Chapter 10

Remember the past

Week 6: Day 38

(Johnathan's POV)

Can't believe it's been a entire month since I been stranded here. One month since I last had contact with command. One month since I seen Elaia or Mu or even heard from Serena. In that month away from home, I've come to miss the little things that I realize I may never see again. I forgot what a simple life was like. No one trying to kill me, everything is straight forward, no grey area and no blank ink in my jobs. All though the next time I see Owen again, I'm going to beat the shit out of him for dumping these damn raptors on me. Good news is I've had time to repair my helmet, but most of my fission battery packs I integrated from the Fallout systems have died and need recharged. Finally figuring out some of the history of this place without having Velvet explain it in to where I can understand it. Railgun is still destroyed, main issue I have is the power supply. I can't quite find anything that can hold the charge or produce the energy I need for it to work.

I made friends with RWBY and JNPR. Well not friends, more like allies. School has been a massive pain in my ass. First off, I'm having a hard time figuring out Dust and how it works. Let's just say I've had more things explode in my face the past month then Ruby has cookies. Grimm study has been alright, but for some reason I keep falling asleep halfway through his class. Combat class I figured out fast, not hard once I got use to how these people fight. Never thought about using the recoil in we weaponry to augment my strikes. Maintenance for those weapons must be a absolute pain in the ass. I had to hold back so i don't accidentally kill anyone. Considering I got the strength to punch though steel with ease and rip limbs off if I so desired. I like these people so no limb ripping from me in this universe. Leadership I figured out pretty well. Just need to take notes every now and again.

Things have been pretty good between me and CFVY. Velvet has been acting a little weird around me since we got back from the Jurassic park universe. Normally find her blushing around me a lot. Movie she took me to see was some weird film I can't remember the name of, some type of animated musical about a singing rabbit, she loved it but I couldn't follow along. We've gotten a bit close lately. See more of her than anyone else around here. Coco uses me as her personal pack mule when she tricks me to go on her shopping trips, she's a nice person and all but I don't like being tricked. She learned that the hard way when a pair of her boots found it's way to Rojo's jaws one morning, she chased him around the school to get them back. Me and Fox talked a bit, not a whole lot but we get along pretty well. Yatsuhashi has been quiet, we don't really interact that much. Head nod when we see each other, sometimes a friendly wave, but never talked. Rhode Island and me have been getting along a lot better. She's back to her old self, pulling small pranks on people every now and again. Like when she rigged RWBY's dorm to blow with shaving cream cans. Weiss was not happy after she looks like a marshmellow. Cardin hasn't bugged Velvet a whole lot lately, Though I have seen a lot less on Jaune, he is fully healed, though he has a giant bite mark across his chest from the Rex's banana sized chompers. Well earned battle scar for his noble feat and act of courage. Going to be the first of many, I'll tell him that straight up.

On good terms with RWBY and JNPR. Rhode gets along very well with Ruby and Nora. Those three can cause a whole bunch of trouble together. Weiss taught me the basics about dust, not a whole lot but enough to where I won't turn the school into a nuclear hell storm when mixing them. Blake I'm neutral with, she knows I'm hiding something and I know she is as well. Yang almost killed me for slicing off a single hair during combat class. If that was her fury for one single hair, hate to be the poor bastard who would be dumb enough to buzz off all of it, I wouldn't wish that kind of torment on my worst enemy. Pyrrha is a lot friendlier than I first thought, nothing like Carolina save for her ability to adapt in battle. Ren I am on good terms with, help him keep Nora calm when she gets out of control.

Me and Ozpin worked out a deal that benefits both sides when it comes to the raptors. I can keep them in my dorm, aside from Azula who will be kept in a secure area, at least until she calms down and stops trying to kill me on sight, but I'm responsible for their well being and actions; acceptable conditions. They became my fire team's unofficial trackers. Technically they're my fire team's third and fourth members. Depends on how someone wants to look at it.

Rojo and Rosa have been pretty good. Rosa lets Ruby treat her like a dog while Yang does a few matador matches with Rojo. Nothing is funnier than seeing Yang get outsmarted by Rojo, more than once has she been headbutt in the ass by that crazy raptor. Azula has, for a lack of better words, been stir crazy. She bangs on the cage door, snapping at me when I feed and water her. Few times I took her out to give her exercise. More of a work out for me really, it's a pain to try and outrunning a raptor at full speed. She forgets everything around her and focuses on me purely. Gives the other students heart attacks. Not that I blame them, Azula can be . . . Frightening . . . . when she's on the hunt. Difficult to get her back in her cage without getting my ass mauled off. Safe to say she still hates my guts, and that I need to get faster if I wish to keep them inside me.

