094 Independence
Carter ducked down as the wraith tank fired. The ball of blue plasma washed over the road and left nothing but black scorch marks. "Noble Two, I need you to take care of that tank." He wasn't sure if Kat had been lying or telling the truth earlier when she'd said that she could handle the situation. She'd said that she could take out the tank without a sniper rifle or a rocket launcher. He hadn't worked with her long enough yet to know if it was the truth or just boasting.
"I'm handling it. The damn thing won't come closer." Kat uttered a curse, something Carter had never heard from her.
"If you can't get to the tank then fall back and we'll figure something else out." Carter dove out of the way and the spot where he'd been crouched was burned away by plasma. "That thing's aim is getting too good. Fall back, Noble. That means you too, Two."
"No, I can do it." Kat's tone was defiant. Carter had already identified it as the main signal that she was about to go against his orders.
Carter moved to the edge of his cover and looked out at the tank. A light blue armored figure ran up to the tank from the side. The vehicle tried to turn to face her, but before it could do anything she had climbed up on it. Carter watched as she struck the vehicle, making a hole into the cockpit. She then stuck in a grenade and jumped from the wraith. Carter could almost see the panicked face of the driver as it tried to open the hatch and get away.
Kat turned to see a line of ten grunts taking aim at her. There was no time for Carter to react or do anything to help her as the aliens charged their plasma pistols. Kat didn't hesitate for a second before she ran toward the line and jumped over the small aliens. She ducked down and the grenade went off inside the tank. Blue fire and burning shrapnel flew forth. Four of the grunts were cut down by the explosion and the remaining six cowered in fear.
Kat's motions were fluent as she grabbed the pistol from her hip and took aim. Six shots, six dead grunts. Kat swept the area and stood up when she was sure there were no more enemies.
Carter couldn't help but stare at her as she walked back over to them.
Richard seemed to be thinking the same thing as Carter. "Damn that was hot."
Carter frowned at Richard's words. He wanted to tell the other Spartan to shut it, but the thoughts that were currently creeping through his mind involving his second in command suggested that he agreed.
Kat walked over to Carter and stood beside him. She placed her hands on her hips and titled her hips to one side, an obvious sign to Carter that she was smirking at him behind her helmet. "Told you I could do it."
Carter pulled himself out of his thoughts. "Never said you couldn't." He felt an odd reaction in his body as he looked her over. He told himself he was only checking over to be sure she hadn't been injured but the growing heat make him second guess his own motive. "Good job, Catherine."
"For the last time, I prefer Kat." She turned from him and walked toward their target. Carter couldn't help but watch her walk away from him.
"Got to love a woman with some independence in her." Richard moved up to Carter's side, letting out a low whistle as he watched her walk away.
Carter felt a spike of anger rise up as Richard leered at Kat. Carter frowned to himself in confusion at the odd anger. "Keep in mind she is your superior, and has every right to punch you." Carter moved off to follow after Kat.
"Whatever you say, sir." Richard shrugged and followed after the other two.
