Chapter 13

Downtown Fair Oaks

Ray joined Sven, Michel, Hettu, and Kicilar down on the streets, flooded with Abater, Jackal, and Brute bodies and pools of mixed blood. The Master Chief walked around for awhile, kicking bodies to make sure the threats had been neutralized. After some time of silence among everyone, Michel looked up.

"We…should go back, should we not?" He looked at everyone, wondering whether or not he asked a stupid question. Sven nodded.

"Yes." Ray replied softly. The Hunters agreed as well. The Master Chief activated the COM link, but no one answered.

"Perhaps they're at a meeting." He wondered to himself out loud.

Committee Room

Dr. Winchester, General Rykov, Victoria, Fred, and 'Takimee stood side-by-side, beside 'Takimee stood beside a new Elite, one in black armor, a spec ops, whose name was Zuri 'Zukamee, new to the army and assigned to 'Takimee's team. As usual, the army and business members questioned them.

"Commander 'Takimee, what makes you feel like you can command such a powerful group of Evas and MJOLNIR holders, plus this…new member?" Kingsley asked. 'Takimee grunted, then replied.

"Because the Master Chief and Eva-01 have respect for me sir, which Eva-00 and 02 are more than likely to follow as well, Officer 'Zukamee here would be lucky to work with these beings sir, we will be the best team you can have." Mumbles and whispers filled the room, before another business man asked.

"What makes you think we can trust you? What if you and your kind take our Evas and MJOLNIR's and go to the Abaters?" 'Takimee glared at the business man.

"Are you calling me a liar?" He growled.

"N-no, it's just…" The business man stammered. 'Takimee had learned that because they never saw the light of battle, business men like the ones questioning them were easily spooked by soldiers.

"Elites do not betray their allies, unless their allies have betrayed them, we stick to our jobs until the end, we work with honor, skill, and determination." 'Takimee retorted.

"Of course, that's why we need you in this war." Kingsley announced with a boom. "Because if it weren't for you and your kind, this war would have been lost long ago."

"And do not forget of the Grunts and Hunters who gave their lives." 'Zukamee added. Kingsley scowled.

"Yes…" The large man reclined in his chair. 'Takimee looked at the officer and murmured.

"Please young 'Zukamee, let me talk." The Elite Commander looked back to the Committee.

"And Doctor, what of this battle you said the Master Chief, Senior Chief, and Eva-00 are in now?" Kingsley asked.

"Yes," Winchester replied. "They were dispatched to go neutralize an Abater squad in the ruins of nearby Fair Oaks." More whispers and mumbles filled the room.

"Are you saying the Abaters have found the base?" An army colonial asked.

"No, no, nothing to worry, they have no idea we're where we are, they surely would've attacked full force if they had." Dr. Winchester replied calmly.

"But you realize that now that you have attacked them, they will send reinforcements?" Kingsley questioned.

"We are sure of that, and we are confident that we can defeat them and drive them away." Rykov stated. The others, Victoria, Winchester, Fred, 'Takimee, and 'Zukamee glanced at each other, nervously, but Rykov was confident in his words.

The Base

Thankfully Johnson managed to pick up Sven's message the second time and sent in a Pelican to pick them up. Foehammer piloted once more, with the Master Chief, Senior Chief, and Eva-00 riding in the back, the two Hunters were attached to the bottom again and the dropship took off.

Hettu and Kicilar went off to get some rest, eat, and get their armor cleaned while Ray went off to do whatever it is she does when no one is around. With a hiss of escaping air, Michel took off his helmet and put it by his side, a humble smile still spread from one ear to the other. He stood beside the Master Chief as they waited for the elevator to get to their floor.

"Well that was quite a fight." The Senior Chief said. He looked over to Sven, who merely nodded.

"Yes it was." He replied. The elevator seemed to take forever, making the silence all the more awkward. Suddenly Michel started up pleasant conversation.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" He asked. Sven was simply astounded, like him, Michel seemed so childlike, mentally, yet he didn't seem to loose his childlike sincerity either. Sven looked at Michel's red eyes through his visor, thinking back to his childhood, he spoke.

"I…I can't remember…" He said softly, looking back to the door.

"What do you mean you can't remember? What do you want to be?" Michel asked. Sven looked at him again, so confused. "I want to be an astronaut." Michel added, smiling kindly.

