Table of Contents

Chapter 1....Page 2
Chapter 2....Page 8
Chapter 3.......Page 13
Chapter 4.Page 18
Chapter 5..Page 24
Interlude...Page 32
Chapter 6..Page 35
Chapter 7...Page 42



Warframe - 2

1



The grey, powdery dust shifted underneath Jimmys boot
as he took another short step. Where his foot had been, was
now a clear print. It caught his eye, and he smiled.
Perhaps Ill leave my own legacy, Neil, he thought.
His eyes lifted and grazed the grey, chalky landscape.
Slopes rolled ahead of him, curving downward in the
distance to mesh with the deep black above. It wasnt
exactly the fells of rural England, but he had no
complaints.
Earth looked so small, at this distance. Tracts of
white drifted across the blue and brown surface. A smile
touched his lips. Beautiful as it was, it was still a
single, tiny sphere in the cosmic marble bag of the Solar
system. The Solar System itself only a tiny fraction of the
grand Milky Way.
He inched forward - then hopped, growing bolder. He
noticed again the way the dust crunched like snow beneath
his boots, such that if he closed his eyes, he could almost
pretend he stood in a field in the grip of mid-winter. The
thought made him grin. His mother had always made him
overdress for the cold; she probably would have laid a
scarf or two on top of the already bulky suit he wore.
His foot slipped, and he tumbled. But to his horror,
what met his outstretched gloves was not the soft gray
dust. What greeted his hands and eyes was a looming
blackness, which hungrily reached to embrace him as he
fell. Fright surged through his veins. His hands scrabbled
at the rock. Sharp stone grazed the fabric of his gloves.
Would it tear through? Fuck, he hoped not. He continued to
Warframe - 3
plummet, specks of rock and dust bouncing off of his
faceplate.
At last, his fingers felt a jut in the stone. He held
onto it for dear life, feeling a light jolt as his body
ceased its drop. His momentum swung him into the wall, and
the face of his helmet scratched against it with a blood
curdling scraping noise. He held his breath for a few
seconds and when there was no shrill his of escaping air,
let it out in what would be the deepest sigh of relief of
his life. If he made it back, he swore hed shake the hand
of every man and woman that had designed this thing.
But he wasnt out of danger yet, he knew. He was a
sixth of his weight on Earth here, yet his shoulder was
already starting to burn. Careful, so as not to make too
much motion, he brushed the front of his suit with his free
hand. He had to find his flashlight, so he could at least
do a cursory inspection of his surroundings. Unclipping it,
he clicked it on and swept it around him. His stomach
fluttered as he drew up the resolve to point it downward.
He prayed this trip wouldnt end with him being swallowed
in some bottomless ravine, hundreds of thousands of
kilometers from home.
He pointed the flashlight down.
Had the situation been less dire, he would have rolled
his eyes. Letting go of the wall, he bent his knees and
landed gently on the ravine floor, which had been a mere
three feet below him.
He was in some kind of narrow crevice, that he knew
for certain. The walls were only about three meters apart,
and their black faces rose to an imposing height above him.
Craning his neck, he just glimpsed the light of the sun
touching the very top of the wall in front of him.
Good God, thats got to be at least forty five, forty
seven meters, he thought. How am I going to get back up
there?
To his surprise, moisture started to well up in his
eyes. No. No no no. Hell no. He blinked, forcing the tears
away. Now was not the time for hopelessness. He would get
back up.
Sweeping the flashlight back down, he could not spot
its light for a moment. Confused, he jiggled it. It had to
be functioning, as he saw the light flicker on the wall to
the left and right but in the middle: black. Intrigued,
he took a tentative step forward. And another. No rock met
him. Turning his head, he pointed the light behind him,
shining a bright circle on the stone. Looking back in front
Warframe - 4
of him, the light disappeared. Wait, no, there it was. Dim,
but the way it angled
Theres a turn, he realized. Curiosity nudged him into
leaning forward, trying to peer deeper in. It would not be
prudent to go exploring unknown holes on the walls. He bit
the inside of his cheek, glancing at his oxygen levels. He
had enough for one more hour. The radio clicked and static
burst over the speaker into his helmet, causing him to
jump.
Harrington, are you there? Come in, Harrington,
spoke an even voice.
Jesus Christ. You scared the bloody hell out of me,
Goodman. Im here, he replied, thankful to hear his
partner again.
A burst of static, then, Status?
Thats going to be an inconclusive, Im afraid, he
said, still trying to see deeper into the hole. There was a
pause. His radio clicked again.
Care to elaborate on that, Jim?
Harrington hesitated, glancing skyward. How could he
best explain this? He pressed the transmit button. Well,
Goodman, Ive fallen and I cant get up.
Releasing it, he made up his mind. He would continue
ahead through the passageway. He would give it just five
minutes, then come straight back. There was no reply from
his partner for a good ten seconds. He could already see
Goodman in his minds eye, calculating and processing like
the machine that man was. The Terminator. He smirked to
himself, letting the memory comfort him. At the start,
Goodman hadnt altogether appreciated the term of
endearment from the others, but he had eventually grown to
take it in thin lipped stride. It was his call sign now,
and the man would never live it down. Jims radio clicked
again, at last.
Location? Goodman asked.
Dont rightly know, bud. About forty meters out, down
a bit of a ditch, Jim responded, quelling a tremor in his
voice. Eff it, he could do this. Just be like Goodman. The
man would probably have already gotten a complete analysis
of this entire stretch of ravine by now, had he been in his
place. Five minutes, and he would come right back. Turning
sideways, he started to edge himself through, step by step.
Despite the opening being fairly wide at the start,
the walls soon constricted around him. Now, inching along,
they were barely four feet apart another reason to be
glad for the fitness program hed undertaken before hopping
Warframe - 5
on this mission. Where the ceiling had previously been
about ten feet above him, it was now hardly more than one.
Occasionally he leaned against the wall to catch his
breath. He caught the reflection of his face in the glass
of his visor. Sweat matted his hair to his forehead.
Howd we get ourselves into this? he thought, looking
into the eyes of his reflection.
And where was this going, anyway? He couldnt help but
wonder if this claustrophobic arrangement went anywhere at
all. He heaved himself off the wall with a grunt, and
continued.
Time begrudged its own passing. Every time he checked
his clock, only a few seconds had passed - eternities
packed into deceptively minute spans. He could never take
more than inch long steps. His hands held him up on the
wall with a ginger touch, constantly wary for sharp rocks.
He kept his flashlight pointed forward, even though all
that met his sight was more tunnel.
There was no radio traffic from Goodman. Either the
rock was blocking the signal, or - he could only hope the
man was working on an extraction plan. Curiosity drove him
on, but he had no intention of making this a one way trip.
A few times the rock scratched against his visor. Each time
he stopped and held his breath to listen for leakage. Each
time he hoped with every fiber of his being it wasnt going
to puncture through.
The passage switched sharply to the left, continuing
for a few feet more. He wiggled along, the stone rustling
against his suit. There! He could see an exit. Holy shit it
did go somewhere. It was narrow as all hell though could
he make it through? He stopped in front of it. Sweat
tickled his skin, maddeningly just out of reach for
scratching.
Hed come this far. Was this exit wide enough to let
him back out was the real question. He pictured getting
stuck like a raccoon in a log trap, and shuddered. An image
came unbidden to his mind. Clawing at the rock, crying for
Goodman. Clawing until the fabric in his gloves tore, and
his oxygen escaped. He stopped the thought there.
His timer put him at four minutes in. Oxygen at fifty
six minutes. It was time to head back anyway. He regarded
the exit. Past the clamping walls was pure black; his
flashlight couldnt pierce the darkness. He swallowed,
throat dry.
He started to step back, away from the exit and toward
the entrance to this miserable place. It was starting to
Warframe - 6
get hot in his suit, and Goodman would be waiting. He
stopped after taking another step. Looked back, the back of
his helmet scraping against the wall.
Oh fuck me, he thought. One minute. He would give it
one minute.
He popped out and landed on his posterior with a
grunt. Quick check as he stood to make sure his suit had
not been ripped in the fall - all good. What he beheld next
as he lifted his eyes to examine his surroundings caused
them to go wide.
A vast, vaulted chamber greeted him. Its ceiling
arched overhead into a dome, the top hidden in darkness. He
stepped forward, caution constricting his stomach into
knots.
What in the world? he thought.
The floor was remarkably smooth, as if it had been
carved by some enormous machine. But what was even
stranger, were the lights. Spheres embedded into the rock.
They stretched around the entire room, forming a ring about
nine meters up. They dispensed a soft turquoise light. His
eyes followed them along the length of the wall, coming to
rest upon the formation at the opposite end of the chamber.
There, they were arranged into a symmetrical pattern that
resembled a - flower? It was immense, and curved with the
surface of the wall. It was that which provided the
majority of light to this room, he figured.
He took it all in with awe. As his eyes traced the
mysterious symbol to its base, he squinted. Was there was
something there? It was backlit by the same dim turquoise
light. A primal part of him in the back of his mind was
screaming at him to leave. This was dangerous. He didnt
know what this place was, but it was dangerous. He stood
stock still, feeling tingling in his legs that urged him to
turn and run.
Run, his body cried. Run!
He pushed it down, and against his better judgment,
took a step forward. Then another. And another. As the gap
between himself and the display before him shrunk, he
expected at any moment for something to happen. What might
come from this eerie place he did not know. His mind began
to race with thoughts of beasts and specters leaping out of
the darkness to attack him. Hell, it would only have been
crazier than the situation already was by a small margin.
As he neared the wall and its adornments, his eyes
discerned that what he had thought was one large object,
was in fact many objects. His step quickened, burning
Warframe - 7
curiosity overpowering his caution. Getting closer, the
things became clearer. Eight of them. Cylinders.
They curved at the top, slipping into the rock. Or
were they slipping out, like growths? It became apparent
that they were not lit from behind, either. They emanated
their own glow. And upon further inspection, he discovered
why. Inside of these cylinders, there were people.
Jimmy leapt back with a shout, stumbling over his
boots and falling to the ground. Adrenaline surged through
him, and his mind raced. His eyes were wide with fright,
alarm, confusion. He dragged himself away from those
things, on his hands and feet. The stone floor was pure ice
to the touch. Mist was condensing on the inside of his
visor and it was getting hotter he realized he was
starting to hyperventilate. He had to calm himself. Calm
his breathing. He shut his eyes tight, and counted
methodically to ten. Opened his eyes. They were still
there.
Oh my God. Oh my G-
His frantic train of thought was interrupted by a
burst of static. He jumped and shouted, his heart leaping
into his throat. A voice came through, almost
unintelligible through thick static.
Harrington. Harrington, come in. Status request. Come
in, Harrington.
Jimmy recognized Goodmans stern voice. Sweet Christ,
what timing. Closing his eyes again and taking a deep
breath, he thumbed at the transmit switch, stammering out
the words. Harrington here. Status good God, I dont
know. Theres theres something down here, Goodman.
Theres something Theres something His hand shook,
thumb slipping off of the button, unable to complete his
sentence.
Noise burst over his speaker again; Goodmans voice
only faintly audible. The static fluctuated, making it
impossible to parse what was said.
whaton? was all that he caught.
Please reiterate, Goodman, Jimmy said. I repeat,
please reiterate.
Silence. The radio clicked but nothing came through.
Not even static. It clicked again; the end of Goodmans
attempt at contact.
Jim pressed his transmit button. Goodman, can you
copy? I repeat, can you copy?
A click as he let go of the button, and then -
silence. Ear throbbing, deafening silence.
Warframe - 8

