A/N:
Halo 4… excellent, new material to assimilate. License to add a Forerunner character, sometime in the near future. We can all assume that the events surrounding the Reclaimer Trilogy did happen, but I'm excising a lot of artistic license here.
Also, getting conflicting information about John's eye colour. Some say its blue, other's say its brown… I've got a compromise! Glowing blue eyes that were once brown as a result of enhancements and Positronic brain lattice implants. Quick reminder, the Chief (or any other Spartan-II) may have looked old… but not anymore.
Note; Airborne is based off of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 101st Airborne and Delta Force.
ONISAD is based off Mossad and CIASAD. Notice how they end in 'sad'.
If some of you haven't noticed, Blue Team is KIA… just thought I'd let you know.
XXxxXX
"They went through hell and back, just to find me… the rest of me. They look so young… he looks so young. Last time I saw him, he looked old, but now… so young, just like the day I first met him. Essingdon, he's done so much for me, for us. He made me better, so that I can keep on looking out for John."
-Cortana, referring to Commander John [Neil Richards] 117, Second Element (I), Majestic Squad (Spartan-IV), and Chalk-1 (1st Airborne Division).
XXxxXX
Office of Naval Intelligence
Section III
Beta-1 Division
Classified; Eyes only
Subject: MJOLNIR GEN5 (For S2s ony)
From: Doctor Amanda Thorkais
To: LTCOL Doctor Essingdon Dominic Keyes
CC: Doctor Delilah Orton
Hey Essingdon
Your mother, Delilah and I have done some number crunching and forwarded you the new schematics for the GEN5 armour. The chaps at RnD are really pleased with this one. It's made only for the Spartan-IIs as they are the only ones who can use it.
Newly added hardware:
Micro-plasma coils: these are located on the arms, excellent for melee.
Positronic Brain Lattice v2.3: Tweaked for Contender Class AIs. Faster interface and sync time with drones.
Gravity Manipulators: Our Star Wars fanatics have dubbed these "tractor beams". Excellent for grabbing things at range, and displacing enemy units. NOTE: These only work if opposition does not have Biotic Barriers, Grav-Distortion fields, and similar counter-measures.
Thruster Pack: Allows the user to fly for short periods of time, it's more or less a jump-jetpack.
Microwave Energy Transmitter: Perfect for energy weapons/cells. The fire rate of the Sabre, SAW, MA9series, etc, outpaces the MET's transference rate. So, we've set the on board computers to recharge spent cells. Tell your S2 pals to keep their empty mags.
HUD-GroundNet Systems: These will fill in the role passive roles of AIs that would normally tag along. The system will sort through messages, instantly patch through transmissions, and actively scan the surrounding environment for anything of interests.
Superluminal (Slipstream Space) Transmitters: Long range communications, very difficult to jam. ONISAD were the first to get their hands on these. Don't tell Palmer, she might get jealous.
Slipstream Space Teleporter: So this isn't something that hasn't been incorporated into our combat doctrine, I doubt that it ever will. But it could come in handy sometime. GEN5 is the first to have this incorporated. Once again, don't tell Palmer… she might get jealous.
Mimicry Skin: Something ONISAD got first. Mimicry is incredibly useful on the battlefield. Merge in with your surroundings. This isn't as effective as the Stealth Modules, but it is more efficient. (You can tell Palmer about this one, her people got it a long time ago).
Maria tested the GEN5, and she was quite pleased with it. She said it was like the first time putting on the MJOLNIR. Imagine that? She felt a bit overwhelmed by the system, that's saying something!
Anyway, I've sent the schematics to the brains' trust on Majestic; they should have a GEN5 suit ready for the Commander-117 in a few hours. I'll forward them to fleets with S2s tagging along.
Take care Essingdon, I still don't understand why you go out into the field.
Kind regards
Your loving cousin, Amanda
P.S: You talked to Anthony lately? Delilah says she hasn't managed to contact him for a while. Also, quick sidenote, Alpha-1 Division has managed a break through with dealing the Flood. It's basically caustic gas that reacts violently to the Flood. You'll get the reports sometime in the future.
