Divergent Warriors Rise Of The Hunter

by BeeSamusnChief

Alternate version of Different Galaxies Same Fighting Hearts. After destroying the first Halo, Master Chief on his way to warn Earth of the incoming Covenant invasion. On his Journey he accidentally enlists an extraordinary toddler to join him in the war against the Covenant.

6. Chapter 6

Following Chief off of the lift Linda joined them for a while before continuing past the bridge door.

"Linda, wait!" Samus called out stopping the Spartan in her tracks. "Chief? Can I speak with Linda, for a moment?" She turned to the Master Chief who nodded yes in reply before entering the bridge.

Walking back over to the child Linda had a feeling she knew what was going to be asked. "What's on your mind?"

Samus knew Linda definitely overheard her and Chief speaking with each other so she asked what was on her mind. "I didn't want to make Chief, upset. But I want to know the real reason why he's holding me back for so long." She asked hoping the sharpshooter would provide her with a little more detail.

"He's scared." Linda replied pulling Samus into a quiet empty office away from passing UNSC personnel. "We're all scared for you."

That had already been said to her. Samus wanted to know why. "Why? What scares you? Tell me the real answer."

"There's a lot of reasons why we are, Samus..." Linda sighed deeply supposing that if she told the girl at least one of the reasons why she'd drop the subject. "A long, long, time ago. When we were just a couple years older than you are right now. We lost a teammate. A brother." The red head began to explain attempting to keep the deep sorrow out of her tone. "We were young. And he did something that not only saved John's life, but ultimately ended his own. John, still believes it should've been him instead. It was one of the hardest days of our lives."

The young girl now understood a bit more clearly as to why the Spartans were a bit overprotective of her. But she didn't believe she had done anything wrong that would trigger the Spartans to think that they could lose her in battle.

"We... John, especially. Fears that because you've reached incredible levels in your training, and the ability to go beyond keeping up with us. You've more than surpassed the training we've given you with your own unique abilities. We fear the UNSC, ONI especially, will send you on suicide missions. Alone. Especially if they don't feel like wasting the efforts of their best soldiers and Spartans."

Samus could see this was something that truly struck all of Blue Team hard. She had never seen the sharpshooter let alone any of the Blue Team Spartans on the verge of tears. But she knew that was a possibility. In fact she looked forward to it. Everyone she had know or been around had been tragically taken away from her. She didn't know who ONI was but if she could work by herself, nobody but herself would be at risk.

"John, desperately doesn't want to lose another teammate at such a young age."

"W-what was his name?" Samus hesitated to ask knowing this was already an upsetting subject.

"His name was, Samuel." Even though this was a difficult subject to speak about Linda answered the girl. "We always called him, Sam."

Samus shrunk at the name. Mentally cringing at the fact her name was so similar to Blue Team's late teammate. The Spartans of Blue Team had never truly shared their trauma from their past missions and training. Linda could see her explanation hit the girl hard enough to get the true understanding of why they hid her talents. But she could tell Samus still strongly wanted to reach her full potential, even if it meant possibly dying. "Look, I know you understand now. We just don't want you taking such big risks when you have so many more years to experience."

"I understand. And I'm truly sorry that you lost your brother. But you can't hold me back due to a past fear. We're in an active war." Samus tried to keep her tone soft yet firm as she tried to acknowledge what Linda had said to her. "So what if I am just a young kid? Just like you guys, I didn't get to experience being a kid. I'm a soldier just like you. We take the necessary risks in order to keep others safe. No matter the cost."

It was difficult to see things from the other side of the perspective. A very young child trained for war and combat ready. All eager to go risk their lives for the sake of humanity and peace. This is what they looked like so many years ago during the Spartan program. "You better report to the bridge before John, starts calling me asking where you are." Linda replied escorting Samus to the door. She fully understood and respected what the girl was saying but it was clear she didn't understand what the UNSC and ONI were capable of.

Hoping she didn't upset Linda too much Samus entered the bridge by herself. As usual the busy bridge crew paused for moment to watch her approach the Captain and Commander. Lining herself up right next to the Master Chief she waited for them to speak.

"Now that Samus, is here. Master Chief, you had something you wanted to discuss with us?" Captain Lasky started as he lowered his data pad to his side.

"Sir, I want to discuss the strict 24/7 surveillance of, Samus." The Spartan leader got straight to the point. Commander Palmer was already shaking her head no. Samus was giving him a surprised look, she clearly didn't expect him to ask about lifting her restrictions. He could knew this was going to be a difficult subject to discuss.

"Absolutely not..."

Lasky quickly put up his hand to silence the Commander for a moment. "Now hold on a moment, Commander. I want to know why Master Chief believes we should lift the restrictions?"

Master Chief cleared his throat explaining why he believed Samus deserved the same freedom of any other soldier aboard the ship. "I believe over the last two years Samus, has demonstrated that she can. In moderation. Travel within this vessel without an escort."

"How exactly did you come up with that conclusion?" Palmer challenged Chief.

Master Chief was respectful of the Commander, but it didn't mean he had to like her. "Myself and my team have monitored and trained Samus, everyday for the last two years. We all agree that Samus, has shown that she understands her own strength and no longer posses as a threat to others."

Doctor Halsey was working off to the side, overhearing the conversation she couldn't help but add her opinion. "I don't mean to intrude on the conversation." Unsurprisingly the Commander groaned at her intrusion. "But I may have a solution. A compromise if you will."

Captain Lasky also had Doctor Halsey on his short list of people he didn't like to deal with but he was open to this so called solution. "I am open to listening to your suggestion, Doctor Halsey."

"I purpose you do a trial. Have Samus, unmonitored for a day or two."

The Commander laughed at the Doctor's suggestion. "See that sounds good. But I still see that solution as a risk. The kid is trained and weaponized. Anything could trigger her."

Samus could feel the build up of anxiety and anger as her heartbeat increased, the more and more they talked about her as if she wasn't even there. "Why don't you stop looking at me like I'm a bomb that needs to be defused. I'm not a wild animal. Look at me as just another one of your soldiers."

The child speaking seemed to surprise everyone except the Master Chief. The Commander took it upon herself to reply. "Listen. I would, if you weren't the first one to step foot on this ship and immediately murder a fellow soldier."

"Easy, Sarah. What Samus, did was in self defence." Captain Lasky said before he turned to both the child and Spartan leader. "Let's do a trial. 24 hours starting now. I feel that this will go over well."

Samus nodded in agreement. A trial was better than nothing. "Thank you, Sir." After leaving the bridge Samus followed Chief to go find the rest of the team. "You know you didn't have to do that for me."

John knew he didn't have to. But he knew it was another way to show that he truly trusted her. "But I did."

"What did you do?" Kelly asked as the two rounded the corner into the atrium.

"I'm on a 24 hour trial." Samus answered before walking over to the water feature away from the Spartans.

Kelly cocked her eyebrow shrugging her shoulders confused. "Thanks that explains a lot?"

Fred sighed turning to his brother. "What trial is the kid talking about?"

"The Captain has granted Samus, a trial of not having to be under our watch 24/7." Chief explained as they all watched Samus sit by the water staring into the man made stream.

"And yet with this freedom the kid still chooses to stick right by us?" Kelly sarcastically replied, surprised Samus wasn't taking full advantage of her new freedom.

"Where exactly is the kid going to go, Kelly?" Fred rolled his eyes at the brunette Spartan. Before turning his attention to the silent sharpshooter. "Linda, was saying she told Samus, about Sam."

Chief sharply turned his head in the direction of the redhead. Wondering why she would bring up the subject of their fallen brother. "Why?"

"She deserves to know the reasoning behind our fears, John." Linda replied gesturing for Chief to step closer to the group so others in the atrium didn't overhear them.

Chief stepping closer he didn't know what to think. He did mention the tragedy of Sam to Samus without mentioning his name. But he did not go into detail. "What did you say to her?"

As Linda sat down she nudged Kelly over on the bench they decided to sit at. "Honestly nothing you didn't already say to her. I just went into a little more detail and gave her his name. Samus, understands."

Chief knew Samus was very understanding. He didn't understand why he almost felt ashamed for having a past trauma brew up this fear for a child he had unexpectedly been raising to be just another tool in war. A child he deeply cared for. A child he wanted to protect and keep out of war.

"John?" Fred called gaining his brother's attention.

Chief took a minute to reply, bringing his gaze up from the floor. "I don't want Samus, fighting."

Each of the Spartans exchanged gazes they all felt the same to an extent but didn't ever think their leader would voice it. "You can't stop her from doing so. It's inevitable, John."

"I know..."

"I know you just want to protect her, and keep her from the same things we endured. But it's not even about choice." Kelly said as they all turned their attention to the daydreaming girl. "Even if we didn't continue her training. The training she received from the Chozo was enough. Samus, is destined for battle. I'm sorry, John."

Kelly was right. He couldn't prevent Samus from becoming a warrior if he tried.

"Even if we kept her from fighting, it's not like she could get a normal life here. We can't pretend to raise her as a normal child. Nor could anyone else." Kelly continued to explain why they could never have Samus be a normal child. "The UNSC would've never agreed to allow us to have, and raise a child. We're not parents. We're Spartans. The fact that Samus, is a weaponized killing machine is the only reason she ended up in our hands. It's a fluke that ONI didn't immediately take her the moment she set foot off of Zebes."

Everything the fast Spartan spoke of was true. Though ONI and the UNSC High Command were always a lingering concern. ONI didn't do nothing without some sort of motive behind it. Most likely observing Samus's progress from a distance. They were the only ones capable of ripping Samus away from the team.

Samus glanced over at the team. She could tell just by the concerned posture Chief had, they were no doubt conversing about her. She could only guess what they were speaking about. Turning her attention to the massive glass pane next to the water, she gazed at the stars. Eager to go on another mission, she truly hoped that Chief would keep his word and allow her to shine on the battlefield.

"Well, I guess we leave her here then?" Kelly shrugged as they all made their way towards the atrium exit.

Master Chief was torn. He didn't want to leave Samus by herself. Not because he didn't trust her. Though from what he could see, Samus had nearly grown out of her deep anxiety of being around other people, especially ones she did not know. Or was it just because one of them was always with her to give her a sense of security? Reluctantly he followed his team, but not without one last glance.

Samus took notice of the team leaving her in the atrium. She moved to follow but stopped herself, remembering she did not have to go everywhere they did. She took note that Chief seemed hesitant to leave. They both locked one last gaze before he completely exited the atrium with Blue Team. Once they left she stood nervously fidgeting with her hands, listening to her increasing heartbeat, before walking forward across the artificial field to the pathway that looped around the atrium. Taking a few deep breaths she attempted to loosen up her tense body as she walked the pathway by herself. She walked past many other soldiers that had come to exercise in the calming environment. Shyly greeting them with a small nod and a timid smile. She tried to avoid having to greet most of them as she desperately wanted to avoid something that would unpleasantly appear in her mind. Most of the soldiers seemed to be there to strictly train anyway.

Doctor Halsey liked to come to the atrium to think and research in the relaxing environment. Sitting at one of the benches a small distance away from the pathway. Across a small patch of grass laid the pathway the young girl was nervously walking on.

Once Samus did at least one lap of the track she stopped on the part of the pathway that lay next to the stream. Exhaling deeply surprised she had actually been able to calm her nerves down on her own, without the aid or comfort of the Spartans or Chozo. Unfortunately it didn't last long.

"Move out of the way!" A man boomed as he led his jogging squad towards the unaware girl.

Samus visibly jumped after hearing the shout from behind turning to face the direction the squad was approaching from. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She apologized scrambling to quickly back out of their way only to step too far onto a loose moss covered stone in the creek.

Hearing a soldier firmly shouting for another to move. Halsey looked up from her data pad to see her Spartans trainee slip and fall into the manmade stream. Watching she was appalled by what she witnessed. Instead of asking if the child was okay, most of the other soldiers who watched the girl fall either laughed, or shook their heads as they passed by.

Sitting in the stream frozen Samus was mortified by her ridiculous fall. Normally she probably would've laughed at herself for doing something so ridiculous. Especially if she had been with the team. Already having to constantly prove that she's more than just a dumb kid. She was a trained warrior. A highly skilled soldier. In the moment everyone only saw a stupid clumsy child. She wanted nothing more than to simply vanish from existence.

Halsey stood up just about to get up to help the girl when she witnessed Samus pick herself up out of the stream, quickly scurrying out of the atrium exit soaking wet and clearly embarrassed. The Doctor was surprised that Samus didn't yell at or make an effort to stop the other soldiers from laughing and staring at her like most others would've.

The hallways were even busier than the atrium, packed full of soldiers and crew. Her heart rate and anxiety only increased as she tried to navigate through the crowds. Unable to conjure up her power suit she shamefully speed walked through the corridors half soaking wet. Most of the soldiers, especially the ODST's loathed Samus, and jumped at the opportunity to insult and make jokes at her. The girl refused to retaliate with a sharp threatening tone or even ask for the mocking to stop. Fearing the possibility of breaking what little trust the Command had of her.

Linda on her way to John's room looked over her shoulder to see Samus speed walking from behind her. She could tell by the girl's facial expression and tense body language that something was wrong. "Hey Samus, are you alright...?" She asked but Samus did not slow hopping into a jog until she was finally able to reach her quarters, eagerly darting into the room and out of sight.

John visibly jumped looking up from his data pad as Samus burst into the room quickly hitting the button to shut the door behind her. Getting up from his seat Chief approached the girl who seemed to nearly be in tears. "Samus...?" before he could ask what happened Linda knocked on his door. Answering the door he allowed Linda to enter shutting the door behind her. "What's going on?" He asked concerned.

Samus looked away shamefully, she couldn't even hear the question over the mocking soldiers echoing in the corridor on the other side of the door.

The sharpshooter moved Samus away from the door taking note of the girl's soaking wet leggings. "Let me grab you a towel" Linda said as she quickly walked to the Chief's lavatory to retrieve a towel.

Chief immediately regretted abandoning the young girl as he believed that Samus's social anxiety was potentially worse than he had originally thought. "Did you..."

"Don't you even dare say it! I heard enough of that just trying to get in here!" Samus hissed as Linda wrapped her in a towel.

"It's alright, Samus..." Chief tried to sound as sympathetic as possible.

"Shut up... shut up..." Samus muttered hiding her face in her hands. Although she appreciated the attempted comfort, she was only getting more angry. "I SLIPPED AND FELL IN THE STUPID FUCKING STREAM!" She hissed taking the handed clothing from Linda.

