Heyy all, apologies about the time between updates, I went to Amsterdam at the end of the summer and then uni started again, and considering its 3rd year it's getting busy :L
Hope you all enjoy the chapter, not sure when I'll get around to the next one though, but I will defiantly put one up as a Christmas present :)
Thank you for all the favs, follows and reviews:
BloodDragonKing: oh yeah, ah the Spanish robot :P he was great. O'mally was funny and just downright mental for most of it :L Ah, I'm glad you're liking what I'm writing, I do attempt to be as quick as possible but at the moment it's just not going that way, hopefully this'll last until the next one :)
Densho: Thank you, I've just finished episode 6 and I gotta say it was a bit of a mindfuck, didn't really expect for them to do what they did :L
B312: Thank you so much :D I know, the whole NEST team's gonna be broken up about it for a while, which isn't gonna help matters for Six either
Hurperman: Thank you, I thought so to and was surprised that there weren't that many. I'm hoping that she'll eventually relax to the situation, it's only been a few days, but she'll gradually get used to it all :) Glad you like Roh too though, he felt like a bit of hit and miss when I made him.
ww1990ww: Oh, cheers for telling me that, it was my attempt to try and figure out how a normal soldier would react to someone such as Six. I know you always hear them going "where'd he/she come from" but you don't really see anything else when it comes to the 2's and 3's :)
The One and Only MUDKIP: God damnit, why'd you have to say that? Had me laughing though XD
Telron: Thank you :) Don't worry, he'll be okay, Ratchets appears to be beginning to like him
xSunstreakerzandxLegolasx: Ah well, as much as she might want to at times, I don't think that'd sit well with the rest of NEST. They'd be inclined to imprison her or something, which wouldn't be useful for getting back :L
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Honour's Song
Noble Six, Hurlburt Field US Air Force Base, Florida
After the small confrontation with Evans and her small chat with the Major, the remainder of the flight had been mostly silent. It gave her time to think about things that needed thinking on, such as how she could get better at killing these new aliens. Her wounds also flared up as the painkillers ran out, but she didn't complain. The gash she'd received was the only one that truly bothered her and she was fortunate that the metallic substance on her chest led around there. She had a feeling that had it been flesh then she probably wouldn't have be as fortunate. The remainder of her injuries were miniscule cuts and bruises that came from doing what she did, especially if it was without armour. Even with all that and the lack of sleep the night before, she couldn't feel more awake and she was defiantly ready to jump back into a fight should she need to. Perhaps it was fortunate that they had arrived at a well-protected base. Although, it didn't comfort her, she'd seen bases with ten times the protection fall quickly to the onslaught of the Covenant.
Their arrival went relatively smoothly after they touched down. The Major ensured that she and Anderson were taken straight to the med-bay while he discussed other matters with the base's Lieutenant General. There were a few curious looks sent her way when people heard what the Major called her as well as confused looks from the medics when they saw the metallic substance on her chest. She let them know it was nothing to worry about, which only made them wear a permanent expression of worry. They chidingly make a few comments to her about staying away from the battlefield for at least a week, but she shrugged them off. It was the same with all these people, she knew what she could handle. She'd also been given a clean set of clothes that she had quickly changed into after they'd attended to the larger wound. The action had drawn more looks, mainly towards the surgical-like scars that ran along her body. None questioned it, but she could tell they wanted to. Even the medic still with her held the inquisitive look in his eye.
"We've done as much as we can," the medic said as he cleared away his things. "The rest is up to you, so stay away from the field for a while. I know you don't want to, but you should."
Six waved him off, "I'll be fine, thank you."
He sighed, clearly knowing he was fighting a losing battle. "Take you painkillers and stay out of trouble. Major Lennox is still talking with the Lieutenant General, so I think it's best if you stay here. Most of your teammates are here too."
She nearly snorted, as if that would make her stay; she wasn't particularly fond of medical bays anyway. Lifting herself off the bed she grabbed her medication and forcefully told the medic, "I'll be on the runway, but I have a radio."
She grabbed the radio from the table beside the bed she'd just vacated and tapped it for emphasis. The medic opened his mouth to say something, but he was interrupted by a smiling Master Sergeant White.
