Warframe Beyond the Origin
ESKK: Well Chapter 7 enjoy.
(Start Coruscant)
"I do not like it." Riyo said as she was packing her belonging into a suitcase after emptying it for her time here. Nearby Akin leaned against the wall as he watched Riyo pack her belongings. "I am needed here but now I am being made to run with my tail between my legs." Riyo said as she continued packing. One of her fellow Representatives will be acting on her behalf while she was away. Riyo knew she was not the most courageous of Senators but on this particular Bill she knew Padme would need her aid on it.
"Well sometimes you gotta swallow your pride and do what you need to do even if you don't like it." Akin said as he looked to the blue skinned Senator.
"Heh Senator Amidala once said something along those lines." Riyo said happy to hear some wisdom.
"Hey, we Tenno aren't just battlefield blenders we can be wise." Akin said as he then had a small joke. "Sometimes." He added and thus Riyo chuckled to this but still this did not bode well for her.
"This war is dragging on that it feels at times it may never truly end." Riyo said and thus Akin nodded.
"I can relate." Akin said as it was the same in the Origin System problem is with the Corpus War Profiteering and the Grineer's violent tendencies as well as the Queen's need for Kuva Akin knew that War in the Sol System would never end. "Still doesn't stop us from hoping." Akin said and then had one more retort. "Besides if there isn't more War I can retire." Akin offered as Riyo sighed sadly a bit.
Regaining herself Riyo had to ask a question. "So as my bodyguard what is your plan to escort me off world?" Riyo asked as she looked to Akin.
"Don't worry just need to meet it at the designated pick up." Akin said which confused Riyo but allowed it none the less.
(Later Coruscant Landing Pads)
The Tenno were all gathered on the airbus with Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan in tow. "Master, do you think Somnus may actually do it." Ahsoka asked as she was concerned. "Crack the code figure out how to give anyone the ability to use the Force?" She added and thus Anakin had no idea how to answer.
"I'm not sure, Ahsoka and honestly I truly hope he fails at that." Anakin said as he knew if the Sentient figures it out not only with the Republic be in mortal crises but so too will the Tenno and by extension his mother.
"Akin." Zed suddenly said as he looked to his friend and blood brother. "Don't do anything stupid ok." Zed said as he put a comforting hand on Akin's shoulder.
"Heh how can I when you're taking all the stupid with you?" Akin quipped as Zed chuckled over his old friends' antics. Just then the bus landed meaning it was time to get off. "Well, I'll see you when I see you." Akin said and thus Padme and Riyo shared a hug before they departed.
"Ahsoka." Anakin began as he looked over to his Padawan. "IT seems the Council wants you to aid Zed on this task." Anakin said and thus the two went wide eyed.
"Wait back up what?" Zed asked as he looked to Anakin.
"Please understand if this Sentient foe of your truly plans to do what he claims he will do and knowing of their adaptation abilities even if it may be risky having a Jedi on hand may help." Obi-Wan said as he looked to Zed who thought it over.
"Fine." Zed said but he knew exactly why Ahsoka was coming along the Council wants to keep an eye on him and the other Tenno by proxy during their mission to investigate the Stalker and his actions. "Anyway Titus, Mari, Aya you three head back to Origin." Zed began as he looked to his teammates. "While Titus and Mari meet with the Lotus Aya you'll be meeting with our 'contact,' about Somnus." Zed said passing the armor piece Akin had chipped from the Stalker.
"Understood." Aya said as she took the piece from Zed. Aya wasn't a fighter and always tried to find a peaceful solution so if anyone other than the Drifter can talk Hunhow into helping it would be Aya.
Meanwhile Padme and Anakin watched as Akin and Riyo departed as Padme had to ask. "So, Anakin should I be worried your cheating on me?" Padme asked making sure to keep their voice down.
"Wait what?" Anakin asked as he looked to Padme as she gestured with her head to Riyo and Akin. "He wouldn't do it." Anakin said and thus Padme gave a look that said, really? "Oh, Kriff he will do it." Anakin realized as he didn't realize Akin would actually try it when he would in fact try it.
