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Main Engineering (Tag: CE, Ensign Finnegan, 2O, GM)

Posted March 9, 2021, 5:16 p.m. by Ensign Elliot Finnegan (Engineering Officer) (Nathan Miller)

Posted by Gamemaster Janus (Gamemaster) in Main Engineering (Tag: CE, Ensign Finnegan, 2O, GM)

Posted by Ensign Elliot Finnegan (Engineering Officer) in Main Engineering (Tag: CE, Ensign Finnegan, 2O, GM)

Posted by Ensign Elliot Finnegan (Engineering Officer) in Main Engineering (Tag: CE, Ensign Finnegan, 2O, GM)
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<snip>

It was at that moment Lieutenant Si’Rek joined Commander Jevek, who had heard the beginning about Jevek’s report about the portal to the restaurant in 21st century Japan.

GM

Si’Rek came in and sat down. It was obvious he had been through an ordeal, but he was keenly interested in getting started. “I apologize for the abrupt entry. I am Lieutenant Si’Rek… I am supposed to be your Chief Engineer, although I believe a certain astronomical anomoly delayed my arrival… or didn’t, depending on one’s view of time-space.”

Si’Rek, CE

Si’Rek looked at the section and walked around trying to get an idea on just how bad it was… other than disastrous. “Ensign Finnegan, correct? Care to bring me up to speed?”

Si’Rek

“Yes, Chief,” he replied, then glanced at Chee and Fixit. “We’re in a mess, sir, no matter how you look at it,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We have hull breaches forward and ventral. The warp core and most fusion reactors are damaged - we have one fusion reactor functioning, barely. We’re running the computer - at low load - off of a water wheel generating 3 kilowatts per hour, and we have solar panels generating another 12 kilowatts per hour. Storing that lets us replicate a small, non-complicated item about once every 4 hours or so.”

He let that hang for a second or so and then gestured to the pile of com badges. “We’ve been able to rig the com badges to use an EM band, good for local transmission, though we’ve had to rig transceivers to pass the signal through decks. They can switch from subspace to EM and to a dual mode - which will kill the battery PDQ, so use sparingly,” he explained, handing one to his boss.

He lifted the sheet with his drawing. “We were discussing whether it would be possible to build a steam turbine for additional generating capacity, to help replicate more complex parts. If we could get more of the generators online…” He again let that hang in the air.

He turned back to Jevek. “You mentioned magic crystals,” he said. “Do you think they could be some kind of power source?”

“Yet to be investigated, Ensign. There are certain properties of this universe seem to be different from ours,” remarked Jevek.

His head swiveled to Chee and Fixit. “So you think we could relocate some of the local currency?”

Finn, Eng

Commander Jevek, 2O

“Hmm… We might be able to replicate a little bit every four hours but we haven’t exactly tried replicating any element above 30 on the periodic table,” replied Fixit, “But it does give us options.”

GM

OOC: Fixing split.

Si’Rek thought for as moment and then said “A steam turbine would be problematic due to the explosive properties of containing it. But, as we are on an island, a wave generator would be doable.”

“Do you mean the explosive properties from the steam pressure, Lieutenant?”

Si’Rek looked at him and said “That… and the necessary energy needed to be expended in order to heat the water to make the steam. Steam turbines are quite problematic in that regard… especially inside the confines of a star ship.”

“Power is being run externally through a water wheel already, Lieutenant. If a steam turbine was constructed outside of the ship, we would only have to make sure to destroy or dismantle it once we are ready to depart.”

“True. But my other concern is how we will generate the heat required to convert the water into steam; and where we will get a continuous source of fresh water… unless the water surrounding the island is fresh? I apologize for not being quite up to speed yet. But regardless: we will either have to expend power from what we generate to keep the heat applied, power that could be much better utilized elsewhere; or we will have to continuously maintain a fire, which requires combustible material. And on the scale we will need, that will be immense.”

Si’Rek looked at the Ensign and smiled. “The idea is a sound one, definately. And I am open to it if you can walk me through how you think we should address my concerns and why the steam would be better than a wave generator.”

Finn tapped his drawing. “Valid concerns,” he said. “They were my initial questions as well, when I started contemplating the idea. But we have a source of fresh water - the same source that’s pushing the water wheel; and we have a steady supply of fuel in the forest around us. It is not the most efficient fuel,” he admitted, “but it can provide us with a consistent, controllable amount of power. With wave generation, we are at the liberty of whatever the wave patterns in this area are - they could be gentle lapping.”

“Understood. My thought, however, is that we only need to start consistent charging of the dilithium matrix. From there, we can send power in a stable and uninterrupted flow to critical systems. Relying on an inefficient fuel source that not only has to be maintained and monitored constantly, but that also requires the harvesting of fuel, may not the best use of our personnel at this time. Using the matrix as the power distribution point will be much more efficient than powering the ship directly from a turbine or generator anyway.”

Finn shook his head. “We don’t have enough energy to power the magnetic containment fields for the matter/antimatter reaction assembly for dilithium to even be of use to us right now.” He wrung the back of his neck. “I said earlier it’s like we’re in the Dark Ages, and it’s not far off.”

