|
* Agent_Wyoming steps out of the dark single-room of a cabin, onto a porch overlooking the river.
* Four-Seven-Niner is staring out at a river flowing by the cabin.
* Agent_Wyoming selects a fruit from a small bowl, and begins peeling it with a knife.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So, how do you like the scenery?
<Agent_Wyoming> It's everything you said on the way here. Beautiful.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Fresh air that's not filtered through a helmet.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It's been forever since we get anything like that.
* Agent_Wyoming nods.
<Agent_Wyoming> Warm, but not unpleasantly so.
* Four-Seven-Niner sighs.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It'll be hard to go back.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I mean, what do we have to look forward to now?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Fighting some aliens that can burn our planets as soon as we gain the upper hand?
<Agent_Wyoming> To be honest, Sophie . . . I'm not sure I want to go back.
* Four-Seven-Niner turns around.
<Agent_Wyoming> At least, not to the other Freelancers.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Why?
<Four-Seven-Niner> I thought they were your friends.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Hell, they're my friends too.
<Agent_Wyoming> They are.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And besides, you never struck me as the type to run away from the fight.
<Agent_Wyoming> It's not that. But Tex is leading them right into a trap.
<Agent_Wyoming> Some in the UNSC are no better than the Director.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I suppose that's true.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Are you saying the UNSC is the enemy?
<Agent_Wyoming> They're fighting a noble battle.
<Agent_Wyoming> But when it's over . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> I can't help but feel they'll lock us away after they no longer need us.
* Four-Seven-Niner looks away.
<Agent_Wyoming> We've committed crimes, for the Director or no.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. I know the feeling.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I don't think they'll come after me, but all the same...
<Four-Seven-Niner> ...I wouldn't want that to happen to you.
* Agent_Wyoming laughs softly.
* Jack_Carlson sights down his M15 SASS
<Agent_Wyoming> I would say I wouldn't let it happen to you, or any of my friends.
<Agent_Wyoming> But they've made it their own choice.
* Four-Seven-Niner smiles slightly.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So have I.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I mean, hell.
<Four-Seven-Niner> At the beginning, I was in this because it was my job.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Then, when the director abandoned us, I sided with you guys because I knew it was the right thing to do.
* Jack_Carlson adjusts his scope to the range and other effects
<Agent_Wyoming> And now?
* Four-Seven-Niner looks up at Wyoming.
* Agent_Wyoming moves in closer.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And now...I think I trust you more than anyone else.
* Agent_Wyoming 's grin widens.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sure that's a good idea?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Why not? Texas and Carolina and the rest of them...they're all bat-shit crazy.
<Four-Seven-Niner> But you...you've got a real good head on your shoulders...
<Four-Seven-Niner> ...real good heart too...
<Agent_Wyoming> A head? I don't think so. I've tried being honest, but the truth is I'm always just lying to myself. That, or I'm a compulsive liar. But heart . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> That, I can trust.
* Jack_Carlson sights his rifle on Wyoming and chambers a .50 Caliber round.
* Agent_Wyoming wraps an arm around Four-Seven-Niner.
* Four-Seven-Niner moves closer and stoops forward slightly.
* Jack_Carlson fires
* Four-Seven-Niner looks up as the bullet whizzes past her head and embeds in the cabin wall.
<Jack_Carlson> Shit!
* Jack_Carlson chambers another round, and fires again
* Agent_Wyoming is pulling Four-Seven-Niner backwards when the bullet hisses past, and on reflex pulls her into the cabin.
<Jack_Carlson> God damnit!
<Four-Seven-Niner> What the hell...
* Four-Seven-Niner stays low, away from the window.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sniper.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'd know it anywhere.
* Jack_Carlson slinks back into the forest, hiding and waiting for another clear shot
<Four-Seven-Niner> Who is coming after us?
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't know, but they won't give up easily.
<Agent_Wyoming> Could be one of the Director's lackeys, could be ONI goons . . .
<Four-Seven-Niner> This is just great.
<Four-Seven-Niner> We're stuck in the middle of nowhere with no gear and no weapons.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And there's a sniper trying to kill us.
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, I wouldn't say we're completely unarmed.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Unless you're thinking of getting the kitchen knife or something...
* Agent_Wyoming moves to take cover at the bed, and pulls a case from under it.
* Jack_Carlson gets in another position, and puts a round through the bedroom window
* Agent_Wyoming flinches as the glass breaks.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I'm glad I don't own this place.
* Agent_Wyoming opens the body-size case, revealing a dark grey flight suit and blue-visored helmet.
* Four-Seven-Niner 's eyes widen.
* Agent_Wyoming tosses Four-Seven-Niner her helmet.
<Agent_Wyoming> You may want this.
* Four-Seven-Niner puts the helmet on.
<Four-Seven-Niner> How'd you get all this past airport security?
<Agent_Wyoming> Oh, it's not so hard with Gamma around.
<Agent_Wyoming> He's quite the little deceiv-
* Jack_Carlson sends another round through the wall
* Agent_Wyoming flinches again, the pillow exploding into feathers.
<Four-Seven-Niner> This guy is taking potshots at us.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Can you tell where the bullets are coming from?
* Jack_Carlson reloads, and continues firing
<Agent_Wyoming> Alright, just one moment . . .
* Agent_Wyoming slips on a white helmet.
* Agent_Wyoming walks out onto the deck, clad in full armor.
* Jack_Carlson retrieves his casings and magazines, Carlson goes back into the forest
* Jack_Carlson sees Wyoming in full armor, and drops prone, and begins crawling into the thick parts of the forest
* Agent_Wyoming is in the open, sweeping the jungle nearby.
* Jack_Carlson sees Wyoming, and fires again, before hiding once more
* Agent_Wyoming 's image fades, a hologram flickering out, and a bullet suddenly flies back out of the broken window and nearly hits Jack_Carlson.
<Jack_Carlson> Shit!
