~I don't own Mass Effect or Destiny, all copyrighted content goes to their respective owners~
"The only way of discovering the limits of what's possible, is to venture past them into the realm of the impossible." – Arthur C. Clarke
Arc III – Chapter 14
A New War
Freshly showered and feeling far better for it, Jane felt herself relax as she pulled on her weapons harness, the two leather belts ran around in two loops, around her waist and the other across her chest.
The loop around her waist primarily held her ammunition and the holster for her handcannon, while the one that ran across her chest and over her shoulder held both her grenade fabricator and her assortment of knives.
Next came her cloak, which she pulled on over her shoulders. Using hidden buckles fixed to her under-armour, she attached the main piece of cloth to her shoulders, before bringing one side around and wrapping it across her chest, letting the small magnets sown into the fabric magnetise against each other and hold it in place.
Rolling her shoulders to make sure everything was firmly attached, Jane turned and looked in the mirror.
Cayde hadn't been clear on what she was expected to wear to the meeting, so in the end she had decided to go with her full armour and cloak, sans helmet.
She wasn't bothering to bring either of her rifles with her, but out of a habit she was rapidly getting into, she was rarely leaving her apartment without a handcannon at her waist.
Content she had everything she needed, Jane exited her bedroom and crossed over into her living-turned-exercise room, finding Fubar where she had left him. Her Ghost having entered a trance-like state after she had asked him to access the Vanguard Archives.
Checking the time, Jane grimaced. "Any luck?"
With a muted flash of light, Fubar seemed to become aware of himself, and Jane watching as he floated off of the table, her Ghost seeming to shake himself.
"Yes and no." He reported, sounding rather irritated. "I can access the Archives remotely, but there are several Ghosts and their corresponding programs monitoring the network, with security getting tighter the more classified the files. If I access too much at once, I'll draw their attention, so any sort of dedicated rummage through Vanguard secrets is going to take time."
Jane grunted in understanding. Time was something she didn't expect to have, if the briefing she was about to attend was any indication.
"Any workarounds?"
Her Ghost shook himself in the negative. "I've left behind a program of my own, it will continue to access reports, but it will take significantly longer to find anything on its own, the encryption on Vanguard Files is difficult enough for me to crack, a program will take twice as long."
Jane sighed in resignation, "Well, we've got a meeting to attend. Let's go see what the Vanguard's got in store for us this time."
Whizzing over to her shoulder, Fubar wasted little time in getting himself comfortable, and Jane couldn't help but smirk in amusement as she left her apartment, heading down the hallway to the elevators.
"What is it with you and my shoulder anyway?" She asked as she punched the call button for the nearest elevator.
Her Ghost just grumbled. "It's warm and cosy in here."
Jane didn't bother to mention that Ghosts couldn't feel the cold, and as the elevator opened to reveal a number of loud Guardians already inside, all possibilities of further questioning was abandoned.
Without saying a word, Jane got in.
Upon seeing that the Plaza was already selected, Jane picked a corner and pulled her hood up over her head. Signalling her desire to be left alone. The rest of the Guardians around her choosing to be polite and to do so, ignoring her presence entirely as the doors slid shut again.
As the elevator began to move upwards, Jane once again ran her conversation with Cayde, paying closer attention to his movements and posture shifts.
The Exo had proved extremely uncomfortable at any mention of Saint, and while Cayde didn't always scratch his chin while lying, he did it often enough for Jane to have picked up on it.
For a machine with total body control, it always struck Jane as odd that Cayde had such human quirks. Which, she supposed, just proved that such human habits transcended the physical human form.
A few moments later, and the elevator dinged as the doors reopened, revealing daylight. The sudden contrast in light made Jane raise an arm to protect her vision, while the group of Guardians in the elevator with her shuffled out to join the awaiting crowds.
Being one of the last out, Jane was forced to sidestep as a Fireteam of Titans pushed to get in, likely looking to escape what sounded to be a busy day at the Plaza.
Immediately turning right, Jane headed for some metal stairs that she knew lead up onto a large gantry of sorts. The extra height allowing Jane the ability to oversee the majority of the Main Plaza.
It was looking to be a busy day, with Guardians of all classes moving about with the look of either casual whimsy or intent purpose.
Looking at the vendors clustered in the center of the Plaza, Jane watched as Guardians haggled over prices for everything from armour and weapons to hand-woven tapestries and scavenged Golden Age tech.
Looking up, Jane watched as the City's transport ships roared overhead, most likely moving essential cargo, while the more personalised fighter craft of Guardians passed by on their way to whatever destination they had in mind.
Satisfied with what she saw, Jane made a specific gesture of her wrist, and completely vanished from sight as her tactical cloak engaged. The action being taken more out of a wish to avoid the vendors than any real paranoia on her part. She had been taking the opportunity the last couple of weeks to practice her skills in stealth and observation, mostly by traversing the Tower and City streets while hidden from sight.
Hopping the railing, Jane slipped over the edge and fell the few feet to the floor below, barely making a sound as she landed.
