Once their mission had been accomplished and Chief had requested that Ludmilla and her team kept the Forerunner Installation safe alongside the rest of the research staff, he, the Counters, Lucky Strikes and all of their gathered comrades boarded the twinrotor heavy transport back to the Ark from the Northern Base. Daisy took her helmet off, murmuring, "You're actually dead serious, huh...?" as she stared at the Chief.
"Afraid so," Chief replied, looking at the youthful face of Daisy as she sat there, mulling this over. She sighed, then snorted, which temporarily confused both John and his impromptu partner, the reclusive sharpshooter that was Cal. Both women were eerily calm about this for anyone who was not a Spartan. Daisy especially, considering how Chief knew her as a more brash, hardheaded one.
She told Chief, "Honestly, fuck yeah. We won the war... Who cares if there's another if ours is safe...?" with a smirk. Sighing, the blonde shook her head and whispered, "I swear, things get more and more hectic the more we learn about this place. First, we had to deal with and dodge entire patrols of these Rapture freaks, then we were shot at by that weird Heretic gal in passing and now this crap... How're you handling this so well, Cal?"
"Like I said, I'm just glad we're alive again..." The woman with platinum-blonde hair spoke, shrugging. She took her helmet off, causing gasps across the overloaded transport, including from the male and female Marines alike. Anis scoffed, while Pinne, Sammy and Niner bumped fists after having made a bet with Delta and Signal about Cal being a babe, at least. The fact both were was a bonus, but their bet was on Cal.
Layla chuckled at the sight, saying, "Gotta say, ma'am, Spartans are supermodels or something. Both the women and men look like you have all been chiseled out of stone," before turning to Rusty. The Missilis girl held her head, trembling, which caused Layla to ask, "... Rusty, you alright there? You did good providing us air cover..." as she turned to look at the girl.
"It's... Not..." Rusty barely managed to let out, "It's not... That..." and she looked up. Her eyes glowed, though not the red one would expect out of the famed Corruption. An eerie blue. Her head craned to the right, eyeing Alyosha. Her expression went flat, dead serious, the corner lights of her muzzle glowing blue. She stood to her feet almost robotically, then drew her sidearm and aimed it at the Commander. She whispered, "... Sorry...!"
... Before she could even squeeze the trigger, Cortana blared an interrupt over her NIMPH, calling out, "Oh, no, you don't..." with a hint of anger. She felt the air knocked out of her synthetic lungs. Chief and Will pinned her to the floor and disarmed her. She gasped for air as the glow in her eyes faded and they flickered black. She screamed through the mask, voice altered, before Cortana said, "Rusty! Rusty, it's alright! I think I blocked the signal! Chief, tie her hands, now!"
As the gun clattered to the floor, the Spartans managed to secure Rusty. They lifted her to her feet, spun her around and pinned her down before tying her hands up with magnetic lock cuffs. Rusty whispered, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Repeatedly toward the Commander. Everyone looked at the girl as she breathed heavily.
Anis was about to comment, snap, or something. The Commander showed her to be quiet, then asked over com, "Cortana, what just happened?"
"... Rusty has been having issues with some 'rogue code' sent her way. From what I can tell by peeling a copy of it apart, it was sent from Missilis a few hours ago..." The AI sighed deeply, "Seems like she had orders either to leave us to die, or to kill the Commander if the situation called for it. Like a killswitch just flipped on in her brain. Syuen really must want you dead, Alyosha."
"I can guess why," The man replied with a heavy heart. He sighed and asked, "Is it off?"
"Yeah, but Rusty's mind's nearing a Switch..." Cortana replied, sad, "I'm not sure we can do anything to help her. It's almost as if the Code took her body over unwillingly, left her a passenger in her own moving Nikke form. I can imagine how that's gonna screw with one's perception of oneself as a human... Maybe you can help her, or maybe we just let the Mind Switch run its course."
The group warily watched the Commander approach the muzzled woman and kneel in front of her. She averted her gaze, still repeatedly apologizing. It was clear she was still somewhat functioning, if not on the verge of that Mind Switch like Cortana said. So, Alyosha did the only thing he knew to do when a Nikke hurt. He gently set an arm on her shoulder and spoke reassuringly, "It's okay, Rusty..."
