(A/N) Hey all, time for a bit of a behemoth of a chapter here, as we return to Agent Colorado, written by the marvellous Minaethiel, as we get down to some sim mission fun! Oh…wait… Moving on, I'm gonna get back to a review now, because we obviously have to increase the word count here!
StormyCloudz: Hmmm… who is more psychotic, Penn or Harper…that's a tricky one. However, I think you'll have your answer by the end of the series! And yep, Arkansas is a backstabbing dirtbag! If only I had planned all this differently…
Enjoy!
Chapter Seventy-Three – When You Least Expect It
Agent Colorado
Written by Minaethiel
"At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honourable as resistance, especially if one had no choice."
– Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
"Okay team, listen up," I yelled, just loud enough to be heard over the roar of the Pelican. Yet another sim mission, but this time we had our armour abilities to help us out. Needless to say, I was excited and nervous in just about equal measure. As team leader, the success of this mission depended on my judgement, and my skills. It helped to have an obedient team, given what was at stake. When my team won today, I wasn't planning on letting Jersey forget about it.
"Today our goal is to help the blues capture the enemy flag. We do this quick and easy, and we'll go home with a shiny new badge of respect from our superiors. Any complaints – well, you can stow them for later. We're heading to Snowbound, a former alien compound that's been repurposed for our needs. That's what the file says, at least, for all anyone knows Freelancer made it a few months ago and fed the sims a whole lot of BS. The blue team base is next to some wide open plains. Minimal cover on the right path leading to the enemy base, and heavy cover on the left. However, there is an underground path leading to our primary objective."
Looking out of the back of the pelican, I saw, for the first time, exactly what we were going to be fighting in.
Snow.
Lots of it.
Then again, in a place called 'Snowbound,' I don't know why I expected any different. I turned around and looked over my team with appraising eyes. Nebraska, Kent, and Utah either stared back at me, or had their attention held elsewhere. I was planning on having Kent lay lockdown bomb traps around the base as one line of defence. Utah would defend the flag with the blues. After Kent was done, he would take a squad of blues up the right side and make a nuisance of himself, while Neb took a squad of blues through the underground pathway in the middle. While distracted, I'd try and sneak around the outside and flank that way, eliminating resistance and securing our victory. I smirked lazily; it was a good plan, practically flawless if everyone pulled their weight, and as long as Utah didn't accidentally shoot anyone on his own team.
Neb leaned forward, his helmet on his lap, his face curious as he looked at me. I noticed he had a penchant for approaching me more than the other Freelancers, and I didn't know how to feel about that yet. On one hand it was nice that someone actually wanted to get to know me, but on the other, a friendship was the last thing I wanted if he got killed, or worse, captured and tortured. Looking at our enemies, that was a distinct possibility. Regardless, the grey-eyed Freelancer looked over at me, completely focused on the task of hand. It was hard to deny that he was a capable soldier.
"You and Kent are going to stick out like sore thumbs in all the snow. How are you going to compensate for that?"
Shit. There he was though, thinking one step ahead of me. I hadn't thought about my armour compromising me in the least. I dipped my head and scowled slightly, acknowledging the point.
"Good point, Neb. We're going to have to hide ourselves somehow. Unfortunately, I'm not going to pull a Sota, and strip in the middle of the battlefield, so we'll need something smarter. Any ideas, people?"
"Oh, I have an idea!"
Turning to Utah, I tried not to sigh.
"Yes, Utah?"
"What if you took your armour off?! Then no one would be able to see you!" His tone was, as usual, cheery and amused. As usual, I couldn't quite tell if he was just pulling one hell of a long joke, or if he was just as goddamn stupid as he sounded.
Blinking once, I sighed and tried to keep my head cool. The Director was watching. Snapping at a teammate was not the way to go, even if Utah was a complete fucking idiot.
"Thank you," I began, somewhat heavily, "for the suggestion, Utah. Any other clever ideas? Preferably ones that include me keeping my armour on?"
"Ooh! You could disguise yourselves as a snowman! We just need a carrot. Or four," he added, as an amused afterthought.
"THANK YOU, UTAH!" I yelled, a bit louder this time, losing a bit more patience for the freelancer that was, somehow, not a sim trooper himself. "Does anyone else have any clever ideas?"
