Hello! Here's another Chapter of Six Times The Machine.

Thank you for all the reviews, favs, and follows, I'm glad you guys are still enjoying the story :D

There's one review I feel I should answer, as it does bring up a few points.

COBRA DARKNISS: Thank you for your comprehensive review.

1. Indeed, Six is losing it. She's torn between a lot of things. She's in another universe, with humans who haven't lived through an ordeal like the covenant, who've never heard stories about Spartans. She's angry, alone, and knows that returning is nigh impossible. And yet, she wants to remain loyal as much as she can, but there are things -such as augmentations- that can't remain hidden; especially to Ratchet. So, in all honesty, she is at the mercy of NEST, this Earth, and the Decepticons.

But, she will get better.

2. Everyone has their own degree's of hatred. Six's is stronger, because she is more than just what happened on Reach. There is more in her past, which has yet to come to light and she's not liable to tell anyone anytime soon. She also cannot have the drug you are referring to as she is a Beta, not a Gamma. She will get more inline as she becomes used to the fact that her new temporary commander takes advice from an alien.

3. Six is not the Master Chief. She is different. She became a Spartan out of rage, grief, and the desire for revenge. Compared to Chief and Thel, her situation is different. The fate of the universe doesn't rest on their ability to get along and work together.

Hopefully, that irons out some things. I know my writing needs improvement to try and relay these emotions, but they also take time to reveal. I cannot force it all into one chapter, and character progression also takes time.

.

I'm going to try inserting dates, which hopefully makes everything easier to keep track of.

It's Not Easy


Roh 'Rithin, Saturday 4th October 2008, 12:30

"Ready to admit defeat?"

Roh watched as the Human female grinned triumphantly. She poised cockily as she held a small pistol in hand; the third weapon they'd used. There were a few cheers from those watching as she took a step back from the shooting range and put her weapon away.

"You wish," the male barked a laugh as he also put his weapon away. "Next round will be mine!"

"Didn't you say that about this one?"

"You just got lucky," he snarked before muttering something about a one-shot difference.

Roh's jaws twitched in amusement at the pair. They'd been taunting each other back and forth since they'd started and Roh had never quite seen anything like it. Of course, his brothers had rivalries, but nothing like this…. He couldn't put his finger on it. There was no doubt that the Humans were strange, but their dedication and determination were things he'd always found admirable.

Out of the corner of his eye, Roh saw the woman called Ashley take a breath before turning to the rest of the small crowd.

"Ready to watch me beat his ass on the mats?" A chorus of enthusiastic yells and disgruntled grumbles followed her question before they all trudged out the shooting range. With a deep brooding frown on his face, Evans hung back to fall in step with Roh as they walked. The others with them made their disgruntlement towards Roh obvious with occasional sharp glances and their stark refusal to remain near him. He wasn't surprised, even with how long it had been others were bound to be wary of him until he proved he could be trusted as that seemed to be something the Humans expected. He knew the Demon was having a similar time after an incident that had occurred a few weeks ago. Had anyone deigned to ask him what he thought of it, he would've told them that they should have expected it; they were wrong in thinking that she would change. Demon's only knew one thing.

"So, what'd you think?" Evans suddenly asked, pulling Roh from his circling thoughts.

Roh tilted his head in response, unable to stop the words that poured from his mouth, "you showed skill, but you lack the concentration and swiftness needed to instantly find and subdue your enemy. We shall see how you fair in unarmed combat."

Evans' flashed a half smile, "I guess you're right, but did you enjoy watching?"

"The taunting you do is…. interesting," Roh admitted with a murmur, looking over to see the others turning into a doorway. "Is it something all of your people do?"

He wasn't sure where the question had come from. He'd never taken an interest in the Humans in such a way ever before. But he was different now, no matter how disconcerting and small it was the question proved that. Everything had changed even if the past still remained the same.

"Not all," Evans shrugs as he passes through the doorway first. "But a fair few of us here do; makes beating the crap outta one another more fun."

Roh finds himself ducking through the low doorway and into a large open room that housed a big blue mat at its centre. Humans poured out before him, surrounding the mats with their excited chatter and exuberant gestures.

"Hmm."

"You're not the same?"

"Insults to the skill of another are not taken so lightly... and the same is extended to that of our kin, and our Keeps." Humming in thought, Roh deliberates on how much more he should share. The Humans appeared interested, but thoughts of home... It made him remember what he was missing.

