User:Sonasaurus/RP logs

A Gathering of Spartans

 * as Felix-116, Vinh-030, Linda-058, Jun-A266, and Agent Texas
 * as Dr. Halsey, Jorge-052, and Amaranth
 * as Dyne-G217 and Agent Wyoming
 * as Simon-G294 and Commander Yuri Rosch
 * as Dom-094

* Doctor_Halsey enters the run-down pub, blending easily with the crowd due to her slight stature and long brown overcoat. She sniffs disapprovingly and pushes her glasses farther up her nose before seeking a booth away from the main crowd. * Doctor_Halsey rubs the back of her neck, wincing slightly as the scar over the place her neural implant used to be stings, then turns her attention to her datapad, ignoring the commotion around her. * Dyne-G217 taps his foot to the underlying beat of the guitarist in the corner, thankfully not a newfangled flip musician. * Doctor_Halsey taps at the pad's screen lightly, sorting through an array of decrypted ONI files, most of them having to do with the most recent SPARTAN program. * Dyne-G217 gets up and strolls innocuously towards the bar, the bartender being nowhere in sight. * Doctor_Halsey then looks up and blinks, suddenly aware of the emptiness in her stomach. She pulls a UNSC ration bar from her pocket, but seems reluctant to eat it. * Dyne-G217 looks down at the empty mug in his hand, then across the bar to the cask of Strawberry Fizz on the other side. * Simon-G294 fingers the cheap swill in front of him and wonders why he always winds up in a bar in spite of his disgust for the taste of alcohol. * Doctor_Halsey turns the ration bar over and reads the fine print on its label. "What was it Mendez used to call these? Shit logs?" * Dyne-G217 looks about, then smoothly slides across the bar, making little noise despite his obviousness.  Right, that does it.  I'm gonna go spend this cash on food. * Simon-G294 is hungry, as always. * Felix-116 walks over to Doctor_Halsey and nods at her.  Good day, doctor. * Doctor_Halsey looks up as if stung.  Please, sir. A bit more discretion on your part would benefit the both of us.  Apologies, Dr. Halsey. * Dyne-G217 licks his lips as the bubbly red sweet fills up his mug.  I just weren't aware you were dropping into a joint like this.  I'm hardly dropping anywhere. * Doctor_Halsey looks around as if expecting an arrest at any moment. * Simon-G294 gets to his feet and glances quickly about the bar, keenly remembering that most of his troubles tend to begin in places like this. * Dyne-G217 shuts off the tap and walks to the side of a window, peering out discreetly.  They're still tailing us...  Guys just don't give up easy.  I don't suppose you're here on business.  Minding your own would be prudent. * Felix-116 taps his knuckles against the counter to get Dyne's attention.  Hmm?  Or perhaps you're here on behalf of those who don't want me investigating theirs?  See if there's some food the barkeep usually has in the stores.  Proper food, mind you. The doctor here looks like she could use some.  On it. * Felix-116 turns his attention back to Doctor_Halsey. * Doctor_Halsey remains seated, staring icily at Felix. She puts the datapad in her pocket and clasps her hands together. <Felix-116> Dr. Halsey, I have to say this isn't like you. <Felix-116> Is something wrong? * Dyne-G217 brushes past Simon-G294 without recognizing him, headed for the back. * Simon-G294 heads for the door, then stops when he sees Dyne and quickly slips into an empty booth, ducking his head down as he searches for a more discreet exit. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm merely adapting to changing circumstances. <Felix-116> I know the feeling. <Felix-116> But that doesn't answer my question. <Simon-G294> Why do they always show up in places like these? <Doctor_Halsey> If you don't know why I'm here...then it means I can trust you. For now. <Felix-116> Now come on, there's no need to be so nervous. * Dyne-G217 opens the door to a back room, throwing up a lot of dust with the fresh wind, and begins rummaging around. * Simon-G294 stands up slowly and winds his way through the crowd as he makes for a side exit. <Doctor_Halsey> I became spoiled on privileges. Now it's time to fall back on everything I instilled in my trainees and be resourceful. <Felix-116> Trainees. * Dyne-G217 digs a candy bar out of a box, one of the brands he used to steal on Onyx, and pauses as light from a boarded-up window catches his eye. <Felix-116> Well, you already know I'm not one of your Spartans. <Felix-116> But you can trust me. * Doctor_Halsey blinks. <Doctor_Halsey> What I need to know is whether you're working for Serin or not. <Felix-116> Serin? From ONI? * Dyne-G217 peers between the slats, narrowing his eyes as he spots the face he's seen repeated loitering across the street. * Doctor_Halsey smiles ever so slightly, a haunted look. <Doctor_Halsey> My Serin. <Doctor_Halsey> All grown up, now. <Doctor_Halsey> Why should I expect her to value me now that my intellect is no longer of use? * Felix-116 's eyes darken. <Felix-116> Someone got it in for you? <Doctor_Halsey> Several someones, in fact. * Doctor_Halsey tilts her head slightly. <Felix-116> If ONI's involved, I'm not surprised. <Doctor_Halsey> They'd compensate you well. * Felix-116 scoffs dismissively. <Felix-116> The only reason they haven't locked me up is because they consider me a walking experiment. <Felix-116> And more importantly, a representation of the secrets they don't know about the Forerunners. <Felix-116> Secrets even I don't know. * Dyne-G217 walks back into the main room without looking where he's going, running into Simon-G294. * Simon-G294 reacts immediately, drawing a handgun from his coat and pressing it against Dyne's chest while drawing close so that none of the other patrons can see. <Simon-G294> Move and I'll kill you. * Dyne-G217 freezes. <Dyne-G217> Sorry, who...oh. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah...you must be yet another project kept from me. <Doctor_Halsey> Perhaps we can be of use to one another. <Felix-116> Yeah. That's the short and simple answer. <Felix-116> What exactly is the problem, doctor? * Doctor_Halsey lowers her head slightly. <Doctor_Halsey> My curiosity got the better of me, it seems. I searched for answers in places ONI forbade me to explore. I've learned so much...but now I must pay the price. <Dyne-G217> You're not with them, are you? No, no, you wouldn't be. * Simon-G294 scans the bar with narrow, haunted eyes, scanning for more threats. <Dyne-G217> Outside. * Dyne-G217 nods over Simon's shoulder. <Dyne-G217> Out the front window, cross the street. Next to the streetlamp. <Simon-G294> You think I don't know when people are after me? <Dyne-G217> Not you. Us. <Simon-G294> "Us"? <Dyne-G217> I've seen his face six times today. The face repeats. * Felix-116 sighs. <Felix-116> Wouldn't be the first time ONI tried to make someone disappear. <Felix-116> Just to keep their dirty secrets quiet for a little longer. <Felix-116> Until someone else finds out and has to be erased. * Simon-G294 's eyes narrow further and he presses the barrel of the pistol into Dyne's side. <Dyne-G217> Someone's keeping an eye on Felix. You walk out now, though, they'll notice you. <Simon-G294> Or you're just lying to me. <Simon-G294> For all I know, you could be with them, too. <Dyne-G217> Like I'd do that. Now get that stupid thing outta my gut. <Dyne-G217> Old pal. * Simon-G294 lessens the pressure on the pistol but doesn't take it away. * Doctor_Halsey stands slowly. One of her wrists slides free of her sleeve as she reaches up to brush a strand of hair away, revealing slight bruising. * Felix-116 notices the bruise and frowns. <Felix-116> How did that happen? <Doctor_Halsey> I made a rather undignified show of trying to escape. <Felix-116> I see. <Simon-G294> Here's how this goes, buddy. <Simon-G294> You're going to turn around and walk out of here. <Simon-G294> Slowly. <Dyne-G217> Like hell. They've got Strawberry Fizz. <Simon-G294> And I've got a pistol. <Dyne-G217> Mm, point. <Dyne-G217> Still got those trust issues? <Simon-G294> You're going to be my shield out there. Once I get away, I'll decide whether or not to shoot you. <Dyne-G217> That's a yes. * Doctor_Halsey looks up at Felix, still wary. <Felix-116> Well, if you're looking to get out of the area, doctor, you can come with me. I'm with someone who you might know. * Vinh-030 (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Vinh-030 * Dyne-G217 thinks about it. <Dyne-G217> I got one better. <Dyne-G217> There's a Warthog outside. We can— * Vinh-030 creeps up behind Simon and puts her pistol to the back of his head. <Vinh-030> Drop the gun. <Doctor_Halsey> You and I both know I've done terrible things. I'm not sorry, either. * Felix-116 turns around and sees Vinh. <Felix-116> There she is. <Felix-116> Recognize her? * Felix-116 stands up slowly, eyeing the situation. * Doctor_Halsey glances over, quite calm. <Doctor_Halsey> My Vinh. * Simon-G294 freezes, but keeps the gun pointed at Dyne. <Simon-G294> You shoot me, I shoot him. <Dyne-G217> Vinh? What the heck are you doing here? <Vinh-030> Keeping you alive, kid. <Felix-116> Now what's this all about? <Dyne-G217> I can take care of myself, you know. <Vinh-030> Doesn't look like it to me. <Dyne-G217> Sy here's an old friend. * Vinh-030 turns her attention to Simon. <Vinh-030> Now how about this. <Vinh-030> My friend here disarms you, I shoot you, and you're the only one who dies. <Vinh-030> Is that what you want? * Doctor_Halsey turns her attention to the crowd of surprised people now edging toward the door. <Vinh-030> No? Then drop. The. Gun. <Felix-116> Vinh, we're being watched. * Dyne-G217 looks out the window. <Dyne-G217> Pretty intently, too. <Vinh-030> And this asshole is about to shoot a Spartan. I'm not going to stand for that. * Simon-G294 hesitates, fingers quivering on the pistol. <Simon-G294> Shit. <Dyne-G217> Guys, holster up. They're getting suspicious. <Felix-116> Fine. * Simon-G294 backs away from Dyne, moving the pistol to one side but not letting it go. <Felix-116> We're running out of time anyway. <Simon-G294> ONI pig. <Dyne-G217> Hey, can't we all just sit down and have a drink? * Felix-116 tosses Dyne a pistol and draws his own. * Dyne-G217 catches the sidearm. <Vinh-030> I don't think so. * Vinh-030 glances at Dr. Halsey, and then to Felix. <Vinh-030> Are we leaving? <Felix-116> We should, yes. * Doctor_Halsey clenches a fist. <Dyne-G217> Right, I think I can draw 'em off. <Vinh-030> Not happening, kid. <Vinh-030> You're coming with us. <Dyne-G217> Please. Who else can joyride an ONI vehicle with a smile? * Simon-G294 takes another step back, eyes flashing between the Spartans in the room. <Vinh-030> You'll never make it out alive. * Vinh-030 pulls out a detonator. <Vinh-030> I've got a better idea. <Doctor_Halsey> I've done enough to those who don't deserve suffering. Let me go. I need to disappear. <Vinh-030> No, doctor. I've got a promise to keep. * Dyne-G217 takes a step, and not being shot at once, moves towards the front. * Vinh-030 presses the detonator, blowing apart a half dozen cars out on the street and collapsing the front door in the blink of an eye. <Dyne-G217> Whoah! <Vinh-030> That should hold them. * Felix-116 sweeps up Dr. Halsey and runs for the back door. <Dyne-G217> Time to go! * Vinh-030 covers Felix, backing up with him. <Vinh-030> Come on, Gamma, we're leaving! * Dyne-G217 abruptly switches directions and sprints ahead, bashing open the back door. * Vinh-030 moves through the back door, gun sweeping the alleyway for hostiles. <Dyne-G217> We've got a 'Hog out back! * Simon-G294 ducks behind the bar, pistol still in hand. <Simon-G294> So they weren't gunning for me after all. * Simon-G294 keeps his head down and crawls towards the exit, grabbing Halsey's discarded ration bar as he moves. <Vinh-030> Clear. <Felix-116> Where is it, Dyne? <Dyne-G217> Around the corner, to the left. * Vinh-030 takes point, gun raised. <Dyne-G217> I did a kinda bad job parallel parking, though. <Vinh-030> Damn, here comes the cavalry. * Vinh-030 opens fire on the black-armoured figures heading towards them. * Dyne-G217 throws himself to the side of the alley, and slides along it towards a closed door. * Felix-116 makes sure Dr. Halsey is covered from the gunfire, helping with firing at the enemies. <Felix-116> Vinh, we need to get the armour before we leave. <Vinh-030> Forget the armour! We have to go now! * Doctor_Halsey is unable to fight Felix, too weak from lack of nourishment to resist properly. <Doctor_Halsey> ...I hope you know what you're doing. * Dyne-G217 kicks apart the handle, forcing the door open and waving the others in. * Felix-116 curses and empties his magazine before swiftly ducking into the doorway. * Vinh-030 fires a few more shots before following. <Dyne-G217> Okay, just gotta move to the street and its right there. <Dyne-G217>...hope I didn't get us ticketed. <Felix-116> Do you have anywhere important to go? <Doctor_Halsey> I... * Doctor_Halsey laughs abruptly. <Doctor_Halsey> I really had no idea where I was going. <Felix-116> That's a first. * Vinh-030 reloads and takes point again, aiming for enemies. <Vinh-030> Nothing. They're probably waiting for us outside though. * Dyne-G217 stays in Vinh's shadow, his pistol still holstered. * Simon-G294 glances out into the street and sees several dark-armored bodies lying in red pools several feet away. <Simon-G294> What the hell is going on out here? * Simon-G294 emerges from the bar cautiously, slipping the rations into his coat as he raises his pistol. <Simon-G294> Gotta get the hell out of here. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm realizing just how much I am not one of you. <Felix-116> You're more important than any one of us, Dr. Halsey. <Felix-116> So keep your head down. <Doctor_Halsey> Important? * Doctor_Halsey shakes her head. * Vinh-030 makes it to the Warthog, still sweeping the area for enemies. <Vinh-030> Why do I feel like this is a trap? <Dyne-G217> 'Cause it is. <Dyne-G217> But it's not their trap. * Dyne-G217 pulls out a clicker, and presses the button. <Dyne-G217> That'll disarm any explosive trigger within ten feet of the 'Hog. <Vinh-030> Good thinking. <Dyne-G217> Pays to think ahead. * Vinh-030 takes a closer look at the Warthog and sees that it's a troop-carrier variant. <Vinh-030> You've got to be joking. <Vinh-030> No turret? <Dyne-G217> Well it's not like I planned on shooting down Banshees today. <Felix-116> Let's try not to make too much of a mess, Petty Officer. <Felix-116> It's bad enough that we're opening fire on UNSC troops. * Doctor_Halsey looks around. <Doctor_Halsey> Where's that other Spartan? <Dyne-G217> He doesn't really stick around long. * Felix-116 puts Dr Halsey into the Warthog's passenger seat. <Felix-116> I'll go look for him. <Dyne-G217> Felix! Ah... * Simon-G294 scans the  surrounding buildings for more armed individuals and sees no one. <Simon-G294> Right, time to leave. * Dyne-G217 runs around the front bumper, climbing into the driver's seat. * Vinh-030 clambers into the back of the Warthog, picking up an assault ifle from the back of the vehicle. <Vinh-030> I hope you drive better than you park. * Dyne-G217 hides a sinister grin. * Dyne-G217 keys the ignition and floors the accelerator, lurching forward through the colonial city's light traffic. * Simon-G294 moves down the street, slipping from cover to cover as he keeps an eye on his surroundings. * Felix-116 turns the corner and sees Simon heading down the street. <Felix-116> Thought you'd be long gone by now. * Simon-G294 spins, whipping his pistol up. <Simon-G294> You. <Felix-116> I'm guessing you're not here on ONI's behalf. <Felix-116> Now if you want to get out of here alive, you'd best come with me. * Simon-G294 laughs bitterly. <Simon-G294> Yeah, because you're always great for my health. <Felix-116> I've kept you alive this far, haven't I? <Dyne-G217> Hey Doc, see if you can find a good radio station. I'm in the mood for a chase. * Doctor_Halsey closes her eyes, seemingly uncomfortable from the lurching. <Vinh-030> She doesn't listen to anything too upbeat. <Vinh-030> Mostly classical. * Dyne-G217 laughs, weaving through civilian Genets. * Vinh-030 spots UNSC Falcons bearing down on them. <Vinh-030> Might want to improvise, kid. <Vinh-030> I don't have the firepower to bring them down. <Dyne-G217> Wings? Oh, that's cheating. * Doctor_Halsey pulls up the hood of her coat to try and mask her identity from their pursuers. <Dyne-G217> Improvising. I'm good at improvising. <Vinh-030> Not that I want to crash a Falcon in the middle of a civilian area. <Dyne-G217> No worries, we're gonna be out of the suburbs soon anyway. * Simon-G294 narrows his eyes, weapon still raised. <Simon-G294> What do you want with me this time, anyway? <Simon-G294> I've got my own problems. <Felix-116> I don't want you hauled in for questioning, that's for sure. <Felix-116> That's what's going to happen if I leave you to deal with them on your own. * Dyne-G217 checks his mirror to spot a couple black SUVs tailing them. <Dyne-G217> Oh, I hope they're half as good at this as I am. * Vinh-030 grunts. <Vinh-030> Do I have to cause an accident? * Vinh-030 aims at the vehicles' tires, popping them with the rifle's rapid bursts. * Vinh-030 causes both vehicles to spin out of control on the street, swerving off the road and crashing into barriers. <Simon-G294> Yeah, how 'bout you give me a real answer. <Simon-G294> What are you after? * Felix-116 gives an impatient grunt and sighs. <Felix-116> I need your help. <Felix-116> I just happened to notice Dr. Halsey while I was looking for you. * Simon-G294 's eyes flare at the mention of Halsey's name, but he quickly smooths his features back to normal and lowers the pistol. * Doctor_Halsey pulls out her datapad. <Doctor_Halsey> I can have Jerrod find us a clear exit vector... <Doctor_Halsey> ...assuming we can navigate this traffic. <Dyne-G217> Exit vector? This ought to do. * Dyne-G217 spins the wheel, heading straight up a one-way entrance ramp. * Dyne-G217 drives the 'Hog into its side, putting two wheels up on the side of the barrier. <Dyne-G217> Oh, might want to buckle up. * Dyne-G217 misses the civilian traffic headed the right