"I just hope Riyo doesn't return it... or if she does, she knows what she's getting herself into." Padme said as she then realized something. "Wait... if Akin isn't that subtle and he figured out we were..." Padme trailed off and thus Anakin went wide eyed at the thought.
"Kriff." Anakin cursed wondering just how many people truly knew if not suspect something.
(Meanwhile with Akin)
"Well, here is our ride off world." Akin said as he gestured to the ledge which confused Riyo at first. At least until engines were heard and from below the ledge Akin's landing Craft appeared ready for pick up. "Now do mind you may feel a slight tingle." Akin said and thus Riyo was confused.
"Wait what tingle?" She asked just before a yellow light was upon her and thus, she yelped in shock as she was absorbed into the ship with her luggage. Once this was done Akin smiled and moved to the magnetic lift and allowed his Warframe to attach to it. Once he was inside the ship flew off to reunite with the Orbiter.
(Scene Break Dex Diner)
"Are you sure this guy can help us?" Zed asked as he, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan entered the diner that Obi-Wan's old friend owned.
"Certainly, and if not, he can at least point us in the right direction." Obi-Wan said as he guided Zed and Ahsoka inside. "It's all I can do since I have my own mission to depart on soon." Obi-Wan said as he was needed on Mandalore.
"Understood." Obi-Wan said and thus they were noticed by the Droid or in this case Obi-Wan was noticed by the droid.
"Someone to see ya, honey!" The Droid called out as she recognized Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan!" The four-armed alien called out as Zed swore, he had a beer belly.
"Hello, Dex." Obi-Wan greeted in a friendly manner to his old friend.
"Take a see I'll be right with ya." Dex said and thus the two Jedi and one Tenno did as he asked.
"You wanna cup o' Jawa juice?" The Droid offered as she rolled by.
"Oh, yes. Thank you." Obi-Wan said as Ahsoka nodded.
"I'll take one." Ahsoka said and thus Zed declined.
"No thanks." Zed tried to say until he felt Umbra usurp control and give a thumbs up. "Umbra." Zed spoke as then Umbra sent out his feelings to Zed saying that he needed to keep his strength up.
Once the trio got to a table it didn't take long for Dex to join them. "Hey, old buddy, haven't seen you for a good while." Dex said as he was happy to see Obi-Wan as the two shared a hug.
"Well, he's friendly." Zed said as he saw Dex and Obi-Wan hug. "So, my friend what brings you here with the new faces?" Dex asked and thus Zed raised his hand.
"What can you tell me about this plant?" Zed asked Dex looked at the planet in question.
"Well, look at this." Dex said as he looked at the planet. "I ain't seen this plant since my prospecting days." Dex said as Zed saw they were making progress.
"What makes this plant so special?" Zed asked as he looked to Dex with an inquisitive look just as the droid arrive with the drinks.
"This little guy is unique because it can only grow in one place in the entire universe Dai-ve'thal." Dex explained as Zed looked to the plant.
"I don't believe I heard of such a planet?" Obi-Wan said as he felt that may be a reason.
"Not many have, it's on the edge of Wild Space you see people tend to avoid it cause of a few nasty rumors." Dex said as this got Zed's interest. "They saw its haunted, specters show up almost regularly there don't stay for long you see." Dex explained as Zed listened in. "A few tried to colonize but the only thing left were the abandoned homes." Dex said as Zed got the feeling there was more.
"How did you make it there and back?" Zed asked as the rumors sounded like hog wash to him.
"I got lucky you see a nasty injury had me sent off world, so I wasn't there long enough to... vanish." Dex said as with how he said it the planet was a death trap of mystery and rumors. "Last thing I remember was the sound of something big stomping, around but it didn't sound natural and for a second I swore I saw the trees be moving." Dex recounted as the group listened to him.
"I see..." Zed said as he felt there was more to this story then even Dex knew. But it matched up Somnus HAD to be on this planet and by the looks of it he was deep inside it. "What can you tell me about this particular planet any caves or old mines that might still be there?" Zed asked as he had a hunch.
"You sound like your hunting ghosts." Dex countered with a small smile.
"You can say that." Zed said and thus Dex chuckled as he saw something there.
