Copyright © 1997, 1998
Last updated on 1/21/98
Crew Quarters and Sickbay - 10:50
The small, black cube waits inertly near DaSilva's Bunk. At 10:49.50 one face glows into life:
10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... ACTIVATE
An explosion of sound fills the room, the incredible cacophony of Vargy moonhowls amplified enough to drown out the listener's own heartbeat. DaSilva wakens instantly and lunges for the mallet beside his bunk. In less than a second the head of the mallet rises and falls - then falls again, slamming into the cube.
With a rush of silence, peace descends on the room. DaSilva stands, poised for a third shot at the cube, then lets the mallet drop and rapidly dresses.
The door from the Chief Engineer's office opens, a dark skinned woman wearing a electric blue shirt, black cargo pants and utility vest emerges. The white braided hair sparkling with vibrant points of light is in sharp contrast to her coloring.
"'ello gang. If you haven't guessed, I'm Yolanda Munro. Good to have you here. Unfortunately, we've got our work cut out for us."
"Whamma ickee THOOMP," Morgan Grey says to no one in particular, standing up a little straighter. Morgan is a slightly chubby, shortish fellow with pale skin, short blonde hair and twinkling blue eyes, dressed in a rather badly-rumpled IISS tailored vacc suit. He nods to Munro with a wide grin. "Morgan Grey, ex-IISS, ma'am. General handyman, dogsbody and whipping boy, at your service."
Munro looks closely at Grey. "I suggest you get that cough looked at Mister Grey." She walks over to a panel and leans against it, looking over the assembled crew.
Dan Silvmane stands up, removing the headphones of a blaring portable stereo and clicking it off. He tucks a strand of long black hair out of his eyes, and says, "Dan Silvmane." He then pulls a gumban' out of a pocket and with one smooth motion binds his hair into a ponytail. His IISS vacc suit is faded but serviceable, with TroJan Reach duty patches on the sleeves. His dark eyes glitter in the lights.
"And I am Lord Aaron haut-Frieder, Mynheer Munro. Your most obedient servant." This comes from a tall, strikingly handsome man with a long mane of dirty blonde hair and a thick, carefully trimmed and waxed blonde mustache. He is wearing a Navy jumpsuit with the rank insignia removed, and he is leaning against a wall with arms folded. He follows his introduction with a swift, formal nod to Munro.
Munro smiles, nods and continues.
"The bad news is there are eight of us to do the work of forty. The good news is I've been informed that PATER can do alot of monitoring for us. That leaves us with doing the start ups, maneuvering, jumps and the dirty work of maintaining the equipment."
"All true, ma'am," Grey volunteers brightly. "With PATER on the job, things are gonna be a lot easier than I think you've been led to expect."
He grins at the others, as one might before demonstrating a fancy magic trick, and says in a slightly louder voice, "Damn! Here I am stuck on Deck 4, and the subsidiary L-Hyd flow system to Number Two Tokamak is all the way upstairs on Deck 1! Gosh, I sure wish I knew what the second derivative of the pipe pressure in Feed Sixteen was at the emergency choke valve position...."
_Zero point zero zero,_ PATER says. _Pressure is now steady, Mister Grey, as it has been since you fixed the flutter valve at that locale._
"Oh!" Grey looks surprised. "Why, *thank* you, PATER!" He grins.
_Not at all,_ PATER replies. _However, while I am sure the other Engineers appreciate the false puzzlement in your query, I do not. A simple request would have been quicker to process._
Grey's grin vanishes. Silvmane snickers loudly. Munro does not look amused.
"Unfortunately, during startup and jumps, we need a full crew. That means interrupted sleep for some and longer duty cycle for others. I'll try to arrange it so that we keep the sleep loss to a minimum. When we come out of jump-space, we'll get 10 minutes max warning. So be on your digits and expect a roust out of slumberland."
"Blah," Silvmane says to himself. "Blah, SIR," he hastily adds.
Munro covers her mouth briefly. Dropping her hand, she looks for specific people. Motioning towards a red-headed man, she comments "As to crew duties, I'm designating Mister MacLaeran as the specialist in gravitics." She scans the crowd, then gives up. "Load Master Merkle must be still busy with his duties. He will be our specialist in mechanics. If you want advice on engineering, Misters haut-Frieder, Hur'Shurvan and myself are good sources. Also me for electrical questions. We don't have any gurus in the computer category, but we can abscond with someone from the rest of the crew in an emergency. Mister Abuko comes to mind for this."
Doejin, floating near the back, pipes up through the translator, "I have extensive knowledge of sensor suites and related electronics. Your systems are still new to me but with the teams help, I am sure that I can assist. And if any person finds difficult problem, I am always looking to help solve problems."
Munro smiles her thanks then turns and finds haut-Frieder and Hur'Shurvan in the 'crowd'. "Misters haut-Frieder and Hur'Shurvan, you both do pretty good in the engineering department. I want you to be the 'Engineer Of the Watch' for your shifts. Any problems with this?"
"Kein problem, Mynheer Munro," Aaron says with a smile. "Just no sudden hunks of rock appearing from nowhere in midshift, if you please?"
Munro's braid hits her in the face as she does a double take at haut-Frieder. Hur'Shurvan, who is awfully easy to find in the crowd, says "I will gladly do my best to serve in that capacity, Ms. Munro."
"About the rock Mister haut-Fieder, I'll do what I can. Okay, people. We lift at zero hundred hours tonight. Any questions before we start getting to know each other while we warm this baby up?"
"Let's kick it," Silvmane says, putting the stereo back on.
