Trust
The Lotus never talked to me.
Liriel was being very careful what she said. She had slept through a lot as various people had said. She would have had to have been both deaf and blind to miss the upset in many people after whatever had happened to the Lotus. Something to do with an Orokin named Ballas. She didn't know exactly what had happened, but betrayal brought out the absolute worst in everyone. Even Tenno. Maybe especially Tenno. Liriel knew exactly how vulnerable she was here and here. She wasn't about to anger anyone else if she could help it.
"Liriel..." Janna half groaned, half sighed.
Look, I woke up somewhere else. Liriel continued before anyone else could. Oracle Janet was there and she was crying. She said and I quote 'I failed.' Even one such as I can understand that such is not a good thing.
"No one has ever said you were stupid, Liriel." Janna reassured the distressed Kavat, petting her gently. "You are not. Sad and sick? Yes. Stupid? No."
Who did talk to you? Kori asked as the warframe clad kubrow sat down beside the pair. Carlos just stood, his hands folded across his chest.
Oracle Janet. Liriel said as she leaned into the pets. A big green Sentient. A smaller green Sentient. There were others there, but they didn't talk much. All true if not quite the whole truth. The big green one was in charge and the small green one was kind to me. She made a noise of consternation as Janna petted her harder. As odd as that was, they were all kind to me.
"They were probably just as surprised by you appearing in their midst as you were." Janna said as she tried with all her might to please the Kavat.
"Grina?" Carlos asked the older Tenno as she retreated a step to the wall.
"Her energy is rebounding. It was all messed up. How and why? I cannot say." Grina replied. "She was distraught and well..." She made a face. "She and the cats do not get along. Which is why her asking for their help was… A bit odd to say the least." She said delicately.
"Why them?" Carlos asked Liriel.
They are available. Liriel responded through thunderous purrs. Much as I dislike them, they are capable. Tenno are confused at the moment and those who are available are very busy. All three of the Tenno in the room nodded at that. This is not an immediate threat and from what I understand, there are a lot of immediate threats at the moment. So, I wanted to handle it quickly and quietly. Silly me.
The last was sour and Janna doubled her efforts.
"What exactly, did you plan?" Carlos asked. "If it is Sentient tech, then that defines the word 'robust' and if it is buried in a gas giant, it pretty much defines the word 'inaccessible'." He shook his head. "Even Tenno landing craft will have difficulty going as deep as such would have to have been hidden to be missed all this time." He paused and then groaned softly. "Which is likely why it was missed."
Probably. Liriel agreed. I don't know how deep or even where on Jupiter. I bet deep. She shoved Janna's hand away with her chin. Enough, Janna. Thank you. She made no move to get up. She was very much a feline.
"You are welcome, Liriel." Janna shook her head. "This does seem a job for Tenno, but as you say, there are not many available. Carlos?" She asked when he shook his head.
"I have a mission I have to get to." Carlos replied. "Kori..." He broke off as the Kubrow rose and moved to his side.
We have a mission. The Kubrow's words brooked no argument. That Infested Hive is not going away on its own.
"The clan is all out." Janna slumped a bit. "And Liriel is right. I can't go out." Everyone shook their heads in unison.
You are not happy training to be a Warrior. Liriel said and suddenly everyone was looking at her. It will take years at the very least and you want to do things now. I understand the feelings. She butted her head against Janna's stomach and the girl smiled a little forlornly. I have seen too many young Tenno fall to desire it again. Please, Janna. She begged. I will find another way. This is not an immediate threat. Not a desperation move.
Janna heaved a sigh and nodded, relaxing fully. Her face, however, was scrunched in thought. "One thing I do not understand. How could the cats get there and handle such a thing?"
I have no idea. Liriel replied. What is more? I likely don't want to know. I am not going to bet they can't though. Bad things happen to people who bet against them.
"Well, the cats might or might not be willing to help." Carlos said slowly. "Or they may be constrained in some way that no one else knows about and not be able to help. We likely won't ever know." Everyone with visible faces frowned at that, but he wasn't done. "That said, there are other forces available. Getting to them may be difficult but they are available. Not all of them can be trusted." The Oberon Prime clad Tenno warned when Liriel perked up.
How is that different from any other day? Liriel asked snidely. I don't trust the cats.
"The cats are unlikely to dissect you because you can talk." Grina said mildly enough that Liriel stiffened. "Most Kavat can't or won't, you know?"
Won't. Kori spoke up. Many of the Drahk, Kavat and Kubrow out there are smart enough to speak like this, but learn very quickly to keep their mouths shut. It is not safe to be different out there.
Everyone nodded as Liriel looked at each person in turn.
I will find a way. Liriel promised. I don't know how or why I was sent there, but there had to be a reason. I want to find Ariana, be with her, but everyone says I can't. That was forlorn and Janna laid a hand on the Kavat's flank.
