Companions

Liriel sat and watched the kittens playing with the puppies and her heart was filled with contentment.

She knew that they would grow up far too soon, see far too much or perhaps be cut down too soon for young lives to be ended. The world they lived in wasn't fair any more than it was just or nice. That said, there were moments where she could just sit and watch kittens having fun.

Alas, said moments never lasted.

"Love?" Matril spoke up for nearby and Liriel turned to see him approaching through the brush. This part of Earth had never actually been touched by the Grineer. They hadn't seen any benefit in conquering an area with no one in it to conquer. There were not any easily accessible natural resources and the Orokin plants had taken over just like they had taken over everywhere. Add some genetically engineered Orokin wildlife and this place was not for the faint of heart. Only Liriel's power and her minions kept her domain safe. If the clones didn't get yanked down by the Tenno, then they might someday wind up on Liriel's doorstep and if so, she would contemplate moving somewhere else. For now though? The continent once called 'Australia' was a fine haven for beings seeking such. Any beings. "It is time."

Give me a moment, Matril. Just a moment. Liriel asked and the calico cat nodded.

Liriel turned back to see a black and red kitten mobbed by a horde of smaller furred forms. She had to smile. Sarabi was giving as good as she got but she was a far cry from the sobbing mess that had exited Isis' buffers. She was calming, slowly. Isis was working with the kitten and the other four who had finally been cleared of any trackers or programming. Psychotherapy as well as education. Stalker had been kind. He had left them for her to find, sleeping in a cargo container. None of them were hurt in any way, and while all of them expressed desires to find Stalker again and serve him someday, Liriel had gently curbed them from doing so until they were grown and as educated as she could make them. Once that happened? She would let them go, even though they all tugged at her heartstrings. They were good kittens.

Liriel sighed deeply and rose to her feet. Here, she didn't need her armor, but she activated it anyway. This would be a formal occasion, much as she detested it. The reasons behind it, the actions she would take. She hated them all. But she would do them. She had to.

"You are not alone, love." Matril was subdued. He had been since he had woken to find Diego and Orina at his side and when Liriel had explained, his rage had matched Liriel's. He hadn't left Orina's side for a moment. Not until now. Now, the kit was as safe as any could make her in this fallen world.

I know. And it is appreciated. Liriel replied. What I have to do is awful enough. Why? They just won't leave us alone, will they?

"No." Matril agreed. "Another Corpus patrol tried our borders." Liriel stiffened and he was quick to reassure her. "They got less than ten meters in."

How many? Liriel asked, slumping.

"None of the humans are dead. Five of them." Matril said quietly. "Love, you don't have to do this. Diego, Orina and Elena, to save them, yes. The others? You don't have to do this!"

Yes, I do. Liriel said sadly. They all have to understand that it will cost far too much to take us down than they will be willing to pay. Most would not be able to find us under the canopy. She looked up at the overarching trees that gave shelter to her growing horde. But they don't have to. They could simply nuke the whole area. Even the Grineer could. You know this better than most. We have to scare the shit out of them or they will never leave us alone.

"Even scared, they will try, Love." Matril said quietly. "You know they will. Their Profit demands it and they will obey."

When they do? We will deal with them. Our way. Liriel replied as the pair approached a small clearing. They turned towards a large tree that had a huge Lotus symbol carved in its side. Just as they reached it, a hidden door clicked open. The Lotus symbol hinged inward and the felines marched into a sterile white hallway.

No one knew exactly how large the facility was. It was only one of the Lotus' consignment facilities. Places where the one time guide of the Tenno had decided that unwanted Kubrow and Kavat could go to end their days in peace. It was incredibly well hidden and now? Even better protected. Now, the Kubrow and Kavat who had been here were long gone, degraded past their DNA's capability to sustain itself. Now? It was home to the horde of Kavat and Kubrow who had chosen not to serve the Tenno or anyone else but Liriel. The Queen's army grew almost daily, and the facility always seemed to have more space available no matter how many new kittens showed up. Jumper seemed bound and determined to find out if he could overpopulate the place and there hadn't been any complaints. That said, the other females of the Corps were taking steps and he would find it very hard to press anyone fairly soon. Isis was not one to anger as Liriel knew far too well. He had. He would pay. 'Nuff said.