"Take it easy, Samus." Master Chief warned the upset girl.

"Stop treating me like a little kid!"

"Samus? How did you fall?" The sharpshooter redirected the girl's attention. "Did someone push you?" Linda questioned as the girl was extremely agile and had not fallen in the stream since they had first brought her from Zebes.

Taking a deep breath she explained how. "There was a squad training. I tried to step out of their way. I forgot the stream was behind me..."

"Are you okay?" John asked knowing the answer was no.

"Not really..." She admitted, going into the lavatory to change out of her wet clothing. Once changed she exhaled deeply. "I guess It's been a long time since I've wandered around by myself." She visibly shrunk as she averted her gaze from the Spartans. "I-I... guess I got scared without you guys there."

As much as Linda wanted to coo and say how sweet it was that their girl depended on them so much she knew that was not what Samus needed right now. Thankfully Chief was the first to respond.

"I was hesitant to leave you as I was concerned it may be too overwhelming for you. I wanted to stay. But I also wanted you to have your own space." Chief admitted he wanted to stay behind to keep the girl more comfortable.

Samus flashed a quick smile knowing Chief wanted to be there for her. "You are right. It was too much..." Shame and embarrassment quickly took over her once again.

"You're not injured from the fall?" Linda asked taking the wet clothing from the girl.

Samus shook her head no as she furrowed her brow embarrassed and angry at the soldiers that made fun of her. "Falling in the stream wasn't the worst part. The commentary from idiots on the way back here was."

Chief had to internally chuckle to himself at the way Samus spoke. If he didn't know the girl's true young age he would've sworn a 16 year old teenager was talking to him. "You have to ignore them, Samus."

"I know... but they just..." The girl sighed. Being oddest human aboard the super carrier she was already a target being harassed by nearly every soldier aboard the ship. "I shouldn't be overwhelmed. How come I can handle a battlefield? But the inside of a ship full of people freaks me out?"

John didn't know the answer to that question. He struggled to socially acknowledge most of the people aboard the ship. The only important socializing he did was with his teammates and Cortana before she was lost. He was able to communicate with others when it was necessary. Being raised within the UNSC and ONI facilities he was very used to being around many others. Though he didn't like to socialize with random soldiers or crew, finding himself to be out of touch and awkward when trying to have a normal conversation. Still being around many other people wasn't an issue for him. If he was being completely honest with himself he didn't exactly fully understand why Samus was so stricken with fear when around large numbers of people.

"Most aboard this ship are professionals that don't act like children and will hold their tongues." Linda mentioned moving out of the way as Samus went to sit down on her berth. "The unfortunate part is the ones who have large egos and loathsome attitudes towards those who are stronger than them. They can't seem to help but indulge themselves when the opportunity to tear down the person they're threatened by presents itself. But don't be mortified by this small incident, ignore the idiots they're just tearing you down because they know you're destined to do something greater than them."

"Sure..." Samus kept her tense embarrassed posture as she sat on her berth hugging her knees tightly with her back against the wall.

Chief wouldn't have thought that such a small clumsy accident was mortifying enough to cause this extent of fear and embarrassment. But he had to remind himself that Samus, though she presented herself as mature most of the time, was still a young child. A child that had been constantly harassed by a jealous AI while she was being raised and trained by ancient aliens. Constantly being told that she was a hopeless embarrassment to those who cared for her. Shame was a thick haunting cloud that Samus carried deeply.

Not surprisingly Fred and Kelly entered their quarters after hearing the soldiers speak about Samus falling. "Hey, is everything alright with the kid? Everyone's saying that something happened to her."

"She's fine you two. Samus, had a fall but she's alright." Linda answered as the two stood next to the girl's berth.

Fred could tell that Samus looked to be quite upset about something. "Did someone push her?"

"Or did she just get freaked out without us there?" Kelly added before Chief silenced them.

"Enough." He warned the two asking questions, before turning his full attention back to the young girl. "Samus?" John called standing himself next to the girl. "Can you tell me what goes through your mind when you're around the crowds of people aboard this ship? Don't be afraid to tell me, even if you think it sounds ridiculous. I'm not here to judge you."

The speed of Samus's heart rate increased as she began to think about what went through her mind when around too many people. Before living with the Spartans the last time she was around big crowds of people was the Space Pirate raid on K2-L. "It is dumb because It would make more sense to feel this way on the battlefield. Not in a neutral setting..."

"What is it that you feel, Samus?" The redhead curiously asked.

On the battlefield she was able to fight and protect the safety of others. Inside the usually neutral setting of a base or the Infinity she was left to her wandering mind. "Before joining you guys the last time I was in crowds of humans was that day everyone died..." She didn't know why these images still haunted her so many years later. "I just... it was so long ago I don't know why I always get the image of everyone around me as live disfigured corpses... plasma burns, blood, missing eyes, claw marks... All that horrific damage done by the Space Pirates, and Ridley..." Samus shivered. "I know it sounds stupid... But when I pass others in the corridor I sometimes have to close my eyes quickly just to reset my eyes."

No wonder Samus feared crowds. They never would've thought that was why the girl feared other humans so much. Linda couldn't help but slide the girl into her arms in a comforting embrace.

"Samus, you don't have to walk around by yourself if you feel more comfortable with us. I just wanted you to know that you have the choice to move around this ship without feeling like you are chained to us." Master Chief explained feeling horrible for putting Samus into a situation that would make her feel so scared. He had no idea the true reasoning behind the girl's fear of humans was so awful. "Do you believe you would maybe feel better if you spoke to the doctor about this?"

"No! I don't wanna talk about it anymore." Samus pushed out of Linda's comforting embrace, wondering if opening up to the Spartans was causing them to look at her differently.

John cupped a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. "Okay, we'll drop the subject for now. But please don't be afraid to talk to us if you need to." Turning to his team he ordered them to stay with the child while he went to speak with the Doctor.

"Master Chief. Can I help you with something, Sir?" A medic approached the Spartan leader.

"Yes. I would like to speak with Doctor Skye." He replied hoping he could just have a quick conversation with the CMO.

The medic quickly looked in the Doctor's office, before asking another medic about where the CMO was. "Sorry, Sir. I believe Doctor Skye made her way to the bridge to speak with the Captain. You will most likely find her there."

Nodding in acknowledgement Chief made his way to the bridge. Locating the Captain and Commander speaking to both Doctor Halsey and Doctor Skye.

"Master Chief, please join us." Captain Lasky gestured for the Spartan to join the conversation.

"I don't want to interrupt..."

"We're just about wrapped up here. What brings you to the bridge?" The Captain said as he tapped away on the data pad he held.

Standing next to both Doctors John explained what brought him into the bridge. "I was looking to discuss something about Samus, with Doctor Skye."

Commander Palmer scoffed not surprised that Chief wanted to discuss something about the only child aboard the ship. "I heard the brat had a little accident. How's she doing?"

Master Chief didn't know if the Commander was being genuine or not. "Samus, had a minor fall. She was not injured."

Palmer couldn't hold back the urge to point out the girl's weaknesses. "I guess you were right, we really didn't have to be concerned with her causing issues while unmonitored."

"I witnessed the fall Samus, had. She seemed uncharacteristic and quite nervous in the absence of your presence, John." Doctor Halsey commented turning to her Spartan.

"Samus, has had this issue since the day we brought her from Zebes. She has shown a small amount of progress over the last two years. But she has recently disclosed as to why she's so fearful around... humans..."

"She has a fear of humans? What does that mean exactly?" Commander Palmer furrowed her brow suspiciously.

Looking around at the nosey bridge crew listening into their conversation the Captain ushered everyone into the nearby office to continue the conversation. "Sarah, let's not jump to any suspicious conclusions. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this fear."

Commander Palmer wanted to comment but held her tongue as the Doctors waited for the Master Chief to explain with more detail.

Chief nodded after the Captain gestured for him to speak. He did his best to repeat what Samus had told him. "Samus, explained to me that when she's around crowds of humans she sees them as living corpses from the attack on her home planet. The true last time she was around humans before we took her in permanently, was the attack on her home planet."

Both Doctors seemed to mull over the explanation the Spartan gave them. Halsey was more curious than concerned. Where's Doctor Skye was quite concerned about what the young girl was experiencing. "Does Samus, see these images constantly throughout her interactions around others? Or only occasionally?"

"I believe it happens randomly. Momentarily, as she explained she often has to close her eyes for a quick second to reset her eyes to see that it is just another person."

"Perhaps it is wise for Samus, to continue having your teammates as escorts when travelling through the ship. What are your opinions Doctor Skye?" Lasky asked, hoping there was possibly a better solution to this issue for the girl.

Being the girl's doctor over the last couple years. She did not often see Samus come into her office unless the Spartan's were concerned or confused about how to care for her. She knew the girl had a tough exterior but suffered greatly internally. "I do not know Samus's full story in detail. But caring for her over the last couple years I do understand that Samus, has a lot of repressed trauma that seems to claw it's way up to the surface when it's least convenient for the poor girl."

"What do believe is the best way to assist, Samus?" Master Chief asked.

"At this age she will not know how to deal with it without help from another. I would be happy to talk with her to try and help her through these symptoms..." The CMO said hesitant to say what she thought was truly best for the young girl.

"But...?" The Commander raised an eyebrow waiting for the hesitant doctor to continue on.

"I know the Chozo enlisted Samus, to the UNSC in order to assist us. But I believe we should start to consider putting her wellbeing over her achievements and combat abilities."

Captain Lasky cupped his hands together on the table putting his focus entirely on the CMO. "What are you purposing Doctor?"

"I believe that Samus, is unfit to be on this vessel. On an active battlefield. Or on a Spartan team being held up to the high standards of highly experienced veteran Spartans. I believe she should be pulled from active duty." Doctor Skye gave her professional yet highly unpopular opinion.

The room went completely silent. Captain Lasky was inclined to agree with the Doctor as he had personally originally disliked the idea of throwing a child into war. The Commander didn't care for the child's presence in the ranks but she also had to agree with the CMO. Doctor Halsey completely disagreed with the CMO on the other hand.

"I disagree. Samus, is incredible on the battlefield. I feel we would be wasting an asset if we relieve her of her duty." Doctor Halsey argued against the CMO's opinion.

"Doctor Halsey, I review all of Samus's missions as to make sure her wellbeing is in our best interest. If you reviewed Blue Team's mission on Zebes and looked past her combat capabilities and armour, you would have noticed that Samus, suffered a PTSD attack while an enemy viciously attacked her." It was no secret that most in the room despised Doctor Halsey for what she did to her Spartans during the program she ran. "You would be wise to recognize that Samus, is a child! Not another one of your projects you can indoctrinate." Doctor Skye especially was not afraid to point out the lack of disregard for the fact Samus was a child.

Master Chief was used to hearing the usual comments and disgust shown towards the Spartan program Doctor Halsey put him through. But he was conflicted. The CMO had very valid concerns for the child's wellbeing. But on the other hand he wanted to hear more of Doctor Halsey's thoughts.

Captain Lasky quickly waved his arms before a heated argument between both doctors erupted. "Doctor Skye. I understand this is a sensitive issue. But let's take a breath for a moment before things get out of hand. Doctor Halsey, please explain in detail why you believe Samus, should remain on Blue Team?"

Pulling up the footage the CMO was describing Doctor Halsey showed that Samus could over come and perform admirably even after a PTSD attack. "Thank you, Captain. Though I agree with Doctor Skye that Samus, indeed has issues with PTSD. I also review what I am allowed to. What I witnessed in their last mission report was growth and the ability to overcome. I believe if we pull Samus, from duty she will only get worse without our support. As there is no other place in the universe for a fully weaponized, highly trained, lethal, alien hybrid."

Master Chief turned away taking a few steps away from the group that was discussing what to do with the child he had brought back into their world of war.

"Master Chief, are you alright?" Captain Lasky asked concerned after watching the Spartan step away from the conversation.

"Yes, Sir." He turned back towards the others.

Lasky tried to understand what the Spartan must've been thinking. But he was most curious about what he believed was the right thing to do with the child. "What is your opinion? Out of all of us, you know Samus, the best."

Master Chief had to think for a while. Both Doctors were right. Yet Doctor Halsey brought up a good point. There was no place for Samus to go if she was relieved from active duty. Even if they located another Chozo world for the Chozo they had rescued, they could not hand Samus over to live with them again. The Chozo were too ancient they could not care for a child. They would be most disappointed if their prodigy didn't succeed in the fighting for galactic peace. But he also wanted to do what was best for the girl's health. "I believe Samus, is best suited to remain in this environment. But I cannot say that indefinitely as I believe Samus, should be able to decide for herself."

Nodding the Captain called upon the golden AI. "Roland, please call Samus, to the bridge please."

"Yes Captain." Roland bowed his head before disappearing from the table.

Doctor Skye remained silent. She still disagreed that the child was able to make a good decision for herself. But at the very least she could try to assist both the girl and Spartan. Samus entered the bridge with Fredric, once in the office Fred departed to go meet up with the Linda and Kelly.

"Have a seat, Samus." Lasky gestured for the girl to sit at the end of the table where the Master Chief stood.

Samus sat down feeling like all eyes were on her. There was no doubt in her mind that they had all been discussing her in the last half hour since Chief had left.

Doctor Skye was the first to speak as her soft approach was best to start off this discussion. "Samus, I reviewed your last mission report. And I noticed you seemed to be in great deal of distress. Master Chief has also been informing us about your troubles with travelling through the ship. I believe this may not be the best place for you."

The girl shrunk herself knowing this was going to be the reason why she was called into the office. Chief placed a hand on her shoulder giving it a comforting squeeze as the Doctor continued on.

"I believe that taking you off of Blue Team, and assigning you to a less taxing position would be in your health's best interest."

"Where would I go?"

That was not something the CMO had clearly thought about as that question seemed to catch her off guard. Unfortunately Captain Lasky knew exactly where the child would go. He had been trying to prevent Samus from ending up in ONI's hands, but they had kept persistently trying to recruit her since she had been consistently doing missions with the Spartans.

"There's no where else I could go. All I know is this.." Samus said looking up at Master Chief.

The CMO sighed fearing that Samus would just get worse as time went on. But the girl was right there was nowhere else for her to go. Doctor Skye truly hoped that Doctor Halsey's theory of Samus becoming stronger over time was correct.