"I've got her Harris, stubborn one this one is. Only person she really listens to is Lennox," White said playfully. The Woman's caramel skin was mostly still covered in dirt, the only patches that were clean being the ones that were wounded. Her eyes were a little bloodshot and Six had a feeling that the woman had shed a couple of tears over her fallen comrade.
The medic laughed in response, "I can tell."
He then turned and walked off to the other end of the room to dispose of his gloves before grabbing a new pair. Six nodded her thanks at White and began to walk out the room when the woman started after her. She fell into step beside Six, her brunette head barely reaching Six's waist as she looked up to address the Spartan.
"C'mon, Six. I told him I had you-" She began in an unnaturally chirpy voice.
"-And I appreciate it, but I can look after myself," Six interrupted in her usual toneless voice. "You should stay with your teammates."
"What? All that testosterone?" White gave a shaky laugh, "I think I'll take the woman that killed two 'Cons."
"Just doing my job."
"So were we, but we didn't take out two 'Cons solo," White's voice began to grow thick and Six knew what was coming next. She looked down at the woman whose face was filled with confusion and grief, which conveyed the question she had seen too often, 'why?'.
"I have no answers for you," Six said truthfully before White could ask anything. "Only that I wasn't quick enough."
White shook her head as they walked, her eyes hardening, but it wasn't in anger. She gave a sad smile, "It comes with the job, but that doesn't make it any easier. She was a great friend and an even better medic. You shouldn't blame yourself, you're only Human after all."
Six had nothing of worth to say in response so she remained silent. They passed a lot of personnel on their way through the base, but White stopped any potential misunderstanding before it could happen. With a smile or a curt nod towards White and a wary glance at Six, the people would leave. After the fourth time of Six receiving a wary look, White barked out a short laugh before covering her mouth. Six looked down at the woman and quirked a brow, curious as to why she found the looks she received so amusing.
Sensing Six's stare, White looked up. A dirt covered hand still covered her mouth as her blue eyes danced with shallow amusement. She removed her hand after a moment and attempted to pull her lips into a flat line. The attempt only made her laugh a bit more and Six found herself frowning at the woman who was evidently delirious with loss.
"I'm sorry," White managed to say as her lips continued to twitch up into a grin. "It's just, one look and you have people scowling at you. I guess the scar gives you a fearsome look."
Six sighed before grunting in agreement. She was about to look back down the corridor when she noticed White's grin fall a little and her brows knit together.
"You don't talk much," she commented softly.
"I don't need to," Six replied smoothly. "I speak when it's necessary."
"Which doesn't seem to be that often," White mused as they turned down another corridor and Six spotted their exit at the end. "What kind of soldier are you?"
The question surprised Six, but she soon recovered and sent White a strange glance. The woman raised a brow in amusement while her lips pulled into another small smile. Six's frown only deepened as she wondered where the question had suddenly come from.
"We know you're Special Forces, that's just written all over you," she gestured up and down Six as they walked. "But, Lennox was talking about a meeting to introduce you and your, ah…" she stopped as they reached the base exit. There was an extremely bored looking man sat at a computer behind a large glass window. He looked up at their approach and scrutinized them for a moment before requesting who they were.
"Master Sergeant White and Noble Six," she nodded to Six. "From NEST."
The man nodded at White and as the woman walked away he frowned at Six and motioned for her to stop.
"I don't have anything on you," he said warily. "Why would that be, ma'am?"
Six returned his frown as her lips curled into a smirk, "Classified."
The man growled, his eyes narrowing further as he opened his mouth to speak. Although, it was at that moment that White interrupted, having noticed Six's lack of following.
"Major Lennox will vouch for her," she explained calmly. The man nodded and hastily typed something into his computer, his frown remaining in place as he did so.
Six sighed as she continued out of the now open door. She was too used to being recognised and with ONI privileges. Then there was also the fact that the people who knew about her knew what she was capable of, she wasn't labelled a 'personal grim reaper' for no reason. She knew using 'classified' was not the best way to answer the man, but what else could she say that wouldn't potentially conflict with what the Major might've said?
"They really don't like you, do they?" White quipped. "Guess it's a good thing I came, looked like you were going to rip his head off."
"I don't kill Military personal," Six responded, insulted.
"Course you don't, you don't look like you would," White hastily said apologetically. "So, back to what I was saying…why do you and your friends need an introduction?"
Six refrained from snapping that the hinge-head wasn't her 'friend' and instead decided to give White a vague answer. "We're from off world and he needs to explain it."
