The TML PBeM

1998, Turn 0 - Part 2 (of n)

Angus thinks that this place hasn't become a zoo, but something involving three rings does come to mind. Behind his helmet, Angus shakes his head ruefully thinking about all that needs to be done, the minutes simply ticking away, and there's not a damn thing he can do to help Munro.

Akhouw steps forward to where the house-like engineer and his more diminutive companion have paused. He gravely surveys the pair, and waits for someone to make an introduction.

Aolrkhea' steps into the gap. << My Lord, the larger is an Umaa, called "He Who Fixes Things" and the smaller is an Eia, called "Bexleyheath Tube Station Pop Vending Machine". Although alien to us and this ship, this team of three have demonstrated capable engineering talent and immediate assistance without knowing or demanding anything of us. >>

Akhouw considers Aolrkhea's words, and turns to the mismatched pair. << Greetings to you both, >> he rumbles. << Attend to your duty, honor your commanders, and honor will be served. >> He looks at them, as if inviting a response.

Bex scampers down to hang off FixesThings chest, at faceplate height for Aolrkhea' and Akhouw, << Hi, I'm Bexleyheath Tube-Station-Pop-Vending-Machine but you can call me Bex and this is... >>

He is interupted by a basso-profundo that the helmet speakers have difficulty reproducing, << ...FixesThings. >> With that, FixesThings bows at the waist and Bex jumps to his helmet and mimics the bent posture of his mount. Thus bent over they slowly and carefully back out of engineering through the hatch.

Once outside FixesThings straightens back up and heads back for his dropped tools on deck three.

Rafe makes a note to himself: the rodentoid seems to use stereotyped phrases in many situations, such as the introductory phrase, word-for-word identical with its earlier self-introduction. How much of its social behavior is mere mimicry? How could a species with sufficient cognitive capacity for grammatical speech exhibit such a lack of constructive social protocol? Fascinating!

Aolrkhea' turns slowly to Akhouw and the arriving Aiwi with an amused sigh. << All the engineers are working hard under unusual circumstances... Perhaps I should guide you around the damaged areas and deliver my formal assessment of the scene. >>

Observing Munro stalled in the background, she says to the officers, << I suggest that a comprehensive review of personnel and equipment take place a bit later. Engineering is at a time-critical juncture, and every resource must be applied to the problems Chief Munro is working on. >>

Akhouw glances to Aiwi, a wordless message. He formally nods to Aolrkhea' in acknowledgment << Indeed, your words are wise and honor must bend to the moment. >> He turns briefly to Aiwi. << You are perhaps most needed here? I will return to the Bridge and continue to monitor our travel. >>

Akhouw turns and paces out of the Engineering spaces, en route to the Bridge.

Rafe makes his way back to Deck 3 behind FixesThings, lost in thought.

Main Engineering - 08:30

Aolrkhea' hurries to Aiwi, out of turn, << Executive Commander Aiwiheikahaih, I recommend you too 'bend to the moment' and instead perform a top-down review of the pressing engineering issues by engaging Chief Engineer Munro, forthwith. >> There is obviously more behind 'Khea's statement, but the glint in her eyes demand focus.

Aiwi pauses in her stride at the Doctor's words. She raises her eyebrows and regards Aolrkhea' for a quick moment, and a very slight, almost inaudible hiss escapes her lips. Only Akhouw would recognize the level of surprise at such a statement she had just felt. What did this woman think she was going to do? Aiwi would have to talk to her later.

<< Doctor, >> Aiwi says on the Aslan comm line, << Please find time after your rest period to attend a Ftierle debriefing of the recent events. I am sure we have much to discuss. >>

Main Engineering - 08:31

With the lack of response from Aiwi and attention focused on the Umma, Munro shakes her head slightly as she settles into a kneeling position. Hands on knees, Munro bows her head slightly in contemplation.

Quietly, her lips move.

<< Pater, please remind Mr. haut-Frieder that a power tap needs to be run from the Paladin. Suggest the new crew and Grey be assigned to the task. >>

<< _Affirmative, Mister Munro._ >> PATER's response is immediate.

<< _Mister haut-Frieder,_ >> PATER's smooth synthetic voice narrowcasts from the aft intra-ship comm emitters, << _Chief Munro wishes you to be reminded that a shunt from the Paladin powerplant to the deck 4 forward power junction is required with some alacrity. She suggests that Mister Grey and the replacement engineers from Hamilcar be assigned the task._ >>

Engineering Deck 3 - 08:31

A message light blinks on Hur'Shurvan's console. Contained within it is a suggested time-line for the shut down of the Tokamak at 09:20 along with all-calls required to alert the crew.

Main Engineering - 08:31

This is definitely a day that will be remembered for quite a while. What else can go wr.. oh, skip it. Angus has been trapped on the wrong side of the hatch to engineering -- with "wrong" being whatever side the Admiral is on. However, Bex & FixesThings just moved back from the hatch, so now's the time to make your move...

With a quick glance at the kneeling figure of Munro, Angus moves towards the hatch to main engineering. With a monotone << By your leave >> to the Admiral and Commander, Angus goes through the hatch and comes face to face with the AGNIS unit. With a curious glance towards the unit, he continues back to his engineering console as there's still the EVA to organize. And now that the conference call with the CO is over, Angus switches back to the Engineering frequency which has been beckoning his attention for more than a minute now. << This is MacLaeran. Go ahead. >>

<< Angus, this is Bishop. >> the jounralist's voice comes over the helmet speaker. << I know you can't see them, but I have four of my AGNIS units on line and waiting for you in main engineering. They will take vox command from you, just like a regular crew member, or... >> there is a noticable pause, << better than most, I would imagine. >>

<< I will be joining you in person in less than ten minutes. Bishop out. >>

Main Engineering - 08:32

Aiwi turns without another word and moves back to Chief Munro and 'Fraa.

Aiwi switches back over to the engineering channel and speaks, << Chief Munro, now that we've had a moment to clear our thoughts, let us together review our situational status in Engineering. Mr. Chi'fraa, I would like your opinion of the current situation with regard to your experience with the outside environment we currently find ourselves in, and what you believe our biggest dangers are. >>

Chiifraa nods to Aiwi, but he BOWS to Munro. << You firs', Chiif. >>

Munro rocks back on her heels and then to a standing position, the slippery deck only inconviencing her a little. Keeping emotion firmly strangled to death, she looks Aiwi in the eyes.

