<USS Avalon> A little help from a friend

Mac finally found an access panel large enough for his broad shoulders to fit 
into and climbed in after Josh. He knew, thanks to the computer's tracking of 
him, that he was still there. He found him, right where he expected to, just 
sitting there, his long legs folded up, knees to chest, staring blankly at his 
boottops, deep in anguished thought. His anger evaporated immediately as he 
thought of what his friend had to be feeling. How would he feel to lose his 
entire family? He'd be lucky to have held on this long. He paused a few 
moments, considering his friend carefully before approaching. 
 
"I talked to my mom earlier," he told him quietly. He left out that he'd called 
her earlier asking for advice on how to help Josh handle all of this. His 
family had all grown very fond of Joshua during thier many visits aboard the 
Santa Ana. In fact, all of his sisters from Shelby right down to Shannon had 
all pretty much fallen head over heels for him. On a few of those visits, 
they'd even spent time with Zachary Garrity, who'd charmed dear Felicity to the 
point that his dad had finally insisted they be chaperoned for the duration of 
their visits. "I hope you don't mind. I told them about Zack. Everyone was 
pretty upset to hear about it." 
 
Josh didn't react. He just sat there, stone still and silent, staring at the 
tops of his boots. Taking another deep breath, Mac continued. "Mom sends her 
love. She said to tell you she'll keep a light on for you at home if you ever 
feel like you need family to lean on." 
 
She'd been in tears over the thought of her 'poor little lamb' being alone now. 
Though Josh failed to respond, Mac clarified, wanting to make certain he 
understood what she'd meant. "That means you're one of ours, Bean. You've still 
got a family that loves you." He drew a breath and looked steadily at his 
friend. "It means you're not alone. You're not ever going to be alone."
 
Josh showed no outward sign he'd heard him, leaving Mac to wonder if his friend 
was even listening. Deciding to assume he was, he continued, "I won't pretend I 
understand or I know how you feel, 'cause I don't. I can't even imagine it and 
I pray to God I never have to go through it." He stopped then to give him a 
chance to answer, as he fought his own emotions at bay. "But you've got people 
who love you. Count on you. I know I do. Not just for this damned ship either. 
You and me...we been through way too much, fought way too hard to survive to 
get here for you to just quit fighting now. I know it doesn't compare to what 
you and Zack went through, but it still has to count for something. At least, 
it does to me. I'm not ready to lose you. You're my best friend. My brother. 
I'd have been a dead man a hundred times over out here without you to watch my 
back." 
 
He noted then the silent sobs that racked his friend's thin frame and stopped. 
Though he made not a single sound, his entire body shook with the ferocity of 
his grief. Placing an arm around him, refusing to let him draw further away, 
Mac wept with him until both were cried out. At long last, they made their way 
home where, God willing, they would both find rest. 

                
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