White snorted in amusement, "I know you're form off world, everyone at base knows that. The spaceship gave it away. What I want to know is how you managed to take down two 'Cons at the same time!"
"I've had a lot of training," Six answered cryptically.
White groaned in frustration, "that's all you're going to tell me isn't it?" She slumped in mock defeat when Six nodded, "I thought so. We'll wait here," she gestured to the perfectly trimmed grass that was facing the base's two main runways.
When they reached their spot, Six took a seat and found that the grass was rather short and prickly. She shifted a little in an attempt to get more comfortable, but it didn't seem to be working so she stopped. Placing her arms behind her, Six leaned back a little to soak up the sun's heat. Her lips pulled into a tiny smile that was hardly noticeable and she found herself marvelling over the fact that she was essentially sunbathing, on Earth. There was no armour between her and the sun either, which was unnerving in itself. Overall, the whole situation was ridiculous and seemed like something out of a twisted dream.
"Not going to burn are you?" White teased as she glanced from the sun and to Six's pale skin. Her hands were cupped over the top of her eyes in an attempt to shield them from the blinding light.
Six snorted in response as a cool breeze rushed over them along with a loud noise. Scanning the runways, she managed to make out a large aircraft –similar to what she'd been on earlier- gradually making its way down the runway and towards them. She and White silently watched the craft slow down and pull around into one of the parking bays. White must've noticed her gaze because she spoke up.
"It's not the one that got us…" she 'hummed' in thought as they both analysed the aircraft. White was right, the craft was a little different, but it was hardly noticeable. "Lennox said they wouldn't be back for another few hours and we'll probably be gone by then. Wait…is that a…Spectre?"
Six raised a brow at the woman's disbelieving tone, but said nothing as she analysed the aircraft. While it looked similar to the one that had been their transport there were noticeable additions. The main one she could make out was the weaponry that had been mounted on one side. There were a few scratches all over the hull although, there didn't appear to be any serious damage and most of it was contained to one side.
"Guess you don't know what it is," White chuckled lightly, her eyes still on the aircraft as its passengers unloaded. "It's mainly used for air support, which is probably obvious to someone like you. Damn good at its job too, we've had one give us a hand with some wayward 'Cons a couple of months back," she grinned as she likely remembered the event. "Lennox doesn't like to be reminded of it though, the guys here tease him and Epps about it like you wouldn't believe. In fact, they tease all NEST people about it and I think we're about to get some in the form of a welcome."
Six sighed as her eyes caught sight of two soldiers from the ship walking in their direction; was it so difficult to avoid things like this? They were still clad in all their gear and it had Six wondering why they would detour to come and speak to two people they didn't know, unless…Six glanced between one of the soldiers and White, then rubbed at her scar when the same pair of eyes greeted her.
"Fancy seeing you here, needed our help again, huh?" The man who Six believed to be related to White smirked. His blue eyes flickered between Six and White with amusement before they paused on Six for a little longer than White. Six cocked a brow at him in response and he focused on White.
"Only for an evac, Six had us covered when it came to the bad guys," White grinned and tapped Six's arm, shifting the attention back to her.
"Six?" the other soldier chipped in, his voice puzzled.
"Well, Noble Six, but we call her Six," White shrugged in response as if the lack of proper name didn't bother her. "By the way, this is my charming older brother, Kyle," White gestured to the blue eyed man who'd spoken first. "And his equally charming friend, Matt," she gestured to the other man with short blond hair.
Six nodded, "Noble Six."
"She's new to NEST," White added.
"Really?" Kyle rose a brow in curiosity, "How'd you find your first robot rodeo?"
Six sent him a noncommittal shrug, "A little different to the usual, but it's good to mix it up sometimes."
"You've done something similar before?" Kyle hedged, his voice growing more curious.
"Something like that."
Six felt someone's gaze on her and turned her head a little to find Matt scrutinising her. He didn't give much away, but Six could tell by the way his brows drew together some that he was confused.
"What did you used to be? Before NEST swiped you," despite the small frown Matt still managed to add a measure of amusement to his words on NEST.
"Classified," Six smirked and White groaned while the other two gave them bemused looks.
