Ensign Meris - Through the Coolant Tank
Meris/Brian
(( Holodeck 3 - Deck 222 - DS 224 ))
oO It's so hot in here. Oo
Meris felt like they had lost ten kilos since stepping into the Jefferies Tube. They were trying to make their way to Main Engineering as part of a damage control drill. Ahead of them were Tho'Bi and Bancroft, while behind them was Lieutenant Storm.
They were pouring sweat from the heat of the nearby warp reactor, and it was only getting hotter. What had started as droplets of sweat on the inside of their helmet visor had quickly become a constant stream - so complete that they now looked through the sweat instead of around individual droplets.
When forward progress halted, the J'naii took a moment to lie down in the Jefferies Tube. They were confident that, if they were needed in the middle of the pack, someone would let them know. Suddenly, the speakers in their helmet crackled to life.
Storm: ::to Tho’Bi:: =/\= Any idea how much further, Ensign? =/\= ::to everyone:: =/\= I can imagine it’s getting harder to see with all the sweat. Let’s keep focused. =/\=
Instead of a clear transmission in return, the ensign's voice came back garbled.
Tho'Bi: ::to Storm:: =/\= There's a junction up ahead ::coms static:: -ake the ladder up one level to Eng- ::coms static:: -ation is affecting coms. Do y- ::coms static:: -nant? =/\=
Meris lifted themself off the deck. They were probably the smallest officer in the group - small enough to turn and look back at Storm as the Lieutenant tried to communicate with Tho'Bi. Through the visor, they could see the Betazoid was just as uncertain about the transmission as they were.
Storm: ::to Tho’Bi:: =/\= You’re breaking up a bit, Ensign, but I think I caught most of what you’re saying. We’re taking a ladder up one level. I trust you. I’m sure you know the best way to get into engineering. Remember we’re on the clock. =/\=
Tho'Bi: ::to Storm:: =/\= Copy Lieu- ::coms static:: -ving on =/\=
The group moved again but did not get far before Tho'Bi called out.
Tho'Bi: =/\= Hold up =/\=
Meris took advantage of their small size to turn toward Storm at the rear. The comms trouble seemed to be clinging to them.
oO Likely interference from the radiation. Oo
Tho'Bi: ::to Storm:: =/\= ::coms static:: -atch is fro- ::coms static:: -eat. The hatch is frozen. The coo- ::coms static:: leaked in- ::coms static:: -tion. Re- ::coms static:: coolant ::coms static:: into the junction. =/\=
Meris watched as Storm closed her eyes. The J'naii nodded to themself, understanding the frustration the Lieutenant was likely feeling. Reaching out, they pressed a gloved hand to the wall of the Jefferies Tube and felt the heat radiating through the suit.
Storm: =/\= I copy you, Lieutenant. Let’s see if we can find another way in. =/\=
Tho'Bi: =/\= Two meters back th- ::coms static:: vent system ::coms static:: -eat Emergency Coolant ::coms static:: access pan- ::coms static:: -lant chamber shou- ::coms static:: -ty. Repeat coolant cha- ::coms static:: empty. =/\=
Meris’ brow furrowed as they tried to make sense of the transmission.
Tho'Bi: =/\= At the ::coms static:: chamber there is a sec- ::coms static:: Engineering. Repe- ::coms static:: top of th- ::coms static:: second access pan- ::coms static:: directly to Engin- ::coms static:: =/\=
Tho'Bi: =/\= It’s a ti- ::coms static:: Meris could? Re- ::coms static:: -ight fit, but maybe Ensig- ::coms static:: Copy? =/\=
Storm tapped Meris on the ankle and pointed toward a sparking panel - likely the one Tho’Bi had mentioned.
Meris nodded. When Tho'Bi mentioned a vent system two meters back, the J'naii had begun looking for it. They figured Tho'Bi was 1.9 meters tall and Bancroft was 1.8 meters, so the panel had to be right around...
Meris: ::pushing on Roy's hip to move him aside:: =/\= I'm looking ::coms static:: ...looking for... ::coms static:: ...move Doctor! =/\=
Bancroft: Response.
They did not have to move the doctor far, and he quickly gave them room. The sparking panel read "Emergency Coolant Tank Access: Do Not Enter". Meris glanced to Storm for the go-ahead.
Storm: ::to Tho’Bi:: =/\= We’re ::coms static:: -king on - ::coms static:: -ly way through? ::coms static:: =/\=
Meris took a deep breath. If they understood Tho’Bi correctly, the plan was to remove the panel and access the tank beyond it. If the coolant had leaked out and frozen the hatch ahead, it should be safe. They loosened the panel slowly, expecting the hiss of coolant and a cloud of vapor, but when none came, they removed it fully and handed it to Storm. It was barely as wide as they were.
Meris: =/\= I'm ::coms static:: in. =/\=
Tho’Bi: Response.
Meris hoisted themself into the coolant tank. Their gloves protected them from the coolant residue as they climbed the ladder within the two-meter chamber. The air inside was cold enough that their sweat began to crystallize on their visor.
Storm: =/\= We ::coms static:: -d time upda- ::coms static:: =/\=
Meris: oO This is definitely not something they covered at the Academy. Oo
At the far end, they found the second panel that Tho'Bi had mentioned. They heaved the handle and, on their second attempt, it gave way, and Meris shoved the panel out. It clattered onto the deck beyond.
Storm: =/\= Is ther- ::coms static:: -ay around? =/\=
Meris: oO Where am I? Oo
Pulling themself through, they were surprised to find the Main Engineering blast door only meters away. They almost cursed - until they saw the inert warp core in the other direction. Main Engineering was empty.
Storm: =/\= Meris, we- ::coms static:: able to dis- ::coms static:: panel? Or did yo- ::coms static:: coolant vent- ::coms static::? =/\=
Collapsing onto the deck, the J'naii activated their combadge.
Meris: =/\= I'm ::coms static:: -ough. =/\=
Tho’Bi/Bancroft: Response.
Meris crossed Engineering, located a weapons locker, and pulled out a phaser. Returning to the frozen hatch, they leveled the beam at the ice, cutting through until it was clear.
Meris: =/\= You should be ::coms static:: more ice. =/\=
Storm/Tho’Bi/Bancroft: Response.
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Ensign Meris
Helm Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240207M14