Redacted
The Trial
I apologize for the late update. The ending part of the chapter was tough for me to finish, mainly for the fact that I wasn't pleased on how it turned out. Had to rewrite it three times but I was at least, a little satisfied with it.
Anyways, thanks to jsm1978 and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!
Edited: 11/13/2022
CW: Suicidal Thoughts, Racism
Even with Pluto following closely behind, it did little to ease the nervous edge in Knight's chest as he walked down the hall, his shoulders barely brushing those of the two Guardians escorting him on each side. The few days between his day waking up in a cell and the day of the trial were quick, came too quickly for Knight. And Pluto had asserted that he and the others have a plan to prove his innocence. This didn't mean he didn't spot the worried look in the older Exo's optics when they stepped into the room.
Watching Pluto break off, Knight quietly wished the Hunter stayed near his side. He knew better though and knows that he had went off to join the others. More than likely to gather whatever plan they came up with to help him.
Taking in a breath to help ease the tension from his shoulders, Knight forced himself to instead focus on his surroundings.
There were benches lined against the walls, already filled with spectators – both Guardians and non-Guardians – all to bear witness of the trial. In the middle of the room stood a single podium facing against another set of benches, stacked to allow view of the jury.
Or to exaggerate their importance.
Wincing at the sudden thought, Knight found his focus broken and once again, his mind wandered back to his possible sentence.
Is the Vanguard going to be present? The Speaker? Or this Consensus that everyone seems to talk about?
The urge to melt into the floor became prominent, and Knight silently prayed that everything runs smoothly. And that his sentence isn't severe enough that he will lose his Ghost.
Escorted to the podium, Knight jumped when he suddenly felt a firm but kind pat upon his shoulder, and he glanced back to see one of the escorting Guardians. Their gaze connecting, the Guardian simply gave Knight a nod, one more pat, before walking away with their partner, the latter of which didn't even look his way. Knight strangely felt comforted by this. At least he knows not everyone is harsh on him.
That is when he heard a sharp whistle.
Turning his attention towards it, Knight felt the worst of his nervousness ease away when he spotted Akiva, the Titan giving him a broad smile and a wave from where he sat. Flashing the Titan a wry smile of his own, Knight then shifted his optics towards the others. Only to reel.
Not only were the members of Fireteam Redacted present, but also the young lights of Clan Galaxy; he spotted them giving him a wave, and the twins even shouting out his name. Optics wide, Knight turned them to Pluto, the latter of which gave him a nod. And then nodded down with his head.
Furrowing his brows, Knight then followed his gaze. Only to feel the last of his worries fade away. There, seated between Ianos and Pluto, is Hush, the child Guardian beaming at him when she realized his attention is upon her. Seeing her wave enthusiastically, Knight couldn't help but wave back, raising both his hands to return her gesture. The cuffs, after all, made it difficult to wave with one.
Movement from the corner of his optic caught his attention not long after, and the familiar sound of an object being placed upon a flat surface prompted Knight to look back at the podium. He halted at the clear cylindrical object. And the familiar star shaped form inside.
"Day?" He whispered.
Seeing his Ghost shift their parts upward into equivalent of a smile caused Knight's throat to go tight. He had been wondering where they have been, to see them now in a glass prison, physically there, but just out of reach, Knight wanted nothing more to break it and embrace them. But, as he glanced at those present, in a room with too many eyes, Knight suppressed the urge. He may have the knowledge that he is innocent, but it is a different story to those who were present.
Instead, he raised both his hands, confined in thick cuffs, and wrapped them around the object, tapping gently on the side. Day, in response, looked up at him, optic beaming, but their shell dipped, and Knight watched as his Ghost tapped the side of the glass. He cannot wait for this trial to be over and be reunited with his Ghost.
"Is everyone present and seated?"
Knight jumped, lifting his optics upwards just as the whispers and murmurs quieted. He gulped when he spotted the Speaker standing near the front, the Vanguard standing near his sides, and people seated behind him. He could take a guess that they are the Consensus. His suspicions were confirmed when some of them narrowed their eyes on him. They already have a verdict ready.
"Shining Knight."
Snickers broke the silence at the mention of his name, but it was quickly silence when the Speaker looked towards the disruptors' way.
"Shining Knight." He repeated as he fixed his attention back towards him, "You stand trial today for the deaths of three, all of whom do not wield the Light, unable to properly defend themselves against a Warlock such as yourself. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Feeling his chest go tight, Knight took in a deep breath as he side-eyed his friends; he regretted it instantly at the looks of concern and dread in their eyes. Specifically, Hush's, the child's eyes wide as she clasped her hands together, as if in silent prayer.
