I'm re-posting this chapter because I fixed it up and I'm much happier with it :P

Chapter 13

The locker room held a frosty atmosphere as I geared up for my final fight of the day against Texas. Carolina and I had wasted no time; after lunch we had gone straight to the gym to practice hand-to-hand techniques together, and now we were both preparing for what would probably end up being the beating of our lives. Carolina was tense and quiet, and I didn't even bother trying to talk to her. I had a feeling that if I tried to discuss anything she'd snap like a twig from the amount of tension she had coiled inside of her. I suppose I could understand that. Tex had beat back everyone who had faced her, and taken the leader board by storm. Carolina being bumped down to number two? In Carolina's mind, that was probably equal to the Covvies glassing a planet. And that would just not do for her. Sometimes I wondered if York was right to be concerned about her obsession with the bored. Being driven was by no means a bad thing, but Carolina seemed to almost take ambition to extreme new heights. Looking at her now, I could see why York thought she needed to slow down. Her green eyes were flashing with determination, almost bordering on a manic urge to beat Tex down. Ignoring the urge to reassure her, I slipped on my helmet and moved to leave the locker room. Carolina grabbed my arm.

"Nothing less than victory today, Colorado."

Her cold tone surprised me, and I managed to nod before slipping out of her grasp and escaping the suddenly thick air of the locker room. Psi appeared next to my face.

"Carolina seems rather intense today," he observed casually.

"It's her spot on that damn board, Psi. She wants it back- badly. I don't think there's a limit to what she'll do to get it back."

"Desperation can lead to dangerous methods," he observed knowingly.

I raised my eyebrow and smirked as I walked towards the training room.

"Insinuating something, Psi?"

"Nothing you don't already know yourself, 'Rado."

I laughed and shook my head.

"Hey, nothing wrong with using dangerous means to accomplish an end for the greater good."

"I don't think that's what Carolina's intention is, 'Rado," he said in a troubled tone.

I sighed and shook my head.

"No, Psi, I don't think that's her intention either."

The Director had to know that pitting Tex and Carolina together wouldn't end well. Yet he still insisted on making them go head to head with that board. I was beginning to wonder what was most important to the Director in this project; the competition between his agents, or the actual war we were fighting. Psi broke through my quiet thoughts.

"Are YOU ok, 'Rado?" He asked in concern.

I raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Of course. Gray is dead, Oregon is in custody, Arizona is dead… there's really nothing for me to be upset about." I thought the question over. "Why do you ask, Psi?"

"You just seem… extremely happy. More content than normal."

"Why in the world does THAT concern you?" I asked in surprise. You'd think my being happy would be something to throw a party over.

"It just seems… temporary. Like the saying pride go'eth before the fall."

I scoffed, waving a dismissive hand.

"Please. I have every reason to be happy. I have a boyfriend that loves me, no Innies are out to get me, and I'm one of the most kickass soldiers in the history of military projects. The most I have to worry about is getting killed in combat. No big deal."

No big deal indeed. Still, I hated having Psi fuss over me. I didn't need people getting distracted from the important tasks at hand because of me. Rolling my shoulders, I turned as footsteps came rushing towards me. North was jogging down the hallway, his face nervous and excited.

"Hey, 'Rado, I just heard from the Director that I'm next in line after Maine to get an AI. I don't when, but I thought I'd share the news."

Delight surged through me, as well as a hell of a lot of nerves. Nothing had gone wrong with anyone yet in the implantation process, but there was always the risk.

"That's great, North. Do you know who it is yet?"

I could feel Psi's curiosity permeating my own. Carolina had already told us that Sigma was going to Maine. However, another issue occurred to me as North started speaking.

"No clue, but I hope I get a good partner. You and Psi seem close now."

I nodded and looked at his little hologram.

"We do make a good team. I felt blind without him on the field this morning. Made me realize how much I depend on him to keep me informed."

"You're a good partner too, 'Rado. Dangerous tendencies and all," Psi added wryly.

"We'll always be a good team," I said with fond smile. However, I frowned and turned to North. "Is South getting an AI too?"

North shook his head.

"If she is, she hasn't told me. South wasn't on the bridge when the Director told me."

