Rome! Hear me, FOR WE ARE IN CRISIS!

Well those are the only words I can say at the moment to sum up how I feel about the IRL situation at the moment. As we're definitely looking at a crisis that rivals the third century for sure.

Anyway on a different note, the clone wars ended today and, wow just wow. I'm really happy with how it ended, as I saw how it original ending was supposed to play out before Lucas sold it to Disney.

With that out of the way. I just wanted to say that I kinda wrote myself into a corner last chapter, but I don't really mind a challenge at this rate.

Still I just hope that you don't find any of this any cheesy. Who am I kidding it's going to be cheesy. Though I just wish that I could get this stuff out faster.

Now with that revaluation out of the way, all rights to their owners as I own nothing!

Location: IS academy, main arena control tower

[Time: 11:15] [date: September 27, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

Chifuyu Orimura wasn't happy with the current situation, though her face didn't show it.

As she continued to silently watched the Yamada furiously working on the computer, the elder Orimura was silently fumed that there wasn't anything that she could do. Which was absolutely infuriating to her as her only brother was out there. And here she was unable to do anything about the current situation as his life was in danger!

Oh how she wished that she could be out there. But no, Chifuyu was doing something just as important by being here even if not as active as she would've liked.

As it was thanks to her and her 'friend' Tabane that she was in this position had managed to keep her brother from becoming some glorified lab rat for some despotic government.

'Still I'm sure that I am going to regret that.' Chifuyu thought darkly as she had promised her one favor, no questions asked.

But that was a future problem for her to deal with, as she first had to deal with the current crisis in front of her. Which was already off to a bad start, considering thatthey hadn't even been able to log back into the system, despite Yamada's many attempts to do so.

Chifuyu should've known the moment when they approved a match should've been canceled probably should've tipped her off that something was up.

But it hadn't.

As she had already known that a couple of high states individuals wanted to observe a match with her brother in it. Chifuyu knew that they were nothing more then financial backers of the academy. But still, she was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea that her brothers new found fame was being use in such a way.

'But was it any different with me?' Chifuyu asked herself.

To which she had to say 'no' it hadn't been any different from when she had been in the tournament ring. As she could remember many times where she had found that some asshole with a lot of money was watching her.

Though it could be just as easily that they could've been stocking her.

But that was the past and she hadn't seen any of those faces in years. Then again she wouldn't of really didn't remember any of then at any rate.

"Any progress?" There was a hint of irritation that was creeping into Chifuyu's voice.

As she was really starting to get worried, even if she wasn't showing it. Because Chifuyu knew from her own experience that this was around the point where things started to get a little tight. As shield energy started to run low and adrenaline started to wear off.

Chifuyu just hoped that her students could hold on it until they could do something to assist them. Especially her little brother, who had a had a one shot kill ability at his disposal. And was liable to do something with it, even at the cost of he shields.

"Nothing. Absolutely Nothing!" The absolute frustration in Yamada voice was evident.

Especially considering the fact that her personal account had been taken over, the same as hers. It was an absolutely fucking mess and a great loss, considering all the information that she had lost herself when she had attempted to log into one of the computers.

This was something that stung Chifuyu. As all her tax information had been on that account, though it wasn't really the place to really be storing it but considering that she spent only two to four months of the year in her own personal house on the main land. It had made sense for Chifuyu to have it on the computers here.

But now that was gone. Alongside photos that she had been meaning to print out, credit card information and so on.

Still this personal disaster paled in comparison to what she knew was coming.

As there was going to be a lot of the staff in the academy getting sacked after this was over. There was no getting around this, as there was absolutely no way in hell that they could cover this up.

Even if they went to town on everyone, making them sign non-disclosure agreements word would eventually leak out. As there were too many students with phone cameras; also there we benefactors to consider. Because they would definitely use this a lever against them.

Chifuyu never really like this game that those in power played. As she often found it a rather large waste of time and resources. But that didn't she understand it or was good at it.

It was just so predictable at time.

'Come on focus!' Chifuyu mentality berated herself for becoming so distracted on something so in during a crisis.

As those problems could be dealt with later, once they had everything under control. Chifuyu then took a quickly looked over at one of the screens that showed the status of Ms. Huang and her brothers IS. To Chifuyu silent relief, it showed that both their shields were still above the 50% line. Still that line was falling rapidly to 50%, which made her a little bit uncomfortable with how long it was taking Yamada to get back into the system.

