Message 14: Deja Vu Something Awful [Closed radio channel; filtered to anyone in Halo/PF armor]

[unrecovered]

[Wash is terse and obviously very unhappy. Not a good situation.]

In case anyone missed Luna's post, we've got four big Nightmares in the city. One of them is the Meta, or at least a Nightmare version of it, which means it's worse.

It still behaves like the Meta, which means it'll go after AI. Anyone in armor is a target, so no one goes out alone. North, South, Epsilon, you're with Carolina. Church, York, Grif, you're with me. Noble-Four, Noble-Six, either pick a team or stick together. Call for backup if you see it. Don't be a hero, don't be an idiot, and don't get killed.

Comments

[fearmylaserface]

Carolina, you're not giving me a reason to trust you with my location with that threat.

[guerriera]

[Well ow, Church.]

Have I given you any reason not to trust me since I've been here? Would you rather I left you to the Meta? [she wouldn't. but he may not believe her, it seems...] Stop being ridiculous and tell me your location.

[She stares into the communicator a long moment, before sighing slightly.]

Sora said that these nightmares are likely stronger, thanks to the Spellican. Allison can't defend you by herself.

[fearmylaserface]

Not with what has happened here... And I know you too well to think you would leave me to become the Meta's.

And Carolina, locking me away makes me a sitting duck. There's no doors here he couldn't potentially break. Especially if he's stronger. But fine.

[He gives the location.]

[guerriera]

[Well. that's something, at least.]

Nightmares don't enter the hotels. And that mouse queen believes she can hold a barrier to keep anything out if need be.

[ Location received, confirmation sent. ]

But I'd rather I had you where I could keep an eye on you.

[fearmylaserface]

Forgive me for not trusting that if this thing is anything like the original Meta, Carolina.

[There's a bit of hesitation at that.] What kind of eye do you mean if not to keep me locked up?

[guerriera]

You forget who you're talking to.

[They've had this conversation about trust, and the lack there of, before. Carolina's not going over it again with him.]

We'll discuss it when I get there. Keep yourself out of sight.

[fearmylaserface]

The Meta isn't exactly Maine anymore. I know what the original Meta could do.

[He sighs at that.] Understood, now hurry up. I don't want to be the next victim of the Meta because I'm alone.

[Radio=>Action]

[guerriera]

And I don't?

[There's an definite edge to her words.]

I'll be there soon. Don't attract attention.

[Meaning: stop arguing with Church Mk II. ...Mk I. Who's even keeping count anymore, anyway?

She doesn't waste time on heading towards his location, occasionally applying bursts of speed from the speed unit when making her way down longer stretches of street. She'd feel easier about this if the danger weren't so real, so terrible, and there's no small relief to spot Allison first and foremost. Dropping to a jog, Carolina takes long breaths, breathing them in and out slowly in order to bring the adrenaline rush under control, while Lela leaps from her shoulders to canter over, meowfing all the way.]

[Radio->Action]

[fearmylaserface]

All right, Carolina.

[He's actually staying out of sight. The most visible signs of his location are his dream eater allies. Allison lets out a noise, getting Epsilon's attention to Carolina.] I'm glad to see you.

[Action]

[guerriera]

Are you.

[ She's still breathing hard, but visibly reins in her aggression, shoulders straightening and both hands shaken out at her sides, before gesturing with one hand for him to stay where he is a moment. Next to her, a second plume of magical smoke dissipates, revealing her sheep spirit, who looks about him in concern.

If nothing else, Tobin can cast sleep on any unwanted enemies that try and make an appearance.

When she next speaks, her voice is...not relaxed, exactly, but she's less prickly. ]

Are you hurt? How about you, Allison?

[Action]

[fearmylaserface]

Now that I've had time to think about it, yes.

We're fine, Carolina. We haven't seen any sign of it. [Caboose moves out of the marginally less visible place he was in. Considering his size, hiding is hard.] So, you mind explaining how you want to keep an eye on me?

[There's a pause.] I have a guess...

[Action]

[guerriera]

[ There's a long spell where she doesn't reply, just looks at him. Happy she's there, but doesn't trust her. Not really.