<< A complete report is on file with Pater. Briefly, the ship is in danger of tearing itself apart. Priority work will be to run a power line from the Paladin, ensure that all cargo is secured and run a sensor sweep of the ships hull. You don't have Basic Engineering and Zero-G, do you? >> Munro glances briefly at her data monocle, << No, you don't. A pity, that. >> Taking a deep breath, Munro continues. << Other than that, I suggest you review the report on file...And unless Mr. Chi'fraa has any other points about external dangers, other than having to deal with the disorientation with having a planet all the way around the ship, I suggest he be released to join the power team. >>

<< Pest consi'ter t'is as manu'fers in t'e atmos'fiir, Ek'tsek. >> Chiifraa pipes up, facing Aiwi. << Pe pretty t'ick air outsi'te, kets you in trouple wit' fric'shn, turp'lents an' so. Pe also little risky to hart manu'fer near t'e Center--pe tough when 'up' come 'down'. Ot'er t'an t'at, an' caution at t'e high traffik areas, pe not so tiff'rent as free space manu'fer. Permission to kiff you t'e Ek--ah--t'e OTHER Ek'tsek's spear-thingy an' return to work? >>

Munro looks expectantly at Fraa and then back to Aiwi. << I will be part of the sensor sweep crew if you have any other questions. Now, if you will excuse me, duty calls. >> With that Munro, give a short nod of the head as a bow and starts toward Main Engineering.

Main Engineering - 08:35

As Angus crosses through the hatch, he heads back to his engineering console, where Boris is still standing. Angus glances up and notices the diamond formation of units hovering above. Well, this is an improvement, but my source of available manpower is down by half. I hope these will help offset that. And of course, we're now way behind schedule with all of these schinannigans...

As Angus, nears the console, he activates his comm unit on the Engineering channel. << MacLaeran to AGNIS units, please relay the specifications for your sensor and locomotive capabilities in an EVA environment to the engineering console underneath your position. >>

The holo-display on the console flickers for a moment or two as data streams in from the four spherical robots.

MacLaeran rounds the console and pats Boris on the shoulder, glancing down at the structural display of the Elissa to which Boris is adding loads. At the same time, he also begins to call up the information which the AGNIS units have downloaded to his console. << I'm back. How are the loads looking on the model of the structure? >>

<< Well, we still have a few unknowns... well, a lot of unknowns since so many sensors are out. My biggest concerns are all of the ice we have and the cargo. The ice comes from the pool and wherever else water supplies have ruptured. As for the cargo, the craft and big vehicles were locked down, but I have no idea how things might have shifted during combat. >>

Angus ponders this for a second and forms a quick plan. << Boris, we're really short on engineers. So, draft a couple of people who aren't part of the engineering team but have some minimal type of engineering experience. Send them out to survey how much ice we have and where it is and get that data back to you. As for the cargo and loads, I'd like you to handle that yourself. Draft a couple folks with strong backs, hopefully non-engineering because we can't spare 'em. If you get any lip, let me know and I'll go to Munro >>, Angus pauses, giving a side-long glance to the hatchway where Munro's contimplating whatever the Admiral told her. Damn protocol! We need every hand right now! << Well, as soon as she's available, or the CO directly otherwise. >>

After the quick catch-up with Boris, Angus spends another couple of minutes going over the structure and loads, picking out the hardpoints which are either structurally broken or lack any structural information whatsoever. Angus also singles out the top five troubled internal main members of the spine which can be examined by engineers without doing an EVA.

Angus opens his comm channel and in an even voice, << Captain, this s MacLaeran. I have a status report for you. >>

Bridge - 08:40

Bhyarrvouf keys on the comms as he's grabbing his helmet and gloves. "I haven't forgotten about our little jaunt outside and I'm on my way down, Mr. Maclaeran. In the meantime, please go ahead."

As Maclaeran speaks, 'Vouf says, "As we're on idle, you have the conn as well as the helm, Mr. Nanadh. The Commander will return to relieve you momentarily." He then leaves the Bridge and heads aft, suiting up as he goes. His suit, still covered in dried blood, is a mess to behold, and his recently-set wrist makes the procedure slow and occasionally painful going.

Main Engineering - 08:40

MacLaeran takes a deep breath and sighs -- 'Here we go'. Angus goes over to the engineering console and punches up some basic user information of the portable X-Ray scanners used to examine a ship's hull and search for metal fractures. << AGNIS units, prepare to receive upload on usage of portable X-Ray scanners. This information is just on the usage of these instruments. >> Angus punches for the upload and verifies that the units have begun receiving the information before proceeding.

Next, Angus prepares a list of the problematic hardpoints around the ship. These are suspected of being fractured or are critical but lack information on their status. Going over the long list, Angus looks at his chronometer. 'Geez.' He deletes just a few from the list as we can't afford anything less. Then using the list, he splits it into four quadrants around the ship and then starts the computer on planning optimal paths through the points for each quadrant with an alert to be set to him when the job completes. Now, we'll let that cook for awhile...

"Boris, before you get started, I need your help in getting some X-Ray scanners which we can hook into these AGNIS units. It looks like they have standard portable equipment adapters."

With a hurried gait, Angus slides over to the equipment lockers and starts searching for the X-Ray scanners.... hmmm, we'll need 4 of these beasts just for the external work. That'll leave a couple for an internal team or two. As he grabs the equipment, he prays that they don't have an equipment failures. As he's just about finished, Angus's alert lamp goes on indicating that the computer has finished the optimal search path for the hardpoints.

Munro enters Main engineering and is caught by the sight of AGNIS units. Her lips curl in a slight grin and then drop. She looks in on Hur'shurvan, noting that he is doing quite well at keeping the stuggling reactor going. Seeing no immediate disasters there, she turns and heads toward MacLaeran and Merkle.

Moving back to the engineering console, Angus signals the AGNIS units to ground behind the console. Team assignments... the CO and one AGNIS, Chief Munro and another unit, and a third team of Bishop and an AGNIS unit. Then a unit on its own. Each of those teams gets assigned to a quadrant. The assignments then keyed into the computer.

"Boris, we'll assign one scanner to the CO, one to the chief and one to Bishop, and one to a solo AGNIS. Please test the two for the CO and the Chief while I test these two and hook-up the one for the solo AGNIS unit."

Munro, in a quiet voice, breaks in.

<< You can assign haut-Frieder to team with the fourth AGNIS unit. He's got the skills required. >> The voice changes pitch slightly and continues over the Engineering channel. << haut-Frieder? Munro here. 'ave you got the power tap crew ready? Grey should be able to 'supervise' the job. Would you please join us in the EVA scan of the hull? >>

<< At once, Mynheer Munro, >> haut-Frieder responds promptly. << She's all yours, Grey. You have Bex and FixesThings with you already; let's add Chiifraa to that list. The four of you should be able to nail those taps in no time.>>

<< I'm on it, Aaron. Stay safe out there, 'kay? >>

<< Ja, Morgan. And you mind those taps; that's a lot of voltage. Chiifraa, go with Morgan and your friends; he'll brief you on what needs doing. >>

<< Righty ho, Aaron. Pe no prop'lem. >>

Munro's data monocle remains in front of her eye as she scans the consoles. Nodding to MacLaeran and Merkle to continue with what they are doing, she moves toward the machine/supply shops.