"... How is it okay...?" She whispered, angry, though at herself, "How the fuck is it okay that that little runt can just control me...? I nearly..."
"Specifically because it wasn't you pointing that gun at me," He told her, pointing at the pistol on the floor. Rusty looked over at the gun, then frowned, but Alyosha continued softly, "Syuen was. Not in body, but by her own devices..." and pointed at the girl's head, "You are still here," Then he pointed at her heart, "And here. You fought this so far. You're you, Rusty. You're a free person, even as a Nikke, like everyone else."
"... I don't know what Freedom is to you, Commander Harris," She replied, tears welling in her eyes, "I've never known Freedom...! From the Orphanage with my two little sisters to becoming Missilis's playthings just to settle a debt... All there's been to my life is being used to do other people's bidding. And even if I didn't do it willingly, they'd find some way to force it on me...! One of you should just finish it..." Then she cast a longing glance at her pistol, hinting as she spoke, "If Cortana's jamming fails, I..."
Alyosha nodded in understanding, then sighed. Rapi, however, told her, "Which is why your willingness to oppose something as vile as this proves you know Freedom..." and walked over to her. She knelt in front of her and continued, "... I used to think we were just tools for a while. I still do, to some degree. We are the Ark's and Humanity's soldiers. The machines that will protect and die for our masters, even if they don't care about us..."
She looked over to Alyosha, "That was an unshakable feeling I've had since I've become a Nikke... A core belief that I couldn't change..." Then she smiled, "Then, I came into contact with this squad. Anis first," she jabbed a thumb back toward the grenadier, who smiled. She continued, "Then... Marian..." sadly. She didn't believe Marian was dead, but she also didn't want to believe that it was that Heretic. Once more, she spoke, now looking Rusty in the eye, "And now, Neon and our Commander. And that belief was shaken. They care... Many do, in their own way."
"And we'll continue to care," Alyosha quipped, grinning. He looked up to the Chief, who nodded, then to the Spartans and marines around. Many gave nods of approval, thumbs up, some even jokingly made heart shapes with their fingers. It was with that that the Commander told her, "I swear to you, Rusty, you will know what freedom is... You'll taste it. Both you and your sisters."
Rusty shook her head, then snorted through the tears. She spoke, "Syuen was fucking right about one thing with you... You're one hell of a character, sir..."
Alyosha smiled, "That's why I make friends easy, I guess."
Rusty nodded, then sighed deeply, "I entrust my freedom to you, then. To you, to the Chief and the others," and she looked around, "And to Cortana. Heh, I didn't expect Chief to have an AI on him, I'll admit..." And her eyes locked with the Spartan's, well aware Cortana was probably watching from there. She told her, "But it's nice of you to finally show yourself. Thanks for the help," half-smile concealed by the mask.
"Don't mention it," Cortana chuckled.
"If I may interrupt this moment of levity," Halsey joined in and walked over to Rusty. She cupped the girl's chin as she knelt down, then looked over the muzzle and said, "Both metaphorically and physically muzzled and leashed to her masters... I think I can solve this if given enough time and the proper tools. If the mask is truly, as my eyes have seen, the reason you are the way you are, miss Rusty."
"It's... A physical reminder, yeah, but it also has the Code and transmission receiver for it," Rusty nodded. The mask flickered as Cortana jammed it still, which hinted that Anis was at least half-right about it. Rusty looked at herself, then at the others, Halsey included. The Doctor continued examining the latches and connection points on her face, then sighed.
Anis chuckled, then bumped in, "So, we take that off and Syuen won't have jack diddly squat to control ya with."
"It's not gonna be easy, honestly," Rusty replied, "It's basically part of my being. I tried ripping it off multiple times and it didn't work."
"So, we will have to separate the artificial synapses connected to it very, very carefully," Halsey noted. She pulled up her tablet and said, "Something I can do if I have the proper tools. Does the Outpost we are headed to have a hospital and all amenities within, Commander Harris?" turning to the Commander. He nodded affirmatively and Halsey sighed, relieved, "So be it. It may take me a few days... And it might be painful."
Rusty nodded, whispering, "I don't care... Anything for a taste of freedom..." fairly determined. Halsey hummed, then nodded and continued working on scans and examinations of the mask with non-invasive methods she had available. Anis, Rapi, Neon and the other Nikkes looked to each-other, then to the Spartans and Commander. The Marines, meanwhile, sighed.
