
"Pardon me for the sudden departure but I have to go meet with her the moment she comes in."
Elma shook her head.
"Don't worry about it, Iris. I'll keep an eye on Birtwhistle."
Exchanging nods, Elma watched as Doctor Falkan left the MMC and Doctor Bradbury returned to work. Focusing her gaze on Ivan she approached.
"What set you off? Pain? Memories?"
Ivan shrugged.
"All of the above…"
Elma crossed her arms.
"Then you should've just sat quietly and let the doctors treat you. That's their job, Ivan."
"I know damn well what their job is, Colonel…"
Ivan fell silent, his angered and annoyed gaze focused on the floor. Elma looked the man over, Ivan always presented himself so professionally. A perfectly tailored dress suit, tie, sometimes a heavy coat when the weather called for it. Right now however, his clothes seemed old and frazzled, misplaced and torn. There was a darkness under his eyes that implied many things.
"Whatever you're thinking of saying, save it. I have no use for pity…"
Elma sighed.
"After the things you've done Ivan, I have no pity for you."
The man laughed.
"Things I've done...you mean my job? The one you all loved labeling as nothing more than a witch hunt. I'm so tired of explaining it to you in a way that you understand...my work is important. With no rule of law, with no order we have nothing but chaos and anarchy. We can't survive as a people like that and now more than ever on a new world with nothing but our will to carry us forward, we need a defined code or the jackals will start to hunt our sheep."
Ivan refused to meet Elma's gaze as she took hold of a nearby chair and slid it over, sitting down.
"You aren't wrong Ivan...so let me ask you something I've never gotten the chance to ask you."
Ivan turned slightly, intrigued.
"If you really believe all that. Why didn't you punish her?"
Ivan's eyes searched Elma's face, he sighed and turned away once more.
"I take it you're referring to the Corporal."
Elma simply nodded.
"I prefer not to recall the last discussion she and I had in my office. It was between us. Confidentiality, I'm sure you understand."
"I do but...I want to know."
Ivan turned once more, seeing that look in Elma's face told him all he needed to know.
"I see…"
Letting out a heavy sigh, Ivan leaned back in his seat. The expression of annoyance and lack of patience he's had since waking vanished.
"I asked the Corporal...Jaynix...about everything, much like I asked you, Nagi, Kumon, Lyla and Flame...she answered every question I had as I expected her to based on what you all said."
Elma nodded, remaining silent as Ivan continued.
"I could see the love, adoration, admiration and all that she held for her mother, her father and her sister. For the life she got to live with them however short it was. She told me nothing but good things about her family. About her life growing up and how much all of it meant to her."
Elma thought back to that day in the park with the young fiery girl who she didn't even ask for a name.
"I don't know how else to say it without sounding a fool but Jaynix loved her life...then one man stepped in and took almost everything from her in one day. No. Mere hours. Everything she cherished was gone."
Ivan sighed.
"Thinking she'd react in any other way was foolish."
The man reached into his pockets, possibly looking for a smoke or a flask but found none. No doubt having been taken by the MMC staff. Shaking his head, he continued.
"She gave me the answer I wanted in the end. She knew the order. Knew the rules. Knew everything. But she decided over a decade ago that the moment she had a chance to snuff that man's life out...she would. So she did. Consequences be damned..."
Ivan studied Elma before him, she had closed her eyes to imagine the scene. To imagine Jaynix saying all of those things with that fire in her eyes, the confidence in her voice.
"...I've made mistakes, Colonel. It's why I'm divorced. It's why my son hates me. It's why my old partner went his own way."
Ivan laughed.
"It's why my boyfriend split when he did too…"
"It's why you're so devoted to your job."
Ivan fell silent as Elma opened her eyes.
"Because after everything...it and your dedication to the law is all you have left."
Ivan started to say something, but decided against it. She was right.
"I had a fantastic life, Colonel. Rose was lovely. Hector was brilliant. Mathias respected me. I threw it all away."
Ivan shook his head.
"Jaynix...she had a fantastic life and she cherished every bit of it every single day...and it was stolen from her…"
Ivan sighed.
"How could I punish her?"
The pair had fallen silent after that. Several minutes later, Doctor Bradbury appeared to take Ivan in for his checkup. Ivan whispered something quietly to him, while Bradbury was unsure if he should do as he was asked, seeing Ivan with no anger in his eyes rather exhaustion, pushed him to follow through.
Bradbury left and returned with a small case that looked to hold cigars, opening it revealed several slip drives for datapads. After a few moments, Ivan took one out and turned to Elma, holding it out to her without saying a word.
She knew exactly what data the drive held and while she didn't know if she'd ever be able to listen to it, she took it from him and offered a silent thank you. With that, Ivan followed Bradbury to a different room.
After the men left, Elma looked down at the drive in her hand, closing her fingers around it tightly and whispering her name.
August 15th, 2056
Time and space seemed to offer everyone something they all desperately needed. Perspective.
As more and more BLADEs took off into Primordia to begin planting the Data Probes and expanding FrontierNav, those back in NLA continued their own work on the supplies and arms they still had to defend themselves against Mira's Indigens and whatever else lay in wait. While every so often rain storms or heavy thunderstorms blanketed the city, there was no doubt that the planet held mysteries in even it's weather patterns that no one knew. Not yet.
This day found Elma in the Outfitter's Hangar staring at her fully repaired and operational Ares. Dubbed by some in the Hangar as the Ares Mark II due to the newly implemented vehicle mode.
"It was the hardest Skell to adapt to our new plans, Colonel. Sorry it took so long but the make of the Ares is just so unique, we can't understand it even now."
Elma said nothing as she continued to observe the Ares, free of all the damage sustained after Starfall. Approaching the Skell, she placed one of her hands on its hull.
The Outfitters left her alone after that, not wanting to disturb. Staring at her reflection in the Ares' bright and polished armor, Elma wished she could see Aeon standing behind her as he always was.
"Best laid plans my brother...I don't think I could've gotten this far alone. I'd like to think this is the end of the road but I know better."
In the silence, footsteps soon followed.
"Colonel."
"Albus."
Turning, Elma faced the Qlurian as he bowed.
"Did you need something?"
"Not especially however it has come to my understanding that you wish to embark on an expedition beyond Primordia."
Elma nodded.
"That's the plan. Are you volunteering?"
Albus smiled.
"As I said during our last expedition, Furvus and I have gone beyond the borders of Primordia more often than anyone else. I think my assistance would be beneficial and truthfully, I enjoyed working with you, Irina and Frye."
Elma looked back at her Ares, taking a deep breath.
"If that's what you want, Albus. I have no intention of stopping you. I probably would've come to you on my own before setting off anyway. A guide is always beneficial."
"Indeed."
Albus prepared to leave when he snapped his fingers.
"I did hear that those in power have decided on names for the regions connected to Primordia. The forest and the desert."
Albus pulled out his datapad, revealing the work in progress that was the map of Primordia. It was far from complete but the information displayed was a giant departure from what they've been working with up to this point.
"The forest to the west is now known as Noctilum and the vast desert to the east is Oblivia. So far, it seems the north ends in the ocean though we can make out a chain of islands, possibly linking to something else."
"Then that's where we're going."
Albus put his datapad away and nodded towards Elma.
"I'm all for it. It's a fascinating world to explore. I shall make sure I am well prepared, Colonel."
With a bow, Albus departed while Elma let out a heavy sigh. She continued to observe her Ares when a call came in to her datapad.
"Vandham?"
"I know you've got some stuff planned but there is something...new, we've got to talk about. It'll be quick, I promise."
"New?"
There was a brief pause before the head engineer spoke once more.
"It'll be far easier to show you."
Nodding, Elma ended the call before leaving the Outfitter's Hangar.
BLADE Tower
Elma stood alongside Vandham, Chausson and Nagi, looking at the holographic display of their most recent discovery courtesy of one of the first Data Probe teams.
"Which Probe site was it that they found this?"
