S1-164
Volundr Forge
2:31 PM
04/22/3273
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Black Armory
Music
Destiny 2 - The Black Armory
Now that the Black Armory was fully integrated into the IMC HQ, Ada-1 was acquiring a great deal of telemetry from any Pilots on missions, which in turn calibrated the Black Armory weapon frames she had in store. "Dare I go against our values and ask a Guardian to craft a new Black Armory weapon? If I do, our operations could finally restart... but... more of their kind would come. They'll want our wares, of course. We'll need more supplies to meet demand, which means... even more Guardians, which means further disgracing the memory of our founder. This is quite the predicament." Just then, she realized something. "Wait... What am I saying? We're not in the City anymore. The Black Armory is no longer on Earth, nor is it in the same solar system. I should get that through my head. That, and being a Guardian happens to be nothing more than a detail when people join the Pilot ranks of the IMC." She then called for a certain Pilot.
"IMC 2nd Gen Pilot Michael Wolf Johnson of Eagle-Eye 9-1, now known as City Hawk 723, reporting for duty."
"Well, you're formal. I have a mission for you." Michael stood at attention, awaiting orders. "Take this Black Armory machine gun frame, go to the EDZ, and follow the energy marker I'll transmit to your Ghost. The IMC's drones may have found the Volundr Forge. I've already put in the request to have Stalkers and Reapers deployed in that area, but Aurora Unit 242 won't allow it unless we have at least one Pilot in that sector, which is where you come in."
"Understood." Michael took the calibrated weapon frame and bolted to the IMC HQ's docking station.
2:47 PM
04/22/3273
Approaching planet Earth
Music
Metroid: Other M - Approaching Sector Zero
"{OK. Aurora Unit 242 is now aware of our approach to the location of the first Black Armory Forge, which means the IMS Olympus is now en route, with a full complement of Stalkers and Reapers ready for deployment.}"
"Integrating the Aurora Units into our computational network definitely was the best idea."
2:50 PM
04/22/3273
Planet Earth - European Dead Zone
Sunken Isles
Music
Destiny 2 - EDZ
Eventually, Michael touched down, having jumped out of the Drop Ship as it switched to autopilot. "{The energy signature Ada transmitted to me indicates that the Volundr Forge is inside the mountain. Here's your Sparrow.}" Michael's Sparrow appeared in front of him, allowing the Pilot to speed into another sector.
Planet Earth - European Dead Zone
The Tunnels
Upon entry, Michael opened fire on the Cabal troops in the area, clearing them out with ease.
However, the road up ahead was one he would have to traverse on foot.
Planet Earth - European Dead Zone
Smider's Cavern
There were more Cabal in this sector, but now that Michael was in that sector, the automated infantry were cleared for deployment. Stalkers and Reapers were released, absolutely ANNIHILATING the Cabal, with Michael's assistance.
With the area clear for the time being, Michael loaded the Black Armory weapon frame into the floating machine, which was identified as the Volundr Forge.
Music
Destiny 2 - Volundr Initiation
At this point, Red Legion reinforcements had arrived, but they were too preoccupied with the Stalkers and Reapers to worry about Michael, who joined in the fight, picking up the Radiant Batteries various Cabal soldiers were dropping upon death and throwing them at the Volundr Forge, charging it.
Once disabled, the Stalkers began their detonation, latching onto the nearest Cabal troop and blowing them up, which were steadily being replaced. The Reapers, however, were taking no losses, and seemed to be doing quite well by deploying Ticks and bombarding the Cabal with their Reaper Rockets.
Michael was making effective use of his Cloak, picking up and throwing Radiant Batteries to charge the Forge. After a while, the Stalkers began to throw Radiant Batteries, having received additional mission data that pointed out what this did.
Eventually, the Forge had accumulated 20 Radiant Batteries, triggering an energy pulse.
Music
Destiny 2 - Volundr Phased
It was working, but with Cabal reinforcements arriving, the IMS Olympus responded with an increased output of Stalkers and Reapers.
