Noble Team of Terra

Chapter 12: New problems and Backlashes

~RI Dorm, Spartans~

It had been four whole days since they revealed their origins, history and now what the Pharma company will do with them.

Serina was busy sifting through data, making all kinds of back-ups in the cases of an option of them forming a partnership, she was given the go ahead from both Carter and Jun to create an identify of their own 'Company' and from what she heard they will not care as it means an expansion into another world.

"Yes, that will do" she had muttered to herself as she was making the finishing touches on the backups at the chance of them not being accepted.

She will not lie, she is coming to like the Landship, it kind of reminded her of the Spirit of Fire with it being large and having multiple personnel, but she also remembered as a 'mini-mobile city' with how large it is. Although she had managed to get a rough estimation and calculated that it is at least half or quarter of the Spirit of Fire, being at 12,000 meters and Rhodes placed at 800 meters.

About as large as a UNSC ship-type.

Though if she were to be honest, she does kind of missed being in charge of managing an entire ship's crew vitals, making sure that they're all healthy and cared for. Even if she does make some morbid joke about their circumstances, it was her charm after all. Making sure all the systems are at operational and optimal status, the weapons at the green, ammunition checking and watching over someone.

Don't get her wrong, the Spartans were great companions to manage but she feels like her uses are being limited. She's not an advanced type like Cortana who can hack almost instantly, it actually took her a bit of effort to hack into with that Reunion Officer that Six killed back at the Clinic before they met with Rhodes Island.

Ever since she saw the pharmaceutical company's Landship she has had the audacious desire to be inserted into the ship's systems, to know the ins and outs, to understand its structure and know what needs required. But she cannot do so as it would violate everything they have made up to the moment, so she unfortunately has resigned to be the team's AI even though she knows she can provide much more and superior support as a ship AI.

So, to pass the time and to provide valuable information she has been sifting and sorting all kinds of information 'Reunion could have done better' she thought to herself as she pulled so much data from that little phone of theirs, so many profiles and names and HVTs that are no doubt of high priority.

And with her doing this she managed to do that, gain much valuable knowledge like the currency, which is called Lungmen Dollars, but to shorten the money naming the natives simply called it LMD, so it should be somewhat easy to understand.

Who are the weapon manufacturers of this world and determine if they have to avoid these individuals or form some kind of partnership, perhaps a contract of sorts.

Which groups have the most level in technology, which most of the world is on even footing though with a few notable exceptions, such as Rhine Labs which sounds similar to ONI regarding tech.

Which Nation stances on infected, with the obvious choice to avoid Ursus as they're heavily discriminate against them and even put them in camps similar to that of concentration camps of the Jews during WWII.

But still she found it fascinating that despite so many people and nations the world is still unexplored, if she had to make a guess on the comparison between Earth and Terra, 'still getting used to that' she mused, she would assume that they're in what could be considered European since Victoria resembles Great Britain, and Ursus resembles Russia.

Serina was most intrigued with the nation known as Kazimierz, the 'Country of Knights' where the term and concept of Knight is still used, it was very steeped in Kazimierz history from the founding to the present. However, she had been disappointed to know that such a name had been tarnished when instead of fading out the term 'Knight' was now synonymous with 'Corporations' and 'Sponsors' than with the more heroic and chivalrous kind.

But what had saddened the AI was the fact that something similar happened with the UNSC and the Spartans.

Rather than have enhanced super soldiers, limited by numbers but superior in augmentations and training, that could change the tide of battle and potentially even the war. Yet now it seems anyone can become a Spartan, for god's sake they have a 'Spartan Academy'. A SCHOOL to teach you how to be a Spartan, not something that's earned but rather given. Just like that, when you apply you automatically become a Spartan.

The comparisons were eerily similar, Knights and Spartans once viewed as something heroic, grand and even aspiring, an idea that can be given hope in the direst of times. Only for the people they fought, bled and died for just tarnish that name with Corporations and Schooling, being a Knight and Spartan is earned.

Not given.