I was currently in my dorm with Rhode watching the ceiling fan move around in circles in our civilian clothes. Just a blue shirt and pants for me, nothing real fancy. Same for Rhode only she has a jeweled dragon on her pants. It was midday on a boring Sunday, too much to do, no materials to do it with, no idea where to continue . . . . .Rosa and Rojo were resting on their oversized dog beds I found. They earned it for being good. Now that I think of it, I really need to get a paying job if I want more materials to do anything. Already do small favors for others for money. We did make more rounds for the rocket launchers and the guns. Low quality dust used for the gunpowder to be sure we don't kill ourselves while still trying to figure the higher quality dust crap out. Few incendiary rounds made for my live ammo pistol. Got to experiment more with the lock down paint.

Room hadn't changed too much. Rhode put a few posters us of kittens. Lockers still held our weaponry. I put our armor stands off to the side by the lockers. Our armor was on them, obviously. Our small fridge was filled with this place's version of hot pockets and soda. Weird names but they taste alright, enough to fill up a empty stomach. Rhode doesn't complain and neither do I. Now if only I can get Rosa to stop raiding the fridge in the middle of the night. Crazy dinosaur loves the pizza pockets. I swear she is addicted to them.

"What do you feel like doing today?" Rhode asked.

"We can always go back to failing at finding a suitable power source for the railgun. You think lightning dust would be a good medium to try again. We almost got it last time." I replied. There hasn't been a portal rupture in a solid week, worst we had to deal with since the Rex was a couple of thugs trying to steal my non-existent money and harassed Velvet in front of me. Boy did those assholes pick the wrong targets. Let's just say my fists did lots of talking that day. They're fine compared to what I would of done to them, lucky for them Velvet is a merciful woman and talked me into only broke a few of bones off instead of smashing their heads in. Police were a bit confused when I brought them beaten to the brink of death. Then again, with the power on my armor running low, some systems have to be shut off to conserve it where I can. Portal tracking systems seems to be one of the automated ones.

"I was thinking a movie night here. You do still owe Nora one, remember?" She asked. Oh right, I do owe Nora a story, I forgot all about that. Learned that the Scrolls are able to take the USB cords, had to do a bit of splicing with wires but they can.

"We can't. I got none she will believe. Well her team will believe." I replied.

"Why not some of your movies from home? We can't lie to them forever." She countered. Well damn it, she has me there. Well if I want to trust them, they need to trust me. Plus I want to know what Blake's hiding. I'll be the stronger of the two parties and extend the olive branch of peace first.

"Sounds like a plan. You get who you trust from RWBY and JNPR. I'll get the girls from CFVY so they can join. Still owe Velvet a few answers." I replied getting up.

"Sure you do, might want to bring her roses and some chocolate covered strawberries she loves." She teased.

I flipped her the bird as I quickly ran out the door. I know this is payback for making fun of her and North. Guess I deserve it, All those times Washington and me tricked those two into the showers together. Got a few chuckles out of it when they came out beyond embarrassed. Not so funny when we tried it with York and Carolina. Those moments the joke was on us big time, went south very quickly when they started doing certain things in there, then Carolina nearly broke our bones for tricking her. It was Washington's idea half the time, he got his legs broke first while I ran like a bat out of hell. The others kind of stayed off to the side and laughed while I got to shit beat out of me, even Tex laughed. Lesson learned, Carolina has absolutely no sense of humor.

(Velvet's POV)

This past month has been pretty good. Cardin hasn't picked on me in a while. Not sure if it's because he's scared of Johnathan or a turn of heart. Johnathan and I have been getting closer recently. Ever since the day I got back from the hospital he's been my armored protector. Feels nice knowing someone as powerful and resourceful as Johnathan as a friend. Still wish he didn't need to hurt those thugs as badly as he did. Well to be fair, they did threaten to hurt me. Kind of scary how easy it is to set Johnathan off like that. Just threaten anyone he remotely likes, and he go ballistic on them. Wonder what had to happen in his life for him to be so protective over his friends?

"Seriously Velvet. You need to tell him, or at least find out if he is single." Coco pressured from across the room cleaning her weapon. Then there was Coco. She's been pressuring me to confess to Johnathan about my feeling, but I just...I can't do it. I don't know if he'll return those feelings, I don't know how he'll react if he doesn't. Just too many questions and not enough answers.