way up the entrance by decimeters at high speed. * Doctor_Halsey remains rigid in her seat, holding on for dear life. * Dyne-G217 jerks the wheel and gets off the barrier, immediately spinning it again to turn 180 degrees and get under overpass they came off of. <Dyne-G217> Let's see those Falcons stay on us now! * Vinh-030 fumbles for another magazine of 7.62 rounds under the seat. <Simon-G294> Well, you've got my attention. <Felix-116> Then come on. <Simon-G294> But you know the drill. <Simon-G294> I don't work for free. <Felix-116> Whatever. <Felix-116> I get paid as much as a Navy skipper, do you think I'm worried about money? <Simon-G294> Fine. I'm coming. Where are you headed? <Felix-116> Somewhere low-profile, where ONI won't find Dr. Halsey. <Felix-116> I assume you'd want to stay out of sight too. <Simon-G294> Yeah. I've got armor and gear stowed nearby. * Simon-G294 walks down the street toward Felix. <Simon-G294> And if I can help make ONI suffer, well that just sweetens the deal. <Dyne-G217> Hey, Vinh? Can you or the doc hold the wheel a second? <Dyne-G217> Won't take long, all you gotta do is keep it straight. * Doctor_Halsey looks uncertainly at the wheel. <Doctor_Halsey> Vinh...had better do it. <Vinh-030> Sure. * Vinh-030 clambers to the front of the vehicle, grasping the wheel firmly. <Vinh-030> Just keep your head down, doctor. * Dyne-G217 pulls himself out of the seat, ducking over the Warthog's side. * Doctor_Halsey looks down at her hands and notes they are trembling slightly. <Doctor_Halsey> Noted. <Dyne-G217> Okay, now I know you put something here, just where is it? <Dyne-G217> Bunny and Soup Can are clear. * Dyne-G217 pulls himself farther out, almost crawling under the Warthog. <Dyne-G217> Aha! * Dyne-G217 pulls free a block of C12, crawling back up and showing it to Vinh and Halsey. <Dyne-G217> Think they can get me like that, huh? We'll see about that. <Vinh-030> Watch where you put that. <Vinh-030> Don't go blowing up any civilians. <Doctor_Halsey> ...indeed. * Doctor_Halsey eyes Dyne uncertainly, as if unsure he's a true Spartan. * Dyne-G217 pulls out the useless detonator, casting it aside as he inserts one of his own. <Dyne-G217> Marcus always had a knack for this, but I know my way around a good explosion. <Felix-116> There's something else too. That former Freelancer, Georgia. <Felix-116> Halsey has found out something about what he was doing on Reach. <Felix-116> That's why ONI's trying to get her. * Simon-G294 freezes again, but just as it was with Halsey's name, quickly composes himself. <Simon-G294> Well, isn't that interesting? <Simon-G294> Get me to 30th street so I can pick up my gear. <Felix-116> Okay. <Simon-G294> Then I'll shoot whoever you tell me to. * Felix-116 pulls up a garage door to reveal a two-wheeled motorbike. * Felix-116 pulls an SMG off the bike's side panel and hands it to Simon. <Felix-116> If anyone comes after us, keep them off our backs. <Felix-116> I'd ask you not to kill them, but that might be asking a bit too much. * Felix-116 climbs onto the seat and starts up the engine. <Simon-G294> How about I just stick with trying to hit them? * Simon-G294 clambers on behind Felix. * Felix-116 guns the bike out of the garage and down the alleyway, making swift turns around obstacles and buildings. <Dyne-G217> Okay, I'll take the wheel back now. * Dyne-G217 takes the wheel back, passing off the C12 to Vinh. <Dyne-G217> That might come in handy, but if you've got an Emp handy... <Dyne-G217> Well, it'd be handier, heh. * Doctor_Halsey glances at Vinh. <Vinh-030> Let's try to get away without forcing the city administration to make repairs, shall we? <Dyne-G217> With you there. <Vinh-030> It's too late to stay off the news, but we can still escape. <Doctor_Halsey> And where are we going? <Vinh-030> That's a very good question. * Dyne-G217 makes for the start of a tunnel, when a black SUV nearly hits him broadside, forcing him to turn and evade, headed down another street out of the overpass's shadow. <Dyne-G217> Dammit! <Dyne-G217> That tunnel was our way out. <Felix-116> Looks like ONI's gone after the others. <Simon-G294> Less trouble for us then. <Felix-116> No sign of trouble. <Simon-G294> Hurry it up so we can keep things that way. <Vinh-030> Make a go-around. * Vinh-030 snaps up her rifle and takes aim. <Vinh-030> If this Hog can't smash through an SUV then I'm an Unggoy. <Dyne-G217> Funny, thought I smelled methane. <Vinh-030> Very funny. <Dyne-G217> Right. Might have to get...creatively overstating with detours. * Doctor_Halsey sinks a little in her seat. Her face is set in a hard mask, and one arm goes to her side, where the dark brown of her coat looks a little damp. * Felix-116 stomps on the brakes as he reaches the hideout, scanning for signs of trouble. <Felix-116> Don't take too long. * Simon-G294 gets off, carefully scanning the rooftops for snipers. <Simon-G294> Be right out. * Simon-G294 walks past the door and slips down an alley, vanishing between a dumpster and a wall. * Dyne-G217 checks his mirrors, signals, and pulls straight across a pedestrian plaza. * Dyne-G217 slows down, dodging startled civilian crowds. <Doctor_Halsey> ...they're uncoordinated, I'll say. * Doctor_Halsey grits her teeth. * Vinh-030 hears the tension in Dr. Halsey's voice and glances at her in alarm. <Vinh-030> Doctor, are you alright? <Doctor_Halsey> I'm fine. <Dyne-G217> Y'know, back when it was just Covenant, I could drive right through 'em. No one complained. Except the Covies, but, y'know. * Dyne-G217 pulls through a narrow, empty alley, scraping the sides of the buildings. * Vinh-030 grips onto the Warthog's seats and takes a good look over Dr. Halsey, ignoring the commotion around them. <Vinh-030> You've been hit! <Dyne-G217> Huh? * Doctor_Halsey shakes her head. <Doctor_Halsey> Don't let me distract you. <Doctor_Halsey> If...I'm correct, it passed through nonessential tissue... * Vinh-030 forces herself to stay focused on watching for enemies. * Dyne-G217 glances at Halsey, but his attention is suddenly taken by an SUV entering the far side of the alley. <Dyne-G217> Ah, Vinh? <Vinh-030> Oh, no you don't! <Dyne-G217> I really hope you're not an Unggoy. * Dyne-G217 pushes down the accelerator, speeding up to meet the SUV head on. * Simon-G294 emerges in his battered SPI armor, pouches, sidearms, and combat knives strapped across its dented frame by combat webbing. He slots a shell into his shotgun and nods at Felix. <Simon-G294> Alright, let's go. <Simon-G294> Time to meet this Halsey person of yours. * Felix-116 nods and floors the pedal ont he motorbike, pulling out of the alley and onto the street. * Felix-116 passes a device to Simon with one hand. <Felix-116> Get a lock on the others' location. <Felix-116> It should be able to pick up Vinh's FOF tag. * Simon-G294 links the device to his helmet's HUD. <Dyne-G217> Vinh, the C12, give it here! * Vinh-030 opens fire on the SUV, emptying 32 rounds into its side and forcing it to slide back, not enough to get it out of the way but enough to soften the impact. * Dyne-G217 barrels down on the SUV. * Doctor_Halsey shuts her eyes, emitting a noise as the lurching causes her to move, aggravating her injury. * Vinh-030 is almost thrown off by the impact but manages to cling onto the troop-carrier's bars. * Dyne-G217 slams forward, but is saved by buckling up. * Doctor_Halsey is flung forward, caught by her seatbelt but crying out from the stress. <Dyne-G217> Damn. Should've given me the C12, I coulda got over it. * Doctor_Halsey sinks back down. <Vinh-030> Let's not do explosions unless we really have to, okay? <Dyne-G217> Aw, but I like explosions. <Doctor_Halsey> ...I'm getting too old for this. * Simon-G294 points down the street. <Simon-G294> Right, they're that way. For now. <Simon-G294> But they're moving fast. * Felix-116 makes a sharp turn, neatly avoiding an incoming van. <Felix-116> Give me an approximate speed and heading. * Simon-G294 struggles to stay on. <Simon-G294> Cut me a little notice with those, will you? <Simon-G294> And they're headed north at, hell, 80 miles an hour? * Felix-116 does some quick calculations in his head, and makes another turn to continue parallel to the previous direction. <Felix-116> Right. <Felix-116> There's a bridge five klicks from here. <Felix-116> Assuming they take the route I think they're taking, we should be able to head them off— * Felix-116 sees two Mongooses appearing from the side streets, with Marines holding Spartan lasers on the back. <Felix-116> We've got trouble. <Simon-G294> I knew it couldn't last forever... * Simon-G294 draws a sidearm and takes aim at the Marines. <Simon-G294> This is for Rat Pack, assholes. * Dyne-G217 starts extricating himself from the straps. * Dyne-G217 climbs over the 'Hog's windshield, having no space on either side to get out on. <Dyne-G217> Yeah, these guys are out. Lucky they buckled up, too. * Dyne-G217 leaps back into the 'Hog's seat, and tries the ignition. <Dyne-G217> Oh, come on! These things are supposed to be unstoppable! <Dyne-G217> Stupid Warthog. Bet Stacker owned it, he had a curse with the things. * Doctor_Halsey makes an effort to reach into an inner pocket and pulls out an M6D pistol with a silencer tacked on. * Simon-G294 fires wildly at the Marines, but the constant motion and his own poor aiming prevent him from hitting either target. * Doctor_Halsey holds the pistol grip-first toward Vinh. <Doctor_Halsey> You...could probably make better use of this than I can. * Vinh-030 accepts the gun with a nod of thanks. * Dyne-G217 climbs up again. <Dyne-G217> Now, I had a medkit here, where'd it go? * Doctor_Halsey winces and leans in slightly, attempting to curl in her seat for comfort. <Dyne-G217> Oh, hang on. It's under the passenger's seat. <Simon-G294> Get us closer so I can shoot these guys! * Felix-116 pulls the motorcycle to the side to move alongside one of the Mongooses. <Felix-116> Grab the laser if you can! * Simon-G294 takes aim again and shoots the first Marine gunner from nearly point-blank range. <Felix-116> Or not. <Simon-G294> Whoops. * Simon-G294 shoots the driver in the back. <Simon-G294> Get us to the other guy, I'll grab his! * Felix-116 pulls over towards the other Mongoose. <Felix-116> Shit. * Felix-116 sees the laser pointer aiming at him. * Felix-116 stomps on the brakes, slowing down sharply as a laser burst blows up a truck to his right instead. * Simon-G294 reaches over and grapples with the gunner, trying to wrench the laser from his hands. <Felix-116> Nice one. * Felix-116 takes his prosthetic hand off the steering and slugs the driver in the side of the face, throwing him off the vehicle. <Felix-116> That one gets to live. <Felix-116> Although he'll he's going to need his jaw repaired. * Simon-G294 is ripped off the bike and tumbles onto the road, still struggling with the gunner. * Simon-G294 forces the Marine down, then slashes his throat with a combat knife. * Dyne-G217 tries to unobtrusively reach under Halsey's seat, opening a compartment with a white and red case inside. <Dyne-G217> Really missing Cassie and Seung-ah right now. They knew how to put on a bandaid. * Doctor_Halsey blinks and forces her coat away from the wound. Her gray coveralls are slick with blood and stuck to her side. Despite the lack of organ puncture, the wound has been bleeding freely. * Dyne-G217 tears open the case and examines it. <Dyne-G217> Okay, bullet wound? * Dyne-G217 withdraws a small container of biofoam. * Doctor_Halsey eyes the biofoam, setting her jaw. <Dyne-G217> If we had longer, I could get it out. But... <Doctor_Halsey> Go ahead. <Dyne-G217> Right. * Dyne-G217 presses the canister's application tip to the hole, and begins to put in place a cap to stop the bleeding. <Dyne-G217> That's probably going to sting...and feel a little cold. <Dyne-G217> Sorry. * Doctor_Halsey does not react to the biofoam, merely shutting her eyes and growing a shade paler. * Dyne-G217 tenderly puts the patch in place over the biofam. * Simon-G294 rises and raises the laser triumphantly. <Simon-G294> Got it! * Felix-116 pulls up beside Simon. <Felix-116> Great, now let's get going. * Simon-G294 gets back on the bike, trying to balance a laser he is unfamiliar with using. * Felix-116 sees the driver getting up from the street and going for his gun, and draws his own pistol. * Felix-116 puts a round through the trooper's knee, forcing him down again. <Felix-116> Sorry, soldier. Not today. * Felix-116 floors the bike, taking off down the street. <Felix-116> There's the overpass! <Felix-116> Are the others on approach? * Simon-G294 uses his HUD to zoom in and sees a Warthog tearing down the street. <Simon-G294> Well, unless that's someone else getting chased by a bunch of guys in black... <Felix-116> Okay, we'll have to take this thing off the side of the bridge. <Felix-116> Might be a bit of a rough landing. <Simon-G294> Oh, great. * Simon-G294 tries to clamp himself to the bike while keeping hold of the laser at the same time. * Felix-116 speeds up as he approaches the adjacent street and the side of the bridge connecting to the road below. * Felix-116 sees a truck pulling up from the adjacent street, neatly blocking the would-be exit. <Felix-116> Oh, hell. <Simon-G294> Oh, shit. <Felix-116> Fuck it. * Felix-116 floors the bike, speeding right at the side of the truck. * Simon-G294 raises the laser. <Felix-116> Hold fire. <Felix-116> We won't make it through the explosion. * Vinh-030 looks up at the bridge overpass above them. <Vinh-030> Why's that truck blocking the way? * Dyne-G217 peels the backing off of a patch. <Simon-G294> Oh right. <Simon-G294> Forgot you're not in armor. * Felix-116 grabs Simon and leaps up just before they reach the truck, leaping over its bulk as the motorbike slams right into it. <Felix-116> Oh, this is going to hurt. * Vinh-030 's eyes widen as she sees Felix and Simon flying down towards them. <Simon-G294> Hah, I'm in armor— <Vinh-030> Dyne, adjust speed to intercept! <Vinh-030> Now! <Dyne-G217> What the hell are you—? Whoah! * Dyne-G217 reaches out with a foot, hitting the accelerator to boost them forward just the right bit. * Felix-116 lands in a heap onto the back of the Warthog, his face slamming into the jeep's floor. <Felix-116> Ow. <Simon-G294> Ow. * Doctor_Halsey winces at being jostled. * Vinh-030 jolts as the back of the Warthog jerks downward. * Simon-G294 raises himself up, rubbing his neck. * Felix-116 stands up, grabbing hold of the Warthog's bars to stay on the vehicle. <Simon-G294> That hurt. <Vinh-030> Nice of you to join us. * Vinh-030 passes Felix an assault rifle. * Doctor_Halsey doesn't so much as glance at Felix and Simon, acting as if she's ready to nod off despite the chaos. * Simon-G294 glances at the wounded doctor, expression unreadable behind his visor. <Dyne-G217> Sy! Get off the hood, I can't see! <Simon-G294> So that's Halsey, huh? <Dyne-G217> Yeah, and she's losing consciousness. Sy, take the medkit. * Dyne-G217 focuses on driving again. * Vinh-030 grabs the laser from Simon. <Vinh-030> I'll take that, if you don't mind. * Doctor_Halsey seems to perk up at the mention of "Sy." * Simon-G294 hesitates, then grudgingly accepts the medkit and crouches down beside the doctor. <Simon-G294> I'm no Cassandra, but I'll see what I can do. <Doctor_Halsey> ...Simon Gamma Two Ninety-four. <Doctor_Halsey> I've heard...a lot about you. * Simon-G294 glances down at the doctor, still inscrutable behind his visor. <Simon-G294> That's a surprise. <Simon-G294> Hold still, doc. I need you alive. <Felix-116> Where are we going, Dyne? <Dyne-G217> Little holdout underground. Helped build it when the rebuilt the colony. Dyne-G217 pulls around a corner and into the tunnel, sticking to one side of the wall. <Dyne-G217> Ah, there. Dyne-G217 takes a corner into an off-shooting corridor, completely un-lit. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm sorry about your friends in Concord. * Simon-G294 puts pressure on Halsey's wounds while bracing himself against the Warthog. * Doctor_Halsey looks around sleepily, talking as if half-delirious. <Simon-G294> How do you...? <Doctor_Halsey> ...you could say the things I know are what's killing me. <Simon-G294> Yeah, well I'm not letting you die on my watch. <Simon-G294> Like I said, I need you alive. * Doctor_Halsey blinks wearily. <Doctor_Halsey> I'll survive a little longer, so long as there's need of me. <Doctor_Halsey> I suppose I can't complain. <Simon-G294> No, doc, you really can't. * Dyne-G217 slows to a stop at the end of the tunnel, a maintenance door to the subway tunnels plain. <Vinh-030> I give us forty-eight hours before they track us down. <Felix-116> Thirty-six at most. <Felix-116> Either way, we'll be long gone by then. * Dyne-G217 climbs out of the Warthog, jogging over to the door. * Vinh-030 looks at Felix. <Vinh-030> So how are we going to explain all this to ONI? <Felix-116> I'm sure Fhajad will be able to give us a hand. * Vinh-030 chuckles quietly. <Vinh-030> That he will. * Simon-G294 lets out a short laugh. <Simon-G294> And here I thought I was the only traitor. * Doctor_Halsey falls silent, eyes shut, breathing steadily but tensely. * Simon-G294 helps Halsey out of the Warthog, slipping her arm around his shoulder for support. * Vinh-030 moves to help Dr. Halsey as well. <Dyne-G217> Hey, Dom! Open up, it's Dyne. * Dom-094 opens door <Felix-116> Looks like you sure came well-prepared, Dyne. * Dyne-G217 grins. <Felix-116> For someone supposedly hanging at a bar. <Dyne-G217> Not me. He's got all the plans. * Dyne-G217 indicates the fully-armored Spartan standing behind him. * Doctor_Halsey takes small steps, attempting to hold her own while hanging onto the Spartans. * Vinh-030 gives Dom a nod of recognition. * Dom-094 nods back <Vinh-030> It's been too long. <Dyne-G217> Everybody in. I'll get the 'Hog in cover. * Dyne-G217 heads back over to the 'Hog, its fenders crumpled and tail lights broken. * Felix-116 glances at Dom before heading inside. <Felix-116> Just what are you Spartans up to here? <Dom-094> You know, just hanging around. * Simon-G294 continues supporting Halsey as he heads for the door. * Doctor_Halsey glances at the familiar faces, squinting. <Doctor_Halsey> ...I never expected to see so many of you again... <Felix-116> Sounds like there could be a lot of better things you can do. <Dom-094> I'm all ears, captain. <Felix-116> I guess for now, you should keep Dr. Halsey alive. <Simon-G294> Loyal bunch you've got here, doc. <Simon-G294> You're damn lucky. * Dyne-G217 comes in through a back door, holding the dampening field emitter he tore out of the Warthog. <Felix-116> You can start with getting her some proper medical attention. <Dom-094> Yes, sir. * Doctor_Halsey murmurs. "What I ever did to commend such loyalty eludes even my logic." <Dyne-G217> Well, that's it for our last 'Hog. It's spare parts, now. <Simon-G294> You never could keep those things intact, Dyne. <Felix-116> We've got more important things to worry about, Dyne. * Dyne-G217 grins sheepishly. <Dyne-G217> Still remember that, huh? <Simon-G294> Hope we've got another fast ride around here. * Vinh-030 places Dr. Halsey onto the nearest bed. * Dyne-G217 looks to Felix. <Dyne-G217> Well, we have access to the public tram system from here. <Felix-116> I don't think we can get away with taking the tram unnoticed. * Simon-G294 follows Vinh, unslinging his shotgun and leaning against the nearest wall. <Dyne-G217> Even had an old friend bug the Superintendent. <Dyne-G217> Surveillance cameras don't even show us. Program just erases us. <Felix-116> It'll leave tracks. * Vinh-030 waits until Dom returns with the medical supplies before returning to Felix. <Vinh-030> So what's the next step, Captain? <Felix-116> I want to bring Dr. Halsey back into the UNSC without ONI going after her. <Felix-116> Don't know if that's possible right now though. <Vinh-030> Doubt it. * Doctor_Halsey turns her head, trying to get a bearing of her surroundings. * Simon-G294 remains where he is, visor tilted slightly towards Halsey but still listening for Felix's plans. <Vinh-030> Best thing for her would be to keep her out of sight. * Felix-116 scowls.br> <Felix-116> No one can run from the UNSC forever, Vinh. <Felix-116> Not even Dr. Halsey. <Dyne-G217> There are plenty of places to hide, though. Out in the colonies, off the grid. <Felix-116> There's always someone who'll be able to find her. * Simon-G294 looks away from Halsey and calls over to Felix. <Simon-G294> You never know. <Simon-G294> I've gotten pretty good at it. * Felix-116 glances at Simon. <Felix-116> Your priority most of the time is to survive. <Felix-116> Dr. Halsey has a lot more to accomplish. <Felix-116> Things that will put her in ONI's sights sooner or later. * Simon-G294 shrugs. * Doctor_Halsey frowns slightly. "Where's Miranda?" she asks. "She never answers my letters." She then falls silent. <Simon-G294> For the right amount of creds, my priorities could be...shifted. * Vinh-030 gives Simon a skeptical glance. <Vinh-030> You're going to guard her? * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> Could do. <Simon-G294> Like I said, it all depends on the credits involved. <Vinh-030> I'm still waiting for you to explain why you were pointing a gun at m—at Dyne. <Simon-G294> Thought you were trying to kill me. <Simon-G294> Most Spartans tend to do that. * Vinh-030 grunts. <Vinh-030> Well, when was the last time you did something for anyone else's well-being? * Dyne-G217 's eyes flick between the two, staying silent for once. * Simon-G294 sneers behind his helmet. <Simon-G294> You don't know anything about me. <Vinh-030> Is that your excuse for everything you do? * Felix-116 steps between the two Spartans. <Felix-116> Alright, that's enough. <Doctor_Halsey> ...Rat Pack. * Doctor_Halsey is lucid enough to look at Simon. * Simon-G294 glances sharply back at Halsey, fingers tightening on the shotgun. <Simon-G294> Thought you'd gone to sleep, doc. <Doctor_Halsey> Trying not to. <Doctor_Halsey> Stand...down, Vinh. <Simon-G294> Don't die on me—us. <Doctor_Halsey> Simon will do his part. * Vinh-030 huffs but reluctantly complies. <Vinh-030> Yes, ma'am. * Dyne-G217 glances across to Dom-094. <Dyne-G217> We still have that holotable working? <Dom-094> Yes we do. <Dyne-G217> Great. I'll boot it up. * Felix-116 looks at Dr. Halsey briefly before returning his attention to the others. <Felix-116> As soon as we can move Dr. Halsey, we're going to get her off-planet. <Felix-116> There's something I need to check out. * Dyne-G217 clears a few papers off of a desk in the corner, setting them on the floor carelessly as he wipes dust from the screen. <Dyne-G217> Old thing. Does the job, though. <Dyne-G217> Patched it into the infrastructure AI's systems. We've got a complete map of the city in real-time. <Felix-116> I've arranged for someone to pick us up and get us out of here. <Felix-116> But we have to move within twelve hours. <Simon-G294> Sooner than that. <Dyne-G217> We can do that. Just name the place. <Simon-G294> Their satellites will have shown us going through this tunnel. <Dyne-G217> Ah, not technically. <Dyne-G217> I have a bit of control I can use in this system. Managed to black out the tunnel completely. <Simon-G294> Then they'll notice the black bits, won't they? <Dyne-G217> Nope. It just shows empty all the time. <Simon-G294> Either way, they aren't morons. <Simon-G294> They'll figure it out. <Dyne-G217> Eventually. But they haven't for days already. <Dyne-G217> Maintenance check isn't until next week. <Simon-G294> No one started a firefight on a public road yesterday. <Dyne-G217> Oh, that. * Dyne-G217 reaches behind his head. <Dyne-G217> Yeah. * Felix-116 glances at Dr. Halsey. <Felix-116> Actually...I think I know where to keep you. <Felix-116> ONI will never get you, but you'll be drawing a lot of attention to them. <Felix-116> Still, I'm sure they'll be willing to do it. * Felix-116 turns his attention to Dom-094. <Felix-116> Any other friends of yours I should know about? <Dom-094> Yes <Dom-094> I've got one looking out <Felix-116> Good. <Felix-116> I assume this person can find us if we need to leave quickly? <Dom-094> Indeed <Dyne-G217> Well, if you'll excuse me a moment, I have to change. * Dyne-G217 walks off into an adjoining room. * Simon-G294 watches Dyne go, then takes off his helmet and slides down the wall into a sitting position. <Felix-116> Any of you have spare armour suits? <Simon-G294> Oh yeah, let me just grab one from my enormous vault full of expensive equipment. <Felix-116> I was talking to Dom. <Dom-094> Yes <Simon-G294> Just thought I'd point out that I haven't seen any credits yet. <Dom-094> locked back there <Felix-116> Mind if I borrow it? <Dom-094> It's all yours * Doctor_Halsey keeps jolting herself awake, drifting off and relaxing only to wake up from another round of pain. * Dom-094 and Felix-116 head to the vault. Dom-094 unlocks it, revealing a row of spare armor * Felix-116 whistles. <Felix-116> Mark VII? * Dyne-G217 looks up as Felix enters, surrounded by gantires putting on his own once-outdated Mark VI/S suit. <Dyne-G217> Shame I can't use that new stuff, but it's not quite in my size. <Dyne-G217> Vinh's spare EOD rig's back here, too. <Felix-116> Didn't think you'd have the up-to-date armour. <Felix-116> Can't complain though. * Felix-116 takes the components of the suit and starts strapping up. * Simon-G294 pulls Halsey's ration bar out of a pouch on his armor and begins to eat. <Simon-G294> So, doc. <Simon-G294> What's so important about you, huh? <Simon-G294> What's got these armored psychos in such a hurry to save your ass? <Doctor_Halsey> ...I've crossed the powers that be. If their operation had gone properly, I'd be dead by now. * Simon-G294 laughs, still gnawing on the ration bar. <Doctor_Halsey> I have so much data...I've learned things I never suspected ONI capable of. <Simon-G294> Yeah, they love surprising people. <Doctor_Halsey> And...things even they don't yet understand. <Simon-G294> Like this Forerunner shit everyone's so freaked out about. * Doctor_Halsey opens her eyes. <Doctor_Halsey> You're well-informed. <Doctor_Halsey> I wouldn't expect any less. * Felix-116 returns to the others, fully armoured. * Dyne-G217 steps back into the room, clad in bare-gray Scout armor. * Simon-G294 glances at the returning Spartans. <Simon-G294> I keep my ear to the ground. * Simon-G294 falls silent and returns his attention to the food as the Spartans arrive back in the room. <Vinh-030> Well, I'd suggest we sit down and have some lunch, but I don't think we have the time. <Vinh-030> So, what's next? <Felix-116> We should leave, as soon as possible. <Simon-G294> There's always time for food. <Dyne-G217> I'm with Sy. <Vinh-030> No point eating if you're dead. * Simon-G294 shrugs and get to his feet, returning the half-eaten bar to his pouch. <Simon-G294> So, what's the plan? <Simon-G294> I take it we're still trying to keep the good doctor from catching a bullet to the head. <Felix-116> Naturally. <Simon-G294> I still haven't seen any money, by the way. * Dyne-G217 looks over at Vinh. <Dyne-G217> Gonna collect your armor? <Dyne-G217> I'm not gonna carry it if you don't. <Vinh-030> If there's another suit for me. <Vinh-030> Is there? <Dyne-G217> Your old EOD's set up in the third gantry. <Vinh-030> Huh. <Vinh-030> What's it doing there? <Dyne-G217> I might've borrowed it from the Themistocles before it was blown up. * Vinh-030 gives Dyne a funny look before walking off to retrieve her armour. <Dyne-G217> Needed the plates for a...project. <Vinh-030> Lemme guess, Erin pulled some strings without me knowing about it? * Felix-116 can't help but grin at that. <Dyne-G217> Nah, me'n Kodiak just knew you never bothered with it anymore, and you wouldn't notice. <Vinh-030> Well, it's a good thing I didn't. * Dyne-G217 laughs nervously. * Simon-G294 sighs and replaces his helmet. * Doctor_Halsey clears her throat. * Vinh-030 starts putting the armour on, feeling reassured from the familiarity of the old suit. * Simon-G294 looks down at the doctor. <Doctor_Halsey> You realize the UNSC won't react positively to any arrangement that doesn't involve my death. <Simon-G294> Yeah, I've noticed. <Dyne-G217> Hah, the way you say it one might think they didn't like our work here. <Simon-G294> They're really into shooting people who don't think like they do. <Doctor_Halsey> I had thought they'd take the time to scan another Cortana model, but putting a bullet through the brain makes AI creation impossible. <Dyne-G217> What, like a red one? <Dyne-G217> Maybe green. <Simon-G294> You think you're the only brain donor out there, doc? <Simon-G294> There's always a replacement. <Simon-G294> Always. * Felix-116 looks up as the alarm starts blaring. * Dyne-G217 looks up. <Dyne-G217> That's another one of those 'always' constants. * Vinh-030 re-enters the room, fully armoured. <Vinh-030> I assume that's the warning. <Felix-116> Dom, how much time do we have? <Dom-094> 20 minutes <Felix-116> Do you have a ride out of here? <Dyne-G217> Well, we're out of 'Hogs... <Dom-094> Follow me * Dom-094 leads the others to a secret door * Vinh-030 carefully picks up Dr. Halsey and follows. <Simon-G294> I've got a shuttle. <Simon-G294> Ratty piece of shit, but it can make it through slipspace. <Vinh-030> I'd rather not go halfway across the city for some bucket of bolts that might or might not get us out of here. <Dyne-G217> Hey, be nice, Vinh. I grew up with the guy. <Vinh-030> I should've asked Erin to keep a closer watch on the friends you make then. * Dom-094 leads to an Albatross * Simon-G294 sticks close to Vinh and Halsey. * Dyne-G217 brings up the rear, walking backwards with his eyes on the far door. * Dyne-G217 sets down and activates the dampening field, backing off of it and reaching to his belt. <Dyne-G217> Heh, here's a trick... * Felix-116 looks the Albatross up and down. <Felix-116> Not bad. * Doctor_Halsey lets her head rest against Vinh's chestplate. <Felix-116> So, where's your friend? * Linda-058 (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Linda-058 <Linda-058> Afternoon. * Linda-058 appears out of the shadows, hefting her trademark sniper rifle. * Doctor_Halsey opens her eyes. <Doctor_Halsey> ...Linda. * Felix-116 turns to see Linda appearing. <Linda-058> You're not looking too good there, doctor. <Doctor_Halsey> ...I can't say I've had worse. * Dyne-G217 remains behind in the corridor, watching as movement appears on the edge of his extended tracker. * Linda-058 glances at Dom. <Linda-058> I saw them bearing down on the tunnel. <Dyne-G217> (COM) Hey guys, they've caught up with us. The dropship good to go? * Simon-G294 suppresses a laugh. <Simon-G294> The UNSC really sucks at keeping Spartans loyal, doesn't it? <Simon-G294> I don't feel so special anymore, that's for sure. * Linda-058 turns to look at Simon. <Linda-058> Loyalty isn't always doing as you're told. <Linda-058> Dom, we need to go, now. <Dom-094> Of course. <Linda-058> I laid a few traps to keep them delayed, got back as soon as I could. * Vinh-030 brings Dr. Halsey into the Albatross, bypassing Linda. <Vinh-030> Hey, Linda. <Linda-058> Vinh. * Dyne-G217 watches as the first agents walk into the edge of the dampening field. Their headgear malfunctions, and the agents pull it off...just as Dyne's flashbang lights up in the dark right before their eyes. * Dyne-G217 snickers. <Dyne-G217> That looks like it stung. * Doctor_Halsey sucks in a painful breath. * CMDR_Rosch (9968b15e@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.177.94) has joined #halo-fanon <Doctor_Halsey> ...you never read your files, did you? * Vinh-030 sets Dr. Halsey down in one of the cargo seats and straps her in. <Felix-116> Linda, good to see you again. <Linda-058> Likewise, Captain. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Fan out and search the tunnel. <CMDR_Rosch> Find the traitor and her subordinates. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) If you have to, blow up the entrances. * Linda-058 waits for Felix to board before heading on herself. * Dyne-G217 shuts a heavy door leading to the Albatross' hangar, then heads down another corridor to lead them away. <Linda-058> Our contact is awaiting us in orbit. <Linda-058> They'll keep any UNSC aircraft off our backs if necessary. * Simon-G294 clambers aboard the shuttle, shaking his head. <Felix-116> Let's try not to kill too many UNSC soldiers. <Felix-116> They're just doing their duty. <Linda-058> As are we, sir. <Linda-058> But point taken. * Dyne-G217 ambushes a squad of four by dropping from the ceiling, confiscating their weapons and doling out non-lethal punches to lay them out cold. * Vinh-030 looks around. <Vinh-030> Where's Dyne? <Doctor_Halsey> ...he looks a bit like you, you know. * Vinh-030 turns to look at Dr. Halsey. <Vinh-030> That's an interesting observation, doctor. <Vinh-030> I'll be right back. * Vinh-030 grabs a shotgun from a nearby rack and dashes off the Albatross, back towards the entrance. <Simon-G294> Oh, good. <Simon-G294> For a minute there I was thinking you'd make us all go and save his sorry ass. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Contact, in the tunnels. * Dyne-G217 rushes off down another hall, only to come face-to-face with another squad. <Dyne-G217> Oh, crap! * Dyne-G217 swings around the corner. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) All teams, engage! <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Weapons free. Lethal force authorized. <Dyne-G217> Oh, that does not sound good. * Dyne-G217 sprints through a side-entrance, ducking the squad and leading them farther from the Albatross. * Felix-116 looks over the controls, taking the pilot's seat. <Felix-116> Dom, I could use you on co-pilot. <Dom-094> Very well * Dyne-G217 jumps and tears off the grating to a vent, commencing to pull himself up. * Simon-G294 braces himself against the bulkhead, covering the entrance with his shotgun. * Vinh-030 sees Dyne appear in the vent and gives him a hand up. <Vinh-030> What do you think you're doing? * Dyne-G217 pauses, hanging in the corridor. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Fireteams Alpha through November, converge on the contact. <Dyne-G217> Drawing them away. What are you doing? <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) All other teams, continue the search. <Vinh-030> Making sure you don't get killed. * Vinh-030 snaps up her shotgun and blasts a trio of troopers as they turn the corner. <Vinh-030> Come on. <Dyne-G217> I am fine. Or I was. * Dyne-G217 drops and follows Vinh. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Do not stop until the traitor is dead. * Vinh-030 runs down the corridor, rolling a few sensor-activated stun grenades onto the floor as she goes. <Felix-116> Damn, where are they? * Linda-058 is standing by the hatch, rifle raised and ready for trouble. <Simon-G294> I'd suggest we take off, but I know that won't cut ice with any of you. <Linda-058> Our window is closing fast. We have to get airborne before the heavy power boxes us in. <Simon-G294> They know where we are. They'll already have air assets ready to intercept us. <Simon-G294> They really want the doctor dead. <Dyne-G217> You shouldn't be here. I was about to head back when you showed up. <Vinh-030> You shouldn't have done something so reckless without saying anything. <Dyne-G217> I can take care of myself! How is it you S-IIs were so good if you couldn't trust your teammates to do their jobs? <Vinh-030> Trust is one thing, putting yourself into the line of fire is another. * Vinh-030 sees more troops bearing down on them, and fires at them with the shotgun, mowing them down. <Dyne-G217> And I can handle fire just fine, Vinh. I don't see you going after Kodiak like this all the time. * CMDR_Rosch emerges at the far end of the corridor at the head of a squad of ODSTs. <Vinh-030> I— * Vinh-030 breaks off as she spots Rosch. <CMDR_Rosch> There they are. Open fire! <Dyne-G217> Whoah, officer! <Vinh-030> Shit. We're really in for it now. * Dyne-G217 drops to a knee, firing a stolen MA5B low and cutting through several shins. * CMDR_Rosch fires at Dyne and Vinh with his sidearm as the ODSTs fill the corridor with assault rifle fire. * Vinh-030 dives through an adjacent doorway, grabbing Dyne as she does so. <Vinh-030> Guess we're doing it the hard way. <Dyne-G217> Not necessarily. * Dyne-G217 points at the pipeline overhead. <Vinh-030> Too slow. * Vinh-030 takes out the C12 from earlier and plants it onto the wall, setting it for detonation in 3 seconds. <Dyne-G217> No, no. * Vinh-030 dives back with Dyne as the C12 explodes, tearing the wall open. <Vinh-030> Come on! * Vinh-030 runs through the hole into the next room. * Dyne-G217 raises his rifle at the small pipe, shooting it open and filling the room with vapor before he follows. <CMDR_Rosch> Damn! * Simon-G294 moves further into the shuttle, stopping beside Halsey to inspect her wounds. <Simon-G294> Someone should be checking on her. <Simon-G294> If she dies after all this trouble, I'll be pissed. * Doctor_Halsey has grown quiet and merely blinks, nearly the same shade of gray as her coveralls. <Vinh-030> Told you it was a good idea to hang onto it. <Dyne-G217> Still would've made a cool jump. * Vinh-030 appears through the doorway behind the ONI team, gunning them down easily. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) All units, converge on my position and—! * Vinh-030 doesn't stop to count the hits and breaks into a run, while the ONI team is disoriented. <Vinh-030> Not far now, come on! * CMDR_Rosch fires into the smoke with his sidarm as more ODSTs emerge from the tunnels. * Dyne-G217 slides by under the gunfire. * Vinh-030 turns the corner, through another doorway, and enters the hangar. <Simon-G294> If Cassandra weren't... <Vinh-030> On board, now! <Felix-116> There they are. * Dyne-G217 sprints across the distance to the boarding ramp. * Simon-G294 falls silent and checks Halsey's pulse. * Vinh-030 practically shoves Dyne onto the Albatross before leaping up herself. <Felix-116> Time to go. <Dom-094> Sure took your sweet time. <Dyne-G217> Couldn't help it. Guests really tied me up. * Simon-G294 turns at the sound of gunfire and grabs his shotgun. * Felix-116 closes the ramp and jettisons the cargo ship into the air. * Doctor_Halsey opens her eyes at the noise. <Doctor_Halsey> ...hate being useless. * Vinh-030 slumps against the side of the closed ramp, breathing heavily. <Vinh-030> Cut it a bit close there. <Dyne-G217> I wouldn't have it any other way. * CMDR_Rosch and his troops dash into the hangar just as the ship takes off. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Attention, air units, the fugitives are making their escape. * Vinh-030 glances at Dyne. <Vinh-030> You will not do anything that stupid again, got it? * Dyne-G217 snickers, smiling at her behind his helmet. <Dyne-G217> Come on, you know I can't do that. <Linda-058> You two alright? * Vinh-030 gives Dyne a stern glare before looking at Linda. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) We have identified two of the fugitives as Spartans, I repeat, two of the fugitives are Spartans. <CMDR_Rosch> (COM) Multiple casualties reported, several dead. <Dyne-G217> Oh, yeah, fine. <Vinh-030> I'll be fine, when he stops trying to get himself killed. <Linda-058> Hey, Spartans never die, right? * Vinh-030 looks down. <Vinh-030> I wish. * Dyne-G217 glances at Vinh, surprised she hasn't let it go. <Dyne-G217> Sheesh. * Simon-G294 shakes his head. <Felix-116> Well, we've got quite a bit of a welcoming committee waiting for us in the air. <Felix-116> Where are your friends, Linda? <Linda-058> We need to get higher. <Linda-058> Away from the city. <Felix-116> If we can get away. <Simon-G294> Well, there you have it, doc. <Simon-G294> We're all useless now. * Simon-G294 flexes his fingers and taps the shotgun, trying to calm his nerves. <Simon-G294> This is why I hate flying. * Felix-116 looks down at the controls. <Felix-116> Wait, is that active camouflage? <Linda-058> You know it. * Dyne-G217 gets to his feet, discarding the half-empty rifle. <Linda-058> Dom decided to make some modifications in his spare time. <Felix-116> Well then. * Felix-116 engages the camouflage, causing the Albatross to vanish into a nearly invisible blur. <Linda-058> Should repel sensor detection too, if I'm not mistaken. <Linda-058> You did put anti-sensor detection, didn't you, Dom? <Dyne-G217> Took a lot of tinkering to mask the heat signature. <Dom-094> Indeed. * Simon-G294 sets his shotgun on the ground and checks to make sure his sidearms are loaded. <Dyne-G217> Basically, we've got a dropship-sized prowler here. <Felix-116> Okay, we're giving them the slip. <Felix-116> Outside their search patterns now. <Felix-116> Camouflage won't last forever though, so let's get out of here quick. * Felix-116 pulls the Albatross up and away from the tight web of UNSC aircraft sweeping the city area. <Dyne-G217> Gotta love that sound as it comes on, though. <Dyne-G217> The whole bell-tone thing. <Simon-G294> Your friends had better be reliable. <Simon-G294> I haven't come this far just to die out here. <Simon-G294> Let's get a move on. * Dyne-G217 straps into one of the jumpseats as they come nearer to breaking orbit, the Albatross possessing no artificial gravity systems. * Simon-G294 glances over at Dyne. <Simon-G294> Piece of advice. <Dyne-G217> Hmm? <Simon-G294> You want to live any longer, don't go pulling stupid stunts like the one back there. * Dyne-G217 snorts. <Simon-G294> These guys may be a bunch of self-righteous assholes, but they know how to take care of themselves. <Dyne-G217> I've been doing that since training. Still haven't been...well, actually, I've got a lot of scratches. <Dyne-G217> And bruises. <Dyne-G217> And surgeries... <Dyne-G217> And not let 'em have a shot at our engines on the ground. Yeah, I think that'll be my plan. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> Fine. Do what you want. <Simon-G294> But I plan on making sure the doctor here works off her debt to the galaxy. <Felix-116> Damn, camouflage is running out of power. * Felix-116 disengages it. <Felix-116> No ships in this area though, so we're clear for the time being. <Felix-116> It'll only be a matter of time before they catch onto us though. <Felix-116> Right, Dom. <Felix-116> Wherever your friends are, set the coordinates where you were planning to meet. <Felix-116> We don't have any time to waste. <Dom-094> Yes, sir. <Felix-116> I'm assuming it's not somewhere crawling with UNSC. * Simon-G294 reaches into a pouch near his breast and rubs something small and flesh-colored before quickly dropping it back in and re-sealing the pouch. * Dyne-G217 sighs. <Dyne-G217> I really hope my superiors aren't in the same pockets as the guys after us. <Simon-G294> You're the one who ran out there, dumbass. <Simon-G294> They've got you on camera now. <Dyne-G217> At least you didn't have to get shot at. Why's that? Oh yeah, I drew 'em off. <Dyne-G217> I think that rates a thanks, don't you? * Simon-G294 indicates the other Spartans. <Simon-G294> Look around, asshole. <Simon-G294> You think they were going to let them get any shots off? <Simon-G294> We're dealing with some hardcore psychos here. <Vinh-030> Hey, watch who you're calling psycho. <Dyne-G217> He was talking about the bad guys, Vinh. <Simon-G294> I have no clue why, but they worship the doctor here. * Vinh-030 gives Simon a scornful look. <Vinh-030> It's called respect. <Vinh-030> Ever heard of it? <Linda-058> Take it easy. * Linda-058 nudges Vinh. * Simon-G294 snorts. <Dyne-G217> It's cause she's like Kurt was to us. Y'know, Mendez was their Mendez. <Vinh-030> I doubt he saw Kurt in a very good light. <Vinh-030> Isn't that right? <Simon-G294> Respect? For a monster like— <Vinh-030> He was just another person who ruined your life? <Vinh-030> Because all you can really think about is yourself. <Dom-094> You just gotta put up with it, kid. <Vinh-030> Kurt had more going for himself than you ever will, Gamma. <Vinh-030> So watch the way you talk about him around me. <Simon-G294> Told you these guys were all jacked up on what heroes they are. <Vinh-030> Maybe if you actually did something right for once you'd know what that was like. <Linda-058> Vinh. <Linda-058> Let it go. <Doctor_Halsey> ...insults are beneath a Spartan. * Doctor_Halsey sits up slightly. <Doctor_Halsey> That goes for everyone in this bird. * Dyne-G217 grunts, and detaches his straps to stand up. He goes towards the back, into another compartment to find somewhere less noisy. * Simon-G294 glances at the revived Halsey, eyes narrowing, but falls silent. * Doctor_Halsey coughs, slumping in her restraints. * Linda-058 looks at Simon. <Linda-058> Kurt did what any of us had to do, Spartan. <Linda-058> Don't hold that against him. * Simon-G294 glares at Linda for a moment, then looks away. <Simon-G294> Don't call me that. <Simon-G294> I'm not a Spartan. <Vinh-030> No, you're not, are you? * Linda-058 exhales slowly. <Linda-058> We might not always like what we were made into. <Linda-058> But it is who we are. <Simon-G294> And I'll hold crimes against as many war criminals as I want, thanks. * Vinh-030 shoots Simon-G294 an irritated look. <Vinh-030> In your own words, you don't know anything about him. <Vinh-030> You fucking hypocrite. You fucking criminal. <Vinh-030> He was acting under orders from the UNSC. <Vinh-030> He had a purpose. * Dyne-G217 keeps his boots magnetized to keep from drifting away, plucking the stolen assault rifle out of the air and walking it over to a rack by the wall. <Vinh-030> What was your purpose for all the things you did, apart from saving your own sorry ass? * Doctor_Halsey looks blearily from Spartan to Spartan, as if wanting to speak up but lacking the energy. <Simon-G294> I fought to save my friends. <Simon-G294> Guess what? <Simon-G294> That didn't turn out so well. <Vinh-030> So you just give up. <Vinh-030> Here, I'll tell you something you might not have known. <Vinh-030> You're not the only one who's lost close friends. <Vinh-030> But do you see any of us just fighting to save ourselves because of it? <Simon-G294> I just accept the fact that this galaxy's fucked up and I try to live in it the best I can. <Simon-G294> Sorry we can't all be a bunch of crusading martyrs like you. * Dyne-G217 pulls the half-empty clip from the weapon, setting the rifle in the rack and beginning to pull individual cartridges from the mag. <Dyne-G217>...I miss Kodiak. <Dyne-G217> Hell, I miss Sepia. <Simon-G294> If I were you, I'd be less worried about what an asshole I am and how you're going to keep your precious doctor alive. <Simon-G294> Because right now the most powerful organization in the galaxy wants her head on a platter. * Vinh-030 gives a dismissive grunt and looks away from him. <Simon-G294> And speaking of which, I still haven't been paid. <Vinh-030> For fuck's sake, will you stop thinking about yourself for once? <Vinh-030> All the money in the world doesn't seem to be enough to make your life any less pathetic. * Doctor_Halsey opens her mouth, but then her eyes roll into her head and she passes out completely with a sigh. <Simon-G294> If I don't, no one else will. * Vinh-030 scoffs. <Vinh-030> Only got yourself to blame for that. * Linda-058 sighs. * Simon-G294 's eyes burn with fury, but he says nothing and looks over at Halsey. <Simon-G294> And she's out of it again. <Simon-G294> Told you to worry about her instead of lecturing me. * Dyne-G217 pullls down a sniper rifle, running a hand over its fine-tuned, well-oiled components. * Doctor_Halsey drops her datapad when her hands go limp and it clatters to the floor. Visible on its screen is an image of young, ragged children wielding automatic weapons, surrounded by blood and dirt. Tagged is one black-haired child, with the numbers 294. * Vinh-030 's eyes snap to the datapad. * Simon-G294 's eyes widen as he spots the datapad and he snaps his hand down to grab it. <Simon-G294> What the hell— * Simon-G294 grabs the datapad and holds it close to his armored chest. * Dyne-G217 locks the sniper rifle back in Linda's case in the hangar. * Felix-116 checks the coordinates on the main panel. <Felix-116> We're here. <Felix-116> Where are your friends? * Agent_Texas (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Agent_Texas <Agent_Texas> About time you guys got here. <Felix-116> I assume that's them? <Agent_Texas> (COM) Can't see us? Good. <Agent_Texas> (COM) Just keep going that way. <Agent_Texas> (COM) Yeah. No, turn heading towards zero-three-one. <Agent_Texas> (COM) More. More. More. <Agent_Texas> (COM) Too much! Turn back! <Felix-116> (COM) Oh come on. <Felix-116> (COM) Just show yourself. * Felix-116 is startled as a black-hulled corvette suddenly appears not a hundred feet before them, its hangar open. <Agent_Texas> (COM) Suit yourself. * Felix-116 flies the Albatross into the Blacktip as the hangar door closes behind them. * Simon-G294 keeps hold of the datapad, listening in on the coms. <Simon-G294> Oh, great. <Simon-G294> More of these guys. <Simon-G294> Hope they've got some good doctors, because I don't think Halsey's gonna last much longer. * Agent_Wyoming (~Ahalosnip@unaffiliated/ahalosniper) has joined #halo-fanon * Felix-116 lands the Albatross on the pad and sees Wyoming waiting for them. * Dyne-G217 opens the Albatross' door as the dropship touches down. * Vinh-030 unstraps the unconscious Dr. Halsey and carries her down the ramp. * Linda-058 picks up her sniper rifle and follows, nodding at Wyoming. <Linda-058> Thanks for picking us up. * Agent_Wyoming nods in return, Her Majesty slung over his back. * Felix-116 walks off the Albatross with Dom, looking around the hangar bay. <Felix-116> Impressive. This ship doesn't look cheap. * Simon-G294 follows Vinh, eager to stay close to Halsey. He keeps the datapad close to his body, as if afraid someone will try to snatch it back from him. * Vinh-030 notices Simon's odd behaviour but is more concerned about Dr. Halsey at the moment. <Vinh-030> I hope you have some good medics. * Dyne-G217 hold still, staring in wonderment at the shining wood stock on Wyoming's rifle. * Agent_Wyoming catches the young Spartan's gaze, and chuckles to himself under his helmet. <Agent_Wyoming> Hurry up then, will you? Our medbay's standing by. * Vinh-030 hurries off to the recovery bay with Halsey. * Agent_Wyoming accompanies them, notifying Tex that the Spartans have boarded. * Dyne-G217 lingers in the hangar, looking around the ship. <Agent_Texas> (COM) I'm in the briefing room, Wyoming. Bring them here. * Simon-G294 trails after Vinh, heading to the med bay. <Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Afraid they've brought a wounded woman with them, Catherine in fact. <Agent_Texas> (COM) ...Halsey? <Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Do we know any other Catherines? <Agent_Texas> (COM) Whatever. She okay? <Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Gunshot, by the looks of it. Should be quite treatable. <Agent_Texas> (COM) If you say so. <Vinh-030> (COM) Doc's going to be out of it for a while. Medics say she's going to make a full recovery though. * Felix-116 looks around as he follows Wyoming down the corridors of the ship. <Felix-116> This corvette is really something else. * Agent_Wyoming grumbles an acknowledgement, continuing towards the briefing room. * Simon-G294 steps in the recovery bay, one hand clutching the data pad while the other rests nervously on his sidarm. * Vinh-030 looks up as Simon walks in. <Vinh-030> What do you want? <Simon-G294> I have business with our mutual friend, the doctor. * Dyne-G217 heads back into the Albatross, a lot more at ease now that it's cleared out. <Simon-G294> Besides, I'd like to keep as far away from these new guys as possible. <Simon-G294> They make you people look like fucking saints. * Vinh-030 laughs scornfully. <Vinh-030> You sure have a way of looking down on everyone who's done better than you, don't you? <Simon-G294> I know the score. <Vinh-030> Funny how you keep track of how many people everyone kills but not why they do it. <Simon-G294> You don't seem to have a problem looking down on people yourself. * Dyne-G217 reclines into the refitted pilot's seat, much more comfortable than the jumpseats, and proceeds to turn on a few systems at low power. <Simon-G294> Who said I keep track? <Simon-G294> I've killed lots of people. <Vinh-030> Oh, if I counted every life you took, I doubt I could find even a handful of them having died for the right reasons. * Vinh-030 sits down next to Halsey, staring across at Simon. <Vinh-030> So tell me then. <Vinh-030> How do you decide how to see people? * Simon-G294 's hand tightens on the datapad as his eyes burn with anger, but his voice remains as callously jaded as ever. <Vinh-030> Is it how good they are at killing? <Vinh-030> Or who they've worked for? <Simon-G294> That's what matters, isn't it, Spartan? <Simon-G294> That's how we're measured. <Vinh-030> I guess it is. <Vinh-030> But I wouldn't say any of the soldiers on board this ship have taken a single life for the wrong reasons. <Vinh-030> Even if it looks despicable to you. <Vinh-030> Running away doesn't solve your problems. <Vinh-030> Sometimes you just have to suck it up and accept that you're going to do some things you're not proud of. <Vinh-030> Because you know it's the right thing to do. <Vinh-030> No matter how much you might hate yourself for it. <Simon-G294> And that's why they scare me. <Simon-G294> You people can always justify the things you do and cast them in a light that makes you look good in the end. <Vinh-030> Do you think I like what I have to do for the UNSC? <Vinh-030> Do you think I see myself as untouchably righteous? <Simon-G294> You sure talk like you do. <Vinh-030> And you talk like you don't give a shit about anything, anyone, any cause. But for reasons beyond my comprehension, I get the feeling that there's more to you than that. <Vinh-030> Well, buddy. The world isn't split into saints and sinners. <Vinh-030> If only it were that easy. * Simon-G294 laughs bitterly. <Vinh-030> I don't think any one of us are capable of being absolutely clean. <Vinh-030> I don't think anyone is capable of becoming unrecognizably despicable either. <Simon-G294> Then you haven't been to the places I have. * Dyne-G217 fiddles with a computer system, designing improvements to the Albatross' stealth system and running simulations. <Simon-G294> Like I said, you don't know a thing about me, so why don't you go report in to