Another 20 Radiant Batteries were provided to the Volundr Forge, but Michael had picked up an extra, which Rocco stored for later analysis and eventual mass production.
Just then, a very powerful Cabal soldier appeared.
SCANNING...
NEW ENTRIES
1: Ghalak
the Colossus
(Forge Warden)
Music
Destiny 2 - Volundr Warden
"All units, on me!" Michael ordered, driving his Daybreak sword into the ground to cast a Well of Radiance. The automated infantry units gathered in the large rift, then opened fire on the Cabal Warden. With Stalker L-STAR plasma bolts, Reaper Rockets, Tick detonations, and the use of Michael's Spitfire, the Colossus was completely obliterated, yet the Pilot was not the one to score the kill.
Reaper [Reaper Rockets] Ghalak, the Colossus (Red Legion)
Music
Titanfall 2 - Uphold the Mission
The Forge Warden was down and out, the Cabal were defeated, and the Volundr Forge had completed the new Black Armory weapon. Michael picked up the new machine gun, which his helmet analyzed and identified.
SCANNING...
NEW WEAPON ADDED TO DATABASE
1: Hammerhead
With the sector now clear, Michael deployed a transmat beacon under the Volundr Forge, sending it directly to a new chamber within the IMC HQ.
Ada-1 was on the line. "I never intended for you to send the Volundr Forge to the IMC HQ, but I suppose having our Forge onsite makes our operations a lot easier."
"To overcome a problem in the future, one must find a solution in the present."
Ada-1 immediately picked up on Michael's logic. "You knew the Cabal would be back, so you moved the Forge."
"That's right."
3:08 PM
04/22/3273
Planet Vez-2 - IMC HQ
Black Armory
Music
Destiny 2 - The Black Armory
Once Michael had returned to the IMC HQ, he reported to Ada-1, and Spyglass accompanied him. "Look at you. Look at what you've done, what you've created! The first Black Armory weapon crafted by a Gua- uh... Pilot. Oh, Ada... Ada, Ada, Ada... This predicament of a relationship has proven... unexpectedly beneficial. Perhaps when we first met, I was a bit... ~sigh~ cold. Allow me to start over. Welcome... to the Black Armory."
"Thank you, Ada. By the way, I was a Pilot WAAAY before I became a Guardian." Michael stated.
"He is correct, Ada-1. Michael W Johnson was allowed to join the IMC's ranks on the seventh of October in the year 2283." Spyglass added.
Ada-1 was speechless at the fact that this Pilot was over a thousand years old, yet still glowed with perfect health, exhibited superhuman acrobatics that were a result of intense training, and thought things through and thoroughly.
On his way out, Michael's attention was drawn by the voice of the Traveler in his head. "Michael, there is something I need to know. Do you know where Dr. Hammond is? He brought about the creation of the IMC, so I am sending his Ghost to your location, with his recovered mind, soul, and memories safely tucked away in his Light. Can't believe I never thought of this."
"With the Infinity Stones in your possession, the ability to revive the ancient dead as Guardians may have been improved. Hmm... What about the Time Stone?"
"I can use that, the Soul Stone, and the Mind Stone to bring back a few Guardians with all their memories. You may have already met them. My past self may be confused about this though. My expertise with the Time Stone is... fickle at best. Still figuring these things out."
"Anyway, we'll consult Spyglass, then unite the founder with his Ghost."
"One last thing, Michael. I might have accidentally... unshattered a planet."
Dr. Hammond isn't gonna be frozen on planet Yitune anymore.
If the Black Armory Forges are moved onsite, it effectively guarantees successful weapon creation, even more so when you can produce the Radiant Batteries they require.
Lemme tell ya, that one was THE most infuriatingly difficult Forge I have ever tried to ignite in Destiny 2. The Gofannon Forge, however, wasn't as nerve-wracking.
See you next time, everyone. Bring the future home.