Though she knew that it probably be easier at this point to go in to server room and restart the whole thing manually. Still there was the rather obvious problem of the lockdown that had been triggered by this whole mess. Because of which they were essentially trapped in the main control tower until it was lifted.

But despite this the young Shinonono had managed to get out of the control room. Chifuyu hadn't had the time to check and see where she had went, but she could take a guess. Still she just hoped that she didn't do anything reckless. As she really didn't want to explain to her sister how she had gotten hurt or worse. Still she could deal with that later as she had to check in with her assistant.

"Any word?" Chifuyu inquired only to receive a frustrated response.

"We have. But... well..." Yamada didn't even bother to tell Chifuyu something she already knew.

As they had gotten word from the outside. But it had ended up being the infamous, 'We're doing everything we can.' Which meant simply that they were on their own for the time being till they could figure somethings out.

Yamada for her part was silently fuming at this reply, as she knew that it was full of crap alongside her college. Because they knew that they could actually be doing something, but someone in the governmental chain simply decided that this wasn't an immediate priority. This infuriated Yamada as she knew that it also annoyed her colleagues to no end considering the constant influence of outside powers on them.

As it often times made it very hard for Yamada and others to do their damn jobs!

Because they constantly had to worry whither they were going to step on some persons toes. It didn't do anyone any favors to have to worry about such things.

'But that reality.' The thought made Yamada mood sour even more.

As they both knew what would happen because of this.

Yamada wasn't even going to bother lying to herself, as she knew that her political enemies would take this opportunity to remove her. Something they had been those trying to do for years, so that they could place one of their own hand picked personal so that they could keep an eye on Chifuyu while trying to influence her.

Still Yamade knew damn well if she did find herself in that situation that Chifuyu would step in and do somethings about it. Partly because she didn't want to be in that kinda situation, also because of their friendship; though it had been strained in the last two years.

But despite there trouble patch; Yamada trusted her to watch her back, as did Chifuyu. Which worked out for both parties, as Yamada didn't really have any skill in dealing with the kinda political situation, nor did she handle them very well. As she was easily intimidated and pushed around by other more forceful people. But strangely enough she was somehow friends with Chifuyu. Though that could easily change.

Still none of those things mattered right now. As Yamada students were in danger and she was sure as hell was going to everything she could to get them out of this mess.

"GOD DAM IT!" She then cursed, as her computer crashed once again.

Of course before she could do any of that; Yamada first had to gain access to the academy computer.

Location: IS academy, Main arena just outside the main control tower

[Time: 11:23] [date: September 27, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

The Rookie continued to watch on as he silently debated what he should do in his head. As one side of him was arguing that he should do something, that they were kids. Well not exactly kids, but they hadn't really signed up to be in a combat zone.

But that wasn't the point.

As they hadn't signed up for to fight for there lives.

'Then again...' The Rookie thought silently.

As his own arguments did fall apart upon closer scrutiny. Because despite what they were training to be, the Rookie simply couldn't look over the fact that it was most military grade gear and weaponry strapped onto the IS chase. Not only that but some of the staff at the academy did have a military background. Alongside the fact that there was an unusual large amount of money coming into the academy from many countries that did use the IS in questionable things with in there borders.

All and all, the Rookie only could only make out the foggiest outlines of an images. But that didn't mean that he couldn't fit the pieces together. Still with the photo he was left with he almost wish that he couldn't.

Because from first hand experience the Rookie knew that in most conflicts that anything was on the table no matter how illegal or morally questionable the actions might be. As it had been that way for centuries, it had especially been that way during the war if the rumor mill about ONI was to believed.

Which he in his honest opinion took the cake when it came to the ends justify the means.

He should know first hand, conditioning that he had unwittingly helped in some of their plans. As any ONI agent would lie, cheat, steal or betray to get what they needed. Even if it wasn't in the interest of the UEG.

The only reason why the Rookie knew about this was because of his contacts he had made in other service branches that had contact with ONI on a regular basis. Which is why the Rookie had taken the risk and built that network in the first place. As he didn't want a repeat of his last assignment with ONI.

Now with what had happened only days earlier, he would have to build up that network once again. Especially considering the complete and utter shit show that he had barely gotten through.

'Fucking ONI.' He thought darkly.

As he had trusted Dare to an extent. But that had cost him not only a squad mate, but also their team unity, as Buck was all fucked up alongside his relationship with Dare, Dutch had pretty much lost the will to fight. Romeo for his part blamed him for Mickey's death and he had to live with that fact.

