Post by LucianG on Apr 25, 2005 5:08:29 GMT -6
<LucianG>
ForgeMaster Kharkarian shook his head slowly, rubbing his temples. His headache just would not go away. Following receipt of the requisition for materials to reinforce the bulkhead in Gold Squadron's barracks, his men had been working double shifts to complete production of the material on time. His lids drooped, but knew that his eyes had to remain open for a short time more before he took that much needed nap.
He looked out across the mill floor, through the steam and smoke, which was quickly whisked up to the ceiling mounted evac fans some meters above. There! The last of the molten metal was being poured into the processing press! Molecular superheating arranger number one was now in position on the overhead bridge crane, beginning its slow run down the length of the pig metal. As the bridge moved, the plasma beam stabbed into the still hot metal, instantly remelting it and rearranging the molecules into the characteristic durasteel alloy patterns. Each successive pass fine-tuned the molecular arrangements, until typically after four passes, the material would meet all tolerances. Because of the critical nature of this work, Kharkarian and his chief assistant, Bodaca, had decided to add three more passes, which would probably have little effect; however, when it came to protecting the fleet's finest, no effort would be spared. Every few moments, his eyes' focus switched to the control panel, then quickly focused again on the plasma beam striking the pig metal.
After the first pass, small adjustments were ordered periodically, as the sensors detected material anomalies. With each successive pass, the adjustments became smaller, as the metal became stronger. On pass six, one almost infinitesimal adjustment (to "dead-on" target value!) was required. By pass seven, no anomalies were detected. Bodaca took samples for quality control. Kharkarian would perform the analysis himself during the next work shift, while the required structural reinforcing members were being fabricated to the correct sizes and lengths. For now, the cooling process was underway. He returned to his office/quarters, and sunk onto his bunk exhausted. In sleep, the throbbing in his head was, at least temporarily, forgotten.
* * *
On the Callisto, Ensigns BatGal and Conan777 continued their shuttle simulations. Captains Brie and Joey took turns monitoring this advanced training. By the time launch was ordered, these two young pilots would be ready. Extending the Lt. Col.'s latest command, Captain Brie decided to send a two Viper escort with the shuttle as it traveled to and from the Forge Ship. With all this additional activity, Gold Squadron would join Black Squadron in needing every pilot it could get!
* * *
On the production floor of the Forge Ship, the completed structural members were fabricated and finally cool to the touch. It was well past the end of the usual production shift, but there could be no delay. These pieces were scheduled to be shipped at the start of the next shift. Kharkarian turned away from the control window, back toward the test apparatus.
All the lines on the computer console aligned perfectly. The samples were as perfect as could be manufactured in an interstellar facility of this type. Given the fact that the ship had only been serviced once in twenty-two yahrens, he though, that should be considered a real achievement; however, given the circumstances, no one but him would ever even consider it. Kharkarian closed the last of the files, and sent the lot by direct beam to the Callisto. That pushy Lt. Lucian should be happy, if the bastard ever could be happy about anything.
Now, it was time to sleep; however, sleep would have to wait, despite the dull throbbing in his head. Kharkarian still had other concerns, as he opened the next file.
* * *
A short time later, a single light remained lit in the Engineering Office. Lt. Lucian had confirmed that all of the mill tests and supplemental quality control tests were right on target. He marked the files approved and sent them on to Lt. Titon for final approval, with a copy to Lt. Colonel Charybdis. Following Lt. Titon’s approval early the next shift, if all was well with the fleet, the Lt. Colonel would give the command for the shuttle to be launched. As the sleepy lieutenant exited the office and the light dimmed, he mused on how different things were now than when he was still aboard the Odyssey Nine. Nothing ever changed on the O-Nine. Here, things changed by the micron! Then too, “if” is a very powerful word.
* * *
<Cain>
Per core command through Captain Brie: Lieutenants Boomerang and Battlestar Ben report to launch bay Omega in one centar. Lt. Battlestar Ben will be my wingman, Lt. Boomerang aft scan 30-micron lag behind.
Captain, should we bring the fleet to ALERT status?
Lt. Cain
* * *
<Brie>
I don't think we should bring the fleet to alert status just yet, but all members of Gold Squadron are ordered to stay close to quarters unless otherwise assigned. All leaves and furloughs, with the exception of medical leave, are being postponed until further notice.
Captain Brie
* * *
The Commander has issued the orders to the shuttle crew to launch and rendezvous with the forge ship first cycle tomorrow. Two Viper pilots are to escort the shuttle.
Be careful everyone. We've been having trouble with our communications devices and there have been intermittent failures. Viper pilots, stay close to the shuttles.
Lt. Col. Charybdis
* * *
<BatGal>
“Just...five...more...centons!” thought the sleepy ensign.
Ensign BatGal opened her eyes, then sat up in her bunk and glared at her timepiece before deactivating its alarm. First cycle duty was always the toughest, especially after the past couple of time cycles! Wasn’t it just a millicenton ago that BatGal retired to her quarters after returning from rehearsal on the Rising Star? And that was after TWO full cycles of rigorous flight simulation! And it didn’t make it any easier with the Captains taking turns scrutinizing her and Ensign Conan’s (her shuttle co-pilot for this assignment) every move! Ensign BatGal yawned, stretched, got up and headed towards her locker. With every step, she thought to herself, “Never give up, never surrender. Never give up, never surrender.” Hmmmm, she felt better already! Aaaah...the power of positive thinking!
While reaching for her ultrasonic toothbrush, she glanced at her timepiece again. “Oh, FRACK!” she thought. I’ve got to meet Ensign Conan on Alpha bay in less than ten centons!”
