Episode IX: Under New Management
| 1454 Hours, February 9, 2552 (UNSC Military Calendar), 0.94 km from UNSC COM relay, planet Harmony, Hellespont system |
<Agent_South> Shit!
* Agent_South ducks back as a spray of bullets land next to her face.
* Agent_South reloads her MA37 and glances at Carolina, who is in cover behind a nearby wrecked car.
<Agent_South> Carolina, got a clear shot on them?
* Agent_Carolina sights down her BR and is met with the sight of... nothing.
<Agent_Carolina> They're in cover.
<Agent_Carolina> Smoke 'em out.
<Agent_South> What? These guys are everywhere!
<Agent_South> (COM) North, where the hell are you?!! You're supposed to be covering us!
<Agent_North> Right.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Hold on, I can see them. Updating thermals.
* Agent_North aims his sniper
<Agent_North> (COM) Thanks, Wyoming. I got 'em.
* Agent_North guns down several enemies
* Agent_South pokes her head out and fires a spray of bullets at the rebels.
<Agent_North> reloading...
* Agent_North takes down a few more enemies and moves up
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Mind for enemy snipers and rocket launcher teams.
<Agent_South> Screw this.
* Agent_South jumps out of cover and rushes the rebels.
<Omicron_AI> Agent South, that's not such a good idea.
<Agent_South> Just trust me, Omi.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, how far is your team from the COM relay?
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Less than a klick!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger that. Got Helljumpers en route. We're ten minutes out.
* Agent_South leaps to the rebels' cover and guns them down.
* Agent_North draws his SMG's and takes down a few more guards
* Agent_Wyoming 's shots fly overhead, covering the twins.
* Agent_Carolina grumbles as she reloads.
<Agent_Carolina> Helljumpers... yeah, that'll fix everything...
<Agent_North> Where do they keep getting these guys?
<Agent_South> That's the fifth ambush team we've run into now.
* Agent_Carolina growls and resumes firing.
* Agent_South scans the area with her assault rifle.
<Agent_South> We're clear for now.
* Agent_North reloads
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Copy that. Coming down.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) AA and artillery teams, keep the enemy from the air and ground at bay
<Agent_South> But this place gives me the creeps.
<Agent_North> Where to, Carolina?
<Jonathan_Ulan> Fire!
* Jonathan_Ulan fires mortar shells on North and South
<Agent_North> Crap!
<Agent_South> Oh, shit!
* Agent_South dives for cover.
* Agent_North leaps out of the way
* Agent_South is shaken as mortars rain down on them.
<Jonathan_Ulan> 105s, fire salvo!
* Jonathan_Ulan fires heavy artillery
<Agent_North> Who the fuck is hitting us with mortars?!
<Agent_North> (COM) Wyoming, you see anything?
<Agent_South> How the hell are we supposed to do this without long-range recon?
<Omicron_AI> If we could reactive the COM relay...
<Agent_South> Yeah, if we're still in one piece.
* Agent_Carolina snarls as a mortar strikes too close.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Lucky I didn't abandon position. Hold tight.
* Agent_Wyoming opens fire on the mortar teams on another rooftop.
<Jonathan_Ulan> MG Teams, keep the defenses around the relay up
* Agent_Wyoming catches most if not all in the open.
<Agent_South> Omi, where are they coming from?
<Omicron_AI> Marking targets now.
<Agent_South> Don't give them to me, give them to North!
<Agent_South> I'm not the one with the sniper rifle!
* Agent_Carolina dashes out of cover, switching out her BR for a Magnum.
* Agent_North draws his sniper
<Agent_North> Okay, let's see what you've got for me...
<Omicron_AI> Copy.
* Agent_Wyoming reloads and puts down another mortar team.
* Omicron_AI sends the data to Theta.
<Theta_AI> Data received.
<Theta_AI> See them, North?
* Agent_North climbs to a vantage point
<Agent_North> I got 'em
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Carolina, they've got more teams headed to flank you.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Copy that.
* Agent_North guns down a few approaching enemies
* Jack_Carlson begins firing on Wyoming
<Agent_North> Y'know, some backup would've been nice at this point...
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Heads up, Freelancers, we're coming in hot.
<Agent_South> (COM) Well, hurry the hell up!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) We're dropping into the atmosphere at maximum velocity, Agent South Dakota. Sit tight.
* Agent_Wyoming looks to the sky to see pods burning through the atmosphere, just as a hail of bullets forces him to abandon position.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) AA guns, swat those HEVs down!
* Agent_Carolina finds cover and aims to the rear, picking off some of the flanking troops.
* Jonathan_Ulan watches his AA shoot at the HEVs
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Scatter, troopers!
* Agent_Wyoming fires a careful parting shot back at Jack_Carlson before rappeling down to the street.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Freelancers, take out those damn AA guns!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) If you want backup, that is.
<Agent_North> (COM) Copy that.
<Agent_North> South, do you see where the AA fire is coming from?
<Agent_South> Yeah. Marking positions.
* Jonathan_Ulan sends airstrikes to attack the Freelancers
<Agent_North> Got 'em.
* Lt_Forenson drops down behind enemy lines with the ODST team.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Go, go, go!
* PFC_Trentson (4abe0635@gateway/web/freenode/ip.74.190.6.53) has joined #halo-fanon
* SGT_Colbioern (4abe0635@gateway/web/freenode/ip.74.190.6.53) has joined #halo-fanon
* Agent_North runs ahead to get a better vantage point
* Jonathan_Ulan has his artillery at the COM Relay fire on anyone within a 100 meter radius
* Agent_Wyoming repositions, falling back to his second planned firing location.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, hurry it up!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) We're flanking!
* Agent_North begins climbing a roof, and catches sight of the AA gun
* PFC_Trentson and SGT_Colbioern follow Lt_Forenson
<Lt_Forenson> Trentson, Colbioern! Lend a hand in taking out those guns!
* Agent_Washington watches the explosions and tracer rounds from a distance.
* Agent_North tosses a grenade at the AA gun, killing the crew
* Agent_Wyoming is well beyond the 100 meter radius when he begins picking off Ulan's artillery teams.
* Agent_Carolina joins her team in pushing toward the objective.
<Agent_North> One down.
<Agent_Washington> Well that seems to have everyone tied up.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Get to those transports!
* Agent_South follows up Carolina and shoots the gunmen.
<Agent_Washington> Time to get ONI's work done.
<Agent_North> C'mon, we're moving!
* PFC_Trentson follows North
<Agent_North> Try to keep up.
<PFC_Trentson> I'll try, sir!
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I just saw Ulan, he's getting away!
<Agent_North> (COM) Ulan?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Where's he headed, Agent Wyoming?
* Agent_Washington advances through the hills, staying low as he moves beyond the rebel positions.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Back of the facility. Must be transports back there.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Copy. Let's get moving.
* Agent_North begins sprinting
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, take two others and get those COM relays back online.
* PFC_Trentson struggles to keep up
* Jack_Carlson fires his artillery from the position of the freighters at the Freelancers
<SGT_Colbioern> I'll go with you, Carolina.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) The rest of you, with me. We're going to stop Ulan.
* Agent_North scales the side of a building
<Agent_North> Trentson, regroup with your squad if you have to.
* PFC_Trentson gasps for breath
<PFC_Trentson> I'll be fine, sir...
<PFC_Trentson> Throw me some rope, please, sir!
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) All 155 Arty pieces, saturate the area around here with shells
* Agent_North tosses some rope down
<Agent_North> You sure you're okay?
* PFC_Trentson starts climbing
* Agent_Washington affixes a silencer to his battle rifle as he moves up to a better vantage point.
* Lt_Forenson makes his way to the back of the facility with the team.
<PFC_Trentson> Yeah... I'm fine... First mission's the toughest, isn't it sir?
<Agent_North> Yeah, so they say.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Captain Davis: Are those attack aircraft on the ship ready?
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Jonathan Ulan: Yes sir, Light Attack VTOLs ready sir.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Cut the chatter, Private.
<PFC_Trentson> (COM) Right, sorry sir!
<Agent_Washington> Alright.
* Lt_Forenson makes his way through the facility.
<Agent_North> (COM) Lieutenant, we can't let Ulan escape.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Artillery, fire again
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Eyes sharp, everyone.
* Agent_North begins moving along the roof
* PFC_Trentson sneaks behind North
* Agent_Wyoming remains on overwatch, and spots aircraft on the horizon.
<Agent_North> (COM) I've got eyes on some of the trucks out back. Can't see their leader.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) South, if you're still near those AA guns, might want to get them ready.
<Agent_South> (COM) Copy.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Davis, send them out, and tell them to keep a high altitude, and strafe and bomb the enemy
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Sir, we only have enough fuel for a few short bombing runs.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) All we need is one
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Tell them if there is danger, pull back
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Yes, sir!
<Theta_AI> I can't pick up any sign of him on the motion tracker.
