Tales From Sirca 15: Miranda's Insight on Aries

"Hey, Wash, can I talk to you real quick?"

The golden-maned chupa whipped his head around at the medic, who stood with arms crossed over her comfortable-looking grey turtleneck while she leaned against a nearby doorframe. Agent Washington didn't have a reason not to currently. There were plenty of things on his mind right now that he could handle, but something about the look in Miranda's eyes told him this discussion would be worthwhile.

Miranda began walking down the base hall and Wash matched her gait. "What's up, Miranda?"

"It's about Aries."

"I figured. I can only imagine the handful he is, all things considered."

"You'd be surprised, I'll just say he isn't the toughest customer I had. He doesn't put up much of a fight and truthfully, that might be due to Icarus vouching for me."

"He just lets you work with him," Wash questioned incredulously. "Really? A few weeks ago he nearly stabbed someone because they raised an eyebrow at him."

"Do I have any reason to lie to you, Wash?" The freelancer narrowed his eyes at her. "Listen that was one time- but this is different, I promise. Especially because it concerns someone I'm actively working on.

Wash truly didn't know what to feel about their newfound ally and his clan of warriors, especially Aries. They hadn't exactly met on cordial terms, and the only peacemakers were York and Icarus. Then there was Icarus, who was originally supposed to be recruited, but Aries made them a package deal, along with the rest of the Rogues - not that Wash had space to complain, because he was now an honorary member. It seemed like Jersey knew a lot more about the dual-sword bearing chupa than she let on, and Wash would have to grill her about it later.

But what exactly could Miranda tell him about Aries that he didn't know currently? The guy had recently done a monumental demolition job and nearly got himself killed along with Icarus and Jersey.

"Do you know he's... Ya know..."

"Just say it-"

"He's a werewolf."

Wash felt himself break into a cold sweat, but kept a steady and unbothered gaze. "How do you know?"

"Perks of working on a Black Site. Just like the others that I was unfortunate enough to see, he was developing white fur down to the root. His are in this odd ring shape. Hell, they printed his name into his fur on his waistline."

"You don't sound worried."

"The two killed the only guy who knew his activation phrase, Icarus informed me. You should see the battle damage on the guy, though he'd have to be naked for that."

"Miranda, what are you getting at?"

The doctor rolled her eyes, "I just want you to listen, can't hurt to learn something about the guy you need to learn to trust."

"But I don't trust him-"

"And that's the problem. Like it or not, Aries is willing to fight with us now. We suddenly have more fighters and more resources due to the Rogues not gunning for us anymore. Besides... What makes him so different from Icarus, who has been under his influence for who knows how long?"

He hadn't even thought about that. Icarus certainly held similar beliefs that Aries did, even though he seemed like a voice of reason. Both chupas were prone to fits of violence and were just as reckless. That silenced him long enough for Miranda to keep talking.

"Now, when I was looking him over I discovered some stuff. Whoever operated on him, whenever he became what he is... He's covered in surgical scars, up his arms, all over his hands, and his spine down to his tail. These scars are old, years old. still clear as day. I don't know what the fuck they were doing to him. But it looks painful."

Miranda traced the cross-stitching pattern along her forearm as they rounded a corner near her office/operating room, and Wash couldn't help but wince.

"Explains why he doesn't like doctors, the last ones he had treated him like a science project. But..."

"But..." Wash prompted, and she stopped in front of her workspace.

"But that's the past. I wanna talk about what I'm learning now." She pushes her way into her office, Wash peered past her to see an empty bed. No rifle, no sword, and no Aries.

"I thought he was supposed to be on strict bed rest."

She came out with a raised eyebrow. "He is- But Wash, the kid has to eat."

"So you sent him out alone?"

"What?" Miranda seemed almost hurt by the assumption, she shook her head and began suddenly walking once more forcing Wash to catch up. "No! I would never send an injured patient out alone."

"Good, I-"

"He's with York and Sammy."

"What?"

"York and S-"

"I heard you, I just- Maybe you could have had someone else look after him? Or better yet bring the food to him?"

"Aries won't eat anything he doesn't see made in front of him. Woulda never guessed him the paranoid schizophrenic, but- He certainly checks out for the signs. He's very well put together, all things considered."

"I guess... It would explain a few things. But why not have Icarus take him?"

"I would- But he's out doing a job for Andee, paying back all those explosives he 'lent' them."

"Need to talk to him about giving those two any more explosives."

They walked silently for a while as Wash digested this new information. The location he gave when they called a truce, the shifting look in his eyes, and especially the arguing with seemingly nobody. But Aries got results and quite frankly that couldn't be disputed. The two turned and stopped in a familiar walkway, Miranda pointed inside and Wash took a look. It was the bar, nothing new. Except for the trio of York, Sammy, and Aries sitting at a table. The tall, black, yellow-eyed chupa who'd thrown him around and nearly killed him once... sat looking at his food with a thousand-yard stare. He looked present and not at the same time. The blood had been scrubbed from his green shirt, the missing sword lay on the table and the rifle secured to his back. Everything he'd ever heard or seen regarding Aries...

It was almost unnerving to see someone so destructive so... harmless.

"Geezus, Miranda, what did you give him?"

"Just a painkiller, so I could redress his burns and reapply the wraps. Nothing too serious. Not that the pain seemed to bother him; had to stop him from scratching it. I did just to make sure he would stay... docile while I did my work."

"You let him keep the rifle?"

"He wouldn't leave the bed without it. It isn't loaded, so I didn't see any reason for it to be a liability."

"Are you sure you-"

"Yes, the rifle was cleared. No, he's fine - just kinda high right now."

"Right," Wash crossed his arms, continuing to observe. Aries tilted his head toward York and said something; from this distance he couldn't catch anything they were saying. Aries seemed to be lost in thought before eating. "If this was pressing news, why didn't you come to see me sooner?"

"It's not pressing or urgent, and secondly, I don't even know where you sleep - how in the world would I find you in here? Just thought you'd want to know Aries isn't just some psychopath. Just be patient with the guy, alright? They broke him a long time ago, and he's putting himself back together. Gotta imagine running his whole thing and protecting Icarus certainly wears him down, this is the only time you'll get to see it. Everyone's gotta breathe at some point."

"You sound like York."

"Ever think maybe York might be right? Give it some thought."

Miranda gave Wash a firm pat on the shoulder and sauntered off, leaving him to watch York and Sammy try and get Aries to finish what was left of his food and water.

Red vs Blue © Rooster Teeth. Halo © 343 Industries. Concept by Myshu, assisted by The Department of Chupapology.