2

YEAR 2123
FORT KEYES, COLORADO


It was a massive room. Dark, and cold. The metal walls
that spanned each side were plain, the ceiling invisible
from the ground. Their uncaring facades seemed to make the
air feel even colder. A metal and glass room protruded out
of the fore wall. It resembled a large balcony, except it
was wrapped in one way glass. Metal steps led down from its
side to the floor. A voice rang from speakers around the
cavernous space.
How do you feel?
Feminine and of a velvet timbre, it belonged to Doctor
Maria Santos, who sat in the glass terrace.
A large spotlight in the center of the ceiling
projected a bright circle onto the floor. A figure shifted
in that light.
I feel fine, for now. No alien poison seeping in just
yet.
The intercom clicked, and a chuckle emanated through
the speakers. Thats good David, but seriously. Is
anything different at all? Maria asked, curiosity
creeping into her voice.
David was silent for some moments. He looked down at
his body. Clenched and unclenched his hands. Plucked at the
material and shrugged.
Its a little disappointing. I certainly dont feel
like I could lift a car, or withstand bullets. I feel
perfectly normal, to be frank. Except-
Except? Maria prodded.
Warframe - 9
My vision. Its, well - I dont seem to be blind, but
the visual light spectrum doesnt appear to be the mode of
sight at all. Everything looks black. But I see outlines of
things. White outlines. I feel like Im seeing in sonar,
for lack of a better description.
Maria twirled her pencil in her fingers, biting the
inside of her cheek. She scratched some notes into her
writing pad, then pressed the transmit button on the
console in front of her. Stand by.
She leaned back in her chair, the quiet creaking
filling the silent room. It wasnt the most amazing study
in terms of technology. It might even be considered Spartan
in accommodations, but it made do. Lockers occupied an
unimposing amount of space on one wall, names at the top of
each. The desk where she sat stood just in front of the
large glass panes, affording anybody working there a view
of the immense space below. There were computers, and
consoles with various buttons and switches accompanying
each. She still had no idea what most of them did.
To the curiosity of most, she kept the study lights
off whenever she was alone. They said it was a little
creepy to be sitting in the dark by ones self. It made her
smirk, but who cared? She found it soothing. The sterile
white lights always felt like they pushed down on her mind;
a pressure that was lifted in the dark. It was vacant and
inviting, allowing her thoughts to expand and fill the
space around her. So the only illumination came from the
multiple computer monitors. That, and the soft turquoise
light that emanated off of them.
She swung her chair around, facing the back of the
room. There, they lined the entire wall.
Capsules. Tubes. Pods. Tin cans. The few people that knew
about them had a few nicknames for them. The off-the-cuff
nature of the names belied their objects alien nature.
Maybe that was deliberate. One of the ways people distanced
themselves from them. Though of course, strange as the
cases were on their own, their contents were far more
interesting. Or frightening, depending on your perspective.
Suits.
Another informal term. The official name for their
concept, design, and presumed purpose was Warframe. How it
was intended they would be used for combat was beyond her.
Beyond anyone, much as some hated to admit it. She just
knew that they unnerved her. And fascinated her at the same
time. When she had first learned there were scientists
needed to begin study, she had investigated every possible
Warframe - 10
means of getting into the program. She sighed. And here she
was. Conducting some trivial secondary test.
The suits material had already been investigated by
another team. From what they had been able to determine
without taking samples, they suggested that for all intents
and purposes the fabric was some type of synthetic
material. What that material had originally come from, hell
if anyone knew. It had taken some time for the suits to
leave quarantine, as well. The people brought in to check
for sanitization had been reluctant to take them out until
they were completely certain there would be no biological
risk. Lord forbid some alien civilization set a trap sprung
by the simple virtue of curiosity. She sighed again, and
put her chin in her hand. Tapped her cheek, thoughtful.
The sound of the study doors latch opening startled
her. She jumped, a hand smacking into her coffee thermos.
Narrowly rescuing it from its peril, she looked up to find
David standing in the doorway.
Everything alright? he asked.
Adjusting her glasses, she nodded. She must have lost
herself in thought again. Yes, thank you. Im sorry, I
zoned way out. Ready to start the tests?
He returned her nod, and exited back through the door
and down the metal stairway to the floor below without
another word. She took him as a man of few. Her eyes
remained on the door. When it clicked shut, she exhaled -
and shuddered. As many times as she looked at those suits,
she could never grow used to the fact they had no
observable face.

The testing itself was far less glamorous than she had
anticipated. A timed track run, weight lifting with gradual
increases in weight, and an obstacle course were just a few
of the items on the checklist on her clipboard. They all
passed in routine. Boredom was just an unfortunate side
effect she would have to deal with.
At the end of the day, Maria tossed her glasses onto
the table, and laid her head in her arms. The metal felt
cool through the fabric of her coat. The room was far too
chilly to take a nap in, but she felt almost exhausted
enough to do just that. It was the kind of exhaustion she
could feel in her bones, that made her just want to curl up
until it was time to go home again.
Opening her eyes, she adjusted her head and spied
David between the monitors through the glass partition. He
was standing idly by, running his fingers over the horn on
Warframe - 11
the front of the mask. She half wondered if she could call
it a mask, even. That implied separately distinguishable
components.
She found herself biting her lip, thoughtful again.
Other than the bizarre way the optical system worked in
spite of lacking any apparent opening or mechanism it
appeared to be nothing more than an adult sized costume.
Her eyes closed and she laid her head down again. Was it
four thirty yet?
After a moment, she reached for her glasses and
pressed the intercom button. Hey, mind standing by for a
bit? Taking a break.
By all means. Ill be running up the walls in the
meantime, came his tinny voice through the speaker his
headset was rigged to.
Swiveling back and forth in her chair, her eye caught
a sideways glimpse of the pods. Swinging to face them, she
gazed absently at each.
She stood and slipped her hands into the pockets of
her lab coat - she had insisted on getting to wear one
and made her way over to one in particular. The suit sat in
a harness, arms lifted a few inches on each side. There had
been multiple recovered from Luna, each with a unique look.
While she had yet to gain enlightenment into their nature,
she had to admire their design. A couple of them were quite
elaborate, but she preferred the one she stood in front of
now. It was simple. Light green, with a slate gray chest
plate. A single protuberance arched from its forehead to
the back of its neck.
She glanced behind her. David would still be waiting
for her. Glanced back at the pod. It wasnt locked.
Biting her lip, and making a small prayer no one
decided to walk in, she unlatched the door. It opened
slowly upward with a quiet hiss. She let her fingers drop
from the handle, and breathed in the scent that reached
her. She couldnt recognize what it was; the closest she
could place it was chlorine. A picture of a chalky valley
fluttered through her mind.
Her fingers slipped around the material, and lifted
the suit off of its supports. It was extraordinarily light,
she noted. Running it between her fingers, it felt as if it
had been woven from the smoothest silk.
Ouch! she yelped, hand darting back. She inspected a
tingling finger. Looking back, her eyes narrowed. The hand
still holding the suit looked strange. In the turquoise
light, it looked like the color was draining, and it was
Warframe - 12
turning - gray? Shouting, she dropped it no, it stuck to
her skin. She waved her hand around, then tried to pull it
off. She felt a tug on her skin, but the material refused
to come away.
What the hell?! she cried.
The dragging suit appeared to be getting smaller as
the gray color seeped down the length of her arm.
Screaming, she stumbled back, tripping on the leg of a
chair. There was the sound of scraping metal, a sickening
thud, and she saw no more.




































Warframe - 13

3

YEAR 2122
LUNA


Whoa, easy there! Careful!
Latching the radio to his suit, Ward gesticulated
wildly or, as wildly as he felt comfortable doing in his
bulky gear. The low gravity of Luna was something he was
still getting accustomed to, and a few tumbles had taught
him that caution was the safe bet. Dropping his arms
slowly he put his hands on his waist, and gazed at the
surrounding landscape. Dusty gray on all sides, with
sweeping rises and dips. Large machinery was gathered
around the opening of a transport ship nearby, with another
personnel ship separate from his own next to it. The blue
and green marble of Earth hung, picturesque, above the
scene. Both it and Luna faced Sol, the bright disc casting
shadows behind the hills and small rocks. He couldnt help
but smile privately.
The US had scrambled to develop and put into motion
this technology. The eyes of the people that ran the
Treasury had probably popped when looking over the budget
for this mission. Getting here before Xinde Yitian or Mir
got wind of whatever was in this chalky marble had likely
been the main reason it had been pushed ahead as fast as it
had, even. And yet.
At the beginning of this undertaking, he had felt
excitement. More than excitement, he had felt eager. He
would be one of the first people to lay eyes on something
nobody else in the world had seen. The number of conspiracy
theories would explode in a night if news of this was
Warframe - 14
released. He had even had to sign a thorough non-disclosure
agreement before being allowed to join.
Now, he felt a measure of anxiety. The more he thought
about seeing the objects up close, the more his nerves
quivered; a tingling in his skin that would not leave.
Shaking his head, his focus returned to the current
objective of positioning the crane by the infamous crevice
and ducked when the arm of the machine passed a foot over
his head, responding with mild curses over the radio.

