(Red vs. Blue) Project Freelancer: The Other Agents

Finding Friends

"Thank you for being here," the Counselor beckoned the agents to sit.

"Well thank you for inviting me here," Maryland graciously accepted the offer. "I can't remember the last time we had a visit."

"What can I do ya for, Counselor?" New Hampshire plopped into the chair.

"The Director wished for me to express his concerns regarding details from your after action reports," he explained.

"From our reports?" Rhode Island spat and crossed his arms. "What about them?"

"There was a detail that was rather... distributing," the Counselor shuffled through the files in front of him.

"That's a battlefield for you," Vermont shrugged.

"No disrespect, Counselor, but there's a lot of stuff that happened on that mission that most civilians would find disturbing," New Mexico said. "You'll need to be a little more specific."

"I suppose I will," the Counselor conceded. "Did you and your team eat a Brute?"

"Yes," Maryland readily admitted.

"Is that what this is all about?" New Hampshire demanded. "Is that why we're getting a psych eval? That why you brought a shrink?"

"Oh, a psych visit," Maryland recalled. "I've missed these. Hi doctor. How long has it been?"

"Two weeks," their part-time psychiatrist said.

"It was a security risk," Vermont defended the action. "The prisoner was already aggressive and may have attempted to break free while one of us was on watch."

"But why eat it?" the Counselor pressed further

"You already know I have a history with Brutes," Rhode Island hissed, the mere mention of the creatures bringing him disgust. "It's in my file."

"But the others do not," he retorted.

"Rhodie and I have already done that in the past," New Mexico snapped back respectfully. "I'm sure you've read it. Why interrogate us about it now?"

"It is still unusual behavior, even for you," the Counselor noted.

"Maybe," Maryland sighed. "But I wanted to try something new. Besides, I don't regret getting even with those freaks one bit. I'll do it again if I get the chance."

"But you have received training to be better," the Counselor tapped a pen against his desk. "You must have at least objected in some way."

"You know that I can get angry quickly at times," Vermont sidestepped the question.

"Is that the reason?" he hung on to her statement. "Were you angry that night, Agent Vermont?"

"Damn right I was pissed!" New Hampshire snapped. "We get called to put down some Innies that decided to side with the Covenant while humanity as a whole is under threat of being wiped out. I don't know, Counselor; why don't you tell me what's wrong with that picture?!"

"You of all people should know how high tensions are right now," Rhode Island reversed the situation. "Yeah we're a little upset and will probably need a lifetime supply of booze and therapy after this is all over, but that doesn't mean we've come unhinged. Not completely. Not yet."

"Will that quell the Director's concerns?" Vermont asked.

"Let us hope," the Counselor stood up and shook her hand. "That is all. Thank you for your time."

"You're welcome," Maryland chirped. "Bye, doctor. I'll see you in a few weeks."

"Let's hope not," the medical professional joined the Counselor to compare notes. Outside, Maryland found the other four waiting their turn.