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[shift to Nick's PoV]

I was able to get a good night's sleep for once, but I still had some concerning thoughts looming. LRC being one of them, and the other was for Navy. My eyes opened slowly after hearing a small knock.

"Come in..." I muttered, turning over on the bed.

Cedric walked in, and I heard a small clunk behind me. "How are you feeling? Sleep okay?"

"I guess."

"Great to hear. So, are you ready to answer some questions now?" Cedric sat down in a small chair near the bed as I turned to face him. "Conner's out hunting, so it's just going to be me right now. The Chief will see you in an hour."

"What did you want to know..." I added, rubbing my eyes with my hands for a moment. I was still groggy, but at least I wasn't cold.

"The first question is this: You were once human, correct?"

I nodded slowly, trying to recall what I was told on the subject. "Yeah, but I have no memory of being on. FC wiped cleanly."

"I see. The next question is: If you wanted to change back into a human, would you seek to do so?"

"No, I don't." I shook my head, sitting up lightly. Of course I didn't want to be human again. Why would I? Being a Char has it's benefits and I don't seem to be stuck in a frail body at least.

"All right. Next question I have: Have you traveled around a lot in the past several months? You were designed to be able to handle the trails of the road, mostly. Of course, they never tested out in extreme cold from what I have seen of you."

"I have traveled around recently. It's just been non-stop since I bumped into Navy in his so-called house. Is this Sierra, by the way? Navy wanted to know..."

Cedric nodded quickly. "Aye, that's right. But let's go on. Are you gay, by any chance?"

I blushed, the fact I was just asked that took me off guard. "Um...well...Maybe?"

"It's okay if you are gay or not. I wanted to know because records about you seemed to hint at it." Cedric holds back a giggle. "Maybe, you say?"

I looked over, growing angry. "Is that what's up? Something like THAT being discussed behind my back? And hell, it's recorded for someone to look at!?"

"Settle down!" Cedric growled. "I'm sorry that FC seeks to slander your name like that! Don't take it out on me just cause you're angry. Figured you were smarter than that."

I gritted my teeth. "Okay...if something like that's being made public about me, I bet I'll get backlash. Navy happens to--" I felt like striking myself for mentioning Navy now. Cedric's smile widened as my eyes did the same.

"FC records didn't mention that. You sure about it? He's not someone you can just ask like that."

"He...told me himself in that cell once before Conner got away." I regretted mentioning that.

"Does he have anyone? You know, mate wise?" Cedric lowered his voice, stepping over to me.

I shook my head. "No, nor do I for that matter. Granted, I do want someone, but I'm gonna wait till I know for sure I'm ready for the responsibility. I bet Navy would say the same thing if he were here."

Cedric laid a paw on my shoulder. "I know the feeling."

I looked at Cedric carefully. "What? Are you--"

"Whatever I am or not I shall not mention. Not to mention, right now we got FC to worry about. I think it's best once this is over and you can settle down for awhile that you should consider looking for someone. Do you have someone in mind?"

I laughed. "Nope! I'm completely clueless on my preference right now. Like you mentioned, FC demands our attention right now."

'I have one final question for you." Cedric's tone weakened.

"And what is that, Cedric?" I waited for a moment, then I exhaled, knowing what he was about to ask.

"May I come with you?" Cedric lowered his paw. "I'm sure you could use some outside assistance for once in your life."

I knew what he was getting at. "Wait a moment...you understand that-"

"I accept all risks that would come with it. I'm certain also that you'd find I can hold my own against them. Plus, I can watch your back if that's needed."

I listened to what Cedric was telling me, and was hesitant to answer. This wasn't a choice to be taken lightly, and he meant every word. I stared into his eyes, seeing a look of fierce determination in them. Just one thing held me back from accepting his offer.

"I can't promise you'll be okay if you were to tag along with me. I have a hard time watching out for others..." I mentioned this while looking down at the floor.

"Then I'll promise to be okay." Cedric tried to be reassuring with me. "I can help you, besides we got a much better chance at outlasting them if we stick together. Don't you agree with me, Nick?"

