Chapter Text
How are you feeling, Rufus? I feel the Warframe's hand gently squeeze mine.
”I.. I think I'm okay. A little nervous, but okay.“ I'm slightly overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds of the colony. Machinery and humming all blend together as one, punctuated by the strikes of hammers and the clank of motherwrenches.
If you're not feeling up to it, we can come back another day. Remember, The Lotus said to take things slowly. The last thing we need is to have you get hurt.
”I'll be fine, I promise.“ I try to smile reassuringly, ”I'm alright, Mom. I want to try. Plus, things should be quieter once we get out onto the Vallis, right?“
The warframe nods.
If you insist. Just remember- we can leave any time we need to, okay? You just say the word, and I'll have Anum pick us up, okay?
I nod, squeezing her metal hand back.
“Alright. Let's do this.”
Hand in hand, we push deeper into Fortuna. As we approach our destination, a small alcove to the side of a coolant canal, the burly Solaris disassembling servofish within raises his head.
“Ah, how do you do, Outworlder? Can't say I've seen you around before. To who do I owe the pleasure?”
This is the moment we've been practicing for.
”My name is Rufus, I'm a Tenno. And this is my Warframe-“
G-A-U-S-S, She/Her. Mom signs beautifully. She's gotten a lot better at it since we started practicing together.
We're looking for work- conservation. Miss Eudico said that you may have something up our alley.
”You've come to the right place then, Young Rufus, and Miss Gauss.” The Solaris nods, and his tone is reassuring. So far, so good.
“I am The Business. I work to protect the fauna of the Orb Vallis' delicate ecosystem from the hands of Corpus... 'scientists'. I work on a track-n-tranq basis. Find the animal, tranquilize them, then we'll see about taking care of any needs they have. Does that sound like something you can do?”
I nod, squeezing Gauss' hand again, “I think we can do that.”
“Good.” The Business nods again, before gesturing to a shelf stocked with goods, “Now, what can I get you set up with? Do you have a Tranq Rifle? Need Echo-Lures?“
I feel confidence rush through me, ”Let's see what you have.“
I can feel Rufus breathing gently next to me as we watch our bait site. My eyes gaze is fixed through the scope, waiting for a creature to fall into our trap.
Are you cold at all? I think the temperature cycles are changing. I don't want you to get frostbite-
”I'm fine,“ he whispers, ”...you're really warm when you're focusing this hard.“
Mmm... good. I return my focus to where our quarry is supposed to appear, satisfied with his answer.
“Hey mom?” Rufus whispers after a moment of silence.
Yes, hon?
”How do you still love me? I'm too much of a coward to do regular Tenno things, despite the whole... Void... Exposure... thing.“
Oh, honey.
I move my gaze from the scope once more, looking at the tiny crimson Tenno curled up on his belly, lying next to me.
I love you because you're you. You're my son. It doesn't matter to me if the Void changed you- I love you for your kind heart, your love of animals, your gentle disposition. The Void hasn't changed any of that. Not even the Orokin could shake who you are, and you should be proud of that.
”Sometimes I worry I'm not doing enough, though. Other Tenno go on grand missions, and actually help people. But... I'm too much of a coward to hurt someone.“
Not wanting to hurt someone doesn't make you a coward, Rufus, I chide, gently, It makes you the bigger person. You're doing what you can, when you can- like what Miss Ticker says, remember?
Rufus sighs, rolling over in the snow, ”Sometimes I still feel like a monster, though.“
I pause, considering my words carefully.
You and I... we were forced to change by situations outside of our control. Even if we're considered monsters or devils by some, their opinion means nothing- it's the intentions in your heart that matter. You're a kind soul, hon- and I love that about you.
I put the tranq gun down, stroking my son's snow-dotted, golden hair.
I love you for all that you are- both as a Tenno and as my son. Our trials changed us- for the better. We became stronger. Remember what Arbiter Sonokiza said?
”Mmm... It's hard to believe, sometimes.“
I know. It's hard, and it rarely gets easier. But, you and I are smart. We've survived this long- and we'll continue to do so. We forge our own paths now.
“...I love you, Mom.”
I love you too, kiddo.
I pick up the tranq rifle, watching the bait spot once more. Out of the corner of my vison, I see a flash of movement. In a heartbeat, I shift my aim, firing two darts in quick succession. I can see it stumble and fall a few seconds later.
We got something! Let's go take a look, shall we?
I hold out a hand to help Rufus up, and, after picking him up and putting him on my shoulders, we walk down to the sleeping animal.
It's large, wide-shouldered. Its three eyelids quiver as it sleeps, and its white coat disguises the snowflakes that fall on it. You can only see it in the snow because of its black mane.
“What is this, Mr. The Business?“ Rufus has already pulled out our communications tablet, and is scanning the creature.
”Ahhh, a Fuming Dax Stover. An excellent catch. These aren't too common- and tend to be tricky prey. Well done, both of you.” His praise is genuine, and even under the scarf obscuring his face, I can see Rufus' expression light up.
“I'm sending a drone to come pick it up. When you come back to Fortuna, I'll give you some tags for it.”
“What can we do with tags?”
”I make small, stuffed versions of the Vallis animals. I'd be happy to trade them in exchange for your assistance in protecting them.“
”Wait, Floofs- really?!“ Rufus' tone is delighted.
You're excited about the opportunity to get a new friend, aren't you? I wish I could smile to express my pride and pleasure. The Tenno nods aggressively in return.
”Yes.“ The Business responds, just as the drone arrives, picking up the Stover, ”Bring any tags to me, and we'll find a nice reward for you.“
Rufus touches my shoulder, and I feel the transference flow being reversed. I try to ease back on my degree of control, letting him into my mind.
I... wish Da could've been here to see this. How things ended up.
I pause, letting his grief wash over me.
Me too, Kiddo. Me too.