0418 Hours, January 20, 2552 (UNSC Military Calendar), aboard the UNSC Mother of Invention, in orbit above planet Tribute, Epsilon Eridani system
* Agent_Texas sees that the hangar bay is deserted, without even a single aircraft present.
* Agent_Texas covers the open ground quickly and gets into the hallway.
* Agent-Washington slides a new clip into his battle rifle and straps a pistol to either hip.
<Agent-Washington> Anyone got my back out here?
<Agent-Washington> (COM) This is Agent Washington.
<Agent-Washington> (COM) I'm moving in to take her down.
* FILSS marks Tex's location on Wash's HUD.
* Agent-Washington cautiously enters the hallway, rifle at the ready.
<Agent-Washington> (COM) Anyone, converge on my position now!
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Coming, Wash, hold on.
* Agent-Washington scans the deserted hallway with his rifle.
* Agent_Texas moves down the hallway quickly, SMGs ready.
* Agent-Washington spots Texas and fires a burst at her head.
* Agent_Texas ducks back.
<Agent-Washington> So it's you.
<Agent_Texas> Guess negotiation's out of the question then.
* Agent_Texas leaps out and sprays Wash with gunfire.
<Agent_Texas> Fine by me.
* Agent-Washington ducks behind a corner and blind fires at Texas.
* Agent_Texas reloads one SMG but keeps Wash suppressed with the other.
* Agent_Texas reloads the second SMG and brings up the first.
* Agent_Texas uses the time to cover the distance.
* Agent-Washington sees Texas coming and drops to one knee, aiming for the center of mass.
* Agent_Texas reaches Wash and smashes her SMG across his face.
* Agent_Texas follows up by punching him hard into the wall.
<Agent-Washington> Agh!
* Agent-Washington draws a pistol and fires at Texas's gut.
* Agent_Texas whacks the pistol out of Wash's hand.
* Agent-Washington draws his second one and fires at her knee.
* Agent_Texas spins, avoiding the shots.
* Agent_Texas delivers an uppercut to Wash's face, sending him crashing into the ceiling.
<Agent-Washington> Ugh...
* Agent-Washington slumps back against the wall, disarmed.
* Agent_Texas grabs Wash and slams him hard into the floor.
<Agent-Washington> I...
* Agent_Texas turns and runs down the hallway.
<Agent_Texas> See you later.
<Agent-Washington> I.... can't believe....
* Agent-Washington passes out.
* Agent_Texas enters a network of hallways, looks around, and decides to head into the lower levels.
* Agent_Texas spots two guards outside the detention centre and easily dispatches them.
* Agent_Texas opens the doors and steps in.
* Agent_Texas stops in front of a particular cell.
* Director_Church (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Director_Church
<Agent_Texas> Director.
<Director_Church> Agent Texas. Some of your friends are looking for you.
<Agent_Texas> I've noticed.
<Director_Church> I wasn't expecting you to get down here.
<Agent_Texas> I don't think anybody was.
* Agent_Texas opens the director's cell door.
<Agent_Texas> There. See if you can make it off this ship.
<Agent_Texas> Even if they end up shooting you dead, at least you'll have been a distraction for them long enough.
* Director_Church grins.
<Director_Church> And I thought I had you all figured out.
* Director_Church bolts for the exit, taking a gun off one of the guards.
* Agent_Wyoming is still in interrogation with Missouri, but has felt the shock of Tex's entrance.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Who's boarded us?
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Texas.
* Agent_Wyoming sucks in a breath.
* Agent_Wyoming dashes out of the briefing room, leaving Missouri behind.
<Four-Seven-Niner> Look Reggie, I understand you want to keep me safe.
<Four-Seven-Niner> But Tex won't attack me.
<Agent_Wyoming> And why is that?
<Agent-Washington> (COM) Anyone, converge on my position now!
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Coming, Wash, hold on.
<Four-Seven-Niner> I'm coming with you.
<Agent_Wyoming> Why?
<Four-Seven-Niner> Well, what do you want me to do?
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Wyoming, Agent Washington is down.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) What? Where?
<FILSS> (COM) Hallway 15, adjacent to hangar bay 2.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright. FILSS, I need a way to Mich's workshop. Something I left there.
* FILSS sets up a route for Wyoming to follow.
* Agent_Wyoming sprints along it, nowhere near Carolina speed, but making good time.
* Agent_Wyoming enters Michigan's workshop.
<FILSS> (COM) Alert, all agents. The director has escaped.
<Agent_Texas> Time's up, I guess.
* Agent_Texas exits as well and turns down the opposite direction.
* Agent_Texas exits the engineering room.
<Agent_Texas> Hm, this should provide a nice distraction too.
* Agent_Texas activates the bomb and throws it on top of the ship's engine core, out of reach.
<Agent_Texas> Knowing Michigan, he'll be able to stop us all from being blown to hell.
* Agent_Texas runs out of the engine room without another pause.
* Agent_Texas reaches the bridge, and uses the Alpha's codes to seal the doors.
* Agent_Texas points her SMGs at the bridge crew.
<Agent_Texas> If you don't cause me trouble, boys, I won't have to shoot you.
* Agent_Texas sees the ONI crew drawing their guns.
<Agent_Texas> Death by Texas it is then.
* Agent_Texas ruthlessly guns down the ONI bridge crew, easily avoiding their gunfire.
* Agent_Texas finishes the last ONI member with a bullet to the brain.
* Agent_Texas slowly strides over to the controls.
* Agent_Wyoming slides to a stop at the bridge door, his paintball pistol held low.
<Agent_Texas> Hello, FILSS.
<Agent_Texas> I'd appreciate it if you stop slowing me down.
<FILSS> Agent Texa—
* Agent_Texas shuts down FILSS
* FILSS (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
<Agent_Texas> Now, second order of business.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS? I thought you'd get the door.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS?
<Agent_Wyoming> Tex is on our ship, and I feel like I'm walking into her trap. Ho, bad feeling.
<Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, open the door.
* Gamma_AI (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Gamma_AI
<Gamma_AI> One moment.
<FILSS> (COM) Alert, all agents. The director has escaped.
<Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) What?
<Agent_Minnesota> (COM) Fuck!
<Agent_Michigan> Hey, Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> Mich, where's that project I was working on?
<Agent_Wyoming> The one based on your taser device?
<Agent_Michigan> Here.
* Agent_Wyoming loads the clip into a standard-issue sniper rifle.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright. Now we need to lock down the ship. We can't let Tex get away from us.
<FILSS> (COM) I do not believe her intention is to escape.
<FILSS> (COM) However, the director is on his way to leaving the ship.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) No, but she'll try once she has . . . what?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Damn!
<FILSS> (COM) Agents Minnesota and Virginia are on their way to apprehend them.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Lock down the doors in his path, slow him down if you can.
* FILSS locks down the hangar bay.
<FILSS> (COM) He is trapped in hangar bay three.
* Agent_Wyoming breaths a partial sigh of relief.
<Agent_Michigan> And here's another thing I've made: .50-cal micro-missiles.
<Agent_Wyoming> Alright. Now to find Tex.
<Agent_Wyoming> I won't need the missiles. Just these rounds.
* Agent_Wyoming loads a Magnum with paintball rounds.
<Agent_Wyoming> Alright, Tex. I promise I'll fight fair this time.
* Agent_Wyoming heads down a hallway.
<FILSS> (COM) Alarm! Bomb detected in the engine room!
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Michigan, your assistance please.
* Agent_Michigan prepares his new gun
<Agent_Michigan> (COM) One second.
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Michigan, please proceed to the engine room. You have five minutes before it detonates.
* Agent_Michigan finishes work and leaves with his guns
* Agent_Wyoming continues down the corridor, checking his corners.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) FILSS? Can you locate Agent Texas?
