Michael Garibaldi had been quietly minding his own business when the fight had broken out. As the only security officer within five miles or so it seemed, he had waded in to the fight to put a stop to it. All he got for his effort was a flight through the plate glass window in the front of the bar.
He landed unceremoniously on the pavement covered in glass at the feet of his new commanding officer. He closed his eyes and groaned.
w
"Do you often exit bars through the windows?"
"Occupational hazard," Michael quipped as he accepted a hand up. He brushed the glass off his clothes. He was relieved to see this new officer wasn't going to be a hard ass. "Lieutenant Michael Garibaldi."
"Lieutenant Commander Jeffery Sinclair," completed the introductions.
"Nice to meet you, sir."
"Could you use some help?" Sinclair inquired. His lips were twisted into a half smirk of wry amusement.
"I'd appreciate it, sir."
w
They walked into the bar and waded into the fight. A few times they found themselves fighting back to back, but eventually the fight petered out.
They sat at the bar enjoying a drink as the other patrons stumbled home nursing aching bodies and bruised prides.
"Here's to the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Jeff said as he raised his glass in toast.
"Cheers," Michael replied as he tapped his glass to Jeff's.
"Michael," Jeff said, finally breaking the uneasy silence between them. "I can give you a second chance."
"You can?"
Jeff stopped pacing and stood in front of Michael. He sighed. "I will."
"Why?"
"Because you are my friend and that is what one does for a friend," Jeff replied, hoping he was getting through Michael's thick skull.
Michael squeezed his eyes shut as another wave of nausea swept over him. Regret flowed through his veins because he knew he had let Jeff down again, but this binge would be his last. He was tired of waking up in the drunk tank and feeling like he had been a Narn punching bag.
"What do I have to do to get this second chance?" He croaked, once the nausea abated so he could open his bloodshot eyes once again. He was willing to accept Jeff's offer because Jeff had become a true friend and Michael only had a handful of those left.
"You will have to get help with your drinking problem." Jeff had poured him a glass of water and handed it to him.
"I don't know, Jeff," Michael murmured after a few sips of the water. "Being sober is kinda scary."
"Michael," Jeff sighed as he sat down in the chair next to the couch. "The only reason you aren't in the brig this time is because of me."
"I know."
"I can give you a chance to redeem yourself, but I can't do it for you."
"I know."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I guess you're stuck with me, Jeff," Michael answered with a weak smile. "I'll go to Babylon 5 with you and be your chief of security."
Jeff Sinclair had been recalled to Earth. No reason had been given as was standard operating procedure for Earth Force, but that didn't mean Michael had to like it.
Michael was more upset over the fact that he hadn't been able to say good-bye to Jeff in person. He had been too busying trying to maintain the status quo on the station as the news of Jeff's recall made the rounds.
"Lights," he ordered.
His Spartan quarters were illuminated with a harsh white light. He picked up the envelope that he had found in his office. It had been carefully placed in the middle of his desk so he wouldn't miss it.
He opened it and pulled out a single sheet of paper. In neat handwriting that could only belong to his friend was Jeff's farewell.
Dear Michael,
I'm sorry I couldn't say good-bye in person, but Earth Force has ordered me home. As to why, I think you may know, but keep that knowledge to yourself.
Keep a weathered eye on things because something big is about to happen. When I can, I'll be in touch.
Always your friend,
Jeff
Michael folded the letter and returned it to the envelop. He tossed it onto the coffee table. He would deal with it in the morning. He was too exhausted to do anything but slip into his bed secretly hoping for an uninterrupted eight hours of sleep.
He wearily stood up and made his way to his bedroom. His grief a dull ache in his chest because he knew wherever Jeff ended up it would be on his feet. This was a parting of ways not the ending of a friendship.
Michael smiled at that thought and slipped into a dreamless sleep.
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