LtCmdr Salkath - The Fruits of Our Labors
Salkath
Working together in an engineering alcove just off of Main Engineering, Salkath and Gnai were trying to get the stranded Galadoran back into a suit as soon as possible so it could once again effectively conduct its duties. Time and material were both at a premium, so scavenging was a priority.
Salkath: Excellent. I will reserve for you nearly exclusive use of the adjacent replicator, for the components that are too esoteric or specialized to procure elsewhere. For the basic mechanics of your suit, I intend to scavenge the environs, in order to save precious resources. In fact, I shall start now, but will remain within telepathic conversation range should you need me.
The engineer immediately turned off towards an isolation bulkhead that had been damaged by some errant drone or suppressive fire. Either way, the modular design of the portal meant that the entire assembly would be replaced... eventually. In the meantime, the portal was jammed open, and the actuators that normally powered it were disused. Salkath thought they would be suitable for powering the limbs on Gnai's new suit. He rolled up his sleeves in preparation for the dirty, greasy work ahead of him.
Gnai: ~ How best can I ::partial:: help? ~
The Vulcan looked back towards the holographic tank where his colleague was floating. He then glanced at the replicator pad beside it. No components made yet, he saw.
Salkath: Continue considering what components of your suit are impossible to collect, and feel free to start replicating at your discretion. We can modify or adjust whatever materials I scavenge to suit your replications. Conversely, if you notice any compelling salvageable materials, bring them to my attention.
Satisfied with the suggestions, Salkath surveyed the status of the servos. There were a quartet of undamaged and easily retrievable actuators, so he bent down to where the access panels beside the seized doors had been removed and got to work. It was going to take considerable effort to prize them out, again because of the modularity of the component, but worthwhile to attempt nonetheless.
Gnai: ~ Commander, there seems to be a good piece of material over there, where a crewman is repairing whatever console that is… ~
It indicated the direction with a tendril, lightly flashing with light. Salkath looked across the engineering bay and saw where it was pointing to. The referenced crewman had indeed discarded a functional sheet of rotoformed duranium - functional for their needs, if not for the needs of the console it had been removed from. He made a mental note of its location to retrieve when he was finished here.
Salkath: A suitable find, Ensign. Advantageous, even. That has myriad sheathing and structural support uses. More finds like that will suit our project greatly.
The first servo separated from its brackets with the liberal use of force. Self sealing stem bolts could be tricky to release, even with the proper tools. Salkath grunted as he applied force to the next one.
Gnai: ~ How did you… fare during Frontier Day? I ::partial:: was on the Kitty Hawk, and missed everything that happened here… ~
The grunting paused as Salkath rubbed his palm subconsciously for just a moment before continuing his efforts. It was as close to an admission of shame as he would make before others. When he spoke, it was quietly, hoping his mental transmission would still be adequate.
Salkath: I was... indisposed for the entirety of the events that transpired. I received what should have been a minor injury on the Borg cube, but shock incapacitated me. I awoke in sickbay on the Artemis after treatment, and after the worst of events had transpired.
Gnai: response
Could one mentally shrug? The Vulcan tried, and whether it was successful or not mattered little. The third servo was easier than the two before it, which was fortuitous, as the fourth was the worst of all and required redoubled efforts.
Salkath: My welfare was immaterial. I was sound and ready for the aftermath of Frontier Day, and that is as optimal as I could hope for. Now, when you are ready to describe to me the real reason for the loss of your suit, I would be amenable to hear it.
Gnai: response
As it recounted, Salkath gathered the four actuators and deposited them on the work bench he had set up near the alcove where Gnai was situated. Next was to retrieve the console cover noted before. Liberal use of both a plasma torch and a laser welder would yield much of the framework for Gnai's suit. In passing, he noticed that each actuator was etched with the Artemis' registry on it. He knew that many parts were so etched - the vagaries of space travel were suitably hazardous enough - so that even the smallest component could aid in the identification of a destroyed space frame. Fates forbid, but the truth of that was undeniable in the face of recent events.
Salkath: I surmise that there is more you would tell me, but I understand if it is uncomfortable to relate. oO As displayed with my reticence to expand on my perceived shortcoming before. Oo As soon as I start manipulating this duranium, it will be time to consider implementing internal control modules. How are your efforts in replicating those?