| |
|
Table of Contents
|
As soon as Scotty finished talking to Sulu, he left his duty office and took the short walk to the main engineering display. Riley was busy with preparations for the many tasks to be done when he noticed his friend's discomfort. As Scotty began to assemble the tools and equipment he would need, the Irishman tried to make the man feel better. "Don't worry, Mister Scott, we'll get Enterprise back to one hundred percent within a month or so after returning to space dock."
Montgomery eyed the man suspiciously, "And just how do ye propose ta do that, laddie?"
"There's a primary hull under construction at the Rigel facilities, right? It's supposed to be for the new Constitution, but the Master of Yards could 'appropriate' it if he needed to." Kevin was grinning at the Scotsman.
"Mister Riley, I know all abou' that. Constitution is close to completion so how am I goin' ta convince Starfleet ta let me hae it?"
Continuing his grin, Kevin explained, "You don't, just have Admiral Kirk make a formal request to that effect. I doubt they will refuse the returning hero anything, especially if it's for 'his' Enterprise. Starfleet is expecting one Excelsior Class Starship to be launched in a month. Nowhere does it say which one is to be first. I know, I've seen the contract."
Scotty was still unconvinced, but Kevin did have a point. "Okay, I'll gie it some thought. Now what did you hae in mind for our current problems?"
"No problems, Admiral, only solutions. Look at this." Kevin pointed to the main board. "Right here, at deck seven, we send six teams, one for each of the mechanical links. I'll head up the safety team to disconnect and remove all the firing squibs for the e-bolts, while you take a team to the dorsal piping and wiring trunk and begin a selective disconnect process. All of these ground test computers and tricorders are preloaded with the specs for each team. Does that meet with your approval... sir?"
Smiling in admiration, Scott had to admit the man knew his work. "Just fine, but ye and I are going ta swap jobs. Those firing squibs can be tricky. Let me handle those."
"But, Scotty --"
"That's an order, Lieutenant!"
"Well, since you put it that way..." Kevin looked disappointed but continued to finish gathering the necessary tools for the work.
Beth Palmer arrived with a dozen ensigns in tow. "You two got our assignments ready?"
"Lassie, you stay on duty with one team. Mister Riley and I are going ta prepare for a manual separation. We'll need a first rate engineer here ta monitor our progress and keep us posted on problems. Plus, you're going ta hae ta redirect th' shielding unit's outputs, so they are balanced for th' secondary hull only. Then I'll return ta assist ye with th' cloaking unit."
Several of the civilian yard workers had arrived and Hannah Parker offered to help. "Why don't you let me take care of the cloaking unit, Admiral Scott. I think Ensign Yellan and I can handle that. We've become very familiar with it recently." She finished on a smile and looked at Yellan, who was also smiling and nodding with approval of the plan.
"Aye, lassie, we can sure use th' extra hands. A manual separation requires a lot o' work. Th' job is yours."
Palmer was confused, "A manual separation, sir?"
"It's a long story, but it needs ta be done. Also, we need ta hurry as th' work time is short. I promised we'd hae the job done in an hour. Admiral Sulu and th' rest of th' crew is counting on us. Remember, it takes th' engineers ta make things happen, no matter who gives th' orders on th' bridge."
At that moment Scott's words came to action as the engineering entry doors snapped open and a not too small crowd began to file in.
"Reporting as ordered," said a cheerful Bailey. "What's on the agenda?"
Scott picked up a tricorder and handed it to Bailey. "You're leading team one. Tech orders and necessary data are already loaded. Take two o' th' ensigns and one more experienced person and get started, right away."
"Aye. sir!" Bailey turned and picked M'Ress and two ensigns stepped forward. The first engineering team left quickly as Scotty continued the assignments in rapid succession until only Palmer, two ensigns and a few civilians remained.
The Master of Yards picked up his tool belt and slung it over his shoulder and turned to Palmer. "Hold down th' fort, lassie. I'll be back afore ye can gie that Klingon beastie ta sing for ye."
Beth looked at the still smiling Yellan and Hannah Parker then turned to Scotty. "Would you like to bet on that?"
"Sure, wha'ya' hae in mind?"
"What's left of that famous bottle of scotch?"
Montgomery paused just a second, then, "You're on; a round of drinks o' my scotch against your equivalent in credits."
The two went their separate ways, each confident of a sure win.
McCoy put Kirk on a diagnostic table to give him a quick once over, just to be sure that his visit to the bridge hadn't been too much. The readings showed Kirk was fine. Maybe good news for a change was a boost to the man's healing processes. The doctor picked up a small surgical instrument and positioned it above the transponder location. "Okay, Jim, this won't hurt a bit."
"Famous last words, Bones!"
But the doctor was right and before he knew it, McCoy was holding the tiny device in his hand. "All done, Admiral; you may return to the bridge, but take it easy. Light duty, which means conversation only!"
As James rolled off the bed, McCoy tossed the viridium transponder to him and commented, "Here, I'll start removing the ones from Miguel and the others right away and send them up in a few minutes."