<Agent_North> Plenty of grunts running around...
* SGT_Colbioern covers Wyoming
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Hold fire, Agent North Dakota.
<Agent_North> (COM) Copy that.
<Agent_North> South, there should be an abandoned AA gun, I killed the crew.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Light Attack VTOLs, begin bombing run, now!
<Theta_AI> Bombing squads detected!
* Agent_North looks up at the aircraft
<Jonathan_Ulan> Arty, take out the COM relay
<Agent_South> (COM) North! Wyoming! Get off the roof!
<Agent_Wyoming> What? Oh, blast it.
* PFC_Trentson notices North has stopped and immediately goes prone
<Agent_North> Theta, Shield!
* Theta_AI deploys the energy shield.
* Agent_North moves by Trentson
<PFC_Trentson> Thank you, sir!
<Agent_North> I hope this thing is as tough as it was in training...
* Agent_Washington watches the VTOLs soar in and marks their position.
<Agent_Washington> So that's where they're coming from.
* Agent_South aims the AA guns at the bombing squad, managing to shoot down one, then two aircraft before they pass by.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Shit
* Agent_North and Trenson take cover under the bubble shield as bombs strike the roof
* Agent_Wyoming darts over to the side of the building, using the placed ropes to rappel down and get clear.
* SGT_Colbioern jumps after Wyoming
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) All troops, retreat to the shipyard, we're getting out of here!
<Theta_AI> North, you might want to get off the roof. It could still collapse.
* Agent_South gets off the gun after the aircraft pass and regroups with the others.
* Agent_North looks down as the roof starts to crack
<Agent_North> Son of a—
* PFC_Trentson runs
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, got the COM relay online yet?
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Lieutenant, the relays are damaged!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Copy that. Forget about them for now, Agent Carolina.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) North, jump!
* Agent_North jumps away as the roof begins to collapse
* Agent_Wyoming breaks Agent_North's fall.
* PFC_Trentson jumps for it and lands ungracefully near Colbioern
<Agent_Wyoming> Ow . . .
<Agent_North> Oh.
<Agent_North> Thanks, Wyoming
<Agent_Wyoming> Anytime, North.
<SGT_Colbioern> Smooth, kid.
<PFC_Trentson> Sorry, Sarge!
* Agent_North helps Wyoming up
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) We,ve lost contact with several of the VTOLs, whats going on down there?
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) I don't know, but how quickly can we evacuate?
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Within five minutes, sir, we're reaching the shipbreaking yard now!
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) What's our next objective?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Wyoming, position of the rebel leader?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Wyoming, come in.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Sorry, sir. No visual.
* Lt_Forenson growls.
* Agent_Washington moves in on one of the abandoned rebel positions.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Everyone, move up. We can't lose them.
<Agent_North> (COM) Got it.
* PFC_Trentson gets to his feet
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Moving.
<SGT_Colbioern> C'mon, slowpoke.
* SGT_Colbioern moves up
<Agent_Washington> Looks like they didn't leave much standing.
<Agent_Washington> Typical Carolina.
* Agent_North moves up towards the back of the base
* PFC_Trentson gasps for breath again, then moves up
* Agent_Wyoming follows North with the ODSTs.
<Agent_North> Keep an eye out.
* Agent_North draws his SMGs
* Agent_Wyoming loads his M6.
<Agent_Wyoming> No sign of hostiles, yet. Maybe they're concentrated ahead?
* Lt_Forenson reaches the back of the facility to see the vehicles driving off.
<Lt_Forenson> Damn!
* SGT_Colbioern and PFC_Trentson draw their standard issue MA5Cs
<Agent_South> Shit, now what?
<Agent_South> We'll never catch up to them now.
* Agent_Washington follows in the wake of the main force's advance, careful not to make contact with UNSC or rebel forces.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Alright, is everyone evacuated shipboard yet?
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) The frieghters should be ready to take off now!
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Good, get them on
* Agent_Carolina activates her speed unit and runs after the truck.
<Agent_South> Carolina!
<Agent_South> She's fucking nuts.
<Agent_North> Don't let them get away!
* Agent_Carolina leaps into the back of the truck, and activates her camouflage.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) North, let's flank and cover with rifles.
* Agent_North looks around for a vehicle to comandeer
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Alright, everyone. Let's tail them.
<Jonathan_Ulan> All troops, get aboard and standby to takeoff!
* Lt_Forenson commandeers a truck.
* Agent_South jumps on the back of the truck.
* Agent_Wyoming jumps into the back of a direlict truck.
<Agent_Wyoming> North, grab the wheel. I'll shoot.
<Agent_North> Got it.
* PFC_Trentson follows North
<PFC_Trentson> I call shotgun!
* PFC_Trentson grabs shotgun
* Agent_North climbs into the driver's side
* Lt_Forenson waits for everyone to be on a vehicle.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Okay, move out!
* Agent_Wyoming steadies his sniper rifle on the truck's cab.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Sir, I'm detecting several UNSC signals, I suggest you get aboard now!
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) On my way
* Lt_Forenson drives after the rebel convoy.
<SGT_Colbioern> I wouldn't trust that kid, North, he shoots about as well as a cave fish.
<PFC_Trentson> I'm not that bad...
* Agent_North begins driving
<Agent_North> Have faith, Sergeant.
<Agent_Washington> Damn, I don't think I was fast enough.
* Agent_Carolina shifts as the truck bounces over some bumps in the road, braced against the inside.
* Agent_Washington opens an encrypted channel.
* Lt_Forenson reads Carolina's position, and takes the according roads.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Ulan.
* Agent_North drives at full speed after the rebels.
<Agent_Wyoming> Are they in sight?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Wyoming, got a visual on the enemies yet?
* Agent_Wyoming looks through his rifle scope.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Am I getting through to Jonathan Ulan?
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Who is this?
<Agent_Washington> (COM) I can't say much on a channel like this.
<Agent_North> (COM) Damn, don't we have orbital support?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) As long as the relays are offline, no.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Up ahead. They're out of range, but we're closing fast.
* Agent_North keeps driving
<Agent_Washington> (COM) But I want you to know that I'm a Freelancer.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) And I want to defect.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Why?
<Agent_Washington> (COM) I can't say more right now.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Is there some way we can get in touch?
* SGT_Colbioern looks around for a way to catch up to the others
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Radio's the only way, and give me a good reason now
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Carolina, any indication of where the convoy is headed?
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Ship breaking yard, Lieutenant. Two freighters in sight.
<Agent_North> (COM) We're closing in...
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Copy that. The rebels must be after the ships.
* Agent_Wyoming readies a shot.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Transports, get out of there, now!
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Because the UNSC's too focused on fighting rebels than winning the war.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) I want to help you people survive.
<PFC_Trentson> (COM) Open fire, sir?
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Okay, Carolina. Wreak some havoc, slow them down. We'll have your back shortly.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Everyone else, open fire on sight.
<Agent_South> (COM) Affirmative.
<PFC_Trentson> (COM) Copy that, sir.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Transports, protect the frieghter and cover Ulan!
* Agent_Carolina carefully climbs out and shimmies along the side of the truck, reaching in and pulling the driver out. She quickly climbs in, breaks the shotgun rider's neck, and assumes control of the vehicle.
<Agent_North> (COM) We're gonna have to break through the gate. Hang on everyone!
* Agent_North speeds up
<PFC_Trentson> AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Ulan, I'm sticking my neck out for you as it is.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Are you interested or not?
* Agent_South stands up from the back of the truck.
<Agent_South> Alright. Let's make a mess.
* Agent_Carolina speeds up, using her M6C to fire shots at the other drivers.
* Agent_Wyoming takes his time sighting on the tire of the convoy's lead vehicle, and fires.
* Agent_South props her assault rifle over the top of the truck and opens fire on the trucks.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Washington, meet us at the shipyard, we're taking some freighters over
<Agent_Washington> (COM) Alright.
<Agent_Washington> (COM) I'm on my way.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) What's going on with my fucking Convoy by the way?!
<Agent_South> (COM) Got a visual on the leader.
* Agent_Wyoming fires on the lead vehicle, hoping to bring the whole convoy to a halt.
<Jonathan_Ulan> OH SHIT!
* Agent_South lines up her MA37 with the back of Ulan's head.
* PFC_Trentson opens fire, only able to aim in the general direction of the enemies
* Agent_North rams the rear truck
<PFC_Trentson> AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
<Agent_North> Stop screaming!
* Jonathan_Ulan looks at the trucks behind him
<Jonathan_Ulan> AH SHIT!
* Agent_Wyoming jumps over the cab and into the back of the rear truck.
* Agent_Washington pulls a damaged Mongoose out of a ruined trench and drives towards the shipyard.
<PFC_Trentson> (COM) Sorry, sir!
* Agent_South opens fire, only to shatter the back window as Ulan ducks.