<FILSS> (COM) Negative...she is now using the Alpha's clearance to override my sensors.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Alright.
* Agent_Wyoming exhales nervously.
* Agent_Michigan reaches the engine room
* Agent_Michigan spots the bomb on top of the engine core
* Agent_Michigan begins to climb up the side of the engine core, with some difficulty
<Agent_Wyoming> Hah, find Agent Texas so I can find her when she's angry. Never thought I'd say that.
* Agent_Wyoming skids to a stop.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Why is she here?
<FILSS> (COM) I am unsure.
* Agent_Michigan reaches the top and starts to defuse the bomb
* Agent_Wyoming stands against a wall, considering it for a moment.
<Agent_Wyoming> She was after something on the Charon, and now she's here for something. But . . .
<FILSS> (COM) She is at the bridge, eliminating the ONI members.
* Agent_Michigan almost has it..
* Agent_Wyoming 's eyes widen.
<Agent_Wyoming> Metastability . . .
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Wyoming, to the bridge, if you please.
* Agent_Wyoming sprints forward, hoping his tricks will work.
<FILSS> (COM) She has already sealed the doors, but I will try to open them again.
* Agent_Michigan is successful
<Agent_Michigan> (COM) Bomb defused.
<FILSS> (COM) Agent Minnesota, Agent Virginia, I need you to get the director.
<Agent_Minnesota> I have a feeling I'm gonna regret this...
* Agent_Minnesota runs after Tex and the Director.
<Agent_Virginia> Can I kill the son of a bitch this time?
* Director_Church turns the corner, rifle raised, sees that the hallway is clear, and keeps running.
<Director_Church> That was a mistake, Agent Texas.
<Director_Church> Because I still have a score to settle with you.
* Director_Church enters the hallway and spots an unused Pelican.
* Director_Church runs immediately to the Pelican.
* FILSS locks down the hangar bay.
<Director_Church> Damn you, FILSS.
<FILSS> (COM) He is trapped in hangar bay three.
* Agent_Virginia makes it to the hangar
* FILSS opens the doors for Min and Virg.
* Director_Church turns around to see Minnesota and Virginia.
* Director_Church takes cover behind the Pelican and opens fire on them.
<Agent_Virginia> You have caused me uncountable troubles these past few weeks.
<Director_Church> Ironic, isn't it, Agent Virginia?
<Agent_Minnesota> Virg.
<Agent_Virginia> I'm not going to kill you...yet
<Agent_Minnesota> Virg!
* Director_Church ducks back into cover and reloads.
* Director_Church opens fire on Minnesota this time.
<Agent_Minnesota> Fuck.
<Agent_Virginia> Son of a bitch!!
* Agent_Minnesota takes cover.
<Agent_Minnesota> Fuck you, Director.
<Agent_Minnesota> I don't have time for your stupid bullshit.
* Director_Church shifts fire to Virginia.
<Director_Church> Then open the hangar doors and no one will get hurt.
<Agent_Virginia> We're not the ones who are going to get hurt!
* Agent_Minnesota brings up his Spartan laser and charges it.
<Agent_Minnesota> (COM) Virg, Rocket Launcher!
* Agent_Virginia takes aim at the Pelican and fires a rocket.
* Agent_Minnesota splasers the Pelican right when the rocket impacts.
<Director_Church> Ugh!
* Director_Church is thrown back and onto the floor.
<Agent_Minnesota> Phew.
* Director_Church fumbles to grab his assault rifle.
* Agent_Minnesota runs forward and grabs the Director.
* Director_Church struggles but can't break free.
<Agent_Minnesota> I'll take him back to the detention block, Virg. You go find Tex.
<Agent_Virginia> Got it.
* Agent_Virginia runs off.
* Agent_Minnesota drags the director away from the hangar.
<Agent_Minnesota> Don't bother trying to argue with me.
<Agent_Minnesota> Get chatty and I'll put a bullet in your mouth.
* Gamma_AI opens the doors.
* Agent_Wyoming steps forward cautiously. "Knock knock, Tex."
* Agent_Texas activates manual control of the Mother of Invention, sending it plummetting straight down towards the surface of the planet.
* Agent_Texas turns around, indifferent to the shifting gravity on the ship.
* Agent_Wyoming grabs a hold of the side of the door.
<Gamma_AI> Impact in thirteen minutes.
* Agent_Texas raises her SMGs.
<Agent_Texas> Wash decided to get right to it.
<Agent_Texas> So you'll excuse me if I don't stop to chat.
<Agent_Wyoming> Damn!
* Agent_Texas opens fire on Wyoming, breaking into a run as she does so.
* Agent_Wyoming swings from the doorframe.
<Gamma_AI> Wyoming, you need to stop the ship's descent.
<Agent_Wyoming> Can't you get access, Gamma?
* Agent_Wyoming catches himself on the angled floor, firing several paintballs at Tex.
* Agent_Texas dodges the fired rounds.
<Agent_Texas> Are you really doing it like this?
<Agent_Texas> Because that didn't work out so well for you last time.
* Agent_Wyoming grits his teeth.
<Gamma_AI> I need you to insert me into the ship.
<Agent_Wyoming> Alright.
* Agent_Texas lands several hits on Wyoming.
<Agent_Texas> You're getting slower, Wyoming.
* Agent_Wyoming jumps back, then right at Tex.
* Agent_Texas runs across the viewport, which is now the floor.
* Agent_Texas slugs Wyoming hard in the face, using his own momentum against him.
* Agent_Wyoming 's hologram fades, and Wyoming is revealed completing his leap to the controls, inserting Gamma.
<Agent_Texas> Why are you even trying to stop me?
<Agent_Texas> I thought you didn't like the UNSC.
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't.
* Gamma_AI begins to take back control of the Mother of Invention.
* Agent_Texas fires on the real Wyoming.
<Agent_Texas> You know, someone else used that same trick against me before.
<Agent_Texas> She's dead now.
* Agent_Wyoming ducks behind the console as the ship begins to right itsef.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'm well aware. However . . .
* Agent_Wyoming springs up with his sniper rifle, firing a dart that sticks to the back of Tex's armor.
<Agent_Wyoming> That's a new one.
<Agent_Wyoming> Gamma, now!
<Agent_Texas> What...
* Gamma_AI activates the dart.
* Agent_Wyoming rolls, hoping Gamma can take on Tex at electronic warfare.
* Agent_Texas is momentarily puzzled, and then resumes opening fire at Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> At least buy me a little time.
<Agent_Texas> Sorry, but a certain engineer made a few tweaks.
* Gamma_AI seals off the doors.
* Agent_Texas activates a grenade and kicks it at the doors, jamming it right before it closes.
* Agent_Texas waits for the grenade to explode and body-slams right through the damaged doors.
* Agent_Texas throws one of the doors at Wyoming.
* Agent_Wyoming rolls behind a desk, reloading the sidearm.
<Agent_Texas> I'm on a tight schedule, so don't try to stop me.
* Agent_Texas turns and runs.
* Agent_Wyoming throws himself to the floor, and watches as Texas leaves, catching his breath.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sorry, Gamma. I guess a fragment can't take on a full AI.
* Agent_Texas sees UNSC personnel flooding the hallway, and immediately opens fire on them.
<Agent_Texas> You guys just don't give up.
* Agent_Texas cuts them down one by one.
* Agent_Texas kills every one of the UNSC soldiers, turns a corner and spots Minnesota.
<Agent_Minnesota> Fuck.
<Agent_Texas> Alright, this time I'll ask.
<Agent_Texas> Easy way or hard way?
<Agent_Minnesota> Easy.
<Agent_Texas> Thought so.
* Agent_Texas grabs Minnesota, slams his head into the wall, and knocks him out.
