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eienias20 · 8 years ago

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Skells & Love 14

01: Broken - 13: Origin

Fallout

Four days have passed since the massive battle in the Oblivian canyon.

The Mimeosome Maintenance Center was still as busy as ever, all the heavily wounded had been taken in and repairs were proceeding at a slow but constant pace. The death toll had been calculated as well as the loss of weapons both ground gear and Skells. Wrothians still deployed in the canyon returned relative enemy kills, there was still far too much waste all over the Oblivian battlefield, as such the numbers would never be accurate but it was something to look to.

During the last two days, all those at BLADE Command were in deep thought over how they should relay the information they’ve been receiving to everyone in New Los Angeles. In the interim, many individuals all over the city had already come to their own conclusions based on what they heard from others who fought or what they read in the countless field reports.

Nothing that could be said would satisfy everyone but something had to be said. Realizing this, Chausson stepped up, giving a nod to Nagi and Vandham before the feeds went live. His image appeared on BLADE tower and on every single active Comm Device inside and outside of NLA.

“This is Director General Maurice Chausson. The first thing I wish to say to all of you is this: thank you for all of you hard work and thank you for all the sacrifice you’ve all put yourself through in the name of keeping humanity safe. These last four days have been hectic to say the least. We’re all striving to help those who gave so much, mourn those who’ve fallen and to look ahead to what comes next but before we do we must close the book on the operation in Oblivia. There have been a lot of after action reports filed and everyone has their own thoughts on how our Mission turned out. I am here to let you all know, definitively, based off every report my team has gone over…that the Mission was a success.”

Chausson took a deep breath before continuing.

“Our goal was to break the Ganglion. End them. I can confirm that with the death of Councilman Aer Ethos and the destruction of the Ganglion’s warship…the Ganglion are no longer a factor. They aren’t broken, they aren’t scattered, they aren’t lying in wait…the Ganglion as whole is now dead.”

“It may be hard to believe given that yes, various Ganglion commanders and agents escaped the battle and I have little doubt that our teams in the field won’t come across hostile Xenoforms in the future. Even so, from what we’ve been able to gather, those who escaped the battle were separatists, breaking away from the Ganglion. This group called themselves the Remnants and they’ve fallen in line behind a Milsaadi operator named Badul. We know not what they’re planning to do but we have a good idea as to where to start looking. Once the Oblivian Canyon is cleared out we’ll begin.”

“Until then, I want you all to know that yes. We lost more BLADEs, more Prone and more Wrothians than we expected to but such is war. Such is conflict. While we lost many, we killed and triumphed over a great many more. Humanity is looking forward, looking to new projects on ensuring our survival here on Mira. The enemies have changed but the task remains the same.”

“We are here to secure our future and whatever these Remnants have planned…we will persevere. We will live. We will thrive.”

With that, Chausson bowed his head as the feed cut.

Observing the speech in the Administrative District was Alexa.

She nodded her head to everything the Director General had said, from the outside it didn’t look like a resounding success and to be honest, it wasn’t. But it was definitely a win.

Sighing she turned towards the MMC as Frye stepped out, or rather, as he stumbled out. Alexa approached with a wide smile.

“Drunk already?”

“Heh. I may as well be but no…they literally shoved me out the front door.”

“Why? What were you doing?”

Frye chuckled.

“Not much. In fact, from the moment I could walk I had like five doctors, Solan and Bradbury included telling me to get out.”

Alexa turned towards the front door then back to Frye.

“They do have a lot of people to treat.”

“I didn’t even get the secretary’s number. She’s a cute one.”

Alexa laughed.

“Okay. Now the shoving makes sense.”

“Harsh.”

The smiles on the pair faded a bit as Frye spoke up.

“Did everyone else get out of the MMC? Lin, Markinson, Hope, H.B., Jenkins, Yelv?”

Alexa nodded.

“Yeah, you were the last one. What happened if you don’t mind me asking?”

Frye thought back.

“We were surrounded. A new Marnuck commander and his elite forces blindsided us. Yelv took the lead of the offensive, charging the new Marnuck forces as H.B. gave out orders to retreat; he wanted us to pull back and into Nagi’s Division before we were encircled. Phog had the unlucky placement, that Marnuck uh…his name was Hadam I believe. I’m pretty certain I heard him say so but…anyway, this Hadam asshole was lookin’ to beat on my brother and I was not having that so I charged in.”

Alexa smiled.

“Of course you did. Took a blow to the head?”

“Not immediately. I went toe to toe with that big asshole for a bit but yeah…I took a few blows to the everything. I don’t remember much after that, pieces mainly. But I feel back to full right now!”

Frye flexed to show off that he was fine, Alexa laughing in response. As silence greeted the pair, they were once again downcast. Troubled.

“I…couldn’t get a look at Irina before I left…and I have no clue where Jaynix is…”

Frye noted Alexa’s expression, she was sad before. All his words did was bring her further down.

