Well, here is another. I'm glad you're all still reading after this time, and still enjoying this story.
This Chapter was going to be up earlier, but I didn't like the way some of it had turned out. I'm still not overly keen, but it's definitely better than what I had.
Enjoy!
.
I Was Just A Kid
Major Lennox
Despite being tired after chasing Decepticons and Sideswipe halfway across a continent, Will was not granted a break. The Decepticons they'd chased had raised more concerns about Six as well as there being a problem Ratchet had drawn attention to. Not only that, but apparently their new recruit had encountered Six earlier in the day and now wanted to spar with her.
Will ruffled a hand through his head in frustration as he sat as his computer and scanned through Ratchet's hastily written report. It detailed that Six was having an unexpected reaction to the cybermatter that had been used to heal her extensive wounds. While there was certain terminology that he didn't understand, he got the general picture; they needed to know more about her augmentations, specifically when she got them as apparently it hadn't been as recent as she suggested, not if what Ratchet had found was true. Sighing in resignation, he secured his computer before making his way to the human medbay so that he could have a few words with Six.
This wasn't a discussion he wanted to have. It was one he could already see the outcome of, and when they'd gotten so far with her, especially considering what happened a few weeks ago... He was hard pressed to want to pry further into her life. Regardless of her secrets, he knew some things were best left buried, and something told him that pushing this particular issue would not end the way they expected.
A lot had happened in the past few weeks. There'd been a lot of anxiety from the brass concerning both Roh, Six and Guardian. Guardian had received the most concern due to his capabilities, but Will had done his best to assure that he not only had no interest in them, but he listened to Six. The latter had not had the reassuring effect he'd been aiming for. Since the incident a couple of weeks ago, opinions on Six had been very much divided. Some believed she needed a full psychological evaluation while others found that while she was a good solider, her reluctance to disclose valuable technologies had her allegiance in question. Not to mention the politics of it all were enough to make his head spin as there was a lot of anger over who's payroll she was on.
Will made an effort to stop such negative comments reaching her and so far, it had been a success. Although, he had a feeling that she was likely aware of the disfavour most held towards her. He wasn't sure how he could change that as only she was capable of doing that. He couldn't force her to be nice to others or be friendly with them, but hopefully discovering more about her augmentations would help. The only thing he didn't like was the way they were doing it. He wanted her to be able to tell him without them having to trick it out of her, but he knew she'd never willingly say anything. Her fierce loyalty to the UNSC was something that he admired about her, but on an occasion such as this it was an infuriating obstacle.
Crossing into the medbay, Will straightened himself as he made for Six. The medic attending to her sent Will a quick salute before leaving to give them privacy.
"Hey, Six," her posture instantly straightens at his voice and she crisply turn's her head in his direction. He holds his hands up at her reaction, "Relax, I came to see how you're doing."
She instantly raises a brow in disbelief and Will knows why, "I don't believe that is all, Sir."
He sighs and shakes his head, "nothing gets past you, huh?"
She doesn't answer.
"You know why I'm here. We... I need to know about your augmentations," he pauses. "As in, when you got them."
"Sir, it's classified," he thinks she looks like she's about to apologise, but has a feeling he was imagining it when she says nothing and her face is as stone-like as ever.
"Please, don't make me turn this into an order."
"I can't."
"I know I'm asking a lot, but I wouldn't if it wasn't important," he tries to reason. He needs to know this and given how far she's gone to hide it, he doubts he's going to like what he hears.
Her jaw tenses, "I can't, Sir."
"Six..." He starts quietly before stopping. Asking nicely wasn't going to do it, he knew that. As much as it made him feel sick, he'd have to use her sense of duty against her as it was the only thing that got through. He starts again, sterner this time, "When you agreed to join us, I gave you a lot of flexibility and all I wanted in return was your trust and respect. Now that I'm asking you to trust in me and tell me something that could be vital to dealing with whatever's going on with you."
"What is it that's going on with me, Sir?" her voice is quiet, but he can tell she's angry. "It's what they did to me when I arrived. Isn't it?"
He feels like flinching at her tone of voice when she refers to the Autobots; his friends. He doesn't. Instead he fixes her with a stern look and commanding voice, "yeah, but because of your distrust in me, fixing it has turned into a larger issue."
"I don't trust t-."