XXxxXX
Office of Naval Intelligence
Special Activities Division
Classified; Eyes only
From: Alice "Corona" Samson
To: Admiral Margaret Orlenda Parangosky
CC: Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood, UNSC HIGCOM
Commander Sarah Palmer
Possible candidate for ONISAD Field Work, her loyalty, tactical ability and physical prowess is unquestionably high. However to ease her into the work required by ONISAD, it would be advisable to assign Palmer to a seasoned team before she can command one of her own.
I recommend, Fifth Element.
XXxxXX
CITADEL, PRESIDIUM, C-SEC HQ
As the Coalition dropships touched down on the stricken C-Sec HQ, the remaining defenders didn't know whether to hope or despair. Massive aliens, towering over Krogans rushed forward with such grace and speed that was thought not possible.
The Elites are always first on the ground; it is in their nature, their bravado to do so. But these groups of Elites weren't of the ordinary stock. They're the Special Operations soldiers, the vanguard of the Sangheili race. And the Elite leading them, was the famed Arbiter Thel 'Vadam.
Swift lunges with the blade and accurate shooting with the plasma rifle saw a quick end to any Cerberus fighters. Some of the C-Sec officers stood where they were, and watched in awe as the majestic race of aliens tended to the wounded.
"Looks like they do have a heart," Thompson said, walking across the catwalk.
"What?" Vega asked.
"Elites prefer not to heal wounds. It's in their culture."
"Used to be," Vadam spoke up. "Our numbers have dwindled, we cannot afford petty superstitions."
Additional Ospreys came in and dropped off chalks of Blood Talons, their grey-white livery armour was more streamlined than the ODST's, albeit slightly larger. The Airborne soldiers quick moved in and secured the area, preparing to spread out and weaken Cerberus presence.
"Just in the nick of time, Shepard," Bailey thanked, "Cerberus hit us pretty hard here, but once I get the COMs online, I think my people will get a fighting chance. I'll warn them not to hit your fellas too."
"Appreciate it," Shepard said.
"Cerberus, such a pitiful faction," Javik cursed
A team of Talons moved up to the main entrance and unlocked the door. The moment the dual steel gates parted upon, a Talon threw a flashbang grenade into the foyer, before proceeding.
"Clear!" he called out.
Bailey beckoned Shepard to follow him to the main desk, there he sat down at the console and began bypassing Cerberus security.
"This'll make things faster," Keyes said, placing a hand on the console.
An array of information flashed in front of the scientist's eyes as he combed his way through C-Sec mainframe. It was complex, but not difficult to overcome, eventually, all of Cerberus's bugs were removed, and communications were restored.
"Impressive," Bailey complimented, "I'll stay here and coordinate my people."
The console winked, causing Bailey to frown.
"What is it?" Shepard asked.
"It's a warning from Councillor Valern. He's supposed to be here meeting with the executor." He then read out the message, "be on guard, the likelihood of betrayal from within is high. Not a lot else, but if he's inside."
"Why would he go there?" the Spectre asked.
"Normally if someone big is about to be prosecuted. I guess that someone had Cerberus friends," Bailey answered.
"The Councillor mentioned Udina," Garrus said, "but that's insane. Does he even have this kind of pull?"
"Valern would have the answer to that," Bailey said.
"One Councillor is better than, where are we heading?"
"Could still be in the executor's office," Garrus suggested.
"Alright, let's get there."
From afar, John listened in on the conversation. Using his armours newly installed equipment, he allowed Cortana and anyone else with authorisation to see and hear everything around him.
"You know, these systems aren't that different from what I've thought," the Smart AI commented, "it's actually quite easy accessing all the information here."
"You're hacking into their systems?" John asked over the encrypted COM channel.
"Not just me, Preston is also giving me a hand," Cortana said, trying to make her sound less of the culprit
"Don't get too carried away."
"How can I?" the AI joked, "I've got to keep an eye out for you."
"Appreciated."
John turned his gaze towards Shepard
"Chief," she called out, "grab a couple of guys and come with me."
The Spartan-II nodded in acknowledgement, signalling to a unit of Talons, designated as Chalk-7, to come with him.
"Lieutenant Sanders, sir," said a young male voice, "ready to go on your command."
"Copy," John then flicked to his COM, "Keyes, stay here and coordinate reinforcements. Palmer, go and find the rest of the Council, Keyes will point you there."
