Commander Foster - Only a Rumor
Jamie LeBlanc
(( USS Aurora-A – Main Engineering ))
One thing that Wyn had immediately noticed about the Aurora was how clean and efficient everything was. Not just the layout – but how everything in the ship worked.
He had gotten used to the Intrepid class, the Galaxy class, and the Ambassador class – ships he had spent the vast majority of his Starfleet career on. Good ships, solid ships – time tested ships.
But the Rhode Island class? It took all of those lessons learned in exploration, battle, discovery, and day to day life out in the frontier of space and it distilled it into knowledge and applied that knowledge as upgrades.
There was a gentle music to the hum of the ship, something that Wyn’s antennae picked up. Even if he couldn’t explain the engineering of it, he could hear the difference in the most minute ways.
Foster: Of course we’re going to do a little stress testing. But moreover, we want everyone to feel comfortable working with the new ship. I’m sure it handles a bit differently than the Narendra… or the Maximum Thrusters.
Now the other thing he noticed was how well A’Mayri and Alok Munshi worked together. That was something he picked up far more naturally. And he was pleased that they had taken time over shore leave to bond and were working well together. That only made the entire ship better.
Munshi: That is putting it mildly, Commander. Trying to keep the MTF's jury-rigged propulsion systems from tearing themselves apart during covert runs felt more like emergency containment than actual piloting. Operating this vessel is going to feel like driving a luxury hover-car after spending time dodging space debris in an armored garbage scow.
Wyn tipped his antennae downwards, not disagreeing with that assessment. But he held a respect for the MTF after all they went through – it was technically his first command, an oh boy what a story that would be in a decade’s time. They had also pushed the ship far beyond anything it was designed to do, and the fact that it got though in one piece was a testament to the engineering which had gone into it.
However, Wyn was quite curious to see how the Aurora handled. He had some expectations, but he didn’t want to presume – he wanted to experience it.
A’Mayri: All pre-test documentation and log formatting will be submitted shortly to the station and your posting for final flight verifications and warp core start up past standby, sir,
Foster: Excellent. I am excited to see these engines in action!
Truth. Even better that he had a great crew with him.
Munshi: You and me both, sir. The warp signature on paper is breathtaking, but seeing it translate into actual subspace output is going to be the real test.
A’Mayri: ::Expression calm, hands neatly folded behind her:: My interests and investment are mutually aligned to the Lieutenant’s.
Which Wyn took as an extremely Vulcan way of saying ‘I’m following orders.’
Foster: Any other thoughts either of you have?
Munshi: Just one, Commander: when do we get to take this magnificent machine out of space dock and push her past warp nine?
Wyn checked the chronometer. He had to complete the walk through and then get to the bridge. Fortunately the Aurora didn’t have the miles of hallways to walk like a much larger ship might.
But there was something about Wyn’s respect for Starfleet and they job they were doing out here millions of miles away from their homeworlds, that made him follow protocol exactly/
Foster: Seeing as I’m on schedule, we’re due to launch in forty-eight minutes. Though I’m not going to be upset if you run some test flows. I don’t think we’re going to jump to maximum warp right out of the gate however.
Munshi: Pushing past standard parameters while still tethered to the space dock umbilical is asking for a localized containment flux, sir. I’d strongly recommend decoupling and clearing the immediate sector grid before we start dialing past warp threshold.
He chuckled at the deadpan delivery. He would have to get his Dad together with Lieutenant Munshi some time.
A’Mayri: ::turned her gaze to the main console:: The ship is ready to be fully independent and disconnected from shore power. Primary and secondary power are steady and at 100% capacity. Life support systems are fully online, and the warp core engine is keyed in to be removed off standby.
Foster: Excellent. Then begin the start up sequence, you’ll need the time to be fully ready for launch.
Munshi: Coordinates logged and ready, Commander. Whenever you give the word, Main Engineering is standing by to initiate launch sequence.
There was a pleasant humming, a feeling of rhythm and warmth to the engines as systems started to power up independent of spacedock.
A’Mayri: ::carefully straightening the edge of her sleeve:: I must comment sir, that I find the assignment of this ship to our operations department almost unexpected from my point of view—but that may very well be because I have only spent so much time stationed here so far. Do we often follow through with missions outside of the Starbase?
Wyn’s antennae tipped forward towards A’Mayri in a gesture of assent.
Foster: We do. For the rank and file assigned to StarBase 118, many spend their entire careers on the base. But as the senior staff it’s our role to keep StarBase 118 – and by extension the Trinity Sector – safe and prosperous. So we commit to finishing whatever we start.
Munshi: ?
A’Mayri: I see, yes sir. It was a welcomed surprise to see that even being assigned to a station, we are still able to be utilized elsewhere.
Foster: And I believe that the Aurora will do an excellent job in assisting us in our goals.
Munshi: ?
A’Maryi: Commander, Lieutanant. ::a small bow of her head to the both of them:: An honor to work for you and alongside you.
Foster: I can’t wait to get this ship moving. And I know our helm officers are equally excited.
Munshi/A’Mayri: ?
Foster: Well, if you believe the rumors and stories of the ‘Tales of Starfleet Past’ ::Said with gravitas, as if this was a collection of actual literature rather than the oral stories passed through generations of Starfleet officers:: Every new ship will be called to duty on its launch. But that’s merely a story.
And ships did get lucky to break the trend. Or maybe that was they were boring and broke the trend?
Wyn would admit he didn’t sign up for Starfleet to hide away on a research facility and do the same thing every day. Even if he could have made that work.
He liked the adventure.
Munshi/A’Mayri: ?
Foster: Either way, I’m sure we’ll handle it well!
Munshi/A’Mayri: ?
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tags/tbc
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OOC – I will break Wyn away to head to the bridge when the tag comes back to me
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Commander Shar’Wyn Foster
Commanding Officer
~Julian Beck
E239010ST0