Elma asked to which Vandham consulted his notes.
"Third. There's a swamp and a cave system not far from where they're currently stationed."
Nagi continued browsing the information displayed based on the rudimentary analysis.
"I can't wait to see what our people do with this…"
Chausson simply nodded, Elma's eyes looking at the reported information.
The Data Probe team was doing their usual task, drilling into the planet to bury the probes needed to set up and expand FrontierNav. However upon reaching this specific site, they uncovered an underground reservoir of this new and unique material.
From what has been reported so far it seems that the material is incredibly abundant and the uses and applications for it have the potential to be nearly limitless. A supply was swiftly gathered, packed up and sent back to NLA to be delivered to the assorted engineers and Outfitters for further analysis but things were looking bright already.
"We needed something to offset our constantly dwindling resources...this might be our answer."
Elma could only nod as Vandham continued to flip through the notes, cross referencing with similar materials from Earth. Elma could see some faint excitement in the older man's expression. If this fulfilled even half of his desires, he'd be able to get back to work without having to constantly worry about what was being spent on what.
"This is an amazing find."
Elma commented, Chausson crossing his arms.
"It is...we'll need to speak with Kirsty to see about adapting future Data Probes...perhaps some could specialize in different functions, mining, mimeosome support, who knows what else but only when FrontierNav is stable enough of course."
Nagi nodded.
"That's a good idea. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves...it is good news. Great even, but we must stick to our plans."
Vandham looked up from his notes.
"Right, right. FrontierNav and Lifepod recovery first and foremost. Once we've got those under control we can keep looking into this and…"
As Vandham trailed off, Nagi and Chausson turned around. The holographic screens behind them blinked out, leaving the four of them standing in the office in silence.
Nagi was the one to break that silence.
"We need to find the Lifehold."
"In about two weeks, we'll have been on Mira for a month. I know it's a lot to ask but I want everything to to be moving forward by that time. Exponentially. I know there is the concern about pushing our people...but the sooner we can get into a more stable situation, the better. A little pain and exhaustion now will save us far more of it in the long run."
Chausson stated, Vandham didn't seem convinced but Nagi agreed.
"We don't have the necessary facilities to treat all our people. The physical injuries and traumas everyone sustained after Starfall is one thing...but we can't ignore the mind and psyche. The longer we let that fester, the more likely we are to hamper our own progress."
Elma sighed.
"It won't be an easy thing to...fix...but we have to start somewhere."
Chausson tapped his chin, thinking.
"We can reach out to Eleonora. Have her look over our personnel files and find the individuals with the most experience in mental healthcare...of course we'll need to put them all through an examination of their own. It won't be easy but it is a necessity."
Vandham moved towards one of the chairs, sitting down and letting out a long sigh.
"Everything is a necessity...we may not need to eat but drinking water is a resource we require and while we have plenty on the Habitat Unit and many more stores of it held on the White Whale, scattered all over Mira, we'll need a more permanent solution."
Nagi laughed.
"Every time we get together we only succeed in doubling the size of our workload."
The laughter that filled the room brought a small smile to Elma's face.
"Well then, if that's the case we should get to work."
Nagi nodded.
"Indeed. If I recall correctly, you, Albus, Gwin and Frye will be heading north across the ocean towards an unknown region, yes?"
Elma took a deep breath before nodding.
"That's the plan. I can trust the rest of our people to handle Primordia and when the time comes, Noctilum and Oblivia but we have to expand our understanding. We can't afford to be blindsided, not to mention our people who are farther away. The longer it takes us to get to them, the greater the chance that we may lose them."
Elma didn't want to think of the possibility, but none of them could even hazard a guess as to how expansive Mira was. Primordia on its own was rather overwhelming, throwing in the neighboring regions and the wide oceans, it left them all feeling impossibly small.
"We'll continue working on this, you handle your end, Elma. We'll all meet again in a better place as is always the goal."
Nagi stated, drawing a nod from Elma who turned to Vandham.
"There is something I'd like to discuss with you for a moment."
The man raised an eyebrow.
"What would that be?"
Elma gestured for the man to follow and left the room with Vandham right behind her.
August 16th, 2056
The day had officially turned over to the next and Elma's team currently found themselves flying over the ocean north of Primordia. With all the new discoveries back in NLA and the assorted meetings taking some time, the trip was pushed back but Elma was determined to get it done today and so her group was all set for the all-nighter.
Frye and Gwin's Skells were their usual fare, fully repaired and operational thanks to the Outfitters. Albus' Neinail Construct was immaculate as always and finally there was Elma.
"You want another Skell?"
"Yes."
Vandham had looked her over, studying her face before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Nothing we have on hand comes even close to the power the Ares wields."
"I know."
"But still?"
Elma nodded, Vandham scratching his chin.
"May I ask why?"
"You know why…"
Vandham crossed his arms, he did know. A few minutes later, he nodded and gave Elma the registration for a new Skell.
And so she flew at the head of the team in a light class Formula Skell. As they continued north with no major land yet in sight Frye decided to start guessing as to what the region would look like once they got there.
"Snow."
Gwin laughed.
"Snow? Frye, are you crazy?"
Frye shook his head.
"Absolutely not. I'm telling you. Snow."
Albus tapped his chin, looking through his Neilnail's cockpit to the vast ocean below.
"The water temperature suggests otherwise."
Frye rolled his eyes.
"Science this, math that, I have something that stands tall over all that bullshit. Instinct."
Gwin continued to laugh, a few sparse chuckles escaped Albus as well.
"Well what do you guys think it is? Elma?"
The Colonel snapped out of her thoughts before shaking her head.
"I hadn't really given it much consideration."
"Aw come on. Gwin? Albus?"
Frye asked, to which his fellow BLADE responded.
"Swamp."
Frye raised an eyebrow.
"Swamp? The few reports I heard about Noctilum said there looked to be swamps aplenty."
"Yeah but it's primarily dense forest. I'm thinking just a big ol' bog."
Frye nodded.
"Albus?"
"Ice."
Frye burst out laughing immediately.
"Alright so snow is dumb but ice is cool?"
Albus shrugged.
"If you believe so fully that the region is snow, why can't I believe it's ice?"
"That's cheating, Alby."
Frye responded, to which the Qlurian could only tilt his head and question the sudden nickname.
"We're here."
Upon hearing Elma's declaration, the three turned their attention to the ocean before them as a coastline came into view, the beach that seemed to jut out into the ocean led back into a tall and wide barrier of mountains with nothing but a narrow passageway leading into the heart of this new region. As they continued to travel across the sky, they could see various Indigens on the beach below, several of which looked up at the strange objects flying above them.
Flying over the mountain ridge, the four Skells slowed to a stop and hovered over the new land before them.
What stretched on and on was a wide expanse of white, various hills and mountains with several cavern openings, strange round trees and treacherous pathways that snaked up the mountain sides leading to plateaus filled with more of the bizarre flora.
At the heart of the white was what looked to be a frozen over lake and to the east the group could see some massive spherical structure with a single opening from which a strange liquid poured freely.
As they continued to take in the new land before them, Frye shot ahead of them and laughed.
"Snow!"
The Skells began their descent into the new region, all four of them activated their datapads to look at what general information could be gleaned from their immediate surroundings.
"Being this far from FrontierNav is gonna make our work a bit difficult."
Gwin commented as his Skell hit the ground below, the other three doing the same shortly after.
"I was really hoping to be done with the manual note taking too but this is what we all expected right? It was Elma's call after all."
Frye stated, opening the cockpit to his Skell and jumping out. Hitting the ground, he noticed something strange almost immediately.
"I expected it to be...I don't know, cold or chilly. Something."
As Frye looked around in confusion, Albus bent down and placed his hand on the ground.
"Hmmm."
Frye raised an eyebrow.
"What is it Alby?"
"Hard to say...snow wasn't too common on Qlu but from my experience I would say this is more akin to sand."
Frye shook his head.
"Bullshit."
