2 years had passed by. After gruelling amounts of studying Samus had become quite fluent in the one of many human languages. So much so that she took it upon herself to continue learning different languages. Heavily favouring the languages from the different Covenant species and even Forerunner languages. Which the Spartans didn't mind too much as it would prove to be very useful. During this time they had gone on many more missions after Samus's daring rescue mission. These missions were simple most of the time. Though the Covenant seemed to be increasing their activity on random planets. Blue Team was being deployed more often to investigate the Covenant activities due to their young teammate who was truly beginning to prove her worth to the UNCSC. Samus had very quickly and unexpectedly blossomed into a seasoned warrior in the last couple years. She had grown in strength and fighting techniques. Her confidence was unwavering as long as she was the only one putting herself in danger. During practice she was holding her own against the Spartan's on her team. But overall her protective nature was outstanding.

Captain Lasky and most of the crew on the Infinity were thrilled to have another highly valuable member aboard. Especially alongside the legendary Blue Team Spartans. Commander Palmer along with some Spartans and other soldiers remained suspicious of the child's alarmingly growing strength and combat abilities. It was as if the single mission the hybrid child had returned from years ago awoke something.

Master Chief could sense the UNSC command was just pushing for more astonishing results from the young girl. With Doctor Halsey taking great interest in the fact that an alien hybrid child could keep up with her Spartans. He was getting concerned they may ask such a young child to accomplish suicide missions that veteran Spartans should be doing. John knew he had been putting a firmer grip on Samus. Hoping they would think that he was guiding her through most of their missions. But since Samus preferred sending audio video footage as her reports he was out of luck with hiding Samus's talent.

"What the hell are they searching for?" Kelly scoffed as they riffled through what was left of the Covenant database on the cruiser they had just taken down.

Linda lowered her rifle to look at her teammate. "Who knows. But the fact they're jumping from planet to planet..."

"You mean jumping from galaxy to galaxy?" Fred retorted sarcastically as it seemed they had been ending up in a new galaxy each time they went after the Covenant.

Rolling her eyes behind her visor Linda sighed. "Whatever... They are certainly searching for something."

Samus stayed by Chief's side like she was instructed. Although a bit irritated that the Spartan leader had been reluctant to loosen his grip on her after the risky rescue mission. She didn't want to disobey his orders and make Chief even more reluctant. With a sigh she glanced at the display screen as Kelly was going through the information. "Wait! Go back!"

Kelly looked over her shoulder at the armoured girl. "What? You mean this?" She tapped the keys on the control panel. Scrolling back to an image of a large planet.

Samus approached the display with deep interest. Both her arms were rested at her sides, intently staring at the display, stirring up a mixture of thoughts as she read the name of the distant galaxy's solar system. FS-176.

"Samus?" Master Chief called regaining the girl's attention.

"That's the solar system Zebes is in." She pointed out, a hint of concern in her tone.

It was definitely something unfamiliar to the rest of the team. They would have to trust the girl on what she was telling them. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, Chief. That planet is Zebes!" Samus was now more animated with her tone as her concern grew larger.

Fred turned to the Spartan leader. "Why would the Covenant show interest in the Chozo home world?"

Master Chief turned his head in the direction of the Chozo armoured child. He had an idea about why the Covenant might be interested in Zebes. "We've got enough information. Download what you can. Let's return to Infinity."

Without a single word the team followed Chief's lead. Samus included. She knew Chief was taking this information as serious as she was. Their flight home was mostly quiet with the exception of Fred and Kelly trying to guess why the Covenant would take interest in the Chozo.

Once in the bridge tensions were high as everyone got the news as to what the Covenant seemed to be searching for in the past weeks.

"Roland, decrypt the information that was retrieved." Captain Lasky ordered as he invited Blue Team to step towards the holographic table the golden AI stood on.

"Already done, Captain." Roland replied as Samus eagerly waited for him to speak further.

"Please. Explain the Covenant's odd patterns in this last year." Lasky gestured with his hand for the AI to explain.

Palmer stepped a bit closer to the table her tone serious as she wanted answers to her suspicions. "Why did the kid's home world come up in this latest intel?"

Roland exhaled deeply as he knew the information he had gathered would upset many. "The random small invasions to the different galaxies and planets haven't been random attacks. Not entirely." He began to explain as he brought up all the planets, ships, and galaxies they've tracked the Covenant to. "These attacks have been meant to distract us. A diversion from their true intentions."

"A diversion from what though? What is it the Covenant are after that we don't know about?" Captain Lasky hissed as he was tired of chasing the loose ends.

Roland turned his sympathetic gaze to the young blonde girl standing next to her Spartan leader. With another deep sigh he explained what was going on with the Covenant. "Ever since Samus's return to the field after that dire encounter with Jul' Mdama. They have grown wise to what she is, and where Samus, came from. Each of these encounters with the Covenant since then have been a test, while also working as a distraction."

Samus furrowed her brow confused. "I don't understand what you're trying to say, Roland?" She said as Master Chief cupped both his hands on her shoulders.

John and his team fully understood what the AI was saying. Everyone else around the table also seemed to understand. Chief was preparing for the outburst of emotion from the girl after the AI made things clear.

"The Covenant have been intrigued by your presence in our forces. Jul' Mdama took it upon himself to research exactly what you are. With a small amount of Covenant invading the Chozo home world in a failed attempt in the past. With the capture and disappearance of the UNSC Argent Moon. Jul' has enough knowledge about you. And your home world."

"What difference does it make? Why show interest in me? I'm no different than Chief, or Blue Team. Or any other Spartan aboard the Infinity..." Samus argued, though her argument was clearly just a projection of her desperation to fit in.

Palmer scoffed with a laugh, making direct eye contact with Samus's turquoise eyes as she informed the girl she was not what she thought. "You are no Spartan."

Samus was well aware of that. But Blue Team treated her and considered her to be just like a Spartan. She did not understand why Palmer hated her so much, but the feeling was mutual. "I could say the same about you..."

"Samus!" Chief scolded the girl. Pulling her a few steps back from the table they were all gathered around.

"You disrespectful little..." Palmer would've taught the girl something about respect if it weren't for the Captain stepping in.

"Enough! Both of you. Roland, please. Let's get back on track." Captain Lasky put a hand up to stop the bickering amongst the Commander and child.

"Samus, the missions you have been accomplishing with Blue Team in this last year have been tests by the Covenant. In their words to test your strengths after death." Roland continued his explanation.

"I didn't die though!" Samus cried out as the eruption of her emotions began to boil over.

"In the eyes of many, including the Covenant, your survival was an extraordinary event. As your wounds would've been instantly fatal. Yet you survived." The golden AI informed. With a deep sigh he scanned the room. "The Covenant have been planning an invasion of Zebes."

Commander Palmer was quick to point out that the Covenant regaining interest in the Chozo was not their biggest concern. "We should be concerned with recovering Argent Moon. Who knows what other UNSC intel the Covenant have been able to gain. They already have the Promethean's fighting alongside them. I think their travel patterns have more to do with something bigger than the Chozo."

"The Promethean presence in these last few battles have been almost nonexistent." Fredric pointed out as the random invasions they were responding to had little to no Promethean's.

Lasky was silent in his thoughts. The Commander was correct they could not divert their attention away from the bigger picture. They had to recover that ship. The UNSC had been breathing down their necks about recovering it. Though did they want to prioritize that over assisting their allies? "The Chozo are our allies..."

"Are they? What have they done to help us?" Palmer argued since the Chozo have yet to offer them assistance since giving them Samus.

Captain Lasky had enough of the Commander's lack of concern for the ancient aliens, and Samus. "The Chozo have helped us Sarah, even if you choose to be blind to their help. But our feelings aside we should at the very least warn them."

"WHAT? We have to stop them!" Samus gasped wriggling out of Chief's grip.

"It may be too late for a warning, Captain. The Covenant has been planning this for some time." Roland explained.

With a heavy sigh Captain Lasky pushed off the table he was resting his hands on. "Unfortunately we cannot afford to divert the Infinity to an uncharted planet while we're still pursuing the Covenant and Promethean's." Though in reality he would bring the Infinity to Zebes in a heartbeat he couldn't delay their recovery efforts any further.

With that Samus pushed through people as she stormed out of the bridge without saying a word.

Master Chief went to pursue but stopped out of respect for the Captain. "Sir?"

"I cannot take the Infinity to Zebes to fight the battle. But you can. I'm giving Blue Team clearance to assist the Chozo against the Covenant." Lasky could not in good conscience allow the Chozo to be attacked without any sort of assistance from their allies. "You leave tomorrow. You have 24 hours once deployed. If you're not ready for pickup by then you get left behind. It's not a lot of time but it's what I can give."

"Understood. Thank you, Sir." Master Chief replied hastily exiting the bridge with his team.

Palmer shook her head as she watched the Spartans leave. "I can't believe you're sending our best Spartan team out to assist some derelict mysterious aliens that haven't shown us a single sign of assisting us."

Lasky approached the Commander confidently as he replied. "You continue to deny that their gift to us has grown to be as extraordinary and valuable in our troops as the Spartans. Once you get over your feelings towards Samus, you would recognize the reward."

Samus armoured up as she began to check over her ship. Hearing footsteps fast approaching behind her.

"Samus?"

The girl spun around with her cannon aimed. "I'm going. And you can't stop me." She replied holding Chief at gunpoint.

"We know. You're not going alone though. We're going with you." Master Chief replied unfazed by the cannon aimed at his face. "We get clearance for take off tomorrow."

Samus rested her cannon at her side shocked at the Spartan's reply. "We should leave now, it may be too late."

"That's the time we get kid. But we can make a contact attempt if that makes you feel better?" Fred reassured the girl that they could send a warning to the Chozo.

It was not the answer she wanted but it was the result she would have to work with for now. "Fine..."

"Start loading her ship with supplies." Chief turned to Kelly, Fred, and Linda. As he went to go catch up with Samus.

Samus walked with a purpose walking straight into the bridge locating the control panel for the communication grid without hesitation.

"I'm assuming long range, distant galaxy communications?" The golden AI asked as he appeared on the panel.

"Please." Samus nodded yes in reply.

With an affirming smile and nod Roland dialled Zebes for the young warrior. "Attempting transmission. Waiting for recipient to accept."

"Come'on... please answer... please..." She begged under her breath, scared for her caretakers.

Master Chief quietly approached the girl. Sensing her desperate urgency he knew nothing would calm Samus until she reached the Chozo. "Roland, bypass the acceptance. Transmit now."

"Transmission is connected. Samus, you may relay your message." The golden AI complied to Master Chief's order.

Samus instantly began speaking frantic Chozodian as she hoped the other end would reply to them. "Old Bird! Grey Voice! Please respond. This is an urgent matter, please!"

"This is UNSC Infinity, Sierra 117 Master Chief. With an urgent message. Please respond." Master Chief even gave it a try. Hoping the elderly aliens would respond to an ally. But to no avail.

On the other end of the transmission was the planetary AI of Zebes listening intently. Transmitting it to the Chozo hiding below in Tourian where her chamber was.

Grey Voice feared this day would come. But he did not think that the humans were correct in the matter that their enemies would return to their home world in greater numbers. In an unusual twisted alliance. He could not respond. But he knew Mother would lure Samus into this trap she had sprung into action.

Samus wept as she continued to cry out in the alien language. "Mother! Grey! Old Bird! Answer please!" Her cries were of no use.

Chief nodded at the AI who nodded in reply ready to end the transmission. When he received a ping. "I've got an SOS from the Chozo. Stating the Covenant have invaded. They have taken refuge in Tourian. But it is only a matter of time before their position is compromised. The transmission ends there."

Samus quickly wiped her tears away, turning to Chief. "We have to leave now. We cannot wait."

"Unfortunately Samus, you're going to have to wait. We need the proper supplies, support, and ammunition, prepared for this mission. You cannot take on an entire invading Covenant fleet all on your own." Master Chief informed the young warrior. Though she didn't take his words as a precaution.

"Watch me." She said as she exited the bridge swiftly with Chief following behind a moment later.

Grabbing the girl's shoulder firmly Chief spun Samus around to face him. With a deep sigh he knew they could no longer waste time. "I will talk to the Captain. Wait with the team. Do not, take off."

Samus reluctantly nodded before parting ways with the Spartan leader. She would've went with him to help discuss how urgent the matter was. But it was better left to Chief, especially if the Commander was there.

"Easy there kiddo. Maybe one day you'll be a walking apocalypse striking fear into fleets of enemies. But for now you're a part of the UNSC. You're a part of Blue Team. You have to function and follow the rules just like the rest of us. Even in desperate times like this." Kelly informed the agitated young girl who was clearly losing all patience.

Before Samus could snap at Kelly Fred quickly stepped in to prevent an argument. "Listen kid, John has a pretty good way of knowing how to sweet talk the Captain, we'll be leaving soon enough." He reassured which seemed to ease the girl's angst only slightly.

"Master Chief, I wasn't expecting you so soon. Is something wrong?" Captain Lasky greeted the entering Spartan.

"We cannot afford to wait Captain. We attempted contact and received an SOS signal..."

Lasky sighed in deep thought as the Commander went to speak for him. "It's not..."

"Regardless of being cleared, or not. You know Samus, will leave." Master Chief interrupted the Commander before she could comment.

Lasky gave a mutual smile. This was costing them both time. And unfortunately he was already risking everything by allowing one of their best Spartan teams to go on a detour. "She's fiercely protective of her alien family. We cannot leave the Chozo unprotected. Blue Team has the green light. I will let the hangar bay know your team is cleared."

"Thank you, Sir." Chief replied thankful for the Captain's understanding.

"If the Chozo created Samus, as their greatest warrior so to speak. I'm sure they can defend themselves from an invasion with the technology they have." The Commander complained after the Master Chief left.

"The Chozo are very old, and non violent. Samus wouldn't show this much concern unless it was truly mortal danger. And even if the Chozo are capable, at least we get to see more of their technology which could be useful for us. But an invasion is an invasion. They sent that SOS for a reason." Lasky reminded the Commander as they watched the Spartan leader hustle towards the hangar bay.

"You're risking one of our best teams to rescue a bunch of ancient decrepit aliens that have barely handed out any assistance to us during our crises." Sarah gave one last disappointing comment before leaving the Captain to think.

Samus had little to no patience as soon as the green Spartan entered her gunship she fired then engines. Carefully piloting her ship out of the super carrier.