'Huh, that was oddly violent and unnecessary' she thought to herself as she had managed to calm her own nerves, despite being an AI, and was surprised by the resentment the introduction of Spartan-IVs and Spartan Academy. Perhaps the Spartans of the UNSC and Knights of Kazimierz are similar in more ways than she initially thought.

But if she knew Red and Omega team, they wouldn't take too kindly to that.

The new generation of IVs haven't experienced war... Never fought tooth and nail for the sake of your homes... They never had to deal with mass genocide...

She then thought a bit darkly and muttered to herself "perhaps when the Created and Banished push Humanity to the brink, the name might be remade into what it was originally for... Only then will the Spartan-IVs earn their name and status..." perhaps she gotten a bit too attached to the Spartans.

HER Spartans, the IIs and IIIs, they're the ones who gave life and limb and now they're being mocked with usurpers.

'I need to find something to do' she thought to herself once more as she decided to return back to the present and see what was up with the team since her little secret rant about what happened while she and the Spirit of Fire were away.

However, it seems her timing was impeccable, for a door had been knocked and a voice was heard "Spartans, the time has come" it was Dobermann and from what they can tell she's been assigned to go and fetch them.

Hearing the news, the group of Spartans have gotten up and stretched their limbs, shaking off any sleepiness and making sure their bodies weren't numb from inaction. "Alright everyone, it's time to see what our future in this world is going to be" Carter had said as he placed his helmet on his head, he stood in front of the door as he answered back to the woman on the other side "Miss Dobermann, we're ready"

The door opened and the Perro woman looked at them, it was a little bit intimidating seeing all those visors staring at her not knowing if they were staring at her intentionally or not, but she nodded in agreement "follow me. We shall take the quickest route, though it is during the day I fear we may have several eyes watching us" there was nothing she could do about it since the rumors have been spreading.

"We understand ma'am, we're used to the staring" while a normal person might feel nervous, the super soldiers were the opposite, they were used to the staring that it was natural to see heavily armored soldiers walking and causing heavy thuds as they walk. Rhodes won't be much different after today.

And so, the group walked and true enough they got looks, some of them are in awe at the group whilst some were in fear and flinched when the human warriors looked at them.

Whether Rhodes becomes their new HQ or a place to rest up, either way the Spartans of the UNSC will abide by whatever Order there is.


~Control Center~

Kal'tsit, Doctor Howard, Amiya and Closure were waiting for Noble Team to arrive, the talks and debates have been discussed and given the timeframe they all eventually came to a conclusion.

Howard looked calm on the outside but on the inside, he was worried, not about the decision but how Rhodes will react to it.

The brown cautus girl Amiya just simply smiled, as if nothing was wrong but the others can tell she has a lot on her mind.

Closure was the one who seemed to be taking it a bit seriously shockingly, no more of her usual teasing and blunder but rather business and work, something very few people get to see at all.

And for Dr. Kal'tsit she looked at the coffee mug in her hand, after such grueling talks it kind of drained her more than ever and for once she doesn't know if it's the right decision. Either way it's already been made and now it is time to accept it, whether it backfires or not.

The door opened and soon entered Carter who stood at attention, followed by Kat, then Jun, Emile, Jorge, Anthony, Cal, Daisy, Solomon and Arthur last. They all looked at the four and saluted with respect, but they were looking towards her since it was her who is the talker "Ma'am!"

"At ease..." she said in her commanding tone and let them take their spots, now it was time.

"Spartans, after 4 days of grueling debate regarding your proposal. Your past. Your history and your technology, as well as many other factors the decision did not come lightly. Rhodes Island has considered your request and here is our answer. Officially we are entering a partnership with Noble team of the UNSC and whatever company you may have conceived"

Suffice to say, the news was somewhat of a downer, but Carter had heard the words carefully and had an inkling as to why she said that "and unofficially ma'am?" hearing this the other Spartans suddenly understood, it all clicked.

"Unofficially as of this moment, all of you are members of Rhodes Island pharmaceuticals."

The leadership couldn't see it but behind the visor of each of the soldiers was a smile.

