Chapter Text
And so the Warframe’s presence became a regularity. Sort of.
Whether she was there or not wasn’t the issue, rather, it was more complicated than that. Her presence caused rumors to fly among the soldiers, rumors that didn’t necessarily reach the ears of Tyl Regor. And although Saryn was used to the staring and the whispers to a certain extent, she still avoided the majority of them, when she could. It wasn’t like she went out of her way to bother anyone, usually just finding an empty room she could use for a few hours before leaving.
At first, the soldiers tried to spy on her, to try to see what she might be up to. After a couple days, however, they completely lost interest. Saryn would never do much, just sitting and thinking most of the time, or staring out a window at the ocean. It wasn’t long before the soldiers spared her nothing more than a passing glance, which Saryn actually preferred. It was a mutual ‘don’t touch me and I won’t touch you’ kind of thing.
On this particular occasion, she was staring out one of the underwater windows. The ocean was a beautiful dark blue, and she was mildly entranced by the peacefulness of it, wishing her thoughts and feelings could be as tranquil. She sighed unknowingly, bringing her thoughts back to the present. She didn’t want to think about what could have been, not right now.
She went to turn away from the window, but out of the corner of her eye, a shape slid past. It was massive, black scales glinting in the underwater light. She watched it in awe, and, admittedly, fear as well. She counted herself lucky that they were on opposite sides of the wall. She stayed still for a while, amazed at how easily it seemed to move, despite its size, it’s body forming elegant coils as it swam.
She heard the sound of marching, rousing her from her reverie. A squad came down the hallway, patrolling on their rounds, and barely gave them a passing glance before turning back to the serpentine creature. One of the soldiers walked up next to her, also looking at the creature.
“We call them Leviathans, there’s a few around here,” said the Lancer. She whipped around, startled. He raised his hands. “Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Skal had never had much time for the commander’s pet Warframe, but he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t come to feel a little pity for her. There was a reason she was coming here, instead of staying with her allies, and so, against his better judgement, he decided to reach out a hand, so to speak, and see how she’d respond.
“I just didn’t hear you come up, is all.” Saryn took a few deep breaths.
“I’m sorry, I should have said something.” He gave a rueful laugh. “Anyway, there’s at least three of them that we know of, and this one isn’t even the biggest.”
“He’s very beautiful.” She said, hands and face pressed up against the glass like an excited child at an aquarium. “I didn’t know Uranus had things like this.”
“The Commander wants to come up with a way to study them, but hasn’t ever found a way to without killing them. He says that’s not an option, and I agree. Creatures like these shouldn’t be put down just because we don’t understand them.”
“He seems...more level headed than the other commanders. Maybe lure them up with food?”
“Well, the problem isn’t luring them, it’s making sure they get captured. They’re massively strong, I’ve heard. The last time the Commander tried, it punched a hole in the wall so big, we had to weld the door shut to prevent the lab flooding.” Skal shrugged. “After that, he decided that maybe it’s better to leave them be.”
“That thing...punctured a wall?” Saryn was awestruck; most walls here had to be at least two feet thick, possibly more.
“Yep, up on the top, so we had the ocean leaking down to the lower levels for weeks before it got fixed. Not to mention all the mold and rust it caused, as well.”
She nodded, turning her attention back to the leviathan. Skal was acutely aware of some of his fellows staring, but he didn’t mind too much. This Warframe wasn’t what he expected, like a Kubrow on a short chain. She was...very polite, friendly almost. Maybe having her here wasn’t so bad.
“I’d probably better go. Got patrols to do, you know how it is.”
She nodded. “Don’t let me keep you. I, uh...it was nice meeting you,” she said, poking her index fingers together.
“You too. See you around,” he said, waving over his shoulder. She gave him a small wave back.
“Hey, someone made a new friend I see.” a voice said after they’d left. Saryn whipped around once more, this time to see Kuda standing across the hall.
“I don’t need more of that!” Saryn huffed. “Were you standing there the whole time?”
“Most of the time. I just didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Oh, how thoughtful of you.”
Kuda laughed. “Alright, I’ll lay off. It was nice to see you fascinated by the leviathans. You just show so little emotion, I didn’t want to spoil the moment.”
“Am I really so blank?” she said, wilting a bit.
“You can be. It’s not a bad thing, really, but it just makes it more noticeable when you show emotions.”
“I guess I’ve just been so used to not talking to anyone at all, much less being emotional around others...it’s too easy for someone to pick up on that and use it against you.”