"How are we looking on supplies?" Chief asked his three Spartan teammates who were securing crates of ammunition and other supplies.

Kelly scoffed sitting on one of the crates of armoury. "Well, since the kid relies on an infinite supply of energized weapons built into her armour. Along with a lack of patience. We brought what we could. But it ain't much."

"We're definitely going to have to improvise." Linda mentioned as the ship rocked jumping into hyperspace.

"The Covenant will have weapons. And maybe the Chozo will help us out." Fred mentioned as Chief made his way to the cockpit.

It was going to be a difficult mission. John doubted any Chozo weaponry would be of use to them. He took notice of the fact that the Chozo seemed to have their weaponry activate only for certain beings who possessed Chozo DNA. It was smart. But unhelpful to those who needed to borrow them.

Samus was so focused on her concerned dread, and piloting the ship she didn't even hear the Spartan entering. She visibly jumped at the feeling off a large hand cupping her shoulder.

"Easy. Take a breath." Chief walked to the side of the pilot's seat.

Easier said than done, Samus thought to herself. "W-what if they're dead? W-what if th-the Covenmant glassed Zebes already?"

Chief could tell Samus was very overwhelmed with fear and anxiety as she tripped over her and mispronounced the Covenant which she hadn't done in a year. "We won't know until we arrive. Do not think the worst. The Covenant will not glass the world while they're searching for Chozo technology." He reassured Samus.

Samus was silent in thought. She could not help but think of the worst. The Covenant would find nothing of use to their cause. The Zebesian Chozo's were technologically superior, non violent, humanoids. The Chozo she knew were all ancient, elderly, and frail. There were other Chozo's out in the universe that were warrior class. But she did not remember who or what the tribe was called as the Chozo of Zebes forbade her from learning such history. Whoever they were, they were certainly not on Zebes.

John knew he could do nothing to ease Samus's concerns. Yet he felt very compelled to help her feel more at ease. But instead of trying to talk comfort into the child. He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze as he kept his hand cupped over her shoulder while they waited to come out of hyperspace.

Samus appreciated the subtle comfort Chief was trying to give her. Over the last couple years they had grown very close once more, just like they had when she first met him when she was a toddler. Though it took about a year for Chief to crawl out of his shell. As she had come back into his life just after he had lost Cortana. Though in reality she could've probably have said the same for herself as the Chozo sending her off with the Spartans caused her to put up a wall, that Chief was eventually allowed to climb over.

The jolt from coming out of hyperspace was enough to refocus everyone. A small Covenant fleet orbited the massive Chozo planet. Chief took note of some unknown ships that seemed to be within the fleet. "Does the Covenant have a hold of Chozo technology already? I don't recognize those ships."

"What the hell? I've never seen those before." Kelly stated.

"Perhaps the Covenant gained new technology like you said." Fred thought aloud.

"It doesn't look of Chozo descent."Linda thought aloud.

Chief could tell by the expression on Samus that the strange ships were very familiar to her. But he would question her in a moment. For now his team had to prepare to battle on a harsh world with limited resources. "Ready up. We're breaking through the atmosphere."

Samus knew though. She immediately recognized the ships to be Space Pirates. But why? Why were they here? Breaking through the atmosphere Samus landed the ship in a small cavern in Crateria. Crateria was a harsh rugged environment mainly uninhabitable. There were little to no signs of the Covenant from what they could see.

"Make sure your helmets are on tightly. Remember the Covenant aren't the only things to worry about on this harsh planet." Samus reminded Blue Team as she opened the gunship's doors.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kelly scoffed as she readied her shotgun.

"If memory serves this planet has fierce predators that live on this harsh world. So the Covenant have just as much as a disadvantage as us." Linda thought aloud as they all began to exit the cavern the light from the sun was harsh along with the dust that peppered their visors.

Turning to the green Spartan Fredric leaned in close to his brother. "Are we letting the kid take the lead on this one? Home field advantage?"

Chief was undecided on that option. Linda was correct they were at just as much of a disadvantage as the Covenant was on this planet. But they did have Samus as an advantage. She knew the planet like the back of her hand. "Let's see what we're dealing with first." He said as he took point.

"First things first. What were those strange new ships we saw on our way through the atmosphere?" Linda questioned following her leader as she wiped the dust from her visor and sniper scope.

"Space Pirates." Samus bluntly replied a hint of venomous fear in her tone.

"Space Pirates?" Kelly repeated almost with a laugh. "What the hell is a Space Pirate?" She scoffed with a laugh.

Master Chief vaguely remembered Samus mentioning them when he had found her as a toddler. Though she had not mentioned them in quite some time. She had become quite reserved and rarely spoke about her past with anyone.

Samus furrowed her brow behind her acid green visor. She didn't know what was so funny about the deadly alien armada. "What's so funny? They're like the Covenant." But she found them to be worse in some ways. "Vicious, evil, murderous, aliens that travel galaxies. Raiding planets. Killing entire civilizations, and stealing whatever they can find to gain power. Very similar to the Covenant but less calculated. Mostly murdering just for fun..." as she explained shivers ran down her spine.

"Okay that's terrible. They sound very similar to the Covenant. But Space Pirates? Really? There couldn't have been a better name for them?" Kelly continued to criticize the silly name for such horrid creatures.

Samus rolled her eyes as they came upon crumbling ruins. "And the human names for the different Covenant species are so much better? An Elite, Grunt, and Jackal? Really?" She retaliated. "What's wrong with Sangheili? Unggoy? Or Kig-Yar?"

"Are you kidding me? I don't wanna be trying to pronounce those names as I am communicating on an active battlefield." Kelly retorted as voices could be heard up ahead.

"Enough. We have targets ahead." Chief quickly silenced the dumb argument between Spartan and alien hybrid.

"Look at this on the ground here." Fred called the team over to the body of a Space Pirate. "He's completely cooked."

Quickly scanning the body Samus shook her head no. "Not burnt. Drained of all its life." She said barely touching the brittle husk, only for it to disintegrate into dust. "What the hell could possibly cause that...?"

"If the kid doesn't even know. I don't think I want to know what creature caused that to happen." Kelly scoffed as Chief told them to keep moving forward.

Moving on ahead they located the enemy. Samus stood behind Chief as they all hid against a crumbling wall. Placing her left hand on top of her cannon she listened to the alien voices.

Linda quickly scurried across to a different cover position. Getting a better view of what was ahead of them. "We've got a small squad of Elites on the other side of the wall. Looks like... what I'm assuming is Space Pirates off in the distance." She announced over the comlink.

Samus listened into the Sangheili conversation. They seemed to be complaining about whether the Space Pirates were trustworthy or not. Uncertain of the new alliance as their new comrades seemed to be unhinged and disorganized.

"I have clear shots. Should I open fire?" Linda asked Chief.

John shook his head no in reply. Urging Linda to retreat to their position. "No. We should try to stay hidden until we locate, and get the Chozo to safety."

Samus had other ideas though. "Those bastards are blocking our way into that communication unit. We have to take them out."

Chief was stuck with making a decision. With this many enemies, both Covenant, and Space Pirates. Would they truly accomplish this mission mostly undetected?

"If I can get in there I might be able to contact Mother Brain." Samus continued to try and convince Chief to follow her plan.

With an unwilling glance at the sharpshooter he gave a permitting nod. "Linda, you're clear to fire. Take them out."

With four quick precise shots four Sangheili warriors collapsed to the ground. Purple blood oozing from a bullet hole in each of their heads. Blue Team quickly moved forward Linda firing precision shots at the weird new aliens. Whatever head shots didn't kill them, Samus or one of the other Spartans finished them off.

"We've got company coming." Kelly announced as two Space Pirates began firing at them.

Samus quickly ran to the entrance of another cavern. "Quick, this way!" She gestured for the team to follow them into the dark cavern. "We'll easily lose them in here. Just follow my every step." The young girl instructed as the Spartan's hesitantly followed.

The Pirates were hot on their trail but were quickly halted by violent creatures that came crashing onto them like falling knives. Killing each of the Pirates who dare followed them.

"What the hell was that thing?" Kelly gasped as they all made sure to follow the child correctly. Not wanting to be the giant piercing mandible creatures next victim.

"Skree's. Quickly in here." Samus beckoned blue team into the communication room. Sealing the door behind them.

Everyone scanned the dark room with their eyes and helmet lights. "Well, the Chozo sure have a treacherous path to one of their communication rooms." Fred commented as he walked over to Samus and Chief.

Just as Linda approached a panel an elderly Rabbilis jumped out at her. Each Spartan drew their gun at the creature before Samus shouted for them to not shoot.

"Don't shoot! It's just Pyonchi!" She cried out standing in the line of fire for her furry friend.

"That pet you had?" Kelly vaguely remembered a similar creature following the Chozo around when they visited before.

The young girl nodded with a smile as Pyonchi began to gesture for them to search the room.

Samus immediately began searching the room for anything that would give information to what was happening. If there was one thing the Chozo loved doing, it was writing down information about everything and anything.

"What's this?" Linda asked as she activated a small hologram

"Old Bird!" Samus gasped at the hologram of the stubby elderly bird.

-To those viewing this image. I believe you to be the UNSC... or perhaps the reestablished Galactic Federation force. I have a message.- A very small hologram of Old Bird appeared on the projector. His thick Chozodian accent speaking the human language as clear as he possibly could.

"So the Chozo left us a message?" Fred thought aloud.

As the message played on Old Bird spoke of how this invasion was foreseen. But the Pirates attacking alongside the Covenant was not something they could have predicted. Chief was surprised they took the Covenant returning seriously. After he warned them so long ago the Chozo never seemed to have taken it seriously.

-We had no choice but to surrender Zebes.-

"What!" Samus gasped in disbelief.

-The thought of eliminating this planet crossed my mind. But we are unable to do so. Their plans are too meticulous. Running was the only option for the Chozo.-

Kelly thought the message so far was positive. "If they escaped then the Chozo must not have been completely annihilated." Samus agreed it was promising to hear that some of them may have escaped.

"But to be pushed to such extremities. What happened?" Samus thought as the message from Old Bird continued on.

-Our remaining concerns are Metroid.-

Each Spartan exchanged looks with one another as the image of a strange jelly like creature with giant teeth appeared. "What the hell is that?"

"Is that what attacked that dead Space Pirate we found?" Fred thought aloud.

Samus vaguely remembered the Chozo and Mother Brain speaking about the Metroid. There were many times she had attended their elder meetings when she first started living on Zebes. And many meetings she stumbled into after sneaking out of bed to see what they were discussing.

-In the hopes of the future of the universe, we secretly developed an artificial life form, but... We know there are worse threats to the Universe than the Covenant and Space Pirates.-

That was a tall claim. What could possibly be worse than the Covenant, or the Space Pirates. The Chozo were ancient, well travelled aliens. If they had mingled with the Forerunners, they had also mentioned some knowledge about the Flood. Perhaps that was what they were speaking about.

-I know that's difficult to believe. This threat is unlike anything we've ever encountered.-

Master Chief was a bit concerned with the Chozo's continued words. Perhaps he was speaking of something much worse. But what could it possibly be?

-Those viewing this image. We wish you to somehow speak with our child, Samus Aran. Tell her that our wish for the greatest soldier, Metroid... Did not come to pass.- Old Bird continued. His voice becoming much more serious as he spoke.

These words were all so confusing. They scared Samus, as Old Bird spoke as if the Chozo had been completely annihilated. This message only got more overwhelming as he continued on.

-Samus. Now the only one who can inherit the Chozo's will... Is you! Our... No, this could be called the final wish of the universe. We want endless peace!-

It was one thing to ask a fully trained veteran warrior to do their bidding. It was another to ask a very young child to accomplish universal peace, the Spartans of Blue Team thought. Even if this was Samus's true path they would try to help as much as possible.

"Samus you..." Before Chief could tell Samus she did not have the ability to currently achieve the Chozo's wishes, Old Bird ended the message with a few more words.

-To those watching this. There is no need to stay here any longer. Soon there will be countless victims and prisoners. Before that happens, a second can't be wasted getting away from this planet.- The message abruptly ended with the disappearance of the hologram.

"It disappeared!" Samus gasped in a panic hoping to hear more than the very short grim advice.

As the girl tried reactivating the hologram the Spartans turned to each other. "What's our plan, John? We have a lot of odds stacked against us. And I'm not just talking about the Covenant and Space Pirates." Fred said as Samus soon tuned into their conversation.

"We have our mission objective. Free the prisoners, and escape Zebes." Master Chief replied. Even though the logical choice was to take the Chozo's advice and leave. But if there were prisoners, they could not come all this way just to leave and not try.

Samus nodded in agreement, before turning to her beloved pet. "Okay. I'll head to where Mother... the planet's central computer is." Samus hesitated to call the AI what she had known her as her entire life. It would've been confusing to the Spartans anyway. "If it hasn't been destroyed yet, we might be able to break the current deadlock."

"Samus, you are not going down there by yourself." Chief refused to fully accept Samus's plans.

"Why?" She folded her arms as she crouched down "I know the way to Tourian, better than any of you. It will be quicker this way." She scooped the old Rabbilis into her arms. "Pyonchi. You're going to help."

"Oh come'on, we're already concerned about your ass. We don't need dead weight to drag with us." Kelly groaned receiving a laugh from the child.

"What are you saying? You're the dead weight." Samus scoffed satirically. "Did you forget Pyonchi, grew up on this planet with me? He will lead you, and keep you safe." She assured.

Chief didn't argue, gesturing for his team to follow the rabbit squirrel creature. His team obliged following the fuzzy alien rabbit. Before Samus could ask why he stayed behind Chief elaborated. "I'm not letting you go all by yourself. We're going together."

Samus figured Chief would've been hard to convince. He may slow her down, but she didn't mind the company. "Fine. But if you fall behind, I'm continuing on."

Following the young girl, the path was fairly treacherous, and chaotic. Fighting the Covenant, and the Space Pirates who were new to him. During those battles they also fought and avoided deadly Zebesian creatures. John was beginning to fall behind. He ran out of ammo quickly, having to pick up any Covenant weapons he found, while wielding his combat knife. Chief wondered how the rest of the team was doing? The Space Pirates seemed to have a harder shell to crack when it came to taking them down with his combat knife. Samus, on the other hand was thriving. The only things slowing her steady pace were the Elites, and some higher ranked Pirates. The Zebesian life forms did not seem to hinder her abilities in fighting. She was true to her word. Looking over her shoulder every now and again to make sure the Spartan leader wasn't in too much trouble. But she continued to push forward regardless of how far behind Chief fell.

