Ada-1

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Ada-1
Biographical information
Other name(s):	Adelaide Meyrin
Homeworld:	Earth
Born:	Golden Age
Species:	Human (formerly) Exo
Gender:	Female
Eye color:	Blue
Political and military information
Affiliation:	Black Armory
Rank:	Curator of the Black Armory
Notable info:	Golden Age Survivor

Ada-1, born as Adelaide Meyrin, is an Exo gunsmith and the head of the Black Armory.

Biography

The Golden Age

Ada-1 was originally Adelaide Meyrin and a member of the Black Armory's cofounders. Her family and three others started the armory to prepare for extraterrestrial invasion by making powerful weapons.

The Collapse

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Adelaide's mother, Henriette Meyrin, was wary of the Traveler lulling everyone into a false sense of security. She soon detected what she assumed could be proof of something coming. During the Collapse, Adelaide was fatally injured by a minion of the Darkness when the armory was attacked, forcing her mother to save her life by implanting her consciousness into an experimental Exo frame, becoming Ada-1.

On the Run

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Proto-Warlords killed her mother and the co-leaders of the Black Armory, and she survived through the ages.

Reclaiming the Past

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Ada eventually reached The Last City and set up a hidden Black Armory refuge within the walls of the growing city under the Traveler. She offered her wares to those who needed to defend themselves, but refused to work with the Vanguard and its Guardians due to her past with rogue Lightbearers. However, the Red War disrupted the operations of the Black Armory, and the Volundr Forge fell into the hands of the Red Legion in the European Dead Zone. Without the forge, Ada could no longer produce weapons for the Black Armory's customers and allies.

As Ada pondered what to do, she was surprised when the Guardian entered the Black Armory. As they approached a display containing a model of Izanagi's Burden, Ada approached them and stated that weapon was special, as it had borne witness to and helped avenge the death of the Black Armory's founder at the hands of Lightbearers. She angrily declared that they were not welcome in the Black Armory's halls, but the Guardian presented a token given to them by the Spider, one of Ada's allies who had grown tired of the Black Armory being shut down. Reluctantly, Ada allowed them continued access to the armory and enlisted their help in reclaiming the Volundr Forge.

A Place in the Tower

When the Festival of the Lost was held later that year, Ada participated in it and decorated the Black Armory in Festival decorations. When the Guardian visited her, Ada explained the Festival was new to her but that the Black Armory had a rich tradition of celebrating history and memory. She thanked them for welcoming her into the Tower's community and letting her join the City's festivities.

When the Pyramids arrived within the Solar System, Ada volunteered her equipment and expertise to work on Project Stronghold alongside the Future War Cult to prepare the Last City for a possible attack from their ancient enemy.

Project Stronghold on Hold

Unfortunately for Ada, Lakshmi would head a conspiracy against the Vanguard, as they had grown disillusioned with their recent decisions, from allowing Guardians to wield Stasis, forging an armistice with the Cabal, their inability to stop the Black Fleet and more recently, forging an alliance with the Eliksni House of Light to combat the Endless Night and allowing them sanctuary within the Last City. Lakshmi and the Factions' efforts to influence new leadership within the Vanguard would be rebuffed, leading them to turn to more violent means after Lakshmi gained Vex portal technology from Osiris (in reality Savathûn) to forcefully expel the House of Light from the Last City, even after the Guardians had succeeded in lifting the Endless Night with their aid. However, the coup attempt would end in tragedy as the Vex would enter the Last City through Lakshmi's portal, killing the War Cult leader and threatening the Last City but the Guardian managed to close the portal and save the House of Light.

In the aftermath, Ada-1 would learn of Lakshmi's fate and while she never really liked her, more like tolerating her, she nonetheless took the news bitterly. The War Cult leader had been her partner in Project Stronghold but with Lakshmi dead, so was the promise of Project Stronghold. A bunker where the city's leaders could be preserved through any attack made sense to Ada but ultimately found that her focus had been steered in this direction by Lakshmi. A city cannot survive without its leaders, but Ada never expected that Lakshmi herself would instigate an attack. The realization of being used by Lakshmi stung Ada greatly as she never meant any of the deaths caused by her coup attempt. Nonetheless, Ada forged ahead in working on her wares, wishing to at least represent the Black Armory well.

Creation of the Loom

Ada's next endeavor was to create the Loom, a device based on varying different technologies. She repurposed parts of the original Forge technology created by the Black Armory, theoretical knowledge regarding materials from Clovis Bray, and took inspiration from the weavers of the Eliksni to create a device that would allow the re-purposing of basic matter into other forms as needed. Enlisting the help of the Guardian, construction of the Loom was completed, and a test run performed. Success was met, with the end product of Synthweave being achieved. Using this, Guardians were able to adorn their armor with varying different looks from already-known patterns.

Ada begun to show a softer side with the satisfaction of the construction of the Loom, expressing to Namrask the Eliksni weaver that she had to re-invent herself with the loss of the Forges of the past. Namrask expressed nervousness at their being allowed to get close to such an invention, but Ada invited the fellow weaver to practice using the Loom by gifting them a bolt of Synthweave, from one weaver to another.