"Listen here Tenno I've seen plenty of people come and go from here, so I tend to notice a few things about them." Dex said as Zed listened to what the chef had to say. "Normally it's the eyes but for me it's how they talk and you... you sound like a soldier whose war never ended for him even if it's over you act as if you're still fighting." Dex said as he knew a weary old soldier unable to leave the battlefield when he saw one.
"Is there any more information you can provide on this particular planet?" Zed asked as he needed answers on this.
"Heh." Dex chuckled a bit and got down to it. "My memory's a bit rusty but there should be a few mines there just gotta know where you're going." Dex said but Zed had a good idea on this. "There's an old prospecting camp about in the northern hemisphere just south of a big mountain range can't miss it should have some old data left untouched." Dex said as Zed nodded to the man.
"Thank you." Zed said as he took the Jawa Juice to go.
(Scene Break Akin and Riyo)
"Thank you for hosting me, Akin." Riyo said as she was being allowed to use Akin's quarters to rest while she was setting up. The Orbiter was travelling to Pantora as its cloaking field would allow it to cut through Separatist Space undetected.
"My pleasure Senator Chuchi." Akin responded as he helped Riyo set up in his quarters. "Anyway, avoid the room across the hall I know its locked but it's for your safety mostly." Akin said as the Infestation covered room was a no go for anyone not a Tenno.
"I understand but if I am sleeping here where shall you be sleeping?" Riyo asked as Akin waved it off.
"Meh I'll be sleeping in the Transference Chamber sure it's not perfect, but the seat is comfortable." Akin said as he helped Riyo get settled as she saw his room had shelves stock full of varying bobbleheads and models of Warframes and ships. It even had a display of a life sized Warframe similar to a king of old to Riyo Chuchi.
Akin knew what it was, that was Inaros Prime he hadn't used it in a long time now not for lack of desire mind you but because the memories it carried. Akin used to hate sand it was course and got everywhere but after Inaros and being worshiped by the Sky Civilization on Mars Akin had gained a new, found understanding of it. Sand was time stories that were carried through the ages whispering in the wind and being told in the sky. It was course because it had a history etched into its grains and it got everywhere in order to tell its story to those who would listen.
"Anyway, make yourself at home Enti will have food served soon." Akin said as Riyo was curious.
"Enti?" Riyo asked and thus a new voice spoke up from the ship.
"That would be me." A female voice spoke as from a screen Akin had no doubt set up an odd symbol was formed. "I am Cephalon Enti my duty is to ensure to care of my Operator and maintenance of this vessel." Enti announced as Riyo was surprised the Ship AI was speaking to her. "Though I do have trouble with my Operator and his greens I do hope you do not share his adhesion to greens." Enti said as she had been trying to get her Operator to eat healthy since he woke from the Second Dream.
"What I don't like it ok." Akin said clearly embarrassed over such a concept.
"It is good for you, Operator." Enti argued as she wanted to ensure her Operator was strong and healthy and that means proper diet and exercise.
"She sounds like she's your mother." Riyo chuckled as this may be an advanced AI, but this Cephalon acted like a nanny bot that due to experience had crossed over into motherly.
"Great thank you Enti." Akin said and thus as Riyo set up he could not help but stare at the Senator. She was truly beautiful and if most Senators were like her, he can understand why Anakin would be drawn to Padme. He wondered what life would have been like in his original timeline if he and his mother never came to the Zariman. Still to have such lifelong friends in the others who became family to him Akin would always be grateful to that.
After his mother died Akin thought, he would have no one in his life. But then Zed came into the picture even after the accident and united them tried to comfort everyone keep everyone from falling apart even if he knew the crazed crew was coming for them. Back then Akin never mentioned it but he saw Zed talking to someone but that someone wasn't there at least not at first. Looking past Zed Akin had saw another Akin there tapping the window but there was no reflection unlike the rest of them.
The way he talked Akin didn't like it but when Zed shook the others offered hand that fateful day well Akin had a feeling that Zed basically made a deal with a devil to save everyone. Rell, he knew what that thing was, and they all ignored his warnings which became a source of regret for Zed. It wasn't until their first trip into the Zariman that Zed's suffering would have reached an apex.