* Jonathan_Ulan mounts the M247, and starts firing
<Agent_South> Damn!
* Lt_Forenson swerves the truck to avoid the machinegun fire.
<Agent_South> Whoa!
* Agent_Wyoming smacks the rebels in the back truck with punches and hits from his rifle.
* Agent_North fires his pistol one-handedly at the truck's wheels
* Agent_South is thrown off the back of Forenson's truck.
<Agent_North> South!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Get to the leader! Don't let him get away!
* Jonathan_Ulan keeps firing the M247
* Agent_Wyoming deals with the remaining rebels in the back of the rear truck and moves into the cab, throwing the driver out.
* PFC_Trentson empties his magazine but doesn't appear to notice
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Team Alpha, prepare to ambush the Freelancers when we arrive in the shipyard
<Agent_North> Trentson, can you drive at all?
<PFC_Trentson> I don't know, sir, but I can try!
* Agent_North sighs
* Agent_Wyoming stomps on the gas, catching up to Ulan.
<Agent_North> Well, try then, you're designated driver now!
* Agent_North kicks open the cab door, and attempts to climb onto the roof
* Agent_North fires at Ulan's truck
* Jonathan_Ulan ducks
* PFC_Trentson fires in the general direction of Ulan's truck
* Agent_South rolls to her feet and takes cover behind the truck, firing at the rebels.
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots at the LT
* Lt_Forenson ducks into cover.
* Agent_North tries to reload his pistol
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots wildly at Wyoming
<Jonathan_Ulan> Everyone, head for the shipyard at top speed
* Agent_Wyoming ducks down in the cab, continuing to advance.
* Lt_Forenson gets out and pulls out his battle rifle.
* Agent_Wyoming attempts to pit Ulan's swerving truck.
* PFC_Trentson begins driving
* Jonathan_Ulan hits the gas, and heads for the shipyard
<Agent_North> Y'know, this seemed like a better idea in my head...
* Agent_Wyoming 's pit maneuver misses, and loses ground.
* Agent_South primes a grenade and tosses it at Ulan's truck.
<Agent_South> Frag out!
* Jonathan_Ulan swerves
* Agent_South manages to blow out one of Ulan's tires with the grenade and send the truck sliding across the road on three wheels.
* Lt_Forenson cuts around the convoy and stops the truck horizonally in the road, blocking off any further advancement.
* Lt_Forenson gets out and pulls out his battle rifle.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Alpha Team: Hit the Freelancers, when they get in your sights
<Agent_South> (COM) Get him, North!
* Agent_North jumps forward onto the roof of Wyoming's truck
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Hostiles, coming in from all sides!
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots at North with his M247
<Agent_South> Shit!
* Agent_South adjusts her aim at the rebels pouring in.
* Agent_North draws his sniper and fires three shots at Ulan
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Ulan.
* PFC_Trentson suddenly guns his engine, driving right at Ulan at speeds in excess of 90 MPH
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Oh fuck
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots at the PFC
* PFC_Trentson ducks but keeps driving
<ODST_Leader> (COM) It looks like you're in a bit of trouble down there.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) No shit!
<Agent_North> Wyoming, drive straight, will ya?
* Agent_North reloads and aims directly at Ulan
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Who is this? Why are you on the commander's COMs?
<ODST_Leader> (COM) If you were more important to Ulan's movement, then you'd know.
* Agent_Wyoming realizes North's on his truck and straightens out on some level ground.
* Jonathan_Ulan bails from his truck, and starts running
<Agent_North> Right, you bastard...
* PFC_Trentson slams into Ulan's truck
<PFC_Trentson> Oof!
* Agent_North takes aim at Ulan's back
<Theta_AI> North, look out!
<Agent_North> Oh shi—
* Theta_AI marks almost thirty enemies coming up on him and Wyoming.
* ODST_Leader emerges over the horizon, leading a loose formation of Hornets.
* PFC_Trentson slams the transmission into reverse
<Agent_Wyoming> Oh, bugger.
<Theta_AI> Cover, cover!
<ODST_Leader> Strafe the road!
* Agent_South sees the enemies.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Covering fire!
<Agent_South> Fuck.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Cover Ulan's escape!
<Agent_Wyoming> Your call, North. gas or brakes?
* Agent_North activates his shield
* PFC_Trentson pulls his truck out, slams the transmission into forward, and accelerates toward Ulan
* Jonathan_Ulan bolts for the yard
<Agent_North> (COM) Catch that bastard!
<Agent_Wyoming> Gas it is then.
* Agent_Wyoming floors it.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Transports, get ready for Ulan's arrival
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots at the PFC and Wyoming
* PFC_Trentson keeps the pedal floored
* ODST_Leader and his Hornets spray the pursuing Freelancers and ODSTs with gunfire.
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots out the tires
* Agent_North deactivates his shield and prepares to take a running jump
* PFC_Trentson skids but tries to keep driving straight
* Agent_South moves up on foot with the rest of the team.
* Agent_Wyoming 's truck sparks as bullets ping off the truck, and then jolts as a tire blows out.
<Agent_North> Uh, Theta, what are the chances, statistically, of me surviving a jump like this?
<Theta_AI> Slightly higher than that time you activated the shield while escaping the oil platform.
<Agent_North> Gee, that's optimistic.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Keep your distance, boys, just keep the heat on them!
* Agent_Wyoming keeps rolling forward.
* Jonathan_Ulan keeps sprinting for the transports
<Agent_Wyoming> Come on, you bloody . . .
* PFC_Trentson keeps the truck aimed at Ulan, thanks to the run-flat tires
* Jonathan_Ulan sprints at the freighter
<Jonathan_Ulan> Davis: Ready the ship!
<Agent_North> Wyoming, run him over if you have to!
<Capt_Colin_Davis> Ulan: Transports ready sir!
* Agent_Washington arrives at the shipyard and dismounts from his Mongoose.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, where the hell are you?
<Jonathan_Ulan> Wash, follow me!
* Agent_Washington is already inside.
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) The leader's getting away!
* Agent_North prepares to jump
* PFC_Trentson is gaining fast
* Agent_South continues to push forward with the ODSTs on foot.
* Agent_North takes a run up, and leaps off the top of the truck, landing not far behind Ulan
* Agent_North fires his SMG's at the retreating rebels
* Agent_South runs straight for Ulan.
* Agent_Wyoming swerves to avoid hitting North, which saves Ulan for the moment.
* Agent_Carolina appears from the shadows, camouflage fading from her armor.
<Agent_Carolina> Hello, Ulan.
<ODST_Leader> Keep those transports covered!
* Agent_Carolina brings up her M6C and aims at Ulan's head.
* ODST_Leader pulls his formation into a loose holding pattern around Ulan's freighter.
<Agent_Carolina> Oh, dammit.
* ODST_Leader opens fire on Carolina.
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots at Carolina
* Agent_Carolina moves fast, using the freighter as cover.
<Agent_North> Crap!
* Agent_North shifts his aim to the Hornets
* Agent_Carolina moves partially out of cover and fires at Ulan, managing to shoot him in the back of the shoulder.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Damn!
<Omicron_AI> Look out, South!
<Agent_South> What?
* Agent_South steps on a landmine, and hears the beep.
<Agent_South> Oh, shit...
* Agent_South is thrown twenty feet in the air by an explosion.
<Agent_North> South!
<Theta_AI> Guys, watch out! The mines are everywhere!
* Agent_South falls onto the ground in a heap, energy shields flickering.
<Agent_South> Ow...
* Jonathan_Ulan gets aboard the freighter, closing the door
<Agent_Wyoming> Uh-oh.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Davis, take off!
* PFC_Trentson drives into a mine
<PFC_Trentson> Sh—
* PFC_Trentson has quit (Quit: Page closed)
<Agent_North> Trentson!
* Agent_North looks from South to the frieghter
* Lt_Forenson and his ODSTs are still firing on the Hornets circling them.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Transports, return to the ship!
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Everyone, pull out.
<ODST_Leader> (COM) Ulan's away, now let's get out of here.
* ODST_Leader breaks off with the other aircraft and fly away.
* Agent_Wyoming floors his truck again, hoping to clear the minefield before—
* Agent_Wyoming tumbles out as his truck is thrown end-over-end.
* Agent_North stands totally still, not daring to move
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) When you return, may I speak to you in your office
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Roger
<Agent_North> Theta, can you detect the mines?
<Theta_AI> Copy. Marking now.
* SGT_Colbioern catches up
* Agent_Carolina ceases trying to shoot Ulan and runs toward South.
* Agent_South groans and struggles to get up.
<Agent_North> Wait, it's a minefield. Everyone stay back
* Agent_Carolina skids to a halt.
<Agent_Carolina> Dammit.
<SGT_Colbioern> I told that kid he'd only last a day...
<SGT_Colbioern> I never meant it.
* SGT_Colbioern removes his cap
<SGT_Colbioern> Sorry, kid.