<Agent_Wyoming> He's falling back for the moment.
<Agent_Wyoming> Help me get the rest of my armor on.
* Four-Seven-Niner takes an M6G from Wyoming's case and moves cautiously outside.
* Agent_Wyoming does his best to suit up while keeping his rifle ready.
* Four-Seven-Niner puts the rest of the combat gear onto the back of their rented ATV, leaving everything else.
<Agent_Wyoming> Heat filter can't pick him up well. Too much heat in this jungle.
<Agent_Wyoming> Our exit ready?
* Four-Seven-Niner drives up to Wyoming.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Yep.
<Four-Seven-Niner> No time to get the rest of the stuff though.
* Agent_Wyoming vaults through the back window onto the ATV.
* Four-Seven-Niner floors it, driving off away from the cabin.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Did you get a good look at him?
<Agent_Wyoming> Just a heat scan. It's human, at least.
<Agent_Wyoming> So on a galactic scale, that narrows it down a bit.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Let me guess, calling the Mother of Invention for help is out of the question.
<Gamma_AI> Actually, the UNSC has assumed command of the Mother of Invention.
<Agent_Wyoming> Besides that they're far out of range, that's another reason I'm not very keen on calling them.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Well, I guess your little plan to go rogue starts now.
* Agent_Wyoming shoulders his rifle.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Looks like I'm stuck with you. Which suits me just fine.
<Agent_Wyoming> It doesn't seem he's pursuing. Maybe we beat him by having transportation.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sorry to cut the vacation short.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And I was just starting to think it was getting so relaxing.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Got any friends outside the program you can trust?
<Agent_Wyoming> A few, but not on this continent. But it shouldn't be a problem. Gamma can help us travel without coming up on anyone's radar.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Okay.
<Four-Seven-Niner> We're gonna need someone to help us figure out who's coming after us.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And why.
<Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, we'll need two tickets to Havana. How's Cuba sound, Sophie?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Sounds good to me.
* Jack_Carlson radios for a rebel Falcon, which he boards, and continues to pursue
<Jack_Carlson> Down there, 3 o'clock!
<Gamma_AI> Would you like to travel legally, or illegally?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Was that a joke?
<Agent_Wyoming> Either way, but something with class, if you please.
<Gamma_AI> I do not make jokes. Unless you'd like to hear one about the shisno that walked into a bar...
* Agent_Wyoming hears a buzzing.
<Agent_Wyoming> Not now, Gamma.
<Gamma_AI> Single falcon detected.
<Agent_Wyoming> Soph, I hope you can drive as well as you fly.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I'm a little grounded right now, but I think we'll do fine.
* Agent_Wyoming draws rifle, hoping he's as accurate one-handed as North.
* Four-Seven-Niner turns, putting the ATV into thick foliage.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Might get a little bumpy.
<Agent_Wyoming> At least it's not crashy.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. Bumpy always beats crashy.
* Gamma_AI synchronizes into Wyoming's armour, lining up his shot after taking into consideration his usual accuracy and reaction time.
* Agent_Wyoming spots the Falcon overhead, through the empty parts of the canopy.
<Gamma_AI> Fire on my mark.
* Jack_Carlson cocks back the M247 he is manning, and fires
<Jack_Carlson> Lead your targets gunners!
<Gamma_AI> Mark.
* Agent_Wyoming fires, but an unexpected bump throws off the shot.
<Agent_Wyoming> Damn.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Ugh.
* Jack_Carlson watches the pilot fire his 25mm autocannon
* Four-Seven-Niner swerves to and fro, expertly avoiding the gunfire.
<Jack_Carlson> Saturate them with gunfire!
<Agent_Wyoming> Sophie, I'm going to have to leave you alone for a moment, but . . .
<Four-Seven-Niner> Shit, what are you planning?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Wyoming! Don't get yourself killed!
* Agent_Wyoming projects a hologram onto where he has been hanging on, and reaches out a hand, swinging into the branches of a tree.
* Agent_Wyoming begins climbing.
<Agent_Wyoming> Soph, bring him back this way. Circle around to me.
* Four-Seven-Niner turns around, sliding around a tree.
* Agent_Wyoming stays in the canopy, watching the Falcon chasing the ATV.
<Agent_Wyoming> Alright, just turn him.
<Four-Seven-Niner> He's on his way.
* Agent_Wyoming waits as the Mongoose drives back the other way past the base of his tree, and as the Falcon pursues, hanging low, Wyoming leaps from his branch and clings to the outside of the helicopter's cockpit.
<Jack_Carlson> Shit!
* Agent_Wyoming finds purchase with his fingers and pulls himself up, with some exertion prying open the hatch. As the pilot scrambles for a sidearm, Wyoming grabs him by the front of his armor and hauls him out, throwing him into the jungle below.
* Jack_Carlson 's Falcon wobbles and plummets to the ground, coming to an abrupt stop when it lands.
* Agent_Wyoming leaps before it hits the ground, tucking and rolling to his feet.
* Jack_Carlson groans, thrown against the side of the Falcon.
<Jack_Carlson> Crap . . .
* Four-Seven-Niner drives towards Wyoming's position.
* Jack_Carlson stumbles from the dented Falcon.
* Agent_Wyoming walks back up to the downed VTOL, rifle slung at his waist and pointed at Carlson.
* Jack_Carlson sees 479er coming and raises his sidearm to fire.
* Four-Seven-Niner huddles behind the Mongoose's handlebars, pulling her M6G off her hip to fire a few stray, distracting shots.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Over here, asshole!
* Agent_Wyoming fires through Jack_Carlson's thigh.
<Jack_Carlson> Ah shit!
* Jack_Carlson drops to one knee, unable to fire his weapon
* Agent_Wyoming is standing over Jack_Carlson.
<Jack_Carlson> Ah piss
<Agent_Wyoming> I'd advise you not to move, mate.