The positioning of the machinery took the rest of the
24 hour period. At the start of a second, Ward was lowered
into the gap. He pushed down creeping feelings of panic as
he watched the surface stretch away. His fingers slipped
around the metal cord he was strapped to and gripped it
tight, finding some security in its thickness. A small
amount of time passed as he found and explored the cavern
though explored was a more polite word for awestruck
staring. Near the end of the functional day, the pods sat,
only slightly worse for wear, in the cargo hold of the
squat ship they were to take back to Earth; the same he and
his partner had arrived in.
On final inspection, Ward found nothing to be amiss,
and pressed the switch for thick, cushioned for comfort
metal bars to close on the pods. He knew he would be
holding his breath the whole ride home. Whatever was in
these pods was sure to bring new knowledge to the
scientific community indeed, the whole world, one way or
another. The loss of these things would be catastrophic. He
stepped closer to one of them. The glass formed a semi-
circle, framed from the back by gleaming metal. He cupped
his hands around his eyes and peered into it. Contrary to
what hed heard, they were pitch black inside, and the
contents were hidden from view. He felt a pang of jealousy
for Harrington. At least he had gotten to see what was
inside. He leaned back, and rapped his knuckles on the
glass. Was it one-way? It felt quite thick.
After the airlock and subsequent shower in the
decontamination roomhe had always said it just felt like
he was being sprayed with air freshenerhe undid the latch
on his helmet and it came loose with a satisfying click.
Cool air brushed across his sweating brow. It was a
heavenly feeling, after being suffocated by his hot breath
for so long.
Stepping into the cockpit, hundreds of buttons and
knobs surrounded him, and a few lights blinked on and off
Warframe - 15
at random intervals. His partner was doing pre-takeoff
checks while Ward closed and latched the cockpit door and
sat down. Had there been a view of a tarmac in the cockpit
window instead of the gray and black panorama, he would
have passed as a 747 pilot doing a routine checklist before
a five thirty to Dallas.
So what now? Ward asked.
Not looking up, Charles drawled a response. Well
John, well be the first to head off, as you know. Assuming
nothing goes awry, and we all explode on the way back,
well ease into a temporary orbit wait for the right
moment jettison the load. Thatll be the cans, he
jerked a thumb back in the direction of the cargo hold
and us. Hopefully we land right where we want, and he
dashed off a check mark with some flair we come back as
heroes.
Ward grinned, closing his eyes as he relaxed into his
seat. Not an easy thing to do in the bulky ensemble. The
glory isnt important to me, man. What I meant was what do
you think is going to happen when we bring them back? This
could change a ton of things for us. And I dont just mean
you and I- he gestured in a sweeping motion at the distant
sphere, two hundred and thirty nine thousand miles away.
Im talking about the human race. Whatever this is man,
its bound to bring change, for better or worse. I mean
He glanced over at Charles, who didnt appear to be
listening.
His eyes were riveted on Earth, straight ahead.
Hey, whats wrong?
No answer. Hey-
Shhh!
Nonplussed, Ward opened his mouth to ask whatd come
into the man. But the look on his partners face stopped
him. His gray eyes were wide in fright, and his jaw was
clenched so tight the muscles bulged. His fingers clutched
the clipboard, white knuckled, the paper crumpling at the
edges.
Two minutes passed. It felt like an eternity, with
Charles staring ahead unwaveringly, and John staring at
Charles. At last the man opened his mouth again. The words
came one at a time, in a deep voice Ward did not recognize.
They know.
Another moment of silence. It weighed down on the
ears.
What?
They know, the voice repeated.
Warframe - 16
What are you talking about?
John flinched when Charles snarled at him, eyes
flashing. ARENT YOU LISTENING? THEY KNOW. To his horror,
Charles voice had grown even deeper, into a roar, with a
faint voice in the background that sounded like a woman
shrieking.
Growing more alarmed by the second, eyes darting to
the door of the cockpit - it was metal, and would take some
effort to reopen - then back to his partner, John stared at
the man before him. His face was contorted now in an
expression of intense anger, and - terror? His eyes darted
about, staring past him, as if searching for something in
the distance.
As he watched, the mans face began to relax.
Eventually, he looked back down at the checklist in his
lap. Picked it up, and resumed reading.
For a long time, Ward was unsure what to say to break
the silence. Charles caught sight of him in the corner of
his eye and did a double take, giving him a look. His
eyebrow raised. Something the matter? You okay?
John sputtered. Am I alright? What about you? What
the hell was that?
Both of Charles eyebrows were raised now. What was
what? The confusion and - was that concern? - in his voice
unsettled Ward. He gazed at the man for a moment more, then
sat back into his seat. He realized he had been leaning
away from his partner in his chair, every muscle tense.
They relaxed a minute amount now. Maybe hed imagined it.
He was going crazy.
No. No, Im good. Sorry, he muttered.
He could still feel the mans eyes on him. Could feel
the hair on the back of his neck raising. He picked up his
own checklist, and pretended to immerse himself in the
text. None of the words made it through. Would he be able
to fight if Charles attacked?
At last, his partners gray eyes turned away, and they
resumed getting ready to leave. Ward threw intermittent
glances Charles way, watching to see if the episode would
repeat, or if any signs of it having happened would emerge.
None did.
The rest of the flight passed without further
incident. The macabre events of before drifted into the
back of Wards mind as he let himself try to shake them
and concentrate on the flight back to Earth. It was still a
long way back, and the maneuvering would take all of his
focus. The rest of the machinery would be retrieved at a
Warframe - 17
later date. Right now their priority was to get the pods
back to a facility for study.
Much later, after all the congratulations ceremonies
were finished, hands shaken and champagne corks popped,
Ward would return to the surreal moment he had experienced
in the cockpit. It would keep him up many a night.

Warframe - 18

4

YEAR 2123
FORT KEYES, COLORADO


Maria awoke to a gentle shaking on her shoulder. Her
eyes, heavy as lead, opened with some effort, and she
looked around. The room was still dark. Her head pounded
and she winced, eyes shutting again tight. There was
something hard against her back. Cold. The floor. Was she
lying on the floor? A voice said her name quietly, then
with more force.
tos. Doctor Santos. Can you hear me? Are you
alright? The hands holding her shook her again.
She blinked a few more times. The black remained.
Primal panic struck and she shrieked, thrashing in the grip
of whatever held her. I cant see! Oh God, I cant fucking
see! Im blind!
Her flailing fist connected with something soft, and
there was a pained grunt. The voice shouted her name again,
and she was startled out of her hysteria. Maria! Its
okay. Its okay. Im going to need you to calm down,
alright? Youre in the lab. Im here. Its okay. She
recognized Davids voice.
Her head swiveled, looking for him. Its not fucking
alright, she snapped. Why the hell cant I see- Her
voice caught in her throat, and she breathed in sharply.
What in the-?
At last, David managed to coax her to her feet,
rubbing his cheek. Allow me to elaborate, he said. He
backed away a step just in case. You arent blind. I had
the exact same reaction at first- he hesitated. Though
with a measure less screaming.
Warframe - 19
She stared at him. Or, what she perceived as him.
Right. Sorry. Buttell me what you see.
She took a moment to search her mind. Her voice
scraped as she tried to find the words. Its- its like
you described earlier. Everything is black. But with white
outlines around everything. Like objects rendering in a
simulation, but at the very bare bones.
He nodded. Like three dimensional sonar-
Not quite sonar, she interrupted. Davids calm tone
helped steady her, and her fascination grew to overcome the
apprehension. She looked around the entire room, trying to
take in every detail.
Theres no pinging like with sonar. But the
outlines shake, like ripples in water. I wonder why that
is? Its beautiful.
Her hands reached to touch her face. Her fingertips
felt a circular indent, and traced a curved rod that
extended from her forehead, arching to the back of her
neck. Her memory was returning bit by bit. This had to be
the suit shed been looking at earlier. There were swells
and ridges along her arms, and she felt a plate put
pressure on her chest when she breathed in. It was thicker
than the rest of the surrounding material, and felt like
tough leather.
Doctor, David said. His tone had changed. I
neglected to mention something earlier.
Curiosity piqued, she looked at him. Yes?
His head was turned, facing the glass pane that
overlooked the vast room below. There were still walls and
ropes erected in various positions around the room. While
I was going through that obstacle course- He hesitated.
There was a point where Id reached to climb something,
and I felt a shock. Like static, but stronger. It wasnt
necessarily painful, either, more like a slight sting. And
then a sense of my nerves vibrating.
She nodded to herself, a memory returning of the same
happening when she had touched the fabric of her suit
before.
He was silent for a moment. Do you remember when I
initially had trouble climbing over the wall obstacle? he
asked.
She nodded again.
Well, I thought I was hallucinating or somethingbut,
it felt like my hand was sticking to the wood. Like a
magnet. I was able to pull it off easily, and when I put my
hand back on it, nothing happened. I figured, err, that Id
Warframe - 20
imagined it.
Well, now at least theres a faint possibility of
having a real life Spider Man now, she said. It was a
stupid attempt at humor. Stupid. This was getting serious.
At least, as serious as you might expect alien super-
suits from Luna to be, for Christs sake. Her hand moved
to brush her hair behind her ear; a nervous habit. She
started when she realized it wasnt there. Of course not.
Why would it be?
Maria
Alerted by a crack in Davids voice, she looked back
up at him. Yes?
Call me crazy. Please say Im crazy, but - I think
that Warframe might have been a prudent term for these
suits.
She caught what he meant. You think these are battle
suits? she asked with a skittish laugh.
He nodded without a word, and the smile faded from her
face.
The heavy silence that followed was almost tangible.
Computers ticked quietly away, minding their own business,
ignorant of the fear that started to well up in her throat.
She could taste it in her mouth. Or was that bile? It was
hot, and bitter. Her cheeks tingled in the same way they
did before you vomited. Was she overreacting? Surely she
was. All they had to go on was a single anecdote. Hardly a
result of replicated studies. There was no other evidence
that these suits were meant to be anything but novel
costumes.
She caught movement in the corner of her eye, and
turned to see the glass window. In it were two figures.
Black, with hazy rippling white outlines. One taller than
the other, and a little wider. Another, shorter than the
second, and slim. As she raised her hand, the slim figure
on the left raised its hand too. She shuddered.
David, if what you think is truewhat would it mean?
He didnt answer at first. I dont know, Maria. I
dont know, and part of me doesnt even want to. Do you
know the one quote by - who was it - Arthur Clarke?
Lowering her hand, she turned to look at him. The
outline of his face quivered. The words trickled back to
her. Two possibilities exist. That we are alone in this
universe, and that we are not. Both are equally
terrifying.
He nodded. I think we may have found which of the two
possibilities is more likely, he said, voice quavering.
Warframe - 21
Another silence. How many had there been, since she
had woken from her collapse? They typically werent this
uncomfortable, with dread snaking through her stomach.
Her life had been spent constantly busy. From the
university, where she had spent several years studying the
sciences in order to get her dream job as a researcher.
Lifetimes spent in dark rooms, sitting at a desk filled
with papers, the only illumination provided by a table
lamp. Where the only peace from the mental exhaustion was
found in the dark confines of a book, when her eyes were
closed and face against the pages, falling asleep after
having studied through another morning. The slow days in
the lab had helped her find that peace again. That silence.
Hours lost in thought or a screen, scrolling through
abstracts. Silence that escaped her mind now, as thoughts
raced, wonder and horror simultaneously flooding her veins
with ice.
And then the screaming started. It exploded in
her ears, echoing from the deep recesses of her mind. She
gasped in pain and collapsed, curling up and clutching her
head. Shrieks. Such unnatural shrieks. She was unable to
tell if it was a man or womanit sounded like a composite
of both. They continued for only a few seconds, before
mercifully quieting, the sound receding far away. But as
they did, a vision began to form on the back of her tightly
closed eyelids.
A blinding white light filled her sight.
Gradually, it grew smaller. No, it wasnt getting
smaller. It was drawing away. As it moved farther, she
could see that the light - several lights - were attached
to one end of a massive shape. Billions of much smaller,
unmoving lights surrounded it as it drifted. As the vision
expanded, more of the shape came into a view.
It was bulbous and misshapen. It resembled some
gargantuan, grotesque insect. Rods extended from it in
seemingly random places; antennae? Part of her realized
that the bright light that had blinded her before resembled
- engines. Engines, on a massive ship. And the lights
surrounding it were billions of unblinking stars.
The vision flared with another bright light, fading to
reveal the visage of a hideous, wrinkled face. One of its
eyes was replaced by a metal ring, with what looked like a
camera lens in its center. The other eye was narrowed,
peering. Searching. The face was attached to an even more
unsightly body, itself covered in bulbous, dark brown metal
segments.
Warframe - 22
The figure was standing on an elevated dais, hands
gripping the railing. A dim light provided murky orange
illumination. As she watched, the face contorted into an
expression she could only interpret as shock. Its mouth
opened and it started shouting. The sounds that came out
were not words she recognized of any language she
recognized. Perhaps Arabic?
Sharp and guttural, they evoked immediate reactions
from the other figures in the small space, seated in a
circle around the dais. Their heads were faced away. What
she could see of them, they wore the same attire as the
first figure, but instead of brown, the metal on their
bodies was gray green. The places at which they sat
resembled terminals. She recognized the glimmer of screens.
And as she watched, an image appeared on every one. It was
black, dotted with white specks. And in the center, a
distant spherical object. Only one side was illuminated -
streaked with white and blue - the other half in the dark.

