RP Log: A Swift Kick in the Drive
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Stardate:
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| 2021-07-28 01:24 | |
LePage is in the Slipstream Control room, with a cup of drink in his hand, looking decently tired already. He's looking over the damage control console as he takes a sip of the drink, making assessments of the repairs and how they've been proceeding without him
Ki'Vek comes slithering into the compartment as the door slides open. She moves in far enough to let the door close behind her, then she turns and looks back at it for a moment before proceeding on in toward LePage. "Lieutenant," she greets as she draws near.
"Lieutenant..." LePage greets back. "Ark's 'bout sewn up, short of a flight test. Computers are fully powered now"
Ki'Vek tips her head forward a little as she parses the words in that sentence. After a second she nods. "Good. The sooner we can resolve that problem the sooner we can return our attention to our own needs. How are the inhabitants over there? Have they calmed or are they still rioting?"
"Not sure, Choma mentioned that it all seems that they're still on a knife's edge, so doesn't sound like they're very calm yet" LePage says
"I see," says the snake. She turns her gaze on the slipstream drive and looks it over. "I had a little time, so I thought I'd come down here and see if I might be of any help to you." She looks back at LePage. "Is there anything I can do here?"
LePage nods. "Nothin more than the usual bout of work to get to before we got sidetracked. Any help is appreciated as always"
Ki'Vek moves toward the drive system. "Shall we?" She opens a tool kit and checks to see that all inside is in order. "You have been well of late, I trust?"
"Well is relative. I'm sick of the Ark, truth be told. Happy to be done with it" LePage says, advancing on the drive with his own tools, cracking open an access panel and taking a hyperspanner to the contents. "Tired, really"
"Quite so," Ki'Vek agrees. She peeks over LePage's shoulder to see what he's doing, then moves to an adjacent panel and begins working as well. "I too will certainly be glad to put this mission behind us. I'm looking forward to returning to the Federation and getting our own ship back."
"Looking forward to being Chief Engineer again, hmm?" LePage asks as he works. "Or more to being out of the Ops position?"
"Chief Engineer?" Ki'Vek asks. "I only served as Chief Engineer once before, and that it was on the Achilles, not the Phoenix. The Achilles it was a temporary assignment, much like the Alita."
"Oh. Maybe I'm remembering wrong here..." LePage says, conducting his repairs
Ki'Vek shrugs. "Aboard the Phoenix, I am, or at least I was, Senior Damage Control Officer." She switches tools and applies the new one to a microlink in the drive system. "I begin to suspect, however, that Commander Anewan he may want to move me out of engineering and into operations when once we get back. That's assuming, of course, that we are all returned to the Phoenix rather than redistributed to various other ships."
"I don't see why they'd split us up, doesn't seem right" LePage says. "After what we've been through and presumably will survive"
"I agree. But it does sometimes happen," the Selay says. "I don't have any reason to suspect that they will split us up, specifically. But it's a possibility that I'd rather be mentally prepared for, should it come to pass." She pauses, then says, "Although someone clearly has been trying to get us out of the way. It would be easier to put us all back on the Phoenix and send us back to the Delta Quadrant."
"Now that you mention it, I could believe that yes..." The Terran admits. "How have things been while I was working on the Ark?" he asks, trading his hyperspanner for a circuit integrator
"It's been a marathon of writing reports, reading reports, editing reports, and meeting about reports," Ki'Vek replies. "But, those they are all part of the job, of course."
LePage groans. "Don't remind me... I was asked by commander T'Shaav about my leadership ambitions, and I indicated I didn't really have any. That's partly why"
"Because of the paperwork?" the snake asks, moving on to work on the next node cluster.
"Partly. I just don't have the aptitude for that kinda stuff. I don't mind writing reports, but analyzing and talking about em is another thing" He explains
Ki'Vek nods. "Then a position as Chief Engineer it isn't what you have in mind for your future, I assume."
LePage sighs. "Well, now I wouldn't say that. I'm not saying I won't do it, but she was asking more about Line Officer training. I don't mind being a section chief or department chief in an area I'm familiar with, but being a leader of men isn't my thing I don't think"
Ki'Vek looks away from her work for a moment to regard her companion. "Well then there is, what I belive your people would call, the rub," she says seriously. "Did I use that term correctly?"
LePage laughs, tool humming away as he joins up small componants into the main array. "Perfectly, too perfectly. I really don't mind being more of an educator or mentor, like a Chief Engineer oughta be, y'know. The subject matter expert. I just don't wanna command anything. I fix problems, not make them, if that makes any sense"
[LePage's Commbadge] Incoming communication request from Lieutenant Commander Anewan.
"It does," Ki'Vek replies as she turns back to her work. "But except..." She stops as LePage's commbadge beeps.
LePage Says, "LePage here sir"
[LePage's Commbadge] Anewan says, "I see that I missed a communique from you. What's was it?"