The group looked at each other as I felt the descent into the snowy sim base. Sighing inwardly, I put my helmet on and motioned for the others to do the same. I'd have to think on this as we prepared. The back hatch opened and I could see the inept blue soldiers swarming from the base to come and see us. One had his head tilted arrogantly, and I could only imagine what a joy he was going to be to deal with. I swear if he called me a fucking kid like the last sim trooper... Neb wasn't going to be able to hold me back this time.
Raising my head in a fashion that was just as arrogant, I strode out into the snow, the crunching under my feet scarily audible. I grimaced again, thankful for the security my helmet provided me. We were going to need to work hard to be quiet, or else at least make a shit load of noise to compensate. And if there was one thing a particular teammate of mine was good at doing, it was being loud.
With my plan formulating more completely, I stepped up to the blue leader and crossed my arms.
"Agent Colorado," I said as an introduction. "My fellow team members are agents Kentucky, Nebraska, and Utah," I added in, pointing to each agent in turn. "You must be Sergeant Coney." I tried my best not to scoff at such a ridiculous name, but something in my voice must have given me away.
"Do you have a problem, mercenary?"
Smirking, I shook my head. "Not at all. But just remember when it's my team doing your job for you, that we are your betters here. You are just support, nothing more. Now let's get something else straight here. To you, I am to be referred to as Ma'am. Anything else, and the red army flag may not be the only thing in danger here, Sergeant. Are we clear?" I asked in a voice that left no room for argument.
He muttered something along the lines of an agreement and motioned to his men.
Eight other sim troopers stood there around us, and I could imagine that red team had the same amount. Wouldn't be fair to unbalance the sides, after all. It was a fairly large number, but I was betting each agent would have an ample amount of people to defend themselves with. Looking over the numbers, I narrowed my eyes in thought.
"Kent," I said, motioning the self-declared Boombringer forward, "I want you to take two of the troopers and move right, into the more open area. I spotted an alcove you can stash some of your toys in for quick use and even quicker cover. You get to do whatever the fuck you want, as long as you make a hell of a lot of noise and bring the reds to you, got it?"
I tried to ignore the excited way in which Kent rubbed his hands together.
"You want noise? I've got enough boomers to bring the mountain down!"
I held up my hand to stop him.
"Kent, you bring this mountain down on top of us, and I will kill you with your own bombs. Just make a lot of noise. Break some shit if you have to. Have fun."
The mad scientist laugh that Kent gave caused some of the other troopers to shoot concerned looks at each other, and I had to hold back a chuckle. Skittish bastards would probably hightail it if they were fighting real soldiers. I couldn't entirely blame them, since they were supposedly the worst the UNSC had to offer, but even sim troopers had to have at least a shred of courage. Well, whatever. I'd be able to test their mettle when Jersey and her team came out swinging. It would be an interesting match, without a doubt. Shaking off these thoughts, I turned next to Utah, our resident muscle man.
"Utah... Your job is to make sure the flag stays with the blue troopers, okay? I'm leaving you with three teammates. Make sure they behave themselves. If any red troopers come in, show them the shiny bullets in your gun, okay?" I was almost afraid of his answer. I didn't hate the kid, but Christ he needed someone to practically hold his hand for every single op.
"Okay! This is going to be so much fun. Do you think there'll be a prize at the end, 'Rado?"
Sergeant Coney shot me a look. "Are you sure he's alright?"
The three troopers I motioned to looked hesitant to join Utah, but did so nevertheless after I depolarized my visor to glare at them.
"He's fine; one of the strongest men I've ever seen," I said with forced confidence, ignoring Utah's question. After all, it was the truth. Just not all of the truth.
I then turned to Neb. He had remained silent the whole time, nodding at a few things and waiting patiently for his assignment. Of all of the Freelancers I had on my squad, I had the most confidence in him, period.
"Nebraska." I motioned him forward and pointed at the three remaining sim troopers. "You're going to take them and make your way through the underground tunnels. Sergeant Coney is going with you and will be under your orders. You'll need the largest force of all; I expect you'll meet resistance in the base. Jersey will probably figure that Kent is just the distraction sooner rather than later, and send some back up to the base to protect the flag."
The other Freelancer nodded and looked at me with something that approached concern. "What are you going to be doing?"
A wry smile crossed my face.
"I'm going to sneak along the left side where there's more cover and more shadows to blend in with. I'm too conspicuous to be truly out in the open."