Bending down, Frye took a handful of the white sediment. Feeling it in his hands he sighed.
"Shit."
As Gwin burst out laughing, Elma moved away from the group and observed the strange sights around them more closely. The region was quite beautiful. Elma's gaze moved back upward looking upon the foreign aurora painting the sky.
"We spent a long time flying...I'm assuming it's about 1 in the morning give or take."
Gwin nodded.
"Probably."
Elma gestured behind them.
"We should rest up, start looking for Lifepods at a more appropriate hour and with fresh eyes.
The rest of the BLADEs nodded towards Elma and moved away from the wide open field to a more secluded spot to sleep.
When the sun did come back up hours later, Elma's team roused from their slumber and got to work. The vast white sands of the region worked to their benefit as they were able to see most Indigens from very far away, giving them the chance to avoid unnecessary encounters.
At the same time, White Whale wreckage was harder to stumble upon as the white sands seemed to have built up on top of some of the remains of their Ark.
The group continued their survey across the white plains until they stumbled upon a massive alien machine.
Elma had her hand on one of her blades as Frye walked past her towards the foreign object.
"Frye, be careful."
Gwin whispered as the other man shrugged and moved closer eventually placing his hand on the object. Once nothing happened, he stepped away.
"This thing definitely isn't ours."
Frye stated before looking back at Albus.
"It's not ours either. We only brought our Neilnail Constructs, Lancer Constructs and our emergency transport with us, that I can assure you."
Gwin crossed his arms.
"Not that I have the clearance to ask but you don't think the Coalition snuck something onto the Whale...did they?"
Gwin looked to Elma who let her hand drop from her blade and shook her head.
"We wouldn't have had any room for something this massive…"
The machine was heavily armored in thick white plating, it did not have any visible legs but there were ports of a sort that perhaps acted as thrusters for it to float or hover. It seemed to be some sort of security or a guardian of the region. But why?
Albus brought a hand to his chin.
"It is quite fascinating...perhaps we should organize a team to airlift this back to NLA? We could learn much from material native to Mira."
Elma narrowed her eyes.
"We could...but it may risk activation. Just because it's dormant now doesn't mean it always will be."
Frye chuckled.
"Well in that case, we just blow it up. Your Ares should be able to best it and you've got us, right?"
Frye looked back at Elma, seeing the serious expression on her face then recalling that she did not bring her Ares with her. He then caught Gwin's eyes on him, the man was not amused and Frye could only mouth an apology.
For her part, Elma said nothing more, she had far too many questions about this machine. This region. This planet. Aeon had sent them in this direction due to some scriptures and information that Javier Chausson and Caerulus were able to translate.
Only certain types of people were allowed upon this planet. Why? Was this thing from another race that attempted to thrive on this world before? Where did they go?
"Elma?"
Shaking her head, she turned to Frye.
"It's nothing. We should get moving."
Frye looked like he had more to say but decided against it.
"Right. Lifepods ain't gonna find themselves."
Elma looked upon the machine one last time before turning and walking away, the other three falling into step behind her.
The group found themselves at the base of a treacherous winding path. From afar they were able to see that it led up to a plateau covered in the strange glowing flora that dotted the region. The group was not entirely sure climbing up there would be a good idea at night, not after the close encounter they had hours back.
"I don't know what the hell that thing was...but I never wanna see one of em again."
Frye commented, recalling the strange creature that was standing absolutely still yet making bizarre clicking sounds. Gwin nodded, his expression clouded in fear.
"I kinda...can't wait to get back home…"
Even Elma couldn't help but admit how unsettled she was by the creature, the only reason they were able to spot it was because Albus sensed something wrong. The clicking sounds made them all curious but Albus pulled them back before they got too close.
"Perhaps we should find another topic of discussion for the night."
There was a long silence before Frye snapped his fingers.
"There is something I was curious about Alby. I wasn't sure how to ask but I may as well."
Albus tilted his head.
"Something you wanted to ask me?"
"Yeah. From what I gather, your people were a frequent contact of Aeon and apparently Director Chausson's son too, right?"
Albus nodded.
"I thought the second part of that was a secret."
The Qlurian looked to Elma.
"It was but I asked the Director if it was alright to fill in a few more on those events. I only chose people I implicitly trust."
Albus looked back at Frye as he continued.
"Those two must have taught you English, right? Cause you speak it perfectly."
Albus laughed.
"Oh trust me, I do not. Qlurian is more...how did Javier put it...flowery? He compared our speech to French almost. A little Spanish as well...but English, no. I couldn't quite grasp it."
Frye tilted his head.
"Then...how?"
Albus looked to Elma and gestured, she nodded.
"That would be due to our Mimeosomes."
Gwin crossed his arms.
"Instant translation is a feature?"
"It is. Our Mimeosomes are capable of interpreting all languages and dialects from Earth. Qlurian was added due to Aeon's repeated ventures to the Planet on the off chance that they chose to ally with us. We didn't believe they would but we implemented that language regardless."
Frye nodded.
"Ah. Thinking ahead. That's good."
"Speaking of, is it a feature we can...turn off?"
Gwin asked, to which Elma nodded once more.
"Of course. Some early Mimeosome models didn't have the feature but I do not believe any of those are active any longer…"
Albus turned towards her, obviously intrigued.
"Earlier models? Any notable difference?"
Gwin joined in.
"I've never heard of this before...weren't you one of the first Mimeosomes, Colonel?"
Elma smiled, amused by Gwin and Albus' interest.
"I was. My model is...slightly different from everyone else's."
"Cause it's old?"
Frye asked to which Elma shook her head.
"Not exactly...but I can't say anything more."
"Boo."
Elma looked to Gwin who frowned.
"I will say that we had a line of Mimeosome models with different primary functions at one time. The final models were the J-Bodies and the D-Bodies which are the ones we went with in the end."
The rest of the group nodded, interested at this information before Elma realized something.
"Did you two not read the official Coalition reports on Mimeosomes and their assorted functions?"
Gwin and Frye's expressions told her all she needed to know.
"It's getting late."
Frye commented, standing and moving elsewhere.
"I'll take the first watch."
Elma shook her head as he walked off before noticing something odd in Albus' expression.
"What is it?"
The Qlurian continued to remain silent, shaking his head before speaking.
"This is something I should have brought up sooner. Something Furvus and I noticed but haven't been able to determine if it's good or not."
Elma waited patiently as Albus brought a hand up to his ear and tapped on a small device.
"Aeon brought these to us during one of his visits to Qlu. As opposed to us learning English, they serve in translating speech for us."
Elma and Gwin nodded as Albus took the device out of his ear.
"...Furvus and I realized about a week after Starfall that several of my people's devices broke. Aeon didn't have enough for our entire group as he didn't think we'd ally with him. The leading figures and a sparse few others were given these...it would make communication difficult so when things for all of you began to smooth out, I visited an Outfitter to repair them and it was during that conversation that the Outfitter realized mine was broken as well."
Elma narrowed her eyes.
"...is it still broken?"
Albus shook his head.
"No. But it was and...I've not turned it on since."
Gwin seemed confused as Elma leaned towards Albus.
"What did you hear from that Outfitter? What do you hear when I talk to you, Albus?"
"I hear...Qlurian. Perfect Qlurian."
Elma leaned back, lost in thought as Gwin began trying to make sense of it aloud.
"I've told my people to keep it to themselves since I wasn't sure what it meant...but we no longer have use for these devices…"
At Elma's continued silence, Albus asked.
"Is this something we should be concerned about?"
Elma could only shake her head.
"I don't know."
August 19th, 2056
BLADE Tower
"Have you received any of the information I transmitted to you from the new region?"
Nagi turned from the holographic display of Elma to the screen displaying all the data being sent through FrontierNav. Putting a hand on his chin he shook his head.
"It doesn't seem to have come in yet...though this is a great test for the stability of the network and given how far you all were, I'm not surprised."
Nagi waited as Elma spoke to someone off screen.
