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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2007 18:20:59 GMT
Deep in thought Vice Admiral Paul Drew looked out of his cabin window and watched the stars. It had been a weary few months since the Hanson’s last mission, and Drew was feeling plain tired. He had thought about requesting some leave, but as ever Starfleet needed him, there were cadets awaiting the Hanson’s departure, new instructors to welcome and train, and an entire fleet to look after.
An alarm from the computer broke his concentration and forced Drew back to reality. He had set the alarm to alert him when it was time to board the Hanson, the ship was due for departure in just a few short hours, and there would be a lot to accomplish before that could happen.
Letting out a deep sigh, he pulled himself up out of his chair and straightening his uniform, headed for the exit.
His walk to the airlock was unusually quiet, he was used to the Starbase being so full of life, but today it just seemed empty. The Hanson crew would already been aboard the ship, as would the cadets, the newly graduated Hepta cadets had already left the base for their new assignments, and the Hepta instructors were still in the process of moving back to the Starbase.
Reaching the airlock, Drew nodded to the two security guards who stood either side of the entrance, making sure only authorised personnel gained access to the Hanson. As he left the Starbase and entered the Starship the change in atmosphere was almost unbelievable.
In the Hanson’s corridors crewmembers hurried passed, carrying equipment, storage containers, and various other articles that would be needed for the mission, others were just simply hurrying from one location to another, holding padds that contained the latest ship reports.
Doing his best to avoid the busy crewmembers, Drew reached the turbolift and instructed it to take him to the command centre of the ship, the place where he belonged.
As expected, the bridge was just as busy as the rest of the ship. First Officer, Commander S’reena Hope was busy giving out orders, Commanders Reynolds, and newly assigned Security Chief Lieutenant Commander Yahnie Youngblood were both busy running system checks, while Science Officer Commander Konal Manto appeared to be busy trying to repair part of the science console. Navigation Officer, and Second Officer Crystal Shinsei was already making preparations for the ship’s return to space, Drew could overhear her discussing the status of the warp drive with Engineering over the comm channel.
“Admiral on the bridge,” someone suddenly called out, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and stand smartly to attention.
“As you were,” Drew said, smiling as he walked down towards the command level, “we are in a rush after all.”
There were a few smiles, and then the assembled crew returned to work, all expect for S’reena, who now walked over to her captain.
“Welcome back aboard,” she said, joining Drew in sitting along the command bench, “I think you will find everything is in order.”
“You call this order?” Drew joked.
“You know what I meant,” S’reena said in defence, “here’s the latest ship report.”
Drew took the offered padd and scanned the contents, S’reena was right, everything did seem to be ready for the Hanson to go, all they needed was for the cadets to arrive and be shown round.
“I guess you better prepare our welcoming committee,” Drew said to S’reena, as he finished reading the report, “the cadet’s should be here any minute.”
OOC:
Just a little something to get us all started; Cadet’s if all post coming aboard, and reporting to either Drew or S’reena, I am sure our instructors will quickly find activities for you all to take part in!
I will be posting details of a mission plan, and cadet/instructor assignments shortly.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2007 19:18:03 GMT
Usually, S'reena would smile and tell him that preparations were already under way. Now, however she wasn't in any mood to be smiling; she had just returned from a mission on the USS Hepta, hadn't had any form of shoreleave and on top of that Captain Edwards had suffered a heart attack and he was currently kept in a comatose state in Conqueror's main sickbay.
"Aye Admiral," she answered flatly, something which did catch his attention.
"Something wrong S'reena?" he asked, creasing his brow at her. He had been about to get up but he sat back down for a while.
"No nothing," she answered as she got to her feet. She didn't want to discuss it right now; instead she would seek Drew out later and tell him. Drew knew her long enough to know that she would come to him if something was bothering her, and she knew that he knew something was indeed bothering her. "Westgate, Youngblood, join me at the airlock in fifteen minutes, your cadets should be arriving shortly."
The Romulan gazed pointedly at the counselor and the new security chief. "Commander Westgate, you shall be guiding Diplomatic trainee T'Dan Blane. Mr Blane is a young Vulcan male, so make sure you keep that in mind while you train him. Commander Youngblood, you will be guiding Cadet Klang, who is Klingon. You will need to keep his tempers in check, as Klingons seem to be prone to them. Our third cadet is a Mr Sloan, who shall be training in engineering. Since we currently have no chief engineer, we will have to assign someone else to him. Do I have volunteers?"
(cadets you may arrive and assume your instructor is greeting you at the airlock if you see this post before your instructors do. Cadet Sloan, you may report to me as we wait for someone to be assigned to you. I am making arrangements for you as we speak but feel free to get creative and report to me for now.)
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samuelsloan
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Post by samuelsloan on Sept 3, 2007 0:44:25 GMT
Cadet Sloan stood inside the turbo-lift. He tapped idly on the hand rail. Though he knew better, the Cadet liked to imagine the computer growing slowly impatient toward him. Finally, he spoke.
"Computer, deck 1." The hum of the turbo-lift was soothing and immediate, but Sloan only felt marginally better. Suddenly he spat out, "Computer, belay that. Deck 11, please."
With a pleasant chirp, the turbo-lift shuttled him to his location. Within moments he was stepping into the formidable engineering section of the USS Hanson. A few crew members were busy readying systems and recalibrating as much as they could, and Sam felt almost alone, they were intent on their duties.
Sloan knew the room well, mostly from schematics. The Intrepid-class was a widely respected starship. It was not that she was particularly large or powerful; no she was no Sovereign. Nor was the Hanson the cutting edge brute muscle of a Prometheus.
What she is, Sloan told himself, is the perfect multi-role acrobat. Performance was splendidly balanced, small enough for efficient deployment, powerful enough for combat, equipped for exploration, delegation...a true performer.
