Warframe Beyond the Origin
ESKK: Well, here it is Chapter 3 enjoy.
(Start the next Morning)
The Tenno were packing up from their brief stay in the Jedi Temple. It had taken a whole day and a good part of the night but Titus finally unwelded the ships. Thankfully the damage wasn't severe so they can leave as soon as the Cephalon's do the final system check before departure. Thankfully they didn't have much to pack so they were ready to go in less than an hour. At least until there was a knock on the door which got their attention.
"Come in." Zed spoke and in turn they saw Obi-Wan standing there to greet them.
"Hey Obi-Wan right?" Mari asked as she looked to the Jedi Master,
"Yes, and apologies for disturbing you this early." Obi-Wan began as he looked to the Tenno. "But the council asked to speak with you five once more." Obi-Wan said as Titus was surprised by this.
"Again? Didn't we already explain ourselves to them?" Titus asked as he crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"Worry not we already asked enough questions this time we have a request of your group." Obi-Wan said and in turn Zed heard request and even though Tenno protect the Origin System they were still mercenaries as well.
"Alright we'll hear them out." Zed said as he wanted to see what the Jedi needed their help with.
(Later with the Jedi Council)
The Tenno stood before the Jedi Council in shock over what they had requested of them. "Wait back-up you want us to help you guys with a problem?" Titus asked when he heard what they said.
"Our forces are spread thing as it is, and we have a task that might suit your expertise." Mundi said via a hologram image. "Are you interested?" He asked and thus Zed switched to business mode.
"That depends on two things." Zed spoke as he looked to the Jedi. "First what's the mission and second how much you're willing to pay." Zed said and in turn the Jedi were surprised by this.
"Pay?" Windu asked his voice carrying an edge in it.
"No offense but we Tenno don't exactly have an army so all we can do is keep the balance of power stable in the Origin System. More so than that unless it's sticking it sideways to any of the factions our services when we're requested get paid for." Mari said as she looked to the Jedi who did not like being extorted.
"Republic Credits won't cut it but we're willing to exchange it for something else." Zed said as the Jedi glared at them.
"And what would that be?" Windu asked almost daring them to try something.
"Medicine and droid schematics." Zed said surprising the Jedi once more. "As we said the Origin is in a constant state of flux with its balance of power and seeing how you all have these droids providing aid in varying ways, we figured the people back home caught in the crossfire could find use for them." Zed said and thus the Jedi saw their demands were reasonable and fair.
"Attempt we shall you demands we shall." Yoda said as they agreed better that the Tenno are asking for something useful to aid others then something like Credits.
"Good enough now what's the mission you have?" Zed asked taking command of the situation for his team.
In turn the Jedi showed an image of what looked to be some sort of ship. "With the current war we have been unable to handle growing problems that were small ones prior to the conflict." Windu said as he began to explain what was needed of the Tenno.
"Oh, look a ship what is it using an illegal engine or something?" Titus asked as he then got elbowed by Mari who then shushed up.
"No but they might as well be." Windu said and thus showed the read outs. "We have reason to believe that this ship has in its hold stolen Experimental Republic Weapons with intentions to sell on the Black Market if not the Separatists." Windu said and thus Zed got the gist of it.
"So, you want us to destroy the weapons and eliminate the crew." Zed said as Windu looked to them.
"Only if it cannot be avoided, we'd like to have them back in one piece." Plo said and thus Akin had to ask.
"But why us then? I if it's your equipment shouldn't you get it back yourselves?" Akin asked as he did not want another situation where they help the Corpus against the Grineer and then get Zanuuka on their asses.
"Our forces are spread out and we believe certain parties may be involve parties with political connections." Mundi said as Zed looked to this.
"So, you need someone who doesn't have such connections to anyone to go in and get what you need done." Zed summarized as he saw the scene play out.
"Precisely." Obi-Wan said as the Tenno thought it over. "We believe it may be Separatist involvement so you may need to follow this ship till it docks with its target." Obi-Wan said as he looked to the group.
They all looked to each other and even if their faces were hidden by their Warframes they had a general consensus. "What sort of defense will be met with?" Zed asked as he had a feeling on how this would turn out. And in turn they began to speak of what will be expected of them for this mission.
