Hello readers It's been a long time since I have been on here, sorry for the last chapter being so short. But since Halo 6/Infinite or Metroid Prime 4 (Only mentioning MP 4 because I will be using Sylux more) hasn't been released I am just kinda winging it. If the story is largely different from the game I will probably make an alternative story but for now I will just do fillers and maybe start some short stories that revolve around this universe.
The rest of the team exited the alien ship. Halsey shook her head in disbelief, happy tears filling her eyes. "You all made it. Kelly, Linda, Fred. John."
Palmer was the first to notice the mutated orange armor. Quickly taking aim at the Bounty Hunter. "What the hell is she doing here?" Palmer never fomally met Samus before, but she knew the teen was an illegal Bounty Hunter.
Blue team immediately jumped in front of the teen, ready to block the Commander. Halsey was intrigued by her Spartan twos, behaviour towards the alien armor.
"Commander, Samus is of no threat to us. She helped both teams, and saved Blue Team." Locke quickly defended the girl.
"Spartan Locke, you know damn well bounty hunters are illegal." Palmer hissed through her teeth.
"Yes, but is a simple title, truely worth your efforts in arresting the child?" Arbiter spoke wisely. Knowing in this time of crisis, there's no need to waste time with small issues.
Palmer lowered her weapon. "No, but I am sure if I read her records there's reasons too."
Arbiter approached the armored teen. Walking around sizing her up. "While you're on my planet Commander. My domain. She will not be arrested. Unless the occasion of her becoming a threat arises. Then we'll deal with her. And on this planet, in this culture, means death." Arbiters last words were a threat and a promise.
Samus nodded, And she thought Chief was tall and intimidating.
"Fine. But if she does anything to my soldiers she's done." Palmer agreed to the Arbiter's words.
"John who's this?" Halsey pushed past her spartans, to examine the armored alien child.
"That's their stupid kid they adopted. They rescued her years ago." Palmer gave her rude abrupt answer.
Ignoring the Commander's rude comments. John placed a reassuring hand on Samus's shoulder plate. "It's okay Samus." Chief coaxed the teen to come out from her armor.
Reluctantly Samus's armor flashed off, revealing the tall, very athletic, well muscled teen. Halsey was certainly lost for words.
"How extraordinary." Halsey was so intrigued by the teen. And her spartans behaviour.
Samus was shy, and found herself becoming mute again. It had been quite sometime since being in a community of talkative humans, that weren't trying to hunt and arrest her. Besides the Commander wanting to throw her in the clink. Samus usually always said something wrong, that either got her a hostile response, or attacked.
"Come let's get some debriefing done. So we can figure this shit out." Commander was very demanding, as she led them back into the tent.
After telling the Commander and Sangheili about Cortana and what happened. And realizing Infinity was being targeted, along with communication being lost. Each team got assigned their own tents to rest in. They were going to stay on Sangheilios, until communication with Infinity came back.
Blue team had Halsey and Samus with them. Although it was quite the argument with Palmer to have both in Blue Teams tent. Samus continued to say no words the entire time.
"It's been a while since I've camped in a tent." Kelly joked, laying herself on one of the cots.
Fred rolled his eyes at the poor joke. "Kelly why don't you go roast marshmallows over Palmer's hot temper." Fred scoffed.
"Uh ha ha. Funny Fred, really you're hysterical. I am sure she'd be happy to roast your weeny first." Kelly retorted.
Linda and Samus both tried her best to hold in their laughter. "Well I am sure she won't forget get to roast his chestnuts either!" Samus chimed in.
Fred covered his face with his hands. "Dear god why did I speak."
Even John chuckled at the teen's joke. "Alright that's quite enough girls. Especially you Samus!" Chief scolded through a chuckle.
Halsey quietly observed the human interactions, from her corner of the tent. The teen was most interesting too her. She would eventually try to converse with the teen, John so rightfully claims as his own. Noting that John was taking Cortana's betrayal relatively well, with the teen as a distraction.
"Settle Spartans, sleep while we can." John commanded. His Spartans obeying, all laying in their respective cots.
Except for Samus who dreaded going into slumber.
The Spartans must have been exhausted, as the knocked out quite quickly. All Samus could hear is their snoring. Samus was equally exhausted, if not more, as she had been refusing to sleep before meeting up with the team.
"Samus, please try to rest." A tired voice caught the girl off guard. Samus sighed obeying her father figure. Laying down on her cot, to her dismay her eyes shut. Throwing her into a deep slumber.
Halsey was a night owl. Over the last hour, she went over her notes and data. The sound of tossing and turning diverted her attention to the teen.
Samus trembled in her sleep, in a cold sweat. The teen shot up, awaking into a massive coughing fit. Samus quickly walked herself out of the tent, so she wouldn't wake the team. Samus coughed so hard she ended up puking.
Just as Halsey was about to check on the girl. John awoke to the faint sounds of coughing. He immediately looked to the teen's empty cot. Making his way out of the tent, Halsey peeked through the tent opening.
"Samus." Chief called her name so softly it was barely audible.
Samus continued to puke up what now was blood. John placed a comforting hand on Samus's back.
"What the hell is going on out here?!" Palmer flung open her tent flap.
"I've got it covered Commander." John bluntly answered. Moving Samus back into the tent.
Palmer sighed returning to her own, secretly wondering if the kid was ok.
Sitting Samus back on her cot. Samus continued to cough up blood.
"Is she alright John?" Doctor Halsey approached the two.
"She will be. Can you watch her for a moment while I find her some water." Chief promptly exited the tent.
"Yes John of course." Halsey sat beside the coughing girl.
Kelly jumped out of her bed. To check on their girl. "Hang on Samus." Kelly yawned tapping on Fred's shoulder. "Fred wake up..."
Fred groaned ignoring Kelly, as he was trying to sleep.
Kelly rolled her eyes, elbowing Fred in the gut. "Fredrick!"
"Wha... what!?" Fred jumped to his feet.
"Help me check on Samus." Kelly walked over to the coughing bounty hunter.
"Oh I could have helped you with that Kelly." Halsey over heard the female Spartan.
"Dammit Kelly." Fred yawned, as John walked back in with a large cup made of stone, full of liquid.
"Drink this Samus." John handed the girl the cup.
Drinking the liquid, Samus's facial expression changed like she drank pure lemon juice. Giving one last cough in disgust.
"Arbiter saw you coughing, and getting sick. So he made you a drink to help sooth your symptoms." John rubbed the back of his head, tiredly.
"Well she stopped coughing, so it worked." Kelly noted, with a flashlight in hand. "Alright kid I am quickly doing an exam. Open wide!" The speedy spartan peered down the teens throat.
"What's wrong with her?" Halsey was curious to the young warrior's sudden issue.