They still had memories missing but Shmi in secret told Akin the truth of Kira and her relationship with the Tenno more specifically Zed. It wasn't until after they made the memorial for her that Shmi told Akin. Kira she was to Zed she was his... Akin chose to keep this secret because Zed already had far too much to bear on his shoulders. If Zed ever learned the truth Akin feared that it would destroy him the same way Rell was destroyed. After watching Kira and Shmi sacrifice their lives for them Akin knew it would be better if Zed never learned the truth about Kira. Akin knew that his good intentions could backfire and was ready to bear the burden should it come down to it.
(Later)
After Riyo Chuchi was all settled in for the trip she opted to explore the vessel for a bit. Walking around she saw the small table Akin had in his room as well as the chairs he had set up in the cockpit and the dog bed for his quadrupedal droid. Seems most of Akin's decorations involved flying, common furniture, or items for his Droid. Nearby she saw a table that oddly reminded her of a Three-Dimensional Printer on a smaller scale while across from it was some device that shot a laser down to the table every so often no doubt as part of a maintenance check. Turning around she then gasped as she saw Akin just standing there.
"Oh, Akin you scared me." Riyo said but Akin didn't respond to her. "Akin?" Riyo asked and thus saw there was no response. Walking over to Akin she waved her hand over his face and saw no response from the Warframe user.
"He's not inside the Warframe." Enti said suddenly getting a small scare out of Riyo.
"Wait this is a suit? How did he remove it so fast?" Riyo asked as Enti then looked about a bit.
"I am not supposed to tell you this, but you do seem trustworthy." Enti began as she made sure to talk in a lower tone to keep Akin from hearing. "More so I have suspicions of Akin's desire to protect you nothing harmful mind you." Enti said and thus got to the big bit. "There is a door at the back of the chip enter it and you will find Akin inside." Enti said and thus shut off for a bit to focus on flying the ship to its destination.
Riyo looked to Enti wondering what it was so important that she needed to see it. With a calm sigh she began to walk over to the back room that Akin called the Transference Chamber. From what she understood the room serve no other purpose safe for just being an extra room now. Walking over to the door she calmly got ready to knock on it to speak with Akin at least until it suddenly opened up and to her shock standing before her a few feet shorter was... a child!?
Both Riyo and the child in question looked like deer in headlights when they looked to each other as Riyo looked into the room and saw no one else there. Looking back down at the boy she then directed her attention back at the room and did so for a few more moments until Enti spoke up.
"Senator Chuchi meet my Operator Akin a Tenno." Enti said and thus Akin was so going to give the Cephalon a piece of his mind later as his plan was to either not tell Riyo at all or ease her into it.
"Dammit Enti." Akin mumbled as he swore sometimes his Cephalon was either being too motherly or trying to screw him over. "I can explain." Akin said and thus knew he had a lot of explaining to do.
(Scene Break the Origin System Uranus)
Aya's landing craft arrived at the Grineer Facility that would take her directly to Hunhow's prison. Of course, it would be a long dive down to get there but right now she needed to do this to learn what she could about Somnus. Her current equipped Warframe was Yareli wielding the Kompressa Side arm and the Broken Scepter as her melee weapon. Aya liked Yareli and knew with Titus Hydroid Prime made a powerful combo. Her primary arm weapon was the Daikyu bow as she wanted to be in and out without arousing suspicion of the Grineer.
In the past Aya was always adamant about ever going to see Hunhow again. But after the New War her opinion of him had changed somewhat. The Tenno knew even if he was trying to kill them, he was still a father who loved his children at the end of the day. From what Zed had told them Hunhow had no doubt grieved when Erra was killed sacrificing himself to help them and save Lotus. Aya was there and in that brief moment as they went on to find the final Archon and end Ballas Aya had called him her uncle. Needless to say, Erra was shocked at the time and saw that in the end she was still a child under that Warframe.
Aya had hoped that after the New War Tenno and Sentient can finally put aside their differences and so far, that had not occurred. But Aya hoped it would be and thus she began her descent to meet with Hunhow the farther of the Lotus and in a way the grandfather of the Tenno. Aya began her descent knowing the mission had begun and thankfully thanks to Drifter she knew where to look after Drifter went to meet with Hunhow and got Nataruk for his troubles.