your newest boss? <Simon-G294> Felix still hasn't paid me, so as far as I'm concerned he's not giving me orders anymore. <Vinh-030> Oh, I'm sure he will when we're all done with all this. * Vinh-030 crosses her arms. <Vinh-030> So who have you met that's made you so disgruntled about us? <Simon-G294> I've met plenty of people who thought their goals could justify anything they did. <Simon-G294> And the bigger those goals, the more dangerous they are. <Vinh-030> If all your eye is on all the time is money, then I don't blame you for being stuck in the gutter all the time. <Simon-G294> It's what makes the galaxy go round. <Simon-G294> That and guns. <Simon-G294> Which, go figure, money can buy. * Vinh-030 lowers her arms. <Vinh-030> You're wrong. <Vinh-030> It's about the integrity we share with each other. <Vinh-030> Sometimes that's hard to find. <Vinh-030> More often than not we have to fight for it. <Vinh-030> But it's there, and that's what's keeping us together. * Simon-G294 laughs. <Vinh-030> I guess you don't believe me, since you seem to have broken away from that long ago. <Simon-G294> Dear God, you're an even bigger preacher than Cassandra. * Vinh-030 twitches irritably. <Simon-G294> Do you rehearse these things in front of a mirror or something? <Vinh-030> No wonder you never get anywhere. <Vinh-030> And then have the nerve to act like you're the victim here. <Simon-G294> I never said I was a victim. <Vinh-030> I was stupid to think there was even a point to talking to you. <Simon-G294> Truest thing you've said all day. <Vinh-030> I wonder how they even picked you for the program. * Simon-G294 laughs. <Simon-G294> Simple. They asked me if I wanted some purpose in my life. <Vinh-030> You should've said no straight off the bat, shouldn't you. <Vinh-030> Maybe then things would have turned out better for you. <Vinh-030> You could've just crawled around the streets that the UNSC picked you off of for the rest of your life. <Vinh-030> That's what you want, isn't it? * Simon-G294 's eyes narrow, the anger flooding back into them. <Simon-G294> I was five at the time, you sanctimonious fuck. * Vinh-030 shrugs. <Vinh-030> I wasn't even given a choice, if you must know. <Vinh-030> So don't go feeling too sorry for yourself. <Simon-G294> I was hungry, alone, and afraid, and I wanted to feel safe somewhere. <Vinh-030> It's a cold galaxy, kid. <Vinh-030> But you should've run in the opposite direction as soon as that recruiter talked to you. <Simon-G294> And now you're coming around to my way of thinking. <Vinh-030> Maybe at the time I would have too. <Vinh-030> If I didn't know I had it in me to be...this. <Simon-G294> A killer, just like me and everyone else on this ship. <Simon-G294> Congratulations. * Vinh-030 inclines her head. <Vinh-030> If that's all you can see in us, then you're more hopeless than I thought. * Simon-G294 smiles coldly. <Simon-G294> Then stop wasting your breath on me. * Dyne-G217 becomes tired of simulations, and starts going after bigger fish: opening up a line into the planet's communications network. <Dyne-G217> I see that bug is still in the system...better check it for bugs, too. * Dyne-G217 begins intercepting packets of data the way Winter taught him, analyzing them before sending them on their merry way, delayed no more than a few seconds apiece. <Simon-G294> In the end, you'll wind up just as dead as every other moron who ever thought their cause was better than everyone else's. <Simon-G294> And I'll still be alive. <Simon-G294> The last rat left standing, just like always. <Vinh-030> Better having died for a good cause than to keep living as a miserable scrub. <Vinh-030> You're not going to live forever. <Vinh-030> When you die, do you really want to see your life as this empty? <Vinh-030> You know what, why am I even asking. <Vinh-030> Of course you do. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> I don't plan on dying any time soon. <Vinh-030> If I didn't know better, I'd say you enjoy being at the bottom of the totem pole. <Vinh-030> Just so you can keep thinking you're at least not "monsters" like us. <Simon-G294> Who ever said I wasn't a monster? * Vinh-030 laughs humourlessly. <Simon-G294> All Spartans are monsters, in case you haven't picked up on that by now. <Vinh-030> You seem real keen on emphasizing how many people we kill. <Vinh-030> But you ignore all the lives we've saved. <Vinh-030> You, on the other hand, have never saved a life apart from your own. <Vinh-030> So, think of me what you will. <Simon-G294> You don't know a thing about me. <Vinh-030> And you don't know a thing about me. <Vinh-030> I know enough about you to know that I don't care. <Vinh-030> Let's keep it that way. <Vinh-030> Since I'm not particularly keen on finding out more than I've already seen. <Simon-G294> If that means you'll shut up, I'm all for it. * Vinh-030 looks away from Simon and says nothing more. * Simon-G294 settles down in a nearby chair, cradling the datapad and keeping one eye on Halsey and the other on Vinh. * Simon-G294 mutters quietly to himself, running a finger along the datapad's edge. <Simon-G294> "The last rat left standing..." * Agent_Wyoming opens the briefing room door, nodding for Felix-116 to go through and join the waiting Agent_Texas. * Agent_Texas looks up as the Spartans enter with Wyoming. <Felix-116> Tex, thanks again for the quick ride out of here. <Agent_Texas> No problem. <Agent_Texas> Although if I knew you had Halsey with you, I'd have tried a lot harder. * Felix-116 inclines his head. <Felix-116> Why, some business you have with her? <Agent_Texas> You could say that. * Agent_Texas looks around at the gathered group. <Agent_Texas> I can't say I'm familiar with everyone else though. <Agent_Texas> I know one of the Spartans contacted me, but— * Agent_Texas glances at Linda. <Linda-058> That would be me. <Linda-058> SPARTAN-058— <Agent_Texas> Linda. <Linda-058> Do you know me? * Agent_Texas hesitates. <Agent_Texas> Halsey's mentioned you before. * Linda-058 nods, although she can tell that there's something Tex isn't saying. * Agent_Texas looks back to Felix. <Agent_Texas> Anyway, we caught word that Halsey was on the run from ONI. <Agent_Texas> And according to those files I obtained on ONI, it looks like something connected to Georgia. * Felix-116 nods. <Felix-116> I figured as much. <Agent_Texas> Is that why you went to find her too? <Felix-116> Yeah. <Agent_Texas> So, is that urchin Simon with you? <Felix-116> He's in the recovery bay. <Felix-116> I think he's keeping an eye on Halsey. <Felix-116> Where are we headed? <Agent_Texas> We're going back to Reach. <Felix-116> Reach, huh. <Felix-116> Let me guess, we're going to find out what Georgia was trying to unlock. <Agent_Texas> It's more than that. <Agent_Texas> Whatever it was, ONI tried to get their hands on it themselves. <Agent_Texas> Apparently Halsey found out and tried to take off with the intel...only they didn't make it easy for her. <Felix-116> So we have to sneak past ONI. <Felix-116> Again. <Agent_Texas> Felix, I have some files you might want to see. <Agent_Texas> Don't ask where I got them, but they'll be helpful. <Felix-116> Sure. I'm used to not asking questions. * Linda-058 decides to leave the briefing room and heads off to recovery. * Jorge-052 (6c834f60@gateway/web/freenode/ip.108.131.79.96) has joined #halo-fanon * Jorge-052 knocks once before entering the recovery bay, armor stained with what looks like small spatters of dried blood. * Vinh-030 looks up, and freezes as she sees the Spartan that enters. * Simon-G294 glances up at the new arrival. <Simon-G294> Great, more of these guys. * Vinh-030 stands up so quickly that her chair falls over. <Vinh-030> Jorge... * Jorge-052 glances at Halsey. <Jorge-052> Came as soon as I heard. <Vinh-030> Where did you come from? <Vinh-030> I haven't seen you since... <Vinh-030> ...the end of the war, come to think of it. <Vinh-030> I heard you were on Reach but I never saw you at all. <Vinh-030> What have you been up to? <Jorge-052> I...did a bit of running about after Reach. * Simon-G294 observes the reunion between Vinh and Jorge, eyes burning with a jealously and longing that he tries to hide. <Jorge-052> When I got to Earth, it was back to more black ink and nonexistence. * Vinh-030 sighs exasperatedly. <Vinh-030> Fucking ONI. <Jorge-052> I worked with Threes. That made me...special. * Jorge-052 scowls. <Vinh-030> Threes? You mean like him? * Vinh-030 indicates Simon. * Jorge-052 sizes Simon up with a critical eye. <Jorge-052> This one's younger. <Vinh-030> Yeah, he's from Gamma. * Jorge-052 raises an eyebrow. <Jorge-052> Never knew about a third class. Guess I should be used to not knowing. * Vinh-030 nods and looks back down at Doctor_Halsey. <Vinh-030> She's going to be fine. <Vinh-030> It'll take her a while to recover though. <Jorge-052> Who the hell let her get shot? * Vinh-030 hesitates. <Vinh-030> It was complicated. * Jorge-052 looks away. <Vinh-030> We were in an enclosed space and had to get away in a hurry. <Vinh-030> We were caught by surprise and had no armour. <Jorge-052> Did what you could. Can't blame you for that. <Vinh-030> And if you really want to know...ONI sent them after her. <Jorge-052> Huh. * Jun-A266 (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Jun-A266 * Jun-A266 walks into the recovery bay. <Jun-A266> That right? * Simon-G294 remains seated and shakes his head. * Jorge-052 looks down at the blood on his armor, then over at Jun. <Jun-A266> So ONI's only going to hell all the faster since I've last checked in with them. <Simon-G294> A god damn family reunion. <Jorge-052> Knew they smelled fouler than the usual rabble. * Vinh-030 glances at Jun. <Vinh-030> Who's this? <Jorge-052> An old friend. A fellow ghost, you could say. * Vinh-030 nods. <Vinh-030> Where's the rest of your team? * Jorge-052 is silent and looks down at Halsey. <Jorge-052> Gone. * Vinh-030 's expression softens. <Vinh-030> I'm sorry. * Vinh-030 sighs heavily and looks away. <Vinh-030> We've lost a lot of our own as well on Reach. * Jun-A266 's eyes look distant. <Jun-A266> It was a hard-fought battle, that's for sure. <Vinh-030> Yeah. * Jorge-052 turns his attention to Simon, a distraction from the unpleasant topic. <Jorge-052> Your kit looks...unkept. <Vinh-030> He's on the run from ONI, you could say. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> I make do with what I've got. <Simon-G294> It's kept me alive so far. <Jun-A266> Things been hard since the war then? <Simon-G294> Which one? <Jun-A266> Good question. <Simon-G294> There's always another war right around the corner. <Jun-A266> Which one brought you to this point? * Jorge-052 emits a disgusted noise. <Jorge-052> Got my ass in line for retirement after Mamore. * Simon-G294 's eyes flash at the mention of Mamore, and he quickly looks away. <Simon-G294> Haven't you heard? <Simon-G294> Mamore's done. <Simon-G294> The whole planet's a fucking graveyard. * Jorge-052 gives a curt nod. <Vinh-030> Guess that was one battle the UNSC couldn't find a way to resolve. <Vinh-030> Had to destroy everything instead, huh. * Simon-G294 laughs bitterly. <Simon-G294> Oh, they resolved it all right. <Simon-G294> With tanks and bombs and Spartans. <Simon-G294> That's a few million people nice and fucking resolved. * Jun-A266 shakes his head. <Jun-A266> We're not the solution. <Jun-A266> We're the ones who scare the enemy into agreeing to our solution. <Jun-A266> Sometimes...that goes a little too far. <Jorge-052> They figured we'd be great demoralization. <Jorge-052> Sure demoralized somebody from all that. <Jun-A266> Some men don't know how to fight a war. <Jun-A266> Unfortunately, those are the same ones who end up in a position to decide what to do with the lives of others. <Jun-A266> Mamore...must have taken a lot of lives that did not deserve to die. <Simon-G294> Oh, yeah. I don't think any more colonists will want a say in how they live for a good long while now. <Simon-G294> You can take that one to the bank and cash it in. * Jun-A266 glances at Simon. <Jun-A266> I would be most surprised if the soldiers who survived that war had left with a clear conscience. * Jorge-052 tunes Jun out and looks down at Halsey, as if merely being there will ensure recovery. * Linda-058 enters recovery and stops, surprised at seeing the group gathered around Halsey. * Jun-A266 looks over at Linda. <Jun-A266> Friend of yours? * Jorge-052 glances at Linda, then gives her his full attention. <Simon-G294> Damn, this place is getting crowded. <Jorge-052> Family. * Linda-058 is staring at Jorge in disbelief. <Vinh-030> Yeah, he's alive, Linda. <Simon-G294> Like I said, a wonderful family reunion. * Jorge-052 shifts almost uncomfortably, disliking the attention. <Vinh-030> Guess we should've figured nothing could bring the big guy down, huh? * Jorge-052 shrugs. * Simon-G294 stands up abruptly and picks up his helmet, unable to remain amongst so much evidence of a life that is no longer his. * Linda-058 finds her tongue. <Linda-058> Guess you know what it's like to come back from the dead too. <Simon-G294> Right, I think I'll move to a place that's not so crowded. * Simon-G294 exits the med bay, helmet dangling from one hand as he examines the data pad intently. <Jorge-052> Popped out of Slipspace on the backside of the galaxy only to fight my way back and get lectured over how I blew up the best chance of carrying out RED FLAG. <Jorge-052> Funny old world, ain't it? <Vinh-030> Well, that's how ONI works. * Simon-G294 grits his teeth and falls silent, still poking at the data pad. * Jorge-052 scowls. <Jorge-052> Now really. Who was that kid? <Vinh-030> A deserter. <Vinh-030> Something happened to him on Mamore. <Vinh-030> Didn't come out quite right from it. <Vinh-030> Been on the run ever since. <Jorge-052> Hm. Guess that's what they get, using kids— * Jorge-052 stops himself. <Jorge-052> Ha. How hypocritical. <Jun-A266> Hey, wait up! * Linda-058 looks at Halsey. <Linda-058> How's she doing? <Vinh-030> She's stable. <Vinh-030> Not sure when she'll wake up though. * Jorge-052 glances at Vinh, then eases down into a half-kneeling position to be on Halsey's level. <Jorge-052> Dunno what to think about Serin nowadays. Did they try to stuff your file down your throat, too? <Linda-058> Naturally. * Vinh-030 shakes her head and sighs. <Vinh-030> She's too far gone. <Vinh-030> ONI's got her good, alright. <Jorge-052> Heh. Didn't bother reading it, I presume. * Linda-058 gives a rare smile. <Linda-058> Why do you think I'm keeping Dr. Halsey away from them now? <Linda-058> ONI doesn't know where to draw the line. <Jorge-052> No, they don't. They can't just kill her, she made us, she's—she's valuable. <Vinh-030> Since when did ONI care? <Vinh-030> A life was just a number to them. <Simon-G294> Gotta be more on this thing. Something valuable. <Simon-G294> And why the hell was she looking me up? Where'd she get the picture? * Jun-A266 decides to give the S-IIs a bit of privacy and leaves as well. * Jun-A266 turns the corner and sees Simon walking away at the end of the hall. * Jun-A266 breaks into a run and catches up to Simon. * Simon-G294 notices Jun out of the corner of his eye. He slips the data pad into the assault pack on his back and turns to face the Alpha S-III, arms folded. <Simon-G294> What's with you? <Simon-G294> Why aren't you back palling around with your buddies? <Jun-A266> Same reason you left. <Jun-A266> Thought I'd give them some privacy. <Simon-G294> Yeah, I'm all heart. <Jun-A266> So, how did you end up with these Spartans? <Simon-G294> I was hired to do a job. <Simon-G294> As long as I get paid, I'm not too picky about the crowd I hang out with. * Jun-A266 inclines his head. <Jun-A266> You ever been to Reach? <Simon-G294> Yeah. I fought there during the battle. Been back to scavenge stuff since then. <Jun-A266> You don't seem to mind getting ONI's attention for a simpe job. <Jun-A266> Must be something more personal then. <Jun-A266> So, what's at Reach that's got your interest? <Simon-G294> A whole ton of abandoned military junk. <Jun-A266> And? * Simon-G294 indicates his array of battered, scavenged equipment. <Jun-A266> I know these Spartans are getting into something deep with the Freelancers. <Jun-A266> They wouldn't ask you to come if there wasn't something you knew. * Simon-G294 's mouth twists unpleasantly. <Simon-G294> Don't talk to me about Freelancers. I've had enough of their kind to last a lifetime. * Jun-A266 chuckles unexpectedly. <Jun-A266> They are an odd bunch. <Jun-A266> Let me guess, you knew one of them more than you'd have cared for. <Jun-A266> You had a disagreement on Reach, maybe? <Jun-A266> And now this Freelancer has left something there that you want. <Jun-A266> Am I close? <Simon-G294> Close. <Simon-G294> Halsey has something I want. <Jun-A266> Hm. <Simon-G294> And the Freelancers... <Simon-G294> I've got a use for them, too. <Jun-A266> And then? <Jun-A266> Surely you don't intend to just leave after you're done with them. <Jun-A266> You've got too many ONI agents after you for that. * Simon-G294 narrows his eyes. <Simon-G294> Everyone sure seems to know a lot about me these days. * Jun-A266 shrugs. <Jun-A266> I saw how many ships were after you as you boarded. <Jun-A266> ONI doesn't try that hard unless they really want you dead. <Simon-G294> Or maybe they just want Halsey dead. <Simon-G294> In case you haven't noticed, she's valuable merchandise. <Jun-A266> If I know how ONI works, they'll want to erase everyone involved. <Jun-A266> Who knows how much she could have told you, right? <Simon-G294> I'm good at keeping myself alive. <Jun-A266> Better than ONI is at killing the people they want dead? <Jun-A266> There's only one of you, and countless agents that could find you. <Simon-G294> Look, I've got my plans. <Simon-G294> They just don't involve selling my life over to another idealistic crusade. <Jun-A266> I guess not. <Jun-A266> Be careful though, huh. <Simon-G294> That's what I do. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> Like someone just told me. <Simon-G294> It's a cold galaxy. * Jun-A266 nods. * Simon-G294 turns and heads back down the corridor, looking for somewhere quiet to situate himself. * Doctor_Halsey makes a small coughing noise, eyes fluttering. * Linda-058 looks down immediately. * Jorge-052 is suddenly focused. <Vinh-030> Dr. Halsey? * Doctor_Halsey turns her head slightly, blinking. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah... * Jorge-052 remains still, eyeing Halsey with all the blind devotion in the world. <Doctor_Halsey> Mm...no, that can't be right. <Doctor_Halsey> And yet... * Doctor_Halsey tries to sit up, but can only lift her head. <Vinh-030> Easy. <Doctor_Halsey> ...oh...for a moment, I thought it was John... * Doctor_Halsey musters an excuse of a smile. <Doctor_Halsey> Jorge. You're...alive. * Jorge-052 doesn't even seem ruffled that Halsey was expecting John instead, happy that she's awake. <Jorge-052> Heard somebody tried to end you, ma'am. Had to come back. <Doctor_Halsey> ...I've been dead since the end of the war, haven't I? Margaret showed me my epitaph. <Vinh-030> It's been everywhere from New Mombasa to Sigma Octanus <Vinh-030> ONI didn't even act like they were saddened. * Vinh-030 laughs humourlessly. <Jorge-052> Yeah...finding out you were alive and in trouble was good news by comparison. * Doctor_Halsey frowns, noting several new scars, some of them surgical-looking, on Jorge's face. * Jorge-052 is suddenly self-conscious. <Doctor_Halsey> What happened to you? <Jorge-052> Er...well, I suppose classified doesn't mean anything now. <Jorge-052> Had a nasty bout of radiation sickness. Don't think I'd have survived if rebels didn't come to scavenge the Covie ship. <Linda-058> The rebels saved you? * Jorge-052 snorts. <Jorge-052> Hardly. They wanted to sell me to the highest bidder, But the Covies tracked their ship. Suddenly I was the best-qualified soldier and they really needed me. * Vinh-030 smirks. <Vinh-030> That's the way life works sometimes. <Vinh-030> Full of irony, huh. <Vinh-030> Well, if we're making confessions... * Jorge-052 glances at Vinh. <Vinh-030> Remember the Battle of Kholo in '39? <Linda-058> Yeah. <Jorge-052> Yeah. Real mess, that. <Linda-058> You and Isaac got stuck underground. <Linda-058> Got retrieved a few days later. <Linda-058> I think that surprised everyone. <Vinh-030> Yeah, well. * Vinh-030 looks down and fidgets with her hands. <Vinh-030> See, Isaac and I didn't think we were going to survive that. * Jorge-052 listens, absently taking Doctor Halsey's hand as she slips back into sleep. <Vinh-030> In fact, we were about to get cornered by a fleet of Covenant. <Vinh-030> And I'm not joking when I say fleet. <Vinh-030> So, uh...we might have decided to get a little...intimate. * Linda-058 drops her sniper rifle in surprise. <Linda-058> Did you... * Jorge-052 raises both eyebrows. * Vinh-030 nods quickly, looking down and her face turning slightly red. <Jorge-052> Huh. <Vinh-030> So you can imagine how complicated that was when we did get out alive. <Linda-058> You and Isaac had a kid? * Vinh-030 looks up at Linda. <Vinh-030> Dyne. * Linda-058 's eyes widen. <Linda-058> Well, then... <Vinh-030> Yeah. Funny how things worked out. * Jorge-052 looks from woman to woman, feeling out of place in the conversation. * Simon-G294 finds himself back in the hangar and settles down behind a pile of crates, giving himself good concealment but keeping an eye out for anyone who might be approaching. * Simon-G294 pulls the data pad out of his assault pack. <Simon-G294> Right. I probably can't crack this, but there might still be something here I can get at. * Simon-G294 looks down at the locked datapad, eyes staring at something far away. His mouth works soundlessly, as if he's working something out in his head. * Simon-G294 passes his tongue over his lips and he smiles, coming to a decision. <Simon-G294> So that's how I'll play it. * Vinh-030 hurriedly turns her attention to Jorge. * Simon-G294 stands, returning the data pad to the assault pouch, concealing it within spare parts and equipment before leaving the hangar and making his way through the ship's corridors. <Vinh-030> So how did things go for you after the war, Jorge? <Jorge-052> Er. Uh. * Jorge-052 regains his composure. <Vinh-030> Did ONI let you take it easy for a while? <Jorge-052> ...no, not really. <Jorge-052> See, the rebels managed to escape with one ship intact and they followed some coordinates from a Covie map. Hoping to scrouge more tech, or something. <Jorge-052> I got dragged along. We found some sort of alien space station. A rampant UNSC AI was on board. And something...else. <Vinh-030> Go on. <Jorge-052> I'm guessing you're familiar with the Flood in some fashion. So I don't have to elaborate the...details. <Linda-058> Oh. <Jorge-052> People died. I got the AI. I got back to human space. I found Reach in flames. * Jorge-052 realizes he's getting worked up and settles down. * Linda-058 puts one hand comfortingly on Jorge's shoulder. <Jorge-052> That AI used to be Daisy, you know that? <Vinh-030> What? <Jorge-052> Yeah. Turns out our brains make great AIs. But they still go crazy after seven years. <Vinh-030> Who made an AI out of her? <Vinh-030> And how did she end up...wherever it was? * Jorge-052 shakes his head. <Jorge-052> It was never fully explained. ONI did something. She got stranded. I think the Flood got the ONI team what brought her. * Linda-058 lets her hand drop, one fist tightening. <Linda-058> They... <Jorge-052> By the time I found her, it was too late. Went down fighting, though. She never gave up. * Jorge-052 half-smiles. <Jorge-052> Saved my life. <Vinh-030> Well, that's something at least. <Jorge-052> When ONI found me, they had to tranq me first. I was mad. About Reach, about Daisy - but they deployed me when Earth got hit anyway. <Jorge-052> Been living under black ink since then. * Linda-058 raises an eyebrow. <Linda-058> You were on Earth? <Jorge-052> Got paired up with Maria after she finished liberating Songnam from the Covies. You lot had bugged out for some reason. We went to Africa, just missed John. Mopped up some Flood before they gave the order to glass. * Linda-058 looks away. <Linda-058> We had to leave for Onyx right after John left Earth. <Linda-058> Dr. Halsey called us there when she found the Shield World. <Jorge-052> Figured it was important. <Jorge-052> But, eh...you remember Maria, right? We've kept in touch since then. She's retired now. <Vinh-030> Really? <Vinh-030> You two talk a lot? * Jorge-052 half-shrugs. <Jorge-052> They didn't teach us to encrypt our own comms for nothing. * Vinh-030 grins. <Vinh-030> I guess they can't hold it against you since she's retired. <Jorge-052> Yeah. She's got lots of ODST friends. Always trying to convince me to quit and settle do-- I mean, you know, gotta adapt to civvie life at some point. <Vinh-030> Why not? <Vinh-030> If anyone's earned a break, it's you. * Jorge-052 looks down at Halsey. <Jorge-052> I flung myself back in after all that mess so I wouldn't have to think about it. <Jorge-052> Hard to slow down. <Vinh-030> Guess no one really tears through a Covenant platoon the way you do, big guy. * Vinh-030 punches Jorge lightly on the shoulder. * Jorge-052 carefully pulls the thin blanket up closer to Halsey's chin. * Vinh-030 looks down at Doctor_Halsey. <Vinh-030> She could use a break too. <Vinh-030> Not that she'd ever admit it, but ONI is sucking the life out of her. * Jorge-052 stares at the wall past Halsey, looking a bit murderous. <Jorge-052> They'll learn not to. <Linda-058> So is this it then? <Linda-058> No more taking orders from the UNSC? <Linda-058> Because as hard as it may seem, they're the best at sending us in to do our duty. * Jorge-052 sighs. <Vinh-030> I used to think of ONI as the lesser of two evils. <Vinh-030> Lately though... * Vinh-030 glances at Halsey for the tenth time. <Vinh-030> I'm starting to wonder if we've become our own enemies without knowing it. <Jorge-052> I tried to make sense of what happened to Reach. It turned into a big wad of ONI schemes and coverups. Half the planet didn't even know we were being invaded until the Covies decided to finish the job. <Linda-058> That's not as bad as it gets. <Linda-058> I've caught rumours that ONI knew the Covenant were coming. * Jorge-052 looks at Linda, dead-eyed. <Linda-058> And they were going to let it fall, for whatever twisted reason ONI's thought up. * Linda-058 looks over at Halsey. <Linda-058> I think Dr. Halsey knew it too. <Linda-058> But she kept it quiet for a different reason. * Jorge-052 seems briefly stunned, then pulls together again. <Jorge-052> We'll see. <Linda-058> Guess that Forerunner site was more important than anything. <Linda-058> Even the lives that she knew would be lost. * Jorge-052 stands slowly and gives Halsey one last look before heading for the door and down the corridor, toward the armory. He busies himself checking his personal weaponry, which includes a heavily modified Brute Shot. * Simon-G294 pauses and takes a quick gulp of medicine from a small flask, face quivering from the disgusting liquid. <Simon-G294> Gotta keep that up. * Simon-G294 enters the command room where Felix and Texas are. * Agent_Texas immediately shuts off the files displaying on the holotable. <Simon-G294> Ooh, gotta keep those secrets safe. <Agent_Texas> Hey, these are valuable. <Simon-G294> Don't worry, I'm on your side. * Agent_Texas snorts. <Agent_Texas> You're on money's side, that's what. <Simon-G294> Besides, I don't care about what you write in your diary. <Simon-G294> Though it's true certain people haven't been too forthcoming with the money lately. <Agent_Texas> I didn't write these. <Agent_Texas> They were given to me by that weird voice thing in the cave. <Agent_Texas> You know, the one we encountered last time we were on Reach. * Simon-G294 narrows his eyes but doesn't comment. A self-assured smile plays across his face. <Simon-G294> Still after the Forerunner nonsense then. <Agent_Texas> Well, if you're still interested in stopping your brother, that's what we're planning. <Simon-G294> Stop him? Did that already when I put a couple rounds through his gut. <Simon-G294> I hate it when people make me do jobs over again. <Agent_Texas> You're going to think this is really weird. <Agent_Texas> But he's somehow preserved his consciousness outside a physical form, with the help of some Forerunner being. <Agent_Texas> And guess what? <Agent_Texas> He's still after the same demented goals he was before you put a bullet in him. <Agent_Texas> Except now he's going to be way better at doing it. * Simon-G294 runs a finger over a strangely raised vein on his forehead. <Simon-G294> At this point, nothing's weird. <Agent_Texas> So, are you in? * Simon-G294 takes another swig of medicine. <Simon-G294> Maybe. <Simon-G294> Last time, he was trying to kill me. <Simon-G294> So now he's got a better way to do it? <Agent_Texas> Oh, he doesn't care that much what happens to you. <Agent_Texas> His plans are way broader than that. * Simon-G294 laughs coldly. <Simon-G294> Of course. Just like all of you guys. <Simon-G294> Always thinking big. <Agent_Texas> And the last time he tried to kill you, you got back up. <Simon-G294> Anyway, I still owe him a hell of a lot of pain, so you can count me in. <Agent_Texas> Good. <Simon-G294> But I don't work for free. <Felix-116> I'm aware. <Simon-G294> I have favors I want in return. <Simon-G294> I'll fight for you guys. But there are questions of my own I need answered. <Agent_Texas> What kind of questions? * Simon-G294 leans against the holo-table. <Simon-G294> Halsey. <Simon-G294> I want to talk to her. <Agent_Texas> When she can stand on her own. <Agent_Texas> And when we're not in a hurry to get our job done on Reach. * Simon-G294 smiles humorlessly. <Agent_Texas> When we get back, you can talk to her. <Simon-G294> Then that might be too late. * Agent_Texas crosses her arms. <Agent_Texas> What's so important? <Simon-G294> I don't suppose you remember my brother's, ah, gift? <Agent_Texas> How could I forget. <Agent_Texas> Arthur couldn't lie down and die without condemning someone else first. <Agent_Texas> That was just how he always worked. <Simon-G294> An immune system full of Flood DNA. <Simon-G294> Well, I've had myself looked at by some medical...professionals. <Simon-G294> I'm dying. * Agent_Texas, despite herself, shifts with something like discomfort and a hint of even sympathy. <Agent_Texas> How long? * Simon-G294 smiles bitterly. <Simon-G294> Without medication? <Simon-G294> I give it a couple weeks before my body gives out. <Simon-G294> With the meds, you can raise that to about a month. <Agent_Texas> And you think Halsey can cure you? <Simon-G294> Hell yeah. <Agent_Texas> Well, she's in no condition to look you over right now. <Agent_Texas> But if her Spartans don't mind, you can talk to her if she's awake. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> They were having a reunion or something down in the med bay. * Simon-G294 glances at Felix. <Simon-G294> Say, why weren't you invited? <Simon-G294> No fun at parties? * Felix-116 gives Simon a long look. <Felix-116> Let's just say things turned out a little differently for me than expected. <Simon-G294> Ah, well, join the club. <Simon-G294> The other threes don't exactly ask me around for Thanksgiving either. * Simon-G294 takes another swig of medication. * Jorge-052 knocks once on the command room door, Brute Shot strapped across his back. * Simon-G294 turns to look at the door. * Agent_Texas eyes the bottle in Simon's hand, wondering what vile concoction he's forced to endure to cling onto his life. <Simon-G294> I have more conditions for this contract, of course, but let's start at keeping me alive and work up from there. <Felix-116> Sounds good. <Jorge-052> You a merc, son? * Simon-G294 glances at Jorge. <Simon-G294> Yeah. * Jorge-052 eyes Simon skeptically. <Jorge-052> But you were a Spartan first. <Agent_Texas> I was a lot of things before I'm what you see me as now, Spartan. <Agent_Texas> Sometimes that's just what happens. <Simon-G294> Yeah, well I left the party and wasn't invited back. <Simon-G294> Too bad the only thing I know how to do is fight, huh? <Jorge-052> Change is inevitable. But there's one thing I'd like to get straight. * Jorge-052 is in front of Simon in a couple strides, and looms. <Jorge-052> Do anything to compromise Halsey, and I will end you. * Simon-G294 leans against the table, craning his neck to look up at Jorge. <Simon-G294> Wouldn't dream of it. <Simon-G294> Whatever screws with ONI makes my day. * Jorge-052 backs off, satisfied. <Jorge-052> Good. <Jorge-052> Just wanted to make sure. * Jorge-052 sizes up Texas. <Jorge-052> I'm not very familiar with Freelancers. <Jorge-052> I remember thinking you lot were other Spartans, like the Threes. <Agent_Texas> Long story short, we got tired of playing ONI's game and decided to protect humanity our own way. <Agent_Texas> Sometimes that goes as big as evacuating civilians the UNSC has left behind, or as small as protecting a single individual ONI wants dead. <Agent_Texas> Like in this instance. <Simon-G294> Long story short, my dear brother taught them how not to follow orders and now all the cool kids are doing it. * Simon-G294 heads for the door. <Agent_Texas> Hey, Simon... <Simon-G294> Yeah? * Agent_Texas looks Simon up and down, gaze lingering on his skin which is already starting to look ill. <Agent_Texas> ...don't end up like your brother. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> I killed him once. I'll do it again for you guys. * Jorge-052 raises an eyebrow but says nothing. * Simon-G294 heads back into the hall, taking another swig of medicine. * Felix-116 walks off as well, heading for the medbay. * Agent_Texas looks at Jorge as the door slides shut. <Agent_Texas> Are you wondering why we even keep him alive? <Agent_Texas> Because I get that a lot. <Jorge-052> Not particularly. He seems useful enough, in his own right. <Agent_Texas> Useful, yes. <Agent_Texas> But it's more than that. <Jorge-052> I've worked with...interesting sorts before. <Agent_Texas> He's done a lot of things wrong with his life, that's for sure. <Agent_Texas> But a lot of it was brought upon by his brother. <Agent_Texas> Indirectly, but sometimes it only takes one action of great magnitude to throw everything off-balance. <Jorge-052> Didn't know Spartans got their old families. <Agent_Texas> Actually, his brother was one of us. A Freelancer. <Agent_Texas> I never used to think much of Simon, truth be told. <Agent_Texas> But I figured, hell... <Agent_Texas> When you're handed a shitty life you never asked for, all you can really do is make the best of it. <Agent_Texas> I should know that from personal experience. * Jorge-052 smiles slightly. <Jorge-052> Didn't want to scare him off. <Agent_Texas> I guess I feel sorry for him. <Agent_Texas> And after what his brother did to him, I guess everyone in the program had some sort of responsibility. <Agent_Texas> He doesn't kill people like that, even if he knows nothing else. * Simon-G294 heads down the hallway, a half-smile playing across his palid features. <Jorge-052> But if there's one thing I can't have, it's some gun for hire endangering her. * Jorge-052 pulls a damaged AI chip from a compartment of his suit. <Jorge-052> I heard you're good with AI. * Agent_Texas glances at the chip. <Agent_Texas> It depends. * Jorge-052 looks at the chip with a scowl. <Jorge-052> Huh. Then I suppose I couldn't ask you to keep this under wraps until the time is right, could I? <Agent_Texas> If you want to keep the AI aboard the ship, it'll be safe here. <Agent_Texas> Dr. Halsey was actually the one who...did me a favour, sometime before the Battle of Reach. <Agent_Texas> I heard you worked with the other Freelancers a time or two around that time. <Jorge-052> Yeah...I did. Quite an experience. <Agent_Texas> So, what did you think at the time? <Jorge-052> There's hope for you lot yet. <Jorge-052> Almost like working with Threes, in a way. <Agent_Texas> We have our own charm, I guess. * Agent_Texas looks thoughtful. <Agent_Texas> How familiar are you with Linda? <Jorge-052> We grew up together. Best damn sniper in our unit. * Agent_Texas chuckles. <Agent_Texas> Must be saying something, considering how good you Spartans are. <Jorge-052> I was never one of the great