White waved away any potential questions and moved the conversation in another direction. Six decided to stop her contribution and merely listened as she wondered where Guardian was. While their conversation mainly consisted of the siblings catching up with each other, they made an attempt to include the other two. Although, Six wasn't particularly bothered as she didn't do small talk and her attention was elsewhere.
It wasn't that she was worried about Guardian, but she didn't completely trust him and he had Dot. The AI needed an eye kept on it all the time if she were to make sure critical information didn't fall into anyone's hands. Six knew she should decommission the AI as it was a potential security breach. The thing was, she couldn't. She needed to keep Dot, not only to record information but, to remind herself why she'd joined NEST. She also needed to remind herself that she wasn't the traitor that her mind kept insisting she was.
Suddenly there was static on the radio that was swiftly followed by the gleeful voice of Guardian, "Reclaimer?"
Jumping to her feet, Six moved away from the group so she could talk to Guardian without being overheard; unless he was calling her through the designated main channel. She doubted that was the case though and responded, "Receiving, something wrong?"
"I have finished my gathering," Guardian announced proudly, his voice containing too much enthusiasm for Six's liking. "Shall I lock onto your location and return you and your companions to their facility?"
Six's brows lifted a little in surprise, he'd finished a lot quicker than she'd expected. However, it was good timing on his part as she had a feeling that the Major would want to return soon. But, given the fact that this base wasn't a NEST one, she wasn't sure it would be the best idea to have Guardian landing on their runway. Although, that didn't mean that she was going to let the orb fly back to base without them. After all, what kind of Spartan would she be if she didn't make use of the ships cloaking asset?
She kept her words quick and quite, but made sure to emphasise it enough so that Guardian shouldn't ignore her. "Leave the ships cloak up when you land and do not leave the ship, I need to speak with the Major."
"Of course, Reclaimer."
The usual response didn't alleviate her concerns about Guardian keeping to himself. Clicking off the radio she ran back to White and asked her where she could find the Major. She would've radioed the man, but knowing that he was in a meeting meant he'd probably turned it off. The answer from White was that he was busy, which wasn't what Six needed so she tried again; stressing that she had to see him. White shifted a little as she put together what was going on. The new answer told her something she already knew, that the Major was in a meeting with the bases Lieutenant General. Frowning she managed to coerce White's brother into telling her the location of the Lieutenant General's office. The man offered to show her the way, which after a brief reflection Six accepted, as she didn't have time to be repeatedly stopped in the corridors for her lack of existence. Although, when Six accepted Kyle's aid, she didn't realise it came with two tagalongs.
What occurred next was her following after Kyle while dodging his questions and ushering him to move faster. Of course, the ushering only prompted more questions, which she promptly ignored and likely only encouraged more. Six wasn't particularly worried though, as it was unlikely that she would see these people again and what they thought of her wasn't her concern. Although, it appeared it wasn't that black and white when she reached the door to the Lieutenant General's office.
Outside the metal windowed door where two more soldiers in full kit. They eyed Six warily as they recognised the Kyle and Matt, White on the other hand merely stood passively enough to not warrant their direct attention.
"The Lieutenant General's in a meeting," one of them said calmly, yet forcefully at the same time.
"I need to speak with Major Lennox, now," Six stressed, indicating to the door for emphasis.
The other soldier at the door shook his head before apologising, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. It'll have to wait until they've finished."
"Please, I think you should," White chipped in from the back. Her usual soft voice hard as she nodded to Six roughly, "Six wouldn't interrupt if it wasn't important."
The two didn't show any surprise towards her name as the second one spoke again, "I'm sorry, but the Lieutenant General asked not to be interrupted."
Her lips twitched up as they usually did when she got irritated and the men before her tensed. Narrowing her eyes at their reaction she repeated sharply, "you need to let me in. I have some important information for the Major and he needs to hear it immediately."
The two looked at each other as they weighed up her words and insistence. One sighed and quickly knocked on the door behind him. There was a stern "come in", to which the soldier entered and the door shut behind him. Six couldn't hear the conversation that went on, but less than twenty seconds later Lennox dashed through the door. The soldier who'd been the one to go in
"What's up?" He asked her quickly, his posture tense as if her were expecting the aliens to rain down on them. An unasked question was sent her way as he caught her eye, "'Cons?"
Six shook her head to answer his non-verbal question and then divulged what she needed to so he understood, "our transport is incoming."
His eyes widened in realisation and he nodded before ushering her into the office he'd just emerged from.