The vision vanished, and the feeling of the cold floor
against her returned. Her body sank against it. Her breath
came in quick, ragged gasps, and she acknowledged that she
was hyperventilating. She sucked in a large gulp of air
then held it, and her body shivered. The sensation of
drowning was trickling away, and a voice was echoing in her
ears for the second time that day.

Davids familiar voice coalesced into words, sharp and
alarmed. Maria, what happened? You started screaming
againare you okay? What a ludicrous question. She would
have laughed if she could just stop shivering for a moment.
Still she couldnt answer; her lungs begged for air.
After a moment, she jerked her head in a nod, forcing
out the words between convulsions. Yes. Yes, Im alright-
I think. Im okay, she said, more to herself than to
David. She took a moment to gather herself - or, attempt to
- and crawled to a wall, pulling herself into a sitting
position with her back against it. Her muscles continued to
shiver, despite the room being only lukewarm. David knelt
beside her.
David. David, I saw something, she gasped, her hand
seeking out his arm for security.
He had been watching the shivers in her legs calm, but
his head turned to look her in the eye nowor the
approximation of where her eyes would be. What did you
see? His voice was surprisingly steady. She found some
Warframe - 23
confidence in that.
I- I dont know. It was strange. It- She fell silent
mid-sentence. The shivers ceased. Her breathing stopped.
Where she had been facing the opposite wall, she turned her
face to look at him.
David.
What is it?
They know.
What?
David- David, Im scared, she said, tears stinging
the corners of her eyes. Her hand tightened on Davids arm.
What are you talking about? What did you see, Maria?
Maria only shook her head with a choked sob and drew
her legs into her chest, wrapping her arms about them and
clutching them to her, as if she would never let go. As
David watched in fearful bewilderment, she began to rock
back and forth. Quietly crying nothing but, They know.
Over and over again.

Warframe - 24

5

YEAR 2123
AN APARTMENT IN COLORADO


The door opened, steam roiling out onto the ceiling.
Ian stepped out, head buried in the towel he was drying his
hair with. His muscles still ached from the workout an hour
ago, but less so than before. A nice hot shower was always
good for that, hed learned. Deciding to put on a pot of
water for tea, he made his way into the kitchen.
He had to hold the kettle by the base while it filled
with water. The handle was nearly broken out of its place
by now; he would have to fix that some time. After setting
it on the stove and turning on the heat, he walked the span
of the one room apartment to his computer. Waking it from
sleep, the same Writers Pen document from earlier that
morning titled, New Story? greeted him. The cursor
was still blinking away, alone on the page.
He sat down in the chair, revolving to face the
screen, and leaned back with his hands in his lap. Staring
at the page never yielded any inspiration, he knew, and his
eyes were already wandering not that the walls were any
more fruitful. He knew every little line in it by now, too.
Could see where the people who had painted it had started,
and where the brush had stopped. If he looked in the right
place, he could even tell where they had repainted over a
small hole where a screw had been.
The vibrating of his phone startled him out of his
daydream. He picked it up, glancing at the screen. Not a
number he recognized.
Hello? he said, putting it to his ear.
Good morning! replied a boisterous voice. Ian
Warframe - 25
flinched, moving the phone away from his ear for a moment.
Ah- good morning. May I ask whos speaking?
By all means this is Jack Bryson. Is this Ian
Drake?
Yes, speaking.
I have a proposal for you, Mr. Drake.
Oh- Im sorry, Im not interested in any products
right now-
Oh, no! No no no! My apologies - where are my
manners? Allow me to fully introduce myself. This is Jack
Bryson, DO over here at the NESC. National Experimental
Science Center - bit of a mouthful, I know. Were under the
Department of Science and Technology, if that helps lend
some credibility.
Ian blinked, unsure how to respond. What reason would
the - NESC, was it? - have to call him? Nice to meet you,
he said. May I ask what you need?
Well like I said, I have a proposal for you. More
like a job offer.
A job offer?
Yes. I understand youre recently separated from the
military?
Ahb- yeah, unemployed for now. Im looking around
though-
Well look no more! Bryson interrupted. Though of
course the choice is still yours to make.
Ian wasnt sure whether he was amused or annoyed by
the way this Bryson spoke. He felt curious though. He
minimized the Pen doc and pulled up the browser to search
for the place. He did need to find work. Well, may I ask
what the job is?
I would prefer to speak in person, but the job title
is that of Experimental Physical Affairs Specialist.
Experimental Physical Affairs Specialist, you
said? Ian asked, typing it into the search bar.
If youre trying to look it up, it wont bring much
in the way of a description new position and all. But
again, we can speak in person if youre interested.
The man was right. Gym teacher openings, product
testing for a lotion company, a shady Wanted ad - not
even close. He deleted that, then searched for the name of
the organization. That did get a hit. He clicked the link,
and a primitive looking web page populated.
Youre in Colorado too? Ian asked.
That we are! The weather isnt always great in our
particular location, but the view is nice at least.
Warframe - 26
Indeed, Ian mumbled, perusing the homepage. It was
an hour drive.
There was a lull in the conversation; Bryson was
probably waiting for a response.
Ah- well, Mister Drake, shall I await your call?
Oh- yeah, actually- I mean, Im not doing anything
today. Is the address on here correct?
Wonderful! My schedules fairly free for once, so I
should actually be able to meet with you myself but no,
the address there is just to the visitors center. Its
nearby, but not the place you want. Let me give you the one
to the front gate. Just tell them I sent for you, theyll
give you some paperwork, yada yada.