"We were able to recover and open four Lifepods, each of us has someone in the cockpit with us. In addition, Albus spotted one last Lifepod and is carrying it back with his Construct."
"Five recoveries. Not a bad expedition...did-"
At that moment, the data finally came in. Countless images taken by Elma, Frye, Gwin and Albus appeared on screen of the northern region, the flora, the fauna, everything that they saw and took the time to record.
"Fascinating…"
"I see NLA, I'll have everyone taken to the MMC as usual but two of our recoveries want to meet with you immediately."
Nagi raised an eyebrow.
"Is it that urgent?"
"I had a talk with them about the past few weeks on this planet, they're very interested in the mineral we uncovered a few days back."
Nagi crossed his arms and nodded.
"Very well...as long as they agree to a full check up as soon as the meeting is done."
Fifteen minutes later, Nagi stood in his office across from Elma and the two recoveries who both bowed their heads to the Secretary.
There was a fond smile on Nagi's face as he spoke their names.
"Dan Sakuraba, Carmela Celena. What are the odds that we would find the presidents of both our foremost manufacturers at the same time…"
Carmela cleared her throat.
"In most cases the odds would be miniscule but Sakuraba-san and I were working on a conjoined effort aboard the White Whale prior to Starfall. We just so happened to be near the same pod bay as opposed to on opposite sides of the ship."
Sakuraba bowed his head once more.
"While it is good fortune for the both of us, that simply means that those employed by Grenada Galactic are near where we were found but my employees…"
He sighed.
"Who knows where they are."
Nagi stepped forward.
"It's nothing to worry yourself over Dan...we're determined to recover as many of our people as we can, including your trusted employees."
A small smile came to Sakuraba's face.
"I thank you, Nagi."
Carmela chuckled.
"He's simply worried about falling behind. With my force gathered we'll have all the business while he's working on drafts."
"You still seem to have a gross misinterpretation on the status of our companies."
Sakuraba countered, drawing a wide and confident smirk from Carmela.
"We shall see, Sakuraba-san."
Nagi's gaze moved to Elma, he could see some form of concern in her eyes. There was something...off at the moment, but he thought it best to set that aside for now.
Retrieving a pair of datapads, Nagi handed them to Sakuraba and Carmela.
"This is the information on the mineral we excavated in Primordia. The BLADEs who first dug it up have decided to give it a simple name. Miranium."
Both presidents nodded as they took the datapads.
"Head to the MMC and get checked up, feel free to browse the information and lend us your expertise once the doctors release you."
"We will not disappoint."
Sakuraba stated, bowing before turning and walking away, Carmela thanking Elma for rescuing them once more.
After the pair had left and silence settled over the room, Elma approached Nagi. He watched as she brought up her arm and opened the holographic controls on her Mimeosome, sending them over to Nagi.
Looking them over, he was quick to notice the specific setting turned off.
"You've known Dan Sakuraba longer than I have."
Elma stated, to which Nagi nodded.
"You are the best person to ask this question even though I'm sure I know the answer."
Nagi said nothing as Elma moved closer.
"Dan Sakuraba doesn't speak English, correct?"
There was silence as Nagi crossed his arms.
"No. He doesn't."
Elma looked towards the door that the presidents departed from.
"Before you get the wrong idea, I will say that there is no doubt that it is him, the Mimeosome signal matches as does his Lifepod registration. Nothing was tampered with…"
Nagi returned to his desk and sat down.
"We do have translation systems embedded in our Mimeosomes to make conversing easier...but I see that you turned yours off. So when he was speaking to Carmela and I, you should have heard him in Japanese...but you didn't."
The look in Elma's eyes gave him that answer.
"What brought this to light?"
Elma sat across from Nagi and told him about the conversation she had with Albus about how he and his people interpreted their speech here on Mira.
"I tested it out when we opened Sakuraba's Lifepod. I turned it off immediately yet I still heard him in perfect English as opposed to Japanese."
Nagi brought a hand to his chin.
"Albus understood him as well I imagined.
Elma nodded.
"He could, perfect Qlurian just like the rest of us."
Nagi shook his head.
"That's not possible."
"It shouldn't be, but Albus swears it."
"Why did he not say something sooner?"
Elma cleared her throat.
"He didn't understand it but he didn't think it was something harmful. He knows Mimeosomes can't get sick in the traditional sense."
Nagi began tapping his fingers along his desk, deep in thought.
"What does this mean…"
Elma said nothing more, watching Nagi close his eyes. Whatever this world they landed on was, it had many more secrets than any of them were prepared for.
August 26th, 2056
The week passed by far more quickly than anyone was prepared for, at the same time not many people realized it as BLADE was fully engaged with the seemingly endless mountain of tasks they had before them.
Every expedition has not only brought back more survivors and Lifepods, but new materials, new discoveries and new information regarding the creatures that inhabit this planet.
Vandham and the Arms Manufacturer presidents Sakuraba and Carmela got to work on adapting Miranium into their circulation and found it to work incredibly well. In addition, the materials recovered from Mira allowed them to not only repair their fabricators but enhance them as well. Currently, the engineers were looking to outfit the fabricators to work with Miranium.
Every time the Secretaries were called together for a meeting, there was so much to talk about, so much to go over and cover.
It was on this day that Vandham had pulled Elma aside to ask a personal favor.
"Everything is going well, right?"
Elma had asked to which Vandham nodded vigorously.
"Far better than that...we've gotten into the swing of things and as far as I can tell, the only way we can go is up…"
Elma noted how he trailed off, crossing her arms and waiting.
"...I know this isn't the most...sensible thing to ask and I know that we have plenty of people helping with all the engineering, construction and assorted research but…"
Vandham sighed.
"We have a magic bullet among our people. Someone with an IQ that puts nearly all of us to shame...and she's still holed up in her room."
Elma looked away.
"She needs space."
"I'm not saying she doesn't…"
"Then what are you suggesting?"
Vandham cleared his throat.
"If she does nothing, sits around and lets her pain swallow her, we'll lose her. I know that what she went through was tough. All of us went through that same event...but if we appeal to her mind, her dedication to research we could give her something else to focus on. Something to help her put aside her pain...at least for a moment."
Elma tapped her foot, refusing to meet Vandham's gaze.
"I know I sound like the bad guy, I'm not saying she can just get over it. None of us can. But even fifteen minutes working on something can help clear her mind. Fowler has always been dedicated to scientific research. I think she'd see the benefit."
Elma sighed.
"Maybe."
Vandham pulled out a datapad and handed it to Elma.
"That has all the information on our current research projects. Everything. Something in it is bound to catch Fowler's eye. Let her know it's entirely up to her to help or not and if she chooses to...she has free reign to come and go."
Elma took the datapad from Vandham and nodded.
"I'll go see her...I can't really promise anything."
"Understood."
With that, Elma bid Vandham farewell and went on her way.
BLADE Barracks
Knocking on Kriss' door, Elma waited. She hadn't seen much of Kriss since waking her and bringing her back to NLA. She had asked for time alone and Elma swore to honor that.
"Kriss. It's me."
A few minutes had passed by the time the door clicked and opened, Kriss' mismatched eyes found Elma immediately. Her face betrayed no emotion as she retreated into her room, leaving the door open for Elma to step inside.
Closing the door behind her, Elma looked around the barracks. They were sparse, clean, Kriss hadn't done much to alter them since moving in.
Sitting on the couch, Kriss retrieved a book she was reading, placing a mark in between the pages and looking up at Elma.
There was silence as Elma's gaze returned to Kriss and she studied the other woman. It was a strange sight seeing Kriss not wearing her usual white pristine lab coat, opting instead for a blue sleeveless shirt and baggy black pants.
"I didn't take you for one to dress so...comfortably…"
Kriss shrugged.
"Walking around naked isn't the best for company. Not that I have much…"
Elma shook her head.
"I'm sorry Kriss...more people should be by to see you."
The Professor laughed.