(Scene Break the Tenno Space)
The Tenno were looking over the mission specs as they made sure they were lock and loaded. "I don't like this." Akin was heard as Zed looked at the data. "Feels like the Jedi are just using us." Akin said but Zed knew that already.
"Kind of hard not to see that, if the mission goes wrong then we're the scapegoats." Zed said as he had a feeling that the Origin system would not want either Republic or Separatists on its soils.
"Sounds like a load of Kubrow crap to me." Titus said as they continued to travel through the Void to their destination.
"Operator." Ordis began which got Zed's attention. "We are approaching our destination please prepare -TO SLAUGHTER THEM ALL- For Deployment." Ordis said and thus Zed knew it was about time to move out.
"Thank you, Ordis." Zed said and thus with Transference became one with Excalibur Umbra once more. Zed had a great number of other Frames he could use but Excalibur Umbra was always his go to. He just felt connected to the Warframe more than he did to others and thus said Warframe had proven to be ideal for the Tenno to use in many missions.
Of, course Zed had switched out the Nataruk main arm for the Ambassador Main arm and the Twin Grahkata Side Arms. Zed had gotten that particular rifle after fighting off the Corpus Jackal Armada every time they managed to rebuild the damn fleet. Zed swore at times the enemies in the Origin System never seem to learn from their past failures. Any who once Zed was ready, he headed back to the Navigation and was prepared to deploy.
(With Mari)
Mari looked over Mesa Prime and knew what their mission was. Thus, she switched out her Arsenal for another Warframe. First the bottom hatch opened up and from inside it Ivara Prime rose forward. Following it up robotic arms came out from the back wall as they carried with them Baza Prime which equipped to the back of Ivara Prime, Aksomati Prime side arms, and finally for her Melee weapon she went with Orvius Tenshin's throwing Disk. But when she equipped it, she hesitated for a moment knowing what had become of him during the New War still hurt the Tenno deeply.
But they had to move on and using his weapon was a good way to honor the Dax Warrior. She then whistled and from her ships room her Kubrow ran out. She never liked the Sentinal and those Robo pets like Akin did too unnatural for her but Akin and Titus loved those robot companions of theirs, so they got off well on that. Still, they had a job and Mari was not one to give up when there was work to do.
(With Aya)
Aya meanwhile had switched out Trinity Prime for Nezha Prime as well as the Guandao Pole Arm and Zakti Prime. Her Main Arm was a tough one to decide on as she scrolled through her Arsenal to pick the ideal Primary Weapon. In turn she eventually decided on using Paris Prime seeing as it was a one hit one kill if she shot it right.
Aya was always a pacifist by nature preferring to talk it out first before resorting to violence. Alas the Zariman, the Old War, and her time as a Tenno had all but beaten her nature out of her. Thankfully it survived more or less to find peaceful resolutions but for foes who seem intent to kill her first on more than one occasion Aya knew when to talk and when it was time to fight. Thus, the glasses wearing Tenno entered her Warframe and was in turn ready to depart.
(Titus)
Titus was one Hell of a Tenno in his own words. He's always been the heavy hitter sort but that was mainly for close quarters. Truth was he was a bit of a sniper second only to Mari in that regard. His origins were that of a builder his father, built things as did his grandfather and his father before him. So, imagine the surprise when they were chosen to board the Zariman to build a new future under an alien sun that was Tau.
Of, course that was before shit hit the fan and now, they were here stuck figuring out what the hell they are supposed to do at this point. Regardless the Tenno was not one to shy away from a good fight hence why he was getting himself prepped for battle. As the Tenno prepped for battle, he opted to use Vauban Prime with the Fraggor Prime hammer as well as the Akstilleto Prime Side Arms. Of course, he didn't stop there as Titus went for the Zar Wraith main arm so he can cause a few big bangs as well as equipping the Grattler Arch Gun to be summoned if he needed it.
Yeah, Titus was never one to go small he likes to make a statement whenever he enters the room. Thus, prepped and ready Titus was all set to lay down some hurt.
(Akin)
Akin was much like his older self in this timeline, reckless, and at times arrogant. But unlike his other self he wasn't bound to some prophesy to fill his ego and unlike his other self he had a large support group in the form of the other Tenno and the Lotus. They were family after all and Akin had long since learned that letting go can be painful but if you have those to help shoulder the pain... it's not as bad as one would think.