He strode the cat walk, and he admired the lines and sounds and even smells of the engine room. There was reassurance in the glow of the warp engine, currently on standby. Cadet Samuel Sloan had come here for a reason: to shove the uneasy, giddy fear of first assignment to some dark and unused part of himself, and to get the heck up to the bridge. With his senses sated and engineer feeling more like home with each passing second, his resolve was set and he headed straight for the turbo-lift.
Within a minute he was straightening his uniform and stepping onto the bridge. There were a number of officers on the bridge, as expected. Sloan recognized Konal Manto, busy working at one of the science stations. Around him, work to ready the Hanson was underway. The cadet rounded the bridge and addressed the the Admiral on deck, standing near a Romulan commander, which Sloan figured for S'reena Hope.
"Admiral Drew," the cadet nodded, "Commander Hope. Cadet 4th class Samuel Sloan, reporting for duty." Despite his strong delivery, Sloan felt awkward. Looking at the commander's green eyes, he momentarily considered making a quip about his home, Ireland: but jokes about a woman's eyes, a Commander's eyes, he reminded himself, was most likely not the right tack on day one. He stifled himself with a croak and stood fast once more.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2007 1:01:36 GMT
Konal went back to the futile task of trying to repair the science console. Engineering was a bit strapped recently, and the last time she called down there she got a bit chastised. Probably not on purpose- probably because they were really busy, and a simple science console repair was not a high priority.
Which is what led to the middle-aged Cardassian to be on her back, underneath the station, trying to realign the phase relays. One small error, *ZAP*... "OUCH" she immediately put her thumb in her mouth. It served two purposes. One, it eased the pain of the coil burn. Two, it stopped the sequence of inappropriate words that were bound to leave the kind-hearted woman's mouth.
The Admiral had left a few minutes prior, and events were relatively slow on the bridge. Elal, a Vulcan science officer, bent over to offer his assistance.
"I think I'll be alright," *ZAP* "Youc.." she stuck her thumb in her mouth again. "Perhaps you could give it a try. My hands aren't as sturdy as they once were."
Elal, feeling it was only logical for him to handle the task that he was better suited for, was immediately on the task. After last mission, where he was shown up by an overexhuberant Cadet, he felt a preemptive show of capability before the Cadets arrived would be prudent. "Simple misalignment." he called out energetically to Commander Manto. It was not the sound of excitement, but just an elevation of volume to overcome any damping effects the console encasement contained.
"Well, I'm just glad it's fixed. This ship's sensors need recalibrating. Every time we are in dry-dock, those warp monkeys mess with all the instruments. They always say they are upgrading them, but what they are really doing is making my job harder. And I don't even have a Cadet to help me."
"I can help." Elal said. A bit of disappointment resided in his voice, but not enough to question his emotional staticity. In fact, he resented the fact, ever-so-slightly, that his immediate command officer didn't think of him as a suitable help.
"Oh, would you?" Konal was elated. Elal normally shied himself away in Astrometrics. Helping with initial calibrations would make things go a lot quicker. "I don't know what I would do without you."
Elal neither replied nor smiled. A feeling of accomplishment came upon him, however. He wouldn't be showed up by any Cadets this time around.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2007 19:20:52 GMT
S'reena felt a little uncomfortable under the cadet's scrutiny and looked away. Which was just as well as she noticed Konal stick her fingers in her mouth while her Vulcan assistant looked positively happy, even though he'd never admit to that. Crossing glances with Drew, they cast each other a brief smile before S'reena returned her attention to the cadet before her.
"Cadet Sloan, welcome aboard the USS Hanson. Your profile states you are to be training as an engineer. Why don't you show me what skills you've already attained before you signed up here."
The Romulan nodded over to Konal and Elal. "Why don't you give them a hand and fix Commander Manto's station?" She cast the Cardassian scientist the brightest smile she could offer, while giving Cadet Sloan a slight nudge toward her.
"Go on, make yourself useful cadet. I'll take you to engineering soon enough. We have to wait for the other cadets to arrive anyway and since you opted to arrive early..." She picked up an engineering kit from behind one of the consoles and held it out to Sloan.
"Show us what you can do, and do pleas tell Commander Manto what you are doing to her precious station?" S'reena could never resist teasing her fellow instructors, even though not all were taking too kindly to that. "The look on her face is priceless," she whispered to Drew as she watched Sloan walk over to Manto and Elal.
(Sloan, please tell us what you are doing to Manto's station;))
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 20:27:51 GMT
(OOC: Hello everyone! I will be joining you as Chief Engineer, for this training mission at least. Good to be back!)
Noah Bates sped quickly across the starbase, towards where the Hanson was docked. Problems en-route had led to his transport arriving later, and he was supposed to have reported for duty already. Cadets had already reported in even. He was in so much of a hurry that, for once in a very great while, he turned his wheelchair controls over to the servos, rather than manually turning the wheels as was his preference.
He quite a few stares as he went along, particularly in the turbolift. He looked up at a gaping ensign. "What, you've never seen a man in a wheelchair before?" he snapped.
"Uhm uh no, Commander. Can't say that I have," the ensign answered, looking it over.
Noah shook his head as he exited the turbolift, once again speeding along, making a bee-line for where the Hanson was docked. He stopped in front of a bureaucratic-looking Lieutenant.
"Name, sir?" the lieutenant asked, barely looking up from his PADD.
"Commander Noah Bates, Chief Engineer," Noah stated.
After a minute, the Lt replied, "Sorry, Commander, but your name isn't on my list. I can't let you pass."
Noah lifted a PADD out of a side-pocket of his chair, and handed it to him. "My orders must have gotten lost in subspace. That's the transfer orders from Starfleet."
After another minute of scrutiny, he finally answered. "Very well, Commander. Proceed," he said, handing back the PADD.
Noah rolled himself forward, this time under his own power. He wanted to be his usual self on the Hanson. As he crossed onto it, a sense of belonging washed over him. He belonged here.
