Episode XIII: The Lone Wolf Strikes
| 1813 Hours, July 14, 2552 (UNSC Military Calendar), on board the UNSC Mother of Invention, in orbit around planet Ariel, Epsilon Eridani system |
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* Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar flickers into view next to Carolina's table side, and sighs. |
* Agent_Wyoming is scouring his already-spotless armor, anticipating a funeral. |
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* Agent_Florida reaches Carolina's room with Washington and knocks on the door. |
* Agent_Georgia enters a small, makeshift tent that is littered with rudimentary surveillance and analyses equipment. He carries his helmet tucked under his arm; his face is pallid and awash with swollen, pulsating veins and his dark hair has begun to grey. His rail gun is strapped to his armor, along with a plethora of other weapons and field equipment. |
* Agent_Carolina turns to Agent Florida.
<Agent_Carolina> Butch, I want everyone suited and armed, assembled in the hangar in thirty.
* Agent_Florida snaps to attention.
<Agent_Florida> Yes, ma'am.
* Agent_Florida turns and leaves the room, with York and Washington.
* Agent_Washington follows behind Florida.
* Agent_York heads immediately out of the door as soon as he hears that, towards the armory. His helmet's curled under his arm, and he clamps it over his head.
* Agent_Texas|AI slides the door shut as the others leave.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Okay, time for your armour.
* Agent_Texas|AI opens the metal closet in the side of the room.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Stand in the middle and hold still.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Raise your arms horizontally.
* Agent_Carolina steps in and follows Tex's commands.
* Agent_Texas|AI activates the mechanisms in Carolina's armour to sync with the ones on her jumpsuit, assembling her armour piece by piece in less than thirty seconds.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Dr. Halsey showed me how to do that a while ago.
<Agent_Texas|AI> She's looking into design something like that for her Spartans, but at the moment it's not precise enough to be handled by anything less than an AI like...well, me.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Even most of the UNSC's smart AIs can't do that yet.
* Agent_Carolina steps out, footsteps clunking slightly.
<Agent_Carolina> Well, it's certainly more efficient.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Yeah.
<Agent_Texas|AI> The doctor used to tell me how her first suits took at least half an hour to gear up onto a Spartan.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, if you're all ready to go, grab those weapons and we'll meet the others in the hangar.
* Agent_Florida arrives at hangar bay 2 and walks up the ramp in the stealth shuttle.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman nods at Florida as he enters.
<Agent_Florida> The others are on their way, ma'am.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Agent Wyoming has already checked in and is in the operations room.
* Agent_Florida gets the message and salutes before walking off into the ops room.
* Agent_Washington checks the ammo counter on his battle rifle, then heads into the shuttle.
* Agent_Carolina removes her weapons from the closet and heads for the hangar.
* Agent_Wyoming is studying a readout of the Kasserine's Pass on the holotable, analyzing optimal shooting positions in the larger sections.
<Agent_Florida> Hey, Reggie.
* Agent_Florida steps up to the holotable.
* Agent_Wyoming nods.
<Agent_Florida> ONI really likes their high-tech gear.
<Agent_Florida> We never got anything like this for Project Freelancer.
<Agent_Wyoming> That they do.
* Agent_Florida examines the holotable.
* Agent_Wyoming observes Florida running a hand over its edge.
<Agent_Florida> This thing is way more advanced than the one we have on board the Mother of Invention.
<Agent_Wyoming> Something you fancy about it?
<Agent_Wyoming> Not a TE-21?
<Agent_Florida> Look, it can actually project the entire extra-atmospheric space around the planet.
<Agent_Wyoming> It does have a rather detailed range. Perhaps it's the data sources it's connected to?
<Agent_Wyoming> So, where's Makosky going to be aboard this wreck?
<Agent_Florida> The bridge, probably.
<Agent_Florida> If not, I'm sure we can find him.
* Agent_York has his shotgun fully loaded and enters the hangar. Several shells are attached to his bracers, as he moves into the shuttle.
* Agent_York scratches his helmet and peers down to the holotable.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman glances up from her notes as Carolina steps aboard the shuttle.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Major O'Connell.
* Agent_Carolina regards Osman with a distasteful expression under her visor.
<Agent_Carolina> Commander.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> I suppose I'll start the debriefing now that you're all here.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Come with me.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman stands up and walks towards the ops room.
<Agent_Texas|AI> There's something weird about that spook.
<Agent_Texas|AI> More than the others, I mean.
* Agent_Washington watches Osman with narrowed eyes behind his visor, but follows after her without a word.
<Agent_Carolina> I get the feeling she's a nastier breed than we're used to, which is saying something.
* Agent_Florida turns to see Osman enter, and steps aside to make room.
* Agent_Carolina smirks, as she's on a closed channel without external audio.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Our shuttle will be leaving the Mother of Invention now, and heading en route to the Kasserine Pass.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We've detected that the ship is slowly approaching Ariel, possibly to attain resources from one of our dig sites.
* Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar appears over the holotable.
<Agent_Texas|AI> That guy is an idiot.
<Agent_Texas|AI> It's like he's asking for us to kill him.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman 's mouth twitches in a very slight smile.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Then I should think we would be polite enough to accept the invitation.
* Agent_York shakes his head, unable to grasp the absurdity of it.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Now, the shuttle is estimated to be within range of the ship in forty-three minutes.