Shevchenko commented, "Man, this is some bullshit..."
"You're telling me, dude. Basically slaves meant to die," Another Marine replied, looking at them, "You girls are alright. You covered and saved our asses out there, so we got your backs, too," then he smirked, "Hell, any man or woman packing a gun for the safety of mankind's alright in my book. We're all fighting together against the same damn threats, after all."
"Hoo'rah!" His comrades cheered.
Rusty nodded, then smiled and sighed, "Alright... I'm eager to get the cuffs and muzzle off, doc. I'm all yours," as she looked at Halsey. The woman nodded approvingly, then slung her tablet into her coat's pocket and stood up. She looked to John and Will, nodded to them to lift her and sit down beside her, then she walked with the Commander and Rapi to sit down and discuss a plan of action until they reached the Outpost.
It wasn't long, however, before the transport had reported to and arrived at the Outpost where the Counters and everyone else had settled. What awaited the group on the platform, however, was surprising enough that even the Spartans had to take a moment to register it. Both sides of Spartans. Red Team stared at John and the others as they descended the ramp, focusing on Halsey. John and the others stared as they walked at Kelly, RED Team and... Captain Cutter.
The entire group who recognized the man snapped immediate and crisp salutes. Captain Cutter smiled and saluted back, then said, "At ease. Good to see you, Master Chief, Blues. Doctor Halsey. It's certainly been a long twenty-eight years for all of us..." and he took a sip of coffee. RED Team stared, surprised, at Daisy, at Cal and at Sam as they stepped off the vehicle next.
"Captain," Halsey replied with a calm nod, "I suppose Kelly had some nice finds, then?"
"Indeed, ma'am," Cutter replied, "And some not-so-nice finds as I'm sure she and Sergeant-Major Johnson will tell you."
"I look forward to the briefings..." Halsey hummed. She felt the heavy weight of the air within the outpost, even with Rusty being moved to the hospital in cuffs. Something was going wrong. She looked to Cutter as Alyosha and Chief walked up beside her with their respective Executive Officers, then asked, "Would you mind giving us a briefing over what has this entire place feeling like a grave first?"
"If we have anywhere to talk where it's safe, yes," He nodded. Alyosha raised his hand and showed the group to follow him quietly. Delta, Rapi, Chief and Halsey followed while Kelly reunified with everyone. Sam and Linda, specifically, as well as Cal and Daisy. Daisy was the most openly peppy to see everyone again, actually smiling all throughout the gathering of her siblings.
Entering the Outpost's CC, the Commander led the group upstairs, stating, "I don't suppose you can even drop us a hint of what's going on, right?"
"Need a Black Room. Somewhere where we can't be listened to," The Captain replied as they walked. The Commander nodded and led them into his office, to which the Captain nodded approvingly as he searched the room with his eyes. Finding no bugs or anything like that, he said, "Cortana. Kelly briefed us on your presence, you're Chief's AI partner. Can you secure this room?"
"Yes, sir," She replied over com. Chief approached the Commander's computer and slotted her into it. In a moment, the power flashed, the computer's screen turning black, before a symbol appeared on the screen. She reported, "All done. Nobody can hear us talking here," as she maintained the security systems. Chief and the others looked to Cutter, who nodded approvingly.
He then sighed and said, "As you probably imagine, I am not alone here. The Spirit of Fire is also present, though she will sadly never fly again. Engine damage sustained during apparent orbital fighting against these Raptures. We still have our crew, facilities, Marine and ODST complement and tanks and transports. An entire MEU is at your disposal for combat uses, Chief."
"That's good news," Alyosha smiled. Chief nodded and Halsey approved, though all of them knew something else was up.
"Indeed. That's the good news for now, commander..." The man pressed on the word, then sighed deeply, rubbing his eyes, "The bad news, however, is that the Ark's undergoing a situation," Only to note several looks of concern and Chief's own minute body movements telling him he hit a nerve. He continued, "I got back from talking with Chief Deputy Andersen a few hours ago. It seems as though the CEO of Missilis is on a bit of a power grab."
