Borderlands: Conquest

- Angel -

I float in my chamber, my mind racing as I process the latest information from Elpis. My eyes are closed, but my consciousness stretches far beyond the confines of my prison, riding the waves of data flowing through Hyperion's networks.

Alexander. The name echoes in my thoughts, bringing with it a confusing mix of emotions.

I hadn't meant to become so invested in him. When I first reached out, it was purely strategic - a way to potentially undermine my father's plans and maybe, just maybe, find a way to freedom. But as I've watched him navigate the treacherous landscape of Elpis, something has changed.

There's a ruthlessness to him that should repel me. I've seen enough cruelty in my life, and experienced enough manipulation to last a lifetime. And yet, Alexander's calculated moves fascinate me. Unlike my father's chaotic brutality, Alexander's actions always seem to have a purpose, a grand design that I can't quite grasp but desperately want to understand.

"He's not so different from Jack," I murmur to myself, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. But even as I say it, I know it's not entirely true. Jack's ego drives him, his need for adoration and control overshadowing everything else. Alexander, on the other hand, seems driven by something else. Ambition, yes, but also a kind of cold, practical desire to reshape the world according to his vision.

My mind drifts back to our conversations. Alexander never sugarcoats things for me, never tries to shield me from the harsh realities of his plans. In a strange way, I appreciate that. After years of my father's lies and manipulations, Alexander's blunt honesty is refreshing, even when what he says is difficult to hear.

But there are moments, brief flashes really, when I catch glimpses of something else beneath Alexander's stoic exterior. A hint of curiosity when I share information he doesn't expect. A flash of what might be admiration when I demonstrate the extent of my abilities. And once, just once, a softening around his eyes when I made a joke - a small, awkward attempt at humour that surprised us both.

I sigh, opening my eyes to stare at the purple-tinged energy field that surrounds me. I know I'm treading dangerous ground. Developing feelings for someone like Alexander is risky at best, and potentially catastrophic at worst. He's using me, I know that. Just as I, in my own way, am using him. It's a dance of mutual exploitation, each hoping to gain something from the other.

And yet...

There's a part of me, a small, naive part that I thought had been stamped out long ago, that wonders if there could be more. If, perhaps, in the midst of all this chaos and manipulation, something genuine could grow.

"Don't be stupid, Angel," I chide myself. "He's not some knight in shining armour come to rescue you. He's a warlord, a conqueror. You're just another piece on his chessboard."

But even as I say it, I can't quite convince myself. Because Alexander has shown me something that I've been starved for - respect. He doesn't coddle me or treat me like a child. He recognizes my intelligence, and my abilities, and he challenges me to use them.

My tattoos glow softly as I access more data, pulling up images of Alexander and his team on Elpis. I watch as he navigates the political minefield of Concordia, his every move calculated and precise. There's an elegance to it that I can't help but admire.

"What would it be like," I wonder aloud, "to be free? To stand beside him instead of watching from afar?"

The thought sends a shiver through me. Freedom. It's a concept so foreign, so tantalizing that it almost hurts to consider. And yet, with Alexander, it feels like a possibility. A dangerous, double-edged possibility, but a possibility nonetheless.

I close my eyes again, letting my consciousness drift. I find myself imagining a different life, one where I'm not trapped in this chamber. In my mind's eye, I see myself standing on Elpis, the harsh lunar landscape stretching out before me. And beside me, a tall figure with a commanding presence - Alexander.

In this fantasy, I'm not just a voice in his ear or a tool to be used. I'm a partner, an equal. We strategize together, my vast knowledge complementing his tactical genius. I see myself using my Siren powers in the field, not just as a conduit for information but as a force in my own right.

But even in my daydreams, I can't fully escape reality. I imagine the suspicion in Alexander's eyes, the constant calculation. Would he ever truly trust me? Could I ever fully trust him?

"It doesn't matter," I tell myself firmly. "It's not real. It can never be real."

