War for Freedom

(Chapter 9)/Robotic Trouble

Ruby's POV:
March 15th, 2093, 09:45:
Vanguard Base, Carway:

Helena: "...and so, this base will be called Vanguard, since command has seen fit to give this place a name."

Helena had just finished her lecture for the entire base, informing us of new decisions. For one was this base, as it would be known as Vanguard Base from now on. Second, we'll be expecting a shipment of supplies and Reaper crystals soon, which will help us keep up with the war. And finally, we'll be expecting a new team of Spartan's coming here within the week to be the Bravo Team.

Looking over at Chloe, she was sitting besides her mother, who has remained here for security purposes. Lilith, as she was called, rubbed Chloe's hands with hers, and Chloe did the same in return. I'm glad she can be with her mother again, especially since it's been decades since they last seen each other.

Turning back to Helena, she placed the file that has been in her hands this entire time down before saying,

Helena: "That is all for this meeting, if any of you have questions, please come into contact as soon as possible, otherwise, continue with your duties, dismissed."

After she said that, almost every officer in the room just got up and walked over to the many elevators this place has. I saw Douglas and Via walked into an elevator as well, disappearing behind the wave of officers surprisingly. After a few minutes, it was just Chloe, Helena, Lilith, the rest of the Alpha Team and I left, minus the operators that were still in the command center.

Mariana and Rena were talking with each other, discussing about who could be in this Bravo Team. Truth-be-told, I was also interested in who was in the Bravo Team as well, since we would be working with them on operations. Looking around some more, I saw that Helena had made her way over to Chloe and Lilith, discussing personal affairs with each other.

Wait, now that I think about it, where's Zero? I swear I saw him in here, did he leave and I didn't notice? Huh, wonder where he-

Zero: "Looking for something?"

I slightly jumped as I turned around, seeing him standing behind my chair. As I eased myself, I asked,

Ruby: "How long have you been standing there?"

Zero: "Since the beginning of this meeting, did you need something?"

Ruby (shakes her head): "No, just wondering where you were is all."

How could I have not noticed he was behind me this entire time? The meeting lasted for over forty-five minutes, was he not uncomfortable? I couldn't imagine having to go through one of those meetings without sitting down, most of it was uninteresting at best. Even to this day, humans still surprise me with their shocking resilience and determination.

Looking up at him, I began thinking of something to do, since we were given shore leave for the day. Hm, I still need some more training in stealth, maybe he wouldn't mind giving me some more tips? I get off my chair before asking,

Ruby: "Actually, I was wondering if you could give me some more tips on stealth, I still have a long way to go before I'm trained."

Zero (waves his hand towards himself): "Sure thing, come on."

Following him, I turned back to see everyone else still emerged in their conversations, they probably don't mind if we leave for a few. After we got in an elevator, he pressed the first floor button before we waited to get down. After waiting, the doors slid open, and we began walking outside.

After walking to the South Gate, we left the base before walking up a nearby rocky mountain. After climbing to the very top, I started looking around, wondering how this place was supposed to train me in stealth. Suddenly, I heard Zero say,