"I can't Coco. You know I can't." I replied throwing myself back on my bed. Yatsuhashi and Fox were out so it was just us girls in the dorm for a while.

"Yes you can, you're scared he'll say no. Even if he says no, what's the worst that can happen after that?" She replied throwing her oily cloth to the side, now looking me right in the eyes through her sunglasses. "Velvet I know these things, it's better to know then to spend the rest of your life wondering. I've seen how he looks at you. He might be interested in you as well." I was going to respond but someone knocking at the door caught our attention. Coco got up and looked through the peephole in it. She looked at me in a dead serious tone. "You don't tell him soon, I will." She whispered opening the door to Johnathan. Speak of the devil.

"Hey Coco, how you doing?" He greeted. I'll admit, it is a bit weird seeing him outside of his armor or uniform. Guess he chose to do something different today.

"I'm fine, just some girl time till Fox and Yatsuhashi get back from the store. Their turn to restock the snacks." She informed walking him inside.

"Nice, we're having a movie night at my dorm. Just a few videos from mine or Rhode's helmet of our adventures. You girls want to join? I owe you both answers." He offered. Would be nice to see some of the things they've done through their eyes, so to speak. They've told us stories of their time with Freelancer. Never understood the reason behind naming their agents after states? Whatever floats their boat I guess, and why does Coco look like she has a evil plan?

"I would love to go, but my schedule is pretty full. Velvet is available. I already know everything I could want for now." She devilishly smirked as she talked.

"Great, see you at six Velvet?" He asked.

"Ye-yeah, I'll b-be th-there." I answered meekly. Coco looked back at me smirking like she won the lottery and found the holy grail of Monty. Why am I getting a bad feeling she has a evil plan to either embarrass me or throw me to the wolves, so to speak.

(Johnathan's POV)

Few hours later

We were gathered in the my dorm. Ruby was petting Rosa while Rojo watched carefully over his sister. Blake was off to the side keeping an eye on Ruby. Nora was bouncing like she had a million cups of coffee with Ren trying to calm her down. Rhode Island was hooking up my helmet to the TV. Velvet was beside me looking a bit nervous. Rhode gave me a thumbs up, helmet was hooked up, Show time.

"Everyone's attention please." I announced getting up. "Before we begin, I need you all to swear that whatever happens in this room today, stays among us. Rhode convinced me to put a lot of trust into you all. I'd like to know it won't be the wrong call." I explained, they all nodded in agreement. "Any questions?" No one put one up, well Nora tried but Ren beat her to it and brought her hand back down. "Okay Rhode, let's begin."

With that, I gave Rhode Island the green light to go. She pushed a button on the side of my helmet, it started the video we decided is safe for them to watch. The TV started off with lots static. The screen flickered a few times. Flickered a few times till it focused on a incubation unit with a single egg shaking. Small cracks appear all along the egg as what ever inside tries to get free. Rosa and Rojo perked up as a small chirp emitted from the TV. I smiled as I recalled that memory.

"Rosa's birth, I remember that day. It was after I got back from a my extremely painful augmentation surgeries, before I started training with the Freelancers..."

(Memory)

Three years ago

It was the end of a long month and a half. I just got back from recovery for my augmentation. Felt like shit for the past month. Still honestly getting use to the increase in muscle mass, hardened bones, being able to see in the fucking dark, taller height. Everything felt different, even moving my robotic arm 'feels' strange to do. Like my body responds faster to my thoughts. I had to relearn how to walk, how to move, hell i had to relearn how to do everything movement based pretty much.

I was standing in front of a incubation unit, wearing a simple black under suit. Serena was to my left. She's a lot smaller then I remember. Halsey did warn me that i might have some trouble with memory and motor control out right, at least until i learn how to live in my upgraded body. Owen was to my right with a large look of pride and with Rojo in his arms. Man couldn't be happier. Third serious attempt at genetic cloning and it is looking like a success. Rojo couldn't be no bigger than two feet, small horn like bones just starting to develop. In front of us was a single football sized egg, shaking with a small squeak every now and again. I knelt down and leaned into my hand as i watched the birth of a prehistoric beauty.

"Come on little buddy." I cooed as the first bit of eggshell started cracking. "Come on, you can do it." Small bits of the egg broke free as a tiny animal poked it's jaws out. Serena was immediately giggling and commenting on how cute the little one is. "Very good, push. Push. Very good little buddy." I reached forward and lifted a bit of the shell off it's face. It looked at me with dark yellow eyes and started taking in its first raspy breaths of life. I snapped rubber gloves on as I VERY carefully lifted the delicate creature out of it's egg. Slowly and gently helping the cute little animal out. I swear it smiled at me as I did so. Serena pulled out a small thermometer and checked the little raptor's temperature.

