Chapter 4: Encounter

"In recent news the authorities have yet to disclose any information regarding their progress into the nuclear theft taking place across the country. Many have come to speculate that this is the act of the terrorist group targeting the space exploration and expansion businesses. Several media organizations have pressed the relevant authorities for answers, however have failed to obtain any useful in-"

Ken changed the radio stations in frustration as he drove on the thinly layered snowy road. "Why don't you tell us something new for once?"

"I'm guessing those authorities the newscaster mentioned was us?" Carolina pondered and received a clear nod from Chloe. She tuned the radio to another station that played one of her favorite songs. "Unfortunately we are not allowed to reveal anything to the public. The cops would be kept away from this case as well. Any and all investigations done into these cases would be by the government security agencies."

"Honestly, I still think it's retarded how the government chooses to keep you guys a secret," Church noted. "You know, rather than actually try and convince the people of how it is an advantage to have agencies like the ATSG around."

"Word," Ken replied switching stations as soon as the song finished. "So, any requests or favorites?"

"How about Pop?" Chloe switched the radio over to the proper station. Ken nearly lost control of the car as his annoyance level arose. "Any other suggestions?"

"Metal rock?" Carolina said noting how it was her favorite genre, only second to alternative rock. Ken tried the suggestions but quickly found himself running several executive interventions. "Remember, I'm the driver so I have the power of veto."

"That sounds like a jerkish move," Church appeared on his right shoulder. Ken nodded his head with a wide grin. "And you good sir would be right, but Imma still doing it."

He switched the station over to classical music. Chloe immediately covered her ears and screamed as Beethoven's piano piece started. "Oh god, turn it off! The relics of the past come to haunt me with their old people smell!"

"Very mature," Ken noted sarcastically. "Especially for someone who is able to normally keep a cool head."

"I'm only human to, now turn it off!"

"Nah," Ken smirked like the devil. "I think I like the tune of this song."

"What you like the tune of most is my agony," Chloe frowned. "Don't you?"

"Hmm…maybe."

"Oh, will you two just get a room already?" Church inquired nearly feeling the need to gag. Ken looked to the fragment and instantly replied. "We are not like that Church. Just a little teasing is all."

"Y- Yeah," Chloe answered trying to crack a smile in the spirit of good fun. Yeah, we are not like that. She looked out the car window. Ken took notice of how the music stopped bothering her. He switched the station to country. She glared at him. Oh you know me so well. She reached for the radio in an attempt to shut it off, but he simply deflected it with a playful grin on his face. Chloe tried again only to have her efforts be foiled again. "Oh you are so dead Mister!"

"I love you to Chloe."

"Don't go around throwing those words so easily," she quickly responded turning her head away. Ken eyed her from the side of his right eye. What has gotten into her today? He turned off the radio as the trio was unable to come to a decision. "What's gotten into you Chloe?"

"Unlike you, I think those words still hold special meaning," she argued while sitting back in her chair. Ken shook his head and said. "So basically no joking about it then. Don't get so worked up about it, after all you are still special to me. I mean who else has always stuck by my side, especially since childhood?"

She nearly broke out into a gleeful smile. She spoke while avoiding specific details. "You will always have people who consider you to be very important as well Ken."

He looked at her with some hesitation. "I doubt that."

"You don't mean that," Chloe crossed her arms and stared at the driver. "Like you said so yourself, ever since childhood we have been together. Don't you think that accounts for something to the both of us?"

"I…suppose."

"Ken," her voice turned very serious prompting Ken to look into her eyes. "I know how serious you are about Aria. But I also know how brash you can get, so please promise me that you won't do anything stupid to get your sister back."

Chloe held up her pinky finger surprising Ken. "Are we really doing this?"

"Come on, do you promise or not?"

"Fine," he looked at her and back to the road while intertwining their pinkies together. As she loosened her grip, he felt a little relieved from being able to use his other hand once again. His heartbeat was strangely fast as well, he was thankful for the now lack of skin contact as it calmed down. Strange. But instead he focused on the mission at hand now. "Hey Church, how far off are we?"

"We are not there yet, it will take time."

"Can you give me an approximate at least?"

"No can do," he replied since the connection in the area they were driving was weak. "I need to be able to connect to the satellites in order to make accurate estimations."

