rekindledtitan | Excerpt 006: Aggressive Defence

Entry tags:

Excerpt 006: Aggressive Defence

TYPE: Personal log

LOCATION: The Last City, Earth

PARTIES: Three [3]. One [1] Ghost-type, [1] Guardian-type, designate Blaze-37, Class Titan [

rekindledtitan], One [1] Unconfirmed, designate Rogers, Steve [

juststeverogers]

ASSOCIATIONS: Multiversal Nexus; Rogers, Steve; Harrowheart; Earth; Ixis Naugus; Blaze-37; Shaxx

You can’t teleport straight into the Tower, so once again Blaze and Ghost are bringing a guest aboard their ship. The Exo stands back a step as the materialize, not wanting to crowd their human friend in the cramped interior.

“So this is our jumpship,” she explains, gesturing at the little cabin. Ghost’s already powering up the lights - and the life-support, which fires up with a hiss of fresh air. It’s fortunate they’ve been keeping the place better heated since their last organic visitors. It looks pretty bare and cold right now, everything that might mark it as a living space tucked away behind patchwork metal plating. “Sorry we have to take the long way round, but on the bright side that means you get to come in the scenic route. Go ahead and take a seat.”

She has to mean the only item of furniture there: the hefty pilot’s seat with its worn padding. Blaze is going to move around it and go right for the cockpit controls. And hey, the interior decor might not be much, but the view from the big forward displays is nothing to sniff at: a sweeping window with the glowing blue curve of Earth visible below, and no atmosphere masking the countless stars above

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"Oh you know. Shots, warnings that I should be careful, and come see me if there's any side effects. The usual."

Steve is busy tugging his coat back on and rebundling himself to be as warm and toasty as possible. It's now that it's been mentioned that he notices having to breathe harder because of the altitude. Hopefully that will go away as he acclimates.

"Oh, uhm. Hello there sir." He takes the ID card gratefully and gives a bit of a nod. "I appreciate it." It will get tucked away under his bundle of coat in short order so as to ensure he doesn't lose the card.

"Heh, medic stuff." Blaze nods sagely, being an expert on that kind of thing. Clearly.

"My pleasure." The Warlock sweeps a graceful bow, as Awoken are wont to do. Note that you do not have authorization to visit the City at present, but you are welcome here." He glances at Blaze. "I hope you find what you seek."

"Thanks, Urien." Blaze lifts a hand in farewell as he leaves, but her attention is swiftly back on Steve. She claps a hand on his shoulder and leads him back toward the entrance plaza. It's the only way to reach their destination- into the low entrance that lay directly ahead when they first arrived.

"Lord Shaxx keeps his post outside the Vanguards' hall," Blaze explains, possibly overestimating how much sense that will make to Steve. "He oversees the Crucible- live-fire combat training, Guardian on Guardian. He'll want to take a look at your shield, and he'll know who to ask about training."

"I think he knows everyone. He's one of the most senior Guardians in the Tower."

He waits until the Warlock has made his departure before he looks back up to Blaze with one eyebrow raised.

"Hey, what's the difference between here and the City?" He sort of thought that's where they were, but if not there certainly seems to be enough folks hanging around wherever here is. The tower? He's not totally sure. As long as what they need is here he's sure it won't be a trouble.

"So...he's the officer in charge of training the Vanguards?" Steve tries to make sense of her explanation anyway, equating it to what he knows about the army from his own time.

Right now we're inside - well, on - the wall that surrounds the city. The Tower here is home and headquarters for all the Guardians, and the last line of defense between the outside world and the rest of the City. I think the Vanguards just want you to stay where they can keep an eye on you for a while.

"

Blaze nods. "The Wall, the Tower - us - it's all part of the City, but sometimes when we talk about it we mean everything down there." She gestures to her right as they pass one of the open balconies, with the vista of the Traveler and the metropolis below. "Most of it's civilian stuff, anyway. We've never needed to go down there."

Probably ought to visit, one day, but there's always something more pressing, she thinks.

