[Paradise-IV] SD 970319.06 - PL - Ens Cunningham, ENG

[Paradise-IV Logs]

[Housing Project Construction Site]

Max stood on a pile of rubble that was taller than the ones
around it, over looking the progress of the workers at clearing
the area. It had been slow going to say the least. Most of the
workers had no formal training on any of the heavy equipment, not
that they had that much of it to use in the first place, and
their lack of experience meant unwanted delays. They had been out
here three days and by his schedule they were already a day
behind and he hated to be behind.

"Ensign Cunningham?" Max could recognize the voice that called
out to him from the side as that of a Nathaniel Mathews, one of
the civilian workers they had hired.

"What can I do for you, Mister Mathews?"He asked, although Max
was almost certain he knew what the man was there for.

"Well Ensign, the fact is this job just isn't what I was
expecting... and well my cousin said he there was an opening in
the mine and the pay-" The Starfleet Officer cut the man off with
an upheld hand.

"Yes, of course Mister Mathews. You are free to go." The man
nodded and walked away as Max struck his name from the list on
his PADD.

"Another one quit?" Max glanced over to see Chief Petty Officer
Romanov walking his way.

"Yeah, second one today, fifth since we started." Max shook his
head, "I can't find any qualified help and the people I can get
to work for us either don't last or can't do more than the most
basic of tasks."

The Chief nodded understandingly. "What about asking Commander
Lox?"

"He can't help, his hands are just as tied as mine. Maybe more
so."

"Well, you'll find a way, Ensign. I have faith." The Chief's
words surprised Max who turned to face her.

"Oh, and what exactly have I done to inspire such confidence? Is
it boyish good looks or my witty charm?"

The Chief laughed and shook her head. "You're a Starfleet
Engineer, Ensign. Miracle working comes with the territory."
Before Max could respond two of the workers tripped and fell
trying to move some heavy debris, and the Chief ran over to give
them a good earful about following proper safety protocols. Max
just shook his head, doubting they even knew those protocols.
With a sigh he rechecked his schedule to make sure they were
still falling behind.

"Well, at least we're consistent in our failings." Shaking his
head he moved down the rubble pile to give a hand. If he could
not find more help he'd just have to work harder himself, and
he could not do that by just standing around and watching.

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Respectfully Submitted

Ensign Max Cunningham
Engineer

Paradise IV