Cold Feet

For once in her life, Carolina was understandably nervous to some extent. In no less than five minutes time, she along with the Reds and the Blues were to have their photograph taken with the most influential person of the United Nation Space Command.

Why, the Chairman of course.

Much to their surprise it seemed that those who were in positions of authority seemed to have caught wind about them successfully taking down the Director as well as Project Freelancer. It only had been two weeks ago since that happened, so all of them were baffled as to how the news spread like wildfire.  Then again it didn’t matter too much since throughout the colonies, inner and outer, the Reds and Blues managed to build quite a large reputation for themselves.

They were known as heroes. Valiant heroes who saw fit to bring justice to a corrupt militarily organisation whose questionable actions and unlawful ethnics were very much frowned upon. It seemed they could do what the UNSC failed to do.

Carolina was more than happy to step aside and let the Reds and Blues be recognised for their achievements. Despite the fact they provided assistance in her personal quest to go after the Director, they proved time after time they were highly capable soldiers with lots of luck on their side. What’s more is they weren’t as skilled and vastly trained just like the Freelancers were; they were pretty much average troopers who formed a strong bond.

She watched them from a distance, smiling to herself, as they chattered excitedly among themselves. Even though she couldn’t make out exactly what they were talking about, she could only imagine they were sharing their excitement in their newly attained fame. Wash, on the other hand, chose to not partake in the discussion, idly standing there with his arms crossed against his chest.

How very strange.

Carolina snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed a soldier dressed in standard OSDT uniform approaching her way. Probably he was one of the Chairman’s men.

“Chairman Hargrove is ready to see you now, Ma’am,” he politely informed. His voice had a distinct British accent to it, which reminded her of Wyoming for brief second. “It’s best to gather up the Reds and the Blues and tell them of the news. It seems you have drawn quite a crowd what with all the amount of the press and news reporters out there.”

“They’ll be very happy to hear it. Thanks for telling me.”

With that, the officer bowed his head respectfully before making his way down the packed backstage. Carolina went over to her friends and told them the news to which they all cheered loudly before moving to the corridor which lead outside to the stage where the Chairman awaited them.

Only Wash remained behind, reluctant to budge a single inch. He grabbed her arm urgently, stopping her from following them.

“We can’t go out there,” he said seriously. Carolina narrowed her eyes beneath her helmet. Now this was all too suspicious.

“Give me one good reason not to, Wash,” she responded in an even tone.

It was like he was scared of something, but what? She had to figure it out quickly before someone else came along and tell them they were delaying things for no reason.

“Uh…you see, the Chairman – well, he thinks that I’m dead,” Wash started to tentatively explain. He paused while looking down at the floor in mild embarrassment. “He’s under the impression I died along with Maine during the battle. If he finds out I’m apparently back from the dead he’ll most likely put me under arrest again.”

Being a prisoner so many years ago was really a tough thing to get over in Wash’s opinion. It only reminded him of betraying the Reds and the Blues, his mind focused on retrieving the Epsilon unit in exchange for his freedom. Underneath the Chairman’s polite exterior lurked a sinister and manipulating side.

What surprised Wash was when Carolina gently took his hand into hers, their fingers joining. Thankful for her support, he gave her hand a small squeeze.

“Wash, you need to put it all behind you,” she said, understanding the internal struggle that was taking place in his mind. “The Chairman won’t find out since you’re wearing blue armour. Let me handle him while you enjoy yourselves along with the Reds and Blues. Just lay low if you’re that bothered by his presence.”

Wash chuckled. “You’re the boss.”