Another month passed by. The Infinity finally placed the surviving Chozo on a planet the Chozo had inhabited in the past, with Platinum Chest assuring that they would keep in contact and have full communication with the UNSC. Blue Team had finally been getting deployed after suspicious Promethean and Covenant activity. The Master Chief had kept his promise to Samus. No longer holding her back he allowed her to show what she was fully capable of. UNSC Command was so impressed with her abilities and combat performance they had begun deploying Samus on solo missions to locate any information within the Covenant or Space Pirate database. Separating the Spartans from her while they were deployed to defended multiple bases and research stations that the Promethean's seemed to be targeting.

Master Chief returned to his quarters after having a quick debriefing with the team after he walked Samus to their room. Upon entering he saw Samus hanging upside down over the edge of her berth data pad in hand, Master Chief stuffy sitting on her stomach. "What are you doing?" He asked upon pulling his helmet off his head the stagnant air was almost refreshing after such a long day of fighting.

"Reports." Samus replied lifting the data pad out of her view. "So you never said how your escort mission went?"

John sighed as it was more exhausting than usual. "It was successful. Multiple squads of Covenant tried to intervene but we dealt with them quickly."

Returning to her report as Chief removed his armour down to his jumpsuit. "I'm glad it was a successful mission for you guys."

Cocking his head at the girl he shook his head with a sigh. "Does that not make you dizzy?"

"Not really." She said sitting back up on her berth putting her toy next to her pillow.

With a snort Chief rolled his eyes at the girl. Though he disliked the fact that UNSC was using Samus more and more for their dangerous missions. He had noticed the girl had been a lot happier since being able to basically run her own missions all by herself. "How did you do on your mission?"

Stretching her arms she rubbed her sore muscles as she replied. "It went well. I took down a Covenant Corvette. And a base they set up with the Promethean's. It seems the Covenant lost interest in the Space Pirates."

"I didn't think the Covenant would have the patience to weaponize an uncontrollable bioweapon." Though he didn't voice it. Chief was very proud of what Samus was capable of achieving on her missions.

"The Covenant keeps on talking about something called Argent Moon. They bought it off some scavenger Kigyar. I'm just uploading the information to my report now." Samus said flinching as she located a nasty bruise on her ribs.

"Argent Moon? Did you locate it?" Master Chief asked in a more serious tone.

Samus cocked an eyebrow at her leader as he looked at her with concern. "No. Just gossip amongst the Covenant and reports within their database."

Master Chief nodded. He would have to speak to the Captain once the location was obtained as he did not want Samus, who was inexperienced in recovering research stations to do that mission alone. "Are you done your report?"

"Mhmm." She nodded placing her data pad on her shelf. "Why?"

"Because I know you haven't eaten anything. The team is already waiting for us." Chief gestured for Samus to follow him to the mess hall.

Reluctantly Samus followed the Spartan leader to the mess hall. "You know you guys don't have to make sure I've done things like eating..."

"Have you eaten in the last 36 hours?"

"No."

"Hydrated?"

"No."

"Made sure your clothing has been washed after your missions?"

Samus groaned rolling her eyes. It was always so annoying when Chief nagged her as if he were her parent. "Okay! Okay! You've made your point..." once in the busier mess hall she walked tightly next to Chief, basically under the Spartan's arm until they located the table their teammates were sitting at.

"I think you often forget that you're still a child." Master Chief said as he made sure Samus sat down. He almost felt weird saying that as that was never said to him during his training.

"The kid, forgetting she's a kid? Nooo..." Fred sarcastically remarked as he slid Samus and Chief each a tray of food.

Samus folded her arms in a huff, rolling her eyes, as the team chuckled at her.

Kelly laughed as she took a gulp of her water. "Easy Sammy, we're just teasing you. We know you're more than just a kid."

"Uhuh..." Samus sighed as she used a spoon to spin the fork on her tray.

"Eat something please." Chief said as he took away the spoon Samus was playing with.

Kelly looked next to them a few feet away taking notice of Doctor Halsey who was every once in a while glancing at them while taking notes. "Anyone notice Halsey, being a lot more observant than usual since the kid rescued her from the Covenant?"

"You're just now noticing, Kelly? After two years?" Linda scoffed at her sister.

"Okay, Linda. Not everyone is as observant as you. I have noticed since then. I'm just mentioning it now." The brunette Spartan retorted at the sharpshooter.

Fred shrugged his shoulders as he leaned away from his now empty tray. "I think she's just taken interest in our youngest teammate and our interactions with her."

"I'm gonna go..." Samus said starting to get up from her seat.

Scanning the girl's tray with his eyes, as usual Samus had barely touched her meal. "Are you going back to your quarters?" Chief asked.

"Um..." Samus stood up from the table. "Yes..." Scanning the room images of horrid murdered bodies littering the mess hall quickly flashed in her eyes before she quickly shut them tight. "No...!" She sat back down nearly sitting on Chief as she almost missed the bench.

"It's alright." John said calmly, placing a hand on the girl's back. "Let's go." he gently guided her towards the exit.

"I need to do a check on my ship." Once outside the mess hall a deep sigh escaped the girl as she told the Spartan where she would like to go. "Sorry..." Samus shamefully apologized as they exited into the moderately busy corridor.

"Don't apologize. It takes time." He reassured hearing light footsteps following them from behind. Leading Samus into the hangar bay he wished he could help the girl more. But he understood what she was going through.

"It's been two years since I was reintroduced into human society. I wish it would just go away..."

"Just because it's been two years doesn't mean it goes away. It never really does. It may lessen over time... But I know it's not that easy, Samus."

Stopping in front of her gunship Samus tilted her head curiously. "How do you know?"

"I've dealt with flashbacks for a long time. Mostly of Sam, on that day he passed. And some unpleasant memories from many different past missions. They've faded over time. Very rarely do they appear now. They almost never do anymore. But they still happen. Especially when we brought you onto our team they began to resurface." Master Chief explained that he was not invulnerable to horrid flashbacks. Relating himself to the girl seemed to bring them both some level of comfort.

Hearing that Chief also dealt with flashbacks gave her a small bit of comfort. "I guess that's why you're so overprotective." Samus smiled teasing the Spartan.

"One of the reasons." He flashed a quick smile as Samus began to check over her ship. He turned around hearing someone approaching. "Doctor Halsey?"

"Am I interrupting?" The Doctor gestured at the two.

Samus shook her head no as she pulled a panel off of her ship. "Nope. I gotta go inside and run some diagnostics." She said before entering her gunship leaving the two to talk.

"Samus, has been making quite a name for herself." Halsey commented.

"Indeed." Chief replied emotionlessly.

"She's still widely not liked by most aboard this ship. But she has sure built herself an astonishing reputation regardless. I've heard UNSC High Command and ONI have been taking great interest in her." The Doctor continued to make small talk.

Master Chief remained silent. It was true that since he stopped holding Samus back she had intrigued most within the UNSC. He feared that ONI was beginning to get more involved with growing interest in Samus's abilities. She had been making an astonishing reputation for herself, and he feared the solo missions were becoming tests.

Doctor Halsey smiled as they watched Samus work on her ship. "I haven't been here since day one. I've read what I can from your past reports. But I'm curious, John. How has life been since Samus, came into your life?"

It wasn't a question anyone had asked him until now. The answer was something he used to think about often when Samus first came back into his life. "It's been... Different."

Halsey wondered how her favourite Spartan was truly handling parenting an alien hybrid child. "Hmm. That's a very open answer. I know Samus, is a unique child... But different in a good, or bad way?"

Samus had gone inside her ship by the time Halsey begun questioning Chief. While she ran diagnostics on her ship the audio visual stayed on, letting her tune in and out of the conversation between the two while working on repairs.

John hung his head low this was a bit of an uncomfortable conversation. He had many mixed opinions about raising Samus. "Different as in nothing in my life has ever prepared me for this." Halsey kept quiet allowing more of his thoughts to escape him. "I still question why they didn't find Samus, a more suitable caretaker when we first brought her back from Zebes."

Cathrine blinked keeping her expression as neutral as possible as she glance at the floor momentarily. "I don't believe it was a lack of wanting to. It's more to do with a lack of normalcy on Samus's behalf."

He already knew that was the case. Especially since Samus already had previous training and deadly technology from her alien caretakers. Leading her into a more normal training life would've most likely proven to be a more difficult task than they would have imagined.

"As an alien hybrid, myself and many others know that a normal start was not a possibility for her. Which is why at the time, the best thing to do was to leave her in the care of highly trained Spartans. Though you weren't trained in child care. Samus, being a bioweapon was an extraordinary exception and a learning experience for you and your team I'm sure."

Samus shrunk in her pilots chair. She knew most still viewed her as just a dangerous bioweapon. She was sure to the Spartans she was just a strange child they were stricken with. Doctor Halsey was correct though she couldn't ever be cared for by regular caretakers. Going back outside of her ship she returned to repairing.

"Samus, isn't just an alien hybrid. Or a bioweapon." John made sure to remind the Doctor that the girl was not just a weaponized alien hybrid.

Doctor Halsey could tell she had struck a nerve with her favourite Spartan. It was difficult for the Master Chief to picture Samus as just another weaponized soldier. "What is she to you, John?"

That was a difficult question to just simply answer. To his own surprise he had bonded closely very quickly with Samus. As if they had never been apart since the first time they met. She meant so much to him it was so difficult to explain in just a few words. Truthfully he didn't know how exactly to put it into words. "Samus, means... She's like a... I... We..."

Cathrine was a bit surprised this question quite literally made her Spartan trip over his own words as he tried to describe just exactly what the young girl meant to him. She could see him teetering between expressing what Samus meant to the team as a whole. And what exactly she meant to him specifically. Before the Spartan could reply properly Samus approached them both, interrupting the conversation.

Chief mentally chuckled to himself as Samus stood in front of them covered in grease and oil. "Laundry and showers. Come'on." He said gesturing for Samus to start walking in the direction of what he just listed off. Thankful for the much needed interruption.

Halsey smiled at Samus who rolled her eyes as she reluctantly walked past. "We'll continue our conversation another time, John." She bid the Spartan goodbye.

It wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to as he desperately struggled to express himself. Which was probably why Halsey was so adamant about questioning him. She was curious to see if a simple child could provide him with the similar socialization needs that Cortana provided him.

Once in the showers luckily they ran into Kelly and Linda who were happy to assist Samus with getting her laundry done while she washed up.

"Ugh seriously, how have we not picked up any new clothing for her on the planets we've been visiting?" Kelly thought aloud as she ran the girl's dirty torn clothes through the wash again.

Linda rolled her eyes as she made sure Samus had a clean towel for when she exited the shower. "Probably because we weren't focused on shopping at the time since we were at multiple different bases protecting people."

"Still. Sammy, is growing like a weed she's barely fitting in these rags she brought from Zebes." The brunette Spartan scoffed throwing the now clean clothing in the dryer.

"All Samus, has is what you got there. And her blue jumpsuit, which absolutely doesn't fit her yet." Linda said as Chief entered the laundry room.

"The next colony world they send us to, I will look into trying to find Samus, suitable clothing that fits her." John mentioned, agreeing that the young girl was rapidly growing out of the tattered clothing she had brought from Zebes.

Taking the now clean outfit Kelly handed to her, Linda cringed at the fact that the clothing looked in horrible condition even after being washed. "The attacks on the UNSC bases seems to be dying down, so that shouldn't be hard to do."

"We saw Halsey, stalking you on the way to the hangar bay. How many questions did she drill into you?" Kelly asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Too many." Chief replied clearly unpleased by the questioning.

"Yeah figures as much. She was drilling us earlier asking about the kid. And the effect she's had on us." Kelly folded her arms with a sigh as she leaned against the wall. "The only thing that's really concerning is that Halsey's telling us ONI is very interested in our girl."

Master Chief agreed with the speedy Spartan. It was very concerning. His biggest concern was they may try to separate Samus permanently from them.

Samus didn't wait for the for the Spartans to stop chatting. Exiting the showers she quickly changed into her outfit before making her way into the corridors. At this time of night the corridors were virtually empty. The perfect time to walk them without having to deal with flashbacks.

The Commander happened to be walking around the corner as Samus rounded it nearly colliding into each other. "Figures you'd be walking around at this time."

"Sorry, Commander. I wasn't paying attention." Samus quickly apologized walking around the Spartan.

"Actually. Since you're not with your Spartans. The Captain and I would like to speak to you about an opportunity." Palmer gestured for the young girl to follow her to the Captain's office.

Samus cocked her head curiously. "An opportunity?" She hesitantly followed the woman into the office where both the Captain and golden AI waited for her.

Seeing the nervous expression on the girl's face the Captain got up from his seat to shut the office door so they could speak more privately. "Samus. I received a message from ONI. They are assigning you to one of their bases on a colony world."

The girl furrowed her brow a bit suspicious of this proposal. "Why?" She was mostly unsure due to the fact anytime Blue Team brought up ONI they seemed anxious or defensive for some reason.

Sarah could see that Captain Lasky was struggling to lie to the girl. So she stepped in to explain. "They believe your unique abilities would be specifically suited for special operations they previously couldn't achieve due to lack of resources or too high risk."

"What about Blue Team?" Samus asked.

"Blue Team has already been assigned to multiple other operative research stations. They are already being considered for Argent Moon's recovery mission. Blue Team also lacks the resources and skills that you specifically have."

Samus folded her arms tightly against her chest in an attempt to self sooth. This was highly unusual. Everyone spoke about Blue Team as being the best Spartans. What skills and resources did she have that the Spartans didn't?

"Aran, this is not a matter of choice. You ARE. You have been assigned to a colony world that operates as a military centre." Commander Palmer firmly told the reluctant young girl. "You leave tomorrow. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Ma'am." Samus nodded in confirmation. It wasn't exactly like she was being given a choice in the matter. The lack of information and quiet behaviour of the Captain scared her. Even though she had ambitions to solely work alone one day. She was being forced to separate from Blue Team. From the Master Chief.

Master Chief exited his room a bit confused as to why Samus was not in there already. Seeing Fredric walking down the corridor to his own quarters Chief called for him. "Fred? Have you seen, Samus?"

"No John, I haven't. I just got back from the range." The other male Spartan replied to his brother. "She's not with, Linda. I was just with her. Maybe she's with, Kelly?"

"Who's with, Kelly?" Kelly asked as she exited her quarters to find her two male teammates conversing outside her door.

Turning to the brunette Spartan, Chief was disappointed to see that Samus wasn't in Kelly's quarters. "Samus. I can't find her."

"Well, it's late in the evening. Everyone is relaxing in their quarters getting reports or whatever done. Not a lot of people roaming around. The kid probably went to run the track or something." Kelly shrugged as Linda approached them all.

