Strife: A Red vs Blue Fan Fiction

Arrival

April, 07, 2546

New Phoenix, New Republic, Earth

13:00

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Aimee stopped the car just outside the airport, where they said my flight would be taking off. She turned to me, resting her arm on the wheel. "Make sure to try to contact me every once in awhile, alright?" She asked, sounding like an older sister.

I nodded, a small smile on my face. "Okay, okay. I will try. But, I don't know if I would be able to, wherever I'm going," I said, opening my door.

"That's why I said 'try'," She said, then hugged me tightly. "Better get going. They're probably waiting for you," She said, turning away from me, facing forwards. I didn't move for a few moments, just watched her, without saying a word.

"Dammit..." I muttered, getting out of the car. "Bye, Aimee," I said, closing the door gently behind me. I didn't have any luggage; they said they'd provide everything for me on arrival. And, I still haven't gotten any sort of contact from those at the Project, just from my command officers who are directing the whole thing, transport and everything.

The doors to the airport opened as I neared them, and the faces waiting for their own flights turned towards me before losing interest, and turning back away, to whatever they were doing. Watching the news, playing games, chatting.

I walked through the crowds of people, pushing past them to get to the reception at the far end. I received a few glares, but I just ignored them. You get used to it, after awhile, I guess. I approached the woman behind the desk, clearing my throat to get her attention.

She looked up at me, an annoyed look in her eyes. She perked up, as if she recognized me. I arched a brow, looking at the woman. "Oh! Miss Abney! You've arrived-"

I stopped her sentence, despite it being rude. "Excuse me, but how do you know my name?" I asked, placing my hand on the desk, tapping my fingers on the metal.

She held up a finger, ducking down searching for something on the under-side of the desk. She slid a piece of paper towards me on the desk. Curious, I picked it up, careful, as to not crumple it more than it already was. I showed my identification picture, plus the authorization for my flight.

I just shrugged, returning the paper to her. "Anyways, your flight is out in the yard. Only pelican out there, at the time," She said, motioning for me to move, so she could tend to the others behind me. I just nodded, pushing myself away from the desk, heading towards the door on the far side of the room.

Two marines stood near the door, quietly chatting to themselves. I've never seen their armour before, really. It completely covered their face, leaving only two visor-like areas to see through. They looked up when they heard me approaching. They held up a hand, stopping me in my tracks.

"Gunnery Sargeant Cassie Abney?" One asked, looking at me. I looked between the two of them, silent for a few moments.

"That'd be me," I answered simply, crossing my arms over my chest. I scanned their armour, trying to locate where their rank was located. There was nothing. I narrowed my eyes, wondering who the hell they were. My eyes skimmed over their armour once more, finding the same insignia that's on my dog tags; the Project Freelancer insignia.

So... they're from the Project.

They exchanged a few quiet words before turning back to me, nodding, "Follow us, the pelican's waiting," One said as the both of them turned, and left out the door. I shrugged, following shortly after the two marines.

They walked across the courtyard, towards the pelican. They slapped the side of it, alerting the pilot to let the hatch down so we could board. I took my seat, not even bothering with the harness.

I looked at the marines across from me, studying their armour. It was odd, I'd give it that. I've never seen anything quite like it in UNSC... Maybe it's what's standard for Project Freelancer members? I shrugged. I guess I'll find out when I get there.

"Hey, guys, what is Project Freelancer anyways? They haven't told me a damn thing," I said, leaning back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other, looking at the two marines.

"It will be explained when we arrive on the ship," One said, shifting in his seat.

I arched a brow, looking at the two. "Ship? So it's a naval installment?" I asked, silently hoping it was. They shook their heads, and I immediately hung my head. Damn.

"We're on a frigate. The one up there, in space. The 'Mother Of Invention," I nodded, shrugging. I guess... I guess I won't be able to remain in contact with Aimee all that much.

When I didn't reply, the two marines looked at each other, then back at me, "Disappointed?" One asked, leaning forward in his seat.

I shook my head, sighing. "Not exactly. Just... nevermind. My business," I finished with a sighed, adjusting my coat, looking away from the two. I didn't need to say my story to them.

"Let me guess..." One of them trailed of, thinking. I heard him chuckle before turning back to me. "A guy?" He asked, cocking his head to the side.

Without missing a beat, I responded calmly, or at least I hope I did. "Even if it was, it's my business. Not yours," I crossed my arms over my chest, popping my neck.

I heard the other one chuckle softly, just loud enough for me to hear it. "I guess that's a 'yes', then?" He persisted. Just from his tone, I could tell he smiling under that damned helmet. I curled my hand into a fist, out of their sight.

"I thought I said it was none of your business," I returned, looking at the two of them, hopefully intimidating. They looked away, then looked down, and didn't say a single word following that, at least to me. They continued talking quietly to themselves, occasionally casting a glance towards me. I occasionally heard my name, or "Gunnery Sargeant" in their conversation.

Apparently they're talking about me.

I don't really care. Unless I hear something offensive, to me or my team, I won't act on it.

Sometime during the flight, I drifted off, only to awakened later. I blinked several times, looking up at the blurry image of the marine, his hand on my shoulder. "Miss Abney," He said, taking his hand off my shoulder.

"What do you want?" I questioned, dusting his hand off my shoulder.

"We've arrived,"

《♤》《♤》《♤》

A/n: Hey, guys! Seekers here, once again. Sorry for ending it like this, but more will be coming up on Friday, so stick with me. This is were the whole plot begins. Maybe some of you see where I'm going with it, but I kinda doubt it, at this time.

Anyways, I must conclude my rambling here, so I don't go one for a good fifteen paragraphs of rapidly changing rambling. Seriously, ask my friends. They'll tell you how bad I can get. Especially without my caffeine.

See ya!

-Seekers, signing off