She gently offered the artifact back over to his side of the table, her palms twiddling a little as she cupped it back to him - sensing a change within it, returning her palms to herself soon after. A light air of concern arose as he recalled intensive memories, mildly afraid it may have a reaction to how his state of mind was under the duress of the vivid memories. Trying to deflect the conversation and move it on, she posed a question for the present day intentions. "I... see. With your experiences in mind... What did you hope to do these days - After all you've experienced? I don't presume you want to go fighting them again, do you?"
"No."
The answer was short and clear, unlike everything else he's tried to explain. He slumped back in the chair once Revanant had placed the artifact back onto the table. "Not in the same way at least, over these past few years... They and you, have provided me new intelligence that they are negotiable. After waking up in the caves 3 days later, Harbinger was no longer around... I think he used me to see what I saw. Only for my next encounter in Kansas with him to be met with being vented in an escape pod. So what do I want to do now...? I know Humanity can't keep up this conflict forever, if it changes us Thuringians for the worst, it'll certainly empower the worst of whatever these Houses are run by whenever they unlock the secrets of this place and put a great amount of misuse into it. Scared of Aliens because it gets in the way of profits and selfish greed... I worry about Humanity's capability of a first contact scenario. We were supposed to adapt to Sirius, to grow and change with the knowledge to understand it instead of stripping it... We've failed in that."
She leaned back in the chair, sighing out. "it is a tricky circumstance. I want their minds to be liberated, to grow beyond the cycle of revenge and death... But they are still smart, cunning, if not fixated. They will know that they will abuse the unique situation regarding individuals like us."
Her mouth rolled, pouting in thought. " An incredible risky game. I do like some of them. Some others, not so much keen on their... Sense of self... I'm not entirely sure how we can completely ensure the safety of humanity. "
She bit her lip then sighed, "It's for the best that we keep our trump cards hidden, incase the idea of revenge is too tempting for them. See what they want to do with their heritage."
She leaned on her palm, propping up her cheek. "The only thing I can recall from talking to harbinger is that he is of the opinion that humanity isn't important, that their focus should be finding out the answers. That there is something out there, possibly, outside sirius As for what? Who knows. He wants to get the archives left by his creators. I'm happy to assist... But keep in mind. Have a few cards hidden up your sleeve incase something goes wrong. We've yet to determine the long goal in this. But I think they don't want to be trapped here in a loop of violence either."
His nodding was gentle, repetitive and was accompanied with an extended moment of silence. Questions have stopped being asked for a while that the tapping of his heel repetitively on the floor, his fingers interlocked between his legs and his glare onto the artifact that had been undisturbed at the table. But was that tapping his boots...? The echos being absorbed by the walls left only a clear direction that it came from the ominous jewel on the table and the movement in the ground was non existent even from his heavy footing... Yet the artifact wobbled as if it was. "A card up my sleeve... Once we get our ship back, the answers of this artifact might become more obvious to me. And I'll probably hate myself for not seeing it sooner. Maybe this thing is our contingency and what I saw a few weeks ago was..."
If cybernetic eyes couldn't lie to a Technocrat then even these small glimpses would have told clear signs. His palms reached out for the artifact, he was unphased by the anomalous nature of it. Mere moments before his fingertips touched, it rotated itself to slip into his fingers until his own grip took over... "Well- I'm sure its something. Ghost stories... But I think it wants me to get my ship back, or knows I get it back."
His face, annoyed by it, a puzzle he can't solve even if he's been carrying it for over a decade and it was right between his fingertips. One huff was exhaled, before he returned the rock to its velvet enclosure.
Her brows perked in realization for a brief moment, remembering about the task he inquired about previously. "Ah, right. The ship. We found out some clues as where to could be. As you suspected initially, there seems to be some indication of presence within the edge of the Omicrons. I'll have to round up the merry men after the experiment. I believe it may be closer to the Omicron Delta-Minor region. Has yet to be pinpointed. Too much disturbance. "
"We might have some help with that... We--"
He held his tongue for a moment, having to swallow his pride. "We've asked for a liaison from the Vagrants to be stationed with us..."