It was a fucking mess.

The Rookie couldn't help but let a sigh, as he knew that there wasn't anything that he could do at this moment.

"What's up?" Ghost inquired only to get a grunt in reply to this.

Mostly because the Rookie didn't want to talk about this. Especially considering that Ghost was already getting into people personal business, for reason the Rookie couldn't understand.

Even so when he turned his attention back to the arena things weren't looking any better then when he had last checked. As Ichika had once again failed to land his attack, which left him open and he immediately found himself on the end of another counterattack.

But unlike all the other times, this one found it mark. As Ichika then found him flying at least fifteen feet all the while desperately attempting to regain any control of his IS, and he then land on the muddy ground blow.

It wasn't pretty to watch. He was just lucky that he had someone backing him up of the fight probably would've ended there.

The Rookie on his part simply shock he head in disgust, knowing there was no way to help them.

"Odds?" The Rookie asked.

"Isn't it obvious?"

It was unfortunately.

Because it was already becoming clear to see that despite their efforts, that both the students were getting warn down to the point where their shields would pop in the next bout or two. Especially Ichika's, considering how much power that thing apparent consumed with it special one off ability.

Not that the Rookie held that against him, as it was definitely his ace in the hole. But the fact that he was leading so heavily into without pacing himself.

Well, the drawbacks were well known to both of them. Thanks in part to the files that Ghost had made available to the Rookie on his IS.

The Byakushiki, it was called. An interesting name to be sure, though the Rookie wasn't sure what its meaning was. That was something he could figure out later, if he was really interested in it.

Though that might not really matter of things kept going like this, as barring any outside intervention that this was set and done. Even so something seemed off to the Rookie.

As it hadn't escape his notice that every time that this rouge IS had plenty of openings but didn't exploit them. Nor did it seemingly take any other action other then...

It was then that it all clicked for him. As he finally put all the pieces together, it was almost comical to think that this hadn't crossed his or Ghost mind earlier. Still he had to check one last thing before he could confirm his hypothesis.

"Ghost?"

"Need something?" Ghost asked already guessing what he was going to ask.

"I need you to check something for me." The Rookie asked.

This surprised Ghost, but not that much as he hadn't expected the Rookie to ask for him until the student shields broke. But what could you do?

At any rate Ghost had already prepare himself for what was probably going to be a rather unpleasant experience trying to brute force, both the academics firewall alongside any attempts by outside personnel to stop him.

Then again Ghost was kinda itching to get back at the person who trapped a part of him inside the system. So if the Rookie wanted to dig himself deeper into the hole he was in, then he sure as hell wasn't going to stop him, not that he could if he wanted to.

"Well if you're!" Ghost started to say before he was cut off.

"Not that. Well not yet." This actually surprises Ghost for a moment.

Still he quickly regained his composure, as he was interested in what he wanted. Besides it wasn't like there wasn't anything else for him to do, other then run his background software checks at the moment as he subroutines attacked the firewall that were still barring his way.

Besides he was interested in what the Rookie wanted him to do at any rate.

"So? Don't leave me hanging." Ghost said with a nonchalant attitude.

"I need you to analyze the last couple of minutes of footage." He stated vaguely, as the Rookie wasn't sure where to start.

Ghost was understandably confused by this request, but despite that did what he asked. After which it didn't take Ghost too long for him to up on what the Rookie had noticed.

"That's interesting." Ghost stated as he continued working.

As Ghost continued to work through the footage, he could see a pattern emerging from it.

Still there was somethings else that drew his attention as well. As it response to threats was in a word.

Sluggish.

Which shouldn't of been the case considering it capabilities.

Unless...

Ghost immediately started to run through the list of the possibilities, but each one came up blank. But he didn't give up as there was too many unknown singles that he was picked up, still the problem was that he couldn't pin down the source. Mostly because it seemed to be coming from everywhere. Which didn't make sense considering that supposed that all this activity was happening around him.

'Maybe I should take a closer look.' Ghost though to himself.

As it was definitely strange now that he thought about it. He hadn't paid much attention to this earlier, as he other more pressing matter to attend to. But now he began to shift his way through the mess.

He found what he had been expecting in the first couple of minutes, as there was a large backlog of phone call, log in attempts and so on. Still Ghost knew that had to be something here, as he could've easily blown through this kinda stuff and easily gotten back into the system.

