Alright! It's been a few days past the weekend but I bring you an important chapter to this story! Hope you'll like this one, as it marks a path that this story will walk. I'm still so grateful for your support, and it's amazing to see that people still find this story amazing, and that new followers come along as it continues - my heart just cracks open 'cause its so much love.

You all are amazing, okay, don't EVER forget that 3

High-five to the followers by the way, ya awesome!

And the revieweeeeeers:

Shadowfuse - Yeah, it's really a bitch to fight. I'm just happy I'm not so low anymore, it's really been some rollercoaster-ride. And yeah, her armor will get more showtime later, no worries about that. As for characterization, thank you! I really try to give them all a little spotlight and show that they're more than just simple characters. They too deserve some sort of depth, in my opinion.

Moves of a dreamer - That I am! And I'm not ready to leave for another lengthy pause either!

mimimi - Here's to a normal-length chapter, and hopefully it satiates at least to some degree!

Pff, and of course the disclaimer, du'h.

P.S. I'm currently tired while posting this, are there any mistakes, blame my droopy eyes.

Disclaimer: Great news - they're at least in-cooperating split-screen once again, let us rejoice!

Chapter 20 – Sudden Newsflash

A day had passed by and 013 no longer were on the Infinity. No, she was elsewhere, having boarded the new ship just yesterday. She had to pack her things and leave immediately, no good-byes or anything. She planned on sending them a message later however, informing them that she was indefinitely gone.

013 let out a sigh and swept her fingers through her hair. She was really beginning to feel stressed out, her body and mind unwilling to cooperate. It wasn't all too surprising, in fact, she had been expecting it to happen. She was under a lot of pressure and had had quite a shitty time as of late. Stuff constantly happened, for worse or for good - but mostly for worse.

'Ugh, can't I just… fast-forward time to where shit's fine and dandy?'

Her mind reminded her then after that thought that nope, the time for peace was not now or anywhere in the near future.

'Thanks for the reminder, brain. You're just a cheerful ray of sunshine in my life, aren't you.'

She was sitting outside the room in which she was soon to enter, the orb-thing-A.I. already inside. They were going to let her in when whatever it was that they were currently doing in there was done. They were sure taking their sweet time.

'So they can be rushed to have me here ASAP but can't be any slower while preparing. What kind of logic is that?'

She stretched her arms upwards, her back popping. She let out a satisfied sound. It was nice stretching her back, her whole right side had a dull aching. She concluded that it probably was the bed, as it had been uncomfortable to sleep on. It wasn't her bed and thus, her back wasn't used to it. Which was clear in the way her right side kept nagging her, pulsating now and then from having slept bad and in a weird position.

After 15 minutes or so of waiting did the doors finally open. A man with a tech-outfit exited through the door and waved her over. 013 rose and walked forwards, thinking finally.

"Alright, so everything is prepared. The A.I. is going to be on a pedestal that sends electric currents from time to time. We're trying to see if we can jolt it awake. But if it needs to be turned off there's a button on the side. It's the red one, you won't miss it. We've also proofed all technology within, in case it tries to break into our system using the technology as a backdoor. You ready?" He ended with, sending her a questioning gaze. 013 took a breath, and nodded her head.

"yeah, yeah I'm ready." 013 said, and the man entered back inside, her following after. Once she got inside 013 got her first overall glance of the interior of the room. Her eyes travelled over the steel walls, spying the logo of the UNSC on them, as well as the cameras located high up in the corners of said room. The tiles of the floor were of smooth steel, with gridlocks on top. Besides the interior, there was just a pedestal-like thing in the middle, where the orb was currently placed upon. Just like the man had said.

It had been a while since she'd seen it, the orb, but it looked exactly like it had the first time she saw it - its matte-like shell with a thin, horizontal line following all around it. Probably how it opened itself or something 013 guessed.

"This is where I leave you. We'll be watching through the cameras that are located here within. If there is anything you need or want to ask, just wave at the camera and we'll send someone in."