Howard spoke up "due to your sudden appearance and lack of credentials it would be very bad for Rhodes Island to suddenly take on strange soldiers that may have dark secrets. So, as of right now we're placing all of you under 'Reserve Team' and as such your participation in future Operations will be limited. Until we can get you your official and legal IDs you all are limited to only the Landship. All of Rhodes has been notified of your history and knowledge and have agreed to not mention this in the general public. They're also aware of your new status as well. Any questions?"

Emile spoke up "what will we be doing since we can't go on mission's sir?"

Amiya spoke up "ehehe! Emile-san you and all the others can be of use, we have various jobs that can be filled out with your skillsets. If you want you can take your pick, but you'll have to use a permission form from either Me, Dr. Kal'tsit or Doktah Howard" she then walked over to where they were and gave each Spartan a card.

"These are your new Company cards; you'll have access to rooms and facilities that may prove useful to you. So, feel free to explore at your leisure and don't be afraid to make friends too! We're all family here and as such it'll be good for you to bond!" she said with such enthusiasm, and she was shining a bit.

Kal'tsit interrupted "Spartans, you are limited in participation, but it shall be Doctor Howard's choice to send which one of you shall go on. If the situation requires for it, he will request one of you to join, but before we can reach that far. I know all of you have years of combat experience but you all must go through our trials, tests and exams that may determine what 'Class' you are put in. No exceptions"

Closure then spoke up "and you'll have to teach me about how your weapons work! If you're gonna be joining on a mission it's best to know how they work so I can make some adjustments to your ammunition, is that alright with you?"

They all looked at each other before having Jun answer for them "we'll think about it, I don't think we'll be joining any op anytime soon. But thank you for the offer"

The vampire Sarkaz smiled and nodded, seemingly content with the result of the meeting "now if you all want, I can happily give you a tour of our Landship so you know when and where everything is, who knows something might catch your fancy!"

"Before you all decide what to do, may I ask what exactly is your Company name that you have made? So we won't have any kind of misunderstanding with future businesses" Kal'tsit had asked, she was quite curious as to what they decided to name their company.

Jun smiled behind his helmet before answering "ma'am... Our company is called... Misriah Armory..."


~Rhodes Island, Nearl~

News about the Spartans have been spreading all throughout the Landship, and many people are wary. Due to their nature as now revealed Super Soldiers and child soldiers at that, some of the standard Operators are wary and avoid them, not trusting them since they have shown to be callous when it comes to combat.

Yet some of the more well-known Operators have chosen to not let it affect them, a couple actually wanting to know much about the Spartans themselves, wanting to know what their likes and dislikes are.

But what was most shocking was their history. So much war, death and destruction, the near extinction of a race on a Galaxy-wide event and even Galaxy-wiping threat, and now some of them prefer Oripathy than living through that hell hole and knowing that they were literally minutes if not seconds away from being wiped out without even realizing it.

All because an alien race got jealous.

The Prophet of Truth had earned the hate of Rhodes Island, seeing how he manipulated his own empire for his own selfish goal and in the end he was so consumed in his own web of lies that he believed his own fabrication. Some of them pitied the Grunts as it was discovered that they were treated as bad as the Infected within their multi-alien empire.

What they found most ironic though is the Sangheili known as Thel Vadamee. At first, he was despised as they feared just how easily one simple commander can cause so much destruction and death, to even being the sole threat out of the entire Covenant faction and worried he may find his way here and continue the Genocide, but then it was discovered his people have been betrayed by the one's they swore to protect and have protected for hundreds if not thousands of years. Realizing now that they have been fighting for nothing but a lie, the Sangheili that stayed with Thel became the Covenant Separatists, soon renamed Swords of Sanghelios with Thel being now Arbiter.

Some of the personnel had a bit of kinship with the alien, especially when it was revealed that despite their brutal nature with their advance tech, the Elites were shown to have a sense of honor allowing some Humans to prepare and fight even though it was in vain.