Thus, his Warframe Wunkong Prime was what he was going for. Akin was very much a kid with some minor issues but had long since learned to deal with them at least for those who were no longer here. Back on the Zariman he remembered Rel the strange boy who Anakin had met Zed through. When Akin had learned of what happened to him after the Old War, he wanted to be angry at Zed, but Zed was just as broken up as the rest of them. It only became worse that right after Ballas showed up and took the Lotus and thus laid a powerful blow against the Tenno.
The time they spent without the Lotus the Tenno had to rely on themselves and each other thus had to grow. So as Akin equipped his Ninkondi Prime nunchaku and Zhuge Prime crossbow he had every intention of succeeding in this mission. Of course, he wasn't going to let the bad guys get away as he also equipped the Hikou Prime side Arm as he saw the Throwing Stars were in place.
(Back with Zed)
Once everyone was prepped Zed began to detail the plan to the other Tenno. "Ok you all know the plan, get in, secure the ship, secure its cargo, and then mark it for retrieval." Zed said as he sat before the Navigation console.
"So just another day in the life, isn't it?" Akin asked as a joke as this got a chuckle from everyone.
"Depends, wanna go to a sandy beach or mars?" Mari asked as Akin rolled his eyes.
"You know funny thing you spend so much time trapped in the Void you actually start to miss sand." Akin said as he still had trouble with that. "I'll take the beach." Akin added and thus this got Titus to laugh.
"Still not letting him hear the end of that failed attempt to flirt?" Titus asked as Akin blushed in response to that.
"Oh, come on it was adorable." Mari joked but Zed had enough of this.
"Guys focus and be professional." Zed snapped a bit, and this got everyone to shut up. "We're about to exit the Void." He said and just as he said it the Void Jump ended and thus, they were met with the sight of a large ship in the area. They kept their distance as the Orbiters went to cloak mode and thus, they began their deployment.
(Outside)
One by one the Laset Landing Crafts detached from the Orbiters and once they did their thrusters ignited and they took off towards their target. As they did so they entered cloak and send off scramblers to avoid detection as well as prevent their enemies from calling for aid. But the fact remains once the Tenno enters the only thing the Republic would find is an empty ship with their stolen equipment and mounds of dead bodies littering it.
(Scene Break Liberty)
General Jedi Master Aayla Secura stood on the bridge of her Flag Ship the Liberty which was manned by the 327th Star Corp. As she stood there, she was contemplating the odd mission given to her by the Jedi Council about stolen Republic Experimental Equipment. Apparently, they contracted a team to go in and retrieve it and to await their signal. She found it strange for varying reasons adding to this of course was the fact Anakin and Ahsoka as well as a few members of the 501st Clone Battalion were taking part in this retrieval.
It was of course after Anakin had told her of the Tenno that her curiosity was abated a bit but still wondering. One team against and entire ship with possible stolen Republic Tech in use. It sounded farfetched if not concerning for the Jedi and while she figured they must have been great warriors in their own system one team shouldn't be enough to change the tides.
"Thinking about our new friends?" Anakin asked as he walked into the bridge to meet with Aayla.
"Perhaps." She began with a glance over to Anakin. "I fail to see why they are considered to be all that was needed to secure our stolen equipment?" Aayla asked as she looked to Anakin waiting for an answer.
"Patience Master Secura the Tenno aren't to be underestimated." Anakin said and thus Aayla looked back to the space before her.
"I hope you are right." Aayla said as she had her doubts about this group.
(With the Tenno)
The Tenno kicked open a vent from above and came down taking aim at anything that could be a threat. Zed took point as he had his main arm weapon ready before one by one his team joined him scanning the room. "Clear." Zed said once Akin finished and thus they began to move to the door.
"So, what's the plan now that we're in?" Mari asked as she had her rifle ready for just about anything.
"We need to find out what we're dealing with." Zed began as he put a plan together. "That means we need to find a data Terminal first and foremost." Zed said as he looked to his team.
"So, we're going for the silent approach then?" Akin asked as he looked to Zed.
"Yeah, so don't cause a scene." Zed said looking at Akin and Titus specifically.
"Why does he always stare at us when he says that?" Titus asked with concern to Akin who had a few guesses as to why. "Let's move." Zed said and thus they began to move in order to locate the nearest Data Termina.
(Later)
Two Droids were seen guarding the data terminal as they made sure it was undisturbed. As they guarded it one of the Droids looked to it and made sure all was in working order. "Everything is in order." It said as the Battle Droid looked to his partner.
