Disclaimer: Red vs. Blue belongs to Rooster Teeth, not me. I make no profit from this, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 16

Connie had been scarce since their conversation several days before, leaving Sister wondering about her cryptic warning. The teen had taken up running a circuit around the base when she was bored or deep in thought. Nobody questioned her right to be somewhere if she was just passing by on a workout. She had all but given up trying to interpret what was going on with the "not Insurrectionists" team and was reciting Sangheli vocabulary to herself instead.

Something caught her eye as she ran by a large door and Sister skidded to a halt and backed up. Most of the people she knew were in the room, and for once they all looked fairly relaxed. Sister wiped the sweat from her brow and stepped inside, thinking it was worth being chased off from "official business" if she could just get a read on Connie's mood today.

"Hey!" She bounced into the room cheerily and started stretching, as if this had been the destination of her run all along. "Who decided to throw a party without me?"

Sven looked up at her with that barely perceptible smile, and Sister grinned back at him. Tomoko and Connie said hello, and Rick just looked surprised, as if he had forgotten she was around – again.

"Anything exciting happening?" Sister asked as she finished stretching. She stood and threw her arms over Sven's shoulders, leaning over the back of his chair and setting her face next to his. He didn't move away, just ruffled Sister's bangs absently and kept reading the news report on the data pad in front of him. Sister saw Rick shoot the two of them a strange look, so she rolled her eyes and moved to one of the rolling chairs next to the large bank of computers. She spun around in a few circles, allowing herself to become slightly dizzy.

"Well?" she said, reiterating her earlier question.

"Just a run of the mill day here," Tomoko muttered, tapping away at her computers. "You've got mail, by the way." Tomoko read any correspondence Sister received from Grif as an ongoing precaution, in case she did turn out to be a spy. She pulled up Sister's email on a data pad and handed it over to Sister, who was already bouncing with anticipation.

"All right, more news from Grif!" Sister took the data pad and settled herself in her seat more comfortably.

Sister,

Sorry I haven't written in a while, we've been really busy moving around a lot. I feel like I should ask for a school progress report or something. You haven't really mentioned anything about it lately. You said you were taking summer classes to get ahead, right? How are your grades?

Things are about the same here: either mind-numbingly boring or heart-wrenchingly terrifying. Seriously, I'm afraid I'm going to have to start eating healthier to offset the negative effects of all this stress on my heart. Of course, there is always the healthy dose of Sarge's crazy stories on the side. I'm still trying to find his secret stashes of bourbon and shotgun ammo – no luck yet. I think this guy could give you a run for your money at hide-and-seek.

I never thought I'd say it, but I haven't been drag racing (yes, the ship is big enough) or anything like it anymore. Being in constant danger of violent death really puts things in perspective. In other words, I'm embracing the cult of laziness more than ever before. In between missions, that is. It's a nice break from all the excess adrenaline. I wonder if you can have an adrenaline overdose. I swear when we get home, I many never move off the couch again.

Our squad does have a poker night though, which is awesome. Either Sarge or I always wipe the floor with the others because they can never tell if we're bluffing. Me because of my patented "I give no fucks" face, and Sarge because his poker face is the same as his story telling face, and nobody is ever sure if his stories are true or not. I'm pretty sure the one about the bull fight is though.

Sarge is a surprisingly interesting guy. Apparently his hobby is robotics? Seems weird for a guy like him, but he goes on and on about the history of it, the advances in tech lately, androids, crazy stuff like that. Of course, he usually does that on the way back from a mission. I think he does it because the others find it so boring and it brings them down from that adrenaline high.

Speaking of my crew – you asked what they are like. I've gotten fairly close with a few of them. Russell is the main pilot. He is Australian and generally entirely too cheerful for his own good. A ray of fucking sunshine. You'd like him. Williams is crazy hot, but she's kind of a whiny bitch. I mean, I am too, but still. Her entire family is military, going way back. Lee is the weird one. He is a sweet guy, gentle and almost skittish – until he gets on the battle field. Then he's like a fucking berserker. Tell me about your friends; what are they like? Please tell me they're not trouble makers. I've gotta go; I think Sarge is messing with my ship's controls again. I've always gotta do more work because of his tinkering. We'll talk soon.