Finally entering a small entrance tunnel Chief was finally able to catch his breath for a moment. "Samus! Have the two years of training we've put into you disappeared?"

Rolling her eyes behind her acid green visor she sighed with a groan. "I warned you. I wasn't going to wait because you got caught on a couple of Tangle Vines, and Geemers."

John knew Samus was being disrespectful. But he also knew he could not fully lead this mission. They were in constant danger no matter where they stepped. The young girl knew her way around the planet without issue. He was beginning to think Pyonchi would've been a more patient guide. "Samus, could you please show the slightest bit of respect as I follow you. I was not built for this planet like you were." He wondered why Samus always had a strong protest against authority and teamwork.

She knew the Spartan leader, even though he was an incredible superhuman. Samus knew Chief would delay her steady march into Tourian. "I want to get to Mother, and the Chozo before all prisoners become victims."

"You can't do this on your own." Master Chief warned the girl.

"Watch me..." Samus muttered under her breath. Which Chief must've heard because he was giving her a strong disappointed, yet furious glare. She sighed finding some sympathy amongst her angst and worry. "Stay here and rest. Mother is just through this door."

"Not happening. Hold position. The team hasn't updated us on their position." Chief firmly commanded as he radioed his team.

"We found a couple of the Chozo Elders being guarded. No one that we're immediately familiar with but they're safe. We also found some weird machine the Pirates were trying to make themselves stronger in. It must've been the same thing used on Samus when she was first brought here. We fucked it up though, so the Pirates should be gouls at this point." Kelly explained with a laugh.

"The Chozo with us are showing us a different way into Tourian. We're almost in position." Fredric reported over the comm channel.

"This place is a hell hole. Zebes is completely infested by both Covenant and Space Pirates. Not to mention the insane wildlife and terrain here. All the odds are against us, John." Kelly added.

Master Chief knew that. But it's not uncommon for them to be completely outnumbered and outgunned. The only difference was the entire planet was against them, literally everywhere they stepped they needed to take caution. "Keep moving. Samus, and I are moving toward the planet's central computer."

Samus shook her head with a concerning sigh. It did not sound like Grey Voice, or Old Bird, were amongst the rescued so far. "There's no way Mother could've survived without damage." She said as she walked into the central supercomputer's chamber. The each side of the room was lined with about six Sangheili warriors, while the middle was completely overrun by the Space Pirates.

"Shit we're too late!" Samus hissed, raising her cannon it whirred as she prepared to open fire on the many Space Pirates, and Sangheili surrounding the room.

Master Chief was right next to Samus raising his assault rifle, his finger slowly squeezing the trigger as Samus's arm cannon's whirring charge could be heard.

"Wait, Samus! Lower your weapon there's no need to fight!" Amongst the massive hoard of Space Pirates emerged Grey Voice.

"Grey... Voice...?" Samus lowered her cannon in disbelief flabbergasted by what she saw Grey Voice amongst Space Pirates. A small group of prisoners huddled by Mother Brain's vat. Chief remained vigilant his weapon aimed with his finger hovering over the trigger.

"Grey Voice, why are you with the Space Pirates, and Covenant?" The girl was confused, trying to hold back her anger.

"We're in position. We only have small field of view from up here. Linda, and Fred, will cover for you as much as possible. While I try to find you the best escape route." Kelly's voice came through the comm.

"Hold position. We have friendlies mixed with targets." Chief barely whispered in response. This was a peculiar situation. One that neither him nor Samus thought would occur.

"Samus, there is no need for us to fight. We are remedying the situation." Grey Voice calmly spoke to the young girl. He spoke in english to make his intentions clearer to everyone accompanying Samus.

Samus raised her cannon totting it as she spoke with frantic confusion. "What is this about? What happened to Mother Brain!?" She demanded.

"Samus, you did not realize I was here?" Mother cooed as one of her familiar floating probes descended next to Samus. The probes presence seemed to calm the girl only for a second. "Please relax. We are currently switching to a satisfactory cooperation with the Space Pirates. Even the Sangheili have agreed to cooperate. We have control over the Pirates."

"What the hell is going on, John?" Linda asked as they listened in from afar. Looking through her rifles scope she saw the room full of enemies and a massive vat of clear liquid which seemed to be containing a giant brain.

"Unknown. Standby." Chief replied this situation was confusing enough for a Spartan that has basically seen it all on the battlefield. If His teammates who he grew up with suddenly decided to side with the Covenant he would know what he'd have to do but it would break him apart if he had to. He couldn't imagine what was going through Samus's head right now.

"Mo- Mother? W-what happened...?" As Samus asked this the Space Pirates crept closer spooking the girl. "Could it be those bastards reprogrammed you?!" She aimed her cannon ready to fire at the crab like aliens.

"Calm down, Samus. I'm operating normally." Mother Brain assured the child she was just fine.

Grey Voice remained calm yet stern as he ordered everyone to leave the room. "Sorry, but everyone needs to leave the room." He gestured with his arm for the aliens to leave. The Sangheili in the room seemed reluctant to leave but eventually left, but not without staring Chief down as they exited.

"We're probably going to have Elites sniffing around for us. Let's just hope we can stay hidden before it all goes down." Fredric thought aloud, watching the exiting Elites drawing weapons to patrol the area.

"John, you need to hurry this up before our position gets compromised." Kelly warned her leader of the lurking danger.

Chief agreed but there wasn't much he could do at this time. They would end up in a massive battle regardless of whether he quickened the situation or not.

Samus was shocked, confused, and frustrated. Watching the Pirates obey Grey Voice was shockingly to say the least. "Why? Why are they listening to your commands?"

"Understanding each other is the most important factor." Mother Brain chimed, her probe floating around the two as she explained further. "The Space Pirates are a subordinate species that naturally follows the orders of a strong leader. Their hierarchal programming is decided at the genetic level."

"Right now Mother is at the top as the master. And I am therefore considered a master as well." Grey Voice added, suspicious of Samus's silence he knew the hot headed girl was going to boil over very quickly. "There is nothing to fear. We are the ones currently in control of the Space Pirates."

Master Chief would've remained silent but he had to gain information about the Covenant's presence on this planet. What technology and intelligence have they obtained from the Chozo. "And what of the Covenant? They're surely more intelligent than the Space Pirates. Not to mention the SOS Zebes sent out. Clearly things are not under control..."

"They are strong willed but they follow somewhat of the same hierarchy. I too worry about them. But for now we have a mutual respect. The Space Pirates currently outnumber their small exploratory fleet. Our mutual alliance is working successfully so far." Grey voice explained to the Spartan.

"Samus, you are also one of us. Open yourself to this alliance." Mother encouraged the young girl to join them in this.

"You want me to join the Pirates? You gotta be kidding me?!" Samus narrowed her eyes as she retorted disgusted that Mother Brain would even think that she would even consider joining. That question was the tipping point Samus was finally beginning to express her emotions about this entire situation. "Do you know what they came here to do!? What did you do with the prisoners and where did you put them?!" She demanded aiming her cannon at the vat the giant brain sat in.

"Accept reality, Samus. A species moving towards the path of extinction has the chance to create new progress before its destruction. This is a fortunate turn!" Mother Brain continued to try and get Samus to understand her views.

"New progress?" Samus was thoroughly confused, and frustrated she was a very short fuse away from losing her mind and unloading her cannon on the brain.

While the super computer explained that the Chozo were the founders for many things including incredible technology that cost them dearly. Chief tilted his view slightly in order to view his hidden team without drawing attention to them. They needed a weakness, a vulnerability, before they could even think about taking out the Brain.

"Does that floating brain ever shut the hell up? When are we not making our move? This is getting stranger by the minute." Kelly impatiently grumbled.

(We need to know a weak point. We do not know what the vat is made of. Or what weapons Mother Brain has control of.) Chief didn't answer verbally. He knew if he did the Brain and Grey Voice would know there were others.

Mother Brian continued her long monologue to the child. "The Chozo saw the need to accelerate their plans to link the galaxies into one unified society. And decided to consolidate their data with that of the UNSC. And so I was born." Samus's body language was getting more confused and frustrated with every word she said. "I inherited the Chozo's knowledge and culture. I have pushed the Elders into the realm of obsolete."

"Mother is the greatest being in existence. And does everything perfectly." The tall elderly Chozo said almost in a robotic manner as he continued to compliment the super computer. "You could say that Mother led the galactic society to prosperity."

"Grey?" Samus's tone was that of disappointment and defeat. As Mother Brain continued to express how perfect she was.

"This moment begins a new age of prosperity led by me... This is new progress."

"Mother, what are you saying?" The young girl questioned the Brain as clearly Grey Voice was being brainwashed somehow. But from what she was gathering from this Mother Brain was trying to completely eliminate the remaining Chozo, as she was now a superior presence.

"With me as the successor, beyond my existence. There is no value in having the Chozo's existence. We are only discarding what is useless." The Brain commented plainly.

"Old Bird and the others are useless?!" Samus couldn't believe what Mother was saying.

"And now we are gathering partners brimming with youthful strength." The Brain continued to ignore Samus's questions, and praise herself for becoming the leader of the two invading alien armies.

"The Space Pirates are your partners?!" Samus hissed she had definitely heard enough of Mother Brain's nonsense.

"This is just going to escalate, John. We need a game plan." Fredric said over the commlink. But there was little they could do. They couldn't take out the super computer they had no idea how to or what would happen if they started shooting.

"With me directing the Space Pirates. They will be a perfect force capable of restoring true order to the universe." With those last words Samus had heard enough.

"Bullshit! Mother, you...!" Tripping over her words the girl was so flustered with all the conflicting messages and horrible propaganda Mother was spewing she couldn't find the words to express the situation.

"Forget about the Chozo, Samus. With you added to our power we can build a new age for the universe." Mother could see she was beginning to dig deep into Samus's core as the girl stood frozen and uncertain. "Samus, listen well. You must follow your fate. With ageing the Chozo lost some fundamental skills and so they made me as intellectual support. And I, to support the martial strength made the power suit. In other words I gave birth to you!"

"You think you're my parent?!" Samus almost scoffed she was far from convinced by this bold statement. The machine was no parent to her.

"John, I'm picking up a large unknown signal. Moving in fast. Our best bet is to get the Chozo we have to safety. Leave the insane Brain, and coo-coo bird behind." Kelly informed the Master Chief of the incoming danger.

There were innocent Chozo being held prisoner they couldn't leave them behind. Or could they?This was getting stranger by the minute but there was no way Chief would be able to convince Samus to exit without a fight. Especially with the super computer trying to brainwash her into joining the Pirates and Covenant. "Samus, we must leave now." His efforts were futile Samus was not focused on him, but he would not abandon Samus like this. They had to find a way to rescue the remaining prisoners.

"Try to remember why you are here." Mother Brain coaxed. "You were infused with Chozo DNA. Why were you reborn as an extraordinary hybrid? Why did the Chozo who cannot produce offspring usher you into their family?!"

"Can't Linda just shoot the brain and get us rolling here?" Kelly hissed. As much as the Spartans were curious to know the answers an escape was desperately needed. Whatever was coming their way was massive and moving aggressively.

"What? And get every single Pirate and Elite flooding in there on top of John, and Samus? Losing the remaining prisoners in the meantime? No Kelly, I don't think it's wise." Linda replied gesturing to all the Covenant and Pirate forces outside of the room.

"Everything was done in order to make you a bioweapon!"

"The Chozo, and Mother Brain, made me into a weapon?" Samus's heart raced at that thought. There was no way. Was she just one of the Chozo's bioweapon projects? Did the Chozo gift her to the UNSC because she was their greatest creation? Was she gifted simply because she was one of their greatest weapons at the time? It seemed the many UNSC personnel aboard the Infinity would've agreed with the Brain. It just wasn't true!

"The results were satisfactory. You grew to become a spectacular weapon."

"NO! OLD BIRD DIDN'T SEE ME LIKE THAT! NOT AS A WEAPON! He never looked at me like that!" Samus exclaimed as she could no longer hide her escalating rage.

"That Brain is messing with our girl, and that thing is getting closer, John. Can we do anything to help?" Fredric asked he began to gather the elders they had rescued.

"Find us an exit." Chief demanded even though he knew it was a tall order with the Pirates and Covenant surrounding them.

"As your parent I am proud." Those words stung the girl like a burning poison. "Now once we've gathered the Pirates and install you as Commander..."

Samus's rage boiled over with a scream of pure rage. "STOP FUCKING AROUND! MY ONLY PARENTS ARE VIRGINIA ARAN, RODNEY ARAN, AND THE CHOZO! NOT A MACHINE LIKE YOU!" She unleashed a volley of power beam blasts at the impenetrable vat the massive brain sat in. "I'M NOT A WEAPON!"

"My, my, you're quite worked up. You didn't even mention the poorly human designed super soldiers that adopted you into their world not long ago. Aren't they your family Samus?" Mother spoke in a patronizing tone.

"OF COURSE THEY ARE MY FAMILY!" Samus spat still firing out of frustration at the super computer.

"Right, and just like all your family and those that have become close will be destroyed and killed off. It seems to be the natural order of those who are in your presence Samus." Calm as could be as the cannon fire did nothing to penetrate her shields Mother continued to insult Samus. "This shield is made by molecule transference of Zebetite. Just like the planetary shields. You should know that Samus."

"Dammit!" Samus was getting more frustrated nothing was working and Mother's taunts were more getting evil than ever.it was becoming too much to take. And Grey Voice just stood by watching this all.

"Incoming!" Linda yelled as a massive shadow cast over the whole room. John leapt off to the side rolling onto his back to aim his gun at the massive descending space dragon.

With one giant swipe Samus was thrown across the room into the opposite wall. She groaned picking herself up out of the wall. As the dust settled it was clear that the one who haunts her nightmares stood in front of her.

In a gruff snarl the Pirate leader hissed at the super computer. "You got to be kidding me, right Mother? This fool is the comrade you told me about?!" He spat whipping his spiked tail he swatted the armoured girl across the floor. "This is the bioweapon the Chozo created?! This worthless piece of junk?! What could you possibly accomplish on your own!?" Ridley's vicious taunting was horrid on top of the physical abuse he revelled in this torture.

