Chapter 5: That Talk

In brightly lit rooms, all around the world, the Cradle of Hope medical personnel walked around busy with their tasks. A group busied themselves by the cryo-stasis pods studying the various charts, information panels and overall health. Aria walked into one such room located in Africa. She greeted the many respectable salutes her way with an amicable smile. She walked up and smothered the pod, gently wiping away the thin layered ice. "How is he?"

"General Dallas' condition is stable ma'am."

"What about the others?"

The computer transmitting a live call to the other three locations replied. "They are all stable and ready for their awakening."

"Good, engage the process."

The men rated the highest in accordance with their work senior status initiated the process. Emergency teams stood by. Lights around the room spun in an orange hue. The room's white lights dimmed to allow power diversion to the pod. The alarms sung the tune of their awakening. The doors on the pod split apart and slid open. The inhabitants remained still as the thawing process took effect. Aria inched closer to the one she was at. The man inside the pod breathed deeply. His crusty eyes cracked open, and the stiff joints moved robotically. His blurry vision disabled his secure exit as he went stumbling down, only to be caught by Aria the last second. "Good morning, Dallas."

Dallas, one of the four Generals in charge of the forces for Cradle of Hope looked up to the familiar voice. As his eyes began to make more sense of his surroundings, he saw her familiar face. "Aria…how long was I out?"

"Eight years, just like me."

Dallas felt the chill of the room bring an uncomfortable sense of pain. Aria took a nearby blanket and wrapped it all around him. He thanked her and stood up with her support. The others all stopped in their tracks to see the rising of their General. I really am awake. He looked at her hand. Slowly with a reassuring grip, she retreated to see him stand on his own two legs. I'm back. I'm still alive. Aria smirked and handed him his uniform. "Welcome back to the world of the living."

"Good to be back," he replied with a smile. Quickly he changed into his uniform and approached the communication computer. On the screen, he saw the other Generals ready to communicate, although one still seemed more interested in sleeping rather than discussing business. Dallas rubbed his black beard and moustache. He scratched the back of his hair while staring down at the keyboard with his blue eyes. He looked back up and waved to the other three. "It's good to see you awake Kai, Irene and Kabira."

Kai punched his two fists together. Brushing back his short, well kept orange hair he smirked. Looking all around with his crimson eyes, he waved to the others. "Let's get this stuff out of the way, I am anxious to get back into the fray of things and smash some skulls."

Irene blew out a stray strand of light green hair reaching down to her chin. She yawned heavily feeling slight build up of water on her green eyes. "I was in the middle of a good dream. I want to go back to sleep."

Kabira brushed off Irene's statement as she fixed her red hair, and eyed the results with her red eyes perusing over every inch of the job. "You always want to go to sleep Irene. I say we show them all who is boss with an iron fist and an iron rule."

Well at least they haven't changed, thought Dallas as he stepped to the side. Aria took center stage and greeted her troops. "How are all of you, anyone feeling any side effects?"

They all reported as fine. She was glad to hear it. "Things have gotten bad, but still we are on track with our master plan."

"Define bad," Irene asked with an annoyed sigh. That just means more work then. She slumped back into the chair and waited for the answer. Aria crossed her hands and said. "The government agencies of United States of America, namely the ATSG as we understand it have been bent on picking off our bases one by one. They have already hit some big bases with success."

"All we need is to show them how outmatched they are, it will deter them," said Kabira. Kai was compelled to agree. "Why wait? Let's do it right now!"

"Don't be so hasty," Dallas interjected. "Just hear out our leader first."

"The reason I woke up all of you was to handle this threat. I need you four right now," Aria explained the situation in further detail. Every General listened carefully with respect and understanding. "We are so very close to fulfilling our goals of dominating America. At least that would just be the start to help reform the world. If we can't help change people, then we will just force change."

"I like the sound of that," noted Kabira pumping her fist in front of her. "Absolute authority."

