Silentxmaniac: On Xbox. Have I thought about PC? No, not at all. M+KB isn't my thing, doesn't mean I'm not down to try it.

L3nNy: The 'Spelling out' is just me being a self-indulgent author. Thank you by the way! I'm glad you enjoy it!

...

On another note: Yay! Another Chapter. This goes from Base to a Mission, since I've been out of action, per se, for like four chapters. I need to get back into it. I will admit, this plot (I mean story) became so much more than a simple idea. I'm thankful for all the follows, favorites, and reviews! I love hearing from you, and then I smile at my phone because of the emails. Then, I say out loud, "Why are there so many of you following me?!"

Okay, now real talk: COVID-19. We all know its here, and I don't mean to make it seem bad, but it does seem to be spreading a lot more. Wash yo hands, don't touch your face if you touched something that you personally suspect to have been in contact. Introverts unite! (Because we don't want to leave our houses!)

Finally, enjoy! Be safe everyone!

...

"Why are you chuckling?" Faye asked him.

"If this ONI person thinks that I'm going to go anywhere with them, then they better bring more than just one person," he said. "We don't have to go see them now, and if you want, I could explain a lot of the things that you may have questions for," he whispered. That was when he realized that his hands were still resting on her hips, and he was in distress. He would have to calm himself before doing anything.

Faye heard the stress in his voice and her leg ever-so innocently brushed against Sebastian's middle, causing him to tighten his grip on her for a second before easing up. "I see, but maybe we could talk later." She grinned at seeing his cheeks flush, while his eyes dilated and focused solely on her.

Sebastian picked up on her offer before they parted and while they did, he began to explain what he could, from Faye asking what happened to his arm, how he escaped with only one arm, even to the beam that healed Faye's neck. "I don't know, honestly. I just know that I have this spark that I have to use one day," he explained when she asked.

Dove had provided information where Sebastian could not in some of his explanations. As it stood, Faye was caught up. Faye had one last question, "When you explained in the message about your past, what would have happened if you didn't sacrifice your arm?"

Sebastian expected a question about it, but maybe not this one. He answered anyway, "It was either that, or I became a SIVAfied Guardian, and with the power of the Light and that virus, it would have had catastrophic results. My mentors would have to kill…" his eyes subtly flashed to Dove and Faye noticed.

Faye winced a little, "Sorry I asked."

"No no, you're fine, I just don't like to pursue that line of thought," he said as his armor appeared on the table. He wanted to put it on himself sometimes, that and he wanted more time with her. The Guardian just wishes their war would end so they could disappear. While he was mounting his chest piece, he asked, "Anything I should know about ONI agents?"

"Don't answer their questions, especially if they are straight forward," she said watching him with her brown eyes that seemed to ignite his very body. Dove was amused, seeing their tension. I should make a presentation of their tension, that'll do it.

Faye finally took a look at her armor, and she noticed the subtle upgrades, but otherwise, her armor looked the same as it did when she designed it. Her fingers glided over her armor, "Is there anything I should know about these upgrades?"

"Besides the fact that your armor is the most upgraded suit of armor the UNSC has and the fact it has technology that Titans have been working on over the past four years in it? No, I don't know much else. That would be a question for the Traveler themselves. Just don't let ONI know, because I can be possessive when I wanna be," Sebastian said normally, not currently glancing at her.

However, Faye interpreted it as a way he expresses his affection verbally. It caused her face to feel warm. Now, another question, "Dove, how did my armor come off?"

"Traveler," she supplied the short answer. Faye filled in the blanks. With that being said, she started to put the armor on, starting with the legs. She put her hair back up so that the helmet doesn't get in the way. It was the torso that she would need help with.

Sebastian shamelessly watched with fascination. He knew she would eventually need help and he would wait until she needed it. That didn't mean he couldn't watch or steal a glance or two. Once she got her arms and legs of her armor on, she picked up her chest piece and gave him a look, accompanied by a smirk. "Well, are you going to help me or not?"

"Would it be bad for me to say I like watching you struggle?" Sebastian questioned with a face that was the epitome of innocence.

"Get over here and help me before I pummel you," she threatened.

"There are two kinds of pummeling, so which one are you talking about?" Sebastian asked before his cheeks flushed. He didn't mean for it come out that way, but… it did. He, without another word, went over to Faye. Faye noticed his cheeks were rosy, and until she repeated her words in her head, she understood why and flushed as well.

"Just get over here and help me. The faster we do this, the faster we can 'talk' to the agent and hopefully move on to the next mission," Faye said ushering him behind her.

Sebastian had to force all those less than suitable thoughts away and help her. His hands moved with purpose. The armor was easily fastened to her chest, the accents lit up once the pieces all connected. Now, she wasn't just Faye, she was Noble Six. "We used to do this after we relaxed."

Faye looked on confused before she connected the dots, "You used to dress each other?"