"You do realize that you're stuck as a protector of humanity?" Sven asked. Michel nodded.

"Yes, but when this war is over, I want to go to space, and meet those friendly aliens, maybe even go to the Grunt home world, I find them so funny you know. What about you?" He remarked. Sven was so amazed at Michel, how he could retain his childish dreams and thoughts, be the friendliest person one could ever meet, and still fight.

"I…I…" He began.

"Hmm…?" Michel urged.

"I'm not sure…I…I think I wanted to be a..." His mind was drawing an absolute blank.

"Come on, I won't laugh." Michel said kindly. Sven looked at his boots, rubbing the back of his helmet with his hands as he frantically tried to remember what fascinated him as a child.

"I...don't know." He said. The Spartan nearly felt ashamed of himself, he wasn't sure why. He looked over to see Michel's expression, expecting a frown or confused look. However, the young man beside him wasn't frowning at all, he was still smiling kindly.

"It's alright, you can tell me when you remember." He said and looked up to the floor level, where -50 glowed, the floor they wanted. The doors slid open and the two walked out. Sven walked a bit behind the Senior Chief, not believing what just happened. Here they were, both meant to fight and kill, and Michel is talking about his dreams, and then encouraging him to find what he wanted to do. The two walked down an empty hallway, Sven didn't know where they were going, he was merely following Michel.

"Where are we?" Sven asked.

"We're on my level, if you wouldn't mind, I'm going to change out of my armor. Are you?" Michel asked and looked over his shoulder. Sven shook his head.

"I prefer to be in my armor." He and Michel stopped at the silver-haired boy's door. Michel opened his door.

"As you wish, I'll be right out." He turned to the Master Chief. "What do you want to do after this?" He asked. Sven thought for a moment.

"I was planning on seeing Susan, but…"

"Splendid, she's nice; we can talk about our fight with the Abaters." Michel said and walked into his room, closing the door after him. "Splendid, she's nice; we can talk about our fight with the Abaters." Echoed in the Master Chief's head as he crossed his arms and leaned up against the wall by Michel's door. There was a long silence, then Sven heard footsteps down the hall. He looked up from the floor and where he heard the footsteps. He saw someone, reading a note, walking blindly around, obviously lost. Sven unfolded his arms and stood straighter, then took a few steps towards the person.

"Are you lost?" He asked. The person looked up, quite frightened to see Sven in the bulky armor. She had sapphire blue eyes, with dark short hair, which fell just barely to her shoulders, and a blue skirt, her shirt however was white. She nodded.

"Y-yes I am. I'm looking for my grandfather, do you know him?" She replied and handed Sven the piece of paper. It read

"Dearest Granddaughter Amy,

I'd like for you to see me once you finish school at Chicago-02, you'll love it here, with a lot of people your age who would love to meet you. If you get lost after the Pelican pilot drops you off, please ask for directions to my office.

Sincerely,

Grandfather"

"Who is your grandfather?" Sven asked. The girl, Amy, took the note when Sven returned it to her, and replied.

"Herman Winchester, you know him don't you?" The Master Chief stood silent for a moment. Dr. Winchester was this girl's grandfather? Dr. Winchester had a family? Why hadn't he ever spoken of them? These thoughts were interrupted when Michel walked out of his room and looked down the hall, to the two. Somehow the Senior Chief was quite quick to change clothes, it took the Master Chief at least ten minutes to change out of his armor.

"Hey." He said and walked toward them, his hands stuck into his black pants. With his pants and fine shoes, Michel also wore a dress-shirt with the collar perfectly set. "Hello." He said kindly to Amy. Amy returned the hello with a nod; it was obvious that she was the shy type.

"We're going to escort her to Dr. Winchester." The Master Chief said to the Senior Chief.

"Okay." Michel said politely.

Dr. Winchester's Office

Dr. Winchester sighed and sat down in his chair. Victoria and Fred stood side-by-side before his desk, Victoria holding a clipboard in her hands, writing down something while she herself sighed as well.

