Halo 3: ODST Operation Cup o' Doom

Chapter Ten

Kayla looked up from their game of chess, tapping her finger thoughtfully against a pawn. "Aria... let's rent a house. We're going to be stuck here for a while until the ship's repaired, and we're going to have a lot of downtime. It'd be nice to live normally for a bit."

Aria's face brightened. "That's an excellent idea! Maybe Muhmep would like to join us? We could rent a townhouse near the beach."

"Yes!" Kayla grinned. "I like how you think, sister. Near the beach would be amazing. You really think Muhmep would be interested?"

"It doesn't hurt to ask."

"Ooo, what are you two plotting? Something juicy?" George asked as she plopped into the seat beside Aria, swiping one of Kayla's captured pieces and spinning it between her fingers.

Aria laughed softly and shook her head.

"Nothing juicy," Kayla said, nudging George's hand away from the board. "We're talking about renting a house while we're here."

"Shit, that actually sounds great." George slung an arm across Aria's shoulders. "Perfect opportunity for a threesome!"

Aria recoiled slightly, giving her a flat, disgusted look. "Really, George?"

He chuckled and pulled his arm back, hands lifted in surrender. "Kidding, kidding. Mostly." He leaned back in the chair. "I think I'll ask Chief if he wants to rent a place with me. We could party every night!"

Kayla snorted. "If you two lived together, the town would issue a noise complaint within twenty-four hours."

"Good!" George shot back proudly. "I love a challenge."

Kayla rolled her eyes, but she was smiling now. "We'll go look at listings after our shift. Maybe we'll find something with a balcony."

"And a big kitchen," Aria added quickly. "I miss cooking."

George pointed two fingers at them like imaginary pistols. "You all better invite me over. I expect snacks. And drinks. And a pool, if you find one."

"We're renting a house, not a resort," Kayla said with a laugh.

"Dream bigger," George replied, hopping up from the chair. "If you need me, I'll be subtly—very subtly—suggesting to Chief that he needs a beach house."

Kayla shook her head. "Subtle isn't in your vocabulary."

"No," He agreed, smiling. "But at least I keep things interesting."

George sauntered off, already cooking up whatever ridiculous pitch she planned to give Chief. Aria exhaled a small laugh and turned back to the chessboard.

Kayla slid a knight forward. "Your move."

Aria studied the pieces, though her mind wandered. "You know... it's going to feel strange. Living somewhere that isn't metal walls and humming systems."

"Weird in a good way," Kayla said. "Fresh air. Real meals. No ship alarms unless someone burns breakfast."

Aria snorted. "We should ask Muhmep before she vanishes into the training bay again."

As if summoned, the doors hissed open and Muhmep stepped inside—undersuit sleeves shoved to her elbows, dog tags tapping lightly as she walked. Her expression was its usual mix of alert and unimpressed. She paused when she saw them staring.

"...What?" she asked flatly.

Kayla grinned. "Speak of the devil."

Muhmep raised an eyebrow. "Why am I suddenly nervous?"