Though it had to be awkward to fight alongside the same race that tried to genocide your own kind, that would definitely be awkward talk.

And with the reveal of the Spartan-IVs, those who were at Chernobog and saw how Noble Team performed were a bit disappointed at the so called 'successors' and read the basics on them.

But to certain Operators they felt more of a kinship with the Spartans IIs and IIIs, regarding how their respective people treated them now.

So it was a surprise for Nearl to see Jorge in the training room, seemingly standing there in his armor and helmet on whilst looking at the room, probably thinking about something. So without hesitation she approached him and announced her presence "Sir Jorge" he turned to her and nodded.

"Miss Nearl"

"What brings you to the training room?" she asked as she had barely seen him since first arriving, almost as if he had vanished and now was here all of a sudden. Though she suspects it had to do with the reveal of his people and job.

"Been thinking of practicing, getting a feel for it. May be chosen so have to be ready, weapon won't be ready by then" was his response as he scanned the room taking in every detail from behind his visor, his frame intimidating others who were of weaker wills as he gave the image of a giant robot just waiting for someone to move.

"I understand, would you perhaps like to spar then?" she had offered to him as she looked up, and it was a bit weird for her since she is the one who looks down to speak but now is the one looking up at her and her team's savior.

"If it's not much trouble" he replied while giving a short nod. Having her answer, the Kuranta nodded back and approached a locker, she inserted her card to the scanner attached to it and it opened up to reveal a row of weapons and shields, though they were all of the same look and design "we shall use the training weapons." she declared as she grabbed a shield and hammer.

Jorge approached behind her and examined them, not feeling comfortable in using these kinds of weapons as he had gotten used to using guns, it was a bit foreign, but he pushed back that uncomfortable emotion and grabbed a sword, 'see how these handle' he thought to himself as he made sure not to tighten his grip on it too much so it doesn't break.

"I never imagined you with a sword Sir Jorge" the yellow haired woman stated as she raised an eyebrow at him picking a sword of all things, he replied "not my type of weapon, but we'll see" his response was simple and got the point across, something that Nearl can appreciate.

"Very well but I won't be going easy on you!" she declared as she readied into her stance, already prepared to fight Jorge and gauge his combat prowess personally, she can see he was not the one for melee as evident him not wielding it without any kind of stance or form, that would be his weakness.

"Go!" she called out as she rushed towards him with speed, and she swung her hammer at him in the hopes of catching him off guard, but the giant soldier quickly switched hands and put the hilt in his left hand and swung back at her, the two weapons hitting and clashing but unfortunately Jorge used too much strength as the blade had broken.

"Oh" was all he mumbled as he stared at the weapon in his hand that was now broken, and Nearl herself looked at it too with a bit of worry "perhaps you should try a different weapon, a sword isn't right for you" she suggested as she motioned for him to take another weapon.

Unfortunately the two sparring session had barely taken off, for the Spartan IIs strength was too much, he tried another sword and accidentally broke the handle, he tried a mace but the head had broken and shattered due to his augmented strength, next they attempted a spear and he crushed the shaft, after that they tried an axe only for that to snap in half.

Suffice to say that Jorge's strength may be a downside to this session, and that Rhodes might have to force stronger weapons than they normally are, but the problem with that is they don't know just how much stronger it needs, and they doubt that their regular Operators can wield such weapons.

"Apologies ma'am, I wasn't expecting to break all these weapons" Jorge-052 had apologized to Nearl as they had saw the many parts and pieces of their attempted sparring, Nearl smiled softly "do not worry about it Sir Jorge, we'll just have to request Engineering to craft you a suitable weapon in lieu of your current one"

Then the Pegasus-girl had asked, being curious since seeing him here alone "where are the rest of your friends?" she had only saw Jorge today and him being alone meant that they were probably somewhere else.