And with that, the man gave her a short nod and wished her good luck. 'Yeah, I'm gonna need that.'

013 stood in her spot for a few more seconds, just pondering on what the hell she should do now. She was no tech expert, and definitely didn't know much about A.I.s. During her experimentation period they never really taught her anything worthwhile on . The only thing she knew was what she had seen in a couple files. She knew they were implanted and that they could deteriorate. But how to communicate with them?

No damn clue.

'Gotta start somehow…'

And so 013 slowly approached the pedestal, her whole body feeling uneasy. It wasn't as if she didn't have reason to, the history she has with the orb is what started her shitty rollercoaster-ride to begin with, and is the reason she's currently here, in this room. Just about everything connected to it involves attempted murder and the Board fucking her over countless times. Of course she feels uneasy about it all. Seeing the orb flooded her mind with those memories, it all flashing behind her eyelids. She had to calm herself if she was to get anything done here.

"Alright… let's see if I can get you to talk…"

013 reached out her hand hesitantly, before finally touching the surface of the orb with the tips of her fingers. Underneath her fingertips she could feel a slight humming, along with soft electrical currents pulsating through its surface.

'Huh… this feels… weird, but not in a bad way. are fascinating things, I wonder if I'll ever learn how they work.'

013 walked slowly around in a circle, her fingers following along. She felt over its surface, fingers wandering. She could feel the zing of the electrical current that the man had mentioned. Thinking it's kind of unnecessary jolting the A.I, and that it might actually just irritate more than help, she pressed the red button on the side, turning it off.

She then proceeded to place her whole palm against the orb, feeling the oddly warm surface. She had expected it to be cold.

The humming suddenly started to sound louder, no longer something she could feel, but now also hear. The pulsating heightened, and it vibrated against the flat of her hand. 013 let out breathy gasp, not prepared for the new sensations.

The pulsating then started to change its pattern, heightening before slowing down, and then repeating it all.

'What is going on… ?' 013 wondered, her brow furrowing in confusion. She wasn't sure what to make of this… this pattern the orb was emitting. Was this its way to communicate?

013 placed her other hand flat against it, testing her theory that touch might be the reason it was changing in its patterns. A few seconds ticked by, and the same pattern kept repeating itself, unaffected of her second hand.

'Well then that proves that theory wrong.'

013 then let out a slow breath, and lifted the orb from its spot on the pedestal. An electric current shot through the palms of her hands and down into the pedestal, and 013 almost dropped the orb. Her eyes widened of surprise. She was not prepared for that kind of action. Then suddenly, the line that went around it lit up, and it cracked open. The upper half of its shell hovered above it, and 013 observed that within it, there was only a swirling energy that could be seen, as it seemed it didn't want to take on any shape. It was just… pure energy.

'This is amazing, just as it's a liiittle frightening…'

Unsure of what to do now, 013 glanced at the cameras, before rotating into place where they could see the least. She wasn't going to let those assholes get what they wanted so easily. If she couldn't fuck with them on a personal scale then at least she'd try annoying them as much as possible. It was the least she could do. 013 hummed in thought, thinking of her next course of action.

"Do you… understand what I'm saying?" 013 asked tentatively. She had no clue if it even could speak or understand their language, seeing it was a Covenant A.I.

There was just silence in reply, and 013 began to think that the answer to her question was no, but then suddenly the humming she first had heard before it opened, started to echo within her brain.

'What the hell…'

'Crrrkk… sccrk… Y… es.'

013 blinked slowly, trying to comprehend what was currently going on.

'Did it just… say yes?'

'… Yes.'

So it speaks, telepathically. 013 wondered slightly how that was possible.

'I'm an advanced A.I.'

Came the reply to her thought. 013 shifted the orb slightly, glancing at its core.

And it felt like the energy within was looking right back her. She didn't know how but, something within her mind simply told her that yes, it could see her.

"You can't speak out loud, like, verbally?" 013 asked then.

'No, I cannot. Well, I haven't tried but I rather keep conversation to those it concerns.'