Personality and traits

At first glance, Ada-1 is secretive, distrusting and contemptuous, mostly towards the Guardians due to the hardship she had faced years prior at the hands of a rogue Risen. This has left her rather unwilling to associate herself and her Armory with the Guardian in any way, regardless of their reputation as heroes to the Last City and the countless foes they have defeated that have threatened the Solar System. Despite this, Ada does possess enough manners that should a Guardian possess a pass to access her Armory then she will welcome them but remains very distrusting. In addition, she feels that the Last City needs more protectors besides the Guardians.

Ada-1 takes great pride in her order, the Black Armory, finding that her wares surpass all others, and no one should even try to counterfeit Black Armory weapons. As a result, she is very confident that those who buy her wares will be more than satisfied and likewise becomes furious should her order's wares be pilfered or stolen.

In the wake of the Kell's Scourge's rise to power, their theft of Black Armory weaponry, Ada ultimately put aside her ill-feelings towards the Guardians for the greater good, knowing full well what kind of damage the terrorist Fallen could bring with her order's wares. In addition, she grows grateful of the Guardians efforts to restore the Black Armory's old forges. In time, and in great effort on the Guardian's part, Ada's attitude towards the Guardians begins to soften, especially as they aid her in recovering the lost papers and secrets of the Black Armory's founders. She stated that she was honored to have the Guardian bear the weapon Izanagi's Burden and putting an end to Siviks, Lost to None. She became especially grateful towards the Guardian for recovering the Obsidian Drive, a lost piece of herself which enabled her weapon-upgrading abilities. In the future, Ada-1 became one of the few individuals in the Tower who was indifferent to the Guardians wielding the power of Stasis. Having seen Light used for good and evil by the Warlords and Guardians, she thus viewed Stasis as another tool in one's arsenal, no different from the Light.

Despite being the vendor to the Black Armory, it has been said that Ada often prefers solitude to interacting with others, suggesting that she is an introvert. She would later admit that social interactions are not her strong suit. This ultimately makes attempts at interacting with her awkward at best and hostile at worst for some of the denizens of the Tower. Despite this, Ada would develop a unique friendship with Suraya Hawthorne.

Though Ada developed a better relation with the Guardians, her relation with the Vanguard would be rather cold but professional, finding Zavala's desires tangential to her desire to keep her Forges operational. Further, Ada remains adamant on keeping the legacy of the Black Armory firmly in her hands, viewing it as her responsibility.

Quotes

Season of the Forge

• "The Black Armory believes not in the Traveler or it's shambling dead, but in humanity itself."
• "It's okay, Ada. Just don't pay the loitering guardian any attention."
• "I hear your Vanguard wasn't much help in your quest to avenge a friend. That's... not surprising"
• "You won't find better anywhere else. Don't miss your chance."
• "Every piece in our collection tells a story. Whether it's be through its elegant design, its unique makeup, or a history of its crafter."
• "The Black Armory predates this city, I'll have you know."
• "Do not touch our wares, Guardian. They're only there for the pleasure of the eye."
• "The Spider. How well do you know our mutual friend? Not well enough, I'm sure."
• "Admire with your eyes. Not with your hands."
• "The Traveler made humanity weak. Lured them into a false sense of security"
• "I have kept an eye on your Vanguard from afar, Guardian. I am unimpressed."
• "Just focus on what you came in for, Warlock. No need for mozing."
• "Titan."
• "Careful titan, I don't need your broad shoulders knocking our wares over."
• "Don't even think about jumping on the display cases, Hunter."
• "If you're not going to buy anything, could you please step outside?"
• "You don't talk much, do you? Just like me. Let's try and keep it that way, if you don't mind. I enjoy the silence."
• "Guardian? Are you there?"
• "Stay awhile and enjoy our wares."
• "See you next time, perhaps."
• "Come see what we are selling today, Guardian"
• "If there's anything else, don't hesitate to stop by again."
• "Unfortunately, this is all we have at the moment."
• "Take a look at our wares. You won't regret it."

• "See anything you like?"
• "Anything I can get you? Just say the word."
• "What can the Black Armory do for you today?."
• "We have more in stock now. Thanks to you."
• "What's ours can be yours. For the right price."
• "Come visit again soon."
• "It's not much, but it's what we've got."
• "Until next time."
• "Come back anytime."
• "Welcome, Guardian."
• "I'm here next time you need me."
• "Your business is appreciated."
• "I believe our wares will be to your liking."
• "Something here must be to your liking."
• "Yes?"
• "You know where to find me."
• "The Black Armory awaits your return."
• "Go ahead, peruse what we have to offer."
• "Come, Warlock. I won't lie, I've always had a secret desire to see your kind up close."