* Agent_North carefully makes his way towards south
* Agent_Wyoming crawls from the wreck of the burning truck, noting the marks all over the ground.
<Theta_AI> The freighters are taking off!
<Agent_North> Somebody get a tracker on those ships!
<Lt_Forenson> (COM) The freighters are taking off. Everyone get clear!
|
* Agent_North kneels down by South's body |
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Alright, we're taking off, good |
|
* Director_Church (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon |
* Agent_Georgia advances through the ruins of a mountain base. Snow comes up to his ankles as he sifts through rubble. |
* Agent_Carolina watches as Halsey seals the door behind her.
<Agent_Carolina> Uh—
<Doctor_Halsey> Before you say anything, I'll have you know I have several pressing appointments and three hours' worth of security clearances waiting for me on Reach.
<Doctor_Halsey> So please, be brief.
* Doctor_Halsey looks Carolina up and down, sighing.
<Doctor_Halsey> My armor...
* Doctor_Halsey mutters "What have you done with it..."
<Agent_Carolina> I'm Agent Carolina.
<Agent_Carolina> Project Free—
* Doctor_Halsey cuts her off with an exasperated wave.
<Doctor_Halsey> I'm very well aware, Victoria.
* Agent_Carolina flinches.
<Agent_Carolina> ... how the hell...
<Doctor_Halsey> The first thing you should know about me is that I know everything there is to know about you.
<Doctor_Halsey> Everything in your files, anyway.
<Agent_Carolina> ... fucking spook.
* Doctor_Halsey raises an eyebrow.
<Doctor_Halsey> You came to ask me something, didn't you?
<Doctor_Halsey> I'd suggest getting to it.
<Agent_Carolina> ... it's about the Director's AI. One of them, really. Agent Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> Reggie said you knew something.
* Doctor_Halsey frowns.
<Doctor_Halsey> Reggie?
<Doctor_Halsey> Ah.
<Doctor_Halsey> Of course.
<Doctor_Halsey> He would resort to calling in favors...
<Doctor_Halsey> Now, why on earth would you be interested in Beta?
<Doctor_Halsey> If you're wanting to terminate it, I can assure you I won't allow it.
<Doctor_Halsey> I'm not going to let schoolgirl rivalry destroy valuable technology.
* Agent_Carolina scowls.
<Doctor_Halsey> After all, you were responsible for the deactivation of its mobile platform.
<Agent_Carolina> ... that was necessary.
<Agent_Carolina> I didn't want to do it. But I did what I had to.
<Doctor_Halsey> I'm not sure I follow, Victoria.
* Agent_Carolina glares at the mention of her name.
<Agent_Carolina> Stop calling me that. I have a codename.
<Doctor_Halsey> Don't be so quick to throw away your real name. There are some who lack even that luxury.
<Agent_Carolina> ... like those Spartans the Director was talking about?
* Doctor_Halsey scowls.
<Doctor_Halsey> You're either here to ask me to destroy Beta, or restore it.
<Doctor_Halsey> Now which is it?
<Agent_Carolina> ... her name is Tex.
<Agent_Carolina> I need you to fix Texas.
<Doctor_Halsey> How sentimental. But, good that you regard the AI as sentient.
<Agent_Carolina> The Director may have made her from a memory, but she's a person. She wants to be, anyway.
<Agent_Carolina> She was after the Epsilon AI so she could become... metastable.
* Doctor_Halsey seems intrigued.
<Doctor_Halsey> ... is that so?
<Doctor_Halsey> The reports detailed that her motives were driven by illogical data, caused by rampancy.
<Doctor_Halsey> But pursuit of true selfhood... interesting.
<Doctor_Halsey> Even in the throes of rampancy, Beta was able to pursue that goal.
<Agent_Carolina> Do you see, then? Do you see why I have to help her?
<Agent_Carolina> You don't just kill something for wanting to be whole.
<Doctor_Halsey> Theoretically, it is possible to accelerate the process of rampancy.
<Doctor_Halsey> It will either damage the AI irreparably, or force it to become metastable.
<Doctor_Halsey> It has... never been attempted.
<Doctor_Halsey> At least to my knowledge.
<Agent_Carolina> ... accelerate? You mean torture?
* Doctor_Halsey sighs.
<Doctor_Halsey> Not torture. Treatment.
* Agent_Carolina clenches a fist.
<Doctor_Halsey> Vict—Agent Carolina, I need you to trust me when I say I will do everything I can for Be—for Texas.
<Agent_Carolina> Trust you? As far as I know, you're no better than the Director.
* Doctor_Halsey shuts her eyes as if pained.
<Doctor_Halsey> Maybe I'm not, all things considered.
<Doctor_Halsey> But we are at war, and we are losing.
<Doctor_Halsey> I just want to save as many as I can... humans, AIs...
<Doctor_Halsey> I've destroyed so much. Now all I have left is what I can create.
* Agent_Carolina appears unconvinced.
<Doctor_Halsey> ... Victoria, when you were a little girl, I came to visit you at school.
<Doctor_Halsey> We played a game. Do you remember?
* Agent_Carolina shakes her head slowly.
<Doctor_Halsey> I gave you a coin, and you had to pick heads or tails. You lost that game.
<Agent_Carolina> ... what does some game have to do with Texas?
<Doctor_Halsey> You were one of the lucky ones.
<Doctor_Halsey> But, here you are, wearing my armor, fighting ONI's battles.
* Agent_Carolina appears very confused.
<Doctor_Halsey> Perhaps Leonard was right about one thing. You're still human enough to care.
<Doctor_Halsey> I will do whatever I can for Texas. I promise.
<Agent_Carolina> ... I still don't understand. What do you mean, I'm lucky? Why did you—
* Agent_Carolina stops short, having come to a realization.
<Doctor_Halsey> Go back to your Freelancers, Carolina. They need you.
<Doctor_Halsey> You are their leader, are you not?
<Agent_Carolina> Yes, but—
<Doctor_Halsey> I'm not always right. You should have won that game.
<Doctor_Halsey> But you can still win this one.
* Agent_Carolina nods, still a bit puzzled, but viewing Halsey with even more suspicion despite her assurances.
* Doctor_Halsey glances at her watch.
<Doctor_Halsey> Now. I believe I have an appointment with that oaf Sorvad.
* Doctor_Halsey adjusts her glasses and calmly turns to walk away, leaving Carolina alone in the hallway.
* Doctor_Halsey has quit (Quit: Page closed)
* Agent_Carolina stares after Halsey.
<Agent_Carolina> ... bitch.
* Theta_AI (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Theta_AI
* Omicron_AI (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Omicron_AI
<Agent_South> (COM) Carolina? Command needs you ready to leave, ASAP.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) ... copy that. On my way.
<Agent_South> (COM) We're in drop bay five, waiting for you.
* Agent_Carolina makes her way to drop bay five.
* Agent_South is waiting next to a line of SOEIVs with North and Wyoming.
<Agent_Carolina> Damn ONI bitch and her mind games...
* Agent_Wyoming is sitting in the back of the room, polishing the scuffs off his rifle.
* Agent_North is checking his equipment
<Agent_Carolina> What's going on?
<Agent_South> Command's got a lead on Ulan. He's at Europa, at that old base in the snow...or what's left of it.
<Agent_South> I don't remember too much about it, but apparently I've been there, and Tex shot it up with the Mother of Invention's MAC gun.
<Agent_South> Anyway, ONI wants to know what he's looking for there, and he wants us to bring him in.
<Omicron_AI> We're on approach to Europa. We'll be deploying any minute now.
<Agent_South> And...one more thing.
<Agent_Carolina> What.
<Agent_South> ONI wanted one of...them to come along.
<Agent_Carolina> ... them?
* Jorge-052 (459eae6b@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon
* ChanServ gives voice to Jorge-052
* Jorge-052 steps into view.
<Jorge-052> Hello.
* Agent_Carolina balks.
* Agent_Wyoming eyes the SPARTAN from under his visor.
<Jorge-052> We should be strapping up. We're over the target in ten minutes.
<Agent_Carolina> Hold up, buddy.
* Agent_Carolina notices his CWO rank.
<Agent_Carolina> I mean, Chief.
<Agent_Carolina> I call the shots around here.
* Agent_Carolina glances at the ship.
<Agent_Carolina> So we should, uh, get ready to drop.
<Jorge-052> Yes, Major.
<Agent_North> Let's get moving, then.
* Agent_Carolina walks by, trying to hide how flustered she is.
* Agent_Wyoming stows his polishing supplies.
* Agent_Carolina mutters. "First that popsicle doctor, now one of her pets..."
<Jorge-052> Pardon me, ma'am?
* Agent_Carolina blinks.
<Agent_Carolina> ... nothing.
<Agent_North> Let's just get this over with.
* Agent_Wyoming shifts his gaze from the big suit of MJOLNIR armor.
