Carpathia IV: Episode 317 - Deputy Chief
Engineering, NCCS Shadowdancer-A
Once the lift doors opened on the engineering deck, it was only a short walk to the engines. First, Aire stepped out, followed by Ramei, looking considerably more presentable than he did just 20 minutes ago. Along the way, Aire imparted one last thing to him before they entered his new command station.
Aire: Ramei, Engineering is the second-most important command center on the ship. This entire area is yours and I will not interfere unless it's necessary. A command like this isn't something you can completely prepare for. You're going to make mistakes. What's important you and I keep our communications completely open. We solve problems together. If you need me or Commander Joust, call.
Ramei: Thank you, Captain.
Aire: And I'd like to meet with you once a day for an hour to answer any questions and clear up issues. We'll figure out the schedule for that later. For now, let's get you re-acquainted with your staff.
Aire tapped the door control and the giant double doors to Engineering rolled open. Inside, the crew scurried about their business, the usual cacophony of activity of keeping the engines at their best. Just before Aire announced "Attention!" Ramei stepped forward and beat him to it.
Ramei: Captain on deck!
Every officer, specialist, and spacehand immediately dropped what they were doing and rushed to the open area near the doors. In mere seconds, they were all in a neat line, facing Aire and Ramei, stiff and straight as lampposts.
Aire: At ease, everyone.
Everyone relaxed.
Aire: Right, well, we don't need to waste time with introductions. I simply come bearing good news. Commander Ramei Sokari is now full Chief Engineer. I expect that you will all be just as good of a team as you ever were under his leadership.
The crew applauded, all but Sylvar, who only had one functional hand.
Ramei: Thank you. Just one thing. Please don't call me "Chief." That is an honor I reserve for Chief Calloway. Refer to me as you would any other officer. Other than that, I don't know what else to say other than that I'll do my best.
Aire: You always do, Ramei. Everyone! As you were!
Some crew, with more pressing matters to attend, returned to their stations immediately. Others approached to shake Ramei's hand. Aire managed to catch Sylvar on his way to greet Ramei.
Aire: Sylvar. How's your arm?
Sylvar glanced down at his sling and wiggled his fingers.
Sylvar: Useless, for now, but Dr. Teagan is working on it. She says I'll be close to normal in another three weeks. I have another surgery in a couple of days.
Aire: I'm glad you're on the mend. You really saved our butts in that wormhole.
Sylvar: I'm just glad I made it in time. I didn't want to die either, you know.
Aire chuckled while Ramei approached.
Ramei: Hey, Sylvar. A quick chat while the Captain is here, as long as you don't have anything time-sensitive that you were working on.
Sylvar: Nothing that can't wait, Commander.
Ramei: Great. With the Captain's permission, I would like to offer you the position of Deputy Chief Engineer.
Sylvar's eyes widened while he glanced back and forth between Aire and Ramei. Mostly Aire, as though silently seeking some kind of affirmation that this request was okay. Aire said nothing, though tipped his head in Ramei's direction. The meaning was clear. It was his choice.
Sylvar: I... I don't know. I only just became a Master Chief Specialist yesterday.
Aire: It is technically a command-level rank, just not officer status. There have been MCS as deputy chief before. Not to worry. If you accept, we'll get you some extra training. We won't be throwing you straight into crazy town like we did with the Neputunus.
Sylvar lowered his head, holding his finger up to his lips. Only for a moment, however, before he gave his answer.
Sylvar: I'd say I'll think about it, but I already know I'm going to say yes. Might as well do it now, right?
With a nod, Aire pulled out his tablet and made notes.
Aire: More to schedule, but we'll have plenty of time. Ramei, there have been a lot of changes in Engineering, so your first task will be to establish the command structure. At least have something temporary together by the time we get to Nerada.
Ramei: Can do. I've already got ideas, but I want to run them by Sylvar first.
Aire: Looking forward to hearing what you did at our first meeting, then. It's all yours, Ramei.
Ramei: Thank you, Captain.