* Agent_Carolina is unusually quiet, staring at the Kasserine Pass with arms crossed.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> There are no escorts accompanying it, and we can be certain that the ship is isolated.
<Agent_Wyoming> What's our entrance strategem?
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> There are eight single-occupant pods on board this shuttle.
<Agent_Wyoming> Ah, there's what I was looking for. Hot drop, eh?
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> They work similarly to Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicles, used by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> But with two key differences.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> One, they are designed for off-planet insertions rather than landings.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> And two, they use miniscule stealth engines that will not be detected.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> These engines remain dormant in the pod until activated, and then they have a lifespan of ten minutes before losing power. Single use only.
* Agent_Washington steps up and indicates the holographic image of the Kasserine Pass.
<Agent_Washington> In that case, we might want to change our approach vector if we don't all want to die before we even reach the ship.
<Agent_Washington> You've got the weapons layout all wrong here.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman raises an eyebrow.
<Agent_Washington> The point defense systems are laid out on both sides of the ship, to maximize coverage.
<Agent_Washington> You seem to think they're all clustered at the top of the ship.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Those are the ones that are most likely to detect your approach, Agent Washington.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> But that's not what you need to worry about, provided you maintain this trajectory.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman taps a button and five red lines appear from space to connect to the Kasserine Pass.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> I presume you've taken the secondary weapons on the starboard side offline, Agent?
* Agent_York folds his arms, still listening. He thinks it's best he doesn't open his trap for once.
<Agent_Washington> You could presume that, yeah.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Good.
<Agent_Washington> But since sabotage was never part of my mission, and since the ship's crew runs routine maintanence checks...
<Agent_Washington> Well, let's just say you shouldn't count on them being offline.
<Agent_Carolina> Assumptions get people killed.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We've been monitoring Makosky for weeks now, and he hasn't had any external resources to replace his damaged components.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> And according to your report, he doesn't do regular maintenance checks on the secondary weaponry unless it's after a direct engagement.
<Agent_York> I'm confused at how this guy is a General...
* Agent_Washington shrugs.
<Agent_Washington> Your call, commander.
<Agent_Washington> It's only our funerals, after all.
<Agent_Texas|AI> I doubt he has enough money to keep the ship in top shape anyway.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Now, this is the hard part.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> You will deploy from the shuttle and aim for the Kasserine Pass's secondary missile tubes.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> You will find the missile tubes empty, if Agent Washington here has done his part correctly.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> It should be easy for you to break through into the maintenance tunnels and go from there.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> After that, it shouldn't be difficult for you to locate the General and take him out.
<Agent_Florida> We have to do this while the ship is moving?
* Agent_Florida raises an eyebrow.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Yes.
<Agent_Wyoming> Routes are preprogrammed, correct? We're not going to have to eyeball it, I hope.
* Agent_York scratches his shoulder pad.
<Agent_Florida> How many enemies are we looking at?
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Estimate between two hundred eighty to four hundred.
<Agent_Florida> Total crew?
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Ground personnel.
<Agent_Wyoming> So that's a lot of security . . .
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> The total crew consists of roughly seven hundred soldiers.
<Agent_Florida> Five against seven-hundred and a crazed General.
<Agent_Florida> Sounds like fun.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We can't risk sending in any more or you'd be detected on approach.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Which is why it's essential that you set the ship's engines for detonation and evacuate after completing your primary objective.
* Agent_York smirks behind his visor.
<Agent_York> Just another day at the office, Flowers.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We have the Kasserine Pass in sight, deploying in three minutes.
<Agent_Carolina> Okay people. I want everyone locked and loaded.
* Agent_Washington performs a last minute equipment check.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Good luck, Freelancers.
<Agent_Wyoming> Right, lads. Let's have at it!
* Agent_Wyoming heads towards his pod.
* Agent_Florida attaches his weapons to his pod and straps himself in before shutting the lid.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman returns to her command console in the shuttle's navigation station, ready to begin the operation.
* Agent_York lifts his shotgun and peers at it before strapping it to his back, strapping himself into the pod and shutting it.
* Agent_Washington settles into his pod.
<Agent_York> Reggie, if I hear a knock knock joke in the next few minutes...
<Agent_Wyoming> Oh, perish the thought, York. Missile tubes are hardly the front door.
* Agent_Florida chuckles.
* Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar disappears and takes residence in Carolina's head.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Ready?
<Agent_Carolina> Ready.
* Agent_Carolina straps into her pod, checking the systems one last time.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) Launching in ten seconds. On my mark.
* Agent_Texas|AI seals the hatch on Carolina's pod.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Here we go.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sync up.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) Mark.
* Agent_Florida launches his pod, ejecting out of the shuttle without a sound.
* Agent_Wyoming launches, feeling the rumble of the thrusters and nothing else in the vacuum.
* Agent_York 's pod is spat out from the shuttle, drifting off inside the vacuum of space.
* Agent_Texas|AI adjusts Carolina's trajectory, aiming her pod at the Kasserine Pass looming like a giant spectre in the blackness of space.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) So far so good. No sign that they've detected us yet.
* Agent_Carolina tries to remain calm, though her stats reveal how nervous she really is.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) Missile tubes are marked on your HUDs.
