Chapter 4

Jim could feel the eyes of each and every person on the bridge boring into him. Shock kept the normal hum quiet. Bridger though, eyed him with empathy as he gave direction, "Commander Ford, lead the security detail."

The Commander, also a man of duty, nodded his acknowledgment and swiftly went from the bridge. As curious as everyone else, he knew that a mission still needed accomplished.

An eternity passed in Jim's world until The Captain spoke to him again, "Walk with me Lieutenant." Jim fell into step beside the older man as they walked from the bridge. He could feel Helmsman Henderson's sympathy and the Teenager, Lucas Wolemczek's, open curiosity. Everyone wanted the story, Jim felt gratitude that the Captain had taken him to privacy for the explanation he knew he owed.

"You know I lost my son too," Bridger spoke softly, words still laced with grief. "Robert" it was a whisper, Jim almost didn't catch it. His throat cleared, " so I know how hard this question is to answer and believe me I don't want to ask but for this situation..."

Jim had been prepared for this, "You need to know what happened." Bridger nodded, appreciating that he didn't have to finish. Jim let the memories come forth, the tears burned the back of his eyes but he refused to let them fall, especially in front of his Captain. "My wife..." Bridger's eyebrow went up. "Almost ex-wife now," it cut to acknowledge. "Anyways we both were ...are...career oriented, always trying for the next step. She's a scientist and got a really prestigious research assignment at the Marianas Base, I was offered the opportunity to do special defense training with General Cook. Unfortunately, it was at the same time. Normally she would have just taken Adam," Brody paused, his mind caught on the image of a blonde haired, hazel eyed little boy laughing as waves chased him along the sand. Kaia chasing after him. Laughter. Happiness.

"Lieutenant," Bridger broke the spell and for a moment they stayed quiet as they continued along the passageway. Jim finally continued, "Our son would normally have gone along with her, but this one was different, it was going to be a pretty intense 6 weeks at the bottom of the Marianas Trench and they didn't have family quarters. So My Brother In Law Jesse, he was a Scientist stationed at SeaLab, they had family residences, offered to watch him for us. As we dropped Adam off, Jesse told us about a new Doctor that he was excited about joining their team." Jim stopped and stared at the deep blue water that followed the corridor. Darwin, SeaQuests dolphin swam by, giving Jim something to focus his eyes on while his mind stayed in the horror of three years before. Bridger stood next to him, guessing the next "The new Scientist was Rubin Zellar." Jim nodded, blinking his eyes rapidly to fight every emotion boiling inside him. He was a man of control. "Adam, Jesse, and the thirteen others were his guinea pigs. And now he sits on ice to live for eternity while my son ..." Brody began walking again, unable to finish his sentence, trying desperately to keep the more brutal memories from coming, his rage buttoned and his heart from hurting. Bridger remained silent, knowing there were no words of consolation that would mean anything.

"Ford to Captain Bridger," the comm rattled loudly in the grief and silence.

"Go ahead Commander," Bridger answered, watching Jim carefully.

"Evacuation complete, we have the Warden and one prisoner in Cryo aboard."

"The prisoner?" Jim's attention became rapt. The Commanders voice was clear, "It's Zellar sir." Bridger had hoped for any other name. "Okay Commander, secure the prisoner in SeaDeck, establish temperature control, and get the Warden to Quarters."

Bridger stood a moment, deciding the best options before him, "Lieutenant." Jim turned to him with an ironic smirk, "He gets Sea Deck and I'm confined to quarters?" The Captain nodded regretfully, "For the time being yes."

They walked together to the officers quarters. Jim struggling with another step he knew he needed to take, one that would break trust and a promise, but again duty and conscious won. "Sir" Bridger was about to leave him at his cabin, knowing matters on the bridge to be pressing, but waited for him to continue.

"My wife..." Jim corrected, "Ex-wife..." he paused already regretting the consequences.

"Yes, Lieutenant." Bridger could sense the hesitancy and wondered what more could be told.

Brody pressed forward, "Well she's on board. Kia ... Dr. Williams..."

"Dr. Williams?!"