Chapter 8: Flood
Date: 17 November 2552
Location: Airspace Over Kenya, Earth
As the bird took off I flashed him a coquettish smile and said "See you soon, Big Guy."
"Hey there, Big Guy," I said breathlessly as the Master Chief walked over from his crash site. "Just when I thought we wouldn't cross paths this time around. I get gifted the opportunity to admire your landing skills." I hoped the joke would cover up the complete fear that had been eating away at me for days.
"How are you holding up?" Chief asked, seeing right through me.
"Honestly?" At his nod I continued, "Not great, Chief. They're calling these things The Flood. I feel like it's happening all over again. We were trained to fight Insurrectionists only to be overrun with Covenant; taught to take out Covenant only to be swarmed by Flood."
With each word I spoke faster and faster until the last sentence came out in a breathless rush. Tears betrayed me; I wiped them away with frustration. There was no time for feelings, for fears.
"Jayne."
How can a voice sound so rough and yet so soft at the same time?
"I thought I wasn't going to see you again. This feels like game over," I admitted quietly.
"Not yet. I won't let it be." He took my hand in his and just barely squeezed. I couldn't help but smile.
"Afraid to break my hand?" I teased. I turned his hand over in mine and tickled the unarmored palm. "Thank you."
The Spartan's helmet tilted to the side.
"How's Cortana?" I asked with a grin.
"She didn't appreciate my landing the Banshee into the Pillar of Autumn but she's happy to see you and says 'Hi.'." He turned back to look at the crashed ship.
"You going in there?" My smile fell when he nodded in affirmation. "Don't suppose you'll let me follow you."
"No," he said in a tone that brook no argument. He placed ammunition and frag grenades in my hands and then lit a flare. "A Pelican is coming. I need you to get on it." I stowed the ammo.
"Understood." I turned away taking a deep breath. "We all have jobs to do. Sierra 117's just happens to be saving the universe."
"Jayne, my name…"
Swiftly I turned and hugged him. "Save it. For when you see me again. Call it incentive." I smiled when his arms came up around me without touching. "See, I told you I'd hug you when you'd least expect it." Just then a Pelican flew overhead so I pushed the Spartan away.
"See you on the other side, Big Guy." He prepared his weapons and headed to the Pillar of Autumn. As much as I wanted to know his name, learning it felt too much like a "Goodbye." A goodbye for the last time.*
"For the last time, Paul! Zip it!" a Marine yelled, pulling me back to the present. I glanced around to see most everyone attempting to get some shut eye. I followed suit as exhaustion finally reared its ugly head.
*This chapter is just a memory sequence. I hope you liked it.