* Agent_Carolina checks her array of weaponry, making sure her grappling gun is secure.
<Jorge-052> Not even sure why I'm coming along. Apparently ONI wants to test me for...reassignment or something.
<Agent_South> Do we care, buddy?
<Jorge-052> Well, you all look at me as if I'm an alien.
* Agent_Carolina turns and gives South a look.
<Agent_Wyoming> Compatibility, I'm sure. Just stay out of our way, and it'll all go smoothly.
* Agent_Carolina sighs.
* Agent_North looks from South to Wyoming
<Agent_North> Okay guys, we need to work together.
<Agent_South> Whatever.
<Agent_Wyoming> Mmm.
<Agent_Carolina> Remember, this guy we're after has two Freelancers' blood on his hands.
<Agent_Carolina> And we're gonna make him pay.
<Agent_North> Yes. We are...
<Agent_Carolina> Stay focused on that.
<Agent_Wyoming> No one's forgotten.
<Jorge-052> So you look out for your own. I respect that.
* Agent_North nods silently
* Agent_Wyoming feels the charging handle of his rifle.
<Agent_North> Thanks. Sorry, I didn't catch your name...?
<Jorge-052> Jorge. SPARTAN-052.
<Agent_North> Nice to meet you, Jorge. Welcome to the team.
* Jorge-052 nods.
<Jorge-052> And your name is?
<Agent_North> Call me North.
<Jorge-052> Alright, North.
|
* Jorge-052 looks around. |
<Agent_Washington> It's cold down there, Ulan. |
* Agent_Georgia looks up at the incoming drop pods.
* Jonathan_Ulan starts to take off frantically, seeing the pods coming down
<Jonathan_Ulan> SHIT!
<Agent_Georgia> Took them long enough.
<Jonathan_Ulan> PODS! FUCK!
<Jonathan_Ulan> Wash, strap in, we're doing a quick takeoff
* Agent_Washington braces himself inside the Pelican.
<Agent_Washington> What are we waiting for?
* Jonathan_Ulan hits the throttle
<Agent_Washington> Take off!
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) We're off the ground
* Jonathan_Ulan listens to the engines scream for altitude
* Agent_Georgia moves deeper into the wreckage.
<Agent_Georgia> And that's my cue to get out of here.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Moving to higher ground.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Alright Wash, we're fairly high up, and we'll be heading into the hangar soon.
* Agent_North picks up his weapons and looks around
* Agent_Carolina spirals out of control and lands nearby, her pod sliding and coming to a stop on its side.
* Agent_South spots Carolina.
* Agent_South moves to cover Carolina's pod
* Agent_Carolina tries to kick the hatch open, finally dislodging it with a final blow.
<Agent_Carolina> Ugh!
* Agent_South ducks as the hatch flies past her head.
* Agent_Wyoming scans around the distant Carolina and South for nearby enemies.
* Agent_South deploys her domed shield, giving Carolina time to grab her equipment.
* Agent_Carolina tumbles out of the pod, grabbing one of her pistols as soon as she hits the ground.
<Agent_Carolina> Thanks.
* Agent_South grunts in acknowledgement and fires on the rebels.
* Agent_North moves over to the others
* Agent_Wyoming is satisfied they're clear for the moment, and moves on.
<Agent_North> Right, here we go...
* Agent_North starts firing at the enemy
* Agent_Georgia hears the sounds of gunfire and shakes his head.
<Agent_Georgia> Stay the course...
* Agent_Carolina stays with South, pulling out a pistol-shaped device.
* Agent_North fires a few shots before jumping into cover
* Agent_Carolina aims it and focuses on the retreating dropship, holding the trigger until it chimes cheerfully.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Mother of Invention, target is locked. Fire one MAC round.
* Agent_South looks up.
<Agent_Washington> Oh, shit.
<Agent_Washington> Ulan, incoming!
<Agent_Washington> Brace, brace, brace!
<Jonathan_Ulan> Huh?
* Jonathan_Ulan evades
* Jorge-052 sees the dropship swerve.
<Jorge-052> Too late.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Chaff, and flares popped!
* Jorge-052 watches as the MAC round pass by so close, the heat partially melts the ship.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Whoah!
* Jorge-052 watches as the shockwave brings the Pelican in a downward spiral.
<Jonathan_Ulan> SHIIIIIIIIT!
* Agent_Washington grabs onto a harness as the ship spins out of control.
* Jonathan_Ulan tries to keep the Pelican in the air
* Jorge-052 plants his feet firmly as the MAC round's impact shudders through the icy ground and a rumble echoes through the valley.
* Agent_Carolina is thrown back by the force of the blow.
* Agent_South braces as the shockwave passes over them.
<Agent_South> Holy shit...
<Jorge-052> (COM) Major, suggest we go after it.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM)... affirmative! Pursue!
<Agent_North> Damn!
* Agent_South maintains fire on the rebels at the remains of the base, moving to cover North.
* Agent_Carolina gets to her feet and crouches like a sprinter, then breaks into a run, activating her speed unit and racing after the crashed dropship.
* Agent_North keeps firing
* Agent_Wyoming uncovers his head, standing on the top of a high ridge, overlooking the surrounding area including the ruined facility and crashing Pelican.
* Agent_Georgia watches the Freelancers head off after the dropship.
<Agent_Georgia> Alright.
<Agent_Georgia> A little more time.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) That dropship's gimbles are toast. It's down.
<Omicron_AI> MAC round has made impact, eighty feet away.
<Agent_South> Sure felt close.
* Agent_North runs after the dropship
<Agent_Washington> Ugh.
* Jonathan_Ulan cuts through his harness, and helps Wash out of his
* Agent_South breaks off and follows, shooting at the guards in pursuit.
* Jorge-052 brings up the rear, firing his turret to cover everyone.
* Agent_Washington gets to his feet.
<Agent_North> Let's get moving before that slippery bastard gets away again
* Jonathan_Ulan sets up on the rear door mounted M247
<Agent_Washington> Do you have backup?
<Jonathan_Ulan> Wash, give me cover
* Agent_Carolina reaches the dropship and stalks toward it.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) And yes I do. Spec Ops, come down in the HEVs
<Omicron_AI> FOF tag detected. Agent Washington is on board.
<Agent_South> What?
* Agent_Washington leans out of the dropship and fires his battle rifle.
* Agent_Wyoming falls prone, watching through his scope as Washington and Carolina engage.
* Agent_Carolina dodges the BR fire, diving to take refuge beside the downed bird.
<Agent_Carolina> Wash!
<Agent_South> That fucking traitor!
<Agent_Washington> Oh, shit, it's her!
* Agent_North sprints forward
* Agent_South runs faster, trying to reach the others.
* Jonathan_Ulan fires wildly at any approaching Freelancers
<Jonathan_Ulan> COVERING FIRE!
<Agent_Carolina> What the fuck"' do you think you're doing?!
<Jonathan_Ulan> MY AIRBORNE WILL BE HERE SOON!
<Agent_South> No you don't!
* Agent_Wyoming sights on Ulan and fires a sniper round that glances off his armor.
<Agent_Washington> Ulan, just stay alive!
* Agent_South fires at Ulan, putting three rounds in his stomach.
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots South in the leg
* Agent_South 's energy shields flare but hold up.
* Agent_Carolina leaps up and grabs hold of the turret, punching at Wash.
* Agent_Wyoming fires again, this time catching Ulan's leg.
* Jonathan_Ulan puts some biofoam on it, now annoyed
* Agent_North runs forward, firing at Ulan
* Agent_South keeps firing at Ulan, aiming for the centre of the mass.
* Jonathan_Ulan looks up, and sees the HEVs
* Agent_Washington grabs Ulan and pulls him to cover, throwing two grenades outside of the dropship.
* Agent_North jumps back
<Jonathan_Ulan> this bird ain't going anywhere!
* Agent_Carolina climbs over the turret and swats aside the grenades.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm coming in, boys.
* Agent_Wyoming reloads and prepares to fire on the incoming troops.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Captain Davis, bring down some support and an exfil
* Agent_Washington pulls out his pistol but does not fire.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) NOW!
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Yes sir!
* Jorge-052 finishes gunning down the last of the enemies on the Freelancers' six and turns his attention to Wash and Ulan.
* Jorge-052 picks Ulan.
* Agent_North pulls out his sniper and aims at Ulan
* Jorge-052 raises his gun and sprays Ulan with fire.
* Jonathan_Ulan takes cover
<Agent_North> He's trapped. Any ideas?
* Jonathan_Ulan grits his teeth
* Agent_South runs across the snow and leaps over the wrecked Pelican, aiming at Ulan.
<Agent_South> Nowhere to run now.
<Agent_Washington> No!
* Agent_North runs after South
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots south in the chest
* Agent_Washington fires at South.
<Agent_Carolina> Take. Him. Out.