He cuts over her loudly, reminding himself that he can't allow her past to make him soft on her. She's not much younger than him, but he can't help but feel like he sees something of his baby through her.
"Then trust me! A Human! Your commanding officer! Someone who... cares about what happens to you," Hi voice quickly settles after the initial raise, but the emphasis is behind his words all the same, "I've tried to put my trust in you, Six. I've tolerated, been softer, and given you much more leeway than I would with any of my men. You can trust me with this."
There was a flicker of emotion in her face, and for a brief moment he could see a battle going on behind her eyes. It was quickly hidden away, but the fact that he'd seen it made him feel relieved; she wanted to trust him.
"Sir..." Six begins, he can see her expression getting harsher by the second. Part of him applauds her loyalty, but another part of him hates that she can't trust him.
"You may not feel any different now, but we don't know what could happen if you don't tell us." He sighs, "whatever it is, I won't think any different of you."
She snorts in response and then after more than a minute of torturing deliberation that he can see raging behind her eyes, she opens her mouth.
"In order to tell you the truth, there's something else you should know..."
Her teeth grit, and he can easily see how hard this is. It makes him wish that he didn't need to know. That he could leave her with the secrets she was so desperate to keep. Because, he knew it would only drive a wedge between them, he could feel it now more than ever as he stared into her turbulent eyes.
"I lied about my training. I haven't been training since sixteen…." There was a long pause and as she frowned to herself and shook her head, Will's mind began to fill in the blanks. He jumped to many conclusions, wondering if she'd –lo and behold- been younger, or only been in the military for 2 years. As he thought about the possibility of her being younger, he really hoped it wasn't the case. It was as tragic as it was and monstrous. What kind of person could take someone so young and-
"Iwasyounger."
The words were said so quickly, Will thought he'd misheard. A silent curse moved on her lips, but he was too busy reeling from the information. Younger. She'd been younger. How much younger was something she appeared disinclined to tell, which only made his thoughts run wild. How young? How many years older than his baby was she? Will flinched. How could anyone let a child join the military? Did she not have any family to- he stopped himself as he remembered what she'd told him. Her father had already been dead by the time her mother died when she was six.
Then, it all came back to him. How she'd told him that the 'UNSC' had 'looked after her'. Fury clawed through him as he remembered how she'd sat there and lied to him after telling him he could trust her. He could see why she'd hidden such a piece of information. It was atrocious how something like that could happen and to a child nonetheless. Could he actually trust anything she said after this? He'd seen how unhinged she after the incident with Knockout, add this to the mix and she was heading into a psychiatric minefield; if she wasn't there already.
She must've noticed the fury on his face because she spoke again. "It was a choice and I had nothing left to lose."
Her words were dismissive, like it didn't bother her, but the tone of her voice revealed that she knew others wouldn't like it. She wasn't looking at him and he had the sinking suspicion that it wasn't that she wasn't ashamed towards him. No. He knew she was ashamed and angry at herself for telling him. Since arriving everything about her had screamed loyalty. Telling him this monstrous secret must've been a big deal for her, however, right now he was too affected by what he'd heard to be grateful.
"How old- You were just a kid!" Will yelled, causing her to snap her tense and disappointed face up. Irritation soon creased into her features as her lips flattened into a thin line. Behind her others looked up to see what the problem was, but they soon averted their eyes.
"What else should I have done?" Six spoke with conviction. The anger she was feeling was evident, but it was so composed that Will felt he'd rather have her shouting. "Humanity was almost on its knees; my parents were dead, I was angry and alone. Getting revenge was the only thing on my mind and I don't regret it for a second."
It wasn't particularly the fact it was her choice that effected Will. It was the fact that a child had been offered a place in the military. What kind of people would do that? He knew they must've been desperate, but enough to conscript children and then…his thoughts went to what she'd had done to her and he froze.
No way. No one could do that, not to a child, could they?
Will took a breath and tried to compose himself. The direction this was going wasn't a good one and whatever answer he got now, he most certainly wouldn't like. "Your enhancements…. how long have you really had them?"
She gave nothing away and told him even less, but then again, that said it all. Silence stretched out, long and deliberating as a struggle raged behind her eyes. Then, when she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, he could see the visible effort every word drew from her.
"I... received them around the age of eleven."