He proceeded to the Bridge, and as he exited the turbolift, he layed eyes on two people he handed seen in over a year. He wheeled over. "Admiral Drew? Commander Hope?"
Both turned around. "Commander Bates!" Drew said. "We weren't expecting you."
"Yes, Admiral, I know," Noah said. "My orders apparently got lost in subspace," he said, lifting the PADD off his lap and handing it to Drew. "I'm your new Chief Engineer. Well not exactly new, but you get the idea. I apologize for arriving late. The transport on the way over here ran into an ion storm, and we had engine trouble. I even got recruited to help fix the problem. But, here I am."
Noah straightened his shoulders. "Commander Noah Bates, reporting for duty as Chief Engineer, sirs."
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samuelsloan
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Post by samuelsloan on Sept 4, 2007 21:11:36 GMT
Cadet sloan wasted no time in making his way to the Science Console that Konal and Elal were working at. He inspected his new engineering kit, and was quite pleased with it, and himself: his first real Starfleet issue tools. Vera he thought to himself, is an exceptional name for a tricorder. By now he was behind Konal and Elal, the latter of whom was about to being calibrating the sensor array from the newly repaired station. And I'll call you Katie.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Sloan said, holding up a Phase compensator, "until Katie here has a word with that thing." Konal and Elal looked somewhat confused, but Cadet Sloan made his way into the consoles guts, and began to work. "judging by those nasty feedback jolts you were getting, I figured your phase compensation is all out of whack. It'd explain the relay aligment errors."
Speaking to Elal, he continued.
"The relay was installed perfectly, but it looks like the compensation is all...hmm." Sloan put down his equipment. "This console has been heavily overloaded...multiple times. No wonder the relays keep misaligning. All this energy, it's like try to funnel a river through a buttonhole. Just what sort of training missions does this ship go on?"
Konal and Elal shared a quick, knowing glance. Sloan felt it best to leave the questions until later. He finished the repairs, made a final scan with his Mark X, and closed the panel on the console.
"That should be it. Sorry to barge in all gangbusters, but the last thing you want while zeroing in tachyon particles is a smoking console."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2007 4:17:09 GMT
With a new mission starting shortly it was up to Jason to make sure that all of the Hanson's systems were working efficiently. On a normal ship this wouldn't be a problem, but the Hanson was a very special ship.
"Admiral all primary systems check out," Jason reported," we should be ready to go as soon as the cadets arrive."
As was common, the Admiral nodded in acknowledgment and continued to speak to S'reena. The officers on board the Hanson had been serving together for awhile now and they worked like well oiled machine. They knew when to joke, be serious, and shut up and see what happens.
Of course something happens that you don't expect which occurred when Jason laid eyes on a certain instructor that he had not seen in a very long time.
"Admiral Drew? Commander Hope?"
Jason could see the surprise on both of their faces, but he also noticed the smiles. Commander Bates had left the Hanson a year ago and it seemed that he was back with them for a while. After he reported in, Jason walked towards him and welcomed him back.
"Welcome back Commander, it hasn't been the same without you," Jason said as he extended his hand.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2007 3:29:03 GMT
Elal was less than amused, especially after he had declared subconscious victory over the matter of outdoing the cadets. Mr. Sloan was ruining the logical order of things on the bridge.
The cadet, from Konal's perspective, was a god-send. "Finally - someone who knows for sure what they are doing! I was afraid Elal and myself were going to be here all day!" She gave more words of encouragement as Cadet Sloan finished.
"Who is your instructor, by the way? I want to let them know how well you did... helping that is. You deserve some credit for the effort you put forth without having to be asked." The bridge doors opened as Commander Manto finished her statement, and Elal walked out. The doors closed. Konal hadn't noticed the Vulcan's dramatic exit.
While the young man was replacing the the final plate onto the front of the science console, Konal gave a thumbs up to Commander Hope, as if to say "This guy's O.K." The gesture was lost on Commander Hope, with her not being familiar with it. Konal, being Cardassian, was unsure she even did it right. To a human onlooker, the awkward situation would probably be humorous.
Konal thanked Sloan, who was en route to rendezvous with the new Engineering Instructor, Commander Noah Bates. Not new new, but new to her. She had only been on this ship, though, just shy a year. Everyone was new to her.
Reading her padd, in an attempt to read more about him, she noticed the name of Kalix listed under the hers in the duty roster. A bit of excitement ran over her face as she queried the padd for more information on the Cadet. "A vulcan!" she said, almost excited. It was a silly thing to be excited about, but a Vulcan cadet might be what Elal, one of the Hanson's abled science officers, needed to boost his confidence. "Did you see where Elal went, Commander?" She just realized he was gone.
Shrugging it off, she continued with the calibrations. "If you see my cadet, send him up here. I have a lot of work to get to - I don't have time to go looking for cadets like usual." The truth was, her new position as the public relations officer had her swamped at nights, and in general, it left her less active in the daytime. In the prime of her youth the extra tasks would have been taken in stride. Now, the older Cardassian could physically feel the extra mental load she acquired with the job.
She rubbed her neck ridges and continued with her work.
"
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huggybear51956
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Post by huggybear51956 on Sept 6, 2007 8:41:55 GMT
On:
<Starbase Conqueror>
Lieutenant Commander Youngblood arrived at Starbase Conqueror. Yahnie had finally had gotten his room assignment and since he was being a permanent Officer there. Yahnie packed some personal belongings to take aboard the Hanson. Yahnie has been at the station for some time now. Yahnie had managed to decorate his quarters in 20th century style. Yahnie hung his medicine wheel in where he sleeps. The Starbase had a lot to offer and much different from the last one he was at. It was in the early evening hours and Yahnie decided to get a late dinner and have a night of fun and relaxation before he had to report to the Hanson the next morning. Yahnie had heard that the Hepta arrived at the Starbase and finished up their mission. ~thoughts~ Yahnie is hoping he could see Captain Edwards before he left on the Hanson. He would be so proud of his cadet that he helped mold into what he is now. ~ Yahnie had found out that the Hepta was going through graduation ceremonies. Yahnie went to the Starburst for dinner and drinks. He ordered a Saurian Brandy and BLT sandwich. Later Yahnie went back to his quarters and went to sleep. Yahnie got up the next morning went in the sonic shower and got in his duty uniform. Yahnie headed for the transporter room to beam aboard the Hanson. The transporter chief knew that Yahnie had been a cadet aboard the Hepta and informed him that Captain Edwards had colaspe and in sickbay at the station.Meanwhile Yahnie had to report for duty.
