Starlight Shines Brightest

Found Her Niche...

2007-01-24T02:37:39Z

Drag racing was all well and good, but it could never satisfy Leawyn's need for challenges and using skill to get ahead. Not that she thought keeping one's ride from red-lining wasn't a matter of skill, but honestly, a quarter-mile track with a two-shot of NOS for a total of ten seconds worth of sheer adrenaline?

Yeah, not enough to really stand up to the fact that she gets twice as much out of flying. But then, on one trip to Earth, she had discovered Drift Racing. Had recalled the mechanics of it from doing the desert run back home in the foothills. Had discovered that she really did have a knack for for the prolonged power-slides, switch-backs and nail-biting, in-your-face, paint-swapping runs that had her blood singin'.

Baby's hit the jackpot. If she wasn't a pilot, she'd be a Drifter, hands down.

There she is somewhere in the racing underworld on Earth, on the line, waiting for the next run to start...

Two Worlds, One Heart (LFW-#32)

2006-09-05T01:23:31Z

Prompt: #32 - Star
Word Count: 364
Rating: PG-13

x-posted to libraryofwinds

----------

There's a star she can always find, no matter where she is in the system. On some planets, like Lossia, it's fainter and can only be seen during a brief, five-minute interval when the brighter of the two local stars burns enough of the clouds away for it to peep through. On others, like Umber, it's buried in a belt of dappled light and to see it one only need focus on its general vicinity. In two places, however, she can see it clear as day, even when the sun is riding high in the sky and canceling out the star's light.

The first is in her childhood home on Ariah, where all she has to do is look up at a forty-five degree angle and find the brightest point in the sky. The two of them had found that star together and had named it their own; it was the place he had told her her parents had gone when they went away, and that they would join them there someday. It was where he was waiting for her now, and she knew he waved at her whenever she looked up.

The second place is when she stands on the spot where he had died in her arms on Lachai. When she looks straight up the star is there, and it seems so very close. She can hear his voice in this place, as he tells her how proud he is of her, of how proud her parents were of her. The remains of the fighter and his body had been scoured by the icy winds and the frozen tundra had made a quick start on reclaiming craft and fighter, but she could still sense him here, and each time she looks up, she fancies that he's trying to reach out and give her one last embrace.

Someday soon, she knows, she'll join the man she had loved as a father and reunite with the parents that had left her when she was far too young. It's only a matter of time before fate and chance catch up and she's whisked away for a reunion that has been so long in the making.

ESCAPE! (for street_leader)

2006-08-25T21:49:29Z

It had been about a few weeks and the machines were off of her, save for the heart monitor. She was able to move around her room by herself and nothing hurt. They let her go outside, even! (Forget that she was always with someone.)

She was all better, dammit and there was no reason why she should still be here. It was time to remedy that.

So, she rigged the heart monitor so she could slip it off and no one would know. She changed into her civvies and crept to the door. She peaked around the corner.

There was no one around, so she headed briskly down the hall and made it outside to the courtyard.

She's half-way across the quad and nearly to the dorms. If she can just make it to her room, then maybe she can get some real rest...

Two Hearts, One World (LFW-#31)

2006-08-25T18:39:14Z

Prompt: #31 - Explore
Word Count: 241
Rating: PG-13

x-posted to libraryofwinds
----------

The feel of his skin beneath her hand fascinated her. She had never been this close to another and it was all together frightening and exhilarating. The only time she felt like this was when she was flying, but the way their bodies fit together had her soaring higher than she had ever been.

The friction as she moved against him, the glistening wetness as her mouth trailed over his body, all of it was a world she had never seen and she wanted to memorize it. Her hands traced each line, etching it in her mind for those nights they couldn't be together; she pulled his warmth into her soul for the times when she wanted, needed, his arms around her.

The voice that whispered her name was locked in her heart, speaking to her when she needed to hear him, needed to be reminded of someone who's dependency on her well-being went deeper than merely duty, or friend or family. His face danced before her vision always, making her smile when she wanted to cry. His strength carried her through each loss, each defeat.

He was her everything, and she discovered another piece of herself each time they came together, pushing each other to the limit, driving each other insane, loving each other. It was the sweetest exploration to be had, as they learned how to live and love together, in spite of the galaxies that lay between them.

