=Deck 11, Deflector Control= =U.S.S. Chimera= Rick followed Ensign Gomez to the deflector control room, catching up with the others on the starbase engineering team that were responsible for checking on those systems. They entered the room to find three other individuals already present. “That’s Martin over there,” Hector Gomez, introducing Rick to the rest of the team. “The tall one is Yo. L’kor is the bug guy standing next to him and that’s the LT. Everyone, this is Rick Rodgers, the guy I told you about from back at the academy.” They either nodded or waived as they went to work, except for Lieutenant Jacobs, who walked up to Rick and Hector. “So, you’re the guy who got Hector here through the academy?” Jacobs said, studying Ensign Rodgers as he did so. “He said you knew your stuff.” “Hector is probably exaggerating a little, sir,” Rick said. “Well, this is the real deal out here,” Jacobs said with a more serious look on his face. “It’s a whole different world from the academy.” “Yes, sir,” Rick said a little nervously. Jacobs continued to look at Rick seriously for a few more seconds before smiling. “I’m sure you will prove to be a capable engineer.” Jacobs said, offering a hand, which Rick took with a deep sigh of relief. Rick thought for sure that Jacobs would prove to be one of those few jerk officers he had known while growing up. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. “I told Rick that he could help us out here if that’s all right,” Gomez said. “Sure, we can use all the help we can get,” Jacobs said. “I’ll do what ...” Rick said before being interrupted. “McTaggert to Rodgers,’ came a voice over the comm system. +tap+ “Rodgers here,” Rick said. “Could you meet me in main engineering in five minutes?” McTaggert said. +tap+ “Yes, sir,” Rick replied. “Rodgers out.” “Well, I guess you won’t be able to help us out after all,” Gomez said. “Too bad.” “We can still get together later on tonight or tomorrow,” Rick said. “Sure,” Gomez said. “This girl I’m going out with has a friend. I think you two will get along really well. She doesn’t drink either. Just give me a ring when you get off duty.” “Will do,” Rick said as he left the room and headed to main engineering. Ensign Rick Rodgers Assistant Security Officer U.S.S. Chimera