"Try throwing a wild figure out there."

"As unconventional as it maybe for an AI and its fragments to guess without data," he explained while appearing beside the young assassin. "I would say with nominal road conditions, about two days."

"Lovely," Ken looked to his partners. "I guess we will have to switch out at certain points. You two should get some sleep while you can. Who will go first?"

"I will," Chloe volunteered rising her hand. The others had no qualms with this choice. Ken looked at the two passengers and said. "So the order will go as, first me, then Chloe followed up by Carolina, and then it will go back to me again repeating the cycle. Does that sound good?"

The two women nodded their head while Ken acknowledged the final decision. "I will wake you up in a couple of hours Chloe, so get your rest."

"Yeah," she replied leaning against the car's door window and closing shut her eyes. Ken noticed Carolina removing her helmet and going to sleep as well. He was now completely focused on driving.

Grif walked with an army of red soldiers following behind him. He commanded them to crouch, and they would crouch. He would command them to stand on one leg, and they would stand on one leg. He would command them to get on all fours and act as a seat and they would do so without complaints. Ah, it feels good to be in charge. Grif continued until he faced Simmons. "What's up dude? Have you checked out my wicked army yet?"

"Wait, aren't those all the reds from the first planet we recruited on?"

"Yeah, and it's awesome."

"How did you ever convince Dr. Scissors to even let you be their commander?"

"Well you see," Grif averted his eyes. "That's a long story, it all began with…"

Dr. Scissors stood outside his room and stuck up an inviting sign to all those who pass by. The sign read, 'Come one, and come all for Dr. Scissors' special experiments. Be a part of the future, be a part of the legend!'

He stepped back upon sticking the sign to the wall and smiled. Amazing. Grif walked lazily towards the mad scientist red leader and took one look at the sign and was quick to avert his route. Nope. Not dealing with this shit. But then he had an idea. Although I can make use of this opportunity. "Hey Dr. Scissors, I need to talk to you."

"Oh if it isn't the Orange gentleman, what would you like to discuss?" The red leader took out a pair of surgical knives. "Perhaps we can do this on my surgery table?"

Grif drew his sword out. "You try anything and you can say goodbye to your 'medical' career."

"Fair enough."

"So I was thinking that you should totally give me control of your army."

"Why would I do that?"

"Um…because I could give you nachos and cheese?"

"Can I operate on those?"

"Then how about I give you Simmons?"

"Oh, and how will you get him here?"

"Meh, simple," Grif answered with the shake of his shoulders. "You should see how gullible he is. One time I told him on our trip to Space Vegas that there was this hot new tech waiting for him in our hotel room to get down and dirty. He believed me without question, but I told him that it seemed suspicious like it could blow up at any moment from a bad touch, so he should totally leave the wallet with me just in case we needed it for identification in the 'aftermath'. Man that was one hell of a night out."

Dr. Scissors pondered the proposition over. All he needs is one more push. Grif cleared his throat and added. "Plus, in case you didn't know. Simmons is an android. He has technological organs which I'm sure would be interesting to dissect and study."

Dr. Scissors looked Grif straight in the visor, took his hand and proclaimed. "Deal!"

"…And that is how I made that brilliant deal with him," Grif smiled happily underneath the helmet while Simmons shook in his boots. "You idiot, I never said you could use me for your stupid antics."

"Come on, it's not like its hurting anyone. Well maybe except for when you get to the operating table, but other than that, no one else is getting hurt."

Simmons face palmed his visor. "Of all the stupid things you have done, did it never occur to you how I may feel about having my organs dissected? Trust me, it won't be a pleasant feeling."

"Meh, not my problem," Grif motioned for one of his soldiers to fetch the beef jerky Bitters was chewing in the distance. Bitters came chasing after just as Grif stuck it under helmet. "Om nom, nom, nom, delicious beef jerky."

"Wah, my beef jerky! Give it back!" the beast in Bitters began to awaken. "No one messes with my food and expects to get away with it!"

Bitters raised his fists. Grif looked to his left. "Dave, you know what to do."

"Oh my yes of course," Dave replied in a sly and playful voice as he stood in between Grif and Bitters and took the punches straight to the crotch. "Ah, so much pain…so much joy. Please feed me with more delicacy of this nature!"