As MacLaeran moves over to the unit which will be working independently, he goes through the power-up diagnostics on the X-Ray scanner and begins hooking it in to one of the unit's external equipment adapters. << MacLaeran to EVA team, please report to Main Engineering for final instructions. Team assignments and objectives are now available on the computer for upload to your hand comps. >> The second X-Ray unit takes a little while longer than it should to power up, but completes its diagnostics. 'Please, oh please, no equipment failures... not now.'

Going back to the engineering console, Angus picks up the two scanners Boris has just completed testing. "Thanks Boris. I really appreciate your help. If you would, go ahead and draft your team to get your load information and deal with the ice problem. Feed that information directly to this console."

After receiving his instructions from MacLaeran, Boris returns to his console, briefly setting up a plan of Deck 8.

Shunting it to his HandComp, Boris pats the knife on his right hip and heads for Lift-C. Summoning some of his reserve of spirit, he assumes a chipper attitude and opens Commo Channel C.

<< Attention crew mates, Boris here. Are you hot and sweaty? Have you got nothing to do for the next 20 to 30 minutes? Are you in possession of a sharp utility knife? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, meet me in Cargo Bay 3, Deck 8 for a little ice hunting! I only need about a half dozen folks, first-come, first served! Merkle out! >>

Zzzzzzzz...

Ice.

Zzzzzz...

Ice?

ZZZZZzzzzzz...

Ice!

Christian wakes with a start, and looks around his small cabin in a moment of confusion before his mind retrieves the comm traffic. He'd forgotten to close the comm before dozing off, not that there was anything else on his mind.

Blink. blink. What the hell.

In a few efficient moments, the good Doctor switches into his oft worn Scout grey, snags a small tool kit and jauntily motors off toward Cargo Bay 3, Deck 8.

<< Boris: the Great Ice Hunter is enroute. See you soon. >>

<< Roger that, Doctor. By the way, back home there's a legend about a character called the Great Ice Hunter. Legend says he provided fresh water by seeking icebergs at the planet's caps. When the ice started to disappear, the Great Ice Hunter taught the people about water distillation. Then he disappeared, like all legends. There's also a guy called the great kech hunter, kech being a particularly smelly variety of seaweed. Thought you might be interested. >>

Sensor Pit - 08:41

Merkle descends the lift and makes a quick left, through two doors and then left into Physical Sciences.

Standing just inside the door, Boris takes in the colours and patterns spinning and gyrating in the Holotank. Then, casting his gaze across the rest of the compartment, a thought comes unbidden to his mind - this is the weirdest combination of intense bustle and lack of sound or noise I've ever encountered.

An occasional mutter belies the air of total quiet, but all movement appears to be totally co-ordinated and without waste, as members of the Science Team move from station to station, nodding their heads in unison as their minds leap together, across newly dawning possibilities.

"Ahem. I understand this might be inconvenient, but I wonder if I could have some help with some mathematics?"

The request draws an interesting set of reactions.

Morser, deeply immersed in calculations streaming from the main holo-tank, does not even acknowledge Merkle's presence, if indeed he even noticed the engineer. Hryawi offers a brief glance upwards, demonstrating the even as a scientist, she is foremost Aslan, and therefore constantly aware of her surroundings.

Schmud and Witfield are in a 3-way argument with PATER concerning the preliminary gravitational data, but Mac takes the time to look up and offer a wave. Dr. Werner simply glares for an instant before returning to his hand-comp, as if to indicate that anything he might possibly be doing is clearly more important the the needs of a lowly engineer.

It is Abuko, sitting nearest the open hatch, who swivels in his chair, tugs uncomfortably at the open collar of his vacc-suit and speaks up.

"Hello, Boris. What can we do for you?"

Boris tears his eyes away from the mesmerizing holotank.

"Hey Johann! Doejin's pool has left a fair amount of ice in the bottom of Cargo Bay 3. Just how much, I don't know. I need someone to look at the ice, and based on the depth of some samples I'm about to take, help me determine how much it weighs."

Boris offers his handcomp clad wrist, showing a plan of the cargo bay and the locations for the upcoming ice samples.

"Elissa's frame is a little stressed and I want to be certain all that ice is taken into account before we move."

"I can take the samples and run them up here to you, if you can't come down for a visit. I can rig this plan to accept your numbers, then snap them into our larger calculations...."

"Hmmm..." Abuko scrolls the layout on Merkle's handcomp. Then he hands it back and quickly turns his console. Pushing his current holodynamic layout into a self-iconifying wad, Johann taps up a calculator, an architectural schema of the Elissa, and standard materials table. Thumbing down to deck 7 of the plans, he isolates Doejin's pool with his finger and drags it off the plan, dropping it onto the "volumes" input in the calculator interface.

"OK, let's see." He glances at the result. "The pool held 3,834,000 liters of synthesized sea water." A couple taps and a scroll in the materials table, and he adds, "That's more dense than regular water. Let's call it..." a quick additional calculation, "oh,... 1.0367 kilos per liter."

Dropping the value on the previous volume result, he whistles.

"Whew! No wonder it blew those poor bastards all the way out of deck four. That was almost four million kilos of water!"

Witfield momentarily turns away from his discussion with Schmud and PATER to offer a huge shit-eating grin at this last comment.

"Well," Abuko continues, after quick review of the base specs for the Elissa, "it's definitely a factor that needs inspection. Depending on the volume of water physically evacuated from the ship, we could be looking at a distributed mass of up to 1.4 percent of the total unloaded displacement of the ship. That's more than enough to screw things up."

Abuko turns back to face Boris. "How about this: have your team take the samples and uplink the depths, approximate coverage, and locations to me on data channel F-2. I'll coodrinate from here and calculate load factors as the data comes in. In the meantime, I can continue to tweak passive external reception for the rest of..." he thumbs towards the other science team members" ... the nursery."

Boris' slides from scrunched up wrinkles, to bright eyes and fat-happy grin!

"Thanks Johann, you're a champ..." he whispers, then looking at his chrono "...oops, I have to run. I have some slippery work to do!"

Another flash of the grin, and wave of his hand and Boris slips back out the doorway.

Back to the lift, to plunge all the way to Elissa's belly levels. Sea-water... descending into the belly of the beast... why do these phrases summon up old childhood dreams of sea-monsters?

