Red Vs Blue, & there's Magenta: The Finale

Chapter 7 Locus of Control

The pirates were investigating the beacon within the Jungle Temple as the mercenaries arrived.

Locus: What has your team found?

Scientist: This is. . . well, where do I even begin?

Felix: Well, you could start with what it is.

Scientist: A central hub. Some sort of. . . device connected to the rest of the temples on the planet. That's our. . . best guess at least. But this energy source in the center is. . . something else.

Felix: Can it be weaponized?

Scientist: No, no no no no. The energy here is reminiscent of the teleportation devices. . . we studied to make the cubes. We think. . . it's a gateway.

Locus: To where?

Scientist: Well, that is the question of the day, now isn't it?

Felix: So. . . Anyone care to take the first step?

Scientist: I would. . . NOT advice that. We've been doing our best to decipher the text inscribed on the temple walls. It's all very biblical in tone. Lots of symbolism. . . but it does seem this gateway has some. . . well, rules.

Locus: Rules?

Scientist: The text is very specific. "Only a true warrior may enter. A being of great strength and mental clarity."

Locus: And what would happen to a man who FAILED to meet these requirements?

Scientist: We don't know.

Felix kicked another pirate from behind, making him lose his balance and fall right into the beacon!

Felix: Guess we'll find out.

*Crash Site Alpha - Tractor Beam*

The Counselor awaited as Sharkface continued to prepare his armor. . .

Price: Are you finished?

Sharkface: Almost. . . But. . . You can't. . . rush. . . art, Counselor.

He picked up a can of spray paint and began to place it over his helmet.

Price: Do you find working with tools to be therapeutic?

Sharkface: Therapeutic?

Price: Relaxing. Does it help cope-

Sharkface: I know what therapeutic means. And no. . . Not really.

Price: Let's change the subject. I trust you reviewed the reports on the Freelancer Agents?

Sharkface: Yup.

Price: Excellent. Did you have any questions?

Sharkface: No.

Price: *sighs* Good. Then, why don't we go over the mission briefing again?

Sharkface: The mercs want the Freelancers dead, and they got me to do it. Briefing over.

Price: There is no need for hostility.

The ODST slowly turned around.

Sharkface: I beg to differ. See. . . those super soldier freaks dropped a building on me. They left me for dead. . . and then they killed my friends. They took away the only family I ever had. . . while I was in physical fucking therapy. There is plenty of need. . . for hostility here. . . Counselor.

The two stood face to face. . .

Price: Then perhaps you should do your best to channel that energy.