The Unthinkable. (for street_leader)

2006-08-04T16:44:53Z

UAC Internal-Memo 040806-1028

MEMORANDUM FOR ERIN DELANEY, CHIEF OF STAFF - ARIAH BASE;
CC: EVELYN RILEY, HEAD CHIEF OF STAFF - UNITED ARMIES OF CLESIA

SUBJECT: MISSION REPORT - THIAN RECONNAISSANCE

STARLIGHT ELITE entered THIAN SPACE at projected time of 0800 hours. Routine mission executed and squadron sweep of outlying areas considered secured. Upon exit of Thian perimeter TERON ambush became evident; Thian space surrounded by TERON ARMADA. Starlight Elite survived initial encounter and broke through the blockade. Several craft damaged in resultant fire-fight, including that of COMMANDER LEAWYN BROCK. Armada persued until Elite made planet fall on VELATIA.

Command Flight defended squadron until suitable cover found. Commander Brock insisted on fighting; sustained serious injuries in subsequent crash and needs medical attention. LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER CASSIDY KNIGHT has assumed command of the squadron ntil further notice.

Request immediate evac.

**********

"As far as we can tell, the squad hit an invisible sensor net, set up by the Teron Coalition. This cofirms our suspicions that, regardless of whatever topical information the Elite gathered, the Terons are up to something on Thian," General Whitmore told Admiral Delaney. "The squad's XO hinted that Brock might have more answers for us, if her fevered ramblings while they were holed up on Velatia can be trusted."

"And can they be trusted?" Delaney asked.

"If you ask any member of the Starlight Elite, they'd say yes. I have no reason to disbelieve them at this point. Events are too dodgey to begin with to start dismissing possible leads."

Delaney nodded thoughtfully. "As soon as Comander Brock is able, find out all you can. We need to know what's happening on Thian."

**********

CK stood outside the room, arms crossed over her chest. He gaze was fixed on the bed and all the monitors on the other side of the glass. She was trying awfully hard to keep it together and not break down, but seeing Leawyn like this killed her. CK felt a tear slide down her cheek and she said a silent prayer for her friend. She barely noticed when Derek slid his arm around her shoulder, knowing only that she sank into him gratefully.

You'll get through this, Wyn. You always do.

**********

Leawyn winced as the bed shifted.

"Heh, sorry Wyn," CK said softly. "I tried to sit as gently as possible."

Leawyn opened her eyes to glare at CK, but the look was harmless coming from someone confined to medbay. She had basic monitors on her now, measuring heart rate and blood pressure. Breathing still hurt, but so long as she didn't breathe too deeply, she was okay.

"You and gentle don't belong in the same universe sometimes, CK," Leawyn whispered. He throat hurt from disuse. She braced herself as CK helped her sit up. "How's the squadron?"

"Contrary to popular belief - popular belief being yours, mainly - the squadron continues to function without your presence."

"Prat." Leawyn bit down a chuckle, and opted for just a smile. "You still running interference on the Intel-front?"

"Yep. Gave Whitemore exactly what you told me to and I've deflected any residual flak since then."

Leawyn nodded, closing her eyes. "Good. Wake me when they're ready to discharge me."

CK dropped a kiss on Leawyn's brow. Once Leawyn was asleep, she smiled and whispered, "That'll be for a while yet, kiddo. You'll end up making a break for it before that ever happens."

Flying High (for street_leader)

2006-07-09T12:49:16Z

[ooc: takes place several weeks after THIS]

"Nice set of wheels, Wyn." CK rounded the Honda S2000 and stood next to it on the driver's side, hands on her hips. Her gaze shifted from the car to her best friend, who was standing next to her, hands clasped behind her back and swaying back and forth on her heels gently. "Where'd you get'em?"

"Oh. It was gift..."

"A gift?" Derek's asked, coming up behind them. He grinned wickedly. "From that guy you were toting around base the other day?"

Leawyn blushed, but said nothing.

CK chuckled. "Come on, Wyn. We know you. Miss Perpetualy-Single suddenly has a guy on her arm - whom she hacks into the database as having Level Fifteen clearence until the day he dies - and takes him flyng." Her eyes sparkled as she stood in front of Leawyn. "You have a boyfriend."

"Do not," Leawyn muttered.

Derek tckled her in the ribs, "Do to. What's his name? How come we haven't met him yet?"

