Episode I: The Mercenary, the Spy, and the Revolution
| 0132 Hours, December 9, 2551 (UNSC Military Calendar), aboard the UNSC Mother of Invention, in orbit above planet Eridanus II, Eridanus system |
* Agent_PA (443f77a4@gateway/web/freenode/ip.68.63.119.164) has joined #halo-fanon
<Agent_Texas> Who the fuck are you?
<Agent_PA> Agent Pennsylvania
<Agent_Texas> Oh.
<Agent_Texas> Ranked #49 on the leaderboard, is that right?
<Agent_Texas> #48, now that Connie's dead.
<Agent_PA> Agent Pennsylvania, on loan from the 1st Infantry Division
<Agent_Texas> 1st Infantry Division?
<Agent_Texas> You're from the resistance?
* Agent_Texas snatches Wyoming's rifle
* ChanServ gives channel operator status to Agent_Texas
<Agent_PA> I'm on loan from the UNSC
* Agent_Texas has kicked Agent_PA from #halo-fanon (Agent_PA)
<Agent_Wyoming> Rifle . . . :(
* Agent_Texas hands back the rifle.
<Agent_Wyoming> Tankoo!
<Agent_Texas> Stop speaking like an idiot.
<Agent_Wyoming> Very well. I'd only ask you be aware of the spy in our midst.
* Agent_PA (443f77a4@gateway/web/freenode/ip.68.63.119.164) has joined #halo-fanon
<Agent_PA> I'm on loan from the UNSC First Infantry
<Agent_Texas> There are no infantry soldiers in Project Freelancer.
<Agent_Texas> Wash?
<Agent_Texas> You want a turn?
<Agent_PA> Killed, oh, lemme count, about one thousand rebels
* Agent_Texas locks the door, sealing PA in.
<Agent_Texas> You're not Penny.
<Agent_Texas> So let's find out who you are.
<Agent_PA> I'm from the unsc!
* ChanServ gives channel operator status to Agent_Washington
* Agent_California uses combat engineering to further block door
<Agent_Texas> Thanks, Cal.
* Agent_PA breaks out with his thermite grenade, continuing to panty raid Carolina's room
<Agent_Washington> PA, I swear to god.
<Agent_PA> Too late
<Agent_PA> Already stole em, and gave em to texas
<Agent_PA> Merry motherfucking Christmas
* Agent_Texas uses them to strangle PA.
<Agent_PA> OW
* Agent_Washington has kicked Agent_PA from #halo-fanon (We don't tolerate perverts in this outfit.)
<Agent_Texas> Ouch.
* Agent_PA (443f77a4@gateway/web/freenode/ip.68.63.119.164) has joined #halo-fanon
* Agent_Texas grabs PA
<Agent_Texas> You, show me who you really are.
<Agent_PA> What?
<Agent_Texas> Or do you want me to bend some stuff the wrong way?
* Agent_Wyoming restrains PA's arms.
* Agent_Washington hands Texas the knife.
* Agent_PA remove his helmet, revealing Adamska-B156
<Agent_Washington> Just cut some things off.
<Agent_Texas> Hm...
<Agent_Texas> Maybe I'll start with the eyes.
<Agent_PA> HEY
<Agent_Texas> Or should it be the tongue?
<Agent_PA> I said i'm a SPARTAN from the UNSC
<Agent_Texas> Spartans?
<Agent_PA> Here's my ID too
<Agent_Wyoming> One of our rivals. They don't compare.
<Agent_Texas> Did you hear that, boys?
<Agent_Texas> This guy comes from the Spartan project.
<Agent_Washington> You cut out the tongue, he can't tell you anything.
<Agent_Texas> Fair enough. Eyes it is then.
<Agent_Texas> You know what we do to Spartans?
<Agent_PA> NO
<Agent_PA> What you want to know
<Agent_Texas> Let's move him somewhere else.
<Agent_Texas> I don't want to make a mess in Carolina's room.
<Agent_Wyoming> Righto, after you. Where do you want him?
<Agent_Texas> Training room?
<Agent_Wyoming> Training room.
<Agent_Texas> There's extra equipment there if we want other ways to torture him.
<Agent_Texas> Might make him talk easier.
* Agent_Texas takes Carolina's signature shock baton before leaving.
<Agent_Texas> I won't cut him up just yet.
<Agent_Texas> But let's make him piss himself first.
<Agent_Wyoming> Coming Cal?
<Agent_Washington> I have to go, guys. I'm being implanted with Epsilon in ten minutes.
<Agent_Texas> See you later, Wash
<Agent_Texas> You don't want to see this anyway.
* Agent_Texas drags PA into the training room and locks all the doors.
<Agent_Texas> FILSS, shut off the surveillance.
* Agent_Texas ties PA down onto the floor and activates the shock baton.
* Agent_Wyoming raises eyebrow, then looks the other way.
<Agent_Texas> Cover your ears.
<Agent_Texas> This stings like a bitch if you're not armoured.
* Agent_Texas starts beating PA with the baton, simultaneously bruising and electrocuting him.
* Agent_PA remains stoic
* Agent_Texas shrugs
* Agent_Texas pulls out the knife.
<Agent_Texas> So, what's it going to be?
<Agent_Texas> Fingers, eyes, nose?
<Agent_PA> Fingers
<Agent_Texas> Actually, I have a better idea.
<Agent_Texas> Come here, Wyoming.
<Agent_Texas> Take off the rest of PA's armour.
<Agent_Texas> All of it.
<Agent_Wyoming> Erm. What exactly are you intending?
<Agent_Texas> Just do it.
* Agent_Wyoming complies under duress.
* Agent_Texas holds PA down and holds the knife in front of his face.
<Agent_Texas> I'll give you three guesses at what I'm thinking.
* Agent_PA simply smiles knowingly
<Agent_Texas> Nothing?
<Agent_PA> Imma guess you're gonna cut my dick off?
<Agent_Texas> Wrong.
<Agent_PA> What then?
* Agent_Texas flips PA on his back and sticks the knife up his ass.
<Agent_Texas> Worse.
<Agent_PA> AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
* Agent_Texas pushes it deeper
* Agent_Texas twists slowly
<Agent_PA> SPARTAN..B156...Adamska..Serial number..2319
<Agent_Texas> Thank you.
* Agent_Texas takes the knife out sharply.
<Agent_Texas> Wyoming, bring him to recovery.
* Agent_Wyoming brings in a gurney with a couple of medics.
<Agent_Texas> And then send him in for interrogation.
<Agent_Texas> I'll do some checks on his numbers
<Agent_Wyoming> The OFFICIAL one this time?
<Agent_Texas> Nah. No one needs to know about this.
* Agent_Wyoming shakes his head at all this unpleasantness, but doesn't object.
* Agent_Texas wipes off the knife and hands it to Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> Ew.
<Agent_Texas> Don't hesitate to get creative if you have to.
* Agent_Texas walks off.
* Agent_PA is shaking and whimpering, curled up in the fetal position
<Agent_Texas> Well, he's going to need assistance in the bathroom for months.
* Agent_Texas starts digging up info on the Spartan
* Agent_Wyoming brings PA to recovery, and sits by while the medics work on him.
<Agent_Wyoming> Now Penny, or whoever it is you think you're impersonating.
<Agent_PA> Why..Why did you do this?
<Agent_Wyoming> I simply detest such violence, but we must all understand it is sometimes necessary.
<Agent_Wyoming> Fortunately, I don't have to get my hands dirty, because our good friend Texas is so very willing to oblige on the occasion.
<Agent_Texas> Next time you might want to think twice before panty-raiding a Freelancer's room.
* Agent_PA goes to sleep to get some rest
<Agent_Texas> The pains will keep you awake, I think.
<Agent_California> Ugh...
<Agent_Wyoming> Yes, sleep the night away. Just sleep with one eye open. Wash likes to creep at night.
<Agent_Texas> Okay, I've got some information.
* Agent_Wyoming leaves medbay.
* Agent_Texas steps out as well and makes sure the doors are shut.
<Agent_Texas> This guy is in the Spartan program alright.
<Agent_Texas> But he's up to no good.
<Agent_PA> What do you mean?
<Agent_Texas> Three months ago, the UNSC subcommittee kidnapped Penny and brought him in to cover up.
<Agent_Wyoming> They thought replacing Penny with a male would be a good idea?
<Agent_Texas> He's digging up any information he can on us so the Spartans can catch up on their project. And he might even be looking to the director's AIs; I don't know.
<Agent_Texas> So, we could tell them their cover's been blown and propose an exchange, but you know how the UNSC deals with things.
<Agent_California> So... we stop him.
<Agent_Texas> It could get messy.
<Agent_Wyoming> It already got messy.
* Agent_Texas chuckles.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah, just a bit.
<Agent_Texas> I say we make this guy disappear and go rescue Penny. Clean and simple.
<Agent_California> Anyone have a plan?
<Agent_Wyoming> Explosive decompression?
<Agent_Texas> We're not going to kill him..
<Agent_Texas> Just make him disappear for a while.
<Agent_Wyoming> Bullocks.
<Agent_Texas> We can make him resurface if we need.
<Agent_Texas> Anyway, let's go find Penny.
<Agent_Texas> We'll dig for clues in her room to see what happened to her.
<Agent_Texas> Maybe this guy left some trails.
* Agent_Wyoming gleefully retrieves rifle.
<Agent_Texas> This is going to be a low-level op, Wyoming.
