Fighter Maintenance

Posted on Sun Jun 11th, 2023 @ 3:59pm by 2nd Lieutenant Orjheza zh’Kaakret

1,242 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 116 - "A Bounty of Trust"
Location: USS Kearsage - Secondary Shuttlebay
Timeline: MD1 - 1500 hours

2nd Lt. Orjheza zh'Kaakret found herself assigned to the USS Kearsage alongside one wingman, 1st Lt. Jaxon Westfield. The two quickly formed a strong bond and had spent countless hours together in their respective fighters, navigating through the vast expanses of space together.

On this particular day, Orjheza and Jaxon had rendezvoused in one of the shuttle bays of the starship. They spoke while surrounded by the hum of shuttles being prepped for their next missions. As they leaned against their Valkyrie-class fighters ,Orjheza turned to Jaxon. Her antennae twitched with anticipation.

"Jaxon, can you believe it? We're flying on such an amazing starship.” Orjheza exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. “I never thought I’d ever end up on a Galaxy class.”

Jaxon grinned, his eyes glimmering with enthusiasm. "I know, right? It's an honor to be part of this crew."

Orjheza nodded, her eyes scanning the bustling shuttle bay. “Yeah, really! And we’re going on a mission so deep into space. It’s kind of intimidating.”

Jaxon chuckled, understanding her sentiment. “I know what you mean. There's something liberating about the vastness of space. It certainly is a different kind of thrill”, he said with a slight laugh. “Stressful, but exciting..”

Orjheza sighed, her fingers traced the sleek surface of her fighter’s hull. "You're right, Jax. It's a different kind of feeling.. One which comes with responsibility…Knowing that our actions can impact the fate of other marines.”

As they continued their conversation, Orjheza and Jaxon exchanged stories of their past missions and shared their aspirations for the future. They discussed the unique challenges they had encountered as a pilot team, relying on each other's skills and trust to overcome any obstacles they faced.

The two lieutenants were the only fighter pilots assigned to the Kearsage. Their focus was flying air support operations in working with SFMC terrestrial forces. They could also perform light scouting or strike missions in support of fleet operations.

They stood out among the crew, being the only ones to wear the black and green, white shouldered marine pilot uniforms. Maybe this was why they spent so much time in the shuttle bay. Three others crowded around Orjheza’s fighter nearby.

2nd Lieutenant Kara sh’Zax, an Andorran engineer, 2nd Lieutenant T'Pren, a Vulcan engineer, and 2nd Lieutenant Jolan Drax, a Trill engineer, gathered in the hangar bay where the Valkyrie class fighters were stationed. Their task for the day was to conduct thorough testing of the fighters' systems before they would be deployed on their next mission. Standing nearby was Gunnery Sergeant Ramirez, a seasoned enlisted Operations Technician.

Kara adjusted her antennae and checked her PADD, going over the testing protocols. "Alright, let's start with the propulsion systems. Lieutenant Drax, would you mind running diagnostics on the warp engines?"

Jolan nodded, "Of course, Lieutenant sh’Zax. I'll initiate the diagnostics and check for any fluctuations in the warp field integrity."

T'Pren, her calm demeanor unaffected by the high-pressure situation, interjected. "Lieutenant sh’Zax, I will oversee the testing of the plasma conduits and energy distribution systems. It is crucial to ensure their efficiency and stability."

As Kara monitored the testing progress, she couldn't help but notice the contrasting approaches of her colleagues. Jolan, with his energetic personality, was meticulous in his examination of the warp engines, jotting down notes and making adjustments as necessary. T'Pren, on the other hand, was methodical and precise in her analysis of the plasma conduits, applying her Vulcan logic to identify any potential weaknesses.

Gunnery Sergeant Ramirez, a grizzled Ops Tech with years of experience, observed their work with a critical eye. He approached Kara, speaking in his deep, authoritative voice. "Lieutenant sh’Zax, while they conduct their tests, let's verify the structural integrity of the fighter's hull. We need to ensure it can withstand the stresses of combat maneuvers."

Kara nodded, appreciating the Gunnery Sergeant's expertise. "Understood, Gunnery Sergeant. I'll coordinate with the structural integrity team to perform a thorough inspection."

As the testing progressed, the engineers engaged in occasional discussions, sharing insights and discussing potential optimizations. Jolan's Trill nature brought a sense of curiosity and creative problem-solving, often proposing alternative solutions to technical challenges. T'Pren's Vulcan logic kept the team grounded, pointing out potential risks and offering suggestions to improve efficiency.

Hours passed as the engineers meticulously examined every system, leaving no stone unturned. Their dedication to detail and commitment to excellence impressed Gunnery Sergeant Ramirez, who saw in them the future leaders of Starfleet's engineering corps.

Finally, as the testing drew to a close, Kara addressed the team. "Excellent work, everyone. The Valkyrie fighters are performing within specifications. Let's compile our reports and make any necessary recommendations for further enhancements."

Jolan grinned, "It's been a pleasure working with you all”, he said. These Valkyries will be ready for anything this quadrant hrows at them."

T'Pren nodded, acknowledging the collective effort. "Indeed, Lieutenant Drax. Our collaboration has yielded positive results. It is a testament to the effectiveness of diverse perspectives."

Gunnery Sergeant Ramirez joined in, his voice filled with pride. "You all did a fine job today… Here’s to tomorrow!”

With their testing complete, the engineers finalized their reports and submitted their findings to the ship's engineering department. As they dispersed to their respective duties, they carried with them a sense of accomplishment, knowing that their work would contribute to the safety and effectiveness of the Valkyrie class fighters and the marines who would rely on them in future missions.

Orjheza had been stalling time, waiting for the engineers to finish their tests. When it appeared that they broke from a meeting, the marine pilot moved in to speak to the other Andorian woman. “Lieutenant sh’Zax?”

“Hey, zh’Kaakret”, the engineer replied as the other engineers walked off together.

“So tell me.. Where is your family from on Andoria?” Orjheza had genuine curiosity in her eyes as she asked.

“Geez”, sh’Zax replied. “Right down to business, hmm? Straight to the homeland, let alone finding room for me… The person.” The younger engineer giggled with the pilot.

Orjeheza jabbed playfully at the air in front of her in response. “Not like that.. I’m serious. I won’t lie. It’s nice to speak to another Andorian..”

“I grew up not far from Clorisev… Fairly mountainous land.. But the tundra was always just a short drive away.”

“Lucky!” Orjheza couldn’t help but grin. “I spent more time growing up on mining colonies and starships.. We still made it back to the homeworld. It just didn’t feel like we did so enough.”

“That’s how I feel now”, said 2nd Lt. sh’Zax. “Seeing home is like a treat..”

“My wingman knows some fleeter who has ties to the leave schedule. We could have our time off lined up in time for a trip back to Andoria together… I just hate going back alone.”

sh’Zax moved closely behind Orjheza and embraced her in a warm hug. “I’m guessing this contact can get us a ship as well?”

Orjheza spun in the grasp on the engineer before teasingly batting at her jawline. “If we can’t source a ship, nobody can..”

“That’s a likely possibility”, sh’Zax replied.

“Well I mean as soon as we return from the Delta Quadrant. Nobody will miss us then.. I bet if we booked a larger transport to ferry us, we’d get extra passengers.”

RSS Feed