"Do those Committee members ever cut us any slack?" She muttered loud enough for the others to hear. Fred straightened a few papers on Dr. Winchester's overcrowded desk as a small favor and set them back on the desk, before clasping his hands behind his back. In fact, Winchester's office had been in ruin ever since the Committee began to take more control of them, it was stressful on him, before he and the others worked so well and efficiently without the Committee, but Kingsley was so critical of everything they did, about how Ray and Michel's data had been erased, how they shouldn't obliterate the Abaters unless absolutely necessary, so that they could learn more of the invaders' powers and their anatomy. Dr. Winchester was all for learning more about extraterrestrial beings and their structure, but if it meant that more careful means of killing them, that would no doubt get the Evas and Spartans killed. Meanwhile, outside of the office, 'Takimee, 'Zukamee, and Rykov were in their own little meeting.

"Do you think the Abaters have indeed found the base?" Rykov asked. 'Takimee grunted and shook his head.

"Surely not, for if they had, they would have attacked us by now." The Elite replied. 'Zukamee, with his hands clasped behind his back, asked.

"When do I meet with this Master Chief and Eva members?" He looked from the Russian general to his mentor and spec ops commander.

"Now, now, do not be hasty young Elite, you will meet them." 'Takimee said.

"After the Master Chief is finished with his current mission." Rykov added. No sooner had the Iron Bear leader said this when the Master Chief, Michel, and Amy turned the corner toward them. "Ah, here they are, with…who is this?" Rykov cocked an eyebrow suspiciously. 'Takimee turned to greet Sven with a humble clack of his mandibles; he never really met Michel or Amy.

"I am pleased to take it you accomplished your mission?" He asked Sven. The Master Chief hesitated, but nodded.

"Yes sir." He said. 'Takimee smiled, which was odd to see mandibles smirk.

"Good work." He said.

"Well…except a few escaped." The Master Chief added. "I heard two of their names…Tartarus and Scar sir." 'Takimee's eyes narrowed. A low grumble came from deep in the Elite's throat.

"Tartarus…traitor to the Covenant, I knew the Brute personally. I remember that when he betrayed the Elite, Grunts, and Hunters, he-" The Elite began.

"Stories can be told later, who is this?" Rykov asked, motioning toward Amy. Michel, with his hands still in his pockets, replied.

"This is Amy Winchester General; she says she's the granddaughter of Dr. Winchester." 'Takimee nodded and stepped forward.

"He has spoken about her arrival; I did not know it would be so soon. Please Miss, this way." The spec ops commander knocked on Winchester's door before opening it for Amy, who walked in nervously, simply because Victoria and Fred were there. The Master Chief looked over to the spec ops Elite, 'Zukamee, who looked back over to him and gave him a nod, and a clack of his mandibles in acknowledgement. 'Takimee noticed they saw each other, and while Amy and Winchester were busy hugging and telling each other of what had happened in the past year, he turned to them.

"Master Chief, Senior Chief, this is Zuri 'Zukamee, the son of a deceased friend of mine, he will be working alongside with you." He said.

"'Takimee has told me much about you." 'Zukamee said and nodded his head, this time in more of a bow-like form. "I am honored to work with you." Sven merely nodded in respond, while Michel smiled enthusiastically, making 'Zukamee feel a little better about joining.

"I'm sorry if you got lost; I moved my office since last time you came. Who helped you here?" Dr. Winchester asked Amy. The dark-haired girl turned around and pointed over to Sven and Michel.

"Those two, I don't know their names though." Dr. Winchester craned his neck to see, but smiled when he saw the two. He waved them over.

"Sven, Michel, come here." Upon 'Takimee moving to the side to let them through, the two walked in, standing side-by-side before Winchester and his granddaughter. Michel stood with his hands in his pockets still, while Sven stood straight up with his hands at his sides, his hand shot up to a crisp salute, Michel followed suit, though not a formal as Sven, if he had been in the MJOLNIR armor it would have been. "At ease you two." Winchester said. "Amy, do you know who these two are?" Amy thought for a moment, but shook her head. Fred stepped forward, standing beside her, his face towards the two and a slight grin of pride upon his face.

"These two Miss Winchester are the Master Chief and Senior Chief, Spartan soldiers one and two." Amy looked from Fred over to Dr. Winchester.

"So what does that mean?" She asked. The Master Chief noticed Michel looking at him, so he turned his head slightly towards him.

"Is she that blind?" He asked softly, yet a smile still on his face. The Master Chief was a bit surprised, the first time he saw Michel insult someone, though he was more than sure it was merely teasing. Dr. Winchester set his hand gently on Amy's shoulder, and tried to find the words to say.

