A Question of Trust

Chapter 14

By Kiddo

In Loving Memory Of Jonathan Brandis

Disclaimer:

I don't have any rights to the TV show "seaQuest." I also don't own the different characters like Bridger, Lucas, or Darwin. I'm not making any money with this story; I'm just writing for my own pleasure.

A spezial „Thank You" goes to Jackie for beta-reading and to Swasti, TeacherTam, wolenczak2004, KatKnits00 and dolphinology for their reviews.

Swasti: Thanks! Yeah, I wanted that Lucas remebered what he had experienced.

Teacher Tam: Thanks! I understand what you mean. I feeled the same way during the translation. Because of Jonathan Brandis I think I could never kill Lucas in one of my stories. (Great, with this statement I have probalply ruined all of my future cliffhangers, but who cares?)

wolenczak2004: Thanks!Beliefing is always importend.

KatKnits00:Thanks, you will read what will happen because of the custody.

dolphinology: Thanks for your kind words.

Captain Bridger was sitting in front of the Vidphone in his cabin, talking with Dr. Wolenczak. Nathan had already told him what had happend on the seaQuest and what Lucas' condition was.

During the conversation, Bridger realized that the blond teenager actually did mean something to the famous scientist and that the man just couldn't show it to his son; he didn't know how to talk to the boy. How would Lawrence react to his question?

"And he is really out of mortal danger?" asked the scientist.

Bridger nodded again. "Yes. Dr. Westphalen, our chief medical officer, assured me of that. And besides, I would have never left him alone in Medbay if that wasn't the case."

Lawrence looked relieved. "That's good. Tell him I said hello."

"Oh, I will, but that's not all I wanted to talk to you about. I have a request."

Dr. Wolenczak raised one eyebrow. "What kind of request?"

"You know that Lucas currently spends more time with me than with you or your ex-wife."

Wolenczak nodded. "Yes, naturally that's because of his work." Lawrence was getting a strange feeling about this.

Captain Bridger looked into the Vidphone screen, directly at the scientist. "We both know that this isn't only work related. I would like to be granted legal custody of your son."

Dr. Wolenczak was silent. He didn't exactly look surprised about this request. After a moment, he started to ask his own questions. "Does Lucas know this?" Bridger nodded with his head. "What has he said about it?"

"He has agreed."

This time, Lawrence's silence lasted longer. It was some time before he spoke again. Finally, he nodded. "I think I've seen this coming. I know that my son means a lot to you. I can tell when I read the reports that you send us regulary."

Bridger looked stunned. Lucas had always thought that his parents didn't read the reports. But, it seemed that his father did. The blond teenager really meant something to his dad.

Lawrence smiled at the look on Nathan's face. "Yes, Captain, I do read the reports. Not always immediately, but I read them. Could you please give me some time to think about this? I have to talk with Cynthia about it. I can't make such a decision alone."

Nathan nodded. "That goes without saying."

"Good. I'll call you back in about an hour. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Bridger sat in front of the blank screen for a few more minutes. That hour would be one of the longest of his life. Slowly, he stood up and walked towards Medbay.

When Bridger entered Medbay, he saw that Lucas was sleeping. Lt. Krieg walked by Medbay and saw the captain standing in the doorway.

"Why don't you go and sit down next to him?" asked Ben.

Nathan smiled. "I don't want to wake him."

Krieg looked curiously at the captain. "So you're just standing here watching him?"

Bridger nodded. "Yes."

The lieutenant shook his head. "You look like you're afraid that he'll run away or that he'll be taken away from you."

The captain looked at the younger man. "Yes, but not in the way you think..."

Krieg was confused. "How do you mean?"

"Forget it, it's nothing."

"Okay. After all, Dr. Westphalen confirmed for me that Lucas will be fine He really gave me quite a scare. He gave us all a scare. I don't know if I've told you, but he is like a little brother to me. I really mean that seriously, it's not just something I say without meaning it," affirmed Krieg.

Captain Bridger looked at the lieutenant. "I know. I think it's good for Lucas that you are on board. When he's with you, he acts more like his real age. But please, don't draw him into anything illegal; I don't want him having problems with the police because of you. I don't actually like to admit that you're good for Lucas, but it's true. Just don't tell anybody what I said, I'll deny everthing!"

Ben was speechless. Everyone just acted like all he did was get the teenager in trouble and was a bad role model. That the captain was now opening up to him and speaking so freely surprised him.

For some time, both stood in the doorway, observing the youngest crew member. After that, Lt. Krieg turned around and went back to work.

To Be Continued … In two more chapters.

Written Spring 2003 / Translated Winter 2005