As Ian pulled up to the gate, an exquisitely bored
looking guard stepped out of the small building next to it.
ID? he asked, between chews of his gum.
Ah- well, I dont have an ID will this do? Ian
said, passing the guard the piece of paper. It was a
temporary pass he had been emailed to print out. The
secretary had said it should cover the visit, but Ian could
not help but feel some trepidation. The guards raised
eyebrows werent helping. A pistol grip stuck out of a
holster on the guards side.
Stand by.
The guard turned around and stepped back into the
small structure. Ian took the opportunity to peek out from
his windshield at his surroundings.
A fence with loops of barbed wire on the top extended
from either side of the gate, stretching on until he
couldnt make it out from the foliage anymore. Oak trees
stood on either side of the road, which he could see led a
short ways past the gate to a sizable building. The road
made a small roundabout, in the center of which was a
grassy patch with a large sign that had the letters, NESC
in shiny gold chrome. Well, the place looked legitimate at
least.
Another road branched off from the circle, continuing
up the hill and to the right. Sunshine streamed through the
leaves as they waved in a breeze, making for a shifting
mosaic of green and yellow. It was actually quite
picturesque, he mused.
Warframe - 27
A clipboard being thrust through his window made him
jump.
I just need you to fill this out, sir, the guard
said. Jotting down his answers, he gave the clipboard back.
The guard handed him a small piece of paper back and
stepped away. Nodding his thanks as the gate opened, Ian
drove the short distance to the parking lot.
Once parked, he looked down at the piece of paper he
had received. It was a sticker with an NESC seal at the
top, and under it printed in bold black letters: Visitor.
He peeled it and stuck it on his chest, rubbing it in.
Opening the car door and stepping out, he inhaled
deeply of the air. It was crisp, and his lungs felt the
cleaner just for breathing it. Trees surrounded the small
clearing, arching into a green canopy above. The sound of
the wind in the branches and chirping birds helped ease his
anxiety. Maybe this wouldnt be so bad. It was a nice
location.
The building itself was paneled in black glass. There
was a blast of cold air as the AC poured over him coming in
the door. The receptionist received him warmly, and he
asked her where he would be meeting with, Jack Bryson?
Friendly sounding fellow?
She smiled knowingly as her fingers tapped away at the
computer. Finding what she needed, she scratched out some
directions onto a piece of paper.
Heres where youll need to go. I tried to make it
easy to understand - I confess I used to get lost here a
few times myself. The numbering is so weird, she said,
handing him the sticky note.
While climbing the stairs, Ian noticed his stomach
twisting. He hadnt pictured doing this again so soon. New
environment, new people. If the secretary was any
indication to go off of, the latter wouldnt be so bad if
he decided to stay. Bryson himself had sounded friendly
but now he thought about it, he didnt actually know very
much about this place at all. Telemarketers sounded
friendly. And why had he called him, anyway? He had no
scientific background to speak of - save for dangerous
backyard experiments when he was thirteen. Suspicion joined
the anxiety, and he reminded himself to stay on his guard.
Both the hallway and door were nondescript, the only
thing on the latter being a handle and keypad. Ian lifted
his hand and, after some hesitation, knocked.
Who is it? called a familiar voice.
Warframe - 28
Ian Drake? he said.
Ah, Mister Drake! Come in, please.
What greeted him as he stepped through was an equally
plain room. The walls were the same light beige as the
hallway, with a long table stretching from one end to the
other. It looked like the room was typically reserved for
conferences. A window stretched horizontally along the
length of the outward facing wall, affording a spectacular
view of the parking lot. Finishing his scan of the place,
his eyes came to rest on the man on the other side of the
table - the only other person in the room. He was faced
away from him, looking out of the window with his hands
clasped behind his back in a position resembling parade
rest.
He turned to face him now. An odd look flickered
across his face, to be quickly replaced by a good natured
smile. Good morning, Mister Drake! Im Jack Bryson - I
hope you didnt have too much trouble getting here? Sleep
well? he asked, extending his hand over the table.
Ian, please. And pleased to meet you sir, he said,
returning the handshake.
Firm grip, he noted.
And the same to you. Now, I imagine you must be
wondering who I really am, why I called, is this a pyramid
scheme, Bryson said with a chuckle. And I apologize for
the cloak and dagger enigma. Ill get right to the point,
as I value and Im certain you value your time.
Bryson stood straight, hair in a neat yet stylish cut.
The black suit he wore was crisp, and the man exuded a
professional bearing. Ian had to admit he cut an impressive
figure. Prior service, maybe?
I appreciate it sir. And I would be lying if I said I
werent curious.
I can imagine. Bryson took the opportunity to sit
down at the table, and when he looked up at Ian his face
became serious startlingly quickly. Now, Mister Drake,
this is just one relatively small installation compared to
the rest of the NESC, but it is arguably - the most
important one. I cannot go into the full details here, but
are you familiar with the concept of exo-suits?
Ian nodded, pulling out a seat as well. It felt
appropriate. Isnt the DRA still trying to make one that
could be utilized downrange?
Indeed they are. Fine tuning at this point, actually.
But now, imagine something - more. Much more.
Ian cocked his head, eyebrows furrowing. Is there
Warframe - 29
already a functional exo-suit?
Brysons smile grew again. It was less jovial this
time, and more - knowing. How was your time in New
Afghanistan, Mister Drake?
His eyebrow twitched. Uneventful, sir, he said, tone
clipped. Why do you ask?
No need to be too modest. I have seen your record,
Drake. I understand your stay in the sandbox was more than
uneventful, by quite a fair measure. I have read that you
served admirably for your capacity. Three lives saved,
sustaining a bullet wound in the process. How is it, if I
may ask?
Better, Ian said, through pursed lips. Thank you
for asking.
Im glad. Now imagine this. Picture, while you were
in the NA, that you had a suit. And not just one of these
simple, clunky looking things were still trying to figure
out how to mass produce, Bryson said with a dismissive
wave. Something that, had you had it, you would have been
able to save those people without receiving more than a
scratch. Maybe even eliminate the enemy as well, without
even breaking a sweat.
Ian felt a twinge of indignation. He had preferred to
keep the experience in the past, and here this man was,
digging it up like some sort of grave robber. Mister
Bryson, with respect, I would appreciate if you did not use
my background as leverage, he said, trying to keep his
voice level to avoid sounding hostile.
Thankfully, the man did not press further. He lifted
his hands in a conciliatory gesture. My apologies. I
understand how personal these things can be. I only want
you to help you understand what were trying to do here.
And what is that, sir, if I may ask?
Bryson visibly hesitated, eyes looking away for a
moment. Like I said, I cannot go into the full details
here. But were trying to reach that point, to where we can
use what we have in the field, if we can.
Well I dont want to lie to you sir. I have to
confess that my scientific background is mostly limited to
reading Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies, unless its
body testers you need sir.
Correct. Its not your science knowledge were
looking for no offense intended of course.
None taken.
Mister Drake, Bryson said, leaning forward to put
his elbows on the table between them. His fingers laced
Warframe - 30
together in front of him. His voice was lowered when he
spoke again. What we have, is an opportunity. We have
reason to believe what we have has applications. Combat
applications, as I mentioned. The possibility is admittedly
slim, but it is one we want to explore. It would be
momentous if we succeeded. Brysons excitement was thinly
veiled, and Ian could hear it in his voice.
This all sounds extremely intriguing sir, and I would
actually love to be part of it. But I need to know. Why me?
What do I have more to offer than anyone else?
A fair question. Brysons eyes looked away again,
before returning to gaze directly into his. I have reason
to believe you - yes, among some others - are one of our
best options. I should hope you would prove me correct.
I would hate to do otherwise.
Good to hear. One last question do you retain your
security clearance?
I should, yes sir.
Bryson nodded. Then his face broke out into a large
grin. Wonderful! he exclaimed, putting his hands on the
table and standing. Welcome to the team, Mister Drake!
Ian stood as well. Well sir Ill need some time to
think about this-
Oh by all means, by all means, Bryson said. His
animation and volume - seemed to have returned in full
force. He spoke and gestured with an energy that belied his
gray flecked hair. Now that he looked, Ian noticed Brysons
face was somewhat wrinkled and pocked. No doubt the man had
had an interesting history himself. And, if its the
commute youre worried about, we have housing here on the
installation. Yet another perk of working on the forefront
of progress!
Ian couldnt help but smile. Roger sir. Ill be sure
to give you a call soon, he said, extending his hand.
Bryson shook it, grip just as firm as before. Good,
good. I look forward to hearing from you.



Closing the door to the apartment, he made a beeline
for the bathroom. The meeting hadnt been long, but the
drive had, and he had had far too much water when working
out that morning.
Once finished and washing his hands, he caught his own
eye in the mirror. There were small bags under them. Had
Warframe - 31
those been there when he was meeting with Bryson? That
would have explained the remark when theyd first met; he
had dismissed it as just a passing question of greeting. He
supposed he had stayed up late the night before.
Inspirations as finicky as I remember, he thought, a
long yawn escaping him as he left the bathroom. Picking his
way over to his desk at the opposite wall, he nearly
slipped on a beer bottle. He felt a pang of shame as he
stepped over it. The apartment was still a mess, despite
his numerous resolutions to clean it. And when he sat and
woke his computer, the Writers Pen document greeted him
again. There was enough white on the page to fill the dark
room with sufficient illumination to see by. The cursor was
still there, blinking away.
For a few moments, Ian stared at it.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
Something started to well up in his chest. Like a rope
was constricting around him. His face twisted and his eyes
stung.
Wheres my phone? he thought, hands searching through
the clutter on the small black glass desk. Remembering it
was still in his pocket, he pulled it out and dialed.
Hello? came Brysons voice.
Ill do it, sir.
Mister Drake?
Yessir.
Ah, wonderful! Im glad to hear it. When is
convenient for you to start?
Any time.
Excellent. Its Friday so almost everyones left for
the day by now come on in on Monday, and well start
setting you up.
Thank you very much sir, I look forward to it.
I must say, Bryson said. He sounded like he had
stopped just before hanging up. That was quick! You
certainly know what you want. See you Monday, Mister
Drake.
The phone beeped, signaling the end of the call. Ian
put the phone on the desk clearing a small space for it
first and leant back into the chair.
Right, he thought.





