News from nowhere

by ElnaKernor

Two of the Machine's significant people died. She will see that they be remembered. For John Reese, she'll have to contact all those he mattered to, in a way or another, before she can drag his memory out of the secret.

36. Harold Finch

Harold "Finch"

There was one person to whom John Reese's death felt more like a guilt than a tragedy. One person for whom both the Machine and Primary Asset n°1 had made a deal, even against that person's will. One person whom both of them wanted to protect as much as possible.

When Harold "Finch" had created the Machine, he had taught her that she wasn't supposed to value his life more than another one. Several times, she had been tempted not to take this lesson into account, but in the end, saving Harold Finch had always been done out of necessity. His life may not be of more value than someone else's, but he mattered more in that his continued survival could save more lives.

The last time the Machine had saved Harold Finch, though, it hadn't been a matter of necessity. Admin had done his part in world history, and it was time for him to rest. Right now, he was making plans to go to Italy, to join his fiancée Grace Hendricks. Which meant, he wasn't going to interfere anymore, he wasn't a necessary asset anymore. He could have died, it wouldn't have changed a thing.

But Primary Asset n°1 and the Machine had struck a deal, years ago, and it meant that Harold Finch would live, even if John Reese had to die. One life for another, such was the deal; it didn't contradict Admin's teachings. One of them had to die. It didn't really matter to the world, which one it would be.

And perhaps, though by deciding so the Machine had offered another chance at life to Harold Finch, it didn't mean that John Reese was on the losing end.

The operative was tired, but he'd never have the heart to stop fighting. He'd die in the field, the Machine knew it, if she hadn't allowed the change. He deserved the rest, even if it was to be found in death. And at least, that way, John Reese's sacrifice would be not only for strangers who'd never know his name.

Admin wasn't someone the Machine needed to contact while hiding. Admin was her father; there was no point hiding from him. So three days after Primary Asset n°1's demise, she simply called him, using Analog Interface's voice.

"Stay three more days, Harold. Three days for John's funeral, and then you can go."

She did not tell him more about the funeral, though. Only a date, a place, and a promise.

John Reese had never lived for himself; it was only fair of the ones he had helped to share a bit of their time, for him only.