Love,

Grif

(Don't embarrass the family)

P.S. I asked about getting leave time, but Sarge just laughed at me and said we're more likely to get blown up than set down on a planet any time soon. And coming home is even less likely. Fucking sucks!

Sister laughed at Grif's jokes and sighed, taking a moment to really miss him. Most of the time she didn't let herself think about it. She looked up at her team. True, they weren't really her team; she wasn't really on the team. She still wasn't entirely sure what the point of the team was. But she felt a camradery and a protectiveness toward them that was new to her, and she liked it.

"So," she said, clapping her hands together, "who wants to help me compose a letter Grif that makes this place sound like high school?" Tomoko snorted, and Connie literally started shaking she laughed so hard.

"Have you heard some of the gossip around this place?" Tomoko asked. "That's not even much of a stretch!"

"I know, right!" Sister drawled. She drew her knees up to her chest and hit reply on the email app. She stared at the ceiling for a moment, chewing on her lip, and then started to compose her letter.

Dex,

I'm so happy to hear from you! Literally I am like, squealing with joy. I miss you soooo much!

School is great actually. I signed up for programming and foreign language for the summer. They're pretty tough, but they hold my interest. And I'm still doing athletics, of course. I can't let myself get all squishy, like you. ;)

I also got a part time gig with a mechanic, which is awesome! It's not paid, but I guess it could count as like an internship or something? All in all, this is way better than I thought it would be. You still need to come home though.

Someone better than me at hide-and-seek? Not possible – blasphemy! I'm a "fucking ninja," I've been told. Actual quote. Funny enough, I've heard rumors that Cookie (our school cook, original, I know) has a secret stash of shotgun ammo. I wonder if she and your sarge would get along. I'm playing a whole scenario out in my head now. Yep, I totally ship it, LOL.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that I've been staying out of trouble. They're pretty strict at school, it being mostly military kids and all. It can be hard to get to know some people because they are pretty closed off and serious a lot of the time, but I think I'm getting under their prickly exteriors.

I've definitely got a more interesting variety of friends than I expected. Cody is the friendliest, despite being really shy. He's got this adorable stutter and amazing tattoos. I've been trying to help him work up the courage to ask out this pilot he knows. They guy is smokin' hot – they'd make an adorable pair. (And no, helping him out does not mean I'm teaching him how to pleasure the guy. I told you, I'm being good.)

I actually have more girl friends than I'm used to here; it's weird. There's Tomoko, the aloof nerd who thinks I'm funny. Kandyse who is super beautiful and like, the nicest person ever. Girlie is a sort of "queen bee" type and has apparently decided I'm her project or something. Then there's Connie. Connie is amazing. She's got a lot of drama right now, and I think she's glad to have someone who's outside all of it. She's suffering from that typical high school thing where the boyfriend and the clique she's with don't really mesh and are trying to make her choose between them. Why can't everyone just get along, am I right? Though I admit I find the boyfriend a little off-putting.

I love your Sarge stories! He sounds like a big Papa Bear, telling his cubs stories and stuff! I bet we'd have a lot of fun together. I can just imagine him complaining about young people's music and saying, "When I was your age!" And I"'d be all like, "Ew, old people!" and then we'd wipe the floor with you at poker! (I've been practicing.)

It sucks that you can't get leave yet, but I guess all the moving around is safer, right? As long as you're safe, I'm okay.

Oh, I almost forgot. Have you heard from that girl? You were surprisingly into her, dude. I know she's not your usual type. ;) Anyway, gtg. Loves!

Wish you were here,

Kai

P.S. On the subject of romance … have you ever been in love? How do you tell?

Sister sent her message and sat back in the chair, spinning around a few more times. It was still quiet – like a lazy weekend. The other teams stationed at the base were off on a mission, so the Staff of Charon crew had the place to themselves. Sister was almost to the point of dozing off when she caught a glimpse of Tomoko's face. Her expression was one of startled confusion. Sister planted her feet and stood, staring as Tomoko's eyes flicked frantically back and forth over the security feeds.

"What's wrong?" Sister demanded. The rest of the group was on their feet instantly.

"Tomoko?" Rick questioned.

"Hang on. I'm not – no, that can't be right." The alarm sounded above them, cutting off any more questions.