Munro's smile grows larger at Silvmane's 'enthusiasm'. "Mister haut-Frieder, you and C-shift take a look at one of the faults in the Number Two Tokamak. Mister Hur'Shurvan, I'd like you and Mister MacLaeren take a look at the other fault. PATER has the details."
"I will attend to that right away," says Hur'Shurvan. "Hopefully it can be solved before I am called away to help fetch the Westwind."
He looks round the assembled engineers. "Mr. MacLaeren? I believe we are due to be teamed together. Shall we go?"
Munro calls after the departing crews. "Hey gang, try to grab some eats plus about four hours of sleep between now and 1800 hours. That's when the final preflight starts. Work out the details with your EOW."
Motioning to Doejin, Munro continues "You're with me, I'll get you started on a repair before I go to the command staff meeting." A swift flick of the head and whistle and click that isn't translated and Doejin comes floating forward ready to go.
On the gurney, Jan has had Dulinor set up coffee, tea, and whatever beverage that Aslan commonly drink along with breakfast rolls and meat. The patient holodisplay has been reconfigured to show the meeting agenda.
1. Medical Department Readiness A. Infrastructure Medbot orientation Low Berth-Virushi Configuration B. Supply C. Expert Systems D. Physicians Tasks Watch 2. Crew Readiness New Crew Physicals 3. Medical Threat Assessment Team Purpose 4. Cultural Seminars 5. Things I've forgotten and that you haven't
As the rest of the medical team wanders in Jan plunks onto a stool next to the holodisplay. The rest of the team pulls up nearby stools and chairs.
At 1058, Joachim Tabor staggers in, looking like he's just woken up. His face is a bit flushed and his hair is in disarray, making him look rather like a cross between a young Einstein and Christopher Lloyd. He stumbles over to the gurney, gets a cup of coffee, takes a sip. "Gah!" Tabor waves a hand in front of his burned mouth and wipes his chin with a napkin. Reaching behind him for a danish, he puts his hand directly into the pile of raw meat that had been set out for Aolrkhea'.
His expression is priceless. Very slowly, he withdraws the hand, a small bit of meat carefully retained between thumb and forefinger. He examines it narrowly, shrugs, and pops it into his mouth.
Wiping the blood off his hand, he looks around the room. "Good morning, Jan! All ready to hurtle through the cosmos yet again?"
"Doctor Aooowlerrkhhheeyyah? I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting; I'm Joachim Tabor. It'll be a pleasure to work with you."
Aolrkhea's eyeballs have rolled to the ceiling during Joachim Tabor's antics. Regaining composure, she smiles: "Likewise, I'm sure." (One canine)...
She adds, "If the Trokh "Aolrkhea'" is difficult to pronounce, then the Galanglic short form "'Khea" is acceptable."
"Doctors," DaSilva strides coolly into sickbay at 10:59 and 50 seconds, nodding in greeting, "I believe we've all met - all but yourself, Ms... Aolrkhea? I think I've seen you before, but I don't believe we've been introduced..."
Aolrkhea' nods politely, then Tabor breaks in before a reply, "Doctor DaSilva-- Nice to see you again. Is it true that you really VOLUNTEERED for this fool's errand?" Tabor grins, then self-consciously covers his mouth with a sidelong glance at 'Khea. "Whoops - don't show teeth. Sorry."
"Volunteered, doctor?" DaSilva shrugs mildly, "Hardly. I'm a professional." DaSilva shrugs and slips the tooled-leather satchel from his shoulder to pull up a stool.
Dr. Morton Limner arrives looking slightly out of breath. He is tall, medium build, slightly greying. He is wearing a nondescript jump suit with no insignia, but looks like he'd be more at home in a lab coat. With one exception he looks like your typical Professor, the kinda guy who stood up front and put you to sleep with a lecture about the asexual reproduction of fungus. The single exception is the well worn psi-helmet, worn with practiced ease. If you look closely (and, of course, now you will...) you'll notice that the Hand computer hanging from his belt has been extensivly (and expertly) modified to contain many more holocrystals than any standard unit. He introduces himself:
"Good morning. Sorry I'm a little late but I just hurried here after securing my craft. I'm Morton Limner, and I recently transfered into the Medical group from the Science group, where I think I was out classed." He chuckles slightly, "I'm a little rusty but I was a good surgeon before I started teaching." He pauses, seems to be ready to continue, pauses again, and then finally, sits down.
"'Morning, Morton. Glad to have you with us." Tabor says.
Yorblin then calls the meeting to order.
"As most have guessed or known, I'm Jan Yorblin, and by some arbitrary decision by the Captain, I am the Chief Medical Officer for this little venture. As for background, I've completed a residency in emergency medicine and a fellowship in critical care. Prior to joining the Alcyon, I was the intensivist at a small IISS facility.
"Okay, folks, let's get this thing out of the way, " Jan says waving his hand at the holodisplay," first off, Dr. 'Khea and I went through the diagnostic routines of all med equipment. Everything is intact and ready for function. Two things here: We have two medbots, Dulinor and Lucan. Don't blame me, the first CMO named them. Who here has not worked with a medbot {meek purr from Aolrkhea'}. Okay, schedule yourself with PATER for a tutorial, it's quick and painless."
"Dr. Khea has asked me about the feasibility of putting a Virushi in the Low Berth. I don't know that we can do that with our current config. Drs. Limner and Tabor, as our technical and Virushi experts could you cobble something up?"