* Agent_Texas keeps running.
* Agent_Minnesota passes out.
* Agent_Wyoming begins typing in at the console as Gamma retires, bringing FILSS back online.
* FILSS (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to FILSS
<Gamma_AI> She is damaged.
<Agent_Wyoming> Badly?
<Gamma_AI> Yes.
<Agent_Wyoming> Can she be fixed?
<FILSS> A-l-l-al-alarm-in-sion-secto-
<Agent_Wyoming> Well that's a bad sign.
<Gamma_AI> We will require professional assistance.
<Agent_Wyoming> What did Tex do to her?
<Gamma_AI> I don't know.
<Agent_Wyoming> Hmm . . . Mich is more hardware oriented. Maybe York, or Missouri, even.
* Agent_Texas enters the operations room and sees Michigan there.
* Agent_Texas raises her SMGs.
<Agent_Texas> Easy or hard?
<Agent_Michigan> Hmm...
<Agent_Texas> I'll take that as hard.
* Agent_Texas opens fire on Mich.
* Agent_Michigan aims ARC-920 railgun
* Agent_Michigan fires
* Agent_Texas ducks under the operations holo projector.
* Agent_Texas vaults over, and shoots Mich three times in the chest.
<Agent_Michigan> Ow!
* Agent_Texas dashes across the projector and grabs Mich's railgun, twisting it so hard it nearly snaps
*Agent_Texas plants a hard kick on Mich's torso.
* Agent_Michigan shoots Tex at point-blank
* Agent_Texas grabs Mich and slams his face into the edge of the holoprojector so hard his visor shatters.
* Agent_Texas throws the unconscious Michigan aside.
* Agent_Texas exits the operations room, reloading her guns again.
* Agent_Wyoming leaves the bridge.
<Gamma_AI> (COM) I must stay in the system and keep the Mother of Invention on course.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) And look after FILSS, will you?
<Gamma_AI> (COM) Okay.
<Gamma_AI> (COM) Agent Texas has just left the operations centre.
* Agent_Wyoming continues down the corridor.
<Agent_Wyoming> Lock down the hangars.
<Gamma_AI> Hangars locked.
* Agent_Michigan comes to and gets up slowly
<Agent_Michigan> Knew automated stimulants would be useful.
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't want her dead, but I don't want her to leave.
* Agent_Wyoming stops suddenly.
<Agent_Wyoming> Just like . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> South.
* Agent_Texas deliberately avoids the barracks and cuts around another route.
* Agent_Wyoming shoulders rifle, and continues.
* Agent_Texas moves through the bowels of the ship, where there are fewer crew present.
* Agent_Wyoming runs parallel several floors above.
* Agent_Texas finds a power terminal and uses Alpha's clearance codes to shut down the power on the entire ship, preventing any doors from being opened.
* Agent_Wyoming looks up as the lights go out, and activates his thermal vision.
<Agent_Wyoming> This could get interesting.
<Agent_Wyoming> Let's see if Tex's circuits run just as hot as a human's veins.
<Agent_Michigan> Now, the ARC-92... Oh.
* Agent_Michigan notices Tex bent it
<Agent_Michigan> That [CENSOR BEEP] broke my railgun!
* Agent_Texas continues to move through the ship, easily breaking through any doors that are in her way.
* Agent_Wyoming reaches a service ladder and hearing the sound of metal breaking metal below, slides down the side of it.
<Gamma_AI> (COM) Alpha's clearance codes are above my own, I'm afraid.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) She's got the Alpha's clearance.
* Agent_Texas turns at the sound of movement.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Wonder—
<Agent_Wyoming> Texas.
* Agent_Texas opens fire on Wyoming, the gun flares lighting up the dark.
<Agent_Texas> You should leave before I have to kill you.
* Agent_Wyoming rolls behind a bulkhead.
<Agent_Texas> Careful. There are a lot of delicate parts in this ship.
<Agent_Texas> If I shoot too many of them, we could all go without air.
<Agent_Texas> And I'm the only one that doesn't need it.
<Agent_Texas> So why don't you get out of here before I have to break something?
<Agent_Wyoming> True. But what do you need?
<Agent_Texas> That's none of your business.
<Agent_Wyoming> Is it Metastability?
<Agent_Wyoming> Because that's my guess.
* Agent_Texas keeps Wyoming suppressed, edging towards the service ladder.
* Agent_Wyoming dares to return fire with the paintball gun.
* Agent_Texas dodges the shots, shooting Wyoming in the wrist.
<Agent_Wyoming> Argh . . .
* Agent_Wyoming fires on the ladder, coating it with paint before he drops his weapon.
<Agent_Texas> Sorry, I'm using live rounds.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yeah, I s'pose that's fair enough.
<Agent_Texas> Payback's a bitch, huh.
<Agent_Wyoming> Montana never got hers.
* Agent_Texas looks to see that the ladder is covered in paint now.
<Agent_Texas> What?
* Agent_Wyoming steps out of cover, unarmed, facing Texas for this.
<Agent_Wyoming> I blame you for Mont's death.
<Agent_Texas> Montana's dead?
<Agent_Wyoming> Killed by Ulan, because she was chasing after you.
<Agent_Texas> Well, that's a shame.
<Agent_Texas> But I didn't ask her to go looking for me.
<Agent_Texas> I didn't ask any of you.
<Agent_Wyoming> What did you expect? What else could she, could any of us have done?
<Agent_Wyoming> You had to have known.
<Agent_Texas> No, I didn't.
<Agent_Texas> Know why that is?
<Agent_Texas> I'm not like the rest of you.
<Agent_Texas> At least, not yet.
<Agent_Wyoming> You could have asked for help, Tex.
<Agent_Wyoming> Or can't you do that?
<Agent_Texas> I don't need your help.
<Agent_Texas> Why don't you just run off like you always wanted to?
<Agent_Wyoming> That's just it, Tex.
<Agent_Wyoming> I couldn't.
<Agent_Wyoming> I tried, but when I saw the others in danger, I just couldn't leave them.
<Agent_Texas> Finally realized where your fight was at?
<Agent_Texas> Took you long enough.
<Agent_Wyoming> That's what I'm talking about. We won't, we can't leave you.
<Agent_Texas> You don't have to. You just need to stay out of my way.
<Agent_Wyoming> Just tell me why.
<Agent_Texas> You won't understand.
<Agent_Texas> You don't know what it's like to be me.
<Agent_Wyoming> Because we'll get hurt?
<Agent_Wyoming> We've already been hurt.
<Agent_Wyoming> And beaten, and bruised.
<Agent_Wyoming> And killed.
<Agent_Wyoming> But we're still here.
* Agent_Michigan looks around, then finds the ladder
<Agent_Texas> You think it's that simple?
<Agent_Texas> You'll never understand.
<Agent_Wyoming> Then make me understand.
* Agent_Michigan hears the voices echo
* Agent_Texas activates a grenade and tosses it at a nearby power core.
<Agent_Wyoming> Damn!
* Agent_Texas doesn't even flinch as the explosion sets off a dozen more and rocks the ship.
* Agent_Michigan staggers from the explosions
<Agent_Texas> There, I'll make you understand.
* Agent_Wyoming rolls out of the way.
<Agent_Texas> Save the ship or stop me.
<Agent_Texas> Your call.
* Agent_Texas grabs the ladder's slippery rungs and vaults up, with just a little difficulty.
* Agent_Wyoming stares at emergency lights, still dull without the power.
* Agent_Wyoming shakes his head and gets to work as best he can.
* Agent_Texas jumps off at the top of the ladder and sees at the top Michigan.
<Agent_Texas> You really want to die, don't you?
<Agent_Michigan> Not really.
<Agent_Texas> Then why don't you stay down!
