Still Orbiting SB39 Sierra

Posted on 06 Feb 2023 @ 4:05pm by Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare & Lieutenant JG Dahone Izel & Ensign Autumn Cole

3,810 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: S3 Episode 5: Diplomatic Incident/Hydaransz Again (Incidentals)
Location: in orbit of SB39

This is part two of Orbiting SB39

- ON -

The ship had been operating smoothly and all seemed well order. Then suddenly the rate of obit seemed to slow and some minor systems were acting sluggish.

=/\= Dodd to Arderne, are you getting anonymous readings? Navigation and Helm Control seem to be abnormal. =/\=

Dodd knew something was off with the ship and even if the sensors were not registering it, he knew he needed to have it looked into.

Lamia frowned and looked around at her gathered team. =/\= Standby Sir, we’ll check now. =/\= She quickly called up a systems diagnostic. =/\= Looks like you’re right Sir, we’re showing some anomalous readings down here, looks like there’s something going on with the bioneural gel packs. I’m going to have to look into this further. =/\=

=/\= Great, Nelson can help you as he seems to be able to treat the gel packs as if he were their creator. I will get the bridge covered and join you when you find the location of the fault. =/\= Dodd replied.

Lamia nodded even though Dodd couldn’t see her. =/\= Understood Sir, Ill see you when you get here. =/\=

"Cole, please stay on the bridge and continue to operate as acting XO. Backstrom, glad you are on the bridge and seems like both of you young ensigns get to experience a mishap in the happening. Wright, do your best to keep us in a stable orbit and do what you need to to keep our speed constant." Dodd stated to the crew on the bridge.

Jane kept her eyes on the Science station. Sensors were indeed still fine, or so at least it seemed so, but that could change at any minute.

"Sir, the helm is locked and our orbit is constant but the controls will not allow me to input any manual adjustments. I have noticed that about every twenty-eight rotations need me to adjust a degree or two to continuously maintain the even distance. I will need to adjust again in about an hour but within four hours we will be too close to avoid a collision with any part of the station." Wright commented to Dodd.

Autumn's eyes went round as saucers when she was informed of herself and Backstrom would be needed on the bridge. "Okay so we're basically having trouble maneuvering the ship?" Autumn asked.

An alert came across internal comms. =/\= Sickbay to bridge. Doctor Sinclair, we need your input here on something. =/\=

Jane looked to Dodd.

"Sinclair, you are dismissed." Dodd stated.

“On my way,” Jane said before handing off the bridge station to a junior officer in blue and heading to the turbolift.

Autumn watched as Jane left, giving a bit of a wave. Of course it wasn't something professional for her to do, but the redheaded ensign forgot herself for the moment.

=/\= Lieutenant Izel, please report to the bridge immediately. =/\=

=/\= On my way=/\= replied Izel

Izell went to the Bridge, as the turbo lift doors opened she stepped of. " What is the emergency"

"Welcome to the bridge. I need an acting chief medical officer and an acting chief science officer on the bridge. Would you be able to man the science station and cover the duties of the CMO and CSO?" Dodd asked of the young officer.

Izel replied, "Yes Commander I can do it for you. I know Commander Cahill is on another mission and she is the CMO here on the Tomcat."

"Great, I am glad you are willing to step up to the plate." Dodd stated. "I would love for you to also work on a vaccine for the gel packs to help those that are not failing from becoming infected if this issue gets worse."

Izel replied, "It is my duty to do so and I am working with the Science Section closely anyway. To remedy the gel pack situation, It takes a coordinated attack in something like this any time it happens. For whatever reason Commander Dodd as you know.

Do you have any personal theories on what may be causing this problem? I actually read that a marine private one time helped solve a problem just by making an offhand remark."

"Well the last gel pack infection I dealt with was because a synthetic t-cell somehow mutated and got in the system and cause the bio neural components to lose their connectivity to one another. There was a new protocol to not use synthetic t-cells on ships with bio neural gel packs. So my thought is that maybe a different type of synthetic cell be used to create a vaccine and then get all the packs ship wide injected." Dodd replied. "However, I believe that I will need to step away from the bridge and while I hate to do so, Backstrom you have the bridge but call me if you have any situations arise beyond this gel pack crisis. Your duty is to keep an eye on the away team and keep us in a steady orbit."