The words rang in his ears for a time after she'd voiced them. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Ratchet had told him the details of what the augmentations were, which was enough to guess what kind of procedure their implantation required. But, this was something else altogether. Someone had operated on a child with the intent of doing hideous things to them. Regardless of how desperate her people were; this was not the way!
Furious disbelief reared its head, loud and blinding. Questions whirled around his head asking all he wished to know and all he didn't. It was hard to imagine, to even fathom that a child as young as eleven had been offered that kind of life. Ratchet had told them about the augmentations that had been done to her. They weren't pleasant to think of on an adult, let alone someone so young and as vulnerable as her. It made her loyalty all the more cruel, almost taunting with the fact that she'd been exposed to heavy indoctrination. His eyes flicker away from the storm of hers; he couldn't look at her. He couldn't look into a face that had given everything and more. He couldn't look at a girl who was more far dangerous than they had initially realised, and not just on the battlefield. This was…
She'd willingly kept it from him and now he knew why. He understood why. Although, as much as he didn't want to know now, he held no regret. And, despite the anger the bubbled beneath his skin, it wasn't aimed at her, not truly. This wasn't her fault. But, now he had a clearer picture as to what had happened in her life and it explained a lot. Her behaviour, her combat capabilities and…the secrecy.
For a moment, his mouth goes to open, and she looks at him with cold expectance. It's tempting to ask, to pry that little bit more and ask when she really joined. But, he's pushed enough. He can see it in her eyes, the disappointment with herself, and he has no desire to make her feel worse than she already does. Not to mention that he doubts he can deal with another bombshell. So, he rubbing his temple in both frustration and shock, he nods. He needed time to process this and despite how much he knew she'd detest it; others would have to know.
It was no wonder this problem had caused Ratchet such concern and desire to know. While Will was no medic he could only guess at the trouble something so long term and imbedded would cause.
This was a totally different ball game now.
"I see."
His voice is quiet, almost agreeing even if she doesn't seem to just accept that; her body it taut, as if expecting to be berated. Not that he could manage that.
"Others will need to know."
She says nothing, and he feels that it's worse than her usual outrage.
"Six..." It's difficult to know what to say. He wants to say more, but the words don't come through the fog of numbing shock he feels. Nothing would change what she'd been through, or what she'd told him. And, nothing would make it better. All he could offer was an apology that he had to reveal this to others.
"I'm sorry."
~/~
Roh'Rithin
Roh had forgone returning to the med-bay for a quieter and more peaceful place. Something had happened the Construct referred to as 'Ratchet' that had led to an excessive amount of ranting in his own language. Currently he was enjoying the company of some soldiers who were in his team and it wasn't just because he wasn't allowed to roam around alone. He quite enjoyed their company, even if there was the occasional strain when it came to certain conversations.
"So why the hasty escape from Ratchet?" Evans asked from the other side of the weapons bench. Pieces of whatever weapon he was working on were lined up neatly on top of the bench while he cleaned the part in his hand. Others from the team milled around, cleaning their own and checking over their gear even though they had no combat exercise.
"Something had agitated him," Roh murmured thoughtfully. Although, he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew what it was.
"And you know what it is dontcha?" The female, Joe Anderson, called over with a smirk. The others then looked up curiously and Rob found it amusing that this was the most positive interest he'd had since landing on the planet.
"It is not my place to say."
"Don't give us that bullshit," Evans barked in partial amusement. He then stopped in his cleaning and stared at Roh intently, "hold on…it's that, it's Noble Six isn't it? What's she done now?"
"Nothing heinous I assure you," Roh affirmed, finding it strange that he was standing up for the Demon. The others appeared to notice this.
"Thought you didn't like her," Anderson probed.
Roh snorted, "I don't like the Demon. But, whatever it is…it is her business and if the Major feels it's worth sharing, then no doubt he'll let you all know."
"If not, rumours will surface," Mark Williams grinned from the back of the room. "Or Ashely will hound Six until she finds out."
There were a few murmurs of agreement from the others in the room before Evans pipped up, "they talk? All I ever see is gloomy silence."
"At least she's trying," Anderson frowned at Evans. "Maybe Six isn't a talker."
She looked at Roh for confirmation and while Roh could offer very little insight into the Demons mind, he decided to try.
"It seems that this Demon thrives on her own," he started, slowly gaining their attention. "I hope you will not take offence to this as the encounter I'm about to describe happens on a planet owned by your people-"
"Her people," Evans butts in and some of the others appear to agree. "Not ours."