"We all wanted to explore Rhodes after our tour with Miss Closure, Kat's in Engineering, Carter's discussing with Leadership regarding us, Emile is probably in a fight with someone, Cal's probably at the gardens and she's with Daisy, Solomon and Arthur are either in the trading rooms or at the hanger, Jun is probably wandering around and I have no idea where Six is"

Now that she got her answer, she now knows that they could be anywhere on the ship, well the one's he doesn't know exactly where. But still it was nice to see they were trying to interact with Rhodes more but noticed the lack of a certain AI "and Serina?"

"She's sorting through the data Rhodes provided, so she'll be at it for a few hours"

She nodded in response, now understanding everything, but she is aware that certain Operators might go looking for them and that there are that's trying to avoid them, she just hopes that whoever the Spartans meet they won't try anything.

Oh wishful thinking.


~Rhodes Island, Emile~

Noble 4, Emile, walked around the halls of the Landship and he was thinking, this place was going to be his new home and he won't be able to participate in Operations due to their circumstances.

Understandable yet frustrating at the same time.

He was entering what was known as the cafeteria, wanting to get something to eat and walk away, he can clearly see the room empty for the most part, but he can see a couple of Operators with their respective teams and turned to his direction and stared at his heavily armored frame. He wasn't bothered by the looks being given, he was used to it both on and off the battlefield.

As he approached, he could see that someone stood in front of him, from what he knows they wore the standard clothing and to him that indicated he was a standard trooper. He can also see that they weren't alone as they were accompanied by 4 others, and they were surrounding him.

So they were THOSE kinds of people.

"Is there a problem?" he asked but he knew that there was going to be a fight, they haven't been members of Rhodes for a full week and now it seems that these guys want to cause trouble, if they wanted it then they were going to get it.

"Look here newbie, I don't care if you're some kind of big 'Super soldier' and I don't care if you're an II, III or IV. What you need to understand is that you're a new recruit and thus we are your superiors. And you will give us the respect we deserve" they said with an air of superiority as they looked at each other with smug looks.

"And if I refuse?" he retorted.

"Then we shall simply file towards Dr. Kal'tsit that you're being unapproachable and are in fact causing intentional conflict. And as such your 'agreement contract' shall be terminated and you and your freakish friends will be out of here. Now if you don't want to leave then you shall simply do whatever we say~" the leading trooper stated with a smirk, seemingly as if he and his friends had gotten an advantage.

But all they got was a chuckle from Emile, he shook his head as if he found it amusing "and you think that's intimidating? I thought you people here at Rhodes Island were good and decent people, willing to help those who are in need. Yet here you are, trying to scare me and my friends off from your company and have me do your bidding." he looked at them and they can feel his cold eyes staring at their being.

"You claim to be heroes, but in the end you're just like everyone else. Only doing it for the sake of an image, I am not surprised about this, everyone has bad seeds and we Spartans have quite a few." he then took a few steps closer and looked at the person who stopped him, he leaned in so his faceplate was close to their face "if you're done with a petty threat, then let me grab a bite and I'll be going"

With those words that he gave the four he walked past him and headed to the area where he can grab some food, but behind him those four basic troopers looked ready to fight him, and attack him from the back and force him to respect them, armor with shields or not they were going to teach Emile a lesson.

One of them charged at the super soldier in an attempt to force him to submit, but as if sensing it from a mile away Emile leaned out of the way and grabbed his attacker's arm and tossing him over his shoulder, forcing them onto the ground as he held their arm in a lock that caused pain but not broken.

"You really think it'd be that easy?" he said while smirking behind his helmet, he already was into a fight and it wasn't him who initiated it, who knew such a thing could happen.

"Uncle! Uncle! Uncle!" the attacker had whimpered as he can feel his arm on the verge of breaking and he knew if he made one more wrong move then it would definitely be broken, so he began to beg "sorry! Sorry! We won't attack you anymore!" he then tapped onto the floor rapidly as if pleading the man to stop.

"I don't think so, I bet you've done this to others haven't you?" was the inquisitive question asked, and unfortunately he had guessed right "yes! We have! We're sorry about them t-ARGH!" he tried to plead once more but the Spartan III merely put more strength into his hold, he can feel his bones starting to break "S-STOP IT PLEASE!"