Leawyn giggled as she twisted out of Derek's friendly assult. "Do not, and his name is Dominic Toretto." She bounced out of reach and smiled. "You haven't met him yet because we're not dating." Yeah, we're just sleeping together. And driving fast cars.

"Liar," the two said in unison.

CK walked to the passenger side. "C'mon Wyn. You're taking us for a ride."

Leawyn smiled as she watched Derek and CK climb into the Honda. She slid into the driver's seat and revved it to life. They pulled out of the private motor-pool garage reserved for officer's personal vehicles and headed across the base. Once through the gates and on the open road, Leawyn headed towards the desert strip she had been using to practice racing and then opened the Honda up to her full potential.

She grinned as Derek and CK whooped in delight.

Leawyn laughed. "On the way back guys, we take the top off..."

[Heya love. If you wanted, you could have Dom show up on base somewhere and wander around. You know he'll eventually find the motor pool and spend a lot fo time checking out the vehicles (stuff with wheels and stuff without, like speeders and stuff). Then he can be there when the trio get back from joyriding. *smooches*]

Tag, You're It! (LFW-#18)

2006-07-01T17:25:26Z

Prompt: #18 - Play
Word Count: 363
Rating: PG

x-posted to libraryofwinds

----------

A target-lock warning interrupted Leawyn’s pleasure flight.

"What the...?" She scanned her sensors and frowned. "Derek, what in blazes...?"

"Heya, Wyn! How's your fuel?"

"Full. Why?"

"Tag! You're it!"

Leawyn shook her head and chuckled. She banked to port and dropped in behind Derek.

"Same game, Der? Definite targeting solution wins?"

"You got it. Solution locked for five seconds to simulate a fired shot."

"Well, you must be deaf, then, because you have two-point-five seconds to..."

"Gah!" Leawyn watched in amusement as Derek banked starboard and angled for the clouds, above her line of fire. Leawyn's HUD went abruptly silent as he broke the lock she had on him.

She didn't give him time to breath a sigh of relief, as she followed him up through the pockets of vapour and gained another lock. Derek's S-16 jinked and the lock was broken.

"Sneaky, Brock. Real sneaky."

Leawyn laughed. "You're getting sloppy, Masterson. I'm disappointed in you."

"Many apologies, oh Fearless Leader. Let's see you contend with this!"

Leawyn blinked as Derek's fighter disappeared into the clouds. She pulled back on the stick and rose through the fluff. She glanced out the canopy, looking for the telltale glint of sunlight on metal.

She banked starboard, the sweeping turn giving her a better view...

...And a rather insistent target-lock warning. She cut her throttle and dropped the S-16 back into the clouds, breaking Derek's lock on her.

In and out, up and around, both fighters weaved through the sky, each trying to gain the upper hand, and each failing. Finally, as Leawyn brought her S-16 around to double-back, she couldn't believe the sound that met her: once she was leveled out her target-lock warning began to sing. No matter how she tried to shake it the noise began to pick up tempo until, five seconds later, it was a solid tone.

Derek's triumphant yell accompanied his S-16 as he over-shot his dumbfounded Commander.

"Woo hoo! I can't believe I just took out the great Leawyn Brock!"

Leawyn smiled. She was glad that Derek, now the only pilot to best her in this game, was on her squadron.

"Believe it, Masterson. I'll get you next time!"

Safe (LFW-#19)

2006-07-01T02:29:46Z

Prompt: #19 - Safe
Word Count: 127
Rating: PG

x-posted to libraryofwinds

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Being enfolded in the harness of her fighter was akin to being in the womb; the lucid free-float that hallmarked the highest of altitudes was the same as the gentle suspension in the deepest embrace of a mother's body. The warmth and comfort of the pilot's couch rivaled the warmth and comfort of pre-birth.

It was the safest place in her entire existence and she relished it. She was uncomfortable on the ground, her footing unsure. She felt like she had all the grace of a child learning to walk. The pounding of her boots on the tarmac was merely a means to climb into the safety of her craft.

With nothing under her but air and the dead cold of space, she has nothing to fear.

Silent Tears (LFW-#20)

2006-07-01T02:20:03Z

Prompt: #20 - Cry
Word Count: 104
Rating: PG

x-posted to libraryofwinds

----------

She is the one with the heart of steel; the one more likely to avenge a loss in anger and move on than mourn a fallen comrade.