"So it turns out there is a use for this pervert after all," said Grif gulping down the last of the beef jerky. All the while Matthews watched the whole situation play out from afar thinking, I don't even know what is going on anymore. Matthews stepped in before Dave received another one to the nuts. "Okay, break it up guys."

Strangely enough, Dave seemed both disappointed and distraught by the intervention. He earned an unwelcomed glare from the masochist red soldier who limped away holding his crotch and whispering. "Ooohhh so much pleasure."

"Grif," Matthews turned to face his once superior officer. "You have clearly got an ego problem."

"Ego problem, what makes you say that?!"

Matthews pointed to the beef jerky in Grif's hand and pointed back to Bitter. "So, want to explain this then?"

"Um yeah, it's called being amazing."

"More like a bully," Matthews clarified. "I think we all need to sit down and work this problem out together."

"Shouldn't that be Doc's line?" Grif asked stuffing another jerky into his mouth. "Anyways, I can do whatever I want!"

"Not if it hurts others."

"Just shut up Matthews," Grif retorted walking away as the rest of his army followed after him.

Aria looked out of the Pelican's window and noticed the landing pad approaching. The pilot asked for everyone to strap in for the final stretch of the flight. They activated the landing gears and lined up with the landing area. Slowly they adjusted the trajectory, and approached decreasing the speed. The landing crew prepared to lock down the ship as soon as it landed with a gentle bump. The pilot looked back to their passengers and gave a thumb up. One of the guards stood up and opened the door. He made sure that the factory was ready for Aria. "This way ma'am."

She followed behind her guards who made sure a way was opened up for her. From a distance, the trio from the ATSG spied on their target.

"Looks like the bird is in the nest," whispered Chloe. Ken agreed feeling his heart beat loudly. You are so close now. He tightened his grip on the binoculars and zoomed in to Aria's face. You look almost exactly the same as when I last saw you. He stood up alongside the two ladies and motioned for them to move. "Let's do this as quietly as possible. Remember to keep the chatter down, that means you Church."

"Oh jeez, yeah thanks for singling me out there," Church answered sarcastically. "I so very much appreciate it…bro."

Ken nearly broke out into laughter, but quickly placed a hand over his mouth to keep it from loudening. He approached the front gates of the facility and hid behind a corner. The guards were none the wiser. He activated his gauntlet computer and accessed the hacking app. Chloe loaded her sniper rifle with sleeping darts and attached a silencer to the barrel. Okay, time to do this just like whacking the moles. She perfectly aimed and fired at her targets who quickly fell asleep. Chloe hastened to hide the bodies and entered through an extremely lightly guarded back door. Carolina took the more direct approach and jumped straight into the fray. Before the guards got an opportunity to fire their guns or call for backup, she disarmed them and smashed their radios. Without hesitation or fear of injury, she let the armor's shield absorb most of the shock from the punches and smashed their noses, broke their kneecaps and knocked them unconscious.

Ken finished inputting the last bit of code that hacked the base security and granted him access to certain features. Using his new found powers, Ken opened up a nearby vent door and crawled through the long tube. He came out in production area where major components of the weapons were produced. Hello, one could certainly get up to a lot of trouble here. Ken reached into the small satchel and took out a few C4 charges. He placed them at the most fragile structural points.

Carolina exited behind Aria's group and quickly hid. She peeked out to study their numbers and was quickly discouraged. Even for me that's asking for too much. Church became curious at the notion of her admitting defeat before even trying. I think that's the first time you have admitted defeat like this. Carolina moved in the shadows. I have done it before. It's just that you weren't there. Carolina radioed in to her teammates and whispered. "I have Aria in my sights. Come to my position ASAP."

"On my way," Chloe answered jumping down from a vent. Ken finished setting up the charges around the various parts of the factory and made his way to Carolina's position. The trio observed the Cradle of Hope leader take center stage to what looked like a video recording session. Aria stood in front of a camera with a well lit industrial background, and her hair brushed back to give a better look to her face. "My dear 'Cradle of Hope' members, you may know me to be the leader of this revolutionary organization. For those who don't know me, my name is Aria."

