The next morning, Canard was trudging down the hall to the commander's office. When he entered, the middle aged duck was reviewing a battle plan.

"Commander, I brought the files you requested."

"Excellent. Thank you Captain."

"Yes, Sir."

Commander Duck noticed the younger drake was looking very cross, but didn't show it. "I take it you're none too happy about L'Orange being pardoned?"

"Permission to speak freely, Sir?"

"Granted."

"No, I'm not! He's a thief for Pucks sake!"

"Is that so?" the commander stated without much interest, looking at some paperwork on his desk.

"Sir, a year ago he'd be behind bars if he ever set foot in your presence. And now, all of a sudden, he's being treated like a saint!" Canard was pacing with his rant, apparently taking the offer to speak freely to heart.

"A saint, huh," Commander Duck offered absently, still not paying much attention.

"And Angelwing's a downright fool for thinking that duck would ever amount to anything!"

This time, the Commander raised his eyebrow at him. "Is that what you think, Captain?"

Canard didn't respond, but was confused at the remark. Commander Duck stood up from his desk and walked up to younger drake to face him. While he didn't yell, the tone in his voice made it sound just as uncomfortable.

"Son, I too am weary about L'Orange. But we're losing more soldiers to those damn Saurians and their bastard Tyrant. We're in little, to no position to be picky, and as a leader you should be aware of this."

"I am Sir, but-"

"No buts. This is how soldiers loose their lives and the lives of others. Poor judgement. If you're not careful son, you could pay the price for it."

"...Sir?"

Being in a war there aren't too many rations, like clean clothes. As Canard had kept the shirt he got wounded with. While it was washed, some of the blood stains were still there, and the tear was improperly stitched. When the Commander saw the hole, he made a connection, and pointed out.

"I noticed yer going out with a fresh scar."

Canard looked away for a moment but said. "It's nothing, Commander."

The older drake didn't say anything but suddenly, he gave a hard jab into Canard's abdomen, right on the scar.

..

"Oof!" Canard let out, instantly placing a protective hand over the area he was jabbed. He wheezed out a pained breath, then looked accusingly at the commander before remembering his rank.

Commander Duck didn't seem to care one way or the other, but he had a firm frown on his face when he replied, "Thunderbeak, next time you're looking to deflect your anger onto someone, think twice before you use Angelwing as your target. Understood?"

The captain, still swallowing some of his pain, stood up straighter and simply replied, "Sir, yes, sir."

"And next time, before you throw someone under the sled, give them the benefit of the doubt." He gave the smallest hint of a smile, crossing his arms defiantly. "After all, that's what I did with you."

Canard wasn't expecting this."...With me, Sir?"

"Because of your pride and stubbornness, I was very hesitant to let you keep your rank as Captain. But I swallowed my own pride when I remembered how well you've been doin', and why you were chosen. Captain McMallard paid the price for his poor judgement, and I don't want to see you meet the same fate."

Canard was speechless at that, and felt guilt rising him in steadily. Knowing the commander sided with Angelwing was one thing, but to find out he had been reluctant to let him keep this position in the first place? Was he truly that transparent with his mistrust and hotheadedness?

"Wildwing would have kept me in line", he suddenly thought.

"Yes sir," he finally said, far more quietly and subdued than before. "Anything else, Commander?" he asked, itching to leave the awkward situation.

"Yes, while I am considering giving L'Orange full pardon of his crimes, I believe some further evidence of his assistance would be in order. If Angelwing's instincts are right, then we will give full pardon."

..

This left Canard confused for a second. He thought for sure the Commander was just going to go along with this.

"Forgive me Sir, but didn't you say Angelwing had a strong intuition?"

"Yes, Captain.' The middle-aged duck explained. 'But we can't just jump the gun, either. While I believe Angelwing may be onto something, I won't take any unnecessary risks. Let's give L'Orange a chance, then we'll decide what to do."

"Affirmative, Sir."

Canard felt a little bit better about the Commander's decision. But still felt really bad for referring Danielle as a fool, especially after the talk he just had.

"One more thing, Son." The commander replied, in a surprisingly more gentle tone. "I'm sorry for jabbin' you back there. I only trying to prove a point. But I know you'll do the right thing for this resistance. Your grandfather was a a good leader and he was just as stubborn than you."

The brown-feathered duck let out a small sigh, but nodded to his superior. Commander Duck nodded back. "Take two hours to relax Captain, you're dismissed." he said, ending the conversation.

"Yes Sir. Thank you, Sir."

Canard left the office quickly and quietly. With two hours to relax, he decided to go down to the ice rink. Playing hockey always helped him feel better, usually. Though he felt bad for referring Danielle as a fool. He was angry at first but he still shouldn't have said that about her. He thought of why Danielle chose Duke for the resistance, and remembered her saying. "I wouldn't have said anything if I had any doubts."

"Danielle wouldn't want to put the resistance at stake,' he thought to himself.'I'll have to talk to her later."