“C’mon Skell Nut. Irina and Jaynix are the strongest most stubborn gals that we know, right?”

“…yeah…I finally have some free time from Skell repairs and damage assessments so I decided to come by and see them. I really wish I could’ve come sooner.”

Frye smiled and gestured to the door.

“Well, you’re here now. So go. Leave this old drunk to go find his brother.”

The Interceptor approached, patting Alexa’s shoulder before taking off. With a deep breath, Alexa stepped into the MMC and spotted Mia and Celica still aiding with what they could. The pair saw her as well and waved before returning to work. Walking towards reception, Alexa greeted the secretary.

“Ah, Alexa. How can I help you?”

“Hey Harriet. If it’s all fine with the staff, I’d like to see Irina.”

“Irina? Right. Of course.”

Alexa waited a few moments before asking.

“She was in really bad shape right? How’s she doing now?”

Harriet continued looking through her files as she spoke.

“Very bad shape indeed, there was a lot of external trauma…last report I got says she was on the path to recovery but I myself haven’t seen her. Busy.”

Alexa looked around the main lobby, seeing all the people walking about. Many doctors were clearly still on call. Some were sleeping on the various seats around, probably having pulled all-nighters.

“Ah! Here we go.”

Harriet showed Alexa an outline of the various floors and the Pods inside, she pointed to one two rooms down. Alexa noted the directions and thanked Harriet before walking away.

In the Commercial District, a small group of one human and three Xenoforms sat having listened to Chausson’s speech as well. They were all silent, thinking. Right up until one made an observation.

“Do your people not see this as a victory?”

Kruse snapped out of his thoughts and looked across the table they were all sitting at.

“Why do you ask that Prince Jiarg?”

The Wrothian gestured to several other individuals who, following the end of the speech, were now returning to their own day, some didn’t seem happy. Far from it in fact. Kruse could only sigh.

“Well…we lost a lot of people…an entire Division.”

“You let the losses of war overshadow the victory? I don’t understand this.”

“Prince Jiarg.”

Looking from Kruse to Elma, the Wrothian waited as she spoke.

“Didn’t you lose all the Wrothians you sent to reinforce the Fifth Division?”

“Yes. We lost many great warriors but for Wrothians, dying in battle is their final glory. We carried the day. They will be mourned and buried…but we shall not look down upon their sacrifice.”

Elma nodded as Kruse crossed his arms.

“I wish we could be the same.”

“We are of different peoples. Cultures. Nothing else need be said.”

Prince Jiarg stood and prepared to leave before turning to the last person present.

“Ga Buidhe.”

Standing she followed her Prince away from the other two, coming to a stop when Ga Jiarg did. She watched as he looked to the surrounding humans and other Xenoforms before speaking.

“I’ve remained in this city far longer than I intended. Are you set to return to Oblivia? To our stronghold?”

Ga Buidhe was quieter for a much longer stretch of time than ever before. Ga Jiarg gave her an odd look; she was always quick to respond when he questioned her. Shaking her head she finally spoke.

“My apologies. I should be looking to return to our Stronghold but…my Prince…I’d like to ask to remain behind for a while longer.”

She could see the Prince fall into deep thought.

“Why?”

“…someone was hurt. A friend…”

“A friend…you’ve changed Ga Buidhe.”

She couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

“As have you, my Prince.”

The Wrothian laughed.

“I suppose we all have. Humans are mysterious that way. Very well, Ga Buidhe. The rest of our warriors will be returning to the Stronghold to prepare burials. It should take us a few days before the ceremony. I trust you’ll return by then?”

“Yes my Prince.”

“I pray that your friend is well.”

Ga Buidhe bowed to her Prince as he walked away, several Wrothian guards along the perimeter falling in line alongside him.

Once he was gone, Ga Buidhe turned back and rejoined Kruse and Elma, the man tilting his head.

“You’re staying?”

“Is that a problem?”

Kruse shook his head and smiled.

“Not at all. Just surprised. You’ve been here for a while.”

“My Prince can manage many duties and our people without me…but he does expect me back in a few days. Before then I wish to know about Irina and Jaynix.”

Elma sat in silence, seeing Irina’s Skell getting destroyed, the woman still inside of it as it burst into flames. She was right there and she couldn’t stop it. Seeing her troubled look, Kruse put a hand on Elma’s shoulder before speaking.

“Irina’s tough and she did what she did for Jaynix. Can’t fault her there. She was brave.”

Elma nodded.

“All of that is true. She’ll be fine…”

Ga Buidhe waited a few moments. She wasn’t sure why but asking this felt strange.

“And Jaynix? I tried asking at the MMC yesterday but no one would talk to me.”

Kruse tilted his head.

“Really? That’s strange…Elma, is that normal?”

Elma shook her head.

“No…but Alexa should be there right now. She’ll let us know.”

The three of them remained silent, Elma had told them about what happened following Jaynix’s first surgery. The way she tore through the MMC, attacking doctors and BLADEs that tried to help or restrain her.

