Poof There Goes Another One

Posted on Sat Apr 13th, 2024 @ 10:47pm by Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael Harris
Edited on on Sat Apr 13th, 2024 @ 10:51pm

955 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Main Engineering - Deck 11 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD005 1300 hrs

Michael had heard of the disappearances all over the ship. Hell Lieutenant Fellini had briefed him and the rest of the science team on Commander Maren's disappearance. However, as far as he was concerned life had to continue on the Pioneer apace. That meant making sure the sensor probes were up to snuff when the Captain would call for them. To that end he made his way into Engineering and found it basically deserted. The small man put his PADD down on the nearest console and began to search for the Chief Engineer. He had just spoken to her mere hours ago.

"Lieutenant," Trelor came up behind the Science Officer. "Can I be of assistance?" his voice filled the space around them. Trelor had been monitoring the situation and figured his talents were needed in Engineering. Should something happen, it was the best place for him.

"You look puzzled?" he asked.

Michael looked up at the large and lumbering Grazerite. He would never admit it but the presence of the Assistant Chief Engineering intimidated him. He smiled to cover up the trepidation that built inside. "Ummm.... I was looking for Lieutenant Diari I had spoken to her a mere few hours ago about some sensor probe upgrades. We will need them complete when we arrive at the nebula. Have you seen her?"

"I must admit, I haven't seen her in some time, " he looked around. "Perhaps, she's erupting on a project elsewhere." He tapped his commbage, "computer what is the current location of Lieutenant Diari?"

"Lieutenant Diari is not aboard the Pioneer." The computer replied.

Michael sighed heavily. He did not understand how they could get anything done with the crew disappearing. He took some solace in the fact that the Captain was most likely working the problem. "Well thats great we better add her to the list. I guess you are in charge down here for the foreseeable future. Perhaps we should get these upgrades processed." Harris was of two minds at the moment. On the one hand he wanted to help with the larger issue of disappearances, on the other hand that issue was most likely being worked on and he should stick to his duties. Either way a stiff drink from the still in his quarters would be needed, and soon.

Trelor wasn't sure how he liked the idea of already being placed in command of Engineering; he barely knew the staff. However, this came with the job. He nodded, "you are correct these upgrades are a priority, we will find the missing crew, I have faith in our people."

"As do I... However, I cannot help but speculate what could be going on. Why is whatever or whoever this is only targeting the Senior Staff? Why does the Captain not seemed too interested in what is going on? It all seems damned strange if you ask me." Michael said as he approached the large Grazerite and took the console next to him to begin work. "I mean you are her assistant and you did not know that Elen had gone anywhere. If she was leaving on a mission or shore leave or something like. Surely she would have said something to you."

"It's definitely a puzzling situation we find ourselves in. The disappearances are concerning, to say the least. I share your sentiment about the targeted nature of these incidents. It's as if someone or something is meticulously selecting certain individuals. And you're right to question why the Captain's response seems subdued. There could be a multitude of reasons behind it, but it's unnerving nonetheless," the Assistant Engineer spoke.

"As for Lieutenant Diari's absence, it's indeed alarming that even her assistant wasn't aware of her whereabouts. It suggests a level of secrecy. However, it's imperative that we stay vigilant and prioritize both our duties and the investigation into these disappearances. No matter how small, every piece of information could be crucial in unraveling this mystery. Let's focus on completing these sensor probe upgrades. If there's any way we can contribute to resolving this situation, it starts with ensuring our equipment is functioning at its best," Trelor finished.

"Hmmm, agreed." Michael began as he worked the console. "Well I think first we should make sure the probes can intake gasses from the nebula and analyze them without taking damage." He spoke about the probes but his mind worked the other problem and in time a devilish smile crept across his lips. "Tell me... Since we cannot search the ship for the issue as we would be turned away. Would we be able to sneak a subroutine into these probes. One that would target the ship and scan it for any out of the ordinary life signs and send the results to our console?"

There was no response from the Grazerite. In fact Trelor had set about his work with no further conversation with Michael. For his part Michael continued to prepare the probes. He adjusted the probes to scan the ship as well. As far as he was concerned Michael thought it would not cause any problems, and it may give them some sort of idea of what the hell is going on aboard the Pioneer. In the meantime he would have to work in silence. Michael took a deep gulp from his tankard and belched in the general direction of Trelor. It elicited no response, but made Michael exceptionally happy.

A Joint Post By

Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael Harris
Science Officer, USS Pioneer

Lieutenant Junior Grade Trelor-Var of the Elanis Upsol
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer, USS Pioneer

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