Interview I
Subject: Blaine-115What is your name? Do you have a nickname? I am Blaine Angus Harlowe, Fleet Admiral *Captain in Uprising/Homecoming* of the United Nations Space Command. I have numerous nicknames one of which is Eagle. I am also referred to as the Guardian of Reach.
How old are you?
I'm afraid I can't disclose that information. Mostly because I've been too busy, I don't even have time to keep track. Add on time in Cryo tubes and any chance of an actual age in Solar years is impossible to distinguish.
However, if you really need to know, it'd be fair to say I'm either in my late thirties, early forties.
What is your story?
Story?! Is this an official interview, or were you hoping to gather information to write out the memoirs of my life's story and gain revenue off of it.
Oh? You're serious, well, it's kind of complicated really. My story is split up into several different sections that focus on certain stages in my life, where I learn invaluable information that help me develop into a figurehead in the UNSC Military. Sorry, I can't say much more, if you want to learn more, you'll have to see for yourself.
Who are you?
Did I not already answer this, boyo? I am Blaine Angus Harlowe, Fleet Admiral of the UNSC Navy, Head of the Spartan Branch of the military, and one of the few Spartan IIs alive long after the Covenant War.
Where do you live?
Leading up to the Terra-forming of Reach 2.0, I was a resident in New Mombasa on Earth, frequenting the restaurant of my dear friend John Bailey. After that, I lived in New Alexandria in the countryside.
Are you the hero of your own story?
Sure am. I'm not that douchebag Butch, and I'm certainly not an Innie scumbag, or a Forerunner out to wipe out the Human race. In other words: Yes, I'm the hero for the stories that follow me.
What is your problem in the story?
I am one of the few Spartan IIs that weren't completely sociopathic as a result of the training. Needless to say, I bond easily to other people, especially those directly under my command. If something were to happen to them, I would blame myself.
Some people might not describe that as a problem, perse, but it's a part of who I am, and THAT is the problem I face throughout my stories. I am constantly searching for who I am, all the while I am slowly discovering it in chunks, piece by piece.
Do you have a problem that wasn't mentioned in the story?
Something that isn't always mentioned is my fear of raw electricity. It's not like I'm afraid of lightning or any shit like that. But if there is a cable that is sparking in front of me, I am very likely to find another way around instead of dealing with it head on. Also, fuck cattleprods, car batteries, and metal chairs.
Do you embrace conflict?
Not entirely, as a Spartan, I find myself in combat on a constant basis, but that was to be expected since day one. This does not, by any means, mean that I enjoy conflict. That being said, I embrace it as long as it directly is for a good cause.
One might ask what I mean by 'good' cause. I mean for the greater good of the Universe. If I have to kill a fleet of Elites/Brutes/Jackals to prevent them from activating a Halo Ring, then you can bet I'm going to do what is necessary.
Do you run from conflict?
Just because I didn't say yes to the previous question means I'm a fuckin' chicken shit. I don't run from conflict unless I know for a fact the loss is going to outweigh any potential good that could come about.
How do you see yourself?
In a mirror. *Chuckles* Seriously though, if I'm being honest, I see myself as a Leader. Someone that will, in time, lead Humanity to something extraordinary, someone who brings hope to the hopeless, and is the shield to defend the weak. I'm not trying to sound like some selfish douchebag that thinks he's the greatest thing alive, but I'm basing my answer off of recent observation.
How do your friends see you?
With their eyes. *chuckles again* Sorry, I know you're trying to be serious, and I should be too. But sometimes humor breaks up the monotony of seriousness for the better.
As for your question, most of my friends see me as a leader, and loyal to the end. Some see me as a role model, and one even looks up to me like a hero.
How do your enemies see you?
Through blind assumption that I am the purpose behind all of their misery, which may or may not be entirely true. Butch, for instance, thinks I've had it out for him since the day we met. While this may be true, I saw him for what he is/was in training, and I was just letting him know that he wasn't going to get away with it so long as I'm around.
I have more enemies and nemesis', but they have yet to be introduced, so I'll be sure to get back to you when they do.
How does the author see you?
On his computer screen. *chuckles* Okay seriously, I'm done now. Although he thought it was pretty funny. Anyways, my author, strangely sharing the name of my father, sees me as a goal of what he strives to be.
Shad0wChas3r uses me as a means to bring to life his dreams of being a role model, to be someone that can be looked up to, not because he's freakishly tall, but someone that can honestly respect him and think of him as a hero. He's not in it for fame or fortune, he just wants to be noticed and appreciated, and he uses me to, at times, fulfill those desires.