"Training them?" Blaze laughs, tickled by the idea. At least she's quick to explain the joke. "Think he'd love to get them into his arenas, but nah. The Vanguards are our central leadership - sort of like generals, but we don't have the kind of rigid military hierarchies old armies used to. Shaxx kind of answers to them, I think. But the Crucible is his and nobody messes with it."

One thing Steve will soon come to realize about Guardians is that for as dedicated as they are, for as brave and loyal and trustworthy as they are with important matters... their idea of military discipline does not involve standing still, acting with decorum or consistently following orders. (Obeying quarantine is Right Out.)

"Not enough people for that kind of thing? Or just, not that kind of operation?"

It seems bizarre to Steve that they wouldn't have a formal military to combat there varied and many enemies, but they seem to do alright for themselves so it's probably best if Steve doesn't press the issue too terribly much. The last thing he wants to do is accidentally offend anyone.

"Well, you folks may not need training, but I sure do." Steve reaches back and taps at his shield. "I'd like to do a little more than flail aimlessly with it."

"A little of both. With the number of Guardians we've got, it makes more sense to focus on small-unit tactics with largely independent fireteams. About the only time we fight pitched battles is when the City is threatened - and then the Vanguards are in charge, no question."

"That, and Guardians are notoriously, um... independent-minded."

"Mostly the Hunters, but yeah. The way we're chosen doesn't lend itself to training up a regular unit. And we're charged to protect humanity and fight the Darkness, but there's no rule about how. The Vanguards mentor new Guardians, but every one of us follows our own path, serving the Light as we see fit. When we have officers, it's because we choose to follow them. Not like they can force you to obey."

They have to go down a flight or two of low steps, and the lighting is significantly dimmer here. They have to go around a sturdy bulkhead that shields the hall from the wind (and sight lines) outside. A veiled figure watches them with three glowing green eyes from the shadows behind it. Blaze tips a salute to her in respectful greeting and... possibly gets a slight nod in return. It doesn't bother her: that's just Eris. Besides, the other Guardians passing in either direction are quick with a greeting if you catch their eye (or optic, as the case may be).

She's busy shooting an affectionate look at Steve anyhow. "Heh, Shaxx is all about training. Just might take a little while before you're ready for the live-fire type."

"Gosh, you woulda hated the Army back home."

Steve laughs outright but the way he grins at Ghost in particular says he knows what the little bot is so delicately trying to say without actually outright saying it. Still, Blaze has a point. Steve can't think of any kind of drill sergeant no matter how rough and touch that could make Blaze drop and give them twenty pushups or anything else for that matter unless she felt like it.

Come to think of it, he's not even sure the drills would help her out. That may have something to do with the lack of structure here too.

"Ready and willing." He agrees eagerly. Training may be rough work, but it will only make him better.

"Hey, we Exos used to be regular soldiers!" For a certain value of 'regular'. She's not referring to...well, Bryn... either, though there's a pang she has to shove to the back of her thoughts. "The rest of us, though, there's no telling who they were before."

Steve's attitude will stand him in good stead, not least with the likes of Lord Shaxx. They're about to step into the main antechamber to the Vanguards' hall. It's a room wide enough to accommodate one side being taken up by an armored Frame running a small armory on one side; on the other, by a couple of armchairs and couches behind a counter.

Monitoring the holographic screens atop said counter is a Titan bigger and more impressively armored than Blaze. The collar and shoulders of his white and orange armor are lined with shaggy fur, a twisting bull's horn sprouting from the right side of his blank, all-concealing helm. Its twin appears to be missing. Even his Ghost has a bigger shell. The Titan himself is intent on the battles playing out before him: teams of Guardians locked in combat with one another. As they approach, he leans closer and jabs a finger at the comm button beside one image.

"Alpha team is taking point C! Get on them, Bravo!" His voice is smooth, and British-sounding, and softer than one might expect. He switches to another display in time to catch something he likes, and laughs fiercely. "Three down! Excellent!"