<USS Hanson>
Lieutenant Commander Youngblood beamed aboard the Hanson and as he materialized on the transporter pad aboard the Hanson he looked over to the transporter chief and said to him “permission to come aboard” “permission granted” the chief said. “Oh by the way please beam my belongings directly to my quarters” the chief nodded and Yahnie left the transporter room. “Computer, Locate Commander S'reena. Commander S’reena is on the bridge.” Yahnie was glad to be on the Hanson an Intrepid Class Vessel which was Captain Janeway’s ship that was lost in the Delta Quadrant. Yahnie arrive on the bridge and reported to the Commander. “Commander S’reena, I am your new CTSO Instructor Lieutenant Commander Yahnie Youngblood reporting for duty” Yahnie handed her the padd with his orders on it. Commander Youngblood, you will be guiding Cadet Klang, who is Klingon. You will need to keep his tempers in check, as Klingons seem to be prone to them.
<Tag Cadet Klang>
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methos
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Post by methos on Sept 6, 2007 18:46:40 GMT
Methos walked through the airlock from SB Conqueror nodding to the two security guards standing on either side of the door. He walked a short distance down the corridor to the turbolift. Entering he said, "Bridge." As the lift zoomed upwards, he tapped his commbadge and said, =/\= Col. Methos to all Marines. There will be an inspection of Living quarters in 1 hour followed by qualifications at the range. Uniform is Dress for the inspection and full combat gear for qualifications. With 10 minutes between the two.=/\= The door to the bridge opened before Methos finished giving his instructions.
Commander Reynolds looked up from his console and said, "10 Minutes, Colonel? Don't you think that's cutting it close?"
Methos looked at him and said, "Not at all Commander. One thing you gotta learn about Marines is that they love a challenge, although they won't be happy if they don't get there on time."
Methos then turned to the command chair and saw another Commander talking with Commander Hope and Admiral Drew, so he waited until this new officer left. He walked up to Drew and said, "Admiral, Lt. Col Methos reporting for duty."
<Drew>
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westgate
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Post by westgate on Sept 7, 2007 14:36:41 GMT
The Romulan gazed pointedly at the counselor and the new security chief. "Commander Westgate, you shall be guiding Diplomatic trainee T'Dan Blane. Mr Blane is a young Vulcan male, so make sure you keep that in mind while you train him. Commander Youngblood, you will be guiding Cadet Klang, who is Klingon. You will need to keep his tempers in check, as Klingons seem to be prone to them. Our third cadet is a Mr Sloan, who shall be training in engineering. Since we currently have no chief engineer, we will have to assign someone else to him. Do I have volunteers?"
Westgate nodded slightly. It was always an exciting time, beginning a new mission. For too long, it seemed, they had been docked at SB Conqueror. Now there were fresh new cadets, eager for their final Academy assignment, which would prepare them ultimately for duties aboard the fine starships in the fleet.
"Acknowledged, Commander. T'Dan Blane, is it? Diplomatic young'un. Needs seein' to, I reckon. Don't know as I'd make a diplomat myself, mind you, but I 'spect I can make him into a right smart one anyways, beggin' your pardon. Vulcan and all."
Westgate, at that moment, happened to eye Commander Manto as she was working on her console. "And oh, by the by, Commander Manto, we have some unfinished work to do, as you may recall. At your leisure, of course."
Westgate turned and headed for the turbolift on his way to the transporter room. Time to meet the youngster he would be mentoring for the next few weeks.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2007 22:00:07 GMT
(OOC: Greetings, Cadet Sloan! I'll be your instructor)
Noah turned his head to see an old colleague, Jason Reynolds.
"Welcome back Commander, it hasn't been the same without you," Jason said as he extended his hand.
Noah took the hand. "Thank you, Reynolds. Good to be back."
"Your cadet has arrived, Commander. He's right over there," Admiral Drew informed him, indicating the cadet. "Cadet Samuel Sloan He's been fixing a console."
Sloan turn around and approached upon mention of his name. "Sirs?" he asked. He was carrying a tool kit.
"Cadet, this is Commander Bates," Drew said indicating Noah as he turned his wheelchair to face Sloan. "He'll be your instructor."
"Greetings, Cadet. Welcome to becoming a Starfleet engineer. I'll be teaching you about a million different uses of tool you're carrying, and much, much more."
"I'm looking forward to it, sir," Sloan said proudly.
"I'll bet you are," Noah said. "Now, to Engineering. If you will put one hand on the back of my chair," he said, turning the chair to face sideways, and pulling a PADD out of a pouch.
"Uhm, sir?" Sloan asked, looking confused.
"I believe I said put your hand on the back of my chair. The reason will become clear in a minute. Right there will be fine," he said, pointing to a certain part of the chair
"Yes, sir," Sloan said, slowly putting a hand where indicated.
Noah accessed the chair's transporter controls and set coordinates for Main Engineering. He initiated transport, and in a moment there were in Engineering. Sloan looked around a bit, then down at the chair, then at Bates, and back at the chair.
Noah, noticing the amazement, said, "Built-in transporter. Useful for getting up and down obstacles."
"Bates?" came a voice. "Commander Bates, is that you?"
Noah pivoted his chair. "Roland! Good to see you again. I'm back."
"Good to hear it, sir. I'm your Assistant Chief, now."