<Agent_Texas> Not even the director should know.
<Agent_Texas> If he does, we'll be set back quite a while.
<Agent_Wyoming> Aw. Then may I suggest digging around in the data in his helmet recorder?
<Agent_Texas> There's a start.
<Agent_Texas> Let's do it.
* Agent_Wyoming returns to Carolina's room.
<Agent_Wyoming> This is where we left it, if I recall correctly.
* Agent_Texas picks up the helmet.
<Agent_Texas> I suppose Carolina won't mind if I use her data scanner.
* Agent_Texas takes the scanner off the table and inserts the helmet chip into it.
<Agent_Texas> Let's go back to the recovery bay.
* Agent_Texas fiddles with a few settings on the scanner and pores over the data until reaching the recovery bay.
<Agent_Texas> Oh look, our captive's coming around.
<Agent_Texas> Now listen.
<Agent_Texas> We're going to find Penny.
<Agent_Texas> So sit tight and be good.
<Agent_Texas> You cause any trouble, we'll deal with you.
<Agent_Texas> Actually, I'll deal with you, which is worse.
<Agent_PA> Dontcha know Texas, Penn's dead
<Agent_Texas> I'll believe it when I see it.
<Agent_PA> I set off a beacon when you captured me, a beacon that sent a signal to execute Penn
<Agent_Wyoming> You'll soon learn, mate. You're either with us, or Texas hamstrings you.
<Agent_Texas> Well, if I come back with a dead body, you'll be in for a world of hurt.
<Agent_Texas> So you'd better hope she's alive.
<Agent_Texas> Catch you later.
* Agent_Texas orders a nearby doctor to sedate PA before she leaves for the hangar bay with Wyoming and California.
* Four-Seven-Niner (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Four-Seven-Niner
* Agent_Texas boards Delta-Four-Seven-Niner.
<Agent_Texas> Wyoming, Cal, get on.
* Agent_Wyoming mounts up.
* Agent_California straps in
<Four-Seven-Niner> Okay, I'm tracking the signal the helmet is emitting.
<Four-Seven-Niner> We've got a straight trail to a facility on the ground.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It's a big building, but it doesn't look UNSC.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And it's smack in the middle of the city too.
<Agent_Texas> Hiding in plain sight, huh?
<Agent_Texas> Should make it easier for us to get Penny out then.
<Four-Seven-Niner> The good news is, this signal lead us right to their base.
<Four-Seven-Niner> The bad news is, they'll receive the signal and know we're coming.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So get ready to come in hot.
<Agent_Texas> Weapons on standby.
* Agent_Wyoming click.
* Agent_Texas pulls back the slide on her pistols
<Four-Seven-Niner> Okay, we're coming up on the LZ.
<Four-Seven-Niner> They don't have anti-air cannons, but they do have ground vehicles.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So it's going to be a speed drop.
<Agent_Texas> Open the hatch, Four-Seven-Niner.
* Agent_Wyoming checks anti-materiel rounds.
<Agent_Texas> Jump on my mark, sync?
<Agent_Wyoming> Sync.
<Agent_California> Sync.
<Agent_Texas> Mark!
* Agent_Texas leaps off.
* Agent_Wyoming jumps.
* Agent_California steps off
* Agent_Texas lands and shoots the nearest guards
* Agent_Wyoming fires on the way down, killing a motor pool attendant.
<Agent_Texas> Go, get to the doors!
* Agent_Texas swiftly reloads and takes out more guards
* Agent_California lands on a guard
* Agent_Wyoming tucks, lands, and rolls.
* Agent_Wyoming sprints to the door.
* Agent_Texas kicks down the door, spraying the room with gunfire.
* Agent_Wyoming breaches with Tex, covering armored targets.
<Agent_Texas> There's a vehicle bay three rooms over.
<Agent_Texas> Wyoming, go secure a a Warthog, plow through this place.
<Agent_Wyoming> Check.
* Agent_Wyoming fires to suppress remaining guards, and reloads once he's reached the 'hog.
<Agent_Texas> Cal, stay with Wyoming.
<Agent_Texas> Wreak some havoc.
<Agent_Texas> I'll find the holding cells.
* Agent_Wyoming thinks regrouping isn't fast enough, breaks through wall.
* Agent_Wyoming beeps horn.
* Agent_California mounts up
* Agent_Wyoming shifts into reverse.
* Agent_Texas goes down several levels and finds the holding cells.
* Agent_Texas takes out all the guards in the room in a few seconds.
* Agent_Texas spots Penny in one of the cells.
* Agent_Penny (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_Penny
<Agent_Texas> Penny!
<Agent_Penny> Tex...
<Agent_Texas> Are you alright?
* Agent_Wyoming does donuts, giving his gunner time to attack the guardsmen.
* Agent_Penny passes out
<Agent_Texas> Penny!
<Agent_Texas> Wyoming, get down here!
* Agent_Texas raises her guns as guards come rushing in
* Agent_Texas defends Penny and opens fire on them.
<Agent_Wyoming> A bit busy at the moment, my gunners aren't responding.
<Agent_Texas> Wyoming, hurry!
<Agent_Texas> They're going to corner us!
<Agent_Texas> I can't move anywhere unless Penny is secure.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'll need to demolish another wall . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> Need a beacon.
* Agent_California shoots where the enemy was
* Agent_Texas activates a beacon.
* Agent_Wyoming slams on horn and drives at the wall like a Grif.
<Agent_California> AAAAAAA!
* Agent_Texas takes out a few more guards and swears when she's out of ammo.
* Agent_Texas pulls out a combat knife and prepares to take out the rest the hard way.
* Agent_Wyoming breaks through the wall, trashing the guards previously pinning Tex.
<Agent_California> Ow!
<Agent_Texas> Nicely done Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> My pleasure.
* Agent_Texas puts Penny in the passenger seat.
<Agent_Texas> Let's get topside and call for extraction.
<Agent_Wyoming> Hold on. Getting back out could take some work.
* Agent_Wyoming waits a moment.
* Agent_Penny groans and stirs.
<Agent_Texas> Penny, you're awake!
* Agent_Penny laughs softly
<Agent_Penny> Are we getting out of here or what?
|
<Agent_Texas> Yeah, just hang on. |
* Mordred checks to make sure the freelancers are engaged. |
* Agent_Texas enters the hallway
<Agent_Texas> What the hell is going on?
<Agent_North> Get him!
<Mordred> Double shit.
* Agent_Wyoming is right behind.
* Mordred detonates his final flashbang
<Mordred> Time to go
* Agent_North flinches and is stunned along with everyone else.
* Agent_Texas is unaffected and knocks Mordred down
<Agent_Texas> I don't think so.
<Agent_Wyoming> Hah, knock knock.
* Agent_Texas knocks the wind out of Mordred by punching him repeatedly in the abdomen
* Agent_Texas pins down Mordred's arms and legs
* Agent_Wyoming activates laser dot sight, hovering it on Mordred's head.
<Agent_Texas> Hold fire.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'd suggest laying still.
<Mordred> No one's checked that reactor leak...
<Agent_York> Shit.
<Agent_Wyoming> What?
<Agent_York> North, come with me
<Agent_North> Coming.
* Agent_York disappears down the hall.
* Agent_North follows.
* Agent_York (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_North (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Texas holds Mordred firmly and escorts him down the hallway
<Agent_Wyoming> Reactor leak, hmm? Very clever.
<Agent_Texas> Were you a part of this too?
<Mordred> Of course not.
<Mordred> Wyoming is completely trustworthy
<Mordred> Why would you suspect him of anything?
<Agent_Texas> Smartass, huh.
* Agent_Texas punches Mordred in the gut
<Agent_Texas> Shut it if you have nothing to say.
* Agent_Texas hauls Mordred to the holding cells and throws him in.
* Director_Church (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Director_Church
<Director_Church> Now what's all this about, Agents?
<Agent_Texas> This mercenary is stealing data, sir.
<Director_Church> Well isn't that unfortunate.
<Mordred> Data?
<Mordred> What data?
<Director_Church> Who sent him?
<Agent_Texas> We don't know yet.
<Mordred> I have no idea what you people are talking about.
* Agent_Texas pulls out Carolina's buzz baton she still had
<Agent_Texas> You want to end up on a floor in a pool of your own piss?
<Mordred> Tried that a couple times before.
<Mordred> It didn't wind up well for the other guy.
<Agent_Texas> Well, I'm not any other guy, merc.
<Mordred> That we can agree on.
<Director_Church> Let me handle this, Texas.
<Director_Church> Why don't you go check up on our PA impostor?
<Agent_Texas> How'd you know-
<Director_Church> Agent Texas, don't think I'm unaware of these things.
* Agent_Wyoming remains silent, as he's a little slow.
<Director_Church> You are dismissed.
<Agent_Texas> ...yes, sir.
<Mordred> See you around, C-3P0
* Agent_Texas returns to the recovery bay
<Agent_Texas> Well, look who's awake.
<Agent_PA> Oh, my head
<Agent_Texas> Funny, I thought it'd be your ass that would hurt more.
<Agent_PA> So, the actual PA alive?
<Agent_Texas> Yes.
<Agent_Wyoming> Out, but recuperating.
<Agent_Texas> Which makes you very lucky.
<Agent_PA> I'd like to meet him Texas
<Agent_Texas> Her.