LePage Says, "Just wanted to let you know that the repair teams moved a little faster than expected. The Ark is ready to ship out, pending some flight tests and a bit of work on the Comms array. She can get underway if need be, we're just in the phase of finishing touches"
While LePage tkes the call, Ki'Vek does a little work on the drive.
[LePage's Commbadge] Anewan says, "How much longer can she fly?"
LePage Says, "Another miscalculation on my part. Given that the damage assement is accurate, the only concern is fuel, which is closer to seventy years than the twenty I quoted you. Everything else seems workable now that the Warp Drive has had time to cool down a bit"
[LePage's Commbadge] Anewan says, "Did I mention to you perhaps upgrading the warp drive? Maybe we can get them to a higher warp?"
LePage Says, "No sir, you hadn't at the moment"
[LePage's Commbadge] Anewan says, "I mentioned it to Lieutenant Temple I think. Let's look at the engine of the Ark and see what the top speed is and see if we can improve that somehow."
LePage Says, "Yes sir, of course we can take a crack at that"
[LePage's Commbadge] Anewan says, "Great. Anewan Out."
LePage's Commbadge] Connection from Lieutenant Commander Anewan terminated.
LePage curses under his breath. "No rest for the weary, no rest for the skilled"
Ki'Vek gives a slight nod. "And none for the undercrewed Pathfinders." She adds. "Commander Anewan he is interested in perhaps staying out here a while, I believe. He has been looking for a way to get a message back to the Federation without actually going back."
LePage sighs. "Just my luck that I mention I'm fine not getting back so soon and the world answers" he grumbles as he keeps working
Lieutenant Commander Anewan arrives from Main Deflector Control Room.
Ki'Vek and LePage are at the slipstream drive, having casual conversation while they carry out some repairs. "Be careful what you wish for. Isn't that it another one of your peoples' common phrases?" the snake asks the human.
LePage nods. "Sure, it is... Sir" LePage says, addressing the officer who just walked in
Anewan nods towards LePage then Ki'Vek, "I saw to two of you down here and I thought that I could maybe help with something. Point me in a direction."
"Sir," Ki'Vek says in greeting to Anewan, giving him one of her usual shallow bows. "I was about to leave. You can take my place here." She gestures to the panel where she's been working next to LePage and explains what she's been doing so that he can continue the job. When she's done with that she turns to LePage. "Thank you for allowing me to help, Lieutenant. And for the conversation as well.
"Any time, always" LePage says as he scoots over for the commander. "Welcome in sir" he says, continuing his repairs
Anewan moves towards the place Ki'Vek was and takes over pretty competently then he says to LePage, "You of course will have to take the lead on this."
"No problem at all sir, I got this project rolling, I'd like to see it finished too" the Engineer replies
Lieutenant Ki'Vek goes Out.
Anewan looks over the console and says, "So, where are we?"
"Right now, we're connecting componants back into the slipstream drive and hooking them up to the crystaline matrix so they'll talk to eachother" LePage explains.
Anewan nods, "So, I just need to keep an eye on the connections?"
"Exactly. Should come up in the running log and perform an automatic self test. It'll tell you if it passes or fails. Watch this one" LePage says as he slots in a componant
Anewan does what is asked of him, "Lieutenant, I know you didn't sign up for this. I apologize that you are now in the delta quadrant."
LePage laughs. "You're talking to the one person who doesn't entirely mind sir"
Anewan nods, "I am glad to hear it," he begins to monitor. "You have family back on earth?"
"Yes, I do" LePage responds, less jovially
Anewan purses his lips, "Do you want to get back?" he takes a moment then says, "I have a large family that I intended to visit again."
"Not particularly sir" LePage responds, slotting in another part and getting it connected with his circuit integrator.
Anewan takes a breath and considers for a moment, "Well," he changes the subject. "What exactly do we have to do for this drive?"
LePage gestures widely to the wide array of parts across the deck. "Glue her back together, calibrate and off we go" LePage says before turning back to his work. He does so in silence for a bit. "I don't mind the questions sir, I'm just letting you know I'm not as connected to my family as you might be"
Anewan takes a long moment to consider LePage then says, "Are the holodecks working? Have you spent anytime on the holodecks?"
"Sure, I even built a program in there and I'm considering another" The engineer replies. "They're certainly fun"
Anewan continues his look then says, "I am suggesting that even you may need some time off."
LePage looks away from his work and raises an eyebrow. "I'm not over working my shifts sir, I'm happy to sleep when it comes around. Besides, I only got back from medical sideline a couple of weeks ago" he says before returning to work
Anewan nods then says, "Well, since you are so well rested. I want a 20 laps around the control room."