* Four-Seven-Niner stops the ATV and gets off.
* Four-Seven-Niner checks on the Falcon.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Pilot's dead, Reggie, back that way a bit.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Falcon looks intact though. Just a little busted up is all.
<Agent_Wyoming> Right. Well, if it moves faster, we'll just be taking that.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Sure it's classy enough for you?
* Agent_Wyoming sneaks a glance at Four-Seven-Niner.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'm partial to anything with wings.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Good.
<Four-Seven-Niner> UNSC aircraft is my preference.
* Four-Seven-Niner walks up to Jack_Carlson.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Although from the looks of this guy, he probably isn't one of them.
<Agent_Wyoming> And as for you . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> Most days I'd simply kill you and be done with it.
<Agent_Wyoming> But tell me who sent you, and I won't have to do that.
* Four-Seven-Niner reloads her M6G, not quite pointing it at Jack_Carlson.
<Four-Seven-Niner> You'd better have some good answers.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Because I don't take kindly to you ruining my vacation.
<Jack_Carlson> Wyoming: Carlson, Jack, Corporal, United Rebel Front commando, birthdate July 12th, 2530, serial number 11263.
* Agent_Wyoming has grown tired of repeating ID numbers, and kicks Jack_Carlson over in the dirt.
<Jack_Carlson> Oof
<Four-Seven-Niner> Who sent you? It's a simple question.
* Agent_Wyoming points the large-caliber sniper rifle at Jack_Carlson's face.
<Agent_Wyoming> I guaruntee this'll turn your head into a bloody mist. So why don't you tell me who wants me dead?
<Jack_Carlson> Jonathan Ulan sent me, he said to kill Reginald AKA Wyoming
* Four-Seven-Niner looks at Wyoming.
<Four-Seven-Niner> The name sound familiar?
<Agent_Wyoming> Why does an Innie leader want me dead?
<Jack_Carlson> Ulan is very secretive, he just said you messed with his plans
<Agent_Wyoming> And you're just one of his assassins, right? Another of the cell operators he doesn't tell anything?
<Jack_Carlson> All of us aren't told anything besides the Grenadiers
<Jack_Carlson> Shit
<Jack_Carlson> I shouldn't have said that
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, I'd say you've earned your life. Sophie, get his equipment
* Four-Seven-Niner strips Carlson of his weapons and gear.
* Agent_Wyoming takes Carlson's knife, slashing the assassin's bared shoulder.
<Jack_Carlson> OW!
<Agent_Wyoming> Look out for Jaguars, mate.
* Agent_Wyoming winks, then walks back towards the Falcon.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Civilization is five days east.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Follow the sun and you'll find it, provided you can survive on the wildlife.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Have fun.
* Agent_Wyoming straps the ATV to the back of the Falcon, and whispers to Sophie, "
<Agent_Wyoming> I wouldn't worry about him making it. Animals aside, there's a lot of disease in the jungle.
* Four-Seven-Niner holsters her pistol and takes a seat behind the controls.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Right, fasten your seatbelt.
* Four-Seven-Niner takes off into the air, and flies off.
* Agent_Wyoming is strapped in, and flying away, looks one last time at the forlorn Jack_Carlson.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So, you know this Jonathan Ulan guy?
<Agent_Wyoming> Not personally, although we took a few shots at each other during the Insurrection. I actually got him the last time we met, although he's called me a few times since.
<Four-Seven-Niner> How bad did you screw him over?
<Agent_Wyoming> Stopped his saboteurs, and brought down his whole cell when he tried to kill me in revenge. It was rather amusing, listening to him rage impotently over the radio.
<Agent_Wyoming> Shot his finger off, in fact.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Where are we headed, anyway?
<Agent_Wyoming> Cuba. I've a contact there who can get us up the Centennial Orbital Elevator. And I've had my eye on a nice Blacktip-class Corvette for sale in the docks, there.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Alright. We might need to steal a little fuel before we cut across the Caribbean though.
<Agent_Wyoming> That's alright. I'm sure one of Ulan's unmanned hidden depots wouldn't miss it.
<Gamma_AI> Fuel depot detected.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Funny you should mention it.
* Gamma_AI marks the location on Four-Seven-Niner's HUD.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Hidden in plain sight.
<Agent_Wyoming> Good work, Gamma.
* Four-Seven-Niner sets down at the depot as a landing crew approaches the Falcon.
* Four-Seven-Niner casually steps out, waits for the crew to realize Wyoming isn't one of them, and then pulls out her M6G and shoots the nearest crewman in the head.
* Agent_Wyoming easily guns down the remaining rebels.
<Four-Seven-Niner> We've got five minutes. Let's hurry.
* Four-Seven-Niner grabs the refuelling tube and inserts it into the Falcon's fuel valve.
* Engineer_Bob chirps and pushes past Georgia to continue working with the armor's interior workings.
<Agent_Wyoming> No rush. Rebels don't often make checks of these places. Too risky with all that radio traffic, doncha know.
* Four-Seven-Niner finishes fuelling three and a half minutes later.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Right, that's enough to get us all the way to Florida.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Or at least, where Florida used to be.
* Agent_Wyoming shakes his head mournfully.
* Four-Seven-Niner replaces the fuelling tube and steps back into the Falcon.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Okay, we're good to go.
<Agent_Wyoming> We'll not need to go that far, fortunately. Right then, back into it.
* Four-Seven-Niner waits for Wyoming to board and then takes off, due northwest.
* Four-Seven-Niner glances down as the lush forests end and the sparkling water stretches over the horizon.
<Four-Seven-Niner> At least we're not missing out on all the scenery.
<Agent_Wyoming> A shame we couldn't get away from quite all of the larger world. Let's try the Colonies next time, shall we? Emerald Cove?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Sounds good to me.
<Four-Seven-Niner> If the Covenant doesn't glass it first...
