Post Number: 94 *Down to the Studs*

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:43pm by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Lieutenant David Chambers
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:43pm

785 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Obsidian

On:

Captain Pontmercy sipped a cup of cold coffee, gritting his teeth as he wished it was warmer. He would manage, there were far more important things to do. For now though, he wanted to meet with David Chambers, the Chief Engineer, and discuss what their plan was for getting the base back in working condition. He tapped his Comm badge.

"Lieutenant Chambers, please report to my ready room when you have a moment."
"Yes, sir." Chambers left the work in the hands of his assistant, Valdez, and headed toward his corner, gathering a couple of PADDs and printed folders on his way out. "I'm on my way now." As he left, the replicator on the wall flickered to life. "Small steps."

It took several moments for the Lieutenant to make his way to the Captains Ready Room, the base was so much larger than the Arcadia, but in time there was a chime at the door, and Marius called for the man to enter.
Chambers enters entered, laden down with the things in his hands. "Reporting as ordered, Captain. I've brought some PADDs and printouts of our work to date. We have power to essential systems, environmental, waste, lighting, and available comms."

"Excellent, I am glad you did so, please," he motioned the seat in front of him, "have a seat." Once Chambers had done so, Marius cleared his throat. "I know that you have been working hard, and it is shown here," he motioned at the printouts and padds in front of them. "I know that Security is handling the shields and weapons, but what can you tell me about our structural integrity?"

Chambers looked him in the eye. "Well, sir, we're lucky there. The crews are patching up holes in the interior bulkheads, running new power cables and ODN lines as the material becomes available. Girders and honeycomb segments are being fabricated and installed as fast as the industrial replicator can make those components available. The second replicator unit should be online tomorrow. We're at 45% structural integrity as we stand."

"Well that's a relief," Marius said. "I'm sure I have it written down somewhere, but where was the majority of damage located?"
David consulted the PADD he had in hand. "Actually, the majority of the damage was concentrated on a single area around Cargo Bay Eleven. That's where the main EPS relay route was at the time. Conduit route efficiency this far out is key."

"I'm assuming you're repairing this in away to...make it more efficient in the future?"
"Yes, sir." David showed Marius the new location. "Central node of the base. More streamlined, better access, better shielded during attack. With your permission, of course." Marius waved a hand.

"Of course, of course. I trust your judgement. Lord knows we are going to need it." He took a breath and then looked back at the Lieutenant. "So tell me, David, do you think you can get us back to 100 percent?"

"Well, Captain, I believe so. We're gonna have those shields come hell or high water. We've gotten two of the industrial replicators working so far, with more to come. We've already started replacing EPS conduits and lines as materials become available. Replicator units are being manufactured or reconditioned as we come across parts. Anything medical that is salvageable will go immediately to triage areas for now." As he spoke, an engineer came and motioned eagerly for his attention. Getting permission from the Captain, David stepped out to see what was up. A hushed conversation later, and Chambers returned, grinning. Marius noticed the change in attitude, and questioned him on it.

"What is it," he asked?

"We struck gold, Captain. The skunk works just came into view, and it's largely intact. We just upped our game by a factor of eight. Worker bees, bays, maintenance equipment and materials. Miles of new cable, it looks like!" Marius' eyes widened.

"Wow... so wait... what does this mean for our timeline?"

"Well, with the skunk works, and the cabling, knock off about three months for the full repairs, and the shield systems can be up in about six days, with full crew rotations." Marius smiled for the first time in days.

"THAT is excellent news. With shields up I will feel much better about our situation. While you are handing out good news, do you have any more?" The Engineer frowned.

"Not yet Captain, but we will keep working on it."

"Thank you Lieutenant, that is all I can ask. Well... I should let you get back to work. Dismissed."

Off:

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
USS Arcadia - Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade David Chambers
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Arcadia - Starbaes Obsidian

 

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