"Temperature is at a high eighties, low nineties. Seems healthy, no visual deformities or illnesses." She informed smiling. "Congratulations Owen. It's a healthy baby girl."

He smiled. "Say hi to your new sister Rojo." He said as if he was talking to a infant. Rojo squeaked as he tried to get closer to see his new sibling. "What do you plan on calling her Johnathan?"

"What?"

"You came in contact with her first, they imprint on the first creature they come into contact with. Only fitting you be the one to name her." He explained. I smiled as I looked down at the little bundle of joy in my hands. She wiggled around a bit as I thought.

"Rosa, her name is Rosa." I declared as Rosa seemed to smile in agreement.

"Cute one isn't she?" A new voice said, little ragged and muscular. I looked back to see the source of it. Tall man, scruffy beard, military gear and an AR hanging by his side. Patch on his right shoulder labeling him as a marine sergeant. For once I was taller then him. Me and Serena smiled as the man entered the room.

"Hi Dad.."

(Reality)

"It was also the last time we were together as a family." I explained almost in tears. Video was long past stopped. They were too interested in my story. Not sure when this turned into a story about my life, but they're interested so I'll keep going? "Dad took me along with him for some additional training several days later. I may have had the armor but I had no clue how to work it properly, almost caved my head in saluting my father few times. They kept a safe distance of three feet away from me when I was still learning. Whole reason for that trip was to get me use to my MJOLNIR armor and augmentation in a controlled environment. Quickly turned south when we found a native occupant of that particular place. Somehow we got the coordinates wrong. Instead of a empty area with no one to hurt, we got nightmare straight out of hell..."

(Memory)

Three years ago

Little after Rosa's birth

Why the hell did we come to this damn place? Why the hell didn't command warn us first hand. We were running down the halls of an abandoned ship. I was dragging dad over my shoulder as he limped his way down the hall. His left leg was burnt by some type of acid, chest had a few holes in it, Didn't look good for him at all. whatever that creature was we fought, it was still after us. A primal scream was enough to get me to run faster. Nuke was attached to my belt, found it somewhere on this damn ship and kept a hold of it just in case. I can name over a dozen situations where a nuke could come in very handy in. This just happens to be one of them.

I kicked open a door and threw Dad inside. Quickly slamming the door shut and used my full weight to keep it shut. Good part to weighing almost a ton now, who ever is on the other side now has to work to get a taste of my hide. The creature on the other end slammed into it making me stagger. I slammed into the door to keep it shut. Dad coughed out blood as I struggled to keep the door closed.

"Hold on Dad. I'll get you out of here. Just hold on a little longer." I promised as I stabbed my only energy sword through the door and hurting the beast on the other end. Stole it off a dead gold clad Elite around the same time I got my armor. Doubt i would be well likes in Halo now. It screeched at me and smacked against the door again.

"We're not going to make is Johnny." He wheezed out raspy. "No together."

"Stay positive Dad. We'll get through this." I begged as a long black tail stabbed through the door and almost impaled me. I reacted by slicing the tail off . The creature screamed as acidic blood melted through the floor. It flailed around but got out eventually.

"I'm a dead man anyway. Bastard took out my left lung, pretty sure nicked the heart too, got that green shit all over me." He explained. I was holding back the tears as much as I was holding the door shut. "Hand me the nuke son. I'll detonate it, you run back to the portal, tell Serena I'm sorry. I'll at least be able to take this crazy jerk with me." He argued with his ever so slowly dying breath.

"Dad please don't." I pleaded as the monster stopped smacking against the door. I looked through the hole it made to see it crawl into the vent system.

"It wasn't a request. We both know only one will survive this, better it be you then me. You have your whole life ahead of you .I lived my life, made my choices, made my mistakes, accepted the consequences. I rather go out on my own terms in a blaze of glory then let these bastards use me as a alien baby mama." Damn it dad, why do you have to make so much sense. I hesitantly took the nuke off my belt and handed it to him.

"You sure there's no other way dad. We'll find another way." I begged. He coughed up more blood and smiled at me.