(Meanwhile on Lua)
Titus and Mari had arrived on Lua as they approach Lotus about their situation and told them about Somnus before asking if she had any information about him. In response the Lotus paused while sitting upon her old throne for a moment to search her memories of her time as Natah a bit as she said, "Somnus was Hunhow's right hand as well his Strategist, I only met him a few times in passing. My father had told both Erra and I to keep our distant from him."
When the Lotus had said this the group were surprised that even if Somnus was his right hand to warn his children away from Somnus must have meant this Sentient was bad news. "My father may have been powerful back during the Old War, but Somnus was crafty. No doubt he had plans beyond anything I would know about."
"So, this guy is more of a thinker than a fighter then," Mari said as Titus soon said, "Yeah but he basically gave away his plan to us when Zed and Akin encounter him."
"Unless that was a lie for us," Mari said as Lotus said to them, "I don't believe that is the case, if my father's word about Somnus is accurate, lying isn't one of them, for whatever reason he's doing this must have a greater plot than we thought, I'll caution you my Tenno, be careful of what you do from here on out as there is no telling what Somnus have plan for you."
"Worst case scenario a 3rd war?" Titus question as Mari added to that as she said, "A war that not only within our systems but across the systems of the Republic and separatists."
"And those in between as well," Lotus added in as no doubt those who are neutral could be affected too if a 3rd war between Tenno and Sentient were to happen, if they want to or not, just like in their system as well as Mari realized something as she said, "We need to warn the others quickly."
"Tenno, wait!" Lotus called out stopping the pair from leaving. "I may have something that may be of use against Somnus." Lotus said and thus showed the star map from the Datacron. "I was able to decipher the map pieces and from it I have located some sort of structure a forge of some kind." Lotus said as she passed the data over to her Tenno.
"If we are to face Somnus and have a stable connection to this new Galaxy I believe this fortress may prove ideal as our Relay Station." Lotus said and thus the Tenno looked at the data and knew what she implied to them.
"Ok... what do we need to do?" Mari asked and thus they were given their mission of what was to come.
(Aya)
The lone Tenno rode through the metal halls of the Grineer base all while riding on her Elemental K-Board Merulina, avoiding as much Grineer as she could to reach the entry way where the once great leader of the Sentient rest.
She was a bit nervous about this, but for the sake of the people of the new systems, and her fellow Tenno, she must do this as she used her Yareli Warframe ability to ride through the fortress. What very few knew was that Aya long ago had saved a group of enslaved children with Yareli and those same children would grow to become K-Drive riders using Yareli as their inspiration. Aya hated fighting but she would do it if it meant saving those under oppression. Once she got through the last bit of the Grineer she called off Merulina and looked to the cave entrance. Steeling her resolve Aya entered the cave knowing full well of what awaited her inside. She knew that this would end in one of a few ways and very few of them were pleasant for the Tenno.
(Later in the Cave)
Hunhow was dealing with his solitude as the waters he inhabited saw to it he was trapped due to the Tenno's actions to keep him from awakening. As Hunhow handled his tiresome isolation of a slow death by old grudges he heard movement from afar. Looking to the source Hunhow chuckled as he knew this was not the guest he was expecting.
"It would seem even my Shadow has left me." Hunhow said as from the darkness Aya walked out to meet with the father of the Lotus. "First your leader and now you have come to visit me." Hunhow said as he glared upon the Tenno from his aquatic tomb.
"So still trapped her... Hunhow even with the New War over." Aya said as Hunhow glared at her.
"If memory serves it was your kind who put me here." Hunhow responded as Aya looked away to this.
"I honestly wish there was another way." Aya said as she hated this age-old war when Tenno and Sentient shared an enemy in the Orokin who were now gone.
"I know you did not come here for pleasantries now state your business for disturbing my solitude." Hunhow spoke showing he wanted Aya to leave now.
"We need your help." Aya said with a calm tone as Hunhow heard this.