And yet, the feelings persist. The longing for connection, for understanding, for something more than the isolated existence I've known for so long.

My thoughts turn to the mission at hand. I asked Alexander to save the programmer - my father - without fully explaining why. It's a test, in a way. Will he honor his word even when he discovers the full truth? And how will he react when he realizes the extent of my deception?

Part of me fears his response. Alexander isn't known for his forgiving nature. But another part of me, a part that grows stronger with each interaction, believes that he will understand. That he might even respect me more for the cunning it took to manipulate events from my prison.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Angel," I murmur to myself. "With forces, you can't fully control."

But isn't that the point? For so long, my life has been controlled, every aspect monitored and manipulated by my father. With Alexander, for the first time, I feel like I have a degree of agency. Yes, he's using me, but I'm also using him. It's a precarious balance, but it's more freedom than I've known in years.

My tattoos pulse as I process more information, my mind stretching across the vastness of space to monitor Alexander's progress. I feel a strange pride as I watch him overcome obstacles, outsmart opponents, and slowly but surely move closer to his goals - and by extension, to me.

"Be careful," I whisper, though I know he can't hear me. "There's more at stake here than you realize."

As I observe him, I find myself studying Alexander more closely. The way he moves, the subtle expressions that cross his face, the tone of his voice when he gives commands. I'm building a mental image of him that goes beyond mere data, beyond strategic assessment. I'm seeing him as a person, complex and flawed and fascinatingly human.

And that, perhaps, is the most dangerous thing of all. Because the more I see him as a person, the harder it becomes to maintain emotional distance. The lines between asset and ally, between strategic partnership and something more, are beginning to blur.

"This isn't love," I tell myself firmly. "It can't be love. It's... curiosity. Fascination. Nothing more."

But even as I say it, I know I'm lying to myself. The feelings growing within me are more complex, more profound than simple curiosity. There's an emotional investment that goes beyond strategic interest, a connection that defies my attempts at cold logic.

I take a deep breath, centring myself. I can't afford to lose focus, not now. There's too much at stake - my freedom, the fate of Elpis, and perhaps even the future of Pandora itself. I need to stay sharp, to keep playing the game.

And yet, as I turn my attention back to the streams of data, to the unfolding drama on Elpis, I can't quite shake the warmth that fills me when I think of Alexander. It's a dangerous feeling, a vulnerability that could be exploited. But it's also the most human I've felt in years.

"Be safe," I whisper to the void, my words meant for one person alone. "And when the time comes... I hope you'll understand."

With that, I immerse myself once more in my work, guiding, watching, and planning. But in the back of my mind, a small spark of hope continues to burn - hope for freedom, for understanding, and for a connection that transcends the cold calculations of strategy and power.

The game is far from over, and I'm determined to see it through to the end. Whatever that end might be.

- Jack - 

I wiped sweat from my brow as I led my team through the chaos-filled corridors of Helios. Alarms blared incessantly, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air. I glanced at my companions - Nisha, Wilhelm, and Aurelia - each a formidable fighter in their own right. But even with their skills, the situation was dire.

"Alright, gang," I said, my voice strained but still carrying its usual bravado. "We've got a long way to go and a lot of Lost Legion scumbags between us and my office. But hey, that just means more target practice, right?"

Nisha smirked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Sounds like fun to me, Jack. I was starting to get bored with all this running and hiding."

As we rounded a corner, we came face to face with a squad of Lost Legion soldiers. My mind raced, calculating angles, assessing threats. Time seemed to slow as I raised my pistol.

"Dance for me, assholes!" I yelled, opening fire.

The firefight was intense but brief. I moved with a fluid grace I didn't know I possessed, my shots finding their marks with surprising precision. Nisha was a whirlwind of violence beside me, her dual pistols spitting death. Wilhelm charged forward, his cybernetic arm transforming into a shield to absorb enemy fire. Aurelia hung back, picking off stragglers with icy precision.