“Well, I hope you don’t have to worry about that here. Not from me, at any rate.” She put a hand on Saryn’s shoulder, making her flinch. Kuda pulled her hand away.
“Sorry. It’s just been a while.”
“I’ll do what I can to make things better for you here. Just let me know if I can help, alright?”
“Sure...actually…” she hesitated.
“You can tell me, it’s alright,” Kuda said, soothingly.
“I just want someone to talk to, I guess.”
“Tell you what. I was going to head down, get something to eat, and meet a friend of mine. You wanna come? We can talk on the way if you’d like.”
“That...could be nice.”
“Alright, let’s go, then.” Kuda led the way down the hall, Saryn walking along beside her. She hadn’t expected Kuda to say yes, and so was pleasantly surprised when she’d agreed. “So, what’s been bothering you? More nightmares?”
“No, I stopped sleeping, so no more dreams.”
“You told me Warframes don’t need sleep, but still. Seemed like it helped you cope, I’m sorry you had to take such drastic measures.”
“It’s not the only option I have, now, thanks to you and Regor. I just...I guess I wanted it to be better than it was. I do miss my sleep, but...I never want to dream again. It’s very tempting, though.”
“I talked to him about it, and he said it might be stress related.”
Saryn paused. “Well, I suppose that makes sense, given that…” She didn’t finish the thought. “Nevermind. I guess...I’ve been feeling unworthy of your kindness, if I’m being honest.”
“What? Of course you’re worthy of it, especially if I have any say in the matter.”
“Why? You hardly know me, yet you’re being this nice, even though I was awful to you when we met.”
“Yeah, well…” Kuda absentmindedly rubbed the back of her neck. “I suppose I’m trying to make up for that. You were only defending yourself, after all.”
“That’s not really a good excuse. I was just a jerk.”
“Well, so was I, considering that the Commander said you could stay. What I’m saying is that I feel bad about how I talked to you, back then.”
“If you think so.” she relented, staring at the floor as they walked.
“What do you do when you’re not here?” Kuda asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Saryn shrugged. “Most of the time, I’m on missions, or,” she cleared her throat. “Getting told off by my, ehm, comrades. Sometimes, though, I’ll just wander the Plains, or Orb Vallis, especially the latter. I like the snow.”
“Do you have nobody you interact with? Are you just hiding from your own all the time?”
“You know how it went down with Nidus, and...I never did tell you about my attempt to apologize to Kelpie, did I?”
Kuda shook her head, intrigued.
“Well, long story short, I was laughed at. Then, when I persisted, they got angry, and I had to leave before things turned...violent. Technically they already did, as Ember threw her Glaive prime at me, for the third time.”
“Did you retaliate? At all?”
“How could I? I’d be taken down faster than I could draw my swords.”
“No, not like that. I mean...defend yourself, talk to them, get angry, do something. If it were me I would have hulked out on them.”
“I was surrounded by at least a dozen of them, there was nothing I could have done.” She shook her head. “Whatever I had done, I would have come off looking like the villain. I don’t want to look like that anymore.”
Kuda sighed. “Fair enough, I see where you’re coming from.”
She looked down again, embarrassed. “Also...I thought if I did nothing...maybe I’d get some sympathy.”
There was a small pause before Kuda answered. “Don’t expect sympathy from those you know are against you. It does nobody any favors, and only serves to bring you down.”
“That would have been useful to know earlier.” She heaved a sigh. “I mean, it’s not like I have nobody, but...all my ties there feel very flimsy.”
“I can’t say I blame you, but...things aren’t always what they seem.” The Lich took a deep breath. “Sometimes, it’s more beneficial to both parties to make up immediately. But, other times, it’s better to give the other space and time, to prevent things from getting worse.”
“It’s been quite a long time already, at least to me. Maybe not long enough.”
“As much as I hate to say it, that does seem to be the case. Sometimes, it takes years for things to get better.”
“Y-years?” Saryn was unable to hide the dismay in her voice.
“Well, you know the old saying, time heals all wounds and all that.”
“Really now?” she said, feeling like her blood was being drained, the world around her seeming to tilt and spin. Her legs wobbled.
Kuda, noticing her tone of voice, looked over at her to see her stumble, and caught her just in time to keep her from falling over.
“What happened, are you okay?” she asked, worried.
“I-I’m fine. Just a bit...out of balance.”
“Right...do you Warframes eat at all?”
“We don’t need it, but we can...it all kind of depends, and it all kind of gets absorbed by the Helminth, so it’s not like it gives any benefits. If anyone does, it’s just for the sake of it, and the taste. Umbra has a thing for noodles.”