"Our skill in combat is something we pride ourselves on, highly so. It is the strength of our conviction, our drive to pursue The Gre-" mandibles slam shut, stuttering the words sharply before they can take form. There was nothing great about that- that lie anymore. Still, he huffs to himself and continues despite the raised brow his companion sends him.

"To perform an insult to such an extent, in front of so many, and to those considered superior... There are serious consequences. Questions are asked of your desire to continue, and your belief in... everything."

The brow continues upwards into Evans' hairline as the Human shakes his head in disbelief.

"Sounds like a lot of pressure," he offers as his brows draw together. "Dedication like that... How do you manage it?"

"It is all we know. We live to be warriors, to hone our skill and prove that we are dedicated. That there is nothing but the Covenant," nothing but the Journey. His tone turns wistful. The Zealot deep within him calls, because despite everything he now knows it doesn't wipe away all that's happened. It doesn't clear that pride he felt, or almost still feels, for his...accomplishments.

"You must miss it. God knows I miss home, and I'm only a plane ride away... whereas you," there's a look of sympathy in his eyes, one that makes Roh want to flinch. He didn't deserve such a look. Not with all that he's done.

"You're so far away. Tell me, what's your home-" the question remained unfinished as they reached the mats and the Humans parted around them; Giving Roh as much space as they could and more. Calls reached their ears, yelling and demanding the final round between the one called White, and Evans.

"Another time," Roh rumbles, taking a step back and then out the crowd before Evans could speak anymore. He could observe from afar, allowing the Humans their close space and retaining his own distance as he nursed his troubling thoughts.

The thoughts were potent enough a distraction that he hardly registered the fight that occurred. Fists flew between the two Humans, one fast, swift, and light while the others were stronger, harder, and that little bit slower. The pair were a blur in the background, painting a flesh coloured picture that took him back to his younger years.

Oh, how he missed it.

The warm, heated suns of Sangheilious. The chatter and warbles of his mother tongue in even the simplistic of conversations. Then, there were the smells. Dry, potent and filled with life and spice. There was nothing like it. Nothing comparable to the rocky, orange and brown coated plains that stretched out beyond the horizon as they yawned into constructs of excellence. Constructs that had spurred his people on, and given them a purpose. But they had also bound them. Chained them to ideals they had primitively picked apart as they tried to determine their meaning. And, finally chained them to the San'Shyuum, their up lifters. Their glory givers.

Their disgrace.

It was a disgrace few of them knew of. A secret that had been so quietly kept beyond their subservient heads that bowed to lie after lie as they conquered the Humans in glorious battle. Now, it was a secret he knew, but his knowledge helped for little when he was somewhere else entirely. In a place where Humans enjoyed his company while their saviour was all but shunned. It was...strange-

"Oooh!"

His thoughts are broken as a loud collective ripple of sound echoes over the crowd. A few snickers follow as Roh focuses his attention over their heads and to the winded Evans who's currently pinned by the female known as Ash. The Human's light hair is wracked with sweat as his hard, blue eyes bore into his conquering opponent. There's a moment of silence, before his set jaw gives and he speaks his surrender.

The words are met with a small smile as the female shifts to her feet before extending a hand, which Evans accepts with an obvious sigh. When they're both up, they stare at one another for a long while with chests beating in an out with exhilarated breaths. Then, there's the briefest snippet of chattering as they nod silently, and take up their stances once more.

This time he pays attention.

The female is faster than she looks. Not as fast as the Demon, but it's better than the average Human he's seen. There's also a precision to her strikes as she chooses her targets carefully in hopes that she might exploit a weakness in his own body. It's a different form of fighting almost, one that suggests more another style of training that is not a standard for these soldiers. One that, for her, is based around her own patience as she waits for him to move so that she may turn his attack with a counter of her own.

Such a counter has Evans stumbling as she attempts a jab at his chest. He is fast enough to alleviate any additional effects with a block of her own, and a shift in his body. The movements he makes are hard and controlled as he finds her weaknesses and attempts his own exploit, much like her. But his style is different as he replies on his strength and speed rather than a technique. Somehow, it works.

The apparent randomness of his movements can make it hard for her to counter, and it's only made possible on the occasion where he telegraphs his movements too much before he makes them. But, despite his stumble, something has changed. He seems to know where to strike, and it's not long before Roh notices that he's managed to pick out the places where her technique falters.

Despite her legs being quick, and her steps light she appears hesitant to use them. Her preference is clearly in her arms that jab quicker than most would expect form a form like hers. But, the lack of awareness around her legs is where he gets her. Distracting her with a feint of his fist, she tries to take the bait before his leg sweeps out and catches hers.