Muttering out loud, "That beast was never as kind as this old girl...". He smiles and gives the lift carriage wall an affectionate pat as he exits into the anticipated disaster zone of Cargo Bay 3.

Deck 4, Grav-lift B - 08:41

As 'Vouf approaches lift B, it's warning light-ring and chime sound. The overhead hatch dilates and Bishop drops through to the deck. He turns and surveys his CO, while the iris contracts above him.

Seeing the stiff movement and ginger actions, Bishop reaches to help 'Vouf with his suit-seals and helmet. << Let me give you a hand with that, Captain. >>

"Eh-hrf, thanks kindly, Mr. Bishop," the Vargr sighs. "Tabor did a decent job with my wrist, but it aches...." He seals in carefully, still favoring the bad hand, and checks his helmet carefully before lowering the mirrored visor over the tired blue eyes.

As the last seal closes and the helmet locks in place, there is the reassuring audible "THOCK!" as the LS auto-starts. Adrian drops back a step to check over the Vargr.

With a thin smile and a brief shake of the head, he offers, "We are a mess, aren't we, 'Vouf?"

"We're all a mess, Adrian," 'Vouf says softly. "And there's no end in sight. If we arrive at Centerpoint and get thrown to a pack of feral Urzaeng, I don't think I could lift a finger to stop them."

On that note, Bishop gestures aft and steps in behind his injured companion as they both head towards engineering.

'Vouf does his best to straighten up and walk with some semblance of dignity, but the impression he gives when he walks into Main Engineering is still a frightening one, given his bloody suit. He doesn't enter too far into Engineering, just leaving room for Bishop to enter behind him.

Bridge - 08:42

The air molecules have scarcely settled from Bhyarrvouf's exit before the iris valve glides open to an even more molecule-disturbing entrance. Akhouw strides on to the Bridge, stopping just behind the command chair.

Addressing Nanadh in his usual glacially cool command voice, Akhouw rumbles, "I relieve you as OOD."

Main Engineering - 08:44

Angus moves over to an open area in main which he plans to use for the staging area. He starts going over the AGNIS units on a final check and verifies that they have received the instructions on how to use the X-Ray scanners. He is about half-way done on the fourth unit when he hears an announcement...

<< Captain in Engineering, with assistance, >> 'Vouf's voice comes over the Engineering Channel. << All Engineers as you were. Mr. Maclaeran, I'm here with Mr. Bishop. Shall we get started? Chief Munro, are you joining us? >>

With that, Angus terminates the diagnostic, turns around and reports, << Ready, sir. >>

<< Right 'ere, Sir. >> Munro comes out of supply, buckling on a recharged PLSS unit and carrying another. She turns to Merkle and motions for him to do a complete EVA check on her suit.

<< I've divided the surface of the ship into quadrants and assigned each team of two -- now including haut-Frieder -- to a quadrant. >> Explains Angus. << The download has a list for each quadrant of the critical hardpoints, tow points, and rider attachments which must be surveyed. They are listed in an order which provides an optimal path through those points for the survey. >>

As he gives the final instructions, MacLaeran walks around the EVA team making one final check of the scanners as others assist them in checking the EVA gear. He can't help but think, 'One of these days, I've got to learn how to do this in open space...'

Munro hands the other PLSS unit to haut-Frieder and helps him change units and does the EVA check. Patting him on the shoulder to indicate all is well, she motions him to check Bishop's suit while she does 'Vouf's suit. Grimly, she surveys the blood and closely checks for tears and holes.

Bhyarrvouf's suit isn't holed or damaged in any obvious fashion, just pretty ugly. He waits for her to finish the check and then quickly examines her own suit and PLSS with care. He swats the top of her helmet gently.

<< Right and tight, Chief. >>

Picking up the scanner and looking at the down load from MacLaeren, she nods and motions toward the rear of the ship.

<< Ready for the tour, gentlemen? Watch your step, the maid had the day off. And a baby got cranky and broke a few things. >>

<< Please relay all data directly to the engineering consoles. >> prompts Maclaeran. << Our problem is time... I'd like the survey completed in 20-30 minutes which will give us 30-40 minutes for critical repairs. I'll be getting brace and torch kits ready to go out to you for phase two. Any questions? >>

A quartet of negative head shakes indicate there are none.

With that, Munro heads towards the blown out launch bay. Waving back at the rest of the engineering crew.

<< Ta ta for now people. Don't forget to turn off the lights when you're done! And take a break when time permits! No falling asleep on the job. Oh Grey, would you see if the Van de Merwe will let Bex & Fixes use his galley after you've got the power tap done? Bex is probably starving by now. Other than that, keep it together folks, but DON'T kill yourself doing it. Mac, let us know if you find something critical. Munro out. >>

<< Not to the be the pessimist, << Angus comments, << but something tells me that we'll find something. Good luck, all. >>

<< Ton' forket to write! >>

<< And if you drift too far away, dog-paddle REAL hard and you can swim back. >>

<< Shut up, Grey! >>

As the EVA crew exits, MacLaeran turns around and starts moving back towards the engineering consoles. As he goes, he's entering a list of items needed for the brace and torch kits. Hmmm... we'll need four for outside and just as many for inside. Angus toggles open the engineering channel and addresses the bay, << Anyone not doing anything critical... (Angus chuckles softly). sorry, who isn't? Anyway, We need to get 8 brace and torch kits together, 4 configured for external work. If anyone's got a few seconds to spare, I'd appreciate the help. Also, I need to know who has any structural welding experience. I'll be needing your assistance in about 30 minutes. >>

That really won't be enough people, plus we'll need some people for steveadoring equipment around internally. With just a second's thought, he toggles open a channel to the bridge. << Bridge, this is MacLaeran in Engineering. I need 6 able bodies in Engineering pronto to help gather and move equipment for the structural repairs. Any experience in structural welding and bracing would be a big plus, but I'll take whomever is available. Send 'em as soon as you can. MacLaeran out. >>

Deck 3, Stern - 08:50

The blackened interior of the shuttle bay looks like the open maw of an angry god.

There is no trace of the Kingfisher. Whatever debris remained of the command shuttle was either consumed in fire or ejected from the compartment by the force of the explosion. The voided bay that remains is a tangled cavity of twisted and deformed struts and conduits. Here and there, a ruptured line vents traces of vapor into the near vacuum or shorted power leads spark against conductive surfaces. The end result is a near minefield in 3D for the team of engineers and their robotic companions.

Munro grimly surveys the carnage. << And I thought the fighter bay was bad. All I can say is that we've got a lot of work a'ead of us. >>

<< Ach du meine Gutte, >> breathes haut-Frieder. << It's a good thing the walls are bonded superdense or we would have lost the whole stern... the missiles must have ignited. >> He chuckles. << Well, Captain, NOW I believe you when you said we weren't carrying any contraterrene warheads... if they'd gone off we'd all be dead right now. >>

<< Been there, done that... >> mutters Bishop to no one in particular.

