Engineering, As it should be
Posted on Fri Oct 28, 2016 @ 7:59am by Lieutenant Vincent Kramer
Mission:
An Orion to Die For
Location: Shuttlebay - Engineering
Timeline: MD 2 || 1000 hours
ON:
Vince stood on the bridge of the runabout on approach for the main shuttle bay for the USS Triumphant. As he stepped forward and place a hand on the back of the pilot's seat, "You're a good man Drake."
The pilot glanced over his shoulder and said, "Right on time. Just as promised Lieutenant."
This would be Vincent's third engineering posting on an Odyssey Class Starship. With that experience under his belt, as well as time spent as engineer aboard a stardock space station, Lt. Kramer was ready to take full command of Engineering for the USS Triumphant.
"Yes and thank you Ensign Drake," Kramer replied as his gaze continued out the viewport of the Danube Class Runabout. A strong feeling of confidence came over him. It was a feeling of coming home, though he had never been aboard this vessel.
Stepping onto the flight deck of the main shuttlebay with a dufflebag over his shoulder, Lt. Kramer looked about the massive chamber of a room, and walked with the group toward the open pressure door. He thought, No. I don't think it is as big as the Galaxy Class Shuttlebay.
Upon entering the anteroom each member of the small group was identified and processed. "Lieutenant Kramer," the female Petty Officer said, “We’ve been expecting you.”
Vince smiled and stepped up to the other-side of the console where she stood. “Petty Officer Willis? That is you! My goodness! It must be 3 Years since we were on the Elysium together."
"Yes Sir!" Was her chipper reply. "Actually, when I saw your name on the list of arriving officers, I made a point to be here to welcome you."
The kind thought brought a smile to the left corner of Vince's mouth. Kramer replied, "Thank you Willis. That was very thoughtful of you." After a second he added, "Congratulations on your promotion. I knew you could make it."
Willis replied, "Ya, staying involved and out of trouble definitely helps." She then chuckled a little and added, "And you as well Sir. I see you have your 2nd pip on your collar. Congratulations as well."
"Aaah," Kramer dismissed the thought, "They just let me be in charge and with more responsibility. That's all."
"Of course Sir," Willis said, and then requested, "And now, if I could get you to place your right hand on the scanner, we will officially confirm your identify."
Peter complied. He was very familiar with this protocol of confirming all personnel by several methods, especially since more and more changelings were being found in the Alpha Quadrant. There is nothing wrong with being too safe.
Willis then handed Lt. Kramer a PaDD and a new comm badge, "Here you go Sir. Your Comm Badge has been programmed to provide all the usual access and clearance for your rank and new position." A slight smile escaped her lips. "The PaDD contains the details on the Triumphant, specifically your Quarters. And I have added a couple more social locations." She paused for a second and then added with a wink, "that I have found interesting since coming on board."
"You have gone above and beyond Petty Officer Willis," Kramer raved. "I guess I'll be seeing you around.”
Willis replied with the biggest of smiles since she could not hold it back any more, "Yes you will. And welcome aboard Sir."
Vince smiled and simply replied, "Thanks," and walked out into the passageway.
Kramer already knew exactly where he was and wanted to make his way by his Quarters, Engineering, and then to locate the XO. He stepped onto the nearest turbolift, "Deck 22, Section Six Bravo."
Vince walked casually along the passageway, looking at faces and nodding politely as he went. He stopped before a door with a name plate that said,
[ 22-235 ]
[Lt. Kramer, Vincent]
Kramer placed his thumb on the access panel and the control panel chimed and then the door opened. He knew that the bio-tech devices were reading him as he made his way through the ship. He wouldn't have to do that next time.
Vince walked into the spacious quarters, where he found a sofa and 2 plush chairs behind a rectangular low table, Vid screens on the walls, and book shelves. Further in, he found a small dining area; a table, 4 chairs, and a food replicator. Beyond that were several windows with the view of space. The way the stars streaked by, it confirmed that he was on the Starboard side of the ship.