Roh nods and continues, "There were early reports of the Demon, which was when she was a part of a team. As the battle extended the reports of the team's size showed its reduction until it was only her. At that point the Humans had lost the planet and while she was alone, she was putting up a huge fight. Many warriors were felled by her hand along with so many more and even a few of our heavy vehicles. It was chaos and it appeared that was her element; alone and in the chaos of the field. She took down squad after squad without tiring, until she did and that was when we got her."
"So, she's a lone wolf?" Williams asked.
"Sounds like it," Anderson agreed. "Think she still misses her team?"
"No." Evans.
"Course she does," a new female voice calls across the room. "I swear I've seen her fumbling a chain of dog tags at some point."
"Nice of you to join us Ash," Anderson greets with a grin. "Roh here was just telling us about your silent friend."
The female frowns from the doorway and Roh feels she's wary about what he's been telling her teammates. His suspicion is confirmed when she spoke again.
"Don't be too hard on her, she's Human too."
Roh remains silent as the others send her doubtful looks. He didn't quite understand as they were all Human, but perhaps they were talking about behaviour.
"Ash, you've spent the most time with her," Evans began. "Can you honestly say she's Human, or even sane?"
"She didn't even flinch when…" Anderson turns her head away before finishing her sentence. "When Jane was killed."
Ashley's face was overcome with anger as she opened her mouth to say something, only to stop. Roh watched as the female took a visible breath and after a moment the fierce frown on her face eased away.
"I'm not going to argue about this," she mutters. "Despite what you all think there's a good person under all that armour and anger, I'm sure of it."
Roh wants to deny her claims because the Demon slaughtered his brothers, but he can't. He doesn't want to wedge a divide between the Humans when they've only just started to tolerate him. As ludicrous as it is for the Demon to be seen so rationally, voicing it is not in his best interests.
Evans voice brought Roh away from his thoughts, "Always seeing the best in everyone, aren't you? I just hope it doesn't bite you in the ass."
Ashley laughed in response, "Is that concern I'm hearing from you Evans?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, White," he smirked.
She snorted in response, "That's rich, coming from you. Or did you forget that I kicked your ass on both the mats and shooting range last week?"
The rest of the Humans laughed at Evans' expense while Anderson chipped in, "she's got you there. Didn't you even push for 'best of four'?"
"Shut it," Evans snaps, although he's still smiling. "Alright then, rematch. Right now, unless you're too chicken? I'll understand if you are."
"Oh, it's on," the female grinned. "Range first, let's go."
"The others have got to know about this!" Williams grinned as he dashed out the room, muttering something about a 'betting pool'. Roh wasn't particularly sure what it is, but he had a small feeling that he might. He was about to voice his enquiry while Evans and the others were packing away their weapons when the female spoke to him.
"You going to come and watch?" she asked with a tense smile.
Roh nodded, "Indeed, it'll be interesting to see the outcome of the competition, among other things."
The female rose her brow at him in a curious manner before she cast a look towards Evans, "I'm going to go on ahead, make sure he doesn't go running, will you?"
"I heard that!"
She smirked, "You were supposed to, see ya."
With that the female departed from the room and Roh chuckled quietly at her retreating form. Evans turned bac to Roh as he finished locking up the gun, a competitive grin on his face.
"She's gonna get it this time," He commented lightly as they made for the exit. "Do you think it'll be a good watch?"
Roh shrugged, surprised at the question, "I've seen you both in action to know it will be interesting, but we shall see."
"Tough crowd," Evans smirks as Roh follows him through the mildly busy base. "We'll have you cheering for sure."
Amused, Roh shakes his head slightly as they traipse through the base. As usual there are glances in his direction, but Roh didn't mind. The Human's still had a lot to get used to and seeing an alien that was so similar in size likely took some adjustment. Although, he had a feeling that the Demon was also a cause, even if he hadn't truly seen her in almost a month; not to mention what the construct had mentioned...
~/~
Noble Six, NEST Base
They knew.
She hated that they knew. Telling the Major hadn't been what she wanted, but not telling him would have only raised his suspicions further. So, she'd told him and now it felt like everyone knew. Despite that she knew that wasn't the case it didn't make it any easier. He'd likely told the alien's as she'd seen one after leaving the Med-bay and the look they'd given her barely hid what looked like revulsion. She'd ignored it and pressed on in favour of paying Guardian a visit as she needed to have a word with him. The distraction it would provide was only a bonus as her priority was unearthing the secrets behind Aegis and what Guardian had done to Dot.
