I've been working on the idea for awhile now, and it's only gonna be about three to four chapters. This story starts In Medias Res. That's a Latin term meaning 'in the middle of things' and is used among writers. Also, Carolina is never really used in this story, it's all about Chief and Epsilon. Hope you enjoy


Chief ran down the corridors, his heart pumping faster than ever and sweat covering his face and soaking his hair. His armor felt heavier than it normally did and all he knew was that he had to run faster, that he had to get there in time and same her. Although, he wasn't sure who this person was or why he was trying to save her, all he knew was that he had to save her and quick. He heard a loud scream and he halted in his tracks, feeling himself freeze to the floor.

"No," he murmured. "NO!" He took off at a full run and entered a room where he found a blonde woman in a pool of her own blood on the floor. He knelt by her and looked around, seeing one other person dead as well. A redhead in aqua-ish armor with a knife in her back. "No, NO! Why are you doing this to me? WHY?!" It was then Chief realized this was not him, this was someone else entirely, and they were panicked and scared. He stood up and pounded by a control panel, through it being able to see two men watching him. "Leave me alone! What did I do to deserve this? Why are you doing this to me?!" He fell to his knees and sobbed a few times. "Why...?"

Chief jolted awake and instantly sat up on his bunk. He gave a light sigh and twisted around so his feet rested on the ground, Epsilon whispering in the back of his mind. This was the fifth time Epsilon had given him nightmares, and whenever he went back to bed they'd just come back. He gave another sigh for it was obvious he wasn't trying that again. Without thinking Chief had pulled on a pair of combat boots and walked out of his room to walk the halls. A few soldier walked around on duty and would come at attention as he passed them, but he didn't pay them any heed as he kept on walking. He soon arrived at an empty mess hall and sat down at one of the tables, listening to what Epsilon was saying.

Ever since Chief had gotten they AI he had been unsure and jumpy, but he also had an attitude. Whenever someone said the words 'director' or 'counseler' he tended to panic a bit, but Chief always managed to calm him down. Of course that didn't bother him to much because he was able to control it, it was the nightmares that were the problem. Every night Chief would be awakened by a nightmare Epsilon was having and wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, and if he did he would just have another nightmare. Chief closed his eyes and listened to Epsilon as the AI muttered to himself.

"Evil, that's what they are. They tortured and lied and did anything they wanted. They beat other people on their way to the top and they didn't care. Evil, evil," he muttered to himself. Chief opened his eyes and narrowed them in thought.

"Who?" he whispered. He felt Epsilon stir inside his head a bit, then become still.

"The Director and the Counseler. They're evil! They always have been, they always will be. They hurt everybody I know, everyone I knew. My friends, my team. They are evil, cruel people," he muttered in response. Chief felt himself go pale as he got a realization.

"Those aren't dreams, are they? They're memories. They did that too you? Tortured you until you broke?" Chief felt emotion creep into his voice and took a slow breath, calming himself.

"Yes, they are memories. But not to me, to the Alpha," Epsilon told him. Chief felt himself tense and stare at the wall before him as if he believed Epsilon could feel his stare.

"The Alpha? You're a Freelancer AI? They were all supposed to be destroyed, and for a good reason too," Chief said, muttering the last part. In his mind an idea flashed, making him wonder for a few seconds if he should turn Epsilon in and get him deactivated. Epsilon panicked and let out a scream, making Chief jump in surprise.

"No! No, please don't let them hurt me! I'll be good! I wont give you nightmares or panic during the day, I promise! Just don't let them hurt me!" Chief was taken aback by his panicking and thought it over a minute or so, wondering about this.

"No, Epsilon," he said in a kind voice. "I won't let them hurt you." He felt Epsilon relaxed, but also felt him questioning why. Without him having to word his concerns Chief answered as he stood from his seat. "I wont turn you in." Epsilon let out a sigh of relief and Chief walked back to his room, sitting down and leaning up against the wall. In an instant his eyes shut and he was back asleep.


Ok, that's a wrap. I would love to write more, but I have to go to bed and all. So, goodnight!

Thanks for reading, please review, and have a bow chicka bow wow day (or night in my case)
Perla: And may it be the best one ever, of all time