"Who? The Gallic Girl?"
"Falke. We're running a background check for anyone that could stand out... Aside from that, its going to be a case of dealing with a wholly different person. Whatever we bring up is just knowledge of an old life. We've assured the Vagrants her anonymity will remain our expertise and duty as long as its followed."
Lightly humming as she relaxed again, her face pondered, rolling her lip once more. "Hmmm... I might recognise that name, but... It's been years. Best you keep an eye on them too. How are you planning to resolve this conflict anyhow? Going to look further before making a step forward?"
"Oh it's... Simple. I'll assure them of the same things we provide to our people. To support them with sustenance, shelter, amenities and the right to flourish in a free life. All in exchange for peaceful co-operative synergy for both of us in Sirius. To escape an endless cycle of suffering and pain that is reinforced as the only choice."
His heart sank, his hand gripped his chest... But what was gripped seemed to bulge from the inner layer of his flight suit. A square pendant who's corners poked out under his palm. "I can't say no to that, not even for others."
"What if they refuse? Keep on trying to kill Humanity?"
"Then nothing about what I act on has changed... The DM are still prepared to fight as we were made to be. Maybe I'm just hoping to break this... Programming."
CS straightens his back, clocks his head sideways and lets out a small laugh. "But hey! Linear existence, limited lifespan... They can't fault me on actions of the deceased when I'm trying to rectify it in my time."
"Well. We'll just have to see. I'm hoping that the more bloodthirsty ones don't dominate... But in any case, those infectees in Rheinland? I say we get rid of those sadistic cells. They've been harvesting people. One of shozaks I'd think."
Another light hum ensued. A thought of uncertainty arose, a certain sense of insecurity to a particular truth. " Don't you... Have any questions to ask me? "
"I'm still catching up on intelligence concerning what Viper has been up to, like it or not she needs to have a few people looking out for her, even if it means that someone else is making sure shes not stepping over the line out not watching her back carefully. Some reasons seem more malicious than others... But shes in an accountable position of power, if the corporates only do it for gain, then someone has to remind her of the worth that ethics have... I don't like the idea of Caliban leading her about everywhere, his influence with Sho'zak and Harbinger might also twist a view of what I'm trying to uncover. How deep in is she in our world?"
"There's one thing the MND will agree on us with is Sho'zak has been a continuation of pain and horror and doesn't seem to be changing. Although what comes after that...? I can't make promises that people like Viper will take Psyche wish for peace at face value... She's been working with Caliban closely it seems... Saw her in Sigma-15 not too long ago... Caliban called me by my initials. I've never met the guy, yet he already speaks my title like he knows me. What the fuck is she getting into? I feel responsible for training her in our ways yet she's falling victim to Sho'zak."
He raises his hands to smother his face, fingers spread open as he buries his eyes away from vision. Comforting himself on a drastic decision... "I don't want to kill her... She's been... Stolen of a fulfilling life during her service. Only for it too soon be taken away forever."
As words were whispered from Revenant if his mind pondered on anything, he took a moment to collect himself.
"Viper... Likely told him then. Unfortunate. We cannot convince everyone, though, Viper has her... part to play. Even though she is being tugged by others, the Order, Caliban, those vicious infectees. Can't blame her though."
Revenant let loose a sigh. "We're going to have do something about that pair... Eventually. Need to get eyes on that cell. In the meanwhile... That liner, we'll keep on investigating clues to pick up the trail. "
Humming lightly, she was wondering why he had nothing on mind to ask her. It felt that the conversation was one sided, but ultimately, she did not mind, if not slightly relieved. "Of course, we can talk more at a later date. I suppose you'll have things to attend to soon? "
His hands gripped at the side of his seat as if he were to stand, but as soon as he attempted to... He couldn't bare the weight of what was keeping him there, before returning to a calm demeanour. "I do, but--"
He sat there... Seemingly at an impasse, a division of thought reacted in his body. "Yes... Actually there is another thing on my mind."
