<USS Avalon> Out of Time and a Change of Staff

Out of Time and a Change of Staff
By Captain Keith Ketchum, and Commander Skyler 
 
Keith had been sitting on the bridge, during the whole of the problems.  The 
computer had sounded that the Warp Core was going to overload in six minutes.
 
It was not soon after that, as he watched the information from the 
Engineering console, show that someone was trying to dump the core.
 
It appeared that the core was dumped, while they entered the rift, under 
limited power.  However, after a few moments, he noticed that the core was in 
place.  Temporal Mechanics, just the thought of it gave him a headache.
 
He moved back and took his seat.  He waited for reports from the critical 
areas, Engineering, Medical and Security.
 
The turbolift door opened and Keith turned, expecting to see Mr. White 
Feather, but Commander Skyler entered the bridge.
 
“Excuse me, Commander, but I believe that I put you on Administrative Leave, 
why are you on the bridge?”
 
Skyler entered the bridge knowing that she was allowed there, however under 
the current conditions she felt that it was a necessity that she report to the 
Captain what was going on.
 
"Captain, I realize I am not supposed to be here, however I have news that I 
felt you should be made aware of. I am sure you have noticed a problem with 
the engines and with power throughout the ship. I know I did, so I went to 
Engineering to investigate and found Jr Lt K'etrall working on stabilizing the 
warp 
core. She has managed to stabilize it for now, but she is going to need help 
keeping it that way. I stayed to help, but as you are well aware my background 
is not engineering. "
 
"Very well, what news do you bring me?"  His tone did not show that he was a 
little perturbed, but her willingness to try to help was her only saving grace.
 
By his tone, Skyler was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea after 
all. Unfortunately it was a little too late.  "I was talking to the Asst 
Engineer 
and she informed me that they could really use another engineer to help 
stabilize the engines while we are in this rift. While talking to her Ensign 
Michael Bailey's name came up. It was then that I remembered from interviewing 
him 
that he has an extensive background in engineering and temporal mechanics. I 
was thinking that we could move him from security to engineering. With Bailey 
and K'etrall working together they may be able to keep the engines running and 
keep the Avalon from ending up stranded in the middle of the drift. The 
decision of course is yours since I have been relieved of my duties. However I 
couldn't stand by and watch the Avalon run into problems that could be 
catastrophic."
 
Keith listened to the information.  "I appreciate your willingness to 
assist."  Keith thought for a moment, and put some information into the 
computer, 
"His transfer has been complete.  However, I hope it is not too late.  We have 
already entered the rift, and seem to have come out the other side, and waiting 
on sensors to tell us exactly where and when we are."
 
"If you want I would be more than willing to work with both K'etrall and 
Bailey to try and fix the problem. However I won't do anything further without 
your permission due to the administrative leave. The decision is in your hands."
 
"As I know your expertise is medical, I doubt you could provide much."  Keith 
almost smiled.  "Now, before Karg gets here and has you arrested for being on 
the bridge, I suggest you head back down.  Thank you for your attentiveness, 
Commander. "
 
"Understood, sir. I shall return to my quarters now after I have a talk with 
Bailey and K'etrall and inform them of your decision."  She re-entered the 
turbolift.
 
Keith thought, now, if only they knew when they were.

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