"Hey, I just had the Commander tell me they're requesting our team to report to the bridge. Samus, is there and they want to talk to us." The red head announced a little concerned.

"Great, what did she do now?" Kelly sighed as they all began making their way to the bridge.

Fred sighed. "Let's not think the worst. Maybe it's just mission briefing and they called Samus, in first."

Master Chief didn't care what it was about as long as Samus was alright. Entering the bridge Captain Lasky ushered them all into the office where Samus stood with the Commander looking most uncomfortable and nervous. He didn't hesitate to approach the girl who almost looked ashamed to make eye contact with him.

"You're dismissed, Samus. We will talk to you tomorrow morning." Captain Lasky said walking the girl out the door past all the Spartans.

Samus watched as the door closed behind her. She knew whatever was going to be said to Blue Team was not going to go over very well. Walking back to her quarters the thought of running to her ship and making an escape crossed her mind multiple times. But it wasn't in her heart to just abandon her team without an explanation.

"Blue Team, as you are well aware, the UNSC has taken great interest in Samus's recent successful missions." The Captain spoke professionally but a hint of disappointment lingered within his tone.

"Captain?" Master Chief waited for Lasky to reveal the answer to the riddle he just told.

"High Command has agreed to assign Samus, to a colony world to finish her training within an ONI military center."

"NO! WHAT DO YOU MEAN FINISH HER TRAINING? SHE'S ALREADY COMPLETED HER TRAINING WITH US!" Kelly shouted clearly alarmed by the sudden announcement.

"Samus, will be assigned to a caretaker on a colony world for the time being, until she's settled in and can be deployed." The Commander explained even though it was not true, she hoped that information would make the clearly upset Spartan team feel a little better about what was happening.

"After all that hard work we put into training her? All that means nothing to the UNSC?!" Kelly refused to acknowledge that they were losing the young girl to some strangers for a better opportunity.

"All that hard work you put into the kid means everything to the UNSC. Which is why they're reassigning Samus, elsewhere." Commander Palmer tried to hide her visible smirk thrilled to finally be getting rid of the annoying brat that the Spartans and Captain coddled. "It's already been arranged. On the way to your next mission location tomorrow. ONI will be rendezvousing with us to retrieve, Samus."

Captain Lasky understood the Spartan's frustration. He felt the same way about Samus. He knew exactly where Samus was going. ONI had been waiting for this opportunity. But the girl's solo missions were just another test they conducted that proved to be worth the wait. The Commander wasn't clueless to it. It sickened him to his core knowing the truth, no matter how nice ONI and the UNSC made it sound.

Master Chief was devastated to hear that Samus was becoming another one of ONI's special projects. He knew what the Commander was spewing was glorified nonsense. This was the main reason why he held Samus back from showing her true abilities. This was why he always made decisions for her. He had failed to protect her from becoming ONI's next science project. "Who will be taking care of her? Where will Samus, be indefinitely? What exactly is it that ONI wants from her?" Chief demanded. He was angry. He was scared for Samus. Him and his team knew exactly what it was like to be ONI's experiment.

Captain Lasky didn't have the answers. "I'm afraid those details are covered in black ink. We're currently piloting the Infinity to a rendezvous point where ONI agents will arrive to take Samus."

John was vibrating with rage but kept himself composed. They were all powerless. He would never get the true answers even if he tried to force it out of the ONI agents that were arriving tomorrow.

Samus had decided to go back and wait for the team outside the bridge. They spent a while in there. But the moment they stepped out it took only seconds for Kelly to begin pouring out her anger about what the girl was about to endeavour.

"There's no way! You're alright with this?! You've got absolutely no fight against any of this?!"

"I-I... just..." Samus wasn't prepared at all to answer these angry questions. She should've had answers for the Spartans, but she didn't. "I don't have a choice!"

Master chief glared sharply at Kelly getting the speedy Spartan to calm herself. "You don't have to explain anything, Samus. None of us are thinking properly right now."

Kelly shook her head in disbelief at her brother's words. "Are you fucking kidding me? We're just going to lay down and take it because it's already set in stone?"

Samus couldn't hold her tears back. Allowing them to silently escape her turquoise eyes as the team yelled and fought with each other over what was happening to her tomorrow. This was the first time she had ever seen the team argue like this. It was very heated and very emotional. She had to retreat to her quarters just to escape the arguing.

"Enough!" Watching the girl escape them Chief quickly stifled his teammates. "We cannot change what's happening. But we can try to involve ourselves as much as possible, and fight for answers so we do not lose, Samus."

"Fine. But I still hate this." Kelly grumbled. Disappointed the Spartans agreed to disagree. After their heated argument. Returning to their respective quarters.

"Samus?" John called softly as he entered their quarters. He knew this was a lot for the girl to deal with. "I'm sorry we upset you. You don't have to say anything." He sighed deeply as Samus sat on her berth staring at the floor with tears continuing to stream down from her eyes. "You will always have us, no matter where you are."

Samus was so terrified of leaving the team. She was petrified to be losing the only living parent figure she had. Crying she walked over to Chief wrapping her arms around him. "I don't want to do this..."

The hug was not a surprise to Chief. He didn't often return hugs but this was an exception. Embracing the girl tightly he rubbed Samus's back as she sobbed. Hiding his devastation he tried to remain strong for the sake of the girl. This sudden arrangement killed him inside just as much as it killed her.

Once Chief was certain Samus had finally fallen asleep after hours of crying. She finally cried herself to sleep. Chief snuck out to Linda's quarters where the rest of the team waited eagerly for him.

"Took you long enough?!" Kelly groaned as Chief finally entered the room.

"I had to make sure Samus, fell asleep." He replied shutting the door behind him.

The brunette folded her arms while raising an eyebrow at her leader. "Three hours later?"

"Samus, is really upset by this."

"Then we gotta get her out of it!" Kelly was very expressive in showing how equally upset she was that Samus was leaving them.

John hung his head lowly, this shook him to his core. But he had to be neutral for his team. "Kelly, you know it's not that simple."

"Even if there was a possibility of breaking Samus, from this arrangement. ONI would surely find another way to obtain her. And we all know they would be incredibly vindictive about it." Fredric thought aloud. Keeping himself calm even though he was equally as upset.

"We completed Samus's training." Linda finally spoke after remaining silent throughout most of this. "She's excelled greatly. But her mind remains a prison of torture. Who's going to be there for her and teach how to handle her fears and trauma?" The redhead thought making the entire room go silent. After they had all cared for the young girl for so long, her wellbeing and safety had become their number one priority.

"I don't know..." John replied making his way towards the door.

"Is that really all you're going to say about this?" Fredric asked knowing his Spartan brother was holding back.

"All we can do is try to be there for her however we can. But we're powerless now." Chief was just as scared as the rest of his team. He knew they could tell. But they had to push their feelings aside as this was just as much of Commands decision as it was ONI's. "Go over your mission briefing. I want tomorrow's escort to be as smooth as the last one."

Samus heard Chief enter the room after being gone for almost half an hour. She quickly pulled her blankets just barely over her eyes, pretending to be asleep as Chief looked in her direction. The next thing she felt was something being tucked up against her side, before hearing Chief's footsteps go to his side of the room. Peeking out from under her blankets to see the old Master Chief plushy. She took the plushy toy hugging it tightly as she slowly fell back asleep.

Sitting on his berth John sighed looking across to the girl's side of their room. It was going to be an interesting transition trying to go back to the way things were before the return of Samus. It was going to be even harder to pretend like Samus wasn't just viciously torn away from them the moment she showed her warrior capabilities. Being honest with himself he was going to miss the companionship with Samus. He had taught her so much. And in return she had done the same. Though she feared humans, Samus was the best at teaching him how to be human.

It seemed like the morning arrived too quickly. Nobody had a goodnights rest. In the morning Blue Team all gathered in their leader's quarters in order to walk their youngest teammate sombrely down to the hangar bay.

"Blue Team." Captain Lasky greeted. Almost nervously as Commander Palmer stood close by incase things went south with the Spartan team. "Samus, we've arrived at the rendezvous point. ONI will be here shortly. Then you will be taken to the colony world. The UNSC and ONI use the colony world as a military centre. There is normal civilization beyond the military base on this planet. You will most likely see a real city for the first time. Maybe even some children your age." He tried to make light of the very devastating situation.

Standing extra close to the Master Chief, Samus nodded in understanding holding her small container of personal belongings. As much as everything the Captain said sounded fun and adventurous. It was a far cry from it. She wanted to experience all that stuff with her Spartan family. Whether it be on a mission trying to defend the city from an enemy. Or whether it be an outpost they were temporarily stationed at.

Commander Palmer almost pitied the girl. Seeing the small amount of belongings the Samus clung to. Containing one other outfit, a jumpsuit, and a Master Chief replica plush toy. "Your bird should be here soon."

"But my gunship." Samus mentioned not really wanting to leave that behind as it was a gift from the Chozo. It was also her only way to freedom if she needed to plan an escape.

"Can you not command that thing to follow you?" Palmer questioned.

"I can..." Samus replied hesitantly. She was secretly hoping to pilot it on her own so she could escape instead of having to endure whatever ONI had in store for her.

Like clockwork the escorting Pelican arrived docking next to the girl's alien gunship. "Alright Blue Team. Say your goodbyes, you unfortunately will not be joining Samus, on the way to her new home." Palmer took the opportunity to shatter the Spartans even more than they already were.

Master Chief expected that ONI would make them remain on this ship while Samus departed them. There was a small part of him that hoped that wasn't the case. Wanting Samus to be as comfortable as she possibly could be for this sudden transfer.

Two men dressed in grey uniforms and a woman dressed in a dark grey uniform exited the pelican once the hatch opened. All brandishing the ONI insignia above their left breast pocket.

"Captain Lasky. Commander Palmer." The female ONI Admiral greeted. Before turning to the Spartans. "Blue Team."

The Spartans of Blue Team all stood uncomfortably still as the former Spartan 2 greeted them. Samus must've been a bigger interest to ONI than they had originally thought, if the head of Serin Osman was here to retrieve the girl.

"Admiral." Captain Lasky greeted back as the woman walked past them.

The Admiral didn't hesitate to approach the shy girl hiding behind the massive Spartan leader. "Samus Aran. We're excited for you to be joining us." The woman carried a fake nice tone.

"Samus, is a bit shy. She has a..."

"Oh we're well aware of young Samus's shyness." The woman interrupted Linda as she led them over to the waiting Pelican.

Chief held Samus back for a moment as everyone else began making their way over to the Pelican. "Do not see your fear of humans as a curse. Follow your instincts. Trust no one." He warned Samus before quickly catching them up with the others.

"Go ahead and board. If you can remotely command your ship I would prepare it for take off." The Admiral said as one of the men took the girl's belongings and loaded it onto the Pelican.

Samus was reluctant to leave Chief's side this was more nerve wracking than she had expected. The Admiral didn't hesitate to help guide her onto the Pelican. The Admiral side glanced at the golden visor of the Master Chief as he almost moved to stop her from taking the child away from him.

"Samus, we will stay in contact with you. Our missions may cause delays. But we will, be in contact." Master Chief made sure it was known that he was going to keep in contact with Samus. Chief could see the irritation on the Admiral's facial expression. But he didn't care. He wanted them to know they would not forget about Samus.

"Goodbyes are always difficult. But we must go, Samus Aran. Your Spartans must also prepare themselves for their mission today." The black haired woman said as she guided the girl further into the Pelican.

Pulling out of the woman's grip Samus rushed out of the aircraft to give Master Chief one last big hug. She almost didn't let go as she knew it may be the last hug she would ever give the Spartan. But she eventually released her embrace after one of the agents basically pried her arms off the Spartan. Tears soon followed as the agents led her back into the Pelican. Once the hatch closed with the Spartans on the other side reality began to sink in.

"Take a seat. It'll be a short flight." The tall black haired woman told the girl as she escorted Samus to a seat in between the two men.

Reluctant to sit in between the men Samus opted to sit next to one with her left side closest to the back hatch. But the men didn't care for that arrangement, as the one moved sitting on her left as if to trap her in.

Blue Team watched as the Pelican left with the Chozo gunship in tow. It broke them to know that their team was once again four members. It crushed them knowing they would most likely not see their girl for years to come. But they would try their hardest to communicate and visit Samus whenever they ever got the opportunity.

"What the hell does Serin, want with her?" Linda thought aloud.

"Nothing good." Fred replied as they stood there hoping the Pelican would return.

Once the Pelican was out of sight the Spartan team stayed for a while gazing as if the Pelican may return. But they eventually got themselves prepped for their escort mission. It would serve as a temporary distraction, though all they could think of was their missing child.

Once the Pelican had landed. Samus was instructed to command her ship to park inside a hangar bay. When she did so she took note of some sort of locking system going over the hull of her ship. She had a feeling that ONI wanted to examine her ship. She was not too concerned as the ship would only respond to her DNA. Getting off the Pelican one of the male agents carried her belongings while the other male and the Admiral escorted her down the quiet corridor. The place felt massive, it was very sterile the white walls were bright with the beige glossy floors. Once they entered the main part of the facility the amount of other humans was overwhelming. But the building was so large it almost felt as if they were in a small crowd. Samus did her best not to act leery of the crowds but it was difficult. She had to close her eyes very often out of fear of having a flashback. She had no security or comfort from anyone around her. They soon entered a lift which took them up to another area massive area. This area seemed much calmer. There were uniformed men and women. But there were a few people that were dressed more casually.

Eventually arriving inside of a massive office Samus was seated, this time in front of a desk. Both men still stood on each side of her while the woman took her seat at the desk. "Welcome, to ONI. I don't expect you to know what that we are, as I'm sure John, was reluctant to ever mention us." The woman's tone was now colder than before as she explained just exactly what was going to happen. "In a moment your assigned temporary caretaker will arrive. We will eventually get you all settled in Section 3 and with the Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group."

Samus remained silent. Only recognizing the ONI name due to the rare conversations she heard between the Master Chief, Blue Team, and Cortana when she was alive. Blue Team rarely mentioned ONI if ever in front of her. Mostly she questioned what the Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group was? She assumed section 3 was a department of ONI. But she still wondered what exactly it was. She also wanted to know why the cold lady seemed to know Chief so well? Before she could begin asking questions the office door behind her opened.