When it was over, I stood amid the carnage, breathing heavily. I caught Nisha looking at me with newfound interest, a predatory gleam in her eye.

"Well, well," she purred, holstering her guns. "Looks like you've got some moves, Jack. I'm impressed."

I grinned, a surge of confidence flooding through me. "Baby, you ain't seen nothing yet. Just wait till I'm running this whole show."

As we fought our way through more Lost Legion forces, I found myself analyzing my own actions and my motivations.

I was doing all this for Angel, wasn't I? To create a better world for her, a world where she would be safe and respected. And if that meant stepping on a few toes, well, you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, right?

"You know," I said during a lull in the fighting, "once we get through this, things are gonna change around here. Hyperion's been playing it safe for too long. It's time we showed the galaxy what we're really capable of."

Nisha raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what exactly did you have in mind, Jack?"

I grinned, warming to my subject. "Think about it. We've got the resources, the tech, the manpower. Why stop at corporate dominance? We could reshape entire worlds. Bring order to the chaos."

As we neared my office, the resistance grew fiercer. I found myself relying more and more on my instincts, on abilities I didn't know I possessed. I moved with increasing speed and accuracy, each shot finding its mark.

Finally, we reached the entrance to my office. I paused, catching my breath, as Wilhelm worked on bypassing the security lockdown.

"You know," I said, my voice uncharacteristically thoughtful, "I've been thinking. About what happens after all this. About the kind of leader Hyperion needs."

Nisha cocked her head, curious. "Yeah? And what kind of leader is that?"

My eyes hardened, my jaw set with determination. "The kind who isn't afraid to make the hard choices. The kind who sees the big picture and does whatever it takes to make it a reality."

The door slid open, revealing not my office, but a heavily fortified barrier. Beyond it, we could see Lost Legion soldiers scrambling to defensive positions. And at the centre of it all, a figure in imposing power armor - Colonel Zarpedon.

"Well, crap," I muttered, ducking back as energy blasts scorched the wall where my head had been. "Looks like the welcoming committee's a bit more robust than we expected."

Nisha peered around the corner, assessing the situation. "That's a lot of firepower, Jack. We might need to rethink our approach."

My mind raced, considering our options. We were so close to my office, to the Eye of Helios, but Zarpedon's forces were dug in tight. A frontal assault would be suicide.

"Okay, new plan," I said, my voice low and intense. "We fall back, regroup. Maybe see if we can find another way in. Or..." my eyes lit up with a sudden idea, "maybe we call in some reinforcements of our own."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "And just who did you have in mind, darling? In case you hadn't noticed, we're rather short on allies at the moment."

My grin was sharp and determined. "Alexander's team is on Elpis, working on that jamming signal. Once they take it down, we can coordinate our next move with them."

As we retreated, my mind was already racing with possibilities. I'd need to contact Angel again, see if she could help coordinate our efforts. 

For a moment, I felt a flicker of anger at the thought. I'd worked so hard to keep Angel safe, to keep her existence a secret. And now she was reaching out to strangers? But I pushed the feeling aside. If this mysterious ally could help us retake Helios, help me claim the power I knew was rightfully mine, then maybe it was worth the risk.

"Alright, team," I said as we found a relatively secure area to catch our breath. "Looks like we're going to have to play the long game here. But don't worry - Jack always comes out on top."

As my team settled in to rest and regroup, I stepped away to make another call. I had plans to make, allies to coordinate, and a station to reclaim. And when I finally faced Zarpedon, when I finally took control of the Eye of Helios, I'd show the entire galaxy what I was truly capable of.

I was just getting started. And the universe would never be the same.

- Xion D. Demillion -

The sun of Pandora beat down mercilessly on the Dust as I led my ten-man squad across the barren wasteland. Our ebony and green power armour gleamed in the harsh light, a stark contrast to the dull browns and reds of the desert landscape. Standing at an imposing 200cm, my short blond hair and thick goatee were visible beneath my raised visor. I scanned the horizon with practised precision.