Part of it was dens and litters anyway. The rest of it was where the pair of felines were going. Liriel did not look as a dozen sentinels swept out of hidden crannies to shadow the pair. Not that anyone would dare attack her here of all places or worse, attack Matril again. Here, she was the sole controller and no one sane would offer the slightest disrespect. The sentinels answered to her and her alone. For a very good reason.

She swept into a large room that seemed filled, but it was mostly with holograms. Only a couple of beings were here in the flesh. Nikis and Cecelia from the Karl's Shadow clan of Tenno stood by a raised platform in the front of the room. They were the only ones present physically. Many others were watching warily as Liriel made her way to the platform and jumped up, circling to situate herself on the pad there. That was the only furniture in the room and it wasn't very comfortable. Then again, thrones were not meant to be comfortable. There was one other being, a human, physically present in the room, but none could see her. Yet.

You wanted to talk. Liriel said into the silence that greeted her. Matril sank to his haunches in front of Liriel's platform. I see no reason to talk, but I have been trying to be a bit more diplomatic since Caretaker Jasmina helped me see my friend for what is likely the last time. She nodded to the holo of an Ember Prime warframe who nodded back. She asked for this meeting, I have granted it. I know many of you are trying to track this and I wish you luck. Her eyes were cold as they swept the room. You will need it.

Since all of the Cyberlancers, including Abigail who wasn't really one, had all expressed their support for Liriel. All were coldly furious at what had been done to her and hers. Anyone trying to track her who wasn't a Cyberlancer? They were not going to have a good day. As for Trinity? She was busy.

"We are justifiably worried, Your Majesty." A woman in a golden gown stood to one side. She had been introduced as the daughter of the current Empress. Liriel didn't really care. She had far too many secrets of her own to want any more. "You were the sworn partner of a known murderer."

Am, Princess Michelle. Liriel corrected grimly to a general hush. I am her partner. If Ariana were to appear and ask me to join her, I would. All I have and all I am I would lay at her feet. She understands the meaning of love. She paused and then added. And betrayal.

She was looking at a cluster of golden holograms who stood nearby and Hayden Tenno stepped out of them middle of them, head bowed. The shade of the First Tenno nodded to her.

"There are many who worry you are building an army." Hayden said without preamble.

I am. Liriel replied evenly. More than one person gaped at her calm rejoinder. Before any of you freak, I have no interest in conquering anyone anywhere. But I also know that there are far too many who simply cannot leave well enough alone for me to lay aside weapons or worse, let someone else defend me and mine. For they will not. More than one person shifted nervously as the Queen of Cats snarled the last.

"Love." Matril's soft voice hushed the mutters that started at her cold words. "You can't blame people for being scared. Not after what you have done."

No, I guess I can't. Liriel admitted. I have no interest in wealth or power or territory. What I want, I cannot have. I wanted to stay with my friend and I could not. I wanted a normal life and I will never have that.

"You are a lot of things, Liriel." Hayden smiled a bit grimly. "You have never been 'normal'."

Are you here to revise the Compact, First Tenno? Liriel inquired mildly. Far too mildly as several sentinels hovered into the room. None had weapons live, they seemed to be listening.

"No." Hayden replied and more than one person relaxed. "I am here to reaffirm it. Companions may be manufactured or genetically engineer, but they serve by choice. Companions are not slaves. They were never supposed to be and now? No one wants to anger you again."

Maybe not today, but tomorrow, someone will forget or think it is a joke or just not care. Liriel shrugged. No matter. I hereby reaffirm that I have no intention of demanding that any companion leave his or her chosen partner. I am a Queen thanks to you and your damn Compact, Hayden Tenno. I am not an enslaver.