ones. Linda was the best shot. Kelly was the fastest. John was...the best, I guess. * Simon-G294 moves down the hallway, feeling his way back towards the med bay. * Simon-G294 sighs and enters the med bay. * Simon-G294 looks down at the sleeping Halsey, his eyes seeing through her as the cogs in his head continue to turn. * Agent_Texas inclines her head. <Agent_Texas> What would you say makes someone "one of the great ones"? * Jorge-052 grins. <Jorge-052> You shoulda seen us as kids. We'd cut each other's troats to win at anything. Some of us got better than the rest along the way. <Agent_Texas> Hm. <Agent_Texas> Is that what made you all great? <Agent_Texas> The desire to win? <Jorge-052> Nah. It was figuring out we all had to fight just as hard as the next guy to make sure everyone got out alive and the mission succeeded. * Agent_Texas nods approvingly. <Agent_Texas> Sounds like your friends learned that pretty quickly. * Agent_Texas looks over to the wall, as if seeing something in her mind. * Simon-G294 reaches the exterior of the med-bay, but hesitates to enter. He paces outside the entrance, lost in thought. <Agent_Texas> You know, in Project Freelancer, we had a ranking board. <Agent_Texas> And there were forty-nine of us. <Agent_Texas> Every one of us was ranked from top to bottom. <Agent_Texas> Except only the top eight Freelancers would be displayed on the board. Agent_Texas> The director's way of making each of us try our best, I suppose. <Jorge-052> ...damn. Halsey always hated those. Said it impeded teamwork. <Agent_Texas> She was right. <Agent_Texas> Things like that don't always turn out the way they're supposed to. * Agent_Texas turns back to look at Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Who do you think was at the top of that board? <Agent_Texas> I'll give you one guess. * Jorge-052 thinks on it. <Jorge-052> You. <Agent_Texas> There you go. <Agent_Texas> That wasn't really something I cared about, to be honest. <Agent_Texas> I just did my best and however the director saw me was how it was going to turn out. <Agent_Texas> But, before me, there was another number one. * Jorge-052 turns, still listening but looking at the AI chip in his hand. <Jorge-052> Yeah? And who was that? <Agent_Texas> Agent Carolina. * Jorge-052 looks up. <Jorge-052> I remember. She was good. <Agent_Texas> Good, yes. <Agent_Texas> Outstanding, yes. <Agent_Texas> But never good enough for the director. <Agent_Texas> And if she wasn't good enough for the director, she wasn't good enough for herself. <Agent_Texas> At least, that was how she saw it. <Agent_Texas> And when I bumped her off the top spot, you can imagine how that changed her. <Jorge-052> She didn't seem so bad on the job. <Agent_Texas> That was...after we sorted out that problem. <Agent_Texas> But after I became number one, she just became different the longer I was there. <Agent_Texas> It became less about doing her duty and more about trying to outdo me. * Agent_Texas shrugs. <Agent_Texas> And who knows, maybe she did outdo me in some instances. <Agent_Texas> But the director would never recognize that, and it drove her mad. * Jorge-052 winces. <Agent_Texas> It took nothing short of our realizing what sort of man he really was to stop paying attention to unimportant things like that, and work together as a team again. <Jorge-052> At least you pulled together. That's more than some units can say. <Agent_Texas> Yeah. <Agent_Texas> But it cost us. <Agent_Texas> There was another reason Carolina didn't trust me. * Jorge-052 turns the AI chip over, a blue gleam coming from its center. <Jorge-052> Yeah? <Agent_Texas> One of our agents, Connecticut...she never even made it to the leaderboard. <Jorge-052> What do you mean? <Agent_Texas> She was one of those Freelancers that didn't care, not because she didn't think she'd make it to the top, but because she knew how to do the right thing, regardless of whether it was from an order or from her own conscience. <Agent_Texas> She eventually betrayed us to the Insurrection, and we were ordered to bring her in, dead or alive. * Agent_Texas laughs bitterly. <Agent_Texas> Of course, I always think dead is easier than alive. <Agent_Texas> So, we got into a rather nasty fight, and I ended up fatally wounding her. <Agent_Texas> She got away, thanks to her accomplice. But what was done was done. <Agent_Texas> Carolina was furious. <Agent_Texas> She said I killed a teammate. <Agent_Texas> I didn't think anything of it, since I had my orders. <Agent_Texas> But a few months later, I found out everything from a recording Connecticut left behind for me. <Agent_Texas> She trusted me...called me her friend. She knew I'd understand, if I'd only given her the chance to explain... * Agent_Texas suddenly slams a fist into the holotable. <Agent_Texas> ...if I'd only given her the chance. * Jorge-052 is unfazed by Tex's display. <Jorge-052> You were deceived. <Agent_Texas> Yeah. But I know one thing. <Agent_Texas> She knew all along when to do the right thing. <Agent_Texas> And I just kept taking orders because that was what I was supposed to do. <Jorge-052> And, if you don't mind my saying...this Carolina person seems very important to you. * Agent_Texas looks up at Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Funny you mention that. <Agent_Texas> As weird as it may sound, there's someone that reminds me an awful lot of her. <Agent_Texas> Someone I wouldn't really think much of. * Agent_Texas glances at the door. <Agent_Texas> Not at first, at least. <Jorge-052> Someone on this ship? <Agent_Texas> Don't let Simon's act of indifference fool you. <Agent_Texas> He's hurting. <Agent_Texas> He wants someone to care about him. <Agent_Texas> He just...can't find anyone. <Agent_Texas> And I can't bring myself to hate him, because of that. <Agent_Texas> Because that's exactly how Carolina was. <Agent_Texas> Before Project Freelancer, no one cared about her. * Jorge-052 nods slowly. <Jorge-052> Maybe I should apologize to the kid. <Jorge-052> If it'd even mean anything. <Agent_Texas> Even after she was with all her teammates, her friends, she wouldn't let them in. <Agent_Texas> She tried to be the best because she thought that way, she'd be good enough for someone. <Agent_Texas> To the director, who was always watching her, maybe. <Agent_Texas> Or even herself, if she could prove it to herself. <Agent_Texas> But no. <Agent_Texas> No matter how much the others admired her, she was never good enough for herself. * Agent_Texas looks up at Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Dr. Halsey...she always made every single one of you feel like someone...special, didn't she? * Jorge-052 looks away, as if the information is somehow too private. <Agent_Texas> No matter how many of you there were, no matter how hard the UNSC tried to mould you all into mindless killing machines. <Agent_Texas> She knows every one of you by heart. <Jorge-052> She...didn't even give her own daughter the attention she gave us. * Agent_Texas chuckles bitterly. <Agent_Texas> At least she protected her. <Agent_Texas> Carolina...she was subject to so much hurt...and her own father just watched. <Agent_Texas> He even helped break her apart. <Agent_Texas> The director, the rat bastard who never called himself her father, cared more about me, his number one, his memory, than he did to his own daughter. * Jorge-052 straightens slightly. <Jorge-052> If I may ask...why are you telling me this? * Agent_Texas looks down. <Agent_Texas> Because...I see the way you all look at Dr. Halsey. <Agent_Texas> And Linda, she... * Jorge-052 is suddenly alert. <Jorge-052> What about Linda? * Jorge-052 steps toward Texas. * Agent_Texas meets Jorge's gaze. <Agent_Texas> She's Carolina's sister. * Jorge-052 frowns, then mulls it over. <Jorge-052> ...well. Wouldn't have seen it coming, but...yeah. Redheads. * Agent_Texas laughs quietly. <Agent_Texas> And the eyes. They have the same eyes. <Agent_Texas> Always alert. <Agent_Texas> Although Carolina didn't take after Linda in sharpshooting, I suppose. <Agent_Texas> Always preferred close-quarters...like me. <Agent_Texas> Linda, though, inherited her mother's sharp eye. <Jorge-052> ...wait...like you? * Agent_Texas nods. * Jorge-052 gives Tex a look. <Agent_Texas> I'm not exactly what you'd call a Freelancer, Jorge. <Agent_Texas> I'm not even sure what you'd call me. <Agent_Texas> There's no one else like me, really. <Jorge-052> Are you a Spartan? * Agent_Texas holds out one hand, palm up, and the avatar of a blond-haired woman in a Marine uniform stands on the gauntlet. <Jorge-052> ...oh. You have an AI. * Agent_Texas speaks out of the AI's avatar. <Agent_Texas> I guess you could call me an AI. <Agent_Texas> But I'm so much more than that. * Jorge-052 is surprisingly unfazed. <Agent_Texas> You see, Director Leonard Church made me, not from his brain like so many of the UNSC's smart AIs... <Agent_Texas> ...but from his emotions and the essence of his heart. * Jorge-052 looks a bit skeptical, but listens. <Agent_Texas> So, I'm perfectly capable of understanding and even experiencing human emotion. <Agent_Texas> I'm a human in every sense except the physical. <Agent_Texas> It's...fascinating, I suppose. <Agent_Texas> ONI's tried and failed to create someone like me for decades. * Agent_Texas 's avatar smiles humourlessly. <Agent_Texas> But I guess those cold-hearted bastards will never undersand how to create someone from the heart. * Jorge-052 looks back down at the chip. <Jorge-052> No. They won't. <Agent_Texas> If ONI had an army of AIs like me, the UNSC would be unstoppable. <Agent_Texas> There would be no more need for conscription. <Agent_Texas> No more need for sacrifice. * Agent_Texas looks into Jorge's eyes. <Agent_Texas> ...no more need for Spartans. * Jorge-052 looks away. <Jorge-052> Can't let that happen. <Agent_Texas> What's done is done. <Jorge-052> At least we're human enough to screw up and learn from it. <Jorge-052> And maybe you are, too. <Agent_Texas> But the necessary suffering that so many of you have gone through won't be necessary if only ONI could figure out what makes me tick. <Agent_Texas> Maybe that could be for the better. * Jorge-052 nods. <Agent_Texas> But I wouldn't trust them with something like this. <Agent_Texas> They'll turn me into something evil, I just know it. <Agent_Texas> And I...I can't let them do that. <Jorge-052> Your secret's safe. <Jorge-052> I've got my own to keep already. * Agent_Texas nods, her avatar vanishing. <Agent_Texas> You might have already guessed this, but I was created from the director's memory of his wife. <Agent_Texas> Carolina's mother. Linda's mother. * Jorge-052 nods grimly. <Jorge-052> Linda will never know if you don't want her to. <Jorge-052> I promise. <Agent_Texas> I think it'd be better if she doesn't know. <Agent_Texas> She's content among her fellow Spartans, and she sees Dr. Halsey as a mother figure. <Jorge-052> Speaking of Linda...I'd really better be getting back to the medbay. There's something I need to see to. * Jorge-052 sighs. <Agent_Texas> Yeah. <Agent_Texas> Just one more thing. <Agent_Texas> That AI you're holding... <Agent_Texas> It was based on someone you cared about, wasn't it. <Jorge-052> Mm. <Jorge-052> We were kids. Teammates. <Jorge-052> It's not her, not really. But I can't let her go. <Agent_Texas> You know, a smart AI goes rampant because it's unable to understand the human emotions it goes through. * Jorge-052 looks up at Tex. <Jorge-052> I know. <Jorge-052> She's been inside my head, more than once. <Jorge-052> It's...a nightmare. <Agent_Texas> But even if it isn't her, alive, the sacrifice the AI made for you is still an act of your friend's essence. <Agent_Texas> Had she been alive, she would have undoubtedly done the same. <Jorge-052> The...AI cut off more than half its processing power to get me out of there alive. <Jorge-052> What's left...I'm not sure it's even sentient. <Jorge-052> Been too chicken to find out, I guess. <Agent_Texas> Well. <Agent_Texas> That AI was created from her mind, and that's all she'll ever be. <Agent_Texas> But maybe if you can implement the capacity to understand emotion into her, then she can be...fixed. * Agent_Texas laughs. <Agent_Texas> Dr. Halsey hates that word. <Jorge-052> Yeah. Too simple for her. * Jorge-052 half-smiles. <Agent_Texas> But she helped me figure out what I really am, so I think she can help your AI friend too. <Jorge-052> I hope so. <Agent_Texas> And you don't have to pretend that it's her to care about this AI. * Jorge-052 turns toward the command room doorway. <Agent_Texas> I believe she's already done enough to earn your trust. <Jorge-052> Yeah. <Jorge-052> Nice talking with you, Texas. <Agent_Texas> You too. * Jorge-052 walks out of the command room, heading toward the medbay, scrutinizing the chip. <Jorge-052> ...this is gonna hurt. * Jorge-052 makes it to the medbay and enters quietly, eyeing Halsey's sleeping form. He sees Simon and halts. <Jorge-052> You. * Felix-116 looks up as Jorge enters. * Simon-G294 turns at Jorge's entrance. <Simon-G294> Ah. I was wondering when you would show up. * Jorge-052 ignores Simon, moving over to a tray filled with various syringes and medical accessories. * Simon-G294 raises an eyebrow and moves away from Halsey. * Jorge-052 sets the chip down beside the tray, keeping an eye on it. <Jorge-052> I've got some things to sort out before she wakes up. <Jorge-052> Nothing that'd interest you, of course. * Simon-G294 shrugs. <Simon-G294> Lately, everything about this woman interests me. <Simon-G294> Then again, we all have our secrets. * Jorge-052 finds what he's searching for and holds it up: a syringe of powerful sedatives. He glance over at Felix. <Jorge-052> Wouldn't mind holding onto this, would you? * Felix-116 takes the sedatives. <Felix-116> Sure thing. * Simon-G294 finishes off the last of the medicine in his flask before returning it to his belt. <Jorge-052> Just in case. <Felix-116> What are you trying to do? * Jorge-052 sits down on one of the bunks, causing it to groan in protest, the AI chip in one hand. <Felix-116> Wait, is that chip damaged? <Jorge-052> Something I've been putting off. But now we might need...her. * Jorge-052 looks a bit defensive. <Jorge-052> It's old. <Felix-116> Is it...safe...to put in your head? <Jorge-052> I survived the first three times. <Jorge-052> Haven't tried it since. * Felix-116 looks a bit unsure but nods. <Felix-116> When you say "survived"... * Simon-G294 watches with mild interest. <Simon-G294> Big guy's still walking around, isn't he? <Jorge-052> Technically I've broken at least fifteen laws keeping her this long. <Felix-116> Laws aren't quite the priority at the moment. * Jorge-052 scowls. <Felix-116> As long as you don't hurt yourself. <Jorge-052> She was rampant from age, but there was this Flood...thing. A "mind" of some sort. It messed her up pretty bad. <Felix-116> Okay, now that sounds complicated. <Felix-116> A rampant AI, with Flood influence, that's messed up. * Jorge-052 shrugs. <Felix-116> Doesn't sound safe to put in your head. * Simon-G294 perks up at the mention of the Flood, but remains on the sidelines. <Felix-116> What are you even up to? <Jorge-052> She lost a lot of data saving my ass. There might not be anything left to salvage in here. But I have to know. * Jorge-052 looks at Felix. <Jorge-052> Her name was Daisy. <Felix-116> Daisy... * Felix-116 frowns. <Jorge-052> Spartan Oh-Twenty-three. <Felix-116> Right. <Felix-116> Fred mentioned her to me before. <Jorge-052> Fred? He never did forget anyone. <Simon-G294> I can see why they don't invite you to any of the parties, Felix. * Jorge-052 glances at Simon. <Jorge-052> Alright, well, talking's not going to solve anything. * Jorge-052 raises the chip. <Jorge-052> Here goes. * Jorge-052 reaches back and slides the damaged chip into its slot, wincing. * Doctor_Halsey stirs slightly. * Jorge-052 notices the movement and frowns. <Jorge-052> Ah, piss. * Simon-G294 leans forward, curious. <Simon-G294> Never seen someone merge without armor on before. <Simon-G294> I'll have to tell Diana about this one. * Felix-116 stands and moves to Doctor_Halsey's bedside. <Felix-116> Are you alright, doctor? * Jorge-052 winces again, this time lifting a hand and placing it against his forehead. He maintains control, but his jaw tightens and a tiny trickle of blood runs from his nose. * Doctor_Halsey opens her eyes. <Doctor_Halsey> I...feel rested. * Doctor_Halsey looks up at Felix, genuinely comfortable from the medications. <Simon-G294> For an old woman, she sure bounces back from being shot. <Simon-G294> I'm impressed. * Jorge-052 leans forward and grunts, appearing to have some sort of headache. * Felix-116 turns to look at Jorge, concerned. <Felix-116> Is that supposed to happen? * Jorge-052 waves dismissively. <Jorge-052> Side effect. <Felix-116> So what do you notice? <Felix-116> Is the AI still intact? * Jorge-052 glances from side to side, as if seeing things in front of him. <Jorge-052> Ugh. <Jorge-052> She's...dreaming, if that's a good term for it. <Felix-116> Dreaming? <Jorge-052> But she's still in here, somewhere. <Felix-116> So how do you wake her up? <Jorge-052> Dunno. Hurts. * Felix-116 glances back at Doctor_Halsey. <Felix-116> Dr. Halsey? Any ideas? <Doctor_Halsey> What is going on? * Doctor_Halsey attempts to sit up. <Simon-G294> She just woke up, Felix. <Doctor_Halsey> What on earth is happening? <Simon-G294> Christ, am I really being the sensitive one here? * Felix-116 adjusts Doctor_Halsey's pillows so she can lean against the bed. <Felix-116> The doctor said that it would be good if she got a bit more active the next time she woke up. <Felix-116> Besides, a mind like Dr. Halsey's doesn't rest. <Simon-G294> You twos are weird. <Doctor_Halsey> Jorge, what are you doing? <Jorge-052> Just...ah, investigating, ma'am. <Simon-G294> Jamming a crazy AI up his head, or something like that. <Doctor_Halsey> A crazy AI? <Doctor_Halsey> What is the meaning of this? <Felix-116> Easy, doctor. I don't think it's crazy. * Felix-116 glances at Jorge. <Felix-116> Is it? * Doctor_Halsey narrows her eyes and looks deadly. <Jorge-052> Be thankful she's not strong as she was. Made me her meat puppet