"A form of aftercare," he quickly defended himself. "We cared about each other, and we wanted to make sure we cared for one another's personal feelings." While normally talking about it, he would shy away from the subject, deeming it too personal but with Faye, he would gladly tell her about the crazy adventures they went on. Thankfully, Faye wasn't jealous, just happy that he had someone who cared about him the same way he cared about her.

Faye slipped her helmet on, "Come on, we have a chat to get to."

Childishly, Sebastian whined, "Do we have to?" Faye only tugged him out of the room and he slipped his helmet on and began walking next to her, a goofy smile plastered on his face.


Noble Team was not really surprised that an ONI agent showed up unexpectedly. However, this one came with a directive, to find out more about Noble's newest addition, G7. What they know is that this unit is not under UNSC command. They aren't under any command, for that matter. Anything helping Humanity not under UNSC or ONI command is perceived as a threat.

The door to the command center opened to reveal a Spartan and an unidentifiable entity. "Spartan B312, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," the agent turned towards the other figure, "and you are?"

"G7," Sebastian said, not trusting the confident stance the agent was in. Sebastian didn't like how their eyes were raking over his body, in a predatory way. Sebastian didn't shrink away, he stood there, uninterested.

"I'm Agent Rice with the Office of Naval Intelligence," the agent said with a hand extended. Sebastian made sure his glove was on before shaking the agent's hand, but the Hunter's eyes were watching the agent's body language. He stepped back a few steps to give himself space.

Sebastian didn't like him, Dove didn't like him, she was going to remain hidden until told otherwise. "Not to be rude, but what business do you have here?"

"You," Rice said plainly. "We need to talk."

Sebastian already didn't like where this was going. "Commander, do I actually have to go with this person who looks like a pencil pusher?" The looks on Noble Team's faces were well-veiled surprised, and Jun was holding back a chuckle. The agent, however, was unfazed by the comment and that worried Sebastian.

"This will only take a few minutes and I will be out of your way," Agent Rice said gesturing to a side room.

"And if I don't want to? Listen, I get it, you don't trust me. I don't trust you either. And I especially don't trust the squad of soldiers you have stationed outside the room. That actually hurts my feelings," Sebastian didn't care at this point. "Honestly, ONI seems like a bunch of control freaks." Sebastian took a step forward now. "You're here because you're worried that a potential asset could or couldn't be on your side. You're also power-hungry. I've seen what power does to people. Even the innocent ones are corrupted by the mere thought, that seed that is planted into people's heads, and that seed leads to so many undesirable futures."

Sebastian paused and stepped to the side of the agent. "Ask yourself this Rice, if I wasn't on your side, then why would I be here? Being a double-agent doesn't fit the bill for me. I have something that prevents me from doing that. Do you wanna know what that is?"

The agent's face twitched at Sebastian, and he smirked. "Have I angered you? What are you going to do? Lash out? Apprehend me? The moment that someone bursts into in room, someone is going to be limping out of here."

"Are you threatening me, G7?" the agent asked calmly but was stewing on the inside.

"Me? Threatening an ONI agent? Never. I'm promising you, a big difference," Sebastian was grinning widely under the helmet and surprised to see that none of Noble Team intervened, surely one of them would at this point, or they were enjoying the show too much.

Sebastian glanced at Kat, Carter, Jun, and Emile; they currently looked disinterested in the conversation, but Sebastian knew better, they were watching. Faye was currently leaned against a wall next to Kat. The Guardian took it as his cue to continue. "Do I want to fulfill my promise? Absolutely, but you haven't done anything wrong to me, yet. Dove, depolarize my visor, eyes only, he said to her through their bond.

Now, he was looking right at Agent Rice, "I don't like harming other Humans when where I hail from, there aren't many of us left. So, kindly fuck off and go snoop elsewhere, unless you're going to help us plan a counter-attack, then go ahead and stay and plan with us."

Without missing a beat, Agent Rice responded, "I could have you arrested for threatening an ONI agent, G7."

"With what evidence? You mean the audio recorder that I had disabled and wiped the moment I walked into the room? I'm not an idiot and I'm better off being left alone. Call it our little secret, unless you're willing to share a secret of yours."

"That will not be happening, you are coming with me," Agent Rice moved to Sebastian but he stepped back.

"On what grounds?" Sebastian's voice got giddy. Dove knew exactly why too. He loves messing with people, especially when he's innocent in this case because he hasn't actually done anything yet.

"Threatening my life, in front of five witnesses, and refusal to cooperate," Agent Rice listed off whilst gesturing to Noble Team as the five witnesses.

Sebastian shrugged before asking. "Did you guys hear anything I said?" None of them responded, yet they heard every word. To be fair, none of them really like ONI meddling in their affairs, they have secrets that have secrets. "Well, it looks like you're out of luck. Should it be known that I'm not under anyone's command? Because of the way I see it, you have no jurisdiction over me. I'm here because I'm trying to help you fight against the Covenant, and if your ignorant bosses can't see that, then I pity you." Sebastian walked by him and stood right by Carter, leaning back against the table. "If that's what you wanted to talk about then okay."