"I can't see any other way. Before you go, I have a few things you need to know." He wheezed out. "Don't ask anyone to do something if you're not willing to do it yourself. Always buy the orange properties in monopoly, you'll win a whole lot faster. Someone doesn't have to be blood related to be family. Don't regret anything you do in life, live life the way you see fit but never regret your decisions in life. Never forget what I taught you. Also give your sister's future boyfriends twice as much hell for me, same goes to Serena for your future girlfriends." He informed. I couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the last ones. He handed me his Desert eagle from his side holster." Here, you'll need it more then me, You can have my stuff but not the magazines, you can have those those when you're 21, no sooner. Tell Serena she can have your mother's stuff when she turns 21 also and not a day sooner. You and Serena are the most amazing children ever. You two made me beyond proud, I couldn't ask for anyone better." I was forcing tears back at this point. "Promise me one thing Johnathan, promise me that you'll be a gentleman to your woman, promise me you'll do your best to keep her happy but at the same time keep yourself happy. Nothing is worse than being with someone who makes you feel alone."

"I love you dad." I said taking off my helmet and kissing him on the forehead. He smiled as the top of the nuke popped up and ready for manual detonation.

"Love you too son, you and Serena both." He replied with his dying breath.

(Reality)

"He set off the warhead not too long after that. Out of all the friends I lost during my life his was the hardest to overcome. Me and Serena were beyond broken for months after that. Mother died giving birth to us, dad just died to protect us. Serena wouldn't come out of her room for weeks. I became a lot darker, less merciful, and after a while depressed, Very depressed. Had this very gun in my mouth and ready to pull the trigger multiple times." I explained holding onto the pistol Dad gave me tightly. Ruby and Nora were hanging on my every word. Rhode heard it all before and patted my back. Velvet was hugging me as a few tears fell down my cheeks remembering Dad's death all over again. Blake was off to the side with Ren nodding understandingly, yet her eyes held a lot of natural curiosity. Rosa and Rojo were lying down in their beds again.

"I needed to get stronger, I needed to be able to protect who I love. So I went to train with the Freelancers. Of course we had to work out a deal with the Director. Wasn't easy but he was persuaded with a little foreknowledge of the past. Rhode here helped trained me for a while, she was one of the people who helped make me feel better and stopped me from pulling the trigger a few times."

(Memory)

Three years ago

Aboard the 'Mother of Invention

"No, absolutely not! I will not allow a mere child to train aboard this ship!" The Director fumed. "This is reserved for only the best, I can't allow it. Especially a child who burst through a portal right in the middle of the mess hall. One I know absolutely nothing about and we got no record of."

I was standing on the bridge of the frigate 'Mother of Invention'. Huge window let me see everything in front of the ship. I was standing aboard the bridge alone with the Director. I need to get stronger, this was one of the few options I had to go from. First choice was out, SPARTAN II's are too few to train me, ODST's laughed at me, the Spartan III's were also too few around this time. This was my best bet right now. I need training, I need to protect Serena, she's the only family I have left. I lose her I'll have nothing.

"Director listen, I know what protocol says, but I also know your not one to always follow protocol. Maybe we can work out a deal." I practically begged with my helmet on the ground.

"What could you possibly have or do that I would want." He argued starting to walk away. He's right, what did I have that he could want? All I have is a bit of chump change, advanced armor but he wouldn't want that, Access to the entire known multiverse...

"I can get you back Allison." I countered. He stopped dead in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder to me. "You to see Allison again. Can't be permanent, won't even be the same one, but I can get you at least a day with her. A chance to hear her voice again, her real voice, to feel her in your arms again." His expression went to pissed really quick as he stormed toward me.

"You're lying." He fumed looking me straight in the eyes. I towered over him and smiled.

"She is out there, but you don't have the means of seeing her again. I, on the other hand, do. You saw how I got here, I can do it again and again, but I need training in order to survive what awaits me on the other side of that portal every time. The choice is yours." I offered. He turned his back to me so I couldn't see his face. More than likely pondering my question. It's a win/win deal for him. He'll have a new Agent to boss around for a while, I get the training I need. Plus I can get away from the boss breathing down my neck to fill in my Dad's shoes. They even threatened to kick us out and throw us in jail if I don't comply, greedy bastards.

"If I were to accept this deal? How long would you stay to be trained?" He asked.

"One year, that is all I can afford right now. You can boss me around, order me to do things the other Freelancers won't do, throw my ass in the most hostile and suicidal of situations. Just so long as I get the training I need. After the year is up, I'll honor my side of the bargain and have Serena throw up a portal for you to what ever universe she's in." I explained. He ground his teeth thinking about the offer. He turned around and looked at me with a face full of emotions.