* Agent_Wyoming accesses the public Chatter network with Gamma's help, and quickly reserves a pair of tickets to get up the elevator through someone that owes him a favor.
* Agent_Wyoming sits back, finally taking a moment to enjoy the view from Four-Seven-Niner's aircraft.
* Four-Seven-Niner becomes bored two hours into the quiet flight and decides to ask after all.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So, uh...Reggie.
<Four-Seven-Niner> About last night...
* Agent_Wyoming smiles fondly.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yes?
<Four-Seven-Niner> What did you...think?
* Agent_Wyoming swallows nervously, pausing for a moment before answering, his hand feeling the ring still tucked in his pocket.
<Agent_Wyoming> I can't remember the last time I had a night like it before. I hope you had a similarly positive experience.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Haha, yeah.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Don't get me started on my ex.
<Agent_Wyoming> By all means.
* Four-Seven-Niner takes the indication to start ranting.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I couldn't stand him sometimes.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It's like that was all he thought about. Like I wasn't even a person.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Just someone to satisfy his erotic fantasies.
* Agent_Wyoming settles back, quite amused.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I mean, it has to mean something, doesn't it?
<Four-Seven-Niner> And if you want it twice a day, I'd have to draw the line.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Not to mention, he was, what, four and a half inches?
* Agent_Wyoming laughs.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Of course, that's only the start of it.
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't know if I'll have the energy for twice a day much longer.
<Four-Seven-Niner> That'd suit me just fine.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I wish my ex had half the brains you did.
<Agent_Wyoming> So where is he now?
* Four-Seven-Niner grimaces.
<Four-Seven-Niner> He was on Arcadia when it got glassed in '49.
<Agent_Wyoming> I see. Shock trooper?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Nah.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Lazy bastard couldn't even stand up for himself, no less anyone else.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Just one of the civilians slaughtered by the Covenant.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It wasn't even a year after we divorced when it happened.
<Agent_Wyoming> Divorced?
* Four-Seven-Niner sighs.
<Four-Seven-Niner> He was a real slimeball, but even he didn't deserve to die the way he did.
<Agent_Wyoming> Ah. You'd probably laugh if I offered my sympathies, but I thought you wouldn't have wanted him dead.
<Four-Seven-Niner> This whole war is tearing through us.
<Four-Seven-Niner> And look at us, on the run from some scumbag Innie.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yes, well. At least we won't have to live with the latter problem, if all goes according to plan.
<Four-Seven-Niner> There's always going to be men like him, Wyoming.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Even after the war ends, and who knows when that'll be.
<Four-Seven-Niner> That's if the Covenant doesn't wipe us out first.
* Four-Seven-Niner spots a line appearing on the horizon.
<Four-Seven-Niner> There's Cuba.
<Four-Seven-Niner> We need to set down somewhere discreet.
<Gamma_AI> I will have a location for you, Four-Seven-Niner.
* Agent_Wyoming swings his head out of the side of the Falcon's hold.
* Gamma_AI marks a suitable spot on the Falcon's navigation screen.
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, unless you want to abandon this over-water and swim for it, there's a nice cove on the West coast.
<Four-Seven-Niner> That'll take too long.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Besides, how are we going to haul our gear across the water?
<Gamma_AI> Take this route to avoid detection.
* Gamma_AI adds a line leading to the spot.
* Four-Seven-Niner follows the route and sets the Falcon down at the designated location.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Vehicle graveyard. Nice spot.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Looks like they put the scraps here during the wars before the Covenant.
* Agent_Wyoming looks over an outdated Cougar AFV.
<Agent_Wyoming> I've seen these in action. Nice, but too conspicuous.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I'm guessing we'll take the ATV.
<Agent_Wyoming> I could always call a cab.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Sure.
* Four-Seven-Niner takes off her flight gear and weapons and stows them into the suitcase.
* Four-Seven-Niner slips her pistol into her pocket.
* Agent_Wyoming makes a quick Chatter call, and in less than an hour he and Four-Seven-Niner have arrived at the Centennial OE's base.
* Four-Seven-Niner looks around the base.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Not a bad set-up.
<Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, why don't you go ahead and scramble their security's detection.
<Gamma_AI> Okay.
* Agent_Wyoming hauls most of their gear in cases, Her Majesty in a guitar case.
<Four-Seven-Niner> So where's your friend?
<Agent_Wyoming> He doesn't want to see me. He still owes me, but he'd probably burst in anger if we met face to face.
<Agent_Wyoming> I cheated him in a, uh . . . business deal, you know, the Freelancer kind, and in the end saved his life so he'd still owe me.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I see.
* Four-Seven-Niner grins.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Sounds like something you would do.
<Agent_Wyoming> Here, the way around back is clear. Military used, mostly.
<Four-Seven-Niner> You haven't told me yet, but what are you planning to get out of this?
* Agent_Wyoming and Four-Seven-Niner go through check-in and baggage without incident, the metal detectors not catching a thing.
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, ah. I had to make a few visits here and there. Transactions, and all.
<Four-Seven-Niner> How are we going to find this Jonathan Ulan?
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't intend to. Where I'm going, he can't reach, which brings me to another point . . .
* Agent_Wyoming looks around the terminal, and pulls Four-Seven-Niner to a corner where they won't be heard.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sophie, I'm not planning to go back to the other Freelancers and the UNSC. But I'm also not going to run away while humanity is being butchered.
<Agent_Wyoming> That corvette I mentioned, the Blacktip.
<Four-Seven-Niner> What about it?
<Agent_Wyoming> I bought it, and stocked it with weapons and enough countermeasures to throw off an ONI Prowler. I'm going to fight this war, on my own terms.
* Four-Seven-Niner is silent at this revelation.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'm rather guilty for not telling you this sooner.
<Four-Seven-Niner> No, I should have guessed.
<Four-Seven-Niner> You really don't trust them, huh?