The female Admiral greeted an entering woman with a nod. "This is Doctor Janet Carter. She is your assigned temporary caregiver." She gestured to the new woman now standing next to the seated child. "You will be staying with her for a short while in this facility. You will be acquainted with our ways of operating soon enough. For now you will get familiarized with your temporary living situation."

It seemed like everything was moving so quickly. Samus was a bit confused by all the information. Or lack there of. It seemed like the Admiral spewed out so much information, yet none at the same time. And who was this Doctor? Why was a Doctor, most likely a scientist, being assigned as her temporary caregiver? Why did she need a caregiver if she was here to do special missions?

"Doctor, if you don't mind taking Samus, now. You can report back to me later this evening." The Admiral basically dismissed them as if no longer caring to have the time for them.

Samus left the office with this new stranger. Carrying her items she assumed the Doctor was leading her to their living quarters. So far this transition felt no different from life on the Infinity. But there was definitely a cold and distant atmosphere about the place.

"Here we are." The Doctor announced stopping in front of a suite number 217.

Entering the suite with the Doctor, Samus was surprised at how roomy it was. The suite had a large living room area which backed onto a large kitchen. Beyond that was two bedrooms in between a lavatory. This must've been modelled after a human home of some sort she thought to herself.

The Doctor observed Samus as she took in the suite, clearly astonished by its appearance. "What do you think?"

"Is this a house?" The girl asked curiously as she began exploring the suite.

The dark haired woman chuckled softly at the young girl. "No. This is what most would call an apartment suite."

Samus raised an eyebrow as she never heard of that word before. "What's an apartment?"

The Doctor smiled, enjoying listening to the unique alien accent the naive young girl had. "An apartment is something that houses lots of people. It's usually a large building containing multiple floors and suites that can look just like this one." Carter allowed the girl to continue exploring. While in her mind she had already began making an analysis of the girl. The young specimen was indeed alien beyond her very human exterior. From the short amount of time spent with Samus, Doctor Carter already assessed that the young girl seemed behind in common human knowledge. Whether it be due to trauma. Or the fact that her life was solely focused on combat training. But the more reasonable reason would be the culture of the Chozo and lack of common human knowledge and socialization.

Samus entered what she could only assume to be her room. It had a bed. A wooden structure full of drawers for storage she assumed. A small desk with paper and art supplies. Other than that it was pretty plain.

"This is your room. To the left of your room is the lavatory. And on the other side of that is my room." Carter explained as Samus put her belongings down on her bed.

The Doctor was eager to start her research on the hybrid girl. "Why don't we go see the city? It'll be a good way to give you a little tour."

Samus had mixed feelings about this place. But the Doctor seemed friendly enough. But not exactly trustworthy. "Okay..." she was a bit unsure of what exactly a human city would entail but she followed the dark haired doctor into what seemed to be a civilian vehicle bay.

Doctor Carter unlocked her vehicle opening the passenger door for the girl. "Have a seat."

Samus sat down in the car. It was like an enclosed luxurious Warthog. She had seen these vehicles before, mostly on fire completely destroyed in the training simulators. Once they were off the base jurisdiction they entered what Samus assumed to be a human city. There were massive buildings and more weird vehicles everywhere. Lots of noise and bustle from the traffic and many humans walking around outside.

"Here you can get a little better view of everything." Carter said as she rolled down the passenger side window for the girl.

The young blonde girl was cautious about looking out the window but there were too many sights to see to not look. As they came to a slow stop Samus could hear laughter and playful yelling just across from her in a grassy field. In the field were children playing with a ball. Children her age. Laughing and playing. Not a care in the world. They didn't seem worried about going out on missions, or making sure they were fit and training constantly.

Doctor Carter observed as Samus watched the children at play. She seemed curious yet astonished at seeing someone else her age. Unfortunately for her outside of the base would be the only time she would encounter any children.

Samus visibly jumped as the window began to roll up on its own. Going back to a tinted vision. After putting the car in park Doctor Carter exited the car walking over to open Samus's door. She thought it would be a good opportunity to study the girl interacting with other humans that were her age. "Did you want to go play with them?"

"Play with them?" Samus repeated while staring at the group of playing children. A couple of the children taking notice of her sitting in the car. "No... I don't think I should..."

"It'll be fine. They don't bite. Go over there and ask if you can join their game. I'm sure they'd love an extra player." Carter gestured for Samus to get out of the car.

"Um... Okay..." Samus got out of the car wondering if this was some sort of test. But her curiosity of what it was like to interact with other's her age was strong enough to push past that thought.

"Okay. Go ahead. I'll be sitting on that bench just right there."

The young blonde girl nervously stood frozen as the Doctor left her side to sit on a bench next to the field. Some of the children gestured for her to come over to them, while the others rolled their eyes and discouraged their friends from calling over the odd girl. Eventually Samus gained enough courage to approach the girls and boys.

"Hey, you must be new here." A friendly dark skinned girl with beautiful curly hair greeted the blonde girl. When Samus didn't reply the girl introduced herself to the clearly timid new girl. "I'm, Leila. These are my friends Sara, Josh, Kalie, and Mateo."

After a few seconds of silence Samus finally gave the other children her name. "I-I'm, Samus."

Leila smiled at Samus before gesturing to the group kicking a soccer ball around. "Samus, did you want to join us in a game?"

"I'm not sure... I don't know how..."

"Ugh, Leila. Quit wasting your time with the new kid, come'on let's play!" The boy called Josh groaned impatiently.

"Oh be quiet. You're so impatient, Josh." Leila scoffed as she took Samus by the hand leading her over to the others. "It's simple, Samus. You just kick the ball around and try to get it into that net."

"What about the other net?" Samus questioned pointing to the net on the opposite side of the field behind them.

"WhAt AboUt ThE OtHer NeT." Josh mocked Samus's alien accent. "You talk weird. You're weird."

Samus furrowed her brow at the mean boy. Reminding her of the soldiers that mocked her on the Infinity. Why was he being so rude? Was it just normal banter between human kids? Judging by Leila and Sara's reaction it probably wasn't the usual interactions they were supposed to have.

"Ugh, just ignore him. He lacks intelligence." Sara scoffed rolling her eyes at the boy. "That's our net. Sara is our goalie she tries to keep the ball from going into our net. We have to try and get the ball into that net where Mateo, is."

The blonde turquoise eyed girl gave a small nod understanding the gist of the game so far. But was still confused. "Why?"

"Because we have to score on them. You're on my team. It's just you, me, and Sara, against Josh, Kallie, and Mateo." Leila said as she gently kicked the ball over to Samus, to which the girl picked up the ball.

"Oh no. You can only use your feet to kick and pass the ball. You can pass it to me, or you can try and score on them. But we gotta get past the others first."

"Sorry." Samus quickly dropped the ball to the ground further frustrating the other children for the delay.

Josh once again groaned growing tired of waiting for Samus to understand the simple game of soccer. "Come'on my baby brother understands this better than that weirdo!"

"Josh, shut up!" Sara hissed at the impatient boy.

"Alright let's go!" Leila called out as she began kicking and chasing the ball.

Samus hesitated to jump in but after some encouragement from Leila she eventually joined. Her running was too fast at first and she kept running past the ball when it was kicked to her. But she eventually set her pace to a jog to keep a proper pace with the other children. Leila kicked the ball all the way to the end of the field passing it over to Samus. Trying to jog and kick the ball at the same time she nearly tripped over it a few times, giving Josh and Kallie the opportunity to steal the ball from her. But Leila quickly regained control of the ball stealing it away from Kallie before kicking it back over to Samus who was in front of the goal.

"Kick it in, Samus! Kick it into the net quickly! Hurry!" The dark skinned girl exuberantly shouted as she tried her best to delay the other kids from running over to Samus.

Seeing an opening between Mateo and the net winding her leg back the alien hybrid child kicked the soccer ball. It zoomed so fast Mateo didn't even have time to see it only hearing the ball go whizzing by as it ruptured through the net, flying across the park nearly hitting a few walking people before slamming into a tree where it burst upon impact leaving a decent dent in the tree trunk.

Samus cringed after the ball burst upon hitting the tree across the park. While the other Children gasped in shock. Samus felt horrible for breaking the ball and ruining the game. "I'm sorry!"

"Don't be sorry. I've got another ball right here." Leila laughed simply grabbing another ball from her bag on the ground, while the other children stared with their mouths wide open in shock.

"Dude, I don't wanna be goalie anymore. She's gonna kill me." Mateo nervously laughed as he walked away from the net. Looking over at the tree the ball had hit it was nearly cut in half.

After watching Samus demolish a soccer ball just with a simple kick the Doctor took that as her cue to get Samus away from the other children before she seriously injured one of them. "Samus, come'on it's time to go!"

"I gotta go. Sorry about breaking your ball." Samus said as she began making her way towards the Doctor.

"It's okay. Maybe we'll see you another time." Leila waved goodbye.

All the kids turned in the direction of the voice of the Doctor. They all seemed to immediately recognize that the Doctor was an ONI scientist. "No wonder she's weird. She must be just another one of ONI's lab rats."

Leila would've told Josh to shut up. But given Samus's odd behaviour and freakish abilities he was most likely very correct.

"Let's get you out of here." She said quickly escorting the girl back into the car. Buckling the girl into her seat the Doctor drove them back to base.

Samus didn't argue or say a word, a bit confused by the sudden rushing to get out of the area. Despite being awkward she was beginning to have fun around the other children. She hoped to interact with them again. When they returned Samus went straight to her room while the female ONI Admiral reprimanded the Doctor for being so careless.

"You're moving too brashly. What made you think taking someone like her off the base without my permission was a good idea?"

"It will not happen again without your knowledge, Ma'am." Doctor Carter bowed her head respectfully. Fully taking the blame for what had happened this morning.

"It won't be happening again ever." The woman leaned back in her chair interlocking her fingers together. "Aran, will be restricted from interacting with outside children. In your observation it was very clear that she had no skill nor ability to control her strength around peers her age. You put the public in danger today."

The Doctor fully agreed with the Admiral. She had to push her human thoughts of the girl away. Samus was an alien hybrid designed to be a bioweapon. Not an ordinary human child they were to indoctrinate into becoming a super soldier.

"In fact. I believe we should just initiate the research testing immediately. There's no reason to pretend like she's a normal child. She knows what she is." The black haired woman spoke callously. Making eye contact with the uniformed agent that stood behind the seated doctor, she gave a nod. With that simple nod the agent exited the office with haste.

Samus wanted to go back to Blue Team. She didn't want to go back to the Infinity. But she wanted the presence and comfort of her Spartan family. This was too much to take in without them by her side. Pacing around her room she exhaled deeply. No, she thought. "I have to stop being such a baby..." as she said that to herself, in the back of her head she could hear Chief reminding her that even though she was a soldier she was still just a kid. For now she had to focus on what was to come, she would have to endure whatever this ONI and XEG threw at her. Picking up her data pad Samus attempted to call the Master Chief to no avail. She knew he was probably still on his mission. But she had hoped to maybe catch him getting back from it. Before she could try one of the other Spartans a group of uniformed men and women along with a few scientists entered the suite being led in by the Doctor. Setting her data pad down Samus curiously walked out into the living room of the suite.

"Samus Aran, please follow us." A man in a black uniform ordered the young girl to follow them.

Samus looked over both of her shoulders as a couple other uniformed men gathered her belongings. "Hey, wait! What is this about?"

"Come." The only man in black continued to beckon for the girl to follow.

Very annoyed with the lack of explanation Samus reluctantly followed the group. "What's happening?"

"We're moving you into a more suitable space." The man mentioned as the other uniformed people made sure to create a barrier behind the girl as they walked.

"I don't understand, what was wrong with where I was? I just got here." Samus would've been lying if she didn't say she felt a bit threatened by all that was happening. Why was she being escorted by a large group of mysterious soldiers and agents. "Did I do something wrong?"

With no further explanation the group of uniformed people brought Samus into a room that was slightly smaller than the suite she was in only moments ago. The men carrying her belongings placed her stuff on the single bed that sat against the back wall of the room. The room consisted of three heavily armoured ceiling and walls. With the fourth wall across the room from the bed being a large bulletproof observation window. As the girl scanned the room with her eyes all the mysterious uniformed people and scientists exited the room. Once everyone but her was filtered out of the room hearing the door seal lock shut alarmed Samus.

"What's going on?!" Samus yelled trying to open the locked door.

"Easy, Samus Aran." The familiar voice of the ONI Admiral came over the inbuilt speakers in the room.

Samus frowned stomping towards the window where all the scientists and uniformed men and women stood including the Admiral. "Why did you lock me in here? Explain what's happening!" She demanded.

"Oh I don't have to explain anything. Not yet at least." The black haired woman replied with a smirk hoping to anger the child.

Samus scanned the room for any potential escape routes finding none in the fortified cage she was now imprisoned in. "YOU LOCKED ME IN A CAGE!" She hit her fists against the glass.

"Well, her observation skills are on point at least." The woman retorted over her shoulder to one of her agents. Turning back to the glass, she pressed the intercom button. "You won't be completely confined to this cage as long as you do exactly as you are told, and comply with whatever we ask of you."

Like that was going to happen now? Conjuring up her armour in order to threaten these mysterious people Samus now confirmed she was never going to be safe here. These people were different. Menacing. From the looks of it she fell right into their trap. No wonder the Spartans of Blue Team were so scared for her.

Astonished onlookers watched as the girl's alien armour materialized completely over the girl's entire body. The black haired woman smirked. That was exactly what she wanted to see. "Initiate the blast shields." She commanded as Samus shouted at them while charging her arm cannon.

"YOU DON'T THINK I CAN ESCAPE THIS?!" Samus fired wildly at the window only for a protective blast shield to appear just as she began unleashing missiles on what used to be the window.

On the other side of the blast shield the ONI agents and scientists watched the monitor intrigued by the interesting arsenal the girl had built into her armour. Samus fired her weapons for a good 15 minutes before finally calming down. "Give her a reminder that we are in control here." Serin said as one of her agents at the control panel activated a button that sent a paralyzing blast of electricity at the armoured girl.

Samus's armour deactivated vanishing from her body as she collapsed to her knees in the middle of the room, defeated.

"Thank you for demonstrating, Samus. I do hope that your outbursts are a little more controlled tomorrow." The woman said as the other ONI personnel left the observation room. "The more you cooperate the more freedom you'll receive." her words dripping in venom as she exited the observation room.