"Old battle wound flaring up. Extremely red and irritated, swollen and bleeding." Kelly narrated what she saw. "Alright, Halsey can you hold this down please." Kelly pulled down the zero suit that covered Samus's severely scarred neck.
Halsey took hold of the clothig for Kelly, making Samus pull back a bit.
Kelly sighed, even seeing redness on the outside.
Samus flinched away, coughing as Kelly placed her hand on her throat, to feel the intense heat. "It's alright Samus I'm done." Kelly reassured the girl.
"So what do you think Kelly?" Linda yawned sitting up on her cot.
"Well my girl. You're going to need to rest your voice a bit. You'll be lucky if you can speak tomorrow." Kelly explained to the tired teen. "It would be nice to know what triggered it though, so we can prevent it in the future."
Samus shrugged, although she did know the answer.
"Rest for now." John lay the teen back down. While Kelly gestured for him, to meet her outside the tent.
"Okay John, I am hoping I am wrong. Because our girl is quite unique with healing. But there's quite a high chance she may loose her voice again, if she keeps getting these attacks." Kelly sadly explained to the leader.
Chief was sad, but understood. "I understand." he nodded, going back in. He would talk to his kid tomorrow.
Morning came quickly, Samus was already up before everyone. Exploring around the camp.
John woke up just after the doctor, stretching he yawned.
Halsey followed her Spartan to just outside of their tent. "John, what happened to Samus's throat, it looked like it was melted off?" Halsey wasted no time in asking questions.
Chief exhaled. "That's because it was. Her first bounty mission maimed her. Lava was thrown on to her throat, causing the damage." John replied.
"Lava!? How's the girl still alive!?" Halsey gasped, covering her mouth.
"I wasn't there to prevent it unfortunately. So I don't know the whole story, I haven't really had the time to ask her about it." Chief sighed, wishing he was there to prevent such an injury. "But Samus isn't exactly human." John moved himself out of the way, for the speedy spartan coming out of the tent.
"Yeah thank god for her unique genetic makeup." Kelly scoffed, stretching out her arms, almost smacking John in the face. "If it wasn't for her armor, and her alien blood, I'm positive she'd be a dead girl."
Chief pushed Kelly's arm away from his face, and scoffed. "Alright, thank you Kelly we got it." John did not even want to think of Samus possibly being dead.
"Alien blood?" Halsey was curious too just how unique the teen was.
"It's a long story. If you can get into Samus's inner circle, you might get to hear it. Samus is about as social with new people, as John is with the Didact." Kelly replied to the Doctor.
"Where is Samus anyway?" John scanned the camp with his eyes, with no sign of the orange armor.
"How should I know? For a kid that's got neon colors on 24/7. She sure knows how to disappear." Kelly walked off towards the other Spartans.
"If it makes any difference, orange does blend with this place." Halsey shrugged, before making her way over to the Commander.
John walked back into the tent, quickly putting his armor on. He made his way over too the Arbiter.
"Spartan." Arbiter respectfully bowed his head, greeting the Green Spartan that approached him, and his fellow Sangheili. "If you need anything, please, I would be more then happy too assist you."
John could clearly tell from the Arbiter's tone, the Sangheili warrior had missed him dearly. "Thank you Arbiter. Actually I was wondering if you've seen Samus?"
Arbiter tilted his head, confused. "I apologize Spartan, I am not sure who that is?" Thel had not heard that name before, that he knows of.
Chief shook his head at himself. Arbiter never formally met the girl, so how would the Sangheili warrior, know her name. "My mistake Arbiter, you haven't had a true introduction to the Bounty Hunter." John was hoping by saying Samus's job title, it would ring a bell.
"Ah, yes, the Bounty Hunter. She's above on the ridge, I believe. Taking in the land and scenery." Arbiter pointed above the canyon entrance.
John exhaled rolling his eyes. Of course she'd climb up something tall and rocky, and make getting to her a work out. "Thanks Arbiter." John gave a nod, before walking away. John turned around hearing large footfalls behind. Arbiter seemed to be following him.
"She scaled up the cliff. But I can show you the pathway." Arbiter gestured for the spartan to follow.
John nodded, following the Sangheili. He didn't mind the company, he and the Arbiter, had some catching up to do he supposed. "Thank you Arbiter. I can never seem to keep track of her." John awkwardly attempted to make conversation.
Arbiter nodded. "Understandable. Younglings don't like to stay still for long, especially at that adolescent stage."
"Rebellious, and they certainly have it in their minds, that they know everything." The Spartan 2 chuckled. "It's been so long Arbiter, I'm sorry." John sighed apologizing for being awkward.
"It is quite alright Spartan. I do not make conversing easy." Arbiter chuckled, he was no better. Him and John were the same. Always focused on the task at hand, knowing nothing more than the war in front of them. "A lot has happened, we've had no social time. We lack the experience I suppose?"
John smiled behind his visor. The Arbiter was correct. "It's been non stop. But I heard you've won the war against the Covenant?"
Arbiter growled. "Yes, that was a war that had been running to long. It was time to end their destructive rein."
"You're now the leader of the faction you created, Swords Of Sangheilios?" John kept the conversation going.
"Yes it's about time we realize, that humans, and Sangheili, can coexist and work as an alliance." Arbiter sighed. "Although, there are many who disagree with me. But that's another battle. There will always be someone who will disagree with you." Arbiter spoke truthfully.
Rounding another corner, Master Chief silently agreed with the Kaidon's words.
"So, tell me more about this Bounty Hunter. Many are saying she has made you Spartans human?" Arbiter said, almost as a quizzically. He didn't fully understand human sayings.
John was caught off guard. "She's a kid we rescued many years ago, from a planet the Covenant invaded. She's kind of been adopted into our team I suppose." Chief shrugged.
"She seems. Different, inhuman." Arbiter mentioned, what was usually used to describe Chief.
"She's definitely different. She's an alien/human hybrid for a start." John mentioned, not to Arbiter's surprise though.
"I had guessed. Her scent wasn't at all like you humans." Arbiter casually replied.
John scoffed. Arbiter must have been the first, that hadn't been shocked or intrigued by the teen's genetic makeup. "Her inhuman side, is her alien genetics. But I suppose like all of us, she's gone through things, she continues to bottle up, and hopes to forget. Which makes her feel worse. I wish I knew what was hurting her, so I could help her." John deeply sighed, knowing Samus was suffering inside, and it was beginning to effect herself, and everyone around her.
"We have all been through hell and back in our own ways." Arbiter sadly sighed. "But, hear me my Brother." Arbiter gained his battle brothers full attention. "Please hear me out when I say, the mind is an incredible machine. Traumas happen, it's unfortunate. Our minds embed traumas into our brains, we can try to forget. But the brain keeps it, like a permanent scar. We cannot avoid it, nor can it be fixed and forgotten. But we can learn how to live and cope with it, and have quality of life." Arbiter spoke wisely as they approached the young teen.