Dove, reenable his audio but make my voice scrambled under heavy encryption.

A few seconds later, she replied in his mind, 'Done.'

"I'm pledging my allegiance to the UNSC only and its assets and I further pledge my allegiance to Noble Team under the condition that I go where they go. They will act as my assigned squad. I will follow Noble into the depths of hell and back. I will be an asset to this team, and if anyone wants to complain about it, say it to my face, and not through a messenger," Sebastian declared, making each member of Noble subtly look at Sebastian with vague expressions of approval.

Agent Rice stood speechless before clearing his throat and walking out the door, the sounds of multiple footsteps fading from his hearing. Once Sebastian deemed that Rice was far away, he spoke, "I know that wasn't the proper way of handling it, at all, but I seriously am getting sick of people not trusting me." Then, he started chuckling, "It was also hard to keep my composure because his fly was down."

"And how did you know that?" Jun asked, curious to know.

"I have eyes elsewhere," Sebastian replied vaguely. "You know, I thought you would all be reprimanding me by now. Care to explain why you aren't?"

Emile butted in, "You said what we've been wanting to say for years, Seven."

"Got that right," Faye commented. Sebastian glanced at her, knowing she has more than enough reasons.

"I already know that he nor the heads of ONI will not be happy and will most likely send more agents, or a full battalion to 'apprehend' me. They would regret that, and there would be a lot of broken legs," Sebastian said with air quotes, but he didn't fail to miss Faye wincing just a tad. Now that he can stare at her longer than what was considered stalking, he was starting to pick up the quirks in her body language.

"ONI is something that wants to know everything they can, no matter what," Carter warned.

"Believe me, I understand that. Did you all also forget that Dove can literally make any security system a joke, when in range of said system? How else do you think she disabled his feed? I had her restore it so they could get an 'official' statement," Sebastian explained.

"Now they have your voice on file," Jun pointed out.

Sebastian retorted, "Under heavy and near impossible encryption, yes. They could spend decades and they would never be able to crack it. Technology is about five or six centuries ahead of you in my world. I just have a feeling that it won't be the last time I see Agent Rice."

"Knowing ONI, you probably won't. Who knows, he might bring more friends," Faye suggested under her breath.

Sebastian was in hearing range of her retort, "That would be their last mistake. I can pull a few hat tricks when I want to."

Jun simply laughed in response. Kat grinned at him. Carter nodded his head in visual approval. Emile grunted but congratulated him. Faye nudged his arm in silent approval. Sebastian immediately got down to business, "So, when are we leaving? I know you have something planned and I want in."

"Good, because we're taking Falcons. Noble Two is in charge of the counter-op, so you follow her instructions as if they were my own, am I understood?" Carter said in a no-nonsense tone.

Faye gave a formal salute, while Sebastian gave him a two-finger salute, "Ay, sir."

Everyone chuckled at his nonchalance, and while they were being briefed, Sebastian had Dove pull out all of his weapons. He needed something to focus on while Carter and Kat explained this op.


Immediately afterward, both Faye and Sebastian were in a Falcon, along with a few marines who will man the turrets. They barely bat an eye at Sebastian, so he assumed they already knew of him and said nothing. He would have spoken to them if they spoke to him, but might as well not poke that bear. Sebastian could have flown the Falcon, but he'd rather get the chance to rest, or at least, not having to stress about anything. Faye also insisted that she fly the Falcon, and he wasn't going to argue with someone who could snap him like a twig. Dove chuckled at his logic.

"Should we expect the absolute worst?" Sebastian asked over the radio.

"We should expect to see a lot of ruins in New Alexandria. I just hope those ODSTs made it out. As for where we are going, Kat said that the Covenant have set up two jammers somewhere in the city. Our job is to take them out. Apparently, we haven't been able to contact Command," Faye explained. "So, we're flying without them."

Sebastian hmmed in reply. He had Fatebringer and Her Supremacy on, but the catch was, no heavy weapon. Instead, he was wearing Mask of the Third Man and Bones of Eao. A small thing he can pull off, by not using a heavy weapon or any exotic weapon, he can wear two different exotic armor pieces. The glowing blue eyes of the Third Man scanned the horizon from his seat. Faye didn't know what he was currently wearing, but he's expecting some close-quarters combat and a knife was a great thing to have in his hand. His weapons were currently in their respective holsters, but his hands were fiddling with his knife. The Knife that Rosa gave him, that she fashioned for him as a Dawning gift. He will hold onto this as long as he can.

The sound of shooting brought him out of his thoughts and he holstered his knife back into its sheath and took out Her Supremacy. Peaking over the shoulder of a Marine, he noticed a bunch of Covenant soldiers in front of their objective. Sebastian tsked, "This will not do. Six, you got the ordinance to deal with them?"