Yes, I am disgustingly based around my friend Jorge and Superman. But they both made a huge impact on his life, both bringing him from some dark times that he'd rather not discuss.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
It's hard to determine, really. For my purposes and reasoning's always changing. For what I was first created for, as I said earlier, though? Yes, I think I was portrayed well, even if I am still flawed, yet 'perfect' at the same time.
What do you think of yourself?
I am, in a strange sense, an imaginary friend to a grown ass man. Whatever he thinks that I think of myself is at his discretion. Though, considering how I've gone this far with my own thought process, I suppose I can offer a simple answer.
I think that I am a young man's dream brought to life through the act of expressing one's self through story telling. I think I have a lot of potential, potential that was squandered in years past, and I think my author wants to attempt to reveal that potential by redoing my entire story.
Do you have a hero?
Cliche as it is to say, my true hero is my Father, Morgan Angus Harlowe. His life, as I've been told, has been nothing but a shit fest since the day he was born. Something my author would like to address when he returns to telling Dad's story. Despite all the shit he went through, he was still able to find a way to be happy.
He found time to be himself, and even in the harshest of situations, failed to give up.
Do you have a goal?
To finally try a Thornbeast cone, John says they are delicious. As for a Career goal, I'm pretty much the highest rank one could be, beneath Lord. I guess my one true goal is to live a rich fulfilling life with a family.
What are your achievements?
5g : I would have been your daddy.... "Answer all of the strange questions on the first survey". Seriously though, I was able to destroy the Skirmisher home world, which was one of the many turning tables to ending the war with the Covenant.
I was also one of the first Spartans to breach the Enlisted status and become an Officer. I was one of the youngest Captains in the UNSC, let alone a Spartan Captain.
Oh, and there was this one time that a Wraith tried to run me over, and I stopped it by bear hugging it, before throwing it away from me. I also said a one-liner of some sort, was a fun day.
Do you talk about your achievements?
Nine times out of ten, I don't have to say a thing. If I'm out in public in my armor, people constantly make mention to my achievements. Nothing feels greater then someone's life you've saved thanks you, years after the fact. It's a great reminder of why I am who I am.
Do you keep your achievements to yourself?
I try not to bring them up, because I don't feel like I need to brag, let alone deserve to be treated as someone more favorably than another.
Do you have any special strengths?
Didn't you just read what I said? I LIFTED a fucking WRAITH and THREW it like a discus. Besides that though, I'm rather good at close combat, due to my size and training. I can hold my own with a rifle at medium range, and can be reliable as a Sniper. I'm not the best, but then again, most Spartans are at least adept at weapons of all sorts.
I'm an excellent tactician, and I've got a really good golf game, must be the Scottish Genes.
Do you have any special weaknesses?
A glowing green rock. *chuckles* Just kidding! Seriously though, I don't like to talk about it. But I'm incredibly devoted to people I know, so death of a close friend can sometimes render me either completely useless, or so lethal that even Death fears me.
Besides that, I'm deathly frightened of raw electricity, as I mentioned before, oh, and the Flood scares the ever loving piss out o' me.
Do you have any skills?
I have a certain set of skills, skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you return my daughter, that'll be the end of it, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will hunt you down, I will find you, and I will kill you.
Seriously though, I pretty much answered this question already.
Do you have money troubles?
Not exactly. Pay as an Admiral is very beneficial. My exact money trouble derives from my wife's constant spending on whatever it is she wants. But it's okay, it makes her happy, and therefore, I am happy.
What do you want?
To be fair, I want this to be over with. But besides that, I want to be known when I'm dead and gone. Recognized by Humanity, and a role model for the next generation so that they may do good by our species.
What do you need?
I NEEEEEEEEEEEED somebody toooooooooo LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE~!
Seriously though, I need a nap. I'm not getting any younger, and it's finally showing...
What do you want to be?
An ASTRONAUT! Oh wait...
What do you believe?
I believe there is good in every person. I believe that life is a journey, a 'Destiny' in which all of us pass through, experiencing new things and having an adventure. I think all life is sacred, and that as a giant, galactic ecosystem, we must respect all those around us.
I believe that this entire rant is cliche as hell, and I'm going to stop now! *laughs*
What makes you happy?
Seeing people living their lives, no fear of impending doom. I also enjoy hearing children laugh as they play, it reminds me that while I never had a childhood, I am fighting to ensure that THEY do.
What are you afraid of?
The Flood, and that's ALL I'm going to say.
What makes you angry?
Very little makes me angry, besides Butch, and morons.
What makes you sad?
Death, destruction, the burning of Planets.
What do you regret?
A lot of things, actually. I regret being the one to put an end to the Skirmisher species. I regret not being there for my teammates when they needed me, and I certainly regret not punching in Regret's face, like Chief did.