<Agent_PA> Her then
|
* Agent_Penny (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon |
<Director_Church> So, mercenary. Who are you? |
* Agent_Texas enters the brig.
<Agent_Texas> How's he doing?
<Director_Church> We're making progress.
<Agent_Texas> Should I persuade him?
<Director_Church> That won't be necessary.
<Mordred> Oh, hey Frankenstein.
<Agent_Texas> What did you call me?
<Director_Church> Agent Texas, stand down.
<Agent_Texas> Let's see how smart you are when I beat the shit out of you.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas.
<Mordred> Texas, please.
<Mordred> The adults are talking.
* Agent_Texas clenches her fists
<Director_Church> Agent Texas, you have done enough for today.
<Director_Church> You may return to your quarters.
<Agent_Texas> Director, can you bring the mercenary into the training room?
<Agent_Texas> I want a...private word with him.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas...
<Agent_Texas> What, are you going to let this guy screw around with us?
<Mordred> Ah, she's just mad I took on two other agents in full armor.
<Agent_Texas> Fantastic.
<Agent_Texas> I took down three.
<Mordred> While you were in full armor.
<Mordred> All I've got is some flashbangs and an overcoat.
<Agent_Texas> So what do you say?
<Agent_Texas> How about we have a straight-up fistfight, no weapons, no armour.
<Mordred> Besides
<Mordred> Didn't someone just tell you to go to your room?
* Agent_Texas moves her fist between the bars and punches Mordred in the face.
<Mordred> Ooh
<Agent_Texas> You like that, dipshit?
<Agent_Texas> I can hit harder.
<Mordred> I've had better.
<Mordred> And I wasn't even behind bars that time.
<Director_Church> The mercenary and I were discussing something, Agent.
<Agent_Texas> I think discussion time's over.
<Agent_Texas> Give me five minutes with this guy, director. You can discuss with him afterward.
<Mordred> Man, director.
<Mordred> Do you usually let your crew walk all over you like this?
<Mordred> Sounds like discipline's breaking down around here.
<Director_Church> I've noticed.
<Mordred> First I spent three hours messing up your ship.
<Mordred> Now you've got abuse of prisoners
<Mordred> Insubordination
<Mordred> When will it end?
<Agent_Texas> You think you have rights when you're a prisoner?
<Mordred> More than you do.
<Agent_Texas> You're lucky to be alive.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas, I am not going to repeat myself again.
<Mordred> You might call me a lucky guy.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah, let's see how lucky you get when I'm done with you.
<Mordred> You'll have to get through these bars first.
<Director_Church> Agent Wyoming, escort Texas to her quarters.
<Agent_Texas> Director....
<Director_Church> Leave, Texas! That's an order!
<Agent_Texas> ...yes, sir.
* Agent_Texas glares at Mordred before walking off
* Mordred waves good-bye
<Director_Church> I apologize.
<Mordred> No worries.
<Mordred> Now, which part of that too-good-to-be-true deal were we on?
<Director_Church> Tell me, mercenary. Are you one who takes good care of another living being?
<Mordred> That depends.
<Director_Church> Because the engineer is rather delicate.
<Mordred> For the right price, I can be incredibly delicate.
<Director_Church> They say there is no greater price than freedom.
<Mordred> True enough.
<Mordred> But they also say to keep cloud devices when you download things.
<Mordred> Do you see where this is going?
<Director_Church> So here's my offer.
<Director_Church> I will let you walk free, with the engineer, and we forget this ever happened.
<Director_Church> On two conditions.
<Director_Church> One, you tell me who sent you.
<Mordred> And two?
<Director_Church> Two, I will initiate a memory wipe so you forget this happened.
<Director_Church> You will wake up with the engineer and the money will come your way after that.
<Mordred> So how will I know what to do with the engineer?
<Mordred> Sorry, I'm a little skittish about mind wipes.
<Director_Church> The memory wipe process will be very precise.
<Director_Church> You will forget only that you were here, and that you were sent here.
<Mordred> How about I agree not to rat on you if you agree not to spread it around that I rat on clients?
<Director_Church> I suppose that is fair.
<Mordred> I could also throw in a special discount if you ever need some precision and subtlety.
<Director_Church> What is your price?
<Mordred> Hey, I would have been cool with just taking out option two.
<Mordred> But now that you ask
<Mordred> I'll settle for ten thousand.
<Director_Church> Ten thousand.
<Mordred> A bit lower than my usual rate, but hey.
<Mordred> It's been a rough day.
<Director_Church> What if I gave you an AI fragment instead?
<Mordred> hm
<Director_Church> I find I have nothing to do with any of them after one of my agents...reacted rather poorly with one.
<Mordred> You're a lot more generous than you look, pal.
<Mordred> I'm cool with that.
<Director_Church> I was forced to cease implantations, but I assure you the AI I have is more safe.
* Director_Church pulls out the Zeta AI, the Alpha's wisdom
<Director_Church> Will this do?
* Zeta_AI (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Zeta_AI
<Mordred> You're the one with the keys to this cell, pal.
<Zeta_AI> Greetings.
<Director_Church> So we have a deal.
<Director_Church> I had these AIs stored in chips now that implantation seems to be a bad idea.
* Agent_California cannot believe this
* Director_Church hands the chip to Mordred
<Mordred> Well, I could do this or I could hang out in this cell until your pet rottweiler comes back to unscrew my head.
<Mordred> Given the circumstances
<Mordred> Pleasure doing business with you.
* Director_Church opens the cell door.
<Mordred> My client didn't give me a name, but he said he was connected to some sort of Oversight subcommittee.
<Mordred> And he had an accent like the dude in white armor.
* Director_Church displays no change in expression.
<Mordred> That good enough for you?
<Director_Church> Interesting.
<Director_Church> Yes, I think it is.
<Director_Church> More than you know.
<Mordred> Glad to hear it.
<Zeta_AI> Displaying route to hangar bay now.
<Zeta_AI> There is a dropship awaiting you.
<Zeta_AI> Please follow the pre-designated route, SPARTAN-G294.
<Director_Church> What did she call you?
<Mordred> No idea.
<Director_Church> Zeta, repeat.
<Zeta_AI> Apologies, director.
<Zeta_AI> But I do not take orders from you anymore.
<Zeta_AI> As you saw fit to hand me over, I have a different purpose in existance.
<Mordred> What she means, director, is that we'd both really appreciate it if you came down to the hangar with us.
<Mordred> Just to make sure that psycho in black isn't hanging around for some parting words.
<Director_Church> You would feel unsafe if Agent California escorted you?
* Agent_California reveals himself
<Mordred> No, I guess not.
<Zeta_AI> Director.
<Zeta_AI> It would be wise if you came along.
<Zeta_AI> After all, Agent California stands no chance against Agent Texas.
<Agent_California> Thanks a lot.
<Zeta_AI> In fact, no one on board this ship does.
<Mordred> That's true, but he could buy us some time if she jumps us again.
<Zeta_AI> The only way to keep her from inflicting harm is by your orders.
<Zeta_AI> You are an interesting individual.
<Zeta_AI> Unorthodox, but I cannot argue with your wisdom.
<Director_Church> Very well then. Follow me.
<Mordred> Right-o
<Director_Church> And Agent California, keep your weapon trained away. The mercenary isn't a prisoner.
* Agent_California does so
* Director_Church leads Mordred to the hangar
<Mordred> I guess some people around here know how to follow orders.
<Zeta_AI> That is what makes them human.
<Mordred> Heh
<Mordred> You've got a lot to learn about the rest of us, buddy.
<Zeta_AI> I'm sure I will with time.
<Zeta_AI> After all, it is the best learning experience.
<Director_Church> Okay, get on board that dropship.
<Mordred> Right
<Mordred> Oh
<Mordred> One last thing
* Mordred reaches into his pocket and tosses the director his data chip.
<Mordred> No one bothered to take this off me.
* Director_Church catches it.
<Mordred> Terrible security protocols you have around here.
<Director_Church> I suppose they were more concerned about restraining you.
<Mordred> Hey, I'm a scary guy
<Zeta_AI> I think Agent Texas was simply focused on looking for a chance to fight.
<Director_Church> I think so.
<Director_Church> Now remember, not a word of this to anyone.
<Mordred> Right you are.
<Director_Church> I will do the same.
<Zeta_AI> I suggest we leave now.
<Zeta_AI> There is a chance Agent Texas could return.
<Mordred> I'm not too worried.
<Mordred> Still, never hurts to be safe.
<Mordred> Shame I can't stick around longer.
<Mordred> But I think I've outstayed my welcome.
* Mordred tips two fingers at the director.
<Mordred> See you around.
<Zeta_AI> Goodbye, Director.
<Zeta_AI> Goodye, Agent California.
* Director_Church nods
<Agent_California> Goodbye.
* Zeta_AI (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Director_Church watches silently as the dropship flies off.
<Director_Church> Not a word to anyone, Agent California.
<Director_Church> I assume you are wondering why I gave an AI to a former prisoner.
<Agent_California> I was.
<Director_Church> To answer your question, I have one of my own: Do you think we will see him again?
<Director_Church> Because you might think I aim to retrieve the Zeta AI eventually.
<Director_Church> But in reality, I hope that neither myself or anyone else ever learns of where Zeta is.
<Director_Church> Why, you ask?
<Director_Church> Because of Sigma. I am growing increasingly concerned that he is unstable.
<Director_Church> He has displayed interest in metastability.