<Agent_Wyoming> Not a bit after they don't need me. And one way or another, it's going to end soon.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sophie, the UNSC is humanity's best chance for survival, and I want to help them. But I can't trust them, so I'll fight this war my way . . . on my own, if I have to.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Well, if that's the case...
<Four-Seven-Niner> ...you can count me in.
* Agent_Wyoming crosses through the boarding tube into his own new Blacktip-class corvette, docked at the Wayward Rest station atop the Orbital Elevator.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Nice ride.
* Agent_Wyoming sets down his heavy gear.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Happen to have a Pelican or two on board?
<Agent_Wyoming> Just enough room for two dropships in a small hangar, although we've only got one.
<Agent_Wyoming> Haven't thought of a name for her yet, though.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I think Four-Seven-Niner is fine.
<Four-Seven-Niner> It's grown on me.
* Agent_Wyoming chuckles.
<Agent_Wyoming> That'll do.
<Agent_Wyoming> And I thought you weren't that much of a workaholic.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Old habits die hard, I guess.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Let's get out of here.
|
* Agent_Georgia leans over a workbench in his safehouse, frowning down at his armor.
<Agent_Georgia> Bob, get over here.
* Engineer_Bob chirps and drifts over to the workbench.
<Agent_Georgia> This integration process looks screwy to me.
<Agent_Georgia> Are you sure you did it right?
* Engineer_Bob chirps insistently and waves his tentacles in protest.
<Agent_Georgia> I don't know, these readings just look off.
<Agent_Georgia> I'd appreciate it if we didn't screw this armor up less than a week after I haul it out of storage.
<Agent_Georgia> They're kinda hard to come by, you know?
* Engineer_Bob picks up a component and waves it at Georgia, chirping angrily.
* Agent_Georgia raises his hands defensively.
<Agent_Georgia> Okay, I get it.
<Agent_Georgia> You're the tech genius around here, not me.
<Agent_Georgia> Sorry I doubted you. Sheesh.
* Engineer_Bob chirps contentedly, immsersed in his work once again. He examines the remains of a small pistol-shaped evice, which are spread out on a separate table. With innate precision, he delves deeper into the armor's inner workings with two tentacles while examining the shattered pistol with the others.
<Agent_Georgia> I'd tell you to hurry things up, but I'm guessing you'll just talk back to me again, won't you?
* Engineer_Bob ignores Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia sighs.
<Agent_Georgia> And this is why I don't work with artists.
* ODST_Leader (9968b078@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.176.120) has joined #halo-fanon
* Agent_Georgia reaches into one of his coat pockets as a communicator rings. He sees who it is, shakes his head, and answers it.
<ODST_Leader> About time!
<ODST_Leader> Do you know how long I've been trying to get in touch?
* Agent_Georgia glances back at Bob.
<Agent_Georgia> I've got an idea.
<ODST_Leader> Listen, our preparations are almost ready. Are you in or out?
<Agent_Georgia> Our?
<Agent_Georgia> I thought you said you weren't in charge of anything anymore.
<ODST_Leader> Maybe I lied.
<ODST_Leader> We're not up to the old strength yet, but it's enough to man our ship and assemble away teams.
<ODST_Leader> But we still need an edge if we're going to pull this off.
<ODST_Leader> An edge that you and your little... friend can give us.
<Agent_Georgia> I'm still waiting to hear an offer.
<Agent_Georgia> Besides, I don't like signing on with people who won't cut clean with me on what they're really up to.
<Agent_Georgia> Last time I did that, things didn't exactly blow over so well.
<ODST_Leader> What, you think I'll just blab everything over a channel like this?
<ODST_Leader> Ever since you got our encryption tech killed, I'm having to rely on second-rate slicers to run our coms.
* Agent_Georgia glowers at the communicator.
<Agent_Georgia> Take it up with Texas.
<ODST_Leader> Oh, I plan to.
<ODST_Leader> But not yet.
<ODST_Leader> We have more important work to do. And believe me, there's plenty of cash in it for you.
<ODST_Leader> Cash and, well, some other perks.
* Agent_Georgia checks the computer banks monitoring the safe house's security system.
<Agent_Georgia> I dunno.
<Agent_Georgia> I was never really into the whole blowing up innocent people thing you guys seem to be into these days.
<ODST_Leader> You bastard, don't you dare go lumping us in with shitbags like that.
<ODST_Leader> You know that's not what we're after.
<Agent_Georgia> Well, until I know exactly what you're after I'm inclined to lump you in with whoever I want.
* ODST_Leader sighs.
<ODST_Leader> Fine, you surly asshole.
<ODST_Leader> I can't tell you everything, but we'll be going behind enemy lines.
<ODST_Leader> We were doing that before the Freelancers started fucking with us, but this time we'll be going even deeper.
<ODST_Leader> Georgia, I know we're not exactly friends right now, but I need you. You and the engineer.
* Agent_Georgia glances back at Bob.
<Agent_Georgia> And if we don't want to do it?
<ODST_Leader> Damn it, this is about the greater good!
<ODST_Leader> Even if the UNSC wins this war, they'll be just as oppressive as ever!
<ODST_Leader> We need to move now, get working on a way to get the colonies out from under its heel before its too late.
<Agent_Georgia> Hm.
<Agent_Georgia> I'm not sure about this.
<Agent_Georgia> The UNSC tends to pay pretty well.
<ODST_Leader> What the hell's your problem, Georgia? Whose side are you on, anyway?
* Agent_Georgia grins and throws himself into a tattered armchair.
<Agent_Georgia> Mine.
* ODST_Leader growls.
<ODST_Leader> Like I said.
<ODST_Leader> It'll be worth your while.
<Agent_Georgia> Fine, I'll tag along on your little treasure hunt.
<Agent_Georgia> But I want access to whatever it is we find out there.
<ODST_Leader> That's doable. I'll arrange for a generous paycheck as long as you bring the engineer with you.
<Agent_Georgia> Alright, but he stays with me.