* Agent_Washington yawns wearily inside his pod as it tumbles through space.
<Agent_York> (COM) Weird...they still haven't noticed us yet.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) They're not supposed to, Agent York.
* Agent_Carolina grits her teeth as some minor nausea washes over her.
* Agent_Texas|AI steadies Carolina's vitals as much as she can.
<Agent_Washington> Their sensory equipment isn't exactly top of the line.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Okay, two hundred metres and closing.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Now where are those ports . . .
<Agent_Florida> (COM) How are we going to make a vertical insertion on a ship moving in a perpindicular direction?
<Agent_York> (COM) I agree. I'm not exactly sure if this is even going to work...
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) The Kasserine Pass is currently holding position and drifting at a speed of 17 kilometres per hour.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Maybe they found your sabotage, Wash.
<Agent_York> (COM) Oh. That makes more sense.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) They're too late to stop us at this point. Entry will be a bit jarring but you should be able to make it.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) "Should".
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Why does that sound like an understatement to me?
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Quit your bitching. Stay focused. We have to do this right.
* Agent_Carolina bites down another wave of nausea.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I sense violence in our near future.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Okay, there's the missile tube.
* Agent_Texas|AI adjusts Carolina's entry to compensate for the horizontal movement.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Here goes.
* Agent_Texas|AI hears the pod's left side scrape against the missile tube but otherwise enter smoothly.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Slowing down now.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Not bad. My turn?
* Agent_Florida manoevres his pod as carefully as he can towards the missile tube, inserting the front end in almost perfectly.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Hey, that wasn't so ba—
* Agent_Florida 's face slams into his console as the rear end is snagged by the missile tube's wall,
sending the pod clumsily flipping into the tube.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Ow...ow...ow...oww...
* Agent_Florida is thrown around rather violently as his pod bumps noisily up and down each side of the tubing before coming to rest at the end.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) All yours, York. I want to give Butch a good head start.
* Agent_Carolina opens her eyes and attempts to calm her pounding heart.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Real smooth, Flowers.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Hey, I didn't get an AI to help me with this.
<Agent_York> (COM) Tsch. Here I come.
* Agent_Texas|AI stops the pod at the end of the missile tube, right next to the openable hatch leading to maintenance.
* Agent_York enters smoothily, even more so than the others. The sound of the pod scraping against the tubing echoes down below.
* Agent_Washington directs his pod towards its designated missile tube.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) I bet Delta did most of the work as usual, huh York?
<Agent_York> (COM) Of course. I'd never be as smooth as that, you know me.
<Agent_York> (COM) And I didn't have a ticket.
* Agent_Wyoming begins being lined up with Gamma's help.
* Agent_Carolina exits her pod, pulling out her battle rifle. She kicks open the hatch and immediately guns down the two crewmen who stop to stare at her.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Status report!
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) I'm not detecting anyone else in the hallways. We're clear for now.
* Agent_Florida exits his pod and kicks open the hatch as well, stepping down to meet Carolina.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) I'm alive, mostly.
* Agent_York mutters to himself as the pod stops at maintenance. "Thanks, D."
* Agent_York exits the pod with his shotgun at the ready.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Agent_Washington, are you in?
<Agent_Washington> Almost... there...
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Let me see if I can access the ship's system and locate Makosky.
* Agent_Washington 's pod rumbles into the tube, making a clean entry. He scrambles out and lands inside the hallway, rifle at the ready.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Right, I'm coming in behind you . . . oh dear.
* Agent_Texas|AI uses the maintenance network to branch out and gain access to the ship's surveillance.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Control, I've got a problem. My missile tube is occupied.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) What?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) No time to adjust. Gamma, I'm going to need your help here.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) You got enough room to squeeze around it?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Not now, Butch. But I'm going to be making a rather loud entrance, I suggest you move fast. I'll draw the responders away.
* Agent_Texas|AI runs hundreds of facial scans per second and starts matching them up with the picture of Makosky the team got during the briefing.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Got him.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) He's currently in the weapons centre, but it looks like he's leaving.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Wait, what do you have planned?
* Agent_Wyoming has Gamma blow open his hatch and hangs to the outside of the pod.
* Agent_Texas|AI puts a tag on Makosky's location and attaches it to everyone's HUDs.
* Agent_Wyoming jumps off as the pod continues to drift rapidly straight into the tube. He magnetizes his boots to the hull as the missile explodes in its tube, opening a crater in the ship's skin.
* Agent_Florida stumbles as the explosion rocks the ship.
* Agent_Washington grabs a nearby wall for support.
* Agent_Wyoming doubles back to the opening, climbing inside as wreckage and asphyxiating rebels float by.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) What was that, Freelancers?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I'll head for the hangar and draw them off. Just get Makosky, quickly!
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Uh, things got a little noisy, ma'am.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) Damn. Well, move fast then!
* Agent_Wyoming enters a room functioning as a makeshift airlock, and continues into pressurized quarters.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) York, Washington, I need charges on the engine core, and fast!
* Agent_Wyoming sees a security team round the corner ahead, and quickly draws his sidearm, dropping the six-man team in all of five seconds.
<Agent_York> (COM) On it, Carolina!
* Agent_Washington advances towards the engine core.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) That's six for me, Butch. And I won't even count the ones that torpedo got.
<Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Target is picking up pace. I think he heard the noise.