Closing her eyes, Elma thought back.

Jaynix was placed back onto her operating table and strapped down. Elma saw Benton approaching with a needle, the man had seen better days.

“That isn’t an anesthetic is it?”

“Elma. If we don’t put her under she’ll wake up again and attack my staff. I’ve had enough of this.”

Elma waited as he put the needle aside.

“Do you know how much trouble this woman has caused me?”

“She’s a patient. You’re a doctor.”

Benton waved her off.

“But do you know? After that horrible open cavity surgery I’ve received notices from some of my best doctors that they aren’t coming in. I asked when, they said never. They’ve had nightmares of her screams, a few have woken with their hands covered in blood that they couldn’t wash off. Some came here thinking she died and they were inconsolable. She’s cost me my valued workforce.”

Benton gestured around the rest of the building.

“Those left that I can count on are Dr. Falkan, Dr. Solan, Dr. Bradbury, Dr. Jun and…not many more if I’m being honest. She’s your friend. I get that. But what am I going to do about the countless other patients now eh?”

Picking the syringe back up, Benton moved towards Jaynix, Elma catching his hand.

“I apologize for the trouble she’s caused you.”

“Oh that’ll fix it…”

“But the patient’s demands were clear. She is not to go under.”

Benton narrowed his eyes.

“The MMC is my jurisdiction, I’m the proprietor, a position to me granted by all the department heads.”

Benton pulled his hand away.

“Do you know Jaynix came to the MMC before the Mission? She came and spoke to Harriet and I about a friend she has that was having issues…I knew something was off but I let it slide. First visits always plague the visitor with nerves and doubts. This woman…she hasn’t been to the MMC since Awakening, have you ever stopped to wonder why it is her mim fell apart? Why you had to call in a Black Alert?”

Elma continued to listen to Benton as he stepped away.

“This woman doesn’t care at all for her state…and look what it’s done to everything.”

“She has instabilities yes, but that’s when we work harder than ever to help her. You’re a doctor, Benton. Surely you understand this?”

He shook his head and gestured to the door.

“There is only so much patience that one can have. Now please, leave.”

Elma walked past him, reaching the door when she heard something. Turning she found him injecting Jaynix with the anesthetic. Elma’s shock was quickly replaced by anger.

“You son of a bitch.”

Ignoring her Benton walked off to his office. Elma stood in place, looking at Jaynix. It took her a few moments to realize what she just said. Sighing, she shook her head and left the MMC.

“Alexa!”

Snapping out of her thoughts, Elma opened her eyes and turned to see the Outfitter approaching. Elma could see that Alexa was upset about something, watching her as Ga Buidhe asked.

“Did something happen?”

The Outfitter sighed, now that she was closer they could see the deep sadness in her eyes.

“They wouldn’t let me see her…I was turned away by everyone.”

Kruse, Elma and Ga Buidhe stood up, walking towards Alexa. With Kruse speaking.

“They wouldn’t let you see her? Jaynix?”

Alexa started to explain.

“I saw Irina, her vitals and everything look great, she’s recovering at an astounding pace, that’s what the doctors said. Their best estimates put her waking up tomorrow. After that, I asked her attending staff if I could see Jaynix and they just said no.”

Alexa’s eyes started to water as she repeated.

“They just said no…”

Elma stepped closer, putting a hand on Alexa’s shoulder as she continued.

“I thought…I thought that maybe…she died and no one wanted to tell me anything…everyone else kept saying no or I don’t know…there were armed BLADEs all around the MMC. I asked what they were doing there and they wouldn’t tell me either.”

Ga Buidhe crossed her arms.

“Armed guards?”

Elma thought to Jaynix’s frantic escape attempt. Were they planning on shooting her if she tried that again?

“The secretary. Harriet. She was the only one who told me anything…she said that everyone in the MMC. The doctors, the aid staff and the BLADEs, they were given orders not to talk about Jaynix and not to let anyone see her.”

Alexa looked up to Elma, Kruse and Ga Buidhe, the latter two seemed confused by this before Elma asked.

“Orders? By who?”

Nagi, Vandham and Chausson stood in the BLADE Tower command center. The large holo-screens before them filled with images of a massive Xern. Leva’el the Terminus.

Smaller screens were filled with images of other Xerns that BLADE has encountered, primarily around Cauldros. Using those smaller Xerns as a basis they were able to superimpose the images over one another to compare and put together data on Leva’el’s offensive and defensive capabilities. While it was a good starting point there were very clear structural differences in Leva’el’s design beyond the startling size difference.

Not to mention the weapon it turned on them.

“Apocalypse Wand…that was it right?”

Chausson asked. Nagi looked to him, nodding.

“It was heard all over the battlefield.”

Vandham sighed as he brought up a holo-screen full of output readings.