"And going in to get shit done," said Kai with an energetic expression. Irene on the other hand was less than enthusiastic as she let out a simple, sarcastic moan. "Yay…"

"Alright, lock it down, all of you," Dallas interrupted into the camera's view. "We have a plan, we have the resources and most of all we have the conviction. We can do this."

"Agreed," Aria replied and saw a bow of loyalty from all of her generals. They all stated their oaths to her and the organization. One where they shall never betray, live for the organization and die for it. They will lead the troops through thick and thin, to the end of the dark tunnel where victory and domination lie in wait hand in hand. Aria told them to raise their heads and sat back in the chair. Now, watch people of this planet as I shake the very foundations of your delicate and distorted society.

The ground troops for the Cradle of Hope observed the video Aria recorded for them. They felt their hope return again. The cradle once again moved with time and the organization breathed anew. The energy in the troops was rising, it was sky high and shouts echoed in the skies. The revolution was coming. The troops were ready to take up arms once again. Those in hiding came out. They flooded the airports like any ordinary citizen. They boarded the flights, and little by little they went to America. The army was growing, and the time to retaliate by the opposition was decreasing.

The troopers looked out the plane window. They said good bye to their families who were none the wiser of their beliefs and activities. They prayed for their well being and success. Aria received confirmation of the very first batch arriving at their headquarters. With a light smile, she took in a deep breath. The chilly air shook her to her very core, refreshing her body. She stared back at the generals and said. "Let's make this an event to remember in the world history books."

In space, there was a scolding taking place on the main ship heading the army. Simmons gave it real good to Grif who simply stood there and listened without much care. Bitters approached the two shaking his head. "It's no good, he won't come out."

"What a shocker," Grif noted sarcastically further provoking the urge in Simmons to punch him. Tucker on the other hand was already bold enough to slap him on the back of Grif's helmet. "Dude, that is just insensitive."

"Jeez, okay, my bad," Grif rushed away from Tucker and looked at Bitters. "Can't we do anything to get him to come out?"

"Well John is trying everything he can," Bitters replied. "But other than that, I got nothing. If it were me in that room, I would try some food as a lure."

"No surprise there," said Simmons. He looked to his right and saw Doc. "Ah, when did you get here?"

"I have been standing here this whole time."

"Huh, strange how we never noticed," commented Tucker as the others agreed. "So, do you have any ideas Doc?"

"How about sitting down for a nice good old fashioned therapy session?" Upon the suggestion his alter personality quickly took over. "In which we stuff Grif inside my rocket launcher and then fire it at the room's door!"

"I prefer to keep my head in tact thanks."

"But it sure will be fun," noted Sarge approaching the group. Donut was right behind him and already aware of the situation. "How about giving him a motivational speech?"

"I can do that," agreed Sarge only to receive a condescending laugh from Grif. "A motivational speech from you? I'm sure it will be something like, dirty blues this, dirty blues that!"

"Says the guy who can't even go two hours without food," retorted Simmons with a wide grin. Grif clearly felt agitated by the words. "Hey, I take offense to that! It's not two hours, it's one hour and fifty minutes."

"You guys are idiots," Tucker bored and frustrated by the conversation turned to leave. He was quickly stopped by Grif's next statement however. "Says the guy who goes around having alien kids and incompetent at using his own sword."

"Hey, let's leave our swords out of this," Tucker stepped toe to toe with Grif. "Junior has nothing to do with this either. Just admit your fault and own up Grif!"

"Even when all I did was speak my mind?"

"Yes," Simmons separated the two. "There are other ways of speaking your mind without coming off as a jackass you know."

"Ugh, Simmons, lay off," Grif shoved the maroon soldier away. "I don't need you getting all up in my grill about this anymore than you already have."

"You know," Bitters said silencing the whole group. "Matthews really looks up to you Grif. He never got depressed like this before, not even with when his critics would say harsh things about him as a motivational speaker. But with you, it's like you make up a part of his world, a very important part."

Palomo standing beside Bitters agreed. "Yeah, when everything seemed bleak on Chorus, all of you came back for us. You all gave us so much courage and showed us that everyone can be a hero in their own way."

