[ Ha ha ha, oh he expected Felix to do something. He was waiting for it. Granted, he doesn't know what he said or did, but it doesn't make him feel any safer.
He takes a few minutes to respond. ]
He's a mercenary working for Charon Industries. He was hired to clear off a planet by pushing two sides of a civil war against each other with his partner, Locus. They were 'hired' by each side, gained their trust, all so they could kill them all easily, without any suspicion.
[ He might be biased. He also doesn't care if he is. ]
We were being escorted back home by the UNSC when the mercenaries pulled the ship down. I was told that usually the ships rip apart, but due to some... circumstances, it was only split in half.
We were carrying what was left of the Project. Weapons, armour, technology, that's why they wanted the ship. Almost everyone on board died. That's how we ended up stranded there.
[ Another message follows barely ten seconds after that first; ]
I'm still pissed as fuck at you, Wash, but we've been through too much shit together for me to think that I can't trust you, or at least believe that you had me in mind when you figured it was a good idea not to tell me that I don't make it. Or maybe I'm just an idiot and I'd like to have somebody from home to hold on to, and you're the closest that I've got.
[ Well, that hurts. He's really, really not the best at communicating emotional stuff, so he figures he did the best he could when it came to telling him he died. Maybe. Probably not. He'll worry about that later.
There's another thing he shouldn't keep from him, though it's not because he didn't know how. More like he couldn't even bring it up if he could. ]
I'm sorry. I appreciate it, really... And I'd like that. But you should probably hear the rest of what I wanted to tell you. I didn't want to dump all of this on you right away, but I see now that I should have told you sooner.
[ If it helps, he's bad even with the people he does trust. And while he trusted York years ago, and even still considers him a friend, it's been a long time. He's not sure what to do with that, yet. ]
[ For York, any look is better than the last time Wash saw him. Dead. Blowing up his body. He can't get the image out of his head whenever he sees alive York.
When he steps in, it's without any of his armour. He wanted to bring it, of course he did. But having to strip out of it would be... well, he'd just rather not. ]
Thanks. [ Of course now he has nothing to hide himself behind. His face is tired, older than someone his age should be, at least in his eyes. There's something significantly more dead in his features than there used to be—even if he's doing better lately. ] Everything was rationed on Chorus. Even when it wasn't my idea.
[ ...Huh. And here he was, expecting to see Wash fully geared up and ready to take nothing off except his helmet. It's kind of nice, though, that he isn't.
(He's noting down the look, though, the way too much shit seems to have aged the kid he used to tease. He kind of can't help it, in spite of everything.) ]
[ There's a long pause, then Wash takes a seat, crossing his arms on the nearest surface. ]
Yeah. Something like that. [ He squeezes his fingers against the bridge of his nose before continuing. ] It's been around seven years since I left the project. Though left isn't the right word. Carolina only showed up awhile ago, so it's probably better if I explain it.
[ She'd probably be better for the last few years, but Wash should probably... mention the rest. He was there, after all. ]
[ Wash starts compiling a burger, but once he's done, he stares down at it. ]
Back then [ When you died and I got rid of your body. ] I took Delta and your healing unit, since it was protocol for Recovery. But then, I got a beacon that another agent was hurt. When I got there it was already too late. [ He's frowning now, and finally looking away from the burger. ] The Meta—who's identity I didn't know at the time—had gone after the Dakotas. South was still alive when I got there, but North was gone and the Meta had taken Theta.
[ And because he doesn't want to stop and answer questions yet, he continues. ]
I faked her death. I wanted to help her get away from the Project, so that she wouldn't end up in prison—or dead. And... I needed her help.
[ This is where he does pause. While Wash is cold when remembering the deaths of his friends, it's still fresh for some. ]
[ He'll make his own, and eat it slowly as he hears Washington out.
North and South Dakota. He still remembers North's warm laughter, and those few moments when something almost tolerable shone through South's bratty exterior. ]
What happened after that?
[ A part of him is almost dreading Wash's response now. South had been pretty desperate for an AI, all the way to the end. ]
South and I went after the Meta. I knew he'd be tracking us, so I got us into position and implanted Delta into her. [ He doesn't mention that Delta originally suggested using him instead. ] The Meta showed up while she was getting used to it, so I took point. When she caught up, I guess she decided it wasn't worth it. [ At this, he smiles; maybe it's more of a grimace. Either way, it's cold and lifeless and tight. ] She shot me in the back and left me for him so she could get away with Delta. I would have died if he had taken the healing unit, and I'm still not sure why he didn't.
