audrarose

But you brought in another interesting component: Trying to talk the guy in question out of what he was about to do is typically Blair. It would still be typically for Blair-"the cop" because it's part of Blair's character. But Blair being Jim's cop- partner now adds a new dimension to it, the "problem" rises to another level. As long as Blair was the unarmed civilian ride-along, the responsibilites were pretty clear. *If* Blair-the-civilian tried to talk and the attempt failed, it was Jim-the-cop's responsibility to save the situation, if necessary with force. But now, with being a cop and having his own gun, Blair has to shoulder a new responsibility as well. The one of making the right decision in pressing circumstands in order to avoid laying the burden of decision on Jim's shoulder's alone. Jim has to be able to count on Blair's ability to watch out for his own life. As long as Blair was a civilian, it was pretty much Jim's responsibility to save Blair if necessary. But now Jim should be able to rely on Blair *not* getting himself into rescue-needing situations, if it's avoidable. Problem is, Blair is still Blair, he doesn't change his character instantly just because he got a shiny badge. And in a way, Blair is still right: trying to solve a situation without needing to shoot is (or should) still be the prefered way to go. On the other hand, if it fails, the burden will fall to Jim. The pressure to make the right decision in a split second is way stronger now than it was when he was still the civilian. Oh man, this situation isn't one that can be easily solved. No way.

>Blair knew from the helpless way Jim leaned into him that it was the wrong answer and the right answer and that tomorrow they would have to talk about it, but not tonight. <

And I like the fact that you didn't even try that because it would have sounded wrong, not honest enough. :-) Great angle, you used here, to approach the "to shoot or not to shoot"- question. :-)

Well, if they want to have a professional future, they have to come up with a solution, or at least an agreement, on this problem. Knowing the two of them, the problem will occur again. ;-)

Idle musings ahead:
I could see them stay on this track for the future, Blair the one who tries to solve the situation without shooting, even if that means he risks his own life, Jim the one who gets the task of using force if necessary. But they would have to be aware of this. In no way should *this* situation rise again without them being prepared for it, without them *knowing* who is supposed to do what. The problem of this situation was, that it came unexpected and ambushed them somewhat out of the left field. It affects the "trust you to do the right thing"-angle. If Jim had been prepared for what Blair was about to do, it would have been easier. Jim would still have to live with the knowledge that Blair *does* risk his life by not using his gun, as long as he sees a chance of success, but if they know beforehanded where each of them stands, it's easier to handle. They *have* to work out their personal battle-plan for this kind of situations in order to be able to trust each other. Very difficult. Jim has to accept Blair's tendency to take risks for himself for the sake of a "peaceful" solution, Blair has to accept that some of this tries will fail and Jim will be burdened with the use of force *because* of Blair's try. This needs to be agreed on, to be talked through for upcoming situations because the surprise- effect if they don't could cost them their life. Personally, I see Jim as better equipped for that part of their working-
relationship. A big part of the reason why this situation became problematic fast, was most likely the fact that they didn't talk this trough first.
End of idle musings. *G*

Pat

:-)