EXETERRPG: (1 - 2247) Security Ensign sg Roger Harmon

[Roger Harmon]

Mission: Space Was Cool Before It Mattered
Day: 1
Stardate: 2446.04.25

(Exeter, Personal Quarters, Security Ensign sg Roger Harmon, 2247)

After a good workout, Roger was relaxing in his quarters, sipping on a glass of water, when the computer terminal beeped that there was an incoming message. Wondering who would be calling so late, he got up and sat at his desk.

"Tony?"

"Hey, Rog. How's it going?"

"I'm fine. I didn't expect a call this time of night."

Tony Martelli was Roger's best friend from Starfleet Academy. They were both in security and tactical and after their freshman year, they were roommates until graduation. Roger went to the Exeter, while Tony was assigned to Starbase 451.

"This time of night?" Tony seemed confused.

"Didn't I tell you? I'm on the day shift now," said Roger.

"Well, how about that? I'm still on nights. I guess you starship guys don't need to prove yourselves as much to get moved up."

"Jerk."

Tony laughed.

"So what's up?" said Roger.

"A couple of things. Remember Commander Howard Winters from the academy?"

"Of course." Winters was one of the combat and martial arts instructors. He was known for how tough and strict he was, earning the nickname, Iron Balls, though it was spoken only in hushed tones in the darkest regions of anonymity. He was 120 years old, but could still spar with the best.

"He died a few days ago. When he didn't show up for a class, they sent someone to get him. He passed in his sleep."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Roger. "I always thought he'd go out fighting, kicking some cocky cadet's butt."

After a few seconds of respectful silence, Tony continued.

"I also have news about Ashley."

Roger's stomach went cold.

"The Satori was sent to a mining colony after an accident injured dozens of workers. She was helping rescue some that were trapped, when there was another cave in."

It was clear Tony recognized the shocked and worried expression on Roger's face.

"She's going to be okay. They brought all the injured here. I got to talk to her earlier today."

Ashley Weaver was someone very special to Roger during his time at the academy. Studying to be a nurse, they met when she treated Roger for a sprained wrist he got during a tactical drill. They hit it off almost immediately, being together as much as they could. Roger smiled at the memory of their first intimate time together in a tent on a group camping trip.

"Was she going to call me?" Roger's emotions were in flux.

"She didn't want you to worry," said Tony. "If she knew I was telling you, I'd never hear the end of it."

"True." Roger chuckled, beginning to feel better.

The two friends continued talking, getting caught up on things since the last time they spoke. He missed their days together, so he hoped they would always stay in touch.

Once they signed off, Roger laid down in bed. Initially looking forward to a good time of sleep after a busy day, he would end up tossing and turning most of the night.

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(posted by Allen)