=Main Engineering= =U.S.S. Chimera= “If we can reroute power to these systems ... here ... here ... and here, then that should give us a better idea where the problems are, if they are any,” Rick said, sitting at one of the computer stations. “Yes, sir,” came the reply from Crewman Weathersby. Rick looked up at her and saw the expression on her face. “Do you think I’m wrong?” Rick asked. “Well ... yes, I do ... sir,” she said. “Why?” Rick asked. She hesitated for a moment. It seemed that she didn’t want to question an officer. “Don’t worry, Miss. Weathersby, I’m not going to get upset if you find fault in my decisions,” Rick said. “While I may be an officer and outrank you, you’ve been on this ship longer and know her a little better than I do. The only way I’m going to get to know her that well is by getting input from those that have the experience on this ship.” She seemed surprised. Rick didn’t blame her. While growing up, he had seen young ensigns that thought they knew everything. Rick knew, though, that there was a lot of things that the academy didn’t teach. Things that could only be learnt by actually getting out and doing it day in and day out. “It would seem,” she finally said, leaning over next to Rick so she could have better access to the computer terminal. “that we could learn more in less time if we shut these systems down and reroute power to these systems here. But I could be wrong.” Rick studied the screen for a moment and allowed a small smile cross his face. “No, you’re right,” Rick said. “But, what if just rerouted power to just these two systems while keeping everything else running as normal.” “I suppose that would work, too,” she said. “Good, then lets get on it,” Rick said as he stood. “The sooner we get started, the sooner we’ll be finished.” A female trill walked over to where Rick and Weathersby were standing. Rick quickly remembered her name was Axa. “Ensign, Lieutenant McTaggert wanted me to give you a hand,” Axa said. “I thought you were helping him out?” Rick asked. “He kicked me out,” she said. “He seems to be a little exhausted and I pointed it out to him.” “Do I look tired?” Rick asked. “Uhhh, no,” she finally said with a puzzled look on her face. “Good, then by all means join us,” Rick said with a smile. “The more the merrier.” As they headed for the first of the nonessential systems they would shut down, Rick couldn’t help but wonder. ‘McTaggert did look like he was tired,’ Rick thought. He wondered is he should talk to McTaggert himself, but realized that he’d probably be placed in the same position as Axa ... or worse. Axa seemed to be reading his mind, “I also ran into Doctor Summers. She was looking for him.” ‘Maybe she can force him to get some rest,’ Rick thought. Ensign Rick Rodgers Assistant Engineering Officer U.S.S. Chimera