“I have the data transmitted from the Skells in Bozé and Doug’s assault team during that attack. Everything just went haywire, overloaded and then…all the Skells, gone in an instant. The ejection systems were also compromised so if Bozé, Doug and the others who escaped were any slower we would’ve lost them all as well…even still, most of the assault team didn’t make it out.”

Chausson tapped his chin.

“Where did this thing come from?”

Nagi and Vandham had no answer, the Director General could only sigh.

“So I take it we have no way of knowing how to combat this thing?”

The Chief Engineer shook his head as Nagi spoke up.

“Not just that. We also need to be aware of Badul, the self-proclaimed leader of these Remnants. Based off Ethos’ last words his ultimate plan is a dire one…something tells me that if he succeeds, Leva’el will be the least of our problems.”

Vandham groaned as he sat back down. Not exactly the thing he wanted to hear, even knowing that it was absolutely true.

Just then, the door opened, the three turned to see Elma step in.

“Which one of you did it?”

Vandham brought his hands to his face and muttered.

“Shit. What now?”

“There are armed BLADEs in the Mimeosome Maintenance Center guarding what I can only guess is the wing containing Jaynix’s room. No one in the MMC is allowed to talk about her, it’s almost as if she’s being held prisoner so I have to ask again and I expect an answer this time. Which one of you did it?”

Nagi seemed shocked by this news. Slowly, he turned to Chausson.

“Maurice. What did you do?”

The Director General adjusted his tie

“I did what was necessary.”

Nagi crossed his arms.

“Ms. Copeland is a decorated and trustworthy BLADE. She’s done nothing but further our cause and protect humanity since Awakening and she’s done so at a pace greater than anyone else in recent memory. She fell in battle and your response is to hold her prisoner?”

Chausson waited a few moments before gesturing to Elma.

“Lao.”

“…what?”

“Do you know what happened to Lao after you left him in the Ganglion Weapons Hangar?”

Elma shook her head.

“All I know is that a unit was sent to bring him back to NLA…after that-“

“After that you and your team were heavily occupied in working to Reclaim the Lifehold. That was all that mattered.”

Chausson cut in before clearing his throat and continuing.

“When we brought Lao back to NLA, to the MMC so that he may recover…it was well known that he was back. Lao betrayed us in a very public manner and many of the BLADEs and staff of the restricted hangar had no qualms in letting the general populace know. BLADE Tower was hounded by family, friends and loved ones of those killed by Lao’s treachery. Some even took extreme measures.”

Elma could see that Nagi knew about this and while Vandham still had his face covered, something told her that he knew as well.

“People worked together to break into the MMC, incapacitate staff and guards and damage Lao’s Pod. This happened several times, people tried to kill him and if I may drop my professional sense for a few moments…I could not blame them. After what he did, I was all for letting him rot in Cauldros.”

“Maurice.”

The Director General adjusted his tie again, waving Nagi off.

“It was hard to find BLADE guards to watch him. BLADE guards I could trust to not turn their weapons on him. I wanted to avoid that happening again, so I placed protective guards all over the MMC not to keep Jaynix in but to keep those controlled by their emotions, out. I also ordered she not be spoken about so no one knows where she is…the entire Fifth Division was wiped out on her watch. Whatever the reason, whatever the situation, people will be angry. People will want answers. Jaynix has been with us for a month or so and we gave her one of the highest positions for this major Mission. We will be questioned on that choice and people will cite inexperience on Jaynix’s part despite her service record under General Kumon. I did what I had to do to keep her safe.”

A silence fell over the room. Elma letting out a long sigh, bringing a hand to her forehead she nodded, feeling herself calm down before speaking.

“I’m sorry, Director General.”

“Pay it no mind. Jaynix lives with you, she’s close to you, to Kruse, to Lin. I should’ve let you know about this sooner but with everything going on, the Remnants, Leva’el and the after action reports I didn’t have much time. Not a good excuse but it’s all that I have.”

Elma shook her head.

“Put it out of your mind. I didn’t give too much thought to the trouble Lao would present upon his return to NLA. The Lifehold…”

Chausson chuckled.

“No need to apologize. I think we’ve had enough of that.”

“Director General, if you don’t mind. Jaynix has loved ones, people that want to see her…”

He bowed his head.

“Of course. Send me a list and I’ll pass it onto the BLADEs at the MMC to let those people through.”

Elma nodded as Chausson continued.

“Given the deaths of all members of the Fifth Division…we will have to question Jaynix to find out what happened. She is all that is left…but I’ll leave that to you, Elma.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Everything was going so right.

They were winning.

She was being useful.

All it took to derail everything was one Skell.

One.

She saw it, she saw that bolt escape the Skell’s hand.

She felt it tear through her again, an indescribable burning sensation.

But this time no one came to help her as it descended upon her.

Jolting awake, Jaynix sat up, her hands quickly gripped the spot along her lower torso where the Skell’s laser ripped through her. She had been patched up but she needed to know, she needed to confirm that what happened did happen. Desperately she pushed into her injury, harder and harder until she felt the pain spike up all over her. That pain brought all her senses back to full, now aware she let out a long breath and took in her surroundings.