"We both know they'd never do that."
"They saw you on the Whale. They saw you and...they know you are just like the rest of them. No one harbors any ill will towards you anymore, the people that did are gone."
Kriss shrugged, placing her book on the table before her. The silence returned as Elma moved towards her and sat down across from her.
"Are you here to bring me into the fold?"
Elma said nothing as Kriss smiled.
"You know...it's strange...in the past, I didn't really care what people thought of me."
Kriss leaned back, looking up at the ceiling.
"Why should I care what people whisper about me behind my back or sometimes right in my face...it didn't matter. My work was all that mattered...it's all I cared about."
Elma felt the datapad in her pocket, words forming in her throat but refusing to leave.
"Now? Now I…"
Kriss looked back at Elma.
"You've all started seeing me as a tool."
Elma's hand moved away from her leg as Kriss continued.
"A very valuable tool left on the table...and one that you all so desperately wish to take hold of and use. You think you're the first person to come here and demand I get back to work? You think you're the first person to disregard these...these…"
Kriss placed a hand on her chest.
"This? This thing that...that she did to me? That made me care?"
"Kriss-"
"You're not. And I doubt you'll be the last."
Elma could not tear her eyes away from Kriss, the look on the Professor's face threatening to break as she shook her head.
"I...Elma I...that was uncalled for…"
"No. It wasn't."
Kriss looked at Elma once more.
"Thank you, Kriss. For being honest and open with me...I...I only wanted to see you. That's all."
Kriss let out a long sigh.
"Is it?"
Elma felt the datapad in her pocket once more.
"...it's the only part that matters."
Kriss crossed her arms.
"In that case...I'm sorry...you're visiting me out of the goodness of your heart and I…"
Elma stood up and moved over to Kriss, sitting next to her.
"You don't have to say anything more."
Kriss remained silent, Elma's eyes traveling to her book.
"Moby Dick."
"Blame the Wolves for that one."
Elma smiled, small but present.
"I always do."
A faint smile formed on Kriss face as she placed one of her hands on the book.
"Eren was never interested in reading it...the tale of a ship's crew braving the seas for some task...I can't imagine why it didn't appeal to her."
"She was already living it."
Elma commented, Kriss nodding.
"We all were...we still are…"
Kriss turned slightly.
"...I haven't gotten the chance to ask you...I didn't know how to."
Elma knew what was coming but let Kriss ask anyway.
"Jaynix is gone, isn't she?"
Elma shook her head.
"There's no proof of that."
"Is there any proof to the contrary?"
Elma sighed, that she couldn't deny.
"...if there was even a slight chance, miniscule and unrealistic...but if something existed that told me that Eren was out there...I'd never let it go…"
Kriss took her glasses off.
"You have that small hope, don't you?"
Without a word, Elma nodded.
"Then that's enough…"
Taking a deep breath, Elma spoke.
"I'm sorry, Kriss."
"For what? I doubt you could take the blame for everything that has happened...we all suffered…"
Elma brought one of her hands up and placed it on Kriss' arm.
"I know that...but I owe you an apology regardless, even if you don't understand why."
Kriss shook her head.
"You're a strange one…"
"I should get going, lots to do."
Kriss nodded.
"Are you sure there's nothing you want to...ask of me?"
"Right now?"
Elma thought for a moment before shaking her head.
"No. Nothing."
Kriss watched her, studying her face before nodding.
"If you ever find it in yourself to step outside, come find me, Kriss. We can talk about that then. Until that time however, take care of yourself. That's all I want for my friend."
Kriss nodded, smiling once more as Elma stood up and walked across the room.
"Elma!"
Stopping at the door, Elma turned around to see Kriss place a hand on her chest.
"Does this ever get any easier?"
Elma sighed.
"No. It doesn't."
September 2nd, 2056
On this day, early in the morning, Elma and Irina found themselves walking through a rather remote corner of Primordia.
Irina watched Elma the entire time, slightly confused. The woman had come to her and asked if she'd take part in a small and very personal trip to Primordia.
"What for?"
"I doubt you'd believe me if I told you."
Irina laughed.
"You know I hardly ever doubt you, Colonel."
Elma couldn't deny that point.
"Either way...it's...well, you'll see."
At the very least, Irina was happy that Elma seemed to be somewhat...excited for this trip. More often than not Elma's expression was always so grim, she carried so much on her shoulders and did everything in her power to maintain her focus on ensuring everyone's safety. She rarely if ever seemed to have time for something personal.
Elma's eyes were seemingly glued to her datapad as she walked through the Primordian wilderness, Irina's current guess was that another BLADE team or perhaps FrontierNav itself had pinged White Whale debris containing some of Elma's personal effects.
She wasn't sure what that would classify as, Elma didn't really need much to be comfortable or do her work. Even her room back at the Coalition wasn't extraordinarily decorated at least compared to Aeon's shelves upon shelves of souvenirs.
Coming to a stop at the top of a cliff, Elma continued to scan her surroundings before spotting what she was looking for. Irina looked to where Elma was pointing, it was a small box with the same logos and designations along it as a Lifepod.
"That's it?"
Elma nodded before descending, Irina was right behind her, checking the immediate area for any Indigens that wandered too close but thankfully all the ones nearby were docile or otherwise occupied.
Stepping in front of the box, Elma began to tap the commands along the side, stopping just before directing the box to open.
"Colonel?"
She shook her head.
"It's nothing just...I feel a bit...silly about all this."
Irina smiled.
"Silly? Why?"
Elma turned back to her friend.
"With so much despair and desperation surrounding us at all times I...it doesn't feel right."
Irina moved closer.
"I'm sure it's fine Elma. We've all been pushing hard and things have been getting better every single day. People are smiling and hopeful again...I think we can leave despair and desperation in the past at least for now."
Elma looked down at the ground, thinking.
"I suppose…"
Irina thought for a few moments.
"I didn't mean to forget her…"
A small smile formed on Elma's face.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to. I don't want to."
The pair fell silent before Irina noticed some growing realization in Elma's expression as if she just figured something out.
"What is it?"
"I think I have an idea on how to find her...or at least some hint."
"Really? Does it have something to do with this box?"
Elma turned back around to the box but shook her head.
"No...but the sooner we find the wreckage of my room, the better."
Irina nodded.
"Then let's get to work, Colonel."
Letting out a long and heavy sigh, Elma approached the box and opened it. Irina watched as she seemed to whisper something before reaching into the box and pulling out its contents.
Irina was surprised to say the least. Shocked. Amazed. Even a little confused.
"Is that...a cat?"
Elma was indeed holding a cat in her arms, the creature still seemed drowsy, shaking its head and letting out several low meows.
"Is that...Aegis?"
Elma nodded, Irina moving closer noticing that it was indeed Elma's pet from Earth.
"How did...did you?"
"Yeah...I knew I couldn't bring her with me but I didn't want to leave her behind. She's been great support since the first day I adopted her and I...I had to save her."
Irina looked at the box, no doubt a smaller form of a Lifepod for animal storage, something she didn't even know made it past development.
"Who...how?"
Elma smiled.
"You want me to what?"
"Design a Lifepod. A smaller, more compact one."
Kriss turned to Elma, one eyebrow raised high.
"A small Lifepod...Elma I sincerely hope you don't have plans to bring a child onto the Ark."
Elma tilted her head.
"No offense Kriss, but I'm surprised that you draw the line there given your scientific history."
Kriss shrugged.
"I've done a lot of questionable things and far more unethical things...but I can get all the necessary data I require from adults who've made mistakes. As much as I loathe how clingy, annoying and attention seeking children are, I'd never bring them into my work."
Elma smiled.
"That was almost touching."
"Never mind that, what could you possibly want a compact Lifepod for?"
The pair was standing in Elma's room discussing this when a rather loud meow broke the short silence. Both women looked down to Aegis who was very clearly demanding her food. The cat brushed itself against Elma's leg before moving over to Kriss'
Elma saw Kriss connect the dots.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
Aegis stood up on her hind legs, placing her front two paws on Kriss' legs and letting out a very loud meow.