Which...Upsets her, though she should know better by now. And makes her suggestion one he may not be comfortable with. But it's the best solution she has in the immediate short term. ]

We'll head back to the hotel, and keep your body safe in one of the rooms there. Then transfer you to my armor.

Unless you have a better idea. Because I'm all ears.

[Action]

[fearmylaserface]

That's what I thought. And it is the only safe option. I'm less vulnerable with you. I'll do it, Carolina.

I don't have any better ideas. And maybe I can be useful.

[Action]

[guerriera]

All right. Lets head back there now. Think you can explain to Allison what we have in mind on the way?

[ The pricklemane was smarter than most. And it was important she wasn't too upset by the change, temporary or otherwise. But if the recent past was anything to go by, she didn't think Caboose wouldcare much either way.]

Maybe you can. [she signals for him to follow her, pulling her battle rifle from her back as she moved] You won't be in my head. But I don't think that'll be a problem for you.

[Action]

[fearmylaserface]

I can explain. [He actually pets Allison on the head.] Allison, whatever happens, listen to Carolina. I'm going to be fine. I just can't stay in this robot for a while. You'll be able to here me and see me. I'll just look... Different.

[Allison lets out an uneasy noise. She's not happy]

I don't need to be in your head to watch your back, Carolina. Or keep an eye on your armor. And it's safer for you.

[Action]

[guerriera]

[ Carolina can't blame Allison for not being happy. ]

He's going to stay in my armor for a little while. Until the danger is over. Once we're done, he'll go right back into his normal body. I'll need your help to keep guard for us both.

[ Lela mews at the pricklemane, coming to sit beside and purr at her reassuringly.

Oddly enough, Epsilon's words do help reassure Carolina. Just a little. Although she's shaking her head for another reason. ]

I..I appreciate that, Church. But that's not why I said it.

Re: [Action]

[fearmylaserface]

I think she'll listen, Carolina. And Caboose will listen.

[Allison settles after a bit more grumbling. Fine, she'll listen.]

Then why, Carolina?

[guerriera]

[ She regarded him thoughtfully. ]

You and I couldn't link that way even if we wanted to. [Which neither of them do, fortunately. He can't see her grimace.] Sigma ensured that when the Meta took my AI.

[She doesn't linger on the subject long.] You'll have access to a lot of data in my suit. Not just biometric readings and system access. Just watch your step.

[fearmylaserface]

The implantation slot was damaged?

[He's nodding at that.] I'll be careful in there. Just let me know now what areas you want me to avoid. I don't really want to invade privacy.

[guerriera]

[quietly, flatly:] He ripped them straight out of my head, Church. Then threw me off a cliff. I don't think it really mattered to him what state they were left in.

Anything with more than two security layers in my personal files are offlimits. If you're not sure, ask.

[ There's a number of very classic old novels tucked away in there, too, perhaps he'll trip over them later. ]

[fearmylaserface]

I understand. Then it's a good thing we don't need that level of connection. Besides, there's things in my memories you don't need to know.

[He'll probably end up finding those given enough time.] I won't pry in anything that deep. And I'll keep the questions regarding my findings between us. And I swear, if you have anything like Tucker did...

[guerriera]

Except where to find the Director. But you'll remember that later.

[ She is after all, further along than he is. ]

....

[ Carolina stops abruptly, before turning to glare at Epsilon. You did NOT just equate her to your moronic pervert of a 'teammate'. ]

[fearmylaserface]

I'm sure I will. I am the memories, after all.

[Oh fuck, he messed up there. That glare got a flinch.]

Hey, it's your personal files. Like I know what you keep in there.

[guerriera]

[ She steps up, almost visor to visor with him. ]

And you won't know. Because you won't be accessing any of them.

[ Guess what's tucked behind many many more security layers than the ones she mentioned earlier?

There's a headtilt of utter disgust before she turns back and resumes walking back towards the hotel. ]

[fearmylaserface]

[Flinching at that look.] Carolina, I didn't mean any of it like that.

[He's following, but the level of unease is through the roof.] Look, I'm sorry.