"Alone? You should at least take the sergeant with you." The concern in his voice was foreign to me, and I shook my head, more confused than anything.
"No need. I could take down half of the people on her team without breaking a sweat. Besides, you'll need all the manpower you can get."
He seemed like he was ready to argue again, but clearly thought better of it as I crossed my arms.
"Alright, 'Rado, whatever you say. Don't hesitate to radio in for some back up. We'll deviate from our position to help you out."
"Thanks, but I've got this. If someone gets a lucky shot on me though, you're in charge, Neb."
The grey and white Freelancer nodded before signalling to his team and vanishing into the base. Kent quickly followed suit and took his boomer bag with him, and the other sim troopers led Utah into the base as well. Satisfied that everyone were following their orders, I began to work my way left, keeping an eye on potential sniper positions. Last sim mission, West had been the one sniping. Jersey didn't seem the type to use a rifle, and Connie was pretty much addicted to magnums. Nevada was good with magnums as well. Huh. It seemed I'd only have to worry if I engaged them in close quarters. Swinging my battle rifle off of my back, I ducked behind a rock and peeked out. No movement. An explosion sounded loudly in my helmet and I smirked as suddenly shots started being exchanged. However, movement in the sky caught my attention.
Curious, I watched it for a bit, surprise lacing through me as I recognized three Pelicans coming down from above. Extraction? What the hell? They weren't due until we reported in! I opened a comm to Jersey, despite the rules of our exercise.
"Hey, Jersey! I have eyes on a group of pelicans coming from the west. Is that Extraction?" As an afterthought I added to my team, "Stand down! Cease fire!"
Almost immediately Kent's "distraction" ceased, and I could imagine that Neb had held his team up. After a moment, the firing from Jersey's side stopped, right as she answered back.
"Hell if I know! They shouldn't be here already if it is."
I narrowed my eyes, ignoring the part of my gut that whispered that something was very, very wrong.
"Give me a second, Jersey. Keep your squads from opening fire."
Watching the vehicles grow closer, I could see that they were combat equipped and heavily armoured, and my worry increased.
"This is Agent Colorado to Extraction, do you copy?"
"We read you, Agent Colorado, go ahead."
"Are you currently on approach to our location?"
I was hoping so badly for them to say yes, but the answer was what I had been expecting, and, more importantly, dreading.
"Negative, Agent Colorado. We are currently en route back to the Mother of Invention."
Abruptly I cut the connection and brought my line up back to Jersey.
"Jersey, gets your teams back to the base, now."
"What? Why?"
"That isn't Extraction," I said grimly.
My words settled for a moment, and then she responded.
"Regroup in the bottom pathways. We need to stick together until we figure this out."
"Copy that, see you there."
I immediately opened my channel to my team as the roar of the pelicans started to become audible.
"Back to blue base! Double time it, people! That is not Extraction coming from the west! Neb, send the blues back to base, but hold your position! Jersey's team is en route to rendezvous down in the tunnels. Kent, Utah, when the blues are back at the base, head down there with Neb. I'm on my way now."
However as I stepped out of cover, a sniper shot barely missed my foot. Recoiling back, I could barely hear over the pelican's engines, "Ha! Suck it, Blue!"
God damn it! Of all the times to be wearing blue, why did it have to be now?!
"Jersey! Get your stupid ass sniper off of my case! I can't dodge sniper bullets all the way to you!"
As she complied, I grumbled in dissatisfaction as the Pelicans finally made their landing. My instincts were telling me to run for the team, but curiosity kept me rooted to the spot, particularly as the back hatches opened. And in that moment, I felt my blood run cold with both fury and a hint of shock. The first man to step off one of the Pelicans easily had height on the subordinates that rushed out around him. But then, his height was always a dead giveaway, though his armour had undergone a dramatic change of colour since his days in Project Freelancer, going from blue and white to red and black, and it was hard to mistake the other two men that stepped out with him.
Agent Arkansas' armour hadn't changed in the way Agent Pennsylvania's had, or to so it seemed to me, given that I had only ever seen him on a screen. Penn, of course, most of us had seen a lot more recently, when we stole Dr. Grace from their clutches. Their expressions were hidden behind the cold glass of their visors, but Harper had his arms raised upwards in a way that told me he thought this was going to be one big party. Maybe it would be for them, but it sure as hell wasn't going to be for us. Immediately, I brought Jersey back up, forcing my voice to stay calm as I reported what I was seeing.