Tower Annex, The Last City, Earth (Season of the Splicer)

Distant dialogue

• "Mother... if you're watching I hope you know I'm doing everything I can."
• "Please keep your hands clear of the apparatus. Your Ghost might put you back together, but I'll have to fix your mess by hand."
• "Then this one connects over... what?! How could the couplings be different sizes?! That doesn't make any... [groans]"
• "It's just another new beginning. I've handled those well, so far."
• "I'm an armorer, not a physicist. How am I supposed to... [sighs] Let's try it again."
• "Now where did I put that omnitool?"
• "Mind the residue left behind after operation. I expect you Guardians to clean up after yourselves."
• "I am the Black Armory. They can steal all the Forges they want. but they cannot have my hands or my mind."
• "Quand nous chanterons, le temps des cerises, Et gai rossignol, et merle moqueur, Seront tous en fête."
• "Forge statuses are unclear. They could've been stripped for parts, or could be operational in enemy hands. Either way, we're out of leads."
• "Such wonderous science... To think Clovis Bray left this in the garbage in favor of his vain pursuits. It's pure arrogance."
• "[Sighs] I'm never going to have a chance to clean up here, am I?"
• "Commander, I'd be forging you weapons if I could, but it's not an option anymore. I'm sorry."
• "A triangular splice improves rigidity, but reduces tensile strength. Interesting."
• "Just breathe, Ada. Just breathe... Whatever that does for this body."
• "Begin log: initial experiments in polyphasic recombination are discouraging. Perhaps another route is wiser."
• "Maybe if the threading algorithm was layered... no, that still won't work."
• "Is this a mistake? Without the Forges... no. I cannot despair. There is no going back."
• "So the strands get sequenced and... then what? [sighs] What I wouldn't give to be working with barrels and stocks."
• "Maybe this can fabricate parts to remake Volundr... no, that's not the way. We need new solutions."
• "The Armory was more than just the Forges. It was courage and action in the face of Darkness. That spirit must live on."

Near dialogue

• "The Pyramids' approach fills me with dread, despite being surrounded by Guardians. I can't imagine what the Armory founders felt like during the Collapse."
• "Plumbing through BrayTech schematics is like learning a new language. I feel... lost, sometimes."
• "When the Traveler acts, the world changes. For some it gets better, for others worse. What will its reformation bring?"
• "Please watch your step. This is a lab, not a lounge."
• "The Loom has quite a different aesthetic from the old Armory tech, doesn't it? It's... growing on me."
• "I am continuously fascinated by the choices you Guardians make when molding your Synthweave. Such... garishness."
• "The Loom was your creation as well as mine, Guardian. Thank you for your aid."
• "Why should I fear Stasis? I've seen the Light wielded by Warlords and Guardians alike, for evil and good. A new tool doesn't change the wielder."
• "You get Synthweave, I get research data. It's... would have you say it? A "win-win.""
• "I know what it's like to feel threatened by Lightbearers. Whatever unease you feel towards our Fallen guests, know that they feel the same."
• "I never imagined life without the Forges, but... I suppose they're still here. The foundation for the Loom's technology."
• "Pardon the exposed machinery, and watch where you walk."
• "The Armory will not fade as long as I have anything to say about it."
• "Every usage of the Loom is another batch of data for my research, and I need all I can get."
• "I've been able to watch our Fallen guests repair their armaments. The methods are unorthodox, but the craftsmanship is admirable!"
• "The founders of the Black Armory were visionaries... inventors. If the Armory is going to survive, I must be the same."
• "I have never put faith in the Traveler, but I am starting to trust Guardians."
• "It will take time to adjust to the sight of Fallen in the Last City, but their presence has its benefits. Their Scribes have shared some fascinating information."
• "I once believed the Forges could be our future, but I was wrong. They were just a step on the path. And now... we walk on."
• "How many of these Fallen have lost a friend to a Black Armory weapon? A loved one? If I were them, I wouldn't easily let that go."
• "Adopting this new technology feels overwhelming. I barely understand it, but... it's not to have a clear challenge in front of me."
• "I am afraid this will all fail. It gnaws at the corners of my mind. But it is how I know it is important work."

Approach dialogue

• "Welcome. In need of a new threader?"
• "Ah, my partner returns!"
• "The Loom awaits, Guardian."

Trivia

• Ada is voiced by Britt Baron.
• Prior to Black Armory's reveal, many thought her to be the Exo Gunsmith, Gaunt, as a result of fake Black Armory leaks.
• The original concept of her being an Exo was to be a walking Black Armory Forge, through the Obsidian Accelerator.
• She is part of the French family, the House of Meyrin.
• Among the Exos encountered in the series, Ada-1 is the only one without a visible moving mouth, possessing LEDs which activate when she speaks instead. However, an excerpt from Destiny: The Official Cookbook implies she is capable of eating and drinking, though it does not depict her doing so or explicitly identify her.
• If one lingers around Ada-1 long enough, she can be heard singing "Le Temps Des Cerises."[1], a French song composed by Jean-Baptiste Clément in 1866. She learned the piece from her mother.
• There is currently a bug in the game, where Ada's feet sink into the ground. This makes her look very small.

List of appearances

• Destiny 2
  • Season of the Forge (First appearance)
  • Shadowkeep
    • Season of Dawn
    • Season of the Worthy
    • Season of Arrivals (Mentioned only)
  • Beyond Light (Mentioned only)
    • Season of the Splicer
    • Season of the Lost
  • The Witch Queen (Mentioned only)