LePage stops in his work, and doesn't move as though pondering if the order he's been given can be in any way serious. It doesn't take long for him to decide to heave himself up from where he is and put on his best masked voice. "Aye sir!". He takes leave of his work station and begins to fulfil the order given while dodging the componants strewn on the deck
Anewan watches LePage then laughs, "I was joking Lieutenant. Commanders can make jokes as much as T'Shaav makes it seem like we can't."
LePage masks his frustration as best as possible, along with his embarassment and returns to working on the drive
Anewan smiles but holds in another laugh, "Anything you think can be done better around here? Since we are effectively standed."
LePage keeps working as he thinks of an answer. "From what standpoint sir, Engineering?"
Anewan nods as he continues to monitor the console, "Yes. Engineering."
LePage thinks further on that. "No sir, I'd say we have our hands full with the most important project, getting home. I can't really bring a better solution to the table at the moment"
Anewan counters, "If things go the way I hope, we may just be out here a little longer after we get in touch with Starfleet."
"Sure. I'm just following what Commander Coil laid out for us, but once this gets fixed, we can stand to wait. Whatever command wants to make happen, I'll make happen" LePage replies
Anewan simply nods, "Well. Getting back to the Alpha Quadrant has more implications then we think."
"So I saw" LePage nods back, referring to his last big away mission
Anewan nods, "You haven't even been on the Phoenix yet have you?"
"No sir..." LePage says as he binds the last componant to the Crystaline Matrix and shuts the access panel before going over to the control panel the commander is at. "Time for calibration and I dare say she's almost done"
Anewan smiles as he monitors, "Compared to this ship, it is a marvel."
"So I've heard. Maybe I can finally get comfy and decorate my quarters instead of assuming it's only temporary" LePage says as he begins to calibrate the drive, various hums emitting from the giant machine, none of which he seems terribly worried about
Anewan nods then pivots, "You have met the people on the Ark? What are they like?"
"Simple, I suppose. That's out of a life of shelter and the knowledge of themselves being forgotten. They have an interesting concept of the private and public name. Telling them I am Gordon would be an offense. Rather, I would be Engineer" LePage replies, checking on his readings as he goes.
Anewan nods, "I did catch that in the reports."
LePage continues. "Outside of that... A simple kind. We met mostly farmers, and they're nice enough once you know them. They're weary of strangers though, damage of an isolated society. Their curiosity was just as strong however"
Anewan asks, "Are they the only ones on the ship? Are there other peoples?"
LePage enters more routines and the humming continues, growing louder. Several distinct frequencies emerge as they slowly begin to converge and harmonize. "They're a homogenous species, but they have a social class system. There are the ruling Proconsul and the lowly farmer and everything between"
Anewan adds, "But only on species on the vessel?"
"Appears to be that way, the humanoids at least. They have livestock and pets, doglike things. I was tackled by one" LePage recalls
Anewan nods, "Well, placing them will be a little easier I guess. Power struggles are never good."
LePage frowns "No, they aren't. It's getting bad over there, there were witchhunts and hangings when the sky malfunctioned"
Anewan nods, "We can only do so much," he pauses. "Are you going to need the Workbee to get things finished or no?"
"No, I'd already done the worst of the outside work earlier, unless something unforseen comes up..." LePage says, listening as those tones continue to shift and converge, getting closer and closer to one harmonic chord.
Anewan nods, "Make sure all of the auxilliary craft have no damage because we will be using them shortly."
LePage nods, adding it to his mental checklist. "Understood sir"
LePage furrows his brow as he continues to bring the drive closer and closer into sync with itself. "C'mon... almost there"
Anewan begins to head out, "I have only been watching. Carry on Lieutenant. You can have your choice of quarters on the Phoenix.
"Sorry sir, talking to the drive, not you. Also, thanks, but I'm fine with whatever is assigned. Don't need a whole lot... though it'd be nice to have room for building mock systems and test benches.." LePage says, keeping an ear to the drive
LePage's brow gets tighter as he shuts his eyes and continues to listen. "The second stage resonator is being difficult" he says before tapping in a sequence on the console, attempting to correct.
Anewan puts an isolinear chip in place as he heads out. "The sooner the better I am guessing."
"On getting to the Phoenix? Not particularly hurried, I have plenty of time apparently. On getting this fixed?" LePage struts up to the drive and regards it for a moment. "Just needs one swift kick in the rear" he states before doing exactly that.
[Damage Control Console: Damage Report: Slipstream Drive fully repaired]
The Drive's tones harmonize into one final, beautiful chord, as all the componants sync up. The console reports that it is fully repaired
Anewan stops at the door, "What was that?"
LePage replies. "Engineering, sir" he says, walking back to the panel and confirming his repairs to be sound.
Anewan seems a bit surprised, " I was here to witness it."
"The repair of the drive? Or my less than conventional engineering techniques?" The Engineer inquires, the smallest quirk of a grin on his face
Anewan nods, "The repair of the drive. Now we only have to worry about politics."
"Something I'll gladly leave to command sir" LePage concludes and continues making checks.