"Yeah, you have all been quite important figures to us," continued Bitters. He turned to face Grif again. "But you have been the most central figure in Matthews' life ever since the Chorus civil war came to a turning point. To Matthews you represent an undeniable quality of courage. Because when things got bleak on Chorus, you guys could have abandoned us and left the planet. But you chose to stay. You chose to help us sacrificing your only chance at the time for freedom from the fighting. This to Matthews was an important experience which he took deeply to heart. Especially seeing you come back to fight the Mercenaries off Grif."

Grif looked all around and slowly lowered his head in thought. I had that sort of an impact on someone? He pondered before again hearing Bitters continue. "This courage was what drove Matthews to try even harder and be better as an individual. He wanted to be that beacon of courage for others, whether that was through just words or action as well. This is the reason he became a motivational speaker, to help others like you helped him Grif."

Oh…, Grif lowered his head even further. A sharp stinging feeling arose, leaving him struggling between two sides. Both sides beckoned him as he sat on a thin fence constantly tilting from one side to the other. One side continued to encourage his selfish behavior, while the other urged guilt as a means of a learning experience. To think that I would actually feel this way, I may as well have kept my mouth shut then. The fence fell over, Grif found himself in the territory of guilt.

The orange soldier turned and left the area quietly. The others watched in curiosity as the door to Grif's room closed. Grif sat down on his bed and pulled out a bag of crispy chips from underneath the bed. He removed his helmet and stuffed his face. What do I do now? With every crunch of the snack, he felt his hunger slowly quenching. He swallowed a hearty bunch and drank the remains in his mouth down with soda. What will be my next course of action?

Sherry and Ohio walked fondling one another's hands, as their fingers slithered in between one another's playfully. Under their helmets they knew the expression they both made. Through the armor, they could feel the skin contact as at their core they felt like one being. The two quickly separated though upon seeing some soldiers in the hallway intersection. To them, their relationship was sacred, and something to cherish as their own, not to show it off to others. Public affection was very limited, but in privacy there were no restraints, nothing to hold them back. They made a right turn towards the familiar smell of beer. Sherry shook her head with an agitated voice she amused Ohio. "Ugh, they are still at it. I wish those drunks would find something else to do already."

"What do you mean those drunks? Last I remember, you are quite the drinker yourself," Ohio joked leading the way to the bar. Sherry caught up slapping Ohio's butt when no one else was in the area. "Only when it leads to some interesting situations."

"Oh, I'm sure," giggled Ohio turning into the entrance to the ship's bar. She looked at the guys lazing around with a cup of beer in their hands. Ohio rested a hand on her hip and looked at Sherry. "So, what are we going to do with this bunch?"

"Hey, hey ladies!" shouted Terrill waving the glass mug around in the air. The others waved them over and poured a full glass of beer. Darryl slid it towards them both. "Drink up!"

"How about no?" Sherry slid the mugs back and blocked her ears to Ohio's whiny response. "You lot have been lounging around for too long, you guys need a new hobby."

Ohio received a punch to the ribs, quickly recomposing her attitude. "Right, Ow. We are here to straighten you guys out."

"What are we going to do Ohio?" asked Idaho. "Maybe we can go braid one another's hair."

The others laughed heartily, but the ladies found no amusement in his words. Ohio stepped closer with each footstep echoing louder. The men quickly quietened and felt their bodies stiffen from the overwhelming aura. She took off her helmet, swiped his mug and chugged the beer down. She slammed the mug down on the table and wiped her lips clean. "That's what I think about your crappy suggestion Idaho. Now let's get moving you lot."

"Where are we going?" questioned Iowa in his child like curious tone akin to Caboose's. The two women looked at one another and shook their shoulders. Sherry looked back and replied. "No idea."

"Really, you made us get up and walk with you to some where you don't even know about?" complained Terrill. Ohio glared at him quickly causing him to retreat behind Darryl. "Do you guys have anything better to be doing?"