Chief agreed with Arbiters riddles. He would take that advice, and hopefully help the teen, and himself. He knew he was equally broken, like Samus. But like Arbiter, he was stoic, and hid his mental pain well. "Thank you, Brother." John bowed his head in thanks to the Kaidon.
Arbiter bowed his head, bringing his arm with a closed hand to his own chest. Bidding the Spartan goodbye, he turned, going back down the pathway.
"Samus?" John didn't really have to call the Chozo child's name. He just liked to announce his presence, out of respect for the teen's nerves. Sometimes it felt like he was approaching a very sensitive bomb.
Samus exhaled looking over her shoulder plate. Recognizing the spartan's voice print. "Hi da... Chief..." Clearing her soar throat, Samus sheepishly corrected her greeting, feeling the flush of embarrassment burn her cheeks.
"Are you alright?" John noticed the teen's change of words, but ignored it. Walking over to Samus's side. Chief cleared his throat, remembering the coughing attack Samus had last night. "How's your throat feeling?"
"Better. Whatever Arbiter gave me worked." Samus replied with a tired sigh.
"You didn't get any rest afterwards did you?" The green Spartan's gaze followed the teen's, into the vast valley below.
"No, nothing new to me." Samus shrugged.
Finally getting a good close look at the Bounty Hunter's armor, Chief noticed it's colouring was the same, but it looked incredibly different than before she departed for her freelanced dreams. Almost mutated looking. "Your armor is quite, um, different." Chief awkwardly commented.
"Took you long enough to notice." Samus scoffed jokingly. "It all works the same. It's a long story though." she rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry Samus, my head has been elsewhere. It's very... um..." John rubbed the back of his helmet, not knowing how to compliment such an odd piece of equipment. Her armor always looked alien, now it looked even more alien, in its mutated manner.
Samus chuckled at her father figure. "There's no need to apologize, I understand." Chief had no idea just how much she understood, as she was once in a similar situation. Except her relationship with the Chozo AI was not a good one. Shaking her thoughts out of her head, she smiled. "I also wasn't fishing for compliments either. I know my suit looks a little disfigured and mutated, it wasn't a matter of choice though." Samus shrugged thinking aloud. "I guess that's just what the outcome is, when your suit is literally a part of your body, and you need life saving surgery. But, it could just be my new genetics making it look like this."
John was shocked by what the teen was saying. He has clearly missed a lot, and had a lot of catching up to do with his adopted daughter. "Wait, what?"
"Like I said it's a long story." Samus shrugged off the Spartan's reaction, beginning to climb down the ridge.
"Where are you going?" John asked looking over the cliff at the descending teen.
"I'm going to go explore." Samus thought nothing of it. But Chief quickly pulled her back up. Clearly it was an issue.
"Samus you can't do that here. This is an active Sangheili military planet." John dusted the dirt off the cross armed teen. "And if you think my rules are strict? Wait until a Sangheili honor guard finds you out of place." Chief scoffed attempting to escort the teen back down the pathway.
"Huh there's a pathway." Samus thought aloud, as Chief tried to move her. "Fine, then what are we doing, what's going on?" Samus changed the subject. "How are we going to hunt down, and stop Cortana?"
"What do you mean? This is what's happening, we're laying low from Cortana. And waiting for Infinity to come back into communications." Master Chief replied, almost frustrated. "We are a military operation, we're just following protocol. We don't get to do whatever we want, like a Bounty Hunter."
The last words almost felt like an insult coming from the Spartan. "So we're just going to sit around and hide, like sniveling little cowards!? And last time I checked, didn't you run off on your own, leading us on a hunt for Cortana, breaking protocol?" Samus loudly complained, storming her way down the pathway.
Kelly and Linda, and the rest of the camp, all looked up at the Canyon pathway, hearing the teen's outburst, echoe around them.
"Oh boy..." Fred face cringed, shaking his head.
Linda and Kelly immediately rose up from their seats, to see Samus storming down the pathway, with Chief in tow.
"Samus, slow down. Your temper, and your feet." John hissed grabbing the teens arm, pulling her to a halt.
Palmer made it a point, to walk closer to the arguing beings.
Kelly noticed the Commander move in closer, getting ready to intervene. "Fuck..." she muttered under her breath.
"Why are we just sitting here doing nothing then? How about you answer me that, Mr. By the books!?" Samus gestured to the tall green spartan.
"Samus that's enough, stand down!" John was getting furious. He knew Samus had a colourful language, with a slight disrespect for any kind of authority figure, but this was going way to far.
The small audience around them, soon turned into the whole camp. "We should be out there hunting that blue bitch! Finding Infinity, and rescuing any unfortunate souls that happen to get in Cortana's warpath!" Samus ignored the greed Spartan's order.
John and everyone around the teen saw Samus as a ball of rage, complaining, not getting her way. She was clearly unfamiliar with how things worked as a military. But Arbiter, and Doctor Halsey saw the teen as a very caring heart, that was over tired, and hot blooded, unable too sit for long.
"Well you insubordinate, little, army brat. If you haven't noticed, this is a military operation. We have rules, structure, orders, and protocols to follow. And that's exactly what we're doing." Palmer finally went in for the kill. "And if you want to go run around like a wild Bounty Hunter, I suggest you check with me and, the Arbiter. You're under our watch and our rules now."
"What, so I'm not allowed to leave on my own terms?" Samus challenged the Commander.
"No you're not! I read your files, the charge you are under by the Galactic Federation. You may be a Bounty Hunter, but you're a wanted girl." Palmer threateningly stood over the teen, who didn't budge.
Samus being 6'3 was only a couple inches shorter than the Commander, but that didn't intimidate her at all. "I won't deny those charges, but it was with good intentions, for the fate of humanity and the universe. And as far as I know there were absolutely no casualties. I only destroyed what could have been disastrous."
"No you disobeyed Military orders, which seems to be an on going trend for you. You don't get to decide for the military. So if you continue to step out of line, I wont hesitate to throw you in the clink myself!" Palmer was now shouting. "You are to stay right here, under UNSC and Swords Of Sangheilios laws. And if you decide to leave, believe me the UNSC will hunt you down, you have my word."
"The UNSC wouldn't waste valuable time and effort, just to find one Bounty Hunter." Samus just rolled her eyes, pushing through the Commander, almost knocking her down. The teen marched straight into her tent.
John wasn't far behind the teen, stopping in front of the girl with his arms folded. He was not impressed with his daughters attitude, he was embarrassed, and enraged.
Linda, went in to aid Chief with discipline, and a good talking to. But was stopped by Halsey instead. "Allow me Linda.'' Halsey quickly ducked inside the tent.
"Samus Aran..."