* Agent_York runs into a five man team and blasts at least three of them in the upper chest with his shotgun, then taking two more out with swift punches to the ribs and lower jaws. He hurries towards the engine core as fast as he can.
* Agent_Texas|AI plots out the three most likely routes Makosky would take, and sets intercept points to Carolina, Wyoming, and Florida's HUDs.
<Agent_Carolina> Florida, Wyoming, we'll split up and find Makosky. Florida will head for the weapons center. I'll take the bridge. Wyoming, take care of personnel.
* Agent_Wyoming takes an assault rifle from one of the rebels, advancing onwards.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) On it, marm.
<Agent_Florida> (COM) Copy that, Carolina.
* Agent_Florida follows the route Tex planned for him, and moves off.
* Agent_Washington follows York, providing covering fire with his battle rifle.
* Agent_Wyoming 's path leads out onto a walkway overlooking the Kasserine's Pass' main hangar, filled with technicians and loitering soldiers below. He shoulders the assault rifle and draws Her Majesty.
* Agent_York notices one rebel sneaking up behind Washington and pulls the trigger on his shotgun, but it clicks empty. Instinctively, he goes straight for his knife and shanks the poor guy in the neck.
<Agent_Wyoming> Hello there, chaps! You all worked with Ulan, and that puts you in my little black book.
* Agent_Carolina bullrushes her way to the bridge, gunning down anyone unfortunate enough to get in her way.
* Agent_Wyoming opens fire on the hapless rebels.
* Agent_York quickly pulls the blade back out, sliding the bloody knife back into his holster.
<Agent_York> Better watch your back, Wash.
* Agent_Washington nods at York.
<Agent_Washington> Yeah.
* Agent_Texas|AI marks hot spots to indicate where the enemies are, and plots them out for Carolina.
* Agent_Texas|AI also outlines what weapons each of them are holding, so she can form an attack plan before encountering them.
* Agent_Wyoming sprints down the walkway, reloading, and drops to the top of a stolen Longsword fighter, taking down a half-dozen more troops with shots through multiple targets.
<Agent_Texas|AI> They're turning the corner in five seconds.
* Agent_Carolina uses this to her advantage. She pulls out a grenade and tosses it, so that it will detonate right as they round the corner.
* Agent_Wyoming picks off a number seeking cover as reinforcements arrive.
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* Agent_Florida enters a cafeteria and sees tons of surprised rebels turning to look at him. |
* ODST_Leader (9968b165@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.177.101) has joined #halo-fanon |
* Jack_Carlson turns the corner with Makosky and sees Carolina standing on the other end amongst a slaughtered team of rebels.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, look who it is.
<Adam_Makosky> Shit!
* Jack_Carlson raises his gun and takes aim at Carolina.
<Jack_Carlson> General, run!
<Jack_Carlson> Get to the bridge!
* Agent_York looks back behind himself as he makes his way out of the engine core.
* Adam_Makosky turns and makes a break for it, heading towards the bridge in another direction.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Don't let him get away!
<Agent_York> D, minimum safe distance?
* Agent_Carolina charges at Carlson, blasting at him with her shotgun.
* Jack_Carlson opens fire on Carolina, cursing as he tries and fails to land a hit on her constantly moving form.
<Jack_Carlson> Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn!
* Jack_Carlson avoids two shotgun shots and takes a third in the side.
<Jack_Carlson> Ugh...
* Jack_Carlson tries to keep Carolina at bay, although his aim is flagging.
* Agent_Carolina closes on Carlson and bats his weapon away, then kicks him in the midsection.
<Agent_Carolina> Piece of shit.
* Jack_Carlson is thrown to the ground, doubled over.
<Jack_Carlson> You...you won't beat us...
* Jack_Carlson fumbles for his gun, which is lying on the ground next to him.
* Agent_Carolina hauls him up by the collar of his shirt, inscrutable behind her visor.
<Jack_Carlson> You can kill me...but...we will win...
<Agent_Carolina> No, you won't.
* Agent_Carolina turns and slams Carlson into the wall, with enough force to shatter his ribs and spine.
* Jack_Carlson crumples to the floor without a sound.
<Agent_Carolina> Have fun dying.
* Jack_Carlson (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Carolina doesn't even regard him a second longer, just bolts after Makosky.
* Agent_Texas|AI manages to pick up on Makosky's location, directing the quickest route on Carolina's HUD.
<Agent_Texas|AI> He's almost at the bridge. If he seals himself in...
* Agent_Carolina sprints as fast as she can, pushing her suit's safety measures to the red zone.
<Agent_Carolina> Screw this. I'm going to take my time with him.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> (COM) Agent York, Agent Washington, make your way to hangar bay six and secure an extraction for the others.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Understood. We're pulling out now.
* Agent_Texas|AI picks up more enemies coming around the next few hallways.
<Agent_Texas|AI> See if you can take them out without slowing down.
* Agent_Carolina literally runs over the first soldier, barreling past him at the speed of a truck. She punches another as she runs by, turning his head into a pulpy mass.
<Agent_Texas|AI> That works.
* Agent_Carolina tosses a grenade over her shoulder to finish off the other two.
* Adam_Makosky sees soldiers running past him to head off Carolina, and keeps up his speed as much as he could, his breath becoming terrified.