Well, that certainly wasn't a good sign. South already seemed to believe that the Director favored her twin over her. To hear that he was getting an AI before her? Well, it wouldn't be a pretty scene. I was glad the Freelancers had been given their own quarters. If I was still bunking with South I doubted I would have been able to get any sleep for a week. Looking at North, I could see uneasiness over telling his sister as well. Whether she found out from him or not, it was bound to be an ugly scene. He affirmed as much.

"I'll tell South myself while we're watching your match against Tex. Hopefully watching you all will calm her down a bit."

I seriously doubted this, but shrugged.

"Well, good luck with that, North."

He gave me a wry smile.

"I think you'll need more luck than me," he said, nodding towards Carolina and Tex as they approached the training room door. I sighed and put my helmet on, mentally preparing myself for the ass kicking of a lifetime. I wasn't sure I was the one who would be beaten down as hard if we lost though. If anyone was going to feel the effects, it would be Carolina, and that was almost as scary as Tex herself.

We filed into the training room, and Carolina waved me over to the west wall, while Tex calmly took her place at the east wall. Carolina looked me over and then shot her gaze back to Tex. This was more than a training simulation for Carolina, I uneasily realized. This was personal, and unfortunately, I was forced to be right in the middle of it. Tex probably wouldn't care nearly as much, but who was I to judge? For all I knew she could have some personal grudge against Carolina and I'd end up watching them squabble from the sidelines. I could also end up with a dozen broken bones, but I tried my best not to think of that possibility. FILSS' cheerful voice sounded over my thoughts.

"Today's match will be between Agent Texas, and Agents Carolina and Colorado. The first team to get to two points will be the winner. Standard rules for hand-to-hand combat are being enforced. AI assistance is permitted for this training exercise."

That was all I needed for a smirk to creep its way across my face.

"Psi?"

"I'm ready whenever you need me, 'Rado."

He sounded just as eager to fight as I was, and I shot a look at Carolina, ready to hear her plan to win the match. Without looking at me, or missing a beat, she gave me the most unhelpful, unoriginal plan I'd ever heard.

"Win. That's all we need to do."

Ignoring Psi's confusion and my own incredulity at her harsh tone, I responded with, "and how are we going to get to the point of winning?"

This time she did look at me, and leaned closer. I'd never heard Carolina's voice so dark before.

"We win through any means necessary."

I felt Psi's uneasiness grow, and though I, too, wanted to show up Tex and prove that she could actually be beaten, I wasn't prepared to be near as aggressive as Carolina seemed to be. Nevertheless, I took a stance near my team leader and felt the tension in my body grow as the countdown started. When it hit zero, I almost expected the whole place to explode from tension. Instead, I watched as Carolina exploded forward aggressively, while Tex just waited for her. Sighing, I took off after the aquamarine Freelancer, hoping we could pull off a victory against the most kick ass woman on the ship.

Tex was easily deflecting blow after blow that Carolina rained down, and almost seemed to know what Carolina was doing before SHE actually did. Narrowing my eyes, I charged forwards and threw a right hook towards her head and followed up with an uppercut from my left arm. Both were thrown off course by the expert movements she possessed, and like lightning, she struck back with all the ferocity I expected. One fist impacted my visor before I could summon a reliable defense, and the next one buried itself in my gut. I flew back, winded, and struggled back up as Carolina yet again went on the offensive, having been kicked back before Tex had turned on me. With one more breath, I, too, charged towards Tex. The technique we had gone over this morning flashed in my mind, but as I tried to coordinate my own movements with Carolina's, I noticed that she wasn't doing the same. She had fallen into her own rhythm, paying no attention to me. Frustrated, I allowed her to take the main brunt of Tex's retaliation.

"Psi!"

"I know; she isn't focusing on strategy. Her personal feelings are what's driving her right now."

"Recommendations?"

He thought for a moment, and I could feel all of the variables spinning around in his thoughts.

"Flank her. It may not work, but it will make things easier on Carolina."

I nodded and rushed, my boots pounding on the cold metal surface as I charged behind Tex and began raining down a combination of punches and kicks. Between the two of us I thought we'd have her, but once again Tex managed to surpass my expectations. Roundhouse kicking Carolina out of the way, she spun on me and leapt, shooting out her foot towards my head. I raised my arms in a defensive block and felt myself shoved back a few feet.

"Duck!"