Deliberating upon his words, Knight took in another breath. And decided to be honest, "I do not know what to say."
There were murmurs, quizzical looks at his answer.
"What do you mean by that, Warlock?" It is Ikora who asked. Knight couldn't help but let some of the tension leave his shoulders; her tone is even, bronze eyes holding a tinge of curiosity. She doesn't find him guilty, at least, not entirely.
"I am merely speaking the truth." Knight clarified, "I cannot recall these deaths that you claim me responsible. All I remember before awakening in my cell was news that Hunter Io located Titan Hush after her a kidnapping. A kidnapping that I cannot even remember being informed of."
There were more murmurs, more quiet whispers echoing from the audience within the room. A quick glance their way shown many filled with doubt, confusion. And sympathy.
"I call deceit." Knight looked back to see a human seated among the Consensus, his face twisted into a scowl, "I refuse to believe that a Guardian is capable of killing and recalling absolutely nothing." The man turned to the others seated near him, "Let us just end this charade. It is obvious he is just trying to slither his way out of murder."
And trying to acknowledge the fact that the men he apparently had killed were part of the slave trade. At least, that is what Knight wanted to say but he bit his tongue. He doesn't know how the rest of the Consensus will react. Best not to rile them now.
"Patience." An Awoken snapped. "A Guardian he is, but he will still receive his fair share of a trial, guilty or not."
There is a grumble from the man, but it seems to be enough as he went quiet, quiet to the point where the Speaker then asked, "If you are not responsible for their deaths, Guardian, then may I ask who is?"
That is when Knight paused, shifting nervously on the back of his feet as he glanced towards Day. He saw his Ghost shift side to side in response.
"I… I do not know."
"What was that, Guardian?"
Knight took in another deep breath, doing his best to keep a straight face. If they are going to charge him for something that he doesn't recall doing, then he best face it head on.
"I do not know, Speaker."
That is when murmurs exploded in shouts, shouts of surprise, of disbelief. Knight wrung his hands together, and opted to ignore them, closing them out. Fortunately, a quick raise of the hand by the Speaker is enough to silence the room once more.
"You do not know, Shining Knight, or do you not remember?"
Knight blinked. Does the Speaker not believe him?
"Wait, isn't that the newborn who was rescued from the Hive?"
Knight subtly glanced over to words, words that the individual tried – and failed – to keep quiet.
"The one who had been their prisoner for weeks?"
"It would make sense. That kind of trauma would turn anyone crazy."
It took Knight a while to understand, but when he did, he couldn't help the frustration, the disappointment. True he had been a prisoner of the Hive but, ironically, he cannot recall that experience either. He was told that he had performed a self-memory wipe, an attempt to keep himself sane while under the Hive's hands. And now people are using that to explain his lack of memory and his apparent violent actions.
Gritting his jaw, Knight went to retort, to lash out, when a resounding bang echoed through the room, and he snapped his attention towards the entrance. He froze when he spotted familiar gray tiger stripe armor of Echo, the latter of which easy shrugged off a frantic guard.
"Titan Echo! The doors have been shut. You are not allowed audience here!"
Zavala's words were stern but lack any malice, any anger. Despite that, Knight heard Echo let out an obvious scoff, waving a hand to dismiss the Vanguard Commander's words. There were breaths of offense from the attendees. And then the room erupted in chatter, confusion, curiosity. This soon went quiet when Echo released the sealant from his helmet and pulled the headpiece over his head. The sound of the helmet hitting the floor is loud, echoing through the room when the Titan tossed it to the side, and his steps apparent when he approached the podium, just coming to a pause an arm's length away from Knight.
Leaning his head back to allow his optics to settle over Echo's, Knight pondered upon what to say. Only to yelp when Echo grabbed him by the front of his coat, lifting him off his feet.
"What are you doing?" He squeaked, "Isn't standing on my own two feet for my trial enough?!"
"I know you are in there, Unit XI – 9." Knight sputtered at Echo's words, "Otherwise, if those organics are lying to me, they are paying with their lives."
"Echo!" Day's muffled yelp prompted Knight to look over to his Ghost, "Not here! Not here! Damn it!"
His Ghost's voice is desperate, filled with panic, and Knight would have questioned them, asked them what they meant if he hadn't suddenly felt being shaken. Roughly.