As she entered she heard White sigh before speaking as if she were replying to someone, "Don't look at me, she's got more secrets than the Secret Service on steroids."
White's play at ignorance was interesting to say the least, but it was also useful as it meant that they wouldn't probe her for answer. Satisfied with the outcome so far, Six continued into the room and turned her attention to the Lieutenant General. The man had the look of someone who'd been in the service for a long time. He also had an air about him that reminded her –to a certain degree- of Colonel Holland. It was mainly the way his thin lips were set into a stern line and how his hard blue eyes analysed her with scrutiny. The man was sat behind a desk similar to that of the Major's, only there was an abundance of papers and files that no doubt contained classified information.
"Please, take a seat," the man said smoothly, gesturing to a seat as he did. Six nodded curtly and eyed the chair warily out of habit before realising that she wasn't in armour. Still being cautious she perched herself on one of the metal chairs that were in front of the man's desk. She heard the door click shut behind her as the Major walked over and took a seat next to her.
"What's your name soldier?" The main asked as he observed her curiously. He no doubt already knew she was called Noble Six, but since being here she had come to realise that these people weren't satisfied with just calling her Six.
"Noble Six, Sir," Six said crisply and respectfully.
He frowned a little and Six caught him glance at the Major. She couldn't see the Major's replying expression and the Lieutenant General gave away nothing as he introduced himself, "I'm Lieutenant General Donald Wurster of AFSOC but, General Wurster or 'Sir' will suffice for now. I'm curious to know what it is that required you to interrupt a senior officer meeting."
The name of his branch was mostly lost on Six, but she knew that it was special operations and from what little she'd seen of the base it was likely air force. She had hoped a man that ran a Special Forces branch would be more accommodating to interruptions, unless they were proven pointless. She couldn't fault him though, he was likely a busy man and considering his desk's abundance or paperwork, he had a lot of work to be getting on with. That was probably why he was only partially berating her and if she were any other soldier she would admit her mistake. However, she wasn't any other soldier and she knew that the Major needed to know Guardian was on his way before something potentially bad happened. Even with her telling Guardian to keep the ship cloaked and stay in it, she knew the orb had a way with wondering around and if anyone saw him, they'd probably shoot first and ask questions later.
"We have a transport incoming, it and its pilot are of alien origin, Sir," Six explained briefly. Wurster raised an eyebrow as his eyes widened slightly. He glanced at the Major for clarification and Six saw him nod in response.
"I see," he answered thoughtfully. "Is this one of your assets, Major Lennox?"
"No, this one is from somewhere else, Sir," the Major was curt in his response, but not in a disrespectful way. "I believe General Morshower sent a memo about recent developments."
Wurster's face frowned a little before he told them to 'wait a moment' as he did something at his computer. He apparently soon found what he was looking for because his eyes started rapidly scanning the screen. His lips pulled into a hard line as he got further into whatever it was he was reading and he occasionally glanced Six's way. His eyes were hard, but respectful as he seemed to be seeing her in a different way; the change only made Six wonder what Morshower had written on her.
After a few minutes Wurster cleared his throat before speaking hoarsely, "I…see. It has permission to land, but keep it out of the way and I want it gone ASAP. No offence to you or your men Major, but your group seems to attract aliens in a way that would not be good for the state of Florida."
The Major nodded, laughing a little as he did, "Understood, Sir. As soon as my men are ready we'll leave, you have our thanks for the assist."
Wurster waved the Major's thanks away with a smile, "No need Major, happy to help as always. The quicker we can contain these aliens the better."
"If there's nothing else you need from us I'll go get my men ready," the Major smiled respectfully as he spoke in a similar tone. Six merely remained silent, not needing to impart anything worthwhile to the two commanders.
"I think we've discussed everything we need to," Wurster confirmed. "You're free to go."
"Sir," both Six and the Major spoke at the same time, their hands also coming up to salute the man before he returned one with a slight quirk of his lips. Taking their leave, both she and the Major turned and quietly left the office. The door clicked shut behind them as they passed the two men who were still outside. They said nothing as they passed and Six noticed that White was nowhere to be seen. Although, that was a given, she probably wasn't be allowed to hang around outside Wurster's office without a reason.