Instinct had me react to Psi's warning instantly, and I felt the air over my head whoosh by as Tex's fist shot past. However she quickly brought her entire arm down on top of my head, slamming me brutally to the floor in retaliation. Stars danced across my vision and I watched in fascination as the project's two top juggernauts met in a clash of armor. Carolina managed to hold her own for a little while, but it wasn't long before Tex broke through her defense and tripped Carolina, kicking her across the room.

"Round one, complete. Point to Agent Texas."

I struggled to my feet, shaking my head to steady myself. I could feel Psi's concern and gave him a small nod of reassurance. Carolina walked over to me and shot me a look; I could almost feel the fury radiating off of her.

"What was that?! She tossed you around like you were nothing!"

"Chill out Carolina; she's good, and you can't deny that. I predicted that I was going to get my ass beat before I even entered the arena, but I'm trying my best!"

"Well try harder! I need you at my back."

"Really?" I muttered quietly, "Because it doesn't seem like it."

"What was that?" She said harshly, surprising both Psi and myself.

"Nothing important, Agent Carolina," I said obediently.

She grunted in acknowledgement, though I could tell that she didn't entirely believe me. FILSS began counting down again, and Carolina didn't bother telling me what she wanted. She wanted me to have her back; I would be playing the support role. I wasn't happy with the assignment, and Psi could tell. Both Carolina and I needed to be on the attack to have a chance, but she didn't seem to realize that. In fact it seemed like she was trying to keep me out of the way as much as possible. I found myself narrowing my eyes at the silly schoolgirl grudge she was displaying.

"Ok, Psi, new battle plan. Don't take Carolina's unspoken 'fuck off' into account."

Psi was always sharp as a tack, and today was no different. When the timer hit zero, he had a plan for me.

"Carolina is primarily targeting her upper body and torso. Go for Tex's legs and you may unbalance her. Don't try to hit her; just force her to move."

I nodded as a quick response and immediately leapt forward with Carolina, matching her step for step until she threw a fist towards Tex, and I slid down for a sweeping kick at her legs. However, as before, Tex responded admirably; she jumped to avoid my sweep, and twisted her body to block Carolina's volley of blows, before landing gracefully on her feet, and ducking Carolina's roundhouse kick. Like lightning, I tossed forward a jab from my left arm and followed up with my right, but she deflected both blows and delivered a biting punch to my chest that pushed me back. Carolina took my place immediately, but within two seconds I was up and again charging.

"Remember, 'Rado, just force her to move!"

"I'm trying!"

I tried to go for a sweep again, and at the same time Carolina was driving in a left hook. There was no way she could dodge it! At least, that's what I thought. Tex leapt up into the air, and pulled off exactly what she had in the first training session, managing to catch Carolina's visor with a brutal punch, and sending me sprawling on my back with a kick. Furious now with how easily I was getting my ass handed to me, I jumped back up and rushed, quickly finding myself flat on my back as she kicked me over while I was defending myself from her fists.

"Damn it!" I hissed in anger. Carolina was up and back on the offensive. It was remarkable really; I never saw Tex go on offense. It was all defensive maneuvers and expertly done counterattacks. Almost like she expected her enemies to come to her all of the time. Granted, I had personally seen her charge in and kick ass anyway, but I found it interesting how she was more content to wait for us than vice versa. Of course with how personal Carolina was taking this fight, it seemed unlikely that Tex would have to wait for us to make our moves first. Carolina would always speed towards her like an RPG. Part of me wondered why the team leader kept throwing herself at someone obviously superior, but I supposed grudges did that to a person; I sure knew the feeling.

Nevertheless, I leapt up off of the floor and rushed forwards, following up Carolina's blows with some more support-oriented maneuvers.

"Jump, 'Rado!"

I followed Psi's order mechanically, watching as Tex's leg flew beneath me. However she quickly followed up with a punch to my gut that left me groaning on the floor. A second later I heard Carolina's furious yell as she, too, landed on the floor.

"Round two, complete. Point goes to Agent Texas. Today's victor is Agent Texas."

Her victory, or the bruise that was forming on my arm, honestly didn't surprise me. I didn't need to see Carolina's face to know that she was furious over the loss to the other woman yet again. Pulling myself off of the floor, I shook myself out and turned to exit, feeling a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Carolina, and Psi's wariness increased my own.

"Not good enough today, Agent Colorado."