"Son of a bitch!" came Rick and Tomoko's angry voices together. Everyone gathered around the security feed, looking at the dock that had been empty moments before.

"They're here." Connie's voice was near breaking with emotion. "I didn't think they'd find me so quickly."

"It was only a matter of time." Rick said darkly. "Let's deal with this." He pressed the intercom button. "All hands topside! We are under attack! This is not a drill! Non-combat personnel begin evac! Let's go people, move!" Rick then got on his personal radio channel. "Demo, Girlie, Sleeves, lead the team up top. We'll secure things down here and meet you at the hangar. Our position is compromised; follow protocol."

"10-4 boss!" Girlie replied.

"And send the Twins to cover the hangar entrance when you see them," Rick added.

"Will do," came the reply. Rick now turned to face the group in the room.

"Tomoko, make sure all servers are backed up to Control and then wipe them. Sven, you cover her, then head to the hangar. Connie, you're with me. We'll lead them away from Tomoko. The Twins will cover the hangar until we're all through, but we've got to hurry. They're probably gonna use that damn cannon on their ship to blow the place up again."

"What can I do?" Sister asked. Everyone looked at her, blank-faced for a moment. Then Connie grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door. Sister felt something small pressing into her hand as Connie shifted, holding her hand closed in a fist.

"Get to your ship. Make sure all non-combat personnel are on it and go. We'll rendezvous later."

"But – " Sister tried to protest.

"Sister, now! No shenanigans – they will kill you if they see you. Go." Connie gave Sister a shove in the right direction. "GO!"

Sven gave Sister a nod, so she started running.

"Gah! Why does this base have to be so damn big?" Sister thought as she finally neared the hangar. She was trying to ignore the sounds of gunfire and explosions outside – trying not to worry about her friends.

She rounded the corner and skidded to a halt at the sight of a figure in black power armor snapping the neck of Rick's pilot in the doorway to the hangar. Sister froze and let out a squeak of surprise and fear. She was unarmored and unarmed – defenseless against the Freelancer. The figure turned toward her and cocked their head to the side, curiously taking in the sight of the teen.

Sister kept her fists clenched and tried not to shake in fear. She knew some people said their minds went blank when hit with fear, but Sister didn't think she had ever thought so fast in her life.

This person had just killed her leader's pilot and was separate from the rest of the battle. They must have the specific mission that involved preventing Rick from leaving this place. That meant he had something they wanted.

"Connie," Sister thought, and clenched the fist Connie had grabbed earlier – the one now holding a flash drive – a little tighter. "She's always with Rick. She stole information from Freelancer. She gave it to me to throw them off the trail." Sister wasn't sure if she felt flattered at Connie's level of trust or angry at being made a target without her consent.

Either way, she knew she couldn't win a fight with a Freelancer. At this point the only person she could win a fight against would probably be someone without any training at all. Sister stood up straight and tall, ready to face Death that stood before her. But the Freelancer must have decided she wasn't worth the bother. Sister let out a surprised gasp as the figure faded into invisibility, as if they had never been there at all. Sister let out a slow breath, surprised to be alive, and her racing thoughts stilled.

Her next thought didn't occur to her until she looked at the dead pilot and saw his radio smashed on the ground next to him. "I have to warn the others." She sprinted the rest of the way to her albatross. Cody looked up just as she arrived.

"Finally, where the hell have you been?" Cody demanded. "Doc, Cookie and Kandyse are with us. All t-the other non-combat people have gone. Rick already gave t-the order for everyone else t-to fall back. Let's move!" He grabbed her hand and tried to tug her on board.

"No! Cody, give me your radio. They're here!" Sister cried.

"What? No, t-they've kept it all contained up t-top," he said, confused.

"No, one of them came in separately. They were like a fucking ghost!" Sister's voice was cracking with panic.

"What do you mean a ghost?" Cody's confusion increased.

"I mean invisible!"

"T-that's not possible."

"Tell that to Rick's dead pilot! I saw it happen and then it literally disappeared!" Sister grabbed his radio, but at that moment Sven and Tomoko ran in. "Oh thank god, you're okay! Did you see it?" Sister demanded.

"See what?" Tomoko asked, breathing heavily.

"How could t-they see it if its invisible?" Cody reminded sister.