* Agent_Carolina ditches the shotgun in favor of two SMGs, gunning as she runs, mowing down the opposition.
* Agent_Texas|AI decides to blow some pipes in the ship's walls, consuming the incoming enemies in a fiery explosion.
* Adam_Makosky hears the explosion and stumbles, realizing that Carolina isn't far behind.
<Adam_Makosky> Dammit, dammit, dammit...
* Adam_Makosky turns the corner, breathing heavily as he leans against the wall.
* Agent_Carolina yells out, using her armor's audio output to amplify her voice.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) MAKOSKY!
<Adam_Makosky> Shiiiiiiiiiiit...
* Agent_Carolina jumps through the explosion, running into a hallway devoid of troopers.
* Agent_York is sprinting between the walls of the ship, with Wash behind him.
* Adam_Makosky tries to keep going, but is out of breath and has to regain his energy.
<Agent_Texas|AI> He's right on the end of the hallway. I can hear him breathing.
* Agent_Carolina slows, expecting a trap or ambush, moving quietly despite the bulk of her armor.
* Adam_Makosky suddenly leaps out of cover, hefting a rocket launcher, and fires a rocket right at Carolina.
<Adam_Makosky> Die, UNSC scum!
<Agent_Texas|AI> Shit!
* Agent_Texas|AI locks down Carolina's armour, taking the hit of the rocket head-on.
<Agent_Texas|AI> That's all the power I can risk drawing from your suit.
* Agent_Carolina falls to the ground, practically unharmed.
<Agent_Carolina> ... thanks...
<Agent_Texas|AI> Get him, quickly!
* Agent_Texas|AI unlocks the armour.
* Adam_Makosky fires a second rocket at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina sees the second rocket and leaps, vaulting up the wall and pushing off, sailing over the missile as it passes by.
<Adam_Makosky> FUCK!
* Adam_Makosky drops the launcher and backpedals, frantically running towards the bridge doors.
* Agent_Carolina lands on her feet and explodes into motion, after Makosky.
* Adam_Makosky grabs the wall as he turns the corner, diving right into the bridge.
* Adam_Makosky picks himself up and fumbles with the controls to lock the doors.
<Adam_Makosky> Come on, come on...
* Agent_Carolina closes in on the bridge door, Makosky in her sights.
* Agent_Texas|AI activates Carolina's speed unit and sets it to maximum power.
<Adam_Makosky> No!
<Agent_Carolina> You... little... cockroach...
* Adam_Makosky flinches as the doors slide shut, as Carolina collides right with it, denting it severely.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Dammit!
* Adam_Makosky steps back, breathing heavily.
<Adam_Makosky> Shit...how do I get out of here...how do I get...
* Adam_Makosky turns around and sees to his disbelief that the entire bridge crew is dead.
<Adam_Makosky> What...
<Agent_Texas|AI> Carolina, you alright?
* Agent_Carolina groans.
<Agent_Carolina> DAMMIT.
* Agent_Carolina stands and starts punching the doors in wild abandon, coming down off her adrenaline rush.
<Agent_Texas|AI> I can't access the bridge...something's been damaged inside it.
<Agent_Carolina> Dammit, dammit, DA—inside?
<Agent_Texas|AI> Yeah...I think someone's sabotaged the system before we did.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Weird...I had access to the bridge just a few minutes ago.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Hold still, you hit that door pretty hard.
* Agent_Texas|AI administers the biofoam injectors in Carolina's suit to stop the internal bleeding.
* Tess-B312 taps Makosky lightly on his left shoulder.
<Tess-B312> Behind you.
* Adam_Makosky slowly turns to see Tess standing before him.
<Adam_Makosky> What the fu—
* Tess-B312 picks Makosky up like a ragdoll and throws him - not hard enough to kill, but still several feet.
<Adam_Makosky> Aaaaaagh!
<Tess-B312> They didn't give me guidelines this time.
<Tess-B312> Guess I get to make it up as I go along.
* Tess-B312 looms over Makosky, a gray giant without mercy.
* Adam_Makosky falls to the floor, crawling on all fours as he tries to reach a crewman's pistol.
<Tess-B312> Oh no you don't.
* Tess-B312 steps on Makosky's wrist, smashing it.
<Adam_Makosky> AAAAHHH!!!
<Agent_Texas|AI> Do you hear that?
* Tess-B312 picks him up again, hauling him by the throat. She stalks over to one of the still-functioning bridge computers and smashes him into it, electrocuting him but making sure he survives.
<Agent_Carolina> I hear... something.
<Adam_Makosky> Ooooowwwwww....!
* Adam_Makosky jerks and spasms as electricity courses through his bloodied body.
<Tess-B312> Not screaming loud enough.
<Tess-B312> At least be enthusiastic.
* Adam_Makosky is moaning as he lies amongst the broken shards of the computer.
* Adam_Makosky tries to get up, but a bone in his leg is broken.
* Adam_Makosky is sobbing with pain and terror as he sees Tess approach again.
* Tess-B312 pulls him back and forces him to look at his crewmates. All of them are in various stages of dismemberment; it's obvious she took them out by hand. Their joints are oddly bent and they look like broken toys.
<Tess-B312> You see what happens when you piss off my boss?
<Adam_Makosky> Stop...please...no more...
