|
Post by LucianG on Apr 25, 2005 5:04:19 GMT -6
Cain, legendary Commander of the Battlestar Pegasus, sat at his desk, with his black Warrior’s boots propped up on the desk. The smoke from the fumarello in his hand curled gently, wafting toward the exhaust duct. He read the report again. His ship, his crew, his dream had accomplished the impossible! The Cylon defense forces from the planet below (nicknamed “Treasure Trove” by the Pegasus’ crew) had been defeated in the surprise attack. Upon capture of the orbital spacedock, the automated systems had been set to bring specific materials to the huge facility. Operating around the clock for almost two sentars, enough raw materials had been delivered to the spacedock to build a new ship. Cain smiled, reflecting quietly to himself. Indeed, he would take the spacedock, and the ships he would build! The prototype plans for the first was already complete. With this dock, he would build a new fleet of improved Battlestars, with which he would destroy the Cylons once and for all. He gave the order, and the spacedock began to move out of orbit. In doing so, Commander Cain completed the greatest theft in Colonial history. Two yahrens later, on the bridge of the Pegasus, Cain was standing looking at the image of the accompanying shipyard. His new Battlestar, the first of what he was determined to be many, was ready to become operational in the automated spacedock. While there was still much work to be done to make it fully functional, including most of the finish work, in the hands of the right crew, he knew it would be able to fight. Due to the extremely short staff he had aboard the Pegasus, he staffed the new vessel with an extremely eager but none-the-less skeleton crew.
The spacedock’s automated manufacturing equipment was currently busy turning out first class Vipers. Within a few more cycles, he would have full complements of Vipers for both the Pegasus and the new Battlestar; however, he knew he could wait no longer. The weak distress call from a group calling itself “Orion” could only be due to one cause: those fracking Cylons. Commander Cain made his decision. His new ship, the Battlestar Callisto, would be on its own until he could catch up with it again in the near future. The Pegasus departed, leaving the Callisto still traveling through space in the Cylon spacedock. Two systems later, the Callisto left the womb of the spacedock, ready to travel on its own. The unexpected arrival of a Cylon Base-Star and secondary Cylon ships caused Colonel Cambar, temporary commander of the Callisto, to send the spacedock on an uncalculated jump. Unmanned and on an unknown course, the dock was believed to have been destroyed. Before the Cylons detected the presence of the undermanned and untested Callisto, the new Battlestar escaped.
Less than three yahrens later, the crew of the Callisto approached yet another new system in their so far futile search for Commander Cain and the Pegasus. This time, they found a Battlestar, but it was not the Pegasus. Instead, they had located the Galactica.
* * * Two more yahrens passed as the Callisto traveled with the fleet. New recruits joined the Callisto with almost every cycle. Much of the new ship was outfitted, but major portions of the interior were still unfinished. Crew quarters were particularly deficient, but, since the crew was still only about two thirds of its optimal size, everyone made the best of the situation. That is, until one cycle…
<Charybdis>
Lt. Colonel Charybdis, from the comfort of his larger, private quarters next to Commander Sheba’s apartment, announced the addition of another new recruit to the Callisto’s warrior complement via ship wide broadcast.
“We need more room in Gold Squadron quarters!! Please welcome Ensign Trenton5 aboard the Battlestar Callisto. He will serve under Capt. Brie and Gold Squadron.” Almost laughing, he continued, “May the Lords watch over the Gold Squadron quarters. It is getting crowded in there!”
<Brie> Captain Brie greeted the new ensign, “Welcome to the Callisto and Gold Squadron, Ensign!”
Her note to Captain Joey read, “I think we'll need to borrow a few of the extra beds from Black Squadron. You do have SO MANY empty ones over there!”
Captain Brie (with tools in hand, ready to tear down a wall.) Gold Squadron, where we'll always MAKE room for more. <Cain> On meeting Ensign Trenton5, Lt. Cain, Second in Command of Gold Squadron, said, “Ensign, at the rate we’re growing, we may need to build another Battlestar just to accommodate the overflow!” Cain shook Ensign Trenton’s hand.