"Movement, two o'clock," one of my men reported, the words crackling through our comms.

My eyes narrowed as I spotted the dust cloud rising in the distance. "Bandits," I growled, my voice a low rumble. "Prepare to engage."

As the ramshackle vehicles drew closer, whooping and hollering could be heard over the roar of their engines. These weren't just any bandits—they were Hodunks, one of the most notorious clans in the region.

"Remember," I addressed my team, "we're here to protect and serve. Lethal force only when necessary."

The firefight was brief but intense. My squad moved with practised efficiency, our superior training and equipment making short work of the raiders. As the last bandit fell, I surveyed the battlefield, a mix of satisfaction and regret in my eyes.

"Secure the area," I ordered. "And check for survivors."

As my men carried out my commands, my mind drifted to the events that had led me here. Born on a distant planet, orphaned on Pandora, I had been on the brink of death when Alexander found me. The man who would become my saviour, my leader, my purpose.

A groan from nearby snapped me back to the present. One of the bandits, barely more than a boy, was still alive, clutching a bleeding wound in his side.

I knelt beside him, my massive frame casting a shadow over the injured bandit. "What's your name, son?"

"G-Gerry," the boy stammered, fear and pain mingling in his eyes.

"Listen to me, Gerry," I said, my voice firm but not unkind. "This life you're living, it doesn't have to be this way. There's another path."

As I spoke, I began to dress the boy's wound, my large hands surprisingly gentle. "I was like you once. Lost, angry, thinking the only way to survive was to take from others. But then I found something greater than myself."

Gerry listened, his eyes wide, as I shared my story. I spoke of Alexander, of the Iron Legion, of our mission to bring order and hope to the chaos of Pandora.

"We're not just another gang or corporation looking to exploit this world," I explained. "We're building something here. A future. And there's a place in it for people like you - if you're willing to work for it."

By the time I finished bandaging Gerry's wound, the boy's fear had been replaced with a glimmer of hope. "You... you really think I could join you?"

I nodded, a rare smile softening my features. "It won't be easy. But if you're willing to put in the effort, to dedicate yourself to something greater than personal gain, then yes. You can."

As I stood, I keyed my comm. "Med team to my location. We've got a potential recruit."

Over the next few weeks, my squad and I continued our patrol of the Dust, engaging in similar encounters. Each time, I would share my testimony, offering a path of redemption to those willing to listen. Some scoffed, some attacked, but a few—like Gerry—chose to take a chance on a different life.

Word of my actions spread, and soon villages began to welcome the sight of our ebony and green armour. Where once they had hidden in fear of raiders, now they emerged to greet the Iron Legion as protectors.

In one such village, as I distributed supplies and spoke with the locals, a young woman approached me, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Is it true?" she asked. "What they say about Alexander? That he's going to change Pandora?"

I considered her question carefully. "Change is already happening," I replied. "Alexander has given us the means and the vision, but it's up to all of us to make it a reality."

I spent the next hour sharing my experiences, painting a picture of the future Alexander envisioned. A Pandora free from corporate exploitation, where people could live without constant fear of bandit raids or monster attacks.

As the twin suns began to set, casting long shadows across the village, I prepared my team to move out. Our next destination was Oasis, a small town on the coast that had been experiencing its own troubles.

The journey to Oasis took several days, crossing from the arid Dust into more tropical climes. As we approached the coast, the air grew heavy with salt and moisture, a stark contrast to the dry heat we had left behind.

Oasis came into view as we crested a final dune, and I felt a twinge of disappointment. The town, once a thriving resort destination, now looked sad and dilapidated. Buildings sagged, their paint peeling in the harsh sun, and the streets were eerily empty.

As we entered the town, a few wary faces peered out from behind shuttered windows. I frowned, unused to such a cold reception.

