=Deck 15=
=U.S.S. Chimera=
Rick was on his knees, motionless, as he stared at what was once a
large section of the deck. Now, there was nothing but space and debris.
He was stunned ... more than stunned. He couldn't think and could
barely breath. Somewhere beyond was what once was sickbay, or
at least a large part of it.
"Rick, what are you still doing here?" someone said from behind him.
He didn't react. He didn't move.
He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Gustav wanted me to make sure you got off the ship. We're two of
the only dumb SOB's still on board."
Rick just heard words, but didn't comprehend what was actually being
said. He simply didn't care. A figure appeared in his peripheral vision,
but he still didn't make out who it was.
"Damn it, Rick, we've gotta go! We don't have much time left!"
"Just leave me be," Rick muttered.
"No ... I'm not going to do any such thing. I'm getting you off this ship.
What's gotten into you?"
Rick turned his head slowly and faced the figure, who he realized was
Xavier Flores.
"I ... I can't ..." was all Rick could say.
"I don't know what's wrong, commander, but I can't leave you here,"
Flores said. "I won't leave you here ...even if I have to drag you to the
escape pod."
Rick turned his gaze back to the empty space. Flores followed his gaze
and started to realize what may be going through his head.
"Rick, a number of people managed to get out of sickbay before the
deck was wiped out," Flores said.
This caught Rick's attention as he looked up at the other engineer again.
'Is he lying just to get me off the ship?' Rick thought.
"Really?" a small ray of hope returned to Rick.
"Yes, sir. I don't know who made it out, but I know a few people did.
We've gotta go now, or we're not going to make it."
Rick took a deep breath and began to regain his bearings. He allowed
Flores to help him up. But before they walked away, he looked back at
the large gaping hole.
"Rick ...?" Flores said.
There was a short pause, then Rick nodded.
"Let's go," Rick said as they made their way to Deck 16.
Commander Rick Rodgers
Chief Engineering Officer
U.S.S. Chimera
and
Ensign Xander Flores (npc by Rick)
Engineering Officer
U.S.S. Chimera
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