"Just like every other time we checked." The Twin responded as it looked to the first droid.
"Who do we always get the boring jobs?" The first one asked as he looked to his friend.
"Hey at least we're not getting shot at." The second said unaware that was about to change.
"True." He said and then out of nowhere an arrow flew by piercing both of the Droids at once ending them both. From above Aya came down followed by her team as Zed began to walk pass her. "Nice shot." Zed said patting the Tenno on the shoulder as he passed her by. Once they got to the Terminal Zed used his Parazon and began to slice into the system. "Ok let's see here." Zed mused and in turn found what he was looking for. "Ok the exact number of active crew members and where the stolen Cargo has been marked." Zed said before he disconnected from the system.
In turn the data was sent over to the other Tenno. "Got it." Akin announced as everyone else also confirmed.
"Now here's the plan, Aya and Akin you two are with me to go secure the package." Zed began looking to his second and their support.
"What about us?" Mari asked as she looked to Zed.
"Mari you and Titus, deal with the crew it should be a majority of Droids but don't get cocky and cause a scene like you always do." Zed said and thus with their plan made they got to work.
In turn Zed and his team went to find the cargo leaving Titus and Mari behind. The two looked to each other and had one thought on how to do this. "Wanna go cause a scene?" Mari asked with a smirk as she was clearly not going follow Zeds' orders here
"I thought you'd never ask." Titus said and thus they got moving on their own mission.
(Later with Titus and Mari)
The two Tenno were seen walking out in the open down the hall as they didn't seem to be worried at all about the danger. Mari's Kubrow, Linxo, was walking behind his mistress as next to Titus's head was his Sentinel Taxon Prime. As they walked the Droids quickly took notice to them and began to approach them. "Hey, you're not supposed to be here who are you?" The Battle Droid asked and in turn was shot by Titus Zar and exploded.
Not long after the explosion drew the attention of the other Droids and thus calling for backup, they began to move in. Seeing a large group of them coming their way Mari drew her melee weapon and threw it smiling watching it bounce off the walls hitting each droid before hitting the end and returning to her. Mari caught the weapon with ease as she continued to walk. They had no idea where they were going and honestly didn't really care all they did care about was offing every single foe that was dumb enough to come after them.
Just then a Droid came out from one path only to be met with Titus' hammer slamming it into the wall and destroying it while making a huge dent in said wall. Eventually they got to a big set of doors which to their joy lead to the hanger area of the ship. Best part it was covered in droids who all saw them and would no doubt be calling for every bit of backup to move in on the hanger.
The two Tenno looked to each other and thus knew exactly what to do in this situation. The two began to make their way to the center of the hanger as they shot and killed any Droid that came their way or tried to stop them. Mari then whistled and thus her Kubrow snarled as it went on the attack against a Droid using its claws and fangs to tear it apart. A large group of Droids was seen, and Mari threw the Orvius at a claw holding a large object above the ground. When her weapon cut through it the object fell and destroyed the Droids with its weight.
Eventually they got to the center of the room and in turn Titus drew his side arm and shot a Droids that got to close. In turn Titus activated two of Vauban Prime's abilities. First, he activated Bastille just as multiple Battle Droids got into the range of it. The Droids were hoisted into the air by the ability following it up with Tesla.
Mari laughed as she then activated the ability Navigator and with it shot a single Arrow from her Exalted Bow. The arrow flew around as Mari controlled it with but her mind and had it hit every droid that came their way. Titus took out his Akstilleto Prime and began using the dual weapons to hit every Droid he had caught in his Bastille ability and even shot at the ones beyond. The destructive pair laughed as the Droids kept coming and in return kept dying by the Tenno's actions.
(Meanwhile over with Zed's Team)
The trio headed to cargo hold area with an explosion that was heard and felt that shake the ship, the alarms started blaring out with an announcement saying there were intruders on board, with Zed knowing it was Titus and Mari as Akin said, "Those two are at it again."
"Why do they do this when you order them not too?" Aya asked with Zed soon said to her, "Because I know they would it anyways, while also causing enough of a distraction to help us out with the major of the crew focus on them than us."