Samus sat in the middle of the floor. Angry. Frustrated. Scared. Where was she? And who were these people? Why were they treating her like this? The cage they had confined her in was roomy, but lacked the essentials for a person to live. There was no food, no water. Only an uncomfortable old rickety bed with thin ratty blankets and her belongings. Scooting herself backwards until she reached the bed. Resting her back against the bed frame Samus brought her small tote of belongings onto the floor next to her. To no surprise the ONI agents confiscated her data pad. The only thing with the ability to possibly contact the Master Chief. Reaching into the tote she pulled out the plushy replica of the Spartan. Hugging it tightly against her chest as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Master Chief knocked on Linda's door. Entering the room once he was granted entrance. "Did Samus, try to contact you?" He asked with his data pad in hand.

"No. Why?" Linda asked looking up from cleaning the barrel of her sniper rifle.

"I just returned from debriefing and saw that I missed an attempted communication from Samus's data pad just moments before I returned to my quarters. I tried to call back but got no response."

Linda smiled at her worried brother. "John, she could be occupied by now. Samus, is probably adjusting to her new surroundings. Maybe they threw her on a mission already. You know how ONI is."

John tried not to let it concern him as the sharpshooter was most likely right. But he just had a sickening feeling that something wasn't right. Samus would never miss an opportunity to speak with him. Especially since she was most likely nervous and anxious in a new environment with new people. Going back to his quarters he wasn't going to give up so easily.

"Ugh, the Master Chief is incessant. What should we do?" One of the agents turned to the black haired woman.

With a venomous grin the Admiral turned to the agent. "Enlighten him. Go to Samus. Have her answer the call. Threaten her. If she exploits what's happening to her. She will never see her Spartans again."

Samus looked at the door as the seal hissed unlocked. Multiple armed soldiers aiming odd weapons approached her threateningly. A singular agent approached in his hand was her data pad that was chiming. As Samus reached for the data pad he was handing her the man quickly pulled it out of her reach. "If you wish to keep communication with the Spartans. Or wish to see them ever again. Do not, speak a word of any of this."

Taking the data pad as she glared at the multiple men that had her at gunpoint. She didn't exactly have much of a choice but to lie to her Spartan family.

"Samus?"

Seeing Chief on her data pad's screen almost brought her to tears. "Chief!" Samus quickly pulled back her emotions as one of the men shook his gun at her.

"I'm sorry I missed your call earlier, I was debriefing." Chief greeted as he took in the dark surroundings Samus was in. "How was your first day?"

"It was... okay." She faked a smile. Going off of what she supposed was the only good part of her day. "I went into a city and met other kids who were my age."

Master Chief was surprised that ONI took Samus outside of the base. He was happy for the girl though. It must've been very interesting for her to interact with other children. "How was that?"

Trying to continue her happy mirage Samus told her Spartan about the experience. "I played something called soccer. I'm not allowed to see them anymore though."

John vaguely remembered playing soccer before he was abducted and put into the Spartan program. "Why aren't you allowed to play with them anymore?" He questioned wondering if something happened.

Samus shamefully turned her head away her eyes locking onto the barrel of a gun one of the threatening soldiers were holding. "It wasn't safe for me to play with them. I broke their ball, and almost injured them." Frowning she was disappointed that she could not meet up with that nice girl Leila. "One of them was really nice. I wish I could see her again..."

Master Chief understood the reasons why Samus couldn't play with the children. But he also knew it would've been beneficial for Samus to have a friend. Especially one her own age. "Maybe if you ask, and don't play soccer next time. They will reconsider you visiting with the nice one."

"It's okay... It was neat to meet other kids though." Samus replied glancing up at the male agent who stared coldly at her.

John narrowed his eyes behind his visor wondering why the room Samus was in was so incredibly dark. Assuming she must've been sitting on the floor as the girl was leaned up against what looked to be a really old looking bed. From what he could see in the small frame, the walls were heavily armoured. Before he could ask where Samus was Kelly entered the view.

"Is that our Sammy, I hear!?" The speedy Spartan called out as both Linda and Fred came over to see.

"Hi guys." Samus smiled upon seeing the rest of the team.

"Hey kiddo. We miss you already." Fred said waving to the camera.

Samus's turquoise eyes welled up with tears as she truly wanted to be there with them right now. "I-I... really miss you too..."

"Where are you, Samus? It looks awfully dark in there." Linda questioned the suspicious background behind the young girl.

"It's night time here..." She replied even though she truly didn't know as there were no windows in the fortified room. Her eyes quickly glanced up to see the Officer mouthing for her to end the call now. "I gotta go now..."

"Wait what? We just got here!" Kelly complained.

"I-I've gotta go to bed." Samus lied watching as a scientist in a white coat entered the room. Immediately approaching her with some sort of device in their hand.

"Since when do you act responsible, and go to bed on time?" Fredric teased playfully, a bit shocked to hear Samus say that she was going to bed.

Samus winced as the scientist knelt down out of the camera's frame, running a cold alcohol swab over the lower half of her spine. "Haha... I'm just really tired..."

Exchanging looks with his teammates they could all tell something was going on with their girl. "We don't have a mission tomorrow. We'll talk more tomorrow, okay? I want to make sure you're adjusting well." Master Chief replied, hoping whoever was listening in on their conversation knew he wanted to keep in close contact with the girl.

"End. The. Call." The officer whispered threateningly.

Feeling a cold metal device press firmly against her spine Samus replied nearly allowing the tears to escape her eyes. "Goodnight..." she ended the call. Immediately feeling a harsh sting of injecting pain as the scientist injected something onto her spine. She swung her arm to strike the scientist away. Only to have multiple armed soldiers pin her to the floor immediately.

The uniformed ONI agent bent down to the girl's level. "You may keep your data pad. Everything you do will be monitored. You're under our control now."

Samus wanted to jump up and neutralize everyone in the room. She knew she could easily overpower them even with guns drawn at her head. She truly didn't want to kill anyone. Not again. But it was something she may have to consider doing in order to escape this cruel world of mysterious humans.

"John, what's on your mind? You look as if you want to kill something." Kelly thought aloud as she watched her brother pace back and forth.

Chief turned sharply towards his team he could feel something was wrong with Samus. "Something's wrong. Samus, was being monitored."

"She's in an ONI base, of course she's being monitored." Kelly replied clearly not easing her leader's nerves.

"That's not an excuse. This is different." Chief wasn't going to ignore his gut feelings. Making his way to the bridge with his team in tow he would demand answers from either the Captain or Commander if he had to.

"Blue Team? What brings you here at this hour?" Captain greeted the four Spartans.

"Where was Samus, taken?" Master Chief demanded.

Captain Lasky dipped his head with a deep sigh. Knowing he should've told the Spartan where the girl would end up in the first place. "I..."

"That information is classified and cannot be disclosed to you or your team." Commander Palmer responded for the Captain, knowing Lasky had too soft of a heart.

"That's bullshit! Samus, was our kid! We have a right to know where exactly she went!" Kelly spat as she was not going to take the Commander's beat around the bush attitude.

Palmer chuckled at the Spartan 2's. "Listen, I don't know what deluded thoughts you have swirling around in your head. But Samus, was not your team's child." She turned to glare at the distressed Spartan leader. "Nor was she Chief's. Samus, is a freak orphan. She belongs to no one."

John knew the only way to get answers was to openly defy those in command. "Roland, what facility is Samus, stationed at?" Going straight to the source that would contain the truth.

"Samus Aran, is currently within a Section 3 Office Of Naval Intelligence facility. This facility in particular works alongside Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group."

"Roland!" Commander Palmer hissed for the AI to be silent.

Captain Lasky quickly approached the Spartan team as tensions were getting out of control quickly. "The UNSC and ONI have been monitoring Samus, closely for two years. They have been trying to get Samus, into one of their research facilities since you first brought her from Zebes. For two years I have been able to delay them. I'm sorry."

Master Chief appreciated everything the Captain tried to do for him and his team. But he could not just stand idly by while Samus was turned into an ONI project. Storming out of the bridge he knew Samus was very capable of saving herself. But he feared she may be too afraid to kill in order to save herself.

Samus jolted awake to a searing pain coursing through her entire body. Barely able to move through the pain she rolled onto her side getting a good look at the people standing on the opposite side of the observation glass. As soon as she made eye contact with them the pain stopped. Realizing she was in the middle of the floor Samus pushed herself up into a sitting position. Trying to recollect what happened last night after the call with Blue Team. She had zero memory. Feeling aching in her lower back she ran a hand over her spine feeling a small hard rectangular device under her skin. Voices soon came over the speakers after discovering the device in her spine.

"Good morning, Aran." The venomous voice of the Admiral called out to her while the door to the enclosure opened.

Scientists alongside a few armed uniformed men entered the enclosure as the girl stirred. "What is this?" Samus weakly asked, her entire body tingled numbly as she tried to get up to her feet.

Osman watched as the girl stood up weakly, her legs trembling as she stood up in the middle of the room. As difficult as it was to push away her own memories of being treated like a science project. The former Spartan 2 watched the scientists go over the girl like a lab rat.

"The device implanted in you is connected to your nervous system. It collects data from your body. While also giving us control if you get out of hand."

Samus pulled away from the uniformed men and women that were poking and prodding her. "Get out of hand?" She retorted. "I'm not a feral creature. I have done nothing to invoke this hostility. I'm a human being!" Hearing the door hiss open as the black haired woman entered the enclosure while the scientists filtered out, Samus glared as the tall smirking woman approached with two armed guards next to her.

"We know who you are, Samus Aran. You have killed our highly trained skilled soldiers in the past. We do not know what you're fully capable of just yet. We intend to figure out every little thing about you. From your strange weaponry, all the way down to your little cells." Osman walked directly up to the young girl, stopping inches away from the girl. Leaning down to be level with the child's turquoise eyes. "You may not think you deserve this type of treatment, but let me make this very clear. You are far from human."

"I. Am. Human." Samus argued staring directly back into the brown eyes of the woman.

"So you think. But time will tell us everything we want to know." Osman scoffed turning to walk away from the girl.

"If you have a device that can control me, why not take me with you and talk to me about what I am?"

The Admiral stopped in the doorway without turning around replying to the challenge. "And why would I do that?"

Samus took a few steps towards where the woman stood in the doorway having both the guards approach her at gunpoint. "You want to know exactly what, or who, I am? Take me with you."

A dry chuckle escaped the Admiral as she looked over her shoulder. "I'm not here to make friends with you."

"You want to learn about me?" Samus gazed at the floor, she didn't want to make friends with the lady either. But Old Bird's be friendly tactic was at the very least intriguing the woman. "We don't have to be friends if you don't want to be. But maybe you need one?"

Osman spun around to face the young child standing behind her. "You think I need friends?"

"Maybe." Samus shrugged in reply. She couldn't imagine such a cold person would have many friends.

"And what makes you think my first choice would be you?"

"If given the choice I wouldn't be my first choice either, Ma'am. But I would still be there for you if needed." The blonde girl replied trying to keep the atmosphere lighthearted despite the circumstances she was facing.

The tall black haired woman folded her arms continuing to smirk at the girl. "Clearly your Spartan team didn't properly educate about ONI. We will be learning everything about you whether we talk to you, or not. You will be going through every test we throw at you, whether you survive them, or not. Your manipulation tactics will not work on me. But it was cute of you to try."

Samus turned walking back to the middle of the enclosure. "My offer still stands. Regardless of what you think of me."

The Admiral shook her head exiting the enclosure with the guards, leaving the child alone. A small part of her felt as if she should take the girl's offer. Fortunately she had to step away to deal with more important matters, regarding other bioweapons on a Kig-Yar pirate base. For the most part the alien hybrid project was out of her hands. Secretly thankful she did not have to watch the young girl be tortured. She would never make friends with the young girl.

Sitting on the floor in the middle of the room, Samus began to wonder what exactly she had to do to prove that she was just like everyone else? She understood their curiosity about her armour and weapons. But they couldn't be anymore interesting than the Promethean and Covenant weapons? Why were they interested in her alone? There were many reports about her already why did they need to take her away from Blue Team? She already knew nobody saw her as human despite clearly being one. She wondered when the so called tests the Admiral mentioned would start?

A chime from behind her on the bed caught the girl's attention. Grabbing her data pad Samus saw that it was Chief calling back to check on her. "Chief?" Answering the call she had so many questions to ask him but had to restrain herself from asking remembering that everything she did was being monitored.

"Samus, where are you? Are you okay?" The Spartan immediately asked clearly concerned for her.

He must've known exactly where she was. She wondered if Chief knew what exactly was going to happen to her? Samus hated that she had to lie to her mentor. "I'm fine. I'm just relaxing. Why do you ask?" She put on a fake cheery tone of confusion.

Master Chief hated that he was powerless to help the girl. He could clearly see an observation window for a fortified enclosure behind Samus. "What room are you in? It doesn't look like personal quarters?"

The young girl so badly wanted to explain where she was but could not. Feeling a burning sensation course throughout her entire body, she knew it was the device in her spine and the ONI personnel warning her to watch it.

"Samus?"

Clenching a fist as the pain slowly dissipated she replied trying her best to hide her pain. "It's just a training room. I'm taking a breather."

The pained expression behind her fake smile broke him inside. Samus was already clearly being treated as a science project.

"John, stop asking questions." Linda whispered softly, as her and the rest of the team sat off camera. They all knew exactly what ONI was capable of inflicting.

Closing his eyes behind his golden visor he internally sighed feeling absolutely helpless against helping the young girl. "We miss you..."

Every time those words escaped the Spartans it felt like a dagger piercing her heart. There was nothing more she wanted than to be back with her Spartan family. "I miss you too. I want to be back with you..."

Linda, Fred, and Kelly, all came into view when the child replied saying she wanted to be back with them. "We would love to have you back, Sammy. I'm sorry things have changed so suddenly." Kelly apologized sounding genuinely upset for the girl.

"Maybe you will get assigned to the same mission as us one day." Fred tried to sound optimistic even though he knew that possibility was very very slim.

Samus replied only with a small smile knowing that wasn't possible anytime soon. A hiss from the door seal made her look to the left. Before she could say anything to the Spartans she quickly snuck her data pad under the bed leaning it up against one of the inside legs.

"What's going on...?"

Chief quickly shot Kelly a sharp glare. The team quickly took the hint staying silent as they listened to what was happening to their girl.

"Get Up now!" Four armed men demanded for Samus to get up off of the floor. The Spartans watched the girl reluctantly do as she was asked, but it still wasn't without force from one of the impatient armed men.

"Move it!" One of the men forcefully yanked Samus by the arm shoving her towards the door out of frame where the other men continued to shove and jab the girl in the back with guns.

