The Lamb to the Lions' Den

[Akirapryde]

The Lamb to the Lions' Den
Stardate: 53835.4
Chief Engineer's Briefing Room
USS Thunderchild
Chief Engineer Kiera Medart, Engineering Section Chiefs and Lt. Jr. Noonia

The group didn't seem all to happy to listen to the suggestions of this junior officer with less then a week aboard the ship. However he had the backing by the Chief Engineer and this ensured their silence and more importantly, their attention. As Lieutenant Noonia laid out his plan for proper manuals, no one seemed to find question with the plan over all. But what bothered the most was their lack of engagement as he ended his suggestion and searched the group for comments.

Any comment would have been welcomed, but they just set there watching him. For a long moment they seemed to soak in what Lieutenant Noonia had said. As the time ticked away, some started to turn to their PADDs and take short notes. Kiera wanted so badly to speak up but she knew this group. If she jumped right in and started to back the plan, some would join while others would only half heartily play along. She wanted to say something, but she was also worried that some of her chiefs wouldn't like the idea. She didn't really want to make waves so early in the meeting. Luckily, the silence would be broken.

It was Lieutenant Jacobson who first spoke up, "We have made a number of changes to the Impulse Manifolds that were not part of the original specs when they were installed about five months ago. I can see how our manuals would be considered out of date," she said as she made a note in her PADD. It was clear that the suggestion was taken in terms of their manuals being out of date due to modifications done to the ship. "While my entire core staff were part of those modifications, some newer engineers that came aboard at Starbase 74 were not aware of these changes. The manuals don't reflect them. So I can see how this could cause issues during a crisis. Also I think the current crisis has prevented us from really training up the new engineers on those modifications."

It was Lieutenant Junior Grade Carmi Pace who spoke up next. "You know, I don't think there is any manuals for cleaning up bio-waste. Sure most of you would expect my staff to carry out our duties. After all, this is what we were trained to do. But what if we were not available to clean up said mess. Lets say so to speak, there is a bio-waste hazard in one of the engineering sections. The library doesn't hold any actually sound information as to how to clean up such a mess. I can have my people draft up a step by step procedure for a wide range of possible situations that would normally be expected to be handled by us. This way if we are not available waste disposal protocols can be followed."

Lieutenant Medart gave a slight clap as she heard the up take in conversation over the manuals. "That is a grand suggestion Lieutenant Pace. I will be eager to read those planned procedures. Also I can work with Lieutenant Ottmar to draft up updates to our warp engine manuals as well." She turned to Lieutenant Ottmar, "I think we made more than two dozen changes to the warp engines within what a week of them being installed?"

There was laughter around the table as Lieutenant Ottmar nodded, "At least Lieutenant." If anyone noticed the slight disrespect in his voice towards his boss, no one said anything or made note of it. "I think the vendors of the engine wouldn't recognize their own engine anymore."

Lieutenant Medart smiled as she turned to face the rest of the table, "We have pulled just about every bit of power that is possible out of that engine." The lightness of her voice carried over the table and caused others to quickly open up as well.

Within moments the entire table was buzzing with talks of how their section could come up with updates to minor changes here and there. Each section was communicating about this change and that change and how to be more clear in updating the manuals aboard the ship. Since the ship's near complete overhaul, it was clear that each major system had been modified in one aspect or another. Lieutenant Medart even tossed out the suggestion to hold workshops across the entire division where engineers could have hands on lessons regarding these modifications by those who created them and why these modifications were required to be made.

With a smile on her face, Medart turned to Lieutenant Noonia, "It is a positive step forward Lieutenant," she said. However it was the way she ended her statement that seemed to bring question to Lieutenant Noonia's mind. The way she raised her voice just slightly to suggest that she was stating a question rather than making a statement. It was a strange way to hear a supervisor speak and through Lieutenant Noonia off just a bit. The best way he could describe it in his mind was that bubble headed means of talking where every statement was posed in such a way to sound like maybe it was a question and not a statement. She patted him on the back as she added, "Lieutenant I know you have more. Please continue."