"John, get Samus let's get out of here!" Kelly and Fredric leapt down to John, leaving Linda with the survivors.

Chief opened fire on Ridley who laughed as he barely felt anything from the projectile weapon.

With a flick of his tail he wiped each of the firing Spartans off their feet halting their pitiful efforts.

Samus couldn't breathe, she couldn't move, visions of the destruction and death that wrecked over K-2L burnt into her mind. The image parents being murdered by the Space Dragon that was currently torturing and taunting her. Her armour vanished as her PTSD fully sent her into a blind panic attack.

Growling quizzically Ridley stuck his face right up to the petrified girl's. "The inside is nothing but a female human child?! That explains the noradrenaline." Flicking his nose he struck the girl into a bolder before once again sticking his face directly into hers.

Ridley's glowing dark blood red eyes burned through Samus. The memories of his threats to kill her as a toddler flashing in her head as he continued to taunt her.

"I've seen her before?" Ridley thought aloud.

Grey Voice watched as the dragon heightened his child's PTSD. "That would be because she is the lone survivor of the Colony K-2L. Which you attacked along with her parents. She's been under our care." Grey Voice's informing almost came as a taunt to the selfishly egotistical Pirate leader. He failed to completely eradicate a human planet.

Whipping his tail around as the Spartans tried to once again distract him with shots. Ridley grabbed Samus by the face. "Oh, that brat! Ha! You annihilated my precious warships and troops!"

Grey Voice was shocked to hear that Ridley seemed to know Samus personally. "Ridley?! You know Samus?!"

"It was a terrible experience!" The dragon hissed batting the firing Spartans away. "Stupid brat asked to be friends with me as I was busy slaying her planet." Bringing Samus up to his face he snarled. "Thanks to you all that Afloraltite exploded and I was also engulfed in those flames. Can you imagine how I managed to survive?" He tightened his grip and the trembling girl's head. "Shall I tell you what I had to feed my injured body!?" He smashed Samus to the floor pinning her with his talon. "FLESH!" He snaked his head to face the human super soldiers trying to attack him. "Foul foul human flesh! The bodies of your kind tossed every which way..."

Samus shuttered trembling sobbing as the images of her parents, friends, and others who lived on K-2l being eaten by the monstrous Pirate leader made her sickened and angry.

Chief leapt over the dragon's tail using his gun he fired rounds into the Space Pirate leader's head, doing minimal damage to the dragon. Ridley was too invested in torturing Samus.

"Maybe I even ate your Mama to keep my cells alive? Is she here, Or maybe there? Ridley venomously taunted pointing to different positions on his body. Samus screamed as Ridley slapped her with his razor talon. "PAY YOUR RESPECTS!"

"Sick bastard!" Kelly shouted firing her gun along with Fred and Chief.

"What a ridiculous story." Grey Voice thought aloud.

That comment pissed Ridley off. With a snarl he used his tail and taloned hand to swipe the firing Spartans away from him before turning his attention to Grey Voice.

As Ridley and Grey Voice bickered about how the dragon should respect the Chozo the Spartans ceased fire picking themselves up off the ground. Turning to each other to make a better plan. "We gotta get Samus, free."

"It's not happening with her in that condition. And this damn dragon seems to be armoured to the teeth. We're not making a dent with our weapons" Kelly hissed at Fred.

"We need a distraction." Chief looked around realizing Linda was still out of the room. "Linda take the survivors to the communication cave we found, keep them safe there. Once they're secure, locate a Space Pirate ship, find a way to detonate one or multiple. Pirate or Covenant it matters not."

"Copy, John. Kelly I could use your help." Linda requested her teammate join her.

"I will gladly light some ships up. Just get the survivors to the cave." Kelly quickly departed the two men while everyone else was distracted, rejoining Linda and the Chozo elders.

"I'll show you a little respect. If you get your hands dirty." Ridley gestured to Samus's weakened trembling form. "Dispose of this wanna be soldier."

Grey Voice only stared at the poor helpless girl now collapsed lying on the floor motionless. The Spartans guns aimed at both him and Ridley.

"What you can't do it?" Ridley scoffed.

"That's right. The Chozo have a working mental guard. We are incapable of harmful actions." Grey Voice lied.

"Bullshit! That doesn't seem to fly with the Mawkin!" Ridley laughed ridiculously at the Chozo.

Just as Ridley was about to argue further a deformed Space Pirate screaming in pain came hobbling in before it collapsed to the floor dead.

"Agh! What the hell! The body adaptation machine must have been tampered with?!" Ridley growled in frustration.

"John, we've got more prisoners." Fred gestured with his gun to more Chozo elders standing behind Grey Voice.

"Linda, and Kelly, should be setting off our distraction any moment now:" Chief replied, not even moments later multiple explosions and loud crashing could be heard coming from above.

"Eh, what was that?!" Ridley hissed.

"Multiple Pirate fighters and Covenant Phantoms have been destroyed." Mother Brain reported.

Ridley growled pulling Samus up to him. "You have more friends?! WHERE ARE THEY HIDING AND WHAT DID THEY DO?!"

"You're flustered Ridley." Grey Voice mentioned.

"What did you say?" The dragon was no longer had patience for games.

"Samus, has already taken a risk bringing this small team of soldiers onto Zebes. She probably came more alone than you believe. Samus knows this planet's environment is harsh and unsuitable for most humanoids. That explosion was most likely already planned for her escape." Grey Voice explained how intelligent and precise Samus could be when deployed on the battlefield. "If you refer to Mother's data you'll see that Samus, is a Lone Wolf Operative that frequently disobeys orders."

"You could say that again..." Fred muttered under his breath as he and John snuck over to the elders position.

Grey Voice gave out several commands to each of the Chozo in the room with them, including the entire Pirate and Covenant forces warning them of intruders. Impressing Ridley so much with his commanding skills that he even commanded the Space Dragon to leave Tourian and go lead the troops.

Once the space dragon left with venomous haste. Grey Voice sighed. "Now..." Turning to the girl who was barely recovering on the ground. "What do you believe your parents think when they see you like that, Samus...?" Grey Voice shook his head as Chief went to help her up. "You're pitiful."

"Just kill me then..." Samus said her voice quiet yet hoarse, Grey Voice was right she was pitiful. A weakened mess not worthy of fighting another day. "Kill me..."

"That's not going to happen!" Chief firmly told Samus as he helped her to her feet.

"There's no weapons, nobody's alive..." Samus muttered through whimpers as more flashbacks pushed past her repressive block.

"Distant memories resurfacing. The lone survivor of the holocaust on K-2L. She remembers everything." One of the Chozo elders Platinum Chest spoke as they followed Fredric.

"She's had these nightmares for years why act like this now?" Fred asked.

"Repressed fear will grow inside you even if you don't know it's there." The elderly Chozo replied. "You too have many repressed fears." He gestured to both Spartans.

"No more! No, no! I'm scared!" Samus cried out her voice scratchy, shivering in fear once more. It was a replica of what would happen on Infinity after a nightmare.

"Samus. Our treasure. Our dear most precious child." The Chozo all gathered around the crying child placing their gentle hands onto the child as they spoke of her in a positive light. "You're frightened you poor thing. You must be anxious... It's understandable."

Chief and Fredric stepped back as Platinum Chest kneeled down in front of Samus, with the rest of the Chozo surrounding her in a calming huddle. All but Grey Voice, who remained reserved and disappointed. "Since you were a child we caused you to bear such a fate and imposed upon your great mission. You truly and earnestly paid us back." Reaching out a taloned hand Platinum chest moved the hair from the girl's crying eyes. "You must be so tired child. Do not fret, clear your thoughts. If you are pained, then cry."

The Spartans were surprised by how understanding and comforting the Chozo were with Samus. They went above and beyond to comfort their charge. Even in these dire circumstances. Chief felt a bit inferior to the Chozo as he was usually the one attempting to comfort Samus during nightmares. But he was awkward and hesitant. Samus also hid very much from him and his team.

"There is no need to hold it in. Because we are your family." Platinum Chest beckoned for the Spartans to join them in comforting Samus.

"Kelly, has reported we have a clear exit." In an awkward attempt to avoid comforting Samus Fredric returned to scanning the area with his gun making sure no enemies were approaching.

John sighed hesitantly approaching the huddle of Chozo trying to comfort the girl. He placed a hand down on Samus's shoulder. "You are stubborn, and have a strong dislike for authority. But you have always done well, Samus. I'm proud of you." The mounting pressure from everyone's comforting words, with Chief's last reassuring words causing the flood of tears to erupt from the girl.

"Let's move." Master Chief ordered now that Samus was showing signs of emotion it was time to move. The Chozo kept their comforting circle around the girl as they followed the Spartan. Fredric covered the rear as they travelled out of Tourian. It was absolute chaos. Pirates and Sangheili every which way they looked. Sniper rounds taking down multiple enemies closing in gave them a good indication that the team was still there for them. Linda and Kelly quickly linked up with the escaping prisoners, adding the few elders they rescued to the comforting circle.

Kelly blasted a shotgun round through the chest of a Space Pirate before pivoting to Chief. "What's going on with the kid? We need her help the most!"

"Samus, is in pain." Chief replied gladly taking the extra pistol Kelly handed to him after his gun ran out of ammunition. Quickly scanning Samus he took note of the multiple wounds Ridley had inflicted upon her. He was correct she was in pain. Both physically and mentally.

"The kid's PTSD kicked in once the murderer of her home planet joined in." Fredric explained digging his combat knife into an Elite's neck killing it instantly.

"I bloody well saw that when I was shooting the damn dragon before I went off to assist Linda." Kelly scoffed shooting two more Pirates to the ground.

"Something to be discussed later." Chief sternly told his team as he turned to see a Space Pirate about to shoot a very vulnerable Samus. Aiming his pistol the gun jammed as he squeezed the trigger. "Dammit, Samus run!" He yelled.

As the Chozo Elders went to protect her the familiar green arm cannon materialized as the girl swung around blasting a hole the Zebesian Space Pirate's chest ending it instantly.

As the other Spartans finished off the surrounding stragglers the Chozo and Master Chief approached the now fully armoured girl minus her helmet.

"Samus, are you alright?" Chief asked fixing the jam in his pistol on the way to the girl's side. No response. "Samus?"

The girl lifted her head to the sky scanning the cloudy formations in the pale yellow sky. "Those clouds are moving in quickly. At this rate severe acid rain will pour down on Crateria. It'll be rough for Blue Team to move through it since you guys aren't adapted to this climate." Samus thought aloud as she started to lead the Elders. Her voice was quieter than usual, as if she had lost her voice or had a sore throat.

"Uhhh... kid...?" Fredric called confused by the sudden change in the traumatized child.

Ignoring the pain radiating through her body, the armoured girl began leading the team towards Brinstar as the clouds began to form over them. Pushing her injured voice to inform the Spartans. "We have to take the shortcut through Brinstar it's the only way you'll survive. The animals there are dangerous and so are their habitats but we have no other choice!"

"Oh great, so we get some death with a side of death?" Kelly sarcastically replied. "Damned if we do damned if we don't..."

"We must hurry come'on." Samus coaxed them all to quickly follow her.

The speed runner grumbled taking note that Samus didn't seem to acknowledge any one of them speaking to her. "HEY SAMUS!"

Kelly's shout finally shook the girl from her one track mind. Sighing she knew she messed up big time. Samus knew after this mission, if they all came back from it alive. She would be taken off of Blue Team and shipped off to some distant desolate rock. But for now everyone deserved an apology. "I'm sorry about worrying you earlier. I'm better now. 100% myself again. Now let's go." She gestured for the team to once again follow. As she began walking she looked over her shoulder seeing that none of the Spartans were moving. "What?"

"Pfft... are you sure you're back to normal? Since when do you sincerely apologize for your crazy actions." Kelly scoffed walking past Samus with the rest of Blue Team.

Samus scrunched her neck as she boiled inside with embarrassment. "What the hell is that supposed to mean!?"

All but Chief chuckled at the girl's reaction. "Chill out kiddo, we're just teasing you." Fredric said as he pat the girl on the back.

"You just usually don't apologize for your actions." Kelly joked.

"Shut up..." Samus rolled her eyes as her suit began to glow brightly nearly blinding the Spartans.

"What the hell is going on with your armour?" Linda questioned covering her eyes from the light.

"Hmm. The suit is resonating." Platinum Chest looked off into the distance seeing a similar light. "I see. He left..."

"What do you mean Platinum Chest?!" Samus shouted having no understanding of what the elder was speaking of.

Travelling through Brinstar was treacherous with the wildlife and environment against them. Even Kelly got caught up in some sort of carnivores plant. All this was nothing to the Chozo and Samus who were in deep conversation.

"Grey, planned to destroy Mother all along?!" Samus questioned after Platinum Chest explained that Grey Voice was fighting Mother Brain as they spoke.

The elder nodded. "The thought of you coming here to rescue us never crossed our minds."

"But the destress signal?" Linda questioned the elderly humanoid bird.

"Old Bird's way of getting Samus to retrieve his message. But he did not assume you would respond so quickly. And certainly not with a team." Platinum Chest explained as Kelly checked their exit. "Whatever the cost, we all already decided that Mother had to be destroyed."

"But if I had gotten here sooner you wouldn't have had to go through such a farce in order to do so. Not to mention my personal issues wouldn't have put any of you at risk." Samus sighed a little frustrated that the UNSC didn't clear them to leave the Infinity sooner. "I'm pathetic..."

Platinum Chest took note that Samus was listening to the humming light emitting from her power suit. A link. A connection between her and Grey Voice. "You hear him."

"I do. He's fighting. He's suffering! I can't forgive myself for doubting him even for a minute!" Samus scolded herself for ever doubting her Chozo mentor. "And yet he keeps yelling for me to continue on! But I can't leave him!" She began to run back for her Chozo parent.

"Samus, you're abandoning your mission!" Master Chief warned the child. "That Chozo ship sitting next to yours, is not armed." He pointed to the ships being guarded by the Covenant and Space Pirates. "In order to get all these prisoners safely off of Zebes we need to take the unarmed ship. Without you there's no weaponizing that ship."

It pained Samus to even think about abandoning the one who so graciously gave her the ability to survive. She couldn't leave him...