Bhyarrvouf's only response is a low growl.

When he finally speaks, his voice is quiet. << Everyone stay sharp. I don't want to have to do a swear-and-tear on any of you. Bishop, keep your Greek chorus well clear of the walls until we're outside--room center, single file. >>

<< Roger that. >> The AGNIS units fall in line single-file, each remaining close to its assigned engineer partner. The red laser targetting grids of the portable X-Ray scanners sweep across the debris field on the floor of the blasted hangar like fast-forward infrared clouds.

As the team drifts out the torn opening that once contained the hangar bay doors, the exterior damage becomes visible. The hull plating is warped and, in some locations, buckled, exposing broken jumpgrid lines and command/control feeders. Points that once housed missile or sandcaster batteries can be easily picked out from the craters that now occupy those positions.

<< Chief, >> 'Vouf barks, << We've seen this all before, but last time it was just the Grid we were worrying about. I've mentally filed a list of structural stuff I saw along the way that I want to look at again, and I'm sure you have too. We'll let Bishop and haut-Frieder start the systematic walk-through while we jump ahead and check the known trouble spots, eh-hrf? >>

Munro's head swivels from side to side, from the glow of the terrain all around them back to the skin of the ship.

<< Agreed, Captain. In some respects this weird 'wire' is going to make the survey easier - no deep shadows and you can scan the ship's skin without flash lights. Instead we have to contend with multiple shadows. >> Turning to the other three EVA members, she continues. << Look sharp. You see any kind protrusion or cavity, check it out. The cross shadows could be masking a crack or a 'bleeding hole. Even a hairline fracture is going to cause the Elissa problems. >>

<< May as well start here, Aaron. >> Bishop expertly pops his MMU thrusters, bringing him to a dead stop outside the hangar. << I'll work my way outward from dead amidships. You move to the starboard centerline on the main fuselage and work back towards me. We both do vertical sweeps. >>

He gestures towards the damaged starboard nacelle. << When we're done here, we do the same pattern on the nacelle stern section. Then we check to see what the Captain and Chief have done and go from there. >>

<< Sehr gutt, Mynheer Bishop. >> nods haut-Frieder. His maneuver jets ping as he slowly pivots and begins to move outboard. His assigned AGNIS unit trails at his left like an obedient pet.

<< Wait a moment, people! >> Bishop fishes into the hip utility pouches on his suit. << You're probably going to need these. >> Pulling out 3 cans of fluorescent orange vacc-aerosol paint, he expertly lobs one in a slow flat football spin to each of his crew-mates. << Mark the fractures when you find them. It'll make it a lot easier for the tug pilots if they have an obvious visual reference. >>

Its a good thing Bishop's aim is acurrate. Munro doesn't try to gracefully nab the can out of the air. Instead she wraps her arms around it, capturing the can against her body as it hits her chest, right where her suits logo is painted. Grasping the can firmly, she gives it a slight shake, and squirts a small amount off to the side, right at a damaged spot. With the test completed, she gives a wave and follows 'Vouf forward.

'Vouf reaches belatedly for the can flying toward him, which evades his grasp and clangs off his faceplate. The impact isn't enough to do any damage, but it sends 'Vouf spinning slowly and it takes him a bit of effort to recover and snag the can. << Samshkarkh roukh, >> he says. << Word to the wary, everyone! The air resistance of this thin atmosphere combines with zeegee to make maneuvering tricky. Don't think free space, think of zeegee inside a ship, like a cargo hold. >>

The team of four begins to drift apart in a carefully coordinated ballet of inspection. The port maneuver drive and fuel nacelle is ignored, as a quick glance confirms that the bulk of the damage resides in the starboard nacelle and the stern section of the fuselage proper.

As the EVA team proceeds with their grim task, one cannot help but feel as though a cemetery were being surveyed.

Sickbay - 08:45-09:00

In Sickbay, the Medical team confer on possible risks and containment strategies. Samples of the local atmosphere are taken and analyzed, revealing a veritable soup of microbes, many old and familiar, some new and disturbing, others utterly alien and incomprehensible. In the post-op recovery room, Nishu Neriika begins to stir, still numb from painkillers but should be regaining consciousness by 0900. On the Bridge, Tabor convinces Bhyarrvouf to allow his injured wrist to be properly set and treated.

Dr.. Morton Limner looks around like a man lost. The medbot is tending to Nishu, the rest of the room is quiet, and all action seems to be elsewhere. With all the shaking and groaning Elissa has just been through, plus the assorted psychological trauma that the Wire ("Interesting phenomena...I wonder if such could be a natural occurrence, or is it one huge artifact?"), the pirate attack, and the strange "jump" just undertaken, the crew seems in remarkably good condition. If one doesn't count the corpse in the freezer.. Taking out his hand comp he is gratified to notice the link from Igor to PATER is still active.

"Igor, please display current images from any external cameras you can access, sequence alpha."

The Wire in all its glory shows small on his screen, and the approaching scuttlepods are specks. Still, the sight raises as many questions as it answers, and Limner never enjoys unanswered questions. "Igor, graphical display of all Zhodtenna reading from the last half hour." While he's waiting for that data he turns to Dr.. Yorblin: "Jan? I've heard that we may lose primary power soon. If you want to transfer Medical to a more sterile and secure section might I suggest moving to Igor? I have a small, full medbay, and while I can't handle full blown triage, I can deal with small numbers very quickly." An obvious thought passes over him "Jan? Might it be best if we transfer our wounded to a shore station, if we can be assured of superior facilities than what we'll have here when the power goes off? I feel fairly comfortable that Igor could act as a transport vehicle." He sits back and waits for the Psidectector readout and Jan's comments....

Jan looks up from the read outs in from of him. Nishu looks good, but not well enough to undergo the rigors of an environment with decreasing oxygen and falling pressures. Certainly, he will not be of any use to the bridge staff for at least a day or two. "Morton, let's transfer Nishu up to Igor. In the event of further casualties, why don't you head up there and set up to receive. For now, I think I'll hang out here to be centrally located in case of further injured onboard the Elissa."

Limner nods, then pauses in thought for a second. "Say, Jan... I wonder if the gravametric parameters in THIS space will allow for Grav vehicle operation? I could check with Science, but this might be faster." Switching from the Med to the Common channel he says "Mr. Blaine? Dr. Limner here. Is Captain Stubbs still on the Bridge? If so could he answer a question for me about the operational characteristics of Grav Drive transportation in this Space?"

Bridge - 08:50

Zben Blaine looks around the bridge to see if Capt. Stubbs is available.