"Jersey. Grab your team and head back to red base. Send my team back to blue base. Stock up on live rounds and dig in as well as you can with the sim troopers. I have eyes on Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Ian Harper."
That was all it took as I heard the orders go out over the comm channel. However, in no time at all, I began to hear shooting, and the terrified and confused yells of the sim troopers. Red and blue, it didn't matter, they were equally scared as trained killers opened fire towards them, driving the forces away from their bases and into the outskirts.
Fucking cowards.
My rock was vulnerable from multiple positions, and as the troops kept flowing from the Pelicans, I grew worried. We couldn't take them by ourselves; that much was certain. We needed another team, and even though I disliked her – and that was putting it mildly – I would've killed to have Carolina down here too.
"Agent Colorado to the Mother of Invention! I have visual contact on Arkansas and Pennsylvania, along with Lieutenant Ian Harper! Requesting immediate support from additional Freelancer teams! We are unequipped and the sim troopers have scattered. The number of enemy contacts is overwhelming compared to present Freelancers."
God I hated admitting to needing help. It would be even worse if a certain Number One made any snide remarks if she got here to help pull our asses from the fire.
"Agent Colorado." The Director's voice came over my radio, the same drawl, but obviously more tense than normal. "Transmit what you're seeing to us."
I obliged immediately, and slowly panned over the amount of Innies swarming over the snow, a far cry different from the confident and leisurely pace the three targets in question were taking. Movement in my peripheral caught my attention, and I forced myself to focus on Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Harper while the Director took in the scene being presented. Finally, he continued.
"Hold out as best as you can, I'm-"
The connection abruptly dissolved into silence, and I cursed inwardly.
I cut the radio channel and finally looked over at where I had spotted movement. Neb had crept up on the side of the base and was observing our opposition.
"Neb, what are you doing?"
"Getting a hold of enemy numbers and reporting to Jersey since you were apparently busy," he said mildly, surprising me with how nonchalant he was in the face of our odds.
"Good work. Is she digging in?"
The sound of gunfire erupting from near red base told me my answer, and I scowled as I watched Pennsylvania motion to a large amount of forces and head that way. Arkansas and Harper exchanged a glance and began heading towards blue base. I drew in a sharp breath and drew my battle rifle. Neb looked at me and then did a double take.
"'Rado, what are you-?!"
I didn't give him the chance to finish his sentence as my lockdown rounds screamed towards enemy forces, each burst of my rifle nailing shots in the necks of my targets. The unfortunate ones who got hit under my barrage fell to the ground, writhing in pain and obviously choking. Whether or not the lockdown rounds were lethal to unarmoured parts of the body, I wasn't sure, but I was aiming to kill if they were. At least ten men began returning fire, and I ducked behind my rock to reload, adrenalin pushing my heart rate to higher levels in mere seconds. The burst of a gun close by had me snapping my head to the source, and I watched as Neb ducked down beside me.
"Damn it, Neb! Why didn't you go take cover with Kent and Utah?"
Without looking at me, he tossed me two clips for my battle rifle; lethal rounds.
"Because you're insane. You can't hope to take these assholes on alone."
"Sure I can," I growled in reply, popping up to shoot a man right in the visor. I thought I caught sight of Arkansas leading a team into the blue base, but I wasn't sure.
Neb scoffed, and for a minute I felt like smirking. Joking around in the middle of battle. God maybe we really were insane.
"Keep thinking that, 'Rado. Regardless, I've got your back. Let's do some damage."
I chuckled and popped up just as he did, both of us dropping another pair of Innies.
"Consider it a date, Agent Nebraska," I joked around, the thrill of a good fight bringing out my more comical side, even if I was concerned of the outcome.
The agent in question chuckled. "Somehow I didn't think you were looking for a date."
I opened my mouth for a reply when my radio came alive.
"Uh, 'Rado?"
Kent's voice sounded nervously amused over the radio.
"Kent, what's the situation?"
"I'm in the middle of a ring of ugly, and I think they're contagious!"
I cursed and raised my rifle up to take another shot. However, I stayed up for longer than I should have, and abruptly felt a searing pain shoot up my right arm. Hissing, I dropped my rifle and ducked down, looking at the damage as I responded.