But he couldn't, all he had to do now was figure out why that was. Which was easier said then done, considering all the data he had to shift through. Luckily he had been doing a lot of that lately, still considering that he wasn't at a hundred percent it might take a while.

Still that wasn't an excuse.

As they needed answers especially if this happened again in the near future. Which gave Ghost all the more motivation to figure this out.

But the progress was agonizing slow, as it took Ghost two minutes to go over 200 Petabyte of data.

Two whole minutes!

Which would be extremely fast to a human perspective, but to an super advanced AI was extremely slow. Ghost was almost bagging it to go faster.

'This, is, BULLSHIT!' Ghost vented his frustration silently to himself, as he then went over what he had proceeded.

Honestly there wasn't very much he could make out. As it was all seemingly just to be!

Ghost stopped dead in his tracks as something caught his eye. As it shouldn't of been there because it was a part of himself.

"What the?" Ghost muttered, as he tried to figure out what he was looking at.

As it was definitely a part if himself that had been trapped inside the computer. But yet this part wasn't anywhere near that system, which didn't make any sense. But it was definitely something he could follow to it source, if it was possible.

This was because Ghost would be fighting up stream against a title wave of data coming from wherever this fragment of him came from. Even so Ghost was looking forward to the challenge, even if it was going to be something of a slog.

It was that and more, as with each passing second Ghost wished that he hadn't split this fragment of himself off of his main data core. Even so there wasn't anything he could do about that. Still there was definitely another thing to add to their growing list of, 'shit they need.'.

As despite their best efforts they were laughable short on everything except money at this point. But hay, as the old say goes, 'throw money at it until it's fixed.'.

Still that didn't help him in the slits at the moment. As he found himself coming up against some unknown resistance. Which immediately puzzled Ghost, as there shouldn't of been any. If there was then it shouldn't of been this hard to go against especially if he wasn't fighting against another AI or other people that could impede him like this.

'What am I missing?' Ghost asked himself as he then shifted to figure out where this interference was coming from.

Still as he continued searching, the more things started to stack up. Most of which didn't make any sense, as their were seemingly random bits of himself everywhere in the coding. Also there was this seemingly unknown wave that came an went as it pleased.

It pained Ghost to admit it, but he hadn't hear of anything like this. As all this activity seemed totally random. But this only made Ghost more certain that there was something amidst. As none of this should've been happening, at least on this scale.

Even so Ghost still couldn't figure out where he should forces on. As there was no shortage of areas to start looking, even so he wasn't sure where to look. Because even with the data he was still going through, Ghost couldn't find any sorta link between any of them other then the fact that the seemed to... Wait!

It was at that moment that something seemed to click within Ghost.

But he had to make sure that he was right; though that could easily be found out in less then minute, as he then ran the necessary data and!

"I don't believe it." Ghost was in actually awe of what he had came across.

As whoever had came up with this with this was a genuine! Ghost wanted very much to meet in person, so that he could complement on their work them before the ONI agents dragged away. As there was no records of this ever happening on the ONI files.

Because no one had ever managed to pull something like this off.

Until now.

There had been theories that someone could do something like this, hell even the top of the line smart AI hadn't managed to pull of this trick. But somehow this person had.

Which raised as many questions that had been answered by Ghost discovery.

'You clever little prick.' Ghost though to himself.

If he had been in his avatar he probably would've had a given a small smirk of satisfaction as the final pieces finally fell into place. As the picture it created was nothing short of amazing.

Still Ghost knew that the Rookie hadn't known exactly what he been looking at. But he'd known enough to realize that somethings wasn't right.

"So, when did you notice this?" Ghost asked as he ran more data through his programming.

"A couple of minutes ago actually." The Rookie admitted.

As there wasn't anything to be gained by hiding this fact. Especially considering the current situation, as ONI would want everything they could possibly get out of this trip.

Because the Rookie knew that there was absolutely no way that they were just going to be able to simply walk back into here once everything had settled back down.

"Well, it explains a lot."

"Care to fill me in?" The Rookie asked the obvious question.

"Short or long?" Ghost asked

"Short." He stated the obvious once again.

"So, whoever's in control of that tin can;" Ghost was of course referring to GOLEM, "Is using all the available systems to control it. While denying anyone access to those networks." Ghost explained.

"And?" The Rookie needed more details, as he still didn't could fully understand it.