* Agent_Texas leaps at Michigan.
* Agent_Michigan dodges
* Agent_Texas comes up firing, landing two bullets in his thigh.
<Agent_Michigan> Ow.
* Agent_Texas spins and kicks Michigan in the face, sending him to the floor.
* Agent_Michigan shoots Tex with his Spiker
* Agent_Texas stamps her foot down on Mich's wrist, forcing the gun to point away.
* Agent_Texas grabs the Spiker and points its barrel right at his shattered visor.
<Agent_Texas> Stay away from me. Or I will kill you.
* Agent_Texas picks up Michigan and throws him down the ladder shaft, where Wyoming is fixing the ship's systems.
* Agent_Texas runs out of the room.
* Agent_Texas notices the absence of UNSC forces prowling the hallways.
<Agent_Texas> Going to save a few lives, huh. Smart.
* Agent_Texas turns another hallway and sees Virginia.
* Agent_Texas growls.
<Agent_Texas> I've had enough of this.
* Agent_Texas runs straight at Virginia, SMGs blazing.
<Agent_Virginia> Shit!
* Agent_Virginia takes cover.
* Agent_Texas keeps up the fire, quickly closing the distance between them.
* Agent_Minnesota starts to come to.
<Agent_Minnesota> Oh, my head...
* Agent_Texas trips Virginia with one sweep and grabs onto his foot.
<Agent_Virginia> Fuck!
* Agent_Texas falcon-punches Virginia hard in the crotch, sending him flying into the floor.
<Agent_Virginia> Ahhhhhhh!
* Agent_Texas kicks Virginia away, sending him sliding down the corridor.
* Agent_Wyoming walks over to a solid bulkhead, punching it.
* Agent_Virginia stands up slowly, just in time to block one of Tex's punches
* Agent_Texas grabs Virginia's face and slams it into the wall.
* Agent_Virginia kicks Tex while she shoves him into the wall
* Agent_Texas grabs Virginia's foot and throws his entire body into the wall this time.
* Agent_Texas grabs Virginia by the neck, and kicks him in the crotch so hard he flies into the ceiling.
* Agent_Carolina stands guard by the Epsilon unit, watching the fight play out via her HUD uplink to security feeds.
* Agent_Texas runs off.
* Agent_Carolina curses to herself.
<Agent_Carolina> Dammit... I should be out there with them...
<Counsellor> Agent Carolina, I understand you are stressed.
<Counsellor> But ONI wants you guarding Epsilon in case Agent Texas slips by them.
<Agent_Carolina> ... stressed.
<Agent_Carolina> You have a funny way of putting it.
* Agent_Carolina sighs explosively, her BR at the ready.
* Agent_Virginia walk-runs in the direction that Tex took
<Counsellor> Agent Minnesota was successful in halting the director's escape.
<Counsellor> And Agent Wyoming managed to prevent the ship from crashing into the planet.
<Counsellor> Agent Michigan disabled the bomb in the engine core room.
<Counsellor> I think they have it handled well.
<Agent_Carolina> But Tex is still coming, isn't she?
<Epsilon_AI> They're just distractions, Counsellor.
<Epsilon_AI> I can tell Tex doesn't intend for harm to come to any of them.
<Epsilon_AI> Although she did kill the entire bridge crew and multiple UNSC soldiers.
<Counsellor> Yes, Texas will inevitably make her way through the others.
* Agent_Minnesota gets up and gets moving.
* Agent_Minnesota runs up, stopping Tex from going any further.
* Agent_Texas sees Minnesota at the end of the hallway.
* Agent_Texas hears Virginia turn the corner at the opposite end of the hall.
<Agent_Texas> I did warn you.
* Agent_Virginia puts his hands up
<Agent_Virginia> Tex...just wait a minute.
<Agent_Texas> I don't have a minute.
<Agent_Virginia> I just want to know, before you kick the shit out if me, why are you doing this?
<Agent_Texas> It's None. Of. Your. Business.
<Agent_Texas> Now back off. Or I might accidentally kill the both of you.
<Agent_Virginia> Is it Epsilon you want?
* Agent_Carolina shifts her weight uneasily as the feeds continue to come in.
<Agent_Texas> Turn around, walk away, if you know what's good for you.
<Epsilon_AI> Counsellor, Tex is unstable.
<Epsilon_AI> Maybe it will be better if we do help her reach the final phase.
<Counsellor> We will see, Epsilon.
* Agent_Texas stares down Min and Virg.
<Agent_Virginia> If it is I don't give a flying fuck about it, take it if you want, but why did you have to hurt your friends to get it?
<Agent_Texas> Because you're in my way.
<Agent_Texas> So what's it going to be?
<Agent_Texas> Are you going to keep trying to stop me?
<Agent_Minnesota> I'd rather not.
<Agent_Minnesota> But I will if needed.
* Agent_Texas glares at Minnesota.
<Agent_Virginia> I don't care if you take the damn thing.
<Agent_Texas> Last chance.
<Agent_Texas> Turn around right now, or I'll kill you both.
<Agent_Minnesota> What is it, even?
<Agent_Minnesota> Tell me first.
<Agent_Texas> No.
* Agent_Texas slowly walks closer to Minnesota.
* Agent_Minnesota growls and steps aside.
<Agent_Minnesota> We've lost the battle but not the war.
* Agent_Texas moves to shove past Minnesota.
<Agent_Virginia> (To Minnesota) You know what? I'm tired of all this cryptic bullshit.
<Agent_Minnesota> So am I.
<Agent_Virginia> I'm getting answers, whether it kills me or not.
<Agent_Minnesota> But I like being alive.
<Agent_Virginia> Then you stay, but I'm going.
* Agent_Virginia walks off after Tex
<Agent_Virginia> (To Minnesota) If I don't come back...keep the hell was from my locker.
* Agent_Texas hears Virginia coming down the hallway.
* Agent_Texas stops and turns to see him on the opposite end.
<Agent_Texas> Stay where you are, Virginia.
<Agent_Texas> I'm not going to repeat myself.
<Agent_Virginia> Look, I'm not here to stop you
<Agent_Texas> I don't care.
<Agent_Virginia> I just want answers, I'll leave after that
* Agent_Minnesota blasts at Tex with his Splaser from the doorway, grazing her.
<Agent_Texas> Agh!
* Agent_Texas staggers upward.
* Agent_Minnesota takes cover,
<Agent_Minnesota> Leave him alone.
<Agent_Texas> Your mistake, Minnesota.
<Agent_Texas> Your last one.
* Agent_Texas detonates the charges she planted on the walls and ceiling, consuming Minnesota in a dozen yellow-white explosions.
<Agent_Virginia> Noo!
* Agent_Virginia punches at Tex
* Agent_Texas grabs Virginia and flips him over her head.
<Agent_Texas> I'd stay to see if Minnesota is still alive, if I were you.
<Agent_Texas> It doesn't look like it, but you never know.
* Agent_Texas runs off.
* Agent_Carolina mutters expletives under her breath, growing ever more agitated.
* Agent_Texas sees more UNSC patrols on approach, and ducks into a lower level.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Mich, Virg. Anyone read me?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Where's Texas?
* Agent_Virginia picks up Minnesota, and carries him toward recovery.
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) Wyoming, Tex got past us, she's heading for Epsilon!
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) Min is in critical condition, but he's alive
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) I'm taking him to medical
* Agent_Texas reaches engineering B and notices something.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Right. Carolina, that means she's headed your way. Stand by.
* Agent_Texas uses Alpha's codes to deactivate the gravity.
* Counsellor is alarmed that the gravity is off, and holds onto the door frame.
<Epsilon_AI> This isn't good.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Or . . . drift. By.
* Agent_Virginia starts floating with Minnesota.
