Another Wash memory, this time expanding on a line in Shattered Memory. As usual, my thanks to my Church for being awesome and I still don't own RvB. siiiiiiigh

Agent Washington checked the chrono on his gauntlet and grinned. He was pushing it, but at the pace he navigated the maze-like halls of Freelancer Command, he would slide into the conference room just as the Director started the briefing. The soldier reached his destination, but froze at the sound of angry female voices that emerged when he began opening the heavy door.

"Well maybe it's because CT is just a fucking TRAMP!"

"At least I know what I'm doing!"

"You would, wouldn't you?"

"I'm doing better then you, Miss One-Blue-Hit-Wonder!"

"You're all a bunch of skanks!"

"Oh shut up Carolina! You're not as innocent as you want everyone-"

Washington very, very quietly closed the door and went outside to find Maine, York, Wyoming, North, and the Director scattered around the portal.

"I apologize, I didn't think they would all show up at the same time." Dr. Church drawled, offering a cigarette to Wash.

"Anyone try to stop them?" The former ODST settled down on the low wall beside Maine and accepted the offered light.

York sighed. "You know, I don't even want to try."

"If you think I'm going in there, you're mad!" Wyoming declared, his pipe carefully cradled in his palm, his posture suggesting ye olde English nobility.

Maine tried to laugh at Reggie and ended up choking on a lungful of smoke, sending him into a coughing fit.

After slapping his best friend on the back a few times, Wash glanced over at North. "What about you? Can't you talk South down?"

"You want my opinion? Lock the door and hope their combined fury obliterates the galaxy and we don't have to worry about it." North stated coldly, staring the other man down. The two weren't exactly friendly given Wash's new sleeping arrangements with South.

All six turned to look at the door when the echoes of a splintering crash reached them.

The Director sighed. "I hate it when Texas decides to make weapons out of the furniture. Our budget is tight enough as it is without her destructive tendencies."

York raised an eyebrow. "It's starting to sound like North has the right idea."

Dr. Church pushed his glasses up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "I'm starting to agree."

The door slammed open, making them all jump, and the one and only Tex stormed out. Muttering under her breath, passed them all without looking at anyone.

"Agent Texas, our briefing?" The Director ventured.

The red head became silent as she stopped and turned her emerald glare on him.

"Will be in fifteen minutes." Dr. Church said smoothly after regaining his composer.

After she marched away into the courtyard, Wyoming shook his head and pocketed his pipe. "She is quite something else. I suppose I should see how many medics we need for the others." The older Freelancer turned to walk back into the building, North, York and Maine following behind.

Wash started to turn, but stopped when he noticed the Director still watching the armour clad woman as she spoke to the mysterious Blue simulation trooper that lingered around the base. "Is something wrong, sir?"

"No, Agent Washington, I was just thinking how little some people change." Dr. Church mused quietly.

"Sir?"

The Director turned then, a sad smile in place. He put a hand on Wash's shoulder and steered him to the door. "Never mind, David, just remember that we can never outrun our memories."

The solder only nodded. Washington wondered what the he had meant but knew better then to press for details. It was just one more unknown revolving around the beautiful Tex.