Suddenly down the halls, the sound of something rolling on the ground as the three Tenno halted in their tracks and saw a large group of Droideka coming up as they stop as soon as they were in front of the Tenno blocking their path as they unrolled out themselves to take their turret form while activate a bubble shield around them as Akin said, "Well so much for no attention on us."
"This is just the red carpet, I'm sure our host wouldn't mind if we play with them… in fact let's give them our thanks on the bridge, you think you can handle that Akin?" Zed asked his friend as he nodded while using Wukong ability as he turned into smoke and flew out of site quickly as he headed to the bridge of the ship leaving Zed and Aya by themselves as Zed ask her, "Ready?"
Aya pulls out Paris Prime and said, "Always."
Soon enough Zed charge at the droids as he drew his sword out planning on a close range attack, as they fire upon him, he dodge their shots like nothing with Aya pull back her bow and fire an arrow, as it travel through the air fast penetrating the shield of a droid destroying it with ease before move on to the next, as Zed behind them quickly while being close enough as he slash one droid with his sword pass through it with ease as he destroy it shield while slashing through its body
Zed then pulled out one of his Twin Grahkata, stuck it through another droids shield and blast it as while it falls apart, thank goodness he asked for data on the droids and figure out a weakness to them.
He leaps away as the droids turn enough to fire upon him as he kept moving around, as they maybe fast at shooting but not at turning it seems as he went around slash, shooting, even blasting at them with his weapons with ease, he wasn't even trying at this point.
Aya keep firing arrow after arrow at the Droideka taking them down one at a time as she said, "Who made these things? It's like they weren't even trying to make them better. At least the Moa were smart enough to move out of the way of fire when they can."
Soon enough there were just few left as Zed and Aya take care of them with ease as Zed decided to give the two of them a shot from his Ambassador, as it fire shooting a beam of energy that cause a lot of damage to the droids as they shield quickly went down and were blasted again causing both of them to explode.
The last droid try to run away seeing all of his comrade were now destroy, but it wasn't going to get the chance as Aya drew one more arrow as she line up her shot while the droid rolls away, soon enough Aya let the arrow fly, as it flew through the air quickly as it caught up to the droid piercing through it as roll out of control and hit into the wall on the far end of the hall.
Aya put her weapon away while coming up to Zed as he put his weapons away as he said, "That was mostly fun."
"Well, you were running around them, I just stood still firing at them like I was playing a carnival game," she said while Zed said to her, "Well if you make you feel better, you would have gotten the top prize from this if it was."
Aya give a shrug to that as soon enough the two went on their way, unaware what is waiting for them in the Cargo area.
(The bridge)
Akin got to the bridge as Droids were scrambling about trying to get the ship under control. "Where are the intruders?!" A battle Droid asked in a panic and in turn cried out when a bolt head shot it. Following it up more Crossbow Bolts came in pinning several Droids to their chairs or the wall. Just then a Cloud of smoke came in surprising the Droids before the cloud was replaced by Wukong Prime.
Akin smirked and thus went on the attack starting with Celestial Twin which made a twin of his Warframe. Drawing the Nunchaku Akin began spinning the weapon about while his Twin laid down cover fire on the Droids. The duo went about their attack until the Battle Droids were properly dealt with and left for scraps. "Huh you know I'd expect an organic leader in charge." Akin said as he saw the Droid Commander left behind. "Now where did the Commander go?" Akin asked before he heard the sound of a lightsaber and thus moved out of the way.
Turning around he had his weapon drawn and thus saw standing before him was a pale skinned bald woman bearing two curved handled Lightsabers. "Ask and ye shall receive." She taunted as the two glared at each other. "Strange I can see you, but I can't sense you... what are you?" The woman asked as she looked to the new arrival.
"Me?" Akin asked as he and his double stood ready for battle. "You're worst nightmare." Akin said as he took a battle stance.
"Such a cliche." The woman said as she took a battle stance. "But we shall see." She added and thus the two began to do battle. Wukong was one of Akin's best close ranged Warframe's and from the looks of it this woman was Force Sensitive. Even if she can't sense him, he had to be careful of her.
Akin made sure to avoid her blades as he spun his weapon about laying what blows he could at her. Jumping back, he threw his Hikou Prime Throwing Stars at the woman only for her to dodge the attacks instead of blocking them. If Akin had to guess her lightsaber can cut through almost anything even bullets. But if she did that the bullets would be sliced by the laser sword and still manage to hit her. Testing that theory Akin switched to Zhuge Prime and fired the crossbow bolts at her to which she dodged it as well just in time to avoid an attack from his double. Seeing the change Akin kept up the combo constantly switching between melee and range to keep this woman on her toes.