"Allow me, sir." Tabor holds up a restraining hand to Limner, and flicks on his commdot. "PATER, voicemail to Turnskaad Down Port Medical Center, flag priority utmost. Gentlemen, the Elissa requires one cold-stasis triage/transport berth, config Virushi-Standard, in Staging Area Eleven, stat-stat. Bill the Front Office. Elissa out."
_Message sent, Doctor Tabor._
"Thank you, PATER. Inform Mister Merkle that the berth is to be brought up to Sickbay at his convenience; we'll figure out where to put it later." He smiles at Yorblin. "There are few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives. But corporate leverage works almost as well."
Dr. Limner seems lost in thought. If you watch his eyes move you can almost see him constructing a Low Berth from scratch. This continues until Tabor pipes up, ordering one. He then looks a little sheepish and is heard to mutter something about "...government reseach grants..."
"Gronk. Shoulda thought of the easy answer, forgot I was working for someone with an account, rather than the Imperium."
Dr. Jan Yorblin continues, "Supplies, no problems here. Dr 'Khea has reviewed the Aslan pharmacopeia and has got a translation program installed so we don't give the wrong drug to the wrong patient. Also, Dr. DaSilva, what is in that box?"
DaSilva shrugs mildly again, "Medical equipment. These days it's so hard to be sure you're properly equipped, I thought I'd bring along some portable equipment for field use."
"We have both Virushi and 'Phin expert systems online, in addition to the Aslan, Human, and Vargr. Can't vouch for the thoroughness of the 'Phin database though."
DaSilva nods, "It's sketchy, but Doejin is very similar to a Terran 'phin. I've had no problems treating him so far."
Limner asks, "Ummm... Might we get a text or two on Terran Cetacean Zoology? It might not be exact, but it should give us a point of departure. IN fact, I may have some in Igor." Noticing a couple of confused looks, he clarifies, "Igor is my Grav Bus. It's on board and accessable, and has some nice research equipment, as well as a small surgery which will be accessable. The fact that its isolateable from the main ship could be useful."
DaSilva glances at Limner with interest on hearing of the portable surgery.
Yorblin nods, "We have the key references on marine mammals, and I'm sure they'll come in handy. My concern is whether our expert system can handle any complex diseases that Doejin may develop. I just don't know how good it is coming out of the Tuvir system."
DaSilva speaks up, "It's sufficient, but I wouldn't say much more than that. Doejin is going to be a case of good old-fashioned skull-sweat."
"About our staffing. I have no doubt we have too many doctors on board! Dr. Tabor will cover medicine issues."
Tabor nods. Dr. Limner looks Shocked! Too Many Doctors? Impossible!
"Dr. DaSilva is our 'Phin expert, and also will cover surgery watches. Dr. 'Khea will be by default our Aslan expert and will cover surgery alternating with Dr. DaSilva. Dr. Limner will be tasked with preventative and environmental medicine problems, more on this in a bit. I'll be taking medical watch and doing command functions. Note that while we are all cleared for emergency surgery, I expect surgical consults on nonemergent cases. Ditto for medical problems.
"In the event of a mass casualty incident, I'll be acting as triage officer with Lucan. Drs DaSilva and 'Khea will take critical patients. Dr. Tabor and Dulinor will take the serious and walking wounded. Dr. Limner will handle decon and hazardous materials problems. More on this in your email shortly.
"Medical emergencies will be handled by the watch with back-up as necessary.
"Watch. 0800 to 1600 and 1600 to 2400 watches will be staffed in the sickbay, the 2400 to 0800 will be an on-call watch. The on-call watch will be staffed by the person on the 1600 to 2400 watch. Joachim, you've got the first watch, then Dr. 'Khea, Dr. Limner, Dr. DaSilva, and finally me. This schedule means plenty of free time once we're underway. Until then, we will be busy getting things ready to go."
Limner agrees, "Affirmative. I assume the robots can act as Aides? Or can they be considered Paramedicals?"
"The medbots can function as paramedical and surgical assistants. I don't have the actual specs for them committed to memory, but they're quite capable of doing most minor procedures."
Aolrkhea' is counting on her three thick fingers, eyes crossed at the top of her skull. Last time she converted time to Imperial was dishonorable. "Good, I am accustomed to a 36 hour cycle. There would be no problem if I stood watch every other ...day; even double duty then would not be strenuous. That is, unless there is any perceived disgrace?" She surveys the group through narrow eyeslits.
"Should there be?" Tabor seems puzzled. "I think we'll ALL be in Sickbay every day, for one reason or another; the issue here is on how often a physician is on call, not how long per day a physician works. There's no practical reason why the beeper should be in one person's hands more often than any other's...."
"Amongst those things that need to be done will be crew physicals. Dr. Tabor you'll be in charge of getting this done, but the physical can be done by whoever is on watch when the crewmember walks in."
"I'll set up a schedule right away," Tabor nods. "I can handle the humans and Mister Hur'Shurvan, and should probably look at the others just to refresh my memory, but I'd like to request that Doctor AAaowwwlllerrkhhheeeeyah be present when I examine the Aslan, Doctor DaSilva for Doejin, and if possible Christian van der Merwe on loan for the Captain's physical, unless someone on Medical staff is as comfortable with Vargr physiology as he is." Tabor pauses. "I should also mention, sir, that I do not consider Medical staff exempt from physicals."
DaSilva clears his throat, "Uhm... I'm familiar with nearly all of the crew from my work at Turnskaad. I like to get a sense of each new patient hands-on, so I'd appreciate if new crewmembers could be sent my way for a checkup, if possible."
