RP:Red vs Blue: Revolution/Episode 8

 Episode VIII: The Demon's Shadow

 * Agent_Texas sees that the hangar bay is deserted, without even a single aircraft present.  * Agent_Texas covers the open ground quickly and gets into the hallway.  * Agent-Washington slides a new clip into his battle rifle and straps a pistol to either hip. < Agent-Washington > Anyone got my back out here? < Agent-Washington > (COM) This is Agent Washington. < Agent-Washington > (COM) I'm moving in to take her down. * FILSS marks Tex's location on Wash's HUD.  * Agent-Washington cautiously enters the hallway, rifle at the ready. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) Anyone, converge on my position now! <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Coming, Wash, hold on. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington scans the deserted hallway with his rifle. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas moves down the hallway quickly, SMGs ready. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington spots Texas and fires a burst at her head. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas ducks back. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> So it's you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Guess negotiation's out of the question then. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas leaps out and sprays Wash with gunfire. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Fine by me. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington ducks behind a corner and blind fires at Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas reloads one SMG but keeps Wash suppressed with the other. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas reloads the second SMG and brings up the first. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas uses the time to cover the distance. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington sees Texas coming and drops to one knee, aiming for the center of mass. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas reaches Wash and smashes her SMG across his face. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas follows up by punching him hard into the wall. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Agh! <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington draws a pistol and fires at Texas's gut. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas whacks the pistol out of Wash's hand. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington draws his second one and fires at her knee. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas spins, avoiding the shots. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas delivers an uppercut to Wash's face, sending him crashing into the ceiling. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Ugh... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington slumps back against the wall, disarmed. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Wash and slams him hard into the floor. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> I... <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas turns and runs down the hallway. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> See you later. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> I.... can't believe.... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington passes out. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas enters a network of hallways, looks around, and decides to head into the lower levels. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas spots two guards outside the detention centre and easily dispatches them. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas opens the doors and steps in. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stops in front of a particular cell. * Director_Church (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Director_Church <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Director. <Director_Church> Agent Texas. Some of your friends are looking for you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I've noticed. <Director_Church> I wasn't expecting you to get down here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I don't think anybody was. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas opens the director's cell door. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> There. See if you can make it off this ship. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Even if they end up shooting you dead, at least you'll have been a distraction for them long enough. * Director_Church grins. <Director_Church> And I thought I had you all figured out. * Director_Church bolts for the exit, taking a gun off one of the guards.

<font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming is still in interrogation with Missouri, but has felt the shock of Tex's entrance. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Who's boarded us? <FILSS> (COM) Agent Texas. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming sucks in a breath. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming dashes out of the briefing room, leaving Missouri behind. <Four-Seven-Niner> Look Reggie, I understand you want to keep me safe. <Four-Seven-Niner> But Tex won't attack me. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And why is that? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) Anyone, converge on my position now! <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Coming, Wash, hold on. <Four-Seven-Niner> I'm coming with you. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Why? <Four-Seven-Niner> Well, what do you want me to do? <FILSS> (COM) Agent Wyoming, Agent Washington is down. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) What? Where? <FILSS> (COM) Hallway 15, adjacent to hangar bay 2. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright. FILSS, I need a way to Mich's workshop. Something I left there. * FILSS sets up a route for Wyoming to follow. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming sprints along it, nowhere near Carolina speed, but making good time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming enters Michigan's workshop.

<FILSS> (COM) Alert, all agents. The director has escaped. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Time's up, I guess. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas exits as well and turns down the opposite direction. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas exits the engineering room. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Hm, this should provide a nice distraction too. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas activates the bomb and throws it on top of the ship's engine core, out of reach. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Knowing Michigan, he'll be able to stop us all from being blown to hell. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs out of the engine room without another pause. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas reaches the bridge, and uses the Alpha's codes to seal the doors. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas points her SMGs at the bridge crew. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> If you don't cause me trouble, boys, I won't have to shoot you. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas sees the ONI crew drawing their guns. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Death by Texas it is then. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas ruthlessly guns down the ONI bridge crew, easily avoiding their gunfire. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas finishes the last ONI member with a bullet to the brain. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas slowly strides over to the controls. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming slides to a stop at the bridge door, his paintball pistol held low. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Hello, FILSS. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'd appreciate it if you stop slowing me down. <FILSS> Agent Texa— <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas shuts down FILSS * FILSS (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Now, second order of business. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS? I thought you'd get the door. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Tex is on our ship, and I feel like I'm walking into her trap. Ho, bad feeling. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, open the door. * Gamma_AI (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Gamma_AI <Gamma_AI> One moment.