"Really? What happened to Mike?" Noah asked, surprised.
"Got offered his own CEO position on the USS Sutherland-A," Roland explained.
"Wonderful! He deserves it. Oh, and before I forget, Lieutenant Roland Brac, meet our latest, Cadet Sloan," Noah said, giving introductions.
"Welcome aboard, Cadet," Brac said, then returned to his duties.
"Now, follow me," he said, and starting rolling.
He led Sloan over to the Chief Engineer's station, and after a moment's effort, was up level with it. "This is the Chief Engineer's station. Once you've got my job, the majority of your work will be done here. We've got the master consoles for all Engineering systems," he said, waving his arm toward them. "Now Cadet, why are you here?"
The young man had a confused look on his face. "Sir?"
"Tell me about yourself. Why are you in Starfleet? Why did you become an Engineer? And most of all, what do you think it means to be an Engineer?"
<Tag Sloan>
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samuelsloan
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Post by samuelsloan on Sept 7, 2007 23:44:41 GMT
"Tell me about yourself. Why are you in Starfleet? Why did you become an Engineer? And most of all, what do you think it means to be an Engineer?"
The words from Commander Bates struck Samuel of a sudden. Sloan felt uncomfortable. It was to be expected. He had been asked the question before, of course. The Cadet decided the same tack he'd taken with the XO was best with his instructor: flat honestly. But within the confines of engineering, Sloan's atitude had changed. He felt, though scrutinized, at home with himself and his surroundings. Sensing Bate's anticipation, Sam wasted no time in blurting out, "I'm an awful party planner."
Bate's expression was curious to say the least. Sloan continued, unfazed. In fact, he seemed invigorated by the odd remark.
"When I was young, my friend always wanted to do something. Always going out, or planning these grand events. Highly disapointing, really. Lots of bad conversation, and the like. But it was Ireland, so the drink were good and the people were the salt of the earth. Couldn't ask for better folks, mind you. But for all my judgment and belly-aching at the prospect of another round of cribbage, I was about the last person to ask if you wanted a suggestion for a "better time." I just couldn't make up my mind. Restaurants, too. I can't tell you, Commander Bates, how many fine lasses have fallen through these mits because I couldn't decided between Italian, Chinese, or Klingon. 'Natural born follower' they'd call me, and it was apt: because I went where the fun was."
Sloan put his hand against the bulkhead and sighed, "boy, did I. But look at me here Commander, babbling like a new born babe. To put it straight, I never knew how to pick a meal, but if the replicator broke, there was no question who to ask. See there's a lot of questions in food, or film, or what to wear. But when it comes to a phaser or a watch or a door knob, it's either working as best as it can, or it's broke. Everything in between is simply 'Not Good Enough'.
"I've gotten into my fare share of scraps, Commander. And I suppose Starfleet offers order. It offers routine, ritual, and a standard to hold myself to which cannot waver or change depending on ones mood. I guess you could say I'm looking for that illustrious father figure everyones always talking about. As for engineer, it's the natural extention of order over chaos. Either something works, or it doesn't. Simple as that.
"As for what it means to be an engineer, sir..." Sloan's verbal pace slowed. He seemed to look deep into himself for something to say, whether it be charming, or honest, or neither. Finally, he looked at the Engineering Instructor, "I don't really know, Commander Bates. I'm just a man who understands machines. But I'll do my best to learn, and to listen to everything you say."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2007 0:55:56 GMT
"Interesting answer, Cadet," Bates replied to Sloan's explanation. "I've asked that question many times, and I've never heard a response like that one."
Noah sat back in his chair. "I admit, I too sometimes have an easier time understanding the mechanical workings of this ship than the people that serve on it. But in serving aboard a starship, you will find a greater challenge than you ever previously encountered, or maybe even imagined. Because all of this," he said, first gesturing to the Warp Core, then to the master systems display beside them, "can be as temperamental and unpredictable as a human being. All the systems, subsystems, and the many many complex interactions between them can be quite the challenge.
"I like your way of looking at things, at least in one respect," he went on, "is that a piece of machinery works, or it doesn't. However, one of the things you said, about something "working as best as it can", can and will have more than meaning, depending on the circumstances. In space, you will never ever be working in ideal conditions. Ideal conditions are in a planetside laboratory, not a starship. The system or systems may not be working perfectly, so you have to settle for it, again, "working as best as it can". Now, in my engine room, I expect and work for peak efficiency. But I know I'm not always going to get it, so I do the best I can.
"Now, onto what it means to be an engineer. The strict dictionary definition of engineer is 'One who operates an engine'. While this is true, this is by no means all it is. Another definition is 'a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems'. And this starts to approach what it is to be an engineer; its about solving problems. We design things, build things, we fix things, and so much more. Though a carefully managed path, as you said, well not always. One of the keys to being a successful engineer is being able to improvise. As I said, you will rarely to never be working under ideal conditions, and you may not always all the tools you want or need to solve a problem. Hence, you must improvise. I never want to hear you say the words 'I can't."
Noah looked down at his chair. "I guess you could I'm the epitome of improvisation. Being stuck in this chair deprives of some of the naturals 'tools' of the human body, so I make do with mechanical assistance. As you saw, I have a transporter to help get me around. Though I haven't shown you yet, this chair can raise and lower so that I can reach consoles and stations properly. My condition poses a challenge sometimes, but I've learned to make do."
"You mentioned you're from Ireland?" he said, then smiled. "Pleasure to meet you then. As am I. Born and raised. So, do you have any questions? Anything at all; about me, the ship, its systems, your assignment, or whatever else happens to pop into your head. Feel free."