"As such it masks what their doing." Ghost didn't need to explain any more to him.

As the Rookie understood now. Still Ghost answer did bring up some questions, though he wasn't sure if he could get through them all.

'Just focus on what's important.' He though to himself as he readily his two questions.

"Is this the reason why we can't call out?" The Rookie asked as roar of thunder nearly drowned him out.

"NOT SURE ABOUT THAT YET." Ghost was trying his best to be heard over the storm that was seemingly picking up the pace.

For a brief moment the Rookie worried that he was going to be blown off the roof the arena. Thankfully the wind; though stronger then before died down enough that he didn't have to worry about that. Also it allowed them to continue their conversation without having to shouting to be heard over it.

"Any idea as to why that is?" The Rookie raises his voice to make sure that it was heard.

As between the high winds and the pounding rain on his helmet, he was finding that this was more then enough to make it through whatever sound damping was in it.

"No, I'm still working on figuring that out." Ghost sounded extremely frustrated by this answer.

'Great.' The Rookie thought darkly.

Because that meant if thing went sideways. He would be unable to call for an extraction, nor would anyone know what was happening here at any rate.

Still there was the high chance that he wouldn't of gotten one anyway. As they didn't have the resources to space, especially for agents dumb enough to get themselves in those situations in the first place.

Which natural lead into his next round of questions. As they related to this fact, and might because relevant in the immediate future.

"So, any ideas as to what happens the connection is broken?" It was a question the Rookie had to be asked.

Even if the Rookie had a ruff idea of the answer he would get.

"If that happens, then I assume that it will return to its base programming." Ghost confirmed the Rookies thoughts.

As it was definitely something that should be expected. As the Rookie could guess for the IS design alone, that it was probably used for aggressive reconnaissance.

Because it was roll it would definitely seemed well suited for, especially with the performance it was giving in front of him.

With its high speed, heavy weapons and shielding: GOLEM was definitely something to be feared. As nothing short of an army group would have a shot at defeating it. Still that wasn't considering what they had on them. As the Rookie was pretty confident that a someone extremely skilled with Spartan laser, could kill this thing.

Even so they had to plan out everything in advance, and even that might not even ensure a kill.

So if the Rookie was forced to intervene, he couldn't simply just go in there guns blazing. Not that his current kit would allow him to take that approach at any rate.

"So, any ideas as to what might happen, if GOLEM were to go back to its original programming?" The Rookie asked, even though he had probably guessed the answer already.

Even so the Rookie wasn't certain how this would play out, as what he was looking at right now definitely seemed too strong to be some expendable drone. Though he had never in counter one such as this, as it was definitely in a league of it own.

Still the Rookie was thankful that it was in a somewhat passive state right now.

Mostly because it was giving him the time to judge its strengths and weaknesses, alongside the opportunity to see it in action. Even so it wouldn't matter too much if they couldn't see it's limits.

As they could easily speculate about that till hell itself froze over.

Still the Rookie didn't care about any of this. Because what he did care about, was what would happen once it either broke the shields protecting the students the possibility of the signal getting interpreted and the unmarked unit reverting to its base programming.

Because what he was planning to do then was definitely a suicide mission, even of he came up with some sorta plan. As he would be forced to run head first into the fire to even have a chance in hell in succeeding.

"Don't know. But if I were to guess, it would probably be a basic search and destroy all hostilities in the immediate vicinity." Ghost answer confirmed what the Rookie had already guessed.

As there was no what that such a heavy weapons would've been strapped to a simple recon drone. The most likely option what that the GOLEM was used for assisting enemies defenses and troop strength and relaying that information back to command so they could plan accordingly.

Definitely a smart thing to do. But with such a limited amount of IS cores in service, it was definitely a highly prized resource to be potentially throw away. But still this only raised more questions then answer.

It was almost as if...

At any rate it wasn't the Rookies place to figure out such things. Mostly because this was more behind the scenes work in which ONI excelled in uncovering such bits of information.

Even so he still needed one last piece of information.

"Okay. So how would you cut off the signal?" The Rookie inquired.

"The only way that you might have a chance of do that, is if you have access to one of the computers." Ghost informed him.

'Great.' Rookie thought sarcastically.

As it probably hadn't occurred to anyone here to do just that!

He was being sarcastic of course. Still he needed to be ready for when this happened, as he knew that it was only a matter of time before that happened. But as he started to come up with a plan that wouldn't get him killed.