<FILSS> (COM) Alert, all agents. The director has escaped. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) What? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Fuck! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Mich, where's that project I was working on? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> The one based on your taser device? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Here. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming loads the clip into a standard-issue sniper rifle. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright. Now we need to lock down the ship. We can't let Tex get away from us. <FILSS> (COM) I do not believe her intention is to escape. <FILSS> (COM) However, the director is on his way to leaving the ship. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) No, but she'll try once she has. . . what? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Damn! <FILSS> (COM) Agents Minnesota and Virginia are on their way to apprehend them. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Lock down the doors in his path, slow him down if you can. * FILSS locks down the hangar bay. <FILSS> (COM) He is trapped in hangar bay three. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming breaths a partial sigh of relief. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> And here's another thing I've made: .50-cal micro-missiles. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Alright. Now to find Tex. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I won't need the missiles. Just these rounds. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming loads a Magnum with paintball rounds. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Alright, Tex. I promise I'll fight fair this time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming heads down a hallway. <FILSS> (COM) Alarm! Bomb detected in the engine room! <FILSS> (COM) Agent Michigan, your assistance please. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan prepares his new gun <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) One second. <FILSS> (COM) Agent Michigan, please proceed to the engine room. You have five minutes before it detonates. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan finishes work and leaves with his guns <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming continues down the corridor, checking his corners. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS? Can you locate Agent Texas? <FILSS> (COM) Negative...she is now using the Alpha's clearance to override my sensors. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming exhales nervously. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan reaches the engine room <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan spots the bomb on top of the engine core <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan begins to climb up the side of the engine core, with some difficulty <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Hah, find Agent Texas so I can find her when she's angry. Never thought I'd say that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming skids to a stop. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Why is she here? <FILSS> (COM) I am unsure. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan reaches the top and starts to defuse the bomb <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming stands against a wall, considering it for a moment. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> She was after something on the Charon, and now she's here for something. But. . . <FILSS> (COM) She is at the bridge, eliminating the ONI members. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan almost has it.. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming 's eyes widen. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Metastability. . . <FILSS> (COM) Agent Wyoming, to the bridge, if you please. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming sprints forward, hoping his tricks will work. <FILSS> (COM) She has already sealed the doors, but I will try to open them again. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan is successful <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Bomb defused.

<FILSS> (COM) Agent Minnesota, Agent Virginia, I need you to get the director. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I have a feeling I'm gonna regret this... <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota runs after Tex and the Director. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Can I kill the son of a bitch this time? * Director_Church turns the corner, rifle raised, sees that the hallway is clear, and keeps running. <Director_Church> That was a mistake, Agent Texas. <Director_Church> Because I still have a score to settle with you. * Director_Church enters the hallway and spots an unused Pelican. * Director_Church runs immediately to the Pelican. * FILSS locks down the hangar bay. <Director_Church> Damn you, FILSS. <FILSS> (COM) He is trapped in hangar bay three. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia makes it to the hangar * FILSS opens the doors for Min and Virg. * Director_Church turns around to see Minnesota and Virginia. * Director_Church takes cover behind the Pelican and opens fire on them. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> You have caused me uncountable troubles these past few weeks. <Director_Church> Ironic, isn't it, Agent Virginia? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Virg. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I'm not going to kill you...yet <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Virg! * Director_Church ducks back into cover and reloads. * Director_Church opens fire on Minnesota this time. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Fuck. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Son of a bitch!! <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota takes cover. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Fuck you, Director. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I don't have time for your stupid bullshit. * Director_Church shifts fire to Virginia. <Director_Church> Then open the hangar doors and no one will get hurt. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> We're not the ones who are going to get hurt! <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota brings up his Spartan laser and charges it. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Virg, Rocket Launcher! <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia takes aim at the Pelican and fires a rocket. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota splasers the Pelican right when the rocket impacts. <Director_Church> Ugh! * Director_Church is thrown back and onto the floor. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Phew. * Director_Church fumbles to grab his assault rifle. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota runs forward and grabs the Director. * Director_Church struggles but can't break free. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I'll take him back to the detention block, Virg. You go find Tex. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Got it. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia runs off. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota drags the director away from the hangar. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Don't bother trying to argue with me. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Get chatty and I'll put a bullet in your mouth.

