ONE REFUGE
Chapter Six
TheRealAbbey
Even though his friend was asleep and not complaining, Bridger found himself checking up on Lucas’ breathing and temperature every ten or fifteen minutes.
Nathan had adjusted the volume on the vidlink, so when Captain Hudson contacted him that afternoon, Lucas didn’t stir.
“Oliver,” Nathan said with surprised, “I didn’t expect to be hearing directly from you.”
“You’re responsible for the care of one my injured crewmen,” Hudson told him.
Bridger could see that Hudson was on the bridge. He could see some familiar faces going about their activities behind Hudson, “I suppose I am,” Bridger sighed, knowing that Lucas would have to leave soon.
“How is he?”
In the background, Bridger watched Tim O’Neill cock his head to the side to listen, and noticed that the man didn’t turn to face him or get up out of his chair to stand up at the vidlink, “He’s out of the woods, sleeping a lot, and still very weak, but I think he’ll be okay.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Captain Hudson seemed genuinely relieved, “The same goes at this end. The mess is all sorted and the SeaQuest is sailing out tomorrow morning.”
Bridger nodded carefully as Hudson to filled him in on the general details from McGath.
"We're shipping out in a few days," Hudson changed the topic suddenly, "I'll be sending someone to pick Lucas up so we can have him looked after in medbay."
“You’re taking him so soon?” Bridger asked carefully, not aware of how upset he sounded by the news.
Hudson lifted his eyebrows grimly, but with mild suprise, “He should be under professional care, and he is an officer on my boat.”
Bridger bristled, “I didn’t ask if you’re taking him, Oliver, I’m just surprised it’s so soon, he can hardly walk and I’ve barely spoken with him.”
Hudson didn't respond right away. Bridger could tell it was because there wasn't much else to say. There was silence for a few moments until Hudson opened his mouth to say something, "Nathan..," he begun diplomatically, but uncomfortably.
Bridger cut him off with a sigh, "When do you intend to be here?"
"Oh-eight-hundred, tomorrow morning," Hudson appeared glad for the change in topic. Although he tried his best, he had never done well in emotionally delicate situations.
Bridger nodded, "Alright, thanks Oliver." He severed the link before the Captain could respond.
***
Commander Ford let his tray drop onto the table in the messhall, mildly startling his two friends. He seemed to have gotten used to the fact that Henderson and Piccilo were going to hang out together whether he liked it or not. There had been some underlying tension between Ford and Piccilo in regards to Henderson, but the men were developing their own separate relationship, which made things easier.
Tony Piccilo looked up and studied the Commander's expression carefully as the taller man sat down, "Good news?" he guessed.
"I guess so," Ford commented, "I guess I'm just glad this is over."
"Did we ever find out how come our ships all turned against us?" Piccilo asked him.
"Some intelligence screw up," Ford sighed, "Don't worry, you'll hear plenty of versions in the international news over the next few months... or years," he poked his soggy carrot.
"I feel like we missed all the excitement," Lonnie said to them, "I almost feel like we're weren't really involved because we weren't on SeaQuest," she looked at the other two, "As ridiculous as that sounds."
"I know what you mean," Piccilo shrugged innocently, "I'll be glad to see Lucas back here." He looked at Ford, "D'you know when he's coming back."
Ford lifted one eyebrow as he swallowed down some more food, "I'll be picking him up tomorrow. Bridger says he's recovering. I doubt he'll be back on duty for a while though."
Lonnie shook her head, "I can't believe he was hurt. I never contemplated anything like that happening to Lucas. I guess I just didn't want to consider it."
Ford sighed and for moment it appeared he was going to say something. But instead he just nodded his head and stared at his plate.
***
Nathan Bridger had left the front door open, knowing that he'd soon be in company. Lucas was a lot stronger, but he was still weak. Lucas had insisted on being "dressed" when he was picked up. Bridger had explained that he'd just be sent straight into medbay anyway but Lucas had been stubborn.
Bridger was standing outside when the shuttle arrived. He made no move to go down and greet them. The only person he recognised from the shore party was Commander Ford, who smiled at Bridger broadly. Bridger smiled back, but it never really reached his eyes. Somehow, he couldn't bring himself to feel happy that Lucas was going back to SeaQuest.
They trudged upward towards to house as Bridger headed inside, "Commander," one of the medical officers addressed Jonathan Ford, "Do you think everythings okay? Bridger looks worried."
Ford stopped momentarily, “Him and Lucas are very close; they have this.. father/son bond. He’s been nursing Lucas for the last couple of days now. We're coming in to take him away before he’s recovered. It must be very difficult for him.” He slapped the fellow on the back, "Be gentle."
Bridger sighed as he stopped at the door, watching Lucas sit on the end of the bed and slowly put on his polished black shoes. He moved a little too slowly for Bridger’s liking.
“You’re still not that well, Lucas, I’m not comfortable with you just leaving so quickly.”
Lucas waited until the pain from the effort of fitting his shoe had passed before he looked up at Bridger. He smiled slightly, “Hudson won’t be putting me right back on duty, sir.”
Bridger scoffed and walked into the room, “Oh, I know he won’t. He’ll probably have you off duty for longer than you’d like.”
Lucas nodded barely but watched the older Captain carefully, thinking, “So.. what are you worried about?”
“You. Generally,” he sighed, “I just worry if you’re okay,” he watched the young man for a few moments before he sat next to him on the bed.
Lucas leaned up against him for a moment and let Bridger put an arm around his shoulder. Lucas smiled and sat in thought for a long moment, “I will be now.”
END
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“AUTHOR’S” NOTES First of all, sorry about the wait! Second of all, if you read this story from beginning to end (although, I doubt many would have), you may notice that the continuity is lacking terribly. Sorry about that. I started it out with a B Plot regarding Bridger’s involvement and more in depth story around the conspiracy… but I then I decided I couldn’t be stuffed. Most of the ELFy stuff I’d had planned to talk about is still in there and I still had the same ending as I planned and that’s the most important part, so … eh. Thanks to anyone who's still with me.
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