Their battle eventually took them outside the bridge where they glared each other down. Calling off the double Akin sheathed his weapon as the woman was suspicious. "Surrendering already?" She taunted but Akin smirked.
"No just thought I'd change it up." Akin said and then to her shock he pulled out a bow staff from... somewhere. This was the ability known as Primal Fury which summons Wukong's bow staff. "Now then let's do this!" Akin called out and thus charged at the woman and in turn the two began to trade blows once more. As they fought the woman glared at the Tenno trying to keep up with him knowing full well, she can't sense him or his emotions to predict his attacks. Thus, it was all about instinct and guessing on this woman's part.
They continued to do battle before Wukong Used Cloud Walker to phase through her. This left the woman in a daze as the smoke entered her system for a moment to do so. As she stumbled Akin slammed his staff to her side before jabbing at her midsection knocking her back hard. The woman fell down as her lightsabers deactivated and thus, she began to cough from the attacks. "Well then I guess that was one way to say hello." Akin taunted as the woman glared at him.
"You remind me of Skywalker." She growled glaring at her foe.
"Oh, you have no idea." Akin said as he saw that Anakin and this woman seemed to know each other. Akin then used Celestial Twin once more to summon his double as the two were ready to attack. Seeing she was cornered, and her crew was out of commission or well on their way to that the woman knew she had to escape. Thinking fast she used the Force to push them back or at least push Akin back as his double was still made from Void Energy and thus not affected.
Seeing the opening the woman made her escape and after deactivating Primary Fury Akin drew Zhuge Prime and began firing at the woman. Alas she was fast and thus managed to escape him. "Guys we got a runner on the loose!" Akin called out as he spoke into communications.
"Secure and lock down the bridge from the inside and then escape through the vent." Zed ordered as Akin went ack into the bridge.
"What about our runner?" Akin asked as he re-entered the bridge and closed the door behind him before breaking the controls for it to make sure it stayed locked.
"She has to escape paths the pods or the hanger and if memory serves Mari and Titus have the hanger covered." Zed said as he kept up his work.
"Understood." Akin said and thus found a vent shaft. "Hello." Akin said and thus opened it before sliding on in for his escape.
(With the Woman)
The woman kept her eyes peeled as she ran to the escape pods. They were her best shot at escaping since if she is correct the other two were still in the hanger having far too much fun for her tastes. Just then she her a vent busted through and turning around she saw the one chasing her down. Growling she used the Force to pick up the pace only to hear gunfire from her hunter. Glancing back, she saw he had his weapon drawn and was in turn firing it on her with the intent of stopping her.
Using the Force, the Woman made obstacles come forth to stop him and even had the blast doors active. She kept this up just as she got to the Escape Pods. But before she could get to one, she was hit just as she hit the switch for another blast door. Her arm was now bleeding with a Crossbow bolt in it as she growled, and force pushed her pursuer back sealing him behind the blast door. Acting fast she climbed into the escape pod and thus took off to regroup with her leaders.
(Akin)
Akin growled as he slammed his hands against the blast door knowing full well that by the time, he got to the other side she would have already gotten away. "Guys bad news our host escaped." Akin cursed as he contacted the others.
(Meanwhile with Zed and Aya)
Upon hearing this Zed knew now that this mysterious woman escaped, she would no doubt inform the other Separatists of what had happened. "Dammit." Zed cursed and thus knew they had to take this loss for now. "Akin head on over to the Cargo Hold we'll mee there." Zed said and thus with a roger from Akin he hung up. Zed then switched channels to contact the other team on this mission. "Titus Mari are you two done on your end?" Zed asked as he and Aya were running down the hall to the cargo hold.
(With Titus and Mari)
"Yeah." Titus responded as he shot another droid down that tried to escape as the entire hanger was littered with Droid parts as were some of the nearby halls in and out of the hanger.
"Just doing one last sweep to make sure our extraction point is clear." Mari said just as a large, wrecked Vulture Droid fell down from its hanging spot nearby creating a large bang and a small explosion when it landed on volatile material. The two Tenno jumped a bit but after making sure it was nothing they went back to focusing on their topic.
