Chapter 4

A soldier's respite

September 16th, 1904

Monument Island

1246 hours

(Zack's POV)

I've been stuck in this tower with Elizabeth for over two months. Two months since I've come to the realization that I am either not in my own universe or my own time. Had very limited opportunity to gather info on the impossible city outside the window, still no clue how in God's name I ended up here, and I suspect we are not as alone in this tower as Elizabeth thinks she is. Always got the unnerving feeling that we're am being watched. A Spartan's instinct is never wrong, Kurt taught us that in the early days of training. I spent most my time reading the endless books Elizabeth had with her. At first trying to find anything remotely related to Columbia before me. No much to go on that doesn't reek of propaganda. So unless I am able to go outside and investigate the impossible city, I am stuck just surveying it from here. Primitive looking airships yet slightly impossible tech for the era. Not my first choice of places to live, I rather live in a asteroid honestly or on a moon. Still highly doubt I am nearly seven centuries in the past. A city in the clouds in the 1900's, someone would have record of it and made it well known history. Earliest I can think of humanity leaving the ground to colonize areas over the earth's surface would have to be in 2080, when humanity first settled on Earth's moon of Luna. Humanity barely begun getting off the ground for more than a few minutes in the late 1800 to early 1900's for a city in the sky to even remotely be considered a possibility.

Books I gave up trying to find a right date with. Published dates go as far back as 1890 and as far ahead as 2012. By the design of the city I can see, I don't need a degree from any Officer Candidate school to know that not a whole lot of places outside the early 1900's look like this. So either I am on more hallucinogenic drugs than a 70's to 80's music artist, or somehow this girl keeps getting books from all over the time line and/or universes. No newspapers coming in so i am screwed for luck there. The 'Songbird' creature is problematic toward my unwilling stay here. Luckily he only seems to only pop up when the gold statues whistle some tune, early warning system that has saved my ass. He has yet to know I even exist, and in my current condition I have to keep it this way. I can still fight but not as effectively as I would like. Obviously mechanical being of some sort, further adding evidence I am not even on my own timeline. Something like that would be nice to have against the Covenant. Be a useful distraction having it fly into their back like and wreak up the ranks before it got overwhelmed by the plasma fire. From what I can gather, he is kind of both Elizabeth's keeper and guard. He watches over her and makes sure she is safe, and keeps her confined to this place. So when I need to plan a escape, taking him out of the picture would have to be top priority. Working on the details of how I can, not a lot of options. Nothing I can make explosives out of, no guns but my pistol somewhere so shooting it is out, knife won't do much unless I sever a key hose or tube. Possible but getting close for a knife to be effective would would be extremely difficult, if not impossible in my current state. Not going to be easy bringing it down if it comes down to it. Till then, hide in a closet or concealed space when he shows up. Have to come up with a proper plan of attack with him.

I laying on the love seat as still as I can, full armor with my hand on the floor, looking like I was getting ready to sleep for the night. With how bored I am that is looking like a good idea the longer i lay here. Elizabeth was across the room from me, sitting down on a stool painting on a canvas. She insisted that I let her paint me, pestering me even. I can only say no for so long. Running out of things to do here that I can do as my back heals. Can't do any PT because I might to stand still and not piss off the only person I can interact with or tend to my wounds. It would be limited but I need PT, something to keep me occupied. My back has healed to a fair degree but not enough to fight or move heavily. For the foreseeable future, I must keep her entertained to a certain degree. It was either this or another round of 'question and that's classified'. Let loose very minor details about my 'universe' and about myself. So far I left her off explaining the different ranks in the Navy. Kept her satisfied for the time being.

Meanwhile, her rather naive and stubborn demeanor has gotten frustrating to say the least. Trying to figure out why I joined the military at such a young age. I have not explained to her that I saw my parents get brutally murdered with my home burning all around me at the age of 5. Something no one should ever have to see. I joined to get revenge on the Covenant, to be the protector for those who need me when I had no one, to help ensure no child has to go to bed wondering if tomorrow will be the last day they'll see their home or loved ones. Even if it costs me my life, it would have bought many others much more time to cherish theirs. I can never tell Elizabeth this, worry her less about the horrors I faced. Less she knows the better.

"Stand still just a little longer. Almost done, just need to add some yellow here. . . and some here . . . and a little blue here." Elizabeth said breaking the silence as she kept her eyes on the piece of cloth, darting to me occasionally. I've been like this for five to six hours, how much detail is she really putting into this painting.