"Again? Sorry but my aid has been made and now that the Golden Lord of Lies is no more our truce ended with him and my son." Hunhow spoke as Aya looked to Hunhow and heard the tone he had on Erra. Even if Erra had betrayed him even if Erra had aided Ballas he was still his son much like Natah was.
"He helped us in the end even if she was not going to be Natah anymore he sacrificed everything to see her live." Aya said as she thought of her 'uncle,' who saw the error of his ways and helped them. "You should be proud of him." Aya said as Hunhow was silent in response to such things.
"Yes, pride stained with grief." Hunhow said as he was proud of his son, and he did love his children. It was why he tried to get Natah to rejoin him so hard back when he first re-awoken. Erra wanted the same as well but how they went about it differed. Hunhow gave her the option to join but Erra took that option away from her. "Now I will ask again leave me be you Tenno have already taken enough from me." Hunhow said but Aya begged to differ.
"So that's your plan? To wait and die." Aya said as Hunhow was silent for this. "A waste of a life." Aya said seeing it as sad for many reasons. "If you do not wish to help fine but answer me this..., why must we continue this bitter Old War?" Aya asked as Hunhow heard her out. "We Tenno were also enslaved by the Orokin we didn't want to fight we just wanted to be free like you did." Aya said as Hunhow grew quiet from her statement. "Tenno and Sentient were both victims of the Orokin and instead of using that as the middle ground we still fight bitterly for petty reasons!" Aya nearly snapped but then regained herself knowing why she was here.
Hunhow was silent as he saw the meaning of her words. Why did they keep fighting if they were both victims of the old Golden Lords? What was the point of this endless conflict between Tenno and Sentient? If they were both victims, why were they not allies or at least on cordial terms?
"What do you want, Tenno?" Hunhow asked as Aya looked to Hunhow.
"What can you tell me about a Sentient named Somnus?" Aya asked and thus Hunhow's eyes all flashed bright in shock.
"Somnus? Where did you hear that name?" Hunhow asked and thus Aya had her answer.
"From Somnus himself after he took Stalker." Aya said and thus now Hunhow wanted to know more.
But for Hunhow this also answered some questions on what happened to him after the Old War. "So, he did try to return to Tau... but from what I can gander his trajectory was off by several billions of lightyears." Hunhow said as he wondered how that even happened. "He had warned me against relying on Natah to finish the mission so long ago." Hunhow said as he looked to the Tenno. "My arrogance had blinded me to the truth and using this Ballas had deceived me so long ago." Hunhow said as he knew what happened to Natah and what Ballas truly wanted.
"Who is Somnus?" Aya asked as she looked to Hunhow wanting answers on this new Sentient threat.
"A crafty and at times manipulative Sentient. His thought process was that the ends justified the means." Hunhow said as the way he spoke showed Somnus crossed several lines that even Hunhow himself found appalling. He had no qualms deploying his 'loved ones,' into suicide missions and more so he knew Ballas true intentions and was willing to sacrifice my daughter if it meant a Sentient victory." Hunhow said as it was clear Somnus had set Lotus up to be Ballas replacement Margulis to secure a victory for the Sentient.
"He warned me about using Natah and when I would not listen, he left with several of his own to Tau." Hunhow said and thus he knew Aya, and the Tenno were facing Somnus now.
"And after he left his warnings were proven true." Aya said as Hunhow once more grew silent before the Tenno.
"Take heed little one, Somnus is not to be underestimated he will gladly throw away the lives of his allies if it means a victory." Hunhow said and thus Aya nodded to this. "If you, intent to kill him I would suggest you gain more than that sword and the weapon Nataruk that I gave to the Drifter to face Somnus with." Hunhow warned knowing full well that his old ally was not to be under minded despite being the thinker.
"I understand thank you." Aya said as she knew their team had a few weapons of Sentient origin and Orokin make that could be of fuse to defeat Somnus with. But as Aya began to take her leave she stopped and glanced back at Hunhow. "When Erra died." Aya began as she looked to Hunhow. "He... only wanted to save his sister, our safety mattered little to him, and we showed him the same contempt at first." Aya said as Hunhow heard her.
"At first?" He asked finding her words curious.