His legs slowly crossed, hands with fingers interlocked as they rested atop the overlapping knee. "Why give Hunt another chance?"
Like a last minute reaction, the blunt and looming question that has at the back of his mind. "I figured it was a done and dusted deal... When Will told me he was gone, I didn't believe it, I was right to suspect otherwise... Just never thought he'd be brought back."
She had no hesitation to reveal the truth, speaking with clarity. "Well. I knew he became unstable and problematic during his later stages but... I needed him and his knowledge back to deal with some complicated problems. I've been keeping a close eye on him to ensure he doesn't snap. I doubt it will happen due to the lack of neurochemistry... But all in all, he's a loyal ally. I need those more than ever now. Whatever happened out there, had killed him. He was not himself."
"He's a lot more... Offering than his last appearance to me. Many would say mundane, but his concern for the comfort of others was noted."
Speaking like it was a statistical report on him, his best ability to compare to what he once knew that person as. "There are a lot of people who turn to the capabilities and power of people and blind themselves to what true malice they wish to sow... I'm not saying you're lying to me, an alteration to ones personality is possible and I can accept that, but its usually not in the best interests of myself and to who is changed. But I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't accept him for the new person he is, and told myself different... Maybe its best for us both if he didn't remember me."
He sat there silent, but the slight shifting in his seat seemed more comfortable than ever. "And, maybe I am losing my mind, but the Northern Temple... If it wasn't for Hunt before, I would have asked this sooner. But I need you with me there if I can slip us in. After Viper executes this experiment and once we get our ship back... I may need your help getting us into this 'Earhart' and compare it to what I've seen in there... I need a guide basically, but more someone I can trust to be an expert in it. If Caliban is going to be loose lipped, he's definitely going to find out. I don't think he'll mind or care. I'll be there to put him in place if he has an issue, he will always obey me."
She leaned in further to the table, resting upon in thought. Her eyes tensed up, uncertain of what he was asking for. "You want to breach the temple? We can easily calibate our jump drive to strand ourselves in Earhart, but... What do you hope to find in the Northern Temple again? I need to find my way to the inner sanctum, I was... Blind to what really might be there. In truth I don't know whats there, but people like you should know whats there too. Sooner than the corporates. Inner sanctum... Hm... I think only an acute fraction of the place has been surveyed... After agents were disappearing in a blink of an eye and entire teams vanishing without a trace. But... Not even the stolen souls dared venture in the place, and why should we go in despite the clear warnings?"
"Something is there... The expansion of the Suhl is connected to it. The method of how it carves its way between the fabric of our space... Thuringia is rife with ruptures; Weimar and it's temple is the source. But how?"
"Hm... It could warrant an investigation. But, we must tread with utmost caution. "
"The question is do we get Viper involved? Especially if caliban seems to be working closely."
"No. "
"Then I'll take your caution as advice. So... What are your plans from here on out?"
"I will be observing the experiment upfront. After that... who knows. I can hang around for longer... Even if you do happen to trust Viper, remember - she told your true nature to that rodent. Bare that in mind."
She hummed briefly in intermission, pondering.
"...Did you recall that Caliban and Viper were briefly in a relationship?"
"Yes, I know its like a temptation to go back to what was nostalgic but... What does she see in him?"
"I'm not quite sure. Perhaps opportunity. Or pity... No matter. This temple, to ensure that I am understanding you correctly, you are referring to the one on Weimar?"
"Yeah..."
"I am quite curious about how it will be affected by the experiment. Mmmm... I suppose we'll see."
"In my own best judgement, better us to find out first. The vagrants maybe. But the corporate Influence here and the goals of Sho'zak, we must forbid it."
"Agreed. Do you want to investigate the site before the experiment? So we have comparison data... Though it will be tricky to get in. Perhaps in the aftermath of battle."
"After the experiment... I have my methods. We should be able to extract the archive records for sensor data in the quarantine zone. They have scans dating back before the explosion of Gotha."
"This will be very interesting to see then. Well, feel free to call me whenever you want. I'll stay in Rheinland for a bit longer after the observation on the experiment has concluded."