* Gamma_AI opens the doors. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming steps forward cautiously. "Knock knock, Tex." <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas activates manual control of the Mother of Invention, sending it plummetting straight down towards the surface of the planet. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas turns around, indifferent to the shifting gravity on the ship. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming grabs a hold of the side of the door. <Gamma_AI> Impact in thirteen minutes. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas raises her SMGs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Wash decided to get right to it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So you'll excuse me if I don't stop to chat. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Damn! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas opens fire on Wyoming, breaking into a run as she does so. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming swings from the doorframe. <Gamma_AI> Wyoming, you need to stop the ship's descent. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Can't you get access, Gamma? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming catches himself on the angled floor, firing several paintballs at Tex. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas dodges the fired rounds. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Are you really doing it like this? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Because that didn't work out so well for you last time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming grits his teeth. <Gamma_AI> I need you to insert me into the ship. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Alright. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas lands several hits on Wyoming. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You're getting slower, Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming jumps back, then right at Tex. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs across the viewport, which is now the floor. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas slugs Wyoming hard in the face, using his own momentum against him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming 's hologram fades, and Wyoming is revealed completing his leap to the controls, inserting Gamma. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Why are you even trying to stop me? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I thought you didn't like the UNSC. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I don't. * Gamma_AI begins to take back control of the Mother of Invention. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas fires on the real Wyoming. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You know, someone else used that same trick against me before. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> She's dead now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming ducks behind the console as the ship begins to right itsef. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I'm well aware. However. . . <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming springs up with his sniper rifle, firing a dart that sticks to the back of Tex's armor. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's a new one. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, now! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> What... * Gamma_AI activates the dart. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming rolls, hoping Gamma can take on Tex at electronic warfare. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas is momentarily puzzled, and then resumes opening fire at Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> At least buy me a little time. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Sorry, but a certain engineer made a few tweaks. * Gamma_AI seals off the doors. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas activates a grenade and kicks it at the doors, jamming it right before it closes. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas waits for the grenade to explode and body-slams right through the damaged doors. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas throws one of the doors at Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming rolls behind a desk, reloading the sidearm. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm on a tight schedule, so don't try to stop me. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas turns and runs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming throws himself to the floor, and watches as Texas leaves, catching his breath. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Sorry, Gamma. I guess a fragment can't take on a full AI. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas sees UNSC personnel flooding the hallway, and immediately opens fire on them. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You guys just don't give up. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas cuts them down one by one. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas kills every one of the UNSC soldiers, turns a corner and spots Minnesota. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Fuck. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Alright, this time I'll ask. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Easy way or hard way? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Easy. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Thought so. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Minnesota, slams his head into the wall, and knocks him out. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas keeps running. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota passes out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming begins typing in at the console as Gamma retires, bringing FILSS back online. * FILSS (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to FILSS <Gamma_AI> She is damaged. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Badly? <Gamma_AI> Yes. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Can she be fixed? <FILSS> A-l-l-al-alarm-in-sion-secto- <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Well that's a bad sign. <Gamma_AI> We will require professional assistance. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> What did Tex do to her? <Gamma_AI> I don't know. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Hmm. . . Mich is more hardware oriented. Maybe York, or Missouri, even. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas enters the operations room and sees Michigan there. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas raises her SMGs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Easy or hard? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hmm... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'll take that as hard. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas opens fire on Mich. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan aims ARC-920 railgun <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan fires <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas ducks under the operations holo projector. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas vaults over, and shoots Mich three times in the chest. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ow! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas dashes across the projector and grabs Mich's railgun, twisting it so hard it nearly snaps * Agent_Texas plants a hard kick on Mich's torso. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan shoots Tex at point-blank <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Mich and slams his face into the edge of the holoprojector so hard his visor shatters. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas throws the unconscious Michigan aside. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas exits the operations room, reloading her guns again. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming leaves the bridge. <Gamma_AI> (COM) I must stay in the system and keep the Mother of Invention on course. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) And look after FILSS, will you? <Gamma_AI> (COM) Okay. <Gamma_AI> (COM) Agent Texas has just left the operations centre. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming continues down the corridor. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Lock down the hangars. <Gamma_AI> Hangars locked. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan comes to and gets up slowly <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Knew automated stimulants would be useful. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I don't want her dead, but I don't want her to leave. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming stops suddenly. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Just like. . . <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> South. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas deliberately avoids the barracks and cuts around another route. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming shoulders rifle, and continues. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas moves through the bowels of the ship, where there are fewer crew present. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming runs parallel several floors above. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas finds a power terminal and uses Alpha's clearance codes to shut down the power on the entire ship, preventing any doors from being opened. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming looks up as the lights go out, and activates his thermal vision. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> This could get interesting. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Let's see if Tex's circuits run just as hot as a human's veins. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Now, the ARC-92... Oh. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan notices Tex bent it <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> That [CENSOR BEEP] broke my railgun! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas continues to move through the ship, easily breaking through any doors that are in her way. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming reaches a service ladder and hearing the sound of metal breaking metal below, slides down the side of it. <Gamma_AI> (COM) Alpha's clearance codes are above my own, I'm afraid. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) She's got the Alpha's clearance. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas turns at the sound of movement. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Wonder— <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas opens fire on Wyoming, the gun flares lighting up the dark. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You should leave before I have to kill you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming rolls behind a bulkhead. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Careful. There are a lot of delicate parts in this ship. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> If I shoot too many of them, we could all go without air. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I'm the only one that doesn't need it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So why don't you get out of here before I have to break something? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> True. But what do you need? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> That's none of your business. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Is it Metastability? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Because that's my guess. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas keeps Wyoming suppressed, edging towards the service ladder. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming dares to return fire with the paintball gun. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas dodges the shots, shooting Wyoming in the wrist. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Argh. . . <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming fires on the ladder, coating it with paint before he drops his weapon. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Sorry, I'm using live rounds. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Yeah, I s'pose that's fair enough. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Payback's a bitch, huh. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Montana never got hers. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas looks to see that the ladder is covered in paint now. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> What? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming steps out of cover, unarmed, facing Texas for this. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I blame you for Mont's death. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Montana's dead? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Killed by Ulan, because she was chasing after you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Well, that's a shame. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> But I didn't ask her to go looking for me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I didn't ask any of you. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> What did you expect? What else could she, could any of us have done? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You had to have known. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> No, I didn't. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Know why that is? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm not like the rest of you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> At least, not yet. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You could have asked for help, Tex. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Or can't you do that? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I don't need your help. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Why don't you just run off like you always wanted to? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's just it, Tex. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I couldn't. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I tried, but when I saw the others in danger, I just couldn't leave them. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Finally realized where your fight was at? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Took you long enough. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's what I'm talking about. We won't, we can't leave you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You don't have to. You just need to stay out of my way. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Just tell me why. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You won't understand. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You don't know what it's like to be me. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Because we'll get hurt? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> We've already been hurt. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And beaten, and bruised. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And killed. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> But we're still here. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan looks around, then finds the ladder <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You think it's that simple? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You'll never understand. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Then make me understand. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan hears the voices echo <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas activates a grenade and tosses it at a nearby power core. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Damn! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas doesn't even flinch as the explosion sets off a dozen more and rocks the ship. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan staggers from the explosions <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> There, I'll make you understand. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming rolls out of the way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Save the ship or stop me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Your call. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs the ladder's slippery rungs and vaults up, with just a little difficulty. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming stares at emergency lights, still dull without the power. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming shakes his head and gets to work as best he can. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas jumps off at the top of the ladder and sees at the top Michigan. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You really want to die, don't you? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Not really. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Then why don't you stay down! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas leaps at Michigan. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan dodges <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas comes up firing, landing two bullets in his thigh. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ow. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas spins and kicks Michigan in the face, sending him to the floor. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan shoots Tex with his Spiker <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stamps her foot down on Mich's wrist, forcing the gun to point away. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs the Spiker and points its barrel right at his shattered visor. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Stay away from me. Or I will kill you. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas picks up Michigan and throws him down the ladder shaft, where Wyoming is fixing the ship's systems.