"Six..." the Major began uncertainty, a trait she was beginning to notice when it came to her. It was as if he thought she was fragile to his words, that they would easily hurt her of raise a reaction from her. She was curious as to where he'd got such a notion from, but she had a feeling that it was related to her age and the fact he was a father.
"Sir?" she asked as stoically as ever. They didn't stop as they walked, the Major appeared to be on autopilot as he was hardly paying attention to where they were going. Just as they turned down a white corridor she caught a glimpse of a sign labelling their direction as 'Exit L1'. While she wasn't completely sure, the path appeared similar to the one she'd travelled to get in, so they were probably heading to the runways.
"How're you holding up? They caught you pretty good, but you seem to be taking it pretty well." The Major was solid in his tone, yet he wasn't uncaring. Six glanced at him briefly, caught in a glimpse of his concerned eyes and tense jaw.
"I've taken worse beatings, it aches a little and it'll be stiff for a while," she clamped one hand over the hard injured muscle that was covered in a layer of metal. She squeezed a little to test it, the pain she received was moderate, but that wasn't what she was interested in. What interested her the most was how tight and stiff the muscles felt, if it was bad then it could have an adverse effect on her working capacity; she couldn't have that. The corner of her lip twitched, tugging at her scar in irritation as the muscles felt frustratingly tight and hot with stiffness. She shrugged it off, reasoning that she'd find a way to relieve it.
"It won't affect my capabilities on the battlefield," she ensured the Major. From the corner of her vision she saw him shake his head in what she thought was disbelief.
"I'm not worried about that, my men are important to me no matter what. If they're too injured to fight then I'm not going to grill them about it." There was frustration in his voice along with what Six could only describe as helplessness as he continued, "You're still recovering from your other injuries. You can take time away from the field, I don't expect you to keep going until you run yourself into the ground."
"I appreciate the concern, Sir. But, as I've mentioned I know my limits." She knew he didn't believe her or just couldn't determine her limits. The constant concern was foreign to her, normally if she said she was fine people believed her. Although, there was one person who hadn't always believed her...
She mentally shook her head, clearing away thoughts that she shouldn't be wasting her time on. There were too many other things to worry about, she couldn't concentrate on herself. Too many depended on her.
"I'm aware but," he paused as he thought about what he was going to say. Six looked at him out of the corner of her eye and found his face in an expression of conflict; whatever it was must've been important. After a while he came to a decision, the determined look on his face giving him away as he looked in her direction, "this is something we need to talk at base about."
His answer was unexpected, but it didn't worry her. Whatever it was that he had to say to her couldn't be that bad, even if she did have to wait till they were back at base. Although, part of her eyed the Major suspiciously. Something was up and had been for a while, even without the expected suspicion for her sudden appearance. A frown became visible on her face slightly as the pale lines of her grimy skin creased.
The remainder of their walk was in silence as Six wondered what the Major needed to talk to her about. She had an inkling it was to do with the alien she'd been questioning. That had been something that the Major hadn't approved of, even if it could've landed them with some useful information. Perhaps if she knew more about these aliens she could be quicker in the future and then nobody would have to witness it. A small smile crept onto her face at the thought. It would no doubt make her a better soldier and aid NEST with ridding Earth of these unwanted aliens.
As it seems there is such a thing as a wanted alien now, her mind commented with a snort. She agreed with the feeling, but knowing the lack of like-minded people around she kept the thought to herself. Her only issue concerning the aliens weak points was that they were as unlikely to tell her as she was to ask them, which meant she'd have to ask someone else. Dot and Guardian instantly came to mind and she internally nodded. Either one of them would know more information to do with the robot aliens, however, Guardian was probably the most viable option as Dot was limited in her capabilities.
When they eventually crossed back down the grass and past the guard who'd previously stopped her, they entered the med bay. The atmosphere was a lot less strained then it had been earlier and most of the NEST soldiers had been tended to. The only one who still had a medic at their side was Anderson, but as Six understood he'd been injured pretty badly. She hadn't asked what had happened as there was no need. She wasn't one to offer her sympathies and is wasn't difficult to figure out that the man had been caught in a close range explosion.