Fredric led Kelly and Linda to the ships taking every single enemy down that stood in their path. Samus wasn't far behind with Chief protecting the Elders. Tapping away at the controls on her arm cannon Samus commanded her gunship to take off and provide cover for the flight off of Zebes.

"Everyone in, hurry up." Kelly ushered everyone into the Chozo cargo ship. "You bird brains start the ship I'll fly it!"

"Samus, come'on." Chief called the girl who stood on the ramp. It was clear she still wanted to go back to save Grey Voice.

Looking back in the direction Grey Voice was battling, the urge to rush back to him almost overtaking her. "I can't provide cover fire from inside." Samus said as she leapt on top of the ship as it fired up its engines. "My ship will provide me with as much cover as possible. Kelly, you better pilot this thing well!"

The sound of magnetic boots walking across the roof confirmed Samus was in position. "I'll do my best kid, just hang on tight. John, get in."

Master Chief was hesitant to enter the ship. Knowing Samus was already wounded he would've preferred to put himself in Samus's position. But he did not have the arsenal the girl had to be able to battle ships. "Be safe please."

She was incredibly sore and injured losing her voice even more with every word she spoke. But the girl had to continue on for the sake of the others. "I will do my best, as long as Kelly's piloting isn't too erratic." Samus replied as Chief finally entered the ship.

The take off was a bit rough but once they got air the Space Pirate fighters and Covenant Banshees were after them. Samus easily shot down a fighter causing it to collide directly into a Banshee. Her gunship provided somewhat of a distraction for the Banshees but the Space Pirate fighters were mercilessly firing at them. Exiting the atmosphere it became a much rougher ride for the young girl gunning down ships.

"Kelly, keep it steady! I can't hit any targets with this thing jerking around like that!" Samus hissed over the comm her voice becoming more hoarse by the moment.

"This atmosphere is treacherous, this is the best I can do!" The speedy Spartan replied to the girl's dismay.

Master Chief worriedly watched as the pursuing ships continued to get damaged and destroyed by the brave girl standing on top of the ship. "I'm calling for the Infinity. This is too much."

"Infinity won't come. This isn't their fight!" Linda scoffed as Chief called them anyway.

After Platinum Chest showed him the long range communication panel Chief immediately began the call. "Sierra 117 to Infinity were in urgent need of assistance. We're breaking out of Zebes atmosphere with survivors. Does anyone copy?"

Fredric looked through the cockpit windscreen taking in all the approaching Covenant cruisers, and Space Pirate mother ships. "Let's hope to god someone answers you, John. There's no way the kid is surviving past the atmosphere."

"None of us are going to survive if that thing hits us!" Kelly gasped as she watched one of the cruisers charge their weapons.

Just as the Covenant was about to open fire on the singular ship armed by a small girl. A beam from below ripped through the purple ship destroying it in a fiery blaze.

"No... It can't be..." Samus shed a tear as she knew that beam was Grey Voice's last efforts before his cruel death.

"That was close. Now what about the rest of these bastards?!" Kelly said as they broke out of the atmosphere into Zebes' orbit. She avoided as much gunfire as she could without throwing Samus off of the ship.

Just as Kelly said that a wormhole opened up revealing the Infinity jumping out of a slip space rupture. The Infinity cut right through another cruiser while firing at multiple Pirate mother ships nothing could touch the Infinity.

"Sierra 117, this is Captain Lasky. Get aboard. We're clearing a path for you the best we can." Captain Lasky's voice came over the Spartans Helmet audio.

A loud thud could be heard from Samus falling onto her stomach after Kelly evaded ships and gunfire. "I'm still on!" She made sure to inform the Spartans aboard the ship she was riding.

"Samus, hold on." Chief told the girl as Kelly navigated through the gunfire and battleships to the docking station in the Infinity.

Samus held on for dear life, only having one hand to grip the edge of a wing posed troubling. She continued to fire her cannon at each enemy aircraft that came at them. "Just hurry! I can't hold on for much longer!"

It was an intense ride into the Infinity but as soon as the Chozo ship and gunship were boarded Infinity jumped back into slip space.

Samus was upset that they had just completely abandoned Zebes. But she did understand that Captain Lasky took a risk diverting the Infinity's coarse to rescue them and what remained of the Chozo.

Captain Lasky and the Commander were the first to greet the rescued and rescuer's with armed Spartans and Marines. "Welcome aboard the UNSC Infinity. You're safe now." The Chozo were very grateful respectfully bowing their heads in acknowledgement. "Make yourselves at home here. You're welcome to stay in the Infirmary until we have designated quarters for you. I'm sure Samus, could show you to your designated quarters once assigned. But first please make your way to the Infirmary, we will tend to any sick or wounded."

The Captain's hospitality was impeccable despite the suspicious glares Commander Palmer was giving. But Samus paid no real mind to the Commander as a bug flying past the woman would make her suspicious.

"Thank you, Captain..." Samus's voice was barely audible as she left leading the small group of Chozo to the Infirmary. Her thanks were sincere but her tone was that of defeat and sorrow.

"All that risk to bring back 5 Chozo? Where the hell are the rest of them?! Where's Grey Bird? And Old Voice?" Sarah questioned the Spartan team.

"Grey Voice." Kelly corrected. "He was most likely killed in combat."

"The whereabouts of Old Bird are unknown. But it was mentioned that a small group of Chozo were able to flee before the full invasion took place." Master Chief added leaning in the direction that Samus had left.

Captain Lasky could see that Chief was in no mood to be currently debriefing as the Chozo child left without them. "Report to the Infirmary. Get checked over. I expect all of Blue Team in my office for debriefing."

John nodded eagerly leading his team to the infirmary. They had... he had a lot to discuss with the girl after that mission.

"Well... vitals look normal, I suppose...?" Doctor Skye said unsure of herself after checking over their feathery guests. "Some of you are a bit scraped up but nothing that won't heal over time."

The Chozo all bowed their heads graciously thankful for the CMO's attempted care.

Turning to the Spartans she could see there was a lot going on with their armour. "Listen I'm no Mjolnir expert but you may want to get that armour maintained, it looks like you guys went through some rough environments. Acid rain perhaps? It's going to corrode your armour if you don't treat it sooner rather than later."

"Acid rain. Acid spitting bugs, and plants. I'm surprised our armour held up." Kelly scoffed.

"Understood." The Spartans agreed. Linda hated her armour having any sort of malfunction or damage she would be vigilant about maintaining her armour thoroughly and get after the others as well.

"Now. Are you going to let me look over you missy?" To no surprise the CMO turned to the reluctant child standing in a two piece jumpsuit.

"No..." Samus refused the assistance.

"Samus Aran..." Chief scolded gesturing for the Doctor to examine the girl.

"Hmm... You're quite torn up. These are some deep cuts and bad bruises." The CMO mentioned as she examined the wounds Ridley inflicted on the girl. "Your head and neck have such bad lacerations

"Ow! Don't!" The child whimpered with hoarse coughing, as Doctor Skye gingerly took her left arm.

Skye sighed as she used her data pad to do an X-ray on the child's wrist and elbow. "Now what did you do here little miss?"

"Agh! Stop touching it!" Samus whined pulling away from the Doctor. "I hu...rt... it obviously!" The more she spoke the more painful her voice sounded.

That was an understatement. "I'll say. Fractured bones and torn ligaments in your wrist. Torn rotator cuff in your shoulder as well. Those are only some of your injuries." The CMO said as she continued to examine Samus's injuries further.

"What the hell happened?" Fredric gasped wondering how he missed the girl showing any sign of an injury during the mission.

"During the flight on the ride in was rough. I fell and nearly slipped off when Kelly, was doing evasive maneuvers." Samus explained as the Doctor wrapped her wrist in many thick bandages before putting her arm in a sling.

"You hide your pain too well." Kelly complimented she was shocked that the kid didn't scream or cry out during that incident.

Samus was in a lot of pain physically, but with everything that happened she wasn't focused on her pain. She was still disappointed in herself for not being able to save everyone. "I just wanted to get us safe..."

"And you did." Doctor Skye said with a smile. Carefully lifting Samus's chin she examined her neck and throat. "Now I know you heal quickly. I'm sure you'll be all healed up either within a few hours, or within the next day. So just take it easy kiddo. I recommend voice rest you're sounding quite sore. And if your voice doesn't improve we'll explore healing it in different ways. For now, be with your Chozo family."

Samus sighed exiting the infirmary she began to shift herself to remove the sling but was quickly scolded by the Spartan leader who followed her out.

"Leave it, Samus."

The girl groaned leaving her injured arm in the sling. "How much..." she cleared her throat with a wince. "Trouble am I in?"

Standing outside the infirmary waiting for the rest of the team, Chief cocked his head confused at the child. "Trouble? For what?"

"I'm in trouble for being absolutely pathetic on the mission, no?" She replied seemingly confusing Chief further.

"You followed most of my orders and..."

The blonde girl shook her head now she was confused. "I'm not in trouble?"

"For breaking down after being exposed to the cause of your trauma? No." Chief replied as his teammates joined the conversation.

"Most of us probably would've reacted that way if that had happened to us. Even though we've become numb to most traumatic experiences, and most call us emotionless robots. Our trauma has taken over us and torment us in certain situations. We're still humans deep down inside." Linda softly spoke to the child who was clearly ashamed of the way she acted during the rescue mission on her home planet.

Samus hung her head shamefully. She didn't feel like that was the way any of the Spartans would have reacted.

Master Chief could see that Samus was not fully convinced she had the right to react that way. "Samus." He called her name softly, cuffing a hand gently on her shoulder gaining the girl's attention. "The Space Pirates, and Ridley were entirely unexpected. To go through that, and fight on afterwards... We're proud of you." He praised the girl for her efforts during the mission. If he could've snuffed that purely evil malicious space dragon he would've. But unfortunately time, and the safety of the ones they came to rescue took priority.

Samus leaned into Chief's side as a show of gratitude for his comforting efforts. "Thank you, Chief. I-It's still hard to take in th-though..." she exhaled with a cough as Chief placed a comforting hand on her back as he led them all towards the bridge.

"I know. It will be for some time." Chief sighed. The girl's voice was becoming more faint as the damage done by Ridley caused her great discomfort when she spoke. "For now we have to debrief." Once he mentioned debriefing he could feel Samus tense up as she clearly did not want to relive the traumatic day. "The team and I will try to do most of the talking. But unfortunately you're the one with the most intel about our mission, so you will have to speak." It was going to be difficult for Samus to rest her voice when they were debriefing.

"If you're nice to the Commander they may agree to let you debrief via report, or later on." Kelly told the girl as they entered the bridge.

"Blue Team. Excellent. I heard our friends have no major injuries. With the exception of our young warrior." Captain Lasky greeted the team as he gestured for them to follow him down the corridor to his large office.

Palmer rolled her eyes at the Captain's comment. As they all settled into the office space she could tell that Samus was in pain and absolutely exhausted from the entire mission, as the Master Chief was basically gently guiding the girl. The expression on the child's face was exhaustion, pain, and sorrow.

"It was an unpleasant experience for most. But they're in good health." Fredric mentioned as the Captain sat down.

Captain Lasky nodded in acknowledgement before beginning his questioning. "So, the Covenant were present. But there were others. Those strange fighter ships. What were they?"

"Perhaps it was Chozo technology that the Covenant obtained, Captain." Sarah suggested but was quickly dismissed by Blue Team.

Linda shook her head no. "The Chozo are peaceful and non violent, the ship we arrived in had no weapons. Those you speak of were Space Pirates."

"Space Pirates?" Lasky repeated. "I read in Samus's file that she had mentioned them when you first discovered her." He said as he pulled up the report on a holographic display in the middle of the large conference table. "Correct me if I am wrong, Samus. They're an army of brutal, pirating, aliens, that raid planets and destroy civilizations for resources and weaponry."

Samus continued to hold onto and lean against Chief's side. Her view fixed to the floor as the words the Captain used to describe the Space Pirates were very accurate and true. Horrid memories of her home-world being attacked flashing images in her mind once again.

"You are correct, Sir." Master Chief confirmed for Samus.

"It's my understanding that they seemed to be cooperative with the Covenant?" The Captain sighed scared to hear the answer.

Chief exchanged looks with his teammates and they confirmed that it was true. "Yes, Sir. They seemed to be in cooperation with each other. Though we did not see Jul' Mdama. We did encounter the Space Pirates leader. And unfortunately it seems the Chozo's planetary AI has sided with the Pirates... She has now become their leader. The Covenant were also taking orders from her as well. But we were not on the planet long enough to gain any imperative information."

Fredric was next to add to the conversation about the new alien faction. "If we were to guess, the Covenant are only cooperating to gain weaponry, power, and information. They could easily over power the Pirates if they wanted to."

Both Palmer and Lasky looked at each other before the Captain went into deep thought. After a few moments of silence the Captain spoke. "Sarah, can you please go to the infirmary and inform the Chozo they will be joining us for this debriefing."

"Yes, Captain." Palmer took a few steps past Samus and Chief before halting. "They do know English?"

"Broken, but yes they seem to understand it." Fredric nodded.

"Platinum Chest, speaks fluently..." Samus mentioned quietly.

"Platinum Chest...? Alright..." The Commander took that information and exited the room, wondering how the Chozo came up with such odd names.

The Captain took this moment to be a little more casual with the defeated child. "How are you doing, Samus? You seem exhausted and upset."

Her emotions were once again getting the best of her. Samus wanted to do nothing but cry. As everything was once again all coming to the surface in an overwhelming amount of sorrow and tragedy. Reliving the very recent mission in detail was difficult enough, but now all she could do was focus on the tragedy of her Chozo mentor's death. She could feel the sting of Grey Voice's painful death through her armour when they were leaving Zebes. That burning pain, that tainted sting of death still lingering inside of her. Her Chozo parent was gone. Deceased. Murdered by Ridley and Mother Brain no doubt.

"No..." a whimper and attempt to hold back tears was the best response Samus could give as she tried to hide her face in Chief's armour.

John was beginning to think it was wrong for him to push Samus to debrief directly after the infirmary. *Follow your instincts.* Cortana's voice echoed in Chief's head as he wrapped a protective arm around the girl.

"Sir..."

The Captain held out his hands to stop the Master Chief from saying anything further. "Please, while we wait for the Chozo." Lasky gestured for Chief to take Samus into the corridor.