Keeping to the outskirts, Jane carefully walked around the back of a kiosk and joined the crowd of Guardians making their way down a set of stairs that lead to the Tower's command and control centre.
Entering a wide but short hallway covered in the banners for the Crucible, Jane spotted Lord Shaxx and a number of his customised Frames, the Master of the Crucible talking to several Guardians while others bought, sold and bargained with the Frames that lined the walls.
Ignoring them entirely, Jane was forced to drop her tactical cloak as she made her way into the crowd proper, the extremely close proximity meaning that the slight light distortion her cloak still created was more than visible enough to trigger violent tendencies in her fellow Guardians.
Reaching the other end of the hallway, Jane found herself face to face with two armed Combat Frames, the automated machines stood guard in front of a simmering wall of opaque light that blocked further passage.
Since the statistical likelihood of enemy forces getting this far into the Tower undetected was all but impossible, Jane figured that the Frames and the glowing barrier field were more likely there to discourage curious Warlocks.
With a brief flash of their credentials from Fubar, both Frames momentarily stood aside, the barrier field dropping briefly enough for them to pass through, before it blinked back into place behind them.
Taking a look around the newly revealed command centre, Jane was quick to note that Guardians of all classes were in attendance.
In the middle of the large room the floor was sunken into the ground, where a long table had been placed. The sunken platform itself was ringed by several banners, which hung down from the ceiling supports to divide the room into two.
Hidden in alcoves created by the concrete supports, terminals were manned by FOTC personnel, who Jane knew were responsible for directing City Forces and the local air traffic.
Groups of Titans, Hunters and Warlocks of various colours surrounded the large table set in the middle of the room, and Jane noticed that the Vanguard was with them. More Guardians lingered about on their own or in pairs, leaning on the railings that lined the sunken section of the room.
"Jane!"
Looking over in surprise, it didn't take her long to identify Hawk. Her friend waving as she moved towards her, and Jane was quick to note that she was wearing a different set of armour than usual.
"Hawk?"
"Hey," Her friend greeted. "I didn't know you were invited."
Before she could reply, the barrier dropped again, and a pair of Warlocks hurried through, almost knocking Jane over in the process.
Grunting as they brushed by her, the two men barely acknowledging her presence, and Jane belatedly realised that she was blocking the entrance.
"Sorry Hawk, but let's get out of the way first, then we can talk."
Her friend nodded in understanding, and Jane followed her friend as they began to make their way around the edge of the room, avoiding the clusters of Guardians that were congregating in the center of the room.
As they walked, Hawk filled Jane in on the reason for her own presence.
"So yeah, it looks like it's gonna be all hands on deck for this. The Boss has ordered us to get prepped for a long away mission."
Looking over her shoulder at her, Hawk raised an eyebrow.
"You know, you never said how you got pulled into this."
In response, Jane shrugged a shoulder. "Cayde showed up at my apartment and invited me last minute." She explained. "He made it sound like this is going to be something big, so how could I say no?"
Reaching the back of the room, Jane found herself quickly distracted by the large floor-to-ceiling windows that dominated the back of the room, and revealed the massive expanse of land beyond the wall.
Captivated by the sight, Jane found herself stepping forward until she was standing as close to the window as she could get, scanning the forest of trees below that looked tiny from her vantage point, and the mountain range beyond was breath taking to her.
"Pretty awesome, huh?" Hawk said, appearing at her side. "Although if you really want to blow your mind, look down."
She did, and Jane belatedly realised that the floor below her was also made of glass. Revealing that they were on an overhang that let them look all the way down the face of the massive Tower they resided in.
"Woah!"
Jane didn't have a fear of heights, but the sudden vertigo she received from her brain attempting to process the sight her eyes were telling her made her legs want to give out, and it was only thanks to Hawk reaching out and grabbing her shoulder that she managed to regain her balance as quickly as she did.
"Thanks." Jane breathed.
Hawk snorted in amusement, "No problem, I had a similar reaction the first time."
Looking over at her supposed friend, Jane felt her eyes narrow at the grin plastered on Hawk's face. But before she could give voice to her sudden wish to physically harm her friend, the sound of someone clearing their throat grabbed her attention.
"If I could have everyone's attention, please."
Turning to look back towards the center of the room, Jane spotted Zavala at the head of the table, and while Jane merely stepped away from the window and gave her full attention, she observed far more varying reactions from her fellow colleagues.
Minus a few Warlocks who seemed to have gotten into a heated debate about something, and a couple Hunters who clustered around the edges of the room, everyone else in the room straightened slightly. The almost jovial atmosphere that had held the room before was quickly replaced with an air of muted professionalism, and Zavala nodded once the room fell completely quiet.
"Thank you."
With a nod towards his Ghost, the command room's lights were dimmed, and Jane was startled slightly as massive shutters were lowered down over the large windows behind her.
With the room immersed in darkness, unseen holographic projectors came to life, displaying a three dimensional image, the symbol of the Speaker.
"I will get straight to the point." Zavala announced, his voice echoing slightly. "You have all been chosen for this operation, with a few minor exceptions, because you wield the skills, abilities and experience needed for this upcoming operation to succeed."