But little did the Rookie knew that it was already a little to late to start planning.

Mean while Yamada was once again trying to find some way of gaining access to the network.

"Stupid, hackers. With their stupid..." Yamada muttered under her breath as it turned into an inaudible grumbling.

As Yamada was completely done with the games the hacker was currently playing with them.

Because despite what Chifuyu had said, Yamada knew that she was nervous as well. That much had been obvious when she had put salt into her coffee instead of her usual cream and sugar. Still Yamada couldn't help but snicker at that despite the situation.

Mostly because she was trying to distract herself from the fact that her students shields had dropped below the fifty percent mark. A fact that only added to her an and motivated to do something about the current situation.

But a last, she had been unable to make any headway in this since this all had started. Which was infuriating to her, as Yamada had been at this for what felt like hours. But had nothing to show for it.

Also this wasn't helped by the voice in the back of her head was nagging her as well, telling her that something wasn't right. Even so Yamada pushed it down, even though she couldn't shake this feeling that it was right.

"What is it?" Chifuyu asked suddenly.

Yamada wasn't sure what she had picked up on. But it didn't matter, as she had to answer her question in some way.

"Well... it's just..." She then trailed off.

As there wasn't anything else that she wanted to say. Though she might've tried to up beat in this situation to lighten the mood, she couldn't find it in herself to bring something up.

"Guess, it can't be help." Chifuyu finally seemed to left go of what little of the mask was left on while she said this.

She then sighed, as Yamada thought she saw a momentary look of longing on her face. It wasn't really a secret to her that before Chifuyu had been work her, that her previous lines of work had been more... well in a word proactive.

As Yamada could guess that in a strange way, that Chifuyu missed being in the heart of the action. But if that wasn't the case then it probably was because of...

But before Yamada could think on this any longer there was a beep.

This obvious took her college off as well. As she saw Chifuyu's eyes widened in surprise, as Yamada turned to face the computer to find that it had been reset.

It only took a moment this to sink in before Yamada immediately started to type furiously on her keyboard, trying to take advantage of this opportunity before it slammed shut in her face. Yamada was so focused on this that she failed to notice her coworker now leaning over her shoulder.

Even so Yamada didn't have time to say anything to her, as she was waiting for the screen to load. All the while she was expected it to crash or for another pop up to show up on her screen.

But just as she was about to open a tab a warning popped onto the screen. For a moment Yamada had completely expected it to be another of those error messages she had been fighting against.

Instead it was something far worse.

System Reboot.

Yamada froze upon seeing this, as she knew what it mean. Even so it took half a second before Chifuyu realized this as well and went into damage control mode.

"YAMADA!" Chifuyu add some steel to her voice in order to cut through her college paralysis.

The effect of this was immediately, as Yamada managed to pull herself back to reality, as she immediately started typing furiously on her keyboard. At this point she didn't need her coworker to tell her what to do, as she was more then aware.

Though the question now was whither she could get it done in time. To her credit; Chifuyu took the empty seat at a computer station to her right and began working.

In the desperate silence that followed the two woman fought against the computers hardware, desperately trying to get the security system back on line before the shields fully powered down and the blast shields retracted fully. It wasn't an easy task, especially considering the specter of being locked out of the system hanging over their heads. But this only seemed to encourage them, as the two women pushed themselves to gain control of the system before it was too late.

The first sign of their progress was when the managed to get the blast door to stop retracting, though this wouldn't matter one bit if they couldn't do anything about the shields around the arena.

"Damn it all!" Came the sudden outburst from her coworker.

As Chifuyu didn't even bother hiding she felt any more. Because she knew that if the shield fell that all their progress up to this point would've been for not. As the entire academy would've been at risk; as the battle would quickly spill outside of the arena or just as likely her brother would end up getting himself killed by trying to land his one off ability to prevent that from happening.

Needless to say Chifuyu wouldn't allow that to happen over her dead body. Even if the unthinkable did happen, she was more then happy to go out there herself and rip that tin can apart with her barehands.

But it would seem that wouldn't be necessary as if she was reading this right; with another clicks of keys and mouse, both woman finally let out a sigh in relief. As they had just barely prevented the shield from completely shutting down.

'Now, we just need to-!' Chifuyu was stopped in mid thought as an alert popped unto her screen.

