RAW Deception (Round 2 in the RAW Instinct Series)

Chapter 17

Listen to the Music: Dermpot Kennedy - Power Over Me

The hotel had turned into a media hotspot.

"Go around the back. We've been through this, Dad. Believe me, it's spooky." Raw said, redirecting the driver.

"No. It's okay. I don't fear them. I did what I thought was right."

"Are you sure? They're ruthless."

"I can be ruthless too."

The moment they alighted from the car, a sea of cameras and cell phones and microphones honed in on them like drones coming in for the kill.

"Colonel, how do you feel about your rejection of the award?"

"You just came out as a gay man, do you think others will follow?"

"How do you feel now knowing that you've shoved a finger in the UN's face?"

He ignored the questions as reporters shoved and pushed to get close to him.

"Do you think you still have a job in the air force now?"

Inside the foyer, they spotted Randolph Green with a camera and a microphone attached to it.

"Colonel," the man greeted. Randolph Green from GAG. Is there somewhere we can talk without interruption?"

"Sure, in my room."

They followed him up to his fifth floor apartment and the cameraman closed the door behind him.

GAG: You've just come out as a gay man, Colonel, in front of the entire United Nations and the world. How do you feel?

Greg: Free. I feel brand new. It was a hard decision to make. I should have come out a long time ago. We go about our daily lives and never think of the possibilities true freedom brings.

GAG: Some critics will doubt your motivation. They'll say your coming out is unnecessary and you're looking for sympathy for the Gay community, how do you respond to that?

Greg: I know there will be adverse criticism, but people should look inside themselves first before throwing stones. All of us have skeletons, mine is out and people can say what they want. They don't know me and I don't care.

GAG: You've just turned down the United Nations Bravery Award. Has this got anything to do with your coming out?

Greg: No. I'm calling out to every nation on this planet. Stop the wars. The killing. The disregard for fellow human beings. We need to live in peace with each other. Every fibre in my body believes that we can achieve this.

GAG: There's a Nobel Peace Prize somewhere in this...

The interview halted when they heard a commotion in the front room. Shane rushed in with an entourage of military brass behind him.

"Colonel, what is the meaning of this?" Miyani exclaimed.

Gregory stood to attention.

"At ease, Colonel and explain. You do realise what you have done. You know that you have brought the SAAF into disrepute by your actions?"

"Sir, no sir."

"Bullshit, Sander. Bullshit! Our nation needed your heroism to be acknowledged and you go and turn it into a circus."

"The world needs love and peace, General."

"Don't tire me with banal excuses, Sander. What's more important here? Your selfish denigration of the United Nations, of the South African Defence Force, or your pedestal? Do not bother to answer. Prepare yourself for a shit storm when you arrive home. In the meantime you are not to speak to the press about any of this, understood?"

"No sir. I don't understand."

"Shut it, Sander. Save your words for when we get back to South Africa."

"No, sir. No. I have a right to say what I want when I want..."

"Are you disobeying me, Sander?"

"I have rights. I'm not a puppet for any defence force and I won't be a part of any investigation because there is no need for an investigation. It's simple. I refused an international award for bravery. That's all there is to it."

"We'll see about that, Sander. You belong to the South African Defence Force. You are government property. Consider your air force career over."

"I don't need to consider something I've already considered, sir. I resign. You'll have my letter of resignation first thing in the morning."

The moment the general left the room everyone burst into laughter and Gregory smiled too.

"I'm tired of running from myself. I have my amazing son and his husband whom I love dearly, and a fantastic guy who loves me. What more can a man ask for?"

GAG: Where to from here, Colonel?

Greg: Back to South Africa to start a new life. I'm considering joining an activist gay group, or even start one myself.

GAG: We'll be following your success, Colonel. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to speak with you.

The interview team left and Shane poured four glasses of whiskey and handed them out.

"What you did tonight – I'm proud of you," Shane said, staring out the window overlooking NYC.

Gregorylay with his head back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "It feels all sosurreal. I made a choice and stuck to it. I'll carry the consequences alone."

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