Before they could listen any further the call cut out suddenly just as the armed men forced Samus out of the enclosure.

"The bloody bastards cut the video!" Kelly slammed her hand down on Chief's desk. Master Chief had tried so desperately to keep Samus away from the upbringing he had. Hoping that training Samus himself would be enough to keep ONI from getting involved. But it seemed to have the complete opposite effect. Though he did not know if training Samus was ONI's goal since she was already fully combat ready. Samus was something they wanted to study, not indoctrinate. The child was in ONI's eyes, a bioweapon they wanted to harness power, and technology from. Not a child they wanted to train and make into a super soldier.

The first half of ONI's testing wasn't completely unbearable. Most of it was just pathetic simulations trying to prove just how easy it was for Samus to accomplish taking down targets. Soon after was forceful torturous medical procedures to see exactly what she was made of. Unfortunately for ONI most of the procedures failed as the girl did not take to any of the drugs given to her. Resulting in most of their samples being destroyed by her wild actions to escape from their medical testing. In the weeks that came after the failed traumatic medical procedures the child was assigned to run real missions that ONI specifically tasked her with. The weeks turned to months, the months quickly turned into years of continuously being treated like an animal. Everyone treated her like a dog on a chain, releasing her only when they needed her to bite. ONI even went so far as to allow Samus to venture back to the galaxy she came from. Allowing her to be hired on as a bounty hunter for another military affiliation the Galactic Federation. She was ONI's only ticket to learning more about the Galactic Federation she mentioned so many years ago. The illusion of being free from torture was torment. Samus knew that she was being spread very thin between ONI and the GF. It would only be a matter of time before the Galactic Federation caught wind of her being monitored by an entirely different military affiliation. Though ONI began to realize the Galactic Federation had control over quite a few different planets and regularly explored other galaxies. ONI thought it to be unwise to let their presence be known to them. Continuing to use Samus as a data collector. But she didn't care about the outcome as she was able to go after the Space Pirates and defeat Mother Brain. Destroying Ridley in the process. Though he continued to haunt her by coming back in a mechanical form. Adventuring out to many distant planets, even going as far as to save a random alien race from a dark force. During bounty work, she was able to obtain many hidden Chozo power ups for her armour. ONI was on the fence about her discoveries as it provided more power for Samus. The girl realized perhaps ONI didn't know the Chozo as well as they had thought. The Galactic Federation had put Samus on hiatus after she had successfully abolished the Phazon crisis, and destroyed Zebes. ONI didn't hesitate to hail her back to do their bidding now that they understood the extent of harsh environments the child could endure. Sending her to many unobtainable areas on inhospitable worlds the UNSC and ONI had previously tried to explore with probes. She knew it was a test to see how much power she had gained. As a precaution they had implanted two more control devices into her. Five in total, as she had grown exponentially stronger than before. Despite the invasive treatment she received, Samus had been thriving on ONI's assignments but it wasn't without attempting to escape their control. Many times she had fought through the excruciating pain of the devices implanted in her, trying to pilot her gunship into unscheduled hyper space. It was nearly impossible as ONI now had all the uncharted space she had travelled available to them. The teen had even tried removing the devices unsuccessfully. ONI was always able to shut her down and retrieve both her and her gunship. Despite the horrendous conditions she had to come home to after the missions, she was basically a hired mercenary for ONI at this point. The last mission they assigned her was on a dangerous fiery world. Samus did not know if it was a set up to try and end her life, she suspected it was as she had grown much more powerful than they expected. The mission ended in a horrible accident that the young teen barely escaped with her life. Returning to base from that mission the teen was left to suffer with her untreated wounds in her cage. Her ability to heal almost immediately depending on severity of her wounds was most interesting to XEG. The teen's horrendous injuries were unlike anything they had ever seen from any of their previous soldiers. Spartan. Or not. An intriguing observation for the XEG scientist studying her.

Ignoring her injuries they continued to deploy the teen. Feeling blood trickling down her spine Samus stood hidden on an overhanging cliffside over the dense jungle area she had just cleared of Covenant remnants. She watched from a far distance as Blue Team marched towards the area with guns drawn and marines in tow.

Another area completely wiped out within moments of hearing the commotion? Master Chief lowered his assault rifle to his chest as the marines and his team swept the area to make sure the lifeless remains of Covenant remnants were dead.

"Energy weapon burns. Plasma burns. Electrical overloads. Concussive damages. Spherical tracks. Ice damage...? Half these bodies look like they were bludgeoned to death by blunt force trauma." A marine listed off as he walked through the many dead bodies.

Fredric stood up from an Elite's lifeless body. A plasma burn injury shot straight through its chest. "This is the fourth camp we've run up to after hearing gunfire. How are we not quick enough to even capture the ending of these fights?"

"It's definitely not the Created. They don't have eyes on this world yet. It couldn't be the Swords Of Sangheilios? Arbiter wouldn't just attack on UNSC occupied colony worlds without letting us know. Would he?" Kelly thought aloud as she pulled an energy sword out from an Elite's chest.

As someone who fought side by side with the Arbiter, Master Chief found it hard to believe that the Sangheili leader would do such a thing. If there was anything the Sangheili cared about most it was their honour. And this type of act was completely dishonourable especially since Arbiter fought so hard to protect the alliance between Sangheili and humans.

"No. The weapons used on these bodies are consistent with the others attacks. They are not of Covenant, or Created, in origin." Linda examined the spherical tracks in the dirt. They were very familiar. Examining the damages to the Covenant bodies were familiar yet scarcely different.

Fred recognized that most wounds were not consistent with wounds inflicted by Sangheili or Promethean weaponry. "What exactly would do this type of damage? It's not consistent with any of the our weaponry, or any that we've encountered?"

Chief approached the sharpshooter, also recognizing the familiarity in the damages and tracks left behind. "John, these tracks. The energy burns, they look consistent with..."

"Samus's weaponry." He completed Linda's sentence. Looking at the spherical tracks left in the dirt, they looked to be the exact size and shape as the girl's morph ball.

"The ice and plasma are not exactly related to her I don't believe...? It could be a new Promethean. But I am doubtful." Linda tried to find other possibilities for the consistencies.

The mission briefing they were given was insignificant only mentioning possible bioweapon use within the Covenant remnants. Having fought alongside the girl on the battlefield it was very hard to fool the ones who raised her. It had been 3 years since they had lost contact with Samus, much could've changed over the years. These attacks must have been the result of Samus Aran.

"Secure the perimeter, and hold position." Master Chief commanded as he began walking in the direction of tracks that led into the dense jungle.

"John." Linda called, halting the Spartan in his tracks.

Chief stood waiting for the next words to come from the sharpshooter. He did not turn around, already set on investigating regardless of what his sister said to him.

"We've been barely able to keep up with these random attacks. If it's her... You know she's long gone."

"Wait here." John replied pushing through the foliage as he continued to track. Linda was most likely right. But he had to take the chance. It was difficult to track through the thick fauna of the jungle. Samus remained in morph ball for some time obviously much easier to go undetected through the thick brush. Eventually he located petite boot prints near a rock face. Scanning upwards with his eyes he found a trail of blood that led all the way up to the cliffside.

Samus winced as her injury from the energy sword stung her spine as she observed the Master Chief from above. She had been observing him for 30 minutes all while anticipating ONI command sending her into excruciating pain just for being so close to the Spartan. Backing away from the edge waiting to get a jolt of horrendous pain as a warning to get out of there. But it ever came. Clenching her hand into a tense fist, scared to reveal herself to Master Chief. Scared to feel the repercussions for attempting contact with the only one who could possibly free her from ONI's clutches. Samus closed her eyes trying to make a decision.

Turning his back to the rock face Master Chief kept his eyes on his motion tracker. Another life signal was nearby. After a few more moments of waiting patiently he felt small pebbles bouncing off his armour. Pivoting around his assault rifle aimed at the figure sliding down the rock face.

Samus stood in front of the Spartan who held her at gunpoint. Still anticipating that she would get pain from the ONI implanted devices she stood perfectly still waiting for Chief to make a move.

Keeping his weapon aimed John wasn't certain if the tall large shouldered figure in front of him was Samus. The alien styling and colour scheme of the armour was familiar. The green arm cannon was iconic to the girl's armour. "Samus...?" He hesitated.

Samus slowly nodded in response, not seeming to satisfy the Spartan leader with her nonverbal response.

"Samus Aran?" He asked again more sternly.

Shamefully looking to the ground the teen unfortunately could not respond the way Chief was expecting. Exhaling deeply Samus closed her eyes as she commanded her armour to disengage making her vulnerable.

Putting his finger over his trigger as a small flash of light engulfed the figure in front of him. The suit of alien armour disappeared, revealing a tall muscular blonde teenager in a blue jumpsuit. Once John's gaze met the teen's turquoise eyes he holstered his weapon immediately. Scanning the teen with his eyes he almost didn't recognize the girl. Samus had grown so much since they've been separated from each other. "Y-you've grown taller."

Samus flashed a very small smile at the Chief's observation. Desperately wanting to completely trust the Spartan, but she had to be wary. Despite being human herself, she had locked away what little trust she used to have for humankind.

Noticing the blood staining her jumpsuit Chief moved to see where the girl was injured. Finding a decent slash mark going down the entirety of the teen's spine. "You're injured." Turning on his helmet's flashlight he went to inspect the severity of the injury, only to have the teen leap away from him in fear. Confused by this behaviour Chief stayed where he was.

"John, the perimeter is secure. Where are you?" Fred's voice came over the Chief's helmet speakers.

Chief turned to the path he had come down. "Hold position, I'm returning with a friendly."

Samus looked around as if she was looking for an escape. Uncertain about going back with the Master Chief. The Spartan watched her from where he stood patiently waiting. Looking around nervously she wondered if returning to Blue Team would bring her some peace of mind, knowing they would fight to keep her from the hands of ONI. Sorely walking towards the Spartan hesitantly agreeing to go with him.

"Are you okay to move with your injury?" John asked to which the teenager reactivated her armour, giving him a nod yes.

"Do you think he really found her?" Kelly asked her sister as they paced around waiting for their leader to return.

Linda watched as the marines continued to search the Covenant remnant camp for any information. "I don't know who else he would be returning with."

"We're on a colony world. It could be anyone." Fred thought aloud as rustling in the bushes made everyone aim their guns towards the sound. "It's Chief!"

"Is that really our girl?" Kelly excitedly asked as Chief approached with the alien armoured teen in tow.

John quickly stepped in between his teammates and the girl. "Careful... Samus, is injured. We need to return to base."

"Understood." The Spartan team turned leading the squad of marines back to base.

The marines all whispered amongst each other as they followed the Spartans and teenager. Even the Spartans whispered amongst each other as they walked. It took everything in her body to refrain from pivoting around warily to face the marines and Spartans that were moving behind her. Distracting herself Samus commanded her ship to follow her to the base.

"Is the kid okay?" Fred asked his brother as they walked behind the teen.

"I don't know. She was injured, but I wasn't able to examine the severity of her injury." Master Chief responded taking note of the sore strides the girl was taking. Luckily it did not take long for them to arrive at the UNSC base.

Samus was hesitant to set foot on the base. It looked like the ONI facility she had been kept prisoner in but on a smaller scale.

"Come'on Sammy, let's get your wounds treated." Kelly gestured for the girl to follow them.

Stepping into the base it seemed just like the other. Though the atmosphere seemed calmer. More solemn. The Created had sent the entire Universe into lock down. Being led into the infirmary Samus's armour dematerialized almost instantly as the medics quickly led her to a bed to be examined.

Blue Team was shocked by the girl's reaction to merely everything around them. She was beyond petrified. Afraid to move a single muscle without being told. Flinching and cowering away every time anyone approached. Exchanging looks with his teammates John carefully approached the teen that was visibly trembling. Hesitating he placed his hand gingerly on her shoulder. Samus jolted away nearly falling as she tripped into the medical bed. Knocking over medical supplies as she put herself against a wall.

"Careful. Is everything alright... Oh my god you've found her!" The familiar CMO gasped in shock as she locked her eyes onto the teenager.

Samus folded her arms tightly against her chest pressing herself against the wall only to jolt away from the wall in pain after her back contacted it.

"Whoa! Easy kid. Easy." Fred softly called out as they all stepped back giving the clearly frightened teen some room.

Linda and Chief both locked concerned gazes as Doctor Skye took a cautious step toward the girl. "Do we know what her status is?"

Master Chief responded as him and Linda carefully corralled the teen towards the Doctor. "Unknown. Samus, hasn't spoken a single word since being found. She appeared injured."

"It's alright! It's alright hun! I'm just getting a quick scan of you." Doctor Skye desperately tried to reassure the panicking teen.

Defeated Samus closed her eyes tightly as the Doctor scanned her. Eventually allowing Master Chief to carefully lift her up onto the medical bed.

"She's so scared, John." Linda whispered as they watched the teen tremble on the bed.

John was very concerned for Samus. He had so many questions for her. He was sure that his teammates had just as many questions for the teen as he did. Wanting to desperately know what happened to Samus after she was taken away from them 3 years ago.

Eventually moving the girl into a private room the CMO entered to give the results of the teen's scans. Samus seemed a bit more relaxed now that she was out of the med bay. But she was still jumpy especially when the medics or CMO came near her.

"What are the results Doctor?" Kelly asked the CMO who looked quite concerned.

Staring at her data pad the Doctor rubbed the back of her head. "Samus... Her wounds from the energy blade have been healing. But there's foreign objects in her spine that must be causing her quite a bit of pain. I must remove them in order to give her some relief." Unfortunately removing the ONI devices from the girl's spine took the entirety of Blue Team to hold Samus down for the procedure as the teen did not take to any of the anaesthetics injected into her. The poor girl cried and cried, tears poured out of her turquoise eyes as the Doctor finally removed the last device from her spine. Once done the procedure the Doctor took the Spartan team off into another room to examine the devices she removed going over the results of the girl's scans.

"Doctor, what did you remove from her?" Kelly asked.

The CMO sighed as she looked up from her desk where the five devices she removed sat. "I'm uncertain exactly what this is as they are badly damaged. But if I were to guess they were devices that collected data. I presume they had other functions perhaps they were also meant to control Samus, if needed. I don't doubt that they delivered pain if she stepped out of line as only one of these devices should've sufficed."

"Are those devices the reason why our girl won't speak to us?" Kelly asked, as they were all pretty disgusted by what the Doctor was explaining.