Immediately expecting the worse; Chifuyu turned over to her coworker, who also had the same alert on her monitor. To which she found her looking back, then silently Yamada turned back to her computer and opened up the tab. At which point the screen in front of switch her over to one of the camera that was inside the command tower.

It then took a moment for both teachers to figure out what she was looking at, as they could only watch as the younger Shinonono for whatever reason possessed her, was opening one of the doors that lead out to the observation platform that was inside the arena!

Chifuyu then cursed upon realizing this, but there wasn't anything she could do about this now. As she couldn't afford to leave Yamada by herself, especially if she was locked out of the system again, in which case they could find themselves in a situation that was worse then before.

"SHIT!" Yamada then cursed aloud, finally realizing what had just happened as Chifuyu continued to watch in silence.

All the while praying that her younger brother could save her in time.

Location: IS academy, Main arena just outside the main control tower

[Time: 11:21] [date: September 27, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

The situation around the Rookie was rapidly evolving, as in one moment everything was put on it head. As the blast shields over the stands stopped where they were and the alarms started again. As he was once again left to wonder, just what the hell was going on.

Because from what he had been able to gather from Ghost sudden excitement, that something had happened with the computers. Which the Rookie was left in the dark about the rest, as Ghost had jumped back into the system.

"I'm back!" Ghost sounded relieved by this fact as much as the Rookie was.

"So?" He had to ask.

"Well," Ghost started out before he was cut off be another voice.

"Ichika, if you're a man I expect you to defeat the enemy completely!" Came a unknown female voice from below him.

'The hell?' The Rookie silently asked himself, as he tried to figure out where this had came from.

But the Rookie didn't have moment to figure out where that voice had came from. As the GOLEM immediately turned toward what he assumed was the source of the voice, and fired it heavy wrist weapons.

As which time the Rookie immediately sprung into act, as any plans he originally had where thrown out the wind as he prepare himself for what was to come next. Especially if he messed up and missed his target.

Then again this was what he had been doing for over fifteen years, even so this was definitely going to be cutting it extremely close. So with no time to explain what he was doing, the Rookie took a running position strapped the sniper rifle to his back and he then started running.

"WHAT THE HELL AR-!" Ghost question was cut off as the Rookie jumped.

Ghost cursed under his breath as he tried to bring down the shield so the two of them wouldn't be splattered against it. Then as if to only add to his already heavy load, another issue came up.

"WEAPONS FLASH! COME FROM OUTSIDE OF THE ARENA!" Ghost information the Rookie

Unfortunately there wasn't anything that he could do about that at the moment. as he was already committed to this course of act. Which to anyone else would've been an act if insanity.

But that what were ODST were for. As anyone who willingly allowed themselves to be thrown at a planet, on what was basically a metal coffin on a regular basis would definitely qualify as crazy.

Still the Rookie knew that there were was more to this. As to do this job you either had to be crazy, have balls of steel, or have the luck of the devil at your side. For his case, the Rookie had chocked up his survival to mostly the third option. As they probably never would've survived otherwise.

As the situation he was quite literally throwing himself into, was that of possible if not out right suicide. Mostly because there were so many things that had to go right for this to work.

But so far he hadn't slammed into the energy barrier that should've been around the arena. Which was something that was both good and bad.

'Just hope that this isn't for nothing.' The Rookie somehow had time to think this as he was falling through the air.

Because if he was off just a bit, or if the timing of this wrong.

Well...

It didn't really need to be said. Did it?

As he could see the cobalt color ball of plasma racing towards the student who was currently paralyzed in fear. As he then hear her scream in terror followed by someone who called out her name.

"HOUKIE!" Came the only man voice in the whole arena.

It was Ichika, who had seemingly abandoned any sense of self preservation and rush in to save his friend, but he out of position and already too late to do anything.

Thankfully for both parties where in this instant of reality where Ichika hadn't hear, nor reacted in time there was an outside faction.

This outside factor was current falling towards what would've been a dead woman. But fate worked in mysterious ways. As just in the nick of time did they made contact the plasma bolts came screaming in!

The first one hit the platform which shock violently as the next round went right where Houkie Shinonono had been stand. If not for the Rookies intervention, she would've been vaporized leaving nothing for anyone to bury.

Even so the shot barely missed him, and grazed in not melted the sniper rifle on his back. The Rookie couldn't of known this, but he could've guess from the flash of heat now coming from his back.

Still this was shortly forgotten when the third and fourth rounds made contact. Both of which wouldn't of hit him or Houkie but the same couldn't be said for the platforms supports.