All he received back was a dark chuckle and the sound of the Falcon's main cannon firing. Sebastian chuckled as well, aiming through his scope, watching the Covenant be torn to pieces. Good. They deserve it for what they have done. Dove picked up on his line of thought and nudged him mentally. Sebastian felt his muscles compulsively relax and he lowered his eyes from his scope. He would have his chance, and it would be an act of sweet revenge. Right now, he was thankful that he had Dove because he would be making some costly mistakes without her. He wasn't ready to die, but if it came down to it, then he would gladly lay down his life.

Once the shooting stop, the echo of other battles being the only shooting he could hear, Faye landed the Falcon at the first jammer's location, a hospital of all places. Sebastian hopped out of the Falcon and surveyed the immediate area, Fatebringer in hand, Her Supremacy on a sling while Dove did a scan to make sure there wasn't any more Covenant on the landing pad. "You're clear."

The pilot's pod opened and Faye stepped out, shouldering a DMR and Magnum. Sebastian's back was to her, but his body language was half-tense, half-calm like he's expecting something. Her hand touched his shoulder, and he tensed a little more, and it brought her lips together, concerned. He slowly turned around and she raised an eyebrow. His helmet had drastically changed, three glowing eyes staring back at her. Sensing her hesitation and confused look, "Don't worry, I'm still me under here, just a different helmet," he quickly assured her.

"Part of your arsenal?" she asked, voice low.

"It has its perks, that and the boots," he said before pointing to a platform that he wouldn't be able to get to with his normal jumps, it was at least two stories tall. "Can get me up there, unlike normal, which would only be around halfway between the first and second platforms."

"Any other things I should expect?" Faye asked, gripping his forearm. He was still tense, yet his verbal language didn't show it.

"None that would particularly interest you, but I;ve always wanted to be a wrench in their plans," his free hand put Fatebringer back in his holster. He was nervous, not of Faye, but just the mission and what memories he was remembering from his capture. The more he thought about it, the worse that it got.

Letting go of him, he was still tense. "You're worried about what you'll face." It was a statement, not a question.

His helmet snapped to hers, and under his helmet, he was stumbling over his words before sighing, "Yes. A question for you: Do Spartans get PTSD?" Sebastian asked with a faint whisper.

Faye just stared blankly back at him, wondering if she should answer him. No Spartans ever recorded having PTSD, but that doesn't mean they can't get it. When afflicted Spartans had to recount the event, it just sent them into aftershocks, some minor, others… severe. They were fine after forty-eight hours like it never happened. Even Spartan-IIs would be affected by it, but they hide it really well. "They can," she simply answered.

Sebastian felt there was more to that answer, but didn't pursue, which Faye was thankful for. She then took point and slowly swept the front entrance, Sebastian on her flank, checking their six while doing so, Fatebringer and knife in hand. Dove scanned once more and felt similar technology. "We have Huragok in the building."

Neither Faye nor Sebastian spoke but acknowledged Dove's callout. The final door opened and Sebastian put away Fatebringer and brought out his knives that were in his arm, primed, and ready to be released on a hair-trigger. Faye signaled for him to go around one side, and she went the other way. Sebastian saw three Grunts sleeping. They really be napping. With a few quick motions, the Grunts were dead, and they still looked like they were sleeping.

Faye disposed of the Grunts similarly, snapping their necks or a knife to their throats. Faye peered over the edge, covered in glass, to notice the Huragok looking around before rising up and making eye contact with Sebastian. To which it then seemed to have cheered in... glee? Faye was confused, and judging from Sebastian's posture, he was just as confused as she was.

Sebastian just looked on in awe, adding to his confusion. 'Shouldn't it be alerting the Covenant we're here?' he said to Dove silently.

The Ghost bristled in the back of his mind, 'It should, yes, but this one seems to recognize you. Was this the one who snuggled with you?' Sebastian was detecting hints of jealousy?

'I don't know, jealous much?' Sebastian huffed before moving slowly on. The Huragok quickly followed and found Sebastian before doing a cheer and using its tentacles to hug him. Sebastian tensed, which it seemed to notice before warbling sadly. That was when Faye met up with him and the Huragok hid right behind Sebastian, chirping in alarm. "I guess it doesn't like you?" he said as a joke/question. "I mean, given with what the Covenant knows about Spartans…"

"I see. Can you trust it?" Faye had no qualms, but her Xenophobia, from killing so many Covenant over this war, was on edge, not that Sebastian could blame her. She wanted to kill it, but it seemed to be of no harm. However, the moment it made a false move, she was killing it. Consequences be damned.

"Considering this one seemed to have been on the same ship, or they spread the word, however they do that and they like me. Still, the moment they try to get Dove, I'm defending her," he said deadly serious, shooting a subtle glance to the Huragok.

"I'd hoped you would," Faye said lowly back. The Huragok chirped and then both Sebastian and Faye were covered in purple shields. Sebastian lifted and inspected his hand, Faye was tense. "What is this?"

"I'm guessing an overshield… Dove?" Sebastian asked.

"It is an overshield, you both can relax," Dove's voice projected through his armor. "Hurry along, you two need to get to the jammer."