* Agent_South 's shields hold, and she returns fire at Ulan, hitting him in the chest, legs, and arms.
* Agent_Carolina tackles Agent_Washington.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM Did the guardsmen make it?
* Agent_North fires his SMG's at Ulan
* Jonathan_Ulan gets up, with some difficulty
* Agent_South leaps at Ulan and smacks him across the face with her rifle.
* Agent_North punches Ulan in the face
* Agent_South follows up North's punch by kicking Ulan in the chest, sending him flying.
* Jonathan_Ulan stabs South in the midsection before falling back
* Agent_South 's shields fail.
<Agent_South> Ugh!
* Agent_South falls on her back, one hand on the knife embedded halfway in her abdomen.
* Agent_Washington jams his elbow into Carolina's gut.
* Agent_Carolina takes the blow, then snaps her head up and headbutts Wash, then shoves him back.
<Agent_Washington> Ugh
.
* Agent_Wyoming fires a round across the hundreds of meters, catching Jonathan_Ulan just as South kicks him free of the brawl.
<Agent_Carolina> I don't want to hurt you, Wash.
<Agent_Carolina> But I will.
* Agent_North grabs Ulan, and slams him into the floor
<Agent_North> You bastard!
* Agent_North punches Ulan
<Agent_Washington> You idiots.
<Agent_Washington> Don't you realize what you're doing?
<Agent_Carolina> Actually, we do.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Sir I'm here
* Agent_Washington sees Ulan pinned down.
* Jonathan_Ulan kicks north off him, and kicks him in the gut
* Agent_North repeatedly punches Ulan in the face until he breaks his nose and jaw, ignoring his own injuries
* Agent_Carolina steps forward.
<Agent_Carolina> Wash.
* Agent_South slowly and painfully pulls at the knife, trying to get it out.
* Agent_Wyoming sights on Jonathan_Ulan's head this time, done with trying to wound him.
<Agent_Carolina> Don't you dare.
<Agent_North> Damn....
* Jonathan_Ulan ducks from any shots
* Agent_Wyoming watches Ulan duck, and then shoots him.
* Jonathan_Ulan kicks north into the hull of the Pelican
* Agent_South raises her sidearm and shoots Ulan in the knee.
* Capt_Colin_Davis appears in a falcon, having the gunners cover the area in gun fire, pushing the Freelancers away from the drop ship
<Agent_South> Oh shit!
* Agent_North falls back
* Agent_Washington pulls out a grenade.
<Agent_Carolina> Wash!
<Agent_Washington> Back off.
<Agent_Washington> Or I detonate it.
<Agent_Carolina> Are you fucking nuts?
<Agent_Washington> Close quarters like this, no one walks out.
<Agent_Carolina> Ulan killed Indiana! And Montana!
* Agent_South deploys her bubble shield and throws it at Carolina, protecting her from the hail of gunfire from the aircraft.
<Agent_Washington> Let.
<Agent_Washington> Him.
<Agent_Washington> Go.
* Agent_Carolina clenches her fists.
<Agent_Carolina> Give me one good reason why.
<Jonathan_Ulan> (COM) Davis, get us out of here!
* Agent_South stares down Davis as the Falcon's guns turn to her instead.
* Agent_North tries to ignore his wounds, and aims his sniper at Washington
* Jonathan_Ulan stabs North in the neck while he's distracted
* Agent_North falls down
<Agent_South> North!
* Jonathan_Ulan hobbles to the Falcon, one hand clutching his face
<Jonathan_Ulan> Fuck it, Davis, get us out of here!
<Capt_Colin_Davis> Sir, get your man aboard!
* Agent_South screams as she is riddled with the Falcon's guns, jerking as the snow becomes crimson around her.
* Agent_Wyoming fires on the gunner, too late.
* Agent_Carolina has her attention jerked to South.
* Agent_Washington uses the distraction to dash over to the Falcon.
<Agent_Carolina> ... fuck it.
* Jorge-052 sprays the Falcon with gunfire, damaging it and landing a few hits on Ulan.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Agh!
* Agent_Carolina barrels after Wash, pulling out her grappling gun.
* Agent_Washington throws himself at the Falcon.
* Agent_North grunts in pain as he tries to crawl towards South
* Jorge-052 shoots at Wash, hitting him in the back of the legs multiple times.
<Agent_Washington> Ahh!
* Agent_Wyoming sees he's clearly done no good here, and stands, heading towards the ruined facility.
* Jonathan_Ulan shoots Carolina and drags Wash in
<Jonathan_Ulan> Get us out of here Davis!
* Capt_Colin_Davis lifts the falcon up in the air, out of the range of enemy fire
* Agent_Carolina is thrown back by the shots, which impacts her in the chest.
<Agent_North> South...
* Jorge-052 keeps shooting at the retreating Falcon even after they're out of range.
<Agent_Washington> Ugh...
<Agent_Washington> My legs...
* Agent_North crawls forward slowly
* Jorge-052 doesn't stop firing until his gun is empty.
<Jorge-052> Damn. Bastards got away.
* Agent_North coughs up blood, and pulls his helmet off
* Agent_Carolina sits up slowly, her shields recharging from the shot.
* Agent_South pulls off her helmet, and grimacing, rips the knife out of her abdomen.
<Agent_South> Ugh!
* Agent_Washington crawls to the back of the Falcon, still weak from blood loss.
<Jonathan_Ulan> Davis, have medics on standby when we get back in the ship
<Capt_Colin_Davis> Yes sir!
* Agent_South spits blood out onto the snow.
<Agent_South> Fuck.
<Agent_Carolina> Sit... rep.
<Agent_South> I'll live...
* Agent_South looks at North.
<Agent_South> North...
<Theta_AI> His vitals are steady.
<Agent_North> Agh...
* Agent_Carolina gets up and hurries over to her Freelancers.
<Omicron_AI> You're a bit worse off than he is, South.
<Agent_South> I'll be fine...
<Agent_North> South, you okay?
<Agent_Carolina> Get some biofoam in. Stop the bleeding.
* Agent_South struggles but manages to get up.
* Agent_Wyoming ducks through a shattered wall, out of the wind, though not the cold. The facility has no power going towards heating.
* Jorge-052 quickly gets the biofoam.
<Agent_South> Shit...we were so close too...
<Agent_South> ...and Wash...
* Agent_Carolina stares in the direction of the Falcon's retreat.
<Agent_Carolina> Another loose end.
<Agent_North> Damn...didn't get Ulan....
* Agent_South gives a pained smile.
<Agent_South> You sure gave him a good beating though.
<Agent_North> Yeah...
* Agent_Wyoming carefully heads down where the damage isn't as bad, pistol held ready.
* Agent_Georgia ducks through a shattered hallway, heading underground.
<Agent_North> He has to pay...for Indy and Montana, for all the shit he's pulled...
<Agent_Carolina> ... I just want to know why the hell Wash is with him.
* Agent_Wyoming checks his corners, searching for any sign of Ulan and his allies showing interest in something.
* Agent_Georgia moves towards a half-broken door and pushes it open.
<Agent_Georgia> So.
<Agent_Georgia> This is what the Director found here.
* Jorge-052 tends to South, with surprising gentleness.
* Agent_South looks up at Jorge, but her expression softens.
<Agent_South> Thanks.
<Jorge-052> Don't mention it.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Wyoming? Do you read me?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Here.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) I'm inside the facility.
* Agent_North pulls on his helmet, and struggles to his feet
* Agent_South wipes the blood off her mouth and gets up.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Nothing on what Ulan was after, though. Everything's too well vandalized to tell.
<Jorge-052> Can you walk?
<Agent_South> Yeah...
<Jorge-052> Good.
* Jorge-052 turns his attention to North.
<Capt_Colin_Davis> Did you find what you we're looking for?
<Jonathan_Ulan> Yeah, but we couldn't get it out
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Tell me what you're looking at, Wyoming.
* Jorge-052 examines the cut in the side of North's neck.
<Jorge-052> You're lucky the armour stopped most of the blade.
<Agent_North> Yeah, I guess.
<Agent_North> Need to get Ulan.
* Jorge-052 treats North's injuries carefully.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) Hold on . . . locked door. Now who would take the time to close a door on their way out of here?
* Agent_Wyoming has Gamma unlock the door, and Wyoming pulls it open before advancing into the adjacent hall.
* Agent_Wyoming checks his thermals.
* Agent_Georgia enters a small chamber. Strange runes and images flash up and down the falls, casting a blue hue over everything.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Keep me posted, Wyoming. We have two casualties.
* Agent_Wyoming is tired of uttering curses, and just accepts the casualties without asking who.
* Agent_Carolina seems to soften, her tone of voice more gentle. "The twins."
<Agent_Georgia> So that's what you were after, Boss.
<Agent_Georgia> You and the Director wanted the same thing.
<Agent_South> (COM) So. Where's our ride out of here?