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Apr 25, 2005 5:05:09 GMT -6
<Lucian> From his temporary desk in Vessel Engineering and Design, Lt. LucianG issued the following: MEMO: To: Commander Sheba CC: Lt. Colonel Charybdis
From: Lt. LucianG, Black Squadron
RE: Gold Squadron Annex
Work order has been placed. A construction crew should arrive later today to open a connector hole to the adjacent storage space, which is being renovated as a crew quarters annex. We've got some barracks and lockers requisitioned, but it will take a little time for them to fabricated.
At this rate of growth, we may need to add another squadron someday; however, I think Lt. Titon will verify that we won't be able to add another launch/landing bay pod below the Callisto. That's too bad, because we could really surprise those Cylons by the number of Vipers we could launch at one time!
Oh, for a major space dock facility, manufacturing plants, and a major engine system upgrade. Damn those Cylons!
Determined to strike while the iron was hot and get long discussed project underway, he dived into the work, which proved to be quite substantial. His next memo read:
MEMO
To: Lt. Col. Charybdis, Capt. Brie, Lt. Amy, Medical Staff, all Callisto Ensigns
CC: Lt. Titon
From: Lt. LucianG, Engineering
RE: Schedule & Assignments
Lt. Amy is assigned as Gold Squadron Liaison and Safety Coordinator. As such, she is in charge of workspace security, new space layout, and finish coordination. She is to schedule two Gold Squadron Ensigns to monitor the current barracks at all times when work is being performed. Work is scheduled for first shift only. The security ensigns shall verify that nothing has been damaged or misplaced at the end of each work shift. As Safety Coordinator, she will insure that everyone uses appropriate safety equipment and procedures. Failure to follow safety procedures will result in a quick trip to and extended tour of the brig.
According to the ForgeMaster, material for reinforcing the new bulkhead opening is scheduled for production tomorrow. Mill testing and QC will be ongoing as the component material is fabricated the following day. It should be completed by early next secton.
Ensigns BatGal and Conan are scheduled to pilot a shuttlecraft to transport the components from the forge ship to the Callisto. Due to the length of the horizontal beam, it will be shipped in three pieces, two of which will be sent in the first shipment. A second trip will be required to bring the last horizontal member and the two smaller vertical stiffeners. The forge ship workers will load the shuttle. A pair of MasterWelders, who will be performing the actual reinforcing work, will accompany the shuttle on the second trip. Following acceptable completion of the work, the ensigns are to return the craftsmen to their ship.
Ensign Kuroiryu is to assemble a work crew of ship's personnel to transport the reinforcing members to the Gold Squadron Barracks Annex. He is to be assisted by Ensigns Grendyl and Dragonfire. After delivery, Ensign Kuroiryu's crew is to prepare appropriate fire fighting equipment to combat any unexpected emergencies.
Ensigns Jumperdwg and SDavis are to obtain blast curtains, plasma torches, plasma welder, laser grinder, smoke evac, and miscellaneous tools from Callisto's Quartermaster. They are to assemble another work crew of ship's personnel to erect the blast curtains opposite the new opening in the existing Gold Squadron barracks, and prepare the tools for use in the new annex.
All reinforcing shall be in place prior to the hole being cut in the bulkhead. As much work as possible will be performed from the annex side to minimize the disturbance in the existing quarters.
A number of bunks will have to be shifted to erect the blast curtain. Due to the potential noise, we recommend that those Gold Squadron warriors who ordinarily sleep during first shift temporarily relocate to empty bunks in Black Squadron barracks. There may not be enough bunks for the total crew displaced. Due to the potential security concerns (our warriors must be well rested to defend the fleet from the Cylon threat), it may be best if the Lt. Colonel's spacious and quiet quarters is used for the overflow. If this is acceptable to the Lt. Colonel, Lt. Amy's security detail will need to verify that cots are stowed and all is restored in the Lt. Colonel's quarters at the end of each sleep period, prior to the quarters being turned over to Lt. Colonel Charybdis.
