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…”

“Oh no,” Carolina said and rolled her eyes.

“Let me guess,” Washington said, “you challenged her to another firefight.”

“York, do you honestly think you even stand a chance of beating her?” Carolina asked.

“Course I can!  History in the making today.  Right, Wash?  Wash?”  He looked over and saw Washington’s glassy eyes, open but unseeing.  Carolina noticed as well, and they rushed to his side, not knowing what was wrong.  “Wash?  Hey, Wash, snap out of it!”

Delta’s avatar flashed into existence.  “There is no need for alarm.  Agent Washington’s medical file indicates that he is prone to slipping in and out of consciousness.  We will have to return another day.”

Washington lethargically turned his head, looking at everything and nothing in the room, his once alert mind in a state or torpor.  Finally, his languid eyes rested on the soft, green glow cast by Delta.  He started at it awhile before awareness flickered back into his eyes.

“Get that thing away from me!”  Carolina and York pinned him down, struggling to restrain the now flailing Washington.  He continued to shout and kick, trying to escape, while the two held down his arms and torso.

Delta flashed red.  “Alarm.  Threat level raised.  Recommend alerting the nearest-”

“We noticed, Delta,” Carolina snapped.

“What’s wrong with him?” York asked.

“I don’t know,” Carolina replied, starting to panic.

“Wash, calm down!”

“No!  Get the hell away from me!”

Carolina leaned to put more weight on Wash’s arm.  Now, she could see Washington’s face clearly: lines etched in fear and wild eyes focused completely on Delta.  “York, it’s Delta!”

“What? How-” he started to ask.

Delta cut him off.  “Agent Washington’s recent incident with the Epsilon AI may have-”

“Later, Delta.  Retire!” York ordered.

“Executing.”

“You’re not putting another of those damn things in my head!” Wash yelled.

“Wash, it’s gone,” Carolina nearly shouted, straining to be heard over Washington’s screams.  “Delta’s gone.  It’s alright now.”

“No, I won’t let you!”

“Wash, look at me,” she yelled and shook him, but he was frantic, focused on where Delta had been.  In one swift motion, Carolina tore off her helmet and grabbed Washington’s face, turning it towards her.  They locked eyes.  “Look at me!  No one’s implanting another AI in you.  No one!  Everything’s going to be alright.  You’re safe here.”  Her voice became softer and gentler as she talked him down.  She and York lowered Washington back into bed, his breathing harsh and eyes vacant once more.

York cast one last look and said to Wash, “Well, wish me luck.”  He turned to leave; Tex would be waiting.

“York,” Carolina said. Her gentle voice was enough to stop him.  “You don’t have to.”

“No one’s making me do anything.  It was my choice.”

She walked towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder.  “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’ll be fine.  Come watch… please?”  He lightly traced his finger down her cheek and under her chin.  He tilted her face towards him.  “Please?”

“I can’t.  They’re removing the AI.  Both of them.”

“Then I’ll tell you how it goes.  You take it easy,” and York left before Carolina could stop him again.

“Just be careful.”