"Well Amy…these two, the Master Chief and Senior Chief, are helping to fight the Abaters." These were all that he needed to say before Amy gasped softly and looked to the two.

"Is this true? Do you fight those bugs?" She asked. The Master and Senior Chiefs nodded. "That is so exciting, have you fought any of those awful monsters Grandfather says they send out?" But before the two could answer, Dr. Winchester stepped in.

"I'm sorry dear, but these two must obviously be tired from their mission. You can ask them another time." Amy looked back to the two Spartans and nodded.

"Alright, I apologize for asking you that." She turned to her grandfather. "May I see the others Grandfather? The Evas you wrote me so much about?" Dr. Winchester smiled.

"Of course, I'm sure Alexis would be glad to meet you." He looked to Victoria. " Victoria, would you like to escort Amy to the recreation room?" Victoria, who was relieved to not do any more annoying work for now, nodded immediately.

"Yes Doctor, come along Amy." Before the two girls left, Michel and Sven slipped out, walking side-by-side again down the hall.

"What is it we should do now?" Michel asked.

"Well…I was going to see Susan." The Master Chief stated.

"Very well, what time is it?" Michel asked next. The Master Chief looked at a clock they passed and turned back to his acquaintance.

"It's 7:43." With his enhanced vision, the Master Chief could easily read the clock from afar. Michel smiled pleasantly.

"Wonderful, we can watch the sunset." He looked up to the Chief with his eyes, scarlet yes, but they were still quite gentle and relaxing to look into. "Would you and her Majesty like to come with me to the surface?"

"We can't go to the surface; the threat of Abaters finding us would be too great." Sven said. The two stopped at the elevator and walked in once the doors slid open, and closed behind them.

"I suppose…but tell me, have you ever looked into a setting sun?" Michel asked. Sven shook his head. "I remember as far back as I can that I've always made time to see a sunset." The Master Chief stood silent for some time, waiting for the elevator to reach from level -50 to -10, before asking.

"What was your family like? Are they still alive?" For once in his entire life, Sven felt like he had asked the worst question that could possibly be asked, for Michel's face, which was normally kind and with a smile, was frightened, hurt, and sad now.

"I…I can't remember…" He said softly. Quickly he shook his head to wipe away the sadness, and looked at Sven, forcing his kind smile. "And you? Are your siblings still around?" The Master Chief shook his head.

"No, they were killed in an Abater attack, while I was...asleep." Sven and Michel stood silent for what seemed like the longest time.

"I guess that's one more thing we have in common." Michel said, perking up. The elevator stopped at level -25, just where Sven needed to go. The doors opened and he walked out. He turned to see if Michel was coming, but he was not. He stood there, hands in his pockets, smiling.

"Coming?" The Master Chief asked.

"No thanks, I'll see you around, my friend." And with the word 'friend', the doors shut. Sven stood still and silent for a long time, he never had many friends as a child, and you could call Shinji a friend, but they didn't know each other that well, he actually felt bad to leave Michel, his only friend, Susan was a friend sure, but not in the same case as Sven and Michel, they shared many interests, bred to fight, and still had pleasant conversations that made the Master Chief feel like he had a true friend. Finally he turned and walked down the long hallway.

Susan's Bedroom

His heart thumping, the Master Chief approached Susan's room, and slowly, gently, knocked on her door. He wasn't quite sure what was happening to him lately, thoughts of Susan or even the mention of her name made his heart jump. Before his mind could drift off into his own little world, Sven snapped to again. After some time of silence, he heard movement and the door opened, to the face of the Princess of England herself.

"Sven!" She shouted in joy. Before he could utter a hello or any sound, her small, soft hands shot out and grab his, pulling him into the room and closing the door. Looking around, all Sven saw was her bed, neatly made, and a desk with a lamp on it, lighting a notebook. The chair was pushed in and it was obvious that Susan was writing there before he came. The Master Chief didn't notice, but the princess had locked the door behind her before approaching him. "So…how was it?" She asked.

"It was…rough." Sven replied, trying to find the right words to say. Susan, who smiled kindly, looked up at him.