Around the room, Jane noticed that more than a few Guardians straightened further, the majority of them being Titans.
The hologram changed, switching to what Jane assumed to be a reconnaissance image of some mountainous terrain. In the distance of the photo, Jane spotted what looked to be some sort of wild bird, although she didn't recognise the species.
From her left, Jane heard a sharp intake of breath, and turning to look over, she saw that Hawk was staring at the image with a surprised look on her face. Before Jane could quietly enquire as to her friend's reaction, Zavala spoke up.
"The objective of this operation, is the complete and total elimination of the Ahamkara."
Blinking in surprise, Jane watched as several Guardians shifted their footing. A low murmur of background noise starting up as the holographic image switched to a close up of what to Jane looked to be a winged dragon.
"For the few of you that are unaware," Zavala continued. "The Ahamkara are a race of dragoniod beings that first appeared after the arrival of the Traveller. In the past they have seen fit to bestow upon us some of their power, in return for an unknown price."
Off to the side, Jane watched as Ikora stepped forward, the Warlock Vanguard taking over the presentation.
"This is no longer the case. The Ahamkara have indicated that they are looking to collect upon our debt, and the Speaker has decided that the price is too high for us to pay. The Ahamkara now pose a direct threat to the City, and so they must be destroyed."
The hologram, which had been cycling through several images, shut off. The lights coming back on to reveal a few shocked or uneasy looking Guardians.
"The operation will be divided into three different groups," Cayde announced. The Hunter Vanguard looking uncharacteristically serious. "Each of which will have their own roles and objectives to complete."
"The Majority of the Hosts gathered here will be on the front lines, tasked with engaging the Ahamkara directly and therefor will need to have tight unit cohesion." Cayde nodded his head towards a small group of Guardians, one of which Jane recognised as Jagi, Hawk's boss.
"For those of you who specialise in Hunting and Tracking, you will be responsible for locating the Ahamkara, and then providing localised fire support for the Hosts once they engage."
As Cayde stepped back, Ikora took his place.
"A small group of Warlocks will also be tasked with studying the Ahamkara, your objective will be to learn their secrets and locate any weaknesses that can be exploited."
It was here that Zavala once again took control of the presentation, his commanding voice projecting across the room. "Operation GREAT HUNT will begin at 0900 tomorrow. Your Ghosts are being provided all the relevant intel we have on the Ahamkara as we speak, as well as information on your assigned group."
The Titan Vanguard looked around the room and sighed. "I am aware that more than a few of you have had dealings with the Ahamkara in the past, however, I am now asking you to put that aside."
Several Guardians around the edges of the room seemed to shift uncomfortably, but Zavala continued.
"The Ahamkara are a threat to us, and I am asking you, as Guardians, to uphold your duties to the Speaker and the Traveller, and face this threat as we have done with any other in the past. With an unbreakable drive, and an unshakeable will!"
Several cheers rang out across the room, mostly from the assortment of Titans, although Jane noticed that Hawk maintained her grim façade.
With another nod from Zavala to his Ghost, the shutters covering the windows began to retract.
"Then I thank you, and suggest that you return to your quarters to rest and prepare. For tomorrow shall be the beginning of a new war, one that shall be remembered for ages to come."
Looking over as a hand landed on her shoulder, Jane raised an eyebrow as Hawk gave her a tight smile.
"I better get going." Her friend explained, "I'm sure that Boss has a bunch of orders that need giving out."
Nodding silently, Jane watched as her friend left her to go join her Host.
From where he had been hidden in her cloaked shoulder, Fubar spoke up.
"I'm receiving the data package on the Ahamkara. From what the Vanguard know, these things are definitely no pushovers."
Jane grunted in agreement, before turning and walking towards the exit. While she could understand the Vanguard's reasoning, she hadn't been blinded by their flowery speech. The fact that they were setting out to commit genocide against a race of beings that looked to be intelligent left a very bad taste in her mouth.
Exiting the command centre, they made their way past the Crucible stands and up the stairs. This time not bothering with her tactical cloak, Jane let herself get caught in the flow of people.
Fubar made a confused noise. "I still don't understand why you don't want to tell anyone about our suspicions."
Slipping around a small group of Guardians, Jane broke off from the crowd and made her way back towards the elevators, where a small line was starting to form.
"Because right now they're just that, suspicions. Once we have more solid evidence, or a real answer as to what happened, then we can start telling people and making plans. Until then, there's no sense in getting people's hopes up."
"You mean other than your own."
Jane glared. "When did you start getting so perceptive?"
Authors Note:
Very late again, and I apologise, but real life is kicking my ass right now. I don't know when the next chapter will be finished, but it will likely be another few weeks before I have the time.
I would like to take the time to say thank you to everyone who's reviewed, favorited or followed, you guys are awesome! This story has now over 15,000 Views, which is far more than I ever originally expected.
So once again, I thank you all.
Thank you for your continual support everyone, and thank you to those who Review. Please do read and review, criticism is welcome, though flames not as much. Of course, reviews are my life blood as a writer on this site, and every time my email goes off it motivates me to write more.
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