This chapter really is too short to be acceptable, and for that I am sorry. Writer's block hit me hard early this week, and by the time it went away I was busy with family stuff for the holiday. *Sigh* Anyway, here's the new chapter. I hope to have next week's be better, but I think you'll enjoy this one anyway. Whatever the case, please let me know what you think.

After some extensive tests, Rhodium gives me a clean bill of health. He says I still might feel some of the exhaustion or dizzy spells I've grown used to, but they'll pass with time. My lungs have healed, my genes look good, and he can't find any signs of injury or weakness in me.

I breathe a sigh of relief as I walk toward the doors, glad to finally be allowed out of this room. The past few days have been maddening, though I have to admit Wash and Gold have made them better. It feels good to finally have everything out in the open with Wash, to finally have that weight off my chest, and with Gold around, I feel like things are almost normal again. I still feel the losses of this past month, like an icy spot in my chest, but at least he's back. At least one thing has gotten better, rather than worse. It helps.

I half expect to be greeted by a big crowd when I leave the infirmary. Rhodi's turned away enough visitors for the past few days, insisting I needed my rest, for me to believe they're constantly lined up outside the door. Instead of the concerned or relieved faces of my siblings, all I reveal by opening the door is Carolina.

I can feel her eyes on me, critical in a not-unkind way, assessing my health. "Feeling better?" she finally asks, visor tilting down to meet my face. It's the closest to eye contact you can get with the armor.

I nod. "Better than in months," I say honestly.

"That's good," she says. There's something about her voice that sets me on edge. Her body language is just slightly nervous. It takes me a moment to guess why.

"You're leaving."

Carolina nods. "I know you still need to catch Dr. Han again, but with Gold here you don't really need my help fighting, and you don't need Epsilon to tell you where she is any more," she explains. "You're going t take her to the UNSC. I'd… rather not be around for that," she says, an edge of nervousness barely perceptible in her voice. She's doing a good job of covering it up. "I'm still not sure where I stand with them, since the project. I think it'd be better to not find out at this point."

"I understand," I say. Our plan, of course, is to turn mom in once we have her. I had planned on at least some of the sim-troopers leaving when that time came. There's no need for them to get involved in the official portion of this if they don't have to. I do, however, hope Tucker will stay. His past as a Covenant ambassador could prove invaluable in arguing our case.

And, of course, I hope Agent Washington will decide to stick around. Suddenly the thought that I might not see these people again after we catch Dr. Han is frightening. I've never really had friends before, only family. I want to be able to see them all again.

"Good," Carolina says, tone just slightly awkward. I get the impression that she isn't good with goodbyes; that she wants to avoid any sort of emotional separation and simply leave. "I hope to see you again someday," I say, both trying to help her end the conversation and move on her way and hoping she'll understand how much we've truly appreciated her help.

Carolina nods robotically, but still doesn't move.

"Did you need something else?" I ask, slightly confused. I hadn't thought her the type to drag something like this out.

"No, nothing," she says quickly. I continue to stare at her as she remains motionless.

"Oh, for the love of not-wasting-my-time," Epsilon groans in annoyance, appearing over her shoulder. "She just wants to say something about Wash."

My eyes widen slightly at this revelation, and I wait patiently for one of them to elaborate.

"Thanks, Epsilon," she mutters, an angry bite in her voice aimed at the AI, before focusing on me. "Listen, just… Wash is a good guy. He's been through a lot, and he's handled it all better than anyone would ever believe. He deserves something good in my life, not another disaster."

"Is that… a warning?" I ask, voice careful as I aim quizzical eyes up at the taller woman.

"No," she answers, and I think I may hear a smile in her voice. "It's a thank you. I think you and the rest of your family… you might just be what Wash needs right now."

The former Freelancer turns away and begins striding down the hall before I can respond. I know I could chase after her before she leaves, but somehow I think things are better this way. As I thought before, she isn't the type for drawn out goodbyes.

I can't help but smile as her parting words ring through my head again. As far as I know, Wash doesn't have any family. His old team was probably the closest he'd had in years. I'm glad that Carolina thinks I'll be good for him. I know he's been good for me. He's helped me more than I could ever express, and gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. I'm glad someone who knows him well thinks I could do the same for him.

With that thought, I turn toward the hall that will take me to the training room. Rhodi said he wants me to make sure I'm ready before announcing the mission to find mom.

I smile at the thought of getting back into action, this time without the random pains or heavy exhaustion, or the insufferable dizziness. I take a deep breath, strong, clear, with scents ten times sharper than just a few days ago. It's like looking through dirty glass before finally opening the window. Everything looks and feels better now. I feel normal again. I begin to think, for the first time in a while, that we might actually be alright.