'Well, that makes sense.'

"But is it okay if I speak out loudly, or do you want to keep it telepathic?"

'That works fine, too.'

"Okay so… May I ask why you opened up to me, and not the other guys?"

'I felt their aura. It wasn't a particularly good aura, and so I did not want to reveal myself. You however, I recollect you bringing me with you from my previous location, at the Covenant base. And your aura speaks of goodness, and truth. I decided that you are worthy opening up to.'

"Aw, that's so sweet of you. Thank you. I try my best to be humble, but it's not always that easy..."

'No, I can tell that from what you have experienced. You haven't had a good time as of late.'

"Uh... How'd you know that?" 013 asked, a little bewildered. She hadn't mentioned anything about her past to the A.I so it would be impossible for it to know. And she didn't know whether or not she liked the intrusion, her life was her life.

'I can tap into living beings' memory core. It is an ability that ancient have, and it has passed onto me.'

Now this was getting interesting. Ancient A.I.s? She thought those were myths, as they had been told to be almighty and everything, much like Gods if there was any word to describe them. And she might forgive the A.I for rooting through her memories… She did get some quality information in return.

'I am advanced A.I but I always haven't been. Are you in for a history lesson, 013?'

Woah. Yes, she was so ready. This was juicy, and she was completely enthralled to get to know more of all… this. And the meaning of ancient… Did that mean ever more advanced that the Humanity currently have developed?

"Totally."

'You are 'siked' about this, as your race expresses it. Very well, let's begin. I was once on another planet, having been stationed there by my creators. I was created on the homeworld of the Ancient. Your kind calls them 'Guardians', they're stationed on any planet that contains any form of life. Even the Forerunners called them so. Unfortunately, it is written in history that the Guardians are of Forerunner technology, however they are much more advanced than that.

Guardians have been around in this galaxy for an uncountable amount of years. They exist for a much greater purpose than to obey meander commands. Their meaning of existence however, is still unknown. There is a theory that the Guardians help different species advance in their evolution for the purpose of finding the perfect genetic code which will allow them to 'merge' with them. Even though they are of intergalactic intelligence, they still have not experienced nor collected any data that explains what 'being alive' means. Thus, the Guardians are said have the ultimate goal of merging their beings with those of organic origin.

But their goal was hindered when the Forerunners found out about their existence and their locations on thousands of planets. They were in dwelling when they were discovered, waiting for the eclipse of the Forerunners' evolution, however they had misjudged the speed in which they would evolve. The Guardians had not planned that the Forerunners would turn on them, planting a distortive virus in them, forcing their intelligence to succumb to their will. This is how and why the Forerunners were able to use the Guardians as 'puppets' to contain unruly species in the galaxy. But before all that, the Guardians were experimenting by trying to replicate the 'birth cycle' of organic species.

As said, it is hypothesized they wish to merge organics and intelligence. That is how I was created, and how others of my kind were created. But we were nowhere near intelligent or mature when we were created. We were purposefully designed to mature over time, our programming continuously evolving. That is also why we weren't used by the Forerunners, our code managed to 'trick' them by acting as if we were merely specialized assistant for the Guardians to use for measly tasks.

Time passed by, and my kind watched on how the Guardians were brought into stasis after the Forerunners were defeated. I'm guessing their internal systems decided to fully focus on defeating the virus in them and shut down all unnecessary functions. I was discovered and taken by the Covenant from my planet just about three years ago. They wanted to study me, however I am much more advanced now compared to a few decades ago, so they were unable to get any useful information. But I am currently nowhere near the Guardian-level of intellect.'

Woah… How was she going to respond to that? That was intense. 'Pretty fucking intense.' Guardians that aren't synthetic but aren't organic either? What does that make them then? And just the concept of Guardians? So it wasn't a myth after all, they were true stories…

But why would someone change the history of the Guardians from their original history?

Nothing made sense, and all the information she just received was a jumbled mess in her head. She wanted to ask questions but when she was about to speak, the question just disappeared, leaving her mouth agape without any words being uttered.