It was an operating room in the MMC, it seemed vaguely familiar. She could somewhat recall being strapped down, looking to the very table she was on she found that the straps were undone. In doing that her eyes also trailed over her hands. Bringing them up to her face she looked them over, noticing lines across her hands, the faint traces continued up and along her arms.

Pulling on her sleeves to see more of her arms she found that the lines continued on and on. Standing quickly she ran to a mirror and pulled her shirt off, staring at her bare body, there were lines everywhere.

She kept staring as she recalled one of the last things before the wave of pain.

They opened her up, they had to fix what was broken.

Putting her shirt back on she looked to her hands again, clenching and unclenching them to make sure that everything was real.

Turning she found that someone was sleeping in a chair, leaning against the wall.

Her throat felt dry, hoarse and yet she managed to struggle out the person’s name.

“Alexa?”

Walking towards the Outfitter, Jaynix went to wake her up.

What would she say? What could she say?

She continued staring at the other woman, unsure of what to do. Deciding not to disturb her she sat back down on the operating table and started thinking.

Earth.

Her mother, her father.

The 3rd Soldier Unit.

Kumon, Tai, Eren, Sagis, Alto and Lyla. Her wife.

She lost everyone.

Closing her eyes she saw it again, the sunsets of her youth.

“How could I…forget?”

She felt them again, the hands of her younger sister, clinging to her arm.

“How could I forget you?”

She heard them again, the voices of her parents, filled with pride and joy.

Then she saw the battlefields, the Lawless Sectors, the White Whale, the Skells, her unit and of course, Lyla was there for all of them.

“Jaynix?”

Opening her eyes, she saw her.

“Alexa.”

The pair stared at one another, unmoving.

Jaynix didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t ready.

She decided to go for the least terrible option.

“See? We’re both alive. We made it.”

She gave Alexa the best smile she could manage. Alexa approached her, waiting until Jaynix stood up. The Interceptor remained still as Alexa looked her over as if to ensure that she was real.

Feeling all her worries and fears just fall away, Alexa found herself tired, exhausted. Falling into Jaynix, she embraced her. Jaynix allowed herself to move to the floor, holding onto Alexa.

Out in Primordia, Elma found the exact person she was looking for.

“Ga Buidhe.”

The Wrothian turned to her.

“Greetings, Elma. Do you have need of me?”

“What are you doing out here?”

Ga Buidhe shrugged.

“Thinking.”

Elma nodded, something told her not to pursue down that line of questions. Everyone had private thoughts, Ga Buidhe was no exception.

“I wanted to thank you.”

The Wrothian shook her head.

“You have nothing to thank me for.”

“I do. In the chaos of everything these last few days it slipped by me but…if not for you, it’s very likely that Jaynix could’ve died in Oblivia.”

Ga Buidhe thought back to when she found Jaynix in the state she was in.

“I deserve no thanks for that. It was one of her soldiers…Bills was his name I believe…”

“It was thanks to you and Bills.”

Ga Buidhe sat down on the ground, Elma joining her, the pair watching as a large Simius, Hayreddin continued stalking around its territory.

“Jaynix’s state. I knew about it. I heard her body breaking down and I said nothing…I did nothing…I let her continue down her path to destruction. What happened to her in Oblivia was my fault for not saying anything sooner. I deserve no thanks for putting her into the situation she wound up in.”

Elma shook her head.

“That’s not true.”

“It is. Jaynix…I could see it. In her eyes and in the way she moves…some of the things that she says. I’m certain that she believes herself damaged and that the things that happened to her define her. Above all I don’t think she carries a single belief in regards to her own recovery…she walks around covered in the stench of death. I’m convinced she doesn’t consider this month or so that she’s been around as living.”

Elma looked out to the horizon.

“I knew there were things about her…dark things…but I gave her space because I didn’t want to force it and when I did force it, she shut me out. If you are to blame, so am I. Regardless of reasons I should’ve tried harder to help her.”

Ga Buidhe took a deep breath, closing her eyes and focusing on nothing. She was seeking a calm state of mind to help her with…a lot of things.

“We all have a second chance now. She’s awake.”

Ga Buidhe looked to Elma.

“Truly?”

The Wrothian stood up, Elma standing after her, smiling.

“You really do care about her.”

Ga Buidhe crossed her arms but said nothing as Elma continued.

“…I have to talk to her. About everything. So I hate to say this-”

“I can wait, Elma. Something tells me the talk you must have with Jaynix is far more important.”

Elma nodded to Ga Buidhe and thanked her before walking away. With the other woman gone, Ga Buidhe sat down, closed her eyes and returned to focusing.

Alexa smiled as she watched Jaynix finish a second pizza. Seeing the Interceptor lively again, eating with so much fervor cemented it in Alexa’s mind that she was alright.

“You sure you don’t want any?”

“You ate it all.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m fine.”