Everyone looked at Hayden who slumped a little. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

Hindsight is a pain, true. Liriel agreed. I will not allow myself to be mired by the past. I will focus on the future. A future free of all who would oppress me and mine.

"You cannot do it alone, Liriel." The Orokin princess tried again.

I am not alone, Princess. Liriel replied And I never will be again. Companions were calling out for justice, so I was remade into what was needed while I slept. I was given no choice by your Compact. She snapped at Hayden who nodded. But now? I have a choice and I am exercising it. I will never serve Tenno again. Ariana if she appears, I will fight beside. If she chooses to serve, then so will I. Until and unless she does? Fuck you. All of you. I am not Tenno and I refuse to trust you ever again.

She started to glow so no one dared to comment. Especially when Nikis cleared his throat. Liriel looked at him and he nodded.

"Those responsible for this travesty have been identified, shade and corporeal alike." Nikis said flatly. "Those who are Tenno will face the justice of the Elders. The Corpus may or may not face our wrath."

They will face mine. Liriel said softly, but clearly audible. Every face stared at her and then at Nikis who shrugged. She glared at the holo of the Reverend Mother who met her eyes. You helped Diego and Orina. For that, you have my thanks and you may leave without harm. But if we meet again, eleven young lives scream at me every night for vengeance. You did not have all the information. Trinity was sparse with what she said as always. You may have truly had no choice but to slay them out of mercy as uncontrolled and insane as they were, but you had no right to make them like that. You acted without my consent, violated me and my love. Made kittens from us without our consent. For that? I will see you dead if I can. Not a threat, a promise.

"Liriel!" More than one person gasped, but the Reverend Mother just nodded.

"You will have to stand in line, dear. It is a fairly long line." The nun said with faint, sad smile. Her holo nodded to Liriel and stopped speaking.

Why does that not surprise me? Liriel asked nobody in particular. The Corpus will continue to press. They know they had something very different in their clutches and the records of such were backed up in too many places for me to warp or for your people to destroy. The Reverend Mother nodded, silent. They know that I was different, if not exactly how. What they do not know is what I will do to any Corpus I catch on my territory. She paused and then corrected herself. If Special Forces appear in my territory, have them identify themselves immediately. That was a command and the Reverend Mother nodded again soberly. I acknowledge the debt I owe them. Two young lives saved by human courage and skill. I will not trust, but them? I will not treat them the same as I will the rest. If they identify themselves, they may pass my territory. No other Corpus will leave my territory.

"What will you do?" Michelle asked warily into the sudden stillness.

That is a very good question, Princess. Liriel said mildly And I have one for you. Do you know where Sentinels came from originally?

Hayden was shaking his head, but he remained silent as everyone else looked perplexed. Nikis didn't move and Cecelia? She was pale.

"No." Michelle admitted after a moment. "They appeared in numbers during the Old War, but records say that they predate it."

They do. Liriel said with a wide feline grin that held no mirth. Will you explain or shall I? She asked the First Tenno.

"I think it needs to come from you." Hayden said softly.

Very well. Liriel sat up and started to speak in calm, quiet tones. Tenno originally came from humans who had been infected with the Technocyte Virus but had not lost all of what they were in the change. Ballas made his 'frames of war' by infecting people with the virus. She shook her head slowly. From what I have heard? None of the ones he changed were volunteers, and then the copies that the Orokin made and then later the Tenno themselves had no idea of what he had done. How the warframes had been made. No one had clue the true depths of horror that scum had sunk to. Sentinels are not warframes. They have never been and never will be. That said, they share a number of the same traits. They are durable beyond all reason and can reconstitute after being destroyed. Unlike Tenno however, they can be replicated fairly easily with the proper tech and know-how. But the ones that others such as the Corpus and Grineer make are lesser, not as bright or as capable. The reason is simple. Here it is.