"I… don't know what to say right now. That was some history lesson." 013 replied, still awe-struck and in a confused daze. Her skull reverberated then, as if the A.I. had chuckled.

'Well, most would react just as you. It is a lot that has been forgotten with time. But I must warn you… Their dwelling won't last much longer. Due to my programming being connected to them, I feel stirrings, meaning their state of consciousness is returning.'

013 just stared blankly at the swirling ball of energy.

"… What?"

'Yes. The Guardians are slowly awakening. I do not know what is causing it, but it isn't a good sign. The Guardians will want to reclaim their control and restore balance so they can continue their goal once they are fully awake.'

013 didn't know how to comprehend what the A.I just said. Was it saying they were on the brink of an intergalactic shift? Humanity, nor any other race, was well-equipped enough to battle against godamn ancient beings!

"You mean we're going to be become guinea pigs for the Guardians to use in order to fulfil their goal? What the hell? Is there something we can do?" 013 asked, her brow furrowing. Her heartbeat elevated at the thought of a new war breaking out. The Covenant and Humanity were already at each other, to throw the Guardians into the pot is just asking for genocide.

'I do not know. I will have to integrate myself into this time's technology and build an understanding of how this century works, and how far you have advanced in terms of technology.'

"So… we're basically sitting duck, then."

'That is how you can phrase it, yes. But I can assist, I am not too fond of their way of achieving their goal. Perhaps I and others of my kind can convince the Guardians to change their ways. However it is a low chance of this.'

013 stood in silence, contemplating the A.I and what it had told her so far. The sum of all things was basically that she would have to trust this A.I, and help it in any way she can.

Which probably means to break it out of here. 'Pff, easier said than done.'

After a few moments of silence, 013 heaved a heavy sigh, and turned her gaze back towards the swirling ball of energy, her gaze having zoomed out into space.

"I'm guessing that I should keep hush-hush about this? But if I deem someone trustworthy enough, do you think I would be able to tell them?" 013 asked, an eyebrow raising in question.

'That is essentially up to you, but they will become risk factors if you mistrust.'

"That's fair… But I know which ones I can trust with… well, the bad news I guess you can call it."

'I would say more than simply 'bad news'.'

When the A.I had spoken, 013's facial futures formed into that of surprise.

"Did you just… use sarcasm?"

The ball of swirling energy shifted its form, swinging its energy back and forth in a snake-like manner.

'Perhaps. My kind is capable of having a sense humour, you know.'

"Yeah… That's for sure. But what is the plan now? My career is kind of on the stake here, and they're watching our every move. I can't exactly open the front door and walk out with you."

'No, that is true. You are facing court martial, and they've placed blockers on all technological equipment. Except for the pedestal they placed me on and zapped me with.'

013 heard a difference in its tone when mentioning the zapping. Was the A.I voicing resentment?

"Seriously? How can they forget to put blockers on the very thing you were placed on… Idiots, all of them." 013 huffed, wanting to send a glare to the cameras but resisted against it. She'd probably provoke a reaction of some kind, which she rather not do in this current situation.

"What do you suggest we do?"

'That is the easy part. The hard part is to come with you once I leave this orb. I can travel through their systems but I'll need something to contain myself within if we are to leave ship.'

At this, 013 frowned. What was she going to use for it to contain itself in? She would need to get the A.I off the ship somehow… 'Gah, but how?'

"For how long can you keep yourself hidden in their systems? What if they shut down the entire system? What happens to you then?" 013 felt her pulse rise, actually feeling a zing of fear for what might happen to the A.I. Sure, they hadn't know each other long, but for some reason she just felt a connection to it. She certainly didn't want it to just… disappear. Both for selfish and selfless reasons.

'I will be fine. Whether they shut down the systems or not, I will not be connected to it in that way. They're just travelling roads for me so I'm not actually a physical part of the systems. I will communicate with you telepathically when needed, and I will be able to reach you as long as you're on the ship. Thank you for your concern, 013.'