However Emile wouldn't let up "I will not let go until you confess and apologize to the other Operators you have abused with your position. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?" he had stated with a firm and deathly serious voice as he put even more pressure, which caused the whimpering lower ranked Operator to nod rapidly.

The Super soldier got up and shoved his captive into the arms of his companions "if I ever catch any, ANY, word from you four again I'll be there to remind you..." he had give a threat to the four as he popped his fingers and cracked his neck intimidatingly, his skull on his helmet as he stood in front of them, and leaning in and giving one more word "go!"

Quickly the four low ranked Operators rushed out of the cafeteria and elsewhere, anywhere to avoid Emile.

Out of the corner of his eyes, 4th member of Noble Team could see that a few of the other operators nodded their heads at him, clapping their hands at his retaliation, or even giving silent thumbs up. But he can also see a few others lean or turn away from him, in fear due to how strong he is or how scary he looked.

Either way he only wanted to get something and leave, but now he may or may not cause rumors to circulate.

What he wasn't expecting was a voice "Mr. Emile!" a cheery and feminine voice called out to him, he turned, and he saw a familiar person, Lada he recalled, as she was in the kitchen and was wearing an apron on top of her school uniform and she looked fine as if Chernobog never happened.

But he knew she was troubled on the inside, but he won't bring it up.

"You're that blonde girl that Six and the others saved from Peterheim" he looked at her, arms folded and could see that she was cooking something on the stove, and he could also see her nod at his words. "If it wasn't for you all then me and my friends wouldn't have lived!" she declared with a happy tone in her voice.

"I barely did anything, Six was the one who did most of the work" he replied wanting to get some of the facts straight, Six was indeed the one who rescued the students while the others waited for his return, so it should be him getting praise. "Yeah but he's a part of Noble Team right? So that means all of you saved us!"

"It wasn't-" however Emile was cut off when he received a message from Carter "go ahead sir?"

[Noble 4 get to training room 3 now!] there was an urgency in the voice and hearing him call him by his callsign meant it was serious. "What's the situation sir?" he inquired as the tone of his team leader was becoming firmer and serious.

[Operator Blaze is Assaulting Six, get in there and stop the fight.] and those words were enough for the 4th member of Noble team to enter his serious state "on my way!" and he cut the connection, he didn't bother to explain as he turned away and entered a sprint heading towards training room 3.

He had an inkling as to why she would attack Six without warning.


~Rhodes Island, Six~

"WHY!?" she screamed at the top of her lungs as she brought her chainsaw down onto her foe, but he rolled out of the way and held his knife out ready to parry or render her unconscious. Her eyes glowed a faint light blue as she was seething with barely restrained rage, she revved her weapon before charging at him and dragging her weapon across the floor cutting it and bringing it up but he rolled back.

Six kept silent as he stared at her from behind his visor, he analyzed the woman from where he is and looked for any weaknesses, any kind of opening of some kind to exploit but her rampage was making it difficult. It also didn't help that he had to avoid that serrated blade from sawing him in half.

But he wasn't able to get a good look at her weaknesses before she roared and brought her chainsaw down again, he rolled out of the way yet again, but he could see the box that contained valuable supplies be cut open and they spilled out. His eyes darted to what the contents were but he didn't know if they would help.

Normally he would have already dealt with her, gunning her down or at least knocking her weapon out of her hands but unfortunately, he cannot do that, they're part of Rhodes Island and now he has to avoid causing any casualties, something that Operator Blaze is keen on doing.

"WHY WHY!?" she screamed once more as she glared at the green armored super soldier, tears welling at the edges of her eyes. She wouldn't be like this but the negative feeling she has kept to herself have reached a bubbling point, right now all she cares about is getting answers to an important question.

Once more Six did not respond as he twirled his knife, he knows it won't do anything against her chainsaw and how dangerous she is regarding close combat, so the best chance to beat her was to somehow render her unconscious or attack her exposed backside, she seems to be in a state where she's gaining tunnel vision and that alone gives him a small advantage.