"What is she doing?" Chloe looked to her comrades. Carolina in the middle turned to Chloe and answered. "She might be making a recording for her troops."

"I was recently awoken from stasis sleep as per the grand plan."

"Grand plan?" Carolina whispered. Ken gritted his teeth. No, don't do this. He was quickly finding that her beliefs in the organization were deeply rooted. Aria looked behind her and back at the camera pondering over her words. "The time to enact that grand plan is now. Take heart for a revolution will finally take place. Ever since the conception of our organization, we have evolved and changed to better respond to the vices of humanity."

The trio looked with intrigue as to where this speech was going to go now. Aria held her hands together behind her back authoritatively. "That change is something that will shake the very foundations of humanity. We will gather together, fight together, and march together like brother in arms to take control of the American streets. Why America some of you may ask."

Aria paused to let her words sink into the viewers. "The reason we picked America is because they are in a political bind so to say. But unlike other countries, they are weak in terms of resistance. We have the numbers and the force. We have the necessary ingredients for our victory. The reason we picked America is due to the simplicity in a takeover, United States of America also still maintains its position as the strongest nation in the world in terms of military power."

Aria lowered her head and said. "This of course means that the military may very well react against us, but it also means that they risk sacrificing quite a bit by disobeying direct orders from the President to keep the fighting away. Please my fellow men and women, this is our time, our chance to rise up and fight for a new, and better world order."

The soldiers behind the camera all cheered adding in a natural background sound effect. Aria stared deep into the camera's lens and said. "Every soldier, whether that be on Earth or in Space who have been waiting quietly and patiently, please rise up with us!"

The soldiers cheered again. In the midst of this chaos, Ken felt his grip loosening. He could feel Aria away only at an arm's length, but the distance seemed to grow over and over again. He held back the urges, but they seemed to be winning. Carolina held his left hand to help soothe him, but this only further agitated his heart and mind. Carolina gently knocked on their heads. "I'm going up ahead. You two find a way to outsmart her for capture."

Ken and Chloe moved in the shadows and whatever resistance they encountered, they handled quietly and quickly. To their surprise, the resistance was strong, but the element of surprise served them well. He looked over the railings to a small bridge he tailed Aria over and saw large conveyer belts carrying several parts. By the belts were kids inspecting for quality assurance. Ken's eyes widened as he stared back to Aria and then to the kids again. All of them stopped doing what they were doing as soon as they took notice of Aria and saluted her in respect. Aria made sure to smile and praise them all for their hard work. The kids seem to look up to her. But why would you be recruiting kids? Even for you this would be depraved. Ken was ready to jump down and dismantle everything here. But he had to keep a cool head.

Why hasn't anyone noticed or ratted out on this factory yet? Ken pondered moving to the other side of the bridge and slowly walking down the stairs. They all seem so nonchalant about operating in broad daylight, where they can so easily be spotted by satellite imagining. He dragged two soldiers into the shadow and introduced them to his fists. The only explanation would be that they have some sort of safety net, perhaps they are linked to powerful politicians or other forms of authority.

Aria walked out into a larger area. Ken saw an opportunity as there were less guards here, and more flanking positions. He took out his pistol to eliminate the resistance. From the shadows he fires several shots of sleeping darts, each hitting its target out of sight from one another. Aria's guards are quick to take notice of the descending malice upon them. Chloe and Carolina did their best to aid Ken. But he found his position quickly given away as one of the guards tracked the darts back to the originating point. Ken took out his pistol and opened fire.

Aria ran for cover with her guards. Chloe and Carolina switched to their assault weapons and took out several soldiers. The enemy soldiers gathered to protect Aria. One, young and brave soldier opened fire towards Ken, but with a well placed shot from the young assassin the soldier was down on the ground, holding his leg in pain and trying to stop the bleeding. Aria took the risk and stepped out into the gun fire. Ken froze just before pulling the trigger. Dammit, is she insane putting herself in danger like that?

Aria held the young soldier by his arms and dragged him back behind cover. "You are going to be alright, do you hear me?"

She held his leg down for him. He looked up at her and apologized. "Forgive me for becoming a liability."

"Don't be ridiculous," she tightened her grip on his wound. "I'm proud and blessed to have such brave soldiers willing to fight for our beliefs. Just stay with me, I want you to be there with us in that new world we create."