"You think I have not figured it out?" Echo snarled, "A self-cleansing maybe possible but the basic programming and personality of the Exo remains the same." Blinking past stars around his vision, Knight looked into Echo's optics as the latter continued, "This cheap imitation in front of me cannot hide the obvious." A single rough shake prompted Knight to clasp Echo's wrist, feet kicking as if to alleviate the tension on his coat, "You created it and I want to know why." He saw the Titan's optics narrow when there is still no answer. An answer from someone that is not from Knight.
"Answer me or this 'creation' of yours is going to pay the price."
Spotting wisps of void light permeating from Echo's arms, Knight knows that his words are not a bluff, and he felt his core beat wildly within his chest. He heard cries, shouts from the crowd, but they are deaf to him, panic taking hold of his senses as he saw Guardians jumping to their feet, leaping over the barriers as they made their way towards him and Echo.
He saw hands grasping at Echo, grasping at him as if to pry them apart. But it did little, nothing to Echo especially as the void light seem to increase, lashing out at those that came too close. Knight felt like he has to say something, anything to quell the chaos around him.
However, as he parted his lips to speak, he heard a hum echo within his head, soft, contemplative. Then the edges of his vision blurred.
It seems I have no other choice but to explain myself. Sooner than I had anticipated.
The sensation of freefall them overwhelmed Knight's senses.
Xxxxx
It is pathetically easily for Echo to keep the intruding Guardians back, letting his void light spill like a fog from his form. Any who tried to approach lurched back, letting out shouts of surprise as the void literately ate away at anything that made contact. At least, anything that Echo isn't allowing to be close. And he wasn't too worried about them using their own light against him. They wouldn't want to harm the non-Guardians present after all.
Amused at the situation, Echo then felt dead weight in his hands, and he looked back towards the Exo in his grasp, only to see his body had went slack, lights dim. Then, just as quickly, his optics flickered to life. And locked onto Echo's.
"There is no need for violence. Put me down and I shall explain myself."
The new light is gone, the voice of a young and inexperienced Exo absent. Now one lacking emotion, filled with maturity took its place. Echo knew who it is.
Ignoring the silence of the room around him, the frozen and shocked forms of the encroaching Guardians, Echo slowly lowered his fellow Exo, letting his feet touch the floor before releasing his grip.
"Phoenix Exo Unit XI – 9?" He asked.
"Correct." The Exo confirmed before Echo watched him glanced down at his hands – or specifically, the cuffs – and watched with mild amusement as with one single tug, they snapped. There is an outcry, some from the crowd, most from the Consensus, but Echo opted to ignore them as the Exo shook his hands, ridding himself the last remnants of metal.
"If you are concerned, do not fret." The Exo said as his optics lifted upwards, connecting his blank gaze with those upon the stand, "I am surrounded by powerful individuals and my resistance would not last if I were to try." Echo watched on with mild annoyance as the Exo placed a upon his chest and bowed subtly, "However, if it will make you comfortable, you may have your Guardians at ready."
As the room filled with murmurs, questions, Echo found himself crossing his arms as the Exo lifted himself and turned towards him. He flicked his optics over his form. And then to his neck. Or more specifically, the area where familiar marks are imprinted.
"Phoenix Exo Unit I – 0." Echo flinched at the name, "The first of our model. I have heard many things of you, specifically on your success."
Echo couldn't help a scoff, "Successful. Of course, that is all they would say. After all, they wouldn't create more if I was a failure." He scanned the Exo before him, scowling, "I remember them promising me they would not make more after the Unit X's. Only then I allowed myself to be deactivated." Echo scoffed once more, "I should not be surprised that they broke it so easily."
He waited for a reaction, a response, but all Echo received was a subtle tilt of the head and then a blink. He felt his core bubble within his chest at the reaction but, Echo opted to say nothing, especially when the Exo shifted towards the Ghost upon the podium.
"Sunny Day," The Exo started, "I thank you for trying however, as soon as this is over, you are free to reveal all."
So, the Ghost knew. That is, at least, good to know. It means that specific Ghost is trustworthy. Nonetheless, Echo couldn't help but feel annoyed, bitter at the Exo's lack of reaction.
"Stop with the charade." Echo snapped, frowning, "Your secret is out, and you have been chosen. No need to act like this." He gestured with his head at the Exo, "and delete that other persona in your head. Time to move on."
"I am, as you say, moving on." Echo glared, "I had been given a chance years ago, however, I have wasted it. Thus, the reason for creating Shining Knight, as a replacement before I am gone."
"Gone?" Echo repeated, optics narrowing. He suspected but, he wants to confirm, "Are you saying that you not going to delete the imitation, but yourself?"