Something he can exploit.

But as he thought of a plan another one came to him, how did this happen and why did it happen?

All he can remember before this fight was walking around the halls and Blaze approaching him and requesting to have a private chat, then she brought out her chainsaw and attacked. No one was around so he doubts anyone was able to hear their fights, he entered an area where anyone barely walks.

Perfect chance for an ambush, in which Blaze had planned as evident by their one on one duel.

He could take out her limbs and reduce her chances of movement or lifting her weapon but if he did, so he had to be careful and not cut an artery by accident, despite the woman's current state he knows that she did not become an Operator merely on good looks.

He dodged yet again but this time the serrated blade had missed his shoulder by an inch and now his armor was scraped, he's not worried about it as the paint can always be reapplied. But what he wasn't expecting was a low whimper to escape from his current opponent "tell me... Why...?" she asked but yet provided no clarification.

Six should be worried and he is, for her that is, he noticed that after they were picked up, she avoided looking at him and at first, he assumed that she was tired, but now knowing that she's openly attacking him she was thinking of a plan to kill him or at least harm him.

He could hear the revving be closer and he realized that the blade was coming close, he ducked and what followed was a hard thud, he turned and saw that Blaze had thrown her weapon at him and it was embedded into a nearby wall, its spinning chain was stopped as it stay there like a sword.

But Noble Six turned and saw that Blaze was rushing towards him bare fisted, he sheathed his knife and rushed back at her and this time they both were on even footing metaphorically speaking. "WHY!?" she demanded as he parried her punch with his forearm, reducing the damage taken and his shields blared to life as 10% have been dealt.

"Why!? WHY!?" she repeated that question again as she grabbed his wrist and elbowed his helmet, this time the HUD showed that 20% of his energy shields were gone and that this woman was becoming even more aggressive. He kept quiet once again, but she didn't seem to like that, she attacked the back of his legs with a kick to catch him off guard.

He tried to avoid her attack, but his shields were hit once again this time reading 30% damage dealt leaving him at 70% and his suit began to beep steadily.

Seeing that he wasn't down she became flexible and got down before using her feet to sweep him so he can fall onto the floor, in doing so she could hear and feel his armor making a loud thudding sound as their area shook a little from the weight. Without any hesitation she straddled his hips before she curled her fists and tightened them, she then used one hand to punch his visor whilst the other firmly kept him in place.

"WHY! WHY! WHY!" she demanded an answer from him as tears begin to fall down her cheeks, she has been holding these feelings in and tried to ignore them but the past few days they have been bubbling up. Now they were exploding and were guiding her actions, she continued to punch against his visor, but her knuckles started to scrape, and flesh peeled back from the repeated process.

"WHY!?" she screamed at him once again, her fist soon became bloody from her punching him again and again, but as if that wasn't enough, she then switched and instead used her other hand to form a fist and start the process. "Why... Why were you..." she whimpered as tears began to flow freely from her eyes.

"If... If only... IF ONLY YOU DIDN'T EXIST!" she screamed as she punched this time much harder, now the rapid beeping of the shields was heard as Six could only watch from behind his helmet as she began to finally let her feelings be known.

"IF YOU DIDN'T EXIST THEN ACE WOULD STILL BE HERE!" she let out cries of anguish as she could distinctly remember Ace's face, his gentle and kind nature only to be replaced with a cold and unemotional heavy armored green and white Spartan that is Noble Six. How he easily took Ace's spot on the Pelican like nothing and how her friend and mentor was left behind while this FREAK was allowed to live.

"TELL ME WHY!?" she had demanded an answer from him but hearing nothing only made her more furious, did he not have an excuse?

Before she can continue to beat him the voice of Dr. Kal'tsit was heard "VICTORIA!" the feline flinched at the words and she turned and saw not only Kal'tsit but Carter, Amiya, Doctor Howard and Emile, other heavier footsteps can be heard and that could be the rest of the Spartans.

"I suggest you stop your abuse of my teammate and walk away" Noble 4 stated with firm and serious tone and he looked ready to fight her if she made a wrong move.