She is the backbone of the squadron; the one more likely to stand strong and true and lead them forward, than sit by the bedside of a wounded friend.

She is the one who stands resolutely, rather than shed tears of grief.

But cry she does, in the darkness of solitude. With no one to comfort the comforter, it is always so.

For she who cries silently for those she loves, fills the rivers with her tears.

Shattered Glass (LFW-#21)

2006-06-29T18:35:44Z

Prompt: #21 - Glass
Word Count: 197
Rating: PG-13

x-posted to libraryofwinds
------

They were made to withstand the cold vacuum of space; they were made to withstand the heat of re-entry. It was a technological feat that had been necessitated by the need of survival. Yet, for all that durability, they still fragmented into tiny shards when hit in just the right spot by enemy fire. It took years to craft them and only seconds to destroy. The cost of production wasn't cheap, either. A lot of time and money had been invested in them, and only through great trials where they final allowed into active service.

They were a necessary and integral part of the military's procurement, and great pride was felt for each and every one. Blood, sweat and tears went into them and they gave everything they had for kin and country. They never complained and they never stopped, save for when the enemy silenced them forever.

Yes, the heart of commander was a force to be reckoned with. And though it could withstand any manner of trials and tribulations, it was still prone to shatter like glass when the pain and loss of one of her own pierced the rock-solid exterior and withered the core.

Unexpected Visitor... (for street_leader)

2006-06-28T20:25:32Z

The clouds parted, breaking against her canopy in swirling tendrils, as Leawyn and the rest of the Starlight Elite punched through Ariah's atmosphere. The early morning dawn splashed against her protective visor as she adjusted her speed and settings for the air now buffeting her ship. The fourteen snub-fighters leveled out over the approach-vector and sailed in for a precise landing. All-in-all, the mission had been a sucess, with minimal losses and all objectives complete. The Elite had a day's reprieve before they were required to escort the transports down to the base, and Leawyn was to giver her report to the Admiral.

As her landing struts kissed the tarmac, Leawyn powered down and popped the hatch. Jumping to the ground, she pulled her helmet off and ran a hand through her hair. She fell into step with CK and Derek, and they headed inside.

She gladly hit the showers before making it to her quarters, where she changed into silk sleep-shorts and a tank-top and crawled into her bed with a sigh. Sleep would be very, very yummy.

She closed her eyes, pulled the sheets up around her shoulders and snuggled into the pillow.

She was instantly asleep.

Belle of the Ball (LFW-#15)

2006-06-19T23:00:35Z

Prompt: #15 - Flower
Word Count: 177
Rating: PG

x-posted to libraryofwinds
----------

Leawyn felt herself blush and her hatred for this idea doubled. The slack-jawed stares she was getting were making her feel like she was deep in Teron territory with her cover blown.

"Cass, I'm going to hurt you. A lot," she said out of the corner of her mouth, loud enough to be heard over the band.

C.K. tugged Leawyn further into the room. "Don't mind them, Commander. They just aren't used to seeing you in..."

"Don't say it! I'm warning you!"

The girls' conversation came to an abrupt halt as another Commander cleared his throat during a lull in the performance. He smiled at Leawyn and C.K., despite the former's look of absolute horror and the latter's triumphant smirk.

"Commander Brock?" He asked, as a new song started. "Might I have this dance?" His smile was disarming.

Before Leawyn cold protest, C.K. shoved her forward and into the man's arms. Leawyn gave her best friend a death glare as she was swept into the dance. This was definitely the last time she ever wore a dress.

Simulations (LFW-#17)

2006-06-19T19:44:03Z

Prompt: #17 - Fly
Word Count: 422
Rating: PG

x-posted to libraryofwinds
------------

The canyon walls sped past the canopy of the fighter. Leawyn fought with the stick, trying to keep control over her fighter, making herself dizzy in the process as she managed to do a few rolls down the narrow channel. Her heads-up-display beeped at her and she blinked.

"What the-" she muttered, randomly pushing buttons.

"Hey, Brock, what do you think you're doing?" The angry voice of her teammate crackled over the comm. system. "You've just targeted my craft with a missile lock!"

Leawyn cringed and started to frantically push buttons again. "Oops. Sorry Matthew."

An exasperated sigh exploded over the comm. followed by a growled, "How many times do I have to tell you? It's not Matthew; it's Leader or One! Don't you know anything?"