Finally, the Medical staff is to be on standby. Although safety will be top priority, this type of work is dangerous. Please be ready to treat any emergencies while work is being performed on first shift.
If all goes as planned, work should be completed within two sectons, ready for occupancy, with the possible exception of the bunks, which may take an additional secton for delivery.
Please contact me with any questions.
Lt. LucianG, Engineering
<Charybdis>
Lt. Colonel Charybdis stood on the bridge reading the memo in his hand. When he looked up, he said, “Sounds good Lt. Charka…umm, I mean LucianG. I can admit up to 5 warriors in my quarters, however, I'd better not find a speck of marshmallow cream left in there. If I do, the Commander's gonna go crazy!! However, in the turboflush area is a space where I keep my tuboflush necessities, and there is a space there just the right size for a bottle of Nyquil.”
As the lieutenant took his leave, Lt. Colonel Charybdis added, “Keep up the good work, Lieutenant!”
<Lucian>
In the briefing later in the cycle, Lt. Lucian said,
“Lt. Amy, please see the Lt. Colonel's subtle hint about the space in his turboflush room, and act accordingly.” He handed her a hard copy of the transcript.
“Ensign Kuroiryu, Be sure to have your crew get the wall opening ‘slab’ onto that return shuttle so it can be recycled by our friends on the forge ship. I'm sure the Gold Squadron folks wouldn't want to trip over that thing forever. Doc would be busy forever fixing stubbed toes and such.”
“Ensigns BatGal and Conan, the forge craftsmen don't leave this ship without taking that chunk of metal with them, understood?”
“If there are no further questions,” Lucian concluded, “we’re dismissed. Thank you all for your efforts!”
<Amy>
Lt. Amy’s memo to Gold Squadron read as follows:
“There are just so many new ensigns! I need two volunteers to assist me in my assignment. So the first two that get wiped out in that hot game of Pyramid over there, come see me!”
To herself, she thought, “Since I've been dying to DO SOMETHING, I'm itching to get started! Or is it the starch in this uniform!?”
Which begs the question: “Who's gonna do the LAUNDRY??” She asked Captain Brie.
“Hmmm, access to the Lt. Col's quarters will make it pretty easy to get at the good soap, right Captain Brie? I can see this all coming together rather nicely! Now where are my two volunteers?”
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Apr 25, 2005 5:05:52 GMT -6
<Brie>
Captain Brie posted the following note on the Gold Squadron message board:
I expect two ensigns from Gold Squadron to volunteer to assist Lt. Amy by the end of the day. Otherwise they will be assigned. Also, I just might be assigning someone for temporary laundry duty.
Captain Brie Gold Squadron
<Amy>
A short time later, Lt. Amy asked Captain Brie, “Since there will be a noticeable drop in sucking up while I handle my assignment, may I also look for a volunteer to handle the brown-nosing during this time?”
<Brie>
Brie responded, smiling, “Sorry, but the brown-nosing must continue. No one else does it quite so well! You may, if you like, give a few pointers to the others, though.”
<Conan777>
ENSIGN CONAN REPORTING TO SHUTTLECRAFT SIMULATOR AS ORDERED, SIR.
Ensign Conan also sent a message to Captain Brie. “I will also volunteer to help Lt. Amy, Ma’am.” <Najinn>
“Captain Brie, Ensign Najinn, reporting. As a new guy on the block I'll volunteer to help. Some of my old students back on the Galactica said I was a dab hand at design with some semtex or plastique.” Laughing, the new ensign said, “By your command, oops that’s the other guys isn't it....”
<Holodoc2000>
Memo to Callisto Crew:
Lt Holodoc, Head Nurse, is standing by with a med kit should any injuries arise. How about passing some of the Nyquil my way. I could use is since I now have a head cold that I just recently acquired. I guess that is what I get for working anywhere from 45 to 65 centars each secton for the past few sectons.
<Doc Bkj>
Doc Bkj followed up with a short note to all as well:
Just a short note to let you know that Med Lab will be open 16 centars per cycle until the project is completed. Nurse Holodoc and myself will be on a rotating shift.