Warframe - 32



Interlude

YEAR 2122
LOCATION UNKNOWN


It was a small room, and lacked artificial
illumination. Circular, with a hexagonally segmented glass
dome in place of a roof. Starlight from Cernarus Prime
streamed through. It shone on Alads weathered face, his
hands clasped behind his back. This had come to be his
favorite spot on the ship, over the long time-cycles of
travel. From here, he could almost pretend there wasnt a
crew at all. That he was alone in space. A solitary point,
drifting through the endless expanses, only ever stumbling
on a star or planet once in a far flung millennia. Nothing
but him and dusty, colorful nebulae, stretching millions of
miles across. Surrounding him like some celestial cradle.
Where he could find peace.
The screen on the pedestal to his right flashed. Alas.
He pressed the translucent notification with a gloved
finger, causing it to populate with a short message in
orange neon script. He skimmed it, then pressed the
confirmation. His gaze shifting back to the view. The
circular platform behind him lowered, silent.
When it raised again, someone was stood on it. He
turned grudgingly to face and acknowledge the new arrival.
Its attire was simple; identical to his, though the color
was a dull grey instead of turquoise. The style of their
clothing itself was not elegant; a vertically striped
single-piece of a simple polymer material, with bulky white
gloves and boots. Between its shoulders rested a
rectangular, white case that conformed to slot snugly over
Warframe - 33
the chest. It was clothing meant for practicality, and even
his own was modest, despite his position.
The thing had no name. None of them did. A cog in the
machine, indistinguishable from the thousands of others. It
was easier to separate himself from them when it stared at
him with that oscillating, glowing green slit on the front
of the case; its operative face. It did not speak aloud,
instead relaying its message to the screen. An image
resolved on it of a small, spherical object, embedded in
coal black among the numerous white specks around it. Only
one side of it was illuminated; from what he could make
out, it was streaked with white and blue, with flecks of
brown. A new world to harvest? There werent very many of
those these days.
A message appeared on the screen next to the image.
Scanning it, Alads eyes widened, and he looked to the
figure standing before him for confirmation. It did not say
anything, and he shook his head, remembering how ridiculous
it was to expect normal communication from them. Looking
back to the screen, he struggled to reconcile what he read
with what he felt. They had found the capsules so soon?
Actually, they must have found them some time ago. This
message would have taken no small amount of time to
propagate all the way to his ship. Out in the middle of
nowhere information always came late, even aided by the
satellites interspersed throughout space.
But the text was undeniable. The beacon had been
activated. The pods were discovered. Orders were coming to
reclaim them. And no doubt the Grineer knew as well. The
filthy, inbred scum would already be making their own way
to the planet by now. They had to at least assume they
were, for the time being. In the meantime, he nodded
absently to the drone and waved it away. It made no gesture
of reciprocation, simply activating the platform to descend
again.
Alad turned back to the view of distant Cernarus,
blinking his eyes in the brightness. The interaction had
been typical of his dealings with the things on this ship.
In a way, he realized he was alone in space.
Autonomous. Requiring no direction. The crew of drones
kept to themselves in their menial work, otherwise ignorant
or simply uncaring of their surroundings. A ghost crew. In
a way, he was alone.
But he wouldnt be, soon. The ship thrummed to life
from its drift, arduously heaving its enormous bulk to face
Warframe - 34
the space between the stars. The light from Cernarus slid
off of his face.
The pods were discovered. And the Corpus were coming
to Earth.









Warframe - 35

6

YEAR 2123
FORT KEYES, COLORADO


Hmm? Oh, welcome back there, sleepy head, a voice
said.
A bright light penetrated through the haze, and Maria
lifted a hand to shield her face. Hello? Where- where am
I? she asked. Sitting up made her stomach turn, and her
mouth watered. She closed her eyes again, letting the
nausea settle. Once she felt she wouldnt throw up, she
tried to get a fix on her surroundings.
The walls were light blue, with a window door on her
right opening up to a small balcony. She could see from the
darkness that it was late. A warm breeze drifted through,
bringing with it the thick scent of honeysuckleoverlapped
with the sterile smell of cleaning fluids. There were
beeping machines around the bed she sat in, and a portly
woman with a kind face stood next to her. Her brown hair
was tied up in a ponytail, and her blue scrubs gave her
away as a nurse. She was monitoring one of the screens to
her left.
Am I in the hospital? Maria asked.
Well lookatchew, the woman said, smiling at her.
Not a minute up and that minds already workin. Yes dear,
youre in the hospital. Your colleague brought you in here
a few days ago, all in a worry! Said youd collapsed. She
had a sweet tinge of a southern accent in her voice, that
Maria couldnt help but find comforting. Still.
Ive been here for days? Jesus. she said, rubbing
her eyes. Her long black hair probably looked a fuzzy mess.
Warframe - 36
Well sit tight hun, Doctor Miller will be right with
you. Can I getcha anything? Water, orange juice? She
leaned down with a conspiratorial smile. Maybe I could
sneak you a chocolate bar?
Maria smiled at her but shook her headthen stopped
when her stomach churned again. No, Im good. But thank
you. I appreciate it maam.
Oh you just call me Laura, dear. And dont mention
it. Ill go get the doctor for you.
Stretching as the nurse left, Maria let out a
satisfied groan. Her muscles tingled to life. It felt good
to move again. Laura said shed been lying here for days?
With some alarm, it hit her that she wasnt in the suit
anymore. Not entirely a bad thingWarframe was a classified
project after all, and it wouldnt have been good form to
run around campus in those things anywaybut where was it,
then? She needed to get back to the lab.
Moving up against the pillows at her back, she felt
something tug at her chest, under the gown. For the first
time, she noticed the long tubes coming out of her. They
were connected to a couple of the machines on the left side
of the bed. From her small amount of reading into clinical
nursing, she guessed the one in her chest was a saline IV,
to keep her hydrated. The tube in her arm was clear of
fluid for the moment; maybe a feeding tube or something? On
second thought, she doubted it. Those went into the stomach
or - she shuddered - down the nose.
The one coming out between her legs she guessed to be-
A grimace of revulsion passed across her face. It had to be
a catheter. She almost felt lucky that she hadnt woken up
in time to endure the indignation of changing the bag. She
didnt even want to think about how the other kind-
Ugh, she muttered, cringing and pushing the thought
away.
Her throat felt dry when she swallowed. Now that she
thought about it, she wished she had asked for a glass of
water; her stomach felt tight with hunger, too. Looking
around, she couldnt see a water fountain. She was about to
press the button for the nurse, when the lock on the door
to her room clicked, and a man in turquoise scrubs stepped
through. He was joined by someone else.
Ah, good morning Miss Santos! Finally decided to
rejoin the world of the living, hm? he said, picking up
the clipboard at the foot of her bed.
Indeed. Good to be back. She glanced at the woman
behind him. She most certainly did not have a kind face
Warframe - 37
like Laura had. Her very haircutshort, graying, and
clipped down at her earsspoke severe. Though the frown on
her wrinkled mouth didnt help. Even her posture was
formal, standing straight with her hands behind her back.
She was looking at all the instruments around the bed, as
if inspecting them. They didnt appear to be passing.

Well Im doctor Millernice to meet you. I dont
imagine you should have to stay here much longer now,
fortunately, he said, skimming the pages on the clipboard.
Just need to ask some basic questions, make sure youre
feeling well. Any pain?
No, thankfully, Maria said.
Mmkaynausea?
She shook her head-and regretted it. Actually, a
little.
Anything else feel out of the ordinary?
Not to my knowledge.
His pen scratched away.
Any other questions? Maria asked after a pause,
hoping she didnt sound impatient.
Nnno, he muttered, finishing up on the clipboard.
At this point weve just been, ah, maintaining, waiting
for you to wake up. And here you are! he said. Finished,
he looked at her with a smile.
Well I greatly appreciate it. And I hate to be rude-
Is there anything else you need from me? Could I leave
today, by any chance? Maria asked.
Ah. Well, well need to keep you here for just
another night; make sure nothing else happens, which
nothing should. Had his voice caught, there?
In the meantime, this would be where I introduce
doctor Gardner, he said, turning to the woman, who stepped
up beside him. She looked like she hadnt even moved an
inch until now. She didnt speak, and her frown seemed to
grow almost imperceptibly deeper.
Shes the clinic psychologist, and just has a few
questions for you, Miller said.
Questions? Maria asked.
Ah- yes. The man seemed to stammer a lot. Cursory
stuff. Its part of the facility routine when it comes to
pre-departure.
The woman gave Miller a curt thank you. It seemed like
a dismissal, as he nodded and walked out of the room with a
quick step. Gardner watched the door click shut, then
turned to look at her. The womans eyes were a sharp blue,
Warframe - 38
and seemed to see straight down to her soul.
Silence was not a space Maria altogether wanted to
share with the stern woman standing at the foot of her bed,
studying her over her thin rimmed glasses. She looked for
all the world like a strict grandmother. She probably gave
toothbrushes to children for Halloween.
Allow me to get straight to the point, Miss Santos,
Gardner said at last. There was a creak in her voice,
making her sound even older than she looked. I understand
you collapsed after a mildly severe mental trauma?
Who told you that? She didnt want to go into those
details any more than she had to.
That is of no present concern. Can you elaborate on
what events led up to it?
Unfortunately I am not at liberty to disclose that
information, maam.
Is that so?
It is, maam.
Another silence. A pause after the first clash of
swords between duelists. The faint sound of a car alarm in
some far away parking lot drifted through the open window.
I also understand you have not been completely quiet,
during your stay here at the clinic. One of the nurses
reported you were muttering things under your breath,
during fits of restlessness. Something along the lines of,
they know. Do you experience hallucinations, Miss
Santos?
I do not, maam, she said, ice racing through her
veins. Damn.
Doctor Gardner waited. Maria knew she was pressuring
her to say more. An uncomfortable few seconds passed
between the two, each staring at the other.
The woman sighed, and took off her glasses. They were
attached to a string around her neck, on which she now
allowed them to hang freely. Miss Santos-
Doctor Santos, maam.
Doctor Santos, Gardner continued, I do not want
this to be difficult any more than you do.
The door is over there, maam. With respect.
Gardner smiled.
Inexplicably, Maria found it to be even more
threatening than her scowl. The way she cocked her head,
lips curved up in a sweet smile, giving a glimpse of
cigarette stained teeth. She repressed a shudder, and
clamped her lips together. They had only just met, but
Warframe - 39
Maria did not want to show any sign of weakness in front of
this woman. She had a feeling that would prove costly.
Right. Well, Doctor Santos, I should be on my way. I
have no further questions for you. I will let doctor Miller
know to properly help you accommodate for your trip.
Trip? What trip?
To inpatient care, Im afraid.
Excuse me? On what authority?
Why on my own, my dear girl. Gardner walked to one
of the machines to the left of the bedthere was a waft of
what smelled like cigarettesand lifted her glasses to peer
through them at the screen. You see, she crooned in a
mournful tone, Im afraid youve failed to pass a simple
psychological exam. One of her skeletal fingers pressed a
button on the device. We cant let you be released just
yet. Not until youve been well taken care of in your
recovery from this dreadful mental illness of yours.
It dawned on Maria that this woman was deadly serious,
and her stomach dropped.
Run.
She flung the sheets away and jumped out of the bed,
intending to make for the door. Her foot caught on the
catheter coming out of her leg, jerking it free and causing
her to trip. She fell to the floor in a heap with a cry of
pain, the tube dripping its contents. She barely gave it a
thought; she could be disgusted later. She had to escape.
Get away from this vulture of a woman.
Help! she cried. Would anyone even hear me? Laura?
She hoped desperately that someone was in earshot. Anyone.
Please dont make this messy, Miss Santos. The
janitors only get paid so much, Gardner said. Her voice
was coldly steady now, an iron in it that belied her frail
frame.
Marias head was pounding, and she felt weak. Her
muscles protested her every move. Her cheek dragged against
the cold tile. Her breathing was becoming ragged. Her leg
stung from where the tape and catheter needle had been
ripped out.
Liquid touched her skin. The tube in her arm had also
come free. Where it had been empty before, a clear fluid
was ebbing from it onto the floor next to her. An
anesthetic? Numbing agent? She didnt know. Her mind felt
sluggish; she couldnt think straight anymore.
Have to get away. Have to escape.
Why are you doing this? she snarled through gritted
teeth, fingers clawing at the floor to pull herself
Warframe - 40
forward. Her hair was splayed around her, and the revolting
mix of fluids was beginning to seep into it. She heard
heels clicking against the tile, and watched them make
their way around the bed. They stopped in front of her.
Gardner was silent, gazing down at her through those
thin spectacles. After a moment, she turned, and Maria
watched her feet make their way to the door. She heard the
knob turn and the door open, Gardners footsteps echoing
down the hall.
The door closed with a click as, helpless, Marias
vision went dark.