The men remained quiet as the women spoke in unison. "That's what we thought."

Iowa spotted his new friend who was quickly on his way of becoming a best friend apart from Ohio and Idaho. "Caboose!"

"Ah, I didn't do it!" Caboose jumped in his spot nearly falling over. "I didn't do it good cop sir!"

The others stood in one spot as they watched Iowa and Caboose interact. "What are you talking about Caboose? What are you up to?"

"Eh, you ever have that dream that feels so real and you begin to confuse it with reality?"

"For Iowa," said Idaho. "I'm sure it's all the time man."

"What are you doing out here on your own?" asked Iowa.

"The others seem busy with their own thing, and I didn't have anyone else to talk with. So I was just taking Freckles out for his usual walk until we spotted this," Caboose held up a small critter immediately sending shivers through Sherry's body. She hid behind Ohio shouting. "Take it away, get it away from me! Burn it, kill it with fire!"

The others looked amused and Idaho asked. "You are a trained soldier who is able to fire their bullets at their enemy without a problem, whether it is with success or not is debatable. So how is it that you can't seem to handle little bugs like that?"

"Woah, woah, woah, we are trained soldiers?" inquired Terrill amassing intrigued stares his way. Darryl further backed his best friend up on the statement. "Yeah, we just showed up one day. They gave us the guns after signing up and told us to give it our A game. Then after I questioned about any training programs, they laughed and told me to piss off."

Sherry stuck her head out from the back and screamed. "Would you guys just get rid of it already?!"

"But I want to keep it as a pet!" Caboose moaned. "I will be sure to feed it, take it out for walks and play with it, an-"

Ohio walked close and squeezed Caboose's fingers holding the bug together. The single sound of its shell cracking sent a disturbing silence throughout the group. Iowa looked at Caboose, while he could not see his expression, the silence told him the disappointment and sadness the blue soldier experienced. The others rubbed their heads and looked at Ohio. "That was harsh."

"I know what will cheer you up Caboose," Iowa extended a hand. "How about hanging out with us for a while?"

"Can we stop by the cafeteria to get me some comfort snacks?"

"Sure, why not?" Idaho proposed. "I can use a bite to eat as well."

Caboose seemed to take the death very well all of a sudden. As the group quipped with one another, Sherry and Ohio always made sure to keep them all on task. They tried several things for a hobby like knitting, board games, video games, sports and working out in the gym. By the end, they were all exhausted and the guys were already feeling gravitated towards the bar. "I sure could go for a drink."

"Yeah, me to," agreed Darryl as he lied spread out on the floor. The women slowly stood up as they caught their breath. Ohio kicked Idaho on the leg. "Come on, this is why we were always made fun on in Project Freelancer. You guys need to get your shit together."

"Says the person just as tired as us," remarked Terrill. He quickly balled up as she began stomping towards him with a vein popping up on her forehead. "Why I oughta-"

"Just cool those jets there Ohio," Sherry stopped her in her tracks and leaned in close to her ear, saying something barely audible. "The guys are just too tired right now. Let's let them rest up a little."

"Then go for round two?"

"Maybe," Sherry smirked hearing the guys groan. Caboose strangely enough seemed fine though. No one could make sense of it. Idaho sat up and scanned the blue soldier's body. "Caboose, how is it that you are totally fine?"

"For some reason I don't get tired that easily, probably because I eat a lot of eggs. Too bad they are not dinosaur eggs," he replied in an innocent voice. "Plus, it was really fun!"

Iowa catching his breath agreed, but followed that up with coughs of a dying cat. He quickly excused himself to the corner of the room in embarrassment. Caboose looked at the two ladies who felt a little creeped out. Ohio and Sherry motioned to one another to ask, but Sherry took the initiative. "Um Caboose, why are you staring at us?"

"Just so you know, I am not into guys," Ohio said instantly backing off. Idaho groaned even more as he felt a sharp needle piercing his heart. "So we have heard many times."