* Tess-B312 laughs quietly, a humorless noise.
<Tess-B312> It'll all be over soon.
* Adam_Makosky stares at Tess in horror, one of his eyes squeezed shut and bloody with a piece of glass sticking through the eyelid.
* Tess-B312 takes out her combat knife and presses the blade into Makosky's throat... then moves it down his chest, and farther.
<Adam_Makosky> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
|
* Adam_Makosky 's scream trails off to a gurgle as blood streams down his front. |
* Agent_Wyoming holsters his sidearm and drops next to a wounded man. |
* Agent_Wyoming withdraws a rag, cleaning bloodstains from Her Majesty's fine wooden stock.
* Tess-B312 is quiet, then shifts.
<Tess-B312> ...New Year's?
* Agent_Carolina looks over at Tess. "An Earth holiday."
* Tess-B312 shakes her helmet slightly, not understanding the reference.
* Agent_Texas|AI crosses her arms and scrutinizes Tess.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Did they breed you in a test tube or something?
* Tess-B312 seems not to react, then shifts.
<Tess-B312> Mouthy AI.
* Agent_Wyoming wipes the last of the blood from his rifle, and sees the stains on his gauntlets.
* Agent_Texas|AI twitches irritably.
<Agent_Texas|AI> I can probably find more ways to kill someone than you, Spartan.
<Agent_Texas|AI> And more efficiently too.
<Agent_Texas|AI> So less of the lip, would you.
* Tess-B312 actually looks at Texas.
<Tess-B312> I joined the UNSC before I hit double digits.
* Agent_Washington sighs and leans against the shuttle wall, ignoring the chatter around him.
<Agent_Florida> Now now guys, play nice back there.
* Agent_Wyoming pulls out a small flask, taking off his helmet and unscrewing the cap, inhaling the scent of the fine alcohol.
* Agent_York peers over to Wyoming.
<Agent_York> Is that Kentucky's bourbon?
* Agent_Wyoming glances at York, and after a moment, smiles.
* Agent_Florida pulls the Pelican into the shuttle's single hangar bay, settling it down on the landing pad.
* Tess-B312 is the first one out of the Pelican, as if eager to leave.
* Agent_Texas|AI stares after Tess as she leaves.
<Agent_Texas|AI> And this is exactly what I find wrong with Spartans.
<Agent_Carolina> That other one we worked with didn't seem so bad.
<Agent_Texas|AI> What, which one?
<Agent_Florida> Noble Team?
<Agent_Carolina> There was one guy, a Chief Warrant Officer if I recall.
<Agent_Carolina> Didn't seem so... off.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, who knows.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Maybe you'll see him again.
* Agent_Wyoming pours the fine bourbon over his bloodstained hands, letting it drip to the floor and carry the blood away with it. He begins scrubbing with the rag, cleansing his gauntlets.
* Agent_York 's jaw drops at Wyoming, and rests a hand against his visor plate.
<Agent_York> What a waste...
* Agent_Florida walks out of the Pelican's cockpit and steps off with the others.
<Agent_Florida> Well, Reggie. I guess I owe you a special contact.
<Agent_Florida> And Clyde, I'll have some info for you as soon as I can get it.
<Agent_Wyoming> That you do, Butch. That you do.
<Agent_Florida> Guess I'll go work on that then.
<Agent_York> Thanks, Butch.
<Agent_York> Still can't believe you wasted perfectly fine bourbon, Reggie.
<Agent_Wyoming> It was time to stop with it. No more drinking for me.
* Tess-B312 has already stalked over to the other side of the hangar.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman looks up as Tess enters the command centre.
* Tess-B312 salutes Osman stiffly.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Well done, Lieutenant.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> I think Colonel Holland will be pleased to hear about your contribution to this operation.
<Tess-B312> Permission to speak freely, ma'am.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Permission granted.
<Tess-B312> Why send those... knockoffs in the first place? I work best on my own.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman gives a slight smile.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Don't be so quick to dismiss them, Lieutenant.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Every soldier does their part in the war.
<Tess-B312> They were a convenient distraction at best.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman mutters, "You don't have to be the best to do your best, I learned that the hard way."
<Tess-B312> If this was another one of Parangosky's attempts to force me into teamwork...
* CMDR_Serin_Osman 's smile fades.
<Tess-B312> ... well, it failed, ma'am.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We'll see, Spartan.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> The next team you'll be assigned to will work very closely with you.
* Tess-B312 tilts her helmet slightly, but does not react.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> And I think it would be the best use of your abilities if you don't insist on working alone all the time.
<Tess-B312> Understood, ma'am.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Get yourself cleaned up, Lieutenant. And then get some rest.
* Tess-B312 turns away, walking slowly as if stunned.
* Agent_Wyoming watches the others leave and steps away himself, wandering around the side of the dropship.
* Agent_Wyoming stands in the shadow of the Pelican's wing, and reaches a clean, white hand into a pocket, withdrawing a set of half-bent aluminum tags reading "CMDR Onegin, Arthur". He scrutinizes them for a long moment before repocketing them, looking out into the stars beyond the hangar.
* Agent_York looks out into space for a moment and comes to stand next to Wyoming under the wing of the dropship.
<Agent_York> You alright, Reggie?
<Agent_Wyoming> Better, York. Better than I've been in a long time.
