Archcore: Echoes of Ion

[18] - [This Tragic Comedy]

Before they could arrive on Earth, the ship had landed on the port just outside of Earth's orbit. A common way to enter and leave Earth was taking a ship from the port, and this was no different.

"We're so close to the Earth."Nina said as she put her hands on the windows, "It's funny, I've never been, but it feels so nostalgic."

"Of course it would." Proxima started, "Mankind was created here. In some way or another, we all have ties to the planet." Nina smiled as she adjusted her glasses, "So what's the plan?"

"Right now, I can't go down there. There's still much work I need to do, but I have set up a meeting time. Davide and Cyclase were generous enough to hear me out. right now, I just want you to go down and speak for me."

"W-what? Why me? Want about Rosario? Weiss? Anyone else?"

Proxima gently laid her hands on Nina's shoulders, "No. I need them with me, you're the only one I can trust with this, Nina. I trusted you with the ODIN and you completed it, now I need to trust you with this task." Nina looked uncertain in what Proxima was asking of her, but still, she only gave Proxima a nod, "A-alright, I'll do what I can until you arrive."

With what cargo was taken on the ship that would head for Earth, Nina noticed the Raven was on as well, but not the Dahlia. It was easily explained as the ship was smaller and could only carry one at a time, but she also noticed Fives wasn't with it.

Still, Nina went along with what Proxima wanted.

"Cyclase and Davide have already been made aware." Nina told herself, "Both are on Earth and Proxima may run late due to what she needs to finish, which means it'll all be on me to hold them until she arrives."

Looking at her tablet, Nina let out a sigh of relief as she saw the time, still having about four hours before the scheduled meeting would happen.

"Well now, that was one oversight I never accounted for." Proxima said. Rosario looked at her. Turning to face her, Proxima just smiled at her, "What Nina said to me. The size and weight of the ODIN, putting it on any planet with gravity would result in the ODIN being crushed under its own weight."

"It can only be used in space. Perhaps its size would be pushing it, but the combined weight of the armor and the body would likely do it."

-[Earth]-

Only an hour after leaving the port, Nina was already arriving on Earth, accompanied by Rudo. The city they arrived in was slowly being rebuilt and was planned to be another of humanity's new central cities. Still, the old world structures remained in some areas, and new roads and buildings were built over them.

It was once a city called Hong Kong.

Upon their arrival to the city, Nina and Rudo were greeted with an escort from Rune with orders to take them to the meeting place.

"Again, I am very sorry Lady Proxima couldn't be here. Unfortunately, she got held up with some work on the port but will be here as soon as she is finished." Nina said.

"It seems to be the case with everyone." The man across from them said, "Cyclase will also be late. Unfortunately, he was called in to deal with some matters involving that terrorist organization Seventh Star. Y'know, having to clean up whatever else was left."

Indeed it was true, Cyclase had been in the far north or the city finishing up with whatever details remained unfinished.

"Amy, how long do we have before the meeting with Proxima?" He asked.

Amy looked down at her tablet, "Three hours. I'm sorry sir, but we may end up running a little late." Cyclase just sighed as he adjusted his tie, "Just the daily life of a president, I guess."