Fortunately, Guardian was easily found where he usually was; tucked in the corner of the alien bay inside his ship.
"Reclaimer," He greeted with a burst of blue light as she made her way up the ramp. "I trust your armour is still in adequate condition? The Humans here have not allowed me near it to ensure it's working optimally."
"The armour's fine," Six assures him before cutting to the chase, "I'm here about what you did to Dot. She's different and sometimes not herself, care to explain?"
Guardian twirled around from the tiny piece of metal he was working on, "in order to bridge gaps I had to use pieces of another AI, you were aware of this Reclaimer."
"You didn't mention that this would mean she loses control!" She hisses, dropping her voice to a whisper, "I attacked a friendly because it screwed with my armour, made me see...creatures that I've never seen before. It was in my head..."
Six shivers violently at the memory and the confusion it brought. It swirled at the back of her head, almost taunting her as she pinned Guardian with an expectant glare.
"What it showed you was most likely the Flood," Guardian explained, avoiding the question. "Has it shown you anything else?"
"No, but I got a name," Six supplied, not trusting Guardian with the rest of the information; especially the fact that the AI appeared to hate him.
"It can communicate?" She could hear the frown in Guardian's voice. "If you wish it, alteration can be made."
Six considered it for a moment before shaking her head in disagreement, keeping the other AI could be useful and if it looked like things were going sideways, she was certain that the intervention of Guardian would be swift; if only to preserve his own image with her.
"No," she finally said. "Dot has it under control and I trust her judgement."
"Of course, Reclaimer," Guardian chirped, his blue light dimmer than before. "Is there anything else I may help you with?"
"Can you tell me anything about it?"
"There's little I know about the Ancilla apart from the fact that it was assigned to a Forerunner that was a part of builder security. I'm uncertain what happened to its owner as I found the armour unattended."
"And you have no idea how it got so damaged?" She frowned as she attempted to probe Guardian for answers.
"My instillation once had sentinels, it is likely that the Forerunner was turned by the Flood and the sentinels took action as per their protocol."
Six nodded warily at the answer, not concerned enough to push further for an answer. She then stared hopelessly at the piece of metal Guardian was working on. There're a few groves in it and it looked vaguely like the start of a chip, but considering the differences between their technology she couldn't be certain. Then there was the fact that so little had been done considering how long they'd been on Earth.
"What's the status on the slip-space drive?" She asks, despite already knowing the answer.
"Unfortunately, progress in not optimal. The Ancilla Hybrids have expressed an interest in lending their aid, but resource limitations hindrance our progress."
Six snorted at that; it was just as she'd expected. As much as she wanted to return as quickly as possible, she hated that they were relying on the aliens for aid. It didn't feel right and therefore she tried not to think about it, which was hardly easy.
"I'll ask the Major about getting you what you need," she offered as she changed the subject. She wasn't sure what the Major would say to her given recent revelations, but regardless of that she was going to try. She gritted her teeth at what she said next, "You'll have to forward what you need to him as I've limited access to Dot."
"Yes," Guardian muttered. She knew he was irritated by it all as he'd ranted and raved when he'd found out. Having not seen him since that time, she was surprised to see still wore on him. "This punishment has gone on long enough! Can they not see that they're limiting themselves?"
"It's the principal and as the Major mentioned, I'm not to receive any special treatment."
"Regardless, you're not like his soldiers!" His eye briefly flashed orange. "You're a Reclaimer!"
"Rules are rules, just like orders are orders and I intend to follow them," Six stated simply. There was no reason to rebel and why would she? But she could see the logic in his points, would they be better off away from NEST?
"We do not need them, Reclaimer," Guardian argued as if he knew what she'd been thinking. And, perhaps they were right. They would-
She doesn't finish the thought. Doesn't dare to tread into that territory. She wouldn't, couldn't allow this to undo her. No matter how much she just wanted to go.
"We could leave! These meagre rules only stall any progress we would make and they're not your people so why would you stay?"
How dare he!