"I tried to save him... even if he was our enemy at first even if he..." Aya trailed off as she meant how Erra took and hurt Lotus. "He was family and the others tried to stop me and it was Erra who made me step away from him." Aya said remembering that day vividly.
(Flashback New War)
Erra was screaming in pain as he held the debris up while being blasted by solar radiation. "Erra!" Aya cried out as Mari and Titus held her back.
"Leave me here!" Erra called out as he knew it was too late for him. "You must destroy the Final Archon, please save my sister!" Erra begged as Aya was wide eyed no doubt seeing death was never a pretty sight for her.
"Understood." Zed said as the Tenno got passed Erra so they can find the Archon.
"I'm so sorry." Aya spoke as she looked to Erra with tears staining her face. "I promise we'll save her we won't let you die in vain." Aya said and thus began to turn around to focus on the mission. "Goodbye Uncle Erra." Aya said the last part silent but even with his pain Erra still heard her. He knew what the word meant, and he knew that Natah was heartbroken learning of her sterility for she truly wanted a family of her own to raise and nurture. AS he saw Aya leave with the other Tenno for a moment he saw an image of his sister Natah as around her children roamed not Sentient but normal humans growing in a system without war. In Erra's perfect world all truly were as one and no battle lines were drawn in the ground.
"Goodbye... Natah." Erra said and thus oblivion was all he was met with.
(End Flashback)
"In the end Erra died to protect his family and, in the end, gave me hope." Aya said before turning back to face Hunhow. "Hope that one day that Sentient and Tenno can come together in an exchange of words and open dialect instead of force of arms." Aya said as she wanted a peaceful world to return to.
"Peace between Tenno and Sentient? You are as dull minded and foolish as you are naive and idealistic." Hunhow insulted and thus Aya nodded and took her leave.
"Maybe but doesn't mean I can't hope, grandfather." Aya said as she left the cave to make her way to the Extraction Point. But as Aya left she failed to hear the final words Hunhow spoke once he pondered her words.
"Hope for a peaceful coexistence... perhaps in a perfect world but this is not such a world." Hunhow said and thus returned to his isolation and silence. Even though his son was gone, and his armies were laid low by the Tenno at least his daughter still lives and that was all he needed to keep on living. "Grandfather... words I never thought I would hear for myself." Hunhow said and thus began to take another one of his naps letting the centuries of conflict be washed away in the deep waters.
(Scene Break Orbiter Aya)
Aya had returned to her Orbiter with the information Hunhow had provided for her. Still, it left her slightly upset that Hunhow still didn't want to make peace with the Tenno. Often times she was called naive and foolish for her desire to find a peaceful resolution. Maybe it was but she wouldn't give up on that idea for peace even if she had to pay the same price as Rell did. But before the memories of kinder times could begin to overtake her the sound of a communication came in and thus, she answered it.
"Hey Aya, did you find out what you needed to find out?" Titus asked as he and Mari appeared on screen for her.
"Yeah." Aya said and thus Mari nodded to this.
"Good then tell us on the way." Mari said which confused Aya when she said this.
"On the way to where?" Aya asked and in turn Titus spoke up.
"To these coordinates." Titus said sending the data over for Aya to look into. "We, might have either found a Relay Station, a major game changer, or both." Titus said and thus this was starting to become more interesting.
"Tell me on the way, and I'll tell you guys on the way." Aya said and in turn after having her Ships Cephalon input the coordinates they began to fly off to the coordinates provided.
(Scene Break Akin)
"So let me see if I understand correctly." Riyo said as she and Akin sat across from each other in the Orbiter. Akin had just gotten through explaining to Riyo everything about a Tenno that he could with Enti providing the other part of the information when she could. "You were once a, normal child but due to your exposure to a normally volatile energy you and several others were changed forever?" Riyo asked and thus Akin nodded to this.
"Yes." He confirmed with a nod to the Senator.
"And one of the many side effects is a complete halt on the aging process and you in turn live far longer than the average human would." Riyo said as that was also explained.
"Probably will see the Universe end before I actually die if ever." Akin confirmed showing some of the Void Energy he can use via his Amp.