"But-"

"Operator Blaze! What on Terra is wrong with you!?" Kal'tsits' angry voice had come out and Blaze looked ready to piss herself, but she looked back at the Spartan III beneath her and was ready to punch again, her blood boiling at seeing this thing taking Ace's spot back on the Pelican.

She lost too many people she cared about...

"Why? Why HIM?! Why did Six live and Ace didn't!?" Blaze's voice nearly broke at her words, her grief showering her body in such emotion that it controlled her actions, but she didn't care. She wanted Ace, Scout... So many people back...

It was surprisingly Doctor Howard who spoke up "Ace knew what he did... He knew the risks of the mission and he took them... It's not Six's fault, Ace himself chose to stay behind. Blaze, you assaulted a member of Rhodes, a new recruitment at that, not only did you attack them without warning you might have just violated and compromised our choice of letting them join us!"

Normally he would be calm and collected, make a joke here and there but what Blaze did might have just damaged relations between them and the Spartans, possibly UNSC with that act she pulled.

"If what I remember about reading regarding Operators, if they should ever do something drastic that may harm the Rhodes Island company intentional or not, their status as Operators is revoked by majority vote. Normally this would happen but unfortunately, we are basically on tense edge, our anxiety is spreading and as a result some people are even doubting us..." he says with a tired sigh, the tension was increasing and the revelation of much information regarding their allies might have accidentally made it worse.

But they agreed they would deal with it, but just hoped not this soon.

"Normally I would suggest we revoke your status as Operator right now, but as of right now you're one of our best available and doing that would only make things even worse. However, we can't let this go unpunished... So, what I am proposing is that Operator Blaze will be suspended from participating in any upcoming and future Operations until everything has settled, and she has served her punishment." he said sounding serious despite having been here as long as the Spartans have, it was coming to him naturally like his body and mind were relearning the ropes.

"To add more punishment, Blaze will be reassigned and positioned as Noble Six's new partner. I do not care if you both hate each other and their guts, but until such a time has passed that we deem her punishment over I am afraid that you both will have to look out for each other. Amiya, Kal'tsit, Carter what do you think?" the Doctor asked the other with leadership roles.

"I am questioning your sense of judgement but you're correct on one thing. Blaze is one of our best Operators and as such having her status revoked would not only cause confusion but mistrust between our personnel who are already on edge. Tensions will be high for the upcoming days and as such we have to adapt. But this is the one time I am agreeing with your choice..."

"D-Doktah a-are you sure placing Blaze-San and Six-san together is a good idea?" questioned the young Cautus girl, becoming worried for Six's wellbeing since his visor is cracked and that Blaze might do something even though she knows that the feline has restraint. Ace's loss hit them hard, but they shouldn't let it cloud their judgement.

There are more people who need their help.

"Tensions and stress are high right now, but I have a feeling that this is the best course of action. What about you Carter?"

Noble One spoke "I will allow it. But if Operator Blaze does anything to jeopardize or harm my men intentional or not then we will do whatever we deem necessary" he said with firm and more serious tone, not liking this decision but it wouldn't be the first time he argued with superiors and their judgements. Which often led him being put into question as his role of leader with other higher ups, but Holland takes care of those who question it with his value being brought up.

Howard nodded as he turned towards the feline Guard "lucky for you Blaze, Six hasn't been placed in a class type but once he and the other Spartans take their tests and exams you'll be rooming with whichever he is assigned to. No exceptions" it wouldn't matter if he was a defender, support or whatever she will stay with him until she learns her lesson.

Is this healthy?

No.

Is this good?

Probably not.

Will this at least mend the relationship?

Slight chance but he has a feeling that it'll work out.

But right now, they have to get everything under control and make sure none of these incidents happen again, if things continue to escalate then Rhodes will destroy itself before doing anything noteworthy in Terra.

Then again nobody said this was going to be easy.


This has been Cross posted from Archive of Our Own, AO3. Check the name FantasyRanger1234, that is where it'll be posted first.