After making that declaration, he frowned. "Why would you waste the honor on a half breed? Let alone one in a different clan!?" he demanded. "Because I don't that think my son is a waste." He turned his head. "You already know how I view them." I looked at him seriously. "I refuse to give up on my kids just like I refused to give up on you. They shouted you down last time because you are a deviant." A look of hurt flashed on his face before he schooled his expression. "I'm not asking them anymore. I am asking you. Can you pilot with Shepard or am I going to pass you over again?" I reiterated for him. "...Can he even operate an XX-frame? His human half might make it impossible." 02 asked. I shrugged. "I don't know. This is why I am trusting you. You are literally the only AEP unit that I can trust to look after Shepard. He has human lungs, so he can't survive in space with out oxygen tanks. I'm asking because you're my friend." I said as I put my hands on his shoulders. "Can't you hear yourself!? You want a Conqueror to babysit a half breed on the coalition mission! It won't work." he snapped.
Sighing, I looked at him. 02 looked back at me. He was really agitated now. I said "Final answer, 02. Are you going to pilot an XX-frame or are you just going to stay here in the clan building?" 02 glared at me. I just waited for his response. "That half breed of yours better listen to me really well. I won't hesitate to discipline him." 02 growled at me. I smirked and said "Thank you so much. I know there is no safer place for him than the strongest AEP unit I know." He took a step back. "That can't possibly be true, Brianne." he said. "I like all the AEP units that I watched get born during the special mission. You were one of them. None of them has had to go through all the hardship you have overcome. Most would have given up. You fought for your life many times while infected by that symbiote. We found a way to help and you stuck to it until you were able to purge all the corruption. I really cherish 01 and 03, but you have accomplished more than them in my eyes. You might not beat them in a fight to the death, but in all the ways human value strength of character, I'll always have you on top."
My words seemed to have an effect on him. He stopped flexing his armor. "Saying that I only have the kind of strength that humans value doesn't make me happy. I am a true Conqueror AEP unit. I only need martial prowess and efficient use of my energy when using my weapons and organs." he said softly. "Any AEP unit that comes here can get those. It is so common that is boring. I am the best clan engineer on the continent already. You far exceed all the others because you have more going for you." I added with a smile. 02 just gave me a confused look. "I'll never understand you humans and how you make so many unnecessary decisions." he said, then gave me a performative sigh. "Go get your half breed. I'll be waiting for him. We'll go as soon as you give us the blueprints." I got out my phone and called Niko. I told him that it was urgent that I speak with him and Shepard. They arrived within the hour. I pitched the idea to them. Shepard immediately nodded. Niko said "Who will he paired with? I am not sure I can spare him for a long term mission like this." I just looked at him. I did not get it.
