<em>I'm going to lose my job.</em>The thought was freeing in a way he hadn't expected, but forensics wasn't what Eric had originally intended to do with his life after all.  He'd taken the position after running out of money to continue the pursuit of a doctorate in Criminal Science, promising himself that it would only be a momentary diversion until his student loans were paid off enough that the bank would extend enough capital to finish.  One year at the Ninth Street Precinct turned to two, then three, and most recently four.  Eventually thoughts of ever going back to school vanished as he settled into his job.<br/><br/>As much as he hated dealing with some of his coworkers, it wasn't so bad.  The higher ups liked him, especially Captain Green, and he was always Lead Forensics Investigator whenever a big case broke.  Most of the officers even listened to his theories and explanations during field work, with Marion von Stade being one of the few notable exceptions.<br/><br/><em>This wasn't the way I expected things to go when I woke up this morning, but sometimes it takes dramatic action in order to get your life on track.</em>Despite the fact that he blackmailed a coworker, an obviously immoral action, guilt was noticeably missing from the equation.  He usually wasn't a dishonest, violent, or malevolent person, his behavior was completely out of the norm.<em>She brought it out of me... That's a good excuse, but it doesn't feel right -- doing it sure did though.</em><br/><br/>Filled with dread and excitement he waited quietly, not bothering to work on anything given how pointless it would be in light of his inevitable termination.  He waited with one hand tucked beneath his chin for support, allowing his eyelids to flicker open and closed as he faced his computer screen and half-dozed.<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>An hour later Captain Green finally opened the door and strolled in to the lab.  To Eric's surprise he had a jovial expression on his wrinkled face and civilians attire.  Before Eric could even begin to think of an excuse for the signs of sleep on his face his boss began to speak, "My wife's pregnant."<br/><br/>"O... oh...?  Excellent news!"<em>So... He's not here to fire me?</em><br/><br/>"I'm taking a year off starting tomorrow.  I know it's sudden, but I figure you all can manage without me.  I want to be around to take care of my wife and experience the birth of my son.  I need to appoint a deputy captain to take over things for awhile.  This means we're going to need to shake up the chain of command a bit.  Some officers will be promoted permanently, so I came to ask your opinion on a few officers from Forensics' point of view."<br/><br/><em>Great, a new boss is gonna take over while the department is in the middle of tracking a serial killer.  Real professional, Green.</em>"I'm averse to dispensing opinions... but, I could submit a report on each of the candidate's track record?  Facts, a little basic analysis to give you an idea of what I think they say.  You know I prefer concrete justifications and evidence to personal subjectivity."<br/><br/>"Spoken like a true lab tech.  Of course, I have no problems with the way you run things... I'll have the names on your desk by the end of the day."<br/><br/>As Green turned to leave Eric raised his voice in a question to stop him, "Sir?  Is von Stade among them...?"<br/><br/>"Yeah?  Will that be a problem?  I know you two don't get along, but I trust you'll be professional."<br/><br/>"No, sir.  That's why I prefer to use data and sound judgment instead of giving out opinions and making it personal.  I'll be fair."<br/><br/>"Good -- oh, and, we found a dead stripper in an alley.  You'll be accompanying von Stade and Lunden to the site in fifteen.  Get your kits ready, it looks like the Preston M.O."