I do not own any characters from Microsoft or Bungie's "Halo" title or any characters created by Roosterteeth in Red vs. Blue.
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"Oh no," Carolina said and rolled her eyes.
"Let me guess," Washington said, "you challenged her to another firefight."
"York, do you honestly think you even stand a chance of beating her?" Carolina asked.
"Course I can! History in the making today. Right, Wash? Wash?" He looked over and saw Washington's glassy eyes, open but unseeing. Carolina noticed as well, and they rushed to his side, not knowing what was wrong. "Wash? Hey, Wash, snap out of it!"
Delta's avatar flashed into existence. "There is no need for alarm. Agent Washington's medical file indicates that he is prone to slipping in and out of consciousness. We will have to return another day."
Washington lethargically turned his head, looking at everything and nothing in the room, his once alert mind in a state or torpor. Finally, his languid eyes rested on the soft, green glow cast by Delta. He started at it awhile before awareness flickered back into his eyes.
"Get that thing away from me!" Carolina and York pinned him down, struggling to restrain the now flailing Washington. He continued to shout and kick, trying to escape, while the two held down his arms and torso.
Delta flashed red. "Alarm. Threat level raised. Recommend alerting the nearest-"
"We noticed, Delta," Carolina snapped.
"What's wrong with him?" York asked.
"I don't know," Carolina replied, starting to panic.
"Wash, calm down!"
"No! Get the hell away from me!"
Carolina leaned to put more weight on Wash's arm. Now, she could see Washington's face clearly: lines etched in fear and wild eyes focused completely on Delta. "York, it's Delta!"
"What? How-" he started to ask.
Delta cut him off. "Agent Washington's recent incident with the Epsilon AI may have-"
"Later, Delta. Retire!" York ordered.
"Executing."
"You're not putting another of those damn things in my head!" Wash yelled.
"Wash, it's gone," Carolina nearly shouted, straining to be heard over Washington's screams. "Delta's gone. It's alright now."
"No, I won't let you!"
"Wash, look at me," she yelled and shook him, but he was frantic, focused on where Delta had been. In one swift motion, Carolina tore off her helmet and grabbed Washington's face, turning it towards her. They locked eyes. "Look at me! No one's implanting another AI in you. No one! Everything's going to be alright. You're safe here." Her voice became softer and gentler as she talked him down. She and York lowered Washington back into bed, his breathing harsh and eyes vacant once more.
York cast one last look and said to Wash, "Well, wish me luck." He turned to leave; Tex would be waiting.
"York," Carolina said. Her gentle voice was enough to stop him. "You don't have to."
"No one's making me do anything. It was my choice."
She walked towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I just don't want you to get hurt."
"I'll be fine. Come watch… please?" He lightly traced his finger down her cheek and under her chin. He tilted her face towards him. "Please?"
"I can't. They're removing the AI. Both of them."
"Then I'll tell you how it goes. You take it easy," and York left before Carolina could stop him again.
"Just be careful."