"We have a deal, but there are a few conditions i must state and make clear right now." He proposed holding up one finger. "Firstly I'm in charge, when I'm not around the Councilor is. You listen to our commands above all others. Failure to do so and we call the deal done early." He held up another finger "Secondly, if I see the slightest hint of you trying to weasel your way out of this deal, I'll have your head mounted in my office and your armor melted down to make paper clips. and your remains left to Agent Maine to use as target practice." Now a third finger "Thirdly you will obey your instructors, you will not disobey direct orders under any circumstances. The other Freelancers will train you, and I'll give them permission to throw the regulation book out the window to toughen you up quickly. I'll expect only the absolute best out of you, anything less and you can consider my end done early. From the next year, you're a Freelancer and I expect you to act like one. Who ever you were before is now dead. You're under my control now. Do I make myself clear Agent Ohio?" He asked. I kept a straight face as I shook his hand. Agent Ohio, wonder why he picked that state for me?

"Crystal clear, sir."

(Reality)

"Was a pain in my ass to learn, some days I was close to strangling South, especially when she started shooting me in the ass. You want pain, try getting shot repeatedly in the ass with 7.62 FMJ armor piercing rounds, and lots of them!" I explained more. "Loved my time at Freelancer. Was good while it lasted. Still wish we could have done something to save Maine. He was a good guy. Quiet, scary, little brutal, but a good guy once you get to know him."

"What happened to him?" Ruby asked.

"You want the kind version or the real one?"

"Real one please." Nora replied.

"He went freaking psychotic and kills whoever gets in his way. Goes by 'The Meta' now. A program infected his head and made him kill other Freelancers for their programs and equipment. I had the chance to save one but had to pick between her and home." I explained.

"Yeah, crossed paths with him once or twice. He ignored me for the most part. Think it's was mostly because he couldn't get nothing off me. My enhancement is too small for him to use, I had no AI fragment like a few of the others, I don't pose too much of a threat to him. So from a logical standpoint to him, I wouldn't be worth the time, other than for sport." Rhode explained. I looked outside real quick to find it dark. Was I blabbering that long? Well we did start late, must have lost track of time. I looked a little closer outside to find the shattered moon. At first I thought I was weird, now I find it quite beautiful. Rather interested in how it got shattered in the first place? Did someone set off a nuclear bomb on it or a meteorite strike it? I'll look it up later.

"Well it's getting late, we better get to bed. Got that field trip to the forever falls tomorrow." Ren said being the voice of reason.

"Aww do we have to Ren? We want to hear more! Who were the other Freelancers, can we meet them?" She begged giving Ren and me the biggest set of puppy dog eyes she possibly can. Sorry Nora, but Elaia does it better. One she gives you the puppy...kitten, whatever you want to call it eyes, there is no force on heaven or hell that can resist that.

"Sorry, but it's we need to sleep if we want to get to the airships tomorrow. Don't want to miss them and be left behind." He explained hurrying Nora out the door. "Plus there will be pancakes when we get back, lots and lots of pancakes." That was all the motivation Nora needed as she ran out the door with Ren holding on. Oh yeah the field trip is tomorrow, hope Rosa and Rojo are up for a little exercise and practice.

"I'm agreeing with Ren. We'll need to be ready for anything out there. Thanks for the video and short life story Johnathan. It was very interesting." Blake noted dragging Ruby out the door. "If it makes you feel any better, I know how you feel. I'll be sure Ruby and Nora won't repeat a word of it outside this room." With that, she closed the door with only me, Rhode and Velvet in the room.

"I'll escort you to your dorm. Can't be too careful now a days." I offered Velvet as I got up.

"Thanks Johnathan. I appreciate it." She thanked getting up. Like the gentlemen I am, I got up and opened the door for her. She blushed as she walked out. I looked right at Rosa who had her head perked up at me.

"Elizabeth is in charge while I'm gone. Don't even think about raiding the fridge." I warned closing the door.

(Velvet's POV)

We were walking down the hall toward my dorm. Johnathan was walking beside me smiling. I couldn't help but smile as we walked side by side. No one was in the halls, he pretty much established a 'Don't mess with my friends' law around here. Few people tried to pull my ears weeks ago, those people ended up in the medical ward with a broken arm. I come to love his protective side to a point. I know he'll never knowingly let anything happen to his friends. I was thinking about what Coco said. Will she really tell Johnathan? If I learned one thing about Coco, it is that she never lies, never backs down from a bet or dare, never gives up, and also never forgets. Do I tell him now, or later?

"Johnathan." I called

"Yeah?" He asked.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Don't see why not." He replied.

"How many girlfriends did you have? Or do you have any currently?" I asked.