"I'll see to it that you're able to assist on any physicals during my shift, Doctor," Tabor assures him.
"Dr. Limner, you're going to be heading a medical threat assessment team. Team may be a misnomer, you're it, but feel free to call on anyone in the department. After Captain 'Vouf approves it, you'll probably have access to security and physical sciences as well. Your job is broad, identify anything that may be hazardous to the crew. This includes simply things like industrial safety, but we also need to keep alert for medical threats like sabotage and disease."
"If it weren't for the last mission," Tabor says darkly, "I'd say you were over-reacting."
Aolrkhea' snorts in agreement over the dishonors involved. A head nod and grimace is then quickly added for those who read body language.
Limner says, "Ummmmmm. OK. Let me discuss the operative parameters for this, and the potential enforcement issue. I have a few ideas for the more exotic problems, and..." (he looks quite grim for the moment) "I DON'T intend to get caught like...(pause) well, like we did on the Alycon..." His face suddenly takes on a look that is at once sad and very determined. "Starting right now, ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please report it too me, no matter how innocuous."
"Yes, I concur, everything that may be suspicious and falls under the auspices of the medical department should be forwarded to Dr. Limner. Last thing I need to bring up is an idea of Dr. 'Khea's. While I heartily endorse, I'll let Dr. 'Khea brief us on the idea."
Aolrkhea' steps forward. "First, I must re-iterate Dr. Yorblin's suggestion of a Continuing Education series for the medical team. There are several features of Aslan physiology and psychology that must be addressed even before first aid. I will record a brief for everyone as soon as all pressing matters are resolved. Hopefully, we all can share and expand our experiences. Knowledge is, fundamentally, why we journey together."
"This is a common thread amongst the crew: a sophontologist might succinctly describe one psychological profile of us as Aliens interested in Aliens."
"Now, I propose that the entire crew be invited to a discussion seminar, exchanging our scientific views on the Hoop to learn our interests and strengths. This informal series of information exchange would be a bonding point for such a diverse group - very important in the high tension situation we are placing ourselves."
"My initial suggestion would be to ask Captain Bhyarrvouf to spearhead the discussion with his plans and assumptions. We must of course be respectful of his position and not question his decisions, but to learn from him. The second speaker should be Doejin describing life as he knew it at the Hoop. This is one of many reasons why the water hole should be our meeting place. The time of meeting is a command decision based on our operational situation."
"Contemplate and build upon my suggestion." Aolrkhea' pops a Tastee-Cake into her mouth.
"The concept of ASKING the Captain to speak at length on ANY subject," Tabor mutters under his breath, "Boggles my mind."
DaSilva nods, then adds, "You know, I've always wondered what exactly 'boggle' means."
Aolrkhea' absorbs the commentary while attempting to daintily eat the raw, bloody meat with a fork.
Yorblin continues, "I agree with your choices for the first two speakers. Our knowledge of the hoop is largely conjecture, even with Doejin onboard. I would suggest, however, that our topics might want to range beyond just the Hoop to cover ideas that are unique to our cultures."
Tabor leans over to Aolrkhea' and whispers, "Use your claws, no one will mind. Really."
Surrendering to sensibility, Aolrkhea apologizes and wolfs down the slab. "I shall note the interests of the crew toward future topics. 'Play it by ear?' shall we say?"
"Okay, anything else we need to discuss?"
"I seem to be the only one who didn't move in with a huge pile of gear," Tabor shrugs. "If people don't mind, I'll clear off a prep table right now, borrow DaSilva, and set up shop in the back out of people's way. No reason why we shouldn't get as many physicals out of the way as we can right now."
As the meeting seems to be breaking up Morton Limner breaks in, "Ahem..Pardon me, but while I have you all still here, I'd like to invite each of you, perhaps one at a time while off duty, for a tour of Igor. I think it's good if you all know how to use it's capabilities, in case they should be needed. Perhaps we can start shortly after jump. Any one interested, see me. Thank you."
Everyone responds favorably.
Tabor says, "Medical All-call, please, PATER...."
<< Ahem. All ha-- is this thing on? Oh, yes it is. Sorry. Let's start again. Ahem. All hands, this is Doctor Tabor in Medical. Please report to Sickbay at your convenience at any time between now and liftoff for routine physicals; the door is open, and we have a courteous and efficient staff to assist you. I would estimate that no physical should take more than ten minutes, unless there are specific questions we need to ask you, OR that you feel you would like to ask us. That's all. Oh, by the way, no exceptions. Thank you for listening. I guess that's all, Pater-- >> *CLICK*
Jan is sipping his tea as Joachim makes the announcement. "I really only wanted to do physicals on the new crewmembers, the old ones still have valid physicals on file...unless you're thinking about something that I haven't?"
Tabor drools idiotically and makes greasy pawing motions on his white lab coat. "I *like* doing physicals," he simpers. "Especially when they turn their heads and cough....hee hee snrk cough hack snrk...."
"PATER, please establish a com link to Doctor Tabor. Doctor? This is Munro, Chief Engineer. I regret to inform you that the engineering crew will be unable to comply with your request for physicals before lift off. They will have time between lift and jump."
Tabor's voice on the link is frosty. << Madame, I regret to inform you that liftoff will not commence before I have physicals on file for all new crew members not previously aboard the Alcyon or Trakh. That means Mister Merkle, Mister MacLaeran, and YOU, Madame. I will NOT have this mission delayed or aborted because some idiot tried to sneak aboard with a medical condition requiring removal from the crew. I require only ten minutes per person, and will be as quick and efficient as possible. >>
"Very well, DOCTOR Tabor. It's good to discover only three of the engineering staff have to be taken off of priority repairs necessary to lift so that they can trek to your little domain and have you poke and prod them. Munro OUT".