<Agent_Wyoming> If you'll excuse me . . . I think I've got some paperwork to review.
* Agent_Florida walks alongside Carolina to make his report to Osman.
* Agent_Carolina passes B312 and regards her before moving into Osman's office.
* Agent_Florida salutes as he enters Osman's office.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Welcome back, Freelancers.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> No casualties...good.
<Agent_Carolina> If I may, Commander...
* Agent_Carolina bites her lip.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Yes, Agent Carolina?
<Agent_Carolina> Why send us to kill a man who's already in the sights of... whatever that Spartan is?
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> I guess you could call it a test.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Not just for Tess-B312.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> But for your team as well.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> All will be made clear once you're at Reach.
* Agent_Carolina looks like she has more questions, but holds them in.
<Agent_Carolina> Yes ma'am.
* CMDR_Serin_Osman looks thoughtful.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> I suppose the purpose on B312's behalf was less important to the mission, but more important in...other ways.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> You've been a greater help than you think.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> Dismissed.
* Agent_Florida snaps to attention.
<Agent_Florida> Aye aye, ma'am.
* Agent_Carolina does likewise.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> We'll be back on board the Mother of Invention in one hour.
<CMDR_Serin_Osman> In the meantime, get some rest.
* Agent_Wyoming waits outside the office, nodding as Florida passes and falling in with Agent_Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina glances at Wyoming.
<Agent_Carolina> You okay?
<Agent_Wyoming> Aye, marm. I just . . . I believe I may have made an error on that transfer request.
<Agent_Carolina> An error, huh.
* Agent_Carolina half-smiles despite her exhaustion.
<Agent_Wyoming> It's most embarrassing, I assure you.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm sure I can take care of it without a fuss.
* Agent_Texas|AI appears beside Carolina's shoulder.
<Agent_Texas|AI> So what made you change your mind?
* Agent_Wyoming smiles knowingly.
<Agent_Wyoming> 'Fraid I can't say.
<Agent_Wyoming> Just that . . . it was all for a reason.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, either way I can't say I object.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, are you two going to get some rest or what?
<Agent_Wyoming> Ah, yes. I suppose it would be prudent.
<Agent_Wyoming> Marm.
* Agent_Wyoming snaps a salute.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Carolina, you still have some injuries I couldn't treat on the ship.
<Agent_Texas|AI> You collided with those reinforced doors pretty damn hard.
* Agent_Carolina winces as a muscle in her back pulls, but manages to return the salute.
* Agent_Wyoming stands down and departs, going to give his armor an extra scrubbing before turning in.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Not the first time you met a solid wall of metal at blinding speed, I have to say.
* Agent_Carolina falls into sort of a limp as she continues on.
* Agent_York notices Carolina's limping. He walks over and helps support her.
<Agent_York> Next time, Victoria...don't go running into doors.
* Agent_Texas|AI flickers out of view to keep an eye on Tess.
<Agent_Carolina> ... ah, thanks... Clyde.
<Agent_Carolina> I thought I had Makosky. I knew exactly how I'd put a bullet through his brain. But someone else beat me to it.
* Agent_York sighs wearily.
<Agent_York> Things are hammering down on us. That Spartan coming was...unexpected.
<Agent_Carolina> But we still pulled together. We're learning to deal with... unexpected.
* Agent_Florida looks up as Carolina and York enter the small medical room.
<Agent_York> I guess so.
<Agent_Florida> Okay, armour off, Carolina.
* Agent_Florida opens a case of medical supplies.
* Agent_Carolina smiles at York.
<Agent_Florida> Lie down on that bed, if you please.
* Agent_Carolina complies, grunting from the movements.
* Agent_Florida quickly gets the armour off Carolina and starts checking over her injuries.
<Agent_Florida> Geez.
<Agent_Florida> This is the second time you've run into a reinforced metal door, Carolina.
<Agent_Texas|AI> That's what I said.
<Agent_Florida> Yeah well, last time it was your fault, Tex.
<Agent_Texas|AI> It was not!
* Agent_Florida laughs.
* Agent_Carolina sees the bruises and frowns.
<Agent_Carolina> If I'd known the bastard was taken care of, I wouldn't have tried.
<Agent_Texas|AI> What did Osman mean when she said it was a test though...?
<Agent_Carolina> I'm not sure.
* Agent_Florida gives Carolina some painkiller and starts treating her wounds.
<Agent_Florida> Guess we'll find out once we're at Reach.
<Agent_Florida> Speaking of Reach...
* Agent_Florida looks at York.
<Agent_Florida> I've got some info on your sister.
<Agent_York> Give it to me.
* Agent_Florida hands a datapad to York.
<Agent_Florida> Sergeant Amelia Dawson, Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.
* Agent_York springs to life and looks over to Butch. His helmet's off, showing that his working eye has a rather excited glint. He clutches it, taking it from Flowers.
<Agent_Florida> 15th Marine Regiment. 28th Shock Troops Battalion, Alpha Company.
<Agent_Florida> Alive and well, as you'll be glad to hear.
* Agent_York puts a hand to his chest and sighs with relief.
<Agent_York> Okay, that's good to hear.
<Agent_Florida> And I've confirmed that she's currently at Reach.
* Agent_Carolina raises an eyebrow.
<Agent_Carolina> Been a while since you told me anything about Amelia, Clyde.