She doesn't fall.

Instead, her legs shift. Moving with the sweep, there's a grimace as she goes down onto the knee of her other leg. It's not an advantageous position, but the quickness with which he follows up his failed attack is startling. As she's moving her arms into a block, he grabs the one that's still outstretched and twists. Roh's certain he hears a hiss of surprise of pain from the female as she twists with the manoeuvre only to receive a quick kick to the chest as that pushes over her straining form.

A threatening hand to her neck is all that follows before the round is brought to a shocked end.

There's a stunned cheer that echoes the expression on the female's face as she rubs absently at her arm. Evans nods with heaving breath as one hand extends towards her while the other attempts to smooth over a blooming bruise on his cheek. Both of them are getting tired, and Roh's not surprised. Their fight was energetic, yet conservative, and had been going on for almost an hour.

But they're not done.

Chests heaving, they slip back into place with a loud cheer of encouragement and a few friendly barbs. Both are smiling as the face each other once again. They're still smiling when they launch into action. Everything they've got left is being thrown into this last round. The female, ducks and weaves her way around Evans' punches as she attempts to press her own attacks through hasty blocks and counters. Evans isn't as technical, but he makes up for it in speed and his ability to read her form.

His fist seeks out her cheek. Its force scrapes past her skin as she's busy deflecting another move. The fleeting contact has the crowd of Humans oooo in effect as they seem to lean closer to the fight. Roh can feel it too. There's an electricity to the air as the pair spar one another, and its infectious. He never would have thought it, but he can feel his muscles lighten and his eyes brighten.

A glimmer of... content. Happiness.

And, just as he's exploring this sensation that Humans, of all the races he knows, bring forth with their battle it's over. The female manages to slip in a series of jabs and punches to Evans before countering his retaliation by sending him to the floor.

There's an explosion of cheers that's infections to the point that even Roh elicits his own respectful hum. It's quite enough that no Human hears as a grinning female pulls Evans off the floor and the pair take an exaggerated bow.

Over the crowd, Evans sends grinning nod that Roh mirrors. Just along the edge of the inner circle he sees the brown hair of Williams dancing around as his voice cheerfully calls for others to pay up. A ripple of groans follow along with trills of laughter that hit Roh with a potent wave of nostalgia.

Thar.

A memory of clashing swords and a roaring audience of fellow warrior's surfaces. It's hot. His skin hums with warmth as his hearts beat at a quickened pace. Across from him Thar's sword is extended, and his smiling features shows no sign of exertion. It is infuriating and awe inspiring at the same time. How is it that his brother shows so much skill when the years between them are few? How can he achieve such greatness?

The Great Journey.

They clash. Thar is fast, strong, and his precision is uncanny. It's all Roh can do to keep up long enough to block the jabs and slashes. He thinks he's doing it, that his skill in blocking Thar is enough to allow himself to perform his own attack.

He does.

But, in doing so he leave himself open to attack and Thar takes advantage. The injury that follows is ferocious and merciless. It cuts deep into his abdomen, skin parting beneath the metal blade. It's not a death blow, no, but it makes the point of it.

"Traitor. Heretic."

Confusion tugs at his mind as Thar's blade rears back once more. This hadn't happened. This was wrong.

"I will release you Ro-"

"Hey! Roh!" A voice bursts into his thoughts, pulling him from the memory as his hand clutches the wound that had long since become a scar. The Humans have begun separating into different groups as they begin to drift from the room or take up their own corner for practice. How long-

"He's off with the fairies..." another voice adds with an amused twist of their lips. A snicker follows, and not even a moment later does the memory fade from his grasp. Body unmoving, the experience momentarily leaves him stunned before he shakes his head to find Evans and Anderson staring at him from across the room. It seems that White had already departed with the rest of the larger crowd to do whatever it was that Humans did when they celebrated victory.

"And... he's back," Anderson's lips twist once more at Evans' shake of the head.

"We're heading out to join the others. I think someone managed to persuade Knockout and some of the other 'Bots to join us for a movie," there's a flicker of a smile, one that's both proud and amused.

"You should join us."

Despite the phrasing, it sounded like a question. A question that Roh knew the answer to even before it had been voiced.

"I am honoured, Sergeant. But I must decline." His words are short and as Evans momentarily opens his mouth. There's no noise as Anderson abruptly nudges the Sergeant who then gives a solemn nod of understanding before they both clear the room. Roh watches them leave as their feet carry them into the corridor beyond.