Jaynix put the boxes away and turned to look at the door out of her room. They’d moved Jaynix to a more comfortable place with an actual bed as opposed to the operating room. There were some doctors scheduled to come by for continued checkups but aside from that, she seemed to be fully operational again.

She also knew that there were guards outside her door, they’d followed her after she left the operating room.

“Am I in trouble?”

“Hm?”

Alexa followed Jaynix’s gaze to the door.

“No. I don’t think so.”

Jaynix was unconvinced.

“Alexa…how hard is it being my friend? Be honest. Between this, our talk before the Mission and Sylvalum…I’ve done nothing but worry, scare you…and drive you to tears…”

Jaynix shook her head.

“I’m not a good friend for you.”

Alexa moved over and sat down next to Jaynix, leaning her head on her shoulder.

“That’s not true. Not at all. You’re a blazing fire. Bright. Warm. Being around you is the best. For all those times I’ve worried for you there are just as many times that I’ve smiled and laughed with you and that will never end…nothing will convince me to not be close to you.”

Jaynix smiled at that. Deep down she still wasn’t sure if she should be this close to Alexa but it was clear that the Outfitter didn’t mind.

“Jaynix.”

“Hm?”

“Why didn’t you tell me that was you?”

Jaynix waited as Alexa pulled away, the pair now locking eyes.

“That night in the Industrial District…”

Jaynix recalled that night and what she had told Alexa before they split up to prepare for the Mission.

“I did.”

“Yeah, right before the Mission at the last possible second. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Jaynix sighed.

“Because then you’d ask why I was crying and I’d have to lie to you…but I don’t want to lie to you so I wouldn’t but I wouldn’t want to tell you the truth either so I’d just…say nothing.”

In that moment Jaynix realized, she’d confided in Alexa that she was afflicted by PTSD and Alexa witnessed several of her physical breakdowns. She’d also told her about her team and her fear of sleep but she never told her about her single greatest fear.

The very things that Alexa loved.

“Alexa…when I get the all clear…when I get out of here…we have to talk.”

Alexa realized that was Jaynix’s way of putting a pin in this talk and she understood, this room in the MMC was the last place she wanted to have a meaningful heart to heart with Jaynix. Nodding her head she spoke quietly.

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for our talk…”

Alexa gave Jaynix a small smile, the other woman feeling one tug at her lips as well. The pair remained like that as door opened, Elma walking in.

“Jaynix. Good to see you awake.”

Jaynix looked to Elma, recalling the two times she tried to kill the woman.

“…hey…”

Elma then looked to Alexa who greeted her.

“Heyo, Elma!”

“Alexa…I…”

Alexa seemed to understand, standing up and moving towards the exit.

“It’s okay…I’ll see you soon, Jaynix.”

“See you. Alexa.”

Once Alexa was gone, Jaynix sighed, thinking of how to start this. Her eyes avoided Elma for a few moments, but she knew they had to talk. Focusing her gaze on the Xenoform she waited as Elma watched Jaynix as well. The Reclaimer was also unsure of what was the first thing she should say. How are you supposed to respond after learning that someone close to you actually hates you and hates you enough to try to kill you? Twice.”

“Elma. What happened? The battle.”

That was a good a place as any to start. Pulling a chair over, closer to Jaynix’s bed where she sat, Elma took a seat.

“The Ganglion Warship appeared, the main command, we destroyed it and killed the last officer of the Ganglion, Councilman Ethos. So in that regards, the Mission was a success but a group of Ganglion commanders broke away and escaped, now calling themselves the Remnants and led by Badul the One Eyed.”

Jaynix nodded.

“That’s good…I guess…well not the part about the Remnants…do we know anything else about them?”

Elma shook her head.

“Not enough. Once the battlefield is clear we’ll be looking into what it is that they were doing there.”

There was silence. Jaynix knew there was more to it, of course there was.

“I was incapacitated while fighting Ahama…I barely remember Bills finding me and everything after that was a blur until I was with Ga Buidhe on the outskirts of the battle…then with you after that…what happened to Bills? Hermann? Tyler? My division?”

Elma sighed. There was no getting around this.

“They’re all dead.”

Elma watched Jaynix’s eyes as countless emotions flashed through them before she finally spoke in a very quiet voice.

“…what?”

Elma thought back to the battle, to everything that happened involving the Fifth Division. She waited until Jaynix was actually looking at her again before speaking.

“Your team was getting you to safety when they were surrounded by a Skell troop led by Badul himself. Ga Buidhe and I arrived to clear them away but by the time we were done, Hermann and Tyler were dead and Badul was gone.”

Elma kept her gaze squarely on Jaynix, trying to read her face.

“Ga Buidhe was with Bills trying to get you to safety…she says Bills covered you and was injured badly. He cleared the way for Ga Buidhe to continue on with you and then…he was gone.”

Elma wasn’t sure when, but very gradually Jaynix’s eyes seemed to lose their color and it only worsened as she continued.

