They'll know they're right. There are many things more important to Colin than being right. Everyone else will feel justified in their righteous anger. It's up to Colin to remember that traitor and coward are words, not summaries. There are many parts to Benedict, and he will remember the good ones so others are free to despise the bad ones. No judgment. They're right to be angry with him. That Colin isn't, or shows it differently, doesn't mean Benedict didn't fuck up. But knowing that doesn't lessen the pity he feels. It is torturous, to look back on your own mistakes when facing the consequences of them. Benedict had that revelation too late.

"All right," he agrees quietly. "I won't be there. Do you need anything else?"