<Agent_Virginia> Well...this makes it easier
* Agent_Texas moves airborne through the corridors guns, ready.
<Agent_Texas> Okay. Not far now.
* Agent_Carolina floats casually, checking her ammo as if bored.
<Agent_Carolina> Finally.
* Agent_Virginia floats Minnesota into recovery, leaving him with the medics.
<Agent_Virginia> You'll be ok...I'm gonna go get the bitch for sure, no one hurts Minnesota and gets away with it...except me
<Agent_Carolina> Word of advice, Counsellor... don't get in the way.
* Counsellor enters his sealed quarters and locks down the doors.
<Counsellor> I'll keep my head down.
<Agent_Carolina> Just stay right there.
<Agent_Michigan> Oof!
* Agent_Wyoming spins at the sound, expecting Texas back.
<Agent_Michigan> Hey, Wyoming. Ow...
<Agent_Wyoming> Mich?
* Agent_Wyoming runs over to help him up.
<Agent_Michigan> Thanks.
<Agent_Wyoming> Come on, chap. Work to do.
<Agent_Wyoming> Tex sabotaged one of our power cores. Have to fix it before we can get power back.
* Agent_Michigan sees the damage
<Agent_Wyoming> And we'd best do it quickly. We're in the reach of the planet's gravity.
<Agent_Michigan> I can fix this.
* Agent_Michigan gets to work
* Agent_Wyoming stands back, giving Mich room.
<Agent_Wyoming> Why can't she listen?
<Agent_Michigan> Could you flip that switch, please?
* Agent_Wyoming reaches over and toggles the switch.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'm angry. I'm actually angry I couldn't leave.
<Agent_Wyoming> Honest, Mich, I'd rather you'd all stay safe. Tex most of all.
* Agent_Michigan watches the main power return to life
* Agent_Wyoming looks up as the lights return.
<Agent_Wyoming> Good job.
<Agent_Michigan> Thanks.
* Agent_Wyoming climbs the ladder, following Tex's path to find Min.
* Agent_Michigan pulls his broken railgun off his back
<Agent_Wyoming> Mich, where are Min and Virg?
* Agent_Michigan fixes his railgun
* Agent_Michigan removes his helmet, presses a button, and watches the nano-fibers repair themselves
<Agent_Wyoming> Mich, find Min and Virg if you can. I'm going to find Wash.
<Agent_Michigan> One minute...
* Agent_Wyoming heads off towards hangar three, leaving Michigan behind.
* Agent_Michigan uses more nano-fibers to strengthen his armor
* Agent_Wyoming enters hangar three. He spots his fallen rifle, and jogs over to retrieve it.
<Agent_Wyoming> Agent-Washington? You still alive, lad?
* Agent_Wyoming locks Her Majesty over his back, checks the adjacent hallway FILSS mentioned.
* Agent_Wyoming spots Agent-Washington, knocked senseless and leaned against a wall.
* Agent_Wyoming slaps Agent-Washington's helmet lightly.
<Agent_Wyoming> Come on, lad.
<Agent_Wyoming> No time for snoozing.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I've got Washington. Poor lad's out cold.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Tex looks to have done a number on him, his armor's dented.
<Agent_Wyoming> Sorry, Wash, but it's not serious enough for a detour to medbay to be worth it. You'll have to just sit nearby.
* Agent_Wyoming throws one of Washington's arms around his shoulder, and proceeds very slowly towards the bridge.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Mich, Virg. Anyone read me?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Where's Texas?
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) Wyoming, Tex got past us, she's heading for Epsilon!
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) Min is in critical condition, but he's alive
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) I'm taking him to medical
* Agent_Wyoming curses.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Right. Carolina, that means she's headed your way. Stand by.
* Agent_Texas uses Alpha's codes to deactivate the gravity.
* Agent_Wyoming and Agent-Washington are suddenly floating.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Or . . . drift. By.
* Agent_Wyoming targets a protrusion of the wall, and grabbing the aimlessly floating Agent-Washington, grabs on as he gets close enough.
* Agent_Texas grabs onto the corner of a hallway, and turns the corner.
* Agent_Texas spots Carolina at the end of the hallway, standing in front of the doors to the counsellor's quarters.
<Agent_Carolina> Hello, Texas.
<Agent_Texas> I'm guessing you're not going to let me pass.
<Agent_Carolina> Correct.
* Agent_Carolina slowly latches her rifle onto her back.
<Agent_Carolina> We don't have to do this.
<Agent_Texas> You're right. We don't.
<Agent_Texas> Step aside.
<Agent_Carolina> That wasn't what I meant.
<Agent_Carolina> Do you have any idea what you're doing?
<Agent_Carolina> Who you just hurt? Killed?
<Agent_Texas> I've nearly killed a Freelancer just now, and I'm not going to cross that line if I don't have to.
<Agent_Texas> I know perfectly well what I'm doing.
<Agent_Texas> If the others stayed out of my way, no one would have gotten hurt.
<Agent_Carolina> I know how it feels to want something so badly... you stop caring who you hurt along the way.
* Agent_Texas is walking across the hallway towards Carolina via the wall.
<Agent_Carolina> You have to let go, Texas!
<Agent_Texas> Yeah?
<Agent_Texas> What would you know about that?
<Agent_Carolina> I wanted to be number one, and you know damn well what nearly happened because of me.
* Agent_Texas scoffs.
<Agent_Texas> Every one of you have something I don't.
<Agent_Texas> And I'm trying to get it.
<Agent_Texas> You...you have everything I don't, and you know that.
<Agent_Carolina> But you don't have to get it this way.
<Agent_Texas> You have York.
<Agent_Texas> What do I have?
<Agent_Texas> Alpha is gone.
<Agent_Texas> You have your humanity.
<Agent_Texas> Everything you got, you worked for.
<Agent_Texas> What am I?
<Agent_Texas> I'm a shadow. A memory.
<Agent_Texas> And I'm not going to just live like that.
<Agent_Texas> And you're not based on failure.
<Agent_Texas> Once I get this, that won't be a problem for me anymore.
<Agent_Texas> So if you really understand, don't try to stop me.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm sorry, Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> But I can't let you take Epsilon.
<Agent_Texas> Why? Has the UNSC brainwashed you while I was gone?
<Agent_Carolina> Not because the ONI told me to do this.
<Agent_Carolina> You're not ready.
<Agent_Carolina> And you need to stand down.
<Agent_Texas> Oh, I'll show you how ready I am.
* Agent_Texas snaps up her SMGs.
* Agent_Carolina whips out her battle rifle.
* Agent_Texas fires at Carolina with both SMGs, running along the wall as she does so.
* Agent_Carolina evades fire, vaulting and soaring through the air, firing off a short burst with her BR.
* Agent_Texas backflips over the wall, and vaults at Carolina, still firing.
* Agent_Carolina twists in midair, bullets whizzing past her neck and helmet, and curls to avoid the spray.
* Agent_Texas is now very close to Carolina, and kicks her back.
* Agent_Texas swiftly reloads her SMGs, and raises them right as Carolina touches the ceiling.
* Agent_Carolina pushes off the ceiling and slams into Texas.
* Agent_Texas grabs Carolina and spins to switch their positions.
* Agent_Texas pins Carolina to the floor.
* Agent_Carolina uses the butt of her BR to bludgeon Tex's helmet.
<Agent_Texas> Ugh!
* Agent_Texas is sent back, floating in the air.
* Agent_Texas pulls up her SMGs, firing at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina scoots along the floor and shoots up toward the ceiling, then ditches the BR in favor of her grappling gun.
* Agent_Texas 's SMGs click empty, and discards the guns.
* Agent_Carolina fires the grapple at Texas.
* Agent_Texas spins to avoid the grapple, but ends up drifting out of control.