"Neb and I are pinned down away from your position; I'll see if I can get Jersey to send help," I replied through gritted teeth.
The lack of a response had me grow worried, more so when I noticed that there was more blood staining the snow besides mine.
"Neb? Are you hit?"
The Freelancer ducked down and I could almost feel his grimace.
"I got nicked on the way over here. I'm fine. We need to move though, 'Rado, and regroup with Jersey's squad. Kent and Utah are going to have to fend for themselves."
Scowling, both at Neb's risky attempt at heroics and the common sense of his words, I nodded, picked my rifle up again, and tried to ignore the twinge of my muscles as I drew myself into a crouch.
"Ok, moving. Cover me, Neb, and when I get to the next rock I'll cover you. Let's get to the team!"
"Wait," he added, "are you going to be able to shoot with that arm?"
I assessed it again and nodded tensely. "I'll be fine, now cover me!"
In answer, he popped up and immediately began shooting down at the forces that had left cover to move closer to us. Gritting my teeth, I took a breath and rushed forward, using my thruster pack to dive behind the next rock, pleased as I didn't feel any more bullet wounds. I immediately looked over at Neb and signalled at him to move. Picking up my rifle, I fired out several bursts as he darted into cover beside me.
"You good?" I asked, a bit breathless from the adrenalin and our frantic movements.
He nodded, "Let's get going."
I nodded as well, happy to oblige his suggestion. The sound of gunfire was still strong, and I knew Jersey was still up and fighting. As much as I hated to admit it, my roommate was almost as good as I was; she wouldn't give any ground if she could help it.
"Jersey, we're coming up on your six, watch your fire. We lost contact with Kent and Utah."
"You WHAT?!" she practically screeched at me.
"I know, okay?! I got separated from you guys and Neb got separated from them. Yell at me later, Billboard, after we rescue your boyfriend and kill everyone here!"
"Listen up, Shortsta-"
"Insult me later and focus on staying alive, damn it!"
I cut the connection as Neb and I ran along; his a much more pained run, as I could see now that he had taken a shot in the leg. Thankfully, we soon ran into a friendly face. Jersey herself met us as we began circling red base, shots sounding out behind us as the Innies followed us. I turned and crouched, firing back furiously, and dropping my finally-spent clip on the ground, replacing it with a fresh one.
"I'm down to my last mag!"
Spinning, I ran after Jersey and Neb, offering my shoulder to the wounded grey Freelancer. He took it gratefully, and we limped behind cover.
"I've got Nev, Connie, and West covering our other flank. We're going to hold the line here, okay?" Jersey asked.
I nodded, fully ready to defend the position until death. However, I was not prepared to see Ian Harper nonchalantly start strolling towards our rock.
Narrowing my eyes, I called out, "Adjust fire to marked target!" as I marked Harper on my HUD. Like the trained soldiers we all were, our aim struck true, but the escaped Insurrectionist we fired at didn't bat an eyelash. In fact, he started laughing, the sound sending shivers up my spine. That damn armour, how the hell did they get their hands on that?! I narrowed my eyes, anger building in me. Who was he to laugh at us? I growled and turned to Neb and Jersey.
"Cover me!"
"Wait, what?!" Jersey exclaimed in surprise.
Without waiting for an affirmative, I jumped out of cover and began sprinting towards Harper, watching as grunts dropped out of my path as Neb and Jersey earned their keep in the project. I fired a couple of shots towards Harper before dropping my battle rifle and activating my thruster pack, throwing my fist forward for a punch that would likely break a bone. However the Innie easily side-stepped and spun away, giggling in amusement like the madman the other Freelancers claimed he was. Planting my feet on the ground, I swung out a leg to catch him in the chest, and he stumbled back slightly, still laughing.
"Whoops! Almost lost my balance! But not quite good enough, little Freelancer!"
I growled, feeling my temper reach a new level. I jumped forward with practiced moves, grabbing an SMG off of my thigh and shooting towards him with the non-lethal lockdown rounds I had been equipped with. Harper took it all in stride, dodging easily behind cover and retaliating with his own magnum. I rolled through the snow, barely registering the efforts of two Innies as they tried to pin my arms. One of them fell to the ground with a scream as blood sprayed from his gut onto the pristine blanket of snow, the other kept up his efforts, but a brutal elbow to the face quickly threw him backwards.
"'Rado! Fall back! Jersey had to go help her team!"
