So, here I am again! Colorado is back as well, in what I'm going to call Questioning Beliefs. This takes place during season nine and ten, so if you haven't seen either of those, I don't recommend reading if you don't want anything spoiled :o If you are going to read regardless, then I hope you enjoy! Without further ado, here is Questioning Beliefs!

Chapter 1

I hated waiting. In fact, the only thing I hated more than waiting was being helpless, and unfortunately for me, I had to do (or be) both things at that particular moment. I hadn't felt this irate since my capture by Insurrectionists over four months ago. Of course I hadn't been entirely helpless, but there had been a LOT of waiting. In the end though, I had gone two and half days in captivity before breaking out, killing my captor, and ultimately getting rescued by some other Freelancers. Although, one of them wasn't just ANY Freelancer. Since our return to the Mother of Invention, North and I had become an official couple. The other Freelancers took great joy in teasing one or both of us about the other, but we didn't care. The only Freelancer who didn't seem entirely happy though, was south. Surprisingly, South had grown more distant since North and I had gotten together. Now South and I rarely hung out together, and when we did she always seemed to be irritated about something. It had to be her place on the leader board. She had been moved up to number four (behind Wyoming, York, and Carolina), but she was still unsatisfied. I thought she had become obsessed with the board, and North agreed. Since my rescue, I was still at number nine. It still bothered me that I had gone through so much to receive… well, nothing, but since I had North, the board didn't matter to me as much anymore.

Probably the strangest relationship I had now was with Carolina. After her injury in Vortex, she had been treated and released, and we had had our little talk. We weren't super close braid-each-other's-hair friends, but we understood each other better now. I had never realized how alike we were before. We both had the drive to succeed, the iron will, the easily tapped tempers… it was kind of weird. However, I was glad that I no longer had to consider Carolina as an enemy within the program.

The same could not be said for everyone. Four months after the rescue, we still had no idea who was leaking information to the Innies. The Director said he had a couple of suspects, but refused to elaborate further. With this lack of information, I surrounded myself with the Freelancers whom were already cleared of wrongdoing. Wash, York, South, Wyoming, Maine, and everyone else at the top of the leader board was clear. However, he had not told CT of his latest suspicions, which I found interesting. So with discretion, I started to avoid CT as well. North had started to poke fun at my paranoia, but he hadn't heard the agent give the rescue plans away. If I hadn't of escaped, would all of them still be alive? Would the Innies have captured them too? I never brought this up to North. In fact my lack of contact with the other Freelancers was a sore spot in conversations nowadays. North would ask me why, and I would try to find the words to explain, but I would never seem to get through to him. Granted, I loved North; he was the only guy who truly got me, but when it came to understanding my point of view, we were really just so different that nothing we say makes sense to the other.

So I had started keeping some stuff from him. I began having nightmares about Arizona's death, and I'd wake up in the middle of the night thinking he was onboard the Mother of Invention. I felt like a scared little child, but I never admitted having nightmares to anyone. Instead, I kept that secret locked away in my heart, not daring to let it loose. I didn't need anyone worrying over me.

However I did not hide the worry that was creasing my face. Earlier that day, North and South had been sent on a mission. According to what North had told me before his departure, he and South were to infiltrate an oilrig and acquire the data stored there. They were supposed to get in and out without being detected, and I could only imagine how hard that would be. Though North and South made an excellent combat team, South was known to be impatient. If their cover got blown, I would have no doubts about who would cause the alarm to be raised. So I stood pacing outside the hanger, which is where York found me just two hours after North and South had been sent out.

"Come on, Colorado. You've been here long enough, why don't you come down to the gym and spar with me while you wait. I'm sure North and South will be fine.

I sighed and quit pacing, contenting myself with leaning against the wall instead.

"Easy for you to say, York. I'm going to be wearing a hole in the floor if they don't come back safe and sound. And if anyone hurts North… I'll pay a personal visit to that rig and fuck everyone up that I find."

At this, I heard York's laughter fill the air.

"Damn, Colorado, remind me never to touch North. Now come on, let's get to the gym. Maine is down there; I'm sure he'd like some pleasant company."

I snorted in amusement and smacked the back of his head.

"If by 'pleasant' you mean 'distracted,' then sure, let's go keep the big guy company."