Without many complaints from either of the two, Faye led them down the stairs where a small firefight ensued. Sebastian took the role of overwatch and picked off the targets behind cover, while Faye was much more upfront, but still utilized her weapons, and within seconds, the Covenant. That isn't to say that they got out unscathed. Both of their overshields faltered and Dove had expressed how they were a hindrance to her Guardian and to the Spartan, so the Huragok followed along and chirped in confusion. It tried to give him another overshield but was confused about why it didn't apply. Dove left a message for it to stop trying, but she expressed that she would worry about him.

Once they rounded the corner, they had a visual on the jammer, along with other Marines and Brutes fighting. As they approached, one of the Marines took a Spiker round to the shoulder and one in that same arm. The sound of her scream kicked started Sebastian, his mind thought of what he would do if it was Faye, much to his surprise. Arcblade activated instantly and he blurred across the room and slashed into a Brute.

Said Brute fizzled out of existence and the other Brutes were alarmed, their focus off the UNSC soldiers in front of them. They had to find this pest and exterminate it. Within seconds, the reason for one of their brothers disappearing was in front of them. The one that was the Supreme Commander's ship. To the Brutes, he was still lit up in a wide arrange of sparks, breathing somewhat heavily. Their eyes, matching the glowing aura around them. As soon as their aura faded, each remaining Brute felt it, that feeling of their blood being spilled, and before long, they suffered the same fate as their brethren, disappearing in a flash of sparks.

Sebastian felt his Arcblade fade from his body, but he still clutched the knife he had, dripping with the Brute's blood. With such effort, that fast, his breathing was heavy, but he wasn't exhausted. In fact, he was hopped up on adrenaline. His instincts were tracking every little movement, even Faye's silent footsteps. While yes, he couldn't hear her, he could see her moving slowly towards him, weapon at ease, but alert. Sebastian cleaned the knife by wiping it on his leg before putting it back in its proper holster. He patted his lower back to check to make sure that his special knife was still there, he might use that one next time.

Then, his attention shifted to the soldier who took Spiker rounds in her arm. Faye seemed to notice his attention shifted and went to the jammer. The Huragok that was behind both Sebastian and Faye joined with the other Huragok before it seemed like they were talking. Faye was inspecting the jammer, while Sebastian was using the soldier's medkit. The only sounds were the soldier whimpering and lowly screaming in pain when he pulled out the Spiker rounds. From where Faye was, she could see his helmet moving, speaking to the soldier, who was nodding at his words, eyes wide at his helmet. He wasn't affected by it, and he could understand from the soldier's point of view. He made conversation to distract her while his hands were quick and steady as he wrapped the bandage snug around her arm. He had Dove appear and scan the injury after the fact he finished, which drew the remaining soldiers' eyes. Right then, Sebastian didn't care. The Guardian just wanted to make sure they make it out of this.

"Six, how's the jammer?" he asked over his shoulder, assisting the soldier to stand before picking up her weapon and getting it settled. With a nod of thanks from the soldier, he went over to Faye, and that was when the second Huragok went right up to Sebastian and started to snuggle with him. Sebastian chuckled.

"Well, the jammer will go down, but you need to stop making friends," her words were cold, but Sebastian could sense the joking in it. Hopefully, it was a joke. Otherwise, he severely misinterpreted.

"S'not my fault they like me," he leaned closer, as best he could, "You try getting off a Covie Flagship half-delirious. It was because of them I managed to escape." His words weren't harsh, but instead, gentle, reminiscent.

These things have an effect on him, it makes him seem calm, even when he shouldn't have a reason to be. Faye didn't dare say this thought aloud, but he also made a good point, and she would have to stuff her Xenophobia down the hatch for the time being. The surviving troopers were tense, and Sebastian could feel it, most likely from the Huragok as they bristled against him.

"The jammer, Six. Can it be disabled safely?" his words still soft, but his focus was high.

"There's only one way to disable the jammer 'safely'," she deadpanned him. Sebastian looked back to both of them before they chirped in acceptance, then he nodded to her. Faye took an M9 frag grenade, pulled the pin, and inserted it into the jammer. With a quick back step, the jammer ceased to exist. The explosion was pretty though.

That was when Covenant Rangers stormed the building and opened fired on them. Sebastian twirled out of the plasma's path and found a place to hide behind while he readied Fatebringer. Faye had already taken down two of the Rangers, while Sebastian peppered shots at two others. The Marines were also taking potshots, even with the minor to somewhat major injuries. Kat had spoken to both of them, but they tuned her out for the heat of the moment. A couple of plasma shots bounced off Sebastian's armor, slightly burning him, but he shrugged it off. It wasn't something to worry about now. Instead, he took out one of his many throwing knives and looked for the furthest one away.