Master Chief nodded thanks to the Captain before gently guiding the girl outside of the room. Once in the relatively quiet corridor Chief crouched to be level with the upset child. "Ar-Are... you alright?" He asked hesitantly at first as he already knew the answer.

Samus knew if she spoke she would not be able to hold back her torrential tears. Shaking her head no she allowed a few tears to escape her turquoise eyes. But she could no longer hold back. "H-he's gone! Gr-Grey Voice... H-he's..." she coughed through her cries.

Chief hung his head low closing his eyes behind his visor. He had almost forgotten that one of the two Chozo's who acted as Samus's main parent guardian was killed in battle. Someone so close to Samus was yet again ripped away from her tragically. He knew no words could console her at this time, the best he could do was provide comfort and support. He hesitated for a moment but eventually pulled Samus closer to him. He embraced her carefully as to not put pressure on her injured body. In response she cried harder, embracing onto him with her good arm in return.

With Old Bird missing and Grey Voice deceased. Samus had no one but the Spartans of Blue Team. When she left Zebes she always knew she could try to get in contact with the Chozo. But now they were all disappearing from existence. Not even the Chozo they rescued knew where Old Bird went and that's if he survived the escape. Mother Brain was unfortunately correct that the Chozo were a dying race, soon to be extinct. With Samus as their successor.

"Is everything alright here?" Commander Palmer asked as she came up from behind with the small group of Chozo in tow.

Master Chief stood up keeping Samus under his arm. "Yes, Commander." He gestured for her and the Chozo to enter the office.

With a nod the Commander led the Chozo in. Platinum Chest stayed behind a moment to check on the girl.

"Hmm... the reality of his death has set in." Platinum Chest sadly sighed. "Poor child... Come now. We must explain what has happened." He stood on Samus's left placing a taloned hand on the girl's back as to not interfere with Chief's comforting arm, they both led the child back into the office.

Captain Lasky waited for everyone to settle, allowing the exhausted elders to sit in the chairs provided along the table. Samus was incredibly upset about something that much was very clear as Chief did his best to keep her consoled while the rest of them spoke about the Pirate Covenant Invasion.

Eventually John picked the girl up in his arms she was still small enough that it did not look awkward. Once in his arms her sobbing and coughing seemed to soften as she rested her dreary head on his shoulder. She listened to what was being discussed amongst the elders and adults.

"Do you believe your planetary AI would give out crucial information and weaponry to the Space Pirates and Covenant?"

Platinum Chest unfortunately nodded. "Yes. There has already been much discussion about the Metroids, and other Chozo technology."

"Metroid?" Palmer repeated as a question.

Platinum Chest bowed his head. "Yes. A bioweapon capable of siphoning any life force. We created the Metroid in order to combat an enemy far worse than the Covenant, or Space Pirates."

"The only thing worse than both of those is the Flood. Are you telling me you created some biological weapon in order to combat the Flood?" Commander Palmer asked as she and most of the humans in the room were confused. But also intrigued to learn about a possible solution to the Flood.

"The Flood can be defeated. They only prey upon infecting those whose genetic makeup has not been altered. There is a greater enemy out there that does not have a preference for its dangerous appetite." Platinum Chest explained seemingly increasing the concern on the ones asking questions.

"And just what might that be?" Lasky asked curiously, as the Chozo began speaking with his brethren in their native language. If there was something worse than all their enemies combined it would be nice to have a heads up.

"We have named it X. It is a parasitic life form that reproduces asexually. It can infect any life form. Augmented. Or not. Living. Or dead. It evolves, and adapts. Nothing has been immune to its effects or been able to destroy it. Except for Metroid. We have been able to keep the X from spreading to other planets with the use of Metroid. But we fear with this new alliance between Covenant and Space Pirates the Metroid may be weaponized for other purposes."

This was more worrisome than they had originally thought. The situation was getting more complicated by the second. "Okay, going away from the horrid death creatures for a moment. Let's circle back to the invasion. What weaponry and technology can the Covenant and Space Pirates obtain?"

Platinum Chest agreed to move back to what they were originally speaking about. Explaining that their enemies could not obtain very much from Zebes weapon wise. "They can mostly only obtain information. Our defence drones and other planetary defence weapons were the only weapons on the planet. And they can only be operated on the planet by Mother Brain. They are useless to take off world. The Metroids are the only doom weapons they can obtain."

"You kept not many weapons, yet this spawned from Zebes?" Palmer gestured to the child in the Spartan's arms.

The Chozo whispered amongst each other in their native language before responding. "Yes. Samus, was a creation with the help of Mother Brain, and another Chozo tribe from a distant galaxy. They will not find what made her armour on Zebes even though Mother Brain did help create the armour she did have major assistance from said Chozo who we will not discuss."

Another Chozo from a distant galaxy? That sounded interesting Samus thought. Why didn't they ever tell her that before?

Captain Lasky and the Commander were clearly getting overwhelmed with all the information. There was so much information to take in it was best to take a break from debriefing before too much was forgotten. "Okay. No imminent threat is standing at the moment with the exception of the Metroids becoming a galactic threat in the wrong hands. Let's take time to catch our breath, before we make our next plans." Lasky took a deep breath to relieve some of his stress. "Thank you for your cooperation we will continue this tomorrow. For now rest. There's an officers living quarters ready for the Chozo."

"We'll take them there, Sir." Fredric assured the Captain that they would take the Chozo to the said quarters.

Linda turned to Chief who was still carrying Samus, he seemed almost reluctant to let her go. "You going to be alright with her?"

John nodded yes to the sharpshooter as they all walked down the corridor. "She's exhausted and overwhelmed. I'm getting her to our quarters and starting our reports."

Samus quickly wriggled out of Chief's grasp hoping to get answers from Platinum Chest before they went to bed. "W-a-i-t..." her voice was too strained to be heard.

"You have to rest your voice, Samus. You're going to damage it further if you do not." Chief put both his hands on the girl's shoulders as the other Spartans led the Chozo away.

She looked up at Chief with longing eyes. Samus desperately wanted to ask Platinum Chest about the Chozo tribe they were forbidden from talking about. It may be where Old Bird ended up and she wanted to know desperately.

Master Chief didn't give Samus a choice, escorting her as gingerly as he could to their quarters. "Rest. Please." He stopped her in front of her berth.

Samus sat down frustrated. Chief was right she needed rest. If she rested and actually followed the doctor's orders perhaps she would regain full use of her voice and she could ask numerous questions tomorrow.

Unfortunately nobody's night was restful. Everyone kept waking up periodically every hour with too many thoughts and sore joints. Being attacked by Ridley was unpleasant both physically and mentally. But the Spartans caught as much rest as they could through their pain. Chief could hear Samus avoiding sleep from across the room. Tossing and turning, wincing and hissing in pain when she rolled onto her injured limb. Her throat was irritating her and giving her pain undoubtedly. But the biggest thing keeping her awake was her burning questions.

With a sigh John sat up in his berth. "You're not getting any rest tonight are you?" He couldn't exactly blame the girl for being restless and unable to sleep after the tragic mission they just had.

Sitting up as well Samus shook her head no. How could she? She had a different thought. A different traumatic memory. A different question every time she closed her eyes. What tribe were the Chozo speaking about? What was Metroid? And how many Chozo truly escaped Zebes alive? They didn't even explore the cities to see the mass destruction and death the invaders had caused. The passive, aging, Chozo, excepted their deaths no doubt. But if there was a chance to go back. To stop this all...

"There's a lot to think about I understand. But you cannot change what has happened." Chief said as he sat on the end of the girl's berth.

Samus furrowed her brow at the Spartan. She knew that already. But they always had a chance to change the outcome. Luckily the Chozo were correct in that the Pirates and Covenant could not bring anything off of Zebes, with the exception of Metroid. But from what it sounded and looked like when they discovered that crisp husk on Zebes. The Metroids were not easily tamed or controlled by just anyone. Mother Brain was surely the only one capable of telepathically controlling them. Taking them off Zebes would be a death sentence. Fortunately they had time until the Pirates and Covenant discovered how to transport such dangerous bioweapons. But one thing was certain. She would return to Zebes whether it be with Blue Team, or not.

Master Chief could only guess what was going through girl's mind. He was honestly scared to know. Samus did not seem like the revenge type but she was in no doubt calculating her next moves. "It will be some time before we figure out our next plan. We have to make plans for the Chozo we rescued. And find intel that the Covenant are going to cooperate with the Space Pirates first."

Though she didn't like that answer Samus nodded in understanding. She desperately wanted to try and rest to pass the night quickly. But she could not with the echoes of Grey Voice playing in her mind. She couldn't believe she doubted him. Perhaps it was because he was the harshest out of the two Chozo who raised her, but that was no excuse. She should've known he was putting on an act.

Chief could see the frustration and angst building within the young girl. She was clearly repeating the mission in her mind and trying to figure out how she could've done more. "Samus... I am sorry for what happened today. The mission was difficult. Everything was out of control and surprising to say the least." They had expected to deal with the Covenant not the Space Pirates. The whole mission was odd and outrageously strange. But there was not much they could've changed about it. "There was nothing else we could've done."

Samus wondered if she had not been so childish and aggravated by the whole interaction between Mother Brain and Grey Voice, she would've caught onto the Chozo's act. But if she played along and agreed to become a commander for them... No... Ridley still would've... She shuddered at the thought of the murderous space dragon. She knew he would've done exactly what he did even if she had agreed to play along and join. Also she would've put the Spartans in more danger as Ridley surely would've killed them off rather than keeping them prisoner.

It took forever for the next day to begin. Chief had eventually returned to his berth after assuring Samus would at least try to rest. Everyone seemed a little more reserved than usual. But even though she was absolutely exhausted and sore Samus marched over to where the Chozo were being kept.

"Good morning, hatchling." One of the elders greeted in Chozodian as they let the girl into the room.

Samus bowed her head respectfully before making her way over to Platinum Chest. "I want to talk." She spoke the Chozodian language as it was much easier for the elderly birds to speak.

Platinum Chest had been expecting the girl to ask many questions. But her voice was weak, still recovering from the attack. "You should be resting, youngling."

"Platinum Chest..." Samus whined. She was not going to rest until she at least got some answers to her burning questions. But before that could happen Blue Team arrived.

"See. Told you she'd be in here." Kelly scoffed as they entered. "John, you know you can't take your eyes off her for more than a second. We're going to have Palmer, breathing down our necks if she finds the kid wondering around by herself."

It wasn't surprising that he only found her sling and bandages on her berth when he woke. But Chief knew that Samus knew better than to run off unsupervised. There was a reason for this behaviour and he intended to find out. "Samus, why didn't you tell me you wanted to come here?"

Samus refrained from rolling her eyes and groaning. "You were busy."

He shook his head at her with disappointment as she was already well aware of the rules they had to follow. "That's not an excuse. You need to communicate with us."

"Okay... I-I'm sorry."Samus replied with sarcasm, getting frustrated as she wanted to save her recovering larynx for her questions.

"Watch it." Chief scolded, not appreciating the girl's rude tone. "Answer my question."

Samus groaned frustrated at the Spartan leader. "I have questions I want answered!" She coughed after snapping at Chief.

Kelly quickly stepped towards the girl using a firm tone as she spoke. "Listen, that's fine if you have questions. You're frustrated, we see that. That's understandable after all that's happened. But I'm telling you right now that you better lose that attitude. There's no reason to be shouting."

The young blonde girl sighed looking up at the Master Chief with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry, Chief."

Chief nodded in acknowledgement. He understood Samus more than she knew. Knowing that most of what was discussed yesterday during the debriefing was something she wanted to gain more information about. But she was not the only one. "Save your questions. We must all return to the Captain's office to continue our debriefing."

"But I..." Samus mumbled. Her questions were not exactly meant for the debriefing. But it was too late to mention as Chief turned his attention to Platinum Chest.

"Platinum Chest? Would it be easier if you came to speak on the behalf of the Chozo of Zebes?" Chief asked to which the elderly Chozo agreed.

Linda and Samus lead the way with Kelly, who tried to small talk with the humanoid bird. Fredric remained in the back with John.

"I don't believe Samus's questions were about the mission yesterday, brother. Not entirely at least." Fred mentioned to John who was inclined to believe that Fredric was right.

"I Know. If she has the energy after the debriefing Samus, may ask those questions." Chief replied as they entered the office where Commander Palmer and Captain Lasky waited.

After the brief review of the of the reports and debriefing from last night they began asking questions.

"Are there anymore bioweapons on Zebes?"

Platinum Chest bowed his head yes. "There are many. But they are not as lethal, nor threatening as Metroid. And not so easily transported. Most of them cannot thrive off world."

"Thank you for your honesty." Lasky sighed setting his data pad on the table. "The threat seems to be stuck on Zebes for the time being. I am uncertain the Covenant will be willing to take the risk of messing with unknown bioweapons."

The Chozo elder disagreed with half of that statement. "The Covenant you speak of were after Chozo technology. But they were hunting for a specific target."

"And what may that have been?" Palmer asked intently listening for the Chozo's answer.

Platinum Chest was hesitant to reply but his body language said it all as he glanced over at the young girl.

"We were unsure if the Covenant were truly seeking her out. But we had our suspicions." Master Chief thought aloud, his Spartans nodding in agreement with him.

"The kid? They want the kid?" The Commander scoffed in disbelief.

"They were attempting to gain the same armour and weaponry that Mother Brain created for Samus's power suit. But it is near impossible to obtain without drastic physical changes and the assistance of the..." Platinum Chest stopped his explanation before he mentioned something he was not supposed to in front of the child.

Samus knew that the Chozo elder was avoiding mentioning the other Chozo tribe. But before she could beg Platinum Chest to just spill it out the Captain began speaking.

"The Covenant are becoming desperate as we hunt them down. They would be making a mistake attempting to bring Samus, into their ranks." Lasky had the utmost confidence in the young girl's abilities. "But from what you've explained the Covenant once again cannot obtain what they came to Zebes for."

"No." The Chozo confirmed.

Commander Palmer nodded in understanding tapping away on her data pad. "So there is no imminent threat. Zebes is dangerous enough on its own to prevent any serious gain of weapons and technology."

Samus was shocked, what if they could salvage the world she grew up on? Were they just going to completely abandon all efforts towards saving Zebes? The invading forces may take a long time to weaponize and mobilize the bioweapons off of Zebes, but it didn't mean it wouldn't happen. "This is ridiculous. We're just going to abandon Zebes completely?!"

