Archcore: Echoes of Ion

[17] - [Departure]

"So tell me Ricardo, why not use it? After all, you and I both know what it can do for human life. Then there's also the Earth's current condition."

"The Earth is dying, Ricardo. Ion can save it." Proxima said, "It has been capable of saving the lives of many people from life threatening diseases, making it so they would never become sick again. It's extended the lifespan of humans, and now a synthetic type makes it easier to grow plant life and crops on Mars. Imagine what the real thing could do."

"Would you rather live in the shadow of our sins, or would you rectify our past crimes? We have a chance to fix a mistake, and you will really just let it pass you by?"

"That's not the way, Proxima!" Ricardo yelled, "It was that same mindset that brought the collapse."

"No, it was our desire to control every aspect of it. Controlling something we never fully understand, but this time, it can be different. Now that we know what we know, we can work towards a better path with the Ion. All that we have to do is gather it from Mars and bring it to Earth and we can-"

"Proxima!" Ricardo yelled as he stood from his chair. Yelling her name, Proxima stopped as he began to speak.

"The last time... the collapse... most of humanity died or disappeared because of our lack of knowledge. What if another event occurs? What if we aren't so lucky? The next collapse could be the end of humanity as we know. Would you really be so willing to risk that? I urge you to reconsider this plan of yours."

Proxima was quiet for several moments, looking up at Rosario, she gave no response and Proxima looked back to the screen on her terminal. There was no image, just the words 'sound only'.

"I must go now, Ricardo. I have plans to meet with Cyclase on Earth."

"Proxima-" Proxima ended the call as Ricardo began to speak, "So what now?" Rosario asked, "As I said, I'll be heading for Earth. Now what was the reason you came here, Rosario?"

Rosario stood up straight, "Nina and her team have completed the ODIN. Repairs on the Raven and Dahlia have also been completed."

Hearing this, Proxima smiled as she clapped her hands together, "That's excellent. It looks as though everything is coming together perfectly. Now then, let me see the ODIN." Rosario simply gave Proxima a nod as she left the room, leading Proxima to the hangar.

As they arrived at the hangar, they could hear Daryl yelling left and right at different people until he took notice of Proxima coming towards him.

"Proxima!" Daryl yelled, "What the hell is the meaning of this?!" Daryl pointed towards the Raven and continued, "Are you aware this was the same Dreadnought that fought with us at Vanaheim? Why the hell do you have it?!"

"Because I own it." Proxima said in a calm tone.

"At the time, it was under the control of someone who didn't know about our deal. Naturally, they would retaliate."

"So where the hell is the-"

Daryl stopped as Fives grabbed him.by the shoulder and pulled him back, using one of his legs to trip Daryl and send him to the floor. Before he could react, Fives wrapped his hand around Daryl's neck.

"The pilot before is dead. If you want to join him, then keep talking."

Daryl said nothing and Fives slowly let him go, "That's enough." Proxima said.

"Fighting each other wasn't the reason I wanted you both here."

"Then why are we here?" Fives asked.

"One simple reason. We're heading for Earth. Ricardo has shown some push back on my proposal for the Ion on Mars. So I'd like to speak with Davide and Cyclase, get their opinions on the matter."