Hitting the off switch is just not as satisfying as slamming a door or putting a pre-imperial Solomani communications device back in its cradle, but it cools the temper.
*Bloody, damn paper pushers!* Munro sighs and winces. *What a great way to get started with the medical staff*.
"PATER. Voice mail to Merkle and MacLaeran. 'Angus and Boris. Medical has informed me you two need to have physicals before we can lift. If you can't find the time before preflight - let me know. Munro.' Voice mail ends."
Limber and relaxed (following his dip in the pool), with the "sway back in his swagger" ( as Merkle's dad would say it), the Loadmaster makes his way to his cabin, dresses and heads to the Mess.
Making sure that Doejin's progressing well with the repair, or sending him off to help Hur'Shurvan and MacLaeran, Munro leaves Engineering.
Since its technically B-shift time, she designates Hur'Shurvan as EOW.
In the Mess, Merkle browses the hot foods selection. A large hand reachs up and with the ends of long thick fingers, gives the short cropped, greying hair a rub/scratch.
Merkle turns away from his meal choices when he hears the mess door slide open.
When he looks at Munro, it's from dark eyes and unflinching gaze, as Merkle is looking forward to some quiet during this meeting.
He stands noticably straighter, recognizing the dark skinned woman he saw outside by her hair. Under the brilliant light, the random sparkles he saw before are more pronounced.
She walks toward him, extending her hand.
"Mister Merkle? I'm Munro. Good to see you."
At 5'10", 175 pounds, Boris Merkle has a compact and solid appearance, little body fat but not over muscled. He is dressed in a conservative style of loose cloth trousers and tunic, in dark brown. On his belt, a handcomp slung left, a short straight knife sheathed right.
Merkle cracks open a friendly grin, drawing attention to the collar of his tunic where an angry looking scar disappears under the cloth. He offers his hand.
"Let me grab a sandwich and a cup of tea and I'll be right with you."
She heads over to the food processor and makes a sandwich, fills a cup with tea (no sugar) and returns to a table.
Merkle selects a hot meaty dish for his lunch, and a cup of hot black coffee.
Munro asks "How's loading coming?"......
"Heh! Actually going much better than I expected. All the paperwork is on file. With Bridge approval the final load will begin at noon. I saw your shifting post, Chief. My apologies for missing the meeting."
He digs into his meal, carefully watching the 'Chief's' reaction.
Munro looks hungry. She tackles the sandwich like its going to run away if she puts it down. She responds around a mouthful.
"No problem. It's difficult for you to fill two sets of shoes at the same time. With regards to engineering, you're on A-Shift, 0000-0800 hours with me and Doejin. During lift and jump it'll get hectic. We'll need every hand so everyone will be on duty and taking short naps breaks. Lift is at midnight tonight so try to get four hours sleep before pre-flight check at 1600 hours."
"The load should be done, 1400 hours latest, and I had a good night's sleep last night. Aside from herding activities in the hold, and serving hard time in the drive chamber, I'll have some free time. How would you like me to fill it?
Merkle raises his mug, gesturing 'Cheers!'. Munro hoists her tea in reply, the sandwich disappearing at a rapid rate.
"Since you're so good with mechanical devices, I've designated you our expert in Mechanics. If people have a question in that area, they're to come to you. Likewise, Gravitics is MacLaeran's domain, while Engineering is mine with haut-Frieder and Hur'shurvan running a close second. Electronics is mine and Doejin's. Met the Phin yet?"
"No, but I was in his bathtub for over half an hour this morning... I expected to see him, actually. I didn't think he was mobile enough to get around. What's his disposition?", Boris inquires.
The last two bites of sandwich are ready to be devoured.
"Friendly. He might need some more help retro-fitting some water-proof waldos to his sky suit. I'll leave that to you and him."
Munro sighs. "Wish I had time for a swim. Maybe in a couple of days."
Merkle repsonds, "I can let you know when I go. I've always found that exercise for recreation or for fitness, goes smoothly with company."
She sits back, at ease, with the contented look of a cat just fed. Looking at Merkle, she takes a sip of tea.
"So, who have you met so far? Any first impressions?"
"Lemme see....well the Captain of course, and you," Boris smiles, "Adrian Bishop, Johann Abuko, Count Ger, Dr. Limner, and I *think* Crew Chief Aiwi, although I'm not sure about Aiwi...it *was* an Aslan of ferocious demeanor who promised to return to inspect my work."
"As for impressions, well, I don't know that it really matters *what* I think. I can get along pretty much with anyone."
"The Captain seems to be an okay kinda of guy. He's pretty much left me alone to do my job. He's not predictable, which is good. I've worked with people who are so damn predictable, you could tell to the minute where they were gonna screwup...makes me edgy, waiting for the other boot to fall."
Merkle shifts uncomfortably in his seat, as he remembers other employers.
"Bishop seemed friendly, but with a kinda cool distance. Dr. Limner fit in to the distracted scientist I expected, but Abuko was really relaxed which I didn 't expect from a scientist. As for Ger....a bit outlandish in dress, but he likes chocolate, so he can't be all *that* bad!"
"And then there is you, Chief and we've only just met."
"I hope this isn't too indelicate, but I have to say your 'colouring' makes you are one of the more attractive women I have met. But I'm not familiar with it...."
Boris blushes slightly, obviously not comfortable with personal comments, yet unable to blunt his interest.
