=Academy Parade Grounds= =San Francisco, Earth= Doctor Elaine Beckett proudly watched her youngest son, along with the rest of his class, take that final walk before they officially became starfleet officers. This had been Rick Rodgers dream since she could remember, and he was finally seeing it fulfilled. Even so, there was a part of her that sat in anger. “Why the hell couldn’t he be here?” she asked. “He knew for months that this day was coming. He could have made arrangements to be here. He should be here.” “He’s a starfleet officer, Elaine,” Bob Rodgers said, sitting next to her in the grandstand. “He doesn’t always have a say where he can be.” Bob was an old cargo ship captain that knew more than most people realized. “He said that he would be here,” she said. “He already had planned to take a scheduled transport to Earth.” She then turned to face Bob, the older brother of her late ex-husband Captain Richard Rodgers, “You don’t think something happened?” “I don’t know,” Bob said. “Maybe, when we’re through here, you could try to find out something.” “I will,” she simply said. “I still know some of the same people Richard knew and some of them are pretty high up on the ladder.” A half hour later, family and friends were gathered around the newly-graduated cadets. With a data padd in his left hand, Rick walked up to his mother and uncle. “Where’s Trent?” Rick asked as he hugged his mother. “Apparently the Archer was ordered into Traxati space before Trent could get back to Starbase Aurora and meet his transport to Earth,” Elaine said. “Traxati space?” Rick said, a little worried. “I’m sure he’s fine,” Bob said. “The Archer is more than capable of taking care of herself. By the way, do you have your orders Ensign Rodgers?” Rick handed the padd to Bob, who looked it over. “The Chimera? Isn’t that a special forces ship?” Bob asked. “How did you know that?” Rick said, but not surprised. “I’ve been around,” Bob said. “I know things. I’m right, aren’t I?” “Yeah,” Rick said.. “I never thought I’d get that kind of assignment right off the bat.” “I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Elaine said. “After all, you did graduate second in your class.” “You don’t have to remind me,” Rick said as he seemed disgusted. “Second isn’t bad,” Elaine insisted. “I should’ve been first,” Rick explained. “If it wasn’t for that slip up on the engineering historical analyst exam ...” “It happens,” she said. “The important thing is that you’ve graduated. This has been your dream since you were practically a baby. Don’t let it ruin your day.” Rick allowed a smile to cross his face. “You’re right, of course,” Rick said. “I’m not scheduled to leave for Starbase 931 until tomorrow. Why don’t we get something to eat. I know of this great creole restaurant in New Orleans.” “Sounds good to me,” said Bob as Elaine agreed. Ensign Rick Rodgers Assistant Engineering Officer U.S.S. Chimera