audio;

[ifyoudontletithityou]

[The voice that comes through is hesitant at first, but hardens quickly. She sounds strained, hoarse, and like she's struggling to stay alert.]

This is Agent Carolina.

[A pause.]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with this hardware--

[She draws in a sharp breath, as though startled by something.]

I'm--in need of medical attention. And I need to reach UNSC command. Any help directing me to the appropriate channels would be appreciated.

[Her closing sounds almost automatic.]

Carolina out.

Comments

[ifyoudontletithityou]

[ True, the words don't sound the same coming from Wash. But they make her jaw clench anyway, just at the memory.

Something like anger flares in her throat. It's irrational, she knows, but pity's always infuriated her. Some deeper, steadier part of her knows Wash doesn't mean it that way, but it's hard to reach that part of her right now. When everything's just spinning. And not from the concussion this time.

She needs him to stop. She needs to know but she needs him to stop, she needs it all to stop. She doesn't respond for a minute, but when she does her voice is tight. ]

I don't know, Wash. I don't know how to trust anyone anymore.

[articletwelve]

I know. God, I know.

[ Wash lets go of her hand, gives her space. ]

I don't expect you to trust me right now. I spent years not trusting anybody-- and even when I learned how again, it wasn't easy. I turned on people who'd done nothing wrong, people who had been used just as badly as I had. I just--

[ "Carolina, it wasn't your fault."

"But it was my AI." ]

I don't want to see the same thing happen to you. So... I'm here.

[ifyoudontletithityou]

[ Carolina looks away.

The way he looks at her's just too intense. Can't get used to Wash looking so much older, for one. Well, technically yes, he was always older than her, yeah, but she'd never... well... thought of him that way. She was the team leader, after all. And he was Wash.

Then, too, she just doesn't understand where all this is coming from. This... concern. See what happen to her? Only she doesn't want to know. She can't take in anything else right now. Just can't. Maybe if she gives him a neutral answer, he'll give it a rest for now. ]

Okay.

[articletwelve]

Okay.

[ Wash draws back a little. He knows this has to be -- well, this has to be damn near impossible for her to wrap her head around. Even now, though, he can't bring himself to think it was too much. As long as he watches out for her, makes sure it doesn't go the same way-- maybe it won't.

He just-- he has to try. ]

Okay. I'll-- you're probably exhausted. And you need time. Just-- if you need anything, call me. Okay?

[ He holds up his arm, his omni-tool shimmering into view. ]

It's okay, the line's secure. I've got a good tech. [ His lips quirk up a little. York would punch him for only calling her a tech. ]

[ifyoudontletithityou]

[ Carolina nods.

He's not the Wash she knows, and they're not... teammates. She doesn't have a team here, maybe doesn't have one left at all. God only knows what's going on back home, without her.

But she's got somebody she can call on. Not sure how to feel about that. She's never been good at asking for help. Not without the built-in structure of the military, chain of command, all the necessary teamwork that comes along with it. Makes it easier. Without that... hell. How do you just ask somebody to help you? She hates to owe anybody anything.

But she has to admit there's some small comfort in that, even if it makes her uncomfortable. ]

Okay.

[ She pauses awkwardly. ]

I will.

[articletwelve]

'Kay.

[ He draws back. Gets up, gives her space. Sets the chair to the side, in case there are any other visitors. York's gonna want to see her, he knows. Gonna have to tell her to give Carolina a bit, but who's he kidding. Won't matter how long. It's gonna take Carolina a damn long time to process what he's told her.

Wash pauses when he reaches the doorway. Glances back. His gaze is steady. ]

I mean it. You need me, I'll come. No questions asked. All right?

[ifyoudontletithityou]

[ It almost physically hurts, forcing herself to meet his eyes. And she does it, because she hates feeling weak and that, at least, makes her feel a little more in control.

Not much, but a little.

She nods. ]

Okay, Wash.