"Why are you painting me again?" I asked trying to stay still for her. I need to move, I need to do something. This keeps her off my back for a little while, but the trade off is that I have to stay perfectly still for hours on end. Not too bad if this were a stealth mission and I had a goal. But there is no goal, no mission, no nothing. I am basically on medical leave right now with nothing to do.

"I have no idea how long you'll be here, so I got to make something to remember you by." She replied. Well that makes sense, rather she forget about me but at this point. If it keeps her off my back with questions, I'll take it. "Soooo. . . What was this world called 'Harvest' like?" She asked.

"Don't know, I wasn't even born before it got glassed." I answered tiredly. At this point, I think she is trying to figure out which worlds I let loose are burned and which ones are still habitable. I don't even fully know. But most the outer colonies are either abandoned or destroyed, I know that much.

"What about this "Onyx' you mentioned in your sleep often?" She asked. Well that one is still around if I am not mistaken. I got to keep a lid on my lips when I'm asleep. Who knows what I leaked out already.

"It is beautiful, kind of like Earth in a way. Only needed some light transforming to make it habitable. Massive deposits of the planet's name sake all around the surface. It's been like home to me for years. After mine was . . . " I stopped myself before I could go on. Can't let too much slip. Already breaking regulation telling her anything beyond my name and serial number.

"I see." She said returning to her painting. I think I let a little too much loose. "How far has humanity traveled? How many worlds did you colonize?" She asked.

"As of 2490, I believe humanity had over 800 colony sites if I am not mistaken. Planets, moon, asteroids, what ever else we can remotely consider a stable home. Traveled as far as tens of thousands light years away from Earth. Yet many still think of her as home. As of 2545, the year I was torn from, I am not sure entirely how many we have left." I explained.

"Eight hundred . . . oh lord that is a lot of colonies." She replied giving the painting a few more strokes of the brush. "And which one were you from?" She asked.

"That's classified." I answered. That is the sixth time she asked. She should know she is going to get the same answer every time she asks. So why does she keep asking.

"Of course it is." She said defeated setting her paint pallet down. "Alright I'm done, what do you think?" She asked turning the painting toward me. . . . honestly I kind of like it. She had me painted in a almost peaceful state. Not a worry on my face, didn't miss a single scar or scrape, armor as dinged and banged up as it is now. She didn't miss a single detail.

"Like looking in a mirror. You got talent, looks great." I answered giving her a thumbs up. Now I may have be a vengeance thirsty child soldier, but even I know when to appreciate good art when I see it. She has an eye for art. She blushed a bit quickly looking away as she turned the painting to her.

"Thanks, you're the first person to ever judge my art." She said almost bashful. Adding more questions to my list. I am effectively seven hundred years in the past and/or in a parallel universe, with a girl that can claim to open slip space rifts between worlds. Said girl has never left this tower before a day in her life. Something isn't adding up here, someone has to be keeping an eye on her or refilling the supplies. From the slowly dwindling food supply, I am assuming the ones who normally restock the kitchen while she is asleep are too scared to wake me up to risk stocking it effectively. Smart people, never wise to sneak by a sleeping Spartan. This kid learned how to speak from someone, learn how to read and write from someone, even how to take care of herself from someone. These are not things that come naturally. Someone had to teach her. So unless she gets out somehow to interact, or she isn't telling the full truth about Songbird being the only one who visits her.

"My pleasure Elizabeth." I answered sitting myself up. I could feel my back flare up in pain as I moved. I forced the pain down as I sat up with my back leaning against the fabric of the love seat. Not as bad as a month ago, I'm healing slowly. I can't be laying down all day long. Ambrosia and Mendez would chew my ass out if they found out I went over two months without any PT, sitting on my ass with a cute girl taking care of my sorry ass. Tom and Lucy would be making fun of me every chance till the day we die . . . if they made it out alive that is. How many of us survived the mission? Hundred? Thirty? Ten? Just me? Killing me not knowing how many of my brothers and sisters survived, if any.

"I"ll call it 'A Spartan's respite'." She said gleaming with pride. I couldn't help but lower my guard and let out a chuckle. I smiled briefly as I looked at myself in the painting. Perfectly captures a rare moment of peace for a soldier like me. Eyes closed blissfully with my helmet on the ground by my head, my large scar on my face visible yet displayed with pride, armor scraped and dented in many areas. Body completely relaxed as it looked like I was getting ready to fall asleep peacefully, a rarity. It truly was a piece of art.

"Fitting." I replied as I forced my guard back up. Can't afford to get soft or attached. Quick way to getting killed on the battlefield. Humanity still needs me. I still need to find a way back home and back to the fight.