Startled, Munro looks up from her tea, a variety of emotions dancing across her face. Puzzlement, comprehension, embarassement, concern, and shy amusement do a fox trot. Finally, she answers Merkle.
"My father says the white hair usually indicates a non-traditional personality and can be traced back to before the 'Good Luck and Good Riddance' colonialization movement of old Terra. The green eyes I got from my mother. My brothers got the red hair."
Munro looks contemplative. She shakes her head a little as if to dispel the images. She smiles a smile tinged with sadness, her mind obviously not completely on the here and now.
"Thanks for the complement, Boris. I've kind of gotten use to my appearance."
Her wrist comp takes this moment to chime. Eyes finally refocusing, she glances at it and sighs.
"Time for the staff meeting. See you later. Remember - preflight at 1600 hours tonight."
With that, Munro is out the door, a 5' 4" recharged humanti dynamo, leaving Merkle staring into the remainder of his meal, suddenly without appetite, and wondering why he ever opens his big mouth.
Boris disposes of his dishes and utensils, and heads to the Deck 4 hold area.
"PATER, please notify the bridge that we have started the Final Load."
The next two hours are very busy for the Loadmaster.
Anyone passing through the holds (and with the right appreciation) is treated to a cargo loading operation that appears at one moment, a well planned assault on a piece of territory, the next moment a graceful ballet.
In the midst of running Turnskaad flunkies, Boris Merkle stands with only a handcomp, barking orders, pointing directions, supervising tie downs. >From time to time, the authority cracks open as Merkle and one of the labourers break into laughter over some shared joke, other times Merkle is seen ensconced in the belly of an Exo-Loader, wrangling containers in one hold or delicately nudging into place, one of the large grav-modules that carry the mission's sensitive VLA satellites, in another hold.
Doctor Werner is finally satisfied with the holotank simulation software. With a smug smile, he removes his data headset and deactivates the holotank. A complex, multi-vector aerial view of Turnskaad base staging area 11 winks out of existance.
_Doctor Werner?_ calls PATER. _There is an incoming message for you from doctor Morser, voice only._
"Oh?" Werner looks up, puzzled. Morser is a dedicated, if some- what naive, member of the scientific community and this tardiness is unlike him. "Play it for me now."
Karl Morser's voice fills the room. He sounds VERY harried. << Manfred, please zee to ze loadink of ze Zcientific eqvipment unt zpeak to Command in mein place until I arrrive. Zere are zome laszt-minute prrroblemz I muzt attend to. Ach, unt don't vorry about makink excuzez to ze Captain-- he knows vhere I am. Morzer out. >>
"Verdamnt!" mutters Werner. "PATER, what time is the captain's command staff meeting?"
_The command meeting began two minutes ago._ replies PATER. He then asks, _Shall I advise the captain that you will be attending in place of doctor Morser?_, but the room is already empty.
At exactly 1200, Bhyarrvouf strides into the Conference Room. "This meeting is a pure formality," he says crisply. "Most of you know each other, and I merely wished to introduce our Chief Engineer to the other Division Heads...."
He indicates Munro to the others in the room. "Chief Engineer Yolanda Munro, allow me to introduce Commander Akhouw and Crew Chief Aiwi, the Executive Officers. Refer to Akhouw for matters of procedure in the carrying out of the ship's mission, and to Aiwi for matters of personnel and material resources. This is Jan Yorblin, the Chief Medical Officer, and Major Lester Farouk, our Chief of Security. Herr Doktor Karl Morser, our Science Chief, is not yet aboard."
As introductions are made, Akhouw is drinking an Aslan-sized mug of khofakau, analogous to coffee, but this beverage, should any human be foolish enough to sample its pleasantly fragrant contents, would likely induce heart palpitations. He quietly sets the mug on the table after a particularly long draught.
He looks around the room. "Reports, gentlemen?"
There is a moment's silence, then Akhouw, with a nod from the Captain, begins.
Akhouw sits up very straight in his chair and adopts an even and formal tone of voice. "Sir. All Bridge crew have reported aboard. Full diagnostic routines have been run on all Bridge, gunnery, and screens systems. Two serious faults have been detected: a level 1 fault in missile turret number eight and a level 2 fault in navigation firmware." He glances at Aiwi and Munro. "Repairs are currently underway for both systems. Various other minor faults have been scheduled for maintenance."
He pauses to clear his throat, a harsh rumbling noise that tends to unnerve many people. "Crew Chief Aiwi and I have begun to develop duty rosters for special and emergency situations. All command crew and division heads will receive a copy as soon as they are completed."
"Excellent," 'Vouf nods. "Anything to add, Crew Chief?"
"Sir. The Level Two fault in Navigation has been corrected," Aiwi says softly. "Calculations for Jump are proceeding apace. I shall be able to leave them for a short period to see to other matters around the ship, outside the purview of the Bridge." She nods decorously to Akhouw. "Shift schedules for the Bridge crew have been drawn up in accordance with your suggestions, and will be posted at the Bridge Division Meeting in two hours. That is all."
"Good, good. Keep me informed." 'Vouf turns to Munro. "Engineering?"
When it comes time to do a status report, Munro's report is short. "The engineering crew is in the process of correcting the known major faults. Depending on the time from lift to jump, some of the minor problems may be put off till we've transitioned. As previously indicated, engineering is shooting for a 2200 lift. That's about it."
"With the extra fourteen hours we've just gotten until Jump," 'Vouf says, "I should think your people will have no trouble at all wiping the slate clean, Mister Munro. A good start, thank you. Security?"