Kriss hated to admit that she grew attached to the cat during her short stay with Elma several months prior.
"Fine."
Elma smiled.
"Thank you, Kriss."
Moving over to where the food was kept, Kriss went about feeding the cat as she spoke.
"I'm sure we have some schematics that exist for this exact purpose."
"We do."
"And I'm guessing they were abandoned cause 'what's the point' right?"
Elma sighed.
"Yes."
Kriss said nothing more as she stood back up.
"I'll let you know when it's done."
"Thank you, Kriss. I owe you one."
At that, Kriss smiled.
Elma and Irina were well on their way back to NLA with Aegis in Elma's arms as she finished recalling that discussion.
Irina couldn't help but laugh.
"I can't believe you actually did this, Colonel."
"It was the one selfish thing I allowed myself to do…"
Elma's gaze moved down to the cat, still drowsy. She thought back to her last conversation with Danny and Boris, both telling her to be selfish. She'd done enough for everyone else, she had to think of herself at some point. She still believed they were right.
"Do you think Jaynix is still alive, Irina?"
Elma didn't look back at her friend, instead waiting in silence as she thought her words over.
"I was occupied during that battle with the Vita...everyone was...we've slowly been restoring all sorts of combat footage and data from Starfall thanks all of the White Whale wreckage we've been able to recover but it doesn't paint a clear enough picture…"
Irina shook her head.
"That said...you believe she's alive, Colonel. I'd never doubt you."
Elma nodded.
"Thank you."
The pair continued walking as Aegis let out a loud meow, demanding food.
September 4th, 2056
BLADE Barracks
"Kriss?"
Knocking on her door once more, Elma waited a bit longer before opening the door.
"You really should keep the door locked if that comment about walking around naked wasn't a joke."
Elma found all sorts of devices left all around the room, she heard noises coming from the bedroom and proceeded towards it.
"Kriss?"
Peeking inside, she spotted the professor hard at work on a brand new desktop, a second one was stationed not too far from her, untouched. Part of Elma was happy to see her back at it, although…"
"No one forced you back to research did they?"
Kriss scoffed.
"No one can force me to do anything I don't want to, Colonel."
Kriss continued working as Elma entered the room.
"I wanted to show you something."
"I'm busy...I-"
Kriss was cut off by something brushing by her leg, looking down she spotted Aegis. Elma saw Kriss' expression grow soft as she reached down and placed a hand on the back of the cat.
"You found her."
"A few days ago...I had to get her checked out. Turns out some of our MMC doctors were once veterinarians."
Kriss nodded as she continued to run her hand along Aegis' back.
"Thank you for making her Lifepod, Kriss."
"No thanks needed…"
Elma moved closer.
"I did promise you a favor."
Kriss stood up and turned around, a strange look in her eye.
"My, my...cornering me in my bedroom and asking for favors."
Elma looked around, realizing that she was right. With a heavy sigh, Elma returned her gaze to Kriss.
"In some ways, you're worse than Jaynix."
Kriss shrugged.
"Eren always liked it when I talked like that…"
Shaking her head, she looked away.
"Sorry, I doubt you want to hear about my sex life."
Sitting back down she returned to work, Elma now at her side.
"Kriss...I can't imagine how you feel. You don't have to force yourself."
Kriss sighed.
"I have to do something...all my nights spent in silence just make me wish she was here...my bed feels too big, my couch feels lonely...it's illogical. My attachment to a woman I only really knew for two years, by all accounts I shouldn't feel this way about her."
"She was your first love."
Kriss slammed her hand on the desk.
"That doesn't quantify it. It doesn't make sense!"
Elma placed a hand on Kriss' shoulder, the woman had given up on typing and trying to work.
"It doesn't make sense…"
Kriss fell silent, lost in thought.
"I didn't mean to bring anything up to upset you…"
"I know."
With a shaky sigh, Kriss looked at Elma.
"You came here for something."
"I'll owe you twice for this."
Kriss waited as Elma pulled over a chair from another desk.
"Your communicator. The one you created that let me talk to Aeon. Can you track it?"
Kriss closed her eyes, thinking before nodding.
"I keep track of every single thing I've ever developed. It's a matter of pride. I can run my codes and authentication through FrontierNav to see if the network has stretched far enough to locate it...but I'll need permissions for that."
Elma nodded.
"Then as my first IOU, I'll grant you full access to FrontierNav."
Kriss crossed her arms.
"Is that wise? Making a unilateral decision like that?"
Elma shrugged, earning a smile from Kriss.
"We both know how much Nagi, Chausson and Vandham would like for you to lend us your intellectual prowess. We have a lot of work to do...I doubt they'll take issue with anything I do as long as it results in your aid. At the very least until you decide what it is you want to do."
Kriss tilted her head.
"You'd let me say no? I'm well aware you want my device to find her."
"You know me, Kriss. Do you really think I'd force you? I'm not Benton. I'm not Ethos."
Kriss looked back at her screens, nodding.
"You aren't...very well, I'll let you know if I find it. That still leaves one IOU."
Elma smiled.
"Whatever you need, Kriss."
Standing, Elma began to leave with Aegis following her, but not before brushing herself against Kriss' leg one more time.
Kriss watched them go, fighting back the urge to call out once more as Elma closed the door behind her.
Alone again, Kriss' eyes returned to her screens displaying all the information on Miranium. The endless possibilities that the mineral provided allowed her to imagine and work on almost limitless projects and theories, the noise kept her mind and brain active at all times but now in this silence all she could focus on was that she had asked BLADE to send her two desktops and two chairs.
Placing her head in her hands, she wept.
September 6th, 2056
BLADE Tower
"What do we do?"
That was a question asked far too often. It's been over a month since humanity crash landed on Mira and in all that time there was one major issue that hadn't been discussed in depth until now.
The readout on BLADE Tower currently displayed 75% and what that meant was immediately evident to those gathered in Chausson's office.
The Director General sat in silence, Nagi, Vandham and Elma across from him.
"There really is nothing we can do, is there?"
Vandham sighed.
"We have four months give or take to find the Lifehold Core before everything ends...given how strange this planet is, any number of things could be interfering with our ability to locate it."
"Which means the only real answer, is to expand FrontierNav."
Nagi commented, earning a nod from Vandham. Chausson leaned back in his seat.
"So we just wait...not the answer I was hoping for but what else can we do? Any suggestions, Colonel?"
Elma shook her head.
"I'm afraid not, sir. The more data we recover, the more accurately we can simulate the White Whale's crash and find out exactly where certain components landed. This includes the Lifehold Core and the Lifehold Archives."
"We only have one of the six Archives because it is a part of NLA. It provided us with our local network before we found Kirsty and Frontier got to work...where the other five are there is no telling."
Nagi stated. Vandham couldn't help but laugh.
"For every bit of progress we're able to make in getting ourselves out of this hole, we only seem to discover that the hole is deeper than we first thought."
Elma nodded.
"That's true...but we're making progress...we'll get there. We have to."
Things have done nothing but improve across the month humanity has spent on New Los Angeles and later that day was no different as Elma received an urgent request from Nagi to accompany him somewhere.
The pair took off across Primordia in their Skells, Elma looking over to Nagi's.
"I didn't think you'd ever take to the field again."
"I would like nothing more than to be out here with all of you but things in NLA can't be run without a dedicated government, no matter how small it is."
Elma nodded as Nagi continued.
"Eleonora has been able to locate several mental health professionals in our files thanks to FrontierNav. Some of them were active on the White Whale and survived Starfall while others were in stasis during the entire trip. I only wish it didn't take this long…"
Elma remained silent, thinking of all the pain she saw those first few days after Starfall. People did seem brighter and happier, but that only meant that the darkness was hiding and that was deeply harmful.
"Do...you need someone to talk to, Elma?"