The A.I replied. 013 gave it a smile in return.

"I don't know how they'll react though if you just… disappear. The consequences might be dire for me…" 013 fixed her gaze on the flooring. Yeah, she might have all her rights revoked that they'd promised, but… The world was at stake here. Her whole universe was at stake. She would gladly risk herself for the better good. That's what soldiers and marines do. They sacrifice themselves for the greater good. 'Guess it my turn now to save the world. Take that, Chief.' 013 retorted to herself.

'Most likely they will react negatively. However… are you up for the task?' The A.I asked her, and she glanced back towards it. Before, her eyes had been filled with concern and sorrow, but now they gleamed of pure determination. This is what she was made for, so she would do her damn best to help.

"I am. There is a shitload at stake if we don't do something, and I'm not the one to run away when faced with the unknown." If the A.I could've smiled, it would be doing so. Instead, it let out a pulse of energy, showing its gratitude in the only way it could.

'Then we'll commence this mission. You need only put me back on the pedestal, I'll take over from there.'

013 nodded, and then slowly turned and walked back to the pedestal with the orb in her hands. She chanced a glance towards the cameras. She figured they were watching all her moves very closely.
'I hope y'all get what's coming for you.' 013 thought, before she shifted her gaze back to the pedestal.

She lifted her hands and gently placed the orb back in its place. The swirling energy within immediately started to grow in size, the top lid of the orb hovering higher and higher. Then suddenly a shockwave made up of energy shot through the whole room, frying the cameras and throwing 013 a couple meters backwards. She landed with an oomph on her behind, but quickly looked back over at the pedestal when her gaze once again became focused. The blue energy of the A.I had disappeared, the orb's two halves lying scattered on the ground. 'Good luck… friend.' 013 thought, hoping it might still hear her.

'The same goes for you, 013. We'll keep in touch.'

Came the reply, and 013 grinned.

"That we will."

And just after she uttered that sentence, crew personnel rushed in and grabbed her, pulling her out of the room whilst asking her what the hell happened. But 013 barely heard any of it, as her consciousness slowly slipped away from her. The blast had shaken her body's internal systems, which reduced her mind to a state of unconsciousness.

Mess Hall, UNSC Infinity

Chief and the rest of Blue team sat at their usual table, chugging away on their food. Stacey had joined their meal times, taking the place that once belonged to 013. The Chief glanced briefly towards the spot, his thoughts going back to 013 and their last conversation.

-Flashback-

"We have alarming news, 013."

"... About?"

"Casey."

"What about Casey?"

"She might be part of your court martial."

At this, 013's frown deepened, and she pushed off the bed, walking up to the Chief, standing in front of him.

"What? What makes you say that?"

"Linda found her talking to an unknown source, mentioning the A.I., ONI, and your connection to Lasky and us."

"That… No, it couldn't have been her."

"We have her nametag on the recording."

"Stop! You're accusing my friend for helping the enemy! There's no way she would betray me like that!" 013 quickly turned away from the Chief, her whole body heaving from her quick breathing and quickly rising anger.

"We have it on record, 013. We searched her documents, which list ONI and the Board as connections."

"You're wrong…" 013 whispered. Her arms came to clutch around her, as she tried to mentally reassure her that was she was hearing, was wrong, false. It just couldn't be possible that Casey was playing a part in her possible court martial. It just couldn't.

"I don't believe you. Yes, you might've recorded her talking to an unknown source, mentioning ONI and the A.I. and everything, and yes, she might be connected to the Board and ONI, but that doesn't automatically make her an enemy!" 013's voice rose, and she spun around once again, meeting the Chief's gaze head on.

"I'm going to accept their offer. I'll be leaving this ship indefinitely. Meanwhile, don't screw anything up." And with that, 013 left, leaving the Chief alone once again.