With that, I started down the hallway with York on my tail. The Mother of Invention gym had everything you would expect of a military program, and even had a corner for holographic hand-to-hand combat sequences. As expected, Maine was already in the gym beating the stuffing out of a bag. With each hit from his massive fist, the bag was sent flying. I was impressed that the chain keeping it to the ceiling hadn't snapped yet. At the sound of the door sliding open, Maine turned and nodded a greeting.

"Hey Maine, mind if we steal in here for a bit? Colorado can't stop worrying about North."

Though neither could see, I rolled my eyes. Was it really such a crime to worry about someone you cared about? Maine, however, seemed to sense my irritation and chuckled a bit.

"Help yourselves; I don't own the gym."

"Thanks, Maine."

He nodded and went back to brutalizing his punching bag, while York and I headed for the boxing ring. Both of us ditched our armor in favor of our under armor, and took places in opposite corners of the ring. There was no safety gear in place. The Director believed that the best safety tip was not to get hit, and therefore did not equip the gym's boxing ring with gloves or helmets. York took on a ready stance and motioned to me.

"Whenever you're ready, 'Rado!"

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and sized York up. Since North had started calling me "'Rado," the other agents had taken to calling me that as well. Nevertheless, it was nice to just have a casual name among the other agents. Having a nickname made me feel like I was more of a friend to the other agents than just a co-worker. I entered into my own combat stance and narrowed my eyes. York was number two; he was among the top of our "class" so-to-speak in combat techniques, and he was Carolina's partner in crime. I expected a tough fight, but what York was weak in was deviating from known strategies. If I could improvise well enough, I might have a chance to beat him.

With this in mind, I rushed towards him and slid on my knees at the last second, intending to swipe his feet out from under him. However, York's reflexes served him well as he leapt over me and proceeded to land a kick into my side, which sent me spinning off balance and into the rail. I grunted in slight pain and got back on my feet in time to see York rushing me with a clenched right fist. I squeaked in surprise and hastily ducked, swiping out my own fist as I went past him. His gasp of surprise told me that I had hit my mark, and I followed up with a left hook to his back. York stumbled slightly from the impact, but turned around so he was facing me and threw a retaliatory punch that knocked me square in the jaw. The force sent me reeling back, and I tasted blood; apparently I had accidentally bit my cheek at the impact. Swallowing down the blood, I thrust back the stinging pain and rushed at York again, who was patiently awaiting my next move. I feinted to the left, and was pleased when he rushed to mount a defense there, only to take my right fist to the side of his head. York cursed and kneed me away with his left knee, but I wasn't finished yet. I leapt at him and tried to drag him down to the ground, but was surprised as he allowed his full weight to fall on me. I dropped him while he was off balance and was about to go for the pin when FILSS broke up the match.

"Attention Agent Carolina, please report to the hangers."

York and I had both stopped to listen, and I didn't miss the worry that crossed his face as Carolina was called down. Now I knew that Carolina could handle herself now that her gunshot wound had healed, but York worried for her like I worried for North. I walked over and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, and he shot me a grateful look.

"Don't worry York, Carolina is number one for a reason. If anyone can handle herself, it's her. Although I have to ask… why haven't you told her how you feel yet?"

Since North and I had gotten together, I had become much more attune to the emotions of other Freelancers. Watching York and Carolina interact had become an intriguing point for me. Both of them seemed to like each other, yet neither one would own up to their feelings. I didn't know whether to hook them up myself or let things go their own way. York shot me a look that seemed both shocked and nervous. I could only guess he was feeling shy about such an open acknowledgment of his feelings for Carolina, and the blush creeping up onto his cheeks seemed to confirm my suspicions.

"Well, you know… we're Freelancers. She would probably just punch me or something."

I scoffed at this.

"York, both North and I are Freelancers and we're making things work just fine. The biggest problem we have is worrying about the other when we go on missions."

The Director had decided that I would be a more solo agent because of my actions on Vortex. Escaping from enemy custody and getting two targets either incapacitated or killed apparently was what the Director wanted in a solo agent. I wasn't happy about being sent out alone, but the Director had promised to acquire something to aid me in combat soon. He hadn't elaborated, so I was left to guessing. I had been allowed to keep my thruster pack, so I didn't know what else I needed.

"It's not just that, 'Rado. Carolina is so focused on being the best that I'm afraid she'd reject any relationships. It's like she sees them as a distraction."

He sounded so discouraged that I felt compelled to give him a light hug. He seemed surprised by this, but didn't pull away.