The room suddenly grew several degrees colder as both Chief and Alyosha, not to mention Delta and Rapi, frowned. Halsey remained terrifyingly impassive, though even so, Cutter could feel the fury radiating from her. He explained, "Important figures within the Ark, as well as up-and-coming politicians and commanders that don't really like Missilis's seeming scruple-less way of doing work have been going missing. Enikk, the place's Judge and overall control AI, is apparently suffering some issues and her replacement jury's judges are all in Missilis's pockets."
"Son of a..." Alyosha straightened up, angry, "If she takes control of the Ark, humanity's really done for... How the hell did this happen?"
"Kelly believes it happened when she mistakenly tripped a security system in one of the Lost Sectors' buildings," Cutter replied. He then told them, "A building where Missilis was studying the Flood."
If the room had been cold before, it suddenly fell to freezing. Despite Alyosha's confusion, the sight of the Chief staggering and the normally-calm and stoic Halsey's eyes shooting wide open, jaw dropping and a shiver running up her spine told him, Rapi and Delta that this was probably not good. Cutter looked to the kid and said, "Take it you're unfamiliar. Obviously, Chief probably wants to forget these things, too... As do so many of us. The Flood, Commander Harris, is an alien parasite of terrifying capability and strength. It can take and corrupt any and everything, human, alien or otherwise."
Cortana scoffed, "The stupid bitch wanted to make a Bioweapon, didn't she...? She wanted to weaponize them, use them against the Raptures without knowing what the hell it'd lead to..." and even Cortana's anger was palpable. She growled, "And now she's covering her own ass by quietly replacing the Central Government with cronies who would rather put us behind bars than her..."
"You deduced it well, Cortana," Cutter smiled, "Somehow, I knew Chief wouldn't have just any random AI as a partner."
"... She's made from my brain scans, after all..." Halsey murmured, though she, too, barely concealed her fury. She showed Cutter to quiet down for a second by lifting her right hand and index finger, before her voice, trembling and teeming with anger, said, "And this little creature, this Syuen, who nearly jeopardized what is left of humanity as a whole on this version of our homeworld, has decided to both save herself and take power within the last known human stronghold..." only to get a nod of confirmation out of Cutter. She snarled, "The sheer fucking hubris..."
Chief clenched and unclenched his fists, asking with as level a voice as he could muster, "What do we do, then, sir? This can't go unanswered."
"We already agreed to that, Spartan," Cutter nodded, "It's why Andersen has agreed to give us schematics of some side tunnels we can covertly ship a good chunk of our troops in with. Both here, to secure the Outpost, and within the Ark's Outer Rim. Far as I understand from what I've read, that place seems like a specifically made slum for Non-Citizen survivors that snuck in, so it's both a breeding ground for Terrorists and one of the most maleable places here for our interests... A good place to hide and prepare."
"Smart," Alyosha sighed deeply, pinching the bow of his nose.
Rapi stepped in and said, "You'll have to contend with Criminal elements and the terror group Heavenly Ascension when you go in there. And they aren't anthing to scoff at... We have entire units designed to prevent them from committing Terror Acts within the Ark and... Even so, we've had many casualties. I'd suggest caution when approaching. Try to sus them out first, before thet shoot at you..."
Cutter replied calmly, "I and my men are veterans of not just the Human-Covenant War, but OPERATION:TREBUCHET, as well...?"
"Rapi, sir," She saluted, proud, "Commander Harris's Executive Officer in the Counters."
He nodded, offering a kind and fatherly smile to her, "A pleasure, Rapi. And you?" He turned to Delta.
Delta smiled and snapped a crisp, very professional salute, boots clicking together. "Sir, my name is Delta, sir. I'm the Master Chief's Executive Officer for the LUCKY STRIKES Nikke team."
Halsey, a little more calm, said, "They are quite capable soldiers, Captain... Not for lack of their own problems. I'm certain you spotted some of our Spartans carrying one of the Nikkes in cuffs, toward the local hospital," and Cutter gave a nod. She told him, "It seems as though Missilis's CEO attempted to rid herself of another thorn in her side. Commander Harris was the target of an attempted assassination through the hijacking of the girl's NIMPH and, following that, body... I intend to remove the factor that allows such control on Syuen's part. Get us one of her most Elite, yet unwilling Nikkes on our side."