Chapel and Tavar rushed by the two, "On our way to the beta sickbay. We should have it ready in a few minutes then I'll start on the transponders."
"Understood; I'll have Rameriz and Berkley ready for transfer in just a bit." McCoy turned to Kirk as he was leaving, "Just got used to this facility and already I have to move. Sailor's fortune, right, Jim?"
"Right, Bones." Kirk hurried off with the viridium device in his hand, smiling.
General Koord had just finished explaining his plan to Sulu, when Uhura interrupted. "Admiral, I've got more on the Romulans."
"Go ahead, I hope it's good news." Sulu was trying to remain upbeat and optimistic.
Almost apologetic, Uhura continued, "No promises, sir. The Romulan senate is 'advising' their fleet on specific tactics using tractor beams. Evidently, they want to give us a ride back to Romulus. They're an arrogant lot, not even bothering to code a majority of their transmissions. I guess they don't expect us to get out of this situation. Oh yes, their former allies, the Tholians, are asking for Admiral Kirk. Seems they want to settle an old debt. If they get him, the alliance with the Romulans could be restored."
"Great, another alien race that vants a piece of his hide." Chekov sounded tired, "Did he really make thet many enemies?"
Koord laughed deeply. "You must be joking. I could fill a logbook with Klingon entries alone."
That comment brightened the mood and Sulu welcomed it, as his next question was bound to remind everyone about the situation. "Pavel, have you set the primary hull self-destruct, yet?"
"Yes, sir; I transferred the sequence you initiated and amended the final step for a timed sequence. It only needs your endorsement and code. The impulse engines vill go supernova fifteen minutes after separation. Even if the Romulans should get aboard, they von't be able to disable it. The computer will issue a final countdown of five minutes before the autodestruct. That should satisfy Ambassador's Spock requirement not to endanger the Romulans, right?"
"Correct, Captain Chekov. I am satisfied with your arrangements thus far, with one exception. May I suggest a download of all but basic programs from the primary hull computers, just in case the Romulans do manage to get aboard. I do not believe that anyone would want them to have access to any of our records." Spock stood quietly, fingers laced as if meditating.
Chekov looked surprised. "I'll be --" He recovered quickly. "I don't suppose you could assist me?"
Spock nodded, "Indeed, Captain. May I begin now, Admiral Sulu?"
The question caught Sulu off guard. The idea of Spock asking for permission to work aboard the ship seemed strange. However, it was probably due to his new status as an ambassador that required him to do so. After all, he was a visitor and not a Starfleet officer anymore. "Of course, Ambassador, you may use the auxiliary science station on the beta bridge. In fact, we all need to begin moving there. Vince, take the conn while I transfer command."
DeSalle moved over to Sulu and, as the admiral rose, DeSalle took the center seat, for what would be the last time, at least on the alpha bridge.
As Sulu made his way to the turbolift, he turned to the others. "Uhura, Saavik, Kyle and Chekov, join me. Once we get set up, I'll call you, Vince. Then our thespians will need to report to sickbay for 'dress rehearsal.' General Koord, will you please join us as well?"
Koord looked as excited as a child with a new toy. "It will be an honor and a genuine pleasure. I just can't wait to see the looks on the Romulan faces!" The old Klingon began uncontrolled laughter as he entered turbolift 'A.'
As soon as the small group disappeared, DeSalle spoke to no one in particular. "You know, I'm actually looking forward to this."
Stiles and Leslie looked at each other and smiled as several ensigns took up the communications, science and weapons consoles."
James T. Kirk arrived on deck seven of the primary hull and entered what had briefly been his cabin. There wasn't much here other than the uniform he wore for eight years and the small container of sleeping pills that McCoy had given him. He looked around and noted to himself that he had spent very little time here as he had been either on the bridge or in sickbay.
Grabbing the old uniform and the pills, he placed the viridium transponder on the pillow of the bunk. "Nice touch, James," he said to himself.
Then he turned and headed back out into the corridor and into the nearest turbolift. On his way to the secondary hull crew's quarters he thought, at least he would have first choice on the new rooms.
Scotty didn't want anyone to know it, but the reason he took the job of disarming the squibs and e-bolts was due to the danger involved. He would rather do the work himself. That way some poor ensign wouldn't get hurt due to inexperience. That's the way the chief engineer had always worked and it was the best way, as far as he was concerned.
Walking along the short corridor above the dorsal, he stopped at access panel 8-221-C3. Ringed in alternating red and white stripes, the panel was marked with large warning labels: 'DANGEROUS' and 'REQUIRES PROPER ACCESS CODES.'
He put the tool belt down and entered his dock master code. The cover slid back smoothly to reveal several connections and even more warnings. As soon as his hand passed through the opening, infrared sensors detected the presence and the computer began sounding the automatic warnings.
"Warning, initiators are active. To disarm, refer to the tech manual section for procedures to disarm units safely."