"Just tell her! I've seen how she acts around you, you know. I think she feels the same way but she doesn't seem like the type to allow affectionate emotions to really surface. You just have to teach her that love can be a strength instead of a weakness."

York had allowed an amused smirk to cross over his features.

"Since when did you become the love doctor?"

"North has asked that I "express my feelings" more instead of bottling them up. I don't know. I hate to admit that he's right, but I feel a lot calmer with less stuff on my chest."

"Less, huh?"

I sighed and looked away, not liking where this conversation was going now.

"He can't know all of my secrets, York. Some things are just better left unsaid."

"Whoa, now it's MY turn to give you some advice. I've known North for a long time. If you tell him what's wrong, he'll do whatever it takes to help you out."

"I've already tried telling him some things. He just doesn't seem to understand and gives me advice that I just can't follow."

By now both of us were just sitting in the ring instead of trying to pin each other. Maine had moved on to the bench-pressing machine, but I would bet anything that he was listening to our conversation.

"Like what, 'Rado?"

I sighed in exasperation and wondered how I had managed to get into this discussion. I had to admit though, it was nice to just let all of my worries out for once.

"You remember how I found out that there was another traitor among our ranks? We still haven't found him, York. I don't trust any of the Freelancers any more unless the Director himself has cleared them. Why do you think I've been avoiding Oregon like the plague? Anyways, North told me that acting strange would only lead to the traitor getting paranoid. He told me to play it cool around all the agents and act like nothing was wrong."

It was true about Oregon. For a month after I got back he kept trying to get closer to me. He'd sit at my lunch table, try to talk to me in the locker room, and one time he even offered me to stay in his room if I ever needed or wanted to. After about four weeks of ignoring him or giving him the cold shoulder, he finally gave up. Now I suspected that he was just pissed off at me.

"Well that does seem like good advice."

"I don't doubt North's advice, but he doesn't understand that the thought of saying too much or getting someone else killed scares me to death."

"You still aren't over Nevada?"

"It's not Nevada, York. It's Arizona. He only went traitor because I betrayed him first. Before I- well, before he died- he asked me if the leader board meant more to me than friendship. During that mission, it had. I was the real monster, York. Arizona's death is on my head two times over. If our newest traitor knew how much Arizona's death bothered me… well, it would be just the thing the enemy would like to know."

"Does North know all of this, 'Rado?"

"No. He doesn't know any of that. And I swear York, if you tell him anything, I will beat the shit out of you in training tomorrow."

He held up his hands in surrender.

"Whoa, easy there. I won't say a word, but you really should. If killing Arizona scarred you that much, maybe you should see a psychologist. You know, talk it out."

At this, I laughed, though there was little amusement.

"A psychologist? York, I don't if you noticed, but talking to people I don't know isn't really my strong suit. And honestly, I'd rather talk to you guys than a psychologist. You're more likely to understand. You've had to kill people before, and probably seen people you know die. What psychologist is going to understand that?"

York seemed troubled by my small outburst and motioned to Maine. The large Freelancer stopped lifting weights and came over. York then proceeded to grab my arm and Maine took the other.

"What the fuck! What do you two think you're doing?!"

Maine only smiled in amusement, but York looked determined.

"You're going to see a psychologist, and you're going to like it.."

"What?! No, fuck that!"

To demonstrate my unwillingness, I wrapped my legs around the nearest pole and hung on for dear life. Granted, Maine could probably rip me off the pole in two seconds flat, but I wasn't going anywhere without a fight. This was proved as they suddenly stopped and looked back at me before giving a massive wrench and tearing me free. However, just as we entered the hallway, FILSS's voice came over the intercom again.

"Attention, medical personnel please report to hanger eight to receive Agent North Dakota."

Son of a bitch! Calling medical personnel straight to the hanger was never a good thing, and it was the thought of North being hurt that drove me into a frenzy to get to him. Maine and York wisely released me, and I took off towards the hanger. By the time I arrived, the Pelican had arrived and North was getting taken to the medical bay. I could barely see over the heads of the medics, but I saw lots of blood. I thought I was to burst from the worry, and I saw South being carried out of the Pelican, apparently unconscious. Carolina herself walked out, and I immediately hurried up to her.

"Carolina, what happened to North?"

I was trying to keep my voice strong, but there was an unmistakable trace of worry that made my voice tremble. She seemed to hesitate a bit before speaking, but when she finally did fill me in, her voice was steady and business-like.

