Chapter 10: The Girls in Blue
Several hours later, the sun had set, Welrod found herself in police officer's garb on the side of the highway, watching as a gaggle of A-Dolls tilted a semi-truck over to block the path of oncoming traffic. She sighed as she glanced at her watch: the convoy would be upon them in but a moment.
"Gosh, I can't believe we're actually doing this… Now come on ladies! We've got a job to do!" Aya yelled at them as she went to order around the A-Dolls.
"Reminds me of my traffic days… it's been a long journey since then," Welrod mumbled to herself.
"It certainly has Wells," Eric Blair replied sauntering up to her, dressed up in riot gear, something a traffic cop would certainly not be wearing.
"Eric, we are trying to be covert!" Welrod snapped.
"What? Can't a commander swing by to see how his adjutant is faring? You break my heart Wells," Blair replied with a cheeky grin.
"J-just stay out of sight Sir, and no, no this isn't time for theatrics!" Welrod replied heatedly.
"You're frustrated with me."
"Where did you get that idea, Sir?"
"...it's about seeing you isn't it?"
"No Sir, it's about the weather… of course it's about seeing me! Believe it or not Sir, I am self-conscious of myself," Welrod replied crossing her arms, "although like I said I mostly have myself to blame… that does not excuse you peeking up my skirt."
"Admittedly, I did not get the chance to fully apologize to you for that, so in my most sincere way: Wells, I am sorry for glancing up your skirt, it was unbecoming of a gentleman, and it shall never happen again," Blair replied truthfully.
"R-right, be sure that it doesn't!" Welrod said as she turned back to the A-Dolls setting up Police Tape and traffic cones.
Blair walked up a bit closer, so he was standing right beside Welrod as the two looked on at Bern G&K go about their duties. There was something else nagging at Welrod's mind, something she needed to know.
"How far?" Welrod asked plainly.
"How far?" Blair replied, cocking his head, "How far what?"
"How far did you carry me? All I remember is falling, then fading in and out as you carried me. I don't remember even reaching the car," Welrod continued.
"It's tough to say. If I were to guess... several kilometers? My well-being isn't what mattered at the moment, it was you I was concerned-"Blair replied before Welrod cut him off.
"Eric, when will you get it through that thick skull of yours that you needn't put yourself in harm's way? Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps, just perhaps, you would have died in the wilderness alone from exhaustion or hypothermia?" Welrod replied forcefully.
"I… I couldn't just leave you out there Wells. For one thing, a Commander never leaves his troops behind. Secondly… you're my friend Wells. Despite my actions, I blame myself for what happened, and I tried to fix it before things got worse, only it seems things did get worse regardless of my efforts," Blair continued.
"Now is not the time to be discussing this, Sir," Welrod replied, half blushing.
"Wells, when this is over you and I can sit down and talk about this. For now… just do be safe," Blair replied with a smile.
"You've become quite attached, Sir."
"It turns out that having a friend die in your arms makes you a bit protective of them when they return," Blair chuckled, "anyway, is everything prepared?"
"Yes, Alex's Grizzly and Calico are standing by at the forest's edge. I'll be the one to stop the convoy, as I've had the most experience with traffic stops," Welrod replied.
"Don't you think it would be wiser to have one of the other girls stop the convoy, especially seeing as though you do not have your fire control core?" Blair replied, shifting his weight a bit.
"I am assuming that we will not need to use our firearms. If it makes you feel at ease Sir, I have Thompson on standby to assist if things do not go quite according to plan," Welrod continued, raising an eyebrow.
"Right. I'll trust your judgement Wells, you know this procedure better than anyone. Just try to remain in one piece, as cute as it was to have you with me at all times, monologuing to a core was beginning to drive me insane," Blair replied.
"As if you weren't insane already," Welrod said wryly, a tiny grin spanning her face.
"Indeed. I'll be getting back to Alex's command post. I'll see you when this is over Wells," Blair said before patting Welrod's shoulder and falling back to a safe distance.
Alright, let's see how well I remember my good cop, bad cop routine.
In the distance, Welrod could see the approaching headlights of the convoy, a danger that would be upon them momentarily.
"Alright ladies, focus up! We have a mission to complete," Welrod yelled as she jumped up and down a bit to loosen her nerves.
I suppose this is where saving the world begins.