-=/-\=- ODA Barracks -=/-\=- Richard sat down on his bunk. He looked around the room and focused in on his locker. Stepping forward he opened it up. Inside were all his personal belongings including his battle gear. It was for the most part pretty empty being that he'd lost everything on the last mission and he didn't really enjoy shopping too much. He was afraid, first of all he really had no idea what being second in command of the ODA meant. He'd elected to stay as an NCO because he was afraid that taking the rank of second lieutenant would mean that more eyes would be watching him. More eyes meant that someone would be waiting for him to screw up. He still felt guilty from the last mission. He blamed himself for what happened to Petty Officer Williams. It was his responsibility to make sure the hall was clear before pressing the attack. He was the reason that Williams was dead. Taking a breath Richard closed the door to his locker and turned to look in the mirror hanging on the wall. He straightened his uniform and brushed his hand through his short hair. He had to make a choice, either move forward and get over it or keep blaming himself and give up. He really had no choice. Stepping out of his room he walked over to Walsh's office and rang the chime. Before Walsh even had a chance to answer the call Richard walked into the room. The Major was sitting at his desk looking bored. Richard stepped up to the desk and stood tall. "Sir I've thought it over, I'd like to reconsider my choice to stay as an NCO, I'd prefer to accept your offer for promotion to Second Lieutenant". Richard watched as Walsh grinned in the only way he knew how. "Sorry, its too late, it wouldn't be legal, the papers have already been signed", he said leaning back in his chair, obviously messing with the man. Richard stepped forward, closer to the desk, "Look, I made a mistake, I made the wrong choice, I was afraid....afraid of the responsibility", he said with a stern face, "I know you can do something". Jack sat back up in his chair and looked down at his desk, pointing to a piece of paper on the table he said, "Theres the form right there, i guess if something happened to it, then I'd be forced to write up a new one huh". As he finished talking he stood up, turned around and looked out the window behind his desk. Richard knew what that meant and as soon as the major had turned around he snatched up the paper and slipped it into his pocket. "Sir", he said turning around getting ready to leave the room. "Lieutenant", Walsh called out as he turned back around and tossed Richard his new rank insignia. Twisting around just in time Richard caught the lieutenant bars as they bounced off his chest. Nodding he then turned back around and exited the office. -=/-\=- End Log -=/-\=- Major Jack Walsh ODA Commander USS Chimera Second Lieutenant Richard Cortez ODA Assistant Commander USS Chimera