<font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs out of the room. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas notices the absence of UNSC forces prowling the hallways. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Going to save a few lives, huh. Smart. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas turns another hallway and sees Virginia. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas growls. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I've had enough of this. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs straight at Virginia, SMGs blazing. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Shit! <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia takes cover. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas keeps up the fire, quickly closing the distance between them. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota starts to come to. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Oh, my head... <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas trips Virginia with one sweep and grabs onto his foot. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Fuck! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas falcon-punches Virginia hard in the crotch, sending him flying into the floor. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Ahhhhhhh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas kicks Virginia away, sending him sliding down the corridor. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming walks over to a solid bulkhead, punching it. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia stands up slowly, just in time to block one of Tex's punches <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Virginia's face and slams it into the wall. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia kicks Tex while she shoves him into the wall <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Virginia's foot and throws his entire body into the wall this time. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Virginia by the neck, and kicks him in the crotch so hard he flies into the ceiling. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands guard by the Epsilon unit, watching the fight play out via her HUD uplink to security feeds. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs off. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina curses to herself. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Dammit... I should be out there with them... <Counsellor> Agent Carolina, I understand you are stressed. <Counsellor> But ONI wants you guarding Epsilon in case Agent Texas slips by them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... stressed. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You have a funny way of putting it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs explosively, her BR at the ready. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia walk-runs in the direction that Tex took <Counsellor> Agent Minnesota was successful in halting the director's escape. <Counsellor> And Agent Wyoming managed to prevent the ship from crashing into the planet. <Counsellor> Agent Michigan disabled the bomb in the engine core room. <Counsellor> I think they have it handled well. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But Tex is still coming, isn't she? <Epsilon_AI> They're just distractions, Counsellor. <Epsilon_AI> I can tell Tex doesn't intend for harm to come to any of them. <Epsilon_AI> Although she did kill the entire bridge crew and multiple UNSC soldiers. <Counsellor> Yes, Texas will inevitably make her way through the others. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota gets up and gets moving. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota runs up, stopping Tex from going any further. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas sees Minnesota at the end of the hallway. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas hears Virginia turn the corner at the opposite end of the hall. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I did warn you. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia puts his hands up <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Tex...just wait a minute. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I don't have a minute. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I just want to know, before you kick the shit out if me, why are you doing this? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> It's None. Of. Your. Business. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Now back off. Or I might accidentally kill the both of you. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Is it Epsilon you want? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shifts her weight uneasily as the feeds continue to come in. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Turn around, walk away, if you know what's good for you. <Epsilon_AI> Counsellor, Tex is unstable. <Epsilon_AI> Maybe it will be better if we do help her reach the final phase. <Counsellor> We will see, Epsilon. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stares down Min and Virg. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> If it is I don't give a flying fuck about it, take it if you want, but why did you have to hurt your friends to get it? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Because you're in my way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So what's it going to be? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Are you going to keep trying to stop me? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I'd rather not. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> But I will if needed. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas glares at Minnesota. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I don't care if you take the damn thing. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Last chance. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Turn around right now, or I'll kill you both. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> What is it, even? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Tell me first. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> No. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas slowly walks closer to Minnesota. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota growls and steps aside. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> We've lost the battle but not the war. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas moves to shove past Minnesota. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (To Minnesota) You know what? I'm tired of all this cryptic bullshit. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> So am I. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I'm getting answers, whether it kills me or not. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> But I like being alive. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Then you stay, but I'm going. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia walks off after Tex <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (To Minnesota) If I don't come back...keep the hell was from my locker. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas hears Virginia coming down the hallway. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stops and turns to see him on the opposite end. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Stay where you are, Virginia. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm not going to repeat myself. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Look, I'm not here to stop you <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I don't care. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I just want answers, I'll leave after that <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota blasts at Tex with his Splaser from the doorway, grazing her. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Agh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas staggers upward. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota takes cover, <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Leave him alone. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Your mistake, Minnesota. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Your last one. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas detonates the charges she planted on the walls and ceiling, consuming Minnesota in a dozen yellow-white explosions. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Noo! <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia punches at Tex <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Virginia and flips him over her head. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'd stay to see if Minnesota is still alive, if I were you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> It doesn't look like it, but you never know. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas runs off. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina mutters expletives under her breath, growing ever more agitated. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas sees more UNSC patrols on approach, and ducks into a lower level. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Mich, Virg. Anyone read me? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Where's Texas? <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia picks up Minnesota, and carries him toward recovery. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) Wyoming, Tex got past us, she's heading for Epsilon! <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) Min is in critical condition, but he's alive <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) I'm taking him to medical <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas reaches engineering B and notices something. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Right. Carolina, that means she's headed your way. Stand by. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas uses Alpha's codes to deactivate the gravity. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas uses Alpha's codes to deactivate the gravity. * Counsellor is alarmed that the gravity is off, and holds onto the door frame. <Epsilon_AI> This isn't good. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Or. . . drift. By. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia starts floating with Minnesota. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Well...this makes it easier <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas moves airborne through the corridors guns, ready. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Okay. Not far now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina floats casually, checking her ammo as if bored. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Finally. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia floats Minnesota into recovery, leaving him with the medics. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> You'll be ok...I'm gonna go get the bitch for sure, no one hurts Minnesota and gets away with it...except me <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Word of advice, Counsellor... don't get in the way. * Counsellor enters his sealed quarters and locks down the doors. <Counsellor> I'll keep my head down. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Just stay right there.