"Spread out," I ordered my team. "Find out what's going on here."

It didn't take long to uncover the source of the town's troubles. Pirates had been raiding Oasis regularly, stealing supplies and terrorizing the population. The town's water supply had also mysteriously dried up, leaving the citizens struggling to survive.

I made my way to what passed for the town centre, a run-down plaza dominated by a broken fountain. As I approached, a small crowd began to gather, murmuring amongst themselves.

"People of Oasis," I called out, my voice carrying across the plaza. "I am Xion D Demillion of the Iron Legion. We've come to help."

A man stepped forward, his weathered face etched with suspicion. "We've heard that before," he spat. "Hyperion, Atlas, Dahl—they all made promises. And look where it got us."

I nodded, understanding their scepticism. "We're not like the corporations," I explained. "We're here to build, not exploit. To protect, not conquer."

I spent the next hour sharing my testimony, just as I had in countless villages across the Dust. I spoke of Alexander's vision, of the changes already taking place across Pandora. Slowly, the hostility in the crowd began to fade, replaced by cautious hope.

"First things first," I announced. "We need to secure your water supply and set up defences against these pirate raids."

As my team began to work, setting up turrets and fortifications around the town, I made my way to the local watering hole—a run-down bar called the Thirsty Grog. If I was going to get to the bottom of Oasis's troubles, this seemed like the place to start.

The bar was dimly lit and sparsely populated, a far cry from the bustling resort it must have once been. As my eyes adjusted to the gloom, I spotted a figure at the far end of the bar that made me pause.

She was striking, with fiery red hair and an eyepatch that somehow added to her allure rather than detracting from it. But it was the aura of danger that surrounded her that really caught my attention. This woman was trouble, and I knew it.

As if sensing my gaze, she turned, a sly smile playing across her lips. "Well, well," she purred, her voice carrying easily across the quiet bar. "What have we here? One of Alexander's loyal soldiers, if I'm not mistaken."

I approached cautiously, my hand never straying far from my weapon. "You have me at a disadvantage, miss...?"

"Captain," she corrected, her smile widening. "Captain Scarlett, at your service. Or perhaps you'll be at mine?"

The name struck a chord in my memory. Captain Scarlett—the notorious pirate queen of Pandora. Rumors of her exploits had reached even the Iron Legion's ears.

"I've heard of you," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "You've quite a reputation."

Scarlett laughed, a sound both melodious and dangerous. "All good things, I hope? Though I doubt your precious Alexander speaks very highly of me."

I took a seat at the bar, my large frame dwarfing the rickety stool. "Alexander respects capability, even in his adversaries. But I have to wonder, what brings someone like you to a place like this?"

Scarlett's eye gleamed with mischief. "Oh, you know how it is. A girl's got to make a living. And Oasis... well, it has its charms."

"Like a convenient base for raiding passing ships?" I suggested, my tone hardening slightly.

"My, my, aren't you the clever one?" Scarlett leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

 "But what if I told you there was something far more valuable here than a few paltry raids?"

Despite myself, I found my curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."

Scarlett's grin was positively predatory now. "Have you ever heard of Captain Blade's Lost Treasure? They say it's worth more than all the Eridium on Pandora. And I know where to find it."

My eyes narrowed. "And I suppose you're sharing this information out of the goodness of your heart?"

Scarlett laughed again. "Oh, darling. There's nothing good about my heart. But I'm not too proud to admit when I need a little... assistance."

She proceeded to explain about the legends of Captain Blade, a pirate of old who had supposedly hidden an incredible treasure somewhere in the area. But the vault containing the treasure was guarded by ancient traps and fearsome creatures.

"And that's where you come in, handsome," Scarlett concluded. "With your muscle and my brains, we could crack that vault wide open. Just think of how pleased your Alexander would be if you brought him such a prize."

I sat back, considering her words carefully. Everything about this screamed 'trap', and yet... The potential benefits to the Legion, to Alexander's cause, were too great to ignore.

