Making a Little Room

Posted on Fri Sep 21st, 2012 @ 11:06am by Captain Tobias Naros & 1st Lieutenant Michael Watters & Lieutenant Commander Xavier Nor'el & Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson & Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur

Mission: Episode 1.1 - "MystiQue"
Location: Observation Lounge, USS Yorktown
Timeline: Mission Day 00, 0904 Hours

ON: [[Observation Lounge, USS Yorktown, Mission Day 00, 0904 Hours]]

First into the room, Joe quickly strode to his customary seat near the head of the table. This was one meeting he was particularly looking forward to; not only were they about to get underway with the Yorktown's first mission, but Joe had also heard a rumor of a guest that would be joining them.

Xavier wandered into the conference room after observing on the bridge following his meeting with the captain. He stood silently near the windows looking out in deep thought. He sipped on his glass of orange juice and then checked a chronometer and noted that it was almost time for the meeting. He strode over to the table and took a seat near to where he knew the captain would be seated.

Miranda doubled checked herself in her Den's (quarter's) full length mirror, just to make sure everything was perfect as she realized she would be the lowest ranking person at the meeting and scince her troubled past with previous ships assignments, wanted to make a good impression. She looked at the stack of Data-PaDDs on the table concerning her department reports, personel listings and assignments. There was still alot of empty slots that needed to be filled. Sighing softly as she quickly read the labels on each to make sure she grabbed the corrects ones for this briefing. Soon she was scampering to the Observation Lounge. As with Modern technology, she was there in no time at all, even if the ship was huge. She settled in the seat farthest from the Captain's chair as the more senior of the Command Staff would have the privilege of being closer to the Captain. She wondered how she was going be treated ever scince the Flight Cert run with the Captian. She was ready to give her reports when called upon.

The door to the observation lounge opened once more as Tobias entered the room followed shortly by Major Drake Lexon (PNPC). Tobias proceeded to his place at the head of the long conference table where he paused a moment, hand resting on the back of his chair, to survey those already gathered. There had been several smaller staff meetings over the past two weeks addressing personnel, supply transfers, efficiency reports, and everything in between. Those meetings, however, had been limited to members of the senior staff directly involved in those decisions and a good majority had taken place either in the ready room or on site. This was perhaps the first time so many of the senior staff had been gathered together for such a briefing and Tobias knew it would not be the last.

"Good morning," Tobias said as he lowered himself into the chair, "Before we begin, I would like to introduce Major Drake Lexon of Starfleet's starfighter command."

Even though he had been perusing a PADD when the major walked in, Joe was immediately aware of the man's presence. He glanced up and immediately caught the gaze of the older man. The two exchanged the faintest of nods, barely perceptible to anyone not watching, but those simple nods encompassed a host of shared memories from the Marine Corps.

Drake stepped forward to address the senior staff of the Yorktown. "Greetings," he said. "As the captain said, I'm Major Drake Lexon. I'm here on behalf of Starfighter Command - specifically, the research and development portions. We have just unveiled a new starfighter design called the Phantom. This new class encompasses cutting-edge technology melded into a stealth design that should give us an edge in battle. As part of the testing phase, four of these fighters have been assigned to the Yorktown to assist with your mission while providing field test information for Starfighter Command."

Miranda listened with ears perked up with interest as she listed to Major Lexon. She had heard rumors of a new areospace fighter and couldn't believe her luck of having them aboard the ship. "I'll clear out a space for them in shuttle bay 2. Shuttle bay 1 may be abit overcrowded with shuttles." Giving a soft purrrr as she nodded her head, "You'll get your room for them." Already sending a text message to the Shuttle Crew Chief to begin moving shuttles over to Hanger bay 1 from Shuttle bay 2 to make room for the four Phantoms and support equipment that went with them. "I hope to be able to fly one..." softly muttered as she finished up with the text message and sending it. She was going to the envy of her peers testing out the new fighter in a real live field testing. Purr motor running in overdrive, eyes glittered with anticipation as her tail gave an excited sweep behind her.