Chief never called Samus by her full name. She could tell she really tipped the boat today. "I understand you're frustrated with the situation. We all are! But do you know how incredibly juvenile you sounded out there?!" Samus winced as Chief scolded her angrily. "You want me to treat you equally, like an adult. I suggest you get your act together, and realize there are some major rules you have to abide!"
"John!"
Chief spun around to see the Doctor, standing behind him. "Calm yourself. You were once eager and unprepared for the world, don't you forget that Spartan." Halsey scolded 117, brushing past him to the girl.
"Yes ma'am." John immediately humbled himself, stepping out of the Doctor's way.
Sitting next to the blonde girl on the cot, Halsey exhaled. "Now, I know you don't know me very well. But from what I have observed of you. You are over tired, from the lack, or shall I say refusal, of sleep. But one thing's for certain, you're one hot blooded spirit."
Samus shifted uncomfortably, as she listened to the small unknown human beside her. "Now you may leave, and do what you want. But you will gain more enemies, you also might find something you're not prepared for." Halsey continued. "We don't know how much you can handle. And it would be very unfortunate for you to end up in grave danger, if you set out to get Cortana on your own. We may seem unfair, but we just want to keep you, and everyone else safe." Cathrine explained as much as possible to the distressed teen.
Samus didn't reply, deep in thought.
Halsey smiled at John with a nod, as the rest of Blue Team entered. Both of them hoped the teen's silence, meant she understood.
Samus was burning inside. She was done hiding her strengths. Clearing her sore throat, she was ready to open up doubtful eyes. "That's how I've always been. On my own, being hunted, and unprepared for every situation I've gotten into."
John and Halsey were fully focused on the teen. The other three Spartans stopped what they were doing, too listen in.
"I have saved entire galaxies, alien races, planets. Even battling in a planets alternate universe, with an atmosphere, that drains your own life force from you, while you battle blood thirsty monsters that want to do the same. Fought and battled, unimaginable humongous creatures, that could crush you in seconds. Even killing evil clones of myself. All on my own." Samus was so frustrated her eyes began to fill with tears, as she ranted on. "And what do I receive from doing all that work? Thank you's, and appreciation, from the alien races I saved. And from most of the humans I rescue or aid? Halfhearted thank you's, rude whispers, and dirty looks. Saying I'm inhuman, I have no heart, or emotions, she's crazy and doesn't exist. Never seeing me for who I am, only seeing my accomplishments."
All Spartans were now an audience standing beside their leader. They knew the feeling of hearing how inhuman they were. The hatred, and jealously, only getting getting halfhearted positive attention, when they accomplish an impossible mission.
"I have been, threatened, attacked, and betrayed by Military's, and Bounty Hunters alike." Samus scoffed, wiping her tears away. "I've been forced to kill my own friends. Because of pure evil, that possessed them." She choked out. "Only for the evil creature, to leave their battered and bloodied bodies, just seconds before they die, just to haunt me for killing them!"
John's heart sank, like the team, and Doctor Halsey's, from all the given information Samus spewed out to them. He was astonished, saddened, and petrified by his adopted child. Samus continued to prove, just how alien she was compared to the spartan.
Samus calmed her tone, lowering her head. Allowing the tears to stream down her face. "I am probably being hunted right now, as we speak. And I just don't want to put you all, in any more danger than you already are."
John knelt down in front of the girl. "Samus why didn't you tell me." embracing the girl, he could feel her trembling. "You never told me any of this." Chief was heartbroken for the teen.
"We didn't get the time to..." Samus cried softly. "Nor did I have a voice to tell you."
"I am listening now. And I apologize for being abrupt and cross with you." John held the girl out in front of him. "I know you're frustrated with our situation here. And I am sorry we don't have the right answers, you want to hear. But, if you have some patience, we might get some real answers."
"I get that, and I am truly sorry for embarrassing you, and acting like a child." Samus apologized to her father figure. "But I don't think you all quite understand." Samus stood up straight. "I am being hunted." Samus stared at all of them, burning a hole through each of their souls. "And you could all end up in the crossfire."
"Who's hunting you?" Linda asked what was on everyone's mind.
"Definitely the Galactic Federation." Samus replied almost nonchalantly.
"What is that?" Fredrick thought aloud, curious, as the name was mentioned multiple times.
"The Commander mentioned them earlier." Kelly added.
"Yes, and that worries me extremely." Samus admitted, her voice filled with concern and theory's. "The Galactic Federation is a Military faction, much like the UNSC. I was often hired by them to do their dirty work, and the suicide missions otherwise deemed impossible by humans of the GF forces, I suppose." Samus shook her head, quickly getting back to her point. "My point is, my last assigned mission from them. I discovered a plan of theirs that I completely, and utterly was disgusted, and appalled with. But long story short, I was purposely paired with an AI in that mission, clearly for the purpose of controlling my actions. So I would not discover their secret. At that they attempted to restrain me, until the GF came to arrest me."
John was silent, listening to the girl's explanation. He was curious about the AI being pared with such an independent character. But he noticed there were some significant details missing, in the teen's story.
"But I convinced the AI to aid me instead. And disobeyed orders, destroying a research facility and planet." Samus finished with a sigh. But looking at the Doctor and Team, they looked unsatisfied with her story. "What, it's the truth?"
"Um thanks for explaining that. But we can't side with you until we get the full story." Kelly sighed, she wanted to side with the girl, but they needed to know why the teen destroyed the base and planet.
Samus rolled her eyes, with a sigh. "I did tell you the whole story. Multiple stories at that! What else is there too tell?"
"What was your motivation for destroying the facility and planet?" Linda came straight out with the question.
Samus sighed deeply plopping herself back on the cot. "I was hired by the Galactic Federation to escort a research team on the planet SR388. A planet I had, had previous missions on. On that babysitting mission, I killed a Hornoad, but with that came my near death experience. A very deadly parasite emerged from it and infected me. I thought nothing of it and after returning the team safely to the facility, I departed the facility. The parasite finally infested my central nervous system. Making me pass out, moments before my ship crashes." Samus took a deep breath, looking up at the focused team. "Ugh, it's a seriously long story, you sure you want me to go on?" Samus practically complained.
"Yes!" All Spartans replied with a grumble, they sat down on their respective cots.