"Acknowledged," Palmer said. She waved to Majestic and Crimson Squad to follow her
XXxxXX
CITADEL, PRESIDIUM
The attack was almost for naught by now, Coalition and C-Sec forces had wiped out most of Group 1 and 2, leaving Group 3 left to finish the task. It was clear to Oxide that escape would be very slim by now. The Cerberus Battlegroup had been annihilated with brutal efficiency by recon elements. That alone said a lot about the naval power of the Coalition.
Carbon ordered the remaining Cerberus forces to rally to his position; they were going to kill the Asari Councillor, one way, or another. Oxide just hoped that Leng had finished off the Salaraian Councillor. With Udina taking control of emergency powers for a week or two, Cerberus could discreetly expand, and fulfil their goals. Of course, there would be line of successions from other species, but Oxide knew for a fact, that there were Cerberus assassins and saboteurs lying in wait.
Concentrated fire scored a string of hits on Cerberus fireteams, forcing the combatants to find refuge in the meagre cover they had. Oxide leaned out from the doorway and fired a couple of bursts at an Alliance soldier. The heavy calibre bullets drilled through her head and kept on going, dropping her in an instant.
"Move up!" Carbon ordered, "Three-four and Three-five, stay here and cover our ass."
"Affirmative," a centurion responded. "Get those turrets deployed."
"Let's make this quick, enemy reinforcements are closing in!"
The remainder of the assaulting force pressed on, sweeping aside any C-Sec officers that tried to delay them. Carbon ordered the phantoms to move through the maintenance catwalks to weaken opposing fortifications. Guardians, engineers, a handful of nemesis and an Atlas walker, formed a rear guard to cover the hunter team.
"I've got eyes on the Councillors!" Oxide yelled.
XXxxXX
CITADEL, PRESIDIUM
Ash swore inwardly again as she ran into heavier resistance. Cerberus was really hell-bent on taking the Council. What made things worse, was that one of Major Licil's squad, had been wiped out.
Who the hell wipes out a seven Asari Commandos that fast?
Gathal, a seasoned Turian, was holding his ground with a Phaeston and a Black Widow sniper rifle. Already, he had scored a string of kills against Cerberus. Most of his kills were nemesis and phantoms, clearly displaying his marksmanship.
"Atlas!" Gathal roared, moments before a rocket blew his body apart.
"Incoming enemy reinforcements to our six!"
I don't have my fucking armour! Ash cursed. She was wearing her smart-casual garb, which is meant for day to day activities, not get caught in a full blown fire fight.
Heavy rounds crashed around Ash, and she had a gut feeling that not many people were going to make it out alive today.
"Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams, come in," her COM sparked, it was a woman's voice. Similar to Shepard's but lacking that low tone ever present in the Spectre. This voice, sounded younger, youthful, but wise.
Looks like Thane pulled through.
"This is Lieutenant Commander Williams," Ash replied, "who's this over?"
"Commander Sarah Palmer, of the UNSC," came the reply.
So they're still around.
"We can use help right now, Cerberus forces are tearing us a new one here!" Ash said urgently.
"Copy, we're on our way. We're coming in from the Embassies. Don't shoot at the Elites…" there was a pause, "don't shoot at any aliens you don't recognise."
"Copy that."
The COMs switched off, but the message was clear. Ash couldn't help but feel a certain level of joy as she realised she wasn't alone in the fight.
"Williams, I need more…" Tevos never finished what she had to say. A barrage of accurate fire tore the Asari Councillor, and the Commandos guarding her, into bloodied shreds.
Williams froze, but only for a second. "Councillor down!"
She turned to look at where the fire came from; her blood ran cold when she saw the three tall ominous figures. She caught their outline when their Kodiak went down; it wasn't hard to guess that they had been the ones that wiped out the squad of Commandos.
The three figures were clad in fearsome looking armour, sporting a grey and gold livery. Their visors were of a dull grey, and sported optics. Ash guessed that these were Cerberus's best.
Williams tried to raise her gun, but her arms wouldn't respond. A dull-sharp sensation spread through her body as she careened towards the ground.
My shields are gone! Her mind screamed.
Blood oozed out of her wounds and onto the reflective floor, she tried to stop the bleeding but her hands wouldn't work. She looked back up at the three figures, and down the barrel of a gun.
Forgive me.
Williams's death was quick and painless; the bullet had smashed through her skull, putting her to eternal sleep.