"It must have passed them by because its after Rick and Connie," Sister stared, panicked, back down the hall.

"What's after them?" Tomoko demanded.

"An invisible Freelancer. The armor has some sort of cloaking." Sister explained. Sven snatched up his radio.

"Rick, where are you?" he demanded.

"We just got off the bridge. The Twins are still covering. Why?" Rick asked.

"One of the Freelancers has a cloaking ability. Be careful," Sven explained.

"Copy that. See you soon," their leader responded. At that moment, the lights and electronics of the entire base blacked out.

"Shit," Tomoko snarled as she and the others immediately turned on their flashlights. "We're locked in unless I can re-route emergency power." She strode over to the the control grid for the doorway. "I'll try to get something working from here so they can get through the doors," she said. And ripped a panel off the wall, digging her hands into some wires. Rick's voice crackled back over the radio.

"Guys, we're trying to get the doors open on this side, but they're coming in after us. Be ready to cover us when we come through."

"Copy that," Sven replied. "Kaikaina," he called.

"Yeah?" Sister looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Get us ready to fly," Sven ordered.

"Right. Cody, with me." She waved him over and they sprinted up the ramp into her ship. Glad to have something useful to do, Sister initiated the start up sequence and had the albatross ready for take off in minutes. She was soon impatient though, and she stood and headed back outside.

"Sister, where are you going?" Cody reached for her.

"To help Sven. He can't cover them by himself. You can fly if you need to," she replied.

"Do you even have a weapon? Sister – no!" He called after her but she was already gone. Sister ran out of the ship in time to see Sven catch Girlie as she staggered into his arms, looking a bit like a drown cat.

"Kaikaina – good timing. Take her and get ready. They are almost through," Sven explained.

"Sven, I can help you," Sister pressed.

"Yes, by taking Girlie to the ship. Tomoko, go with her. I can finish with the door," Sven insisted.

"Sven, are you sure?" Tomoko asked.

"Go!"

Sister lifted Girlie into her arms, and she and Tomoko hurried back into the ship. Once there, Sister placed Girlie into a seat and pulled the woman's pistol from its holster, made sure it was fully loaded, and turned the safety off, as she had been taught.

"Tomoko, get her buckled in. I'm helping Sven." Sister didn't wait for an answer, just turned and ran. She thought she heard Tomoko say something like 'good luck' behind her.

Sister stepped out of her ship just as Sven managed to get the doors to the hangar to open. He lay down cover fire and two Freelancers dove out of the way of Sven's bullets as Rick dragged Connie's armored form through the doors. Sister saw the hatchet protruding from Connie's chest – heard the screaming - "No! No, Connie!"

She raced forward, ignoring the fire fight in front of her, and began helping Rick drag Connie's prone form onto the ship. She looked up – straight into the face of the black armored Freelancer – just as Sven got the doors closed and jammed again. Sven ran over and the three of them got the heavily armored woman aboard.

Sister just stared, unsure how to react as Sven called for Doc over the ship's intercom. Rick was cradling Connie in his arms, and he wouldn't stop saying her name, like she could fix what had just happened somehow.

"Kaikaina," Sister looked up into Sven's charcoal eyes, "fly."

Sister snapped out of what had felt like an eternity in slow motion and sprinted to the pilot's seat. She already had the ship in the air as she buckled in.

"Cody, put in coordinates to the nearest hospital, now."

"The closest is headquarters, but we're not authorized – "

"Put in the coordinates," Sister cut off his protest.

"We could lead Freelancer right to us," Cody explained.

"DO IT!" Sister shouted. Cody flinched and put in the coordinates. Sister heard footsteps behind them.

"You can't," Girlie said, leaning heavily on the doorway. "He's right. Freelancer will tail us and we'll destroy the whole operation. There's a safe house – a moon near here – we can hit it for a day and then lose them from there."

"No. Connie needs a hospital." Sister's voice was hard.

"You don't get to decide, kid. Cody, change the coordinates."

"No!" Sister cried.

"Look, kid – " Girlie started angrily.

"Shut UP!" Sister kicked the cockpit door closed and locked it. "My ship, my rules," she growled. Cody eyed Girlie's gun, now resting easily in Sister's waist band, and swallowed nervously.

"Yes ma'am."