"Ah I see." Riyo said as she was still reeling that her bodyguard was basically a child from her perspective while the two enjoyed a bit of Tea with each other via an old Orokin tea set. "I just this is most concerning." Riyo said as she looked to Akin in shock as she had long since noticed his attempts to flirt with her. If there was, romantic feelings involved she had originally planned to turn him down wanting to stay professional, but she did enjoy it. Now it went up to a 9 since this now meant she literally would have to turn Akin down to avoid being labeled as a pedophile.
As a Senator it would not look right for her to be in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone who could very well be a child. Even if he technically was older no one else knew of this and would no doubt paint the wrong description of the scene. In the Republic that had always been a problem to acknowledge in society. Some Species aged differently than most others 25 tears for one species could be considered 10 years to another. It was difficult to handle such a thing and if rumor was true Yoda was one of such creatures as were the Hutts.
So, it came as no surprise that there have been many arguments throughout the years and each case of relationships between species who aged differently was handled on a case-by-case basis. It always been an ongoing argument of chronology vs biology and Riyo liked to think that many if not all Pedophiles in those cases were given a proper punishment for their actions. Still looking at it from Akin's perspective for a moment to be forever trapped in a child's body and unable to find any sort of romantic relationship can be taxing for someone.
Still as long as no romantic feelings went between them then as far as Riyo was concerned she had nothing to fear. But if by chance she did start to return such romantic feelings or said feeling formed then Riyo would have to stifle them before they can flourish for both of their sakes. After all, even if he technically was older then a good deal of people many would not see it that way.
"I see so you're an adult in the child of a body?" Riyo asked as she knew that would be extremely hard to explain to anyone who meets Akin.
"Basically yes." Akin confirmed knowing full well that this was a lot for Riyo to take in. "Please you can't tell anyone, not many people in the Origin System knows this and we'd rather try to keep it that way." Akin said as he knew if anyone found out it would put the Tenno at risk.
"Wait the other 'Tenno,' are like you?!" Riyo asked and thus Akin knew he had to explain everything now.
"It's complicated but for lack of better ways to explain an oppressive empire used us as child soldiers after we survived an incident that gave us our power." Akins aid as he began to speak of the Orokin. "They needed a new weapon to face an invading force that said invading voice would have difficulty adapting around." Akin explained and thus Riyo saw the problem.
"If I may interject." Enti said as she cut into the conversation. "There are a lot of factors to explain more than can be detailed on this trip, thus I would suggest we wait until arriving on Pantora before explaining any further." Enti explained and thus Riyo understood.
"Yes, that may be advisable to allow me to file away what I already learned." Riyo said as she needed a moment to come to terms with what she heard.
"Take all the time you need." Akin said with a nod to the Senator of Pantora. In turn Riyo began to stand up and make her way over to the room Akin had allowed for her to leave for the time being as he knew this was a lot to take in. He felt similar when Margulis explained their situation so long ago.
(Scene Break Dai-ve'thal)
Stalker stood atop an old fortress as he glared to the sky above. As he stood there the weapon that acted as a medium for Somnus rested on his back as they observed the sky above. They had not needed to wait long as soon Separatist Ships began to fly in as Stalker glared at the new arrivals.
"Why?" Stalker asked as he glared to the handle for Somnus medium.
"Understand my friend I take no pleasure from this either, but their aid will be invaluable to us." Somnus said as he knew what Stalker meant. "Worry not I planned for everything they will behave I promise you." Somnus said as he knew Stalker could be a bit irritable at times. Thankfully, he was willing to listen if it meant eliminating the Tenno.
Thus, as Stalker activated his beacon he waited and within the hour he saw ships began to descend upon the planet. Soon they would be meeting with these Separatist and soon Somnus will be freed of this prison his main body finds itself in. All that was needed was time and patience for the results he desired as he planned for every eventuality even the possibility of his plans failing. Yes, for Somnus it was unlikely, but the Sentient strategist liked to be prepared and one can never be too careful of such possibilities of occurring. Still if all goes according to plan then the Sentient will have a new weapon to use against the Tenno and with it end the war at long last.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here you go everyone a new chapter finished and published. I hope you all enjoy it and will join us next time for the 8th Chapter and all the following chapters to come. So be sure to leave a review before you all leave and as always ja-ne.