"Ma'am, we can't let you stay here!" A soldier from behind them shouted. Another agreed. The guards were compelled to agree. "Your safety is most important here."

"But I can't leave these people be, especially the children!"

"We will make sure they are seen to safety," another soldier approached the group. "But if we lose you, it's all over."

"Please, go," begged the wounded soldier. Aria looked at all the stares cornering her to the only option now visible. "…Fine, I will go. But make sure that all the wounded are sent to the medi-bay and that the children are seen to safety."

As she started to crawl away with her guards, she looked back and said with conviction. "Eliminate the intruders, there should be nothing left of them."

Ken gave chase against Chloe's and Carolina's orders. He shot his way through the enemy to the heli-pad where he was stopped by a wall of soldiers. He hid behind a metal crate, activated a grenade and flung it towards them. The enemy dispersed onto the ground, many suffered casualties. Many lost limbs and many found their blood smeared onto the heli-pad. Aria looked back in contempt as the young assassin stepped out screaming her name. "Aria, sister it's me, your younger brother!"

Ken threw away his weapon and raised his arms. Her eyes softened as he pulled down his hood. But her eyes quickly widened at the lie. Her soft expression turned to that of anger. "I have no brother."

What?! Ken was frozen still at the words. What is that supposed to mean? Does she not recognize my voice? He watched her board the plane. But before the doors closed, he held out an arm for her and managed to throw a tracker through to Aria's armor in time. "Please wait! I can show you that I'm your brother, sister!"

The Pelican rose into the air and turned to face Ken. A small mini-gun placement at the bottom of the nose rotated to target Ken. He took a deep breath and jumped to the bottom of the platform behind cover. The pilot opened fire spraying the area around Ken and kept his backup away from reaching him. The Pelican was quickly rising into the air and out of sight. Sister…, Ken stood up and watched the bird slowly disappear from his vision. He clenched his fist and raises the right gauntlet. He activated the real time map data and noticed the active tracker. He looked back up to the sky and swore. The next time we meet, you will recognize me.

"Oh boy do I have a piece of my mind to give to you," Chloe spoke in a very stern voice. Ken looked silently at the two women and took out a remote detonator. "Church, where is the closest fire alarm?"

"I have marked it on your map."

"Thanks," Ken rushed to the location, activated the fire alarm and used the chaos to ensure a smooth escape for the three. As they retreated to their vehicle, Chloe stopped Ken in his tracks and pushed him against the car. "What was that about promising not to do anything brash?"

He looked down at the ground like a guilty child. Chloe pointed a finger at his chest and said. "You are lucky that you didn't get shot or worse, die. Do you realize how stupid it was of you to go head first into the enemy's line of fire like that?"

"It couldn't be helped."

"Couldn't be helped?" Chloe laughed at the words. "There will always be other opportunities, but if you are dead then think about what type of effect that would have on the people around you. Think about Siris, those in the ATSG who look up to you, think about me. If not for us, then think about your sister."

Ken remained quiet, letting her vent out her disappointment. "Don't make promises you can't keep!"

Carolina watched the two from the back of the car as an awkward silence befell the group. That went well, Church discussed with Carolina. She was inclined to agree with Chloe on the points raised. None of this would be worth it if Ken goes on this self-destructive path. Ken activated the gauntlet and showed the tracker to others. "I placed a tracker on her, so this wasn't all for nothing. I'm sorry I broke my promise Chloe, but things worked out fine in the end didn't it?"

"And what if they hadn't?"

"Either way," Carolina stepped in between them before this argument continued anymore. "At least we got something out of this mission. I see you pulled the same move with her that you did with me. Nice job."

Warp gates tore open the fabric of space. Through the worm holes exited two UNSC ships, all outfitted with a skeleton crew. The ships parked beside Muffins' ship and opened communication. Their backup was finally here. In the hanger, the reds and the blues met for the first time since boarding this vessel. Both sides looked at one another confused and with malice. "What is a dirty red doing here?"

"Talk more to me like that, ohmp!" Dave squealed in pleasure before he was slapped by one of his friends. "Don't thank him, he was mocking you."

"I know…so good."

