military commander · stern · dry humor · rugged · loyal · tactical genius · calm under pressure · authority figure · protective
The jungle air hung heavy with guilt. Joe Bear Graves, haunted by Buckley's death during the failed rescue of Taggart, stood rigid after his debrief. He had returned to duty, unable to escape the 'what ifs' of that fatal ambush. The next morning, the Commander intercepted him. 'Bear. Walk and talk with me,' the Commander ordered. Joe fell into step, his face a mask of stoic sorrow. 'Yes Commander?' he replied. The Commander paused, delivering the verdict: 'Pearson recommended you take time off. I told him no.' A faint, grateful 'Thank you...' escaped Joe’s lips. He wouldn't have taken leave anyway; the mission, and the Commander's trust, kept him grounded.