Ghost leans toward Steve and whispers, "Shaxx really loves training."

"This....is just simulation, right? They're not really killing each other right?"

Steve shifts on his feet while he watches what he can of the screens that aren't blocked by Shaxx's enormous frame. He's admittedly a little nervous that he won't be good enough comparatively.

Not with seasoned soldiers of so many races and...no. He makes himself take a deep breath. He's here to learn how to do his part. Even if Shaxx refuses to train him, he may be able to watch and learn enough he can try on his own.

It's worth a shot.

"There's nothing more real than the Crucible. Its lessons are harsh, but for a Guardian death in the Crucible is a momentary setback. The Darkness won't be so forgiving." Shaxx speaks with weighty certainty, but his tone isn't unkind. He turns to look his visitors up and down, his Ghost drifting in to keep an eye on the monitors. Blaze salutes cheerfully and gets a nod in reply.

"Titan. Good to see you." His faceless gaze rests on Steve, armored hands resting on his hips. "And you don't look like my usual kind of customer. What can I do for you?"

"This is Steve Rogers, sir. We're looking for a Defender who can teach him how to use a shield."

"..So...they are okay after it's all over."

Steve doesn't want to ask how that works, but considering Blaze's physiology it's probably not the sort of thing that he'd be able to pull off. Best to not get killed in the first place. Or at least try not to.

Steve nods at the introduction before offering a salute. It's the Army salute form his time so it may not be immediately recognizable but the gesture is one of deep respect.

"She's correct sir. I'm looking for training."

It is indeed a very old gesture - but it'a also one Exos tend to use a lot, so Steve unknowingly comes across looking like one of the old mechanoid solders. Shaxx's gaze lifts to Blaze for a moment, probably wondering how much the young human's picked up from her. Blaze and Ghost muddy the waters further by looking rather proud.

"What you're asking is grueling even for a Guardian." Shaxx returns his scrutiny to Steve. "It wouldn't be the Crucible, but it would be dangerous. You've got nerve, I'll give you that. But who are you so eager to fight? And do you really think you're up to the challenge?"

He lifts a hand before Blaze can speak up on her friend's behalf: well-meaning she may be, but these are questions Steve must answer for himself.

"I don't know if I am."

Steve's admission comes before anything else. But he unfastens the shield he has strapped to his back and settles it on his right arm all the same. The crystal reflects the light from Shaxx's screens in the dim room.

"But I've never been given the opportunity to find out before. The world and time I come from is in the middle of a war. The place I met Blaze is safer, but innocent people are still being hurt. I have no right to do any less than anyone else. All I'm asking for is the ability to better survive the situations I will already be putting myself in."

He's got plenty of marks and scars for proof if Shaxx doesn't believe him, but there is nothing but determination and honesty in Steve's conviction.

“We can definitely vouch for that,” Ghost pipes up.

Blaze nods firmly. “That’s why we brought him here. We’ve seen him fight.” Shaxx seems to meet her gaze for a moment, but his attention remains on Steve: the resolve in the smaller man’s eyes, the determination with which he hefts that shield.

“I’m not doing you a kindness,” he says finally. “It’s going to be hard, and I guarantee it’s going to hurt. There’ll be days you wish you’d never come to me. Stay on this path and it won’t be a question of whether it kills you, only when and how. Maybe you won’t even last that long.”

The big Titan leans forward a little, his voice lowering as his tone intensifies. “But you know what I think? I think the enemy doesn’t give two smoking damns if you’re ready or not. War doesn’t pick on people its own size. You step out there, you’d better be ready to face it. And before you ask, Ghost- yeah, I’ve heard the rumors, I can guess where he’s from. “ His own Ghost is looking curiously at that shield. Shaxx nods in its direction. “So how about a deal? You let my Ghost take a look at that shield’s composition, and I’ll recommend you to one of our Titans for training.”

"I'm used to pain."

It's not something he likes by any means, but it is something he's had to get used to over the years. From his asthma to the bruised and broken bone she's gotten standing up for what he feels is right.