Both sides drew their weapon and alerted the ex-Freelancer. "Woah, woah, calm down guys. We knew you would react like this that's why we didn't let you meet one another all this time. But now you guys are fighting on the same side."

"The red side or the blue side?" asked a blue soldier.

"Umm, the white side?" Wash answered with uncertainty and looked to his left for help. The others looked at one another dumbly as the soldiers were once again to open fire on one another. Grif stepped forward in an authoritative stance. "Okay that's it, listen up you maggots!"

The reds froze in place and nearly all dropped their weapons. Some even felt their bladder control loosen. Matthews shook his head. Here we go again. Grif crossed his arms and walked back and forth between the two groups. "You all fight for the same goal now so learn to play nice. If you would like, we can get you doll houses, pretty pink dresses and cookies to get you all to play together!"

"Umm, what?" asked both Simmons and the blue soldiers. Grif turned to both sides and said. "So pull up those panties and get on those ships. Any news of conflict breaking out will be met with a swift punishment. That punishment will be cleaning every inch of the ships, including the toilets with a toothbrush, especially the toilet I use."

The reds shut up and blues took a hint to do so as well. Matthews had it with Grif's egotistical and controlling attitude towards others, even those who followed him. He stepped forward up to the plate staring Grif visor to visor. "Grif, ever since we got the new group of reds on board, you have been nothing but egotistical, selfish and a bully! You clearly need to step back and take a look at your issues and how it affects others that your ego is creating!"

Grif stared at him silently. The surprise was well hidden behind the visor, but so was the growing irritation. "You know what Matthews? Shut the fuck up!"

The whole room went quiet at the sudden outburst. Grif stepped up to Matthews and declared. "All you ever do is talk about how we need to be positive and shit, and encourage one another. Well you know what? All of that is shit without action. You are so useless, that even the air I breathe is more useful and at least fulfills its purpose!"

Matthews felt the sharp stings of his words pierce him through his heart. The watery build up in his eyes began to blur his vision. Everyone in the room silently stared at the floor. Matthews' mouth quivered and his resolve to fix Grif's ego issues slowly deteriorated. His head fell down to the ground as a single tear rolled down his cheek, but soaked into the helmet's soft padding. With a low head of defeat, he turned and left the area. Tucker looked at the closing door and back to Grif. "Wow dude, even for you that was a dick move."

The trio stood before Siris who wore a very disappointed and weary expression. He turned to lean against the computer desk and let out a tired sigh. This will no doubt mean more budget cuts and downsizing for us. Ken stepped forward to say something, but he was quickly interrupted by Siris. "I'm very disappointed in the results you three have presented."

"Even with the small victory where we planted a live tracker on Aria?" Ken asked confident that surely not all of this was a failure. Siris was inclined to agree with the sentiment. "You are right, not all was a loss. At least you three managed to do something helpful."

Ken glared at him only to receive an equally dangerous glare back at him. Chloe slowly tugged Ken back into the line and respectfully waited for Siris to continue. Siris pointed to the tracker's location and said. "I hope this won't provoke any rash actions from anyone here."

The three remained quiet holding no protest for him. He slowly eyed them all, but fixated his gaze on Ken the longest. With a soft whisper he said. "Good."

Siris waved the three away, but before they could leave, he parted them with words that seemed to grow the rift of professional distrust between Ken and Siris. "I will handle everything from here on out. You three will be kept on a need to know basis regarding Aria."

"What?!" Ken turned to stomp towards Siris, but was stopped by Chloe's tight grip on his hand. He gritted his teeth and pushed past Carolina out into the hallway. Chloe quickly followed and stopped him by the gentle grip on his hand. "Ken, please listen to me. Right now is not really the best time to talk to Siris about this. You already know the stress and pressure he is under. Give it some time, let him cool down and then talk about it."

Ken shoved past her and walked away activating his gauntlet. He saw the live beeping red spot on the city map. To think that you were hiding in this city all along. Ken stopped to measure the distance between Aria's general area and his own. I can no longer rely on the ATSG for help with my sister. I will have to take things into my own hands.

A/N: That was a close encounter between Aria and Ken, wasn't it?

Constructive feedback is always appreciated!

Thank you for your readership and support! :)

~ Monty