With that jab, she pushed past me on her way to the locker room. I shook my head.

"Psi, someday her competitive nature is going to kill either herself, or one of us."

My partner gave his AI equivalent of a sigh in my head, apparently agreeing with my assessment. I waited a few minutes before following Carolina. I was starving now because of the events of the day, and hoped North had had a decent talk with his sister. The Director had to have known that excluding South while giving her brother an AI would inflame their already strained relationship. Pondering this, I went through a shower without much thought of anything else before walking to the mess hall, planning on North already being there.

The atmosphere in the training room was nothing compared to that of the mess hall. The second Psi and I entered I was able to feel the tension oozing from the other Freelancers. South was sitting apart from the group, angrily digging into her meal for the day, while North kept shooting worried glances at her. Wyoming was attempting to help York soothe the mood with a few joking remarks. It seemed like York was trying more for Carolina's sake though. The redheaded team leader was sullen and quietly furious, and I made sure to take a seat next to North as inconspicuously as possible. If there was one thing I didn't want, it was a mess hall confrontation with Carolina. Her stubborn attitude worked both while fighting, and while arguing. North gave me a small smile and looked between Carolina and I, an unspoken question of whether or not she was ok. I shrugged by means of response. Carolina was never ok with losing, and continually losing to Texas must be taking its toll.

Leaning over to North, I quietly inquired, "How did South take the news of you getting an AI?"

It was easy to see that the violet-colored Freelancer was agitated, but over the course of the project, I'd learned that a broody South was much less volatile than an openly hostile South. North shrugged, casting another worried glance at her.

"Not well," he admitted. "She didn't stop going on about how unfair it was until we got here."

I murmured sympathetically, eyeing the food line.

"I'll be back; I'm absolutely starving after that bout of training."

"That's nothing new," North remarked with a laugh. It faded quickly though, and he gave me a troubled frown. "You should apologize to South for what you said in the training room this morning when you get back over here. However tough South may be, she's still human. You can't tell me it wouldn't hurt if someone said what to you what you said to her."

Grumbling slightly, I sighed.

"Fine, if it'll make you happy… just let me eat. Psi, be ready for combat in case she tries to kick my ass again."

I'd meant it as a joke, but North only frowned again, disapproval on his face.

"She won't do that."

I sighed, but walked away without comment. Psi was just as doubtful as I was about South giving me a positive reaction if I tried to apologize. Nevertheless, as soon as I got my food, I returned to the table and shot North an apprehensive look. He returned it steadily and flicked his eyes over to his sister. Well, shit. Sighing, I got up and circled around to South. Tapping her shoulder, I motioned to an unoccupied corner of the mess hall.

"Hey, South, can we talk for a minute?"

From the look on her face I expected her to refuse, but instead she gave an irritated sigh.

"Fine. Make it quick."

Not one to let a shot go by when I had it, I led her over to the corner quickly, and crossed my arms. I hadn't even gotten a chance to figure out exactly how to apologize to South without inciting her already quick temper.

"Ok, look, I'm sorry about what I said this morning during our match. It was wrong of me to say what I said for the sake of winning. I'm also sorry for whatever it is I did that's pushed you away. I'd like to be friends again; there's no one else on this ship I got as close to as you and North."

That much was true, I realized. I'd heard a rumor from a pair of troops on the way here that Kansas was being reassigned to another project. It sure would explain Wash's somewhat sullen behavior at the table.

South took in this information, her eyes never leaving mine. For once I felt like she wasn't staring at me like an enemy, but as though she were sizing up a potential rival.

"Can you get a read on her, Psi?"

"No; I'm surprised she hasn't tried to break your jaw yet," he noted, somewhat confused.

After a few minutes, the thoughtful look faded from South's face. Now it was unreadable through her narrowed eyes.

"We'll see what happens, Colorado."

With that, she spun and returned to her seat, her mood no better than when I had entered.

"Well," Psi thought hesitantly, "that went better than I expected."

"No kidding. I thought she'd just try to fight me again, and we all know how our last fight worked out. At least North will be satisfied."