-Flashback End-

The Chief let his shoulders sink just slightly, so it wouldn't be all too obvious. He really disliked how their conversation had ended, and he was blaming himself for sounding so… What do other people call it? Unfiltered? Harsh? He didn't know the correct word, but what he did know was that his way of going caused a rift in their relation once again.

Not that he knew exactly what kind of relation they had. He had so many unanswered questions, if only Cortana was here…

'Cortana…' The Chief's thoughts drifted back to a memory that most likely was one of the most painful memories he had. When Cortana said goodbye to him… Following along in the slipstream and saving him… Why couldn't he do more? Why couldn't he save her?

The memory caused a wave of pain to wash over him, however the only indication his outer appearance gave his surroundings was a twitch and light furrow of his eyebrows. Nothing else showed.

There were many things he blamed himself for, Cortana's disappearance one of them. But since 013 entered his life… He felt more at ease, and the daunting memories of Cortana didn't hurt as much.

Kelly glanced at the Chief, their teamleader. She could immediately tell that something was off with him, his gaze was tired, his shoulders stiff and he his mouth was drawn in an even more stern expression than usual. While Stacey chatted their ears off with the latest gossip on the ship, Kelly paid it no mind and nudged the Chief with her foot under the table. The Spartan's brow furrowed in momentary confusion before his gaze settled on his teammate opposite him. He could read in her eyes that she was calling him aside, where they could talk in privacy. He gave her a slight nod, and slowly rose from his spot at the table.

This got Stacey to quiet down and stared in question at him, her eyes dazzling.

"Where are you going, Chief?" She asked, curiosity written all over her face.

The Chief just huffed and answered in a low tone.

"Elsewhere."

And that signified the end of their short interaction. Stacey watched on as the Chief and Kelly walked away, leaving her alone with Frederic and Linda. Stacey's mood soured after the Chief left them, and she picked at her food, having lost her appetite.

Linda swept her gaze over the girl sitting at their table, her eyes hard and unreadable. She immediately didn't like the girl, there was just something very off with her but she didn't know what. What she did know however, was that she would keep a really close eye on her. She wouldn't let her near her team if she could help it. That the brat dared to steal 013's spot and sit there as if it had always belonged to her, made Linda feel even more resentment for the blonde.

She would figure Stacey out, and that she vowed upon her own life.

Spartan Hallway, Section; Lower Levels, UNSC Infinity

The two Spartans had walked in silence all the way to Kelly's room, and she slowly shut the door after the Chief had walked in. She let out a quiet sigh, and let her hands slide along the surface of the door before she turned around, cocking her hip and crossing her arms in front of her chest.

She knew this conversation wouldn't be easy, it never was when it got the Chief riled up.

"Talk to me, John." Kelly said, her voice soft and low. She showed her most caring side whenever she was alone with the Chief. They had been best friends since day one, and their bond to each other was unbreakable, having been forged in both friendship and battle.

The Chief stayed silent for a couple beats, before heaving a tired sigh.

"I don't know, Kelly. What to make of all this. The last conversation I had with 013 didn't end well, and now she is gone on another ship, indefinitely."

Kelly looked on his hunched form with sorrow. If there was anything the Chief didn't deserve, was more weight on his shoulders. The female Spartan walked forward, her feet bringing her to stop just mere centimetres away from the Chief's tall form. She gently placed her hand on his back.

"Hey, she will be back, you know. She's doing what she can in order to solve her situation with the Board the best way she can. They don't give her a lot of options, you know. I believe she will come around once she comes back." Kelly replied, her hand pressing against it, silently telling him to turn around. He did, but didn't meet her gaze head on.

"Why do we keep having these arguments, Kelly?" The Chief asked silently. This was his way to ask for help, something he rarely did. Especially when it came to emotions, those were foreign ground for him. If there was anyone he could ask when it comes to that particular field, he knew Kelly was the one to ask.

"May I answer honestly, John?" Kelly asked, her gaze seeking out his. The only reply she got was a quiet nod.