If that isn't some symbolism for facing your demons head on, I don't know what is.
What is your biggest disappointment?
Never getting to meet my Mother.
What, if anything, haunts you?
The images of friends come and gone, and my failures.
Are you lucky?
To some degree. Look, if you are feeling the need to be insanely lucky, go rub up against John-117 or something. Although I would refrain from any physical contact. After Cortana... he kind of shut down.
Have you ever failed at anything?
Numerous things, the biggest one is saving Reach.
Has anyone ever failed you?
No, but I have failed others.
Has anyone ever betrayed you?
You mean besides Butch? No, not that I recall currently.
Have you ever failed anyone?
Numerous people, waaaaaaay to many to count.
Have you ever betrayed anyone?
Sweet Christ no! I wouldn't do such a rotten thing.
Do you keep your promises?
If I make you a promise, I intend to keep it, by any means necessary.
Are you honorable?
My Sanghieli friends definitely like to say so. and I tend to refuse to resorting to cheap tricks when it comes to war.
Are you healthy?
I'm getting older by the day, but I'm doing fairly well for myself. I can still lift a bunch of weight, and I am still fairly strong. My only true sign of aging is my Salt and pepper hair, which was once Onyx black.
Do you have any handicaps?
No
Do you have any distinguishing marks?
You mean this giant scar running along my left eyebrow to my upper right lip? Yes.
What was your childhood like?
Brutal, vigorous, and torturous. Let's not discuss this.
Do you like remembering your childhood?
Not entirely fond of it, but also not entirely loathing of it either.
Did anything newsworthy happen on the day you were born?
An insurrectionist siege of New Alexandria.
Did you get along with your parents?
I liked to think me and Morgan got along, no matter how awkward things were since we knew each other like that.
What in your past had the most profound effect on you?
Either the destruction of Reach or the Skirmisher world.
What in your past would you like to forget?
Nothing, if I forget even the tiniest detail, then I am a nobody. I remember my past to avoid a retelling.
What in your past would you like others to forget?
I couldn't really say, truth be told.
Who was your first love?
A Spartan II named Katie.
Who is your true love?
...
Have you ever had an adventure?
My life is an adventure, believe me.
What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? Why?
In the interest of time, I'm going to say I've already answered this.
Was there a major turning point in your life?
When the tables turned in the Covenant war, so did my streak of unfortunate events.
Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
Numerous ones, ones I've already discussed...
Is there anything else about your background you'd like to discuss?
I've told you as much as I can.
What is your most closely guarded secret?
It's not a closely guarded secret if I tell the world it?
What is your most prized possession? Why?
My Recon Helmet and my DMR.
Do you have any hobbies?
I golf the back nine with Jorge every once in a while.
What is your favorite scent? Why?
The smell of freshly cooked meals.
What is your favorite color? Why?
Blue, clearly. As for a reasoning, there literally stands no reason why I like it, I just do.
What is your favorite food? Why?
Anything but vitagel, that shit is nasty.
What is your favorite beverage? Why?
Grunt's Mindsweeper. It's an imitation beer that causes dizziness and confusion. Why do I enjoy it? Because it is a hell of a lot of fun watching myself stumble around on the cameras later.
What is your favorite music? Why?
I don't typically tend to listen to music.
What is your favorite item of clothing? Why?
This question is random as hell. I guess I like shirts.
Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.
Ammunition, Grenades, Credits Chitin, data pad.
What are the last five entries in your check registry?
I don't possess a checking account.
What are the last three books you read?
Y'know, I really haven't been reading any in a while.
If you were at a store now, what ten items would be in your shopping cart?
Books, food, water, clothes, the list goes on.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world that didn't affect you personally, what would it be?
The hate people share with others.
What makes you think that change would be for the better?
Cause if you aren't hating people, you are more likely to get along with others.
If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?
Cruel as it is to say, I'd have to choose my wife. She's tough as nails, always has a plan, and the company of a woman is welcome too.
How do you envision your future?
Through a magic eight-ball... in all sincerity, there isn't much for me to foresee.
There will be a brief break. When you have a choice, Admiral, we'd like to continue later.
Interview IIHow are you in Hand-to-Hand combat?
If you're facing me in HTH Combat, chances are you're not leaving the engagement alive. I'm big, I'm tough, and I can knock your ass out before you can throw a punch.
Seriously though, I am one of the more CQC inclined Spartan IIs. When it came to sparring, Jorge, Sam, and Butch were my only matches.
How well do you preform with close quarters weapons systems, such as the shotgun, or a combat knife?