<Sloan>
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jaybonner
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Registered: Apr 24, 2024 8:53:55 GMT
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Post by jaybonner on Sept 8, 2007 1:31:08 GMT
Jay takes a long wake through the airlock knowing this will be the most important start to his career. His first step into the Intrepid Class ship sent chills down his spine. He started sweating a little bit and his hands where shaking. To calm himself down he took a stroll through the corridors before he knew it time was passing and he still hadn’t reported in. He looked for the closest turbo lift. Entering it he said “Bridge”. As the turbo lift started to the bridge jay began to look himself over making sure his uniform looking good for his report in to Admiral Drew. The doors opened he stepped out of the turbo lift and seen cadet Sloan talking what looked like was his instructor and Admiral Drew was not far behind. Walking down to greet the Admiral he stumbled grabbing out for the security station he caught himself looking over he noticed everyone was starring at him even the Admiral. He regained his composer and stood up straight.
“Cadet Jay Bonner reporting for duty, sir”
Nerves now that he made a fool of himself he awaited for the Admirals response.
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samuelsloan
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Post by samuelsloan on Sept 8, 2007 1:52:57 GMT
"You mentioned you're from Ireland?" he said, then smiled. "Pleasure to meet you then. As am I. Born and raised. So, do you have any questions? Anything at all; about me, the ship, its systems, your assignment, or whatever else happens to pop into your head. Feel free."
Sloan took a few moments to absorb Commander Bates' words. Improvisation, Sloan had dealt with before. But accepting less than the best was a tough bite to swallow. Of course he'd jury-rigged his fair share of devices in the past, so a twig-and-chewing-gum operation wasn't going to kill him. But he expected to squeeze every ounce and every watt out of this little ship: and he knew that Noah Bates expected the same.
Within reason, of course.
"No sir," Sloan said quietly, "none about the ship. I've studied the Intrepid class for a long time now. Clean lines. Good deck layout. I'm sure she has a few secrets up her sleeve, but I'll have to feel those out for myself. Crawl through a few Jefferies tubes, I imagine. No Commander, I only have two questions for you: What's my first assignment and, " Sloan grinned slyly, "do the replicators do any justice to a plate of black pudding?"
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crystal
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Post by crystal on Sept 8, 2007 2:40:46 GMT
Crystal paused in her conversation with Engineering long enough to stand at attention for Admiral Drew. She appreciated that she didn't have to do so long, since she did have work to do, even though the ship hadn't left dock yet. She didn't have a cadet, at least not as far as she knew, so she could keep working on making sure the ship was ready to go.
Which mostly involved waiting for Engineering to tell her that they were sure that her console commands were getting to the main ship, and for her to reply that she was fairly certain that they weren't. “Look,” Crystal said, getting ever-so-slightly annoyed. “I've run the pre-flight diagnostic three times already. And I know right now I'm linked through the training mode,” because that was what she'd decided to test right then, “So what I do isn't actually affect the warp engine yet. But the readings are supposed to be correct. They say we're traveling at warp 5. We aren't, are we?” she asked.
“No, sir,” came the reply. Crystal didn't really know the name of the person from Engineering she was talking to, just their rank—Ensign—and the fact that she didn't think they'd been very helpful. But she really didn't spend much time down in Engineering. Just talking to them from afar, at least that was what it seemed like just now. “I'm going to try realigning the...” his voice faded slightly.
Crystal smiled as the numbers on her console reloaded to be the proper value. “That did it!” she told the Ensign. “Thank you very much.” Crystal might lose patience a little too easily when things stopped working, but she compensated by being easily pleased by having them working again.
“Not a problem,” said the Ensign, obviously slightly tickled at Crystal's sudden enthusiasm and gratitude. “If you have any problems again-”
“I hope I don't,” Crystal answered.
“-Even so, if you do, you can ask for Ensign Reed. Since I solved the problem once, I might be able to help with it if it appears again.” Crystal could practically hear the self-deprecating shrug through the comm system.
“Alright. Will do.” Crystal closed the channel to finish running through her diagnostic. Fortunately enough the rest of her tests came up with working results.
Being navigator, and having nowhere to direct the ship to as of yet and no cadet to impart her wisdom to (or ask awkward getting-to-know-you questions of, which was more the reality), Crystal watched the other crewmembers and cadets file on or through the bridge.
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Deleted
Registered: Apr 24, 2024 8:53:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2007 5:53:56 GMT
The bridge was abnormally quiet. A few of the Cadets had made it to the Starbase, but not to the ship yet. She wondered out loud, to nobody in particular, if she should go looking for them. Receiving no answer in reply she continued recalibrating.
As she was calibrating the long range sensors, something it seemed like she was doing all the time, a security indicator went off. It was inconsistent with a real security breach, however, in that it had an erratic period of oscillation.
"Mr. Reynolds," She asked Jason, who was standing quietly at his console. "Are you running any system tests? I am getting a security indicator here, but it's flashing faster than usual. I remember the last time this happened, you had to do something on your console."
Konal realized her memory was starting to get worse as she got older. Waiting for an answer, the security light turned off. "Did you do that?"
The operations officer denied touching anything that may have turned on or off the security idicator.
"Must be a glitch. I'll have engineering look into it."
=/\= Engineering, Commander Manto here. My console is still acting funny. I'm seeing a security light here signifying loss of system integrity. It speeds up but then it stops flashing every now and again. Can you send someone up here? =/\=
This was going to be a long pre-flight checkout at this rate, Konal figured. She sat down at the ergo-chair, designed for her Cardassian build, and rubbed the left side of her neck ridges. Why can't everything just go right for once?
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Deleted
Registered: Apr 24, 2024 8:53:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2007 22:41:11 GMT
(OOC: Thank you Konal)
"No Commander, I only have two questions for you: What's my first assignment and, " Sloan grinned slyly, "do the replicators do any justice to a plate of black pudding?"
Noah chuckled at the second question. "I'm not the greatest fan of black pudding, so I couldn't tell you. And, as for you are assignment. Hmm..."