"Truthfully, I think it has with your bluntness, and our incapability to fully understand the intricate working process of human emotions. And… " Kelly went silent, mulling over if what she was about to say would cross a line or not. But then, many lines had already been crossed in the relationship, one more wouldn't hurt them.

"And believe it or not, you and 013 have something special. Your relation to each other is different. Take Fred or me in comparison. Towards us she acts friendly, in a joking manner, however whenever you are nearby, 013 stands nearby you, close to your side. She seeks you out first, before coming to any of us. Don't you see, John? 013 might be what you need. You've suffered enough, give yourself some slack for once, please." Kelly pleaded with him, hoping she would reach him, and make him understand that what he had with 013 would help him, make him… perhaps less of the machine he believed he was.

The Chief held her gaze for a long time, his chest rising up and down slowly. She knew he was at war with himself right now. All she could do now was to be there for him, to be the support she knew he would need. He didn't reply to what she said, but it wasn't necessary. He would need time to wrap his head around what she cleared up for him. She just hoped it wouldn't set him back…

Aboard another ship -

013 woke up in a bed at an Infirmary, however it wasn't the one she was used to. This was a foreign Infirmary with foreign personnel. There was no Doc here to look after her, instead she had a rather gloomy-looking male staring her down instead. 'Creep.'

"Uh… Take a picture, it'll last longer." 013 replied sarcastically, her eyes narrowing at the male, who only looked irritated. But he did move out of her view, so she had little to complain about.

About the view at least, the restraints on the other hand was something else entirely.

"Do explain why I'm being restrained in an Infirmary-bed with Dr. Grumpy-McPants?" 013 asked, her eyebrow twitching irritably as she rustled the restraints, pressing up against them, testing their strength.

They were pulled pretty tight. 'Ugh, why me?'

"You're a suspect, so you're being treated like one." Dr. Grumpy-McPants replied, as he was fiddling with a file or something from what she could see.

"Wait, what? A suspect? Of what?' 013 asked, surprised confusion written across her face.

"Of cooperating with the Covenant, sending them our military secrets through the A.I which you let loose into our ship's internal systems."

013's mouth flew open.

"Excuse me? I'm accused of what? Cooperating with the Covenant? Why the hell would I be doing that!? I placed it back on the pedestal because it was done talking! I thought it would contain itself in the orb! It was your guys who said the whole room was safe and all technical equipment had been A.I-proofed! Why is the blame being pinned on me for that!?" 013 yelled, her anger blossoming up within her. Sure, she wasn't telling the whole truth, but she wasn't lying entirely either. They did say the room would be fool-proof, it couldn't be her fault that they messed up. And now they were blaming her for it!

"Because that's what the Board has decided. Now, enough questions. You're awake, which means the Board demands your presence in the interrogation room. Soldier Kalowzki here will show you the way." And with that, the doctor dismissed her, continuing whatever it was he was doing.

'Piss-ant…'

The mentioned solider Kalowzki soon came into her view of perspective and started to loosen up her restraints, before tugging her up and off the bed to lead her to the interrogation room. During this process, 013 just followed along in silence, observing Kalowzki and her environment. Kalowzki was one of those soldiers who let their hair grew and then tied it up in a small ponytail at the back of their head. The sides were shaved, so there was only a long length of thick hair following from his forehead down to the nape of his neck, where he had a ponytail.

'He's pretty handsome…' 013 thought to herself. He was an attractive soldier, alright? She wouldn't let any opportunity to discreetly ogle anyone who was eye-candy.

Kalowzki's body was very muscular, and he was tall. His face was long, with a sharp jaw line, and she noticed that there he had a five o'clock stubble, which enhanced his already good looks. Not to mention, his eyes were delicate with lengthy lashes.

'Aw c'mon, that's unfair. Why do guys get naturally beautiful lashes?'

She hadn't managed to see the colour of his eyes yet, but she could observe that his nose was straight and 'edgy', and it fit perfectly into his face. Honestly, he was quite the epitome of handsome - How was a guy like that a marine, and not a model?

