Earth Finale: A Simple Word and Good Company.
[]The Sentence: "Doctor… Does the word Reclaimer mean anything to you?"
You took a deep breath and examined the situation. A shot in the dark as it were. There was just something off about this entire situation, that just needed a single word.
She was smart, yes, and curious as well, just as you were. That strange feeling of wanting to know exactly what the universe hides… is something that even you could not fully understand.
You could use that to your advantage.
"Doctor… Does the word Reclaimer mean anything to you?" You asked, taking that shot in the dark that you were so gambling on.
Doctor Halsy's Response:
1D100 => 13 vs
1D100 => 2
She was taken aback by the sudden question that you gave her, and even though she composed herself almost immediately, she had shown her hand. She knew something about that word, and its significance.
How did he know that? Which agent leaked that?
But did she know the other words that may be given… or was she just as in the dark as you were.
She smiled, keeping up her facade quite well. But not good enough. "I can't really say much about that word itself." She paused. "Do you think you are a reclaimer?"
You nodded your head. "No, I think of myself as… well, more of an inheritor, than a reclaimer. Reclaiming implies we've lost something important. Inheriting means… we have what we have, and can make something new for what we have."
An interesting hypothesis… I'll have to look into that possibility.
She nodded. "I can see that. But I must ask what brings such a thought from you? It doesn't seem like a question a child would ask randomly?"
You shook your head. "Neither is a scientist, lying to children to meet them, greet them, and understand what they want or desire… and see if they are prepared for what you believe they are capable of. For what you may ask of them."
Even Dr. Halsey could not hide her surprise as you said those words.
Wait… He knows?
Deconstruction:
1D100 => 85
"With or without their consent."
How did he know?
You could see the guilt in Dr. Halsey's eyes, even behind her sunny demeanor. She thought she was doing the right thing.
She deluded herself with the concept of the greater good. A Dangerous and volatile thing to do. Especially for a scientist.
Light had never really talked about his past life… but wanting to forget a name… to replace it with something else was the sign of guilt… of desperation, to atone at his mistakes.
You were not blind to what was going on… You had heard well enough of what the insurrection was doing from the news, and your father.
They're grievances were many, and true… but their methods were crude, and stupid.
He is so much smarter than he lets on… smarter than me. A One in a billion intellect, and he's only a child.
Violence only begets violence. To the point where what the Doctor was asking to do was needed… even necessary if you wanted to delude yourself.
And he knows I've targeted him… I may as well be honest with him.
You didn't know what it was she was planning, or where you fell into her plans.
So this is what it feels like to be me… only far less arrogant.
But that did not matter. This course was set. She had already made her decision before she met you.
Dr. Halsey sighed. "Sometimes sacrifices have to be made so people can remain free."
You shook your head. "Lying to yourself can only hide the guilt so long." You stood up and faced her, allowing her to see your face… your eyes. "Sometimes, it's best to be honest with yourself. Know what you are doing is wrong… and if you must stay the course… do so with every fiber of your being. Anything less would be a disservice to everything you are fighting for."
Is he right?
"Goodbye Doctor." You stated.
He might be…
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Your father was awake that night as you walked into the kitchen. "Still awake dad?" You asked.
He nodded. "Yeah." He set down the picture of you and him, smiling at the camera. The portrait was the only one you really had. Both of you really had.
"Are you okay?" You asked.
Your father wasn't okay. He must have known to, from the security alarm going off from your AI. The team that was coming to take you was… delayed by your friend locking down everything. Giving you the time to… speak.
To say goodbye.
You both knew it at this point… and there was no escaping ONI. You wondered if your father would still be alive. If he would resist and get killed, or watch, as you were dragged away.
"No." He stated. "I made a promise to not lose you, and here they are, taking you away." He pulled out a magnum, and put it on the table.
"Don't." You stated. "I don't want you to die for my sake… not when you can still live."
Your father sighed. "Gian…" He said your shortened name. "I should be the one telling you that. I've known you were different when you were born… but that doesn't matter."
He then handed over a small chip and a glass of water. "Swallow this." He demanded.
You recognized it. It was a neural mapper, one that your father got you for your birthday. One of the keys to building a Smart AI.
"How?" you asked. They were some of the most tightly controlled pieces of equipment the UNSC had. Smart AI's are dangerous, and if they fall into the wrong hands… well, you didn't need to be a genius to know the damage that would cause.
"I still have some friends… beside, ONI wants me to reenlist anyway." He said. He shook his head. "It contains a tracker, so I can find you anywhere in the Galaxy."
"To rescue me?" You asked.
Your father shook his head. "To visit. I might not be able to save you from what's coming…" He sighed, as he heard the footsteps from beyond the door, and the hallway. "But I can help you save your mind… and those who may destroy it."
You gave a nod, and with difficulty, swallowed the neural mapper.
The door opened and the team walked in. They were silent, and your father saw them. "Agent, don't make this difficult. Put the guns down."
The Agents were stunned. "Bring the clone."
"That won't be needed." He then removed a file from the drawer. "I can't stop you… but I will not allow you to force me to watch my child die… clone or not."
What the hell? Where did that file come from?
Identify:
1D100 => 96
It was from Fleetcom.
What kind of friends did dad have?!
"I'm sorry sir, but orders are orders." The Agent replied. "Even the Admiralty can't stop this."
Your father sighed. "Very well." He paused. "Giancarlo… I love you."
And the world went silent and black.
Reward: Welcome to the Spartan II Project.
Giancarlo-131 AAR Report Summary
The Subject was received successfully, but we were compromised by Sergeant Major Lopez. He had gotten into contact with the Admiralty board and seemed to understand that we were kidnapping his son.
The file given to us revealed he understood the Spartan-II program's basics, but not it's extent, and he has requested to reenlist into the Marine Corps at his rank.
He also refused to Flash Clone… He didn't want to watch his son die. Either of them.
The Mission was successful, but we fear because of the Sergeant Major's Influence in the Admiralty, that there will be political backlash.
We Request that he be eliminated immediately, so the Admiral will get what she wants.
-Green Hornet 1.
Request Denied. The Sargent Major was a member of the Orion Project... It's perfect that he is returning to Service. Tell hem he may return to Reach. Mendez wishes to speak to him.
AN: Enjoy.