"I swore to protect Humanity no matter what," Six growled in response, angered by his attempt to persuade her away from her duty, away from her people. Despite her thoughts, all they did, and all they'd pushed. She couldn't. She would never, ever abandon them. This was...
It was all she had.
"What kind of solider would I be if I abandoned them?"
"What of your people back home?" Guardian pushes, earnestly.
Six felt her blood boil in response while her hands squeezed themselves into tight fists and her jaw locked up.
"I can-"
"You cannot do both," Guardian cut over her with cold certainty.
"Just watch me," she spat. "We're staying here."
Not wanting to wait for a response, Six stormed from the ship and out the hangar with the intention of going for a long run. The hope was that the clear air and exercise would cool her rapidly rising temper, but as she got halfway around the base, she didn't feel it lessening. Cursing she pushed herself more and more. Her lungs and muscles burned at the intensity of her movement, but it barely scratched the surface and as such she committed to going for as long as possible. Because, she couldn't believe what Guardian had suggested. More so was that for a moment she had considered his point.
Why?
Why did there have to be a choice?
Why couldn't she protect them all?
Why were there so many moments where she felt inadequate?
Why did it have to be Jorge?
Her ragged breath hitched as her thoughts returned to him. A lump rose in her throat and she promptly swallowed it down. Why did it still hound her? It had been almost two months since his sacrifice that she was so certain should've been hers. He's a two after all, she used to convince herself, not wanting to completely accept the obvious truth.
Irritated at herself she pushed through the burn until the world was but a blur and she was eventually gasping for breath. Her anger finally fuelled her movement and she felt it gradually ebb away. With each heated step she felt her fury and anxiety from earlier burn away until it finally left her grinning wildly. It was what she liked, to feel the blissful sensation of nothing while she pushed herself to the limit. She didn't need to feel. Feeling didn't make her a better soldier.
Her bliss was stopped as she rounded a corner that almost led her into a large metal foot. Growling as she came to a sudden stop, Six roughly gasped for aid before looking up and making a biting comment to whomever had stood in her way.
It was Optimus.
"You're in the way," she snapped while he burning muscles protested at the sudden lack of movement.
He sent her his usual soft look, not the least bit bothered by her anger.
"I must speak with you," He started, but she didn't give him a chance to finish because she saw it. That look in his eyes that told her that he knew.
"I don't talk with your kind," she spat, shifting herself around the obstacle that was his foot. She was not about to deal with this, with his pity and ridiculous attempts to try and understand. This was nothing to do with them, let alone him regardless of how much he tried.
"If you listen, I shall allow Sideswipe to spar with you."
She stopped at his words, remembering the alien that had spoken earlier about sparring with her. With what had happened last time, Optimus had to be desperate to let her fight one of his men; especially one who had just arrived. But, as she considered it more, she remembered the alien's demeanour; he didn't seem like one to take no for an answer. His lack of discipline was astounding.
"Are you so certain that he'll wait for your approval?" She challenged with a smirk and started moving again.
A frown creased into Optimus' face as his voice took on a scolding tone, "you would only make your own punishment worse from such actions, is that what you wish?"
Six didn't stopped, but she slowed her movement; he had her there.
Taking her silence as invitation to continue, Optimus spoke again, "if you agree to listen to what I have to say, then I shall allow you to spar against Sideswipe. It will be under the supervision of myself and whomever Will chooses, but I believe that if your behaviour is well during the match then your current punishment may be lessened."
"Why are you so desperate to talk to me?" She asked suspiciously.
"I can see when someone is struggling with the burden the universe has given them," he stared up at the darkening sky briefly before looking back at her. "You are one such person and being in isolation makes your progress difficult."
What would he know? She narrowed her eyes at him, the deal was seeming less sweet with the lecture that was attached.
He noticed her doubtful glare. "You may not want to hear what I have to say, but I believe that my own mistakes and experiences may help you in making the right decision."
Six sighed in resignation, her lips twitched into a small sneer as she spoke, "fine. Just make it quick."
Optimus nodded and gestured in the direction she'd come from and towards the beach, "let us walk."
As he went to take a step, she turned and they both walked slowly towards the far edge of the island.
"In time such as this it may feel like you're alone. It may seem that the universe is against you and that you're unable to protect what matters to you. Sometimes you're forced to make sacrifices that are for the greater good, even if it remains with you for as long as you live," his voice turned wistful as he spoke and in it made Six curious as to what he was referring to.