Once he peeked over, he saw the one Elite that was hiding in the back. Sebastian had his target, and once he gripped the knife, he sprung out of cover and whipped the knife with inhuman speed. Then again, he charged it with Light. It struck true and the Elite collapsed as the knife was lodged into its neck, blade poking from the other side. Sebastian smirked at his kill, while the Marines who noticed were impressed. Now the fun part, getting the knife back.

Faye noticed his kill from her peripherals and was impressed at the sheer accuracy. Once the last Ranger was killed, thanks to a sniper shot from Sebastian, Kat finally spoke in their shared channel, "Excellent job taking down the jammer, but one more remains near the business district. Exact location unknown, so you will have to find it as you go. Unless Seven can use his companion to find this jammer. Status on the Marines?"

Faye looked around at all the Marines before turning back around, "They're green for the time being."

Sebastian came up to the side of her and waited for orders, or at least a chance to talk. Meanwhile, Kat responded, "Alright, head back to your Falcon and find that jammer, then come to the ONI building. We'll meet up there and after that, who knows."

"Understood," Faye let the line go dead before turning to Sebastian, "You good?"

"Yeah," he said relaxed, and considering what just happened, Faye wondered how he could be. At that moment, he went to collect his knife. With a fast grip, he yanked it out of the Elite's throat.

"What about our two guests?" she really didn't like being around them.

"Hopefully, they'll catch the hint that they stay here. It's not that I don't want them to follow, but I don't think them tagging along would cause very avoidable problems," he shrugged. "What about the Marines?"

One of them happened to hear it, "We got orders to hunker down here for the time being. You two go on ahead," they waved them off.

Faye led the way and he followed. Dove continued to scan and left a carefully crafted note for the Huragok. A token of her appreciation for caring for him while she couldn't. It was the least she could do because she went back over her data and found that he would have died on fifteen different occasions, had it not been for the Huragok, she would have lost him. While she didn't outright speak, Sebastian felt her emotions; he responded silently with his own thankfulness.

Once outside again, Faye hopped into the pilot seat and he hopped into the passenger's seat, where he gave a small wave at the Marines. "Any hostiles?"

Both of them shook their heads, "Nah, the skies are relatively clear."

"That doesn't mean that they are safe," Sebastian countered.

"Fair, but we checked the radar, we checked visually, and we checked with other forces in the area. The skies are clear for now. Anyway, is there a way that you could possibly change whatever helmet you're wearing? It's kinda freaking me out," they said.

Sebastian chuckled, "Why? Does it scare you? I've seen some shit and trust me, this helmet is the least of your concerns."

"Cut the chatter, Seven. Could you send Dove up here? I need her assistance," Faye said just to him.

The Hunter huffed, "Killjoy. Alright Dove, go help Six with what she needs. I'll be here unless I decided that I really want to try Bonzai skydiving." That drew a few chuckles out of the Marines in the gunner seats.

"I swear if you do, I'll make you regret it Seven," Faye's voice came only to him. He snorted in response but didn't doubt her claim. Dove chuckled all the while before phasing to the cockpit of the Falcon.

"How can I help you, Faye?" Dove chirped as soon as she was visible, floating across from Faye.

"Could you assist me in finding the jammer? My instruments are all screwed up, but the only ones that work are weapons and altitude. Otherwise, I'm flying blind," Faye shrugged lightly while steering the Falcon.

"Noble Two said that this jammer was in the business district, correct?" Dove questioned. She needed her information to be accurate. Faye nodded at the Ghost's question. "Alright, one moment." Silence ensued as Dove opened her shell to expose her core. Her shell bits were floating together as they rotated around the faint blue orb that she gave off. Faye stole a glance and she took the chance to appreciate her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"What for?" Dove asked confused. That confusion intensified as Faye didn't respond to the Ghost's question and continued to scan for the jammer. Her floating shell bits, whatever they are, now accented. Were they like that before? No matter.

Faye continued to fly closer to the business district to hopefully get a better read on where the jammer is. Soon enough, all of Faye's instruments all halted, then spun out of control. The dials and screens acting all weird, but they still are flying without an issue.

"Dove, any luck?" Faye asked.

"I have a closer reading, but even then, this jammer is messing with me, only slightly, but I do believe it is in the main stock exchange building or your equivalent name for it," Dove clarified.

"Any Covenant forces present at the site?" Faye inquired.

"None that I could see, so keep a sharp eye out. I'll be pinging when we get closer," she chirped. "Now, if you need me, just call me, and I'll be right up."

Faye only nodded at the Ghost and sped the Falcon up to the targeted area.

Once Dove appeared in the back, she landed in Sebastian's open hand, where he brought her closer and stroked her shell. They didn't need to say anything, and Sebastian didn't bother telling the Marines to look away, they would just look anyway. He continued to scan the horizon from his seat. Many things were going through his mind, but he didn't outwardly project those thoughts, as they weren't important at the moment. Right now, he needed to focus.

"Coming up on the supposed AO, let's get a move on, Seven," Faye's voice rang out in the Falcon's internal speakers.