What is this Gardner, a man said, tone hushed. I
cant-
Youll do this, Doctor, came Gardners voice,
whether you like it or not.
Shes my patient, the man said, his voice raising.
Its not right, let alone legal-
Quiet, you imbecile, the woman hissed. This comes
from far above you. You will. Obey.
Marias eyes opened, a crack of light broaching the
dark. Through her eyelashes, she was able to make out the
two figures standing at the foot of the bed she lay on.
Their forms were heavily blurred, faces indiscernible. She
tried to look around, but an agonizing throb in her head
forced her to close her eyes again in pain.
Was this the same bed as before? A dry part of her in
the back of her mind sparked. Was this whole getting
knocked out thing going to become a trend in her career?
The whispered conversation was still going, but she
couldnt make out any more words.
Gardner snapped something that made the man Doctor
Miller? go quiet. The conversation was through. There was
the sound of heels clicking on tile, receding away. When it
sounded like they had turned a corner, the man muttered
something to himself. He sounded angry. She heard him walk
around to the head of her bed, then a small bump as he put
his hands on the rail.
A moment of silence passed between them. Nobody else
seemed to be present; every other light down the hallway
was off.
She felt him lean down over the head of the bed, the
metal of the rail creaking. Im sorry, he whispered into
Warframe - 41
her ear, breath brushing her hair. Please forgive me.
Why does he sound so sad? What is there to forgive?
she thought, through the haze of her stupor.
The bed started to shake underneath her. Wheels
rattled on the floor. A pattern of light followed by dark
intermittently brightened the back of her eyelids.
Where am I going?
Darkness consumed her sight, and she faded back into
unconsciousness.
Warframe - 42

7

YEAR 2123
FORT KEYES, COLORADO


The length of in-processing was a necessary evil, Ian
figured. Nobody typically enjoyed the time spent building a
paper profile no one conventionally sane, at least.
Particularly when it lasted a months time. A month of
sitting in rooms that all looked the same, waiting for
people that all looked the same to fill out papers - that
all looked the same. It wasnt dreary. He didnt allow
himself to complain about it. But still.
Well, he thought. His muscles strained and shook to
complete one last rep. Specks of salty sweat exploded from
the top of his lip as he heaved, taking air in deep breaths
and blowing it out in meditative timing. At least the gym
here is nice enough to help me occupy some time.
Though, nice enough was something of an
understatement.
The place was enormous, and brightly lit. At least 200
square feet of weights, contraptions, and hot, perspiration
filled air. Some of the machines he had recognized as one
workout or another. Some others left him wondering if the
people who had stocked the place had some strange
fascination with creating clean, modern replicas of
medieval torture devices. Mirrors lined every wall,
providing a further panorama of the surroundings.
Finally, he leaned back into the seat with a pained
grunt. He let his eyes close, chest heaving. The leather
was drenched from his exertion, and he was already looking
forward to showering. He could only imagine how bad the
Warframe - 43
place was when it was full; one more reason he preferred to
come during the hours it was empty.
Whats going to happen when in-processing is done,
though? he wondered.
Part of him wasnt sure if he regretted his eagerness
in taking this on or not. He hadnt met the standard
requisite of time spent overthinking things to feel
completely comfortable that he had pored over every avenue.
Then again, maybe its a blessing, he mused while his
breathing and heartbeat slowed. I thought myself ready to
leave the military, yet
He still had trouble reconciling with himself that not
long after the excitement of leaving, an overwhelming sense
of panic had come over him. What would he have done had
this chance not come along? He chuckled darkly - sore
muscles protesting even that - when he realized that the
fluttering feeling in the pit of his stomach wasnt anxiety
about starting in a new environment. It was relief. He felt
an enormous comfort being back in some semblance of
stability; knowing what was going to happen. Even though,
if he were honest with himself, he didnt know what was
going to happen in this place. But it was a whole lot
better than nothing at all.
Stinging sweat dripped into the corner of his eye, and
for the third time that day he wished hed had the
foresight to buy a sweatband.



The door swished against the carpeted floor as it
shut, and a heavenly blast of cold air blew across his hot
brow. It had stormed earlier that day, and thick humidity
still stuck to the air. It had got him sweating again,
though the walk from the gym to the dormitory building had
been relatively short. Walking down the hallway, he decided
to stop by the small lounge room in the middle. Complete
with a felt couch, two chairs, a table with magazines on it
and television, it looked as standard a setup as the white
paint on the wall. It was likely just a courtesy, as he
didnt think many of the people working here actually made
the dormitories their residence. Apart from him. He had
passed a few sleepy looking people in civilian clothes
before, carrying what hed guessed to be white lab coats
over their arms. He had even seen a few Navy and Air Force
lower enlisted in uniform. On second thought, it did make
Warframe - 44
sense.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he dropped his
backpack on a chair. Procuring a water canteen, he undid
the cap and took a sip. Then a larger swallow. There were
thickly forested slopes visible through the window near
him; a sea of different shades of green and yellow. It
reminded him of the couple of years he had spent studying
in Monterey.
The weather there had been somewhat chilly, but there
were consistently clear skies at least. It had been one of
the few times he remembered truly enjoying photography. He
smiled, abashed, when he thought of when his father had
taken him hiking in Yosemite. His younger self hadnt
approached trudging up the steep climbs with much more than
begrudging reluctance. And now he was twenty two much
more wizened and worldly than his sixteen year old
counterpart. He rather wished he could do that hike over.
A small hand tapping on his shoulder jolted him out of
the reverie. Turning, he was confronted by a petite figure.
She had short black hair and pale blue eyes, with pale skin
to match. The toothy smile she wore made her look even more
pixieish. She must have just come from a run, he figured,
as she was wearing jogging clothes. An open phone lay in
her right hand.
You alright? Youve been standing there for quite a
while, buddy, she said.
Oh- I didnt realize. I was just kind of phased out,
he said with a sheepish grin. Just getting lost in the
tangles of nostalgic reminiscence.
Her eyebrows raised in a look he hoped wasnt
derision. A poet, huh? And what would a literary
mastermind be doing in a place like this?
He stepped back to lean against the window sill, and
took another swig of water before replying. Oh, its a
long, complicated story. Wouldnt want to bore you with the
details. Well I say that, but thats only to make it
sound more mysterious than it is.
She nodded slowly. So, youre saying, I should call
the campus police to alert them to a disarmingly well
groomed hobo wandering around? I dont have any change on
me, before you ask.
He reflexively ran a hand through his short brown hair
and grinned wider. I would appreciate if you didnt,
actually. While it would make me less of a liar in saying
its complicated, Im not sure if Im willing to make
that sort of sacrifice for the story. And what about you?
Warframe - 45
Do you typically ask this many questions of a stranger? he
asked.
His quip succeeded in getting a giggle out of her.
Holding out her free hand, she smiled. Well then, allow me
to remedy my impoliteness. Names Pauline.
Ian. Nice to meet you. You may now resume your
interrogation without fear of further discourtesy, he
said, returning her handshake.
Her eyes arced, but she looked amused enough. She
looked down at her phone again, and he heard it vibrating.
A frown crossed her face. Well, there goes that, she
said.
Get ditched by someone?
Actually, yes. A friend said she was going to wait
for me to come back from my run to go get food, but she
just texted me saying she left already.
A shame. Really shows who your friends are, doesnt
it?
Honestly? she said, closing the phone and stuffing
it in her pocket. Im a little relieved. Shes been going
through some drama and Im pretty sure she was just going
to regale me with the latest exploits of her ex again and
She looked exhausted just mentioning it. She shook her
head. But its not my place to comment on that, is it?
He shrugged, and took another gulp of water. I think
it would be fair not to.
She bit her lip, looking thoughtful. Well hey, I
mean- are you going anywhere right now?
I was about to take a shower and change, he said,
but past that Ive no plans, nope.
Well, I was going to do the same, and then I was just
thinking about going to grab a cup of coffee, now Ive
nothing else to do. Wanna come with? Im trying to make
some friends around here. Better ones, anyway, she
amended.
He blinked. Oh- yeah, sure!
She smiled again, nodding. Cool. See you down here in
an hour then?
Starting my timer - now, he said, pantomiming
pressing a button on his watch.
She giggled, giving him a flash of white. Okay,
cool.