“Who is that? One of the other frames?”
She nodded.” Yep. He’s...quite a character.”
“What do you prefer, if I may ask?”
“I’ve never really taken advantage of it. Why?”
“I was thinking it might help, calm you down and all that, and it feels rude to get a meal without at least offering you something.”
“Oh, uh...I mean, is it okay for you to do that? I don’t want to create trouble.”
“If the Commander is letting you in here, I don’t think this will be an issue.”
Saryn hesitated before she answered. “I...I would like that. Although...I have no idea what you guys actually eat here. I’ve heard Grineer food tends to include...other Grineer, but Regor doesn’t seem like the type to condone that.”
“Well, you’re right. Elsewhere, that is the case, as it’s a convenient food source, albeit extremely gross, but here, it’s derived from fish, squid, shellfish, oceany type things, and there’s some hydroponic-grown plant material as well. It’s quite good, actually.”
“Is it?”
“Well, I think so, especially compared to some of the other things I’ve had to eat.” Kuda shivered. “Believe me, you don’t want to know.”
“I’ll take your word for that, I suppose.” She paused. “Maybe you’re right, I do need something in my system.”
Kuda smiled. “Let’s go, then.”
Saryn had expected it to be loud in the mess hall, the clatter of silverware on trays, talking, the usual. While there was that, it didn’t break her ears, like walking through a relay did. She was pleasantly surprised, if still a bit wary. Kuda noticed, and patted her on the back.
“Not what you were expecting, I know. Another thing that the Commander does differently, and admittedly, he’s not the only one, but he does it best.”
“You seem to like him quite a bit. I’ve never really heard of a Grineer being so attached to their higher-ups.”
“Well, Tyl Regor isn’t your run-of-the-mill executive. He actually cares about his staff, and his soldiers. He’s constantly asking his people about their day. He even goes so far as to listen to their ideas on improvements that could be made to the sealab. Honestly, there’s no other Grineer like him.”
“It’s definitely unusual for the bunch of potato heads. I mean, most of your leaders are either really creepy, or...Vay Hek.”
Kuda nodded. “Some, yeah. Kela’s actually not bad either, but her and the Commander are friends, so I’d assume it rubbed off on her. That, and raising a human child, but I digress. Sargus is also decent, but that comes more from his desire to redeem himself after the Flamethrower Incident.”
“...I have several questions.”
“Kela found a human girl somewhere and thought she was cute, so she took her in and made her an assassin, because I guess mama Grineer can’t raise a bitch. And yes, that was her only reason. As for Sargus...well, the official name for it was ‘The Inappropriate Conduct with a Flamethrower Incident’, but that’s too long.”
Saryn was quiet for a few moments before it finally hit her. “...By the Lotus. Did he really?”
“Yep, he did.” Kuda tried not to break down into gleeful giggles.
“Right...so where’s your friend?” she said, desperate to change the subject.
“You’d think it would be easy to spot the only other Lich here, but Kuldain likes to sit in shadowy corners for some reason.”
“I can’t say that I blame him for not wanting to be noticed,” Saryn muttered. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
“I can’t argue there.” Kuda took another look around, finally spotting him across the room. “There he is. A small part of me thinks that he does it just to toy with me.”
“Why, do you think he likes you or something?”
“What? Why would he? We just work together, and besides, we’re the only liches here. I guess it’s only natural that we would hang around each other. But I don’t think he likes me, not in that way, at least.” Not that I would mind, she thought.
The Lich looked up as Kuda walked over, followed by Saryn. “So, this is the Warframe I’ve heard so much about?” He was similar in looks to Kuda, in that he was actually quite easy on the eyes, his face pale but well sculpted, eyes bright and cheery but slightly shaded by a thatch of thick black hair.
“Kuldain, meet Saryn. Saryn, this is Kuldain, the only other Lich anywhere in the Sealab.” She gestured to him in a dramatically mocking way.
He reached across the table, Saryn shaking his hand shyly. “Pleasure to meet you, Saryn. You’ve become something of an enigma, seeing as how nobody has a clue as to why Regor took you in, so it’s nice to finally get a look at you.”
Saryn wasn’t used to being talked with on equal terms, especially with any kind of positive connotations, and wasn’t sure how to respond. “Well...I’m not sure why he did either, really.”
”In that case, you can either start guessing, or see if one of the Tubemen will spill.”
“Or, you could just do the obvious and ask him directly,” Kuda interjected. “He would probably tell you. At least, I think the chances of him saying are higher than one of the Tubemen.”
