Chapter Seven--Staff Meeting

Briefing Room-0800

"Engine status," Tuvok stated as a question.

"Thrusters and Impulse engines are ready to go. But Matter/Anti-Matter reaction in down, we're on it. Until I know why, I don't have an estimate."

"Continue with your efforts. Weapons."

"Phaser banks are at four percent, I have a few teams on it. We have two photon torpedoes and twenty-seven trinatic torpedoes. The new trinatic torpedoes are working well with our firing systems. I am personally working on manufacturing photon torpedoes.

"Very well, Mr. Ayala. Sensors?"

Seven spoke. "Short Range sensors are above standard but the Long Range and Astrometric sensors are going to need much more attention and we have a few teams working on the problem. According to our available data there is an K-Class nebula and a binary system with eight planets, two of which are M-Class and inhabited."

"What do we know about this system?" Tuvok looked around the table.

"The fifth planet is called Gheta," Tom said. "I have been in contact with an Ambassador Carmen. He says that he can help us. They are enemies with the KarTech as well. He also gave me a list of systems and men on our way that will be willing to help us."

"Set a course for Gheta." Owen nodded. "In the meantime, food supplies."

"We are amply stocked and ready to go. Morale is high despite our KarTech troubles. I believe that shore leave will be a good thing for the crew once we reach Gheta, I'll be happy to make a schedule." Neelix chuckled.

"Very good, Mr. Neelix, make you schedule. Repairs?"

Harry cleared his throat. "Life support, and transporters are up. The Doctor's emitters are on-line. We have two remaining hull breaches that are being repairs as we speak. Emergancy force-fields are holding. The shields are still down, but we're working on it. The deflector will be on-line within the hour."

"Very well, Mr. Kim. Doctor, casualties."

"We have a few serious injuries, but nothing I can't handle." The Doctor smiled. "The Mess Hall will be full for the next few days, as we send the non-critical patients on their way. There were no deaths and mostly minor injuries, but a few major injuries such as concussions, plasma burns, things of that nature." The Doctor gritted his teeth as he looked at B'Elanna. "Things that would keep one in bed, don't you think so Commander Torres!"

B'Elanna glared at her holo-graphic co-worker.

"Thank you, Doctor," Tuvok said interrupted the brewing argument. "Any other business?"

"Miral and Derek have been working on an emergency transporter system for getting injured people to Sickbay when the transporters are down. They want permission to begin more extensive tests," Tom informed the staff.

"Now is not the best situation for experimental devices, we will delay their tests until the ship is repaired and well enough for another battle, and we currently need all hands."

"Yes, Sir," Tom nodded in agreement.

"If that is all, dismissed."

The Senior Staff slowly stood with aching knees and bad backs; all except The Doctor and Owen.

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