…
Palmer and her team of Spartan-IVs was not far away from their objective when they saw the Asari Councillor and Ashley Williams go down. Sarah had already done her homework on the species of the Council when Keyes had returned. UNSC Analysts exploded in a fury of motions, working overtime to correctly process information to update everyone.
The Commander knew that Asari weren't built for direct confrontation. Being pinned down made them sitting ducks.
"Crimson, flank around and secure the far side. Majestic, snipe them all," Palmer ordered.
Green acknowledgement lights winked on. Crimson Squad moved along the balcony and back onto the maintenance ways to cut off Cerberus retreat.
The Spartan-IVs used their armour's gravity manipulators to move additional cover to protect the remaining Councillor and displace Cerberus troops.
Sarah levelled her Ember rifle and expertly picked off the opposing forces. She zeroed in on the team that executed Williams, and squeezed the trigger. But the target had already moved… a clean miss.
She tried using her gravity manipulators (or traction beams), but they had no effect.
Counter-measures, Palmer thought. "Crimson, see the big three?"
"We see them," said a female voice.
"Focus on knocking them out!"
"Copy."
Majestic Squad took up firing positions along the balcony overlooking the fire fight. Missiles from Grant and Madeen's Achilles pack, penetrated the Atlas's canopy, and exploded. The ensuring fireball that followed killed a squad of Cerberus soldiers, while injuring a few more with shrapnel.
"Good hit," Thorne complimented.
Palmer jumped onto the bluish metal floor below and went to check on the last Councillor, a human, named Donnel Udina.
"Councillor?" Palmer asked her helmets split at the seams and retracted into the rest of the suit, revealing her strikingly elegant face.
"Y-yes?" he stammered as he lowered his weapon.
"We're here to get you out."
XXxxXX
CITADEL, PRESIDIUM
…
Incoming Communiqué
You are authorised to fire upon Coaction forces
…
Oxide looked at the order; he didn't feel too comfortable about carrying them through. The same could be said for the rest of his team.
"I'm not liking this at all," Oxide said.
"Minimise then," Carbon said, "we'll fall back to Nightwalker."
"Copy."
Slowly, the team edged away from the fight, and sprinted to their escape. Using their gravity manipulators, they were able to move along the metal floor without making so much as a sound. The team moved into a narrow hallway, just a few hundred meters away from the extraction point.
"I've got something on the sensors," Ozone said, "it's faint, but it's…"
An armoured fist burst from the walls and collided into Ozone's optics, shattering the apparatus. Five heavily armoured soldiers crashed through, weapons high. The words Crimson Squad, engraved onto their chest plate.
"Fuck!" Oxide swore.
The trio of Operatives knew that their weapons could not break through the enemies shields, (provided that what the Illusive Man said was true).
"I'm not comfortable doing this," Carbon muttered.
"Join the club," Oxide said.
Without a moment's hesitation Crimson Squad opened fired. Oxide, Carbon and Ozone leapt and pushed off the reflective bluish walls, before lunging at Crimson. Their drawn monomolecular blades, encased in cobalt plasma, crackled and hissed as they were swung with precision.
Crimson members ducked and dodged expertly as they unsheathed their melee weapons.
The sound of plasma colliding filled the air as the two parties battled. The narrow hallway forced Crimson to have two of their members hang back, while the other three battled. However, still, they managed to use their numbers to their advantage. The moment one of their own would falter even the slightest, they would rotate through.
Oxide knew he would need to act fast. He couldn't keep it up much longer. His muscles were on the verge of screaming in defiance. Any bystander looking from afar, would only see blurs and one helluva light display. They were moving that fast.
Seeing an opening that Carbon had created against his opponent, Oxide quickly feinted left, and rammed his blade under the Crimson Operative's chest plate. The woman's body came to a violent halt as the plasma blade burned through her as if she was butter.
The immediate change in combat tempo caught Crimson off guard. Never before had one of their own had been killed. To have a casualty inflicted upon by what was supposedly an inferior force, was just unthinkable. But it had happened.
Oxide twisted the blade and jerked it violently upward, before pulling it out in a swift motion. He let the body crumbled into a heap onto the floor.
Forgive me, Oxide prayed.
XXxxXX
CITADEl, PRESIDIUM, ENROUTE TO EXECUTOR'S OFFICE
"Thane, where are you?" Shepard asked over the COM.