"That's why they're sacrifices," she muttered and her thoughts turned unconsciously to Jorge. "They're not meant to be easy."
"But they make us stronger. They give us the strength to do what must be done in order to protect those who cannot defend themselves," he paused as if deep in thought. "No matter the cost."
"That's what a soldier is. We do what needs to be done," Six went to continue, but remembered who she was with and stopped.
Optimus shook his head, "the people we protect don't want an invincible protector-"
"They need it. They need to believe," she cut over him. "It's why we exist; to bring hope, to do the impossible, because Spartan's never die."
Optimus was quiet for a long time after she'd spoken. So much so that they reached the start of the beach before he spoke again.
"Nobody is above death," he looked up as he spoke, as if he was remembering something or someone he had lost. "Even the best of warriors can fall in battle, which is why we must honour their sacrifice rather than hide it to preserve their invincibility."
She didn't look at him, "It's not something I expect you to understand."
"Perhaps you're correct, but I'm not as ignorant to your situation as you believe. I told you of the destruction of our home and how our own war tore it apart." He looked down at her with soft yet hard eyes, "we remember every comrade that we've lost and we fight on in their name as well as for the freedom of all. We don't hide their deaths to give the illusion of victory because to do so would belittle their sacrifice for a cause they believed in."
"They know what we do," Six pinned him with a glare at the implication that his words held. The judgement they contained was what she had been trying to avoid, and only made it more obvious that he failed to grasp what it was like. "They don't need to see us fall. Those that do aren't forgotten either, we remember them."
"Six, I did not mean to suggest that your people do not care." He sighed in frustration as his brows drew together, "I merely want you to understand that here it is different. The Humans do not need an invincible machine of war, they need a comrade who they can trust and look up to. Your experience is invaluable to them, but they will not want to listen if you continue as you are. However, after what Will revealed to me, I can see why change is difficult for you and while I may not agree with your people's decision, freedom is their right."
"No one made me do this," she snapped at him, hating how he -and alien- was judging her people when they were so desperate. Her hands balled angrily at her sides, "I chose this!"
Optimus looked like he was about to question her, but instead he nodded and muttered, "your parents."
She nodded stiffly in agreement, refusing to take her eyes of him as she waited to see what he would say.
"I'm sorry for your loss." He paused to let his words sink in before his face turned curious and he asked the one question she'd been expecting, "why did you hide it from us?"
She snorted, the answer was obvious, "it was classified information. Information that wasn't necessary for you or NEST to know."
There was a flicker of admiration in Optimus' eyes before it turned to compassion, "your loyalty to your people is both admirable and perturbing. You-"
"I'm a soldier," and the property of ONI. She cut over him with a snarl as she turned abruptly to leave. There was no way to explain, no way she could tell anyone like him what it meant. Not without compromising herself, the UNSC, Humanity, her home.
"More than that, I'm a Spartan. Something you can't seem to comprehend."
"Then help me to understand," he asked earnestly. "Tell me why you being a Spartan makes you any different to any other Human- any other soldier I've ever known. You're not just a Spartan or a soldier, but you're Human too and from what I've seen it is more than just the weakness you see it as."
She shook her head, no. Being a Spartan was different, they were all a part of a larger family that had been trained to give Humanity their all. A family that was close, and thinning with every second as they tried to do their duty.
Tried... and perhaps failed.
"Are you finished?" She asked without turning around. She was done listening. All they did was ask and ask, parroting the same question in a quest to what? Bring her around? She wouldn't be here-
Resource limitations hindrance our progress, Guardian's words came back, haunting, loud and damming. Home was so far away, and its distance was ever increasing. Part of her worried that she would never make it back. That she would never be there to make sure Humanity survived.
"Six," he sighed in defeat, head dipping enough that he just misses the hopelessness that crosses her face. "It is not my intention to disrespect your origins, but I believe that you're more than just a soldier. I've witnessed the youth of my race be all but lost because they saw themselves as nothing more than soldiers for the cause. I do not wish the same happen to you."
Straightening up, her eyes are just that little bit softer as she listened to him with teetering and conflicted emotions. She had to admit, he had dedication and his strangely caring words stirred something. She couldn't tell what it was however and as such shoved it away and buried it deep. His words had to be hollow after all. There was no way they could be anything else... surely?