"He got taken down by a turret after pushing South out of the way. She alarmed the whole base, so extraction got a little bit messy."

Silently, I cursed South's carelessness. I still considered her a friend, but she had almost got her brother killed.

"Thank you, Carolina."

"No problem, 'Rado. If you need anything, I'll be in the training room."

I nodded; amazed that Carolina could go on a mission and come back ready for training. Every other agent came back from a mission and wanted to crash in bed it seemed. As Carolina headed towards the training room, I deviated from the path and went to the medical bay. Inside, gravity had been disengaged and the doctors seemed to be removing the bullets. Already I could see that two had been removed and were currently floating in a containment jar. I felt a presence come up on my side, and turned to see South standing next to me. She stared blankly into the room, and I wondered what she was thinking.

"I'm sorry about what happened to North, South."

"It's ok, 'Rado. He shouldn't have done it; I had everything under control."

I felt myself stunned at her tone; it was like a mutinous child who had needed their mother's help to open a jar. After the shock passed, I felt irritation welling in me. North was her BROTHER; how could she be so cold?

"Do you even feel slightly worried about him? Or even thankful? He could've died trying to save you!"

"That was his choice, 'Rado. I'm sorry he took the fire, but I'm not going to feel bad for him."

With that, she walked off towards the gym. I couldn't believe she could be that unconcerned about her own brother. If that had been me, I would be working my ass off to make the save up to him. An hour later, the doctors had finished up and wheeled him to recovery. One of them stopped me.

"You can visit for a few minutes, but he needs to rest. You'll need to leave as soon as possible."

I glared at him and he shrank back.

"Thank you for the advice, doc, but I'm not leaving."

I stalked my way past him and entered the dimly lit room. North was lying in a bed in the far right corner, and I quietly walked over. The blood was gone, and his armor was gone for repairs. Instead he was in his under armor. I sat next to the bed in one of the chairs provided and gently took his left hand. His hand was warm, reminding me that he was alive, and that he was going to be ok.

"Hey, North. I know you probably can't hear me, but I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop you from getting shot. I wish you hadn't of pushed South out of the way. She's ungrateful for what you did, you know. It took a lot of self-control not to send HER to the medical bay. I'm going to talk to the Director as soon as you wake up, North, and get him to stop putting me on solo missions. I could've helped you and South on this mission, and maybe stopped this from happening. Rest easy, North. I'll be here if you need me."

I refused to leave North's side. York and Wash came to visit, as well as Maine and Carolina. CT dropped in, but I pretended to be asleep so I wouldn't have to talk to her. North himself didn't wake up until the next day. I was enjoying one of the best sessions of sleep I had had in a while, when I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand. I blinked my eyes open and found North staring back at me. I smiled in relief.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. You nearly gave me a heart attack yesterday."

My tone was light with happiness, but I could swear that my eyes gave away a worried look when North kissed my hand.

"You know how it is, 'Rado. There was a damsel in distress and I had to be the white knight."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"Next time just leave the damsel to her distress; she doesn't seem very grateful for your sacrifice."

"Oh come on now, you know that South won't admit to owing anybody."

"If I had a brother," I flinched slightly at the sentence, "I'd make sure he knew everyday how much I appreciated him. How much he meant to me."

I was looking at North, but all I could see was my deceased brother, Blake. Sandy brown hair and green eyes like mine, he had been gunned down in a fight between Innies and UNSC forces. The whole reason I was in the military was for Blake. Brushing away these thoughts, I smiled down across the bed I was laying on to North. He had a concerned glint in his eyes, and I assumed he was waiting for me to spill my guts. Unfortunately, he was going to have to wait.

"I'll come back and sit with you later, North. I need to go and see the Director; these solo missions he's putting me on bore me to tears, and I want to work with a team again."

He chuckled a bit in amusement, wincing a bit from his injuries.

"Just watch your temper, 'Rado. You know how the Director gets when his agents are insubordinate."

"And he knows how I get when things don't go my way. You'll see, North. Everything will go exactly as planned."

And so, this is the first chapter ;D if you can't guess, this was based during events from the episode "The Twins" in season 9. I have to admit, that is my favorite episode, simply because we got to see Monty's kick-ass animating in action for an entire episode straight #fangirl. Anyways, as usual, I hope you enjoyed :3 I promise that this story is going to be longer than Wrath of the Rockies ;)