(Elizabeth's POV)

Hours later

Zack has been a good companion to have around the tower the last two months. Even though he doesn't like to answer too many of my questions with anything more than 'that's classified' or 'you're much better off not knowing'. So far I managed to find out that humanity has not only traveled to other star systems, but managed to bend the fabric of space/time with something called a slip space engine. Such a marvel to hear about. He describes it as a device capable of ripping a hole in the fabric of space/time and transporting a ship though with sufficient radiation shielding. He said he doesn't fully understand it himself to explain it properly. It certainly has my interest. He mostly keeps to himself, tries to clean up after himself without ripping my stitching open again. He tried to get information about Columbia from me, but being here in this tower my entire life leaves me little to tell him that I can't repeat from my books. Something about wanting to know his environment.

Now I am looking at his armor, piece my piece, to try and figure out how it all works. I am not allowed to tear it open because he says that is against UNSC regulation for a civilian to tear apart secret military gear without proper clearance. But he did say I am allowed to look at it and hold it. I was holding his helmet inspecting it all over. He sat on the love seat reading a book on the history of Columbia. The farther I read into the book Songbird got me, the more I worry about the type of place he is from. Got as far as Blue team arriving at Onyx, I haven't had the heart to read past that. If my theory is correct, that book is basically telling me the future of his universe. Set in 2552, he says he is from 2545. I read what happened to Beta Company, I seemed to have saved him right before everyone was killed. I can't bring myself to tell him his entire company but two were killed. He deserves some peace. . . . if not for a little while.

"What is this button for by the chin?" I asked feeling around on the inside. I pushed it but nothing happened. No lights came on, nothing popped up. Seems useless. Pushed it a few more times, still nothing.

"Activates my helmet's VISOR fiction to see better at night and see friend or foe tags better. Won't activate unless you are wearing the helmet. Don't break it, I kind of like that feature." He answered turning the page. Curious I decided to put the helmet on. Went right over my head and fit nearly perfectly. I was able to look out the visor perfectly fine. Felt kind of stuffy inside, yet almost alien like. All sorts of lights and things lit up on the glass in front of me. Something called Teamcom was down, names off to the side. Ana-B236, Peter-B-145, and Gabriel-B145. All had a flat line with a KIA beside them. What is kia?

"What is kia?" I asked.

"K I A. It means 'Killed in Action'." He answered still not looking up. He is almost as bad as I am with reading. This was a seriously high tech piece of equipment. I pushed my chin forward to the button. Instantly the area before me lit up brightly. Sunlight flared on the glass nearly blinding me as I looked away to the mirror. I could make out every corner of this room, no matter how dark it looked. All in a deep yellow tint. This was too cool. I pushed the button again as it had me see the room normal again. Think I am figuring this out.

"This is so cool." I said with my eyes darting all over the glass, taking in as much information as I can get. This is beyond amazing. I squinted my eyes to the far corner trying to see something, the helmet must have picked up on it and had me look closer at the wall, bringing the image closer like a telescope almost. My eyes widened as the image went back to normal. It follows my eye movement as well, this is beyond cool. "What is the thing on the bottom right corner? Has several triangles facing two directions." I asked trying to figure out the new gizmo that popped up on the glass. Was a thin long strip with several triangles. Two together facing backwards, one forward along, and two together forward.

"That would be the music systems. For when we're finished with a mission and on the way home. I got little over thirty five music files on there." He answered putting the book down. So his helmet cam play music. Without a record player and without the bulky records. I want to listen to something. "Look on the section that reads 'playlist' on the far right bottom, very edge and off to the side." He instructed. Okay, it is all done by eye movement. So I just need to look for the right thing. . . found it. 'Ride back' playlist. I looked at it for a few seconds before it expanded, bring up a list of what i assume are songs. "Just look at the song you want for three seconds and it will play automatically" He informed. I don't know any of these songs. Dates put them in the early 20th century. New by my standards, old by his. I'm almost too scared to pick one.

'Hymn for the missing 'by Red.

'Give me a sign' by Breaking Benjamin

'My demons' by Starset

'Sweet Child o Mine' by Guns and Roses.

I don't know any of these people. Or even what their music sounds like. The last one's name sounds pretty safe. I looked at the name for a few seconds as it blinked. The middle triangle now turned into a square. I nearly regret looking at the name as my ears were blasted by the screeching of something electric. I jumped in surprise as the noise played all around me in the helmet. I nearly tore it off and let it drop to the ground, backing away as the music kept playing.

"What the hell is that?!" I swore pointing to the still playing helmet. I can count with one hand the amount of times I've swore in my life, this makes four. I've never heard anything like that before in my life! EVER! Zack let out a soft chuckle as he reached down to pick up his helmet.

"Classic rock from 1989. Really old classic to relax to after a long fight. over five hundred years later it still stood the test of time of being one of the greats." He explained putting his helmet on. The music stopped as my heart rate slowly dropped back to normal. That nearly scared the life out of me. Oh lord how fast times change if that is considered Classic in the next century. I'm scared to know what music will be like in the 2500's if that is a taste if 1980's.

"Why didn't you warn me?" I asked.

"Would you have listened anyway? I can't exactly explain it in terms you know for this time." He asked . He has me there, I'm pretty sure most the instruments needed are not even invented yet. "Here is one you might like a little better." He said tapping the side of his helmet before taking it off. Now this song I am liking. A slow rhythmic tune echoed though his helmet out to the tower. I was nodding my head to the beat as Zack done the same. "Red- not alone, 2011. One of the slower song you might like." He informed taking his helmet off and set it aside on the table beside him. I couldn't help but smile as he closed his eyes and nodded his head, as if he was thinking back.

"Have you ever danced with anyone before?" I asked. Kind of a random question, but I'm curious. The more I learn about him, the more I pity him. Thrown into rigorous military training so at such a young age, having to see three hundred of your fellow siblings you trained along side get slaughtered in seconds, fighting a endless war for your own survival, torn from the only thing you ever knew without knowing how you can go back, willing to throw your own life away just to buy time for the rest of your species. I can't help but feel sorry for him. I spent my entire life alone in this tower, I never had too much human interaction, but he never had the chance to be like normal kids. He had his entire childhood taken from him in such a violent way so young if my book is remotely correct.

"No Ma'am, dancing is a luxury." He answered returning to his book. Just how rigorous was his training to not allow time for even something as simple as dancing? I steeled myself as i walked on over to him and stood over him. He looked up from his book and at me confused.

"Will you have this dance with me?" I asked extending my hand to him to take it.

"Ain't the guy suppose to be the one to ask that?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "I'll pass. I've been on leave for too long. I can't afford to lose any more time resting or relaxing. I need to try PT after I get some more information." He replied. Information for what? We ain't going out to Columbia any time soon. So until I can figure out if I can even open a tear to his universe again, we got all the time in the world.

"Come on Zack, what harm will one little dance do? Not like I'm asking you to compose a symphony or paint a masterpiece, or take on an entire army alone." I replied giving him a small smile, hoping he'll accept. He deserves a little happiness, even for a moment.

"You're not going to stop bugging me unless I accept, won't you?" He asked looking me dead in the eyes. Way to break the moment.

"I got nothing but time." I replied. He gave a defeated sigh as he put the book down. He took my hand as I helped him up. Still a heavy guy but I managed to get him to his feet. I helped move him to the center of the room as the music began to loop again. "Just wrap your arms around me like this, and follow my lead. We'll take it slow," I ordered taking his arms and having him wrap them around my waist. His touch was firm, yet gentle. As if he didn't know what to do. I wrapped my arms around his neck as we began to move to the music slowly. His movements were closed, unsure, almost uneasy as we moved.

"I've never danced before. Always trained or prepared for combat for the past seven years." He admired as I looked up into his eyes. For the first time since he been here, I saw a little fear in his eyes. Something completely alien. I never seen him scared before. What was he afraid of, having fun? Letting his guard down even for a moment? How bad of a life did he have before I brought him here? To be scared of having a small dance with a young woman his age?

"I never danced with anyone before, at least we're learning together." I replied resting my head on his chest. I could hear him taking a deep breath as my head made contact to his chest. Closing my eyes as I listen to his rhythmic heartbeat. It went fast, but began to slow down. I could feel my heart ping as we begun to move as one, slowly to the music. I couldn't help but smile. Soon enough he begun to move on his own, hands still uneasy but he slowly became more relaxed. "You're doing great Zack, just mind the toes." I warned as he almost stepped on my toes again. He let out a soft chuckle as he brought his hand to my back as we moved bit.

"This is nice, almost relaxing." He admitted resting his chin on my hair as we danced to the music. "Thank you Elizabeth. I owe you, for everything." His walls are begining to come down, just a little bit. He is happy, even for a moment. I can tell it in his voice. Mission complete Elizabeth.

"Just nice to have someone to talk to, to interact with. Gets lonely here often." I answered sadly as he lifted his chin off my head. I looked up to his eyes once more. Not full of fear anymore, but replaced with joy.

