No one's POV
At the Ancient Alien Temple, the Reds, Blues, and Carolina arrive at the desert. Carolina gets off her mongoose with Zero.
Carolina: This where you found the body?
Washington: Yep, she's right up there.
Carolina: We'll see. Take me there. Sync.
Washington: Sync.
Zero: Sync.
One: Sync.
Caboose: Automatic dishwasher.
Zero, One, Wash and Carolina run off to find C.T.'s body, leaving the Reds and Blues alone. Upon arriving, Carolina knelt down to C.T.'s helmet.
One: Here. We have no idea how she got here.
Carolina: That's because she didn't.
Carolina removed the helmet and they saw the face of the Insurrectionist Leader.
One: Is that?
Zero: The Insurrectionist Leader. So I guess C.T. died and he took her armor...
Washington: If what you're saying is true, how could this have happened?
Carolina: Apparently. We never did complete our objective.
Washington: But why come out here? What's the motivation?
Carolina picks up the data pad that was given to the Insurrectionist Leader right before C.T. died.
Carolina: I have a feeling this'll tell us.
After gaining C.T.'s data pad, the four of them walked back over to the Reds and Blues, making their way to the mobile base.
One: Hey Tucker, can you bring over Chruch? We need to talk to him.
One rejoined the others, as where Carolina, and Zero were watching as Wash was using the computer.
Carolina: Any luck?
Washington: I think so.
The screen displays the Project Freelancer emblem which spins and reveals several pictures, among them, Epsilon's former Monitor body.
Washington: Alright, data pad accepted. Looks like we're in business.
One: Wait, isn't that-
Tucker runs up behind Carolina and the others.
Tucker: So, uh, what do you need Church for?
Carolina: Didn't One already tell you?
Tucker: Oh... yeah, but I mean you could talk to me instead! 'Sup girl?
One: ...-_-... Tucker...
Tex's message: God, his stupid pick up lines are annoying...
Carolina: Why on Earth would I ever want to do that?
Tucker: Well, you know, we're a perfect match. We're both super good-looking badass rebel loners, and we've got the same color armor! Greenish-blue.
Carolina: ...
Tucker: Uh, aquamarine? Turquoise? Hey, what the fuck color is this anyways?
Zero: You know, she once turned Wash's arm into a pretzel.
Washington: Why are you telling them this information...?
Zero: If you keep it up, she'll probably turn something else of yours onto a pretzel, if you catch my drift.
Tucker: Oh! Oh... Oh...? OH!!!! .......Kinky. Bow Chica Bow Wow.
Tex's message: ...-_-... Ugh...
One: ...-_-... Please shut up...
Washington: Listen, it's important that we figure out what's on C.T.'s data pad. It might be our next clue to finding the Director.
Tucker glances at the screen and sees the Monitor.
Tucker: Hey I know that thing!
One: You do?
Washington: Wait, you recognize this artifact?
Tucker: Hell yeah! It was the biggest pain in the ass!
Caboose runs up behind Tucker.
Caboose: Ah, it's Church! Yeah, he had lost a lot of weight.
Carolina: What?
Tucker: Oh yeah, Caboose transferred Epsilon from a memory unit into that thing a long time ago.
Carolina: Where is it now?
Tucker: I dunno, who cares?
Carolina: I do.
Tucker: Oh. Well in that case, uh, Caboose tell her where it is.
Caboose: Right. Yes. Okay. Right. Yes. I will do that...yes...right...now.... It's on the floor of a....
One: Of a what?
Caboose: Of a warehouse....?
Zero: ...-_-... A Warehouse....
Carolina just looked at the two of them furiously.
Carolina: How can you just leave an ancient alien artifact on the floor of a WAREHOUSE?!?!?
Caboose: Okay, hold on, I mean, to be fair, you know, he had already broken it.
The screen flashes repeatedly and an error message appears stating: "DATA CORRUPTED END OF FILE ERROR CODE 32165206.35".
Zero: ...-_-... Oh that's just great.
Carolina: Ugh! I can't believe we came all this way for nothing!
Carolina runs off, as Wash, Zero and One turns to the other Blues.
Washington: You guys are not making our life easy right now.
Tucker: Do we ever?
One: ...-_-... You know, we can't even say you're wrong...
Zero followed Carolina underneath one of the temple structures.
Zero : So, what's the plan now?
Carolina: There's an island nearby that I want to visit. Shouldn't take more than a day or so.
Zero: The old fortress, huh?
Carolina: Zero. Trust me on this?
Zero: Right...
Carolina: You, Wash and One stay here and keep the sim troopers from causing any trouble. I won't be long.
Zero: I'm going with you.
Carolina: Why?
Zero: Because you won't know where his grave is.
Carolina didn't saying anything, and walked away.
Carolina: Let's go...
(Timeskip)
After a day of driving, Zero and Carolina make their way to the temple, and Zero led Carolina to the grave that he had made for York.
Carolina: ...
Zero didn't say anything, pulling something out and handing it to Carolina, which was York's lighter.
Zero: Here... I didn't want to leave it. But, since you're here, I feel like you're the only person who should have it.
Carolina took the lighter from Zero and just looked at it, without saying a word, as Zero put his hand on her shoulder.
Carolina: Can you let me be alone for a few minutes?
Zero: Sure.
Zero stood up and walked away, leaving Carolina alone.
Carolina: I'm sorry, York. Sorry I didn't listen. I just...I don't understand. Why her? Why Tex?
Suddenly, Epsilon appears on Carolina's Mongoose which is not far behind her.
Epsilon: Tex?
Carolina turns around and notices Epsilon.
Carolina: You...
Epsilon: Ah, shit.
Carolina walks over to Epsilon.
Carolina: Let me guess, just... wanted some information.
Epsilon: Carolina I don't-
Carolina: You don't have a clue, do you? You and your friends just think I'm some blood-thirsty merc with a bad attitude. But you know what? You're wrong. I'm much worse.
Epsilon: Look, you go and round up everyone I know just to bring me back, and then you keep us all in the dark? What the hell did you think was going to happen, Carolina? Of course no one trusts you!
Carolina: Well I don't trust them, Epsilon. I don't trust anyone anymore.
Epsilon: Oh, why not? Because having friends would ruin the whole "psychotic loner bitch" thing you got going on? 'Cause that would be a real shame.
Carolina: It's because I had a team once. A team with the best training, the best equipment, and despite everything that they had that made them the best, they still lied, and stole, and tore each other to pieces! So you tell me: How the hell am I supposed to trust a rag-tag team of idiots when I couldn't even trust the people that were close to me?!
Epsilon looks away for a brief moment and then vanishes.
Carolina: That's what I thought.
Elsewhere, back with the Reds and blues, One and Wash were sitting atop a ledge together, looking at the sunset.
One: Wow, I never really noticed how beautiful the sunset was from here.
Washington: Well, we have been busy nonstop since Freelancer fell and even before that. Didn't really have time for the little things.
One: Yeah...
With them realizing it, Caboose was trying to sneak up behind them.
Caboose: Sneaking, sneaking, sneaking, sneaking.
One and Wash both just sighed.
Washington: Hello, Caboose.
Caboose: Hello, Agent Washington... Agent One...
Washington: Caboose, you know you're supposed to be in the temple with the rest of your squad?
Caboose: Ummm, yes. Ummm well, ummm, but see ummm, I am spying on you.
Washington: And why are you spying on us, Caboose?
Caboose: Well since everyone is kind of scared of you, Zero, One and Carolina, we figured we should try to get as much information on you guys as possible. So um, where do you see yourself in the next 5–10 years?
One just chuckled.
One: Caboose, you do realize that when you spy on someone, no one's actually supposed to know you are spying on them.
Caboose: I know, I just figured that you both wouldn't tell anyone.
One and Wash both look at each other confused.
Washington: Wait, what makes you think that?
Caboose: Oh, you know. I'm pretty sure that we could trust you two. I mean, we are friends.
As Caboose walks away, One and Wash both looked at each other surprised, and stares back into the sunset.
Washington: Friends, huh....
Elsewhere, back at the temple, Zero was sitting on a ledge, looking up at sky, thinking back to what Carolina said, as he had overheard her conversation with Epsilon.
(Flashback)
Carolina: It's because I had a team once. A team with the best training, the best equipment, and despite everything that they had that made them the best, they still lied, and stole, and tore each other to pieces! So you tell me: How the hell am I supposed to trust a rag-tag team of idiots when I couldn't even trust the people that were close to me?!
(Present)
Zero then proceeded to think back to his family.
Zero: ...
Suddenly, Tex appeared in front of Zero.
Tex: You know, it's my fault that he's dead.
Zero: I wouldn't say that.
Tex: It is. If I hadn't asked him to help me take down Wyoming, he still be around...
Zero: Yeah, maybe. But if you needed help, York wouldn't really hesitate to do so. That's just the kinda guy he was.
Tex: You say that, but it still doesn't change the fact that he's gone because of me...
Tex just looked down saddened.
Tex: I just end up failing at everything I do. It's like what Church said. "No matter how tough I am, no matter how hard I fight, I'm always going to fail. Because that's what I'm based on." No matter what I'm doing, or what I'm trying to accomplish, just when my goal is within my reach, it gets yanked away. Every. Single. Time.
Zero: Well, I guess we're better match then we thought. We're both failures in a way.
Tex: Are you talking about "that"?
Zero just chuckled.
Zero: Ah, that's right. You can see what I'm thinking right?
Tex: Yeah. And I gotta say it was pretty fucked up. But, you managed to save One, right? I wouldn't call that a complete failure, right?
Zero: Yeah, I guess you're right. But I can say the same to you.
Tex: What?
Zero: You said you fail at everything that you set out to do, but I wouldn't say they were complete failures. You set out to free the Alpha, and you did. It may not have been right then and there or the way you would have liked, but put him to rest so no one could hurt him again. You set out to stop Wyoming and you did. It may not have been by your hands, but it's something you wanted to happen and it did. So, I wouldn't call them complete failures.
Tex just took a second to take in what Zero said and just chuckled.
Tex: Yeah, yeah I guess you're right. Thanks, Zero.
Zero: No problem, partner.
Tex: Yeah. Partner.
The two fist bump each other. Suddenly, the two of them heard walking and Tex disappeared, as Carolina called out to him.
Carolina: Zero.
Zero looked back and saw Carolina walking up to him.
Zero: Ah, so you and Church came to an understanding?
Carolina looked at Zero surprised, as Epsilon popped out.
Epsilon: Wait, what the fuck, you knew I was here?
Zero: ..-_-...Of course I did, I'm not an idiot. Plus I overheard a part of your conversation.
Carolina: How much did you hear?
Zero: I left after the first pause.
Carolina: Then you'll be the first to know. There is an old ship that crashed into a Freelancer outpost a few years back.
Zero: Tex's old ship, huh? Doubt we'll find anything, but I guess it's worth another sweep.
Carolina: Then let's head out.
(Timeskip)
After heading back to the Desert Temple and gathering everyone up, they made their way to to Valhalla.
Washington: Pelican's over there. That's where Tex ended up.
Carolina: You mean her body ended up there.
Washington: Right.
Carolina: Show me.
The ex-Freelancers leave for the crash site until Simmons runs up from behind one of the Warthogs.
Simmons: Wait! What about the military? This could all be a trap remember?
Carolina: What are you talking about?
Sarge: Wash and Zero told us we were fugitives of the law. Bandits. Cast out by society with no hope of redemption!
Simmons: Yeah, and that the UNSC would be waiting for us when we got back to base!
Carolina and One both turn to Wash and Zero.
Zero: What...?
Washington: It was a possibility...
Simmons: So are you going to give us something to do?
Carolina: Just sit tight. In fact, don't do anything. At all.
Simmons: Fine...
Zero, One, Carolina and Wash make their way to the crashed Pelican, investigating.
Carolina: All right, what have you got?
Washington: Not much, a few shell casings...
Carolina: I was talking to Church....
Washington: Oh, sorry, I-
Zero: ...-_-... You do realize if you say"All right, what have you got?" Without saying a name afterwards, you can see where they're be some confusion, right?
Carolina just looked at Zero annoyed, as Epsilon appears on the windsheild of the Pelican.
Epsilon: Hey, whats up? Somebody call me?
Carolina: Yea, find anything yet?
Epsilon: Oh, not yet, but the onboard computer program is an old friend of mine; she's doing her best to help me out.
Carolina: Good. Keep it up.
Epsilon vanishes and Wash looked at Zero and Wash.
Carolina: Zero, Wash, is there a reason you're just standing there doing nothing? Get back to it.
Washington: Umm, right...yes sir, boss.
Washington turns and walks away. Zero just rolled his eyes, following behind him.
Carolina: Can't keep your secrets forever, Texas. Not from me... never from me.
Tex's message: Not really a secret, but okay. Also, give Carolina C.T.'s tags and tell her you found them.
Zero: Why...?
Tex's message: Because if Church can access the files on them, he may be able to gain more memories and locate the Director.
Zero: Hmm, good point.
(Timeskip)
After around 45 minutes of searching, Epsilon wasn't able to find anything, infuriating Carolina.
Carolina: Nothing.... Nothing! A dead end! Damnit, not again!
Carolina angrily punches the ship, causing Epsilon to appear.
Epsilon: Hey, watch it! I'm still in here!
Zero: Carolina, I told you even before we came here. Response teams beat us to the crash, plain and simple. We knew the chances of finding something here were slim.
Epsilon: Okay, well, what about the bases?
One: Blue base was swept clean.
Washington: As for Red base, any evidence that might have been there was completely destroyed during the construction of some kind of giant, holographic projection room.
Epsilon: Man... those guys are really starting to find creative ways to ruin my life... mother fuckers.
Carolina: This is our third wild goose chase! Even after she's gone, Texas is still finding ways to screw me over!
Zero: Hey! You can't blame her for this! Time isn't on our side, Carolina.
Washington: Zero's right. Any trails she left behind likely went cold a long time ago.
One: Even when we were recovery agents, after the break in, we never saw the Director in person.
Carolina: Are you suggesting we give up?
Washington: Of course not. We were just-
Carolina: Good. Then go spread the word; we're leaving.
One: But... we just got here.
Carolina: What's your point?
Washington: Well, don't you think we're pushing these guys a little to hard?
Zero: Carolina, this place is pretty much home to them. Despite how you feel, they may not be ready to leave it so soon.
Epsilon: Yeah, I'm real choked up about it.
Carolina walks towards Zero until they are standing face-to-face with him.
Carolina: Despite what those idiots may think, this is not a road trip; this is a mission. And I will see it completed. Is that understood, Agent Zero?
The two glare at each other for a brief moment, before Wash puts his hand on Zero's shoulder pulling him away.
Washington: Yes, boss, he gets it. And so do we.
Washington turns and walks away, as Zero just continued to glare at Carolina, only to be pulled away by One.
One: Come on, let's go.
Epsilon: Man, what the hell happened to them? Didn't they used to be a badasses like you and Tex?
Carolina walks up and somewhat violently removes Epsilon from the Pelican.
Epsilon: Ow! I meant badass uh... just like you! Just like... just you... only you. Nobody else!
Elsewhere, One and Wash walked over to Red base and over hear a conversation with the Reds.
Grif: Hey, Simmons?
Simmons: Yeah?
Grif: You ever wonder why we're here?
Simmons: You mean metaphysically?
Grif: No. I mean why are we going through all this trouble just to find one guy?
Simmons: I don't know. He's evil... or something?
Grif: Yeah. But so what? I don't have a problem with him.
Simmons: Yeah, but he's the one that started all of this. You know. He's the reason we have to deal with the Freelancers, the A.I.s, and the Meta. I mean when you think about it, he's the reason why we're here.
Sarge emerges from inside the base and approaches the two.
Sarge: Yep. He's a real dirtbag all right. But...even if he's six feet under, we'll still be in the same damn spot.
Simmons: Uh...sir?
Sarge: All I'm saying is we made it back to base in one piece, and even found the rest of our team. So do you boys really think running off again will make things any better? Cause the way I see it, leaving this place is only going to make things worse.
Grif: Hmm. I guess you have a point Sarge.
One and Wash: ...