"I was just thinking about how nice Sherry and Ohio are," Caboose answered in a daze. Both Sherry and Ohio felt a little touched and said. "That is probably the nicest thing someone has said to us in a long while."

"What about the times I said you are hot?" asked Idaho of Ohio.

"And the times we complimented your cooking?" asked Terrill and Darryl of Sherry.

"Yeah, but you know," Ohio began before looking to Sherry for support. "That's just you guys."

Sherry pointed a finger at Darryl. "And don't think about trying to weasel your way out of this one Darryl but I remember seeing you throwing up that food afterwards."

"That must have been a mirage."

"On a freaking ice planet?"

"Um…yes?"

Caboose hummed happily attracting attention. He continued with his shower of compliments. "Yeah, you two are so nice that you two kind of remind me of my mom. But you guys don't come with the repressed memories of me walking into my parents in the middle of the night having sex."

The whole room went silent. Even Iowa was stunned. The awkwardness settled in strong, covering them all with a thick blanket. Everyone looked at the ground trying to repress the images it created in their minds. Some even began having headaches trying to get it out. Some began rocking back and forth in their spot. Some simply felt the need to go and bonk their head against the wall to get it out. Nothing worked, it was in too deep and they couldn't get it out. Ohio and Sherry looked at one another feeling a shudder through their body. I don't think we will be sleeping together tonight then. But amidst this mental suffering, they all realized something important. They realized the significance of Ohio and Sherry to their group's unity. Had it never been for the two women, their groups may have been at each other's throat still on the ice planet. They would have never become friends able to laugh about things like this right now.

"But they are nice," Iowa agreed pointing out all the times Ohio helped stop him from blowing up their side of the base, even if some attempts ended in failure. He also pointed out at the times Sherry helped him with various tasks around the base when it was too much for him to do so by himself, which was nearly all the time. Idaho, Terrill and Darryl agreed as well. "Without them taking lead in bickering with one another, we may have had to do it ourselves. That would then mean less time for some nice cool drinks."

"And the mood's gone, thanks guys," sighed Sherry. Idaho stretched out his arms in clarification. "What? We are complimenting you two!"

"Yeah, and we do so with A grade effort!" added Terrill. Caboose quickly perked up at the mention of a grade. "There were grades being handed out here? Because if there are, I want an A+."

The group got a hearty laughter out of this. Ohio smacked Caboose's back and noted. "You know Caboose, you are one hilarious guy. Keep up your smooth talk and you will fit right on in with our gang."

"I love fitting in, especially in tight places," and the others looked at him blankly as he continued. "Because those places are always a challenge."

"This guy is a riot," Idaho laughed hysterically and looked to Iowa. "Good job inviting him on board."

Ohio smirked under the helmet and leaned in close. "So Caboose, how about a few more praises? You know, just for good measure to help give ma good night's sleep."

Sherry quickly bumped her in the ribs rather playfully. "That's rude behavior."

"Yeah, but you know you want to be complimented as well."

On Earth, inside the passive ATSG base, Ken stood alone in the dark hallway. He pondered of his words just before the entrance to the main room of the base. Siris looked at the monitors studying various reports and stretched his neck. He looked down at his prosthetic leg and wondered. How long has it been since I forgot the feeling of my left foot? He tapped it against the floor. There was no feedback to his body, all he could do was see it touch the floor, but not feel it. The day he lost his left foot, he lost a part of himself, perhaps with that part a little courage abandoned him as well. When did I grow to be such a coward? He pondered noticing the familiar presence by the entrance. Such a simple little thing like a talk can be blown out of proportion by feelings seems so ridiculous, yet so human. He turned the chair around to see Ken standing in the door frame. Siris simply nodded his head as the young assassin entered.

"I thought it would be best to have that long needed talk now," Ken suggested. Siris nodded his head. The time did have to come for it after all. He motioned towards a chair nearest to him with his eyes and Ken dragged it closer. He joined his two hands together with a tight grip, deep into contemplation. "I…I want to first say something here. To be honest, I was afraid of having this talk because…I didn't, and still don't know of what to say exactly. But add to that the fact that our relationship isn't exactly the best right now, I am afraid that this talk might strain it even further."

