THUMB TO WIPE AWAY A TEAR
Dedicated to Diena. You're my inspiration, baby!
Ford waited outside the wardroom, whilst Captain Hudson spoke to his Ensign Wolenczak. He tried to push down his initial protective feelings for Lucas. He knew that it was not an option for him to step in. He would cop it, and Hudson would be even harder on his youngest recruit.
Lucas did screw up, quite often. But this time, Commander Ford had very strong feelings that this wasnt entirely Lucas' fault.
A fighter craft that had been recently repaired and passed to be fit for active duty had malfunctioned, seriously endangering the two combat officers inside.
Of course, someone had to take the blame, and Lucas had been the last one to run a check through the wiring and circuits. Hudson was certain that Lucas had done a sloppy job. Whether that was due to slacking off or being over tired, he didn't care, that was his opinion.
Commander Ford on the other hand was under the impression that the malfunction had been from and undetectable floor in the software, something that just happens, and the accident couldnt have been avoided.
But to Hudson, everything could be avoided, there were no accidents, and nothing 'just happened'. It was good reasoning to have - it often saved lives by lending accountability where it should be. But occassionally, just occassionally, some poor buggar got caught in the line of fire when they probably shouldn't have.
The door opened and Hudson walked out, obviously satisfied with what he'd said and, as no one had been hurt, under no intention to punish Lucas or mention the matter any further.
Ford waited a few moments until he'd turned the corner, and then pushed open the door to enter the room.
Lucas was standing with his back to the door, facing the wall. He turned around as the Commander pushed the metal door closed, not embarressed about the glisten of tears in his eye.
"You okay?" Ford asked.
Lucas nodded, pushing his lips together, "Yeah," he swallowed unhappily, "He got pretty mad."
Ford nodded, "I know. But I want you to know that this wasnt your fault, Lucas."
Lucas was stunned, "Are you kidding? I was the one who checked the whole system."
"Some things just can't be avoided okay?"
Lucas scoffed, "That's not what Hudson thinks."
Ford sighed and walked around to him, "Hudson needs to place accountability. Sometimes he's a little harsh. He doesn't doubt your abilities."
Lucas looked at the floor bringing his arms around the hug himself, "They could have died, Commander," he looked up at him.
"But they didnt, Lucas. They're fine."
Lucas scoffed again, "Yeah, no thanks to me."
He turned around again to face the wall, taking a slow breath through his nose to stop it running to much.
"Listen to me," Ford emphasised, "You do a damn fine job, Lucas. A damn fine job."
Lucas walked towards him, a stray tear running down his face, but his expression strong, "Thanks, Commander.
"Come over here," Ford beckoned him, and grabbed his shoulders as he stepped foward, "Don't worry about it." He used his thumb to wipe away the stray tear.
"Teh!" Lucas chuckled at the gesture and blinked rapidly, "Thankyou."
They embraced quickly before Ford slapped Lucas on the back, "Come on, we got work to do."