The rest of dinner passed without any major incidence, which I was thankful for. The Invention had enough drama on it with Tex and Carolina constantly being pitted against one another. However as soon as I finished my dinner, I ditched my tray and left, unwilling to wait and see if the atmosphere would change. Besides, I couldn't help but feel like Psi and I could fine-tune our teamwork until we had more ass kicking, and a bit less banter. I had told North where we were going, and offered him the chance to join us as well. I hadn't honestly expected him to say he was going to spend the night chilling with South, but I sure didn't begrudge him for it.

Walking to the weights room, I couldn't help but wonder what our next step would be for Freelancer. Besides the Insurrection, and the odd Covenant group we'd run into, there wasn't anything pressing down on me except for the leader board.

Then again, since the Director took it so seriously, it was probably something I should be training t improve on. Entering the weights room, I looked around.

"What do you think, Psi? Upper or lower body strength?"

"I'd recommend cardio," he stated, appearing by my shoulder. "The better your heart is, the more endurance you should have in a fight."

"Or for running," I added. "Though I honestly don't know what it's like to retreat," I joked, smirking slightly. I could feel Psi's exasperation, but he didn't rise to combat my bravado.

I removed my armor quickly and precisely, stacking it in plain view in front of my chosen treadmill. I didn't expect any trouble, but it was impossible to know what an hour, a few minutes, or even a couple of seconds could bring. For a few minutes, it was just the pounding of my feet against the treadmill, and Psi's silent encouragement to maintain, or increase, my speed. I couldn't help but recall my conversation with North about things changing. Ever since our run-in on the highway with those Insurrectionists, things seemed to be growing more and more… turbulent around Freelancer. I hadn't decided how I felt about everything yet.

On one hand, all of us were becoming even more skilled due to our AI companions that seemed to be in steady supply. In addition, there was no doubt that the ever-present threat of the Insurrection was driving us to break any limits we had placed on ourselves. The leader board also was spurring us to better ourselves.

However the constant competing and jealously had been taking a toll on everyone. South and Carolina were more volatile than ever before with the arrival of Tex and the AI assignments. Since York had been injured in the training room, I felt nervous each time I was put in a firefight exercise with South. The trust we had all had in each other was beginning to break it seemed.

My pace was unconsciously slowing, and Psi snapped at me.

"Wake up, 'Rado! You're not going to improve if you lose focus!"

"I didn't lose focus!" I protested. "I just… focused on others things."

"I know. I'm in your head, 'Rado. You can't worry about what might happen; not when you could be called up for a mission at any point. Now focus on training. If you want to talk about your thoughts, just stop and we can take a break. You know I'm here to support you."

"I know," I murmured. "Besides, you never cease to remind me of the fact that you're here. Besides, you already know what I'm thinking. I don't feel the need to voice my thoughts."

"Do you not trust your CO for the choices he's made, 'Rado?"

I let out a breath, keeping my pace steady on the treadmill.

"I don't know what to think about the Director right now, Psi. Between his treatment of York's injury to his strange relationship with Tex, I don't think I can trust him when it comes to keeping the best interests of his agents in mind. Have you noticed that even more agents are receiving AIs than before our mission for the Sarcophagus? Is that what the Insurrectionists had in that building? I have a lot of questions, but no way to obtain answers. I'm not a hack-" I instantly stopped talking. CT was a hacker; she was the best we had. Gray had mentioned something about the Director doing something illegal. Unfortunately, all of the files he gave me had been handed over to the Director as soon as Tex and I had returned. However… CT had said she was going to try and access all of the data she could on the project. She had seemed hesitant about involving the other Freelancers when she had talked with the younger Gray. Perhaps working with him was a last resort, or a means to keep people off of her back. Whatever the reason, CT would have information that would answer my questions. Problem was, talking to her would be more than suspicious, and she was unlikely to talk to me directly about any suspicions she might have.

Psi silently allowed me to contemplate this before asking, "so what's your plan?"

And as much as I hated it to say it, there was nothing else for me to do.

"We wait."

As if in answer, FILSS's voice rang through the ship.

"The Director has requested the presence of Agents New York and Colorado on the bridge. Agents Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Connecticut, and Washington are to remain on standby."

Psi appeared and looked at me, and I returned his look, smirking slightly. Rapidly I began replacing my armor on my body.

"Showtime, Psi. Maybe we'll get answers sooner rather than later."

So, my rewrite of this combat chapter, and includes what was going to be the next chapter. What is 'Rado's directive going to be? Just wait and see!