When the reports work around the room to Lazer, he nods. "Sir. My men have all reported. Kor and Berana are getting started with the bug sweep. No progress to report yet. Weapons are gradually being turned in to Security--I intend to start hassling the laggards shortly. That's about it-- any questions?"
"None at this time," 'Vouf says. With a faint smile, he says, "I assume I'm one of the aforementioned laggards; I'll see to it after the meeting. Medical?"
Jan reports when his turn comes.
"Captain 'Vouf, the medical department infrastructure is intact, all medical supplies, including expert systems and medications for our non-humaniti crew, are onboard, and the medical staff has held our first meeting and a watchbill has been sent to the XO for approval.
"The overall medical readiness of the crew is good, although we need to examine our new crewmembers and ensure their physical state, immunization status, etcetera.
"From the medical staff meeting, two issues need to be passed on here...." He is interrupted, briefly, as Dr. Werner slips into the room as quietly as possible, and seats himself in what would have been Morser's chair without a word. As Jan resumes his report, he works furiously but quietly on his handcomp.
"Of particular note to the crew as a whole, Dr. 'Khea has proposed a daily seminar series for exchange of ideas and to enhance relations between races _and_ Departments. With your approval Captain, Dr. 'Khea would be more than willing to take the lead on this.
"Please proceed with my blessings," 'Vouf says with a smile. "We may not find anything where we're going, but the more we understand of one another, the better for all of us this mission shall become."
Jan nods and continues. "Of interest to command and security, we established a medical threat team. On the Alcyon we lacked someone to keep an eye on preventative medical issues, including infectious disease, sabotage involving biologicals or pharmaceuticals, and issues that arise if the hoop is recontacted. Dr. Limner will be heading this task. I feel he has the diverse background necessary to tackle this.
"Finally, we need support from the other department heads to have their new crew report to sickbay for routine physicals. I'll e-mail you all a list of the folks within your departments.
"Thanks in advance for your support."
"Not at all," 'Vouf nods. "You should make it clear that people from The Alcyon and Trakh may consider the exams optional; I think Joachim is a bit overeager to play country doctor again." He smiles. "Thank you, Jan. And now, an unexpected arrival; I believe everyone here except perhaps Chief Engineer Munro knows Doctor Manfred Werner of the Science Division. Doctor....?"
"My apologies for the late arrival. I only just a few minutes ago was informed that doctor Morser would be unable to attend."
Collecting his thoughts, and scrolling his hastily written report back on his 'comp, Werner addresses the room.
"With the exception of doctor Morser and doctor Smythe, all the members of the science team are aboard. I have done a quick inventory of the mission equipment and found that all items are aboard, with one notable exception.
"We ordered exploration probes to replace those shipped on the Alcyon, and none have arrived yet. I will check into this as soon as this meeting ends. Also, doctor Smythe has advised the science team that he is including a VLA remote drone package, and two service pods, in his portion of the scientific equipment. They also have not arrived.
_If I may interrupt, Doctor Werner,_ PATER interjects, _Air/Space Traffic Control reports the arrival of a Pinnace from the orbiting Laboratory Ship "Viggen", registered to Doctor Ostyn Smythe of the University of Warinir. The pinnace should be landing at the Staging Area in three to four minutes._
Werner notes this information with a nod. "Good. Have Doctor Smythe report to me at once." He turns back to the meeting. "All data collected from the Alcyon and Trakh are stored aboard and available for further analysis during the next two weeks. There are no other components or data packages missing from the list specified by the team, except one, and I believe Doctor Morser is working on that even as we speak.
"That covers the science team, captain." Werner concludes. "I believe we are ready to embark."
"Topnotch work, Doctor, especially on such short notice," 'Vouf says approvingly. He looks around the room. "Excellent performance all around, and the first of many such reports, I hope. My friends, I have no idea what, if anything, we'll find out there, but at least this time I step forward into the void with the assurance of the best possible crew behind me. You all have my heartfelt thanks."
"This meeting is adjourned. To your tasks!"
The meeting disperses quickly and quietly.
At 1145, Smythe initiates re-entry burn (an anachronistic term, he thinks) and heads for Pad 11. , Smythe picks an empty spot and settles the Thor into a wobbly landing.
As the Elissa looms in view, Smythe calls the Elissa, "Elissa, this is Dr. Smythe onboard the pinnace, ISS Thor. Where do you want it?."
Armory 12:20
As the Command meeting adjourns, Jan stands up to return to his cabin in the sickbay.
There, he unpacks the few belongings from his single duffle. A couple of changes of clothing, a few holocrystals, and an assortment of personal medical equipment, a trauma vest, electronic stethoscope, a data monocle. He pulls out a padded case. Opening it, inside is a standard IISS gauss pistol.
"Might as well set a good example for the rest of the department. << PATER, route this to all med department, anyone who has sidearms or for that matter longarms, they need to be secured, preferably in the armoury. I'm being a good lad and marching down there now, rather than have Lazer frog march me down there later. >>
Jan slides through the sickbay down to security.
"One gauss pistol, in case, protective, serial #IS9-10-SM-3421098 presented for storage, if you please," Jan says with a smile to whomever is waiting to take it.
Sickbay - 12:30
The doors to sickbay open, and a dark skinned woman with white hair comes hurrying in. To the first person she sees, she announces,
"I'm Munro. I'm suppose to have a medical. Where do I go?"