"I've had a total of six girlfriends in my life. None right now." He replied exhaling deeply as his hand made it to his pocket. "Last one ended on bad terms. Found out she was just using me for a free ride though the multiverse. Last I heard she hasn't quite found a way out of Twilight Town and is working at a restaurant ran by a literal rat." He responded as he was visibly saddened.

"How long ago was that?" I asked.

"Four, Five months ago. Stopped looking for love since them. It always ended in death." He responded now poking his head up and looking confused. "Wait a second. Did you just ask if i was single?" I immediately started blushing.

"Yes." I whispered.

"Why do you ask Velv?" he asked.

"Well..i uh...i uh..." I stuttered.

"Velvet." Coco interrupted our conversation. I blushed badly as we looked to see we were already at my dorm. Coco was already in her nightwear. Fox and Yatsuhashi were already getting ready for bed. "Did you two enjoy the movie night?"

"Yes Coco. It was pretty...interesting." I replied still blushing.

"Hope you enjoyed it. I'll be heading back. See you later Velvet." Johnathan said as he nodded to Coco and left. I quietly walked inside as Coco closed the door and looked at me with a straight face.

"Have you told him yet?" She asked as I fell face first on my bed. "I'll take that as I no."

"I did ask if he was single." I replied muffled by my pillow.

(Serena's POV)

"So you mean to tell me that Emily is back, very pissed, was trained by THE Darth Vader himself, and wants to kill Johnathan." I said summing up everything Cole told me. He was currently sitting in the chair on the other side of the table. Been a freaking month since we sent the raptors. Now on top of finding Johnathan, I need to get the raptors back as well! Fucking great! Their tracking equipment showed more static than anything. Occasionally a short video of a room with Johnathan talking to someone. Makes me feel better knowing he's alive, though it is weird when some rabbit girl stops by to talk to him. I can't seem to get the audio working, video is fine, audio somehow isn't working from my end.

"Yep that pretty much sums it up, Not the best news to hear, I know." He explained. He spent the past month in medical care in a coma. What ever Emily did to him, she did a really good job hurting him. back side tore up by lightsaber slices and blaster bolts, even looked like she stabbed him once or twice. How he is still alive is beyond my explanation. This isn't good in the least. Took everything Johnathan had to take her down, even with help. Now she's back, has dark side powers, and a better lightsaber! He'll need every ounce of luck he can get, and a really big bomb.

"Oh god." I said holding my head. "Oh god please tell me you're joking. Please tell me this is one of your jokes."

"Nope, not this time. What's worse is her plan, well the bits I heard anyway." He explained. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"What is she planning, exactly?" I asked looking him directly in the eye.

"You're not going to be happy."

(Emily's POV)

Sidewinder, how I love this place. Reminds me of the cold winters of Hoth. The joy of slicing through rebel scum like butter, the sweet smell of charred flesh and bone, the thrill of them begging for mercy. But today is not one of those day; damn it all. Today I'm looking for an ally. Someone who knows Johnathan's strengths and weaknesses, someone who I can easily manipulate to doing what I please, preferably someone expendable to do the heavy lifting and dirty work. Someone who happens to be standing before me on this frozen glacier.

Man I've spent little over a month tracking. Damn he loves to stay off people's radar. He wasn't easy to get a hold of, but once you hack a few systems and slice your way through a few bases, you find what needs to be found. Had to arrange this meeting through his supplier. Even rouge freelancers need someone to resupply them every now and again. Can't cheat, steal, or muscle your way to get everything. The man towered over me by a foot, white armor all around, large orange domed visor. His brute shot was out and ready to strike. I could take him easily, but why waste such precious energy on a petty pissing contest when we can be negotiating.

"Hello Meta, quite the honor meeting a warrior such as yourself." I lied. Need to stroke the ego a bit to get them to co-operate. He growled as a orange figure burst into flames in front of me. Sigma, Main's AI. Alpha's creativity and ambition.

"What do you need Sith apprentice? We can't be wasting valuable time for such useless meetings." He asked.

"I come to bargain. We both have things the other wants. You have the brute strength I want, and I know where you can find another AI fragment." I put on the table, so to speak. Immediately several other AI's started showing up around Maine. Delta, Omega, Theta, Gamma, Eta and Iota. Beta was nowhere to be found on him.

"We're only missing a few AI from our wonderful family. The Alpha, Epsilon, and.." He explained.

"Mu, I know. At the rate you're going, you'll never find them all. You can scour this entire universe but you'll never find Mu. You know it, I know it. But I do know where to find her, all you need to do is follow orders and do a little heavy lifting, she'll be all yours." I countered. Sigma narrowed his eyes and moved all around me as if he's trying to find something.