Samus put her hands up in defence. "Alright, alright, geez." she waited for the team to settle, before going on. "So the Galactic Federation pulled me from my escape pod. Took me back to their HQ, the deadly parasite spreading throught me. They rushed me to their med bay, And because my suit is a part of me, it was becoming infected as well, I couldn't remove it while unconscious. They had to surgically remove it. Just as they were close to giving up on me, they decided to inject me with the DNA from the parasites only predator, the Metroid. They had it back from when I gave them a baby Metroid, but I am not going to get into that." Samus visibly shivered, that Metroid had saved her life twice over. The pained screams of the baby dying, still haunted her to the core. Quickly shaking off the thought, she continued. "Anyway it saved me, I was reborn and changed forever, as far as I can see. So with it I lost most of my suits abilities, and gained the Metroids weakness in the process. So blah, blah, blah. HQ gave me a ship, hence why it looks a little different. And gave me an AI. So it guided me back to the research facility. During my surgery the creatures we captured for research along with the infected pieces of my power suit, were sent there. But apparently an explosion rocked the station, so they sent me to investigate. Putting the stupid AI as my CO of the mission. Samus rolled her eyes at her last sentence. "Anyway to shorten this story, I ended up battling old and new nemesis's. With the AI constantly reminding me of weak I now was. I eventually gathered some of my power ups, faster then it expected. During my time in the facility, hiding and battling my fully powered multiple doppelgängers SA-X. Oh by the way the X parasite can mimic you, and a bunch of other things, but we won't get into that. I found out Federation had been experimenting with Metroids, which is dumb and fatal for the whole universe. But as I proceeded to gather information that was supposed to be kept from me, I learned that the Federation took a large interest in my doppelgänger SA-X. And like the Metroids, wanted to harness them and their powers for the military's benifit."
Fred cringed at the sounds of an army of Samus's. "That would be catastrophic, especially since the parasite has a mind of it's own. It's a parasite!" Fred shook his head in disbelief.
"Right, exactly!" Samus agreed with Fred.
"Plus if no one can control you, as the crazy teen you are. How the hell do they expect to control an aggressive parasite?" Fred added.
"Hey!" Samus growled making Fred wince with a chuckle. "Anyway I stressed my concerns with the AI. Telling it, that this plan was ludicrous. He held me hostage in a room, so the GF could arrest me. But like I mentioned before, I persuaded it and blew up the facility and planet, regaining all my powers again. But again I am forever changed. Becoming even more of an alien child, everyone seems too call me." Samus shrugged. "So there's the story, do you understand now?"
"So is that why your armor looks like something was spilt on you?" Kelly had to make the comedic remark.
Samus rolled her eyes with a laugh. With a flash she put on her mutated armor. "So can I go talk to the Commander, and ask how exactly she contacted the Galactic Federation, and what files she has?" Samus began to walk the tent exit.
"Are you going to do it in a civalized manner?" Linda scoffed, cleaning the dust off her sniper rifle.
"I'll kill her with kindness." Samus gave a thumbs up, before exiting.
"John you might, wanna be a chaperone for our alien child." Kelly cleared her throat.
Chief sighed in annoyance, exiting the tent, following the teen.
Palmer gazed past Spartan Locke's shoulder, seeing the orange armor approaching. "Oh good, is little miss Bounty Hunter done having her temper tantrum?" her voice dripping in sarcasm.
Samus bit her tongue, it took all her will power to not retort back at the sarcastic Commander. *kill her with kindness Samus, kill her with kindness...* Samus said over and over again in her head. Taking a deep breath, Samus grinned behind her visor. "Actually, Commander... I was, hoping you could answer some questions for me."
"Oh really, you want to question me?" The Commander didn't seem to be buying the act.
The teen ignored the green Spartan standing beside her. "Yes ma'am. I would like to apologize to you, and everyone else for my outburst. You're correct to call me out. I am simply an outcast, I am too used to being a freelancer, calling my own shots. Exploring without boundaries. And I apologize, I will try and do better." Samus was lying through her teeth, but she sincerely hoped she could hold out that promise for a little while at least.
Sarah scoffed with a sigh, not completely buying the apology. "If you say so kid. Glad you agree with me, you're just a little much. You need to tone down that fire. Something will come up, and since you're good at suicide missions and exploring, maybe we could use your help." After hearing Locke and his fire team speak highly of the teen's courageous acts, and incredible abilities. She saw the alien Bounty Hunter as a highly useful asset. "After all, once we get in contact with Infinity, I am sure Captain Lasky will welcome you aboard." The Commander rested her hands on her hips. "But step out of line, and you're toast, and I will arrest you myself."
"Pfft, I'd like to see you try and touch me..." Samus muttered under her breath, apparently loud enough for Chief to hear her. "Ow!" Samus rubbed her side after Chief elbowed her. "Yes ma'am understood. May I ask those questions now?" Samus glared at John from behind her visor.
"I suppose..." Commander folded her arms, shifting her weight to one leg.
"Did you get in contact with the Galactic Federation?" Samus spoke in all seriousness.
"No." Sarah simply replied.
"Ok, then how did you get my files and records?" Samus questioned curiously.
"I sent Buck back into your ship to retrieve some dirt on you, and some AI helped him gather your recorded info." The Commander shrugged her shoulders causally.
"God dammit Adam!" Samus hissed glaring back at her purple ship, parked over by the ledge.
"Apologies lady. I thought they were allies." The AI could be heard speaking through Samus's helmet.
"Even if they are, you don't just hand out my files!" Samus raised an eyebrow, getting a second thought. "You didn't activate the lock down defence system did you..."
"I didn't activate the defence systems." The AI admitted speedily, after Samus finished her last word.
"Thought so." Samus scoffed turning her attention back to the Commander. "Cool, alright that's all I needed to know, thanks."
Sarah thought the teen's question, and behaviour was a little suspicious. She also noted how informal the girl was, but quickly shook the thought. "Alright report to me with any further questions."
Samus nodded, going towards her ship. John naturally followed his adopted daughter.
"When did you get an AI?" Chief asked before the girl could set foot in her ship.
"Did I not explain that, when I told you that long winded story?" Samus's helmet turned the Spartan's way.
Master Chief thought for a moment. The girl did mention the Federation paired her with an AI. "Yes, but why do you still have it?" Chief wondered since it was the property of Galactic Federation.
Samus sighed putting her head down. "I know what you're thinking. It's stolen property, and I shouldn't have it. But it betrayed the GF too, so it would be destroyed way before it's expiry, which isn't really fair."
John understood where Samus was coming from. But was also worried about it becoming corrupted by Cortana. Or overriden by the Galactic Federation. "I understand. But are you not concerned with what's been happening with Cortana's corruption with all AI's?"
Samus scoffed. "No, if they really do have somewhat of a mind of their own, I don't think he can be persuaded that easily."
"You persuaded him though?" John pointed out.
"Oh yeah, ha ha." Samus sheepishly replied. Quickly shaking her head, she replied further before the Master Chief could. "I only managed to do that because he's modeled after a very dear friend of mine. A well known CO of the Galactic Federation, that used to attempt to boss me around on missions. We ended up becoming really close friends, along with another marine. He sadly sacrificed himself on one of my last missions, before the X parasite encounter." Samus's tone changed from sarcastic, and fun, to a very solemn tone. Shaking off any sad thoughts. "Anyway, the Galactic Federation uses the minds of past CO's, and other well remembered officers, for their AI's. So when he attempted to restrain me, because he reminded me so much of Adam, I accidentally called him that in my panicked rage. I ended up overriding him, he broke his protocol and did the right thing." Samus quickly entered her ship, while the Spartan took in the information.