"Alright once you finish up rendezvous with us at the Cargo Hold." Zed ordered and thus the two nodded.
"Got it." Titus said before he hung up and thus heard growling and saw Lexion was dragging a struggling Droid out. Seeing this Mari shot at it with her Baza Prime and thus saw no more blips on her map.
"Done." Mari said and thus the two were off to meet with Zed.
(Scene Break at the Cargo Hold)
The Tenno met up at the Cargo hold as the three teams gathered one after the other. Zed and his team arrived first followed by Mari and Titus, and last but not least Akin made the group whole again. "Well, here it is the cargo hold." Zed said as he then nodded to Aya.
Aya then used her Parazon and after splicing into the terminal she unlocked the door. Once the door opened the Tenno began to walk in weapons armed in case of any surprised. "Careful we don't know of those tin cans left any surprises for us." Zed said as Aya had her Zakti Prime out as they aimed for any suspicious activity.
"Seems clear." Akin said suddenly as he saw there wasn't any more droids.
"Over here look." Mari said and thus the group looked and saw Mari found the cargo manifest. "This should help us ensure the cargo is all accounted for." Mari said and thus put it away for later use.
Yet despite everything the Tenno felt something was very wrong here. Looking around they felt something wasn't as it should be as they travelled through the cargo hold. They eventually came upon a container that was sealed tighter than the others. Looking at it, Zed felt something very wrong about it and thus had to ask.
"Mari what's inside that thing?" Zed asked as he looked to Mari.
Mari pulled out the manifest and began to skim through it for the answer. "According to this unknown someone locked it tight." Mari said as she put the manifest away.
"Zed what are you thinking?" Titus asked as he saw how Zed glared at the container.
Just then to their shock instead of replying Zed activated his Parazon and hacked into the containers access port. Once he did this it was a simple matter for the Tenno to slice into it and thus open it. As the container began to open the group gathered and were in turn left wide eyed at what was inside it.
Yes, they could easily recognize Republic armoring on it, but its overall look was a dead giveaway. "Is that..." Mari began as she saw the object inside the container.
"Yeah... it's a Sentient." Zed said as standing before them was a Sentient covered in Republic armor and machinery no doubt used to repair it.
"Why would the Republic have this?" Aya asked as she was shocked at what she saw.
"I don't know, and I don't intent to find out." Zed said and in turn he got ready to trash this thing. At least until it began to glow and thus Zed went wide eyed. The Sentient swung its arm out and in turn knocked Zed across the room where he crashed into the wall leaving a dent on it. The Sentient walked out freed at long last and roared out before glaring at the Tenno and recognizing the Enemies of Tau.
"It's awake!" Titus called out and thus the Sentient went on the attack against the Tenno. The Tenno ran over to the nearest area of cover as the Sentient left its prison and glared at the group.
"TENNO! SWINE!" The Sentient snarled as it sounded feral possibly a stray from the main batch that's been away for too long.
Just then shots were fired as Zed had his rifle out before switching out and going for the attack. Roaring out Zed drew Umbra's sword and began to attack the Sentient who blocked with its arm to force Zed back. As Zed was forced back the other Tenno joined in as they fired off their weapons at the Sentient constantly changing how they approached this foe.
The Sentient always adapted to the situation and the longer it roams the stronger it will get. Titus roared as he came down and slammed his hammer into its face area sending it tumbling and pushing past several containers as it dented a large one. The group opened fire once more but as the Sentient got back up, they were surprised that their guns weren't doing much.
"Change of plans!" Akin called out as the Sentient charged in and fired lasers at the group forcing them to run and avoid it.
"We need to take out it's shields before we Void Beam it." Mari called out as the Sentient was clearly angry.
"I got an idea!" Titus called out and thus jumped out of cover before summoning his Arch Gun the Grattler. Once it was equipped Titus opened fire roaring as he was tearing away at the Sentient's defenses. He then held back as Zed used Umbra's Radiant Howl to blind the Sentient. Seeing a chance Zed used Slash Dash to slice through the Sentient and thus saw its shields were at its limit.
Aya and Mari moved in on this as Mari activated Artemis's Bow and sent out powerful arrows at the Sentient. Following it up was Aya with her Blazing Chakram active which hit the Sentient with the Arrows taking out its shields.