Neb's voice was loud in my head as he came over the radio, and I whipped around, spraying an Innie with my SMG, the entire clip emptying in his neck, though he was down after the first burst, ignoring Neb's borderline order. I raised the second SMG I had brought and fired again at Harper, just as another bullet screamed past my shoulder.
"'Rado! Get back here!"
"No, Neb! I can do this! Keep covering me!"
To demonstrate this, I leapt out towards Harper and let out a series of punches that were expertly deflected.
"Aw, it's almost flattering how much attention I'm getting from you Freelancers. First Arkansas and Pennsylvania, and then the rest of you followed suit. I should have my own fan club! Tell me, is Cal still there? He didn't lose it after losing his precious Michigan, did he? That would be a shame, a real shame."
I wasn't going to give him the pleasure of responding to his taunts, so instead I focused on driving my attack forwards, becoming more cautious when Neb chipped in that I had exited his line of sight. Cursing, I doubled back and caught sight of Neb now in his own close-quarters battle. Neb and I were about on equal grounds with hand-to-hand; and it wasn't the favourite style of fighting for either of us. Running over, I used the rock as a springboard and flipped over, my feet slamming into the head of one of the Insurrectionist soldiers. The sharp crack told me I had netted a kill, and Neb managed to slam the barrel of his battle rifle up under the chin of another and pull the trigger, a spray of gore exiting the top of the man's helmet. We shared a look between us, and I tilted my head towards the last guy, as if inviting Neb to have at him. He didn't hesitate and raised his rifle, putting a bullet right through the man's heart. I smirked, breathing a bit heavily, and turned towards Neb, whom was already looking at me.
"You can't say I don't know how to show a girl a good time," he said, referring to our previous banter before our mad dash. Somehow I knew he was smirking as he spoke.
"Depends what kind of girl. Only a military girl could appreciate this," I joked weakly, before opening my radio channel to Jersey. "How are you holding up, Jersey? Neb and I are trying to hold the line on our end."
Before she could respond, a darkly amused voice interrupted just above Neb and I, "I never knew there were so many sweet little couples in Project Freelancer! Cal had Mich, you have whoever the hell that is... it's going to be so much fun watching it all burn! Your allies are already being introduced to the wrong side of Penn's anger. A shame, but, well, it wouldn't be fun otherwise!"
"We're not a couple!" I hissed fiercely, grabbing the leg of the offender and dragging him down off of the rock. Staring into the amused face of Ian Harper yet again, I couldn't imagine how this man could pose such a threat. The other Freelancers were just weak to lose to him. He didn't take combat seriously; it was all a joke to him! Growling, I went to slam a boot down on his face, but he deftly caught it and twisted fiercely, causing me to gasp slightly at the force with which he had wrenched my leg. Thinking fast, I tucked myself into a ball and activated my thruster pack yet again, using the force and momentum from my roll to slam him into the rock. As soon as his grip loosened, I leapt to my feet and took a combat stance. Neb opened fire, but Harper closed the distance quickly and truly began to show off this combat prowess.
He kicked Neb's rifle from his hands soon enough, and now both of us were forced to delve into the style we were not so confident of, but Harper was clearly skilled in. With each blow he parried and each kick he deflected, my frustration grew and grew. Finally, I ripped my combat knife from its sheath and tried to compensate with the length of the blade for my short reach. Harper looked amused at my efforts.
"You want to play with knives? Okay! I have one too!"
He tossed his magnum to Neb, and out of instinct the grey Freelancer lunged for it, gasping in pain as Harper lunged forward and buried his knife in the Freelancer's right shoulder. Immediately I retaliated, leaping forward and using my thruster pack to drive my knife harshly towards Harper's back. The Innie whipped around just as quick, knife at the ready, taking my knife in the thigh, but forcing his own through my arm. With a shout, I released the grip on my blade and ripped my arm off of his knife, blood dripping onto the snow and a delighted laugh leaving Harper's lips as he removed my knife from his leg.
Neb and I shot a swift look at each other and leapt towards him; Neb now armed with his own knife, and me reverting back to just my fists. We coordinated with each other well enough, but Harper was just better. Dodging swiftly, parrying without even needing to look. Finally, fed up, I backed off and took a running start before sliding forwards under Harper's legs, using my thruster pack for an extra boost. However, just as I did so, he kicked Neb away into the snow, and as I went to grab his ankles for a trip attempt, he dropped fully on my chest.