"I'm on my way to the executor's office," the Drell replied, "I'm running out of breath though."
"We'll be there soon," Jane reassured.
Shepard had ordered her ground team to stay behind and help root out Cerberus forces. Vega didn't mind as he got to see the UNSC in action, the same could be said for Javik. Garrus on the other hand, wanted to compete against a couple of Blood Talon and Helljumper snipers to see who the better marksman was.
So far, Jane was quite pleased with the progress her group was making. Fifty-seven, a large number to be smashing through the urban confines of the Citadel, nonetheless, they were burning through any Cerberus stragglers.
Upon reaching the grey metal doors of the executor's office, four Talons took up breeching positions, while a fifth, most likely an engineer, hacked through security. The doors parted upon with a small hiss, and the soldiers surged through.
Shepard surveyed the shot up office. Two Salarian STG Operatives lay dead, killed by stab wounds. The executor was slumped over his desk, with a bullet to the head.
"Bailey, I've got two dead salarians and the executor's been killed," Shepard said over the COM.
"Damn," Ammando muttered, "well if you don't see the Councillor, don't count him out yet."
"I've got movement!" Lieutenant Sanders called. He gestured to the conference room down below, where an additional three dead STG Operatives lay. Valern stood in a corner, protected two salarians. One Jane recognised as Kirrahe and the other was most likely a Spectre. In the centre of the room however, were three figures in a savage melee battle.
Both of them she recognised, one was Thane, and the other, Kasumi Goto. The one that they were fighting looked like a cyborg Cerberus "ninja". He and Thane, were wielding shortswords, and were clothed in similar attire.
Without a word, Shepard created a biotic shockwave, shattering the thick plane of glass. She was the first one to jump down, landing on the glass with a crunch. The Chief soon followed behind her, while the Talons fanned out.
Jane watched as Thane landed as satisfying roundhouse kick to the Cerberus Operative's jaw, stunning him completely. The Drell then hurled his opponent across the table, where Kasumi awaited to deliver the final strike. With a swift motion, the woman of Japanese descent rammed her blade into her Asian opponent. The Operative jerked violently, before coming to stillness as his blood flowed over the black marble.
"He was a difficult one," Thane said, before bowing his head to utter a prayer.
Shepard waited until Thane finished.
"It's good to see you again, Chief," the Drell smiled. He sounded like a being at peace and free.
"Likewise," John replied.
"Hey big guy," Kasumi said cheerily. Shepard could swear she heard some of the Talons snicker. "Where's Shepard?"
"Here," Jane answered as her helmet parted and folded away.
"Woah," Kasumi said. Before Jane had undergone S-IV enhancements, she was about Kasumi's height, and now, she towered over her friend. "What have you been eating? And where can I get some?"
"Good to see you too Kasumi," Jane smiled, "what are you doing here?"
"You know me," Kasumi began with a grin, "I like to make sure my competition remains healthy." She gestured towards the Salarian in yellow-black livery armour. "He's been tracking me; normally people who follow me have a habit of getting into trouble. Jonduam Bau's a nice guy, so I wanted him to be safe."
"Very kind of you Ms Goto," Jonduam bowed. (A/N: Pun intended!)
"Well, the Citadel got attacked, I saw Thane and Bau heading in the same direction, and decided to tag along."
"If it weren't for you, the outcome would've been severely different," Thane, thanked.
"Thank you," Valern said, "all of you. Ms Goto, I'm sure Bau would be happy to wave aside any charges."
Jondaum nodded, "it's been fun, do keep in touch."
"But I'm afraid I must get onto more pressing matters," Valern continued, "Udina, he plans to kill us all."
"He's almost succeeded," John said in his low voice.
"What?" Shepard asked.
"Palmer called in," the Chief said, "Tevos, Sparatus and Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams has been killed."
XXxxXX
CITDAEL, PRESIDIUM
With most of Cerberus annihilated, Sarah led Majestic Squad after Crimson. She didn't expect Cerberus forces to get very far, but after a while of jogging, she decided to pick up the pace.
"Commander," Demarco said, "Optics picking something up, twenty meters around the bend."
Palmer decided to take point, and pushed through the haze of smoke caused by the fires. She leaned around the corner just in time to see the last two of Crimson be killed.