"I think we'll need it."
He uncrossed his legs, once again bracing his chair and straightened himself to stand up. Brushing off his torso as he looked back down to the seat he'd risen from... His face slightly bothered about something.
"Uhh-- hmm... maybe it's best I extended a hand for a few of your people to station themselves here."
She picked up her drink, taking a soft sip, glancing her eyesight over him.
"Are you sure they won't mind? Isn't there Order personnel on-station here?" "True, but the agreement between the Bundschuh and the Order are needed against the forces of Sho'zak in my eyes, they have no concern of our local politics and don't wish to show any in the near future... Not that I'll ever want to deal with them, I'll do everything I can to keep your people secluded from their prying eyes."
"As far as I'm concerned, the duty of the platform is to establish co-operation and extended hand to marginalized groups that wish to coexist peacefully. I don't see why the vagrants and technocracy shouldn't fall under these categories. These sound like local politics to me... Why should they get a say in it? It's our home on the line here." "And if they make a move to try to kill one of us? It's going to happen, knowing one of them. " "Then they break a respectable agreement between them and the Bundschuh. If the Order dislike it, they can talk to us first before attempting to kill a guest inside our home." "I will pray you do not take offence to defend one's self?" " ... Do I look like the Kaiser?" "I've seen some people get angry about it. It's ridiculous. " "for what people consider ridiculous in our lives, we're trying to survive... I don't get... Angry." "Well, it is just that. Some are a bit too fanatic of the idea of neutrality. No matter... "
Walking back over to the tea station where he hung up his helmet, he lifted it off and held it close to himself. "I may not truly know you Revenant... Your past, history, I have some perception..."
He stood there, his eyes didn't seem to look away from her. It was a dead cold stare... "You're the widow of my once dead close friend and handler, but also an unknown entity of great power and knowledge... Powerful choices made for many people. I'm sorry if what me and hunt went through made me not treat you as a friend and person."
A riddled sigh - her face remained somewhat neutral, but there was some contemplation for a brief moment as her lips slowly parted, "I was not... the greatest either. Times were tough, and I had to pull myself together when he was gone. There were many things I regret, things I wish I had done, things I wish I focused on. But - it's no matter now - what matters is how we look ahead for the future, and remember that what we have now - that we may yearn for in the future. You both did what you could. And the path ahead is only going to get harder with these new revelations."
"I guess this is where we make that choice... Maybe this time it's different without the Rheinland government breathing down my neck. I can re-learn what it means to be human in this universe, even from you and the technocracy... If not, I would have happily executed Sho'Zaks bidding."
He brings the helmet close to his face, hovering it right Infront of his eyes as he stares into it's cushioned depths. "So who are we now...? I want to call you a friend in these circumstances, I don't know who else to turn to that won't... Blow up Sirius."
"I don't understand why people believe I want to destroy the Sector. Or Humanity. I just -- I don't know. It's illogical. "
A deep sighed, "I need to tell you a truth because you'll hear a twisted varient sooner or later from the Order. Well - at first - they were lying. Then things became complicated and coicidental. "
He raises a brow, those pale cybernetic eyes peering back to Revenants direction. Fingers tapping rhythmically on the helmet, returning to his seat slowly, placing the helmet on the table. "... Go on."
"Alright... "
She mentally prepared herself to get into the track of thought,
"As you may know, I am dying. I would have died back in 827, if not for Harbinger making out a deal. I had a psychic ailment, slowly destroying my mind. Truthfully, it's still ravaging away my memories.
My deal was quite simple at the time, he wanted to ensure I was being sincere, that I was not manipulating their kind with lies of trying to find a solution. Time goes on, he found out about those Vaults as you heard. He mentioned he had figured out a solution, where I failed in all regards, about my affliction.
But erm, for now, to keep it from spreading across my mind, he had to implant a small incubus. It's inactive. He doesn't always listen. It's mostly there to stop the affliction and help retain my memories. "
There was a bit of a pause in the revelation.
