Posted by Lieutenant Commander Mikel Petrov (Chief Engineer) in Petrov’s quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Mikel Petrov (Chief Engineer) in Petrov’s quarters
Mikel had went to his room and as he removed the new Lt. Cmd pips he rolled them in his fingers while looking down at them. He reluctantly moved over to his view screen in the room and pinned them back on.

“Computer link to Earth. Preset call 001.” He ordered.

The computer said nothing as he had programmed it to silent for some functions. The screen displayed outbound call in progress and then on the screen appeared his mother. She looked beautiful as always but much older.

“Hello mother.” He said as a smile came to his face. His mother was his brick wall against his father and he always felt safe with her and talking to her. As if all his old failures never existed or if they did then they were actually successes that only she and he could understand.

Petrov CE

His mother literaly beamed a smile over to him.

“My pershinka. Why do you not call your mother more often?” She scolded and adored him in the same breath.

“Sorry Mother. It seems the galaxy is a busy place but of course I should more often.” He replied.

“How are you son. You look like you need to eat more.” She said leaning into the view screen as if that gave her a closer look.

He smiled. His mother always thought he needed to eat more.

“Mother I am calling to give you the news that I have been promoted to the senior rank of Lt. Commander.” He announced.

“Oh honey that is marvelous. I am sure this is the most important rank.” She said.

“Not quite Mother but it is a senior rank and not easily accomplished. It seems that saving the ship multiple times has finally been rewarded.” He remarked.

When speaking to his parents he lacked the antagonistic and arrogant attitude usually displayed.

“Is Father there?” He said almost hoping the answer was no.

“Yes. Let me get him.” His mother said and disappeared off screen.

Petrov CE

Mikel awaited the strong and unaccepting face of his father to appear. After a few minutes it did. He too looked older and not as intimidating as he had in the past. Still the proud eyes and stoic presence though.

“Mikel. How are you.” He said as if he was talking to a business associate.

“Hello Father. I am well. Yourself?” He returned and immediately regretted not using proper grammar.

However this time his father said nothing about it.

“Older and not as wise but well.” He remarked to his son.

“Father I have been promoted to the rank of Lt. Cmd for performance and bravery above the call of duty.” He told his father knowing it would most likely not impress the man once iota.

“I am told this is an important rank and milestone in a Starfleet Officers career.” His father said. “Congratulations.”

Mikel heard the usual almost tinge of regret in his father voice but he was surprised to hear a somewhat favorable reply.

“It is. As well my engineering work has been published in and considered for Starfleet Engineering as subject matter training material.” Mikel said knowing his father considered this more honorable than being an officer.

“Yes I have been able to attain some of your papers. Solid work.” THe older Petrov said.

Mikel considered this the highest of praise.

“Well I am busy with some papers at the moment son. I will leave you to your mother. Good seeing you and congratulations again.” The older Petrov said and stepped away.

Now his mother took over the viewscreen.

“Don’t let him trick you Mikel. He has shown your work to anyone who will listen. He considers it as good or better than anything he has done.” She said smiling.

Mikel would have had tears in his eyes if his father had not disapprovingly told him when he was young that crying was sign of weak character.

“Thank you mother.” Was what he mustered.

Petrov CE