"If we do this," I said slowly, "we do it my way. No double-crosses, no backstabbing. We work together, and we split the treasure fairly. Agreed?"

Scarlett's smile was angelic, which only made me more suspicious. "Of course, darling. You have my word as a gentleman. Er, gentlewoman. Whatever."

As we began to hash out the details of our treasure hunt, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was making a deal with the devil. Scarlett was charming, yes, but there was a calculated intelligence behind her flirtatious exterior that put me on edge.

Over the next few days, as my team worked to improve Oasis's defenses and restore the water supply, I found myself spending more and more time with Scarlett. She was a font of information about the area, and her stories of past adventures were as entertaining as they were likely exaggerated.

But it was her keen tactical mind that truly impressed me. As we planned our expedition, I found myself admiring the way she thought through problems, always three steps ahead.

"You know," I said one evening as we pored over maps in the Thirsty Grog, "you'd make one hell of a military strategist."

Scarlett looked up, surprise flickering across her face before being replaced by her usual smirk. "Why, Xion, was that a compliment? I do believe you're warming up to me."

I felt a flush creep up my neck, grateful for the dim lighting of the bar. "I'm merely stating a fact. Your skills are impressive."

"Flatterer," Scarlett teased. But there was something in her eye, a hint of genuine pleasure at the praise, that made me wonder if there was more to the pirate queen than met the eye.

As the day of our expedition dawned, I found myself faced with a dilemma. My duty to the Legion demanded that I report this treasure hunt to my superiors. And yet, something held me back. Perhaps it was the thrill of adventure, or maybe it was the enigmatic Scarlett herself.

Whatever the reason, as I and a select team from my squad set out with Scarlett into the wastelands surrounding Oasis, I felt a sense of excitement I hadn't experienced in years.

The journey was perilous, filled with skirmishes against local wildlife and the occasional group of bandits. But Scarlett and I worked surprisingly well together, our combat styles complementing each other perfectly.

As we made camp on the third night, huddled around a small fire to ward off the desert chill, Scarlett turned to me with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

"Why do you do it?" she asked. "Follow Alexander, I mean. You're clearly capable of making your own way in the world."

I was silent for a long moment, staring into the flames. When I spoke, my voice was quiet but filled with conviction.

"Alexander saved my life," I began. "But it's more than that. He gave me purpose and showed me that there could be more to existence than just surviving day to day. He has a vision for Pandora, for the future. And I believe in that vision."

Scarlett listened intently, her usual mocking smile nowhere to be seen. "And you don't ever question it? His methods, his motives?"

I hesitated. "It's not my place to question," I said finally. "I trust in Alexander's wisdom."

Scarlett's eyebrow arched sceptically. "Even when he asks you to work with notorious pirates?" she asked, a hint of her usual teasing tone returning.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, perhaps I'm exercising a bit of... independent judgment in this case."

As we lapsed into companionable silence, I found myself studying Scarlett's profile in the firelight. She was beautiful, yes, but it was more than that. There was a strength to her, a resilience that I admired.

For her part, Scarlett was having similar thoughts about me. She had worked with many people over the years, most of whom she had gleefully betrayed. But there was something different about this Iron Legion soldier. A sense of honour, of genuine belief in his cause, that both intrigued and unsettled her.

The next day, we finally reached our destination—an ancient Eridian ruin half-buried in the sand. As we stood before the massive stone doors, Scarlett's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"This is it," she breathed. "Captain Blade's Lost Treasure. Are you ready to make history, handsome?"

I nodded, my hand resting on the grip of my weapon. "Let's do this."

As we stepped into the shadowy interior of the vault, neither of us could have predicted the challenges that lay ahead. Nor could we have foreseen how this adventure would test not just our skills, but our loyalties, beliefs, and the very foundations of our worldviews.

The treasure hunt was about to begin, and with it, a journey that would change both Scarlett and me forever.