"Didn't get a scratch on me, thanks to Chief and the other Spartans being prompt to respond," Chuckled Alyosha, rubbing the back of his neck. Cutter somehow knew the Spartans had managed to keep the kid safe from her, considering everything. Alyosha then continued, however, "What's next, then? Like... What's on the docket as far as plans go? I get sending troops into the Ark via infiltrating the Outer Rim..."
"If Syuen makes any major moves, we're already planning to counter them," He replied, "Simply put, we're putting a plan of action into work that'll lead Syuen down the only path she can take... A Coup. Betrayal of the Ark's laws completely and utterly. She and all of her Cronies will be deposed and, if I can help it, hanged from the nearest god-damned tree... Or worse. First of all, Chief, I'm gonna need you to take Blue Team and secure some of the remaining people who are friendly to us in the Ark. Scatter one or two Spartans to the other two CEOs, to Andersen and to some of the Commanders we're about to get intel on. Andersen said he has a few friends in high places."
"Sir," Chief saluted, "It'll be done. What about the Lucky Strikes, though?"
"They'll be part of the Outpost Garrison until we've ensured a decent enough foothold. Afterward, phase two of the plan involves mobilizing troops to staging areas under complete Cover. Cortana, I hope you can mask and delete anything on the Ark's tiny intranet," He requested, turning to the AI. Her form appeared from a holographic display as she gave a snappy salute. He also ordered, "... See if you can't get Enikk running again, too. We'll need her when this is all over."
"Understood, sir," She grinned, "Oh, I'm gonna enjoy tearing that little bastard's attempt at an Empire down..." And she was obviously referring to Syuen. Chief and everyone else in the room suddenly felt a little sorry for Syuen. Eh, no, not really, but it was a nice thought to 'feel sorry' for the person who was about to face the wrath of Humanity's best, both directly and indirectly.
"And when she does try the Coup, sir?" Rapi inquired, "What then?"
"Anyone here remember the Russian Constitutional Crisis of the 1990s?" Cutter asked, only to see slight confusion among some of the less historically-inclined. He told them, "Immediately after the Fall of the Soviet Union, the Russians had a bit of an issue with Democracy, which caused then-president Boris Yeltsin to try and seize complete power," He offered, then took another sip from his thermos of coffee. Offering some to Halsey, who took it with a nod of appreciation, the man explained, "He was talked down, finally... But moments before that, he had troops on the streets to secure important items."
"... You may build a throne of bayonets, but will find it hard to sit on," Halsey recalled after taking a sip of the dark blend the Captain usually drank. She said, "Syuen is building that throne. And whoever she's putting into power beside her will be the bayonets... One has to poke up just a little too high in order to stab her and send her tumbling," which made Cutter and the others smile, Chief included. She inquired, "Any ideas so far, Captain? Or do we need to go looking?"
Cutter snorted, "I have a man in mind... One who seems like enough of a sleaze-bag. Andersen recommended him to me. Useful, if a little dangerous..."
"... We talking about another Chief Deputy?" Alyosha deduced, "Because I think I know him. Fat, short little man, ugly as sin, weird toupe, porn stache and always carries a cane and pistol around with his uniform, trying to seem posh," only to get a nod and a snort out of Cutter. Alyosha chuckled, "Yeah, Burningum will do. Andersen doesn't really like the guy either."
Cutter nodded, "Phase three is the Counter-Coup... We tell people who we are, what we're here for rather openly through a television broadcast while we occupy most of the rest of the Ark's important infrastructure, ensure Syuen's troops can't do anything. Maybe Mustang and Ingrid's girls will even help. Cortana, I'm gonna need your help to record a speech for the broadcast. Otherwise, I want you to brief everyone, UNSC and non-UNSC, that you all trust. The next few weeks will be important... Important enough to decide the survival of Mankind as a whole on this world... I want your opinion, however. Everyone's. Before we move on with this. It might get bloody."
"Doesn't seem like we have many other options if Enikk is suffering failures now," Rapi offered, "Much more, if the Ark's CG is being replaced already..."
"We'll get it done as bloodless as possible, sir," Chief assured, arms crossed.
"Aye," Delta stood at attention.
"We got this," Alyosha nodded, happy. Sure, the kid was worried things would degenerate, but...
Halsey nodded, "I will do my best to help in this endeavor," and she started preparing plan Bs and other items of interest like that. She continued, "I'd suggest we begin, then. Time is already of the essence in this situation and I dread what damage Syuen has already done to the Ark as a whole," as she lifted her tablet and started calculating. Cutter nodded and, with a chop of his hand, dismissed the Think Tank.
