LtCmdr Salkath (feat. NPCs Voor and Knzapp): Relieved of Duty

[Salkath]

((Computer Core, Deck 5 - USS Artemis))

The cavernous space surrounding the computer core amplified the sounds not normal for the environs. Labored breathing, grunts, the sounds of replication and repair tools used liberally - all at a volume distasteful to sensitive Vulcan ears. Technicians and junior engineering officers swarmed all about the core, especially on the upper level where the explosion damage was the greatest. Salkath worked apart from the crowds, conducting delicate repairs, while others milled about him in organized chaos. A loud clanging suddenly heralded the accidental dropping of yet another tool down the core shaft.

Voor: Sket!

Salkath looked up in irritation at two nearby Bolians, Ensign Knzapp and Crewman Voor. This was the third time Voor had dropped his tool, and the two looked surreptitiously at their superior officer with expressions of fear and embarrassment.

Knzapp: ::harried whisper:: I swear upon ocean and river, you'll have us tossed over the edge next! Go get your blasted spanner!

The junior Bolian rose quickly and hurried towards the lift down. The remaining ensign made eye contact with Salkath and offered an apologetic shrug. The Vulcan barely suppressed a sigh and studiously returned to his duties. A minute or two later, he heard the crewman return with his spanner and the two technicians murmured through their work. This was fine by Salkath, who continued to studiously ignore them until yet another clanging of a lost tool assaulted his ears.

Knzapp: Sket!

Salkath forcefully put down his initialization scanner and rose quickly. Whipping around on his heel, he stalked over to the two Bolians who cowered before him. The ensign, this time with the slippery grip, put out a protective arm before Crewman Voor.

Knzapp: Sir! My apologies! This was my fault this time! It's just that is so cursedly hot in here with environmental controls damaged, and we've been at this for over 12 hours, and we've missed second lunch -

Salkath silenced the pratter with one outstretched hand, while with his other hand he pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyes were screwed shut in fatigue, annoyance, frustration... But not at these two. These two were not the cause of his problems. These two were working above and beyond, as was everyone else in the room, in his department, on the ship. Salkath's difficulty in concentrating and suppressing his negative emotions were a red flag. If he couldn't handle the strain, with his experience and training, then who was he to demand anything more from those around him?

Salkath: Ensign Knzapp, Crewman Voor. You are relieved of duty.

The two Bolians looked at each other momentarily, then prostrated themselves before Salath in anguish.

Voor/Knzapp: ::speaking urgently over each other:: Sir, no! We'll do better! Please, I can't have any more disciplinary marks on my record! What can I do to make this up to you? Sir, we apologize -

Salkath: Stop!!  ::instant silence throughout the core at his outburst; the commander, taken aback, dropped his tone noticeably::  I have not made myself clear. You are on mandatory rest. Minimum twelve hours. Go, eat. Shower. Sleep. You have earned respite. ::pause, then softly:: Call your families. Do not take them for granted. 

The intent of his last phrase was not lost on the two subordinates. There were those on the ship who would not get that opportunity again. Families would not get that chance with former Artemis colleagues. This was evident in the gleam in their eyes, the gratitude that showed in their visages.

Salkath: Now leave before I reconsider my decision. No! No response required. Remember, no less than 12 hours. Begone.

He had interrupted them before they could presumably effusively thank him for his supposed largesse. Bolians as a whole were known to be annoyingly verbose, and despite his apparent charity, he could not extend it to enduring their nattering praise. Salkath watched the pair scurry off, while other technicians looked on with varying expressions. Doubtless, more than one of them wondered how many times they would have to throw their tools off the gangway before they too were allowed to rest. If so, the severe glare afforded all by the Vulcan in charge likely cleared their heads of any such thoughts. It would not do for the engineers of this ship to think Salkath was going soft on them.

That, however, did not stop the senior engineer from surreptitiously checking the duty times of the assembled technicians on a PADD. Mandatory rest periods were about to become more frequent.

END

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0