John sighed deeply, if only it was that simple with Cortana. "But Samus..." Chief stopped his sentence, noticing the girl was gone.
Hearing the swish of the door open behind her, Samus chuckled. "Didn't take you long did it?"
"There's only so many places you can go Samus." John reminded the girl of her restrictions.
Samus only rolled her eyes with a sigh. "So what'cha find?"
John tilted his head curiously, wondering what the hell the girl was asking. Then a robotic toned voice answered his question.
"There seems to be numerous Chozo artifacts on this planet. Many of them in sacred chambers, in the depths of this continent."
Samus hummed pondering over what information the AI gave to her.
"Would you like me to continue?" Adam asked politely.
"Please do Adam." Samus sat back in her pilot seat.
"Certainly, there are four key components you could use, in Vadam region. Some in the ocean, the others are in the snowy mountains. I have marked all the coordinates for you, sending them to you now." A little bleep emitted from Samus's helmet confirmed the AI's coordinates were received. "That is all, lady."
"Thank you Adam." Samus replied mulling over the coordinates.
"What, artifacts, and components? And what exactly are you planning on doing with them? More importantly, how do you think you're going to retrieve them with your restrictions?" John finally spoke, visiblly making the girl jump.
"Shit! Forgot you were there..." Samus scoffed looking over her shoulder at the Spartan. "I'm wanting to rebuild my ship, this ones the Federations. They attempted to accommodate my needs in this ship, but it lacks a few things." Samus simply replied. "As for getting permission to get them, I'm sure if I ask nicely I can get it done."
Chief exhaled shaking his head. "You're certainly asking a lot. You're definitely going to push the Commander's buttons Samus Aran."
"Ok that's twice, are you still really angry at me?" Samus asked, as Chief had now said her full name twice.
"I was earlier yes. But right now no, why do you ask?" John followed his adopted daughter out of the ship.
"You called me by my full name. That's the only time you've done that." Samus replied as they made their way over to the rest of Blue team.
Part 2 Sience Project
"Halsey, if you want to waste efforts on an alien side project, go for it. But if it becomes your main focus, it will be revoked." The Commander warned the one armed Doctor.
"And counter back with a logical explanation." Kelly pointed to Halsey, sarcastically narrated the two's argument. Fred and Linda only rolled their eyes.
"Commander, if you would hear me out, you would see the benefits that this could ensue, with our main issues." Halsey pleaded her reasons for her research.
Palmer threw her head back in frustration. "Halsey, you know how I feel about you, and your research." Commander fixed a glare on the Doctor. "But if you want to torture one more child in an experimental project in your old age, be my guest!" Sarah scoffed thinking aloud. Palmer portrayed herself as not caring about the rouge teen. But in the back of her mind she worried for the girl's safety, with the Doctor's sick track record of experiments with children. Commander left her thoughts behind, as she walked off back to the main base tent.
"I can't see this going over well." Fred cringed behind his visor, as Samus and Chief approached from behind.
"Hey Fred!" Samus playfully tackled the Spartan, making everyone around visibly jump at the sudden action.
Samus knocked the wind out of Fred, landing flat on his back in the dirt. While the teen gracefully rolled over him, landing on her feet.
Samus giggled, holding out a helping hand. "Okay, now I feel bad."
"You feel bad? You should feel my back!" Fred groaned, gripping the teen's hand.
Chief cocked his head curiously, the last time the girl tried pulling a Spartan up, she struggled with it.
"Whoa, Samus!" Fred exclaimed, as he was flung forward, almost landing on his face.
"Oops, sorry, last time I helped Chief up. He weighed like a ton and a half." Samus pulled Fred back to regain his balance. "Guess I got stronger over the years." Samus shrugged sheepishly.
"Half a ton..." Chief grumbled.
"Sorry half a ton." Samus mockingly repeated Chief, sticking out her tongue at him.
John raised an eyebrow at the teen. "Your visors blast shield is off." Chief folded his arms.
Samus grined with a nervous laugh. "Oh, ha ha, love you..." she slowly backing up from the leader. Ending up beside Doctor Halsey.
"Samus Aran is it?" Halsey diverted the teen's attention.
"Yes..." Samus shyly answered, looking down at the Doctor beside her.
"The Commander wanted me to gather some more intel about you, I'm just going to ask you a few questions." Cathrine began tapping away at the keys on her data pad.
Samus quickly waved her arms at the Doctor. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Didn't she get all the information she needed when she grabbed my files from my ship?" Samus was suspicious of the sudden need to get more of her information.
Halsey smiled replying with a calm tone. "Yes, but turns out the Federation has little information about you in particular. They simply only recorded your significant accomplishments."
"Doctor Halsey finally get permission to study Samus?" John leaned over towards his teammates.
"Not willingly, but yes." Kelly simply replied.
"We were waiting for your opinion on this." Linda locked eye contact with Chief through their visors.
"We all know how much Halsey can get carried away with her research. Also the kid's never been a fan of doctors." Fred rubbed his head.
"Nor has she really been a science experiment." Kelly added.
"Until Samus gets uncomfortable, and closes up, or refuses further research." Chief sternly answered the teams questions.
"Understood." All Spartans agreed with their leader.
"So just start out simply with your identification number, name and alias." Hasley waited for a reply.
Samus sighed, rolling her eyes. "Samus Aran, identification number 13576. Aliases, Hunter, The Hunter, Bounty Hunter. Some also call me an annoyance." Samus added a sarcastic remark.
Halsey gave a halfhearted chuckle, tapping the keys on her data pad. "Alright, now if we could just run a few tests."
"Mmhm yeah, alright can I go now? I have stuff to do." Samus was already bored and fed up with the questions.
Halsey was taken aback by the teen's short attention span. "Or if I could just observe you. Question later." Cathrine tried to appeal to the girl.
Samus nodded, scanning the camp with her eyes. "Sure whatever. Where's that controlling bitch..."
"Samus!"
Samus winced as Chief yelled at her, she quickly corrected her choice of words. "I mean where's the Commander, I need to speak with her." Samus grinned.
"Nice save." Kelly elbowed the teen playfully.
"She's in the Arbiters tent, or the main briefing room?" Linda was confused on what to call the bases main tent of operations.
Samus briskly made her way over to the tent, with Halsey in tow.
"Should we move in, and stand by for back up?" Fred remarked, watching the ladies go into the tent.
"In other words, make sure Samus has a filter on?" Linda quirked an eyebrow.
"Oh I don't think that's necessary. I'm sure we'll hear the argument from here." Kelly retorted, receiving a glare from John.