I bit back a cry as my legs folded awkwardly at the knee, and I glared up angrily, my look turning homicidal at his wide grin.
"I'm insulted you think I'd fall for that. Although," he leaned forward close to my face, his hands pinning my shoulders, and I involuntarily pressed my head against the ground, thankful for my helmet, as he continued. "I can't say I mind this position at all."
"Too bad I mind," I snarled. Before I could kick him off myself, a flash of white and grey announced that Neb had gotten back up, and Harper's weight vanished as Neb shoved him off, combat knife digging into Harper's arm. Neb took the momentary advantage to grab my arm and haul me up, though I hissed in protest as he grabbed the knife wound. My left knee felt like it was going to give out at any time, and I gingerly set it on the ground, my right leg taking most of my weight now. Neb shot me what I thought was a concerned look as Harper got up and lazily pulled Neb's knife from his arm before throwing it behind him carelessly. I nodded slightly to tell him I was good for now, and Harper laughed.
"There's no need to be so defensive; Cal didn't seem to think I was that bad. But then he wouldn't have told you about that! Maybe Mich would've been more honest. Too bad Ark had to kill her," he sighed in mock sadness, the amused smirk and wild light in his eyes contradicting even the barest shred of sympathy.
"Penn and Ark are going to pay for Mich and Massa," I spat out harshly, "and you're going to pay for your crimes too!"
Neb set a hand on my shoulder and shook his head; a silent warning not to egg the murderer in front of us on. However I shook it off and continued glaring at Harper, my fists clenched and muscles tense as I waited for his next move.
"You think you can take me on? You can barely take on the other Freelancers, and I'm better than all of them!"
Snarling, I leapt forward, and activated my thruster pack, ready to use the force and momentum behind it to slam his cocky ass head into the rock. I felt Neb jump forward with me, but instead of connecting with Harper, my fist connected hard with the rock, and Neb's follow up kick sliced through empty air. In retaliation, Harper brought out a second pistol and levelled it at Neb. Frantic now, I lunged for it, and promptly felt his knife enter my stomach. I cried out in pain just as his gun went off and Neb stumbled back with a gasp, his hand flying over a new wound in his chest. Harper laughed and turned to me.
"Live together and die together; that's how we're going to play this. I remove my knife, and you'll bleed to death slowly. To make it fair, I'll shoot your boyfriend again, and you'll both die! Or you can be an obedient little Freelancer and willingly come with me. The choice is all yours. Go on, take your time, I can wait."
My willpower and pride were the only things keeping me from just sliding off of that knife. Harper's grip on it hadn't waned, and he held it almost possessively, grinning between Neb and I like we were his next meal. The close proximity to him was making me sick, and I turned to Neb, more comfortable looking at him than at the Insurrectionist practically pressed up against me. Neb stared back wordlessly, the smallest tilt of his head telling me to make a decision. Closing my eyes, I stiffened and then relaxed, avoiding looking at Harper.
"I surrender," I growled darkly.
"Brilliant!" He declared arrogantly. "You and I are going to get some bonding time later. Maybe your boyfriend will get to watch."
"Ian!"
The voice was authoritative, and I instantly recognized the former-Agent Arkansas as he strode around the side of the rock. He took in the scene coldly, his gaze lingering over our injuries. Neb had started to cough a bit by now, which made me concerned. Ian was batshit insane – it only took a few minutes for me to firmly believe the older Freelancers – but I held out the hope that, though he was a traitor, Arkansas would be more reasonable.
"You aren't supposed to kill them," he said, motioning to Neb and me. "We need them alive."
"Aw, but Arky, they are alive. Just a few more holes in them is all! It wouldn't have been entertaining if they were in pristine condition."
"Looks to me like she's bleeding out," Ark replied, nodding in my direction, the distaste evident in his voice.
I gritted my teeth, but kept silent, wondering where he was going with the comment.
"Who cares? We still have seven more to play with!"
"I want all of them alive. Not part of them," Arkansas said, somehow managing to assert his authority in a controlled tone, and Harper's stance changed subtly, as he held his hands up with a dramatic flair.
Harper sighed dramatically. "Fine. Killjoy."
Just as Harper removed the knife, Arkansas tossed a small can of biofoam to Neb.