"It won't," she knew that was a lie. "And if it does, then I've done my duty."
She didn't ask him if he'd finished when she started walking. He didn't call after her, but she heard him sigh loudly as she strode quickly back to base and headed straight for her shower.
~/~
Optimus Prime
"Primus."
With a rumbling sigh, and a pinch to the bridge of his nose he watches the source of so much trouble, and trauma stride back to base.
His intention had never been to cause such ire. But, Six was the same as ever. Her time with himself and the rest of NEST had not softened the clipped and aggressive approach she had. She was just as closed and just as cold as she had been on her arrival.
He wished it wasn't so.
Because, despite her best attempts. Despite her aggression towards him, his comrades, and perhaps everyone else. He could see something within her. Something he was certain he had just caught the smallest of glimpses of. In his spark he knew that there was more to her than her hate. She was an accomplished soldier. Dedicated, fearless, and proud to protect her people. He could not fault her, and he would not.
But, knowing that didn't always make it easier. He could feel them losing her, and the revelation of her true military origins only spurred that on. It was an origin that didn't sit well with him. Even if the idea of a 'normal' Human life was alien to him, he knew that a Sparkling that young-
Large metal hands clench at the thought. No one would allow a Sparkling to go through the same as her, not at such youth. Even their war would no lower him to such terribly desperate acts. And, it was that act of desperation that had made him truly wonder about the extent of her people's plight. He may have seen the images, been fuelled with rage at what this Covenant had done, but he knew that merely seeing it was not enough to completely understand.
Experiencing it was entirely different.
Experiencing it was something he'd come close to, and yet, not. The downfall of his people and their planet was their own doing- his own failure to stop Megatron.
There's no helping the dimming of his optics, and the quiet rumble of his spark turning with the weight it held. The weight of his decisions, his failures, and every loss he'd caused.
Perhaps he understood more than she realised, more than he realised even. Yet, the difference between them held him back.
Her people... their genocide was unprovoked. It was a long campaign of aggression, and hatred that had infected her. That hatred had been encouraged, used to work her into what she was today. A woman that didn't see what she was beyond the armour and anger that was consuming her.
She didn't see what she could be, how great she could become. And, it tore at him. More than that, it tested him. She tested him.
Primus-
A squeal of tires along with a smooth slide of metal turning against itself broke his thoughts. Optics brightened, as he turned to the cause despite already knowing who it was.
"Sideswipe."
The younger mech rolls forward on wheeled feet with a grinning look of excitement on his face.
"Optimus. Did you speak with her, the squishy-" he falters only slightly at the pointed look Optimus sends. "I mean, Six. I just passed her storming back, is she always like that?"
"I have spoken to her, and Major Lennox. You must know that she is not like the other Humans; she is far more dangerous-"
Sideswipe interrupts with a wave of his hand, "That's why I'm going to fight her. If KnockOut can get his aft kicked so easily, I want to see what she can do before I send her to the Pit. And, have you seen her armour?"
There's an appreciative whistle that has Optimus rubbing his temple.
"I want to see that in action-"
"Sideswipe..."
"I mean have you ever seen anything like it? I didn't realise the squishes were so capable-"
"Sideswipe."
"Slag! Maybe I won't send her to the Pit, but she'll wish I had-"
"Sideswpie!"
The mech in question looks up, blue optics turning with unbridled excitement.
"I implore that you listen. Noble Six, will not be like any other spar you've had before. As you are aware, she and KnockOut had an incident during a training exercise. One that has left him harbouring a grudge, and only furthered the distance she has with the rest of her people; we would not want to make it worse."
There's a pause as Optimus allows the words to sink in. As brash and as cocky as Sideswipe could be, he would understand in his own way that there was a line. It was only Optimus' hope that the young warrior would heed it.
"Her aggression towards us means that you should exercise caution as there is still much about her that we don't understand. But," he continues, voice lighter than before. "Enjoy the experience it provides and perhaps show her that there is more to us than she realises."
There's a lopsided smile as Sideswipe all but twirls with happiness, "You got it, Optimus. I'll be gentle."
Then, with a wink that has Optimus reconsidering his decision, the frontliner speeds away with a grinning cheer of victory. All Optimus can do is watch him go with a foreboding sense of dread as he looks up to the stars in the hope that he will be wrong.
"Primus. I fear this will not end well."
~/~
