"I’m dying."
The bombs were going off around them, the cloying haze of smoke clogging even their advanced optical sensors. Vaguely he was aware of the ground shaking under them, the tramp of Covenant soldiers coming closer. All he was focused on, then, though was Pegasus. Orion was kneeling next to him, scans running, searching for the cause of his malfunction.
No. No, that was no true. He knew the cause. Half of Pegasus’ body was missing, blown away, and his wiring was frayed beyond repair. Orion was simply searching for a way to maintain his integrity until the Pelican returned for them.
"You are not," he returned blandly, one hand cupping the back of Pegasus’ head.
And then, quietly, into the connection between them, between all of his brethren, Download into me, brother. I will hold you.
It was untested. It might tear Orion apart.
He did not care.
I will not leave you here in the dirt.
We are going home.