Vince turned to the right and walked into the bedroom, where there were more windows, a couple chairs by the window, shelves, and of course the private facilities. Vince dropped his duffle on the bed and walked back out into the living are where he bent down and checked his personal crates that had already been delivered for him. He confirmed that they were still sealed and in good order. From one of the crates he lifted a frame and held it in his hands. He looked down on he photograph of his family. It was of his Mom and Dad, 3 brothers, and himself. It had been taken about 12 years ago at the Christmas celebration prior to his graduation from standard education, before accepting the appointment to Starfleet Academy. Vince placed the frame on the low table in the living area. It was the last family photo ever taken. His father had not allowed any others since.
Vince breathed in deeply and looked about the room. Focusing on the present, "Yes. This will do just fine."
Lt. Kramer then made his way back down the passageway to the nearest turbolift. Upon entering, "Engineering Deck 38". He felt he wanted to get a birds eye view of Main Engineering before speaking to any of his department.
It wasn't too long before the doors opened and he stepped out and looked both ways. He saw the outline of the emergency pressure doors and headed that way. He stopped before the closed doors and stated, "Computer, recognize Kramer, Vincent, Lieutenant, Chief of Engineering. Security access Alpha Gamma Pi Zeta Two Five Five, Open."
It took just a couple seconds and the computer replied, "Recognized Lt. Kramer, Chief Engineer." And the large doors opened for him.
After walking through, Kramer found himself, as expected, on the upper deck of Engineering with the 3 active Warp Cores, thrumming before him. He observed many Engineers moving about on all 4 levels of Engineering. Peter sighed a little. He knew very well each of their positions and responsibilities.
Looking at the Tri-Core, Kramer knew that some other Odyssey Class vessels only had 2 warp cores in place, while others had 3. His previous assignment had been the USS Arcadia, which had the Tri-Core arrangement. He knew exactly just how much power they could provide for the ship. 2 warp cores are adequate for most needs of a ship this size. But, if the ship ever called into battle, they would be put to the test, maximizing their output.
The Engineer knew there were strategies already in place, so that when the situation came, certain power systems would be there for life-support, shields, and weapons and would function at peak efficiency, while minor systems would still be powered.
<>
Looking down on the activity in Engineering a smile came over his face as he leaned on the railing. Kramer was just slightly startled when a pleasant voice asked, "Sir? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Kramer turned to see a tall blonde woman with 1 gold pip on the collar of her gold uniform."
Vince was very pleased to see that an Engineer had been observant enough to see him standing there and take the appropriate action and speak to him. "No Ensign. I am just observing."
"I see Sir," was her reply. "Do you need me to introduce you to the Officer in Charge?"
Vince figured he would play along for just a bit, "And who would that be Ensign . . ." He left the sentace open for her to finish.
"Welch. I'm Ensign Kathrin Welch," she explained. "Lieutenant JG Gefel is our Assistant Chief of Engineering." She looked over the railing to see if she could identify the Bolian and said in a staggered way, "Lieutenant Gefel . . is . . " Welch then stopped and realized very quickly what was taking place. She turned to the Officer before her, "Are you Lieutenant Kramer?"
Vince couldn't help but smile very big and replied, "Yes Ensign. I am. And you are very observant to put that all together."
"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir," Welch stated timidly. "We had been informed that you were coming. I should have realized right off."
Vince held up a hand to have her stop the excuses or apologizing. Kramer stated, "Not to worry. You can let the good Lieutenant know that I have arrived and will see him very soon."
"Yes Sir," Welch stated. "I will let him know."
Kramer smiled again and said, "All right. Dismissed."
Welch gave a nod and then turned and went back to her duties.
Vince took in a good deep breath and let it out. He was having another good feeling about this vessel. He then turned and walked toward the pressure door, that opened for him this time, and down the passageway.
OFF:
Lt. Vincent Kramer
Chief of Engineering
USS Triumphant