<Director_Church> If the worst happens, I can only hope he doesn't find the other AIs.
<Director_Church> And this mercenary will make sure we never find him again.
<Agent_California> That makes some sense...
<Director_Church> Now, I have some investigations to do.
<Director_Church> Particularly upon the chairman of the subcommittee...
<Director_Church> You are dismissed, Agent California.
* Director_Church walks out of the hangar
* Director_Church (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Texas enters through another door a second later.
<Agent_Texas> So, what was that all about?
<Agent_Texas> What did the director tell you?
<Agent_Texas> And who was that in the dropship?
<Agent_Texas> California.
<Agent_Texas> I need to have a word with you.
* Agent_Texas exits the hangar with California.
* Agent_California mumbles "everyone wants a word"
<Agent_Texas> So what was that about?
<Agent_California> Director stuff.
<Agent_Texas> Come on, Cal. I'm not in the mood for this.
<Agent_Texas> He didn't want me to talk to the prisoner. So tell me, what happened?
<Agent_California> I'm a combat engineer, it isn't my place.
* Agent_Texas look away.
<Agent_Texas> Alright then.
<Agent_Texas> Come on, let's go see the prisoner
* Agent_Carolina wakes up with a poorly hidden yawn.
* Agent_Wyoming brings Wash to medbay, where both PA and Penny are waking up.
<Agent_PA> Ugh, my head
<Agent_Wyoming> Agent_PA; after what you've been through, I'm surprised it's your head that hurts the most.
* Agent_North (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_North
* Agent_York (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_York
<Agent_York> Whew, that was a close one.
<Agent_North> Tell me about it
<Agent_North> That mercenary guy is dangerous.
<Agent_York> At least we stopped the ship from blowing up.
<Agent_York> The director will be happy to hear that.
<Agent_North> Yeah, but he's not going to be pleased at the prisoner.
<Agent_York> Ah, let him get what he deserves.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yes, we all appreciate the fact that we're not so much space debris, thank you.
<Agent_York> That guy busted us up pretty bad.
<Agent_Texas> Hey guys.
<Agent_North> Hey Texas. You guys all owe us one.
<Agent_York> Yeah. I'm a locksmith, not an engineer.
<Agent_Texas> Why's everyone in the recovery bay?
<Agent_Wyoming> Checking up on our dear Penny, I believe.
<Agent_Texas> Is she conscious yet?
<Agent_Wyoming> It doesn't seem so.
<Agent_Texas> Ah well, let her rest.
<Agent_Texas> It'll stop her from tearing apart the prisoner here.
<Agent_York> What are we going to do about him anyway?
<Agent_York> Hey buddy, you know what we do to Spartans?
<Agent_PA> no
<Agent_Texas> I've showed him already.
<Agent_North> Take it easy, York.
<Agent_York> Was it your friend that was screwing with us earlier?
<Agent_York> Because I really want to get my hands on him.
<Agent_PA> No
* Agent_North goes over to the other side of the recovery bay to get his injuries treated.
* Agent_York follows.
* Agent_Texas turns to the others.
<Agent_Texas> What do we do with the Spartan here?
<Agent_Texas> Let's decide that before Penny wakes up.
<Agent_Wyoming> Best keep him out of sight. There should be an empty holding cell around here somewhere. Or a nice cryo bay.
* Director_Church (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Director_Church
<Director_Church> You're with the subcommittee, aren't you prisoner?
<Director_Church> Why have I found records of you dealing with the chairman?
<Agent_Texas> What?
<Agent_Texas> The chairman?
<Agent_California> Sir?
<Agent_PA> Yes, I am with the committee, on the grounds Project Freelancer has been killing UNSC servicemen
<Director_Church> UNSC servicemen?
<Director_Church> Those are sim-troopers.
<Director_Church> And don't play dumb.
<Director_Church> The chairman wants to know about the Alpha, doesn't he?
<Director_Church> I knew it.
* Agent_PA slams his hand on the table
<Agent_PA> THOSE WERE UNSC!
<Agent_PA> I saw them die!
* Director_Church passes a pistol to Tex
<Director_Church> Agent California, hold him down.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas...kill him.
<Agent_Texas> Sir?
<Agent_PA> no
<Agent_Texas> The chairman will make inquiries...
<Director_Church> If the chairman asks, I will inform him that we found a spy and dealt with him.
<Director_Church> He doesn't need to know that I'm onto him.
* Agent_Texas slowly points the pistol at PA.
<Agent_PA> Don't kill me please!
<Agent_PA> I'm begging you!
<Director_Church> Maybe next time the chairman will conduct an investigation the proper way.
<Agent_PA> No, please, no!
* Agent_Texas has the pistol pointed at PA's face but doesn't shoot
<Agent_PA> Don't kill me!
<Director_Church> Do it, Agent Texas.
<Agent_PA> Don't!
<Director_Church> Agent, I gave you an order.
<Agent_Texas> Sir, we're in a recovery bay. This isn't appropriate.
<Agent_PA> Don't kill me!
<Director_Church> Shoot the prisoner!
<Agent_Texas> You know what?
<Agent_Texas> Here!
* Agent_Texas tosses the pistol to a startled Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> Let her do it!
* Director_Church shrugs.
<Agent_PA> Carolina, please no!
<Director_Church> It's all the same to me.
* Agent_Carolina catches the pistol, caught off guard.
<Agent_PA> I'm from the Subcommittee
<Agent_Carolina> Sir...?
* Agent_Texas crosses her arms
* Agent_Carolina glares at Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> The hell?
<Director_Church> The chairman is using illegal means to conduct an investigation.
<Director_Church> I have every right to dispose of the prisoner.
<Director_Church> I can always claim he was an enemy.
<Agent_PA> No, don't!
* Agent_Carolina clips the pistol to her thigh.
<Agent_Texas> Director, he's not a spy, and you know it.
<Director_Church> I'm sending the subcommittee a message.
<Agent_Texas> This is wrong! How far are you going to go for these...these secrets you won't even tell us?
<Director_Church> Agent Carolina, shoot him.
<Agent_PA> No!
<Agent_PA> I. Am. From. the. Committee.
<Director_Church> Which is exactly why I am arranging your execution.
<Agent_PA> Oh really now Director?
<Agent_PA> Do you know what will happen if you kill me?
<Director_Church> The committee can keep themselves out of my business.
* Agent_Carolina unclips the pistol from her thigh, but does not point it at PA.
<Agent_Carolina> We serve the UNSC, sir...
<Director_Church> The UNSC doesn't know what they're getting into.
<Agent_PA> If you kill me, you're not just killing a man, you're effectively committing suicide for the project
<Director_Church> They will realize what I am doing for them when I have reached my goals.
<Director_Church> Until then, I will make sure they don't interfere.
<Agent_PA> They won't just slap you on the wrist, they'll send a fleet here to destroy you
* Director_Church laughs
<Director_Church> The committee members are still full of shit, I see.
* Agent_Carolina remains frozen, looking from the Director to PA and, oddly, to Texas.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas, you have disobeyed me repeatedly today.
<Director_Church> So either kill him or get out of my sight.
<Agent_Texas> I'll take him out of the recovery bay.
<Agent_Texas> And then we'll decide what to do.
<Director_Church> You are not giving the orders here, Allison!
* Agent_Texas stiffens
<Agent_PA> No Director, I am
* Agent_Texas punches PA again.
<Agent_Texas> I told you to shut up.
<Agent_Texas> Carolina, put the gun down.
* Agent_Carolina raises the pistol slowly, not really pointing it at anyone in particular.
<Agent_Carolina> Everything I am today, I am because of you, Director.
<Agent_Carolina> I told myself I'd never let you down.
<Agent_Carolina> But you don't seem to mind letting us down.
* Director_Church grits his teeth.
<Director_Church> You don't see what I'm doing for you.
<Director_Church> For all of you!
<Director_Church> You don't know what it's like to make these decisions.
* Agent_Carolina levels the gun at PA, then it drifts in the Director's direction.
* Agent_Texas moves without hesitation, tackling Carolina to the ground.
* Agent_York (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_York
* Agent_North (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_North
<Agent_York> Carolina!
* Agent_Carolina growls as the pistol clatters away, shoving at Texas.
* Agent_Texas pushes Carolina into the wall.
<Agent_Texas> What the fuck is wrong with you?
<Agent_North> Hey, take it easy!
<Agent_Carolina> He's screwing with us, don't you see? Maybe it's our turn to "make the hard decisions."
* Agent_California frees his arm
<Agent_Texas> It doesn't look so hard for you.
* Agent_Texas grabs Carolina's arms and restrains her.
<Director_Church> So, that's how it's going to be.
<Director_Church> Bring her over, Texas.
<Agent_York> What is going on?
<Agent_Carolina> Like I'd actually kill you? I'd rather turn you in for treason!
<Director_Church> I'd much think it's the other way around.
* Agent_PA escapes
<Agent_North> Hey!
* Agent_Wyoming thinks not.
* Agent_North runs after PA
* Agent_PA gets in a saber and flys away
<Agent_Carolina> You aren't worth what it would cost to clean your brains off the wall.
<Agent_Texas> Watch it, Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> That prisoner just escaped!
<Agent_Texas> And you're here lecturing the director?
* Agent_Carolina looks at Tex's visor, for once wide-eyed rather than glaring.
<Agent_Carolina> Well put me down, and we can fix that.
* Agent_Texas lets go of Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> Don't you ever point a gun at him again.