"Could you take off your helmet please?" She asked. Sven hesitated, but did as he was told and snapped off his helmet, showing his icy blue eyes, dark hair, which had been trimmed a bit, and pale skin. A moment passed with Sven and Susan staring each other eye to eye, though it seemed that Sven was the only one nervous about anything. "So um...what exactly do friends do?" Susan asked. Sven paused in thought for awhile, looking up, he replied.

"I'm not quite sure..." Susan brought a hand up and touched her cheek lightly with a finger, thinking.

"I'm not sure what to do...there's not a lot of things to do." She took her hands to her sides again, smiling brightly at Sven. "I'm sure we're find something to do, right Sven? Since we're friends and that's what we do, right?" She asked. Sven suddenly felt something inside shatter, he didn't know why, he suddenly felt sad, again, he didn't know why. He nodded.

"Right." He said. Suddenly something passed his mind. "We could go see the sunset." Susan blinked once, before smiling again.

"Sure Sven." She said joyfully.

On the Surface

Sitting on a log, Michel gazed up into the sky, the clouds overhead were violet and the sun cast the sky into an orange heaven. Thankfully there had been several entrances from the base to the surface by walking up stairs, which had to be reached by an elevator of course. The silver-haired boy ran his long pale fingers through his thick hair and leaned back, enjoying every moment of the sunset. As the sun began to come to the horizon, Michel began to pay more attention to it, careful not to look directly into it of course. Though the once rich soil and green hills of Fair Oaks, Kansas was dead now, just dotted with boulders and old logs from dead trees, the Senior Chief found this all peaceful. His peace was broken when he heard heavy footsteps coming from behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw it was Sven and Susan, he smiled brightly. Sven had his helmet back on.

"Good evening Sven and Princess, come to see this beautiful sunset?" He asked.

"Yes we have, hope you wouldn't mind." Sven replied. Susan glanced at him, usually he just nodded when he agreed, but using words to express himself to someone other than her was odd.

"Not at all, please, sit." Michel said and slid down the log to the end, so that the Master Chief and Susan could join him. Sitting down, Susan quickly rested her head on Sven's shoulder, gazing into the romantic sky.

"Too bad the others couldn't see this." The Master Chief said, looking up.

"There's always tomorrow." Michel replied. He looked over to the princess, smiling politely. "So how is her Majesty?" He asked. Susan, who was still quite alarmed at the kindness and consideration from someone bred to fight, took a moment to answer.

"I'm fine, thank you. So I take it that you and Sven are…friends?" She asked, looking up into the Master Chief's blank visor. Michel smiled.

"Yes of course." Again the three looked up at the setting sky. "You know, to many, the heavens are their gateway to peace and salvation. That makes me wonder, whether there is a God, or some other deity, or whether...we sadly just rot in the ground after we die." He kicked a small pebble at his feet. He looked up again. "It makes you think doesn't it, that many cultures, the Mayans, Aztecs, Egyptians, were all influenced with beings coming 'from the heavens', and now look at those coming from the heavens, trying to kill us." He looked away. "Some would call it the apocalypse.

"If God does exist, he'll watch over us, we'll win this war with him." Susan said, and nestled her head along the Master Chief's armored shoulder. Sven was about to speak about his opinion, his family had never really been very religious, his parents were Roman Catholics, but the only time they had ever gone to church was Christmas Eve, with all the other McGregor'. The other members of his family were quite religious, but Sven, he had never really believed in God, but he kept quiet about it, for fear that his own family would reject him. He broke away from his thoughts when he felt Susan's hand tighten in his. He looked over to her, smiling serenely up at him. "Are you alright?" She asked. The Master Chief nodded.

"Yes."

Ray was walking throughout the base, mysteriously tending to her business and thoughts. Suddenly she heard an Elite's heavy footstep from behind her draw closer. She turned and saw 'Zukamee, who smiled politely with his mandibles.

"Hello Eva Unit 00. My name is Zuri 'Zukamee" He said politely. Ray, who had never seen this black-armored Elite before in her life, said nothing. Instead she just stared at the Elite blankly with her red eyes. 'Zukamee spoke again. "Commander 'Takimee told me I was to work with you, Eva 02 and 01, and the Master and Senior Chiefs." He said. Ray continued to stare blankly.

"Yes?" She said in a whisper. 'Zukamee was rather surprised. 'Takimee had told him Ray was odd, but this girl just gave him, an Elite, the shivers.

