Enjoying Engineering

Posted on Thu Nov 18th, 2021 @ 11:47pm by Commander Temperance Zachary & Lieutenant Commander Cor Cordale & Lieutenant Remi Stevenson

Mission: Episode 05: "Deep Water"
Timeline: Day 1 at 0000

Main Engineering was a hive of activity in the lead up to departure, all the last minute checks being done, especially on the quantum slip stream drive, given how heavily they would be relying on it in the months to come. Temperance paused inside the doorway, acknowleding one of the engineers who nodded at her as they rushed by. She paused for a moment, glancing around, her gaze resting on the familiar form of the Thux who seemed to be casually strolling toward them, ever present mug in one hand.

Temperance offered a smile. "Commander Cordale, Fleet Admiral Emily Quinn. She's touring the ship before we depart. Admiral, this is Commander Cordale, our Chief Engineering Officer."

Cordale actually chuckled, "A Fleet Admiral? Wallet sharks, you don't give a Thux a moment do you? Hold on." he transferred his mug to his prosthetic limb, then snapped to attention.

"Lieutenant Commander Cor Cordale, Engineering is always ready for an inspection, ma'am." he confided, then continued, "Had to swap the mug. Last time I snapped to attention I nearly concussed myself."

"At ease, Commander," Quinn replied a reassuring grin on her face. "I'd rather you didn't concuss yourself. The last thing I need is more paperwork." Her gaze was less on the cobalt-furred officer, and more on the warp core and the rest of the room around it. "How is our girl running?"

The Thux relaxed, a motion that spread to just about every part of his form. Apparently, standing up straight wasn't something his people were built for, so a slight stoop to his posture was the norm. "Topped off the tanks, everything is green, and our resident expert on the Quantum Slipspace says we're all good to go on that level. I'll be honest, I'm an eighty percent expert on it, so I made sure to have a one hundred percent expert on it with us." he admitted, "Aside from that, I've run three level two diagnostics on every part of the engineering bay, changed out two boson plates, buffed out a scuff on a wall panel, and changed three recessed lightbars."

"We're practically a brand new Engineering bay. We're running just fine." he said, until one of the engineer crewhands behind him piped up, "You're not supposed to say that, sir. It's a jinx." and Cordale gave a nod, "Wallet sharks you're right, ummm.." he looked at the Admiral. "What I meant was, we're doomed."

"Much better, sir."

For most admirals, the display Quinn had just observed would probably be considered unprofessional. But Quinn was in her element. Or at least what used to be her element. It had been a long time since she had found herself in charge of an engine room. She never regretted her career choice to go on the command track. But there were days that she missed being in the trenches, rolling up her sleeves, and getting dirty.

"How else can you keep up appearances as a miracle worker if the command staff thinks everything is running smoothly. You have to keep them on their toes somehow," Quinn replied with a response unbecoming of an officer in her position. "Have you broken any of our speed records yet?"

Cordale offered a chuckle and a smirk, "Honestly I prefer to work miracles through work, rather than inflating reports." a snicker, "I run a smooth pit down here. Casual when needed, I want my engineers to see me as approachable, rather than a rank on the mountain. If there's a fire, I assure you, I go from Cordale to Sir real fast."

He lead the Fleet Admiral on a small tour, and while people snapped to attention within the presence of admiralty, things were casual down here. Business Casual, but casual.

"Speed records? Not until we turn on the magic box, but I don't think that counts. If I have to invoke entire new systems to beat you, then I haven't." a pause, "But, we are looking forward to setting the bar." a swig from his mug. "Anything you want to say to the crew? I keep them motivated with coffee, but between you... me... and the Source, anyone in this room that isn't the least bit worried is a fool."

"That includes me."

Quinn looked around at the engineering crew. She couldn't help but envy then. They were heading out into the unknown, with an opportunity to see things that no one had ever seen before. But their apprehension was not to be unexpected either. "I know you're all nervous. That's understandable. I'd be nervous too. Admittedly I'm a little biased, but this is the best ship in the fleet. And I have no doubt that this is one of the finest crews in the fleet. If anyone is going to be ready for the mission ahead of you, its this crew. I know there is nothing that you can't face together."

"And I'm sure I don't need to tell the engineering staff this, but as far as the Vesta is concerned, if you treat her like a lady, she'll always bring you home."

The crew of the Vesta's engineering department appreciated the pep talk, "Thank you, ma'am" this and "We won't let you down" that. Cordale turned towards the Admiral and gave a nod, "Appreciate the words, Admiral. Some of us, though, are already home." he gave a chuckle. "Wherever my feets are, that's home. We'll be home in time for Thuxmas."

"It sounds like the Vesta's engine room is in good hands," Quinn replied with a grin. "I'll let you get back to your preparations and not take any more of your time. It was a pleasure to meet you, Commander."

Cordale turned and gave a smile, and offered his prosthetic limb in the universal gesture of friendship: The Handshake.

"Thank you, and trust me, this ship is in the best hands three brothers could afford."

Knowing the meaning behind the words, Temperance smiled and offered a small nod of respect. "Admiral, if you're finished here I'll be happy to escort you to the Captain's Ready Room. I'm sure he's waiting by now."

Admiral Quinn was not familiar with the expression, but she felt that she could appreciate the sentiment. She shook the offered prosthetic hand and turned her attention back to Temperance. "I could stay down here for hours swapping stories, Commander. But I suppose the inspection should continue. After you."

"Thank you Commander, I'll see you later," Temperance said to Cordale before turning and motioning the Admiral toward the turbolift. "This way Ma'am. It won't take us long at all to get to the bridge."