"We have more pressing matters to attend to kid. Unfortunately Zebes is last on our to do list, unless their threat becomes universally imminent." Palmer informed the upset child that Zebes was not a priority. "Whatever Chozo you rescued were clearly the only survivors."

"What the Commander is saying, is that we have to focus our attention on recovering what the UNSC has lost." Captain Lasky quickly added before Samus could argue with Palmer. "Aiding Zebes wasn't supposed to be on our agenda. But I allowed it. We must return to our original route."

"The Chozo had intended to surrender Zebes. In the hopes that Grey Voice, could destroy Mother." Platinum Chest could see that Samus was conflicted. But the human was correct, there would be more risk than reward in attempting to regain Zebes. "The Captain is correct. Zebes is lost."

Samus was upset that once again her home was lost to the Pirates. And what made it worse was that Mother Brain had joined their forces. She never stood on good terms with the jealous AI but it was still someone she knew, someone who was a part of her life while she was being raised by the Chozo. The betrayal stung. But the losses hurt the most. Samus remained silent distancing herself away from the conversation in order to not boil over with rage. Once the meeting was over they exited the room, she followed Platinum Chest as she still wanted answers to her questions.

"Better catch up with the kid." Fredric pointed to the young girl following the Chozo.

Chief quickly went to follow as his team went to go do their training exercises in the meantime. What questions did Samus have? And what could he do to prevent Samus from making her way back to Zebes all on her own accord.

"Your inquires still cloud your mind?" The elder Chozo said as the girl followed him back into the quarters where the rest of the Chozo were.

Samus nodded yes. Not surprised to have Chief behind her. "You mentioned another Chozo tribe that lived in a distant galaxy..." she could see the mere mention of the other tribe seemed to concern all of the elderly Chozo. "They helped with my Chozo DNA infusion. They helped create my suit? I remember there being a strange Chozo in the first months of living on Zebes."

Platinum Chest was clearly uncomfortable with the subject but would provide the girl with vague answers. "Indeed. They are a Chozo warrior tribe. Like Grey Voice, the leader of this tribe also gifted you his DNA during the infusion. It is no secret that most of your traits and power comes from that Chozo's DNA."

"Who?" Samus asked clearly wanting names.

The five Chozo all exchanged glances with each other, they looked both hesitant and disgusted to reply. "We are forbidden from telling you. We made promises to Old Bird, and Grey Voice, that we would never utter his name in your presence."

"You can't even tell me the tribe's name?" The girl questioned.

The Chozo shook his head no hoping Samus would now just leave the subject alone. Luckily due to the invasion of Zebes, Samus was incapable of gaining any information about Raven Beak and the Mawkin.

Samus folded her arms cocking an eyebrow at the elder. "You don't think it's unfair that I don't get to know the identity of my other donor?"

Standing behind his very young trainee Master Chief would've been lying if he didn't say he was a little curious about what the Chozo were hiding from Samus. He remembered Grey Voice mentioning a Chozo tribe to him but never anything more than just a mention.

"No we do not." That answer was quick and straightforward. It was clear the Chozo were keeping this a secret for a very unknown reason and it only made Samus more curious.

Chief was beginning to wonder if this warrior tribe was something to be concerned about considering the amount of secrecy and forbidden information that the Chozo refused to reveal. Perhaps they did not want Samus ending up under their influence? It would explain why Grey Voice and Old Bird shipped Samus off to continue her training amongst humans, rather than the unnamed highly skilled Chozo warrior tribe.

"I will find out one day. Regardless of you all keeping your secrets." She told the small group of Chozo who surprisingly understood her reasonings.

With a nod Platinum Chest agreed with the young girl. "Perhaps one day you will youngling. I and many others know you resemble a lot of the warrior tribe leader's prowess. Thankfully you have a caring heart that is honest and true. But when you do discover them I hope that you are of an age you will understand the gravity of why we kept the answers locked away from you."

That reply seemed to confirm Chief's suspicions. The warrior tribe must've lived questionable life. One that maybe was similar to the Thoha Chozo tribe, but on a more aggressive scale. Maybe even darker secrets laid beneath the hidden tribe.

Samus didn't know what to think of those answers it was a lot to take in. With an uncertain nod she exited the room with Chief in tow. Not knowing what to think of that last bit of information she led the way to the training facilities where the rest of the team waited.

Master Chief walked next to Samus who was silent. He was also both intrigued and confused by the riddle like information the Chozo gave young Samus. Each day Samus continued to evolve into a powerful warrior. With having such power he understood some would let that go straight to their heads and allow their ego and quench for the most power to rule over them. Maybe that was why the peaceful science driven Thoha refused to allow Samus to be raised by the warrior tribe. She was becoming a very powerful force to be reckoned with. But underneath her warrior exterior she was a very caring, protective, soul. He would question the Chozo about this subject later. Without Samus.

After the debriefing and the conversation with Platinum Chest the day went on as usual. With the exception of Samus being completely silent the entire day. The young girl was usually pretty quiet except when with her team. But the Spartans of Blue Team thought it was a bit odd for the girl to be this silent for that long.

The girl eventually sat off to the side still in view while the rest of the team ran their usual training routines and exercises. Eventually Fredric broke away from the team to investigate.

From the corner of her eye Samus watched the large muscular man in a black jumpsuit sit next to her. "You alright kid?" He asked to which she replied with a small nod.

Fredric knew that answer was hollow. The girl must've felt absolutely devastated, and angry about what has happened. But he would not pry any further. "Okay. Just remember we're here if you need to talk about anything." He said giving Samus an encouraging pat on the back before returning to the team.

Samus appreciated the support. But what she was feeling was definitely something the Spartans wouldn't understand. Most of it at least. Later that evening Samus avoided visiting the Chozo again. After Blue Team failed to attempt to get her to eat something she returned to her shared quarters with Chief.

"How are you doing?" John asked looking across the room at the girl doing her report.

Samus shrugged in reply, she had just finished uploading the rest of her audio video report. It was unnerving to go over the footage. And disheartening to even think about what all transpired during that mission.

"Samus?"

She knew Chief's firm tone meant he was not satisfied with her non verbal shrug. Which annoyed her of course, but she would respond out of respect for the Spartan leader. "Fine. It's done, and sent."

Master Chief nodded in acknowledgement before approaching the girl's side of the room. "You've been quiet today."

The young girl looked away from the approaching man as she put her data pad away on a shelf. She knew she was being quieter than usual. In her mind she was being slightly more quiet than Chief would be during the day.

"What's bothering you in particular?" He asked sitting next to Samus on her bed.

A well played question. Chief was getting too good at reading her. With a deep sigh Samus replied. "I can't remember who my other blood donor was. All I know was that it was the tribe leader... I think..." her memory from when she was a toddler was spotty. She could only remember very few events from the attack on K-2L, her rebirth on Zebes, and her unexpected adventure with Master Chief. Samus groaned in frustration. "Ugh! I can't even speak to Grey about it because he's gone now!"

Unsurprisingly the girl began to weep. A mixture of frustration and sorrow filled tears escaping those turquoise eyes. "Do not beat yourself up about it. Your memories are most likely repressed. I know it's difficult for you, Samus. But I don't believe Grey Voice would've disclosed that information with you." Trying to be as sympathetic as possible Chief explained it that it may have not been something Grey Voice would've actually discussed judging by the way the other Chozo acted.

Samus immediately disagreed with Chief. "Grey, wasn't like that..."

"Both him and Old Bird, kept it from you for the majority of your upbringing. I don't believe it would've been something you would discuss with..."

The girl shook her head in disagreement Grey Voice usually held nothing back when it came to explaining things to her. "Grey Voice didn't treat me like a little kid that didn't know anything."

Remembering watching the interactions between the girl and Chozo John did take note that Grey Voice approached Samus with a more mature and unfiltered manner. Acknowledging Samus's naivety but not ruling out that the girl was intelligent beyond her years. "Samus, you are a little kid."

With an eye roll Samus groaned annoyed. "I know that!"

Chief did not correct Samus's attitude. Instead he gave his honest opinion on the matter. "I believe the Chozo chose to keep this from you in order to protect you."

"Why?" She settled down tuning into what the Spartan was saying to her.

Judging from the elders demeanour and the gazes of concern, fear, and disgust he could tell that the warrior Chozo tribe was powerful. Yet they clearly held damning secrets. "I believe there was bad blood between the two tribes. The warrior tribe may have had the same goals as the peaceful tribe. But they obviously had different views and unethical ways of achieving the goal."

Chief was making a lot of sense. Without going into details since he did not know himself. But it was enough to make Samus think that his theories may very well be true.

"Hoping you had forgotten about this donor. Me taking you off of Zebes probably proved to be a great tactic to keep you away from that Chozo. Also proving as a distraction to make you forget about the tribe leader. Which you have. Grey Voice, and Old Bird, most likely never brought him up as it would've been the wrong influence on such a perfect prospect for them." John said as he thought a little bit more. "From what I could tell it seemed the warrior tribe was a very powerful force. Maybe even power hungry, as power can be very indulging. With power, and great strength you must also know how to be gentle..." he said nearly quoting advice he had gotten in the past when he had first came across Samus.

Samus knew Chief was correct. The more she thought about it all, the more vague memories arose. "I vaguely remember a strange, aggressive, Chozo from another world on Zebes during my first months on Zebes. I cannot remember his name, or what he looked like. But I remember he treated me more like an experiment and would give me lessons. He would beat me if I didn't do them correctly. Grey Voice, absolutely despised him if I remember correctly."

"Grey Voice, Old Bird, and the Chozo of Zebes all prevented you from having the wrong upbringing. Clearly this warrior leader was very powerful, and very bad for you." Master Chief thought aloud. It was clear to him that the Chozo of Zebes were only trying to protect their child from taking the wrong path. Samus was constantly growing in strength at an incredible rate. And possessed combat skills that were beyond most veteran soldiers. Like Platinum Chest expressed, it was clear that Samus heavily took after the warrior Chozo.

The girl agreed with Chief for the time being as his explanation made the most sense. She just wished that she could remember more details but her memories were blurry.

"You were quiet the entire day though. Other things must've been on your mind." Master Chief pressed on, knowing the hidden secrets of the strange Chozo were not the only things bothering the child.

Samus shrugged it was true she did but was it really worth talking about? "I always have lots on my mind..." it was a poor excuse for an answer but enough for the Spartan to understand she wasn't ready to talk about it.

"I understand." John nodded in understanding getting up to return to his side of the room. "I'm here if you need me." He said before returning to his side of the room.

Looking at the small container of her belongings she focused on the blue jumpsuit with pink Chozo symbols lying in the bottom. She had not lied. Many things had crossed her mind since the mission. Including whether or not she wanted to continue working with the UNSC and Blue Team. It was obvious to most that she disliked their authority and their ways of operating. But there was more to it than that. Even after working with them for two years she still felt like a complete outcast. Feeling like working on a team with the Spartans and within the UNSC was not where she truly belonged. Even though she had only been training with them for 2 years now, she felt as if her training was completed. She was just another soldier to be weaponized in the ongoing war with the Covenant. If Chief would ever allow her to reach her full combat potential. Multiple people aboard the Infinity constantly told her on the daily that she was weird and did not belong there. Which was fine. Following Grey Voice's advice she strived to continue being different from the others. Very different she was. And very different she would remain to be.

Watching from across the room Chief saw Samus pull out the blue alien looking jumpsuit from her belongings. It was still very large compared to the young girl. "It'll still be some time before you can fit that suit, Samus."

Samus nodded in acknowledgment. But when she did fit it, she would be old enough to start making her own decisions. Putting the suit away she slid the tote back under her berth. Lying down she stared up at the ceiling for a few moments before rolling over to face the direction of Chief's side of the room. With a deep sigh she remembered the day Chief returned her to the Chozo after their unexpected adventure together. It was the day she strived to become just like him one day.

"Something on your mind?" Chief asked after hearing the girl's sigh.

Changing her expression Samus smiled as she gave a small laugh. "Do you remember when you thought you rescued me from Zebes, and brought me on your crazy missions?"

A quick smile flashed across his face as he replied to the girl. "Yes I do." Shaking his head what a crazy decision it was to bring a toddler along in the midst of an aggressive human alien war. "You were much easier to handle back then."

"No I wasn't." The girl rolled her eyes as she sat up cross legged on her bed.

Chief shrugged with a smirk. "I didn't know anything about toddlers but it was much easier looking after you. You were much sweeter too."

"Shut up. I'm still sweet." Samus scoffed with a laugh throwing her pillow at the Spartan.

"Really?" Chief sarcastically said as he caught the pillow before walking it back over to the girl.

"Yes, really." The girl sarcastically mocked the Spartan who went to hand her the pillow.

Before Samus could grab the pillow Chief quickly pulled it up just out of reach. "I would say more moody than sweet." He continued to tease the girl with the pillow.

"Chief, stop it!" Samus attempted to grab the pillow over and over again trying to act annoyed, but her giggles continued to grow the more Chief teased her.

This playful teasing was something Chief would honestly never have found himself doing. Samus had always brought out a different side of him. A more human side. A playful side of him was a rarity if he ever showed it. But he knew this was what Samus desperately needed after what happened in the last day.

Linda stopped outside of her leader's door raising her hand to knock, she paused upon hearing the playful giggles of the child on the other side. If it were Kelly she would've been nosey and walked in to tease both Chief and Samus. Linda listened for a few more moments before leaving back to her quarters leaving the two alone. It was good to hear the young girl laughing after such an ordeal.

Samus was laughing so hard her stomach was beginning to hurt. "Ch-Chief... S-stop..."

Chief could see the girl was getting sore from laughing too much. He laid the pillow down in the giggling girl's lap. "Okay, get some rest." He said leaving to his side of the room.

Finally catching her breath Samus wiped away the happy tears from laughing so hard. Laying herself back down she pulled her blanket over her. "Thank you, Chief..."

John smiled in acknowledgement, lying down on his berth. Samus didn't need to thank him for helping her feel a small amount of joy. He always hid his emotions very very well. Even though he didn't show it, it always pained him to see Samus hurt and upset. He had never truly made an effort to make Samus smile or laugh. But in the last two years they had rekindled their bond they had made when they had first met years ago. Their bond had only grown. Nearly becoming inseparable.

