Richard was still a little distracted when the Commander MacReady approached. But he quickly snapped out of it. He looked at him very seriously as he was addressed. Hearing orders or other important information had always made him much more alert. So, it looked like it was inevitable now that he was going to go higher up in the ranks. Maybe getting a little promotion would not be so bad. At least they weren't forcing him to jump straight into being a Lieutenant. But he knew that would eventually come in time as he was going to have deal with those in authority.<br/><br/>The old Richard mentality was going to have to be abandoned if he was going to be an officer on Nova-class ship. He was actually going to have to try now. And that was going to change how he viewed things considerably. This change was by no means instantaneous but he knew it was going to happen. He was going to resist the change, but it was no longer his decision to grow up. He had a crew he had to keep informed.<br/><br/>"I understand, sir. I shall head over to my files now, sir. And my communicator is on if you or any of the other officers need me." Richard said. He could have left right then but he waited to see if the Commander had anything else to add.