"Navy told me that already..."

"And I'm telling you that too because it's the truth. Come on, I wouldn't try to hold you back or anything. Please?"

Things were getting tougher. Now I had to make a choice that would decide the fact of two more lives. his and Conner's. Giving into my better judgment, I gave a slow but regretful nod of approval.

"All right. You can come with me for now, but you better be able to defend yourself If I'm unable to!"

"You can relax. You might find my skills in combat are up to par with what you can do, Nick."

I believed him. Not to mention, he was more gentle than Navy was. Cedric got up slowly, and I followed him towards the door. He stopped me for a moment.

"Hold on a moment. I forgot something."

"What's up?" I asked calmly.

"We need to get you some proper clothing, otherwise you risk triggering hypothermia again. Can you wait here for a sec while I look around?" Cedric explained in a caring, gentle tone. I liked that.

"I can do that." I replied gently as Cedric walked outside of the house, closing the door behind him.

Several minutes were spent staring at the wall in boredom

Cedric walked back to the hut. I was sitting down on a couch, staring at the fire, not hearing Cedric come in. He walked up to me, setting a pile of winter garments besides me. I looked over at what he brought me, first spotting a white winter jacket. Next to the jacket was a pair of gray boots and besides that was a small green scarf. Cedric helped me put this gear on.

"There you are Nick. That should protect you from the cold for a little while at least." he gazed at me.

"Protect me for how long?" I asked slowly.

"Long enough." came his short reply, as if he just wanted to mess with me.

When I didn't answer back, Cedric walked towards the door. I followed him silently, having no words to mumble for once. My mind was busy shuffling thoughts concerning Conner. His older brother being in FC, his sworn enemy. The news would scar him if he didn't already know. How could I tell him the truth? Would he even accept it, let alone believe me?
Cedric walked out of the hut into the cold. I was hesitant to follow him; but I did after nodded gently. The village LRC had set up was miraculous to say the least. All the huts and buildings were constructed out of sturdy material.

Speaking of Conner, I saw him walk over to us. I expected a simple greeting at first, just then, I saw Conner frown lightly towards me. I decided to ask what was wrong.

"Are you okay there?"

"Scouts have spotted FC soldiers, who are headed this way. We need to evacuate everyone, and we don't have much time... "

***

[shift to Navy's PoV]

Well, I think it's time I got off this ship then. I have no further business here. Getting down to the floor, I stepped over to the body of the man that attacked me. Checking his pulse confirmed he became deceased, but oh well. I looted the body for anything, but I didn't find anything of value. Struggling to leave the room, I heard an alarm. While looking over towards the control over I heard footsteps growing louder. More resistance I suspect... so I ran into the control over, seeing the monitors were shattered and the lever for the auto pilot was busted! This was tampered with! I cursed as the footsteps grew louder, turning around. A loud bang was heard, and a bullet just missed my head by inches. Before I could aim the Plasma Cutter, it was shot out of my arm by a second bullet, landing on the floor.

"What the hell!?" I panicked. "FC isn't this accurate--"

I was then struck by an electrical blast to the chest, falling back to the ground. My body felt completely numb as I tried to move an inch. Nothing happened. I saw someone walk in, as my vision became dark. I couldn't see anything, but felt my body being dragged across the floor then. Several seconds went by until I was thrown to the floor, hearing a door slam. My vision returned slowly, but I was still paralyzed.

"Okay, I take back what I said about you!" shouting was pointless right now. Why would they listen to me now? Shuffling around on the floor was also futile, so I just stared at the wall in vain. What was going to happen to me? I heard an alarm blaring, likely the ship was on a crash course. Just my luck, right? After hearing a small clunk, the Plasma Cutter was thrown over towards me, coming to a stop after it slid a few inches. I pondered about this for a few seconds, but merely stared at the cutter for a moment.

I had to think of something, and needed to think quickly.

I fell unconscious suddenly due to the pain...