Sarah turned her attention to the ladies that entered the tent. "How goes the research Doc?"
Cathrine sighed glancing at Samus for a moment. "Very difficult, she is not the most cooperative. But is very driven to get a mission started."
Palmer exhaled deeply, resting her hands on the display table in front of her, she lowered her head. "So to what do I owe this displeasure, Aran?" Sarah addressed the young warrior in the tent.
"Can I have permission to explore the planets terrain?" Samus did not waste time beating around the bush.
Sarah turned her full attention to the orange mutant armor. "What for?"
"I wish to recover some lost relics belonging to my ancestors." Samus was honest with the Commander.
"No, what do you need the relics for anyway?" Commander replied.
"Rebuilding my crappy human ship." Samus kept a surprisingly calm tone.
"I would have to talk to Arbiter about that. The other Sangheili may have a strong opinion about an unknown species running around their planet." Sarah replied. Walking up to the Bounty Hunter she smiled. "Let the Doc do her research on you. And I'll speak to the Arbiter, alright?"
Samus gulped, if there was one thing worse than not being allowed to explore a planet. It was having to deal with scientists trying to research and experiment on her. "Yes ma'am." the teen deflated, as she exited the tent.
Samus walked past Blue team, siting on a bolder that sat in between, Blue team and Osiris.
Halsey stopped directly infront of the girl.
"Alright what do you need?" Samus exhaled resting her head in her hand.
"Where are you from?" Cathrine casually replied.
Samus knew the Federation surely had that answer. *Wait, no, it was quite a shock to them, when I reviled I was from K2-L.* she thought to herself, while Halsey patiently waited for an answer.
John inched his way closer to the orange armored girl. Just to make sure Halsey didn't push Samus too far.
Samus shook herself out of her thoughts. "Currently, most recent, or past?" she answered the question with a question.
"All three is fine Samus, There's no wrong answer to that." Halsey sat herself on the boulder across from the teen.
"Currently, I'm from no where, I have no home. I'm originally from K2-L. When I was 3, Space Pirates attacked it, leaving nothing on the planet alive, except for me." The words were hard to get out, she had no recollection of her original home. The only memory she had of it was the dreadful event of the attack, and her parents death. Refocusing back to the rest of her answers. "I was then rescued by the Chozo, and taken back to their planet, Zebes. Then Blue Team took me to Infinity, I stayed there for a few years. Then later in life I was forced to blow Zebes up, destroying it to rid of the evil that overthrew it."
"I'm sorry to hear that Samus. If you feel comfortable I would like to continue on?" Cathrine was astonished, and quite curious to the details of the alien planet.
Samus shrugged, she didn't really have much of a choice, if she wanted those ship parts. "Go ahead."
"So what happened after the events of the attack on your home world?" Halsey waited, ready to type on her data pad.
"I was taken to planet Zebes, by the alien race the Chozo."
"What are the Chozo Samus?" Cathrine interrupted the girl.
Samus exhaled, getting annoyed with the multiple questions. "They were a super advanced, alien race of giant birds."
"Please go on." Cathrine was all to eager to learn.
"When they brought me to their planet, I was infused with their DNA, so I was able to survive their planet. After that I gained incredible super human abilities, and went through a lot of intense, vigorous training, while being tormented by a jealous super computer." Chills were sent through Samus's body, just from the mere mention of Mother Brain. "Then the Covenant appeared when I was 10, and destroyed everyone that raised and trained me, except for Mother Brain, unfortunately..." Samus turned her gaze up to the green Spartan beside her. "Then I met Blue team."
"I knew you had a bird brain, at certain times. But this really puts the icing on the cake." Kelly was a little to proud of her witty remark.
"Hardy har har, I haven't heard that one before." Samus sarcastically replied, doing a small mocking dance from where she sat.
Halsey knew Kelly prided herself on her quick witted sarcasm. The Doctor noted in her data pad, the Spartan's wider range of humour with the teen. "Can you tell me more about your training, and armor." Halsey looked up from her data pad, at the girl.
Samus sighed, fidgeting with a small rock. "The Chozo trained me in most of my skills, their DNA gave me strength, and a few other neat abilities. Further combat training was polished off with the help of Blue team. The rest is kinda self taught."
Halsey nodded, seemingly satisfied with the vague answer. Chief knew that only meant, the Doctor had something more interesting to ask.
"Samus can you tell me more about your unique abilities and DNA." Halsey pressed on, getting closer to figuring out the humanoid creature in front of her.
Samus's posture almost looked like she was about to fall into a comatose state. "Nothing to special really. The Chozo DNA abilities I received are pretty basic. Super strength, incredible speeds, long lasting stamina and endurance. Higher sensitivity to sounds and sight, and my favourite, being able to breath in certain planets toxic atmosphere's, that would most likely suffacate humans. As for the Metroid DNA, invulnerable to the X parasite, and I believe it changed my suits appearance, as it looked way different before I had that procedure done." the teen explained tossing the rock. She knew she gained the ability to absorb the X parasite, but wasn't to sure if that came with the Metroids power to siphon life, from any living creature. Halsey's voice quickly diverted Samus's wondering thoughts.
"Let's talk about your armor." John could tell this was the question Halsey was looking forward to asking.
"I received my very first Power suit from the Chozo, Mother Brain oversaw aiding the Chozo, and did most of the work on it while they built it. As I grew up, most of my intensive training, was focused on being able to control my power suit. My armor only works via psychic connection, if my mind isn't strong enough it doesn't function properly." Samus casually explained as the Doctor typed. "Over time during my exploitation of space, I've accumulated many power ups, and different functions for my armor. My first, and most used armor, is my varia suit. With it I am able to be immune to insane temperatures. I also have other suit types. On one mission I was gifted a dark suit, to slow alterante dimensions from draining my life so fast. Then a light suit that solved that issue. My Gravity suit wich allows me to move better through water, and manipulate gravity, making my movements normal in an anti gravity situation for example. There was the incredibly powerful Phazon, and PED suits but those don't really matter, or exist anymore." Samus shrugged at her last words, as she did not want to go into detail about those insane missions.
Cathrine got up from the boulder she sat on, making her way towards the mutated Chozo armor. "So what suit do you have on now?"
Samus tilted herself back, away from the approaching Doctor. "Well, you know the story of my near death, with that parasite. And when I was infused with Metroid DNA it changed my look. I received the fusion suit, which is a down graded version of my power suit. I was less resistant to damage. I could, and can move more freely, but inherited some weaknesses from the Metroid." Samus stood up as the Doctor circled her, examining her armor she supposed. "But this armor I have named the Omega suit, it still looks like the fusion suit. It just resembles my regular armor, with the colour scheme. I've got all my power ups, and a higher resistance to damage. I can withstand dire temperatures, it's pretty much my old armour, just a different look, due to the Metroid."