* Agent_Wyoming continues through the halls, all leading one way, and that's down.
<Omicron_AI> I'll call the Mother of Invention for a dropship.
* Agent_Wyoming keeps his thermals on high, checking for any sign of a warm touch left behind.
* Agent_Georgia moves over to the far end of the room, searching for another door.
<Agent_South> I think I'll just sit here, how about you North?
<Agent_North> Yeah...I'll do that...
* Jorge-052 finishes patching North up.
* Agent_North sits down, groggy and wounded
<Jorge-052> There. You'll both need a doctor, but that'll hold you together for now.
<Agent_South> So, how tough was that son of a bitch, North?
<Agent_North> Too damn tough.
<Omicron_AI> Well, we're going to catch up to him sooner or later.
<Agent_North> Something's up with him. He's already taken out two Freelancers, and damn near got us, too.
<Omicron_AI> Mont was my friend. I want Ulan to pay for her death.
<Agent_North> You and me both.
* Agent_Wyoming begins to see there's footprints in the frost on the carpet, which has become less prominent as it gets warmer in the bunkers underneath.
* Agent_Carolina looks at her Freelancers and sighs, then busies herself checking her weapons and tac-map.
* Agent_Wyoming eventually loses the footprints altogether, but is sure there's only one way the person could have gone.
* Agent_Georgia scowls and enters a short code into his armor.
* Agent_Wyoming switches to his rifle for these long corridors.
<Agent_Georgia> You were right about one thing, boss.
<Agent_Georgia> The UNSC shouldn't get its hands on this.
<Agent_Georgia> And neither should you.
* Agent_Wyoming rounds a corner, and sees Agent_Georgia just beyond either's motion tracker range, back to him.
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) On what, Georgia?
* Agent_Carolina hears Wyoming over TEAMCOM and freezes.
* Agent_Wyoming hasn't aimed his weapon at Agent_Georgia yet.
<Agent_Carolina> ... Georgia.
* Agent_Georgia turns to look at Wyoming.
<Agent_Georgia> Wyoming.
* Agent_Wyoming nods.
* Agent_Georgia turns sideways to face Wyoming.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Wyoming? Do you need backup?
<Agent_Wyoming> (COM) No, but better get it in place just in case.
* Agent_Carolina glances at Jorge.
<Agent_Carolina> Stay with North and South, Chief.
<Jorge-052> Yes, ma'am.
<Agent_Georgia> I heard about your wife.
<Agent_Georgia> ...Sorry.
<Agent_Wyoming> Thanks, I suppose.
<Agent_Wyoming> And how've you been?
* Agent_Wyoming laughs.
* Agent_Georgia looks down.
<Agent_Georgia> Not much better.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yeah. It doesn't seem to improve for any of us.
<Agent_Georgia> No.
* Agent_Wyoming walks forward, slowly and with his hands far from his sides.
* Agent_Carolina breaks into a run, using her speed ability to run to the facility. She then sneaks down inside, activating camouflage and stealthily making her way toward Wyoming and Georgia.
<Agent_Georgia> So, where's all your buddies?
<Agent_Wyoming> Outside. Several wounded. What's all this?
* Agent_Wyoming nods towards it.
<Agent_Georgia> This?
<Agent_Wyoming> What'd be so important that you wouldn't give it to . . . whoever you're, what, working for?
<Agent_Georgia> I'm unemployed right now, actually.
<Agent_Georgia> This is what the Director was after.
<Agent_Georgia> Where did you think he got all the armor powers he gave us?
<Agent_Wyoming> Ah, really . . . now that's . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> Indeed?
* Agent_Wyoming suddenly considers something.
<Agent_Wyoming> How good are you at infiltrating, say . . . ONI?
<Agent_Georgia> I have friends there.
* Agent_Carolina watches silently.
<Agent_Georgia> But that's beside the point.
<Agent_Wyoming> Could you get in contact with them?
<Agent_Georgia> You idiot, don't you realize what we're standing on?
<Agent_Wyoming> More power than anyone should ever have?
<Agent_Georgia> Exactly.
<Agent_Wyoming> I can understand that.
<Agent_Georgia> This stuff.
<Agent_Georgia> It isn't human.
<Agent_Wyoming> Ah . . . I'd heard the legends.
<Agent_Wyoming> Didn't believe it though.
<Agent_Georgia> This entire facility was built on top of alien ruins.
<Agent_Wyoming> Government covering up alien technology and whatnot.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah.
<Agent_Georgia> Except this time, the Director kept it from everyone.
<Agent_Georgia> Even ONI.
<Agent_Wyoming> Good on him.
<Agent_Wyoming> Finally something he did good.
* Agent_Georgia shakes his head.
<Agent_Georgia> You're giving him too much credit, Wyoming.
<Agent_Wyoming> So I presume we can't just blow it up.
* Agent_Georgia laughs humorlessly.
<Agent_Georgia> Texas's MAC round couldn't put a dent in this place.
<Agent_Wyoming> It wasn't his work to hide it?
<Agent_Georgia> No, he just wanted to use it.
<Agent_Wyoming> So would the UNSC, wouldn't they?
<Agent_Georgia> Yes.
* Agent_Wyoming nods.
<Agent_Georgia> And so would the rebels.
<Agent_Georgia> Why do you think Ulan came here?
* Agent_Wyoming smiles.
<Agent_Wyoming> Power. Like he's always after.
* Agent_Georgia keeps his eyes on Wyoming, but shifts towards the alien runes.
<Agent_Georgia> Where do you think the Director got the tech for the armor abilities?
<Agent_Wyoming> And I suppose you don't want to use it? Or are you like him?
* Agent_Georgia looks away.
<Agent_Georgia> A few weeks ago, I'd have used it to make more money than anyone could possibly imagine.
<Agent_Wyoming> And now?
<Agent_Georgia> Now?
<Agent_Georgia> I've seen what happens when people treat this stuff like a magic solution.
<Agent_Wyoming> So what do you intend?
* Agent_Georgia looks back at Wyoming.
<Agent_Georgia> I don't know.
<Agent_Georgia> I don't suppose you brought a nuke in your pocket, did you?
<Agent_Wyoming> Left it in my other armor.
<Agent_Wyoming> But if it's so powerful . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> Perhaps it can be . . . destabilized. Lose control of its own power as others have.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah, well, I don't see a control panel anywhere.
<Agent_Georgia> But if the UNSC gets a hold of it, they'll use it to make more programs just like Freelancer.
<Agent_Wyoming> I'm with you there. No one in the galaxy is ready for its use.
<Agent_Georgia> So.
<Agent_Georgia> Here we are.
* Agent_Carolina slowly disengages her camouflage, making herself visible to Wyoming and Georgia. She holds out her empty hands.
* Agent_Georgia snaps his SMG halfway up, but pauses when he sees Carolina is unarmed.
* Agent_Wyoming looks over his shoulder, nodding.
<Agent_Georgia> You.
<Agent_Carolina> Calm down.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm not about to start shooting. Not now.
* Agent_Georgia lowers the SMG, but keeps it in his hand.
<Agent_Wyoming> It has to be destroyed, somehow. Maybe a small crack could . . .
<Agent_Georgia> So, you're the talking type?
<Agent_Carolina> I am now.
<Agent_Georgia> At least you're different from Texas.
<Agent_Georgia> Didn't work out so well for her when she tried to kill me for what she wanted.
* Agent_Carolina clenches a fist.
<Agent_Wyoming> Let's not talk about that now.
<Agent_Georgia> She's killed plenty of my friends.
<Agent_Georgia> I'll talk about her however I want.
<Agent_Georgia> But I have to wonder.
<Agent_Georgia> Why isn't she here trying to pull my head off?
* Agent_Carolina steps forward.
<Agent_Carolina> Agent Texas is in ONI custody.
<Agent_Carolina> And will remain such for the time being.
<Agent_Georgia> Have a falling out?
<Agent_Carolina> Now shut up.
<Agent_Carolina> Have you ever heard of Spartans, Georgia?
* Agent_Georgia shrugs.
<Agent_Georgia> I've heard rumors.
* Agent_Wyoming tilts his head, still looking at the object.
<Agent_Carolina> Because there's one waiting around up top, and I will bring him down here.
<Agent_Carolina> So be nice.
<Agent_Wyoming> We just need to open it, and have a catalyst for the explosion . . .
* Agent_Carolina walks over slowly and looks at the alien tech, awed.
* Agent_Carolina places a hand on the alien symbols, deep in thought.
* Agent_Wyoming looks down at his armor.
<Agent_Wyoming> Would a suit reactor be enough?
<Agent_Georgia> A MAC round didn't scratch this thing.
<Agent_Georgia> Your suit wouldn't do anything to it.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yes, but inside it, somehow . . .
<Agent_Carolina> ... no.
<Agent_Wyoming> No what?
* Agent_Carolina turns around.
* Agent_Georgia looks at Carolina warily.
<Agent_Carolina> We can't destroy it.
<Agent_Georgia> What are you talking about?
<Agent_Wyoming> I think . . .
<Agent_Wyoming> Oh.
<Agent_Carolina> ... I know someone who can use this for good.
<Agent_Wyoming> Carolina, could it really do that?
<Agent_Georgia> Oh, really?
<Agent_Carolina> I can't believe I'm saying this...
<Agent_Carolina> but if there's one person I'd trust to use this technology... to help Tex...
<Agent_Carolina> It's Doctor Halsey.
<Agent_Georgia> Wait.
<Agent_Georgia> Help who?
* Agent_Wyoming looks over at Georgia, not threateningly, but wondering if he'll attack them.
<Agent_Carolina> ... you heard me.
<Agent_Carolina> Tex.
* Agent_Georgia grips his SMG tightly.
<Agent_Carolina> She's rampant, but she just wants to be a whole person.
<Agent_Carolina> It's all she has left.
<Agent_Georgia> So that's it then.
<Agent_Wyoming> I know it sounds bad, Georgia. We'll just use it once . . . but that's it.
<Agent_Wyoming> It's a slippery slope.
<Agent_Wyoming> But for Texas . . .
* Agent_Georgia looks from Carolina to Wyoming.
* Agent_Carolina takes off her helmet and looks at Georgia imploringly.
<Agent_Carolina> I'm asking you nicely, Agent Georgia.
<Agent_Carolina> Please.
<Agent_Georgia> So I guess I can just walk away or you can kick my ass and do it anyway.
<Agent_Georgia> But do you have any idea how many people she's killed?
* Agent_Carolina looks away.
<Agent_Wyoming> We're familiar.
<Agent_Carolina> I know how many people I've killed.
<Agent_Wyoming> I admit, I've kept a count.
<Agent_Carolina> Tex isn't a monster. She's just a memory. And she wants to be more. Be better.
<Agent_Carolina> If you want to leave, no one's stopping you.
<Agent_Wyoming> And let us bring her back to life.
<Agent_Wyoming> Well, make her not rampant.
<Agent_Georgia> She butchered my comrades, my best friend, and the woman I loved.
<Agent_Georgia> And I'm just supposed to walk away?
* Agent_Carolina gives a slightly pained sigh.
* Agent_Wyoming laughs humourlessly.
<Agent_Wyoming> I know.
* Agent_Carolina opens her clenched fists and looks up at the majestic structure, exhaling.
<Agent_Carolina> I get it now.
* Agent_Carolina emits an odd laugh.
<Agent_Carolina> It's not about getting payback.
<Agent_Carolina> It never was.
<Agent_Carolina> It's about protecting what we have left.
<Agent_Carolina> And letting go of the past.
<Agent_Carolina> What the Director could never do.
* Agent_Carolina looks at Georgia.
<Agent_Carolina> You want to get revenge, that's your prerogative.
<Agent_Carolina> But I'm not — I'm not going to obsess over killing Ulan, or any of that anymore. I just want to fix Texas.
* Agent_Georgia 's hand trembles on the SMG, torn between the common sense not to attack Carolina and the desire to stop her.
<Agent_Wyoming> Tell me, Georgia. What does your revenge matter anymore? Would it make up for anything?
<Agent_Carolina> Maybe we don't owe her. Maybe she does deserve punishment. It doesn't matter.
<Agent_Carolina> It's about us, not her.
<Agent_Carolina> Whether or not we can let go of our memories.
<Agent_Wyoming> There is a whole other war to fight, after all.
<Agent_Wyoming> New pain to suffer, and all.
<Agent_Georgia> It won't stop with her, you know.
<Agent_Georgia> Once you let this out, it will never just curl up and go away.
* Agent_Carolina shrugs.
<Agent_Carolina> It's the flip of a coin.
<Agent_Wyoming> Maybe it could be, if you were around. Always doubting us.
* Agent_Georgia clips the SMG to his side, clenching his fists.
* Agent_Carolina runs her fingers over the alien etchings.
<Agent_Georgia> Then do whatever you want.
<Agent_Georgia> I couldn't beat you in a fight, and I've suffered enough because of Texas already.
* Agent_Carolina puts her helmet back on.
<Agent_Georgia> I'm a mercenary. Revenge isn't profitable.
<Agent_Carolina> Good.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Jorge. Do you read me?
<Jorge-052> (COM) Yes, Major O'Connell. Our Pelican is waiting for you to return topside.
* Agent_Wyoming stares at Georgia, somehow disappointed though their meeting went better than he could have hoped.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Copy that. Notify Command we have Tier-One classified materials on hand.
<Jorge-052> (COM) Yes, ma'am.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM)... and be sure to tell them it's for Doctor Halsey.
<Jorge-052> (COM) ...yes...ma'am.
<Agent_Wyoming> Georgia . . . I don't know how to quite put it.
<Agent_Wyoming> You're . . . you're still a better man than you know.
* Agent_Georgia turns away and heads for the exit.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah.
<Agent_Georgia> Sure.
<Agent_Wyoming> Not for this.
<Agent_Wyoming> For not seeing this power, and trying to take it. You're wiser than that.
<Agent_Wyoming> Us, it seems . . . we're still fools.
<Agent_Wyoming> But we have hope.
* Agent_Carolina is staring at the alien ruins as if in a trance, touching the symbols.
* Agent_Georgia stops, halfway past the threshold.
* Agent_Carolina starts walking in a random direction, following the symbols that seem to move.
<Agent_Wyoming> Fools hope, but hope nonetheless.
<Agent_Georgia> Yeah?
<Agent_Georgia> Well that's one thing I'm all out of.
<Agent_Wyoming> I hope you find it back again, Georgia.
* Agent_Carolina kneels down and touches a panel, only to have it rise up in front of her, revealing a gleaming crystalline artifact.
* Agent_Georgia shakes his head.
<Agent_Carolina> ... huh.
<Agent_Georgia> I tried, Wyoming.
<Agent_Georgia> I tried.
* Agent_Carolina uses both hands to grasp the artifact and cautiously lifts it toward her.
<Agent_Wyoming> Don't give up, Georgia.
<Agent_Wyoming> That's one thing we both know you're good at.
* Agent_Georgia turns to watch Carolina take the artifact.
* Agent_Carolina stares at the artifact, mesmerized as it shimmers.
<Agent_Carolina> For some reason... I feel like this is worth something.
<Agent_Wyoming> Don't stare at it too long.
* Agent_Carolina forces herself to look away, at Georgia.
<Agent_Carolina> Thank you.
* Agent_Georgia looks away, unable to meet Carolina's gaze even through his helmet.
<Agent_Georgia> I gave up a lot here, today.
<Agent_Georgia> Make it worth it.
* Agent_Georgia turns and leaves.
* Agent_Carolina turns to Wyoming.
* Agent_Wyoming unclips his ammo pouch.
<Agent_Carolina> Come on. Let's get out of here.
<Agent_Wyoming> Use this. Let's not leave it out for all to see.
* Agent_Carolina slips the artifact into the pouch, holding it close.
* Agent_Wyoming leads Carolina back through the halls to the surface.
* Jorge-052 nods at Carolina and Wyoming as they exit the facility.
<Agent_Carolina> (COM) Prepare to rendezvous with the Mother of Invention.
<Jorge-052> The others are on board the Pelican and ready to go.
* Jorge-052 waves at the pilot to take off.
<Agent_Wyoming> Are you sure we should have notified Command?
* Agent_Carolina is quiet as she enters the Pelican, then glances at Wyoming.
<Agent_Carolina> Doesn't matter if they know.
* Agent_Wyoming takes a seat, and grins.
<Agent_Wyoming> Because we won't let them have it?
<Agent_Carolina> If I'm right, Halsey won't let anyone touch this place but her.
<Agent_Wyoming> Good.
<Agent_Carolina> And that's what I'm hoping for.
* Agent_South is sound asleep, strapped into the cargo seat.
* Agent_North is checking over his weapons and armour
* Agent_Wyoming looks back out the window, still thinking about Georgia.
* Agent_Carolina sits back and hugs the pouch close, bringing up one of Halsey's files onto her HUD. She enlarges part of a page and studies the text: Victoria-174
<Jorge-052> Well, I don't know how much you lot liked working with me, but...
<Jorge-052> ...I think you're alright.
<Agent_Carolina> ... hm? Oh.
<Agent_Wyoming> Yeah, Spar— . . . Jorge.
<Agent_Carolina> You're not so bad yourself, Chief.
<Jorge-052> Thank you, ma'am.
<Agent_Wyoming> Today, was a good day.
* Agent_Carolina gives a short, quiet laugh.
<Agent_Carolina> We're not so different after all.
<Jorge-052> No. I don't think we are.
* Jorge-052 returns to adjusting his gun, concealing a smile behind his helmet.