Warframe - 46
Fourty minutes later, he stood with his back against
the lounge wall. He had changed into a black polo shirt and
jeans, and his head felt cool from the air conditioning
blowing across the specks of water still in his hair. A
necklace hung on his chest.
His eyes were on his phone, but he only browsed
through it as an afterthought, his thoughts elsewhere.
Not these clunky looking things were still trying to
mass produce, Bryson had said, the first day theyd met.
Thats funny, he thought. Even after a few decades
since the first functional robotic augmentations were
created, some people think of them as primitive. He bit the
inside of his cheek. What is it they have here that makes
someone say that?
A shriek made him start, train of thought derailing
into a violent crash. He looked up to see Pauline standing
in front of him, a hand on her chest. She looked like shed
just seen a ghost.
Youre here early, she said.
His head cocked. Should I be concerned about
associating myself with someone frightened by punctuality?
he asked.
She gave him a look. No, just- never mind. Ready to
go?
The place she took them to was somewhat dark and
musty; the only light came through the large windows of the
storefront. It was the orange color of sunset, and streamed
through in patches; silhouettes of leaves shifted on the
wall. It was enough though, as the hole in the wall shop
was quite small. There were only around ten tables in the
whole place a little above waist height, with chairs to
match. Pauline, having received her drink first, picked one
right by the window and rough brick wall.
Joining her, steaming cup in hand, Ian sat down in the
opposite metal chair. He lifted his drink to his nose. The
smell was more aromatic than he had thought coffee could
be. Its name on the menu was something he had not
recognized as English so he had decided to try it. He
lifted it to his lips now, taking a test sip.
Fuck! he hissed, darting a hand to his mouth. H
looked around to see if the cashier had heard. She didnt
appear to have, as she was still deeply focused in
straightening the cookies on the counter.
Hot? Pauline asked, looking at him over her own cup.
She blew the picture of demureness into it, stirring
Warframe - 47
the black liquid into ripples. Wisps of steam washed over
the rim.
He shrugged and shook his head, feigning ignorance
that anything had even happened. Sunlight glinted off of a
passing car, catching the corner of his eye. He looked out
the window, squinting and blinking from the brightness. The
glass itself wasnt completely flat; it rippled, distorting
the light that came through into fiery lines and halos. He
caught her looking at him when he looked back.
Her eyes flitted away, studying the glass. So weve
been talking for a while now, but I still feel like all I
know is your name. Care to introduce me? she said,
glancing back at him.
He shrugged. Not much to know, really. Wannabe writer
and musician turned scientist, apparently.
The corner of her mouth curved into a smile. Oh?
Writing the great-
American novel? he interrupted with a grin, leaning
forward with his elbows on the table between them. Nope.
Ive gotten that question a lot.
She affected insult. How uncouth. I was going to ask
if you were writing the next great Canadian novel.
He made a face.
No? she said. Sorry my friends know me as a
treasure trove of bad jokes.
Well, if its bad jokes you want, I was thinking of
saying something earlier this does seem like the kind of
place for the typical white girl coffee hipster.
Her thin eyebrows raised. She looked away, taking a
sip of coffee. Was she genuinely offended?
Aaaand shit Im sorry, thats why I didnt say it
before, he said, biting his lower lip and making an
apologetic face.
No, I mean- it makes sense, she replied. Sort of.
She was still looking out the window, and didnt sound
completely mollified.
Youre just not a typical white girl? he asked.
She didnt say anything for another moment. Well no,
of course not. I mean, do my nails look like theyve been
manicured in the last few weeks? she burst out, looking
back at him and thrusting her hand out for him to see for
himself.
He put his hand on the table as well, spreading his
fingers like hers. Wow. I can honestly say no, they do
not. In fact, they look downright lower class compared to
mine, he said, wiggling them. She laughed, to his relief.
Warframe - 48
So, what do you write? she asked, withdrawing her
hand.
Writing or music?
Hmm. Writing.
Well with writing, I have a couple projects lined up
actually some with no particular genre, some science
fiction. And theres this one that I want to do where its
like- you know Enders Game?
She shook her head.
Well, its this really old book from like, decades
ago that if Im honest I only found because I was bored and
just looking through the library for something to read if
you like science fiction I would definitely recommend it.
But basically, take some minor elements from that and
in my story theres this guy named David who really wants
to be a Captain of a ship- and these ships are like, super
modern and sleek looking, which is kind of an odd thing to
say about science fiction which is set in the future but,
anyway, I mean I dont know. It looks so clear in my head
and I want to bring it out because its so cool- he
stopped mid gesture. What?
She was looking at him with elements of what looked
like confusion and amusement. No, go on Im not really
following, but you looked so excited so I didnt want to
interrupt.
He dropped his arms, feeling deflated. Sorry about
that. I do feel like I have a tendency towards obscure
babbling sometimes.
Tell you what, she said. Why dont you just finish
a chapter or two of it, and send it my way. I can check it
out and give you my impression of it, if youd like?
Well sure, if that would be alright, he replied. I
would actually appreciate that a lot.
Its settled then, she said with a nod, smiling. She
lifted her cup to take a sip, using both of her small
hands. Looking back outside, a peaceful look came over her
as she regarded the lowering sun through the trees. Its
glow swathed her pale face in orange, punctuating a tiny
dimple in her cheek. It grew deeper when her smile widened.
He felt an itch in the back of his mind. Something was
familiar in the way she sat, chin resting in her hand. She
was quite pretty.
And what about you? he blurted.
Her eyes shifted, gaze focusing back on him. Hmmm?
What are you doing here? Where do you work, I mean,
he corrected. Introduce me.
Warframe - 49
Her shoulders lifted in a shrug. Ive been here for a
little while, but its nothing special, so far as work
goes. I cant remember what the title is, but its all long
and sounds like something you get a degree for, - she
made quotes in the air in a for-profit university. But
Im pretty sure its just something they made up to make
hours spent in a lab seem interesting and action-packed.
She made a gesture resembling jazz hands as if to say,
Oooo.
Well, you certainly sound satisfied, he teased,
sipping at his coffee with caution. It was still hot, but
not quite as searing. Sensation was returning to his taste
buds, and he recognized the taste of blueberry and mint.
She shrugged again. Eh. Like I said, nothing special.
Pays the bills though.
Hmmm.
The topic didnt seem to be one she was very eager to
continue with, and she looked comfortably lost in thought,
so he didnt pry further. The conversation lapsed into
silence. Running water splashed in the background. With no
one else in the shop, the girl behind the counter had
started washing a small pile of cups in the sink. His eyes
roamed from her to the rest of the shop. The small
paintings decorating the brick walls, books sitting on
small shelves - even the spider webs in the corner of the
ceiling leant a modest charm.
Whats that? he heard Pauline ask.
He swiveled his head, looking for what she might have
seen. Whats what?
That, she replied, pointing at his chest. She
reached forward, extending over the table, and poked the
necklace laying on the front of his shirt.
He looked down. Oh!
She laughed. Yes, that. What is it? And please dont
say, a necklace, she added.
His mouth shut, then opened again. Am I that easy to
read?
Just tell me! she said, laughing again. Its
pretty.
The chain was silver, meeting at the bottom with a
black tooth. It was attached to the necklace by a small
silver casing, the face of a wolf jutting out of the front
of it.
He bit his lip. Would you be mad if I said its a bit
of a long story?
Warframe - 50
Oh come on how long could it be? I went to the
store and bought this really nice necklace. The end.
He made a face.
Heaving a dramatic sigh, she held out her hand.
Alright, fine. Can I see it, at least?
Sure.
He reached up to undo the clip, then handed it over by
the chain.
Her fingers ran over the tooth and wolfs face. Is it
real? she asked, squeezing it.
The tooth? Nah. This is America I just bought the
thing and gave it sentiment, rather than winning it from a
fight with an actual wolf or something.
She looked up from the tooth, lifting her hands in an
amused What the hell look. Youre weird, she said,
handing the necklace back.
So Ive been told.
So, she said, once he was done hooking the damnably
difficult clip. How do you like it?
What, working here? Or the coffee?
She shrugged. Both.
Well the coffee is actually quite nice. Getting past
the traditional bitterness, the blueberry and mint is
pretty delicious. As for working here- He hesitated.
While I had my reservations, Im sure it wont be so bad.
Not with more trips like this, anyway, he said, smiling
and lifting his cup in a toast.
Their cups clinked together, and Pauline smiled back.
To serendipity?
To serendipity, he echoed, and took a sip.



He eased the door to his room shut, yawning. Bags of
goodies in hand, he walked through the dark rooms, rubbing
his eyes. His footsteps thumped quietly on the carpet
floor. Compared to his previous apartment, the trip from
the door to the bedroom was quite a trek. He passed through
theclean-main room, blinds to the glass patio door drawn,
but still showing a glimpse of the night outside.
Upon reaching the bed, he collapsed into the soft
comforter. The grocery bags spilled their contents onto the
sheets. Energy drinks. Microwave pizza. Tea, and a short
bottle of melatonin supplements. Too tired to put them in
the cupboards, he instead allowed himself to relax in the
Warframe - 51
warm bed.
The computer monitor on the nearby desk was on - it
hadnt gone to sleep yet during the trip to the store. The
Writers Pen document from before was still open, proudly
displaying its half page of text. The cursors derisive
blinking persisted.
Its still not much, it sneered.
Oh well, he thought. At least theres something. And I
can just he yawned - work on it some more over the
weekend.
He was about to doze off, when his buzzing phone woke
him. Feeling irritable and resolving to at last disable
notifications for emails, he opened his phone.

From: Jack Bryson, NESC (jkbrsn@nesc.gov)
To: ian.drake@onemail.com

Dear Mr. Drake,

Please report to campus building 5992, room 205,
on the following date: 31 August 2123
Good news to follow.
-Bryson

He sat bolt upright, the words sinking in through the
haze.
Finally! Thirty first. Thats-
He jumped out of bed, tripping over a cord on his way
to the computer to check the calendar.
Next Monday, he realized. His stomach twisted. He felt
excitement mounting. He read the words over again. And one
more time.
Good news to follow.
They couldnt be referring to anything else. He
giggled, the noise reverberating off of the thin walls. He
didnt care if anyone heard. A weekend was now all that
separated him from finding out what this was all about.