In the Med Lab, Doc said, “Holodoc, I've got some Dayquil for you as well as Nyquil. I suggest we both get some sleep while we can.”
<Amy>
Lt. Amy greeted Ensign Najinn, “Thanks for volunteering! We should get along great. I'm an easy boss, just don't badmouth Dirk and we should get along fine. We have a little soap-liberating mission to accomplish during our official tasks, so I hope you aren't above a little rule bending! It's okay really, if we get nailed Captain Brie will disavow all knowledge of our actions! Thanks for answering the call!”
When she met Captain Brie in the corridor a little later, Lt. Amy said, “Captain Brie, be assured that the sucking up will continue without lapse. I seem to be on a roll lately, and I'd hate to interrupt the nice brown-nosing streak I have going! If we get caught snagging the soap, you really wouldn't pull a Mission Impossible on us and disavow any knowledge of our actions, would you?”
Captain Brie smiled as she walked away. Then, Lt. Amy called after her, “Have I said how wonderful you look today, Captain?”
<BatGal>
Ensign BatGal rushed in to Engineering to report to Lt. LucianG.
“Lieutenant,” she said, “Sorry -- I just got in from sound check on the Rising Star. The good news -- I brought back a bunch of everyone's favorite fumarillos and flasks of 'Nyquil Alpha'!!!”
“Oh, and while I was waiting for the Canaris shuttle, some strange (grogged-out) guy kept asking me if I'd seen a canister of "M.C." laying around...what the heck was he talking about?”
Lt. Lucian shook his head. He had no idea. BatGal left and almost immediately ran into Ensign Conan, on his way to the shuttle simulator for more practice. She smiled and said, “Ready, Ensign Conan? 'Chunk of metal be gone!'”
<Lucian>
Lt. Lucian sat at his still “temporary” desk in Engineering. His memos were almost completed.
To Lt. Merak:
As Security Officer, please provide a small security detail to monitor Black Squadron barracks during the time we are hosting the temporarily displaced Gold Squadron warriors during the height of construction. Please note that rumor has it that they may be planning to leave us a little calling card. Of course, it could be a nice bottle of ambrosia or maybe even some Nyquil!
To Lt. Colonel Charybdis:
Report from the ForgeMaster is that there has been an undisclosed "snag" in production of the durasteel alloy for the new structural reinforcing members, but he has assured me that it is on schedule for production late today. They will be fabricating the new pieces tomorrow, so by Monday morning, they will be ready. Our shuttle crew (Ensigns BatGal and Conan777) should get a good night's sleep since this will be a difficult mission due to the mass of the structural members involved in comparison to the size of the shuttle. Both might want to do some shuttle flight simulation today or tomorrow, with the shuttle loaded to maximum capacity.
To Lt. Amy:
Please have your crew verify that everything is out of the storeroom, and then do an initial cleaning of the room; it doesn't have to be too good, since it will get dirty again during the construction, but we don't want be tracking dust and such into the corridors before we even start. Commander Sheba and the Lt. Col. would not be pleased!
To Ensigns BatGal and Conan777:
Please see comments to Lt. Col. Charybdis (attached). Practice, practice, practice!