"Fix her up," he ordered coldly, "and don't try anything. Otherwise I'll let Harper do whatever the hell he wants with you."
The aforementioned Innie giggled and waved, as Arkansas crossed his arms and stared us down. Limping over to Neb with as much dignity as I could muster, I smirked.
"Hey, Neb, I'm not having as much fun anymore."
He sighed and shook his head, gently pushing me on my back and filling the wound with biofoam.
"That'll hold until we get back to the ship," he murmured, concerned.
"Get some foam on that chest wound," I replied sternly. "There should be enough left."
"Too bad he won't get to use it. Both of you, up, and helmets off," Arkansas ordered, using the same tone of voice that he had before. Neb went to help me up, but Ian beat him to it as he yanked me roughly to my feet. I hissed in protest and went to sock him in the face, which he took with the same humour he had displayed throughout. Despite the fact that his nose was now bleeding, he pinned the offending arm behind my back with his hand, and yanked my helmet off with the other, tossing it on the ground.
Arkansas hadn't been nearly as rough with Neb, but the grey Freelancer still had his arms pinned behind his own back, and his helmet had been discarded as well. Our trek took all of two minutes. Judging from the amount of gunfire, Jersey was still holding out, and doing it well. From the bottom of the red base, I saw Pennsylvania emerge with Kent and Utah. Both men looked battered, and fury raced through me. Ian must have felt the sudden tension because his grip became a bit tighter.
"Enjoying the view?" he breathed next to my ear.
In a show of defiance I threw my head back to head-butt him, but he easily avoided it.
"Whoa now! Save it for our time together later."
Stewing in fury, Pennsylvania joined us with Kent and Utah. Both of them had their helmets off as well. Utah didn't really seem all that different, but Kent looked like he'd been through a tornado. With me still growling silently, we were led forward towards Jersey's large boulder. It was tall enough to provide cover, but short enough to peek over to shoot.
"I'd stand down if I was you!"
I didn't need to hear Jersey to know what she would do. Immediately the bullets stopped flying, and Arkansas raised his hand and the Innies stopped as well.
"Don't negotiate Jersey! Shoot the-!"
Immediately Harper's hand flew over my mouth, smothering any attempts to talk. I struggled fiercely, earning me the feeling of his knife pressed against my throat. Instantly I stopped, my fists clenching. I could tell that Jersey was hesitating, but her decision didn't take long. I couldn't hear her order, but one by one, the un-captured Freelancers threw down their weapons and walked in front of the rock, hands raised. As they did this, Harper chuckled and said quietly, so the others couldn't hear, "Don't worry, killing you would spoil the fun."
You'll be fine, 'Rado. All bark and no bite, just like all Innies. Keep cool, keep calm, keep collected.
Jersey was tense as she walked forward, and she growled at the three men holding us, "The only reason we're surrendering is because you have better guns than us."
"Good choice," Arkansas said with obvious satisfaction in his voice. "Apprehend them, and return to the birds. I want to be gone before Freelancer even gets close to this base."
The orders were carried out with quick efficiency. Normal troopers secured the more docile Freelancers with cuffs, and Pennsylvania and Arkansas handed my team off to their subordinates, who steered the group towards a Pelican. I could have sworn I saw Jersey smirk at her cuffs as she flexed her hand, though it was gone before I could be sure. However when one Innie stepped up to me, Harper waved him away.
"Nope, I'm going to take care of this one personally."
Fury raced through me again, as well as the various scenarios for his emphasis on the world 'personally.'
"What, am I some sort of fucking prize?! I am going to kick your ass when I get loose, and you can be damn sure I will!" I threatened hotly.
"That's if you can even move when I'm done. Or if you have the will to even try and break out. I suppose we'll find out!" he said with a disturbing giggle, leading me towards the bird he had come off of originally. More importantly, it was separate from the other Freelancers. I watched Pennsylvania enter the Pelican with the other Freelancers, and Arkansas hopped on his own bird, alone. Harper led me towards the final Pelican, and a sense of grim hopelessness fell upon me.
"Fuck you!" I snapped out furiously, still dangerously aware of the cold steel of the knife, and the distance yawning between my teammates and myself.
His breath was hot on my neck as he leaned down, and involuntary shivers ran down my spine.
"Maybe. If you're…unresponsive."
We started forward again, and for the first time since entering Freelancer, I felt icy claws of fear sink into me.