The wall behind Liriel shimmered with lavender energy and more than one person gasped as they saw what lay within. Liriel didn't need to see to know that the human doctor who had hurt her so badly lay in a metal box. Physically, she was mostly intact, except for the livid red scars on her bare abdomen. Liriel had made good on her promise and the woman's reproductive organs had been quite tasty. Machinery covered the restrained woman from the waist down and surrounded her skull. Tubes ran into her mouth and nose. Other tubes came from lower down and needed no explanation, since they were filled with yellow and brown fluids, respectively. She wore a thin, yellow plastic garment that was sort of opaque and sort of transparent. It was not quite enough to cover the bits that showed, but close. What was odd though, was the thing clamped to her side. It looked organic and an evil looking gray and brown slush flowed into it from a tube that connected the device to the wall. More than one person gagged.

"What have you done?" Michelle pleaded weakly as the woman screamed again and again in her prison, but no noise came to the group.

I have been efficient. Liriel replied. Killing her would be fun, but in the end? Fairly useless. There will always be more Profit driven fools who hurt others in their need to make whatever currency they wish. Instead of killing her, I decide to use her. Trinity. Do it.

"Liriel! Please!" Trinity shimmered into being nearby. Instead of a warframe, the shade wore a yellow surgical gown and a dark brown Kavat collar? Nikis cleared his throat and Trinity recoiled from him.

"What you did was beyond the pale, Trinity. The Queen of Cats would be well within her rights to demand I destroy you for that." Nikis snarled. "The rest of us have all agreed this is a just punishment. Fixing your mistake. You cannot bring the kittens you killed back, but protecting the others will help. Some. Do it. Now." He laid a hand on a Dark Sword that hung by his side and Trinity recoiled from the not so veiled threat.

"I..." The shade was crying as she nodded slowly.

Everyone gasped as another screen came alive showing a tank with a human woman sinking into it. She was asleep, thank god! Because her body was dissolving! Into evil gray and brown slush!

"Liriel! No!" Michelle pleaded as the human dissolved completely.

I will not be them. Liriel said sharply. I will not leave them awake while I disassemble them. I can be cruel if needed, but there are limits. Corpus and Grineer will continue to press. Any who I capture who do not identify themselves immediately as Special Forces and prove their bona fides will be rendered down to basic building blocks. I will use them to make more of my army. Ah.

Everyone stared at the woman in the wall as the machinery connected to her lower body unfolded and something flew out of it. The tiny lavender spark flitted here and there until Liriel held up a paw and it flew right out of the wall to land on her paw. A DethCube Sentinel slid out of the ceiling and descended to her paw. It jerked as Liriel pressed the lavender spark into it. A tiny voice sounded from it.

"Mother?" The tiny female voice was scared, but firmed. "That was weird. Wow. I… I have a body like you said and I- Whoa! I can fly!"

More than one person gaped as the DethCube flew up into the air and started doing small loop de loops, tiny laughs of glee coming from it.

Elena. Now is not the time. Liriel smiled as the DethCube came to a sudden halt in mid-air. Work now. Fun later.

"Yes, Mother." The voice from the DethCube was subdued as it flew back to hover beside Liriel's platform. "If I may? Orina? Diego? Are they getting things like this? This is really cool!"

Their therapy is done and forms are under construction for them. Liriel replied more to the crowd than to Elena. That was the first one we have made from the humans who 'volunteered'. The last was dry and more than one person gagged at her evil wit.

"When do I get guns?" Elena demanded and Matril groaned. "People want to hurt you and us! I want to hurt them!"

"We have created a monster, love." Matril smiled as the DethCube slid down to hover beside him. He reached out to touch it and it all but purred.

No more than others have. Liriel said, eyeing Hayden who nodded slowly. For what it is worth, I have no territorial ambitions. I do not wish to take anything more than I have. I will have my paws quite full with the mess you have dumped on me. That said, any companion who feels mistreated may call upon me for judgment. My judgment will be as impartial as I can make it and as fair as I can make it. If I judge against them, their companion will leave with me and never be seen again. If no one offers violence, I will not either. If they do, they will face my wrath and if they are lucky, I will not turn them into a sentinel themselves. I cannot kill Tenno without massive expenditures of energy, but I can disable and destroy warframes. I will if pressed. So swears the Queen of Cats.