Obviously she didn't. With a pout, Leawyn managed to navigate through the canyon. Suddenly, laser-fire shot past her, spooking her badly. Leawyn threw her stick to port. She was pressed against the side of the cockpit as her fighter went into a steep left turn...

Just as suddenly as the laser-fire had appeared, the canopy went dark and the seals on the cockpit hissed as they released. The noise of the arcade assaulted Leawyn as she emerged from the simulator. She scrubbed her hands through her hair and let out a sigh. Her relief was short-lived.

"LEAWYN!" Matthew yelled at her and he stormed over. "What the hell were you thinking?" He was fuming mad and Leawyn winced again, noting that the crowd around them had stopped to watch.

"I'm sorry Matt, that guy took me by surprise..."

"Well, if you had read your HUD you would have known he was on your tail! And you definitely would NOT have crashed into ME."

Leawyn spread her hands in apology. "I'm sorr-"

"Forget it. I guess having an uncle that is one of the best pilots in the galaxy doesn't make you such a hotshot. Even if you do know how to talk shop." And with that Matthew was gone.

Leawyn could feel her cheeks burn. She swallowed thickly and stared down the kids that were still gawking at her and laughing. Taking a deep breath, Leawyn wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and popped a few credits into the simulator. She crawled back into the cockpit and picked a solo game.

She could do this. She knew she could! She would show them, oh yes, and the next time it would be Matthew who would be embarrassed in front of all their peers.

Rookie Mistakes (LFW-#6)

2006-03-03T19:09:53Z

Prompt: #6 - Obstacle
Word Count: 168
Rating: G

x-posted to libraryofwinds
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"Heya, Wyn!" The young cadet smiled brightly at Leawyn, as he blocked her path.

"Um...Good day, Cadet...?"

"Michaels. Brandon Michaels."

"Mmmhmm. Have a good day, then, Cadet Michaels." Leawyn tried to step around him, but he moved to intercept. She blinked at him. "Is there something I can help you with, Cadet?"

"Nope. Just wanted to talk, is all. How're you doing, Wyn?"

"Please don't call me that."

The cadet's smile faltered. "But, isn't that what people call you?"

Leawyn closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. She schooled her face in the Unhappy Commander look and said, in one breath, "Yes, and they are considered close, personal friends. You are not counted among those ranks, Cadet, and will therefore address me as is proper. Now please step aside."

"But-"

"Step aside, Cadet! That's an order!" Leawyn all but yelled.

The cadet gasped, snapped off a precision salute, and hurried n his way.

Leawyn glared after him. "Rookies," she muttered, before continuing on her way.

Cat's in the Cradle (LFW-#1)

2006-02-27T14:52:45Z

Prompt: #1 - Strings
Word Count: 157
Rating: G

terms used are found here: CLICKY

-----

The string felt strange, wrapped around her hands and fingers as it was. She gazed at the pattern curiously, and then glanced back up at O'Connor.

"Uncle Charlie, why's the game called Cat's Cradle?" Leawyn asked, her four-year-old mind trying to comprehend. "There's no catses and no cradles."

O'Connor chuckled. "I don't know why, sweetheart. But if you turn your hands upside-down, you'll see the cradle."

"Oooooh," Leawyn cooed, as she twisted her hands. "Okay."

Once she was resettled, O'Connor pinched the two spots where the strings crossed, pulled them out, down and around, pulling the string off of Leawyn's hands and onto his own. "This is called Diamonds. You can get the candles if you pinch the crosses and do the same thing I did: pull them up, out, down and around."

"Otay." Leawyn grinned. "Pinchie, up, out, down an'round," she sang, following the instructions. "This is kinda fun!"

O'Connor grinned. "I thought you'd like it."

Flash Me (LFW-#4)

2006-02-26T22:39:47Z

Prompt: #4 - Flash
Word Count: 238
Rating: PG

--------

Leawyn hated the press.

She hated the way they gawked through the security fences. She hated the way they shouted their questions at anyone within earshot. She hated the way they pushed, pulled, prodded and manipulated. But what she hated the most, were the photographers. She hated the way they kept snapping pictures without asking if it was okay, without any regard to what those pictures might do to planetary security.

