Rusty sat down and put out his hand for the papers from Buzz. He was not the least bit interested in math homework, but he knew Jack was right, arguing with Sharon was useless. Sighing heavily he looked at the pages than sat up in his chair.

"Hey Buzz, I've already done these chapters and you marked them."

"My mistake, but doing them again wouldn't hurt."

"Again? Aww, come on, dude. Why do something again when I've already finished it? It's not like I'm going to have a career doing algebra."

"You don't know that. As the Captain just pointed out, this is the basis for chess strategy. You might become a professional chess player and what you learn today could help you win the biggest game of your life."

Rusty looked at Buzz with incredulity, "You just made that up."

Shrugging, Buzz turned to leave.

"Hey, wait a minute. What's really going on? Did Sharon ask you to give me something that would keep me busy and away from Jack."

Buzz stopped, then turned and moved back into Rusty's cubby, "I would suggest you keep your voice down and your assumptions to yourself."

"She did, didn't she. Why? I get that she doesn't like him much, but why is it such a big deal that I do? Jack has been great. He's finally someone I can have fun with and she's trying to take that away."

"Rusty, there is a lot more going on here than you having a new playmate."

"What do you know about it? And don't tell me it's none of my business because I'm the one who lives with her. Everyone else seems to understand this problem she has with Jack, except me."

"You're still a kid."

Rusty squawked in frustration, "God, I hate it when you people pull that. Look, I might be young but I'm not a kid. I know a few things about bad choices in men. My mother did that all the time. Jack is one of the good guys. I just don't know why she can't see that."

Buzz leaned over the desk and spoke quietly. "It's really none of your business, or mine for that matter. The Captain is the one in charge of this division as well as your life. I suggest you give her the benefit of the doubt. You've known this man less than two days, and she's known him for more than three decades."

"Look, I know he's screwed up, but people change. Look at... look at Lt. Flynn. He used to be an alcoholic, right? Now he's not. He changed."

"Rusty, Lt. Flynn is still an alcoholic, and if he were here right now he would tell you that. He struggles to stay sober every day of his life. That's how much his drinking problem cost him."

"But he did it. I just think if Sharon gave Jack a chance, he would be able to pull himself together, too."

Buzz stood up and crossed his arms, "Do you really think the Captain hasn't given him a chance? Just because you haven't seen it in the two days you've known her husband, that doesn't mean it didn't happen before you came along."

"Yeah, well maybe, but aren't we supposed to keep giving people chances? Jack is trying to change. He's here and he wants to be a husband again, but Sharon won't even let him stay in the condo for more than two nights."

"Rusty, I really hope you don't say any of this to the Captain."

"Why not? Someone's got to say something."

"It's not your place."

"If it's not my place, then who's place is it? She's not listening to Jack. I live there, so who better to tell her to lighten up?"

Buzz sighed deeply, "I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself, let them work out whatever they are going to do, and you complete the math assignment."

"I've already done this," Rusty said, pushing the papers away from him and leaning back in his chair.

"Fine, I'll find you something you haven't worked on."

"It doesn't matter what you give me, I'm not changing my mind about Jack. Maybe if he was around all the time Sharon wouldn't be so obsessed with the rules. Maybe he would help her learn how to have fun, and laugh a little."

"The Captain laughs."

"That's not what I mean, Buzz. I mean just laugh... just enjoy life rather than always being about the rules and expectations and limits."

"Did it ever cross your mind that she focuses on those thing because she lived with her husband all those years? Maybe she had to be the serious one because he wouldn't be."

"Or maybe she never gave him the chance."

"Whatever happened, it's their business, not ours."

"Yeah... whatever... did she tell you how long I'm supposed to stay in here before I'm free to go? Jack wanted to teach me more about poker."

"Poker?"

Rusty rolled his eyes, "I've already had the warning about playing for money. Don't worry, it's only toothpicks. At least Jack wants to teach me something that doesn't involve boring math work that I've already done."

"I imagine the Captain will tell you when she's ready to leave. Is there anything else?"

"Would it matter if there was?"

Buzz turned to leave, but before he exited the cubby completely, he turned back to face Rusty. "It might help you with this situation if you remember that the Captain took you in when everyone told you not to. She gave you the benefit of her extra time and attention. She bought you whatever you needed. She made sure you were able to go to the best school in the city, and kept you there when they wanted to kick you out. She took you vacationing with her when she left town. She spent extra time and her own money looking for your mother, even when you were nothing but hateful to her. She went all the way with your father to make sure you were protected. Even if you don't agree with her in this situation, you owe her your respect. She does not give up on people easily, you should know that better than anyone."