Almost in answer, the comm went off. =/\= Engineering, Commander Manto here. My console is still acting funny. I'm seeing a security light here signifying loss of system integrity. It speeds up but then it stops flashing every now and again. Can you send someone up here? =/\=
"Perfect," Noah said, and tapped his comm-badge. "Bates here, Commander. We're be right up."
He turned to Sloan. "There's your first assignment, Cadet. Off we go," he said, wheeling towards the door.
"We're not going to use your transporter again, sir?" Sloan asked, looking somewhat disappointed.
"Sorry, Cadet, but under normal circumstances, that's a one-time-only event for Cadets. Let's go."
As they rode up in the turbolift, Bates looked up at Sloan. "Weren't you just finishing repairing this same console when you reported to me?"
"Yes sir," Sloan replied sheepishly. "Apparently I missed something."
"It happens, Cadet."
A few moments later, they entered the Bridge. As Sloan proceeded to the Science station, Noah lowered himself down the intervening stairs. Touching a key, the chair's automated system took over, and it raised and lowered parts of itself to slowly descend the stairs. Sloan had started to inspect the console, but stopped the watch the chair in action.
"And that," Noah said as he took back over and wheeled himself to the Science station, "is how I get up and down stairs. Now, I believe you have a station to repair. In case you're unfamiliar, the security light warns a Science officer, like Commander Manto here," Bates said, indicating the Cardassian, "that the station's functions are being accessed from outside itself, usually unauthorized."
"This could be a number of things. It could be a faulty sub-routine for the indicator light, a sensor error, or it could be something larger at work. It's your job to figure out what, and do you what you can to fix it. However, if it is a symptom of a bigger problem, you'll probably need help. But let's hope it isn't. So...get to it."
Bates turned to Manto. "Commander, if you wouldn't mind stepping aside so we can give the Cadet some room to work?"
<Tag Sloan/Manto>
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samuelsloan
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Registered: Apr 24, 2024 8:53:55 GMT
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Post by samuelsloan on Sept 8, 2007 23:47:41 GMT
Bates turned to Manto. "Commander, if you wouldn't mind stepping aside so we can give the Cadet some room to work?"
With that, Sloan went to work under the console. With his tricorder, it was easy to see that the warning light was functioning correctly. There was no damage to any of the isolinear circuitry which suplimented the Bio-neural gel pack technology in minor aplications within consoles and the like. Sloan looked up from with the console.
"Well I'm glad to say it's got nothing to do with those phase relays. It must be a sensor error, Commander. I mean, it's indicating access from an external source. But I don't even see how that's possible. Either these sensors are in the habbit of complex hoaxes, or Vera here," Sloan indicated his Mark X tricorder, "is being a very stubborn girl."
<Tag Bates, Manto>
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Deleted
Registered: Apr 24, 2024 8:53:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2007 10:54:26 GMT
Drew was slightly overwhelmed by all the people who had suddenly come to report to him on the bridge. He was obviously expecting the cadets, but for some reason command had not informed him of some of the staff appointments that had taken place.
The first shock of the day had been the sudden re-appearance of Commander Noah Bates, their former Chief Engineer who had left the ship some two years previously. Drew had only served briefly with Commander Bates, but knew him to be a competent Engineer and someone who he could trust to keep a watchful eye over the ship’s systems. Truth to form, not long after reporting, Bates was already busy with their Engineering recruit, and insuring that Cadet Sloan received an in-depth education whist he was aboard.
The second new staff member to report was their new Security Chief, Lieutenant Commander Yahnie Youngblood, who Drew could actually remember as a cadet some years previously. Commander Youngblood had made something of a name for himself since his graduation, and had now returned to the Academy, this time to help teach.
“Welcome to the Hanson Commander Youngblood,” Drew said, after the new Security Chief had reported to S’reena, “I am sure you will be a great credit to the Hanson.”
“Thank you Admiral,” Youngblood replied, still standing smartly to attention.
“As Commander Hope said, you will be instructing a young Klingon by the name of Cadet Klang, but we also have another Klingon security cadet by the name of Cadet Jay Bonner, who should be arriving at any moment.”
Just as the words left Drew’s mouth there was something of a commotion at the back of the bridge. A cadet had just exited the turbolift, and appeared to have somehow collided with the security console. The cadet quickly recovered himself, trying his best to smarten his uniform and properly report for duty.
“Cadet Jay Bonner reporting for duty sir,” he said, looking directly at Drew.
“Welcome Cadet,” Drew said, smiling, “please be at ease.”
Bonner relaxed slightly as Drew and Youngblood approached him.
“Allow me to introduce your instructor, Lieutenant Commander Yahnie Youngblood,” Drew said, making the introductions between instructor and cadet, “I am sure the Commander has a lot that he would like to cover with you, so I will leave you both to it.”
As he returned to the centre of the bridge, Drew smiled as he heard Youngblood begin to explain some of the ship’s operations to the Cadet Bonner. Although the cadet was clearly nervous there was something about that told Drew he would prove himself to be an excellent officer.
“Well, I don’t know about the rest of you,” Drew said loudly so that everyone could hear him, “but I am ready to get back out into space. All departments prepare for departure.”
There was a chorus of “aye sir” as everyone returned their attention to their stations.
“Crystal, clear our departure with the Ops and then take us out of spacedock, one quarter impulse, then set course for the Glaxi System, warp five.”
“Tactical, please run a full diagnostic scan of the entire tactical network, I also want you to prepare for several drills that we will run later.”
“Engineering, secure the ship for warp travel, and be ready to provide me with a full status report within the hour.”
“Science, you may want to make sure your sensor pallet is at full readiness, something tells me that we will have use of them later on.”
Drew had remained standing as he had given out his orders, but now he took his seat, looking directly at the forward viewscreen, he gave his last order;
“Engage!”
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2007 23:12:52 GMT
With an unrealized stroke of irony, Admiral Drew for the first time in her career, asked Konal to ensure the sensor pallet was operating within normal parameters.