The three Cerberus Operatives moved with such speed and strength that the executing moves was nothing short of spectacular. One Operative grabbed onto Crimson-One arm, and rammed his plasma blade into the Spartan-IV's jugular, before slamming his head into the wall. The audible crack could be heard as there was a sizeable dent left behind.
I've seen this before! I can't remember where though.
Palmer quickly ordered her people around the bend. "Open fire!"
The air suddenly filled with seething energy bolts. But the Cerberus Operatives quickly grabbed the fallen bodies of the Spartan-IV's and used them as meatshields. Retrieving the discarded weapons, the counter-fire was unnervingly accurate. Each shot was aimed at the head, forcing Majestic back into cover. Sparks of molten metal rained down into the hallway, moments before the lights cut out.
"Do not switch to night vision," Sarah hissed.
Seconds later, flashbang grenades rolled down the hallway. The first one went off instantly, immediately disorientating the group of Spartan-IVs. But just as they recovered, another one went off. Palmer swore inwardly.
How does a Cerberus squad outclass Spartan-IVs? Palmer pondered. It's just not possible.
The moment her vision cleared, Sarah peaked around the corner again, but they were gone.
"Check for vitals," Palmer ordered.
Majestic squad quickly secured the area, while Hoya scanned each Crimson Squad member.
"We've got one alive," Hoya said, "barely though."
Palmer was thankful that there was one still alive, but the way the Spartan-IV had been positioned, would've made her an easy kill. Sarah wondered why the Cerberus Operatives spared her. It's not like they wanted to leave a message or anything.
Why would they spare her? Palmer wondered, no way it was because she's a woman. Emma and Alice were killed quickly. And chivalry has died down over the years… Something to think about later.
"Keyes," Sarah said over the COMs, "we've got an S-Four Team down."
"Damn," Keyes muttered, "how many?"
"Four dead, one critically wounded, but stable."
"Can they be revived?"
"Negative, too much trauma to the brain."
"Shit," Keyes said, "get me their armour feeds. This is something for Fifth Element to deal with when we see them."
"This is ONISAD's jurisdiction?" Sarah asked, slightly annoyed.
"When a team of S-Fours gets taken down that quickly, it becomes ONISAD's business."
"Copy that, out."
The COM switched off, allowing Palmer to kneel down and further inspect the damages. Sam's brain had been skewered by a plasma blade, Cam's head had been turned to pulp, with blood oozing out of his cracked visor.
How the fuck does this happen? Palmer wondered. She could feel her blood boil, but her heart ache as her people are no longer as invincible as they would like to be. Crimson had always been the more jovial Squad in the Spartan-IV branch. Their apparent demise would be a sore blow to the rest.
"Palmer," Keyes called over the COM.
"Yeah?"
"Hood forwarded me an email, marked urgent. You might want to have a look at it."
XXxxXX
"No matter how advanced technology is, creating a perfect clone is very well near impossible. You can only get so close, but you will never create a perfect clone. It's like an asymptote on a graph, you can get so close, but you'll never get there. When the Forerunners reseeded the galaxy, they used cloning and gestation of embryos. These clones were near perfect, but there's a catch. They can suffer from cancer, and they age. Aging is caused by telomere degeneration, something that our natural ancestors never experienced. Before the fall of Prehistoric Humanity, the lifespan of homo-sapiens was indefinite, their immune system was far stronger than ours."
-Doctor Catherine Elizabeth Halsey, talking to LTCOL Doctor Essingdon Dominic Keyes
XXxxXX
A/N: THA PLOT THICKANS! (Purposely misspelt that.)
Last quotation is a direct poke at how Traviss said that Halsey had the technology to create perfect clones… Karen, y u destroy Nylund's works? (Apparently, she didn't credit anything to Nylund as well – nor did she consult him).
Also, I want to emphasize that Spartan-IVs will never be as good as Spartan-IIs. IIs are greater than IIIs, IIIs are greater than IVs.
Not too sure if I want to do a Palmer/Chief pairing… I've got something else in mind for her.
And as I mentioned earlier, I can't bring myself to do a Cortana/Chief pairing. Cortana is a younger version of Dr Halsey, who's a mother figure to all the Spartan-IIs. Asking me to write a pairing like that, is
So, who actually wants a pairing in this story? Post a review and let me know (it'll make things easier for me to tally up the scores, rather than having to trawl through my PMs).