And each time a flashbulb went off in her face, she wanted to rip the camera out of the person's hands, smash it on the ground, and slag it with her firearm.

Each blast of phosphorescence blinded her, making her vulnerable to the incoherent shouts of the interviewers. When faced with such an enemy, all she wanted to do was curl up and hide. The thought of doing such a thing, however, was abhorrent. Leawyn Brock, Commander of the Starlight Elite, did not hide, no. She never turned tail to run from an enemy, and for that ultimate betrayal of her inner-strength and resolve, her hatred turned into contempt.

Leawyn hated the press, moreso than she hated the war that raged within the solar system. At least in space she could fight the enemy on her own terms and in ways she understood.

Put the reporters and photographers into the cockpits of starfighters. Then we'd see who'd have the last laugh and enjoy a field day...

Hate Mail (DM: Feb-#4)

2006-02-23T01:27:15Z

Word Count: 278
Rating: PG-13

--------

"So, who do I hate the most in the world? I'm at a loss."

"Hah." CK grinned. "You? have an entire list. Just pick whomever is on top of said hitlist and be done with it."

Leawyn stared at CK. She blinked. "I can't argue with that."

CK threw her head back and laughed.

Leawyn began to scribble:

Dear ~~Admiral~~ Cartwright,

~~You are a pig.~~

I regret that I was unable to shoot you down in combat. If I had the choice, I would walk into your cell and shoot you there, however, I don't believe in killing someone in cold blood. ~~Just give me a reason and I will happily end your life.~~ So I suppose you get to live, which pricks at my conscience each and every day. Know that every enemy I encounter wears your face. Speaking of your face, I wish I could have seen it when you got Charlie's letter. That would have been fun. I would have taken great delight in watching the colour drain from your face as abject terror coursed through your body. The Military Officer on duty told me that's what happened. He said it was priceless.

I'm glad that I was able to provide him with a moment of entertainment in what is otherwise a dull job.

How is military prison, anyway? Is it comfy? Do they treat you well? ~~Because I can totally hack into the database and change that, if you'd like?~~

I have no idea what else to say to you except piss off, do not have a nice life and rot in hell when you die.

No love whatsoever,

Captain Leawyn Brock
Starlight Elite

Library of the Four Winds Rep List

2006-02-22T22:38:52Z

My Library of the Four Winds Response Links

February 2006	March 2006	June 2006
#1 - Strings #4 - Flash	#6 - Obstacle	#17 - Fly

Deviant Muses Rep List

2006-02-22T21:51:16Z

My Deviant Muses Response Links

February 2006

#3 - Tell us about your most passionate experience....

#4 - Write a letter to the person you hate most in this world...

Passionate Experiences (DM: Feb-#3)

2006-02-21T20:50:10Z

Word Count: 344
Rating: PG

--------

Leawyn glanced at the data-pad and scowled. "Tell me, CK. We signed up for this course, why?"

"Because Delaney thought 'it would be helpful for us to cope with the stresses of our lives'. Her exact words."

Leawyn look up at her best friend with a pained expression. "Advanced Journal Writing is hardly what I'd call a coping mechanism. The source of my stress within my line of fire would be more effective, I would think."

CK snorted. "Actually, I think Delaney is trying to avoid such forms of therapy."

"Pity."

"Indeed."

Leawyn sighed and glanced back at the topic for her journaling assignment.

How can one define their most passionate experience? In fact, how would one define passion, in the first place? What constitutes a passionate experience differs greatly with the individual. I know that CK would name hers as the date she went on last week, but this is about me, and not CK.

My life has been defined by passionate encounters. I wouldn't be a pilot in the Clesian Air Force, if it weren’t. I am passionate about flying, so any one of those moments could be given as an answer. The exchanges between my superiors and myself have been wrapped in passion, although what I call passion, they would call anger and stubbornness. An impassioned plea, as the voice of my squadron, gets me into so much trouble, sometimes, it isn't funny.

To narrow it down to just one single incident would be difficult, but I'll try.

My most passionate experience would have been that final mission with Captain Charles O'Connor. Losing the only mentor you've ever had at the hands of the enemy you have sworn to fight, watching as the one whom you called friend dies in your arms as he calls on you to swear fealty to the squad that has become your life, as you promise to make amends in the name of justice, vengeance and national security, there, truly, does passion at its most pure reside within the hearts of men, women and aliens alike.