"One theory I am looking at now Commander. As you know it can be one thing or a combination of things. And I will do everything I can to help out. Another I am looking at is someone deliberately tampered with the gel packs. Cannot rule anything out right now." As Izel moved over to the Science Station to continue to work.

Autumn's eyes went wide at this next aspect. How was Backstrom going to react to now being in the command seat.

— Main Engineering —

Down in engineering Lamia was getting to work.

“Nelson, you heard the Commander! let’s get to work on checking the gel packs! The rest of you I want a full diagnostic on all systems, we can’t afford to have this ship in anything less than full working order!” She sighed. oO Some Chief Engineer I’m turning out to be. Oo

"Yes ma'am, I will be on it." Nelson replied and he moved over to the main control console for the bioneural gel-pack system. He opened the panel and found lots of mucus in the main pack. "Lieutenant, this is not good at all. The gel-packs are infected and we need to bypass the system immediately and get them flushed out and replaced but we also need to find the source of the infection."

“Understood” Lamia sighed as she looked around at the Engineering team. “Alright everyone let’s get a full system bypass in operation. I want a full system sweep of every bio neural gel pack to see if this has spread!” She tapped her comm badge.

=/\= Arderne to Dodd ... We’ve got big problems down here Sir! The bio neural gel packs are infected, we’re initiating a system bypass. =/\=

=/\= Dodd here, not sure a system bypass will stop the infection but do what you can. I will try to get with you soon to assist. Thank you for the update. =/\=

=/\= We’ll do what we can Sir. =/\= Lamia sighed as she closed the channel, right now she wished Leland was here to take over. He knew engineering, she wasn’t an engineer like he was. Right now she was winging it.

"Ma'am, we have three hundred and fifty-five back up gel-packs but the nacelle has over six hundred. We need to get with sickbay and get a vaccine to inject the fresh packs to keep them from getting infected, then we need to either treat the infection or reroute all the major systems and discard the tainted cells." Nelson stated as he come to Arderne with a gel pack that was so infected it was oozing black gel. The normal coloring is a neon blue or neon teal.

=/\= Dodd to Arderne, please get an engineer to take one of the infected gel packs to sickbay for analysis so we can get a vaccine made and to allow them to devise a treatment for the infected packs. =/\= Dodd advised as he knew what Nelson was thinking because they worked very well together and sort of knew how to react to one another even if not in the same room.

Lamia couldn’t help but grin. =/\= Will do Commander =/\= She nodded to Nelson. =/\= Nelson just suggested the very same thing, he’s on his way to Sickbay with the infected pack now. =/\=

=/\= Science is working on it and will look for Nelson in sickbay. I will be heading to meet him there and will join you soon. I am leaving the bridge in Backtrom's command as the gel pack are a vital situation. See you soon. =/\=

Dodd departed the bridge to head to Sickbay to meet up with Nelson and to work on a means to cure the gel packs.

Dr. Izel goes to Sick Bay and waits for the infected gel packs to start working once she has the she takes 2 to Science to have them work on them and keeps 2 in the Containment area of Sick Bay to prevent any further spread of the infection.

— Main Engineering —

Meanwhile Lamia was getting stuck in checking more of the gel packs, the Engineering crew were stretched pretty thin trying to check all the packs to see if the infection had spread any further. She cursed as there was an audible warning from one of the consoles.

oO What now!? Oo

Getting up she cursed again as Nacelle warnings flashed up like a Christmas tree. “Dammit! Looks like the infection has reached the Nacelle packs!” She hit her comm badge.

=/\= Engineering to Dodd, Commander the infection must have reached the Nacelle packs! We’re lit up like a Christmas tree down here! I’m heading there now to see how bad it is. =/\=

=/\= Understood, I will go to the nacelle once sickbay can determine the best vaccine for the infection. Good Luck, Chief. =/\= Dodd replied.

As Dodd was in sickbay he noticed how fine tuned the department was running and made him realize how smooth he had engineering operating when he was chief. He only hoped Hawksley was able to keep it smooth but for now he had to keep Arderne calm as she was not an actual engineer but had some training. He hoped that Izel and the medical staff would be able to figure the infection out.

Izel saw Dodd come in and went over to him. "As you can see, I have a medical team already running some ideas on the gel pack issue. And I run Sick Bay like Commander Cahill always did.