“Division Five was surrounded by a new Milsaadi army led by an operator known as Zornehm. With you incapacitated and the Milsaadi tearing them apart, they fell into disarray. The team leaders tried their best to hold them together but it wasn’t enough. Division Four tried to support them and send in reinforcements but they were cut off and as skilled as Ga Jiarg’s warriors are…the enemy had the numbers. By the time we broke through and forced Zornehm to retreat…no one was left.”

Jaynix sat there, staring at nothing for what felt like a very long time. Elma wanted to say something but she had to let Jaynix process everything.

“They’re all dead. It was my fault.”

“Jaynix-”

“All because of one Skell. Not the army of them flying overhead or the pieces falling all around the battlefield. One Skell landing right in front of me is all it took. I couldn’t give my Division orders, I couldn’t save their lives…I couldn’t even save myself.”

Jaynix looked to the floor below, shaking her head.

“How could I do this to them? I had every chance to pull out of this Mission…”

Jaynix recalled the list of BLADEs that would be serving in her Division, she’d committed it to memory and now she knew for certain that all those people she was trusted with, were dead.

“Jaynix…”

“Elma. Don’t tell me that this isn’t my fault…we all know it is. I have to take responsibility for my mistakes. All of them.”

The silence stretched on before them. Elma had many questions she wanted to ask but decided to let Jaynix know something that was hopefully good news.

“I went to see Irina. She’s the one that saved you from Ahama.”

“…was she hurt?”

“She was. But she’s awake now, I told her that you’re okay and she is relieved.”

Jaynix nodded to that but said nothing. At the very least Irina was alive, she didn’t throw her life away for someone who wasn’t worth it.

“Jaynix. I think you know what I’m going to ask you now.

Jaynix’s eyes found Elma.

“Is it about my…my wife? Or about why I hate you?”

“I believe that both are related.”

Jaynix remained still, thinking before she reached into her clothes looking for something. Realizing it wasn’t there she stood up.

“My photograph! Where is it!? Where did they put my stuff!?”

“Calm down, Jaynix. I’ll ask the doctors. Just…wait.”

Jaynix sat back down and took a few deep breaths as Elma left the room. Closing her eyes, Jaynix thought everything over again. She didn’t just let Bills, Hermann and Tyler down, she let everyone down. Taking the armed guard outside her room into account along with the details of what happened, it was clear that she was in trouble. The entire division save for her was dead, people were going to want to know how and why.

The door opened, Elma reentering the room with Jaynix’s personal items. Placing them down, Jaynix looked through them, finding the photograph of the 3rd Soldier Unit. She looked them over almost as if she was seeing them again for the first time.

“When we boarded the White Whale…General Kumon revealed to us that he was given an order. That we were given our order. The few for the many. Our lives were forfeit for the sanctity of the White Whale and all those aboard…it’s why we became known as the Martyrs. We were to sacrifice ourselves for the Whale. For humanity. It was a bullshit order…Kumon, the entire team, we were warriors of unparalleled caliber. Why in the world would we be given orders to go out and die? We could have served humanity far better by living just as we did back on Earth.”

Jaynix put the photograph away, her eyes finding Elma.

“The two years I was on the White Whale I had to know who it is that gave us that order and why. All Kumon told me is that it was from higher up. That could mean anything given the formation and hierarchy of the ECP and the Coalition. We had our own Oversight board that managed our missions out in the Lawless Sectors…but once the Exodus was initiated, once we set foot on the Whale, all jurisdiction and command those forces had over us were gone. The only thing we answered aboard the ship was to each other…the only one who could command us anything would be Nagi but he never did.”

“At least that’s what I believed. But I know from whispers back on Earth that there was someone that the ECP and the Coalition, that all the boards and councils would bend their ears to. There was someone that could ask anything of them and they’d do it.”

Jaynix pointed at Elma.

“You.”

The other woman remained silent as Jaynix continued.

“Part of me refused to accept it, I never met you back on Earth, I only knew of you. Why would the Coalition, why would the ECP take your opinions and your requests above all others? Who were you? Then a few days after waking you revealed to me that you’re a Xeno, you’re the reason we escaped Earth and suddenly, it seemed that all my theories made sense. I don’t know when. I don’t know why. So I have to ask. Why did you give Kumon that order, Elma? Why did my family have to die?”

Jaynix watched Elma, the woman was still taking in what Jaynix had said. Sighing she spoke.

“I didn’t.”

“Elma-”

“I know that isn’t what you want to hear Jaynix, but I did not do it.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“What would I gain from sending you and your family to their deaths?”

“You tell me!”

“I tried to stop it!”

Elma stared at Jaynix, her fists clenched as she repeated.

“I tried to stop it.”

Releasing her anger, Elma brought her hands to her face and took a deep breath.

“The ECP. The Coalition. They did listen to me. I brought them the technology to save themselves, to save as many people on Earth as possible…but there were those among them that didn’t want to entrust all of humanity to a Xenoform. So they broke away and formed some of their own personal projects, some went on to construct other smaller Ark ships and still others resorted to underground shelters because they refused to accept my words as true.”

