Options
In engineering Commander Tucker leaned over a computer console, studying the schematics of the Enterprise NX-01 as though for the first time. He was impressed with the ship, her design and her systems especially, not to mention the engine, which was a real beauty. The ship had ceased shaking the moment they left the ion storm, but he was no closer to remedying the situation on the bridge. A pair of crewman sent to force the lift open had discovered that not only was it locked down, it was also experiencing mechanical failure due to some fused circuits and a burned out relay. Another way in was required, but looking at the specs, Trip wasn't sure such a thing existed, or if it did, that he could find it before time ran out for the five trapped officers.
Grabbing the nearest technician he saw, Tucker pointed toward the schematic displayed on the computer and asked, "Are there any access tunnels leading to the bridge?"
The engineer, possibly the least experienced in the section that night, looked at the chief engineer oddly and told him, "No, sir, the tunnels are all on this level and the deck below us. They run laterally."
"So there aren't any tubes leading up and down from here?"
"A few ventilation shafts."
"Great." said Trip with a quick nod. "Point one out for me, would you?" he requested. The crewman pointed to a narrow duct that ran vertically from a corridor near engineering to the bridge. "That ought to do, I guess. Do you know if it's sealed, crewman?" he questioned, studying the diagram.
"Yes, sir, it was sealed when a loss of pressure was detected."
"Can it be unsealed?"
"Manually, from the inside, sir." the crewman informed Tucker. "But how are you going to get up there?" he questioned.
"I reckon I'm going to climb." said Trip.
"But ... this shaft wasn't designed ... I mean, there isn't any ladder, commander." said the technician, frowning.
Tucker ran his hands through his hair. If it wasn't one thing, then it was another.
"About how long would it take you to install one?" questioned Commander Tucker, fixing the young crewman with a serious, piercing stare.
"Several hours, sir. I don't know how long really." he stammered.
"Well, you know how long we've got. Get you some help and start on that right away. And keep me posted." he said.
"Yes, sir." said the crewman, trying to hide a grin that was threatening to spread across his features in spite of the gravity of the situation. Commander Tucker had never given him a task so important. Maybe the chief saw something special in him. Or so the crewman supposed. "I won't let you down, sir." he promised as he walked away.
"I hope not, but I won't be holding my breath either." muttered Trip to himself as he walked over to discuss repairing the lift with the two crewmen who had originally attempted to override the lock down. He wanted all possible options to be explored.
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