Six ignored some of the wary glances she got from the others as she propped herself against a wall. She had no doubt the looks were because her seemingly white-knight attitude had turned out to be darker than they expected. Inwardly, she laughed at the thought of her being a white knight, she was anything but that. On the outside she listened to the Major tell the others that they'd be leaving as soon as Anderson had the okay. At the same time she scanned the crowd for White, wondering if the woman had said her farewells and was in the room. It wasn't look before she spotted the brunettes still wild hair. Satisfied that she was back and that they wouldn't be leaving people behind, Six returned her eyes to the Major and eased further into her position against the wall.
After the Major had finished his short speech that had also consisted of a few respectful words about the late Sergeant Carter, he went to check on Anderson. While they all waited for the news on their dust off time most returned to talking amongst themselves. Six stayed where she was, observing the room quietly as always. Unfortunately, it appeared her quiet observing was mistook for something akin to loneliness as White made her way over.
"Hey," she greeted, receiving a nod of acknowledgement from Six. She smiled at something before adding, "Looks like you sorted it then, wouldn't believe how much they grilled me about it. You looking forward to returning to base?"
Six shrugged and was about to say something noncommittal when she caught the look on White's face. The woman's eyes were soft with grief and her brows were knitted together in conflict. Her teeth gently nibbled at her lip and while Six was not one for offering unnecessary comfort, she decided to say a little more to encourage a small conversation.
"I could use some sleep," she said truthfully. Between the little sleep she'd gotten last night and the irregular hours she'd managed to grab during Reach's invasion, her body was beginning to feel it.
White's laugh was hollow. "I know what you mean, I could do with some myself."
Six frowned at the woman's obvious lying. It was evident she didn't want to sleep, or just wasn't sure if she could. The death of her comrade was wearing at her and the stress of almost losing another was probably difficult. Six sighed inwardly, she couldn't help the woman. She needed to be with her own people, not trying to distract herself with Six's shiny newness.
"White," Six murmured to the woman, her voice hard despite its quietness. "Go talk to your people, I'm not what you need right now."
The woman sent her a look of understanding, but Six could see the underlying hurt. Regardless, she said nothing as the women nodded and returned to her comrades. Six itched at the scar that tugged at her lips. She'd never been good with civilians and it appeared that extended to the soldiers here. Emile had been like that too. The skull-faced Spartan had sometimes been more aggressive than needed, but she doubted it had been with malicious intent. Her attitude towards civilians wasn't like Emile's though, or at least she wasn't as transparent about it. Not that she faulted Emile for it as he did make people move faster, be they civilian or insurrectionist.
The radio's earpiece buzzed and the voice of Guardian interrupted her thoughts, "I have arrived, Reclaimer."
"Stay there, we'll be there shortly," Six whispered sternly. She frowned when the orb didn't reply and walked over to the Major. The others seemed to take her movement as a cue as rustling erupted around her while they gathered their things. The Major must've noticed as he turned around to find Six a few metres from him. Brief surprise flickered over his face before it was pushed away by an understanding nod.
"They're just grabbing a trolley for Anderson," he said soberly. He looked up and raised his voice a little, "Walker!"
The man in question came running over immediately. As he arrived he asked, "Sir?"
The Major gestured to Six, "Follow Six and get everyone loaded up, Ironhide and Knockout will meet you on the runway. I'll stay with Anderson."
"Understood, Sir," Walker flashed them a grin as he rounded everyone up. The Major nodded at her and she sent him a salute in response. Dismissing herself she turned you find everyone ready to go as she silently led them out the room. Walker joined her upfront, but he didn't push her for conversation. The pair of them settled into the comfortable silence as they left the complex for the last time. The sun still assaulted her when they left, making her wish she had her armour. She instantly found the aliens in their vehicle modes as they rolled across the empty runway to greet them. The bike was silent for once, allowing the truck to speak.
"Where's the little glitch then?" As soon as the question left the alien Guardian contacted her on the radio.
"Continue down the landing zone and I will decloak when you are within the ships vicinity, Reclaimer."
Six tilted her head in Walker's direction, "This way."
She indicated down the runway where it was completely bare of anything living or otherwise. The walked was short but slow as nobody had any idea when the ship would appear. A few soldiers chatted about what they planned to do when they got back, others remained silent as they likely mulled over their dead comrade. For the most part the two aliens were quiet, although Six had a feeling they were communicating over a private comm. Occasionally the truck would quip in a comment while the bike remained mostly subdued. Its silence piqued Six's interest as it was such a stark contrast to how chatty it had been initially. She would've guess that it was some kind if silent protest towards her, but it hardly affected her.