[ He has suspicions, but nothing concrete enough to mention. ] I was hospitalised again for awhile, before I could go back to hunting him. By now, South had Delta and her armour so he was definitely after her—to find them, I had to go get some sim troopers who had experience in dealing with some of the other AI fragments. When I found them, we discovered that along with Theta, the Meta already had Gamma and Omega.
[ Delta pops out just as Wash is talking about South, floating right by York's arm, head cocked in precisely the way York's does when he's analyzing something. Like Freelancer, like AI.
He gets up midway through the story, fetching two bottles of beer. He cracks both open, and sets one in front of Wash. ]
One of those guys is here, isn't he? Because I had a run-in with somebody at the beach early on. Didn't seem surprised at all to see Delta.
Donut, yeah. [ The beer is welcoming. He hasn't had one in awhile, not even here, despite keeping them in his fridge. ] He only showed up... later.
[ For now, that's all he's going to say about what happened with Donut. ]
Not long after, South's beacon went off. When we got there she was being attacked by the Meta. She was hit in the crossfire [ CABOOSE SHOT HER. ] but the Meta didn't stick around.
[ And this is where he pauses, staring down at the drink in his hand before setting it on the table in front of him and staring directly at York, looking colder than he has in years. ]
Delta was fine, he even told us what had happened. She... set up her brother to get killed. She was about to let the Meta take Delta in order to get away, moments before I got there. [ She shot me in the back and left me for dead. ] She would do it again, so I didn't give her another chance. I killed her.
[ She didn't believe he would. Wash is genuinely better now, but there's still a massive lack of trust and positivity. ]
[ He looks right back at Wash, not saying anything for a while. Then he's sighing, shaking his head.
This isn't the first time that he's felt damned tired in Eudio, and it won't be the last. The Freelancer Program really WAS the gift that just kept on giving, it seemed. ]
We all hoped she wouldn't go that far, huh?
[ That comes out soft, heavy with disappointment, low-grade anger. ]
She's not the only one. After that, I wasn't much better. Or... any better. [ He sighs. ] I found the Alpha. And Epsilon. The Meta ended up being Maine. In the end, the only AI who survived was Epsilon, because I needed him to be proof against the project. When he wasn't handed in to the authorities, Maine and I were ordered to go and bring him back.
[ At that, Wash closes his eyes and pinches his nose again. Probably his lowest point. It had been all downhill from the moment Epsilon unraveled in his head, but that was the worst time. The time he regrets the most. ] It was to get my freedom, but that's just an excuse. After that, Maine died, the guys I tried to kill helped me and... Carolina came back.
[ He wants to give Washington some sort of reassurance. Words, though, aren't his strongest suit. Action, however...
Reaching out, then, and clapping Wash on the shoulder. Just the way that he used to, before things started falling apart in the Program. Then he's zoning in on that bit about Carolina. ]
I'm guessing you're as much in the dark as I am about how she survived and just turned up again with you guys.
[ He and Carolina still aren't on speaking terms. She had, however, already been vague with him about everything that had happened between his death and their reunion in Eudio even before, though. ]
[ At that, he shrugs. It's strange, being comforted by someone.
The Blues weren't really all about that. They were enough just because they accepted him. It's nice, but still pretty foreign. ]
Yeah. One day she just came back, wanting us to help her go after the Director. She came up with a plan to get Epsilon back from the UNSC, but didn't really explain much. I don't think the others really... cared.
[ They were terrified of her. It's something Wash can understand, honestly. ]
[ He's quiet for a moment, then letting out a sigh that he had not known he'd be keeping in, It does, at least, ease up a bit of the tightness in his chest. ]
At least she's all right. [ That is all he ought to let himself say on the matter. ] Pretty accepting crowd you've got there. Either that, or they've got good survival instincts.
[ Wash is about to finally take a bite when he hears that, and he freezes midway, mouth hanging open comically. Then the smallest of smiles appears before he hides it again. ]
Yeah, they're good people. [ He's opened up since he's been on Chorus, but he still only really trusts the sim troopers. ] It took us awhile to get used to them. If you've met Donut, well... multiply that by ten more people. [ And Donut is one of the least aggravating, he thinks. Unless you ask him for help. ] I'm not sure how they're all still alive, actually. It's kind of a miracle.
I used to wonder the same thing about a lot of us back in the day. To be fair, though, you and I are sitting around here and talking. [ A beat. ] Yeah, I don't exactly make it after this, apparently, but I'm pretty sure I went down fighting.
[ He is... surprisingly calm, talking about his own impending doom. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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You think I should ask the Administration if they're willing to make me one of their permanent citizens?
