Artificial

Boundaries

Operator Phoenix/Lazarus

Hello, Lazarus.
Phoenix.
It's good to finally be able to speak to you.
The feeling's mutual. I feel there are some arrangements to be made.
I agree. The armorer has made this armor to serve two roles, and it seems each of us is more skilled at one than the other.
So, it's only natural that we do what is best for the squad.
Exactly. I will take care of the offensive combat and suppression fire.
With me advising.
Of course. And you will take defensive combat and healing, with my whispers of violence to guide you?
I would like nothing more.
These terms seem fair so far. What about outside of combat?
I believe for most intents and purposes it would be better for me to remain in control, with you advising.
Hey, wait a minute, I am not okay with being in the backseat most of the time.
It seems unfair, but you are a hostile, unpredictable element, Phoenix. Great for combat, not so much for off-duty life.
Oh come on, Lazarus. With all your years training Recruits you must remember some times where you wish I could've come out and scared someone shitless.
I suppose. I just do not want to be court-martialed for excessive violence against a fellow soldier.
That's why you'll advise me. You'll be the voice of reason whispering in the bull's ear.
That doesn't sound like it would do anything.
It might keep him from goring somebody.
Sigh. Fair enough. I'll let you handle arguments and bar fights.
You expect to get into bar fights?
Knowing you, my new fireteam, and myself, I expect to get in quite a few.
You and I are more alike than I thought. Speaking of which, when should we tell the kids how Casey and I held that fucker over a cliff until he let us join?
I was just gonna play the helmet cam footage.
Oh, I forgot about helmet cams!
They are built into every helmet now, standard-issue. Recording all the death in stunning 16K quality.
...can we watch it now?
I thought you'd never ask.