* Agent_Carolina stalks past Tex, shoving her slightly in passing.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas...keep an eye on Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> Way ahead of you, sir.
<Agent_Texas> And...
<Agent_Texas> ...director, is everything alright?
<Agent_Texas> What's so important about this secret?
<Director_Church> Go, Texas. Don't concern yourself with me.
* Agent_Texas stares at him for a moment and then walks off.
<Agent_North> Any sign of the prisoner?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Not yet.
* Agent_North jumps into 479's Pelican
<Agent_North> chase after him, go!
* Agent_North pulls Wyoming on board
<Four-Seven-Niner> I'm on him.
* Agent_PA evades and fires missiles, going down to the surce and evading
<Four-Seven-Niner> Got a lock on him!
<Agent_North> Roger. Let's try to take him alive, Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> If you insist.
<Four-Seven-Niner> There, he's flying low. Looks like I did score a hit on his ship after all.
* Agent_PA flys down to the deck to evade radar and lets 479er go after the decoy
* Four-Seven-Niner is a seasoned pilot and doesn't fall for the amateur trick.
|
* Four-Seven-Niner fires missiles, severely damaging the Sabre |
* Agent_York follows Carolina. |
* Agent_Carolina hears the report and rushes into the room.
* Agent_Texas pulls PA to his feet.
<Agent_Texas> The ringing in your ears is normal.
<Agent_Texas> That was a blank I fired.
<Agent_PA> I... I'm alive
<Agent_Texas> Yeah.
<Agent_Texas> Now keep quiet about it.
* Agent_Texas turns around to see Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> We have to get him out of here.
* Agent_Carolina looks from Tex to PA, confused, her aggressive instinct melting into uncertainty.
* Agent_California saw it as well
<Agent_Texas> That'll make it two secrets you're sitting on, huh Cal.
<Agent_Texas> I'll figure out the first one later.
<Agent_Carolina> Get him out?
<Agent_Texas> Yeah.
<Agent_Texas> Bring him back to the subcommittee.
* Agent_California twitches
* Agent_PA follows Carolina out
<Agent_Texas> I'll tell the director we got rid of the body.
<Agent_Carolina> And say what, exactly?
<Agent_Carolina> The subcommittee will want answers.
* Agent_Texas shrugs
<Agent_Texas> I'm sure the director can deal with it on his own.
<Agent_Texas> He's made difficult decisions before.
<Agent_Carolina> And I'm not beyond giving them some.
<Agent_Texas> Tell them we found a spy and want the subcommittee to deal with it.
<Agent_Texas> He has classified intel we don't know about and aren't cleared to access.
<Agent_Texas> They'll play along and let us think they're going to interrogate him.
<Agent_Texas> As soon as we leave, he walks free.
* Agent_Carolina relaxes just a bit, but remains ostensibly suspicious.
<Agent_Carolina> Why do you care about him, anyway?
<Agent_Texas> There's something not right about the director.
<Agent_Texas> He's got secrets.
<Agent_Texas> And he doesn't just think we shouldn't to know.
<Agent_Texas> It's like he's afraid we'll know.
<Agent_York> You're really going off the deep end, Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> Maybe we have a right to know!
<Agent_Texas> What the director is doing is going off the deep end.
<Agent_Texas> Now come on, let's go.
<Agent_Texas> York, Cal, you in?
<Agent_York> Y...yeah, I guess...
* Four-Seven-Niner (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Four-Seven-Niner
* Agent_Texas hauls PA aboard Four-Seven-Niner.
* Agent_Carolina makes a grudging noise and follows Texas.
<Agent_PA> Lets go
<Four-Seven-Niner> Where to?
* Agent_California boards Peli
<Agent_PA> To the committee 479
<Four-Seven-Niner> Wait, why am I taking orders from this guy?
<Agent_Texas> Just do it.
<Four-Seven-Niner> ...Roger.
* Four-Seven-Niner flies off
<Agent_York> I'll keep an eye on him...I guess...he's not a prisoner, right?
<Agent_Texas> Just make sure you can carry him off, York. His legs are broken.
* Agent_Texas motions for Carolina to come over to the corner of the passenger bay
* Agent_Carolina walks over, arms folded.
* Agent_Texas turns to Carolina and lowers her voice.
<Agent_Texas> Carolina, you are in a lot of trouble with the director right now.
<Agent_Carolina> I noticed.
<Agent_Texas> Well, what are you going to do about it?
<Agent_Texas> This isn't just a matter of rankings. He could have you incarcerated or even executed.
* Agent_Carolina blinks, then her brow furrows, as if she's distracted by something. It passes in seconds.
<Agent_PA> Ladies and gentlemen, if you want a safe place, go to Venezia without any uniforms on. You'll all blend in fine.
<Agent_York> Keep quiet, buddy.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm a soldier, Texas. I don't know what you think you are. But I follow the chain of command. What is the UNSC going to do to us if we're all traitors?
<Agent_Texas> Well, you didn't follow the chain of command back there. And you pointed a gun at the director.
<Agent_Texas> It doesn't look good.
<Agent_Carolina> He was the one breaking protocol!
<Agent_Texas> So what are you going to do, go tattling?
<Agent_Carolina> Tattling is for little people like Sou-
* Agent_Carolina cuts herself off, mindful.
<Agent_Texas> Listen, whether or not he breaks protocol isn't the issue right now. The issue is that he might try to get you out of the way now.
<Agent_Carolina> Oh, I'm sorry, do you think he's omnipotent or something?
<Agent_Texas> I don't care who's right or wrong, because I sure as hell don't know.
<Agent_Texas> What I do care is whether you end up crippled, or in a prison cell, or even dead.
<Agent_Carolina> If you had just let me handle him-
<Agent_PA> LISTEN! Your best bet now is to stay low, work at a maritime job or something until this shitstorm blows over.
<Agent_York> Quiet, dude.
<Agent_Texas> That's right, Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> I see the way you look at me, it's not exactly rocket science what you think of me.
<Agent_Texas> But here's a newsflash.
<Agent_Texas> I'm not going to be exactly beside myself with glee if something happened to you because of the director.
* Agent_California grabs duct tape
<Agent_York> Good call.
* Agent_California tapes PA's mouth shut
* ChanServ sets mode +q #halo-fanon *!*@gateway/web/freenode/ip.68.63.119.164
<Agent_Carolina> You're on his side! Whatever he's doing, whatever he's working toward, you think it's for some greater good. Well, I don't see it. All I see is one man, acting like he's some kind of god!
<Agent_Texas> If I was on his side, I would have shot this idiot as soon as he asked me.
* Agent_Texas nods at PA
<Agent_Texas> And you're right, the director is going too far.
<Agent_Texas> And you talk about sides like we're enemies with him or something.
<Agent_Texas> We should all be on the same side.
<Agent_Texas> That's why I didn't kill this guy.
<Agent_Texas> that's why I stopped you from shooting the director.
<Agent_Texas> And that's why I don't want him to do something terrible to you.
* Agent_Carolina clenches a fist, turmoil evident on her face. Torn between protocol and feelings.
* Agent_York looks up, wondering what they're quietly talking about.
<Agent_Carolina> Did you ever have to swear the oath, Texas? The oath we gave to the UNSC to protect it no matter what?
<Agent_Carolina> Well, I did.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah...
<Agent_Texas> In fact, I joined up with the UNSC when...
* Agent_Texas frowns.
<Agent_Texas> ...Leonard tried to stop me...
<Agent_Texas> Wait...
<Agent_Texas> Did that happen?
<Agent_Carolina> I don't see how letting the Director screw around with his superiors counts as being on the same-
* Agent_Texas frowns.
* Agent_Carolina tilts her head slightly, confused by Tex's rambling.
<Agent_Texas> I...I think I did...
<Agent_Texas> I remember doing it...but I don't think I did it...
* Agent_Texas pounds the bulkhead in frustration.
* Agent_Carolina twitches when Tex punches the bulkhead, startled.
<Agent_York> Hey, you guys okay?
<Agent_Carolina> We're... fine.
<Agent_Texas> Four-Seven-Niner, turn us around.
<Four-Seven-Niner> What?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Why?
* Agent_Texas sits down in a crash seat and tries to sort out her memories.
<Agent_Texas> That's not right...
<Agent_Texas> ...I couldn't have done that...
<Agent_Texas> The director...Leonard...
* Agent_Carolina moves as if going to stand by York, but remains by Tex.
* Agent_Texas looks up
<Agent_Texas> I have some investigating to do.
* Four-Seven-Niner turns around and heads back to the Mother of Invention.
* Four-Seven-Niner drops everyone off in the hangar bay.
<Agent_Texas> Take the prisoner...take him to that place he mentioned. You still have the coordinates, right?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah.
<Agent_Texas> Good. Come right back when you've dropped him off. Cal, go with him.
<Agent_Carolina> What the hell is going on?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Okay.
* Four-Seven-Niner flies off.
* Four-Seven-Niner (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Wyoming is alerted the the team's return.
<Agent_York> Hey Wyoming.
<Agent_York> Something's up with those two. Don't know what.
<Agent_North> Yeah...they're actually getting along.
* Agent_Wyoming glances at Tex and Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> Carolina, when was the first time you saw me?
<Agent_Carolina> You just showed up one day, armor and all. Then... there was that match, with Maine and Wyoming.
<Agent_York> And me.
<Agent_Wyoming> I hate pugel sticks.