The next few weeks were interesting. It seemed like the Covenant had calmed their attacks, clearly refocusing their attention to Zebes. Testing the waters to see what exactly the Space Pirates and Zebes could offer them.

The rescued Chozo took great interest in watching their charge train with the Spartans. Despite the training influences from Blue Team Samus had her own very unique combat style.

Once the training exercise finished Samus made her way over to the group of Chozo. "Is there something I can assist you with?" She asked the elders in Chozodian.

"No, youngling. We're simply observing how skilled you've become." One of the elders smiled.

The young girl gave a nod in acknowledgement. "I know. I probably need quite a bit of work..."

Platinum Chest shook his head no, placing a taloned hand on the girl's shoulder. "No child. You are your own worst critic. With the aid of your mentors you've evolved into a fine warrior."

"Thank you." Samus sheepishly accepted the compliment from the Chozo. Though she didn't truly feel as if she lived up to the expectations of the Spartans. Master Chief often babied her on the battlefield, restricting her from reaching her full combat abilities. She clearly was still not strong or skilled enough in his eyes, so she thought.

"Good afternoon." Chief greeted the Chozo as he approached. "Samus, are you going with Linda, to the shooting range?"

"No. I don't really feel up to it today..."

"What are your plans today?" He pressed on as he was the one to look after her today. Though he truly wished the Captain and Commander would lift the constant observation of Samus, as the girl had much more control over her strength now. Samus no longer posed as a threat. The only threat he observed was from the UNSC personnel aboard the Infinity constantly poking and prodding Samus for a reaction wherever she strode. But she had grown to become quite skilled at ignoring the ignorant threats and insults.

The girl shrugged as the Chozo gently bowed their heads in farewell as they walked away allowing the two to converse. Watching as they left, she wondered if the UNSC had decided where to relocate the remaining Chozo from Zebes.

Samus was spacing out again forgetting the conversation they were having. "Samus?"

"Hmm?" She turned her attention back to the Spartan leader. "I don't know."

Master Chief glanced to the side knowing Samus had many things running through her mind. One of them being the yearning to return to Zebes to defeat Mother Brain and the Space Pirates. "Come'on." Chief gestured for her to follow.

With a deep sigh Samus followed the Spartan leader figuring he wanted to move onto the next training exercises in a different part of the ship. Walking past the Chozo's living quarters Samus stopped a few feet away from the door. "Can I stay and talk with the elders for a while? I promise to let you know when I'm done?"

Master Chief thought for a moment. He knew the Commander would be livid if she found out he allowed Samus to be unsupervised. He completely trusted the young girl. And it was highly unlikely that Palmer would cross paths with the Chozo voluntarily. He made his decision. Nodding yes to Samus before continuing on his way to meet up with the rest of his team.

Samus eagerly entered the Chozo's living quarters. The elders greeted her with warm smiles, but seemed to be confused that her mentor was not behind her.

"What's wrong?" She asked in the Chozo language.

"Your mentor is not behind you?" One of the elders commented.

Samus knew it was quite uncommon, if not completely rare to see her without Chief by her side. "No, Chief's busy right now."

Platinum Chest wrapped a gentle arm around the girl's shoulders as he brought her to the seating area. "Hmm, you're not defying him by sneaking off are you youngling?"

Samus shook her head no as she sat down next to Platinum Chest. He knew she was constantly openly defying authority. Platinum Chest knew her too well. "No. Chief gave me permission to visit you by myself..." as she said the sentence she felt absolutely ridiculous saying it. She shouldn't have needed permission to visit what was left of her Zebesian Chozo family. She shouldn't have needed permission to be by herself...

In the shooting range Linda reloaded her rifle, seeing Chief entering the range from the corner of her eye. After shooting down the last few targets she turned seeing her leader was completely alone. "Where's your shadow?"

John knew it was not uncommon for Linda and many others to refer to Samus as his shadow. As they were usually never separated. "Samus..."

"Where the hell is the kid?!" Before Chief could reply to the sharpshooter, Kelly quickly expressed her concern for the missing child. Fred was quick to add his own concern to Kelly's.

"I allowed Samus, to visit with the Chozo." John calmly responded. His response did not seem to satisfy his teammates.

Kelly laughed shaking her head. "And you don't think the Commander, will immediately notice our team is short an alien hybrid?"

Though it would become a very heated argument very quickly with Palmer. Master Chief almost wanted the Commander to notice that Samus was elsewhere. The girl was very capable of handling herself responsibly. "I will check on Samus, shortly. I will speak with the Commander if she brings an issue to my attention."

"John, you all know we all trust the kid. We don't have any doubts about her being responsible. But you know if they catch her unsupervised the repercussions will come down on the kid, not us." Fredric explained to which both Linda, and Kelly agreed with him.

Linda nodded in agreement as she holstered her rifle onto her back. "Sadly Fred, is correct. Samus, will take the downfall. No matter how much we preach or take the blame."

John kept his head low, sadly he knew his team was right. But he was going to allow Samus to have time to herself for once. Even if it was just this one time.

Watching as Platinum Chest poured tea from a pot into multiple mugs. Samus was surprised to have a familiar delightful scent hit her nose. "Is that Brinstar tea?" she asked as Platinum Chest handed her a hot mug.

"Indeed youngling. I had two in my robe before the attack happened." The elderly Chozo answered as he sat back down next to the girl.

Taking a sip of the tea brought back so many memories. She remembered collecting the specific alien herbs from the greenery of the northern region of Brinstar. Afterwards she would dry the herbs out with Old Bird. Before later enjoying the delicious soothing tea with both Grey Voice and Old Bird.

Platinum Chest could see the tea provide the child with pure delight and comforting memories. He had not seen pure joy on Samus since before she had left to go train with the humans. "Please accept this small gift youngling."

Samus gasped when a leaf wrapped packet of tea was placed in her hand. "This is your last one Platinum Chest! You and the others should enjoy it."

The other elder Chozo's who were also enjoying the tea chuckled at the girl. "Please take it youngling. We have enjoyed this tea for many millennia. We wanted to have it to you. It means so much more to you."

Samus bowed her head accepting the very kind gift. "Thank you." Something that was no longer obtainable to the elderly frail Chozo was a very kind gift indeed.

The Chozo began conversing for a while during the conversations Samus continued to switch her gaze between her tea to the door.

"Your mind wonders." Platinum Chest commented to the young girl.

"I'm just... I..." Samus sighed defeatedly, resting her nearly empty tea on her lap. The elderly Chozo waited patiently for a proper explanation. "I don't think he trusts me..."

"Your mentor?" They asked getting a nod in confirmation. "Why do you believe that?"

The blonde girl shrunk at the question. She hadn't voiced her thoughts about this subject to anyone not even the other Spartans. "I know why I am not allowed to move through the ship by myself. But when we go on missions I know I can do more. I have proved that I am very capable of keeping up with Blue Team. My first mission proved I could. But Chief still treats me like a baby. I just feel like he doesn't trust me."

Platinum Chest understood why Samus would feel like the Master Chief didn't trust her enough. But he gently mentioned as to why the veteran warrior was that way with her. "Youngling. Trust is not what lacks in your mentor."

"Then what is it? Why is he keeping me from showing what I'm fully capable of?" She furrowed her brow thoroughly confused.

The Chozo had been on the Infinity for nearly 3 weeks. Being a very observant species they had observed the mentalities of the UNSC operation. The elderly bird sipped his tea one last time before explaining to the child. "We have observed that most soldiers aboard this vessel say that your mentors lack humanity." He rested his tea on his lap. "We have learned much about humanity through you youngling. Though they disguise it well. We see that the Spartans are very human in nature. Especially around their youngest teammate."

The other elders nodded in agreement with Platinum Chest. Samus supposed the Chozo were right on that matter. But what did that have to do with the Master Chief's distrust in her?

"The Spartan holds you back in order to prevent your skills from being used improperly."

"What does that mean?! I know how to use my skills properly!" Samus scoffed this conversation wasn't clearing her confusion, it was increasing her frustration.

"Samus." The calm voice of the Chozo elder called.

The girl lowered her head apologetically. "I'm sorry." She apologized for her outburst.

"Perhaps it is best you ask your mentor." Platinum Chest mentioned as he got up from his seat.

The Chozo did always like to complicate things by turning their explanations into riddles. Samus knew it was their way of getting her to think for herself. But they clearly understood why Master Chief was holding her back she wanted to know the answer so desperately.

"But I can't..."

"You can youngling." The Chozo elder smiled warmly, opening the door to their quarters revealing the Spartan leader waiting on the other side.

Chief didn't understand how the Chozo knew he was already at the door before he even notified them. It had been half an hour since Samus left to speak with them, he was only simply checking up on the girl.

Samus asked the Chozo no more questions. Bowing her head respectfully as she exited to leave with the Spartan leader. Chief also did the same before following Samus down the corridors.

Once again after a visit with the Chozo Samus remained silent. It was not an issue to Chief as they were usually pretty quiet throughout the day, unless they were with the rest of the team. But he was curious how the visit went. "How was your visit." He was never one to engage in small talk but once again the young girl had helped him learn to.

"It was nice. We talked for a while..."

A quick smile flashed underneath the golden visor of the Master Chief as Samus's alien accent became thicker when she spoke the Chozo language. "Human, Samus." He reminded her.

"Oh, sorry!" Samus sheepishly apologized as she switched back to human english. It had been quite a while since she had mistakenly spoken Chozodian to the Spartan. Though she supposed she hadn't had a really good talk with the Chozo in over two years. "The visit was nice."

"I'm glad." Chief replied as he led Samus to one of the many lifts aboard the Infinity.

"How was training?" Samus hopped onto the shockingly empty lift with Chief.

"Fine." He responded plainly as he pushed the control buttons on the lift.

With a scoff Samus cocked an eyebrow at the Spartan leader. "Really? The rest of the team didn't freak out when they didn't see me with you?"

"They did. I explained to them that I fully trust you." John replied honestly to the young girl.

"Do you...?"

"What?" Chief was caught off guard by that remark.

Samus wanted to deny her comment but instead explained why she felt like Master Chief did not trust her. "I feel like you don't fully trust me at all."

Although he took a bit of offence to the girl's statement. Chief remained calm and asked why the girl felt that way. "Why do you say that?"

"I just... you don't..." She sighed taking a deep breath before explaining why she felt the way she did. "I understand why you cannot allow me to wander the Infinity freely. But on the battlefield you are constantly holding me back. With the exception of the mission on Zebes, but that was only because I had to guide you. You know I can do more to help. But you won't allow me to."

Master Chief had truly hopped that Samus had not noticed that he was purposefully holding her back from reaching her full potential on the battlefield. But she deserved an explanation for his overprotective behaviour. "I'm sorry, Samus. I fully trust you. I will admit I have been purposefully holding you back on our missions."

"But why?" She asked clearly upset. But Samus remained as neutral as possible as they exited the lift to the empty observation deck.

"Command has already been reprimanding me for not allowing you to reach your full potential on our missions." He admitted, surprising Samus.

Although a bit frustrated with the Master Chief, Samus could sense a deep sadness and fear within him. "I don't understand?"

Standing next to Samus as the observed the stars they were travelling through, Chief continued. "Your reports to the UNSC have shown a very small peek at your full potential. But I keep purposefully holding you back in order to try and protect you."

"Protect me from what?"

With a deep sigh John lowered his head. "From losing you." He admitted. This was a very tough subject for him and the Spartans of Blue Team. As Samus begun nearing the same age as when they had lost their teammate. Sam. Though they were all fourteen when he unfortunately passed. Samus was younger and already advanced with a suit and combat skills. It scared him to even think about losing another teammate at an even younger age.

"I'm right here. You're not going to lose me." Samus replied. She could see that something deep down was eating away at Chief. She wanted to ask why but did not want to make him feel worse.

There was a small amount of comfort in the child's naive reply. But it still didn't take away the hurt from the loss of his Spartan brother. Nor did it dull his concern about the potential for the same to happen to Samus.

"I can prove that I can handle whatever's thrown at me. You just have to let me show you." Samus told the Master Chief, bringing him out of his thought.

"You don't need to. I know you can..."

Samus sighed sitting down on the windowsill. "Then why hold me back so much?"

John knew he couldn't hide his feelings from the girl forever. With a deep exhale he decided to be openly honest about why he had held her back. "I fear that once others see your full potential Command will start taking advantage of you, and assign you to riskier suicide missions."

Samus understood the Spartan's concern. But that was exactly the whole reason she was there. The exact same reason basically any of them were there. "I get that you're concerned. But isn't that our purpose? We're supposed to take on the impossible missions. And protect galactic peace, no matter the cost."

It was clear that the Chozo had ingrained Samus's purpose and drive into her before she departed Zebes. Her thinking was almost robotic in nature. It was similar to his way of thinking. Something that made him think back on what Cortana had said to him once, about being a machine.

"Chief?" Samus called concerned she may have upset her mentor in some way.

Unfortunately he could not hide Samus's unique skills and abilities from the UNSC forever. He already knew he was doing a poor job of covering them up as her reports proved that he was purposefully holding her back from reaching her full potential. "I'm sorry that I have been holding you back. I won't do that any longer. You deserve to prove that you can do more than what I ask of you."

"Really?" The girl tried to hide her excitement as she had wanted this for so long. "I don't wanna upset you if you think I am not ready. Or whatever other reason you don't want me to."

It was a difficult decision to make. One that he honestly didn't think he would ever have to make for a twelve year old he was unexpectedly raising with his team, as he did not plan on getting this attached to the orphan alien hybrid child. "You're ready."

Samus was ecstatic. She mentally celebrated in her head as she tried to maintain a mature stature around her mentor. She was finally going to be able to prove that she could offer so much more on the battlefield.

Master Chief knew Samus was happy about his decision. He knew the UNSC would be just as thrilled if not more. If Samus proved to be more than what they expected, if not Doctor Halsey, it would be ONI who would want to create a study on the girl. Incorporating her weapons and technology into UNSC wars and soldiers. But that would have to be a concern for later. Right now he had other things to arrange.

"Follow me." Gesturing with his head Chief beckoned for the girl to follow him to the bridge.

Samus followed Chief back to the lift out of the corner of her eye she caught Linda following them in. The female Spartan must've been sitting on the opposite end of the observation deck. As they rode the lift Samus wondered if she could get a better answer from the sharpshooter. Wondering if Linda could explain as to why Chief held her back for so long.