<font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oof! <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming spins at the sound, expecting Texas back. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Wyoming. Ow... <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Mich? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming runs over to help him up. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Come on, chap. Work to do. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Tex sabotaged one of our power cores. Have to fix it before we can get power back. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan sees the damage <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And we'd best do it quickly. We're in the reach of the planet's gravity. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> I can fix this. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan gets to work <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming stands back, giving Mich room. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Why can't she listen? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Could you flip that switch, please? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming reaches over and toggles the switch. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I'm angry. I'm actually angry I couldn't leave. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Honest, Mich, I'd rather you'd all stay safe. Tex most of all. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan watches the main power return to life <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming looks up as the lights return. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Good job. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming climbs the ladder, following Tex's path to find Min. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan pulls his broken railgun off his back <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Mich, where are Min and Virg? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan fixes his railgun <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan removes his helmet, presses a button, and watches the nano-fibers repair themselves <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Mich, find Min and Virg if you can. I'm going to find Wash. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> One minute... <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming heads off towards hangar three, leaving Michigan behind. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan uses more nano-fibers to strengthen his armor <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming enters hangar three. He spots his fallen rifle, and jogs over to retrieve it. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Agent-Washington? You still alive, lad? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming locks Her Majesty over his back, checks the adjacent hallway FILSS mentioned. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming spots Agent-Washington, knocked senseless and leaned against a wall. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming slaps Agent-Washington's helmet lightly. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Come on, lad. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> No time for snoozing. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I've got Washington. Poor lad's out cold. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Tex looks to have done a number on him, his armor's dented. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Sorry, Wash, but it's not serious enough for a detour to medbay to be worth it. You'll have to just sit nearby. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming throws one of Washington's arms around his shoulder, and proceeds very slowly towards the bridge. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Mich, Virg. Anyone read me? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Where's Texas? <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) Wyoming, Tex got past us, she's heading for Epsilon! <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) Min is in critical condition, but he's alive <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) I'm taking him to medical <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming curses. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Right. Carolina, that means she's headed your way. Stand by. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas uses Alpha's codes to deactivate the gravity. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming and Agent-Washington are suddenly floating. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Or. . . drift. By. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming targets a protrusion of the wall, and grabbing the aimlessly floating Agent-Washington, grabs on as he gets close enough.