Captain Stubbs comes over from where he's quietly watching the activities throughout the ship via various status panels, and nods in response to the question, having Blaine patch him back to Limner.

"Doctor, ah, Limner, is it? Captain Stubbs here. To answer your question, gravitics work normally in the Wire, but with a very strong gravitational gradient to compensate for. The gravity at the surface is close to T-norm, but it falls to zero at the Center, the axis of the Wire. One Wire-gee over about twenty-five klicks makes for some interesting maneuvering problems, but it's nothing a skilled pilot can't overcome. The gradient is quadratic-parabolic rather then linear; you remain pretty close to weightless until you get down to an altitude of ten kilometers or so, and then you get heavy pretty quickly. Makes for very dangerous landings for heavy craft--it's sort of like trying to land gently on a a strong magnet. But within five kilometers of the Center, it's pretty much like zero gee, with atmospheric effects often outweighing gravity..."

Engineering to Bridge - 08:54

<< Zben, Doctor Aolrkhea' requesting Commander Akhouw at his convience, please. >>

In Trokh, << { Sire, I am ashamed to point out that I was not armed during the boarding action this morning. I have been requested to go EVA, and being old and very weary from a long night and this strenuous day, I have been lax in such issues as the command view toward our security or our introductory posture to this Wire. Do you wish me to don combat armor or weld the Uealikhe? This will not interfere with my duties in support of the EVA team. } >>

A powerful, brooding picture sits firmly in the command chair, eyes closed, yet oddly disturbing, while the internal meditative process unfolds. So much had occurred in such a short period of time, and in such odd circumstances, that Akhouw wondered if the Universe itself had conspired to attempt to stretch, twist, bend, fold, mangle, and mutilate his honor just as a test. As with all such experiences, the hard-won knowledge would help to further protect honor.

Though, he mused, it would help if these aliens did not obstinately insist upon trying (oh so trying!) the honor of the ftierle.

'Khea's communication drifts into his ears, as his eyes open and he reaches for the comm.

<< { Honored Doctor, if you are able to wear any reasonable weapon, honor will bend to the exigency of the moment. Your attention to the calling of uiyhir is most commendable in such times of stress. } >>

He pauses for a moment.

<< { When you have time to spare, I require a meeting of yourself, Crew Chief Aiwi and myself on a matter of special concern to ftierle. Until then, go with honor. } >>

<< { Your directive is balanced and appreciated. As for the special issue, Ai yourhai "Thoughts shape the way", I will attend. } >>

'Khea prepares for the EVA: recharges suit and handcomp power, exchanges PLSS, and begins a thorough equipment inspection.

Sickbay - 08:55

Dr. Limner thanks Captain Stubbs and flips the channel on his hand comp to the Igor tie in.

A few quick key strokes downloads the pertinent data into Igor's flight controller/nav functions. Igor then informs him that the requested PsiDetector data is ready to be down loaded. Before he can initiate that, a sound from the nearby berth alerts him...

Nishu awakens to a world of darkness.

The first thing he becomes aware of is that he's flat on his back on a padded surface. Next is weight, meaning gravity. Long moments pass, the fog clearing slowly from his thoughts. The ambient sounds of sickbay begin to filter in.

The right side of his face itches terribly. He tries to lift an arm to scratch it, but his muscles don't respond. After a moment he gives up.

Nishu opens his eyes.

Nothing happens - it's still dark. He tries again. And again. Nishu's groan is weak but carries through the quiet sickbay, alerting anyone present that he has regained consciousness.

A familiar voice sounds in Nishu's ear, very quiet. It's Dr. DaSilva. "Nishu, don't try to move. You're going to be fine. Understand? Take it easy; we're right here with you. You're on the Elissa, and you're safe."

Nishu relaxes onto the bed again. He takes a few deep breaths, with sounds in between that slowly become words. "...w... wha... happened? Did we... win?"

DaSilva's voice is dry. "Define 'win.' They didn't capture us, we got away and made contact with the locals...at least I assume what all that babble and running around outside is all about...and a lot more of THEM died than of US. I make the count one dead, one fairly seriously wounded--" Nishu feels a gentle pat on his chest "--and a couple of other minor injuries. Joachim tells me that Hur'Shurvan got winged in the tush." A ghost of a chuckle. "He's already stitched up and back at work, so it can't be all that bad. How are you feeling?"

"F-foggy... and my face itches something fierce." A pause. "Burning... burns. How bad?"

DaSilva replies, "Not. It's probably a lot more scary than medically serious. The worst I'd say you have to worry about is whether there'll be no scarring at all, or merely scars that someone would have to look hard to see, when you're done being treated. Sorry about the itch, though."

"I can't see ANYTHING. Am I blind?"

DaSilva chuckles. "Not being able to see anything is the usual definition of 'blind,' Nishu. What I think you're asking is, are you PERMANENTLY blind, and the answer to that is 'no.' I worked on your right eye myself, and did a pretty good job if I do say so. It'll need time to recover from being abused, but it'll be fine. Your other eye's been patched, and we'll give it back to you soon if you behave. Now will you please stop worrying and go back to sleep?"

Noting Niishu's continued concern, Jan and Morton move towards the recovery bed.

"Niishu, this is Jan. Dr. DaSilva is right, you got flashblinded in your right eye, probably an x-ray laser. The prediction is that you'll get vision in the right eye in about two to three weeks. The left eye is perfectly fine, but we've bandaged it lightly so you don't look around so much. That prevents further injury to the right eye. We should be able to expose the left eye in a day or two. Until then, one of us, or the medbot, will always be around to assist you. Okay? Any questions?"

Main Engineering - 09:07

It is quiet in engineering for the first time in hours. Only Hur'Shurvan and Angus MacLaeran remain to keep the consoles company. Here and there, a glittering patina of ice coats an untouched surface, or forms a tiny drift in a corner or gap between equipment.

Neither engineer speaks, as both are sigularly focused on their tasks. The massive Virushi maintains a diligent vigil over the powerplant controls; the human intently logs and cross-references data arriving from the EVA team. Occasionally, one of them adjusts a setting on their respective consoles. Otherwise, there is no movement.

A section of a toroidal holo-display on the powerplant console changes color and a warning tone sounds. Shruv frowns (a worrisome sight on the face of a Virushi) and makes three quick adjustments. The tone stops and the color returns to normal... for a moment. Then both color and tone return with renewed intensity.

Hur'Shurvan rapidly enters additional corrections, but the patches of color begin to multiply on the surface and interior of the toroid, and the warning tone becomes more strident. Finally, he reaches for a set of holo-controls that had been arranged off to one side.