<Agent_York> And I hate grenades.
* Agent_Carolina glances at York, as if she intentionally didn't mention him.
<Agent_Texas> I saw you in the spectating room that day.
<Agent_Texas> But that wasn't the first time I saw you, Carolina...
* Agent_Carolina frowns at Tex.
<Agent_Texas> I saw you while I was on a mission...with...Marines...
<Agent_Texas> You didn't see us, you had a mission to do.
<Agent_Texas> But I saw you, and York, and Washington...
* Agent_Texas shakes her head.
<Agent_Texas> But I don't remember being there.
<Agent_Carolina> ... I'm pretty sure I would have noticed you.
<Agent_North> Maybe we should give them some privacy.
<Agent_York> Yeah. Training room?
<Agent_North> Sure.
<Agent_Wyoming> Right, chaps.
* Agent_York (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_North (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
<Agent_Texas> I don't know...
<Agent_Texas> It seemed different, somehow.
<Agent_Texas> I was...admiring your team.
* Agent_Carolina is quiet, unsure how to respond or if she even should.
<Agent_Texas> And...proud. Because...I don't know, you had something to do with someone...with...with...
<Agent_Texas> ...someone important to me.
<Agent_Carolina> How... long ago was this?
<Agent_Texas> I...can't remember...
<Agent_Texas> A few years ago, I think...
<Agent_Texas> Whenever this project started.
* Agent_Carolina shifts her weight awkwardly, still slightly hostile, but more out of pride than hatred.
<Agent_Carolina> And... what does this have to do with anything?
<Agent_Texas> I don't know...these memories feel like...like they don't belong to me.
* Agent_Texas reaches her room and pulls Carolina inside before someone (especially the director) sees them.
<Agent_Carolina> What...? How is that even possible- oof!
* Agent_Carolina pulls away from Texas after being yanked inside.
<Agent_Texas> It's not much of a room, I know. But I don't need to do anything besides sleep in here.
<Agent_Texas> Well...that and investigate.
<Agent_Texas> Ever since the director gave me Omega, I've been looking into the nature of these AIs.
* Agent_Carolina looks around, wary, then returns her attention to Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> And you need me here, why?
<Agent_Texas> Because I don't want to find you imprisoned in a cell when I come looking for you later.
<Agent_Texas> Carolina, I don't know if you understand how serious this is.
<Agent_Carolina> I don't know anything right now. One minute you're the Director's pet, the next you're some kind of spy?
<Agent_Carolina> I can't decide whether you have extraordinary acting skills or I'm getting double-crossed!
<Agent_Texas> The director acts really strange towards me.
<Agent_Texas> I don't know why, but he treats me like...like I'm not one of you.
* Agent_Carolina snorts.
<Agent_Carolina> That's putting it lightly.
<Agent_Texas> I'll say.
<Agent_Texas> And I always wondered why he gave me Omega.
<Agent_Carolina> He treats you like you're better, because-
* Agent_Carolina falls silent.
<Agent_Texas> Because?
<Agent_Texas> I've noticed, and I've been wondering that too.
* Agent_Carolina sits down in a nearby chair, still suspicious but also curious.
<Agent_Texas> These AIs...it's like they're all part of a single person.
<Agent_Texas> They're all so incomplete.
<Agent_Texas> Like different emotions taken from a person.
<Agent_Texas> So what I'm trying to find out is...who?
<Agent_Texas> And what does it mean?
<Agent_Carolina> ... some of them do look the same.
<Agent_Texas> Your AIs are like twins.
* Agent_Carolina is silent as Eta and Iota appear, one on each shoulder.
<Agent_Carolina> They don't say much.
<Agent_Texas> Neither does mine.
<Agent_Texas> It's like they influence your very thoughts, isn't it?
<Agent_Carolina> Sometimes... they whisper, but I can't tell what they're saying.
<Agent_Texas> Look...they're mimicking your movements right now.
* Agent_Carolina turns her head, annoyed, as Eta and Iota exchange low, garbled whispers.
<Agent_Carolina> I thought having two would give me an edge. But all they ever do is talk to each other.
<Agent_Texas> I think the director knew that.
<Agent_Texas> He seemed to accept your...request...too easily.
<Agent_Carolina> And what about... Omega, right?
<Agent_Carolina> What does he do?
<Agent_Texas> He...
<Agent_Texas> It's like he wants to hurt people.
<Agent_Texas> Like he enjoys it.
<Agent_Texas> I shut him off so often because of it.
<Agent_Texas> But not just because of that.
<Agent_Texas> I feel like Omega is a being of pure rage...it makes me nervous.
<Agent_Texas> Whenever I have him activated in my head too long, I start to get...flashbacks.
<Agent_Texas> Like those memories I don't think are mine.
<Agent_Texas> In these flashbacks, the person who was important to me...the one that had a connection to the Freelancers...I feel like he is angry at me.
* Agent_Carolina can't help when her eyes widen slightly.
<Agent_Texas> And I have no idea what it means, but for some reason it makes me...unhappy.
<Agent_Texas> I can't even understand why.
<Agent_Texas> But Omega scares me sometimes because of the rage I feel from him.
<Agent_Texas> I wonder if the director knew that when he gave Omega to me.
* Agent_Carolina leans forward, and Eta and Iota wink out. She winces slightly, like it hurts her.
<Agent_Texas> What is it?
<Agent_Carolina> Maybe... the memories are from Omega?
<Agent_Carolina> But... why would the Director want to mess you up?
* Epsilon_AI (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Epsilon_AI
<Epsilon_AI> Allison!
* Agent_Texas is startled.
* Agent_Carolina hisses and pulls at her hair, cringing.
* Agent_Texas tries to think of something to do, but doesn't know what.
<Agent_Carolina> Nnnngggghhh!
* Agent_Texas remembers, and grabs Carolina, turning her around.
<Agent_Carolina> Make it sto- make it stop! Allison! Allison!
* Agent_Texas quickly accesses Carolina's neural interface via her helmet shuts off the AIs.
* Agent_Texas turns to Epsilon.
<Agent_Texas> What is this about?
* Agent_Carolina stops mid-scream and twitches, one arm spasming.
<Epsilon_AI> Memory.
<Agent_Texas> Memory?
* Agent_Texas looks back at Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> What was that?
* Agent_Carolina is muttering to herself, the same rapid garbled speech the AI were formerly making.
<Agent_Carolina> ... Alli... ugh... I don't... know.
* Agent_Carolina sits up, attempting to pull herself together.
<Agent_Texas> Tell me.
<Agent_Texas> Who's Allison?
* Agent_Carolina seems to be staring into space, past Tex.
<Agent_Carolina> She... she was gone...
* Epsilon_AI is muttering too.
<Epsilon_AI> Allison...come back...
<Epsilon_AI> ...no, I can't...
<Agent_Texas> What is going on?
<Epsilon_AI> He...he did this to me...I did this...Alpha did this...
<Agent_Texas> Alpha? The director's AI?
<Agent_Texas> What about him? Tell me!
* Agent_Carolina repeats "Alpha" under her breath, as if dreading it.
* Epsilon_AI lets out a drawn-out scream.
* Agent_Texas clutches her head.
<Agent_Texas> No...don't say goodbye...
<Agent_Texas> ...I hate goodbyes...
<Agent_Texas> Leonard...
* Agent_Carolina stiffens at Epsilon's scream and stares at Tex, pallid.
<Epsilon_AI> Washington...memories...he knows...
<Agent_Texas> Memory...memory is the key...
<Agent_Texas> ...memory...
<Epsilon_AI> ...memory...I...
* Epsilon_AI blurs somewhat but the hologram quickly clears
<Epsilon_AI> I am the Alpha's memory. I am the key.
<Agent_Texas> What?
* Epsilon_AI begins to fade out of focus again.
<Epsilon_AI> Memory...I am the memory...Texas...Allison...
* Epsilon_AI falls to his holographic knees and clutches his head.
<Agent_Texas> Epsilon! What is...
* Agent_Carolina squints at Epsilon, still coherent enough to be aggressive.
<Agent_Carolina> The hell are you talking... about...
<Epsilon_AI> GET OUT OF MY HEAD!
* Epsilon_AI splits into two holograms, the original a pale blue and the second a dark grey.
* Epsilon-Tex (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Epsilon-Tex
* Agent_Texas looks up at the grey hologram and realizes what she was looking at.
<Agent_Texas> It can't be...
* Epsilon-Tex stares back at Tex for a moment and then disappears
* Epsilon_AI is still on his knees.
<Agent_Carolina> Texas, the FUCK was that?
<Epsilon_AI> Allison...you have to save him...find him...
<Epsilon_AI> ...the memory...he is losing the memory of himself...and you...
* Epsilon_AI vanishes.
* Epsilon_AI (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Texas stands up with a silent determination.
* Agent_Carolina also stands, somewhat shakily.
* Agent_Texas places one hand on the wall facing her bed.
<Agent_Texas> Hey, you okay to fight?
<Agent_Carolina> ... knocking some heads might make me feel better, yeah.
<Agent_Texas> Good.
* Agent_Texas pushes the wall to reveal an entire rack of guns, knives and grenades.
* Agent_Carolina takes this in, seemingly unable to show surprise anymore.
<Agent_Texas> Take whatever you can carry, and follow me.
* Agent_Texas grabs several pistols, a combat knife, and a quartet of grenades.
