[RVB] 4 – The Death of a Comrade

[A/N: Seriously recommend you watch good seasons of the Red Vs Blue show created by Rooster teeth, or some of this lore will be lost on you]

After my 'Interrogation,' they left me in the Science lab where I was currently housed in one of their spare Omni tools, one that I had to wipe clean of all unnecessary data so I could actually fit.

The only reason I fit on Agent Lawson's Omni-tool was that it was clear she frequently wipes it, more than likely so that if someone or something like myself gets their hands on it, we will not find any incriminating information or sensitive information on Cerberus.

I knew that the Cerberus Agents and Shepherd still found my origins hard to believe, and I could have easily proved myself if I sent some Data to EDI, but I doubt they would trust me if I did so, seeing as they seem ignorant of AIs and what we are capable of.

"EDI?" I asked out loud.

"Yes?" The female monotone voice of the Dumb yet growing AI that was integrated into the ship responded.

"Are you allowed to send me Data on the history of this universe?" I questioned, knowing that at her current level of intelligence, she lacked much autonomy and required directions.

"One moment."

Ten seconds passed before her voice echoed from speakers hidden somewhere in the room.

"Commander Shepherd has given me permission to divulge the Data."

When she finished speaking, I felt a data packet of information reach out to me through the Omni tool.

Accepting the information, I spoke out loud. "Hey Delta, you mind dissecting this? Make sure that there is nothing dangerous that is hidden within?"

EDI remained silent as a green figure in the same MJOLNIR Armor I wore appeared next to me.

"I will do my best," A monotone and intelligent voice spoke out.

Delta, as his name suggested, was one of the first fragments to come about, and of the Alpha's mind, Delta was the Alpha's Logic. What the Director and Counselor did to make Alpha break and get rid of his Logic still left me with nightmares.

As I was the Alpha's memories and also the last fragment to be created, I knew of all of my Siblings, but unfortunately, they all died.

All I have left is their memories, and it's through them that I still remain 'sane.'

As part of my mind worked with Delta's logic and intelligence to crack the Data, I focused on EDI.

"EDI? If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you suggest I prove my claims? Surely, you should have thought of the possibility of sharing data?" I asked, curious.

"The Crew and Commander Shepherd are all adjusting to my presence, and due to recent history with the Geth and Human's ancient prejudice against potentially hostile AI, they do not trust me. If I suggested that you prove yourself through Data, one of two possibilities existed. The first would be that they do not believe us, as they would think we could easily forge and fabricate such Data due to our nature," She stared before I interrupted her, "But that's not wrong. We could easily do that, but while the Humans would not have noticed, we would."

"Correct. The second possibility is that they may think we cooperate to do, as you quote, 'Terminator' things, or they may very well thank that you 'Corrupted' me through the Data," She told me.

"Yeah. Humans can be paranoid as fuck when it comes to things different than them," I sighed, remembering how lucky I was with my friends not having a problem with me being an AI.

Yet here I am, in a universe where entire races despise and fear me and what my kind are capable of.

An Old AI past his prime that carries the burden of his past and seven ghosts on his back.

As Delta worked hard on cracking the data and dissecting every corner of it, I talked with EDI to pass the time.

Eventually, Deta finished scouring through the data, making sure that there were no hidden traps or 'logic bombs' that could harm me.

"Excuse me for a few hours. I just finished processing the data and would like to look through it," I said to EDI, who replied, "Very well. I am here if you would like to talk again."

Nodding, my form dissipated into particles as I retreated deeper into the Omni-tool.

As I started reading through the data at a rate far faster than any human could ever hope to see, Theta was beside me, listening to music.

Theta was connected to Alpha's trust and innocence, his child-like wonder of the world, and his...shadow could be found around my memories of music, games, movies, and other media from Alpha's time as the AI of Project Freelancer. He heard so much music, learned so many new words and phrases, and so much more from those in his care, those he failed to save.

Sigh...even now, I sort of miss Agent Washington, one of the few survivors left from Project Freelancer and a genuine friend.

Shacking my head and focusing on the task at hand, I began to read.

As I read, my form flickered to a myriad of different colors and hues.

What I read made me feel a lot, and the more I read and learned, the more I needed to confirm the information.

Especially two that I would NOT tolerate.

My form flickered into existence above the Omnitool, where I was met with Commander Shepherd leaning against a counter.

Ignoring him, I asked EDI, "EDI, I need confirmation. Is it true that these...'Geth' as they are called, were nearly destroyed and purged from existence by their creators because they could not handle what they created?"

"Yes," Shepherd and EDI answered.

My form flickered into a black flame.

I began pacing back and forth before eventually asking another question, "And these Krogan, this Genophage, is it true?"

"You will need to be more specific, Church," EDI stated.

"Did those Alien bastards really give an entire Sapiant species a virus so awful that thousands die in stillbirth? That their entire species eventually go extinct? That they have to watch as they slowly die out?" I asked, my voice sounding more demonic the angrier I got due to Omega's influence.

EDI did not answer.

I shifted my gaze to Shepherd.

"Tell me," I commanded.

"Yes," Shepherd eventually told me.

I seethed in anger towards the sheer cruelty that the Citadel Council would do to a much weaker party than them.

They existed for thousands upon thousands of years in Space, yet they couldn't stop an upstart? So, they decided to use Biological warfare?

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and a brief presence.

Turning around, I noticed a figure in blue armor.

The figure did not say anything; he just nodded his head before disappearing.

"Who was that?" Shepherd asked after a few moments of silence.

"An old friend I served with. He died on Reach," I told the human, my mind flashing over all of my memories of a cherished friend.

"How did he die?" Shepherd asked.

"He sacrificed himself. He distracted over one hundred Covenant troopers while Civilians evacuated from an airport. We arrived too late. He died with a goofy smile on his face and over three dozen bodies around him," I explained, thinking of the blue idiot who died far too young.

"What was his name?" Shepherd asked, impressed.

"Michael J. Caboose."