[ Yeah, the message is coming in so late it's early. ]
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They'd probably like that.
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[ ...And normally he'd message more, but... ]
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[ It's awkward, but it's the best he can do. ]
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You sure about thatThanks, but no thanks. You might end up ruining my chancesDon't worry about meWouldn't want you to trouble yourself.
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standard filter > encrypted filter (advanced)
That reminds me.
[ Suddenly, the filter switches to something encrypted a little better than what Eudio's devices usually provide. York's been busy. ]
Just to be safe.
Some guy contacted me. "Former UNSC man". Felix.
Lowdown, stat.
[ Because work and potential threats are easier to talk about than, y'know.
Things. ]
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He takes a few minutes to respond. ]
He's a mercenary working for Charon Industries. He was hired to clear off a planet by pushing two sides of a civil war against each other with his partner, Locus. They were 'hired' by each side, gained their trust, all so they could kill them all easily, without any suspicion.
[ He might be biased. He also doesn't care if he is. ]
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For the first time since I got here, I kind of wish I could put a bullet between somebody's eyes.
[ He doesn't need to know all the details. What Wash has given him so far is enough to upset him on principle. ]
And you got involved somehow?
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We were being escorted back home by the UNSC when the mercenaries pulled the ship down. I was told that usually the ships rip apart, but due to some... circumstances, it was only split in half.
We were carrying what was left of the Project. Weapons, armour, technology, that's why they wanted the ship. Almost everyone on board died. That's how we ended up stranded there.
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[ Another message follows barely ten seconds after that first; ]
I'm still pissed as fuck at you, Wash, but we've been through too much shit together for me to think that I can't trust you, or at least believe that you had me in mind when you figured it was a good idea not to tell me that I don't make it. Or maybe I'm just an idiot and I'd like to have somebody from home to hold on to, and you're the closest that I've got.
So we can work from here. My door's open for now.
[ Yeah you'd think it'd be Carolina.
#ItsComplicated ]
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There's another thing he shouldn't keep from him, though it's not because he didn't know how. More like he couldn't even bring it up if he could. ]
I'm sorry. I appreciate it, really... And I'd like that. But you should probably hear the rest of what I wanted to tell you. I didn't want to dump all of this on you right away, but I see now that I should have told you sooner.
[ If it helps, he's bad even with the people he does trust. And while he trusted York years ago, and even still considers him a friend, it's been a long time. He's not sure what to do with that, yet. ]
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You had your reasons.
When do you want to meet up? I'm still on the market for a job, so I'm still idle as all hell.
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You hungry? Because I can whip something up for us.
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This one takes awhile to answer, too. Mostly because he's wondering if York will still like him at all once he's done talking.
.... ]
Sure. I'll be there soon.
[ Annnnnd 36 minutes later, exactly, Wash is knocking. ]
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[ That's hollered, because he is kind of in the kitchen flipping burgers. The table's already been set for the both of them.
Peeking from over the counter, offering a small smile. At least it's better than how he looked when they parted, right? ]
Beers in the fridge, and if that's not your speed, I've got coffee. Help yourself.
i need to delete icons to get back to his pb.... whoops
When he steps in, it's without any of his armour. He wanted to bring it, of course he did. But having to strip out of it would be... well, he'd just rather not. ]
Thanks. [ Of course now he has nothing to hide himself behind. His face is tired, older than someone his age should be, at least in his eyes. There's something significantly more dead in his features than there used to be—even if he's doing better lately. ] Everything was rationed on Chorus. Even when it wasn't my idea.
[ So it's weird, actually having a choice. ]
that reminds me! i should get a pb for this dude.
(He's noting down the look, though, the way too much shit seems to have aged the kid he used to tease. He kind of can't help it, in spite of everything.) ]
Tough times, huh?
[ Talking as he cooks, yep. ]
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Yeah. Something like that. [ He squeezes his fingers against the bridge of his nose before continuing. ] It's been around seven years since I left the project. Though left isn't the right word. Carolina only showed up awhile ago, so it's probably better if I explain it.
[ She'd probably be better for the last few years, but Wash should probably... mention the rest. He was there, after all. ]
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Listening quietly, eventually taking the seat across of Wash. ]
I'm all ears.
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Back then [ When you died and I got rid of your body. ] I took Delta and your healing unit, since it was protocol for Recovery. But then, I got a beacon that another agent was hurt. When I got there it was already too late. [ He's frowning now, and finally looking away from the burger. ] The Meta—who's identity I didn't know at the time—had gone after the Dakotas. South was still alive when I got there, but North was gone and the Meta had taken Theta.