Fortunately, when we take that big chunk of metal back to the Forge ship AFTER the completion of construction, it won't weight quite as much as what we are bringing in to start, so that will be an easier flight. Good luck getting ready for your first trips. The memos were signed,
Lt. LucianG, Black Squadron/Engineering, Battlestar Callisto
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Apr 25, 2005 5:06:34 GMT -6
<Conan777> Ensign Conan said, “Reporting. Ensign BatGal, I will meet you at the flight simulation.” <BatGal> Ensign BatGal responded, “Meet at flight sim...copy that.” <Titon> Later that day, Lt. Titon, Second in Command of Black Squadron, posted a note on the bulletin board in the Callisto mess hall. “It has come to my attention there seems to be some, let me think, foreign matter upon some of the new recruits noses? Well Captain Brie is not the ONLY one you should be sucking up to. As I have just come back from a deep deep space patrol, I see there is again an influx of Gold Squadron warriors and also my Captain is with, ahem, child. Now it also seems to becoming reality that once again Captain Brie and I will become, shall I say, roomies? Captain Joey in her glorious state will most definitely need an extended furlough to take care of her new package. And yes that will assuredly leave me once again in command of Black Squadron. Shall I order the curtains now Captain? Lt. Titon Vessel Engineering and Design Black Squadron <Brie> On hearing of Lt. Titon’s note, Captain Brie posted one of her own: Just maybe, Titon, no one is sucking up. Maybe they just realize true genius in a leader when they see it! As far as Capt. Joey and the lengths she'll go to increase the members of Black Squadron, she hasn't requested a leave just yet. (And this time I get to pick out the curtains.) Capt. Brie <Cain> It may be true Lt. Titon will once again head up Black Squadron. Aside from his practical jokes, he is a cruel but fair, open yet steady, joker yet hard working warrior. In his best Barney Fife voice: "Now men...welcome to the rock..." "Nip it Nip it Nip it!" Speaking to Ensigns BatGal and Conan, he said, “All kidding aside, Lt. Titon has all the specs on the durasteel alloy for the new bulkheads. Be sure to double check with him before transferring from the engineering ship. Reports of faulty material were reported shortly after the Molokay incident. <Lucian> On hearing of Cain’s comment, Lt. Lucian sent a short memo to him: Lt. Cain: The ForgeMaster has already been instructed to perform all applicable mill tests on the durasteel alloy material for quality control, including tension, compression, extensibility, heat of vaporization, and others as listed in the manual in the Engineering Office. Testing is to commence as soon as the material is produced, while pieces are being fabricated. He will forward the results to us tomorrow. I will review, and pass them on to Lt. Titon for final approval. The shuttle crew will not launch until approval is obtained. In addition, due to the critical nature of this work, as constructed samples will be taken for retest. Again, this will be verified and approved prior to installation of the new material. Please rest assured that we in Vessel Engineering and Design will do absolutely nothing that endanger the safety of the ship or the fleet. Lt. LucianG, Black Squadron/Engineering CC: Lt. Titon Lt. Col. Charybdis <Charybdis> Core Command has just learned of a possible Cylon threat at the edge of a huge mass of ionic gas that the fleet has just passed. It is near the rear sector of the fleet (which as everyone knows, is where we are). Some intermittent anomalies were measured during the last cycle. For all Warriors who are out on patrol or shuttle duty, keep your eyes open and report any, repeat, ANY strange occurrences or sightings. We don't want to get into any trouble out there, do we? Effective immediately, an extra patrol will be flown by Gold Squadron pilots to keep an eye on the rear of the fleet. Capt. Brie, assign two pilots for this duty at once and then come up with a rotating schedule. This will help protect the fleet as well as help with the congestion in the new living quarters. Also, ever since the attack on the Cylon foundry and the operation of our beloved Battlestar, the Commander and all bridge personnel have had to use the same old soap that all other Warriors use!! So you won't find anything special in my quarters. May the Lords Protect Us, Lt. Col. Charybdis <Brie> Addressing Gold Squadron, Captain Brie said, “Lt. Cain, take Lt. Boomerang and Lt. Battlestar Ben with you. You are in charge of the mission.” “Also, so everyone knows, I've been having a problem with my communications systems. I've alerted the proper people, and it is being worked on. If too much time passes and my input is needed but I can't be reached, Lt. Cain will be in temporary command of Gold Squadron. He will be assisted by Lt. SiressEden. This is only if I can't be reached, and an immediate decision is needed.” <Cain> A short time later, Cain reported in to the Callisto: “Lt. Colonel, Other than a slight blip on my attack scanner, I noticed nothing unusual. It's a good bet if we can't see them they can't see us, however since we are somewhat under repair, it would be a bad time for an attack. I request that we circumnavigate the perimeter of the cloud, keeping our intrepidity of course, to see what's there.” And thus, our story aboard the Battlestar Callisto begins…
|
|