<Agent_Georgia> You make a move on him and you'll find out what a pain in the ass I can really be.
<ODST_Leader> Yeah, yeah.
<ODST_Leader> You're all talk, Georgia.
<Agent_Georgia> That's what Director Church thought, too.
<Agent_Georgia> Hear about what happened to him?
<ODST_Leader> We've heard bits and pieces.
* Agent_Texas lands the Pelican down in an abandoned courtyard a block from Georgia's safehouse.
* Agent_Texas steps out and looks around.
<Agent_Georgia> So don't screw with me, pay my bills, and don't touch Bob, and we'll get along just fine.
* Agent_Georgia shuts off the communicator.
<Agent_Texas> Hm, not exactly a friendly neighourhood.
* Engineer_Bob chirps excitedly, gesturing for Georgia to come look at the armor.
<Agent_Georgia> That was faster than I was expecting.
* Agent_Texas follows the signal emitted from tracker she had attached to Georgia's gauntlet when she helped him to his feet in the director's facility.
<Agent_Georgia> You really are getting better with this, aren't you.
* Agent_Texas moves through the block quickly but silently.
* Agent_Texas looks up to the dingy-looking safehouse.
* Agent_Georgia strides over to the armor and glances down at it.
<Agent_Georgia> So, will it work?
<Agent_Texas> I gotta give you credit, Georgia. No one would stop by to look for you here.
* Engineer_Bob lets out an irritated chirp.
* Agent_Texas pulls out her dual SMGs and approaches the door noiselessly.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah, yeah, you're wonderful and everything you touch turns to gold.
<Agent_Georgia> Jeez.
* Agent_Texas attaches a satchel charge to the door and sets a timer.
* Agent_Texas takes cover adjacent to the door.
* Agent_Georgia slips off his overcoat and slides a gauntlet over one of his hands.
<Agent_Texas> Five...
* Agent_Georgia glances down at the wrist.
<Agent_Texas> Four...
<Agent_Georgia> What the hell?
<Agent_Texas> Three...
* Engineer_Bob chirps urgently, suddenly agitated.
<Agent_Texas> Two...
* Agent_Georgia sees the tracker.
<Agent_Texas> One...
<Agent_Georgia> Oh shit.
* Agent_Texas waits for the explosion to blow the door open and charges inside.
* Agent_Georgia hears the explosion.
* Agent_Texas sweeps the room with her SMGs, only to find the first landing unoccupied.
<Agent_Georgia> Damn it!
<Agent_Georgia> Bob, get to cover.
* Agent_Texas moves cautiously through the first level, ready for any traps.
* Agent_Georgia grabs a small datapad and enters a code, activating several booby traps on the first floor.
* Agent_Texas makes her way to the stairs, her guns sweeping both directions.
* Engineer_Bob quickly assembles the remaining armor pieces and begins arranging them for Georgia to put on.
* Agent_Texas dashes up the stairs and reaches another door.
* Agent_Texas steps on the topmost stair and is suddenly blasted by explosives hidden in the walls.
<Agent_Texas> Agh!
* Agent_Georgia straps on the armor as quickly as he can, teeth gritted from the pressure.
* Agent_Texas gets up, shakes her head, and backs down a few stairs.
<Agent_Georgia> Bob, I said get to cover!
* Agent_Texas makes a running jump up the stairs, leaps over the gaping hole between the staircase and the second floor, and kicks the door open.
* Agent_Texas tumbles through but quickly recovers, taking aim at Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia grabs his coat and throws it in Texas's line of fire.
* Agent_Georgia seizes an SMG from a nearby table.
* Agent_Texas shoots through the coat, punching it full of holes and landing a few hits on Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia dives behind a pillar, still helmetless.
<Agent_Texas> Knock knock.
* Engineer_Bob floats over to the security controls.
<Agent_Georgia> Evening.
* Agent_Georgia breaks cover and fires on Texas.
* Agent_Texas sees the engineer, and runs for it while making suppressing fire on Georgia.
<Agent_Texas> I'm taking this thing with me.
<Agent_Texas> You cooperate and I won't have to kill you.
* Engineer_Bob activates several security turrets, which focus on Texas.
<Agent_Texas> Oh, shit.
<Agent_Georgia> Oh, I'm not sure he wants to go...
* Agent_Texas rolls behind a fridge as gunfire sprays around her.
* Agent_Georgia tosses a grenade at the fridge.
* Agent_Texas kicks the fridge, sending it crashing into Georgia and the grenade spinning away.
* Agent_Texas leaps onto a counter, grabs one of the turrets, rips it off, and uses it to shoot apart the other turrets.
* Engineer_Bob manipulates several alarms, sending remote alerts to the local authorities.
* Agent_Texas reloads one SMG and continues to fire at Georgia with the other.
* Agent_Texas reloads the second SMG and alternates again.
<Agent_Texas> Stop jumping around, you bastard!
* Agent_Georgia rolls behind a crate, clipping his SMG to his leg.
* Agent_Texas grabs the engineer and runs for the balcony.
* Agent_Texas leaps off the balcony and lands in the courtyard.
* Agent_Texas looks up to see herself surrounded by ODSTs.
* ODST_Leader appears at the ledge, flying a cannoned-up Hornet.
<Agent_Texas> Oh, shit.
<ODST_Leader> There you are...
* Agent_Georgia strides over to the ledge, slipping on his helmet.
* Agent_Texas notes how the ODSTs are holding fire because of the engineer.
* Agent_Texas maintains a firm grip on the engineer and runs towards the hornet, one SMG firing at the closest ODSTs.
<ODST_Leader> Shit!
<ODST_Leader> Hold fire, hold fire!
<ODST_Leader> Get to cover, all of you!
* ODST_Leader flies up out of reach.
* Agent_Texas cuts through the circle of ODSTs and runs vertically up the wall.
* Agent_Texas leaps onto the rooftop and runs across the apartments.
