=Main Engineering=
=Starbase UNITY=
Rick watched silently as several of his engineers worked away on one of the starbase's main reactors. The CEO was directly overseeing maintenance work that he believed would improve power output which, in turn, would allow for more power consumption throughout the starbase. This meant that not only would more facilities be allowed onto the station, but that science and engineering would be able to conduct more intense projects that required the additional juice. In addition, should the base be attacked, this allowed for more power to shields and weapons systems.
"Sir, we should have the first phase of work completed in the next couple of hours," Ensign Halowack said.
"We're still falling behind on the timetable that I gave Admiral Guzman," Rick stated.
"Rick, if I may speak freely..."
"Of course, Nick."
"That timetable you gave the admiral was overly ambitious."
Rick shook his head, "No, Nick. We just need to pick up the pace. I know we're more than able to complete the project in the time I allotted."
"But Rick ..."
"We WILL get back on schedule," Rick interrupted, then looked at the ensign. "Right?"
"Sir?"
"Right?"
"Of course. No problem. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to work."
Rick allowed for a slight grin as the ensign hurried off. These were good engineers, but they had been lacking any sort of motivation during Utley's reign as CEO. He expected more from them than she did. She allowed for slacking. He did not.
"You know, commander, I really think you're wasting your time and talents here."
Rick turned around and saw Trevor Wright staring at him. Rick noticed that Wright had a small security detail with him.
"I disagree," Rick replied. "What brings you here?"
Wright and Rick watched the engineers work.
"You may not think so, but in you I see somebody who should be accomplishing so much more," Wright said.
"I am quite satisfied with my work," Rick said. "I may not be the mad scientist that you are, but I contribute in my own way."
"Satisfied ... contribute ... words used by those with limited abilities."
"You haven't answered my question."
"No, I suppose I haven't. Can we speak in your office?"
"If you insist," Rick said as he led Wright and his detail to his office. After scanning the office for any listening devices, Wright ordered the security detail to wait outside. Meanwhile, Wright took a unoffered seat on Rick's small couch, while Rick pulled up a chair. "OK, now answer my question."
"What I am about to tell you, no one else on this starbase knows. It must remain that way for now. Understood."
Rick nodded.
"Starfleet is ordering the continued development of the TechEx," Wright said.
Rick stared at Wright for a moment before looking away.
"I thought Admiral Guzman ordered it disassembled."
"He did, but his superiors belayed that order."
The room was quiet for several seconds.
"I take it they're serious about using it," Rick finally said.
Wright nodded, "At first, I considered telling starfleet to go to hell. But, after I thought about it, I realized that perhaps they're right. Maybe the TechEx is the only way we can end this war."
"And unleash a terrible weapon onto the galaxy. One that we might not be able to control. This is insane."
"Yes, it is insane. But war can drive people to insanity," Wright said.
There was more silence.
"Why are you telling me?" Rick asked.
"I want you to help me," Wright said.
"What?"
"I want you to help me during the final phase of the TechEx's development."
"No."
"Commander ..."
"Why me?" Rick asked.
"Because you know more about the device than just about anybody else. You studied it when you discovered it on the Detector. With the exception of myself, you are the foremost expert on the TechEx."
"You give me way too much credit," Rick said.
"No, I don't. I want you to join the small team I'm forming."
"I will not."
"Commander ..."
"I will not be a part of this. I will not be a part of the development of this weapon. I find the whole idea appalling And you do, too."
"Rick, the TechEx is practically finished. All I need is some bright people to help fine tune it in time for a test later next month."
"No, I won't," Rick said.
"Commander, I have it in my authority to order anyone's assistance I deem necessary. Including yours."
"You wouldn't!"
"I would. I'm not completely confident in the TechEx's range and power. There are way too many unknown parameters and variables for my taste. I could use your help with that. A fresh mind, if you will."
"I'm busy here. I don't have time to ..."
"We'll make time," Wright stood. "I have already made out your temporary transfer papers. We leave in the morning."
Wright headed for the door, but stopped just shy.
"I don't want this anymore than you do. But we can't always do what we like. Sometimes we have to just accept things for what they are."
Wright exited the room, leaving an angry CEO behind.
Commander Rick Rodgers
Chief Engineering Officer
Starbase UNITY
and
Dr. Trevor Wright (npc by Rick)
Head of Development and Operations
Project Los Alamos
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