"I don't know exactly where she is." Carlos said slowly. "I know where the Phoenix was, but the access way has sealed and the way I saw was covered in traps. I may be able to get a message to Ariana. I may not." He warned when Liriel perked up again. "That weapon cannot be allowed out into the light."
I know. Liriel said weakly enough that Janna started petting her again. As horrific as the Phoenix is, it is needed. There is no other way to stop the Ancient Enemy. Kori made a noise of grief and Liriel shook off Janna's hand, rising to step to the Kubrow's side. She nuzzled the warframe clad canid. You are not alone, Kori.
Neither are you, Liriel. Kori bent her head to tap noses with the Kavat. We have a mission. She rose to all four feet and nodded to Carlos.
"I will see about getting a message to Ariana." Carlos had a frown in his voice. "It will have to be done very carefully. Both to keep from getting killed by the defenses and to keep from blowing their cover."
Take what time you need. Liriel reassured him. I want no Tenno lives on my conscience, Ariana would never forgive me. I miss her, but she would be the first to tell me not to rush such things. I can be patient. Janna snickered and Liriel pulled herself up haughtily. No comments from the peanut gallery! I can be!
"Right." Janna's face was scrunched up as she fought a laugh. Grina's face was blank, but her eyes were twinkling. The elder Tenno moved to kneel beside Liriel and started petting.
"Kori? Carlos? Fight well." Grina said quietly as the pair of warframes moved for the door. Both nodded to her and were gone. She continued to rub the Kavat's fur gently. "Liriel, you may not be able to see her again."
I cannot accept that. Liriel protested, but her body was relaxing. If it turns out that I cannot? If I get word from her that I can accept is from her, that I cannot, then I will… find something else to do. That was weak, sad and scared. Then her voice hardened. Until then? I will keep trying.
"Well, of course you are going to be stubborn." Janna started petting the Kavat and the feline all but drank in the attention the two female Tenno were giving her. "One, you are female. Two, you are a Kavat. Three, you were bonded to a Tenno. So, yeah, stubborn." Liriel hissed at her, but the Kavat's heart wasn't in it.
I can't stay here. Liriel said after a moment. Both female Tenno looked at her and Liriel shook her head. I am a Kavat. I am not a cat. I am not going to be a cat. The first time some randy tom approaches me, I am likely to let the claws out.
Cat or Kavat, said claws were not toys. Contrary to the current situation. Liriel was not a lap cat. Yes, she adored being the center of attention, she was a feline after all, but only an idiot took her for harmless. An idiot or perhaps a cat with more hormone than brains. Same basic thing.
"You have been sick, Liriel." Janna sighed deeply as the Kavat looked at her. "That said, yes. I know how they can get. I have cleaned up after them more than once. At least the older cats have the sense to deactivate their augmentation when in such states." She shuddered and Grina shared it. "Just the thought of Matril… losing control..." She trailed off as Lirel made a soft noise of fear.
Randy cat plus organic explosives? Ouch. Liriel agreed, her tone sick. Even Tenno buildings can blow up.
"I do not want to know how you know that. I would really rather not have that happen if it is all the same to you." Grina said with a wince. "I honestly don't know where we are, but I do know we are in outer space. Most organic forms need air." She made a face that Janna shared. Liriel nodded.
I can't stay here. Liriel was a bit sad, but also determined. I need to try and fulfill the mission that I was given. I hoped the cats could help, but even if they can, they won't talk to me. I am not one of them. Janna looked sad, but Liriel nuzzled her. Hey, buck up, Janna. I am not dying now. I don't want to die now. She sighed. Mostly.
"Such ordeals leave scars, Liriel." Grina petted the Kavat again. "You could likely use some help and you need to talk to more than just us. We will need to clear it with the Warlord but we can likely get you somewhere that you can do both. Maybe not immediately." She warned.
Where? The Kavat asked.
"Mars."
Eighteen hours later
Liriel was ready for just about anything as the immobilization field released her and she stepped out of the golden portal.
Almost.
Then again, anyone with even a lick of sense coming face to face with a furious Ember Prime warframe was likely to have more than a few misgivings. When said warframe was brandishing a Glaive? Sane people tended to run. Liriel backed away from the Tenno, looking around for escape paths. There were not any. The Tenno was blocking the only door and the portal was deactivated for the moment.
The only good news? The Tenno wasn't angry with Liriel. Indeed, she wasn't even looking into the portal room. Was that a golden shield of energy that blocked the Tenno's path?
"...and no, I won't stay here!" The voice of the female Tenno from the warframe was calm. Too calm. As if she were holding onto her temper by her fingernails. "I am needed in the field, Brianna!"
"I can't let you go like this, Jasmina." Another female voice. Also not happy. "You are not well."
"I am angry, not insane!" The Ember snarled.
"Jasmina..." Liriel stilled as a high caste Orokin female stepped into view, shaking her head. She wasn't armed. Did she need to be? "Listen to what you just said. What did you say?" She begged. "I don't want to hurt you, Jasmina, but you have scared everyone. Rachel asked me to help you and I want to. Please! Let me!" She begged.