At that moment, Dove began pinging from Sebastian's hand, and he responded by channeling Light into his hand to help her out. While doing so, he was giving her a look from the helmet. It was more of a why, but he didn't have time to ask as the sound of a Banshee flew up the broadside of the Falcon.

Sebastian let go of Dove, and she transmatted away that very instant. Sebastian didn't have time to change helmets, but he let the power of Sol fill his whole being before the Golden Gun was in his hand. His eyesight improved and immediately spotted a Banshee flying right at them. All the Banshee saw was the Falcon and a glowing person inside it before it disintegrated into ash. Sebastian immediately put the gun behind him and blind fired. The shot whizzed over a Marine's head. He would have felt bad if it killed him, but that would be a tough one to explain to their significant other.

The good thing was that another Banshee ceased to exist as the Falcon's main guns were firing away, the smell of spent gunpowder stuck to the air. Sebastian took a deep breath because the last time he smelt that was… a long time ago. A really long time ago. Shaking his head, the Golden Gun faded from his hand and he sat down again before pulling out Her Supremacy and looking. The Marines on the turrets were shooting at other Covenant on the landing pad.

"Six, this was a lot closer than I thought it would be," he said idly, squeezing the trigger and taking the head off a Brute.

"To be frank, I thought the same," she said with what seemed like no emotion, but he heard the undertone of concern.

After the final brute was gunned down, Faye landed the Falcon and Sebastian stepped out. Faye hopped out of the cockpit and stood next to Sebastian, "You ready?"

A scoff came from the Guardian, "When am I not?"


The building happened to be one of the tallest ones in sight, but also the most difficult to see if that even makes any sense. Sebastian tried to wrap his head around it but eventually gave up on it. It wasn't worth the trouble. Faye led them both through the building and they eventually got to an elevator. She turned around to make sure he was still there and she gave him a look, well her body did.

"What? You expect me to go first? Ladies first," Sebastian shrugged.

"That's right, you first," Faye joked.

"Do my ears deceive me?! Dove, you heard it, right? Did the Noble Six, just make a joke? In my presence?" Sebastian was aminated in his motions, but that may be because of the unknown. These things are not quite his favorite, but someone's got to do it.

"Don't push it, or she'll push you, Seb," Dove lightly chided.

Faye just grabbed him by the shoulder and both of them entered the elevator. The Spartan hit the button to head to the top floor or the penthouse area. There were no other conversations taking place, both in their own thoughts, and Dove was too. Half of her was paying attention, and the other half was still trying to decipher the Traveler's words.

The Ghost was curious at what the spark would be used for and some theories came to mind, but none of them make sense, yet. She has an answer, but no supporting evidence, as it stands now.

The ding of the elevator pulled everyone back to the here and now. As soon as the doors opened, Sebastian was hit with a sense of dread. "I already don't like this."

"Haven't you done this for over two hundred years?" Faye asked gently.

Sebastian nodded, but spoke softly, "That doesn't mean it gets easier as time goes on. If anything, it gets worse, considering the things I've seen, outside the crisis. This feeling was like a friend at one point, and I didn't miss it then, and I certainly don't miss it now."

Faye nodded but squeezed his shoulder in reassurance, then she took point. Dove continued to scan, with the half that was actually paying attention. Sebastian felt at ease just from her touch. What he would do to feel a little bit more; at his line of thought, he shook his head slightly and resumed checking behind them, above them, and everywhere she wasn't. Which wasn't much, he swears she has eyes in the back of her head. Then again, her training probably taught her to be focused at all times.

The room was dark, yes, but the architecture was beautiful. If Sebastian didn't know any better. He would have said that this was authentic wood, maybe oak, or birch, but the room looked to be a zen garden of sorts. Then again, he could be wrong. Sebastian isn't the most cultured Guardian out there.

Footsteps.

Both of them froze and listened. It was only the sound of one person's footsteps. Sebastian sent a mental request to ping the area. Three seconds later, Dove replied, "Human footsteps, heart rate dangerously high, adrenaline levels exceeding normal. They're running from something."

"Which begs the question: From what?" Sebastian asked.

"We're about to find out," Faye said as she stepped around the corner, Magnum raised. A soldier running down the hallway zoomed by, looking behind them. Sebastian caught them and dragged them to the wall, his hand covering their mouth.

They struggled in his grip, but once they saw Faye, they relaxed, but only slightly. Her voice was firm as she spoke, "Trooper, status?"

Sebastian removed his hand from their mouth and they took a shaky breath, "Our whole squad th-thought it was going to be easy. G-Go in and take out the jammer. We did-didn't expect them, we should have." The soldier's voice was female and Sebastian could tell they were still looking, judging by how their eyes were searching the room.

"Them as in…?" Sebastian asked, for further clarification

"Drones," she responded, the soldier's voice quiet. "They picked them up and just… the screams of fear and agony."

"Say no more, did you complete your objective?" Faye's voice cut in.

"N-No. We almost made it to the source, but they cut us off," she spoke back, hesitant.