As the platform then shock violence, as the sounds of metal that was pushed too far beyond its limits started to bend and snap as the platform started to move underneath the its two occupations.

Then as the platform started falling the woman in the Rookies arms let out a screech, it was an extremely familiar one to him. That of a person who knew that they were going to die. Everyone had their own, but oftentimes the Rookie could identify the core emotions of that scream since he had heard it often enough.

Oftentimes it was filled with the disbelief of the person, as they couldn't seem to understand that this was the end was finally upon them. Next after that was the anger, as if they couldn't believe that hadn't been able to do something and only now they were realizing how important it really was to them.

There was more to each scream, but those seemed to be the most common thing the Rookie could identify in each; though there were probably more that he couldn't pick up, due to be shot at while that was happening.

But this wasn't really the time to be pounding on such things, as he was once again falling with a unwilling person trying their best to get free of his grip cursing him the whole way down. Still it didn't really bother him, as to the Rookie this was what he usually experienced while doing something like this.

Still this didn't make it any easier for him to hold onto her as they were falling. Add onto the fact that he was doing this while trying to keep track of all the falling objects and things in his immediate vanity, through heavy rain and the now reignited battle that was going on; the Rookie was a little stressed for how much attention he needed on everything.

Even so there was definitely on thing that he had to deal with which was rapidly approaching him. That was how he was going to stick the landing with this woman in hand. He didn't have time to figure this out as only seconds before he hit the wet ground below.

So he when with his only option, as he used himself as a cushion for the civilian that was under his care. It wasn't his most ideal way of doing this but there wasn't anytime!

The Rookie just barely got her into position before he it the ground blow with a loud, "SPLUSH!" sound.

But that was the last thing the Rookie heard as the world around then him turned black.

End of Chapter.

Combat long-0814052

Well, guess it doesn't matter if anyone see this.

But from what I've seen. Things are definitely worse then original thought, from what little we've managed to piece together there more bunkers and off the grid sites were either abandoned, shut down or what have you after the IS came into play.

Frankly, I'm not sure whether to count our blessings considering what was in that last Black Site.

As this was definitely not planned in the immediate future. But when the IS broke on to the world stage.

Well... it doesn't bare repeating.

Anyway we've been scavenging what we can from this sites, though it already looks like others have been do so as well. At any rate we've been able to gain access to maps that we believe to show locations of other such facilities.

Most of then are of US origin.

Still with each one we crack open, I tend to wonder what they were originally up to. Especially considering the wild rumors of what they were testing. Then again that way about my pay grade.

But still I can't help but wonder... especially after seeing those tubes.

As there definitely meant for something that for sure.

Anyway we're just finishing up the salvaging operation here.

Hopefully we can get out of here before anyone else shows up. As they'll definitely be packing some hardware given what we've run into before...

That's all she wrote.

Anyway I hoped you enjoyed the chapter for what it's worth.

So now the Rookies in a bad spot, thanks and part to Houkie's implosive decision making. Not unlike his own personal decisions. But that's not really important.

What is however is that this story has passed the 28,000 view mark and one hundred follows!

Honestly I can't believe that.

As I never imagine that it would get this far. Let alone be going on for this long. So I would like to give a big thank you. To all of you, especially those who first read this in 2015 and stuck with it since.

Such as 56006, Graymangames, Fire W0lf, zeroblade93, and mxexodia500 and many more.

I can never thank all of you enough for sticking behind this story for over five years!

Anyway that all out of the way off to the reviews!

First off we have Arm514ve.

Well this wasn't the original plan. Hence why the year long delay in getting the last chapter out.

Still I'm rather happy with how it worked out.

Next up is ptl.

Well unfortunately the Rookies a little preoccupied at the moment. Kanzashi going to have to save herself or is she!?

You'll have to wait and see what happens. (Evil laughter)

Also I wanted to get this updated earlier. But well life and trying to get somethings as I just finished school and now have to figure out what I'm going to do with myself at any rate...

PoofyOhio.

First off thank you of the review.

Secondly, yah my spelling and Grammar aren't the best by any any means. Still I've been meaning to look at a grammar app or something as I do this on my IPad.

But being as cheap/money strapped, I'm work with what I got.

Finally OnePunchPlayer.

Well I did have a personal deadline in my Bio... so yay... personal pride and all that stuff...

Well until next time have a good one.