"I am not sick!" The Tenno snapped.
"No, you are confused." The other reassured her. "You are not insane, not sick. You are confused and angry. So am I. Hell, everyone is. Things don't make a huge amount of sense right now, Jasmina. We need to make sense of this."
"I remember him screaming in agony!" Was Jasmina crying? "He was taken and there was nothing I could do and I-"
Liriel had heard enough. She stepped forward, ready to dodge or flee if needed. She made sure she was in plain sight as she sat in front of the Ember and gave cry.
I was told this is a place where people seek help. The Kavat said quietly as both females stared at her. You need help.
"My kin need me." Jasmina stared at the Kavat as Liriel raised a leg and started to wash it.
Who? The Kavat asked, her tone mild. Who was taken?
"My mate." Jasmian relaxed a little when it was clear that Liriel wasn't a threat. Brianna might or might not be one, but it was also clear that she wasn't going to start anything. "Which makes no sense because he is here and I-"
"Calm down, Fire Heart." A shimmering heralded a Tenno simply appearing in between Liriel and the distraught Ember. There was no smell, but he was there, so, a shade. Liriel had dealt with a few of those while partnered with Ariana. He wore no warframe. "I am here."
"I remember you being taken by a dark form that I didn't know. Not a warframe, not a Tenno. Not anything I have seen." Jasmina said weakly. "You screamed. I heard Jesse scream. It… It doesn't make sense! But… But the Tenno need me out there. Fighting."
"Stand down, Fire Heart." The other said quietly. "Rachel and the others want you to seek help. You need it. Badly. I am here, Jasmina. I am here." He reassured her.
Jamsina's Glaive vanished and she stood there. For a moment, her warframe was still, then it split and a bodysuited Tenno stepped out of it. She was crying. Liriel rose to her feet and before anyone else could move, was twining around Jasmina's ankles. She moderated her purr to soothe.
Whatever is happening, Tenno Jasmina, be calm. The Kavat said quietly. You are not alone. I am Liriel. She said by way of belated introduction.
"You said something, Brianna..." Jasmina said weakly. "I am..."
"You are confused. You are angry." Brianna reassured the other. "So am I. Whatever happened messed with all of our memories. There are a lot of scared people here, Jasmina."
"And I added to that." The female Tenno seemed to wilt, but perked up as Liriel purred louder.
"You are stressed." Brianna reassured her. "We all are. There is a lot that doesn't add up at the moment. We are working on explaining it. But right now, my patients are the important ones. They include you, Jasmina." She held out a hand to the disconsolate Tenno. "Please, Jasmina. Let me help. Let us help. We have a room set up for you. One where you can talk to Dust..." The shade nodded, that had to be his name. "...or the other Caretakers as often as you wish."
"I..." Jasmina slumped and then nodded. "I apologize, Brianna Executor."
"Don't start." The golden skinned woman said with a snap that was utterly fake. Dust and Jasmina both smiled. Liriel for her part, stared. What kind of high caste Orokin acted like this? "You are nowhere near the worst patient I have at the moment. You at least can follow orders most of the time." Dust looked as if he had swallowed a bug and Brianna waved a hand at him. "You hush!"
"I didn't say a word!" The shade protested.
"Good. Don't." The Orokin turned to look at Liriel and nodded. "Liriel? Janna sent word that you were coming. I am glad you woke up."
So am I. The rejoinder was so dry that Jasmina actually chuckled, which had been Liriel's hope. She didn't know this Tenno, but she disliked tears. They were wet, salty and often messy to clean out of fur or scales. Is this a bad time? She inquired.
"I honestly don't know if there would be a good time for some of this crap." Brianna groused. "But we have staff here and we have been offered assistance from various sources. Janna said you need to network and talk through some things." The Orokin was clearly curious, but she was also well trained in decorum. She wouldn't ask even though since she was high caste she could simply ask and be told just about anything. Orokin tech did not keep secrets from its masters after all. "Do you need anything else?"
If Tanah has a moment free, I need to talk to him. Liriel did not miss the look that all three of the others shared. And yes, I know I slept through that. I can't talk about it.
"More weird. Joy!" Brianna heaved a deep sigh. "Just what we needed. I will ask, but he is incredibly busy."
I don't seem to be going anywhere. Liriel heaved a sigh of her own. Brianna beckoned to Jasmina and both females left the room. Dust looked at Liriel. Yes?
"Thank you." Dust bowed to the Kavat. "If she had left like that? I fear for her. Jasmina is good soul, but she is so stubborn."
The best ones are. Liriel fought a pang of longing back. I slept through a lot.
"Yes, you did." Dust shook his head. "But you came to the right place. No one will harm you here and you will likely be able to do a great deal of good."
Me? Liriel asked. What can I do? I am here to get help myself.
"What can you do?" Dust's smile was gentle.
"Be yourself."