<font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs onto the corner of a hallway, and turns the corner. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas spots Carolina at the end of the hallway, standing in front of the doors to the counsellor's quarters. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Hello, Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm guessing you're not going to let me pass. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Correct. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slowly latches her rifle onto her back. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We don't have to do this. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You're right. We don't. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Step aside. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> That wasn't what I meant. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Do you have any idea what you're doing? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Who you just hurt? Killed? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I've nearly killed a Freelancer just now, and I'm not going to cross that line if I don't have to. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I know perfectly well what I'm doing. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> If the others stayed out of my way, no one would have gotten hurt. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I know how it feels to want something so badly... you stop caring who you hurt along the way. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas is walking across the hallway towards Carolina via the wall. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You have to let go, Texas! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Yeah? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> What would you know about that? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I wanted to be number one, and you know damn well what nearly happened because of me. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas scoffs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Every one of you have something I don't. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I'm trying to get it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You...you have everything I don't, and you know that. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But you don't have to get it this way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You have York. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> What do I have? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Alpha is gone. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You have your humanity. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Everything you got, you worked for. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> What am I? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm a shadow. A memory. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I'm not going to just live like that. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And you're not based on failure. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Once I get this, that won't be a problem for me anymore. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So if you really understand, don't try to stop me. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm sorry, Texas. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But I can't let you take Epsilon. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Why? Has the UNSC brainwashed you while I was gone? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Not because the ONI told me to do this. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're not ready. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> And you need to stand down. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Oh, I'll show you how ready I am. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas snaps up her SMGs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina whips out her battle rifle. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas fires at Carolina with both SMGs, running along the wall as she does so. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina evades fire, vaulting and soaring through the air, firing off a short burst with her BR. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas backflips over the wall, and vaults at Carolina, still firing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina twists in midair, bullets whizzing past her neck and helmet, and curls to avoid the spray. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas is now very close to Carolina, and kicks her back. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas swiftly reloads her SMGs, and raises them right as Carolina touches the ceiling. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina pushes off the ceiling and slams into Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Carolina and spins to switch their positions. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas pins Carolina to the floor. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina uses the butt of her BR to bludgeon Tex's helmet. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Ugh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas is sent back, floating in the air. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas pulls up her SMGs, firing at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina scoots along the floor and shoots up toward the ceiling, then ditches the BR in favor of her grappling gun. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas 's SMGs click empty, and discards the guns. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires the grapple at Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas spins to avoid the grapple, but ends up drifting out of control. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas fumbles and plants one foot on a wall. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lunges forward and sails past Texas, using the grapple line like a lasso, tangling her. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs at the grapple line, trying to wrest free. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs onto the end of the grapple hook and flings it at Carolina's face. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina pushes back but can't avoid the projectile, which clashes with her faceplate and sends her flying. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas puts both feet on the wall and lunges at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina pushes off the opposite wall and lunges as well, crashing into Texas and hitting her repeatedly. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas tries to dodge the attacks but has some difficulty in the zero-gee. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas grabs Carolina's wrist and uses her grip to pivot around her. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas kicks Carolina in the back, sending her flying to the side. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You know that won't hurt me. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slams into the wall and her helmet drifts away. Some blood runs from her nose and the fine droplets hang in midair as she turns to look at Texas. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan floats past the gravity switch and flips it, landing ungracefully on his back <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas lands suddenly on the floor. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Damn. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina drops to the floor as well, grunting as she catches herself. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You... you know we took hits for you, right? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So Wyoming tells me. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gets to her feet and spits out some blood, wiping her nose with the back of her right gauntlet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You know how Indy went, right? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Decapitation. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Head lopped off by some... rebel fuck... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina remains still in a defensive posture, making no move to attack. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> And... and Mont, you know, you're not the only one who's lost someone you love. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> She died telling North she loved him! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I never asked for any of you to come looking for me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So don't try to guilt-trip me because they decided to put themselves in the line of fire. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> So what if you didn't ask? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're your friends, Texas! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're not supposed to ask friends to have your back! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They just do it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Haven't you figured it out? You get in my way, you get hurt! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> That's just how it is. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> That's how it's always going to be until you let me take Epsilon. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina points accusingly at Tex. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Who are you doing this for, Texas? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Because right now, the only person getting any benefit is you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I knew that from the beginning. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> But that's just it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> None of you had to try and stop me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Because it's not about you. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Has it ever occurred to you that we're trying to stop you because we care about you? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas laughs humourlessly. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Sure. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> It seems everyone knows what's best for me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Everyone but myself, that is. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Just let me exist as this...shadow for the rest of my life. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You know what? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You sound exactly like South right now. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Well, I know what I'm going to do. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And you'll never understand what it's like to be me. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're right. I won't. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But that doesn't mean I'll let you ruin yourself. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You'll never know what it's like to try so hard, only to fail at the last second. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina reaches up and unsheathes her katana. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas draws her combat knife. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You know why I took the credit for the briefcase on that mission? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Because you were faster than me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I admit it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You were only human, and despite everything the director did to make me the best, you got to that ODST before I did. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I wasn't going to let myself fail that time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina closes her eyes, then opens them with a determined scowl. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I thought we left all that behind. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Guess I was wrong. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You were always so busy thinking about how I was better than you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> You never realized it, did you? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm not better than you. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I'll never be, not until Epsilon gives me what I need. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gestures with her sword, angry. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Do you think any of this would have been possible without you? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We fought the Director. We won. Because we had you! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> No, Carolina. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I couldn't get the director. You did. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I couldn't save Alpha. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I couldn't get that damn engineer. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I'm the failure here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> And I'm sick and tired of failing no matter how hard I try! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes her head. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> And what makes you think you won't fail now? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> I've bested you before. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Maybe I had to go to some lengths to do it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> But I've done it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> So...I can do it again. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gives a curt nod. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas charges at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gives a cry and rushes at Texas, sword raised. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas slashes at Carolina with the combat knife, weaving to avoid her katana. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notes how brutal Tex's attacks are and combats them with sheer speed, moving at a dizzying rate to avoid the slashes and attempt her own attacks. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas takes a few cuts but doesn't even flinch. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina ducks in and out, chipping away at Tex's armor. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas blocks some some hits but takes others, trying to land some strikes on Carolina but is blocked. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina makes a low slash and catches Tex in the leg. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas staggers from the force of the blow, and barely manages to block Carolina's second attack. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas sweeps at Carolina's feet to unbalance her. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina jumps over the sweep and slashes downward. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas rolls aside, and grabs Carolina's wrist. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina twists out of Tex's grip and turns, slashing her across the chest. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Ugh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas recovers and shifts her grip, holding the combat knife like a short sword. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lunges at Tex and barrages her with swings. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas parries one strike with the combat knife, takes two more, and swipes hard, making a shallow but long cut on Carolina's cheek. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Argh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas uses the opportunity to thrust the katana back and make a slash at Carolina's throat. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina ducks a swing and retreats a few steps as Tex stabs at her. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas flips the knife's hilt over and stabs downward. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina releases one hand from the katana and uses it to brace against Tex's knife hand, shaking slightly as she tries to force the knife away. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at Texas, brow knitted and sweat beading on her face.

<font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas kicks Carolina in the side, knocking her off her feet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hits the floor, then looks up at Texas, a bruise now welling on her left cheek. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas leaps at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina somersaults and, upon coming up from the roll, points the sword straight up at the incoming Tex. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas takes the sword straight through the chest. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Ugh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas rolls, with the blade still embedded through her armour. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> That's one strong blade you've got there. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina growls as her arms are jerked, refusing to let go. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas punches Carolina repeatedly in the stomach, trying to loosen her grip. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina keeps her right hand around the sword in a death grip and uses the other one to try and deflect Tex's blows, but fails to block the strong ones. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Ugh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas whips out her combat knife and stabs Carolina in the back of the hand holding the katana. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Aagh!! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas pushes Carolina off her. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lurches back and looks in horror at her hand, now bleeding and for all purposes, useless. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas yanks the blade out of her chest and stands up. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Let's see if I can use this better than you can. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina tilts her head slightly, hissing from the pain. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Can you kill me, Texas? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas pauses. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Walk away, Carolina. And I won't have to. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Or maybe I should ask: will you be able to live with yourself once you find what you're looking for. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Indy, Mont... being a whole person means you feel things, Tex. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Like regret. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina pauses and grits her teeth as her hand throbs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Maybe I'll know what that's like when I get there. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina discreetly draws an M6C with her good hand, but does not raise it to fire. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia readies his weapons, just in case <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> One of us has to do the right thing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm not walking away. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Your choice, not mine. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas raises the katana. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs, then brings the pistol up lightning-fast and shoots at Tex's head. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Agh! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stumbles back, dropping the katana. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina puts another bullet through Tex's middle. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Ugh. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia hears the gunshots <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas slams into the wall from the force of the bullet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina has a steely expression, but her eyes are wet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks forward and shoots again, through Tex's right arm. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas tries to get the damagedsystems in her helmet working, but is having trouble. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas stumbles around as if blinded by the shot. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas fumbles for her combat knife, which is lying on the ground. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina clips the pistol to her thigh and leans down painfully, picking up her sword. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm sorry. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas makes a wild swing at Carolina, but is very off-balance. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina plunges the sword through Tex's back, all the way up through her "throat." <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas jerks and slumps, going still without a sound.