[ And because he doesn't want to stop and answer questions yet, he continues. ]
I faked her death. I wanted to help her get away from the Project, so that she wouldn't end up in prison—or dead. And... I needed her help.
[ This is where he does pause. While Wash is cold when remembering the deaths of his friends, it's still fresh for some. ]
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North and South Dakota. He still remembers North's warm laughter, and those few moments when something almost tolerable shone through South's bratty exterior. ]
What happened after that?
[ A part of him is almost dreading Wash's response now. South had been pretty desperate for an AI, all the way to the end. ]
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South and I went after the Meta. I knew he'd be tracking us, so I got us into position and implanted Delta into her. [ He doesn't mention that Delta originally suggested using him instead. ] The Meta showed up while she was getting used to it, so I took point. When she caught up, I guess she decided it wasn't worth it. [ At this, he smiles; maybe it's more of a grimace. Either way, it's cold and lifeless and tight. ] She shot me in the back and left me for him so she could get away with Delta. I would have died if he had taken the healing unit, and I'm still not sure why he didn't.
[ He has suspicions, but nothing concrete enough to mention. ] I was hospitalised again for awhile, before I could go back to hunting him. By now, South had Delta and her armour so he was definitely after her—to find them, I had to go get some sim troopers who had experience in dealing with some of the other AI fragments. When I found them, we discovered that along with Theta, the Meta already had Gamma and Omega.
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He gets up midway through the story, fetching two bottles of beer. He cracks both open, and sets one in front of Wash. ]
One of those guys is here, isn't he? Because I had a run-in with somebody at the beach early on. Didn't seem surprised at all to see Delta.
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[ For now, that's all he's going to say about what happened with Donut. ]
Not long after, South's beacon went off. When we got there she was being attacked by the Meta. She was hit in the crossfire [ CABOOSE SHOT HER. ] but the Meta didn't stick around.
[ And this is where he pauses, staring down at the drink in his hand before setting it on the table in front of him and staring directly at York, looking colder than he has in years. ]
Delta was fine, he even told us what had happened. She... set up her brother to get killed. She was about to let the Meta take Delta in order to get away, moments before I got there. [ She shot me in the back and left me for dead. ] She would do it again, so I didn't give her another chance. I killed her.
[ She didn't believe he would. Wash is genuinely better now, but there's still a massive lack of trust and positivity. ]
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This isn't the first time that he's felt damned tired in Eudio, and it won't be the last. The Freelancer Program really WAS the gift that just kept on giving, it seemed. ]
We all hoped she wouldn't go that far, huh?
[ That comes out soft, heavy with disappointment, low-grade anger. ]
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[ At that, Wash closes his eyes and pinches his nose again. Probably his lowest point. It had been all downhill from the moment Epsilon unraveled in his head, but that was the worst time. The time he regrets the most. ] It was to get my freedom, but that's just an excuse. After that, Maine died, the guys I tried to kill helped me and... Carolina came back.
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Reaching out, then, and clapping Wash on the shoulder. Just the way that he used to, before things started falling apart in the Program. Then he's zoning in on that bit about Carolina. ]
I'm guessing you're as much in the dark as I am about how she survived and just turned up again with you guys.
[ He and Carolina still aren't on speaking terms. She had, however, already been vague with him about everything that had happened between his death and their reunion in Eudio even before, though. ]
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The Blues weren't really all about that. They were enough just because they accepted him. It's nice, but still pretty foreign. ]
Yeah. One day she just came back, wanting us to help her go after the Director. She came up with a plan to get Epsilon back from the UNSC, but didn't really explain much. I don't think the others really... cared.
[ They were terrified of her. It's something Wash can understand, honestly. ]
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[ He's quiet for a moment, then letting out a sigh that he had not known he'd be keeping in, It does, at least, ease up a bit of the tightness in his chest. ]
At least she's all right. [ That is all he ought to let himself say on the matter. ] Pretty accepting crowd you've got there. Either that, or they've got good survival instincts.
[ Because Carolina. ]
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Yeah, they're good people. [ He's opened up since he's been on Chorus, but he still only really trusts the sim troopers. ] It took us awhile to get used to them. If you've met Donut, well... multiply that by ten more people. [ And Donut is one of the least aggravating, he thinks. Unless you ask him for help. ] I'm not sure how they're all still alive, actually. It's kind of a miracle.
[ Especially since he tried to kill all of them.
And actually shot Donut and Lopez. ]
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[ He is... surprisingly calm, talking about his own impending doom. ]