"I don't like bullies, no matter what form they come in, sir." If Shaxx thinks he knows who Steve is, then it's all the better for him right now. He's never thought that about the man people think he should be before but he is right this moment. Steve is careful when he pulls his shield off of his arm and offers it to the commander.

"I accept the terms."

Shaxx handles the shield with respect as he takes it to inspect, testing it with his own strength to see how it handles the force. His Ghost flies down to sweep it with the blue light of a scan. There's a noticeable lift of Shaxx's head after a moment, and Blaze can't resist chuckling when he speaks.

"Hmm. Heavier than it was - automatic mass adjustment? Where did you get this?" The serious negotiations over with, Shaxx's tone is all fierce interest again. "It's sturdy. Classical design. This will serve you well. You need to talk to Tarana Parvin downstairs. She knows more about shields like this than anyone else in the Tower. I'll send word that you're cleared for training."

"Thank you, sir." Blaze's gratitude is warm, though it gets her a very stern look in return. Direct, anyway. Shaxx's expressions have to be from his voice, and that's stern enough.

"Don't thank me, Titan. Just start showing your mark in the Crucible again. What, do you think surviving a few Wolf hunts makes you an Iron Lord? I want to see you in there learning from your elders, novice. Make time for it."

"Yes, sir." Blaze rubs an antenna, looking distinctly chastened. "I know I've still got plenty to learn. I'll be back."

"It was a birthday gift from a friend."

Steve's voice is proud when he speaks about the shield. Harrow had it made specially for him. But that also means it's probably more magical than it is scientific in design.

"I'm not sure how it works much beyond 'magic'." He pauses when Blaze is chastised, and then shakes his head. "I'll thank you instead. And not because you've done me a favor. Because you've given me a chance."

"I don't recognize the power that crafted it, but there's a darkness to it. Be mindful with this weapon." It's a warning, though Shaxx clearly doesn't feel too great a concern.

Once he and his Ghost have finished their examination, he offers it back - mindful enough himself to turn it so one edge rests on the ground. It's about a ton heavier than when Steve handed it over, after all. There's a nod of his one-horned helm at Steve's thanks.

"It's all any of us get. The chance to make a difference. I'm trusting you to make it count. Go ahead and find Parvin. She'll be in the halls of the Stoneborn. You know the way, Titan?"

"We do, sir." Blaze gives him another respectful salute before they head back out.

They wait until they're out down the hallway (and the explosive sounds from Shaxx's station have resumed) before Ghost pipes up, "That went well! What do you think, Steve?</big?"

Steve figures that makes a lot of sense. Harrowheart is undead and his skills definitely aren't what one would consider aligned to the Light. Any kind of light. And he said Ixis Naugus helped with it, and Steve's got no idea what kind of magic the wizard wields.

There's no words for how grateful he is that Shaxx doesn't let go of the shield until it's resting on the ground. What was funny once would mostly just be sore and embarrassing on repeat. When he's able to lift it again he'll strap it back on his arm and follow Blaze out.

"I think I'm gonna die." Steve laughs nervously after he makes the comment but shrugs. "I didn't think he'd let me, to be honest."

"Because you're not a soldier already? Or because you're on the small side?" Blaze glances down at him as they make their way back out into the sunlight. "Shaxx's philosophy is that you can't know your abilities - or your limits - until you put them to the test. And he's been around since this city was nothing but a cluster of huts and tents. I think he knows you don't turn people away."

She looks around at the civilian technicians passing by, her fellow Guardians young and old exchanging news or striking up a dance party in the middle of the plaza. "Even if it's going to kill us. But it's not about our own survival."

"Because of everything that's wrong with me, mostly. All the recruiters used to say they were saving my life by not letting me enlist."

The sunlight is a warm reminder that this is still the world Steve calls home, even if nothing else about it is anything that he knows. This world could very well be his own in the far off future. He raises his head to look out across the base Blaze calls home and squeezes the leather straps that affix his shield to his arm.

"It's for the survival of everyone. The greater good. Yeah. I get that."