"What's in it for you? How do we know you won't kill us with our back turned?" He asked.

"Nothing much, just want to kill the one you call 'Agent Ohio'." I said.

"Agent Ohio. Hmm, I can tell it won't be easy to find him. Plus there is no promise Mu will be with him. I seen the inside of MERC on one of his trips back. Heavily defended, most of the explorers there are heavily armed, well experienced. As much as I trust in Agent Maine's abilities, I doubt even he can take them all on himself, even with his enhancements at full power. Storming the place is out of the question, stealth won't be easy, Mu will see us coming the second we set foot there." Sigma explained.

"That's why I'm negotiating with you for your assistance. You can keep Mu and his armor enhancements for all I care but I'll be the one who kills him. After that, we go our separate ways and never speak to each other again." I countered.

"Delta, Your input please." Sigma asked as green guy in armor appeared beside Sigma.

"I believe this deal is pretty fair, Granted Maine will get most of the rewards but has the greater risk. It is acceptable but I don't want any harm to come Ohio. He has done nothing of the sort to deserve it." Delta spoke.

"Yeah, he's a great guy." Theta said. "He helped Rhode Island cheer up after C.T betrayed our trust."

"Bah, we should just get rid of that fool." Omega raged. "He left us at the mercy of this ignorant buffoon. I say we strangle him with his own guts, eat his heart, crap out his soul, and stomp what is left of his body into dust."

"Don't be so hasty Omega." Theta chipped in. "If it weren't for him, Rhode Island would have certainly died during the crash. He saved her life so he must be a good guy right?"

"Don't be so naive Theta." Gamma spoke. "If he was such a good guy, then why did he leave us? Why did he leave you alone when Maine came and killed North? Where was he then?"

"I...I..I don't know, but I know he is a good guy, he'll save us. I hope." Theta whispered the last part.

"Hello, while you argue among yourself, he has time to plan. Cole certainly told him we were coming, or Serena at least. The longer you sit around and argue, the longer you have to wait to get Mu." I yelled. Maine growled getting his brute shot ready as I reached for my sabers. Sigma threw his hand up and Maine stopped.

"She's right. We got bigger things to do than argue. Our window gets smaller and the harder we have to fight to get him. I rather strike sooner than later, so we'll leave it to a vote to settle this. Who agrees to this deal raise your hand." He offered. Gamma, Omega, and himself raised their hands. "Those who oppose." Only Delta and Theta raised their hands. Eta and Iota didn't do one or the other, still. three against two. "It's settled. We agree to Emily's deal. But know this Sith, I speak for all of us when I say this; any attempt to double cross us or cheat us out of our reward. We won't hesitate to kill you and use your lifeless corpse as a pelt."

"I'll keep that in mind." I said shaking his hand. I smirked as I was doing so. Does he really think it will be that easy. I can kill him in a hundred different ways, each one more creative then the last. AI fragments may be smart, but they don't factor in the human element. Human unpredictability can be a very useful factor, even more unpredictable when you factor the force in as well. We honestly had all the time in the world, let him prepare. Slight change in the plan to use Cole's infiltration to my advantage. He knows I'm coming but not with who or what. Watch out Johnathan, you're going to be in for one hell of a fight when I find you.

And that's a wrap. I had the time skip because we know little about what happened between the forever falls part and Jaundice part 2. Figured this would be easier and save on time instead of having to write every single day. Lot easier on my part, less for you to read and remember. We get to see a little more on Johnathan's past, got a Meta/Sith team up, and the fluff between Johnathan and Velvet grows. Only a matter of time now, only question is when?

We even got to see the AI fragments come out. I have plans for them. Didn't give Eta and Iota any lines because we don't know what they represent so I have no base for their personalities. They will play a part in the Role. More specifically Delta, Theta, and Mu. Maybe Eta and Iota. Won't say anything now, but would anyone else here ship Penny with any of the AI fragments. Might just be me. Time to answer reviews.

Ww1990ww- I'm not that much of a Star trek geek, or comic book nerd, and seen very little Dr. Who. Not sure how to respond to the last part. Not sure what you're talking about with canon Disney movies legends or new, always thought they were random and not related to one another at all.

I'm done for now. See you all later. Remember to review and follow. Happy birthday to me!

~Dgreen20

Not much to say besides I really love how the story progresses, all the characters and events and dimensions coinciding. it's really cool, and I'm really glad I'm here.

WetworkzNinja