Deck 5, NCCS Shadowdancer-A
Deck 5 was much like the other decks in many ways. Systems in the area were not optimal, but functioning reasonably well. Further repair was still needed. Debris was mostly clear, but the carpets still needed a good vacuuming. Wall panels were back in place, but those too damaged to re-secure were missing, leaving periodic gaps along the walls. Though not a pretty picture, it was considerably better than it looked just a few days before.
Trex and Amenaru huddled around a panel in the hall, one that wasn't damaged, but now removed, and together they examined the inside, with Trex reaching in and pulling out one of the guns she and Shep stashed in there before the battle.
Trex: Shep and I stashed these in every tenth panel in corridors around the bridge and engineering. They turned out to be rather useful. I had to pull a few and I'm pretty sure Shep did too. I would like to keep these, but with a better way to stow them instead of just tossing them inside.
Amenaru nodded as she stuck inside the open service panel.
Amenaru: I would agree. Having guns stuck in the maintenance panels with nothing but magnets and sticky tape is a safety hazard, to put it mildly. We'll need to design secure holsters and a better way to fix them into position.
Trex: I'll take this down to the design and fabrication department to design something and send to you for approval.
Amenaru: Sounds good.
At that time, Baal emerged from a connecting corridor and suddenly came to a halt right in front of him. His face was ashen, with bags under his eyes and hair looking as though he'd just gotten out of bed. Quite a different picture compared to just a day before.
Trex: Baal! My goodness, you look terrible. Are you okay?
Baal let out a low grumble before answering.
Baal: I didn't sleep at all. The battle. The repairs. The funeral. The promotion ceremony... Last night was the first time in days I was just alone with my own thoughts. A year. A whole year away from home. And no way to communicate with Carpathia. I lost Phobos once and by a miracle, got him back. Now I feel like I'm losing him again.
Baal dissolved into tears as he finished up his last sentence.
Trex: Oh, you poor thing!
Trex descended on Baal, arms outstretched, and wrapped him in a cozy hug.
Amenaru: I didn't even think about it like that. I was preoccupied just like you were.
Baal: Honestly... I'm glad he's still there and not all the way out here. I just hope he's okay.
Trex: He's a tough little robot. He can take care of himself.
Baal: For sure, that's true.
Amenaru: Have you eaten yet? We can hit the canteen together.
Baal: I haven't eaten anything since lunch yesterday.
Trex: That settles it, then! Let's go now.
Trex sidled up to Baal again, wrapping her arm around his shoulders, and steered him toward the canteen while Amenaru followed.
Sick Bay, NCCS Shadowdancer-A
Evening fell upon sick bay and though there was no sunset outside, the lights dimmed all around to simulate the passing of the day. In one of the exam rooms, Sorchae was finishing her latest scan of Sylvar's shoulder.
Sorchae: Looking good. You're still on track for your next surgery. We're going to keep at it until all these little bits are in the form of a shoulder again.
Sylvar: I have no regrets. And I don't mean giving the bridge important information. With the vashta, no males or light-skinned females would ever take such a risk because they know they won't get any medical treatment.
Sorchae stepped back with a grimace on her face.
Sorchae: Everything I hear about the vashta is awful, but nothing more than their medical malpractice.
Sylvar: Sorry. I won't bring it up anymore.
Sorchae: Oh, don't worry about it. As for you, we're going to have to fabricate a new ball joint for you. Come in at 0900 tomorrow for some precision scans, okay?
Sylvar hopped off the exam table while Sorchae tapped Sylvar's new appointment into her tablet.
Sylvar: Right-o!
Sylvar left the exam room, leaving Sorchae alone.
Sorchae: Tamati, who's next?
Tamati poked his head in the door.
Tamati: That was the last appointment, Doctor.
Sorchae: Really? That's it?
Tamati: Waiting room is empty, Doctor. I've been helping clean up.
Sorchae stood still, momentarily shellshocked.
Sorchae: Well then. Looks like I'll actually have a chance to sleep in my quarters tonight. I haven't even been in there since before the battle. Tamati, tweak the schedule a bit to make sure as many people as possible get a good rest. I'll come help clean up before I turn in.
Tamati: Everyone will be pleased. I'll get right on it.
Sorchae joined Tamati outside of the exam room, marvelling at the first peace and quiet they've had in many days.
Commissioned art in this episode from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Colourbrand
Falke2009