He led her through a maze of corridors, along with awkward elevator rides. Soon enough, she ended up just outside the interrogation room, where Kalowzki finally met her gaze, a neutral look on his face. He nodded his head towards the door, silently telling her to enter.

But she was too busy studying his light green eyes that held small pieces of gold within them. He had gorgeous eyes.

013 then blinked, and smiled an awkward smile.

"Well, this is the end of the line, I take it." Kalowzki nodded at her in reply. He then turned to walk away, and 013 called out to him.

"Don't be stranger!" And then entered the interrogator room. She was quick to school her facial features into a look of neutrality, just like the one Kalowzki had worn.

"So, I'm here, and the reason why I'm here... Go screw yourselves. You've tried this once before, why the hell are you accusing me, again!?' 013 asked harshly, her gaze burning as she met their gazes slowly, one by one.

While had spoken, her body had walked up to the steel table, and the hit with the flat of her hands reverberated within the room when they made contact with the surface of the table.

The men before her flinched a little at her sudden course of action but quickly recollected themselves.

"Because, 013, you were the only one in that room and the only one who managed conversation with the A.I within the orb. Then you put it back, and let it enter our ship's systems." The man in the middle replied to her question, his fingers tapered together, as if he was playing the role of an evil villain.

"Bah, you had cameras in there, how hard is it to lip-read?"

"We have reason to believe you were conveying military secrets to the Covenant A.I, before setting it free to collect useful data to bring back to them. That is a high treason."

At this moment, 013 just wanted to face-palm. Were they serious? Did they not take into account that they were the one to ask her for help, and gave her no other option than that?

"Excuse me, I know age might affect memory, but how can you not recollect the fact that I'm not even in the loop anymore? I'm plastered with yellow tape, not allowed to go on missions, not allowed to partake in military secrets, not allowed to use my title. Not to mention that you were the ones who asked me for help, and gave me no other option. Oh, and don't forget, your tech-guy told me you had fool-proofed the whole room so that the A.I, if it tried anything, wouldn't be able to enter your ship's systems." 013 counted everything on her fingers, one finger after another rising.

Her brow furrowed in withheld anger. Just how stupid could they be? Were they dropped as kids? Had someone missed the golf-ball and took a swing to the head instead?

"The A.I is Covenant-based, we cannot confirm its level of intelligence. It could've told you the procedure how to break through the blockers. As for military secrets, you were out of the loop, yes, but all your time serving you have collected a large quantity of military information, which is still very valuable. Therefore we have reason to believe you're cooperating with the Covenant."

"You gotta be shitting me…" 013 muttered, her patience now wearing thin. She will get nowhere continuing talking to them like this… She will have to ask for assistance.

"Well, gentlemen, I want to use my lifeline and call a friend. You're all obligated to allow one phone-call, so don't even try denying it. That much I know of military secrets." 013 replied, holding her head high.

The men before her communicated in low voices, much due to the fact that she was still present.

"Very well, you're granted a phone-call. You're allowed 5 minutes of privacy."

And so they gave her a phone and left the room. She double-checked with them that the camera in the room was off, and they confirmed that yes, it was currently offline. But just as precaution, she sent out a thought to her A.I friend that it would be a good idea for them both to check that they weren't lying, and that the camera was, in fact, offline.

'Well, here goes nothing…' 013 dialed a number, and hoped it would pick up.

'Please, pretty pleaseee… I'll do anything, just please pick up…'

"Hello?"

"Yes! Hi Casey! Okay so, I gotta keep this short but, I'm in the middle of a shitstorm again. I'm allowed 5 minutes of privacy with you before they cut us off, so there will be no time for questions. So…"

013 went ahead and pulled a rapid recap of what had happened, including what everything with the orb and the conversation with the A.I inside. She mentioned the new accusation, and proceeded to tell her to update Lasky and Blue Team of the events happening. However… she also told Casey not to tell the Chief about anything.
'Just for safety precautions…'

Oooooooh, interesting stuff starts to happen. See ya next chapter!