She had a BIG time cycle ahead of her!
ForgeMaster Kharkarian shook his head slowly, rubbing his temples. His headache just would not go away. Following receipt of the requisition for materials to reinforce the bulkhead in Gold Squadron's barracks, his men had been working double shifts to complete production of the material on time. His lids drooped, but knew that his eyes had to remain open for a short time more before he took that much needed nap.
He looked out across the mill floor, through the steam and smoke, which was quickly whisked up to the ceiling mounted evac fans some meters above. There! The last of the molten metal was being poured into the processing press! Molecular superheating arranger number one was now in position on the overhead bridge crane, beginning its slow run down the length of the pig metal. As the bridge moved, the plasma beam stabbed into the still hot metal, instantly remelting it and rearranging the molecules into the characteristic durasteel alloy patterns. Each successive pass fine-tuned the molecular arrangements, until typically after four passes, the material would meet all tolerances. Because of the critical nature of this work, Kharkarian and his chief assistant, Bodaca, had decided to add three more passes, which would probably have little effect; however, when it came to protecting the fleet's finest, no effort would be spared. Every few moments, his eyes' focus switched to the control panel, then quickly focused again on the plasma beam striking the pig metal.
After the first pass, small adjustments were ordered periodically, as the sensors detected material anomalies. With each successive pass, the adjustments became smaller, as the metal became stronger. On pass six, one almost infinitesimal adjustment (to "dead-on" target value!) was required. By pass seven, no anomalies were detected. Bodaca took samples for quality control. Kharkarian would perform the analysis himself during the next work shift, while the required structural reinforcing members were being fabricated to the correct sizes and lengths. For now, the cooling process was underway. He returned to his office/quarters, and sunk onto his bunk exhausted. In sleep, the throbbing in his head was, at least temporarily, forgotten.
* * *
On the Callisto, Ensigns BatGal and Conan777 continued their shuttle simulations. Captains Brie and Joey took turns monitoring this advanced training. By the time launch was ordered, these two young pilots would be ready. Extending the Lt. Col.'s latest command, Captain Brie decided to send a two Viper escort with the shuttle as it traveled to and from the Forge Ship. With all this additional activity, Gold Squadron would join Black Squadron in needing every pilot it could get!
* * *
On the production floor of the Forge Ship, the completed structural members were fabricated and finally cool to the touch. It was well past the end of the usual production shift, but there could be no delay. These pieces were scheduled to be shipped at the start of the next shift. Kharkarian turned away from the control window, back toward the test apparatus.
All the lines on the computer console aligned perfectly. The samples were as perfect as could be manufactured in an interstellar facility of this type. Given the fact that the ship had only been serviced once in twenty-two yahrens, he though, that should be considered a real achievement; however, given the circumstances, no one but him would ever even consider it. Kharkarian closed the last of the files, and sent the lot by direct beam to the Callisto. That pushy Lt. Lucian should be happy, if the bastard ever could be happy about anything.
Now, it was time to sleep; however, sleep would have to wait, despite the dull throbbing in his head. Kharkarian still had other concerns, as he opened the next file.
* * *
A short time later, a single light remained lit in the Engineering Office. Lt. Lucian had confirmed that all of the mill tests and supplemental quality control tests were right on target. He marked the files approved and sent them on to Lt. Titon for final approval, with a copy to Lt. Colonel Charybdis. Following Lt. Titon’s approval early the next shift, if all was well with the fleet, the Lt. Colonel would give the command for the shuttle to be launched. As the sleepy lieutenant exited the office and the light dimmed, he mused on how different things were now than when he was still aboard the Odyssey Nine. Nothing ever changed on the O-Nine. Here, things changed by the micron! Then too, “if” is a very powerful word.
* * *
<Cain>
Per core command through Captain Brie: Lieutenants Boomerang and Battlestar Ben report to launch bay Omega in one centar. Lt. Battlestar Ben will be my wingman, Lt. Boomerang aft scan 30-micron lag behind.
Captain, should we bring the fleet to ALERT status?
Lt. Cain
* * *
<Brie>
I don't think we should bring the fleet to alert status just yet, but all members of Gold Squadron are ordered to stay close to quarters unless otherwise assigned. All leaves and furloughs, with the exception of medical leave, are being postponed until further notice.
Captain Brie
* * *
The Commander has issued the orders to the shuttle crew to launch and rendezvous with the forge ship first cycle tomorrow. Two Viper pilots are to escort the shuttle.
Be careful everyone. We've been having trouble with our communications devices and there have been intermittent failures. Viper pilots, stay close to the shuttles.
Lt. Col. Charybdis
* * *
<BatGal>
“Just...five...more...centons!” thought the sleepy ensign.
Ensign BatGal opened her eyes, then sat up in her bunk and glared at her timepiece before deactivating its alarm. First cycle duty was always the toughest, especially after the past couple of time cycles! Wasn’t it just a millicenton ago that BatGal retired to her quarters after returning from rehearsal on the Rising Star? And that was after TWO full cycles of rigorous flight simulation! And it didn’t make it any easier with the Captains taking turns scrutinizing her and Ensign Conan’s (her shuttle co-pilot for this assignment) every move! Ensign BatGal yawned, stretched, got up and headed towards her locker. With every step, she thought to herself, “Never give up, never surrender. Never give up, never surrender.” Hmmmm, she felt better already! Aaaah...the power of positive thinking!
While reaching for her ultrasonic toothbrush, she glanced at her timepiece again. “Oh, FRACK!” she thought. I’ve got to meet Ensign Conan on Alpha bay in less than ten centons!”
She had a BIG time cycle ahead of her!