* Agent_York nods at Carolina.
<Agent_York> So it has.
<Agent_Florida> I'm sure I can pull a few favours, get us assigned to work with the Company once we're there.
<Agent_Carolina> No argument from me.
<Agent_York> Alright. That's...that's good to hear. She'll be proud of what I made of myself, though uh...
* Agent_York lifts a finger and points at his blind eye.
<Agent_York> She'll have a field day about this.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Well, I'm sure Maine can answer that for your sister.
<Agent_Texas|AI> If he could talk, that is.
* Agent_York chuckles and shakes his head at Tex.
<Agent_York> Well, at least Makosky's out of the way.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Tell me about it. It sure didn't look pretty.
<Agent_Texas|AI> There is something very wrong with that Spartan...
<Agent_York> Spartans are brutal, but I didn't think they were...bloodthirsty.
<Agent_Texas|AI> I just hope we won't have to see her again once we're at Reach.
<Agent_York> Don't jinx us
...
* Agent_Florida looks down and sees that Carolina has slipped away to sleep from the sedatives.
<Agent_Florida> Let's give her some time to rest.
<Agent_Florida> I'll wake her up once we're back on board the Invention.
<Agent_Texas|AI> Guess I'll keep an eye on her.
<Agent_Texas|AI> York...we'll find your sister in no time.
<Agent_York> Hell yes we will.
* Agent_Texas|AI nods and disappears.
* Tess-B312 sits in a quiet corner of the ship's armory, checking her personal array of weapons.
<Agent_Florida> Come on, Clyde. Let's catch a few hours of z's while we can.
<Agent_Florida> And the sooner we get back, the better.
<Agent_Florida> We really should check up on North.
* Agent_York nods at Florida.
<Agent_York> I'm feeling for him right now.
<Agent_Florida> Next stop is Reach.
<Agent_Florida> I think it'll do him some good to get back into the fight, sooner or later.
<Agent_Florida> And if I know ONI, they're not sending an entire ship of Freelancers all the way there for nothing.
* Agent_Florida sighs.
<Agent_Florida> I have a feeling it won't be long before we're back to fighting aliens again.
<Agent_Florida> Can't say I like seeing those bastards invading our planets.
<Agent_York> Those hingeheads would give me nightmares if I were a civvie about now.
* Agent_Florida grins.
<Agent_Florida> Guess the service saved you then.
<Agent_Florida> Your sister will be glad to hear that.
<Agent_Florida> And hey...it'll be like a homecoming for you.
<Agent_Florida> Going back to Reach as a different person.
<Agent_Florida> I'll be able to find her, don't you worry.
* Agent_Florida reaches the sleeping quarters and opens the door.
* Agent_Florida steps inside, nodding at Tess-B312.
* Tess-B312 doesn't even acknowledge Florida's presence, despite his rank.
* Agent_York steps inside as well, giving one last, rather sleepy yawn.
* Agent_Florida sits against one of the beds, watching North's sleeping form for a moment before turning his gaze to Tess fiddling with her equipment.
<Agent_Florida> Already preparing for your next mission, Lieutenant?
* Tess-B312 is silent, then puts her rifle down.
<Tess-B312> That's classified.
<Agent_Florida> Naturally.
* Agent_Florida gives an amused smile.
<Agent_Florida> You know I work very closely with ONI, Lieutenant.
<Agent_Florida> I've caught some words about you once or twice.
<Tess-B312> That's funny. Technically I don't exist.
<Agent_Florida> Not to most people, no.
<Agent_Florida> To most people, you're just another Beta that died on Pegasi Delta.
<Agent_Florida> Which is why I'm surprised the Commander let you be seen by the others like this.
* Agent_Florida shrugs.
<Agent_Florida> Guess ONI always has a plan.
* Agent_Florida lays back in bed, hands crossed behind his head and staring at the ceiling.
* Tess-B312 pulls off her helmet slowly, then turns and looks at Florida.
<Tess-B312> That's why I'm worried.
<Tess-B312> If I exist again, something big is coming. Something bad.
<Tess-B312> They don't resurrect the dead for nothing.
* Agent_Florida closes his eyes.
<Agent_Florida> I already have a feeling to what it is.
<Agent_Florida> But I could be wrong.
<Agent_Florida> ...I hope I'm wrong.
* Agent_York is away and slumbering. He snores rather loudly...
<Agent_Florida> Still, time will tell.
<Agent_Florida> They're bringing every Freelancer left to Reach.
<Agent_Florida> And God knows how many Spartans from other systems.
<Agent_Florida> I'm not allowed to tell you how many, but you get the gist.
<Agent_Florida> Not a long way off from Ariel, if you ask me.
<Agent_Florida> And the Covenant were here not four months ago.
<Agent_Florida> Put the pieces together, Lieutenant.
<Agent_Florida> It's not that difficult to figure out.
<Agent_Florida> The others may not like you very much, but I personally feel like we stand a better chance in a fight with you around.
<Agent_Florida> So, if you're not here when I wake up, and that wouldn't surprise me at all...good luck, Spartan.
* Agent_Florida drifts off to sleep.
* Tess-B312 is grimfaced, eyes narrowed to slits.
* Tess-B312 looks down at her rifle and then slings it over her back, putting the helmet back on and walking out.