I'm excellent with a Shotgun, the only reason you hardly see me with one in my stories is because I find it completely unfair! *chuckles* Don't even get me started with Slasher, this unique piece of tempered steel has claimed more life. During the Covenant war, she was quite intimate with the Elites, taking out their jugulars with precision.
What is your sidearm of choice?
The standard Officer's Pistol. *the one from Halo 4*
Do you have particular skill with one handed weapons, such as the M6 series?
At mid range, I can almost always guarantee a head shot with my pistol. With my enhanced reflexes, I can empty a clip into an enemy within a couple of heartbeats.
What kind of rifle is your primary weapon of choice?
My Designated Marksman Rifle. None of the other Rifles in my arsenal have claimed as many lives as this weapon.
Is your aim reliable?
If it's within my mid range, I can hit it with my DMR. If I'm using long ranged Sniper Rifles, I can hold my own, but I am far from the best.
Can you preform as the primary marksman (sniper) of a squad?
I could, but I prefer to be there with my squad in the front lines, which isn't typical of an Officer.
Are you proud of your combat skills?
I'm proud I can use my skills to protect the people I care about, and know that what I do is helping keep my species alive, and all of our allies.
Are you particularly brave in the face of combat?
I've been known to attempt a sacrifice to keep the mission going, and many Marines, ODSTs, and our other allies have made mention to that. I received the UNSC Medallion of Braviary after the Covenant War, around the time I was promoted to Admiral.
Do you have any skill with stealth?
I've run a few stealth ops in my time. Only one of those Ops ended with my squad's cover being blown, but the mission continued as planned.
How well can you drive a wheeled vehicle?
When it comes to wheeled vehicles, I can definitely get my men to where they're going. I'm much better in a tank though, which is a treaded vehicle, but I digress.
Can you use Covenant weaponry? What kind would you use in battle if forced to abandon your primary weapon and sidearm?
On Reach, the Covenant used a Needle Rifle weapon, it was like a mixture of my DMR with their Needler side arm. I would easily take one of those, and perhaps one of their energy swords.
Can you repair vehicles?
No, I save any mechanical jobs to my half brother, Darryl-116. He didn't earn the nickname Gears for his people skills.
Can you pilot an aircraft?
I can assure you that as a member of the highest tier in the UNSC Navy, I can pilot aircraft. I have flown Longswords, Shortswords, Broadswords, Pelicans, Falcons, Hornets, Vultures, and I even can pilot any variant of a UNSC Starship, like my Aura of Armaggedon.
Hell, before Del Rio or Lasky, I was offered the chance to pilot the Infinity, but declined. While it's a major honor, Lasky knows what he's doing and deserves the title. Besides, a ship that massive needs a leader at all times, so I wouldn't be able to do ground ops.
Does your armor have a specific capability or attachment(Armor ability)?
During the Covenant War, I resorted to using the Thruster Packs, the Jet Packs, Drop Shield prototypes, and even the Armor Locking attachments. After the War, when I did my campaign on the Forerunner Planet of Requiem, I frequented the HardLight Shield, Promethean Vision, and Auto Turret attachments.
How are your tracking skills?
I once tracked an Insurrectionist leader from one point of Human known space to the other, does that count?
Can you preform well in a zero gravity environment?
You know what they say, Spartans prefer our boots on the ground. I have had limited Zero-Gee combat situations, and I am ashamed to say that they were not my finest moments. I didn't lose, but I certainly thought I wasn't going to make it during one of them.
Are you a medical practitioner? Can you care for a wounded teammate?
I have light experience with medical treatment for wounds. I used to be pretty good back on Reach and before. But as the years went on, and the medical hardware got better, I've lost my luster.
Are you looked to for leadership in tense situations?
Most of the time, yes. Other times, my squad mates will occasionally take the spotlight. Generally though, I am the one people look up to.
The Covenant has employed melee weapons to devastating effect. If given an energy sword, a gravity hammer, or any other weapon, could you use it effectively?
I've actually used a Covenant Gravity Hammer while battling Butch on Reach. That thing is a monster if you use it correctly. I sure would hate to be on the receiving end of one of those, though. I have also used Energy Swords before, and have used them well.
Where do you fit into a typical squad? What tasks can you preform in combat?
I'm Squad Leader in a typical squad. I am usually the Assault/Support member of the squad, as my armor allows me to take much more ammo and grenades then the ODSTs or Marines I have worked with.
How would you describe your physical approach to warfare?
I just take my foes in a headlock, and...
Oh, you mean how do I go about actually fighting? If engaged, I have the tendency to close the gap when applicable. Just until I can get to my preferred range. If I'm squad sniper for an Op, I try to lay low and avoid detection, but then again, who doesn't?