* Agent_Texas fumbles and plants one foot on a wall.
* Agent_Carolina lunges forward and sails past Texas, using the grapple line like a lasso, tangling her.
* Agent_Texas grabs at the grapple line, trying to wrest free.
* Agent_Texas grabs onto the end of the grapple hook and flings it at Carolina's face.
* Agent_Carolina pushes back but can't avoid the projectile, which clashes with her faceplate and sends her flying.
* Agent_Texas puts both feet on the wall and lunges at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina pushes off the opposite wall and lunges as well, crashing into Texas and hitting her repeatedly.
* Agent_Texas tries to dodge the attacks but has some difficulty in the zero-gee.
* Agent_Texas grabs Carolina's wrist and uses her grip to pivot around her.
* Agent_Texas kicks Carolina in the back, sending her flying to the side.
<Agent_Texas> You know that won't hurt me.
* Agent_Carolina slams into the wall and her helmet drifts away. Some blood runs from her nose and the fine droplets hang in midair as she turns to look at Texas.
* Agent_Michigan floats past the gravity switch and flips it, landing ungracefully on his back
* Agent_Texas lands suddenly on the floor.
<Agent_Texas> Damn.
* Agent_Carolina drops to the floor as well, grunting as she catches herself.
<Agent_Carolina> You... you know we took hits for you, right?
<Agent_Texas> So Wyoming tells me.
* Agent_Carolina gets to her feet and spits out some blood, wiping her nose with the back of her right gauntlet.
<Agent_Carolina> You know how Indy went, right?
<Agent_Carolina> Decapitation.
<Agent_Carolina> Head lopped off by some... rebel fuck...
* Agent_Carolina remains still in a defensive posture, making no move to attack.
<Agent_Carolina> And... and Mont, you know, you're not the only one who's lost someone you love.
<Agent_Carolina> She died telling North she loved him!
<Agent_Texas> I never asked for any of you to come looking for me.
<Agent_Texas> So don't try to guilt-trip me because they decided to put themselves in the line of fire.
<Agent_Carolina> So what if you didn't ask?
<Agent_Carolina> We're your friends, Texas!
<Agent_Carolina> You're not supposed to ask friends to have your back!
<Agent_Carolina> They just do it.
<Agent_Texas> Haven't you figured it out? You get in my way, you get hurt!
<Agent_Texas> That's just how it is.
<Agent_Texas> That's how it's always going to be until you let me take Epsilon.
* Agent_Carolina points accusingly at Tex.
<Agent_Carolina> Who are you doing this for, Texas?
<Agent_Carolina> Because right now, the only person getting any benefit is you.
<Agent_Texas> I knew that from the beginning.
<Agent_Texas> But that's just it.
<Agent_Texas> None of you had to try and stop me.
<Agent_Texas> Because it's not about you.
<Agent_Carolina> Has it ever occurred to you that we're trying to stop you because we care about you?
* Agent_Texas laughs humourlessly.
<Agent_Texas> Sure.
<Agent_Texas> It seems everyone knows what's best for me.
<Agent_Texas> Everyone but myself, that is.
<Agent_Texas> Just let me exist as this...shadow for the rest of my life.
<Agent_Carolina> You know what?
<Agent_Carolina> You sound exactly like South right now.
<Agent_Texas> Well, I know what I'm going to do.
<Agent_Texas> And you'll never understand what it's like to be me.
<Agent_Carolina> You're right. I won't.
<Agent_Carolina> But that doesn't mean I'll let you ruin yourself.
<Agent_Texas> You'll never know what it's like to try so hard, only to fail at the last second.
* Agent_Carolina reaches up and unsheathes her katana.
* Agent_Texas draws her combat knife.
<Agent_Texas> You know why I took the credit for the briefcase on that mission?
<Agent_Texas> Because you were faster than me.
<Agent_Texas> I admit it.
<Agent_Texas> You were only human, and despite everything the director did to make me the best, you got to that ODST before I did.
<Agent_Texas> And I wasn't going to let myself fail that time.
* Agent_Carolina closes her eyes, then opens them with a determined scowl.
<Agent_Carolina> I thought we left all that behind.
<Agent_Carolina> Guess I was wrong.
<Agent_Texas> You were always so busy thinking about how I was better than you.
<Agent_Texas> You never realized it, did you?
<Agent_Texas> I'm not better than you.
<Agent_Texas> And I'll never be, not until Epsilon gives me what I need.
* Agent_Carolina gestures with her sword, angry.
<Agent_Carolina> Do you think any of this would have been possible without you?
<Agent_Carolina> We fought the Director. We won. Because we had you!
<Agent_Texas> No, Carolina.
<Agent_Texas> I couldn't get the director. You did.
<Agent_Texas> I couldn't save Alpha.
<Agent_Texas> I couldn't get that damn engineer.
<Agent_Texas> I'm the failure here.
<Agent_Texas> And I'm sick and tired of failing no matter how hard I try!
* Agent_Carolina shakes her head.
<Agent_Carolina> And what makes you think you won't fail now?
<Agent_Texas> I've bested you before.
<Agent_Texas> Maybe I had to go to some lengths to do it.
<Agent_Texas> But I've done it.
<Agent_Texas> So...I can do it again.
* Agent_Carolina gives a curt nod.
* Agent_Texas charges at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina gives a cry and rushes at Texas, sword raised.
* Agent_Texas slashes at Carolina with the combat knife, weaving to avoid her katana.
* Agent_Carolina notes how brutal Tex's attacks are and combats them with sheer speed, moving at a dizzying rate to avoid the slashes and attempt her own attacks.
* Agent_Texas takes a few cuts but doesn't even flinch.
* Agent_Carolina ducks in and out, chipping away at Tex's armor.
* Agent_Texas blocks some some hits but takes others, trying to land some strikes on Carolina but is blocked.
* Agent_Carolina makes a low slash and catches Tex in the leg.
* Agent_Texas staggers from the force of the blow, and barely manages to block Carolina's second attack.
* Agent_Texas sweeps at Carolina's feet to unbalance her.
* Agent_Carolina jumps over the sweep and slashes downward.
* Agent_Texas rolls aside, and grabs Carolina's wrist.
* Agent_Carolina twists out of Tex's grip and turns, slashing her across the chest.
<Agent_Texas> Ugh!
* Agent_Texas recovers and shifts her grip, holding the combat knife like a short sword.
* Agent_Carolina lunges at Tex and barrages her with swings.
* Agent_Texas parries one strike with the combat knife, takes two more, and swipes hard, making a shallow but long cut on Carolina's cheek.
<Agent_Carolina> Argh!
* Agent_Texas uses the opportunity to thrust the katana back and make a slash at Carolina's throat.
* Agent_Carolina ducks a swing and retreats a few steps as Tex stabs at her.
* Agent_Texas flips the knife's hilt over and stabs downward.
* Agent_Carolina releases one hand from the katana and uses it to brace against Tex's knife hand, shaking slightly as she tries to force the knife away.
* Agent_Carolina looks up at Texas, brow knitted and sweat beading on her face.
* Agent_Texas kicks Carolina in the side, knocking her off her feet.
* Agent_Carolina hits the floor, then looks up at Texas, a bruise now welling on her left cheek.
* Agent_Texas leaps at Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina somersaults and, upon coming up from the roll, points the sword straight up at the incoming Tex.
* Agent_Texas takes the sword straight through the chest.
<Agent_Texas> Ugh!
* Agent_Texas rolls, with the blade still embedded through her armour.
<Agent_Texas> That's one strong blade you've got there.
* Agent_Carolina growls as her arms are jerked, refusing to let go.
* Agent_Texas punches Carolina repeatedly in the stomach, trying to loosen her grip.
