Chapter 9 - Perspective


After Evans was shot and unceremoniously dragged to safety by Carbon, Wilson had become worried. Given Shane's unusual behavior as of late, the violet soldier feared what he would do next. For the moment, though, all he can do is continue providing suppressive fire for his blue teammate.

"Damn it, I can't get a good shot on him!" Shane says through his teeth, having missed with another burst.

Wilson wonders if anyone on the Blue Team besides himself has ever actually hit their target before. He determines that it is unlikely.

A solid minute passes with no change in the cycle; one soldier shoots, the other retaliates, repeat. Wilson holds back a yawn and considers aiming to kill their mauve enemy on the next go around. However, he and Shane are stunned when Tackle suddenly stops firing and retreats.

"What the hell? Where's he going?" the blue soldier asks.

Wilson does not have an answer. The logic of Red Team has always eluded him. Why did they relent after eliminating Evans? Perhaps he was their primary target. Another possibility is that they are such a backwards team that they see an advantage as an active state of victory rather than a step toward it. Of course, Wilson does not truly believe that, but it is fun to theorize. Regardless of their reasoning, it was foolish of the Reds to fall back.

Wilson suddenly realizes something; with Evans incapacitated, Shane may very well make a decisive play for the Blue leadership position that he has been pining for. He decides to go check on the wounded CO and, if need be, move him somewhere safe.

While Shane scans the trees for any signs of further Red activity, Wilson silently reenters the base. It is here that he is faced with an alarming sight: Evans is not the only soldier lying on the floor. The Blue leader is joined by Carbon, and neither of them appear to be conscious. Wilson mouths an expletive, hurries over to the prisoner's cell, and as he suspected, finds it vacant. The Reds had done it again. No point in worrying about it right now; there are more urgent issues at hand.

Returning to his fallen teammates, Wilson examines their injuries. Both of them took shots to the stomach and chest, Evans getting the worst of it. They need help, and fast. However, there is a big problem: Evans is the only member of Blue Team with any medical training. Wilson decides that instead of trying to become a self-taught battlefield medic within the next minute, he will hide the CO and Carbon in the former's panic bunker. Thankfully, Evans's door stands open; the leader always wanted his escape room readily accessible during battle, and having to get past his many locks would be too time-consuming.

Moving quickly, the violet soldier drags Evans then Carbon into the leader's room, stuffing both of them under the bed. Wilson has never been down there, but assumes there is a secret entrance leading to a bunker somewhere under the base. The Blue leader would not simply hide under his bed in a combat situation, would he? Besides, there is not enough time to figure out how to access the panic bunker.

Wilson exits Evans's room, shutting the door behind him. Moments later, Shane enters the base and looks around before approaching him. "Where are Evans and Carbon? Weren't they just helping us fend off the Reds?" the blue soldier asks. His partner shrugs.

Shane appears to be in deep thought. After several seconds, he speaks, "Wilson, I'm gonna be straight with you. We both know that Evans was a terrible CO; let's say he died in the fight if we find Carbon. In the meantime, how about I take charge? Everything will be infinitely better for the team as a whole because I have all the qualities of a true leader, and we won't have to put up with that nutjob's insane theories anymore. What do you say?"

Wilson wonders how Shane did not notice that Evans was shot and then moved into the base by Carbon. He supposes that tunnel vision is a legitimate concern in combat. In response to the rookie's request, he shrugs again. Let Shane do whatever he wants - Wilson already has an idea on how to put him in his place.

He can almost see the smile through the blue soldier's helmet. "Awesome. Just one more thing, Wilson: you always did what Evans asked without question. I would like to believe I can trust you to do the same for me."

Wilson nods as sarcastically as one can nod.

"Great!" Shane turns and starts walking away, muttering to himself, "So, I'm the leader now… I guess I'll check out the armory, stock up on ammo… or get a better weapon! The leader should have the best weapon. That's what I'll do first." His voice fades out of earshot.

This is essentially what Wilson had worried would happen; Shane jumping on the opportunity to steal Evans's role. Based on how he had reacted to the violet soldier's supposed acceptance of his leadership, it is clear that the rookie will not be able to hold up his promise of a better Blue Team. He may go mad with power, even. However, Wilson has a plan. He just needs a little help.