"Hur'Shurvan to Chief Engineer Munro," Shurv radios, "The plant Z pinch is destablizing. I am reading numerous distortions in the magnetic torus. I believe we have a combination of injector and containment failure. I am taking the plant to warm idle immediately."

Without waiting for a reply, Hur'Shurvan turns and calls to Angus. "Mister MacLaeran, I am urgently in need of your assistance."

Data hasn't even begun to come back from the EVA crew when Hur'Shurvan plea for help comes in. There so much to do, but we first need a ship to be able to make it fly again. "On my way." replies Maclaeran.

Switching his suit radio to the ship's general comm channel, Shurv announces, "Attention, all hands. The powerplant is going off-line in ten seconds. Please stand by for loss of gravity and main power."

Switching back to the Engineering channel, he continues, "Power Tap crew, please make haste to complete your task. We have approximately six hours of emergency battery. Hur'Shurvan out."

As he glides over to Hur'Shurvan's location, Angus starts looking over the status panels and it doesn't look good. Drawing up beside the hulking engineer, MacLaeran asks, "I'm here. What can I do to help?"

"Angus," Shurv glances down at his fellow engineer, "please transfer each of the primary sub-systems to reserve power," he nods towards an adjacent holo-display on the console, "as I take them off-line. The power flow from the plant is too unstable to be left unattended for even a few seconds."

Angus moves over to the indicated holo-display and sets up to take the systems off-line. He positions himself so he has a good view of 'Shurv's console to coordinate the work.

<< MacLaeran to Bridge. Just a reminder that we will be taking systems off-line and transfering them to reserves. There will be no further warning. >>

With a look to the huge engineer, Angus says, "Ready to transfer systems."

Once MacLaeran is in position, Hur'Shurvan begins to disengage the individual systems that serve the ship.

"Inertial dampers."

"Dampers: complete."

"Avionics cluster, banks one, two, and three."

"Avionics: bank one complete, bank two complete, bank three, complete."

"High gain comm systems, panels A and B."

Toggling the system's status buttons, Angus takes these off-line and transfers them to reserve status. "Comm systems: complete, panels A and B."

"Fire control main buss, see-whiz main buss, point defense main buss."

"Fire control..." toggling the appropriate three systems "main, see-whiz main, and point defense main... complete."

"Bow sensor cluster, lateral sensor clusters, stern cluster."

"Sensor clusters: forward, lateral and stern..." more toggles and more indicator lights switch there status indicating the transfer to reserve... "complete."

"HP and LP atmosphere cyclers, central aitch-vacc, central LS."

"High- and low-pressure cyclers, complete. Central aitch-vacc and central LS... complete."

"Aux power buss one, two, three, and four."

"Aux power... buss one, two, three, and... stand-by" Angus checks the levels of buss four which look a little off. Angus makes a few adjustments to balance the system and then takes it off-line as well. "Buss four complete."

"Maneuver control buss, port and starboard."

"Oh, the bridge is going to love us for this... maneuver control buss... port and starboard..." a few relays toggle over "complete."

"Reaction control systems, port and starboard."

"Reaction control systems, port and starboard, complete. The ship is floating free and uncontrolled."

"Internal power mains."

"Here we go..." MacLaeran's hand hovers for the briefest of instants as he takes the internal power mains off-line.

For an instant, the compartment is punged into darkness, then the emergency lights flash to life, bathing everything in harsh shadows.

"Internal power mains, complete."

"Gravitics."

MacLaeran makes sure that his boots have good contact with the deck and then toggles the necessary controls. "I've always disliked this part."

Shurv nods in sympathy but says nothing.

Padded boots grip the floor as both engineers slowly feel the familiar "freefall" sensation of zero-gee take hold.

"Gravitics, complete."

Shurv manipulates a few final controls.

"The plant is at warm idle. Manual safeties are engaged." He steps back from the console, favoring his recently injured hip, and lets out a massive sigh. "Thank you, Angus. I suppose we must now wait for our 'rescuers' to arrive."

MacLaeran locks down his board and engages the safeties. "Done here as well. Glad I could be of help." Angus takes a long look around the engineering bay and the status lights on the consoles and then looks up at Shurv, "We are a mess, aren't we? I've always liked a challenge and we've got a doozie here to patch up... Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help."

"Mess?" Hur'Shruvan looks around the chamber at the intermittent ice patina and the occasional flash frozen fish poking out from under a console. "Oh, mess." He nods woefully. "Yes, Angus. I'm afraid we are in a mess." He studies the power board again. "I will let you know if there is anything further that needs be done. For now, we appear to have the powerplant under control. Thank you again."

Angus turns and taking careful steps, moves back to the engineering console to await the incoming structural data and personnel showing up to conduct the internal structural evaluation. << Bridge this is Engineering. I'm still waiting on personnel with any engineering or structural experience to conduct an internal survey of a few key points. Is there anyone who you could assign and send down here? I'll need 2-3 teams of two and it should only take about 30 minutes. Thanks. >>

Bridge - 09:15

Akhouw listens to the message as it drifts across the Bridge. He motions to Zben. "Transmit that comm call to Crew Chief Aiwiheikahaih with my request for her to respond, and please inform Mister MacLaeran of that fact."

Elissa Dorsal Exterior - 09:15

Once the scan begins, Bhyarrvouf doesn't even look up or speak. He sends himself hurtling straight toward the Elissa's dorsal surface and begins "walking" the ship's centerline intently. The AGNIS unit follows him with ease, but his haste almost leaves Munro behind.

For nearly twenty minutes, 'Vouf works his way forward, meter by meter. He ignores the craters of blasted hardpoints and the ruined docking rings where the riders blew their releases to get clear and defend the Elissa during the dogfight.

Munro is off to the side, quartering the other side of the spine. 'Vouf's speed reminds her of the time element involved and makes her push herself (thereby not doing her usual triple check).

Suddenly 'Vouf stops. << AGNIS, deep scan right....here, >> he says, pointing to a tiny crack in the Elissa's conservative paint job. The AGNIS unit hovers over the crack, and with a beep, its data begins filtering into the HUD in 'Vouf's helmet.

Munro stops, instructing her AGNIS unit to scan the other side of the crack. She does not like what she sees.

<< Tsakha, >> 'Vouf breathes softly. Then his voice rises to a bark. << Chief! Take your AGNIS and follow this little khebreth behind me. Make sure you don't miss any branch-outs. I'll follow it forward, you get depth as a function of position. >> Nose almost to the hull, the AGNIS following close behind, 'Vouf floats forward, even more slowly now.

<< Roger that, Captain. Good Hunting. >> Munro moves off, the AGNIS unit following. As if the mere presence of a cracked hull were not cause enough for concern, this fracture traces almost directly up the centerline of the hull.