* Agent_Georgia leaps from the safehouse and lands in the courtyard.
<Agent_Georgia> Bob...
* Agent_Texas makes it to the Pelican but turns to see the Falcon is still on her.
<Agent_Texas> Goddammit...
* Engineer_Bob discreetly slips his tentacles around Texas's armor and opens several pannels at once.
* Engineer_Bob chirps.
<Agent_Texas> Hey!
* Agent_Texas shoves Bob away and into the passenger bay.
* Agent_Texas seals the hatch.
* Agent_Georgia dashes over to the leader's Hornet.
* Agent_Texas pulls out her weapons, now unhindered and ready to take on the ODST.
<ODST_Leader> Congratulations, asshole, you fucked everything up.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah, good to see you too.
* Agent_Texas pulls out a BR55 with a grenade launcher attachment.
<ODST_Leader> So what are you going to do about this?
<ODST_Leader> No engineer, no pay!
* Agent_Texas aims down her sights at the Hornet's rotors.
<Agent_Georgia> You idiot, incoming!
* Agent_Texas fires a trio of grenades at the Hornet.
<ODST_Leader> Oh, no you don't.
* ODST_Leader pulls up at the last second.
* Agent_Texas misses twice but manages to damage one of the rotors.
* Agent_Texas reloads the grenade launcher, aims, but realizes the Hornet is moving too much.
* Agent_Georgia stalks away, pushing his way through the ODSTs.
<Agent_Texas> Goddamn it.
<Agent_Georgia> Keep her distracted.
<Agent_Georgia> And try not to get yourselves killed.
* Agent_Texas dashes up to the rooftop again and fires at the Hornet with the Battle Rifle's 9.5mm rounds.
* Agent_Georgia heads for Texas's Pelican.
* Agent_Texas sees the Hornet pulled away, and turns her attention to the other ODSTs.
* ODST_Leader fires rockets at Texas while his ODSTs try to suppress her.
* Agent_Texas pulls out her SMGs and cuts through them with a hundred twenty rounds of deadly gunfire.
<ODST_Leader> Shit!
* Agent_Texas rolls away from the explosions, intent on taking out the ODSTs.
* ODST_Leader opens up with his miniguns.
<ODST_Leader> Everyone, pull back!
* Agent_Texas ducks behind a protruding column.
* ODST_Leader fires more rockets as the surviving ODSTs scramble for cover.
<ODST_Leader> Switch to grenades and AP rounds, now!
* Agent_Texas reloads and moves out of cover, taking aim.
<Agent_Texas> Oh, shit.
* Agent_Texas is thrown back as several explosions land near her, throwing her off the roof.
* Agent_Texas lands in the courtyard on her stomach, her weapons clattering away.
<ODST_Leader> Now!
<ODST_Leader> Kill that bitch!
* Agent_Texas looks up and spots Georgia behind her Pelican's controls.
<Agent_Texas> Fuck...
* Agent_Texas scrambles to her feet and runs at the Pelican.
* Agent_Georgia guns the engines on Texas's Pelican, lifting off into the sky.
* Agent_Texas grabs onto the Pelican's landing gear, and dangles precariously in the air.
* Agent_Texas struggles to maintain her grip, but is having difficulty.
* ODST_Leader sights up on Texas with his miniguns.
<ODST_Leader> This is for Connie, bitch.
* ODST_Leader opens fire.
<Agent_Texas> Argh!
* Agent_Texas is hit multiple times, and loses her grip.
* Agent_Texas plummets thirty feet through the air and crashes through a rooftop into an abandoned apartment, rolling back out into the courtyard in a heap.
* Agent_Texas groans and struggles to stand up, and sees herself surrounded by at least twenty ODSTs.
* Agent_Texas goes for her weapon, only to realize she has none.
* ODST_Leader takes aim with the Hornet.
<ODST_Leader> Alright.
<ODST_Leader> This ends here.
* Agent_Texas lunges for the nearest ODST, determined to fight her way out.
* Agent_Georgia swings the Pelican around and brings it between the Leader and Tex.
<Agent_Georgia> Hold fire.
* Agent_Georgia opens the loudspeakers.
<Agent_Georgia> Texas, if you want to live I suggest you surrender.
<Agent_Georgia> Right now.
* Agent_Texas responds by punching a fist through the Pelican's window, grabbing at Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia grabs Texas's arm and pins it with both hands.
<Agent_Georgia> Get her!
* Agent_Texas struggles to free herself from Georgia's grip.
* ODST_Leader growls, but holds his fire.
<ODST_Leader> You heard him!
* Agent_Texas opens her palm and flicks something in her hand with her thumb.
* Agent_Texas holds up the grenade to Georgia's face.
* ODST_Leader brings his Hornet down and leaps out.
<Agent_Texas> Same to you, Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia looks at the grenade, unperturbed.
<Agent_Georgia> You won't.
<Agent_Texas> I lose an arm. You lose your head.
<Agent_Texas> I'll live, you won't.
<Agent_Georgia> Fair enough.
<Agent_Georgia> Get her.
* ODST_Leader hurls one of his hatchets at Texas's arm.
<Agent_Texas> Ugh!
* Agent_Texas falls back as her right arm is severed.
<Agent_Georgia> You lose an arm, I keep my head.
<Agent_Georgia> I like that deal better.
* Agent_Texas tries to get up but is pinned down by the group of ODSTs.
* ODST_Leader approaches.
<Agent_Texas> You.
<ODST_Leader> You.
* Agent_Georgia steps out of the Pelican, Bob in tow.
<Agent_Georgia> Nice work, pal.
* Agent_Texas glares up at Georgia.
<Agent_Texas> I should have killed you after all.
<Agent_Georgia> Hey, you came after me this time.
<Agent_Georgia> Maybe you should have brought Carolina along.
<Agent_Georgia> You could have used the backup.
* Agent_Texas bristles.