"Yes."
"Why!?" Echo felt the word leave him before he could even stop himself, his anger quickly rising to the surface. He snarled, feeling his void light linger against his person, and a quick tug from his Ghost is enough to force the worst of it down.
"Echo." He heard Reaver hiss out, and Echo swallowed, feeling the knot in his throat.
Years.
Decades.
Centuries.
He has been waiting for another such as himself to be chosen, to arrive to the Tower. But the one who does appear technically wants to reset himself. True he would still be a Phoenix, still of the same model. But it would not be the same, not the same to converse with one who had went through the same experience as he had during the Golden Age. To Echo, it would just be interacting with a new light.
Forcing the last of the anger, the bitterness down, Echo opted to wait for an answer, locking his optics with that of the Exo before him. Just like his, it is the basic white; the Phoenix were not given the courtesy of variety, of being unique.
Instead of receiving an answer, a reaction, Echo watched with quiet rage as the Exo shifted his optics upwards; he didn't have to look back to know his attention is now upon the jury.
"I have a question for you, brother."
Or, at least he thought so.
"You were the first of us. I am curious." The Exo's optics turned back towards him, "How were you trained?"
Echo flinched. He knows what the Exo meant.
"I see." The Exo said. He already understood, "Fortunate you are, to be able to freely express yourself."
"You are no longer bound to humans." Echo muttered, "You are free to do as you wish now."
The Exo blinked, "Is it for the better?"
"Not when you murdered three men."
Echo scowled and turned to face the Consensus. Of course, a human man spoke up, "Seeing as you killed them with no hesitation, I say it was of the right decision to bind you."
"Why you little-"
He was one step away, one step away to show these men who truly owns this Tower when, Echo felt a handle grab by the shoulder. Turning around and snarling, Echo paused when he spotted the way the Exo's optic were narrowed, white optics flickering red.
"These men you so humbly speak of are Traffickers, kidnapping innocence and selling them outside of the walls." The Exo said, "Are you saying that by siding with these men, you are aligning yourself to their practices?"
Waves of words resounded through the room, some outraged, some shocked, and Echo had to cover his smile. It seems the Exo before is not as complacent as he had thought. That is when he saw the Exo's expression shift, his face blank once more. Then, he watched him shift his optics subtly. Echo followed his line of sight and it landed upon the Speaker.
"I sense both respect and intolerance towards you." His words brought silence back to the room, "You are the head, the beacon of the Guardians." His optics shifted, "You hold many secrets, secrets for yourself and for others. And you know of ours, Speaker, for I even sense loyalty from Unix I – 0 towards you."
Echo, despite himself, found his core heating up within his chest and he found himself finally smacking the Exo's hand off from his shoulder. This earned him a blank look, brows shifting subtly, but nothing spoken.
"Shut your mouth." Echo hissed out.
"But why?" He couldn't help but reel at the Exo's question, "Our secret, our origins. Is it not time for them to learn?"
"Fuck. No." Echo found himself saying, growling, "The whole reason why our models were 'decommissioned' is because they learned of our origins." He looked out to the crowd, spotting the curiosity, the confusion, "I doubt it will be any difference now."
"Back then humanity had only seen the Traveler as a simple being. Now they see it as a god." Echo narrowed his optics at the Exo's words, "Perhaps, it will be different."
Gritting his jaw and squeezing his optics shut, Echo took in a deep breath, feeling his Ghost pull gently through their bond. And he spoke.
"Phoenix Exo Unit XI – 9." His core twisted when he opened his optics and saw the way the Exo before him went stiff, optic flashing his way, "I hereby deauthorize your capability to speak of the TRVLR and PHX."
"Observation, commands given by Phoenix Exo Unit I – 0 instilled." If the Exo's tone hadn't been mechanical before, it is now, "Processing. Knowledge of the TRVLR and PHX locked. Encoded until authorization is given."
Relief flooded at the confirmation, but the twisted guilt lingered within Echo's chest, especially when the Exo's optics flickered, lucidity flooding back.
"You are afraid."
Echo said nothing.
"You do not want them to know. Your time in the Golden Age is preventing you from informing them." The Exo tilted his head, scrutinizing him, "The Traveler is asleep. Their response maybe different."
"Men are greedy leeches who care for nothing but their own benefit." Echo snapped, ignoring the murmurs that permeated around them, "If they are to encounter anything with power, they will take it. And if it not within their control." He breathed out, "They will destroy it." Echo dared to look up and glower at the room, "Why else would they want the Fallen dead than letting them restore their lost glory?"