The pair continued their flight across Primordia, Elma still not saying anything as Nagi cleared his throat.
"Aeon? Jaynix? Boris? Danny? You have to talk to someone about them Elma. Anyone."
"I know."
Elma shook her head.
"My brother. Two of my Skelletons. They're important to me and I want nothing more than to achieve my goals for them...but Jaynix isn't dead."
Nagi nodded.
"I didn't mean to imply."
Elma's hands tightened on her controls.
"I know, Nagi. I know…"
Nagi let the silence sit for a while longer before speaking once more.
"Irina, Frye and Gwin listen well I imagine."
"They do...they're not professionals but...I can trust them with a secret or two."
"They know of Javier Chausson's involvement with the people of Qlu. I imagine they don't know about you."
"No."
Taking a deep breath, Nagi asked.
"Does Jaynix?"
Elma thought back to one of her last conversations with Jaynix before Starfall.
"No...I was in the process of telling her when everything happened. I know you told me not to but I didn't want to keep it a secret from her."
Nagi nodded. While he still didn't believe Elma should tell anyone, he didn't want to feel like he was controlling everything she did or didn't do. He owed so much to her, everyone did.
The pair's flight came to an end, both Skells descending near a northern shoreline. Dismounting, the pair walked down the beach as several crab-like Indigens moved out of the way.
It didn't take long for Elma and Nagi to find the object of their search.
"A Lifehold Archive Unit."
Elma whispered as Nagi continued approaching the device, placing his hand on it and smiling.
"It's a great triumph...for all of us."
"FrontierNav pinged this not long ago I imagine."
Nagi nodded.
"Once the news came to me, I had to verify it myself. There are still four more as well as the Lifehold Core itself out there...this is a great step towards our future security."
There was a long silence before Nagi turned to Elma.
"Let's get this back to NLA."
Elma nodded, the smile on Nagi's face made everything seem just a bit brighter.
September 10th, 2056
Residential District
Elma sat in the park, her eyes closed, she focused on nothing but her own breathing. Much like Boze and Nagi did she was meditating, gathering her thoughts and clearing her mind.
Reaching that singular moment of calm she allowed herself to feel once more. Without opening her eyes she focused on the feeling on the gentle wind, on the scent of the grass and on the sound of familiar voices.
The first was a group of six people. She immediately recognized Frye, the tone of his voice suggesting challenge and his usual confidence. The other voices belonged to the five members of Team Jaeger. Adelbert was having a rather heated discussion with the Killer Ostrich, apparently about something that happened back on Earth between him and Frye's father, Michael.
Raymond was dropping a comment here and there while Dirk, Grette and Phina laughed along. Elma wasn't sure what the story was but part of her was confident it was over exaggerated as Frye tended to do with all his stories. Then again, there was no joking tone in Adelbert's voice so maybe it was all true?
The voices faded away, Elma had no doubt that Frye was taking his fellow BLADEs to Repenta. Maybe she would go later tonight. Maybe.
The next pair of voices came from the opposite side of the park, Elma knew there were some benches over there under the trees. She recognized these voices too.
The first was Hope, lending her ear to a troubled young man. Penta. She didn't want to hear what they were saying but she could tell from Penta's low and weak voice that he was heavily distressed. Being hated by the woman he loved with all his heart was difficulty. She heard concern and warmth in Hope's voice as she spoke to him. Elma felt ashamed that with all her work and her own issues she hadn't had the time to help the man enough. She couldn't do everything of course and there was a lot she simply wasn't the right fit for but every time she saw Penta in town, she felt his pain.
Senti wasn't gone...yet in some ways, she was. It was a strange situation to be in but she was glad that Hope had recovered and got right to work. Hope chose to become a Mediator to help the people of NLA as best she could. Elma sincerely hoped more people with kind hearts would join Hope as time went on.
The conversation was private so Elma allowed it to fade away and search for any more voices and tones. Anything to draw her focus.
"You have a lot more patience than me, Elma."
Eyes opened, a soft gasp escaped Elma's lips. The voice was so close, right next to her ear.
"If I needed some time to focus, I'd punch a bag. Or someone else. I know you tell me not to start fights but they do help."
Elma could almost feel her on the ground right next to her.
"Elma?"
Turning, the Colonel found herself staring at nothing, the illusion broken. With a heavy sigh, Elma turned away and retrieved her datapad. It seemed like she had received a message from Kriss. A series of coordinates. She found it.
Nodding to herself, Elma took a deep breath and stood up, ready to get back to work.
September 12th, 2056
Standing in her barracks, Elma watched as Kriss put the finishing touches on her communications device.
"You want to scan only for Coalition and Reaper codes, correct?"
Elma nodded.
"Yes. Anything to limit its scope and focus only on her."
Kriss brought up her datapad which was showing a holographic display of the relevant information including the specs of Jaynix's Skell, Firebird.
"The condition I found it in wasn't the best...you always impress me with how fast you work, Kriss."
The Professor laughed.
"Flattery will get you nowhere...I do have to credit the Miranium with a lot of my progress. It's a fascinating material."
Kriss stepped back from her device before gesturing for Elma to move closer. Instructions given, Elma approached the device and turned it on. Some small part of her wanted it to detect Jaynix immediately but as she expected, it did nothing.
"It is scanning...I can…"
Kriss trailed off, turning to Elma.
"I can sync it up with an app on your datapad so that if it picks up anything while you're away, you'll be notified immediately...but…"
"It's alright Kriss. I won't give up."
The Professor shook her head.
"It's not that...but...having a reminder of Jaynix's absence on you at all times doesn't sit right with me."
Elma watched Kriss place a hand on her chest. Stepping closer, Elma spoke.
"Thank you for your concern, Kriss. Truly. You're right, it's not a good idea...but I have to do everything in my power to find her. No matter what."
Kriss studied Elma's face, nodding before asking for her datapad. Once the work was done, Kriss prepared to leave when the door opened and Frye stepped inside followed by Irina and Gwin.
"Howdy, Colonel! Professor."
Kriss shook her head.
"No need to greet me, I was just leaving."
Frye shook his head.
"Hell no! I've finally got you cornered Kriss, we're gonna celebrate."
Kriss raised an eyebrow as Irina and Gwin held up massive pizza boxes.
"And what are we celebrating, Ostrich?"
Frye smiled.
"Nothing."
Kriss seemed confused as Irina and Gwin moved past her and put the pizza down on Elma's table, turning to their Colonel.
"You don't mind, do you?"
Elma looked at Irina and smiled.
"No...I feel like the weeks have blazed by and I have not taken a single moment to just...relax…"
Elma didn't want to mention that everytime she did, Jaynix's specter was always there.
"Kriss, it would be nice if you joined us."
Turning to Elma, Kriss crossed her arms.
"I…"
Frye approached them, placing a hand on Kriss' arm.
"What harm could it do? Just this once and I'll never bother you again."
Kriss smirked.
"I don't believe that for a second."
Frye laughed.
"See? You've got me figured out already! That's the first step to friendship."
Kriss' gaze moved from Frye to Irina and Gwin. The former shot her an understanding look, no doubt she was dealing with her own issues too yet here she was. Gwin on the other hand was incredibly happy and excited.
Eyes landing on Elma once more, she sighed.
"Just this once."
"Thank you, Kriss."
Elma said before the three sat down and opened the pizza boxes, Frye producing alcohol out of nowhere earning a cheer from Gwin and groans from everyone else.
September 29th, 2056
2 Months After Starfall
On this peaceful day in Primordia, Team Elma was heading back towards New Los Angeles. The expedition was not one that was hugely necessary given how well catalogued the area they were exploring had become over the weeks but Elma had approached the other three for the task simply to be with them.
Coming to a stop, Elma looked at her comrades as they continued walking towards NLA with their backs towards her. Irina, Gwin and Frye were ever present beacons of strength that she was always thankful for. While Irina may not see herself as one, Elma did and she was certain the reverse was true.