Si’Rek shook his head. “No no. I’m talking about using the matrix as a generator. I’m talking about using it as a battery and distribution regulator. We don’t need a containment field because we aren’t going to mix anything. Dilithium, even low grade or heavily damaged, has a capacitor rating of three hundred MWH in an average sized crystal. We recomposite fractured crystals all the time as they get drained, correct? So here, instead of recompositing them to act as a fuel mix regulator, we simply use it to store generated power and regulate the flow out. We don’t care how much goes in, the dilithiim can only allow so much out at a time. And even with solar panels, steam turbines, and a miracle, there is no way we are going to generate more power than the matrix can handle. And since we aren’t mixing matter and anti matter, the containment field is a moot point.”

He pointed to the diagram. “For your other concern, using the internal duranium paneling will make the setup more than strong enough to withstand the kinds of heat and pressure the system will generate.”

“Do we have scrap pieces available? I am wary of pulling even more of the ship apart than has already been done. We may also need to use those pieces to seal the hull breaches.”

Finnegan pointed to Chee. “I think he said the same thing. My thought process was once we have the reactors repaired enough to power the M/ARA again, we can start replicating larger parts from the machine shop, including interior panels and hull plates. We have enough raw matter - the recycler can turn the water into components for just about anything.”

Si’Rek nodded but cautioned “We want to steer away from expending energy we don’t have, though. We need to conserve every ounce we can if we are going to get the ship off this island, so let’s plan on the least amount of replication possible. I mean, if we have to we have to. But let’s exhaust everything else first.”

“I believe all options should be explored, and we need to make sure that we have an efficient battery system in place to store the energy required.”

“And it would require less effort to maintain and provide a stable amount of power over time. Our priority after, however, should be the generators and then the warp core. With them on line, we will have the power to do what we need. Mr. Finnegan, you and I will do a full examination of the generators and come up with a plan for repairs, and then pair that with a punch list of required materials. Then warp core. These crystals… have we had a chance to examine them? Are they similar to dilithium?”

Si’Rek, CE

“No. An away team will need to be assembled to re-visit the magic shop. However, unless we can purchase the crystals, I am uncertain if we can make any in-depth analysis.”

Commander Jevek, 2O

Si’Rek shrugged and said “Well, even shattered dilithium matrices can store enormous amounts of energy, so the battery issue isn’t a concern. We do need to look at these crystals, however.”

Si’Rek, CE

“Indeed. Have you tried replicating any emeralds, rubies, or diamonds yet?” asked Jevek.

Commander Jevek, 2O

Si’Rek looked at the Commanderr with something akin to an exasperated parent having to answer a question posited to them by a toddler. “No, Commander. We have not. Until we know whether or not the production of such items is beneficial, we are going to conserve all the power we have.” and he turned and looked at Finnegan.

“The restaurant would be able to make use of it,” remarked Jevek, “That is why I inquired, Lieutenant. Trading to the restaurant for local currency would be possible, as we do know it is a parallel 21st century Japan.”

“Ensign, I want you to start tracing all active power draws. We may be able to cut off power to some redundant or non-priority systems. That will give us a base line of how much power we need to generate to maintain our current operational levels; and what we need to increase to to start major repairs. That, in turn, will give us a more solid direction on what kind of system we need to implement… if not both steam and wave.”

Si’Rek, CE

“Aye, sir,” he responded, setting the paper down and reaching for his kit. “I’ll double check. The only thing running on the fusion generator should be life support. The computer is hooked to the water wheel, and we power on the replicator using the power cells charged by the solar panels.”

Finn approached the wall where one of the EPS conduits entered, setting his kit down and kneeling. He reached to the corners of the panel beside the conduit and located the release tabs, pressing them with a satisfying snick as they let go, and he set the panel aside. He peered at the EPS junction, only a few of the lines lit as providing power. He opened the kit and pulled out an EPS phase-meter, a gun-shaped object with a needle like nose and a small display on the back. He pressed the button turning on the device, and then checked the labelling on the lit power conduits as he waited for the tool to complete its self-diagnostic. LS Bridge the first one read: life support for the main bridge. It should be lit, of course, with life support being the only critical system that should still be powered, but he’d test it anyway. Never know when the system controlling the lit/enabled status of the conduit could be malfunctioning.

The tool beeped, acknowledging it was ready, and Finn pressed it to the lit transfer conduit to get the reading of the power draw. He was already reading the next label, LS Decks 2-4, and preparing to check it and all the lit lines for life support, and then the remaining distribution lines. The other lines wouldn’t be as isolated, just providing power to various areas of the ship where they’d be separated to various systems further, but the life support systems were easy to check, being distinctly separated.

Finn, Eng

Any loose power drain had been already checked, and Finn could see the rest of the staff’s handiwork as the bare minimum power draw was being directed into life support systems.

Si’Rek knelt by the Ensign and looked and nodded. “What would you think of this, Mr. Finnigan? We have several hull breaches, so we are already exposed to atmosphere. What if instead of running life support, we fabricate a duct system and let the air handlers draw fresh air in and vent inside air out? Shouldn’t be too difficult since the systems are still functioning. That would save us a tremendous amount of power which we could divert to more pressing needs. I mean, we would have to dismantle and restart life support before we sealed up the hull breaches, but in the interim it would move us further to functionality.”