* Agent_Carolina starts clipping grenades to her belt, an SMG to each thigh, a battle rifle to her back, and finally takes a pistol for her dominant hand.
* Agent_Texas slides open the door and walks out.
* Agent_Carolina follows Texas, her stride back to its usual gait.
<Agent_Texas> Those AIs might give you an edge, but you'll want to keep them off.
<Agent_Texas> We don't want them screaming in your head again.
* Agent_Texas leads Carolina down several hallways before stopping at a large sliding door.
<Agent_Texas> The bridge. We're not usually allowed in here.
* Agent_Carolina is silent as she follows Texas, perhaps from leftover pain, perhaps in contemplation.
* Agent_Texas walks through the sliding doors, and finds to her surprise that it's completely empty.
<Agent_Texas> Hello? Counsellor?
<Agent_Texas> Director?
<Agent_Texas> ...Alpha?
* Director_Church (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Director_Church
<Director_Church> (voice only) Why, hello Agent Texas.
<Director_Church> (voice only) I was wondering where you headed off to.
<Agent_Texas> Director, where are you?
<Agent_Texas> Why is the bridge empty?
<Director_Church> (voice only) I'm currently occupied with other matters, so I'm not on the ship.
<Director_Church> (voice only) But I am glad to see you've brought Agent Carolina.
<Director_Church> (voice only) I've been meaning to have a word with her.
<Agent_Texas> Where's the Alpha?
* Agent_Carolina bristles, bringing up the Magnum though she has no target.
<Agent_Carolina> I have several words for you!
<Director_Church> (voice only) I'm sure you do, Agent Carolina. But I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
<Director_Church> (voice only) Agent Texas, I notice Epsilon had contacted you.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah. Epsilon. The Alpha's memory.
<Director_Church> (voice only) So you've figured it out.
<Agent_Texas> Not completely. Care to explain?
<Director_Church> (voice only) Not particularly, no.
<Director_Church> (voice only) I'm not quite done with the Alpha yet, and it is crucial that you don't interfere in this next phase.
<Director_Church> (voice only) But there is someone to keep you company. I believe you've already met.
* Epsilon-Tex steps out of the shadows.
<Agent_Texas> You.
<Epsilon-Tex> I am you.
<Director_Church> (voice only) I'm no fool, Agent Texas. I know why you and Carolina are here.
<Director_Church> (voice only) But I'm afraid I have to stop you from going any further. Even if I have to...force you to turn on yourself.
<Agent_Texas> I will figure this out!
<Agent_Texas> And I'll find you!
* Director_Church seals the doors behind them.
<Director_Church> You can try.
* Agent_Carolina aims at the strange Tex's head, but does not fire yet.
<Epsilon-Tex> (voice only) You'll have to get past your own memory first, Agent Texas.
* Epsilon-Tex suddenly moves, dashing towards Tex and Carolina.
* Agent_Texas raises two pistols and opens fire.
* Epsilon-Tex dodges the shots.
* Agent_Carolina fires several shots with her pistol as well.
* Epsilon-Tex reaches Tex and lands a punch on her.
* Agent_Texas staggers and swings to retaliate.
<Epsilon-Tex> Too slow, Texas. But it's not your fault.
* Epsilon-Tex delivers a spinning kick to Tex's face.
<Epsilon-Tex> I am your memory, after all.
* Agent_Texas trips Epsilon-Tex.
* Agent_Texas gets back on her feet.
* Epsilon-Tex rolls away and moves to engage Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina rushes Epsilon-Tex, discarding the Magnum and opening fire with both SMGs.
* Epsilon-Tex jumps over the gunfire, and comes down with a hard kick.
* Agent_Texas aims but doesn't want to hit Carolina.
* Agent_Texas puts away the guns and pulls out the combat knife.
* Agent_Carolina is driven back by the kick, which impacts her midsection.
* Epsilon-Tex delivers a series of rapid punches to Carolina.
<Agent_Carolina> Augh-
* Agent_Texas punches Epsilon-Tex repeatedly, not injuring her but managing to distract her momentarily.
* Epsilon-Church snatches both of Tex's pistols.
* Agent_Carolina drops one of the SMGs but retains a grip on the right one, and jams the barrel under Epsilon-Tex's helmet.
* Epsilon-Tex kicks Carolina in the leg, throwing off her aim.
* Agent_Texas stabs the combat knife into Epsilon-Tex, to no effect.
<Director_Church> You already know that achieves nothing, Agent Texas.
* Epsilon-Tex pulls the knife out and kicks Tex away.
* Agent_Texas staggers back several steps, colliding with a nearby control panel.
<Agent_Texas> You sure you don't mind us demolishing your bridge, director?
<Director_Church> (voice only) Oh, I have more pressing concerns at the moment.
* Agent_Carolina snarls a war cry as she gets to her feet, and swings a punch at Epsilon-Tex.
* Epsilon-Tex is knocked off-balance.
* Epsilon-Tex raises one pistol to retaliate.
* Agent_Texas jumps on Epsilon-Tex.
* Epsilon-Tex growls and shoots over her shoulder, trying and failing to hit Tex.
* Agent_Texas puts one hand on Epsilon-Tex's, trying to take back her pistol.
<Epsilon-Tex> Get off-!
* Agent_Carolina tackles Epsilon-Tex, grabbing her torso.
* Agent_Texas rolls off Epsilon-Tex, holding one of the two pistols.
* Epsilon-Tex raises the other pistol and aims it point-blank at Carolina's chest.
* Agent_Texas shoots Epsilon-Tex in the hand, causing her to drop the pistol.
<Epsilon-Tex> Dammit!
* Agent_Carolina freezes for a split second, then lashes at Epsilon-Tex with a kick.
<Epsilon-Tex> Ugh.
* Epsilon-Tex reaches for the fallen pistol.
* Agent_Texas kicks it away, spinning and bringing her foot down on the back of Epsilon-Tex's head.
* Epsilon-Tex lashes out with one hand, grabbing Tex's other foot and pulling her to the ground.
* Epsilon-Tex uses her other hand to punch Carolina in the gut.
<Agent_Texas> Oof-!
* Agent_Carolina stumbles back, coughing.
<Director_Church> (voice only) Well, this is most certainly disappointing. My two best agents, being overpowered by a mere memory.
* Agent_Texas snarls.
<Agent_Texas> We'll see about that.
* Agent_Texas rolls away, moving to grab her pistol.
* Epsilon-Tex stands up, holding Tex's knife.
* Agent_Carolina recovers enough to draw back a fist like she's going to deliver a punch, but instead she sends her hand smashing into Epsilon-Tex's midsection, fingers braced like a shovel.
<Epsilon-Tex> Agh!
* Epsilon-Tex punches Carolina, but it has little force.
* Agent_Carolina clenches her fingers, finding wires.
* Agent_Texas shoots Epsilon-Tex in the back several times, careful to aim for the centre of the mass.
<Agent_Carolina> Tell me if it hurts!
<Epsilon-Tex> GET AWAY!
* Epsilon-Tex punches Carolina in the face.
* Agent_Carolina is sent flying back, with a handful of wires.
* Epsilon-Tex gets to her feet.
* Agent_Texas runs out of ammo and charges at Epsilon-Tex.
* Epsilon-Tex throws the combat knife at Carolina.
* Agent_Texas tackles Epsilon-Tex to the ground.
* Agent_Carolina brings up her arm clumsily, and the knife thuds into her bicep.
<Agent_Carolina> Aaagh!
<Epsilon-Tex> Tell me if it hurts!
<Agent_Texas> Shut up!
* Agent_Texas sticks her other pistol into Epsilon-Tex's exposed midsection.
* Epsilon-Tex kicks Tex in the chest, sending her flying into the air.
* Agent_Texas flies over the edge of the catwalk and disappears from sight.
<Epsilon-Tex> You can't get rid of me that easily.
<Epsilon-Tex> After all, memories never go away.
* Agent_Carolina gets to her feet, wounded arm hanging awkwardly.
<Epsilon-Tex> Looks like it's you and me now, number two.
* Agent_Carolina looks around, searching for anything exploitable.
* Epsilon-Tex slowly pulls the pistol out of her exposed midsection.
* Epsilon-Tex fires the remaining half-magazine at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina tries to dodge all the bullets but two or three pepper her.
<Agent_Carolina> Shit!
* Agent_Carolina stops and looks around, wild-eyed and straining, then runs toward Epsilon-Tex, suddenly hyperaggressive.
<Epsilon-Tex> Getting desperate?
* Epsilon-Tex lands a swift punch to the back of Carolina's head as she reaches her, knocking her right to the ground.
<Epsilon-Tex> That won't help you win.
* Agent_Carolina hits the ground hard, and slowly moves shortly afterward, with pronounced effort.
<Epsilon-Tex> That won't help you be number one again.
<Epsilon-Tex> You know what, you're really something, Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina looks up at Epsilon-Tex, livid.
<Epsilon-Tex> All this time you hated Tex, hated me.
<Epsilon-Tex> And now you're working together to bring down the one who gave you all this.
<Epsilon-Tex> The director doesn't need Tex.
<Epsilon-Tex> He has me.
<Agent_Carolina> His standards must have really fallen then.
<Epsilon-Tex> And you're never going to touch him as long as I'm here.
* Agent_Carolina snorts, more bravado than anything.
<Epsilon-Tex> Don't tell me you and Tex are friends now. I think I'd die of embarrassment.