Halsey stopped in front of the girl, after doing many circles. "So what would you say you are?"
Samus was taken aback by this question. "Excuse me?"
"I'm just curious as to what you believe you are?" Cathrine replied.
Samus would have been insulted by the question. If it wasn't for the fact, she had never thought of the question herself. Although Mother Brain, was more than happy to tell her what she was. Being a human alien hybrid, Samus never really thought of herself being anything more then just human. But infused with the DNA of two highly advanced aliens, Samus was beginning to look back at herself. Was Mother Brain right, was she a bio weapon? The soul purpose of her upbringing, was to become an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Fulfilling the Chozo's last wishes, for her to become the protector of Galaxies. And she certainly had, nothing could stop her, not even evil clones of herself at full power. The answer seemed quite clear, she was a bio weapon.
"Samus?" Halsey called a third time, she could see through the faded green visor, the girl was in deep though.
"Samus?" Chief placed a hand on the teen's shoulder plate, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Samus shook her head, looking around like she was dazed. "Um I'm a Bounty Hunter..." Samus sheepishly answered, she was beginning to feel pressured. "If I am answering honestly, I have no clue. You tell me Doc." Samus directed the question back to the Doctor.
"Well, from what information you have gave me. And I am sure you already knew this answer. I would say you're an astonishing Human/alien hybrid." Cathrine replied, receiving an eye roll from the girl.
"Okay clearly this conversation is going no where. I'm going to ask everybody one question." Samus gestured to the Doctor, Osiris team, and Blue team. "What do you see me as?"
Buck snorted. "That's easy, an unstoppable one man army. And one damn incredible weapon."
Vale nodded in agreement. "I agree undoubtedly you're incredible on the field."
"Definitely." Tanaka agreed as well.
"You're an incredibly unique weaponized hybrid, with your skills and weaponry. Clearly nothing can stand in your way." Locke also agreed with his teammates.
"You're a pain in the ass." Kelly remarked jokingly. "Just kidding. No really you're an incredible arsenal. We're lucky enough to have you on our team."
"You're amazing soldier Samus. Well, I will say that I wish I had your gun that can shoot through solid objects. It would make my job easier." Linda smiled.
"Definitely a useful assest in the battle field." Fred added.
Samus couldn't believe what she was hearing. Every single person saw her as a weapon, nothing else. That just answered her real question, she was just a weapon.
"Family."
Samus gasped looking up, in the direction of the baritone voice.
"You're family Samus." John turned the teen to face him. "You have incredible weapons yes, and an arsenal no one else could possibly have. But in the end you are a young lady, trying to find herself in this universe." Chief looked into those blue/green eyes. "To me, you're not just some alien/human hybrid weapon. You're a member of my family, and that's all I see."
Cathrine was shocked, speechless, from her favourite Spartan's heartfelt words towards the girl.
Samus immediately replied to her father figures words, with a hug. Chief, without hesitation, returned the embrace.
"I believe that's enough torture for now, what do you think Doc?" Palmer put a firm hand on the Doctor's shoulder.
"Of course Commander." Cathrine quickly retreated back to the tent, to review the given information.
"Samus how are you after the 100 questions?" Palmer turned her attention to the girl in orange armor.
Both Osiris, and Blue team were shocked the Commander was trying to have a normal conversation with the teen. "It was emotionally draining, and annoying, but I will survive." Samus replied casually, she probably wasn't as shocked as the Spartans around her were.
"That's good, but don't think it's the end of it." Sarah smiled with a small chuckle.
"Oh I guessed already." Samus shrugged in reply.
Feeling all the eyes on her, Palmer cleared her throat. "You have permission to retrieve what you need for your ship. Arbiter has granted you access to the Vadam regions, he's awaiting to hear about the clearance of the other regions from other clans."
"Awesome, thanks!" Samus replied as her usual self, instead of being formal like the Spartans.
"You're welcome, but Arbiter advised me that you should have some escorts that know the area. So until he organizes those, you'll have too wait." Palmer shook off the childish reply.
"Sounds good, thank you again Commander." Samus agreed happily. Not caring if she couldn't leave right at that moment, as much as she wanted to. She was just thrilled she got permission to do so.
"You're awfully chipper for someone who has to wait. That's not like you." Kelly remarked to the usually impatient Bounty Hunter.
"I'm just thrilled I can finally rebuild this crappy ship. It's been so hard not having my own custom ship, for my needs." Samus replied to the speed runner.
"You get to have your own ship, what could be so awful about it?" Buck was curious why the Hunter was complaining.
"Don't get me wrong, I have done some upgrades to it, and gave it my own flare. But it just isn't my style." Samus reassured Buck that she wasn't ungrateful.
"It seems pretty advanced to me, what could you possibly need to add to it?" Vale queried before Kelly could.
The Hunter shrugged her shoulders. "You're not wrong, it's pretty advanced, even without my added features. But I like it to have just a bit more of flare, it's just missing a few key components."
"You're just going to build onto your ship, like it's nothing but a simple puzzle?" Vale raised and eyebrow at the girl.
"I'm not incapable, I designed and built my own ship before. Plus, I used to help Gray Voice build and repair, Chozo research Voyager ships. So I know a thing or two about ships." Samus casually responded to the curious Spartan.
John was silently listening to the conversation, as he usually would. Samus mentioned a name, he hadn't heard her mention, since she was rescued from Zebes. He was curious himself to who this Gray Voice was. Thinking to himself, he realized he had never really asked Samus about her life on Zebes, who rescued her and brought her there. Who raised her and taught her lessons. He had only heard the brief explanation of her training and life on the planet, but nothing in detail.
Buck chuckled, throwing his hands up. "Alrighty, not even going to ask what a Gray Voice is."
"He's one of my..." Samus was suddenly frozen in a flash of her thoughts, she never really mentioned her Chozo parents.
Kelly clapped her hands loudly, trying to regain the Bounty Hunter's attention. "He's what, Samus?!"
Samus was to far into dissociation, to even oblige the female Spartan. Another thought crossing her mind. She never really searched for any sign of Old Bird, or Gray Voice's corpses, when she returned to Zebes. She would have given them a proper burial, or at least gotten some closure. But all that she found was a holographic message from them, and nothing more. As much as Samus was upset she never searched for them, she knew going back was futile.
Kelly waved both her arms furiously in front of the girl, to no avail. "Alright, the kid's gone far off into another universe, I give up." Kelly exhaled in defeat.
Sighing deeply, Samus knew that going back to look for their bodies now, would be impossible. Since she blew up the planet, only having them as a memory. A large firm hand cuffed on her shoulder plate, snapped Samus out of her thoughts, bringing her back to the reality. Samus shook her head, locking her gaze onto her favourite Spartan. "Wha... what..." she was almost dazed from the rushing thoughts of the past.