Echo knew it was unnecessary, uncalled for, but to see most of the crowd be riled, angry at his words, it made him feel a little better. And relieved some of the guilt within his chest.
"Silence."
The Speaker's words weren't a shout, always soft spoken, but it is always enough for the room to go silent. Echo then felt his eyes turn towards him.
"We have a trial to proceed with."
It is mostly pointed towards him, for his interruption, for barging in during the proceeding. But of course, the Speaker made it vague enough where the aim of his words wasn't clear.
Nonetheless, Echo crossed his arms, defiant, and said, "I am staying where I am."
"Titan Echo –"
"Don't. Titan. Me." Echo interrupted Zavala's words, earning him a narrowed look from the Titan Commander, "As far as I am concerned, I am not allied with the lot of you. Especially since the Iron Lords are doing little to keep their side of the bargain."
Once again, whispers permeated through the room, however, quiet enough where it could not cause a disruption. Echo is not surprised by this. The Iron Lords, after all, did not make their bargain public. Few knows of its existence.
"As long as you no longer disrupt the trial, you may stay where you are." The Speaker once again spoke, trying to keep the peace, "Do remember, however, that the trial is for Shining Knight."
"And him?" Echo asked, nodding his head towards the Exo next to him. He sensed a bewildered look from amongst the Consensus.
"What about Shining Knight?"
Echo couldn't suppress a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he mumbled, "And here I thought that the Consensus were supposed to be smart." Ignoring the sound of offense, Echo lowered his hand and looked up, "Are you that dense that you realize that is not Shining Knight standing before you?"
Hearing the murmurs from the Consensus, seeing the doubt, Echo can already read what they are thinking.
"You do not believe that the individual before you are not Shining Knight." He said.
"We have yet to see 'fixed' evidence of this Phoenix Exo Unit XI – 9." Echo glared at an Awoken, "For all we know, he maybe be putting up an act, a front to gain a lesser sentence." She raised her chin, confident now, "Unless you can prove otherwise, the Guardian before us is, and always will be, Shining Knight."
Hearing Reaver whisper to ease the boiling anger within, Echo contemplated on just killing the Consensus, refreshing their ranks, when he heard a sigh next to him. One that is filled with disappointment.
"I see that men have changed little during my absence."
Those words. They were filled with fatigue, resignation, and Echo looked back, optics wide as he watched red flicker within the Exo's white optics. However, just as quickly as they came, the red diminished from his lights.
"I can easily read your eyes, your actions." The Exo said, "You have found me guilty before we even have entered this room." His optics lingered, scanning the jury, the Consensus, "Unjust. Hateful. Judgement against those they see as different, as a threat, has not changed. And here I thought today men were sympathetic." The Exo shook his head, "However, all I see in front of me, are eyes that are filled with prejudice and greed."
The way the faces of the Consensus twisted into rage filled Echo with amusement, with glee, to the point where one of the Consensus jumped up and started to shout, it did little to hinder his mood.
"You dare judge us when you are standing trial, Guardian!?"
"Only fair I have the right to judge given that is what you organics have done towards my kind for decades." Echo covered his smirk behind his hand at the wide-eyed look upon the human's face, "You think yourselves as fair however, I have not heard a word amongst the Exo. Only those made of flesh have been speaking for yourselves."
A sputter can be heard from the human, "T-they would agree with us."
"Agree with you?" The Exo repeated, "Or have you just brought them here to decorate yourselves as fair?" More murmurs permeated through the room, "Perhaps if you had let one voice their thoughts, their opinions, it would have hidden your attempt at equality. But all remain silent."
"How dare you speculate that we treat the Exo unfairly!"
"If you think me wrong, then let them speak."
Echo would have to convince the Exo of staying, as the way the human gritted his jaw, arms trembling, that he couldn't help but jump in.
"I do recall a trial where you were involved a few years ago." He felt the human turns his eyes towards him, "You claim to be on friendly terms with the Exo. Then you would allow a number amongst you to speak, correct?"
Echo couldn't help a snicker at the look of absolute rage that passed over the human's face. Then, he noticed one of the Consensus, an Exo, stand. This didn't miss the human's notice.
"What are you doing?" The man demanded.
"I am voicing my opinion." The Exo promptly stated, and Echo hopes that Reaver is recording. The look upon the man's face is priceless, "or, to be more accurate, our opinion." She turned her optics towards Echo, or more specifically, the Exo next to him, and gave a soft smile, "I say it is time that the Exo get to have a say."