Although the computer voice was pleasant enough, Scotty never cared for it or any other automated voices. "Refer ta th' manual ye sel'!"
Picking up a laser cutting tool, he began working with a deftness akin to someone one quarter his age. He separated the squib from the power circuits and smiled. Step one was complete with no problem. Normally he would have done it manually, in order to preserve the connections. But since the entire hull would soon be vaporized, speed was more important. Now there were only eleven more to go. He dutifully closed the panel and proceeded to the next one. The two big explosive bolts, or e-bolts as they were called, would be taken care of last.
Kevin Riley reached the dorsal piping and wiring trunk within five minutes after leaving engineering. Right behind him were three ensigns, all fresh from the Academy, ready and willing if just a 'wee bit green' as Scotty would say.
Entering the access hatch first, he grabbed his tool belt with one hand and the tricorder with the other. His task would be relatively simple, disconnect all electrical, fluid, air and other conduits leading into the primary hull; simple but time consuming and delicate. The first would be the food processors and the last would be the computer tie-in.
Hand over hand, the Irishman climbed until he reached what the crew called 'access alley.' Different from the Jefferies Tubes, this section was concerned with the connections between the primary and secondary hulls. From here you could get to any of the ship's systems for all types of maintenance, functional checks, repairs, or in this case, separation of the ship's two hulls.
Riley smiled at the sight before him. The area was still shining from the fresh coat of paint and there was no evidence of dust either.
Below him were three shining faces as well. "Ahmad and Verhoven, start on the two yellow conduits. Cut straight across, it's only food, water and air, so if you get anything on you, don't worry."
Then he turned to the remaining ensign, "Mister Eades, please join me as I need a delicate hand on the cutter." Kevin always hated the outrageous practice of addressing beautiful women like Chelsea Eades as 'Mister.' No lady should be called mister, regardless of protocol or tradition.
After consulting his tricorder, Kevin marked the cutting point on the smaller conduit with a targeting beam. "Okay, slowly, one by one, Eades; we've got about twenty of these to do. I'll check each one for the best place to cut, then you give it your best shot, okay?"
"Ready when you are, sir." Chelsea's smile could melt solid neutronium, but he tried hard not to notice.
Turning to check his tricorder on more time, he commanded dramatically and with a smile, "You may fire when ready, Gridley!"
She hesitated and wrinkled her nose, confused, "What did you say?"
"Never mind, just cut where I'm indicating, please." Kevin sighed, definitely not his type. No sense of humor.
All the teams worked non-stop for the next forty minutes until all conduits and ducts had been neatly dispatched except the computer tie-ins.
McCoy had the implant removed from Rameriz in a flash. Then, very carefully, he prepped the wounded man for transfer to the secondary sickbay facility. As he worked on Miguel, Tavar performed a similar duty on Berkley and the quickly recovering Sebor. In fact, Sebor was capable of walking under his own power. Despite this, McCoy wanted him to remain in sickbay for at least another forty-eight hours of observation, just to be sure. However, Rand had been returned to duty, mostly due to her complaining. She even insisted on helping the reduced medical staff, not that anyone complained. Understandably, most of her help centered on Rameriz.
With the patients readied, the doctors collected their personal items and med kits. Four med-techs assisted in moving the injured with Rand's assistance. Two nurses handled the various records and medical logbook tapes, plus the debriefing recordings.
All in all, the whole process had taken only about twenty minutes and the abbreviated medical staff settled into their new facility quickly. Shortly thereafter, crew members began showing up for special surgery. Chapel started right away but would need assistance to finish on time. Tavar and McCoy jumped in once they were satisfied that Sebor, Rameriz and Berkley were comfortable.
Sulu settled into the auxiliary bridge almost immediately and he actually preferred the smaller command center. However, any bridge would do as long as he was commanding a ship. He reached to the intercom call button on his chair and tabbed it with a flare. "Beta bridge to Alpha bridge; Vince are you ready?"
"Affirmative, Admiral."
"Very well, let's make it official and transfer command."
"Understood, Alpha bridge out." DeSalle turned to the junior officer at the comm board, "Open the all-call, then vacate your station, Ensign."
"Aye, sir, channel open."
Speaking the words he wished weren't necessary, DeSalle announced, "Attention all hands, abandon the primary hull. Repeat, abandon the primary hull; report to corresponding duty stations and section chiefs in the secondary hull, immediately. Bridge out!"
DeSalle looked around the nearly empty area which had been a beehive of activity only moments ago and sighed, "Okay people, now that it's official, let's get going."
Almost reluctantly, the remaining bridge crew moved to the two turbolifts. DeSalle held back to be the last man off. As he finally entered the lift, he patted the nearby bulkhead where the dedication plaque would have been if the ship had received its commissioning ceremony. "Goodbye lady, thanks for taking care of us. We'll miss you."
As the tubolift doors snapped shut, the bridge took on an uncharacteristic silence.
|
© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
Star Trek and all related marks, logos, and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios, Inc. This fan organization
is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise.
|