“Not sure he’d be pleased about that. Besides, you know how stubborn he can be.”
“Well, could I convince one of you two to tell me?” Saryn asked.
“Would if I knew.” Kuldain shrugged. “Not that I’m opposed to your presence here, especially since you don’t seem to want to break anything or kill anyone, unlike most of your friends. It just takes a bit of getting used to.”
“I wouldn’t call them friends, but yes, I’m not here for that.”
“Forgive my curiosity, then, but may I ask why you’ve come here? This isn’t exactly a natural attraction for most people.”
“I…” She paused, unsure of what to say. “I wanted to be as far away from my own faction as possible. I mean everyone. Lotus, Ordis, my operator, every single other frame, Alad, and whoever else.”
“Did something happen?”
“Yes. Several things happened. Things I’d rather not tell anyone for fear of shattering the tenuous tolerance you have for me.” she expected him to press the issue, but he simply nodded.
“Fair.”
“You know it makes you look like a dick asking personal questions from strangers.” Kuda said, flicking him in the forehead and setting down a steaming tin in front of Saryn.
“I know, I know, but I just get so curious.” He started tucking into his own food.
“It’s fine Kuda, really. It’s to be expected.” Saryn sighed.
“So, how are you liking the base?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I can comfortably say it’s easier to navigate than most Orokin halls.”
“Is that so? I’ve never been there, how is it different?”
“Less gold, less marble, fewer death traps, and overall easier on the eyes. Not to mention the complete absence of those death sphere things. It’s better.”
“I see she hasn’t found the acid pits yet.” he said, completely straight faced.
“There are acid pits here?” she asked, worried.
“He’s only joking, Saryn,” Kuda said, reaching across the table and punching Kuldain in the arm, who snickered. “Tyl would not abide pits of acid being part of the lab. Too much danger.”
“Especially for a certain Tubeman.” Kuldain muttered.
“Who’s that?” Saryn asked, curious.
“Danya, you’ve probably seen her clinging to Regor like a shadow. She had a...less than pleasant run in with one of your colleagues and got a bit twisted, shall we say.”
“She’s a sweetheart, even if Kuldain finds her to be annoying at times,” Kuda interjected.
“I know she’s not in the best of conditions, but it’s not always easy to bend over backwards for her, and sometimes she can just be infuriating. I like her, don’t get me wrong, and I feel for her, but she can get in the way sometimes.”
“She’s absolutely delightful, don’t let Kuldain’s opinion get you down. She’s fun to be around.” Kuda said, looking at Kuldain.
“You say that because you don’t have to interact with her as often.”
“I choose to go see her, of my own volition. I think that counts for something.”
He sighed. “You are impossible, Kuda Delgis.”
She smiled. “I sure am, Kuldain Corlokk.”
“What does Tyl think of her?” Saryn interjected, putting her spoon down.
“He’s like a mother Condroc, he’s very protective of her. And I really don’t blame him, as I would probably be the same way,” Kuda said.
“Makes sense. I suppose I’ll meet her eventually, if I’m here enough.”
“Be careful around her. You don’t want Regor angry with you, believe me.”
“Well, he already threatened to cut me in half once, so I can believe it.”
“Just warning you. No one gets away with being mean to Danya.”
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” she said, quieter than she’d meant to. She let the Liches get absorbed into their own conversation while she turned back to her food, slightly weirded out by the fact she was actually eating something. The last time she’d actually done it was probably long before she became a Warframe.
Kuda, noticing her discomfort, spoke up. “It’s okay, Saryn. I promise the food is fine. See, even Kuldain is eating it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, huh?” he protested, lightly tugging her ponytail.
“It’s not that, it’s just...it’s quite strange to be eating again.” She looked down at her food, still unsure about it. Then, she mentally shrugged. What was the worst that could happen?
To her mild surprise, it was rather good. It was warm, a bit salty, and settled nicely in her stomach. Lo and behold, the Grineer had managed to produce something edible.
“So, how is it?” Kuda asked, curious.
“Well, the first bite didn’t make me want to hurl, so much more pleasant that I expected.”
“That’s good. You want more?”
After a moment, Saryn nodded. “I could go for more, sure.”
Somewhere down the line, Saryn realized that she had made some friends. It was a strange thing to think about, accustomed as she was to being alone. There was a strange formality about Hildryn that kept her from opening up fully, and she’d only just begun to build a bridge with Harrow. It was a new feeling for her, and looking forward, suddenly, the future didn’t look so bleak.