"Ms. Blackfur raises a valid concern," Tobias said with a small nod of acknowledgment in the Catian's direction, "but I think we need to take a closer look at all of this before we get too far ahead of ourselves. The Legacy-class starship was designed for advanced exploration which doesn't really include supporting starfighter operations."

"The Phantoms do require a bit of room," Drake admitted, "which is why we're only bringing four instead of the usual squadron of twelve. Still, they're pretty self-contained and don't require a lot of maintenance area, provided my pilots do their jobs and don't get the craft damaged." He had the utmost confidence in his pilots' ability to do so, of course, but there was always the chance for unexpected events. "I know we're already making space tight by bringing the fighters onboard, but there is another concern. Since they're still in the testing phase - and since they contain top-of-the-line equipment and technology - I'm going to have to insist that the fighters be stored where access to them can be limited to authorized personnel."

"Of course Major," Xavier said acknowledging the concern for security of the new fighters being added to the ship. "I'll be certain to start working with the security staff to make sure the area we store the fighters has access limited to only those that are authorized."

"Thank you," Drake said appreciatively.

Michael leaned back slightly in his chair and thought for a moment. Dealing with ship's security was something that traditionally fell under the purview of the vessel's Chief Security/Tactical Officer. The purpose of Starfleet marines aboard ship was often to serve as added support for a dedicated security department or to conduct operations on behalf of Starfleet Marine Command. Although his people were more than capable of providing security for the major's fighters, the last thing Michael wanted to do was to overstep his bounds with Commander Thompson. "That would be up to Commander Thompson," he said slowly, "we're more than willing to help out in any way we can so long as the commander doesn't mind us being involved."

"I don't see a problem with the Marines handling security for the fighters," Joe said. "I'm sure an old Marine like Major Lexon won't have a problem with it, either." He threw a half-grin towards the major, who gave a ghost of a smile back and nodded his assent.

It was almost refreshing to see the two men working so well together, not that Tobias had expected any less after their first meeting together. The fact they were each willing to work with the other showed both were dedicated to the safety of the ship and its crew before their own respective egos. "Agreed," Tobias said, "Lieutenant Watters will attend to security arrangements for the fighters while they are aboard this ship, though I expect to see your continued cooperation on this effort, gentlemen."

"Aye, sir," Michael replied.

"Yes, Sir," Joe said. Like the captain doesn't already know we'll cooperate, he added wryly to himself.

Tobias gave each of them a brief nod of affirmation before turning his attention once more to the Yorktown's Chief Flight Control Officer. "What is the current status of our auxiliary craft, Ms. Blackfur," he asked of the Catian, "is it possible for us to physically accommodate four fighters with the space we currently have?"

Miranda looked at her PaDD's and found the correct one. Quickly activating it and looked through it at the specs on the shuttles in the Hanger Bay 2. frowned and then looked at the dimension of Hanger bay 1 and it's compliment of shuttles. "If I am correct, Major Lexon (NPC), according the specs of your Phantoms is about the size of an extra large Long Range Shuttle...." Looking over the information she had. "...I would have to stack several shuttles in Hanger Bay 1 or 2 in storage." Looking up at the Captain Naros. "With Captain's permission, we may have to secure less important shuttles without warp capabilities for long range travel to the outer hull of the Yorktown"

"It sounds like our teams will have to get comfortable working with less than optimal space for the time being," Tobias agreed as he considered the lieutenant's proposal, "though I'd prefer not to leave any of our shuttles behind, or docked to the outer hull for that matter, if I can help it." The El-Aurian went over the embarked craft manifest in his own head, making a quick mental picture of just how little space they might be able to get away with. There were certainly a few tricks of the trade that could help them to marginally increase their capacity at least on a temporary basis. "See what you can do about pushing as many of them into maintenance and storage as possible," he continued, "With any luck, I think we just might be able to free up enough space on the primary flight deck for the major's fighters...temporarily."