Munro follows it like Sherlock Holmes on the trail of footprints. The crack branches... twice. One arm goes towards Rider Mount Number 5. The other leads in the general direction toward Rider Mount Number 4... where the Paladin is parked. After scanning and ensuring the one leading to #5 does not pose a significant threat, she starts to pray. "Please, Murphy. Not the mount."

Nearing the Paladin, the crack becomes more evident and her worst fears are confirmed. Not only does the fracture extend into the rider mount, but appears to radiate around it in both directions. The aft section could be completely loose. If so, any torque forward might shear the rider mount (and the Paladin) off of the Elissa and rip a fair size piece of plating off with it. Hours of work would be required to adequately install emergency bracing.

Munro doesn't like this. Her gut roils with the idea of not being 100% certain that something will hold. She's never pinned her hopes on anything less. But, sometimes you can't do anything more. She can make sure the fewest number of living beings will be affected if she's wrong.

<< Munro to Grey. Make sure you install at least one fast decoupler on the power tap. If you've got the time, do two. Also, check for pressure leaks around the rider mount. If you can scan the mount, send the information back to MacLaeran. >>

<< When you get done with the tap, depressurize that compartment leading to the mount. I want you guys out of there and in a secure location before this ship is moved. Got that? Munro out. >>

<< Grey aye aye, Chief. I'll pass word to the Three Stooges. Grey out. >>

<< Munro to Goughzar. The Paladin's rider mount is damaged. If you're not suited up, do so now. Also, prepare for explosive decompression for when the Elissa is under tow. Third, make sure you can blow the rider mount if worst happens. Murphy willing, nothing will happen. But better safe than sorry. Munro out. >>

<< Goughzar here, understood. Chief, should I undock now to preserve the mount? >>

<< Negative on that, Paladin. A Power team should be knocking on your hatch any minute now to run a tap to the Elissa. We don't have time to move you to another rider mount....I take it that no one has asked your permission for this action?!? As Chief Engineer, I now make this request. >>

<< As to the rider mount, we'll keep you informed about its condition. Forward pressure on the mount is the danger, so during the tow, you will be okay. Before the Elissa is brought to a stop, we'll have you decouple from the mount to avoid further damage. The power tap will have an emergency decoupler, so you'll be free to manuever at that point. Thanks for your help and good luck, Paladin. Munro out. >>

<< Munro to PATER. Can you check the circuits to rider mount Number 4? Ensure that the couplings can be blown if necessary. >>

_All mount systems are nominal,_ the imperturbable AI responds. _Engaging manual decoupling check series for your visual observation._ As it finishes speaking, PATER carefully disengages and re-engages the Paladin's mounting clamps, one at a time so the ship doesn't come loose. Everything appears to function perfectly; there's no vibration, hesitating or jams, and the cracks appear stable. _Explosive separators are armed, but I must remind you that if this set of clamps are lost we will no longer be able to dock our entire rider complement._

Meanwhile, 'Vouf's path takes him straight down the center of the ship's back for several meters, then suddenly he veers to starboard along an arc leading to the gutted remnant of a hardpoint. Another minute goes by as he searches around the hardpoint in a careful circle, and then works his way back toward and past Munro, running a gauntleted hand over the crack and measuring its length.

Then he stops. His magnet-laden hind paws touch down on the hull, and he kneels tightly down in a ball over the hull, his helmet almost touching the surface. Everyone in the search team can hear his voice.

<< Eighteen meters long and at least a meter deep, maybe all the way down to the interior... right down the central member and arcing off to a major structural nexus... Ouma, O Ouma, siyebh aeggra, uur yaUur... >> His voice drops to a whisper. << He's murdered my ship... >> Then there's the distinct CLICK of a manual comms switch-off, and 'Vouf just kneels there for a while, trembling, arms curled over his helmeted head as if shielding him from a rain of blows.

<< Chief, >> haut-Frieder says softly, << When he reconnects... tell the Captain that the ventral and other surface members appear nominal. The structural damage appears to be on the dorsal side exclusively... not that that's not plenty. I'm returning to the stern now. >>

<< I confirm that, Chief, >> Bishop chimes in. << I'm finding a lot of surface damage and cratering from our PDS cooking off, but it appears to be mostly cosmetic. There's nothing on the starboard outrigger that affects structural integrity. I'm also returning to the stern. >>

Munro hears the pain in 'Vouf's voice, typical of those who care for a ship like a living being. She knows she will feel the overwhelming burden when she gives herself time to. But right now, she doesn't dare allow herself to feel. If she did, she'd be right next to 'Vouf curled into a little ball with him.

Munro moves back to 'Vouf. Kneeling next to him, she extends a tentative hand. Allowing a brief flash of emotion to emerge, she touches the vagr's shoulder.

The response is instantaneous and terrifying. Like a mad dog that's being harried, 'Vouf springs up off the hull, fingers knotted into fighting claws. There's only a faint transmission of sound through the whisper-thin air, but it's enough for Munro to associate the snapping jaws behind the helmet with the rapidfire snarling barks of a very angry wolf. She has the feeling that if there hadn't been two helmets between them, her impressively educated, experienced commanding officer would actually have bitten her.

Then recognition enters the ice-blue eyes, and he looks away from her, instantly shrinking a bit into himself, tail between legs. There's another CLICK and then a voice on her private channel. << I'm...sorry, Chief.... >>

Switching to her private channel, Munro climbs to her feet.

<< No, Captain, my apologies. I tend to treat everyone as human and end up stepping on their tails. >>

A sigh is heard over the comm as Munro dims her helment to transparency. Stepping up to 'Vouf, her voice hardens and softens at the same time. Green eyes the color of deep sea water sweep the ship and then come to rest on the vargr.

<< 'Vouf, Aaron reports the other side of the ship is not in as bad as shape as this side. The ship's hurt, but nothing a good ship yard can't repair. She's a good ship... with a good crew. Else we won't be here. >> A sweeping gesture ends with Munro pointing at the area occupied by the Elissa.

<< The bastard hasn't won... Yet. Let's not let him. >> The first is said grimly to herself, but ends with Munro looking at 'Vouf.

'Vouf collects himself with an effort, shaking his head slightly. << You're right, of course, quite right. Quite so. We have work to do. >> His voice is a little too clipped and hasty to be convincing. After another pause, he switches to the search party's frequency. << All hands wrap up and return to Engineering, by pairs. We know what we need to, now. >>

Only then does he let himself look at Munro again. << Chief? Shall we? >> He bows gallantly, gesturing in the direction of the stern.

Munro straightens, feeling despair at not reaching a friend. << Yes, Sir. >> No emotion leaks through her voice. Turning she heads for the stern, finding solace in her duties.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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