His thoughts are already shaking as soon as they turn. It's like an ache at the front of his skull, pounding over and over because he deserves no less. How could he be doing this? How could he become so close to the Humans after everything he'd done? When they knew so little of the whole story?

How could he not?

With a rub to his head, and a quiet snort of frustration he begins to make his way to what has become his temporary home. Because, somehow that has happened. He is still here, despite the fact that there is a Demon that prowls the base at all hours as if looking for something that's not there. But, there's no disputing that he's the same.

Time had made it easier, in some respects, but his restlessness had only festered. Somewhere far, far beyond their reach a war raged on. A war that should never have begun. And yet, it was a war that gave both him and the Demon their own purposes...

However, somehow...

No.

It would not do to dwell on that just yet.

~/~

Will Lennox, 17:15

"This changes everything, Major."

"Yes, Sir," Will agrees as he and Optimus stand in the hangar dedicated to communicating with the JCS, which was currently General Morshower. Behind them the sun had well and truly set on a day that had felt a lot longer than it should have. For the most part the meeting hadn't been scheduled, but Will had expected it after informing the General of the day's events.

"Her appearance had already upset the balance with some of the other nations, but they were assured that such a powerful asset would remain under control. To them, this proves the exact opposite," the General's voice was stern and even as he spoke, but Will could see the stress lining his features; it was clear the appearance of Six, Roh and Guardian had been difficult over the past few weeks. "With someone who was indoctrinated into the military at such a young age and a special branch at that, she's a bomb just waiting to go off. The incident last month only proves this and has the rest of the brass clamouring for her to be put on a tighter leash."

"They think she's unstable," Will muttered. It wasn't a question because he knew it was true, regardless of how he wished it wasn't, she was unstable, but she was also a great person, a great soldier under it all.

On screen the General nods, "and given how much flexibility your team has, they think it's only a matter of time before another incidents occurs, one that's irreparable."

"While the concerns of your people are understandable, I believe that there's room for change in Noble Six." Will turned to look across the railing and at the serious face of Optimus. He nodded at Will before continuing, "Speaking with her today revealed that her dedication to protecting your people is unwavering. She would never do anything to endanger them."

"Be that as it may, she's proved that she's unwilling to fully cooperate with us as she hid such a key piece of information, and we still don't have a name. I believe that she should remain at Diego Garcia, but others believe that she's unpredictable when around aliens as demonstrated on numerous occasions."

Will could tell that the General disagreed with all that he was saying. He knew it was in both theirs and Six's best interest for her to remain at Diego Garcia. Frustrated, one of his hands ruffled through his hair.

"If they take her away, everything we've accomplished with her will be for nothing. If they put her anywhere else, it won't be any different. She needs to get used to working with the Autobots, and being /here/. Not to mention, separating her from Guardian is not something I want to be on the receiving end of."

A slight frown creased onto the Generals already aged and stressed face. He opened his mouth to say something when Optimus spoke up first.

"What if I were to propose a deal?" He asked curiously.

The General's features perked up and he nodded with interest, "go ahead."

"If we were to prove that Noble Six is capable of working with us, she would be granted permission to remain here, correct?"

"That is correct," the General confirmed, his face suggesting he knew where Optimus was going; as did Will.

"Whatever our next mission may be, I will take Six's team with me and record her actions during it. If after reviewing it, your people still insist on moving her then they may do so, if Will agrees to this course of action that is."

Will considered it for a moment; not that there was much to consider. This was their only course of action that would give Six a chance of staying and her leaving would not go well. Not only would Guardian be furious at the decision, Will had a feeling that he would persuade Six to leave completely. If they did that then there was no telling what would happen.

As weak and as scattered as they were, the Decepticon's were still looking for her, he had no doubt about that. The may not try an assault on the base for her, but the moment she left... with just Guardian and herself for protection it would only be a matter of time before they got to her. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose; it appeared he had no other option.

"It's all we've got, but before they jump on trying to take her away, tell them that the Decepticon's are still looking for her."

"I'll make them aware," the General smiled a little before his face resumed its usual seriousness. "I'll lay down the details for this 'trial' and forward them to you as soon as. The information you received from her today has already been added to her file along with a few…notes from certain officers."

Will nodded, not looking forward to what they had to say, "I'll take a look, Sir."

"Be prepared, some of what they said isn't pretty," the General warned before bidding them goodbye. "I'll be in contact, good luck, Major and you, Optimus."

