Shakedown #14"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Dr. Paul Sparrow, Assistant Chief Sceince Officer, [NPC]
Thelek Uvar, Commanding Officer, [NPC]

Stardate: 58202.27 2035

John Westfall, the Tactical Officer of the USS Zion was on the ship's bridge. He was reviewing logs of all the ship's systems, looking for abnormalities from the posted specifications. He knew there was much to go over, despite the fact the USS Zion hadn't *just* been taken out of space dock. Preparations were underway to take the brand new ship to go out for it's "Shake-down" voyage.

Still, he wanted to make sure it was all functioning, and within the specifications set. He knew all too well, that sometimes with critical systems, (According to a man named Murphy) they broke down at the most inopportune times). His personal mantra was, "In the middle of a *crisis*, in hostile territory, while engaging "the enemy"... this is no time to have to pull out the owner's manual, to see "What does it mean when the green light turns to *orange*"?

Westfall's sensor logs showed every ship within range, its classification, armament, data about life signs aboard, power capacity, output, warp speed, engine efficiency, life support systems function, and more.

Everyone knew their jobs, and knew them well, however the USS Zion was a brand *new* ship of the fleet, and he wanted to make sure *his* part of it (tactical, weapons, communications and more) all operated. He was the one who got to push "The Big Red Button" (when Captain Hunter or Commander Wright *gave the order*).

He'd never be able to live down not being able to pull over a Pakled trader, in their search for "Things to make them go". He thought they weren't (perhaps) the brightest species technologically, but he had to admire their tenacity. He just *didn't* want to look like their =dumber= idiot cousin.

The sensor display showed all systems were optimal, and operating normally, as he worked his way through the myriad of details, system by system. So far, he was a very pleased man. The tactical sensors correlated with helm and navigation, and showed that the two were "in synch", and further that tallied with the telemetry data being received from the station, Qul Tuq.

There was an urgent *Beep* from the console speaker, to alert him of a priority transmission. As it should, the communication system lit up.

He transferred the encrypted message off the relay. Seconds later, the message was in plain English:

WIth a sigh of relief, he replayed the message, from the USS Kitty Hawk, the ship that was bringing the completion of the USS Zion's Command Crew.

"This is the Tactical Officer of the USS Kitty Hawk. I have been instructed to inform Captain Hunter that the USS Kitty Hawk will be delayed in it's scheduled arrival to Station Qul Tuq. We needed to make a course change to avoid hostilities in the area.". =End Message=

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"Captain Hunter: This is Westfall, Sir. I hate to disturb you after your tour, but you need to know that I've got a secure High Priority message that's just arrived. The packet is intact, and the message checksum is valid.

The USS Kitty Hawk has been delayed in its arrival to Station Qul Tuq due to intense hostilities in transit.

Their present position is about 5 light years out, 6 Hours at warp 9.9, Sir. How Shall I respond"?

"I'm on my way Westfall.." said the Captain. "Number one, can you meet me on the bridge please."

The captain stepped off the turbolift and crossed the bridge to the tactical station. He was impressed to see the tactical officer had anticipated what displays he'd want to see. "Good work Westfall," said the Captain.

He studied the display and reviewed the message. "I'll be in my ready room."

Shortly Wright entered and reviewed the situation. "Your recommendations Number One?"

John thought about it for a moment. "Well, we do not need to wait around here. We could go mmet the kitty hawke. The did say the were able to avoid the hostilities."

After discussing the situation, the Captain and the Commander emerged on the bridge. Hunter dropped himself in to his chair and nodded at Wright.

"Plot a course heading 090 mark 010" said John

Hunter tapped the console, "All hands, this is the Captain, the USS Kittyhawk has been delayed. To expedite matters, we will intercept her as she is enroute to Qul Tuq. Hunter out."

He nodded to the helmsman, "Conn, warp 8, engage."

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58202.28