I also have a team in Science Section running tests and scenarios on possible solutions as well. I have everyone I can spare plus others working an a solution to the gel pack issue."

"Great, I appreciate your efforts." Dodd replied. "I will be working with Hawksley to rid the ship of gel packs in the future, so we only need to cure this before the colonel returns."

Izel replied, "We have a couple of good theories right now but nothing different yet. I hope we have a solution soon."

"I hope so, as we have a crisis on our hands and yet we likely can create a work around once we know specifically what is causing the issue." Dodd stated. "However once we get to the next space dock, we will remove the gel pack system to avoid anything like this in the future."

Izel replied, "One thing shows promise but I want to run some additional tests to be sure before I say anything. If I open my mouth too soon and it is something that makes it worst then I look bad."

Then an alert went off on 2 samples being run. She looked at them and smiled, "I know what is causing it and how to fix it for you now from the information I have now Commander Dodd". as she passed the tablet to him.

It is a cell agent attacking the packs and it can be counteracted with an injection into the packs."

"Thanks Doctor, I am glad you figured out the issue of the infection in the gel packs. Can you get the counteragent injection replicated in a quick time?" Dodd replied.

"We are doing it right now. And will have it for you asap." replied Izel

Then we need to get it injected into not only the infected gel pack but all of them so we can get back to normal," Dodd stated. "Once you have enough for the infected, I will have every able-bodied engineer on the ship get to work injecting the pack. Then I will have them inject the rest of the packs with the remaining batch. Then I will have all the gel packs removed at the next spacedock to never be installed on this ship again." Dodd stated as he tried to express his gratitude to Izel for figuring out the issue.

Izel replied, "I can have enough ready to start injecting into the packs in about one hour and keep sending to Engineering till all the gel packs have been injected. I will also make some extra to have on standby if needed in the future.

A lab tech comes by with the first batch of the serum. "Here is some to get it started with now."

Izel replied, "if you need it my Medics can help you with injecting The packs as well. They are used to giving injections and it is the same process. I can send them to you in Engineering with the next batch of hypos for you to use."

"Great, thank you. We will get this out to get to work." Dodd replied. "I will have an engineer report here to be on standby to get the next batch."

Meanwhile Lamia was busy checking over the damage to the Nacelle packs, so far the infection seemed to have spread to just under half of the packs, which wasn’t good.

=/\= Engineering to Dodd, an update on the Nacelle packs Sir. So far we have just under 50% of the packs infected, it’s spreading quickly! =/\=

=/\= Understood, Arderne. I am on my way with the first batch of the serum and we will start on the gel packs that border the infected and work our way back into the infected with this batch. I will need an idle engineer to report to sickbay to wait on the second batch. Dodd out. =/\=

=/\= Understood Sir, I’ll have someone there as soon as possible. Arderne out. =/\= Lamia made her way back into main Engineering, choosing the nearest spare person she had she sent him off to Sickbay with instructions to wait for the second batch of serum.

- Port Nacelle -
Dodd arrived with the first batch of serum and headed directly to Nelson and Arderne. He already had three hyposprays ready to go and had more that could be prepped if there were more engineers to help.

"Hello, Mia, I hope the party has not gotten to wild yet." Dodd stated as he handed Arderne her hypospray. "Nelson, here you go. Now lets get started on the outer edge to prevent the spread of the infection and the work our way to the center of the mess. The second batch of serum in in production now. I hope we can get enough doses to get this neutralized sooner than later."

"Sir, thanks. I hope I am not overstepping but I have already stated that Hawksley have all the gel packs removed from the ship and replaced with standard ODN and Isolinear components as they don't get infected like this and are easier to replicated for repalcements." Nelson replied to his old chief as if nothing has skipped a beat.

"Great, you seem to be the perfect assistant for Arderne." Dodd replied back to Nelson.

“He most certainly is!” Lamia smiled warmly. “In-fact I’m recommending Nelson for the next round of promotions he could practically run engineering on his own. He’s been a big help.” She held onto the inoculations Dodd had given her. “Right now we’ve got a serious amount of gel packs to inoculate.”