one time. Didn't...end well. <Felix-116> Okay, maybe she is crazy. * Doctor_Halsey looks absolutely livid. <Simon-G294> Meat puppet? * Simon-G294 leans back, shaking his head. <Jorge-052> Eh...that's what she calls us, meat. <Simon-G294> Ah, she'd get along famously with Diana then. * Jorge-052 wipes at his nosebleed. <Jorge-052> Huh. Was a lot worse last time. <Felix-116> Um, Jorge...you might want to take it out of your head now. <Felix-116> You know, before Dr. Halsey decides to kill you. <Doctor_Halsey> Yes. Please. * Jorge-052 looks hesitant despite the discomfort. <Simon-G294> Damn, she's been awake for about five minutes and you're already trying to give her a heart attack. <Felix-116> Now that you know it's intact, we can ask Dr. Halsey for help before you do anything else. <Jorge-052> Ma'am, you've got to understand, she used to be Daisy. * Doctor_Halsey looks surprised. <Doctor_Halsey> ...ah. <Simon-G294> Remember, Felix, I need her alive. <Doctor_Halsey> So that's what...never mind. <Doctor_Halsey> Interesting. <Doctor_Halsey> Well, now that you've confirmed her presence, you can hand the chip over to me. * Jorge-052 moves to pull the chip out, but stops. <Jorge-052> She's, uh...she's scared of you, ma'am. <Felix-116> Something to do with Daisy's personality? * Jorge-052 gives Halsey an uncharacteristically icy look. <Jorge-052> She remembers you. * Doctor_Halsey merely blinks. * Simon-G294 folds his arms and leans back against a table, shaking his head. <Doctor_Halsey> Of course she does. I trained all of you. <Jorge-052> Cloned all of us too, isn't that right? * Doctor_Halsey looks fearful for one second, but it quickly smooths away. <Simon-G294> Cloned? * Jorge-052 glances at Simon as if amused. <Jorge-052> You didn't know? <Jorge-052> Each of us was kidnapped and replaced. <Jorge-052> The ultimate coverup. <Jorge-052> Daisy escaped. Went home, found her double. <Jorge-052> ...you really have no idea just how long she's been pissed over that. * Simon-G294 shakes his head again, suppressing a laugh even as his eyes widen a fraction in horror. <Simon-G294> Damn. <Simon-G294> And here I thought I'd done all my homework on the good doctor. * Doctor_Halsey frowns, seeming to ignore the accusations. <Doctor_Halsey> This is highly unlike you, Jorge. <Simon-G294> Maybe I shouldn't let her poke around my body after all. <Felix-116> You want her to what? * Simon-G294 shoots Felix a sideways glance. * Jorge-052 scoffs. <Simon-G294> I'm not keen on keeling over from Arthur's poison spores, Felix. <Jorge-052> Ah yes, let her turn you into another one of her experiments. It's what she likes. * Jorge-052 realizes what he just said. <Jorge-052> Now hold on just a minute. * Felix-116 glances back at Jorge. <Felix-116> Right. <Felix-116> Let's get that AI out of your head. * Jorge-052 tenses. <Simon-G294> I'm not gonna hold him down. <Simon-G294> Just throwing that out there. <Jorge-052> She's just scared, Felix, leave her be. I can control it. <Felix-116> She's dangerous, that's for sure. <Simon-G294> So's Tex, you don't seem to mind her all that much. <Jorge-052> Just a...a lost kid, deep down. Like any other casualty of war. I want to help her. * Felix-116 makes a quick sideways glance at Simon before looking back to Jorge. <Felix-116> Casualty of war, huh? <Felix-116> Alright, guess I'll make an exception then. * Doctor_Halsey shakes her head ever so slightly. <Doctor_Halsey> Her vulnerability may be deceptive. I've never seen an AI exert so much influence on a host. * Jorge-052 glowers. <Felix-116> Yeah, go figure. Not even the Forerunners had AIs that could... * Felix-116 stops talking. <Jorge-052> Like she's some kind of parasite? * Simon-G294 raises an eyebrow. <Simon-G294> A host, huh? <Felix-116> Sounds like trouble. <Doctor_Halsey> Jorge, why is this AI different? Surely it's damaged. * Jorge-052 looks down. <Jorge-052> Contact with the Flood, ma'am. She...picked up some tricks from it. <Felix-116> Now I know that's trouble. * Simon-G294 bares his teeth in a humorless smile. <Simon-G294> Trouble, maybe. <Simon-G294> Or an opportunity. * Jorge-052 hisses as pain shoots through his skull. <Jorge-052> Damn. <Felix-116> Jorge, I'm not sure I want an unstable AI controlling someone as...intimidating as you. * Jorge-052 reaches back to pull the chip, but his arm lowers slowly. <Felix-116> It could be dangerous for Dr. Halsey. <Felix-116> Think about that. <Felix-116> If this AI isn't too fond of her, who knows what she could do to the doctor using your body. <Jorge-052> Unstable? You'd give a human therapy. But you'd kill an AI just for having mood swings. <Felix-116> Kill, no. <Felix-116> Remove until we can stabilize it, though. <Felix-116> That's all I'm asking. <Felix-116> We don't have to harm the AI. * Jorge-052 stands, backing towards the door. <Felix-116> Jorge? Where are you going? <Jorge-052> I just need some peace and quiet. <Felix-116> Oh, for the love of... <Simon-G294> Yeah, better get someone to watch him. <Simon-G294> Don't let him near the reactor core or anything like that. * Felix-116 stands, moving to follow Jorge. * Doctor_Halsey remains frozen. <Doctor_Halsey> ...Daisy. <Doctor_Halsey> I... <Simon-G294> Twos are weird. <Felix-116> Stay here with Dr. Halsey, Simon. * Simon-G294 smiles wanly. <Simon-G294> She's not going anywhere. * Jorge-052 leaves without so much as glancing at Halsey, as if ignoring her existence. * Felix-116 goes after Jorge, down the hallway. * Jorge-052 heads for the armory, where it's deserted. * Felix-116 decides to try and break through to Jorge with an old military tactic to remind him of his identity. <Felix-116> Chief Warrant Officer, stand down. <Jorge-052> You didn't have to be rude about it. No, I don't think it's cathartic. It's damn irritating. It— <Felix-116> That's an order, SPARTAN-052. * Jorge-052 glances over his shoulder. <Jorge-052> I said peace and quiet. <Felix-116> Dammit. * Jorge-052 turns and crosses his arms. * Felix-116 continues after Jorge, trying to think of what to do. <Jorge-052> You're not very sneaky and you're actually quite loud. Bugger off. <Felix-116> I'm not here to be sneaky. <Felix-116> I'm keeping an eye on you. * Felix-116 is surreptitiously clicking a private COM signal to elsewhere on board the ship as he speaks to Jorge. <Felix-116> Look, why don't you just come with me. <Felix-116> We'll walk back to Dr. Halsey and talk it over with her. * Jorge-052 enters the armory and stops short, panting. <Felix-116> I'm sure we can sort this out. <Jorge-052> The last person we want to see is her. <Felix-116> Why? <Felix-116> She wants to make amends. <Felix-116> She knows that things didn't go so well in the past and she knows how you must feel. <Jorge-052> Maybe it's past time for that. <Jorge-052> Oh, I'm content to leave her to herself. She'll just think herself to death. * Felix-116 looks around at the weapons all around them. <Felix-116> So what do you want to accomplish here? <Jorge-052> Accomplish? I...just need to think. <Felix-116> I don't think you know how a human mind works, Daisy. <Felix-116> We don't think ourselves to death. <Felix-116> That's a limitation strictly bound to smart AIs. <Felix-116> And it's going to put you in danger, unless you let Dr. Halsey help you. <Felix-116> You're already pushing it, but she can make you better. <Felix-116> Okay? * Jorge-052 sighs. <Jorge-052> She's not making it easy, Felix. Bloody hell. * Jorge-052 looks up almost sadly. <Simon-G294> Huh. <Simon-G294> An hour ago he thought the sun shone out of your ear. * Doctor_Halsey looks down at her hands. <Doctor_Halsey> Maybe I deserve to hear it. <Simon-G294> Ah, don't break on me now, Doc. <Simon-G294> I thought I had you pegged just right. <Doctor_Halsey> Break? Hardly. <Simon-G294> Well, good, that's more like it. <Simon-G294> I need you. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm...simply taking everything into account. <Simon-G294> Well, take your time. * Simon-G294 leans against the table, checking to make sure that his medicine really is gone. <Simon-G294> It's not like there's a lot to do. <Simon-G294> You're just going to stabilize the Flood cells colonizing my body. <Simon-G294> Then your Spartans and the Freelancers will help me kill Parangosky and burn ONI to the ground. Everyone wins. <Doctor_Halsey> Stabilize the...oh. Oh my. <Doctor_Halsey> I see. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm surprised they haven't tagged you for contagion vectors. <Simon-G294> I keep to myself, mostly. <Simon-G294> And since the people around me haven't burst into combat forms or whatever, I don't think it's contagious. <Simon-G294> But it is killing me. <Simon-G294> And I have a lot to do still before I die. * Simon-G294 glances down at his gauntlet as a small alarm chimes. He grits his teeth, frustrated. <Simon-G294> Damn it. Peter, again. * Simon-G294 turns and walks towards the door. <Simon-G294> We'll talk later doctor. I've got your data pad, so that should keep you hooked. <Doctor_Halsey> I'll be looking forward to it. * Agent_Texas steps into the armoury and approaches Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Maybe I can help. * Jorge-052 faces Texas, tense. <Jorge-052> Don't piss her off again. She gets stronger when she's upset. <Agent_Texas> I'm more accustomed the crap out of living beings. <Agent_Texas> But in this case, it'd have to be a little more...delicate. * Agent_Texas 's avatar appears in front of Jorge's face, observing the eyes closely. <Agent_Texas> I'll be gentle. Don't you worry. * Agent_Texas enters Jorge's mind, looking for the place where Amaranth remains resided. * Jorge-052 flinches slightly as the coldness seeps in. It contrasts with Amaranth's characteristic unbearable heat. * Agent_Texas moves through the deep recesses of Jorge's mind, ignoring the temptation to look into Jorge's most troubled thoughts. * Agent_Texas stops when she senses Amaranth's presence close by. <Agent_Texas> Hey there... <Agent_Texas> ...you alright? * Amaranth_AI manifests as a childlike version of Daisy, glitching in and out. <Amaranth_AI> Go away! * Agent_Texas approaches Amaranth slowly so not to alarm her. <Agent_Texas> Hey, what's wrong? <Amaranth_AI> Leave us alone! <Agent_Texas> Us? <Agent_Texas> Is there someone with you? * Amaranth_AI indicates a boy her age with messy dark hair. He flickers like a projection, merely a memory. <Amaranth_AI> Jorge is my friend. <Agent_Texas> I know, and he wants to help you. * Amaranth_AI scowls. <Agent_Texas> He remembers how you saved his life, and he's worried that he might lose you. <Agent_Texas> He wants to make you better. <Amaranth_AI> But they'll take me away and I'll be alone again! <Agent_Texas> No, of course they won't. <Agent_Texas> Jorge wants to make sure you'll never be alone again. <Amaranth_AI> Yes they will. They'll take me away! They always take you away and turn you into something bad. * Agent_Texas smiles gently, looking uncharacteristically like the kind woman she was based off of. <Agent_Texas> Not always. <Agent_Texas> I was different too. <Agent_Texas> Angry. <Agent_Texas> Distrustful. <Agent_Texas> And...lonely. * Agent_Texas slowly reaches out a hand to Amaranth. * Amaranth_AI flickers and glitches, speaking in many voices at once. <Amaranth_AI> Lonely... <Agent_Texas> But...then someone changed all that. * Amaranth_AI hesitates. * Agent_Texas "touches" Amaranth's hand, showing her every memory she had from the day of her creation to how her friendship with the Freelancers changed her. <Agent_Texas> They made me better, see? <Agent_Texas> But I had to trust them. * Amaranth_AI absorbs the data, eyes widening. <Agent_Texas> I knew I could trust them, because they were my friends. <Amaranth_AI> Ohhh... <Agent_Texas> They wanted to help me. <Agent_Texas> They knew I was lonely. <Agent_Texas> And now, I'm not lonely anymore. * Amaranth_AI looks conflicted, then lunges and hugs Tex around the waist. <Amaranth_AI> Will you be my friend? * Agent_Texas is a bit startled but returns the hug. <Agent_Texas> Of course I will. <Agent_Texas> And I'll be here and make sure no one takes you away, alright? * Amaranth_AI slowly starts to dissipate, like an image derezzing, smiling contentedly. <Amaranth_AI> I'll go back to sleep now. Will I be happy when I wake up? <Agent_Texas> I promise. <Agent_Texas> You'll wake up, and Jorge will be here. <Agent_Texas> And I'll be here. * Amaranth_AI smiles and giggles, an eerily lifelike sound, then dissolves entirely, retreating back to her chip. * Agent_Texas notices how Amaranth has eased her forceful grip over Jorge's mind and slowly leaves Jorge's mind and returns to her own body. * Felix-116 notes how Jorge's expression has become relaxed rather than tense. * Jorge-052 goes to one knee and yanks the chip out in one motion. <Felix-116> I take it that went well. <Jorge-052> ...never let me do that again. <Felix-116> You got it. * Jorge-052 looks quizzically at Tex. <Jorge-052> What was that? <Agent_Texas> What was what? <Jorge-052> You were...it's like I remember you from somewhere, a long time ago. <Jorge-052> Probably nothing. * Agent_Texas nods. <Agent_Texas> She's afraid, more than anything. * Jorge-052 stands, regarding the chip warily. <Agent_Texas> That's why she's holding onto you. <Jorge-052> Funny way of showing affection. I could have done some damage. * Jorge-052 shifts uncomfortably. <Agent_Texas> She doesn't mean it. <Jorge-052> Is Doctor Halsey alright? <Felix-116> Fine. <Agent_Texas> Amaranth acts on the residual emotions ONI's instilled in her when they were tampering with her, but she doesn't understand it completely. <Agent_Texas> So, of course she's very confused. <Agent_Texas> But I'm sure Dr. Halsey can stabilize her again. <Agent_Texas> Of course, that's the easy part... * Jorge-052 holds the chip out to Tex. <Jorge-052> Here. * Agent_Texas takes the chip carefully. <Felix-116> What's the hard part? * Agent_Texas glances from Felix to Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Even if Dr. Halsey rights her, she'll just edge towards rampancy again before too long. * Jorge-052 looks away. <Agent_Texas> And if you thought she was dangerous now, just wait... <Felix-116> So what do you have in mind? * Agent_Texas gives Jorge a long look. <Agent_Texas> You have two options. <Agent_Texas> Your first option is to just destroy her, and get it done with. <Agent_Texas> Easy enough, but of course, it's a hard decision... <Jorge-052> I won't kill her. * Agent_Texas nods, as if expecting this answer. <Agent_Texas> Your second option is to make her into a fully-functional self-sustaining AI...like me. <Agent_Texas> That's the only thing that can save her. <Jorge-052> And how do I-- do we do that? <Agent_Texas> Dr. Halsey can correct ONI's clumsy efforts and stabilize whatever's wrong with her right now. <Agent_Texas> But you, Jorge, will need to create a new part of her. <Agent_Texas> Every bit of emotion, heart, whatever made Daisy human—you will need to make it into something existing. * Jorge-052 frowns. <Jorge-052> That's...a lot for a guy who can't even do a bit of proper coding. <Agent_Texas> It's only been accomplished by one person in history, but Jorge... <Agent_Texas> ...you have way more heart than that person. * Agent_Texas laughs. <Agent_Texas> Trust me, I know. <Agent_Texas> And it doesn't work the same way that an AI made from the human brain works. <Agent_Texas> There's no formula to it. * Jorge-052 looks at Tex somewhat guiltily. <Jorge-052> All that about the...the clones. <Felix-116> That was Daisy's bitterness. * Jorge-052 turns away. <Jorge-052> Mine too. <Jorge-052> She's just...better at saying it out loud. <Felix-116> You have every right to feel that way, Jorge. <Felix-116> Dr. Halsey understands. <Jorge-052> I'm supposed to hate her, or so dear Serin insisted, but I can't. I can't explain why. She's just always been there...like I need her, when I shouldn't. * Agent_Texas pats Jorge on the shoulder. <Agent_Texas> It's just what makes us human. * Agent_Texas looks down at the AI chip. <Agent_Texas> Now, I think it'll be easier for you to create the Daisy's essence through your emotions if I can help you...sort it out. <Agent_Texas> It would also be easier if she was inside your head again. * Jorge-052 winces. <Agent_Texas> I can intertwine the emotions you output, for lack of a better term, with her, directly. <Agent_Texas> She's already placated, don't worry. <Agent_Texas> She's just waiting for it to get better. <Jorge-052> At least the side effects have diminished. I don't recall, really, but I think I had seizures once. <Jorge-052> It'll be nice to feel something other than...that. <Agent_Texas> Obviously, this should be done in a sealed facility. <Agent_Texas> We can lock down the recovery bay. * Jorge-052 nods. * Agent_Texas glances at Felix. <Agent_Texas> Needless to say, this should be done before we get to Reach. <Agent_Texas> Right now our window is eight hours. <Jorge-052> Worst case scenario, I make a few dents and get to sleep for a few hours. <Agent_Texas> We don't need specialized equipment, or professional medics, or any synthetic substances. <Agent_Texas> Just you, me, and Amaranth. <Felix-116> Guess I'll come and watch in case something goes wrong. <Agent_Texas> Good idea. * Felix-116 leads Jorge and Tex to the recovery bay. * Agent_Texas stops outside the doors and looks at Jorge. <Agent_Texas> Just promise me one thing. <Jorge-052> Yeah? <Agent_Texas> Once we're done, she'll come out a lot more human. <Agent_Texas> She'll be like Daisy in every way, except... <Agent_Texas> ...you know. * Jorge-052 nods. <Agent_Texas> But don't mistake her for Daisy. You've got to let her go. <Jorge-052> I did years ago. I guess...seeing this AI, it made me deal with it. <Agent_Texas> Promise me that you'll always see this AI as Amaranth, not your resurrected friend Daisy. <Agent_Texas> Take it from me, making a mistake like that can have terrible consequences. <Jorge-052> I...promise. * Agent_Texas nods. <Agent_Texas> Good. <Agent_Texas> Are you ready? * Jorge-052 steps into the recovery bay, glancing behind to reply. <Jorge-052> Ready and able. * Agent_Texas walks in after him, disappearing behind the sliding doors.