=Near Transporter Two=
=U.S.S. Lancelot=
=Near Starbase UNITY=
"I wish you stay for few hours," Rick said as he and Trent walked to the
transporter room.
"We got here a couple of hours early for a reason," Trent replied. "Once we
beam over all supplies to the starbase, we're scheduled to meet up with a
task force forming in a nearby star system. From what I've been told, I
would have led that task force if it wasn't for my little adventure with Sam.
Probably ended any chance for me to become an admiral down the road. No
great loss there. If it wasn't for the war, they would have likely stripped me
of my command."
"That was stupid," Rick said. "You stupid."
"You could be a bit more grateful," Trent said as they stopped and faced each
other.
"Like you say last night to me. I need to act like officer. You not act like officer."
"No, but I did what was necessary. Besides, Starfleet was willing to put this
behind them since our interrogation of Hoack did turn up the location of a
hidden Romulan base."
"Still stupid," Rick said as he continued walking.
"A simple thank you would have sufficed," Trent said as they walked into the
transporter room.
"Sir, you just received this message from Starfleet Command," the transporter
chief explained, handing Trent a PADD.
Trent read it for a moment and sighed.
"What wrong?" Rick asked.
Trent rubbed his eyes then handed the PADD to his brother. Rick read it over
and Trent could see the reaction in his face. It was a combination of anger and
fear.
"How?" Rick asked, handing the PADD back to Trent.
"Apparently, Hoack had more resourceful friends than the Nenon authorities
realized. They helped him escape. He was scheduled to be executed tomorrow."
Trent saw the look in Rick's eyes.
"Don't worry," Trent continued. "He won't show his face anywhere near here.
And since we attacked and destroyed that secret base, the Rommies are smart
enough to figure out where that information came from. They won't give him
sanctuary. He's probably on the other end of the quadrant by now."
Rick gave an 'I hope so look.' as he stepped on the transporter pad.
"You take care," Rick said.
"I will. You take care of yourself and your family."
Rick nodded.
"Energize," Trent ordered as Rick disappeared and reappeared on board UNITY.
The only person standing in front of him, holding a big sign saying "Welcome
Back" was Chief Petty Officer Jo Weathersby. She was smiling and hopping up
and down like she was in the middle of a crowd of people.
"Nice reception," Rick said. "No one else?"
"What did you expect? You are two hours early," Jo said as she walked up to
Rick and hugged him.
"True," Rick replied. "Thought Mai be here."
"She said she and Rachel would see you when she got off work," Jo said as they
walked down a corridor.
"Probably for best. Glad no big deal made. How's Qashqai?"
"She's a tough little ship," Jo said. "We've been giving the Rommies more than
they can handle."
"I see you promoted."
"Yep. I can officially call myself a chief by position and rank. They wanted to give
me a field promotion to Ensign, but I said 'no way'."
"I not imagine you a officer," Rick said as they entered a lift.
Jo just smiled.
"So, how does it feel to be back?" Jo asked.
"Good," Rick said. "Missed it. Not like Chimera, but still good."
"Well, it's good to have you back. I'm not sure these kids we have running around
here straight from the academy know to how to fix a waste disposal unit, let alone
a reactor."
The lift doors opened and Rick and Jo made the short walk to Rick and Mai's
quarters.
"I ready to work, but wait till tomorrow," Rick said. "Relax tonight."
Moments later, they arrived at Rick's quarters. When the doors opened, he was
greeted by a couple dozen people, including Mai and Rachel. He also noticed some
decorations.
"Surprise!" they yelled.
Rick looked over at Jo, "Funny. Very funny."
Commander Rick Rodgers
Engineering Officer
Starbase UNITY
and
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Lancelot
and
Chief Petty Officer Jo Weathersby (npc by Rick)
Chief Engineer
U.S.S. Qashqai
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