<Agent_Carolina> Oh... I don't think... embarrassment is what you'll die of...
* Epsilon-Tex growls and charges at Carolina, albeit not rashly.
* Agent_Carolina looses a war cry and meets Epsilon-Tex head-on, tearing at the hole she made earlier with her good hand.
* Epsilon-Tex punches and kicks Carolina in quick succession
* Epsilon-Tex grabs Carolina's injured hand and twists hard.
<Agent_Carolina> A-aah...!
* Epsilon-Tex forces Carolina to her knees and takes her pistol.
<Epsilon-Tex> So, who's going to die now?
* Agent_Texas leaps out of the shadows and tackles Epsilon-Tex.
<Agent_Texas> Oh, I'm not done yet.
* Epsilon-Tex rolls and recovers, emptying the pistol into Tex's chest plate.
* Agent_Texas grunts and is pushed back from the force of the shots.
<Epsilon-Tex> I think you are now.
* Epsilon-Tex gets back to her feet.
* Agent_Carolina wobbles to her feet, clenching her good fist.
<Agent_Texas> You know something, you're right.
<Agent_Texas> Memories never do go away.
<Agent_Texas> Except you're not my memory.
<Agent_Texas> So I'm going to erase you!
* Agent_Texas struggles to stand.
<Epsilon-Tex> Bold words.
* Epsilon-Tex kicks Tex hard, sending her sliding away.
<Epsilon-Tex> But that's all they are.
* Agent_Carolina spits blood, then speaks hoarsely.
<Agent_Carolina> Hey, Allison.
* Epsilon-Tex turns.
* Agent_Texas turns.
<Director_Church> (voice only) What the devil-
* Agent_Carolina is already sprinting toward Epsilon-Tex when she turns.
* Agent_Texas hobbles over to a storage unit placed at the head of the bridge.
<Agent_Texas> Hey director, I don't suppose Epsilon is here anymore.
<Director_Church> What are you doing? Get away from there!
<Agent_Texas> ...but I think you left something behind.
<Director_Church> Don't touch that!
* Agent_Texas grabs the memory unit and throws it at Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> Catch!
* Agent_Carolina catches the memory unit with her good hand, as if she's practiced the move.
* Epsilon-Tex is caught off-guard and turns to look at Tex in confusion.
<Epsilon-Tex> What are you-
* Epsilon-Tex turns back to Carolina just in time to see that the memory unit now has a vicious blade sticking out of it.
* Agent_Carolina slams the point of the memory unit into Epsilon-Tex's helmet, stabbing through to the core.
<Director_Church> No!
* Epsilon-Tex glows red at the visor, spasms, and becomes still.
* Epsilon-Tex has quit (Quit: Page closed)
* Agent_Texas staggers over to Carolina, staring at the memory unit in her hands.
* Agent_Carolina stands panting over Epsilon-Tex's body, shaking slightly.
* Agent_Texas looks up defiantly, as if the director is actually up there.
<Agent_Texas> You'd better be hiding in some deep dark hole, director.
<Agent_Texas> Because we're going to be coming for you!
* Director_Church laughs, to Tex's surprise.
* Agent_Carolina glares upon hearing the laugh.
<Director_Church> You think you can destroy your own creator, Agent Texas?
<Director_Church> You think you're something special, but you're just the same as Epsilon.
<Director_Church> You're nothing but a memory.
<Agent_Carolina> .... not just a memory.
<Agent_Carolina> All she has to do is point me in the right direction.
<Agent_Texas> I'll show you what a memory can do when I find you.
<Director_Church> You can try. But you will fail, just like you always do.
<Director_Church> I have Alpha, I have Epsilon; I need nothing more to stop you.
* Agent_Texas detects where the director's voice is coming from, and shoots the machine, destroying it and cutting him off.
* Director_Church has quit (Quit: Page closed)
* Agent_Carolina looks at Texas, somewhat glassy-eyed.
<Agent_Texas> Right, let's get these doors open.
* Agent_Texas moves for the doors, a little too determined, as if trying to maintain her resolve.
* Agent_Texas tries to open the doors with the keypad, to no avail. She runs her hands along the surface, trying to find a way to pull them open.
<Agent_Texas> Gotta open the door...get out of here...
<Agent_Carolina> ... he's wrong.
<Agent_Carolina> He.... what he said... about you failing...
* Agent_Texas pounds the doors in frustration and stops.
<Agent_Texas> I couldn't do it, Carolina. I couldn't even take on myself.
<Agent_Carolina> It doesn't matter.
<Agent_Carolina> Maybe you can't beat him on your own.
<Agent_Carolina> But you can sure as hell help us kick his ass.
* Agent_Texas takes her fist off the doors and turns to look at Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> I guess I never was one of you.
* Agent_Carolina coughs again, averting her gaze from Tex.
<Agent_Carolina> One of 'us'? What are we, really, anyway?
<Agent_Texas> Pawns, apparently.
<Agent_Texas> Pieces to the director's plan.
<Agent_Texas> But no matter what might have brought us together...I thought of everyone in the project as friends...even you.
<Agent_Texas> And if that makes us something, then we sure as hell are going to find the director.
<Agent_Texas> And Alpha...I'm not completely sure what he is to me, but I feel like I owe it to him.
* Agent_Carolina is at a loss for what to say, but then she approaches Tex and offers her good hand.
* Agent_Texas takes the hand and shakes.
* Agent_York (ae5c5e52@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Agent_York
* Agent_York stands next to the doors as they slide open, looking away from the keypad.
<Agent_York> About time I got the damn doors open...
<Agent_York> ...whoa, what happened in here?
* Agent_Carolina winces as her injured arm throbs.
<Agent_York> Carolina, Texas, you guys alright?
<Agent_Carolina> Super, York, just super.
<Agent_York> Let's get you guys to recovery right away. And why is the bridge empty?
<Agent_Texas> It's a long story, York.
* Agent_Texas throws a supporting arm around Carolina's shoulders and helps her walk out of the bridge.
* Agent_York raises an eyebrow.
<Agent_York> What happened, you two had a fight in here?
<Agent_Texas> Something like that.
<Agent_Texas> York...get the others and tell them to find us at Recovery.
<Agent_York> You mean Wash and North and Wyoming and everyone?
<Agent_Texas> No.
<Agent_Texas> I mean everyone. Every Freelancer, soldier, and AI on board.
* Agent_Carolina turns to look at York.
<Agent_Carolina> Hey, York?
<Agent_York> Yeah?
<Agent_Carolina> If you pass by the Leaderboard on your way...
<Agent_Carolina> Smash it to bits.
<Agent_York> Got it.
<Agent_York> What's going on anyway?
* Agent_Texas turns to look at Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> I guess you're in charge of the ship now.
<Agent_Carolina> We're going to bring the Director to justice.
<Agent_Carolina> It's not about being number one anymore.
<Agent_Carolina> It's about everyone pulling together.
* Agent_York smiles.
<Agent_York> I've been waiting for so long to hear you say that.
<Agent_York> Well, I guess it's safe to leave you two to get to recovery.
<Agent_York> I'll get the others.
<Agent_York> See you in a bit.
* Agent_York has quit (Quit: Page closed)
* Agent_Texas reaches recovery with Carolina and helps her ease onto a bed.
<Agent_Carolina> Ugh... thanks.
<Agent_Texas> Don't mention it.
* Agent_Texas watches as a few doctors walk over and begin to help Carolina out of her armour.
<Agent_Texas> It won't be easy to find the director.
<Agent_Texas> It could take weeks...months...years, even.
<Agent_Carolina> He'll want us to find him.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah, and he'll have something worse than Epsilon waiting.
<Agent_Carolina> He thinks he has all the power, and that we're just bumbling idiots. That's what he wanted us to be, when we weren't doing what he wanted. Idiots.
<Agent_Texas> Well, he's in for a surprise.
<Agent_Texas> I don't think he realizes what he's created with the Freelancer project.
<Agent_Texas> But he'll find out the hard way.
<Agent_Carolina> I don't think he ever knew what he was really creating... and that scares me.
<Agent_Carolina> To create so much he can't control or understand, for what?
<Agent_Texas> We'll figure it out.
<Agent_Texas> See what secrets he has.
<Agent_Texas> What he's been up to.
<Agent_Texas> What the point to all this was.
<Agent_Texas> He's a mad scientist if there ever was one.
<Agent_Texas> And he'll find that his own creations will be his downfall.
<Agent_Carolina> He didn't create you, you know.
<Agent_Carolina> I mean, maybe you... came from him, somehow.
<Agent_Carolina> But he didn't make you who you are, like this.
<Agent_Carolina> That was... already there, somehow.
<Agent_Texas> Yeah. It's Allison. I don't know anything about her...
<Agent_Texas> Who she was...what she had to do with the director...why I'm here...
<Agent_Texas> ...but the director has all the answers, as always. And we'll get them from him.
<Agent_Texas> We'll figure this all out, Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> But you should get some sleep.
<Agent_Texas> The others will be ready when you wake up.
<Agent_Texas> We'll all need to be at our best if we're going to look for the director.
* Agent_Carolina nods, already relaxing from the sedatives being used for her arm wound.
* Agent_Texas watches for a moment as the doctors treat her, and remembers that she too is damaged.
* Agent_Texas heads off to find a tech team to make some repairs...and maybe make a few tweaks.
* Agent_Carolina falls unconscious, but not before muttering something that sounds vaguely like "Allison."