<font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Agent-Washington; Steady there, mate. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Ugh <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Tex gave you a bit of a hit. How do you feel? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> What.... <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> What's going on? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Well, the gravity's been fluctuating a bit. And Tex is back. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> I noticed. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Where'd she hit you? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> The head... <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Right. Think it warrants a detour to sickbay or not? Tex is still here, you know. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> I think I'll survive. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's a good lad. On your feet, then. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington struggles up. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> You got a rifle? <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming checks his side, and chuckles humourlessly. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Only a paintball gun. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming offers Washington the paint-loaded sidearm. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> What's this? <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I don't want to see her hurt anymore than she has been. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Wyoming... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan and Agent_Virginia find Agent_Wyoming <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> If we're going to stop her, we need to shoot to kill. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Maybe. So are you in? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> I'm coming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming pulls Agent-Washington to his feet. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Mich, Virg. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Where's Texas now? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> No clue. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming considers it. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> No, we have a clue. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> It's what she's after. Metastability. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Come on, you lot. Let's catch up to Epsilon. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Those fucking A.I. have been nothing but trouble. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan jogs slowly <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming flanks Mich, unarmed except for his empty sniper rifle. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan hands over more ammo <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming accepts the ammo, but pockets it. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Well gentlemen, I say we "knock" on her door shall we? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas> Ugh! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Aagh!! <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia hears the screaming. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I think we're close <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Come on guys lets hurry to the...locked door, dammit! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan starts fixing the capacitors <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Michigan, think you can get this open? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> In a bit... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs, then brings the pistol up lightning-fast and shoots at Tex's head. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming slumps against the wall, hearing the gunshot. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina puts another bullet through Tex's middle. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia hears the gunshots <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Michigan get this FUCKING door open, now! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Capacitors fixed. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia pulls out his grenade launcher <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> If you don't get this door open, I'm fucking blowing it open! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan works on the door <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Aaaaaand... done!

<font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia charges through the door, launcher at the ready <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is breathing heavily, and half-catches Tex as they both go down. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan opens the door <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Oh. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia notices Tex's unmoving form, eyes shifting to Carolina <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Oh my god! <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming walks enters behind the others, seeing it all. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is staring at Texas, unable to stop tears from coming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming 's head bows. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia runs over to Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I guess you were right, Wash. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Tex? * Counsellor slowly opens the door. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up and glares at everyone. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Back the fuck off! <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia stops and backs up. * Counsellor watches silently from the doorway. <Counsellor> Is she...? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns her attention back to Tex, trying to ease her down onto her back, fumbling with her ruined hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Tex, if you can hear me, I... I wanted to believe you were stronger. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But I guess... I was wrong. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I should never have let you leave. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...I can try to fix Tex... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington looks down at Texas. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Don't bother. <Counsellor> That...may not be a good idea right now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina blinks and looks up, scowling. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> She's not some piece of equipment! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We failed Indiana, and Montana, and Texas. <Counsellor> I'm sorry, Agent Carolina. But that's all she ever was. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> She's part of our team, and we failed her! By letting her be... this! <Counsellor> The director always tried to make her more than that. <Counsellor> But he couldn't. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia looks at the counsellor, eyebrows raised <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Shut up. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Don't you get it? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> None of this would have happened if she didn't feel like equipment! * Counsellor wisely chooses to stop talking. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You turned her into a... a thing, and expected her to just stay like that? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...I suppose "fix" is the wrong word? * ONI_officer (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to ONI_officer * ONI_officer steps into the corridor. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Hell, if she hadn't been fucking crazy, I would have handed her the Epsi— <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops talking. <ONI_officer> What we expect, Agent Carolina, is to have the Beta AI kept under lock and key from now on. <ONI_officer> And our investigation here is also finished. <ONI_officer> We will be also putting the Epsilon AI into storage. <ONI_officer> And the counsellor here will be in our custody. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina refuses to move, crouching almost protectively over Tex. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia turns to the ONI_Officer <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Buddy, if I were you I would just turn around a leave <ONI_officer> The Beta AI is responsible for the deaths of twenty-six UNSC personnel. <ONI_officer> Since we can't give it a court-martial, we'll simply have to maintain control over it. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington adjusts his grip on his rifle and moves to stand beside the officer. * ONI_officer looks over the Freelancer. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Do as he says. <ONI_officer> I see it has also attacked other Freelancer agents. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands stiffly, grimacing as her hand hurts. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Stand... stand down, Freelancers. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Why? <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia looks at Carolina in surprise. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glares at Agent_Michigan, still red-eyed from the tears. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Because those are our orders. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Because I fucking said so. * ONI_officer smiles humourlessly. <ONI_officer> Your team leader here has some sense. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> What will she do in storage? <ONI_officer> That's classified information. <ONI_officer> Agent Washington, take the Beta AI. <ONI_officer> ...or what's left of it. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Yes sir. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington moves to secure Texas's remains. <font color=#00960F> * <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia turns back to the ONI_Officer <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Your about a second away from me beating the shit out of you <ONI_officer> Agent Virginia, threaten me again, and I will have you restrained. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> I don't think that'll work to well...for you <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and slams a punch into Virginia with her good hand. <ONI_officer> I'll see to Epsilon and the counsellor. <ONI_officer> Agent Washington, inform Agent Missouri that we will be leaving shortly. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> Sir. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> She'll do nothing! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and glares at Mich. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hisses through her teeth, addressing Mich alone. "Play. Along." * ONI_officer steps over to the counsellor. <ONI_officer> The Epsilon AI, if you please. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington opens a channel. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) Missouri, the game's over. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) We're pulling out. * Counsellor hands Epsilon to the ONI officer. <ONI_officer> Now come with me. * ONI_officer walks past the Freelancers with the counsellor, ignoring the glares that were pointed his way. <ONI_officer> One more thing. <ONI_officer> As of today, every one of you have been officially integrated into the UNSC. You will take your orders from a superior officer from now on. <ONI_officer> You will be shown to your new assignments shortly after we leave. * ONI_officer makes eye contact with Carolina. <ONI_officer> The Office of Naval Intelligence would like to thank you for your assistance, Agent Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina holds her damaged hand with her good one, struggling to maintain her composure, eyes icy. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're fucking welcome. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sir. * ONI_officer smirks and walks away with the counsellor, holding Epsilon. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent-Washington follows, half-carrying, half-dragging Texas along behind him. * ONI_officer (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon * Counsellor (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon

<font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slowly slides off her gauntlet, wincing and biting back a cry. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...This is a plan, right? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> And they didn't just take Tex from us? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shoots Mich a seething look. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Right now we have no plan. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at the others, at their injuries, noting the various levels of damage. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Do you think we're ready for another war? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> That's... impossible. We can't not have a plan. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I... had hoped Texas would be willing to listen, but it's clear she's not interested in negotiation. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> She almost killed teammates today. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Maybe it's best we hang back for a while... figure out our next move. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're not abandoning her. Never. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But... <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> (COM) I should check on Minnesota soon, he got hit pretty bad by some explosives <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps toward Michigan, leaning close to look at his broken visor. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> If we're going to help Texas, we have to work together. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> No lone-wolf stuff. There is no more leaderboard. We fight together, or we lose alone. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Big Brother wants us to fight his war! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> So when I say it's time to sit back, you'd better sit. And when I say jump, you'd damn well better jump. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around at everyone. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Is that clear? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Crystal. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Agent Texas made the mistake of leaving her team behind. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I don't want anyone in this outfit... ever, to do that. Again. <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> Carolina what about the UNSC? <font color=#00960F>< <font color=#0F6BAD>Agent_Virginia <font color=#00960F>> That asshole said we serve them now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is silent for a moment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> The UNSC? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks at her hand, seemingly detached as she notes the puncture through her palm. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> If they want to think that, we have the advantage. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Will they split us up? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gestures with her good hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're in the middle of something big. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks up and shoves Virginia with her good arm. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Will we be working as a unit? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Whether the ONI disbands us or not is irrelevant. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're Freelancers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We always find each other. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're working for the biggest top-secret organization humanity has. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Which means we get their weapons... their equipment... their resources. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This isn't the end. Not for us... not for Texas. We're going to save her.

* ODST_Leader (9968b13c@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.177.60) has joined #halo-fanon <ODST_Leader> (COM) Ulan. <ODST_Leader> (COM) Are you receiving me? <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger that <ODST_Leader> (COM) I'm glad to hear you're still breathing. <ODST_Leader> (COM) What are your forces like? <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Still got a full complement of troops aboard the ship, and the Raginis Guards are also ready <ODST_Leader> (COM) Alright. <ODST_Leader> (COM) I'm going to have to call in a huge favor. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) What? <ODST_Leader> (COM) Right now, we're dead in the water. <ODST_Leader> (COM) I've lost Georgia, the engineer, and nearly a quarter of my troops. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Shit <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Where's your location? <ODST_Leader> (COM) I don't want to say over a channel like this. <ODST_Leader> (COM) I just want to know if I can count on you for support if things go even further south. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Always <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Whole ship's ready for war <ODST_Leader> (COM) Thank you. <ODST_Leader> (COM) Just... <ODST_Leader> (COM) Thank you. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Anything else? <ODST_Leader> (COM) I'll contact you later, once I'm in a better position. <ODST_Leader> (COM) And one more thing. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Yes? <ODST_Leader> (COM) If you run into Agent Georgia, take him prisoner. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Hua <ODST_Leader> (COM) He stole a shuttle from my ship and vanished. <ODST_Leader> (COM) I have no idea where he is now. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Dead or alive? <ODST_Leader> (COM) Alive. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger <ODST_Leader> (COM) I need him alive. <Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Anything else? <ODST_Leader> (COM) That's all. * ODST_Leader closes the channel. * ODST_Leader has quit (Client Quit)