Siris smirked earning a rather contempt look from Ken. "Like mentor, like student. You know, I was afraid of the same things. And like you, I'm still afraid. Still, without sitting down to talk about it like we are now, we will never be able to move on and be forever stuck in a limbo as the distance only grows. We have to at least try right?"

Ken nodded as Siris said. "But even now I'm still scared. I'm petrified of what may happen, and this fear has kept me on the run from talking to you like this."

The two men looked around the room thinking about their next sentence. Ken rubbed his nose and noted. "I'm sorry about my rude behavior towards you all this time Siris, and thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything that you have done for me ever since you picked me off the streets. When my sister left, I didn't know what I could do. I was a wreck. I was at a loss and felt completely powerless. But you invited me to join the ATSG to do some good, trained me and made me into the warrior I'm today."

The words were full of sincerity and invoked pride in Siris. He was happy to see just how appreciative Ken was of his mentorship and the time spent together. But a feeling of guilt was present at the same time, and it always has been since Siris taught Ken from a young age. "Are you still thankful knowing that all of this that I taught you was just so you can kill people? I made you stain your hands in blood."

"You didn't make me stain my hands," Ken corrected. "That was the missions given to the ATSG. It's not like I had much of a choice anyways. What else could I have done at that time? I'm still glad even if my hands are dipped into a very deep pool of crimson red. Killing was my choice."

"Ken…I'm sorry to for keeping the truth from you," Siris bowed his head in front of him. "It was wrong of me, I knew it would hurt you and yet I still did it only thinking about completing the mission."

Ken remained quiet, averting his gaze still feeling little hints of anger in his mind. Siris raised his head and the two men were met with an awkward gaze. Siris looked back and forth from the ground to Ken. "So, what happens to us now, where do we go from here?"

"I suppose that is all up to us at the end of the day," Ken spoke adjusting himself in the seat. "How we recover from this, and what we do to maintain our perhaps a renewed sense of trust really depends on us. Unfortunately there is no magic powder that will make all our problems go away."

Siris laughed and agreed. Ken then quickly switched gears and wore a more serious expression. "Siris, I need to know if I am going to be on a need to know basis for my sister as well or not. I want to be kept in the loop."

Siris remained quiet prompting Ken to make an uncompromising stand. "I will get her back and I won't let the agendas of any organization get in the way."

Siris began to grow worried and asked. "What if she would…never want to come back?"

Ken was stunned at the question. His mind halted all thought process. There were no answers in there no matter how much he searched. He averted his gaze to the ground with a heavy expression and slowly stood up. Siris called out to him carefully, only to see the young assassin walk away. "Ken?"

What if she never wants to come back? Then what can I do? Ken wondered. He stepped out the door frame and rested against the wall. Can I watch her die, or worse do the dirty deed myself as a form of mercy killing? Ken gritted his teeth and gripped his hair. This is some fine mess my family got involved with. I wonder why my parents weren't content with an average family life just happy in one another's company. Ken walked back to his room and lied down on his bed. He closed shut his eyes remembering the vivid imagery of his family out together on a picnic when he was very young. He remembered the smells of the park, the curiosity and happiness his sister displayed at playing with him, yet protected him whenever her nurturing instinct commanded. He remembered how his father would barbecue the meat to perfection releasing an odor of mouth watering juices. How their mother happily watched after him and his sister while setting up the tables, and occasionally becoming quite playful herself with the kids. Those were good times, times which I wish we could freeze. Ken looked at his hand and thought. I almost had her back at the factory. He tightened it into a fist. I must do whatever I can to get her back.

Grif stalked the hallways slowly inching towards Matthews' room. Andersmith, still busy trying to get him to come out noticed the orange soldier and instantly took on a more militaristic form out of respect. Grif looked at the door and back to the man before him. "Still not coming out?"

"Uh, no sir. I have been trying for three hours."