In the Barracks...
"You're kidding me, right?" Jerome asked as he looked at Kelly, "I get John won us the War, but I didn't expect him going toe-to-toe with the Flood three times and coming out on top... Then again, this is John we're talking about. He's always had luck on his side," then he looked to Alice, who was chatting up Daisy. Kelly nodded in confirmation, however, as she loaded fresh 8ga shells into her gun.
"We've seen Chief do plenty of interesting stuff," Pinne commented as she nursed her injuries and checked her gun while on the bed, "Never thought I'd hear about him going toe-to-toe with Space AIDS, quite honestly..." And that caused several Marines, a Spartan(Daisy) and the ODST in the room, not to mention her team-mates, to burst into laughter. She smiled, then quipped, "Then again, the man's up to his neck with leading us, commanding Blue now and so on."
Niner, who was now feeling up her new arm, quipped, "His luck probably rubbed off on us, considering I lost my arm only. Thank you, Hospital crew..." before she pulled her sleeve down over the good arm and leaned forward, looking at Jerome and smiling. She asked, "Didn't you guys do similar stuff to the Chief? I mean, you guys basically kicked insurmountable amounts of ass in the War, didn't you?"
"Us as in RED or us as in Spartans as a whole?" He asked.
"Spartans as a whole," She shrugged, "Chief's briefing on the Human-Covenant War was fairly brief, but he did tell us a bunch of stuff about you all... Plus he let us read some detailed reports of how Spartans operated while we were off-duty in the Outpost. You guys are terrifying, I'm gonna be honest," and she looked at the rest of the crew. Cal sat with Linda now, both of them tending to their respective model of Sniper.
Johnson walked in with food and said, "Time to see what this whole Splendamin thing's about. Dig in, folks," then set down several trays and plates he'd carried on his own. Sitting himself down beside Forge, the man puffed from his cigar and looked at Anis as she was tending to Neon. She asked, "Lil' White-Hair alright over there, Hotshot, or does she need to go to the docs again?"
"She's fine," Anis replied with a smirk, "Turns out she took that beating like a champ. How's your gun, by the way, Neon?"
Neon gave a thumbs up, stating a dazed, "Firepower... Hehe..."
Johnson snorted, while Forge commented, "That girl's still high on painkillers, isn't she?" as he bit down into the foodstuff. He sighed and said, "Damn, this tastes artificial..." as he looked at the blob meant to represent a hashbrown. Johnson nodded, while the Nikkes looked at the man apologetically. While it wasn't their fault that the Ark was reduced to basically eating an amorphous blob given shape and taste chemically, it was still a bit saddening.
Johnson replied to him, "This is what you get when you can't really grow crops en-masse to feed the population, Sarge... God only knows how close we were to it when the Covenant came swingin'. One misstep and mankind might've wound up the same in two different universes, if we weren't dead in ours already," and he took a puff from his cigar, then sighed.
Anis nodded, "Glad humanity gets to be happy in at least one universe. Still can't believe Missilis is really starting crap here, though... Seriously, it's almost as if that little runt really only cares about making sure her profit's secured," before sighing as she leaned back and started eating her own food. It wasn't long, however, before Chief entered the room, rifle on his back.
He said, "I'm gonna need volunteer Spartans, Marines and ODSTs for security... I'm sure you've all been briefed of what's going on in the Ark. We intend to stop Syuen from gaining any more of a foothold now. REDs, Blues, Cal, Daisy, on your feet and let's get to it," Only for all the Spartans to stand up and salute, weapons already prepared. They filed out of the room and Chief told everyone else, "Captain Cutter, Rapi, Delta and Commander Harris will provide a briefing to everyone else."
He turned to leave, only to be met by Miranda, who smirked and said, "Gonna depart without saying hello to me first, Chief? I'm hurt."
"Ma'am," He saluted.
"Hey, Miranda," Cortana greeted.
"Heh. Hey to you as well, Cortana..." Miranda replied with a smile, "Go. I'll get myself prepped, too... Probably gonna go see if the REDGUNS still need me."
She also turned to leave, only to see Doctor Halsey. Both women stopped, stunned... Halsey was frozen.