Shiny New Toy

Posted on Sat Apr 13th, 2024 @ 5:46am by Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance & Lieutenant Tracey Walker Jr

Mission: Blood wine and vengeance
Location: USS Chuck Norris
Timeline: After Settling In

on:
{Emergency Bridge, Deck 2}

Kevin listened patiently as Lieutenant Walker fumed about Klingons crawling around his ship doing Cochran-only knew what. The newly minted Chief Engineer had developed an endearing attachment to the Norris but his whinging was starting to wear on Kevin's nerves.

"I understand your concerns and they are duly noted," he replied, "but the installation of a Klingon cloaking device has the approval of both the Federation and Klingon councils." And not for the first time, Kevin wondered what the Romulans would think of all this.

Trace sighed. "Fine, I'll install it, but I want my objection noted."

He thought about all the drawbacks.

"There are a couple things you're going to need to know about, if you don't already. One, this thing draws a lot of power, and I mean a lot. That means heat. So we'll need a way to keep the Norris cool inside when we use it, or we'll cook like we're in an oven. My Engineers will need EV suits while in Engineering."

"If memory serves," Kevin replied unfazed by the older man's bluster, "the original Defiant was equipped with a cloaking device. They were able to overcome the technical difficulties."

Trace rolled his eyes before he caught himself. "Not all cloaking devices are made equal," he said, "Especially Klingon ones. Anyway, I'll figure it out."

"Second," Trace went on, "This will make us a glass cannon. Shield power will be next to nothing, and we'll need to uncloak to fire. I strongly recommend electronic countermeasures if we want to make sure our enemies can't track us when we employ hit and run tactics."

"And last, this is a treaty violation. We're on the edge of Romulan space, how do you think they'll react once the learn we're violating it? We're painting a target not just on the Norris but on the Starbase. I hope whoever approved this knows what they're doing, because once this thing is installed, we're going to need it."

"I share your concerns about treaty issues," Kevin admitted, "but it is sanctioned by the Federation Ambassador and our Fleet Admiral. Between you and me, I doubt that it will get much use. The Captain is as dubious about this 'gift' as you are though for different reasons. Don't worry about diplomatic complications or offensive limitations. Concentrate on the technical aspects and ensure that things isn't a Trojan Horse to spy on us."

Trace nodded. "Aye Commander."

:off

Lieutenant Tracey "Trace" Walker
Chief Engineer
USS Chuck Norris

and

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris