Project Freelancer
Many years ago...
Arizona and Marcus were outside the infirmary waiting on word of Oregon's condition. Arizona was pacing nervously when the doctor walked out. Arizona walked swiftly to the doctor and asked about Oregon.
"Well, she lost a lot of blood but I think after a few days she'll be ok."
"Can I see her?" Arizona asked.
"Sure, just through that door." The Doctor replied.
"Thank you"
Arizona walked to Oregon's bedside and kneeled beside her.
"How are you feeling? Arizona asked.
"Not so well, but they say I'll get better soon." Oregon replied.
"Well, at least you'll get to go home."
"The Director says I'm not leaving the program yet."
"How? You have no legs."
"Prosthetics have come a long way Arizona."
"I don't like this at all."
"It'll be alright, I'll be fine."
A few weeks later Oregon's legs had healed and she was ready for surgery. She was escorted to the operating room and put under. Arizona waited for hours outside post-op nervously. After what seemed to Arizona an eternity, Oregon walked out on two mechanical legs. Arizona was very relieved to see her and hugged her.
"It's great to see you walking again." Arizona said.
"Well, the doctor said with these my kick strikes and jumping have immensely increased, so they come with benefits." Oregon replied.
"That's good I suppose."
"Well you should be happier that I can walk at all."
"It's not that. Something else is bothering me."
"What is it Arizona?"
"Why is it that the Director didn't just discharge you? Why take such drastic measures? It just seems strange."
"Well you know that we were hand picked for these spots in this program, maybe he doesn't want one to just up and leave."
"Maybe."
A week later Oregon was training her hand to hand skills when Arizona approached her.
"Hey Oregon, why don't you stop being cruel to that punching bag and come rest."
"NO! I have to train!"
"You've trained all day, you need sleep, now rest."
"I have to keep going. I gotta get better! ARRGGH!"
Oregon kicked the punching bag and broke it loose from the chains, sending it across the room. She sat down on the floor and began to cry softly.
"Oregon, it's ok."
"No it's not ok! I put the mission and you in danger back at that facility. If I had been better you wouldn't have had to do...that."
"That wasn't your fault. No one could have seen that coming."
"I should have gotten down to the docks sooner. You could've died that day."
"I could've. But I didn't. You know why I didn't? Because you got in there and helped me. If you hadn't been there I would be dead. You are the greatest soldier, the greatest person I've ever met, Makayla. There's no one else in this universe I'd rather trust my life with."
"Wow. I-I should probably go rest."
"Don't worry, I'll clean up here, you get some sleep."
"Thank you, Michael."
Oregon took her helmet off and kissed Arizona. She walked back to her quarters and laid on her bed. Thinking about what Arizona said...