"Great to hear what you have to say about Clay, he and I go way back and I value him as a friend and crewmate. I knew that even after I moved up to XO, that I would still have him to rely on no matter what." Dodd replied as he injected gel packs. "Also, glad you go to witness a crisis outside of the main engineering bay. This ship is important to me and I am glad you have stepped up to help cover the department while Hawksley is off ship. Clay and Machado are benefits of the crew for the engineering team and I know they support their chain of command. Sorry, Clay is what I call Nelson. He and I have been pals for a while."

Lamia nodded. “I thought that’s what you were going to say” she smiled warmly as she looked towards Dodd. “It’s good that you have a close pal like Nelson. Friendships are important out here.” She injected the nearest pack and moved on to the next.

"Friendship comes in all forms, my friend. You are one of the closest friends I have next to Nelson. You and I have a friendship that goes beyond what normally consists of a friend. I would be lost on this ship without you." Dodd stated as he valued the relationship between Mia and himself. "I am glad you are covering engineering for Hawksley whom I also consider a valued friend."

Dr Izel took the next round of hypos to Engineering. Once there she handed them off to an Engineer that was there working. He said "Thanks Doc" as they went to continue the work.

She looked around and smiled, She enjoyed the chance to stop by engineering when she had the chance. She found it amazing how much the ship depends on the engineering section. Once done she turned to go back to Sick Bay and continue her work.

The engineers were addressing the many issues from the infected gel packs and the serum was working its magic. The infection was now under control and Dodd was relieved to have it addressed.

Once the nacelle and all the gel packs in that sequence were treated all the remaining serum was injected in other packs that may been in the sequence to avoid any future issues.

Nelson was going to remain in the port nacelle and continue to monitor the gel packs to be sure they were continuing on the mend. Dodd and Arderne were preparing to head to Engineering. As they walked down the corridor..."So how do you feel about things? I know that was not an issue you wanted to have happen but you handled it well."

Lamia looked at Dodd as she answered his question. “To be honest I’m glad you were here to help. Nelson has been amazing, as have the rest of the Engineering crew, but being Chief Engineer is definitely not for me.” She offered a smile. “I know I’ll have to remain until Leland returns, but I will be glad to get back to my Counselling duties.”

"I know you’d rather be working on the engine that is a humanoid mind, but you handle this like a champion and that will be how I log it in the records." Dodd stated in a reply. "You and I need to hang after this over drinks. I miss chillin' with you. How is the beau?"

Lamia smiled. “Chris is fine, I just hate it when he’s off ship. I know he can take care of himself, but I still worry.” She paused for a moment. “As for that drink I’d like that, how’s about later?”

"I know you have felt down since he has been off the ship. I am glad you had your time occupied by this gel pack issue but I am sure that absence has made your hearts grow fonder for one another." Dodd replied as they still had a small telepathic bond via their emotions and it just happens whether either one wants it or not. "I will let you know, but later for a drink sounds wonderful. I have a lot to talk to you about."

“I would ask how you know how I feel, but our connection has always been an open one.” Lamia smiled warmly. “I’ll look forward to meeting you later, in the meantime I’ve got Engineering to get organized again. Now the gel packs are sorted we should be up and running in no time.”

"You know we still have a bond but also you display your emotions clearer than transparent aluminum." Dodd stated with a caring smile and put his hand on her shoulder. "I appreciate you stepping up while Hawksley is off ship. Your efforts to get in and help solve the situation will be rewarded, I promise. You will be getting some relief soon."

Lamia smiled warmly. “I do what I can to help. As for displaying my emotions, after what happened to us and the loss of Mia, I’ve come to be more open around you.”

"You already belonged to another so I knew ours was never meant to be, but you are one of the closest friends I have in my life and I could never imagine not having you around. Yes you are more open to me than most, but also you have a bond with me that I have never really had with any other soul. Not even Iria." Dodd replied. "There needs to be be a chance for us to talk sometime soon as I need talk out something personal."

Lamia nodded as she listened to Remington, offering a warm smile. “How’s about after shift tonight? I’m not doing anything, we can meet wherever is best for you.”

"Well, I could possibly work that in to my hectic schedule." Dodd replied with a sly smirk. "I always make time for those I care about. Just know that since I am acting captain, I may be a little later than usual."

*Nodding* “That’s fine, don’t worry just let me know where and when.”

To Be Continued.....

-OFF-



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Lieutenant JG D. Izel
Medical Officer

 

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