=Rick Rodgers’ Quarters= =U.S.S. Chimera= Rick looked over his computer monitor at the most recent developments from Starfleet R&D in hyperlight and transwarp research. A lot of it was theoretical, but a great deal of it, Rick realized, could greatly improve starship travel. Parts of the galaxy that weren’t open to the Federation now, could be in a matter of years. He was studying one particular point of interest when he was interrupted. [Lieutenant Rodgers, you have an incoming transmission from Starbase 485] ‘485 ...?’ Rick thought for a moment before his eyes opened wide. “On screen,” Rick said. The technical readouts on the screen were replaced by a very attractive brunette Trill. “This is a pleasant surprise,” Rick said. Aleata Tan just smiled, “Well, I like to surprise people. How have you been?” “Busy,” Rick said. “But things have calmed down quite a bit.” “That’s good,” she said. “Rumor has it that you will be stopping at Starbase 78 for a few days.” “That’s right,” Rick said. “Just some minor repairs.” “Does that mean you will be working the whole time there?” she asked. “Nah, not really,” Rick said. “I might oversee a few things, but starbase engineers are kind of fussy about being left alone to do their own work. Besides, Captain Guzman seems intent for the entire crew to actually not work during R and R. Why you ask?” She looked at him with a grin, “It just so happens that we’re transferring some sensors and astrometric enhancements and they needed a science officer from the starbase to join them, so I just happened to volunteer.” “Wow, what a coincidence,” Rick said, acting astounded.. “Well, they might not have needed it right away, but why procrastinate,” she said. “I even received a compliment from my boss on my can-do attitude.” “So, when you will arrive at 78?” he asked. “Just a day after you,” she replied. “Sounds great, I look forward to ...” +tap+ “Security to Lieutenant Rodgers.” “Well, I’ll let you go,” she said. “I’ll see you in a few days.” When her image disappeared from the screen, Rick’s smile disappeared, replaced by a little annoyance. ‘This had better be good,’ he thought. +tap+ “Rodgers here.” +tap+ “Lieutenant, one of your engineers had an altercation in engineering a few minutes ago. ‘Please say it’s not Hawk. Please say it’s not Hawk. Please say it’s not ...’ Rick thought over and over. For whatever reason, that was the first name that popped into his head. +tap+ “It was Lieutenant Versey. We have him in the brig, now.” the security officer continued as if was reading Rick’s mind. +tap+ “OK, I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Rick said. “Rodgers out.” ‘Damn it,’ Rick thought as he grabbed the top part of his uniform and slipped it on before leaving his quarters. Acting Lieutenant Rick Rodgers Chief Engineering Officer U.S.S. Chimera