With her eyes continuously scanning the environment they were eventually greeted with the sight of something shimmering into existence. The noises of wonder from the soldiers were something she promptly blocked out as the back ramp of the ship descended and she strode into the ship. She heard Walker order his team to remain in place before he followed her up the ramp. His boots thudded loudly against the ships metal interior while hers remained silent. His noise and their movement must've caught Guardians attention as the orb seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His bright blue eye thrust itself into her vision before he must've realised his closeness and back away.
"Reclaimer," he greeted her, paying no attention to Walker. The man didn't appear offended as his speech demanded Guardians attention.
"You ready for us to load up?" Walker asked, his voice still commanding despite his obvious exhaustion.
"Indeed," Guardian's reply was almost dismissive and Six refrained from sending the orb a warning look. She wasn't his keeper, as he'd proved numerous times already that he would do things with or without her approval. "Take care that your allies do not damage my resources."
"We'll be gentle," the soldier smirked at the orb. He'd evidently noticed Guardian's tone and had responded by teasing him. Six's lip quirked a little before she tamed it when Walker turned her way, "you don't need me to tell you to stay here do you?"
"No, Sir."
He nodded with a smile, "thought not, probably best if you ask him what we're taking back to base too. He doesn't seem to like me."
"Aye, Sir," Six agreed as the soldier bid her goodbye and began to get the rest loaded up. Guardian stared after Walker almost disapprovingly and Six sent him a questioning look.
Guardian soon noticed as he turned back to Six, "they're difficult to understand."
"They're different," Six offered in way of explanation.
"Indeed, they do not appear to approve of you." Six snorted at the comment, the orb was more observant then she'd thought. Guardian seemed to take her silence as leave to continue, leading her to the front of the ship where containers sat in front of the console.
"Is it your social conventions they do not understand?" He seemed genuinely curious.
Six shrugged, examining the containers as she trailed her hand across their cool surface, "probably. What are these?"
"I will forward the data to your Ancilla." He brushed her off and she clenched her jaw in irritation. It didn't last long as her thoughts instantly went to Dot.
"Where's she?" She almost snapped out the question, her hand curling into a fist on top of the metal container. Her answer came in the form of Guardian disappearing for a moment before reappearing with her helmet cradled in the light from his eye. Eyeing the helmet with concern she held out her hands to catch it. Guardian complied with her silent request and dropped the battered helmet into her dirt covered hands. Subconsciously she flipped the helmet over and over, checking for damage or anything that looked out of place since the last time she'd seen it.
"Your Ancilla is still functional." The orbs assurance did little to comfort her.
"Dot?" She had to check for herself. Guardian had done little to truly gain her trust, but then again that was an almost impossible thing to achieve.
The familiar voice eased some of Six's tension as the AI spoke, "yes, Noble Six?"
"All good?"
"Affirmative."
Six smiled and shifted the helmet under her arm. Behind her the rumbling of the trucks engine vibrated through the air as it inched closer. It said nothing this time as it came to a stop behind her, its grill mere inches from her leg.
"Are we expecting more after this?" Guardian enquired, moving off to her left and towards the control panel. She followed, seeing no reason to remain standing in front of the alien truck.
"Just the Major and Anderson," She clarified, settling herself against the wall by the control panel. The bright hologram glared in her peripheral vision, its mass of numbers symbols and images occasionally flickering to something else. Curious as to what it all meant she was about to ask Guardian when the shine of the metal containers captured her attention. How the orb had managed to acquire the materials she wasn't sure. She doubted he'd actually spoken to anyone, which probably meant he'd pilfered the materials. Her brows creased into a brow at the thought and she decided to voice her disgruntlement.
"Did you pay for those materials?"
"Of course." Six's frown didn't ease at the answer, but she couldn't force the AI to pay and for all she knew, he had. Despite that she nodded, dismissing herself from the orb and taking up a position against the wall of the ship. The warm metal soothed into her back where armour usually was and she shook off the uncomfortable sensation. Palming her helmet in both hands she stared down at the cracked glass, flashes of Reach shifted through her mind causing her to grip the helmet tighter. Exhaling, she tried to calm herself, the grip on her helmet barely loosening as he knuckles remained white with pressure. She didn't want to admit it, but something was piercing her usual stoic mask and it bothered her.