"Aye Aye sir. I have a man... or, men, rather, on it." Sloan was pounding away at his beloved Vera as Bates watched over his shoulder, continually giving direction. Sloan, however, appeared to be getting it on his own. It wasn't as fast as some of the others on the crew, but then again some of them had been doing this for quite some time. It becomes second nature after awhile.
"I would still feel more comfortable if we could security to look at this. I don't doubt your abilities, but what if this is a security situation?" Commander Manto was meticulously thorough, sometimes at the cost of taking too much time on one task when her efforts could be better used elsewhere. This sensor malfunction seemed odd. True, it happened before, but that was just a cross-conduit phase inductance. No such issue was happening this time.
Konal turned to Bates and asked, "Who is the new Chief of Security again? I forgot his name already."
Bates responded asympathetically. As far as engineering was concerned, security didn't need to arrive.
"Ah, yes, Commander Youngblood."
She communiqued to Youngblood. =/\= Do you think you could stop by or send someone over to help me with my main computer console. We are getting a intrusion attempt into the science database, but it's an awkward rhythm of lights- one I am not accustomed to seeing. It also makes no sense, because there is no data in the files that the indicator is displaying as compromised." =/\= All that was there was just filler algorithms to keep the sensor relays from completely locking up due to inactivity.
She turned back to Sloan. "You do whatever you need to do to fix it before security gets here. When they get here, I'd appreciate it if you give them a hand at solving this. They don't have the engineering expertise, but they do have expertise in tracking down system problems. Especially when they are tactical issues like data intrusion."
She checked her chronometer. "It looks like my Cadet missed his ride, so I'm stuck once again doing everything myself." she sighed heavily, subconsciously rubbing her neck as she did so. "I'll be down in Astrometrics if you need me."
Hopefully security and engineering would work together. Both positions were usually filled with men, and both positions usually were occupied by the type that wanted to get down and dirty. Not to say they weren't smart. Heavens no- Security had to have their wits about them more than others... and engineering, to be able to do what they do requires a lot of schooling and just plain intuition. Still, the nature of their jobs sometimes bred social intercourse that was less than pleasing to the science officer. Perhaps because her position was usually self-contained. Perhaps because she had left shows of strength and ability in her past. One could only wonder.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2007 0:44:54 GMT
Scanning the science station, Noah was increasingly torn. On the one hand, he wanted Sloan to see this task through. But on the other hand, the status report would be more helpful in his training. Security had been called over after all. And there was no mechanical or computer error involved.
"Cadet, I believe we will leave this matter to Security. Commander Youngblood has a cadet that could be set to this task, after all. So, we will move to the Engineering station," he said, indicating across the Bridge. "Bring the tool kit."
As Sloan passed behind Shinsei seated at the helm, Noah realized that his only non-step option was to pass between the helm and the viewscreen. But wanting to be prompt, he did so anyway. "Pardon me, Commander," he said to Shinsei as he passed by.
Sloan was standing in wait when Noah came to a halt by the engineering station. "Well? Sit down, Cadet. I'm not exactly going to be using that chair, am I?"
Sloan slowly sat done, looking around at the station. "That ship's status report the Admiral asked for is your next assignment. Use the console to ascertain status of all systems, and create the report. You will the PADD included in your tool kit useful for that. I'll be right here in case you're uncertain what to include, or are unsure how to access a particular system. The warp drive and structural integrity field, for example, are easy as they have dedicated displays," he said, pointing to them. "So, the task is yours."
Noah turned to watch the viewscreen as they went to warp. He had missed all of this, more than he had been willing to admit, perhaps even to himself.
"So," he said to the rest of the Bridge crew, "Anything of particular interest happen whilst I was away?" The question was semi-rhetorical. This was the Hanson, after all.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2007 15:44:51 GMT
As the Hanson got underway Drew left command of the bridge in the capable hands of S’reena and retired to his ready room. It had been a long while since he had actually had opportunity to relax, there had seemed to be a thousand and one things that required his attention back on Starbase Conqueror, and while the Hanson also required attention, she was a lot smaller than a Starbase. Here in his private office he could just be plain Paul Drew, even if only for a short while. Ordering himself a steaming hot cup of tea, he settled down to some light reading.
Meanwhile, on a ship not so far away...
“Battle stations,” Elizabeth Reynolds yelled as her small ship shook violently under heavy fire, “redirect power to the forward shields.”
“We don’t have any more power!” Martin Potter called out from his station, “the EPS systems are offline, power is failing on all decks, we have hull breaches on decks three through five.”
“Damnit” Elizabeth cursed as she watched the attacking ship come in for another assault, “do we still have warp drive?”
“For now,” Engineer Barry Tate called out, “but I don’t recommend using it, our structural integrity field is at 30%”
“We don’t have a choice,” Elizabeth replied harshly, “engage warp and get us out of here.”
Back on the Hanson...
“Bridge to Admiral Drew,” S’reena’s voice said over the conn system, disturbing Drew’s reading, “sorry to bother you sir, but you better get out here.”
Putting down his tea, which he now had to reserve himself to accepting would probably go cold, Drew straightened his uniform and headed for the bridge.
“What’s going on?” he asked as he walked down to the command level.
“We are picking up a distress call,” S’reena replied, “from the SS Maxell, a trading vessel.”
Drew took his seat and called up his command console, which was already displaying all the information that the database had on the Maxell.
“Any idea what the problem is?”
“Looks like they have been attacked, according to long range sensors they have suffered heavy damage, we think there warp core may be going critical.”
“Very well, prepare Security and Engineering details to accompany you to the Maxell, I want you ready to leave as soon as we are within transporter range.”
“Aye Admiral,” S’reena replied, keying commands into her console.
“Let’s go to Red Alert,” Drew said out loud to the entire bridge, “if they have been attacked, whoever did it could still be out there.”
OOC: S’reena, Noah, Yahnie, Jay and Samuel, the away mission is all yours.
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