That's some dedication, Grif pondered in a humorously sarcastic manner. He knocked on the door once only to be replied with a silence. Andersmith pounded harder on the door. "Come on Matthews, open the door!"

"Its fine, I will handle it myself," Grif gently pulled Andersmith away and told him to go join the others. The Chorus soldier was concerned however for his friend. "Are you sure sir?"

"Yeah," Grif looked back at the door with a low voice and said. "I got this."

Andersmith decided to trust everything to Grif and went back to his friends. Grif again knocked gently on the door and this time followed it up with his voice. "Matthews, its Grif, open up."

The orange soldier backed up as he heard the locks disengaging, and the door swinging open. Grif could tell that Matthews had been sulking judging by the box of napkins and some still stuck under the helmet. Grif looked around and did his best to put on a light hearted voice. But no amount of effort could keep his regret from coming out. "Can I come inside?"

He is being awfully nice, pondered Matthews as he stepped to the side making way for Grif. The orange soldier closed the door behind him and looked at the dark corners of the room. It was a mess. Grif felt right at home in this environment. He kicked an empty can to the side of the room and sighed. "So I wanted to talk to you."

Matthews simply looked away into a corner. Grif sat down on the bed opposite to Matthews. "Look, I know what I said was wrong and I was being a dick. I was rude to you and my ego did get out of control like you said."

Matthews slowly started to look in Grif's direction, surprised at the confession. Grif pointed towards the door. "That gang that was following me around, I decided to let go of them. It wasn't doing me any good, and it certainly wasn't helping anyone else."

Grif rubbed his hands together and breathed onto them as his body felt chilly from the anxiety of this talk. "I hurt you and I'm s- s- so- sorr- bleh!"

"Are you alright?" Matthews finally talked. Grif held a thumb up looking away, disgusted by the smell. "Nothing, I'm fine. I just threw up a little in my helmet. I'm not used to doing this so yeah."

Grif took in a deep breath, did his best to avoid the smell and decided to straighten his form. Gotta man up here Dexter Grif! He looked up at Matthews and said. "What I'm trying to do is apologize. I want to apologize for my uncalled for, jerk behavior."

Matthews nodded his head in appreciation of his efforts. "You know, you have always been a hero to me."

"I know, Bitters told me."

"But even heroes have their flaws," added Matthews. He with a smile spoke. "Those flaws are what make them so likeable and relatable. It is what makes them feel like genuine people."

Matthews looked into Grif's visor and said. "You aren't perfect, and you have a lot of flaws like your eating disorders, laziness, how you talk back to your superiors…"

Grif began to feel his heartbeat rise. I didn't realize we were here to list my flaws. He felt a growing need to throw up a middle finger. No, control Grif, control! We are here to apologize, not insult.

"…And how you sometimes treat your friends like they are objects to bargain with," Matthews finally finished after a good four minutes. "But the fact that even with all these flaws, you are able to keep on moving forward and overcome the obstacles no matter how big or small is what I really admire about you. The reds and the blues, every individual fighting to help others is a hero in my eyes Grif. But you, who made perhaps the biggest impact in my life in recent years, are the biggest hero for me."

"So then, are we cool?" Grif inquired hoping to put all of this behind them and move on. Matthews held out a hand, and Grif took it with pleasure. Matthews smiled and said. "Let's hang out more often Grif!"

"Sure, why not?"

"Yay!" Matthews jumped in excitement. "We are going to have so much fun together! We can share stories, champ one another on and I can give you all the motivational talks you need."

Oh god what have I done?! Grif held his head in his hands feeling a headache come about. "Matthews, if you don't control your ADD behavior right now, I swear to god I will shoot myself right here, right fucking now."

A/N: What a loaded chapter that was. So, some sub-plots were resolved, and some new things were discovered. What do you readers think of the development between Grif and Matthews?

What are your thoughts on Caboose hanging out with Ohio and Sherry's group?

I hope you are all enjoying this one so far. Thank you for reading and your continued support!

Constructive feedback is always appreciated :).

~ Monty