Description
[shift to Nick's PoV]

I was able to get a good night's sleep for once, but I still had some concerning thoughts looming. LRC being one of them, and the other was for Navy. My eyes opened slowly after hearing a small knock.

"Come in..." I muttered, turning over on the bed.

Cedric walked in, and I heard a small clunk behind me. "How are you feeling? Sleep okay?"

"I guess."

"Great to hear. So, are you ready to answer some questions now?" Cedric sat down in a small chair near the bed as I turned to face him. "Conner's out hunting, so it's just going to be me right now. The Chief will see you in an hour."

"What did you want to know..." I added, rubbing my eyes with my hands for a moment. I was still groggy, but at least I wasn't cold.

"The first question is this: You were once human, correct?"

I nodded slowly, trying to recall what I was told on the subject. "Yeah, but I have no memory of being on. FC wiped cleanly."

"I see. The next question is: If you wanted to change back into a human, would you seek to do so?"

"No, I don't." I shook my head, sitting up lightly. Of course I didn't want to be human again. Why would I? Being a Char has it's benefits and I don't seem to be stuck in a frail body at least.

"All right. Next question I have: Have you traveled around a lot in the past several months? You were designed to be able to handle the trails of the road, mostly. Of course, they never tested out in extreme cold from what I have seen of you."

"I have traveled around recently. It's just been non-stop since I bumped into Navy in his so-called house. Is this Sierra, by the way? Navy wanted to know..."

Cedric nodded quickly. "Aye, that's right. But let's go on. Are you gay, by any chance?"

I blushed, the fact I was just asked that took me off guard. "Um...well...Maybe?"

"It's okay if you are gay or not. I wanted to know because records about you seemed to hint at it." Cedric holds back a giggle. "Maybe, you say?"

I looked over, growing angry. "Is that what's up? Something like THAT being discussed behind my back? And hell, it's recorded for someone to look at!?"

"Settle down!" Cedric growled. "I'm sorry that FC seeks to slander your name like that! Don't take it out on me just cause you're angry. Figured you were smarter than that."

I gritted my teeth. "Okay...if something like that's being made public about me, I bet I'll get backlash. Navy happens to--" I felt like striking myself for mentioning Navy now. Cedric's smile widened as my eyes did the same.

"FC records didn't mention that. You sure about it? He's not someone you can just ask like that."

"He...told me himself in that cell once before Conner got away." I regretted mentioning that.

"Does he have anyone? You know, mate wise?" Cedric lowered his voice, stepping over to me.

I shook my head. "No, nor do I for that matter. Granted, I do want someone, but I'm gonna wait till I know for sure I'm ready for the responsibility. I bet Navy would say the same thing if he were here."

Cedric laid a paw on my shoulder. "I know the feeling."

I looked at Cedric carefully. "What? Are you--"

"Whatever I am or not I shall not mention. Not to mention, right now we got FC to worry about. I think it's best once this is over and you can settle down for awhile that you should consider looking for someone. Do you have someone in mind?"

I laughed. "Nope! I'm completely clueless on my preference right now. Like you mentioned, FC demands our attention right now."

'I have one final question for you." Cedric's tone weakened.

"And what is that, Cedric?" I waited for a moment, then I exhaled, knowing what he was about to ask.

"May I come with you?" Cedric lowered his paw. "I'm sure you could use some outside assistance for once in your life."

I knew what he was getting at. "Wait a moment...you understand that-"

"I accept all risks that would come with it. I'm certain also that you'd find I can hold my own against them. Plus, I can watch your back if that's needed."

I listened to what Cedric was telling me, and was hesitant to answer. This wasn't a choice to be taken lightly, and he meant every word. I stared into his eyes, seeing a look of fierce determination in them. Just one thing held me back from accepting his offer.

"I can't promise you'll be okay if you were to tag along with me. I have a hard time watching out for others..." I mentioned this while looking down at the floor.

"Then I'll promise to be okay." Cedric tried to be reassuring with me. "I can help you, besides we got a much better chance at outlasting them if we stick together. Don't you agree with me, Nick?"

"Navy told me that already..."

"And I'm telling you that too because it's the truth. Come on, I wouldn't try to hold you back or anything. Please?"

Things were getting tougher. Now I had to make a choice that would decide the fact of two more lives. his and Conner's. Giving into my better judgment, I gave a slow but regretful nod of approval.

"All right. You can come with me for now, but you better be able to defend yourself If I'm unable to!"

"You can relax. You might find my skills in combat are up to par with what you can do, Nick."

I believed him. Not to mention, he was more gentle than Navy was. Cedric got up slowly, and I followed him towards the door. He stopped me for a moment.

"Hold on a moment. I forgot something."

"What's up?" I asked calmly.

"We need to get you some proper clothing, otherwise you risk triggering hypothermia again. Can you wait here for a sec while I look around?" Cedric explained in a caring, gentle tone. I liked that.

"I can do that." I replied gently as Cedric walked outside of the house, closing the door behind him.

Several minutes were spent staring at the wall in boredom

Cedric walked back to the hut. I was sitting down on a couch, staring at the fire, not hearing Cedric come in. He walked up to me, setting a pile of winter garments besides me. I looked over at what he brought me, first spotting a white winter jacket. Next to the jacket was a pair of gray boots and besides that was a small green scarf. Cedric helped me put this gear on.

"There you are Nick. That should protect you from the cold for a little while at least." he gazed at me.

"Protect me for how long?" I asked slowly.

"Long enough." came his short reply, as if he just wanted to mess with me.

When I didn't answer back, Cedric walked towards the door. I followed him silently, having no words to mumble for once. My mind was busy shuffling thoughts concerning Conner. His older brother being in FC, his sworn enemy. The news would scar him if he didn't already know. How could I tell him the truth? Would he even accept it, let alone believe me?
Cedric walked out of the hut into the cold. I was hesitant to follow him; but I did after nodded gently. The village LRC had set up was miraculous to say the least. All the huts and buildings were constructed out of sturdy material.

Speaking of Conner, I saw him walk over to us. I expected a simple greeting at first, just then, I saw Conner frown lightly towards me. I decided to ask what was wrong.

"Are you okay there?"

"Scouts have spotted FC soldiers, who are headed this way. We need to evacuate everyone, and we don't have much time... "

***

[shift to Navy's PoV]

Well, I think it's time I got off this ship then. I have no further business here. Getting down to the floor, I stepped over to the body of the man that attacked me. Checking his pulse confirmed he became deceased, but oh well. I looted the body for anything, but I didn't find anything of value. Struggling to leave the room, I heard an alarm. While looking over towards the control over I heard footsteps growing louder. More resistance I suspect... so I ran into the control over, seeing the monitors were shattered and the lever for the auto pilot was busted! This was tampered with! I cursed as the footsteps grew louder, turning around. A loud bang was heard, and a bullet just missed my head by inches. Before I could aim the Plasma Cutter, it was shot out of my arm by a second bullet, landing on the floor.

"What the hell!?" I panicked. "FC isn't this accurate--"

I was then struck by an electrical blast to the chest, falling back to the ground. My body felt completely numb as I tried to move an inch. Nothing happened. I saw someone walk in, as my vision became dark. I couldn't see anything, but felt my body being dragged across the floor then. Several seconds went by until I was thrown to the floor, hearing a door slam. My vision returned slowly, but I was still paralyzed.

"Okay, I take back what I said about you!" shouting was pointless right now. Why would they listen to me now? Shuffling around on the floor was also futile, so I just stared at the wall in vain. What was going to happen to me? I heard an alarm blaring, likely the ship was on a crash course. Just my luck, right? After hearing a small clunk, the Plasma Cutter was thrown over towards me, coming to a stop after it slid a few inches. I pondered about this for a few seconds, but merely stared at the cutter for a moment.

I had to think of something, and needed to think quickly.

I fell unconscious suddenly due to the pain...