"Thank you, Sir," Will managed to give him a brief salute before the screen turned to static as the connection was cut. Optimus also squeezed in a farewell before Will felt his attention shift to him. Relaxing with a heavily sigh, Will turned to face Optimus. The large being had a concerned look on his face as his eyes searched at Will's.

"I can see that this is weighing heavily on you," Optimus said softly. "Do you wish to discuss it?"

Will nodded, he did and as it was just him and Optimus he did just that.

"She was a kid, Optimus, and they turned her into a soldier." He shook his head. Ever since Six had revealed the real details of her conscription he couldn't get it out of his head. She'd mentioned no age, but being younger than sixteen- He couldn't imagine how old. How much older than his own baby was she? She'd been too young and, "she couldn't have been that much older than my baby. How could they do that to a child? All those enhancements, what if they'd killed her?!"

He could tell Optimus didn't agree with it, but the 'Bot still managed to see the other side as he calmly said, "sometimes we're pushed to do things we never normally would. They may not be moral, but some believe that if it's for the best then it is worth the consequences."

"But using children? And didn't she say that she was one of the last?" Will took a breath, the more he thought about it the more he hated it. He couldn't imagine ever becoming so desperate the using children as soldiers was okay. He couldn't imagine his own daughter being born into a world so cruel that they would change her like that. It was monstrous.

"It explains a lot," he eventually sighed. "Her loyalty, her skill, all of it."

"Now that we are aware, we can help her," Optimus suggested as his eyes softened for a moment. "We can show her that she's more than just a soldier."

Will nodded, that was true. They could try and help her, even if he knew it wouldn't be easy.

"You're right, but she's not going to make it easy and I'm going to be thinking of this whenever I see her." He knew that would be the case, because how could it not? He'd see the life they took from her, the hatred they encouraged and the unthinkable things they did to her.

"As will we all," Optimus agreed with a lamenting rumble. "Ratchet was furious when he found out."

"I can imagine," Will winced as he imagined the medic on a rampage. "He was mad about the augmentations and now there's this…I can't believe they want to take her away. It'll make her worse!"

"We'll make sure they don't, I'll do everything in my power to ensure her performance is acceptable. You have my word," His expression went from soft to serious in a matter of seconds as he made his vow.

"Thanks," Will managed tersely. He appreciated Optimus' words, but there was only so much they could do. She was walking a thin line and if anything went wrong and she was involved, he dreaded to think what the outcome of it all would be.

He saw a flicker of helplessness in Optimus' usually strong eyes, but it was only for an instant. He then started to speak with his usual rumbling and assuring voice.

"Together, we shall face this."

~/~

Catherine, Monday 6th October 2008, 19:00

Hanging on the inside of the door, Catherine watched with unbridled curiosity as Six removed her armour. Of course, she'd witnessed it plenty of times, but it never ceased to amaze her. The idea that Humans could one day be capable of such a thing was both terrifying and exciting. Terrifying at the fact that they would continue to fight so much into the future, but exciting because of all it could do and all it offered.

The wonder she held would be greater, if not for her worry over Six.

The short-haired super solider had been unsettlingly quiet. It was more than usual. More than just Six being Six. Something was wrong, which she didn't need the silence to confirm. She knew Six was struggling, and more than just that. It was like watching someone fall. Like watching someone drown.

She couldn't let that happen.

Not again.

"S-"

The chink of metal catching metal interrupts her before she can begin. Her eyes catch the edge of a dog tag clenched in Six's hand before it's hastily tucked away and the woman turns around with stony eyes.

Now or never.

"Six, could... could we talk? Please?" It's difficult to make her words filled with certainty when she's uncertain what their talk will entail. All she knows is that it's needed.

"I've talked plenty."

As expected, the response was harsh, filled with a berating tone that she knows is not aimed at her. And, despite how short it was, it spoke volumes.

"Not... Not like that."

Six, who had been making her way to the door, stops and turns to stare with a scrutinising glare. She makes no move to talk, so Catherine takes it as her chance to continue.

"I want to know. Are you...okay? And, please, don't lie- I," she sighs, rubbing her temple at the frustration she felt towards her own question. She knew Six wasn't okay. Why was she even asking? So, foolish.

"I know you're not okay," she tries again, voice resounding with renewed vigour as her eyes lock onto the pocket where those oh so meaningful pieces of metal sat. That was it.

"You take those tags out too much to be okay. And, I can see it," her eyes flicker up to the usual stoic face of the Spartan. A face that showed her so much more when she actually looked into those eyes. "It haunts you. Losing them. That... Reach. You told me before that you thought you were back there when you... when the incident with Knockout happened. And... that's where you lost them, isn't it?"