Doctor Skye shook her head no, pulling up the girl's scans on her data pad. "No. From what I could see with a simple scan there's significant trauma to Samus's larynx. It looks like it was quite recently. I need to get better scans to confirm my information."

"She'll probably stay still for a scan now that those things are out of her." Fred thought aloud.

"I will try. But whatever happened to Samus, in those 3 years was not good. She's down right petrified. Something has caused her to become that way, the poor girl." The CMO said as she gathered her tools to try and get a better scan of the young teen.

"She's never going back to those ONI bastards. I don't care if they come looking for her. She's ours. They undid everything we put into her!" The speedy Spartan spat internally cursing ONI for what they did.

Fred scoffed folding his arms. "They were probably thrilled that she can no longer speak. If she could tell us what she went through they'd be cowering in the depths."

Master Chief would like nothing more than to destroy the ones who made Samus this way. But he knew with the way the universe was going that chance would never come. For now they had to focus on getting Samus back to the girl they knew.

With that thought the CMO returned with a look of dismay on her face. "Unfortunately my theories are correct. The damage to her vocal cords are irreversible. It's as if someone took burning acid and poured it down her throat."

"How the hell did that happen to her?!" Kelly gasped.

"I don't think we'll be hearing how it happened any time soon." Fred sighed deeply saddened for the teen.

"I will have to try and get more testing done on her to confirm that. Luckily there's many different ways of communicating." The Doctor mentioned gesturing for the Spartans to go back into the private room where Samus waited. "When Samus, is ready. She'll tell you what happened."

Samus looked up hearing multiple boot's entering her room. She watched every move the Spartan team made as they approached her.

"It's alright. You can breathe now." Kelly tried to reassure the teen she was okay.

Seeing the expression of fear on the girl's face a thought entered Linda's mind. "Maybe we should just visit one at a time while Samus, adjusts. John, we'll leave you to her." She suggested gesturing for Fred and Kelly to follow her out. Disappointed, Fred and Kelly both understood following the sharpshooter out of the room.

Chief gave a nod to the sharpshooter as she led the others out. Once they were gone he closed the door behind them in order to block out the busy noise of the infirmary. Looking around he knew in his armour he was too heavy to sit on the chair or bed in the room. Sitting himself on the floor next to Samus's bedside he became a bit more level with the fearful teen.

Trying not to meet the Spartan's gaze, anytime she was back on base the lingering fear that uniformed men of XEG would come charging in at any moment to conduct more torturous testing on her. The sight of the panicked teen was devastating to witness. He had never seen Samus so panicked in his life. With the exception of their first encounter with Ridley. But even that was different from this. Chief didn't know what to do. He had so many questions for the teen but she couldn't answer them... They sat for hours in silence, Samus could not speak so he would have to make an effort to start a conversation.

"Samus."

The teen looked over at the Spartan in acknowledgment waiting for him to continue.

"I'm sorry I didn't fight harder to keep you with us." John apologized to the girl. His overwhelming guilt finally filtering out of him. "You're safe with us. I will not let them take you away from me again."

It was reassuring to hear, but she still had major distrust being here. Taking a moment Samus tried to put on her brave act for the Spartan. Mentally cursing herself for being so pathetic when in the presence of humans, when she was one herself. It was difficult for others to understand. She honestly didn't think she understood the fear herself. Only meeting a handful of humans in her life who she could actually fully trust. Now after what she had gone through in the last three years, it proved to be difficult to rekindle that full trust in the ones she knew she could trust with her life.

Chief sat still as Samus attempted to relax herself on the bed. At the head of the bed moving out of her tense tight sitting position in the furthest corner away from him the teen moved herself to the middle. "How are you feeling?" After getting no reply due to her lack of vocals he quickly changed his question to a more simple format so the girl could answer yes or no. "Are you feeling better after the getting those things removed?"

Samus eagerly nodded in reply, even though realistically she still had the fear that she would be stricken with excruciating pain and paralysis from the now nonexistent control devices.

"W-were they control devices implanted by ONI?" The unfortunate confirmation nod from the teen sickened him to his core, knowing that the teen's treatment as a study case was not humane in any way shape or form. "Did you try to escape?"

Samus once again gave a nod though she did not try too many times as the more she tried the more pain and torture she received. The only freedom she got was when she was on missions especially on hostile worlds or environments inhospitable to humans as she knew they had zero control or ability to obtain her. Though every time she thought of hiding out on those planets until ONI gave up she ended up destroying the planets due to the incredibly high risk and galactic danger their inhabitants proposed.

"You refused to kill them in order to escape?" He thought aloud. To no surprise his theory was true as Samus slowly nodded in confirmation.

It took every ounce in her body to refuse to overpower and kill the humans who tortured her. Samus knew that was exactly what ONI was fishing for especially since they had proof she could. But killing them would've resolved nothing, only causing more issues and interest in her abilities.

"You're safe now. I won't ever let them take you again." John stood himself up as he assured his teen that she was completely safe under his care once again. He would fight ONI if they came for the girl he didn't care what would happen to him if he defended Samus.

After three years of nonstop suicide missions and torturous treatment it was almost odd to hear that someone cared about her so deeply. Sliding herself carefully off the bed Samus stood in front of the Spartan who gazed down at her intently.

It had not been the reunion Chief had expected from the teen. The young girl he had cared for before she was suddenly stripped away from his team, would've eagerly greeted him with an excited embrace. He had never really returned the give hugs from the girl unless it was due to distress. Although it did not matter that Samus did or did not, it still felt odd and uncharacteristic of the girl.

Samus observed warily as Chief hesitantly lifted his arms towards her. He paused looking hesitant.

"May I...?"

Was Chief really asking her for a hug? Samus slowly nodded in reply. Supposing she didn't exactly give him the usual greeting that she'd do after long periods of being apart from each other. He cautiously as gently as he could wrapped his arms around her in a light embrace. Samus jolted holding her arms out from her sides, it had been a long time since she had been gently held. Never had the Master Chief ever asked her for a hug. Eventually relaxing her very tense body into the embrace she rested her head on the Mjolnir chest plate as she finally returned the hug.

Looking down Chief could see Samus was silently sobbing as tears streamed from her exhausted eyes. "I'm sorry, Samus." He calmly ended the embrace. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Samus waved her hands and shook her head no at the Spartan as she attempted the wipe her tears away.

The Spartan leader wasn't exactly sure what the teen was trying to say to him so he guessed. "I didn't upset you...?"

Samus shook her head in confirmation that he had not upset her. She was crying because she had forgotten what true kindness really felt like.

The next few weeks Blue Team had been too busy on missions to rekindle their bonding time with Samus. The teen remained in the private secluded room in the med bay away from the other soldiers and UNSC personnel within the base. She waited warily to see who would enter the room, relief washed over her when the Master Chief entered.

"Samus, are you doing okay?" Chief asked as he entered the room.

Nodding Samus almost excitedly approached the entering Spartan but quickly stopped herself as some unknown dread flooded over her. John watched as Samus almost attempted what he considered to be her normal bubbly greeting for him. But the teen remained reserved. Chief took note of the terrified expression in the girl's turquoise eyes as if she was picturing something horrific in that moment.

"How is the patient doing?" Doctor Skye asked as she entered the room making Samus visibly jump. "Sorry. I'm just here to make sure you're healing up from that little procedure." She asked hoping to get a look at the teen's back after also being busy in the field herself.

Chief gestured for the girl to show the Doctor her back. It took a moment, but eventually Samus turned around to show the CMO her recovered injury sight.

"Nicely healed." Skye smiled. "Now. I didn't exactly get to ask you too much about this injury. May I take a look?" She asked gesturing to the teen's throat that was covered by the skintight blue jumpsuit.

Samus hesitantly nodded flinching away as the CMO peeled her Zero suit away from her neck revealing a nasty scar that spread across the front of the teen's neck. Chief grimaced from behind his visor, it looked as if something had surgically went at the girl's throat before burning the flesh with acid.

"Hmm... When did this injury occur? A few weeks ago, maybe a bit longer?" The Doctor inquired receiving a nod from the teen. She sighed while taking a more thorough scan of the girl's injury. Mulling over the results she gazed at the girl. "Have you tried to speak since your injury?"

Samus shook her head no. She had overheard too many ONI agents celebrating that she would never be able to speak again. ONI medics were constantly mentioning that attempting to speak would cause her horrific pain. At the time even breathing or making the slightest noise was so excruciating she wanted to be put out of her misery. She still had quite a bit of lingering pain, so she had no doubt that the ONI agents were correct.

The CMO could see on her scan that the damage was irreversible. From the recovery attempt the teen's body made she could see Samus should be able to vocalize. Minimal speech abilities were a given, but all the teen needed to do was try to verbally communicate. "From what I'm analyzing you should have the ability of speech. With moments of temporary mutism. I believe your body has healed your damaged larynx to the best of its abilities."

Both Chief and the CMO stared at the teen hoping she would attempt even saying a singular word. "Why not try saying one word? Like, Chief." Doctor Skye gestured to the massive Spartan standing next to her.

The teen blinked thinking about trying to possibly speak. It was such a unique excruciating pain compared to anything else she had endured, with the exception of her Phazon corruption. Samus feared feeling it again if she did speak.

John recognized the fear of pain in the teen's eyes. This wasn't the right time for Samus. "Perhaps another time Doctor." He said as he gestured for Samus to approach him. "Is Samus, cleared to leave the med bay?"

"Yes of course. Please return if there's any issues." Doctor Skye bowed her head before leaving to deal with other patients.

Chief gently guided Samus towards the door to which the teen backed away from. "Samus?" He called confused.

Samus stared at the open door before cautiously following Chief out clinging to his arm for security as they exited the med bay into the quiet wide corridors of the base. Square one. This was a familiar routine reminding Chief of when he first brought Samus back into the human world after their first encounter. But this felt different. The girl was not afraid because of the unknown human world. But because of what humans had done to her.

"I'm sorry I've been busy on missions." The Spartan leader apologized. "Now that you're cleared medically, you can join us."

Samus halted at one of the glass panes that lined the one side of the corridor. Outside she could see part of the base, what looked to be a vehicle bay, and training yards. Just beyond that was the dense jungle mountains which she had travelled through. In the distance the Infinity hovered not far. Making her wonder what exactly has happened in the time she was gone?

"A lot has happened since you've been gone. A whole new war has sparked against a very powerful enemy. So powerful we are in hiding." Master Chief said as he stood next to the teen, gazing out the window at the Infinity.

Samus titled her head curiously at Chief. Wondering who exactly this enemy was? She had heard the panic within the ONI base but received zero knowledge or information as to why they were stricken with fear.

"The Created. They can police the galaxies with Guardians. Destroy planets at will if you disobey or disagree with their leader's order." He could see the more he explained the more Samus wanted to know who was the ringleader in all the tyranny? "Cortana... is the cause of this..."

Cortana?! Chief must be absolutely devastated Samus thought. "Ch-Chief..."

The quietest voice sympathetically called out his name. Samus's alien accent still present in her whisper. The teen's words were sympathetic, but they brought the Spartan great joy to hear her actually speak after years of zero communication.

"I'm proud of you." Chief faced the now confused girl. It was a drastic change of subject but he was more than happy to change it as he did not want to speak about the incredibly uncomfortable topic of Cortana. It was something they could discuss later. In time he wanted to hear all about what his teen had gone through in the last 3 years. And in return he would go into more detail about Cortana. An exchange of uncomfortable subjects.

"You spoke."

The Spartan was right she had spoken. It wasn't as painful as she had thought! It was just difficult to speak through her damaged vocal cords. Feeling as if she had cobwebs in her throat. For now she would have to cut down words and sentences, sounding a bit ridiculous. But she would have to rebuild the strength in what was left of her vocals.

"Let's go meet with the rest of the team." Chief gestured for Samus to continue down the corridor with him.

Following Chief down the wide empty hallway Samus wondered where exactly Cortana was? Especially since the AI was supposedly dead when she joined Blue Team years ago. Hearing voices echoing in the corridor Samus looked over her shoulders to see if it was from behind. Nothing. The voices were getting louder as they approached a bend in the corridor.

There had only been a couple of soldiers wondering the hallways, most were out on recon and patrol while other troops remained on the Infinity. Approaching the corner Master Chief recognized the voices to be that of Spartan team Osiris returning from their mission no doubt.

Rounding the corner to be face to face with this team of men and women in Spartan armour. With a flash of light Samus's armour activated as she frantically whipped her cannon's aim at the Spartan team.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" One of the men called out as they all reached for their pistols.

"Samus, stand down!" Master Chief quickly jumped in between Samus and the Spartans. Placing a hand on the cannon that was aimed at him. "They're friendlies."

The teen scanned the helmet-less Spartans with her untrusting eyes. Lowering her cannon she kept her hand on it just in case.

"At ease Osiris." The Spartan in the black and teal armour commanded as they all removed their hands from their holstered guns.

"What the hell was all that about?" The female Spartan in white armour questioned clearly on edge from the rude greeting.

Spartan Locke put a hand up to silence his teammate, as he turned to the large green Spartan. "Is everything alright here, Sir?"

Master Chief could tell Samus was still on edge by the team's presence. Carefully grabbing Samus by her circular armoured shoulders he guided the teen to off to the side against the wall of the corridor, before turning to reply. "Yes. Samus..." he looked to make sure Samus stayed put. "Is still adjusting."

"Samus? Oh that's your kid! Commander Palmer has been hissing about her since you brought her back to the base." Buck thought aloud as he gestured to the girl who flinched almost raising her cannon the moment he did so.

The red armoured female Spartan folded her arms with a scoff. "I can see why."

Spartan Locke glared at his teammates before gesturing for them to move along. "We won't keep you any longer, Sir." He bowed his head respectfully as he led his team onwards.

Samus observed them carefully, following them with her eyes she was so focused on them that she did not hear Chief calling her name.

"Samus?" Chief called getting no response as the girl had her back turned to him observing the other Spartans leave. "Samus Aran." He called this time placing a hand on her shoulder to turn the girl to face him.

Samus batted the arm off of her as she aimed at who dared to touch her. Master Chief did not flinch as she aimed up at his visor, staring down into the barrel of her cannon.

"It's time we talk." Chief said turning to continue walking down the hallway.

Samus relaxed her cannon to side as she watched Chief continue down the corridor. She knew exactly what conversation the Spartan was speaking of. Reluctantly following the Master Chief. It was a very long conversation she was not at all looking forward to. In fact she had hoped to avoid it completely as she did not want to relive the details.