A/N: The final interlude.

Review Replies:

tenneyshoes: That will be revealed in the epilogue. It's vaguely spoiler-ish to tell exactly where they are in the timeline. :)


Interlude FINAL

Audio log 2444-1938b from the Laboratory Wing of the HNS-Prometheus. Two of the three founders of the Acolyte Initiative discuss their project. Made available with heavily restricted identification via the Dunawir Declassification Act.


"I'm amazed you approved the documents. You two are always at each other's throats."

"He has a good regimen constructed. Your brother may be an annoyance, and he spends too much time with the Captain, but if anything, he knows how to train soldiers."

"That's why I asked him aboard, [REDACTED]. He might not be a brilliant man, but he's an exemplary warrior. He's one of the few with actual combat experience."

"That won't be unique for much longer. That is why we're here, after all."

"You're right. No matter how much I wish it weren't so, you're right. War is brewing."

"Have faith, [REDACTED]. Our work will help prevent the loss of many lives."

"At the cost of their own."

"At the cost of their own. They will be the best though. The greatest warriors ever seen in the entirety of human history."

"But… [REDACTED]… What about the moments where they aren't soldiers? When they aren't Captains, Marines, or Rangers? What will they be then?"

"They won't be able to deny their nature. No more than we were."

"What we are took billions of platinum and thousands of man-hours. And then they ask us to replicate it. Replicate our lives in the millions. You'll forgive me if I balk at the notion every so often."

"We never had it easy, [REDACTED]. Neither will they. But look at what we are capable of. Imagine millions of us. Imagine what humanity could accomplish with that sheer potential."

"Butchery."

"Maybe. But this coming war will be brief. After that, they'll be free to help humanity however they choose."

"I see mercenaries and pirates."

"I see heroes. I see scientists and engineers. Are you unwell, [REDACTED]? You are rarely this glum."

"I don't know... I think the fact that you approved [REDACTED]'s Training Curriculum shocked me."

"The document is solid. Brutal, yes. But solid."

"Well, I'm unsatisfied. There must be limits."

[REDACTED] sighs.

"I understand. You were always too soft, [REDACTED]."

A laugh.

"Maybe so. I'll give this a once-over tonight and tomorrow. Let you know what the changes are."

"Do that. I'm sure your changes will be for the benefit of the program UAWIBU# DUW)(AB #RWQNDT%


ERROR! ERROR! UNKNOWN PROGRAM IS ATTEMPTING ACCESS!

ERROR!

ALERT!

DECRYPTION SOFTWARE INSTALLED!

FIREWALLS 1-12,139,512 BREACHED!

ORIGINAL SOURCE FILE ACCESSED...

DISPLAYING...


"Thank you, Madara."

"You're welcome, Hashirama. And for Gods' sake, cheer up. It unnerves me to see you so morbid."


A/N: One still lives, and weeps tears unending for his deeds.