"Observations and Irritants"
[Previous Post: was Sabrina's "Pirates"
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Stardate: 61036.1035
The group of officers was standing near the Ops Station as they continued to discuss what few options they seemed to have at this point.
The FCO turned to Ensign Elliott, "Excuse me Ensign, I noticed something of interest as we came through the atmosphere." He stated calmly.
The Chief of Operations turned to the tall Vulcan, quizzically he asked, "And what was that lieutenant?"
"It does not appear that our power loss was total and immediate, during our port stay I studied the flight controls of the ANUBIS. Were you aware that a redundant and obsolete system is still installed for emergency control? That system was what allowed me to bring the ship in as I did." Derek stated with total indifference.
Elliott looked at the half human waiting for him to continue, when he did not he had to prod him … "What system was that?" he asked.
In his stoic Vulcan voice the FCO went on barely aware that almost the whole bridge was listening to him. "Based on ancient Earth's early space program small battery fired chemical rockets were added next to the horizontal thrusters. It was thought they would add a viable backup to the thrusters… what they proved to be was a waste of effort, rather than remove them, a dockyard job, they were just ignored and left alone."
The Shillian scientist spoke up. "It was proven decades ago the inherent dangers of chemical rockets, they are unstable and prone to misfires. I fail to see how they can shed any light on our current difficulties." Unnoticed by most she tightened her grip on Pravat's hand.
Showing no frustration or exasperation at his explanation Stormwind continued, "The key is that they actually worked. I used them at the last minute to bring the nose of the ship up allowing us to land."
Ensign Thomas looked askance at the Vulcan, "So they worked, what is your point Lieutenant!"
"The point Ensign," Derek calmly answered, "The power to fire them came from a battery. What I noticed was, there was no power drain until I actually energized the circuit, at which point it drained almost immediately, but enough got through to fire the rockets. This leads me to believe that it may be possible that any non-energized power system may still have power, but only until it is attempted to be used."
The CEO looked at the Vulcan, "What are you suggesting? That it is possible to get off this planet?"
With a barely perceptible shake of his head which twitched his pony tail, the newly promoted lieutenant maintained his composure and answered. "No Ensign Norheim I only point out my observation, even if we could generate a reverse dampening field we would not have enough power for more than maybe running life support and /or communications. Something we will need to do, if the marines continue to use torches for light."
"I assume than Lieutenant," the red haired Captain said, with not a little disdain for her FCO at the moment, "That you have a ready made solution"
Everyone on the bridge gave a start as no one had seen the Captain and Uxtar return on board.
Derek turned slowly raising an eyebrow… "No Captain I do not, however logic and the design of the ship will allow the air to go bad very quickly in the lower decks."
Sabrina had begun to like the change in her FCO to the calmer and more controlled Vulcan, however his irritating Vulcan smugness was maddening. "And you have a recommendation to alleviate this minor problem… correct?"
For once since he had made his decision to regain the Path to Kolinhar, he was regretting having made it. The red haired woman's gaze was piercing; it was almost as if she could see into his mind.
Imperceptibly standing straighter, Derek pitched his voice carefully, aware that all eyes were currently on him, as he answered. "Captain… I suggest that the marines open and man all available hatches above water, with luck and some wind the lower decks will maintain an oxygen level sufficient to sustain life, the other option, move all crew to decks above water level."
"Noted Lieutenant, now let me fill you in on Lieutenant Uxtar's and my trip outside…"
Derek tried to listen carefully but his mind was elsewhere. He wondered about Ensign Mei, where she was, how she was, and if she was safe. As he watched the Captain giving her briefing he wondered if his decision had been the right one. He felt a very real need to talk to his sister.
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Lieutenant JG Derek Stormwind 2006 post #247
Setting: USS ANUBIS Bridge
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
