A Hero's Sacrifice: a tale about Noble Six

Faster than Light

Agent: Rhode Island

Location: Pelican 479, en route to Mother of Invention

Time: 0540

Status: Helmet malfunction.

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I checked my pistol. The surface glinted in the dim light as I moved it around. Hope was snoozing in my lap and I was being as quiet as possible. With a nod of acceptance, I holstered the pistol.

"Get ready, we're about to land on the Mother of Invention." Carolina stood up, obviously happy to be back at her base.

I gently shook Hope awake. "Hey, wake up. We'll be landing soon."

Hope looked up at me and smiled. She slid out of my lap and as soon as I stood up, she wrapped her tiny hands around my giant ones. I smiled, then looked at Carolina.

"Uh, should I have my helmet on?"

"Sure, if you want. No one'll bat an eye."

I looked at the visor. "Really? Even with a broken visor?"

"Oh, right. Wear it if you want. You'll just have to explain why it's broken around a dozen or so times."

I heard Hope chuckle, then gasp as the pelican landed. She stumbled forwards, but managed to stand up straight. The girl gave me a shy smile, then scooched real close to me. I put my helmet on with a chuckle, then watched as the cargo hatch opened, letting us out.

"Follow me; I'll show you the way to the Director's office, as well as swat away any questions."

I nodded, deciding to go silent. Hope did the same as me and we walked through the halls of Mother of Invention until Carolina stopped before a simple door. A female AI spoke.

"Hello, Agent Carolina. Do you have something to say to the Director?"

"No, FILSS. I was just showing the new recruit the way to the Director's office. Is he in?"

"Yes, he is."

"Tell him Agent Rhode Island is right o-"

The door slid open to reveal an office. I glanced at Carolina, then at the bland office.

"Come in, Agents. Please, take a seat."

I glanced at Carolina once more before walking in. I noticed three chairs, one occupied, and I looked at the man in the chair.

"Rhode Island, please, take a seat."

I sat down and Hope clambered into my lap. Carolina sat down as well and took off her helmet, setting it off to the side. I did so as well and looked the Director in the eyes.

He chuckled. "Now, Agent Rhode Island, it seems we have nothing about you, strange enough. Please, enlighten us."

The Director was going to talk more, but I raised a hand. "Sorry for interrupting, sir, but I happen to notice a pure black Freelancer in the corner. Mind telling me what she's doing here?"

A look of shock, then amusement, washed across the Director's face. "Texas. It seems our new Agent saw right through you."

The Agent stepped into the light. When she spoke, it was with burning rage. "So what he saw through my hiding? I bet I can take him on, right here!"

I glared at her, unamused by what she could possibly do to me, but humored by her eagerness. "Is that so? I bet the fight'll be over in less than a second."

Carolina glanced between us, then stood up. "Stand down! Save the bickering and fighter for training!"

Texas whipped her head around to look at Carolina for a second. "I d-"