* Agent_Carolina keeps her right hand around the sword in a death grip and uses the other one to try and deflect Tex's blows, but fails to block the strong ones.
<Agent_Carolina> Ugh!
* Agent_Texas whips out her combat knife and stabs Carolina in the back of the hand holding the katana.
<Agent_Carolina> Aagh!!
* Agent_Texas pushes Carolina off her.
* Agent_Carolina lurches back and looks in horror at her hand, now bleeding and for all purposes, useless.
* Agent_Texas yanks the blade out of her chest and stands up.
<Agent_Texas> Let's see if I can use this better than you can.
* Agent_Carolina tilts her head slightly, hissing from the pain.
<Agent_Carolina> Can you kill me, Texas?
* Agent_Texas pauses.
<Agent_Texas> Walk away, Carolina. And I won't have to.
<Agent_Carolina> Or maybe I should ask: will you be able to live with yourself once you find what you're looking for.
<Agent_Carolina> Indy, Mont... being a whole person means you feel things, Tex.
<Agent_Carolina> Like regret.
* Agent_Carolina pauses and grits her teeth as her hand throbs.
<Agent_Texas> Maybe I'll know what that's like when I get there.
* Agent_Carolina discreetly draws an M6C with her good hand, but does not raise it to fire.
* Agent_Virginia readies his weapons, just in case
<Agent_Carolina> One of us has to do the right thing.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm not walking away.
<Agent_Texas> Your choice, not mine.
* Agent_Texas raises the katana.
* Agent_Carolina sighs, then brings the pistol up lightning-fast and shoots at Tex's head.
<Agent_Texas> Agh!
* Agent_Texas stumbles back, dropping the katana.
* Agent_Carolina puts another bullet through Tex's middle.
<Agent_Texas> Ugh.
* Agent_Virginia hears the gunshots
* Agent_Texas slams into the wall from the force of the bullet.
* Agent_Carolina has a steely expression, but her eyes are wet.
* Agent_Carolina walks forward and shoots again, through Tex's right arm.
* Agent_Texas tries to get the damagedsystems in her helmet working, but is having trouble.
* Agent_Texas stumbles around as if blinded by the shot.
* Agent_Texas fumbles for her combat knife, which is lying on the ground.
* Agent_Carolina clips the pistol to her thigh and leans down painfully, picking up her sword.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm sorry.
* Agent_Texas makes a wild swing at Carolina, but is very off-balance.
* Agent_Carolina plunges the sword through Tex's back, all the way up through her "throat."
* Agent_Texas jerks and slumps, going still without a sound.
<Agent_Wyoming> Agent-Washington; Steady there, mate.
<Agent-Washington> Ugh
<Agent_Wyoming> Tex gave you a bit of a hit. How do you feel?
<Agent-Washington> What....
<Agent-Washington> What's going on?
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, the gravity's been fluctuating a bit. And Tex is back.
<Agent-Washington> I noticed.
<Agent_Wyoming> Where'd she hit you?
<Agent-Washington> The head...
<Agent_Wyoming> Right. Think it warrants a detour to sickbay or not? Tex is still here, you know.
<Agent-Washington> I think I'll survive.
<Agent_Wyoming> That's a good lad. On your feet, then.
* Agent-Washington struggles up.
<Agent-Washington> You got a rifle?
* Agent_Wyoming checks his side, and chuckles humourlessly.
<Agent_Wyoming> Only a paintball gun.
* Agent_Wyoming offers Washington the paint-loaded sidearm.
<Agent-Washington> What's this?
<Agent_Wyoming> I don't want to see her hurt anymore than she has been.
<Agent-Washington> Wyoming...
* Agent_Michigan and Agent_Virginia find Agent_Wyoming
<Agent-Washington> If we're going to stop her, we need to shoot to kill.
<Agent_Wyoming> Maybe. So are you in?
<Agent-Washington> I'm coming.
* Agent_Wyoming pulls Agent-Washington to his feet.
<Agent_Wyoming> Mich, Virg.
<Agent_Wyoming> Where's Texas now?
<Agent_Michigan> No clue.
* Agent_Wyoming considers it.
<Agent_Wyoming> No, we have a clue.
<Agent_Wyoming> It's what she's after. Metastability.
<Agent_Wyoming> Come on, you lot. Let's catch up to Epsilon.
<Agent_Virginia> Those fucking A.I. have been nothing but trouble.
* Agent_Michigan jogs slowly
* Agent_Wyoming flanks Mich, unarmed except for his empty sniper rifle.
* Agent_Michigan hands over more ammo
* Agent_Wyoming accepts the ammo, but pockets it.
<Agent_Virginia> Well gentlemen, I say we "knock" on her door shall we?
<Agent_Texas> Ugh!
<Agent_Carolina> Aagh!!
* Agent_Virginia hears the screaming.
<Agent_Virginia> I think we're close
<Agent_Virginia> Come on guys lets hurry to the...locked door, dammit!
* Agent_Michigan starts fixing the capacitors
<Agent_Virginia> Michigan, think you can get this open?
<Agent_Michigan> In a bit...
* Agent_Carolina sighs, then brings the pistol up lightning-fast and shoots at Tex's head.
* Agent_Wyoming slumps against the wall, hearing the gunshot.
* Agent_Carolina puts another bullet through Tex's middle.
* Agent_Virginia hears the gunshots
<Agent_Virginia> Michigan get this FUCKING door open, now!
<Agent_Michigan> Capacitors fixed.
* Agent_Virginia pulls out his grenade launcher
<Agent_Virginia> If you don't get this door open, I'm fucking blowing it open!
* Agent_Michigan works on the door
<Agent_Michigan> Aaaaaand... done!
* Agent_Virginia charges through the door, launcher at the ready
* Agent_Carolina is breathing heavily, and half-catches Tex as they both go down.
* Agent_Michigan opens the door
<Agent_Michigan> ...Oh.
* Agent_Virginia notices Tex's unmoving form, eyes shifting to Carolina
<Agent_Virginia> Oh my god!
* Agent_Wyoming walks enters behind the others, seeing it all.
* Agent_Carolina is staring at Texas, unable to stop tears from coming.
* Agent_Wyoming 's head bows.
* Agent_Virginia runs over to Carolina
<Agent_Wyoming> I guess you were right, Wash.
<Agent_Michigan> ...Tex?
* Counsellor slowly opens the door.
* Agent_Carolina looks up and glares at everyone.
<Agent_Carolina> Back the fuck off!
* Agent_Virginia stops and backs up.
* Counsellor watches silently from the doorway.
<Counsellor> Is she...?
* Agent_Carolina turns her attention back to Tex, trying to ease her down onto her back, fumbling with her ruined hand.
<Agent_Carolina> Tex, if you can hear me, I... I wanted to believe you were stronger.
<Agent_Carolina> But I guess... I was wrong.
<Agent_Carolina> I should never have let you leave.
<Agent_Michigan> ...I can try to fix Tex...
* Agent-Washington looks down at Texas.
<Agent-Washington> Don't bother.
<Counsellor> That...may not be a good idea right now.
* Agent_Carolina blinks and looks up, scowling.
<Agent_Carolina> She's not some piece of equipment!
<Agent_Carolina> We failed Indiana, and Montana, and Texas.
<Counsellor> I'm sorry, Agent Carolina. But that's all she ever was.
<Agent_Carolina> She's part of our team, and we failed her! By letting her be... this!
<Counsellor> The director always tried to make her more than that.
<Counsellor> But he couldn't.
* Agent_Virginia looks at the counsellor, eyebrows raised
<Agent_Carolina> Shut up.
<Agent_Carolina> Don't you get it?
<Agent_Carolina> None of this would have happened if she didn't feel like equipment!
* Counsellor wisely chooses to stop talking.