Si’Rek, CE

Finnegan hummed and pulled back his tool, looking at the lieutenant. “I like the way you think, Chief,” he said, rubbing his chin. He sat back on his heels. “We’d need to open up maintenance tubes to allow for air transfer between decks, but I like it.” He moved the tool to the next lit transfer conduit.

“Hmm. we’d also probably need air handlers on each deck, or between them. That’s a lot of cabling. It should be doable.” He chewed his lip as he worked, thinking.

Finn, Eng

Si’Rek thought a moment and then said “Maybe not. We could use the handlers to up the atmospheric pressure on one side of the ship, forcing air out the other. Less handlers, less energy needed. We cut holes between decks and let air travel between them that way. We’d have to deal with a constant soft breeze, but that is a small price to pay I think. We just have to make sure to keep the pressure differential in place. And cutting the holes would give you your pieces of material for your steam turbine. But I’ll set up some wave generators, too… just in case. I mean, if it rains and the fire goes out, we still need power.”

Si’Rek, CE

“What about air filters, Lieutenant?”

Commander Jevek, 2O

“Chief, we aren’t on our landing struts, at least not all of them, sir. Just only half of them. The rest of the ship is being supported by trees the ship mowed down during the crash. We haven’t had time to evaluate how stable it is but so far, it’s been 5 days…” said Ensign Fixit, as he left the rest of his comment hang out of superstition.

GM

Si’Rek looked at the Ensign speaking and smiled as he said “Well, if we aren’t completely grounded, and we are being supported by trees… then I am especially wary of creating a fire anywhere near us.” and he looked at Finnegan. “Ok, first priority is a stability check. Lets find out how well we are supported and what we need to do to ensure we don’t shift. Mr. Finnegan, how about you and I do that now, please.” He then turned and looked at the other Engineer. “Ensure we can use the replicator without impacting power levels more than five percent. If we can, replicate ten or so diamonds. Two to three carats each, VVSI grade, D color.”

“Aye sir. I’ll run simulations in the computer, since we have that, and it should be a low power calculation, so we will be okay before I try the replicator for real,” said Ensign Fixit, “If so, I’ll try to replicate what I can.”

And then he looked at the Commander. “That will get you started, at least. As to the air filters. If we have people running around and breathing in the air outside, they will bring any particulate matter inside with them. At this point, I would recommend not restricting air flow by running it through scrubbers.”

Si’Rek, CE

GM

“Lieutenant, I was more about Prime Directive concerns in regards to pathogens on the ship. Minimizing our exposure of our unknown pathogens and particulate matter to this world. Medical has been screening everyone before anyone leaves the ship as I have been informed,” replied Commander Jevek, “I shall leave you to your work, Lieutenant. The away team to the town departs in a couple hours from now, please let me know if there is anything specific you’d like me to attempt to procure or look for.”

Commander Jevek, 2O

Finn nodded and powered down the tool, storing it back in his kit, retrieving the tricorder from inside before looping the strap over his shoulder. “The crew handling the manual lift can direct us to the exit the away teams have been using.” He lifted the tricorder. “We should be able to get the load bearing strength of the trees with some basic readings.”

He gestured with his empty hand. “After you, Chief.” He followed after the lieutenant.

Finn, Eng

Finn returned to engineering some twenty or so minutes later at a light jog. “Chief is going to work on stabilizing the front landing strut,” he told Ensign Fixit. “I’ll be heading out with the next away team to take a look at those crystals.” He jutted his head toward the replicator room they’d been using. “How long before we might get those diamonds?”

He wiped a drop of sweat from his brow. He didn’t want to waste any time, so he’d run here.

Finn, Eng

“It’s done,” said Fixit, “They are on the small size, but being replicated, they are perfectly cut to be used for jewelry. Upon Commander Jevek’s suggestion, we boosted the replicator power by taking a phaser cell, and we replicated a few rubies and emeralds too. There’s 5 each, about 2 carats in weight. They are about 8.2 mm diameter, and have varying heights based on their shape – I asked the computer to randomize the shape for each jewel. The extra power from the phaser cell allowed us to make this last piece.” Fixit held out a perfectly round cut diamond that was 25 mm in diameter, and was 15.1625 mm in height. It was incredibly beautiful, and probably the most perfectly cut diamond this world would ever see… if it was sold. The lattices in the diamond make it particularly striking, as expected from our computer. It’s about 57.8 carats. I’d uh, run this by the Captain first before we attempt to sell it. Something like this is bound to attract attention but it might be good as a last resort. Drained all the remaining phaser battery power for this.”

GM

OOC: I mistakenly read that as 25cm and just sat dumbfounded for a few seconds lol.

IC:

Finn whistled lowly, taking the diamond. “That’s beautiful,” he said. He looked over the other gems they had created. “These are fantastic,” he said, holding up a ruby. “Exactly what we needed. Great job Fixit!” He glanced around.

“Now, does anyone have a small pouch?”

Finn, Eng


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