Letting out a long breath, Elma's gaze moved to the horizon, the sun's descent would give way to night in an hour or so. They would be back in NLA before then, no doubt.
"Two months...sometimes I find it hard to believe."
Elma turned to Gwin who had come to a stop, Irina and Frye doing the same.
"I mean geez...you guys ever just think about how we got here? Earth. Two years in space. A new planet. A new home…"
Frye crossed his arms.
"I try not to think about it sometimes...it makes my head hurt."
Irina rolled her eyes.
"Everything makes your head hurt, Frye."
"Why do you think I drink?"
Elma moved towards the group.
"What brought this on, Gwin?"
The man turned towards Elma and shrugged.
"I dunno...it's peaceful, calm...hard not to think, right?"
Irina nodded.
"I'm sure we've all had far too much time with our thoughts."
Gwin scratched the back of his head and smiled.
"Once upon a time I was part of a big family tending a farm, now here I am. A BLADE on an alien planet."
Frye chuckled.
"I guess when you put it like that...my family has had a storied military and service history. Is my go at it different? Yeah, sure but also not really. Same shit different scenario."
Frye looked to Elma who smiled.
"You have a very simple outlook on most things, Frye."
"Keeps things easy."
Irina looked away from the group, her eyes scanning the horizon for BLADE Tower, the ever present symbol that signaled New Los Angeles.
Before they had left NLA, the energy output reading along the tower had read 61%, but she knew full well it had dropped another percentage and that was not something to take lightly.
"Troubled as always, Irina?"
Turning to Elma, she could only nod.
"Even after two months, there's still a lot that we have to deal with...this world isn't exactly peaceful."
Frye smirked.
"The Indigens are a pain in the ass, that's the truth of it. At the end of the day though, they're just animals. We're far smarter than they are."
Irina looked at Frye, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Most of us are."
Frye took a step back, an offended expression on his face as Gwin laughed.
The four BLADEs let a comfortable silence fill the air around them after that. They stood within close proximity to one another and enjoyed that comfort. For all the loss and pain they've suffered since Starfall, they still had each other and that was a powerful thing.
"Gwin. Irina. Frye. I wanted to thank you three…"
"For what?"
Gwin asked. Elma could only shrug.
"I'm not sure...a lot of things. Everything."
"You don't have to."
Irina spoke softly, a warm smile on her face.
"I know but...I want to...there is a lot that has tried to keep me chained to the sorrows and terrors of the past. I know we're all in the same situation...but all of you make that darkness a little brighter. You keep me...hopeful. Thank you."
The three bowed their heads, Frye reaching for his flask and holding it out.
"To the job!"
Elma smiled. There was never any telling when Frye finished a job and started another one but after years of being around him she knew that he was always on task. The job never ended.
"To the job."
She spoke, Irina and Gwin smiling as Frye finished off his flask and turned around, pointing towards NLA.
"Let's go home!"
The three BLADEs started walking, Elma taking a step as a cool breeze blew past them. Some strange scent on the wind pulled Elma's attention back in the direction they came. She hadn't felt a sensation like that in years. Bringing a hand to her chest, she searched for that warmth that was buried in her true body. The power of the Watcher that she rarely used.
"Elma?"
Keeping her gaze looking back into Primordia, Elma felt Irina move closer.
"Are you alright?"
"...I am…"
Irina waited for Elma's eyes to find hers.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. But there is something I have to check."
Irina tilted her head.
"What?"
"I'm not sure…"
"Hey!"
The pair turned to Gwin and Frye, the latter was holding up his datapad as Gwin called out.
"We may have a little bit of a problem back in NLA."
Irina moved towards them, calling back.
"What kind of problem?"
Frye responded this time.
"Not entirely clear but the good ol' Director General says he got a call in from Bills that one of our squads missed their check-in with him."
Irina continued moving towards the other BLADEs.
"Which squad?"
Frye looked down at his datapad to check the information.
"Nelson's team."
Irina crossed her arms, anything else she thought to say was cut off by a flash of lightning and crack of thunder. The group looked up to see overcast skies.
"Shit. I'm not looking forward to getting drenched…"
Frye commented.
"This little excursion on foot was nice but we should've thought ahead."
Gwin laughed as Irina looked back at Elma, the woman was deep in thought. Another booming thunderclap brought her focus back to the here and now.
Irina, Gwin and Frye moved towards Elma once again as she spoke.
"I have to check on something."
"We'll go with ya."
Frye said to which she shook her head.
"It's best that you three head back. We didn't pick up a lot of information today but you can touch base with Chausson and get a headstart on searching for Nelson and his people."
Frye crossed his arms, falling silent as Gwin spoke up.
"You sure? There are a lot of Indigens about, even more during the night and bad weather."
Irina smiled.
"It's Colonel Elma. She'll be fine."
Gwin looked to Irina who simply nodded. Accepting that as truth, Gwin nodded as well. Frye remained unconvinced.
"Elma…"
"It's alright Frye. I'll be no more than a few hours behind you and I'll keep in touch."
Pulling out her datapad she smiled. Lightning flashed once more, a grin forming on Frye's face.
"Ah, what the hell am I worried about. You always come back. Always."
Frye stretched his arms.
"And hell, for all I know you'll find something amazing on your own and get to keep all the credit."
Irina approached Frye and grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
"Yeah, yeah. Complain, complain. Let's head back."
"Alright, alright!"
Gwin waved at Elma.
"Stay safe!"
The three began moving away, Irina and Frye waving at Elma as well. She stood in place watching them as they turned around and picked up the pace, eager to get back to NLA before it began to rain.
Taking a deep breath, Elma turned and walked on her own across the vast plains of Primordia.
The rains found Elma not long after that, but nothing stopped her momentum as she traversed the wilds of Primordia. The sparse trees bending to the intense winds and many Indigens running around in the rain. Howls from wild Grexes were drowned out by the thunder, the closest Indigens were simple Blattas scurrying to their hiding places and the odd Terebra celebrating the rain.
Elma continued moving, not sure what was pulling her in the direction she was going, but she couldn't ignore it. She didn't want to.
She found a narrow path between some mountains that led her to a secluded little basin home to far more trees than what usually covered Primordia. The thunder and lightning began to ease up but the rain was constant. Somber.
Elma never broke her stride, her eyes searching the seemingly peaceful area she found herself in.
That's when she saw it.
A Lifepod.
Moving towards it, she placed her hand upon it and closed her eyes. She felt that sensation once more. This was it. This was why she was here.
Opening the control panel, she entered the relevant information and stood back as the Lifepod roused from its slumber and began to open.
Elma felt a grip on her heart once the person within began to wake, nearly stumbling out of the Lifepod.
Catching him, Elma eased him to the ground, barely able to find her voice as she spoke his name.
"Kruse."
Slowly opening his eyes, Kruse looked around, unable to recognize any of what he was seeing. Except for her.
"Elma?"
She smiled, she laughed, she swore she was close to crying but she did her best not to. She nodded.
"It's me."
Kruse continued to look at her, the reality of everything sinking in. One of his hands moved to the ground, the dirt. Sinking his fingers into the earth, into the land, emotions flashed in his eyes as he realized where he was, what had happened and remembered the terrifying experience that was Starfall.
His gaze then moved up to the dark skies as the rain began to ease up, the cool and wet sensation on his skin was calming. Returning his attention to Elma, he found himself at a loss for words.
"We have plenty of time to catch up, Kruse…"
He nodded, closing his eyes and allowing the tension to leave him, putting the memories to rest for the moment and letting out a long and calming breath.
Opening his eyes Kruse looked at Elma who began to help him to his feet. She needed to get him back to NLA, there was so much to say and even more to do.
But that could wait. Allowing herself one more moment, she looked at her friend.
"Welcome back."
Kruse smiled.
"It's good to be back…"
Moving past Elma, he studied their surroundings and asked.
"What do we do first?"
Placing a hand on Kruse's shoulder, Elma smiled.
"We go home."