<Agent_Carolina> You turned her into a... a thing, and expected her to just stay like that?
<Agent_Michigan> ...I suppose "fix" is the wrong word?
* ONI_officer (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to ONI_officer
* ONI_officer steps into the corridor.
<Agent_Carolina> Hell, if she hadn't been fucking crazy, I would have handed her the Epsi—
* Agent_Carolina stops talking.
<ONI_officer> What we expect, Agent Carolina, is to have the Beta AI kept under lock and key from now on.
<ONI_officer> And our investigation here is also finished.
<ONI_officer> We will be also putting the Epsilon AI into storage.
<ONI_officer> And the counsellor here will be in our custody.
* Agent_Carolina refuses to move, crouching almost protectively over Tex.
* Agent_Virginia turns to the ONI_Officer
<Agent_Virginia> Buddy, if I were you I would just turn around a leave
<ONI_officer> The Beta AI is responsible for the deaths of twenty-six UNSC personnel.
<ONI_officer> Since we can't give it a court-martial, we'll simply have to maintain control over it.
* Agent-Washington adjusts his grip on his rifle and moves to stand beside the officer.
* ONI_officer looks over the Freelancer.
<Agent-Washington> Do as he says.
<ONI_officer> I see it has also attacked other Freelancer agents.
* Agent_Carolina stands stiffly, grimacing as her hand hurts.
<Agent_Carolina> Stand... stand down, Freelancers.
<Agent_Michigan> Why?
* Agent_Virginia looks at Carolina in surprise.
* Agent_Carolina glares at Agent_Michigan, still red-eyed from the tears.
<Agent-Washington> Because those are our orders.
<Agent_Carolina> Because I fucking said so.
* ONI_officer smiles humourlessly.
<ONI_officer> Your team leader here has some sense.
<Agent_Michigan> What will she do in storage?
<ONI_officer> That's classified information.
<ONI_officer> Agent Washington, take the Beta AI.
<ONI_officer> ...or what's left of it.
<Agent-Washington> Yes sir.
* Agent-Washington moves to secure Texas's remains.
* Agent_Virginia turns back to the ONI_Officer
<Agent_Virginia> Your about a second away from me beating the shit out of you
<ONI_officer> Agent Virginia, threaten me again, and I will have you restrained.
<Agent_Virginia> I don't think that'll work to well...for you
* Agent_Carolina turns and slams a punch into Virginia with her good hand.
<ONI_officer> I'll see to Epsilon and the counsellor.
<ONI_officer> Agent Washington, inform Agent Missouri that we will be leaving shortly.
<Agent-Washington> Sir.
<Agent_Michigan> She'll do nothing!
* Agent_Carolina turns and glares at Mich.
* Agent_Carolina hisses through her teeth, addressing Mich alone. "Play. Along."
* ONI_officer steps over to the counsellor.
<ONI_officer> The Epsilon AI, if you please.
* Agent-Washington opens a channel.
<Agent-Washington> (COM) Missouri, the game's over.
<Agent-Washington> (COM) We're pulling out.
* Counsellor hands Epsilon to the ONI officer.
<ONI_officer> Now come with me.
* ONI_officer walks past the Freelancers with the counsellor, ignoring the glares that were pointed his way.
<ONI_officer> One more thing.
<ONI_officer> As of today, every one of you have been officially integrated into the UNSC. You will take your orders from a superior officer from now on.
<ONI_officer> You will be shown to your new assignments shortly after we leave.
* ONI_officer makes eye contact with Carolina.
<ONI_officer> The Office of Naval Intelligence would like to thank you for your assistance, Agent Carolina.
* Agent_Carolina holds her damaged hand with her good one, struggling to maintain her composure, eyes icy.
<Agent_Carolina> You're fucking welcome.
<Agent_Carolina> Sir.
* ONI_officer smirks and walks away with the counsellor, holding Epsilon.
* Agent-Washington follows, half-carrying, half-dragging Texas along behind him.
* ONI_officer (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Counsellor (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon
* Agent_Carolina slowly slides off her gauntlet, wincing and biting back a cry.
<Agent_Michigan> ...This is a plan, right?
<Agent_Michigan> And they didn't just take Tex from us?
* Agent_Carolina shoots Mich a seething look.
<Agent_Carolina> Right now we have no plan.
* Agent_Carolina glances at the others, at their injuries, noting the various levels of damage.
<Agent_Carolina> Do you think we're ready for another war?
<Agent_Michigan> That's... impossible. We can't not have a plan.
<Agent_Carolina> I... had hoped Texas would be willing to listen, but it's clear she's not interested in negotiation.
<Agent_Carolina> She almost killed teammates today.
<Agent_Carolina> Maybe it's best we hang back for a while... figure out our next move.
<Agent_Carolina> We're not abandoning her. Never.
<Agent_Carolina> But...
<Agent_Virginia> (COM) I should check on Minnesota soon, he got hit pretty bad by some explosives
* Agent_Carolina steps toward Michigan, leaning close to look at his broken visor.
<Agent_Carolina> If we're going to help Texas, we have to work together.
<Agent_Carolina> No lone-wolf stuff. There is no more leaderboard. We fight together, or we lose alone.
<Agent_Michigan> Big Brother wants us to fight his war!
<Agent_Carolina> So when I say it's time to sit back, you'd better sit. And when I say jump, you'd damn well better jump.
* Agent_Carolina looks around at everyone.
<Agent_Carolina> Is that clear?
<Agent_Michigan> Crystal.
<Agent_Carolina> Agent Texas made the mistake of leaving her team behind.
<Agent_Carolina> I don't want anyone in this outfit... ever, to do that. Again.
<Agent_Virginia> Carolina what about the UNSC?
<Agent_Virginia> That asshole said we serve them now.
* Agent_Carolina is silent for a moment.
<Agent_Carolina> The UNSC?
* Agent_Carolina looks at her hand, seemingly detached as she notes the puncture through her palm.
<Agent_Carolina> If they want to think that, we have the advantage.
<Agent_Michigan> Will they split us up?
* Agent_Carolina gestures with her good hand.
<Agent_Carolina> We're in the middle of something big.
* Agent_Carolina walks up and shoves Virginia with her good arm.
<Agent_Michigan> Will we be working as a unit?
<Agent_Carolina> Whether the ONI disbands us or not is irrelevant.
<Agent_Carolina> We're Freelancers.
<Agent_Carolina> We always find each other.
<Agent_Carolina> We're working for the biggest top-secret organization humanity has.
<Agent_Carolina> Which means we get their weapons... their equipment... their resources.
<Agent_Carolina> This isn't the end. Not for us... not for Texas. We're going to save her.
* ODST_Leader (9968b13c@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.177.60) has joined #halo-fanon
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Ulan.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Are you receiving me?
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger that
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I'm glad to hear you're still breathing.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) What are your forces like?
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Still got a full complement of troops aboard the ship, and the Raginis Guards are also ready
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Alright.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I'm going to have to call in a huge favor.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) What?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Right now, we're dead in the water.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I've lost Georgia, the engineer, and nearly a quarter of my troops.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Shit
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Where's your location?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I don't want to say over a channel like this.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I just want to know if I can count on you for support if things go even further south.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Always
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Whole ship's ready for war
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Thank you.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Just...
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Thank you.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Anything else?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I'll contact you later, once I'm in a better position.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) And one more thing.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Yes?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) If you run into Agent Georgia, take him prisoner.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Hua
<ODST_Leader> (COM) He stole a shuttle from my ship and vanished.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I have no idea where he is now.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Dead or alive?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Alive.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger
<ODST_Leader> (COM) I need him alive.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Anything else?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) That's all.
* ODST_Leader closes the channel.
* ODST_Leader has quit (Client Quit)