Looking over at Major Drake Lexon (NPC), Blackfur said, "You could draw on the Support from the Yorktown in exchange to leave behind non-critical support equipment for your fighters. It would lessen your need for more space. Like drawing external power directly from the ship to feed your fighters to keep them ready. Tools, I'm sure my shuttle maintenance crews would be happy to lend tool kits to your personnel when needed. Anything else can be fabricated as needed when the time comes for that particulate piece of equipment."

"If your maintenance crews are that willing, we'd certainly take them up on the offer," Drake replied. While starfighters often required specialized equipment to maintenance, Drake knew he and his pilots could make do with what was available. It was generous of Lieutenant Blackfur to offer, he knew, and she was right about saving the space.

"Tactical also has some extra munitions storage available," Joe spoke up. "If you want to store any extra ordinance there, we can make it easily accessible to you."

"That sounds like a good idea," Drake replied with a nod. "Thank you." On a ship designed specifically to carry starfighters, the starfighters' ordinance was generally stored immediately adjacent to the flight deck for ease of access. On a standard Starfleet vessel, however, there was far less ordinance needed for the embarked craft and therefore little room to store the large amount of weaponry for the Phantoms.

"So we've addressed the issues of space, maintenance, and security," Tobias summarized as he folded his hands on the table before him, "is there anything else we need to consider before the major brings his fighters aboard?"

Miranda looked down at a PaDD that chirped from an incoming text message and read it quickly. Looking back up, she said, "Shuttle Crews are in the process of moving shuttles. In an hour, we should know for sure if we have room for the Phantoms, but it's beginning to look like you'll have to leave the standard equipment behind, Major Lexon (NPC). As with new ships of any size, they will require their specialized equipment and tools. I can't deny it and we'll find room, even if we have to store it in a transporter buffer or on the flight deck next to your fighters." She gave an apologetic look at both Captain Naros and Major Lexon. Then her face brightened, remembering. "There is a small cargo bay nearby where you could store that equipment," she told them, knowing her shuttle flight crew is going to hate having to giving up their adhoc Rec room and Lounge. Making extra room would also be difficult on herself because it would force her to either move her office to her Den or use the Official office of the Chief of Flight Control, really separating her from her department. It was a decision which would confirm her status as Chief of Flight Control and part of the Command Staff of the ship. She could suffer for a bit along with her crew.

"I appreciate your efforts," Drake said, glad to see that the Starfleet personnel were willing to work with a team that was very much a group of outsiders here.

Miranda's curiosity forced her to speak up again, "Hopefully we got the space for the Phantoms settled," Looking towards Captain Naros. "Where's our destination going to be?"

The Catian's question was enough to give Tobias pause. Every person seated around the table had a right to know what their assignment would be and why that assignment had prompted Starfleet to assign them a small contingent of starfighters, but there were those not currently seated at the table who also had a right to know. "Cardassia," the El-Auria replied after a moment, "but that is all I will say on the matter for now. I know each of you have a number of things to accomplish before we depart and I would like those tasks to be our priority. There will be a full briefing of the senior staff once we've gotten underway."

There was another moment of silence as the captain's words settled on those gathered around the table. Things were starting to pick up speed already and there was a definite sense of anticipation beginning to form. Still, none of them seemed to feel the need for any further clarification.

"If that is all..." Tobias said when there were no further responses, "then I think we can call this matter settled. Dismissed."

Several of those gathered began moving almost immediately. There were preparations to be made beyond just those they had discussed for the starfighters and not much time in which to work. Miranda gathered her PADDs as she stood up. Nodding briefly, she turned and left the briefing room to help with the moving of the shuttles to accommodate the Phantoms and to begin preparing their course for Cardassia.

OFF

A Joint Mission Post by:

Captain Tobias Naros
Commanding Officer
USS Yorktown

Lieutenant Commander Xavier Nor'el
Executive Officer
USS Yorktown

Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson
Chief Security/Tactical Officer & Second Officer
USS Yorktown

Major Drake Lexon (PNPC)
Squad Leader, "Phantom Squad"
USS Yorktown
Played by: LtCmdr Thompson

Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Yorktown

and

1st Lieutenant Michael Watters (PNPC)
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Yorktown
Played by: Capt Naros