"I'm going to get you out of here Elizabeth. We're going to escape this tower, one way or another. I promise." He declared. I'm not sure how far his promises go, but escaping from here is easier said then done. I tried numerous times to get out, Songbird stops me each time. I'm not sure what plan he has in mind that I haven't already tried. I looked back to the floor as I sighed.

"Don't make a girl a promise, if you know you can't keep it." I answered as he softly cupped under my chin, as if to rensure me as the music began to die down slowly. He lifted my head up slowly so we locked eyes once more.

"A Spartan never makes a promise he can't keep." He insured as we looked into each other's eyes. I couldn't help but admire his emerald green eyes looked into my sky blue ones. His were full of determination, mine were of joy and passion. I couldn't help but get lost in them as we slowly drew closer. I smiled as we begun to lean closer to each other. We closed our eyes as I leaned my head sideways, gladly leaning up so we meet half way.

Just before our lips were about to meet the room was filled with a almost hellish screeching with heavy drums and screaming. I jumped back in pure shock shrieking in surprise as we both lost our balance and fell to the ground. I landed on my butt still in shock as he shook his head as if to clear it. He put his helmet back on and the music stopped. What the hell did I just listen to?! What did we almost do? Did we. . . . did we almost kiss?

"Five finger death punch Got your six, 2015." He said taking his helmet off. My heart was still racing as I had a hand over my chest, trying to keep my heart in my body so it doesn't beat out in fear. He put his helmet on the table and looked away blushing madly. "I got to do some PT now, been too long and I need it." He said as he made his way to the door. Slowly as i could visibly see his back was still causing discomfort. He stopped at the frame but didn't look back. "Thank you for the dance, I enjoyed it. I just need to figure something out first." He thanked walking out of the room. Leaving me alone with my thoughts. I got up and went to his helmet, holding it in my hands as I sat on the love seat looking into the gold colored glass.

"Why did I just do that?" I asked myself. Why did we almost kiss? I can't be developing feeling for him . . can I? Who is to say he even feels the same about me if I am. He is a child soldier, I am still just a child. I got to send him home eventually. I know he can't stay, but is it selfish of me to want him to? His people need him, he can't stay with me forever. But, I need him here. I can't be all alone again. Why does this have to be so confusing.

(Zack's POV)

You can't afford to get attached Spartan. Humanity needs you. You can't sit by with some girl you meet not even two months ago. Not when your people are being mercilessly slaughtered. You let your guard get too low, you let your emotions get the better of you. She can't go with you, she has to stay here, and you need to leave as soon as you can. I need a plan of escape, longer I'm here the greater the risk I'll get attached to Elizabeth gets. I know we are being watch, there is no denying it. My gut is screaming at me that we are. To what extent, I don't know. I got the basics of the plan down, but I need a way to get past that damn bird.

I forced myself to the living room as I got to the floor to begin some push ups. If I'm going to free Elizabeth and get us out of here, I need to be as fit and prepared as possible. I don't know what to expect but I do know that I won't break my promise. I owe Elizabeth at least that much. For taking care of me, nursing me back to health, keeping me from going insane if I haven't already. I am left with one big question to ask myself.

Let's we do escape from this tower, I end up having to kill my way out with what ever I can get my hands on and we leave this impossible city. Then what? What do I do after that? I'm not fully sure if I can even get home or not. What will I do if I can't? I can't stay with Elizabeth, someone like her deserves much better than anything I can provide. I'm a super soldier, designed to be expendable and a ruthless killing machine. What can I offer her that anyone else can't?

"Don't get attached Spartan. You know it won't work." I said as I made it to fifty. Switching to Squats. My back is aching but I have to work though it. I can't afford to get soft. I need to get back to the fight. Longer I'm here, the closer Humanity gets to brutal extinction. I have to find a way back home. But first, I got to break her out of here. I never leave a debt unpaid, and I am in some deep debt to Elizabeth.

That's all we have people. Sorry it took so long, i kind of got lost in Bioshock Infinite. Every time I play the game, something new surprises me or makes me wanting to go back for more. Whether it be a new voxaphone, secret areas, plain exploring, or simply enjoying how much of a master piece the game is. More I play it and explore, the more it makes sense and makes me think. I left a little fluff between Zack and Elizabeth. He let his walls down a little bit, but brought them back up again. Next chapter will be the last in the tower. How will they escape? I thought it would be kind of funny. Having them dance to a kind of slow song and almost kiss, only to be interrupted by some heavy metal. I don't know if the SPI armor or even Mjlnior armor could even support music files or their wearers would even have them. I would assume so for leisure periods. Man, that would be one hell of a music player. Well I'm done, peace out Spartans. See you on the battlefield.
~Dgreen20