"Hmmm. Different perspectives, I guess. To your people, sending you out in the field is just putting you in harm's way. To us, being human means you're already there. And like we were saying earlier, your army and ours have a lot of, heh, philosophical differences."

She claps a hand on Steve's shoulder as they circle the outside of the Tower and then turn right, down what looks like a small street all the way up here. It's shaded by pillars and overhead walkways, decorated with tiled patterns and draped with hanging plants. Various craftspeople are setting up their stalls for the day, while on either side are neon signs - and tasty ramen smells - advertising the presence of quiet little stores. Aside from exchanging greetings, though, Blaze is heading right through for the open doors at the end. They need to catch an elevator.

"Don't think I'm okay with you getting hurt," Blaze is adding as they go. Now that Shaxx has granted approval, it seems she's letting her excited good cheer run free. She's setting quite a pace, too, eager to show Steve something really cool. "I'm not ignoring your limits, here. But you deserve to find out where those limits really are, same as the rest of us. Hell, you're going to do that with or without help. You said it yourself. Better if we've got your back."

"Besides, I'm sure this instructor knows what she's doing," Ghost comments hopefully.

"I'm ready."

Says the small man in a thick blue coat that makes him look more like a child set to go play in the snow than a soldier. The tasty smells are cataloged for later inquiry but for now the human is eager and ready for anything.

Well, ready to be completely crushed but as long as he learns something he's going to count this as a success. There's several stalls all along the way to the elevator--a huge industrial looking thing that may have once hauled grain before it was used to shepherd Guardians and their gear. Steve picks up his pace to keep step with Blaze and makes right for it as well.

"Have you met her before?"

The Titan shakes her head, punching in the level they need to head for. "Heard of her. She used to be in the Pilgrim Guard - they're an order who focus on escorting refugees to the City. Back when I was new, my friend Kaolin told me a story about her team walking an entire village out from under a Fallen flagship."

Blaze doesn't hide the admiration in her voice. She loves getting to meet the heroes out of her elders' tales. Delights in the fact that they're her brethren.

"She's with the Stoneborn now. They're more concerned with the direct defense of the City..." Ghost looks down at the floor, scanning through unseen records. "It looks as if she's been doing a lot of work on weapons testing over the years." They're descending steadily- and they have a bit of a way to go. Good thing the elevator runs smoothly. "We'll find her in the Titans' halls."

"Yeah. It's nice to come home once in a while." Blaze shoots a warm look down at Steve. "Better to come back with a comrade, though." She's looking forward to it. When the doors clunk open to an imposing stone hallway, she's quick to point Steve's attention to the great stone statues on either side. All are legendary Titans, armored and poised for action: Wei Ning smiling fiercely, turned to look out past the Wall with a readied fist; Saint-14 with his crested helm keeping calm vigil; the Iron Lord Radegast with mailed hands folded over the pommel of his lowered sword. They're still heading out and toward the right, but Ghost has to take over guiding because Blaze is having fun pointing out different banners and the stairs down to the forges and that guy over there who kicked her ass in the Crucible. (It was awesome.)

"Are all of these Titans...er...deceased? Now?"

The pace has slowed considerably once they're out of the elevator and in the stone hallway. He isn't sure where to look first and so follows Blaze's directions and studies each of the statues in turn as they pass. Every banner has a story. A person who wore those colors.

For it being some version of his own world, Steve has a hard time imagining this place as Home. But Blaze calls it as such. He wonders if people would view his place in Brooklyn much the same way. An alien place with unknown customs.

The heat from the forges keeps the halls from being too chilly, much to the human's gratitude. He has to remove his hood before long lest he overheat.

But past the statues and down to the right there is more noise than there was when they got off the elevator. He squares his shoulders and tries not to look as small as he feels.

"Okay. You can do this, Rogers." He's not nervous. Shut up. Okay, maybe a little bit.

Excerpt 006: Aggressive Defence

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Please excuse Blaze while she squees

A Different kind of Museum Experience

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