“Some members of the various Oversight boards committed their soldiers to missions I saw no point to. I brought this up to the boards at large and sometimes they were punished, other times they cited that the world could very well be ending so what did it matter? One such man was the one who gave General Kumon his final order. On Earth while he still had jurisdiction over him.”

Jaynix shook her head.

“No. No, we got the order on the White Whale. Kumon told us that.”

“He got the order on Earth, Jaynix. I was there, I overheard it. I confronted Kumon about it time and time again but…he’s a soldier. He was prepared to do what must be done and he’d never question a direct command…you know this to be true, Jaynix.”

The Interceptor wanted to argue, but Elma was right.

“Once we left Earth, I begged Kumon to reconsider. Like you said, he and his team could do more for humanity by living…but he refused to budge. He did however promise to offer the rest of the team a way out…”

Jaynix remembered that moment, she was the one who stepped forward and said that they’d all die together. It was a brave thing to say only to realize how terrifying death truly was once she was out in space fighting for her life.

“Everything I believed and the doubts I had about you…I was wrong?”

“You were angry. Sad. Heartbroken. You needed to find some way to direct all of that…and that way was me.”

“Elma. I…”

Jaynix sighed, looking down to the floor again.

“After I met you. After I started living with you. My mind tried to convince me that there was no way you gave Kumon that order. You were too kind, too selfless to be that type of person…but if it wasn’t you then…there was no reason. No answer. And they all died for nothing…”

“That’s not true. Jaynix, answer me this, how are you still here? How did you survive?”

Jaynix thought back to the moment she made her escape.

“My wife. Lyla. I was…frozen. Realizing that they were all dying around me…it horrified me, seeing the remains of their Skells drifting through space…the enemy attacked me in my stupor and Lyla. She covered me. With her last breaths she begged me to live on for her…for the 3rd Soldier Unit and for my blood family…I’d never refused a request from her before. Never. Next thing I knew I was returning to the White Whale but my eyes never left her…I watched them kill her. That’s the last thing I remember in full before seeing you in Noctilum over six months later.”

Jaynix felt tears on her face, cursing, she wiped them away. As hard as she tried, speaking of her wife was still as difficult as it’s ever been.

“That’s why you never mentioned her before, isn’t it?”

Jaynix nodded to Elma.

“I couldn’t bring myself to speak her name since waking…even now. I don’t feel I have the right.”

Jaynix reached for her personal items and pulled out one more thing she always carries with her, a small precious item she’s never shown anyone. Her ring. Jaynix looked it over, remembering when it was placed onto her finger.

“Lyla…she gave everything so you could live…and yet, since then you’ve done anything but…haven’t you?”

Jaynix looked from the ring to Elma.

“I’ve said as much to Irina and despite everything she’s kept it to herself…I don’t deserve someone like that as a friend, especially not after what I’ve done. I don’t deserve Irina, Gwin or Frye. I don’t deserve you or Lin. I don’t deserve Kruse, especially not as a Brother…and I don’t deserve Alexa.”

Jaynix watched Elma shake her head and smile.

“You deserve us all Jaynix and if you truly believe you don’t then I’m afraid it’s too late. You have us, now and forever.”

“…Elma…I’m sorry for spending so much time trying to hate you.”

“Do not apologize for anything Jaynix. You have so many things storming inside you. Your personal losses of your families, both your blood family and your military family. You lost your wife. Skells horrify you. I can only imagine what else plagues your mind.”

Jaynix sighed, placing the ring in her pocket.

“I can’t believe that even after I tried to kill you, twice, you’ve forgiven me. Elma…”

She wasn’t sure what else to say so she remained silent as Elma stood up. Jaynix looked up to the other woman.

“…what now?”

“Now? I have to tell Chausson, Nagi and Vandham what happened. I have to let them know about your PTSD, about what the Skell did to you…they’ll understand…”

Jaynix felt her heart sink, uncertain.

“I wish you wouldn’t…but I know you have to…would you mind leaving everything else out? The order, my team, my wife…all of that.”

Elma watched Jaynix, seeing desperation in her eyes.

“I am under no obligation to share with them your other personal traumas so don’t worry Jaynix. I will not tell them about any of that…”

Elma took one of Jaynix’s hands in her own.

“I promise.”

A small smile came to Jaynix’s face as she nodded to Elma. Jaynix sat still as Elma turned to leave before one question came to mind.

“Elma.”

“Yes?”

“You said you were there when Kumon was given the order. Do you know who it was? Do you know what happened to him?”

The pair stared at one another, Elma choosing her words carefully.

“It won’t change anything, Jaynix.”

Their eyes remained locked on one another for a few more moments before Elma turned and left the room.

Jaynix kept her eyes on the door.

She was certain that Elma knew. Everything.

#xenoblade chronicles x #fanfiction #fan fiction

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