LtCmdr Salkath - ...A Self-Sealing Stem Bolt, Of Course

[Salkath]

((Main Engineering, Deck 15 - USS Artemis-A))

Every department on a starship had stationkeeping duties, even when docked at an installation with the general crew on shore leave. This usually meant half-shifts, at least for junior officers or newcomers. Lieutenant Commander Salkath fell into the latter category, and he was content to take his fair share of activities in lieu of recreational time. Curiosity might take him temporarily off the ship at some point, but his concept of recreation was malleable and could be conducted on the ship if necessary.

Today's make-work project involved verifying the diagnostic sensors on the warp reaction chamber assembly. These sensors were some of the most robust and reliable on the ship - after all, would not one want to ensure that the largest potential matter-antimatter bomb aboard was functioning optimally? The point being, though these sensors were rife with redundancies and checked periodically, there was no harm in conducting additional, in-depth checks when the core was in standby mode during stationkeeping. Therefore, Salkath took it upon himself to do just that.

In Main Engineering, the Vulcan found himself the only one taking his time to work thoroughly; most other engineers were either milling around killing time or rushing around to finish as soon as possible so they could commence their own recreational activities. Salkath frowned at them all equally, pausing that pastime only long enough to answer a hail.

Gnai: =/\= Commander Salkath? This is Ensign Gnai. Are you busy at this moment, sir? =/\=

Salkath: =/\= I am conducting unnecessary work right now. Efficiently and fully! ::this last was spoken loudly at a passing junior officer whose work was anything but:: Excuse me, Ensign. I am available if you require. =/\=

Gnai: =/\= Well. During the mission, there was an offer made to look at the suit. Is that offer still applicable, sir? =/\=

Salkath placed down his diagnostic scanner, contemplating the opportunity to turn his aimless attention towards more worthy tasks. This definitely qualified as a more worthy task, for a fellow officer he had an affinity towards.

Salkath: =/\= I am fully willing and able to honor that offer, Ensign. Immediately, if you prefer. =/\=

Gnai: =/\= Thank you, sir. Would a meeting in engineering be acceptable? =/\=

He considered the environs, and whether it was the most acceptable location for the task at hand or not. Salkath had to concede that he did not yet know where the most optimal location would be, so this was as good a starting spot as any. 

Salkath: =/\= It would. I am currently in Main Engineering, near the warp reactor. You may find me here. =/\=

Gnai: =/\= Good, will be there shortly. Thank you again, sir. =/\=

The comm circuit terminated, Salkath took the intervening time to swap out his tools for ones more appropriate for the new task of examining alien technology. To be fair, calling Gnai's suit 'alien' was unfair, perhaps 'unknown' was a more appropriate nomer. It certainly was not standard Starfleet issue, so the suit would require sleuthing by Salkath to be able to diagnose it properly, unless his scyphozoan colleague could provide more details. In due time, Gnai appeared in Main Engineering and steered its mechanical frame in his direction. 

Gnai: Sorry to keep you waiting, sir!

Salkath: ::with amicable dismissal:: Do not concern yourself, Ensign. The wait was negligible. I am honored that you still wish me to assist with your suit upkeep.

Gnai: response

Salkath spread his arms slightly, accompanying the entirety of Main Engineering - at least this floor of it, and limited to those parts readily visible. It really was an expansive area.

Salkath: We have anything and everything available at our disposal. These engineers ::trying to keep a tone of disapproval and disdain out of his voice:: are not accomplishing anything of note that cannot be displaced for our needs. I must confess, I am unsure of what exactly we may need...

Gnai: response

Salkath: Well, Galadoran literature within Starfleet databases on your containment suit is... lacking. Whether that is by choice or by design? ...

This probing method of eliciting information out of somebody was a relatively new and unfamiliar tactic for Salkath. It was part of his quest to be more considerate of the feelings and emotions of his colleagues. Years of more forthcoming statements had taught him that social decorum often ran counter to such efforts. After all, a statement such as "I cannot help you because of the obtuse privacy of you and your ilk", though technically correct, would not endear him to his audience.

Gnai: response

Salkath: If this is so, how have you maintained your suit throughout your Academy training and burgeoning career? Have you conducted repairs and maintenance yourself?

He had so many questions, all out of a desire to provide the most effective and thorough assistance he could. Salkath only hoped he wasn't being too aggressive in his questioning of the newly-minted officer.

Gnai: response

TAG/TBC

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

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