"NOW! Zed called out and in turn the Tenno went into their Operator Forms and fired off their Void Beams at the Sentient's core. The beams hit the core and merged at the impact zone which caused the Sentient untold agony for it. Soon the light of the Sentient died out and with it so too did its life. the Sentient fell to the ground dead as the Tenno gathered and looked down upon it.
"This thing was feral." Akin said as he looked at their dead enemy.
"But did it come from Origin or Tau?" Titus asked as he looked to Zed.
"I don't know but we need to inform the Lotus ASAP." Zed said and thus got to work. "Destroy the remains and the container, if anyone asks the Separatists already destroyed the weapon." Zed said and thus they were all in agreement on this. The less contact the Republic had with the Sentient the better.
(Scene Break later)
The Liberty arrived to find the Separatist ship was dead in the water floating in space. The engines were cut off and the beacon was coming from within. Needless to say, Aayla was shocked when she found that the Tenno had not only succeeded but also the fact that they left the entire ship devoid of any droids. Right now, Aayla was in the hanger where the Landing Crafts had dropped off the Tenno as they informed the Jedi of their success.
"So, you lost one piece of cargo?" Anakin asked confirming their story.
"Yes, we believe the Separatists, or the criminals hired to steal it in the first place may have destroyed it." Zed said as the Tenno made sure to remove the container and any surveillance footage of it.
"I see." Aayla said as it was a loss but a victory none the less. "At the very least the rest of the equipment is secured." Aayla said as Clones were loading it up onto the Liberty.
"Once we're done, we'll scuttle that ship and depart for Coruscant." Anakin said knowing the Tenno's payment was there waiting for them.
"Very well we'll meet you all there." Zed said and thus with a small bow the Tenno took their leave as Anakin then smirked to Aayla who then began to walk away.
(With Zed)
As Zed was about to head out, he was soon met with a familiar voice. "Hey Zed!" Ahsoka was heard as she approached Zed.
"Ah Ahsoka." Zed said to the Togruta.
"I've been hearing about how you guys pulled it off took out an entire ship worth of droids all by yourselves." Ahsoka said as she looked to Zed.
"Well Droids and this lady with red sabers." Zed said and thus Ahsoka went wide eyed to that.
"Wait Red Saber, are you sure?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Zed.
"Yes why?" Zed asked curious if that was some sort of problem.
"Zed that woman was Asajji Ventress Count Dooku's Assassin." Ahsoka explained and thus Zed heard this.
"Wait is she a Sith?" Akin asked as he looked to Ahsoka.
"No but it seems she wants to be, Skykid." Ahsoka said and thus Akin heard the last part.
"Skykid?" Akin asked with curiosity.
"Yeah, since you're the mini Skyguy skykid is what I'll call you." Ahsoka said as Akin shrugged to this.
"So, back to subject are you saying that this might not be the last we see of her?" Zed asked as he looked to Ahsoka.
"Seems that way." Ahsoka said and thus Zed understood.
(Meanwhile with Aayla and Anakin)
Once the two Jedi were alone Aayla looked to Anakin and began to speak. "Well, it seems you were right to put such faith in them." Aayla said as she saw the Tenno had pulled it off.
"Told you they aren't to be underestimated." Anakin boasted as he smirked to his fellow Jedi.
"Still to think there exists beings who the Force cannot sense." Aayla said as she saw how the Tenno nearby were interacting with Ahsoka.
"But now that Asajji Ventress has escaped she will no doubt reveal the information about the Tenno to Count Dooku," Anakin said as he now knew the Tenno would become targets soon.
"Yes, that may prove to be a problem the Council will need to know about." Aayla said knowing the Council would need to hear about this.
"Agreed." Anakin nodded knowing the Tenno could just as easily break into the Temple without being detected so long as they remain unseen. Who is to say Dooku won't use them to attack them unprepared?
(Scene Break Count Dooku)
In his castle on the planet Scerino Count Dooku saw the data Ventress provided on the Data as well as the bolt that stabbed her arm. Looking at them Dooku felt there was more to them than meets the eye but also remembered what she said about them. "Tenno..." He began and thus saw the power they wielded. "Most intriguing." He said and thus had a new target to seek out, perhaps they may be of use to him or even his master.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here you guys are Chapter 3. I hope you all enjoy it and will join us for the next Chapter. So, until next time please leave a review before leaving and as I always say to everyone ja-ne.