"I can... sort of control it? It's hard to explain. It's an additional organ to me. But he said he wouldn't ascend me to their kind, that I was undeserving of it. Not that I would want to, and I have means to ensure that I uh... Have an out, I suppose. My robot companion. "
Clearing her throat in awkwardness, "I've been keeping tabs on it for years, he was sincere about his word. He isn't particularly fond of my cybernetics either... It never woke up, well, barring the few times Harbinger had to save me from the Sentinels, or the Order's assassination attempt. I was out cold at the time. Unconscious." - She elaborated further, gesturing with her palms.
"When you said organ... I figured it was quite literally that, not capable of active control or... Listening. I hope this SCIF hasn't affected it's dependency on the hive but with precautions like these, I was only thinking it would be 'You and me'. Is it like you're not really there? Dragged out of the pilot seat while your survival instinct takes over and what you're left is just more questions. I want to say I've been in something similar but... I'll never know, even if passing human-clearance protocols is supposed to give me comfort. I think I've come to terms that I'm not ready to give or merge myself with another, and I'm more than willing to enforce that... I haven't even understood myself yet."
He peels the top collar of his flight suit, there seems to be an exposed cybernetics running along his collarbone region, with one little light blinking green. "Discharge failsafe... We all carry the same, those that served within the agency on its secret fronts. Death seemed like a preferable alternative to having your soul stolen... But I haven't observed that happening yet in you, there's no stolen soul, just a broken person in a broken place. Because for people like you, circumstances are different; and Harbinger doesn't like the idea of bringing you under his wing too much. I'm sure I'll be safe around you, until I clearly state otherwise."
Tucking the cybernetics back under his flight suit collar, legs tucking back under the seat as he tidied his pose up... "I'm not too fond of the Order, they took Zeal in for interrogation, stripped her emotions and what her... Her. They left me with an empty shell to recover, if it wasn't for Harbinger and his sources to get back what they took... But now--"
Falling silent for a moment, hands resting on his knees yet having quite the grip as his fingers are dragging on the fabric of his pants. "But... I still think my point stands. I need to relearn you as a person, and I us to call eachother a friend."
"This organ isn't linked to their Hives, so the Nomads will try to kill me regardless. Most of them don't trust him. I do not know. But, it... Effectively is an organ, I... find it hard to describe. I feel as if I can somewhat influence it. Draw memories. Like a palm holding crystal clear water, peering through the mirror. "
There was silence for a moment, contemplation, trying to recall. "It's hard to recall, but it is more akin to... Thinking without thinking. Like someone putting a hand upon your hand in guidance. I'm consciously there but not there. I am doing something, without thought. In a way, it is like driving, you zone out. "
Her lips puckered as her face folded in, becoming uncertain. "Don't think the little one can affect my augments though, that is a bonus. I utterly despise the idea that Sho'zak poses, to steal others cognitive self, to eliminate who they are to ultimately turn them into weapons. I'd never allow that to happen to me. "
She gazed back towards his eyes, speaking in sincerity. "I do not think Harbinger is as bad as them. But I am remaining cautious in the event of a double-cross. It never hurts to have a safety net. And I wanted to ask if you... would be willing to be another safety net? To learn in the event of my failure, to figure out what the truth is, about them, their creators - if we can even find resolution? I do not obviously anticipate you to do any of this. And majority are sceptical of me, even our own Command is highly suspect of me. The fear of a double cross... I think that's the story of my life so far. But of all the people in Sirius, I genuinely believe you are the least likely person to betray me for selfish interest. "
"What you ask of me has been an undying assignment granted to me the moment I found my place in that agency... But it is in my interest to uncover truth and fact, to be witness to it's pain and benefits for the betterment of others, I don't see anything different to that goal and what you've told me now. It is my choice..."
Looking back to the helmet, the emblems marked on the side of the Damnatio Memoriae, his initials... Something told him his old life is there, but this time with choices truly made from the heart.
His view returned to Revenant, eyes with a gaze of intent and his fists clench on his knees. There was no slip of confidence to what was about to leave his lips... "I will serve."