<Agent_Texas> This is personal.
<Agent_Georgia> Oh?
<Agent_Georgia> What'd I do this time?
<Agent_Texas> I need the engineer. You know that.
* Agent_Georgia sighs and shakes his head.
<Agent_Georgia> Hear that, Bob?
<Agent_Georgia> You're popular these days.
<Agent_Texas> "Bob"?
<ODST_Leader> Alright, can it, both of you.
* ODST_Leader draws his pistol and aims at Texas's head.
<ODST_Leader> Now, give me a reason why I shouldn't cap this bitch right here.
* Agent_Texas stares down the barrel defiantly at the ODST.
* Agent_Texas pulls out a dog tag from around her neck.
* ODST_Leader aims at the arm.
<ODST_Leader> Keep still, or I'll take the other one.
* Agent_Texas presses the side of the dog tag, revealing the datachip inside.
* Agent_Texas tosses it at the ODST.
<Agent_Texas> This belongs to someone you cared about.
* ODST_Leader catches it.
<ODST_Leader> What?
* ODST_Leader looks at it for a moment, then inserts it into his helmet.
* Agent_Georgia looks on curiously.
<Agent_Georgia> Hey, what's that?
<Agent_Texas> None of your business.
* Agent_Georgia aims a mild kick at Texas's leg.
<Agent_Georgia> No talking, prisoner.
* Agent_Texas wraps her foot around Georgia's ankle and sends him sprawling.
<Agent_Georgia> Oof.
<Agent_Texas> I still have two of these.
<Agent_Georgia> Okay.
* Agent_Georgia gets to his feet.
<Agent_Georgia> I guess I had that one coming.
* ODST_Leader bows his head, immersed in what is going on inside his helmet.
* Agent_Texas looks back to the ODST.
<Agent_Texas> I don't know what you're after. But this was why the director wanted the engineer.
<Agent_Texas> It's also why I went to take him down a week ago.
* Agent_Texas glances at Georgia.
<Agent_Texas> He had something to do with it as well.
* ODST_Leader follows her gaze.
<ODST_Leader> Oh really?
<Agent_Georgia> Alright, what's the big secret?
<Agent_Georgia> I'm really confused over here.
<Agent_Texas> As a matter of fact, he knows a lot more about all this than he's letting on.
<Agent_Texas> Probably thinking the less you knew, the more money goes to him.
* ODST_Leader sighs wearily.
<ODST_Leader> Yeah, that sounds like Georgia, all right.
<ODST_Leader> Too bad I trust him a hell of a lot more than I trust you.
<ODST_Leader> And that's saying something.
* ODST_Leader returns the pistol to his hip.
<ODST_Leader> Restrain her.
<ODST_Leader> Use everything you've got.
<ODST_Leader> I don't want her getting loose.
* Agent_Texas shoves aside an ODST.
<Agent_Texas> Connie trusted me.
<Agent_Texas> I just realized it too late.
<Agent_Texas> Because somewhere between her doing whatever she was with you, and when she left us.
<Agent_Texas> She was the one that drew the line between us and the director.
<Agent_Texas> And between you and the UNSC.
<ODST_Leader> You shut up now.
* Agent_Texas pushes a second ODST that tries to approach her.
<Agent_Texas> I'm not saying you have to trust me.
* Agent_Texas punches a third ODST in the face.
<Agent_Texas> But I'm going to ask you...which side of this line are you on?
<ODST_Leader> Will one of you clowns pin her down?
* Engineer_Bob floats away from Georgia and hovers down beside Texas.
* Engineer_Bob chirps.
<Agent_Georgia> Not the best idea, Bob.
<Agent_Georgia> She's still got some fight left in her.
* Engineer_Bob burrows a single tentacle into Texas's neck and chirps softly.
<Agent_Texas> What...
* Agent_Texas crumples and collapses to the ground.
<Agent_Georgia> Huh.
* Engineer_Bob flies back to Georgia and gives an irritated huff.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah, yeah.
<Agent_Georgia> I'll stop doubting you.
<ODST_Leader> Alright, think you can manage restraining her now that she's out cold?
* ODST_Leader steps aside as the ODSTs pile over Texas.
* Agent_Georgia approaches the Leader, Bob in tow.
<Agent_Georgia> So, what was all that about?
<ODST_Leader> Right now it's none of your business.
<ODST_Leader> We saved your ass back there. You owe us, now.
<Agent_Georgia> And if it weren't for me, you'd have gotten slaughtered.
* Engineer_Bob chirps and slaps Georgia lightly around the helmet.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah, and Bob was great too.
<Agent_Georgia> What was all that about Connie?
<ODST_Leader> I'll tell you later.
<ODST_Leader> Right now, all you need to do is get your gear together.
<ODST_Leader> You're coming with us.
* Agent_Georgia steps forward, thinks better of it, and relents.
<Agent_Georgia> Fine.
<Agent_Georgia> Whatever you say... boss.
* Agent_Georgia glances back at Texas, who is being loaded into an armored truck.
<Agent_Georgia> What about her?
<Agent_Georgia> You aren't seriously thinking of bringing her with us, are you?
<Agent_Georgia> Because that's the stupidest idea I've heard in a while.
<ODST_Leader> You're the one who stopped me from blowing her head off.
<Agent_Georgia> Locking her on board a ship with me in a pressurized environment really wasn't what I had in mind.
<ODST_Leader> I have some questions to ask her.
<ODST_Leader> Now stop questioning my orders, or I'll dock your pay.
<Agent_Georgia> Ooh, you're playing for keeps now, aren't you?
<Agent_Georgia> Just don't say I didn't warn you when she breaks out and blows us all to kingdom come.
<ODST_Leader> Fine.
<ODST_Leader> You can gloat all you want if that happens.
<ODST_Leader> Now get ready to leave.
<ODST_Leader> We're moving out.
* ODST_Leader has quit (Quit: Page closed)
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