Hard eyes barely glance at the pocket of metal before the head tilts slowly in agreement.

"Yes. Reach was..." Words falter as Six tries to continue. A visible battle of emotion occurs over her face, so filled with anger, grief, and sorrow that Catherine fights the temptation to reach.

"Our greatest failure." The words are a quiet, hushed admittance that drowns in a mixture of white hot anger and swirling disbelief.

"Six..." she's almost at a loss for what to say. No words would make it go away. No words would make it all okay. She'd seen Optimus try that so many times, and every time she only watched as Six stormed away and the Autobot leader looked after her, eyes dipping momentarily with such an expression of loss.

"I know I can't hope to understand, most of us can't. Truth be told... and you may not like it, but," she sighs, staring up at the younger woman with almost pleading eyes. "I think Op-"

"No." The biting tone, while expected, didn't hurt any less.

"They're not bad-"

"You don't know that. Didn't they bring their war here?"

"They didn't know-"

"No excuse."

"You can see that he regrets it, whenever-"

"Regret doesn't make it better."

"They're trying!"

"Are they?"

"Yes! Because they don't have a home."

"Neither will you, by the end of it."

Hurt flashes in her eyes at the callous tone. Why couldn't she see? The Autobots weren't bad. They weren't like those Six had met before. They cared.

"You're wrong."

She watches as Six's lips lift in as if in amusement. "I wish I was."

"Maybe, this time, you will be. Maybe you should give them a chance. For your sake, for the Major, for... for us, Humans..." she can see the cynical look that crosses Six's scarred features. It makes her look older, and so much more sinister.

"I've given plenty of chances." The words are clipped with irritation that Catherine is certain stemmed from what happened the other day. She wasn't completely aware of what had happened, but whatever it was had caused Will to yell, and Ratchet to be more unbearable than usual.

"But, it's never enough. All you want is more and more and more. And," she inhales, but her voice remains hard and heavy with resentment. "I can't do it. I can't. None of you understand that."

"Six..."

The woman in question glances back to her armour with taut features. Her head shakes as her eyes drift over to Catherine.

"Good talk."

Then, with that final beat of words, she's gone. Slipping out the door before Catherine can so much as form an apology.

"Idiot."

The words are muttered as she slips back against the wall, tilting her head backwards to collide softly against the metal. How could she be so foolish? She was supposed to be trying to help, but she was only making it worse.

"No wonder he..."

Vigorously she rubs at her face as she tries to rub away the memory of another time. Of another person. Another person she'd failed. It was horrible. Such a horrible conversation. It hadn't been her intention. She hadn't wanted to argue about the Autobots. They hadn't even been on her mind. And, yet, she'd gone there.

Physical wounds were so much easier.

"You are not the first to try."

Head banging back against the wall, she inhales sharply at the pain the rattles through her skull. She hadn't expected that. Hadn't expected the inanimate armour to produce such a smooth voice so suddenly.

"My apologies. It was not my intention to scare you."

"It..." lips pulling into a tight, wincing smile, her hand comes around to rub at the back of her head and is relieved with the lack of growing bump. "It's fine. I forgot she had talking armour... sorry."

"Your attempts to communicate with Noble Six are admirable. As previously stated, you are not the first to try."

"And..." she looks at the armour, albeit, quite disconcerted that she is in fact talking to it. "Did they succeed?"

Brows raising, she's certain that the armour laughs, but it's so quiet that she can hardly tell. "Many have spoken with Six and she does indeed speak with them... professionally. Personal matters are, however, different and a rarity."

"Rarity?"

"Correct."

She blinks, "I don't... what do we do?"

"You give her time. Give her space. Optimus Prime has tried, Major Lennox has tried, you have tried, and so have others. I believe... as strange as that may be, Optimus Prime has gotten the closest."

It felt as if the AI spoke some words more to herself than Catherine. An inflection of surprise at the on the word believe... she wasn't sure why, it even felt strange to talking to something so similar to the Autobots and yet so different. Something Humans had made.

"He has?"

"Correct, but do not overstate my words," the synthetic voice turns firm, almost to the point of biting. "He had gotten the closest, which does not mean that there is a relationship to exploit."

"I would never-"

Catherine stops herself, shaking her head before she begins to head to the door. The AI say's nothing more, but she can't help the automatic turn of her head. It's no Human face she sees as the motionless armour remains silently in its position. And yet, she can't help the defeated sigh that leaves her mouth.

"I see your point."