Carpathia IV: Episode 200 - Fritz
NCCS Shadowdancer-A
For most, bridge duty is work time. For Aire, it's rather more like a teacher proctoring a test most of the time. Just making sure people were doing what they were supposed to be doing. The real captain work was done in the ready room. The bridge, more for observing, minor topics of ship's interest, and when actual missions are afoot. Today, all three, and Aire finished up an impromptu meeting with Joust before their arrival at the nebula.
Aire: One last thing. Amenaru has informed me that he would like to take the Command Officer Exam. You'll arrange that, Commander.
Joust: Sounds like fun! It's been awhile since I've done one of those. The proctor has a lot of leeway in putting it together, you know. As long as the standards are met, it will be all up to me!
Aire: Since I haven't had the pleasure of proctoring, I actually didn't know that. You must be excited.
Joust: In that case, Captain, I can let you join for the interesting parts. Maybe not the written tests. Not much to see there.
Aire: I would like that.
Teek: Captain, we're approaching the Sunstone Nebula.
Aire: Very well, Teek. Slow to induction. Bring us to 50,000 kilometers from the nebula border.
Teek: Understood, Captain. Slowing to induction.
Aire tapped at his armrest keypad.
Aire: Engineering, are we all set down there?
Minnie: We're set, Captain. We have the new collection tanks in a special compartment. Ramei and Quenya will be operating the collectors while Amenaru and Sylvar monitor containment.
Aire: Good. What is your opinion of the new collection tanks?
Minnie: They appear very robust. We should take small samples first for testing. I want to take all possible precautions to prevent any breaches like we had last time.
Aire: Let me know when you're ready for us to move in.
Minnie: Ten minutes, Captain, while we do final tests. Engineering out.
Aire closed communications on his armrest and turned his focus to bridge business.
Aire: Phobos, scan the nebula perimeter for a good spot to collect small samples of gasses.
Phobos: Yes, Captain. Initiating scans.
Nothing left to do but wait until Minnie called back. A good time to clear up any remaining ship's business before the start of the mission.
Aire: Commander, do you think that Baal might want to...
Before Aire could finish his thought, he heard distinct mumbling coming from Phobos.
Phobos: Mleh mleh. Look at me. I'm the Captain and I just strut around telling people what to do. Mleh mleh mleh.
Every head on the bridge swivelled to Phobos's console. So engrossed he was in the scans, he did not notice the stares. Aire wasn't sure what to think. Confused, irritated, concerned, and strangely amused all at the same time. Mostly concerned, once his brain got over the initial shock and put the pieces together. Phobos. Android. Recent cognitive issues. Could this be more of that?
Phobos: Do this, Phobos. Do that, Phobos. Mleh mleh mleh. Phobos has a calculation speed of 20 exaflops and a memory capacity of 300 petabytes. Let's assign the genius all the mundane work. Pbbtht.
Aire and Joust both turned at the same time and their eyes met. In an instant, a shared understanding took hold of both.
Aire: Phobos, why don't you go down to Engineering to see if Minnie needs any help. I'll get someone else to finish the scans.
Phobos: Bleh, fine. Let's see what mundane bullshit Chief Broomstick-up-her-ass has for Phobos!
A colorful rant, to be sure, but Phobos remained in his chair and did not seem to be keen on going anywhere.
Aire: Now, Ensign!
Finally, Phobos stood and marched to the lift.
Phobos: Alright, alright, I'm going. Get off my ass, why dontcha!
Phobos stomped into the lift and jabbed at the control panel, the doors closing signalling the end of the peculiar event, at least as far as the bridge was concerned.
Aire: Commander, follow him. Be discreet. Take notes on what you observe. I'll contact Minnie to delay the mission.
Joust: Right away, Captain!
Joust gave his wings a mighty flap and he soared from his chair. From there, he dive-bombed a hatch just behind the security console. With a flick of his wrist, he opened it and slipped gracefully inside like a rabbit entering its burrow. Very possible, Aire thought, that Joust would beat the lift down to the engineering deck. Aire tapped again at his armrest pad.
Aire: Bridge to Dr. Minnie.
Usually, there was an immediate response, but this one took several moments. When Minnie finally got on the comm, defeat was already in her voice.
Minnie: Oh no, what happened to him this time?
Aire: I'm not entirely sure. He just started getting mouthy, like he had no idea he was saying his inner thoughts out loud and almost entirely oblivious to his surroundings. We're going to have to delay the mission for a bit.
Minnie grumbled and although Aire couldn't see her face, he could well imagine that it was already contorted into scrunchy irritation.
Minnie: I see. I assume you'll be sending him down here.
Aire: He's already on his way, but he doesn't know why at this point. Joust is following him. He'll be able to tell you more when they get there.
Minnie: I take it he's not dangerous.
Aire: No, he's just being an asshole. I'll contact Dr. Leingod. We'll check him out. If it's not something we have to deal with immediately, we'll resume the mission and handle it after.
Minnie: I'll keep you informed. Engineering out.
Aire: Kit, get me Dr. Leingod and tell him it's about his son.
Kit: Yes, Captain.
Commissioned art in this episode from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Thatwildmary
Colourbrand
Falke2009