The first person she sees is a florid-faced man in a long white coat with a thick mop of unruly brown hair. He's barely taller than Munro, and considerably chubbier. When he sees her, his eyes light up gleefully. "Turn your head and cough," he says with an obviously staged maniacal cackle, and pantomimes pulling on a stretch rubber glove, including "Snap!" as he lets go with the other hand.
His expression then softens, and his eyes twinkle merrily as he extends a hand. "Joachim Tabor, Medical. Thank you for setting a good example for your staff-- it really does mean a lot." He grins. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to retrieve my stethoscope from the freezer. In the meantime, you can just hop up here and sit on the examining table and remove your shirt, Madame. The undergarments can remain in place."
Munro rolls her eyes to the ceiling, imploring all the deities in the universe to prevent murder. Her smile is there in response to Tabor's, but a little strained.
"Doctor, I've got command from the Captain to make sure everything is fixed in engineering before Jump if not sooner and an Aslan breathing down my neck to fix his toys. You said this would take ten minutes. I'd appreciate it if it took less."
She removes her vest, shirt and cargo pants folding them swiftly and neatly on the end of the table. Clad only in panties, she seats herself on the table, legs swinging like a little child.
"Aslan br--oh, AKHOUW!" Tabor chuckles as he wheels a small tray covered with instruments over to the table and flicks a privacy curtain around the area to block the view from the door. "He's just a big tabby cat, as I'm given to understand. Nothing to worry about there, nothing at all. And as for the Captain, well, he's an Engineer, so I wuldn't imagine he'd set a schedule that couldn't be met. Breathe. And again. And again. And again. Excellent."
Quickly and efficiently, Tabor works his way from heart and lungs to eyes, ears, mouth, nose, throat, joints, skin tone, and reflexes. He runs a couple of full-body scans and takes skin and blood samples for baselines. He then runs down a list of about fifty yes-or-no questions concerning recent health problems and immunizations. He gives Munro one shot in the left arm, and two pills to swallow.
The scans are brought back through the curtain by one of the medbots, and Tabor gives them a cursory glance, then nods. "You can get dressed now, Madame. That should do it nicely. I will say, though, that you're not getting nearly enough sleep, at least not from the look of your eyes and nerve responses. And eat smaller amounts, more frequently during the day. If you have big meals and throw yourself back into your work, your efficiency suffers because your body's trying to do two things at once. Okay?"
He smiles, and shows her his left wrist, where he wears his chrono. It's currently in stopwatch mode, and has just passed seven minutes and counting.
Munro gives Tabor a big grin and claps him on the shoulder. "Thanks Doc. Factoring in the detour to sick bay still puts it at under ten minutes. You should be an engineer." Jumping down off the table, she proceeds to dress. "About the eats and sleeps, we'll see. After Jump things will settle down. Tally-ho!" With a jaunty wave she's out the door of sickbay.
Tabor watches her leave. "They should ALL be that cooperative," he sighs. "Especially when what she WANTED to do was kick my head off."
Hfolraw's commdot pings. "Hfolraw here." He speaks quietly, and his accent, not normally noticeable, becomes apparent.
<< Bridge to Security. Hfolraw, Commander Akhouw has asked that you report to the Khtaliyr to prepare to move her. Bridge out. >>
"Major, Commander Akhouw has ordered me to report to the Khtaliyr. If I may be relieved, sir?"
Lazer looks briefly troubled. "PATER, get me Exec Akhouw, please. Sir, Farouk here. How long do you need Hfolraw for? Over."
Akhouw responds quickly. << Hfolraw is needed to transfer the Khtaliyr to dock with the Elissa, Mister Farouk. The time requirement should be limited. Out. >>
"OK," Lazer sighs. "Dimissed, but check in as soon as you're back."
"Sir." Hfolraw leaves quickly.
Sickbay 12:40
His weapon secured and receipt issued, Jan returns to his stateroom via the sickbay. He is pleased to note that the first of many physicals has been completed.
"Good work Joachim, I think we've manged to put the fear of god and latex into them :-). Maybe we'll be able to get these all out of the way before midnight."
"I hope so," Tabor says. "I'd prefer we not lift without having physicals on file for everyone."
Returning to his room, Jan dons his data monocle. "Okay PATER, let's resume Medical Incident Preplans, lets go to 'Hazardous Materials Incident: Engineering Spaces'..."
If not disturbed Jan spends the next few hours reviewing and updating the medical plans of the Elissa.
Khtaliyr - 13:00
Hfolraw looks around the bridge, satisfied that all is ready. "Aolrkhea', I'm ready to lift. Are all engineering functions ready?"
She replies, "I have skipped cross checking for this short trip. Please do not exceed green zone thrust ranges. All systems nominal."
Satisfied with the answer, he opens a comm channel. "Tuvir ground control, KCR Khtaliyr on landing stage eight is ready to transfer to stage 8 as per flight plan." He gingerly lifts the craft from her berth, and flies slowly to the Elissa's berth. "Elissa, this is KCR Khtaliyr, requesting docking assignment."
He hovers over the ship and lines up on the indicated docking point. The main holodisplay is set to display distance information, and Hfolraw holds his rate of descent to a minimum as he brings in the Khtaliyr. "It's been too long since I've done this kind of maneuver," he thinks. "Got it lined up, one meter up, let it settle and..."
>BOOM< +CLANG+
"Contact. Elissa, Khtaliyr is docked. Aolrkhea', you may shut down the engines."
"Thank you, Hfolraw. Initiating shutdown procedures. I will stay awhile and examine some marginally tolerant thruster plates. Do not wait for me."
"Understood. I am returning to the Armory."
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