"You are killing humans." Someone begged from the group. A bearded Tenno Elder was shaking his head. "We protect humans."

You protect humans who do not attack you. Liriel clarified. This is no different from Tenno striking down some fool who thinks to sell their warframe to a Corpus with them inside it. It is little more clinical. She eyed the wall as the woman screamed in silence yet again and another lavender spark exited her to fly into a Helios sentinel that hovered near her. Mostly. I do admit a touch of joy at the pain she is suffering.

"This is wrong!" The Elder said sharply.

And your point is? Liriel snapped right back. Is it only right if it happens to a companion? If they are left to rot on the deck of a landing craft? If they are left to die over and over again because the Tenno who was supposed to be their partner felt it not worth the time to recover them? Do not speak to me of right and wrong, Tenno. Do not. Right and wrong have no place here. I do not follow your Code. I think it is a reasonable set of rules, most of the time, but this? No. This is my choice. Right or wrong, it is my choice and if you have a problem with it, you are welcome to send your minions after me. You won't get any of the warframes back.

"Mavri!" Nikis snapped when the Elder opened his mouth again. "Don't. Just… don't." The ancient Nekros warned. "We may disagree with her. Heaven know it turns my stomach. But she is within her rights and duties. Who are we to deny a sovereign monarch the right to do her duty to her people simply because we disagree with how she does it?"

"Nikis, this is wrong!" Mavri begged.

"And how many times have Tenno had to watch wrong things done simply because the ones doing it had power?" Nikis asked reasonably. "Liriel here at least has a legitimate reason for doing what she is. How many?" He asked the Kavat.

Sentinels? Liriel asked and Nikis nodded. So far three hundred and seven counting Elena. Not all will be as smart as Elena here, but will it matter?

"Three hundred sentinels..." Michelle said weakly.

"There were over two thousand human Corpus on the ship that Orina took over." The Reverend Mother said quietly. "I am doubt any of their minds survived what she did." Liriel inclined her head but did not answer her. "Will you… process them all?" She asked slowly.

It will take a while. Liriel replied, neither confirming nor denying. We shall see. I believe that is all? She asked. If so, I have duties to attend to.

"We will be watching." Hayden said softly and vanished, other shades disappearing with him.

"As will we." The Reverend Mother did the same.

Liriel turned to Cecelia who shook her head. "You have no reason to trust me. Many reasons not to. I will submit to any restraints you wish, Your Majesty, but I do wish to aid the kittens."

They like you too and we could use another caregiver. Some companions are quite sick when they come to me. Liriel unbent a little and smiled at the small human form. We have more kittens. She warned.

"Well, of course." Cecelia smiled, but her gaze was drawn back to the screaming woman in the wall. "I think you made your point, Your Majesty." She said softly, her face pale.

Only time will tell, Cecelia. Liriel rose from her pad as Jasmina bowed to her and vanished. The Ember Prime was the last of the other holos to vanish. But I think I did too. Elena. She snapped as the DethCube started doing aerobatics again. Do that outside.

"Yes, mother." The DethCube flew to the door, but it didn't open. "Um..." The cube spun to look at Liriel who sighed and started for the door. Matril, Nikis and Cecelia formed up with her.

The cube is not in our systems yet. We will fix that. Liriel shook her head. Now, if only everything could be so easy to fix.

"Lots of things need fixing. You need me, you call." Nikis swore and Liriel nodded to him. He vanished in a haze of gold between one step and another.

"Ah, one question?" Cecelia asked. "What is my status here?" She inquired a bit weakly.

"What else?" Matril rubbed up against one side as Liriel rubbed up against her other.

You are our companion.