"I-I just thought I would like to introduce myself." 'Zukamee said.

"Well now you have." Ray whispered and turned to walk away again.

"Hey wait." 'Zukamee said. Ray paused and turned around once more. "Do you know where the Master Chief is? I've been looking around here for some time but I can't find him." Ray thought for a moment, but replied.

"No I have not." She turned around again but was surprised by the simplest of words.

"Okay, thank you Ray, I'll go look around somewhere else. It's a pleasure to meet you." As he turned around, Ray turned towards him, watching him walk away. He was quite oblivious to her constant stare.

"Thank you…words of gratitude…appreciation…words no one have ever said to me…" Even her thoughts were soft and difficult to hear. Slowly, she turned around and walked off.

"What do you mean that big green tin can is better than me?!" Alexis exclaimed. She and Shinji were in the recreation room, playing an awkward game of checkers at the table area, in which whenever Alexis jumped one of Shinji's checkers she would make it seem she was much more superior to him, and the others.

"I just said that he endured a lot since waking up and…" Shinji began, but Alexis broke him off.

"So you think you're better than me too huh? I bet." She snapped.

"I didn't say anything like that, we're all the same here, it's just…"

"Excuse me." 'Zukamee said as he walked in. Shinji sighed.

"I can never finish my sentences." He mumbled. 'Zukamee bowed his head a bit.

"I apologize for interrupting your…discussion, but I am looking for the Master Chief." He said politely. Alexis's face flushed in anger.

"Oh, so everyone thinks he's so great, why is so great?" She snapped. "And just who are you? 'Takimee should've told us about you." 'Zukamee's eyes widened, then he smiled.

"I am truly sorry; I guess I have forgotten to introduce myself haven't I? My name is Officer Zuri 'Zukamee, and 'Takimee has assigned me to work alongside you and rest of your team." He smiled again bowed his head once more. Shinji smiled faintly and returned the Elite's gesture, but Alexis crossed her arms.

"Why do you want to find the tin can?" Alexis asked. She smiled and shook her head, showing off her long red hair as it flew back and forth. "Hasn't 'Takimee told you about me?"

"Eva Unit 02 yes." 'Zukamee replied.

"And…?" Alexis asked. "What else did he tell you about me?" She smiled as he thought. The Elite stroked his lower mandibles with his clawed fingers.

"Oh yes, he said your temper is just like your hair, fiery." He said politely and smiled. Alexis's eyes widened as Shinji snickered to himself.

"What is that supposed to mean?!" Alexis snapped. 'Zukamee smiled wider.

"I guess he was right." He chuckled. The redhead grumbled to herself, then spat out.

"I don't know where the tin can is."

"Neither do I." Shinji said.

"Alright, thank you." He said, bowed his head again, and walked out, smiling.

The sun had set and Michel, Sven, and Susan stared up at the stars now, still talking about the sky and several other topics. The sky above them was far different than what Susan was sued to back home. There, she never saw the stars because of all the city lights, but now, the sky above them was littered with small little white dots. Michel looked at Sven and Susan.

"So your majesty, what is it that brings you to this place?" He asked.

"Well, they said I'm safe here." Susan replied, nestling her head on the Master Chief's shoulder. "And please Michel, call me Susan."

"Very well, Susan." Michel said and looked back up to the skies. "Sven, how is your wound?"

"Wound?" Susan asked, looking up to Sven's emotionless visor. The Master Chief stared blankly as well.

"The hit you endured from that Brute?" Michel added. Sven nodded.

"Oh, it's fine, thank you." He said. Michel looked back up to the full moon.

"I think it is time I head to my cabin." He looked at the others. "Don't you think so?"

"What time is it?" The Master Chief asked. Susan shrugged.

"We've been out here for some time." She said. Michel smiled wider.

"Time sure does fly when you're with the best of friends." He stood up and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Would you two like to walk together?" He asked.

"Sure." Sven said and nodded, Susan nodded as well. They stood up and walked back to the base.

Sorry about the super long chapter, I just didn't want to chop this up into two or three chapters and make you action-oholics mad, haha. I guess in a way you could call this your Christmas gift, haha. Well, I do hope you reading this are enjoying the story and please don't forget to review. Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone!