I do not own any characters from Microsoft or Bungie's "Halo" title or any characters created by Roosterteeth in Red vs. Blue.

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Washington stared up at the slowly revolving ceiling fan; its rhythmic squeaking filled the silence of the small hospital room. Yellow light streamed in through a large window. Every so often, barked orders drifted in with the breeze, or the soft patter of the nurses and doctors could be heard as they walked the halls.

It was one of the few times he felt alert, present, but his mind was still fractured. Epsilon's death… no, that was the wrong word. Epsilon's suicide had left Washington broken, not only physically but mentally as well. Old memories would flash before his eyes, but he couldn't tell if they were his. Memories he should have had seemed unfamiliar or missing, and it seemed like he had lived through Epsilon's memories. The line between them had become so blurred as their minds disintegrated; it was like trying to put a puzzle together with half the pieces.

Was it Epsilon who decided to attack their teammates, or was it his own choice? Was he the one who decided to run? To fight? Was it even Epsilon who had gone insane? The thoughts, the emotions, and feelings felt real enough to be his won. He didn't turn to look as the door to his room opened.

"The doctors said you were finally stable enough to talk to. Nice to see it's true. How're you feeling, buddy?" a male Spartan asked, followed closely by a female. Both were in regulation white armor.

"York, Carolina," Washington replied and grunted as he tried to pull himself into a sitting position.

Carolina moved to his side. "Let me help," she said and piled pillows to prop Washington up.

"Try to take it easy, Wash," York said. "You've been cert. twelve for weeks."

"I'm fine," he replied, agitated. "What's happened while I was down?"

"Never have time for friends, do you?" York joked. Washington stared blankly at him until York sighed and continued. "A lot of stuff has happened since you've been gone. They've put a permanent hold on all implantations."

"Sounds like the first smart thing they've done since they started the program."

"There's more. Other AI have been going crazy. Not as bad as yours. They removed the programs in time, but we've still got a few in recovery. Personally, I'm worried. She won't admit it, but I think Tex is having trouble staying in control of Omega. Speaking of Tex…"