Sebastian intervened, "Point me to the room and I'll handle it."

The soldier looked up surprised but gave the coordinates to the room. Sebastian then went invisible and left without another word, leaving Faye and the soldier in two different states of awe.

Sebastian was taking fast and light steps towards the jammer but also had his knives out ready. The Void in him started to churn and bubble, as what something in a cauldron would do. The Void blade on his wrist became noticeable as he rushed into the room with the jammer. Sebastian paused as he noticed everything. All he saw were the beady eyes of the Drones, each and every one of them smelled the air and their wings bristled. Sebastian looked at the jammer and did the only thing he could do.

Uncloak, slash the jammer and run like the Devil himself was chasing him.

The sound of all the Drones screeching pierced his ears. Faye, meanwhile, heard the screeches and was on alert. She peered around the corner and saw Sebastian booking it. "I do not have time to explain! Run!" As soon as he said that, Faye holstered her weapons and grabbed the soldier, who let out a shriek of surprise as she was fireman carried away. Thankfully, the soldier didn't ask questions. She made it to the elevator as she put the soldier down who starting to shiver in shock.

Sebastian used his Void blade to cut down any of the Drones who got to close, but they were starting to swarm him. "Six, go without me. I'll catch up."

Faye's eyes widened, "That's not a good idea, Seven!" shouted, her heart starting to pick up just at the thought of being separated. Not again. She was about to step out of the elevator, but a blunt knife was thrown at the button and the door shut, sending them down. Faye slammed her fist into the door as it shut, putting a dent in it. "I am going to kill him when I see him."

Meanwhile, "That actually worked!" Sebastian shouted as he was running away from the Drones, and he was running out of space.

"The chances of that working again are infinitesimally small," Dove said aloud, but hidden from view.

"I'm expecting her to be furious and- shit!" Sebastian screamed as one of the Drones tackled him, knocking him off balance. One stab killed it before others dogpiled him. From the floor, he sprung up and continued to move, taking them in circles. His breathing was heavy. "Dove, which direction is the landing pad?"

"East, wh- NO!" Dove shouted, but she couldn't stop him, not when his thoughts were already being put into action. Sebastian ran fast towards the most eastern window. He took Fatebringer and fired at the window, cracking it.

"Prepare for resurrection, Ghost," he shouted before leaping out of the window and letting gravity do its thing. Always wanted to go skydiving.


Faye picked up the knife, a blunt knife. A training knife perhaps? No matter, Faye was furious, upset, and ready to throw down with anyone. Her rational side said it was a wise move, staying behind, so they could get out unscathed. Yet, her developing emotional side hurt, they were separated and she hated it. Faye curbed all of her thoughts and focused on the soldier, who was still shaking.

"What's going to happen now?" she asked, her voice small.

"We'll get you back to base, and find out where to go to from there," Faye said as if it was simple. The soldier nodded but didn't feel relieved, which given her current situation, understandably so.

The elevator soon opened and Faye helped the soldier up, ensuring she could walk on her own while Faye checked the area again. She noticed glass shards on the floor of the pad, she was still quite far from the Falcon and made the soldier move a little faster until she got on the Falcon and sat down. One of the troopers was really glad to see her and held her close. The Spartan turned to the other Marine on the Falcon, "Anything to report?"

"Negative, ma'am. The bird's instruments are stabilizing, but not operating at peak effectiveness," he reported seriously before looking behind her, "Where's the other one?"

A prickle at the back of her neck made her whip around and look at the door. Then, she took notice of the glass on the ground. Then, she looked up, activated her enhanced zoom. Her heart calmed at the sight. It was Sebastian, free-falling. That thought promptly sped her heart up again. The Marine noticed where the Spartan's attention was and then chuckled, "The Shock Troops might respect him a lot more if he lives to tell this story."

Faye brushed off the comment before watching him go from spread eagle to a bullet. From her view, she could see him spin around and fire his gun, killing a few Drones. Faye would have taken the shot, but he was far out of her weapons effective range, for now.

Sebastian, all the while, had a smile on his face as he fired back at the Drones, most gave up, but a few stubborn ones did indeed chase him. Sebastian had Dove replace Fatebringer with Hakkon's Hatchet, so he would have a little more bullets for the swarm. The transition was flawless and bullets were peppered into the pursuing Drones. Just as his gun clicked dry, the last one died. In unison, Dove transmatted the gun away as Sebastian actually threw it out of reach and he jumped once, to halt most of the momentum, or to reset it.

His fall began again, this time, he could actually see what's below him. He was aiming for the platform. He jumped again to propel himself closer to the platform. He was a lot further away from it than he realized. The Hunter didn't know if he was going to make it, but he would try. If he doesn't, then a revive wasn't the worst thing that could happen. Living on the edge of death though… too painful.

Just as the platform came into full view, he jumped his third and final time to hopefully grasp the platform. He felt like time slowed down as he reached for it and it was so close, but one thing happened. The one thing he was hoping he wouldn't do.

He missed.