LtCmdr Connor Dewitt - Tuesday
Tim
((Main Engineering, USS Khitomer))
Dewitt: ::in surprise:: Next week? That's ... Well, who's in charge then?
Sparks: ::brows furrowed in confusion:: Ain't nobody in charge Mister. We was told to just sit tight and do some regular old testing until told otherwise. ::shaking her hand:: You here telling us otherwise then?
Dewitt: Okay, Miss Sparks. For all I know, we're leaving within the hour. What's the status of the warp engine and the Khitomer's tactical systems?
The woman in front of Connor looked confused. Apparently, she had just become Connor's point of contact, which made her somewhat in charge. She tossed her hands up, nodded, and pointed behind her.
Sparks: Well, last time I checked it was up and runnin', if you look there you can see it. Can't miss it really, real shiny. Real hot too. I know it looks super purdy but you cannot roast weenies over it. ::her arms raised and made a cross:: Somethin' about messin' up the calibrations or somethin. Ain't no alarms goin', so that's usually a sign things are aaa-okaay. ::she gave two very confident thumbs up.::
Connor sighed. The situation was dire - someone had managed to steal their ship. But this Petty Officer did not seem to understand that. Connor felt the rage rising. How could a ship - even in space dock - have nobody responsible for its readiness. Petty Officer Sparks was quite a character, and Connor was almost sure that she made up with engineering skills what she might lack in protocol, but he had to calm himself to stay positive.
Dewitt: Okay, Miss Sparks, I am assuming command of this department for the time... ::sigh:: ...well, I guess until Tuesday.
Connor felt the heat calming down again as he looked over the engineering room. Things probably were not as dramatic as the appearance of Miss Sparks suggested. Everybody was occupied with something, and Connor just hoped it had to do with the readiness of this ship.
Dewitt: Let me try again: What's the status of the warp core and tactical systems? What's the maximum velocity we can keep up over three hours?
Sparks: Oh...I reckon you uh...want me to check again...um...Sir?
Connor started to make his way towards the console in the center of the room. His command codes were not worth anything on this ship. But without anybody taking command, the Khitomer would not go anywhere -especially if it came to combat and damage control scenarios.
Dewitt: That'd be great, Miss Sparks. Get the most experienced people from your crew on it - I'm going to need you to coordinate everything around here.
Sparks: Response
They arrived at the table, and Connor pressed a few buttons. The LCARS was far more advanced than what they had used on the Arrow, but using it still felt familiar. He pulled up the warp drive status panel and went over a couple of characteristic measurements. The Commander was impressed. Things looked exceptional. He raised his eyes from the screen to look at PO Sparks on the other side of the table. After all, you should not judge a book by its cover.
Dewitt: You seem to run a tight ship, Petty Officer.
Sparks: Response
Dewitt: Let's say I am impressed. ::tapping a few buttons:: You have a slipstream drive onboard, correct?
Sparks: Response
Dewitt: I see.. ::in thought::
Connor went over a couple more measurements and sensor logs. Of course, he could not guarantee any of these systems, but all maintenance work was conducted on time and by the book. Nolen would hate it - Connor loved it.
Dewitt: Okay, Miss Sparks - While we wait for the reports on both systems, you'll increase matter-antimatter flows by 20% and get us ready for departure.
Sparks: Response
Connor nodded and tapped his badge.
Dewitt: =/\= Dewitt to Hobart, I've arrived in engineering. =/\=
Hobart: =/\= Response =/\=
Dewitt: =/\= There's no officer down here, I took command for the time being - I hope that is in Captain Hayley's best interests. Engines are up and running - I am waiting for more precise reports on the warp systems and tactical systems. We're currently preparing everything for departure. =/\=
Hobart: =/\= Response =/\=
Dewitt: =/\= I have not yet been able to work on the how... Once I've coordinated down here and Ensign Senak has arrived, I am sure Miss Sparks is eager to help us with that. =/\=
Hobart/Sparks: =/\= Response =/\=
TAG/TBC
LtCmdr. Connor Dewitt
Chief Engineer
USS Khitomer
A239901CD3