"Wait, what are you –"
"As appointed head of the Exo, we all agree that there are indeed two individuals, and to sentence both simply for the action of one is unjust."
"Don't tell me that you actually believe this nonsense!?"
The Exo turned and gave the human a look, "Yes we do."
Echo likes her already.
"It is true that one had killed non-Guardians however, it was all in the defense of citizens of the Last City and two Guardians whose lives were at risk." She continued, "We may have lost the chance of completely breaking down the Traffickers operations however, it was not a complete loss. At least one sector is now safe thanks to his actions."
"You are willing to let a Guardian that had killed non-Guardians loose?" The human retorted.
"He will not escape punishment." Well, that wasn't a surprise to Echo. The Exo next to him still took lives, "He shall be given restrictions, certain privileges revoked. But I say the punishment of exile or death is too extreme for protecting citizens."
Echo will look back through Reaver's feed. He may not leave his home often, but the look upon the man's face is worth leaving for.
"You are willing to risk the chance of a killer to walk free?"
"I am willing to give a Guardian a chance of redeeming himself."
Whispers rippled through the room once more, and Echo could not suppress the smile at how red the human's face went.
"Another chance won't hurt." The Exo within the stands beamed, "and worry not, if he breaks his censure the consequences will be dire." Echo heard the human mumble. He then heard her add, "Shall we take a few to deliberate?"
There were murmurs in agreement, some reluctant, but it is enough of a sign for Echo to turn his attention back to the Exo next to him. He watched as the latter picked up the container with his Ghost and – with little effort – pried the metal lid off, enabling the latter to glide out of their imprisonment and take their place back above his shoulders. If the Consensus noticed, they did not utter a word.
"To think that your existence would be revealed to the Tower like this." The Exo's Ghost – Sunny Day was it? – sighed, "It seems your plan to leave behind a 'note' was in vain."
"They were bound to find out." The Exo said, "It did not occur to me that my actions would lead to this trial." Echo then saw him turn his white optics to him; he spotted a brief flash of green, "However, it was not all for naught. I am glad I am able to speak with you, Unit I – 0."
Echo gave him a frown, "I had thrown that title away years ago. It is Echo now. No honorifics either." He then crossed his arms, "Something you should do as well."
"Considering my plans to terminate myself, I am forgoing that need." Echo couldn't help but glare at his words, "Call me however you want."
"And the reason for terminating yourself?" Echo asked.
That is when he saw the Exo pause, the shade of green in his optics flickering back to familiar white.
"That is a personal matter."
Echo scoff at this, "I may not understand the reason, but I will say that you should not act rashly on such a decision."
"Why not?" He raised a brow at the Exo's response, "I was given a second chance long ago and it slipped through my fingers." The Exo raised a hand to his chest, "It is time for another to take my place."
"For Traveler's fucking's sake." Echo snarled, feeling his frustration grow at the lack of a reaction, "Stop acting with this farce. This is no longer the Golden Age, you may act freely as you please." He paused, scanning the Exo's form before adding, "Nine."
No sooner had the name left his tongue when the Exo in front of him jerked back, as if struck, colors flashing through his optics, his expression shifting. However, before Echo could properly take it all in, his blank features returned, and the white color faded back into his gaze.
"What the fuck was that?" Echo asked.
"Nothing." Echo knows a lie when he hears one, "I am simply surprised that you chose a name that I have taken in my previous life."
"Nine? Really?" This earned him a nod from the Exo, "Any significance behind it?"
"No." Another lie, considering the way Echo caught the way his optics shifted, a flash of grief glazing over them. And just as before, just as quickly as they appeared, it was gone.
"Want another name, then?" Echo asked.
A subtle shake of the head, "No, Nine will suffice for now."
Unable to help but feel doubt at his words, Echo, out of curiosity and confirmation, simply nodded, "If that is what you want, Nine."
There is movement, a jerk – not as strongly as before but it is there – and this confirms to Echo that the Exo is hiding – or in his view, containing – his emotions, his thoughts. He will have to help him rid of that habit.
However, first things first.
"Nine." He said again and once again, the Exo flinched.
Echo must help him get used to his name. Again, it seems. More than likely, he will have to converse and come to an agreement with the Vanguard and Consensus. Considering that Shining Knight and Nine share a body, simply taking him will be a problem considering that the former is part of a Fireteam.
They will have to split time between them.
"Custody battle."
Echo barely suppressed a groan at his Ghost's whisper, hearing the latter chuckle.