=CEO’s Office= =U.S.S. Gott, enroute to Starbase Bragg= Rick rubbed his eyes as he stared at the computer screen. He scanned the list of the most recent repairs to the ship that had become known as the ‘Little Chimera’ by a number of his engineers. The Chimera itself wasn’t a huge vessel, but compared to the Nova-class Gott, it was pretty big. He rested his head on his left hand, which he had propped onto the desk. He closed his eyes to rest them. “Sir,” he heard. “Lieutenant Rodgers.” Rick opened his eyes and saw Jo Weathersby standing next to his desk. “Jo, you know you could’ve knocked first,” Rick said. “I did,” she replied. “Several times. But you didn’t answer. I considered calling sickbay, because I thought something had happened to you.” “I’m fine,” Rick said, rubbing his face with his right hand. “What time is it?” “It’s almost fourteen hundred hours,” she said, catching Rick by surprise. The last he remembered, it was 12:38. “You’ve been awake since we transported over to the Gott and even a few hours before that,” she continued. “I believe you should try to get some rest. If I’m not mistaken, there are some quarters set up for the officers on Deck 3. I’m sure that Lieutenant Versey can take over for you for the time being.” Rick thought about arguing with her, but knew it would be of no use. Besides, a long nap sounded real good. “Very well, Jo,” Rick said as he stood and turned off the computer. “I’ll grab a couple of hours of shut eye. In the meantime, have someone take a look at that warp core. It sounds a little different for some reason. It’s probably nothing, but just to be on the safe side ...” “Yes, sir,” she said as they both walked out of the office and Rick headed for the engineering exit. A few moments later, he found himself standing outside the quarters that had been assigned to him. He stood at the door for a couple of minutes before he entered. He saw that some items of the previous tenant scattered around. It felt strange just to be here. ‘Who lived here before?’ Rick thought. He didn’t have the nerve, or the inclination to have that question answered. No was he interested in looking over the items that were left behind. All Rick wanted was sleep. He took off his jacket and laid it on a table before sitting on the bed. It felt good, but that too felt strange. This was someone else’s bed, after all. Still, he needed sleep. He laid back and closed his eyes, but sleep would elude him for at least a few more minutes. +tap+ “Lieutenant Rodgers, you have an incoming communication from Starbase Aurora.” ‘Starbase Aurora ...’ Rick thought. ‘Who in the hell do I know on Starbase ...’ +tap+ “I’ll take it down here,” Rick said as he leaped up from the bed and walked over to the computer. As the image appeared, and Rick took a seat in front of the computer, he quickly recognized the face on the other end. “Damn, you are a hard man to get a hold of,” his older brother Trent said on the other end with a smile on his face. “How did you get a hold of me?” Rick said, matching his grin. “I’m a security officer,” Trent said. “I know some things and I also know some people. Why are you on the Gott? What the hell happened to your ship?” “It’s a long story,” Rick said. “I’ll talk to you about it some other time. Needless to say, the Chimera is no more.” Trent laughed, which caught Rick by surprise. “What’s so funny?” Rick asked. Trent laughed some more before he took a couple of deep breaths, “You have to do everything I do, don’t you?” Rick was still confused. “I go into the academy, then you go into the academy. Then I lose the first ship that I’ve ever been assigned to, then you do the same thing ...” “What happened to the Archer?” Rick interrupted. “She was destroyed by the Traxati,” Trent said as he finally quit smiling. “Are you okay?” Rick said with some concern. “Yeah, I’m okay,” Trent said. “I had to have some surgery on the old noggin, but besides that, I’m okay. Besides, that’s not the reason I called. We’ll be heading out on the Archer-B tomorrow and this might be the only chance I can talk to you.” “The Archer-B ...?” Rick said. “It’s a New Orleans-class ship, but that’s not important,” Trent said. “I just thought I’d tell you that you now have a sister-in-law and will soon be an uncle.” Rick looked at the screen for a moment, then smiled, “Are you drunk, T?” “No, I’m serious,” Trent said. “Sarah and myself got married a few days ago. I wish you were here, but it just happened. Sarah’s also pregnant.” Rick just sat there, trying to take it all in. “How long?” Rick finally said after a long pause. “What do you mean, how long?” Trent said. “How long until she has the baby?” Rick said. “Oh, that,” Trent said. “Five months. In a few weeks, she should be a blimp.” “I take it that she’s not there now, or she would be beating the hell out of you,” Rick said, smiling. Trent smiled back, just glad to see his brother again. “You’re not the only one with surprises,” Rick continued. “I was promoted to j.g. and made acting chief engineer.” “No way!” Trent said. “Yeah, but I have no idea if that will become permanent,” Rick said. “After the last couple of weeks, I’m not certain if I deserve it.” “Sure you deserve it,” Trent said. “You’re a good engineer. It’s in your blood.” “I may be a good engineer, but I don’t know if I’m capable of being a good chief engineer,” Rick said. “Leadership was always something that dad was great at, and you’re good at, but I don’t know if I’m cut out for it. I couldn’t save the Chimera, after all.” Trent just shook his head, “I’m not a good chief of security. I only look good because I’ve got good people around me. Hell, I couldn’t keep the Archer from being blown to bits, even though many other security chiefs came before me and they had no problem keeping the ship intact.” Trent paused for a moment, thinking of the past month. “After awhile, I realized that it wasn’t my fault,” Trent continued. “Me and my people did everything we could, just as I’m sure that you and your people did. Don’t let losing the Chimera deter you from being a chief engineer. “Dad wasn’t perfect at being a chief engineer, himself, or even a captain,” Trent went on. “But he always did his best just as I’m certain you will. Hell, if I can make security chief, then you easily deserve to be in charge of a starship’s engineering section. You were always better at this starfleet stuff more than me.” “Maybe ...” Rick said. “Maybe nothing,” Trent countered. “I’m right. I’m always right. Well, I’ve gotta go. I’m suppose to meet Sarah over on the starbase in a few minutes. If I’m not there, the hell she’ll unleash upon me will be something fierce.” “Yeah, right,” Rick said. “I bet. Tell Sarah I said congratulations and I wish you two luck with the baby.” “Thanks. I will, and you be careful,” Trent said. "Don't lose anymore ships." “The same with you,” Rick said. With that, the communications ended. With a newfound confidence, Rick stood up, stretching his arms over his head before he plopped onto the bed, falling fast asleep. Lieutenant (j.g.) Rick Rodgers Acting Chief Engineering Officer formally U.S.S. Chimera and Lieutenant Trent Rodgers Chief Security Officer U.S.S. Archer-B