Chapter Text
The Brigadier liked patrolling the corridors of UNIT HQ. A commanding officer of his had once told him that spending time walking through your base (as covertly as possible) was one of the best ways to spend your time. Not only did it allow you to get more acquainted with the location you were working with, the major general had advised him, but it also gave you a chance to get to know your men more. See how they acted when they weren’t under pressure. Observe friendships, rivalries, personalities. Things you wouldn’t usually notice if you called a soldier in for a chat. As time went on, his weekly walks also gave him an opportunity to witness serious altercations that could’ve gone seriously wrong if he hadn’t happened to be at the right place at the right time.
The Brigadier was walking through a rather deserted section of HQ. It was an older part of the building and was due to be torn down within the next few months. No one ventured there anymore. At least, no one publicly announced that they did. Alistair himself, however, often found that his weekly ventures throughout UNIT property ended up in this wing. He wasn’t sure why. Maybe, he mused, it was because it was quiet. A little getaway from the ever loud hustle and bustle of the main building.
He was strolling along at a brisk pace, whistling a little tune under his breath. The wind breezed through the cracked windowpanes and sent a small chill down his spine. He tutted and pulled his beret down a little more than was probably necessary. Damn weather. He should’ve brought his- the Brigadier paused. He’d heard something. He knew full well there were rats that lived in this wing but the noise was definitely not rat-like. It sounded like the dull slap of a fist colliding with something else. And, if he concentrated, he swore he could hear muffled voices. A confused look on his face, he followed the noise to what used to be a large utility closet.
Now standing in front of the door, he could definitely tell that there were people in there. Voices too, though still muffled enough that he couldn’t make out what they were saying. And that slapping… it sounded suspiciously like someone striking someone else- he’d been the victim of enough punches and slaps to know what they sounded like. Taking a deep breath and bulking himself up, he gripped the doorknob and wrenched open the door.
A deep sense of anger set in his chest as he got a full view of the situation at hand. Lance-Corporal Bergman had Private Goodwin pinned up against the wall, his fist raised in preparation to strike. Goodwin looked terrified, obvious bruises already blossoming on his cheeks. Neither man had noticed the Brigadier and he heard the tail end of what sounded like a foul-mouthed tirade against the private’s sexuality.
“Lance-Corporal Bergman!” The Brigadier bellowed, fully aware he was being much louder than was necessary, “What on Earth do you think you are doing?”
Bergman whipped around quickly, his grip on Goodwin loosening slightly.
“Sir, it’s not what you think,” the soldier didn’t seem nervous. He looked proud which only made the Brigadier angrier, “Goodwin here’s a fairy.”
The Brigadier shoved Bergman away from the young man,
“Lance-Corporal, UNIT does not tolerate this type of behavior! Despite whatever sick thoughts you may be having, Goodwin here does not deserve to be treated in such a manner. No matter who he loves.”
Bergman stared in disbelief at his commanding officer.
“But, sir-”
“No buts, Lance-Corporal! Report to my office immediately. It seems we need to have a little chat .”
Now he looked nervous. The Brigadier was known for coming down hard on his soldiers whenever they were called into his office. Bergman saluted and turned on his heel, walking out of the closet at a quick pace.
The Brigadier turned back to the stunned Goodwin and plastered a kind smile on his face.
“Now, Goodwin,” he said, handing the man his handkerchief, “I doubt Bergman will be bothering you anytime soon.”
“It’s not a problem, sir,” Goodwin said anxiously, dabbing the cloth on his split lip, “He- he had a point, sir. I’m not right… I deserved it.”
“Now look here, man,” the Brigadier said, placing his hand on the private’s shoulder, “No matter what anyone says, being gay is not a sin. We may be conditioned to believe that but I assure you, it’s not like that.”
“But-”
“And in any case,” the Brigadier continued on, stopping Goodwin from continuing his self-deprecating line of thought, “You’ll find that many people at UNIT are like you. Men like Bergman are few here. And I do my utter best to eradicate them from the force. There’s no place for prejudice at UNIT.”
Goodwin simply stared dumbfounded.
“Now, I think it would be best if we made our way back to the main building. You have quite a few bruises which I think Doctor Sullivan should take a look at.”
Goodwin nodded and followed the Brigadier out of the closet and down the drafty hallway.
Right before they stepped into the main wing, Goodwin stopped and stared at the Brigadier.
“Thank you, sir,” he stammered, twisting the handkerchief in his hands, “I know you could’ve- just, thank you.”
The Brigadier smiled slightly and clapped the man on the shoulder,
“It was no problem, Private. Now do report to the medical bay. I have to speak with Lance-Corporal Bergman. And,” he said after a brief pause, “if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here for you, Goodwin. As shocking as it may seem.”