Prompt: Jed - "But every time we think we've measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless." - 'The West Wing'
It was good tactical strategy to sacrifice the few for the many. Logically, losing one person was better than losing two or even five people. Yet as Dalby's words floated back to him, Tuvok looked again up at the control room at the limp form of the young Bojoran crewman that was under his command. As Dalby had said, relatively speaking, Gerron was just a kid compared to the rest of the crew, even ensign Kim.
He was still however wearing a uniform and a part of this crew. Certain risks came with wearing the uniform. Risks that they had all accepted by the simple act of putting that uniform on. Logic dictated that every person should be treated equally regardless of age. He had saved three of the four Maquis trainees. Risking death to push that number up to four wasn't tactically sound and unlogical.
But Dalby was right. Leaving him there was leaving him there to die.
Neelix's words about needing to learn to bend came back to him as Tuvok replaced the panel he had removed. The goal had been for the trainees to meet the challenges presented to them but perhaps the best way to reach them was to lead by example. Show them that even he was able to change as the situation demanded him too.
Logical or not, he couldn't leave the young Bajoran there to die, especially without even trying to make an attempt.