How Things Work
Posted on Wed Sep 30th, 2026 @ 6:48am by Lieutenant Junior Grade Harold Spector & Lieutenant Kolok & Brigadier General Seamus O'Rourke
Edited on on Wed Sep 30th, 2026 @ 6:57am
1,289 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Episode 18 - The Edge of Darkness
Location: Ship's Operations Center - Deck 6 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 1000 hrs
Kolok had dismissed the night operations officer when he arrived an hour earlier. He liked the quiet before things inevitably became busy. It had been his experience that despite how well-designed and maintained starships were, things were always breaking down. Today was going to be different with the inspection beginning soon.
Harold had been putting the finishing touches on a level 2 diagnostic of the sensor array when Kolok walked into the Operations Center. "Lieutenant Kolok. Good morning, sir. All systems are running within normal parameters. Is there anything of note for the day?"
Kolok grunted. "Only if you think that a General inspecting our section to be of note," he said, stopping to look at the young Lieutenant. What Kolok didn't say was that he personally found inspections to be a waste of time. Any department chief who was not doing their duty, should be detected by the Commodore. He suspected that General Officers had too little to do and created these inspections to get out of their own offices.
Seeing as Kolok was nonplussed about the inspection, Harold thought he could talk openly about it. "Inspections are one thing. But, this is not even an inspection. This is just some pomp and circumstance for the General. I think in some odd way that makes it worse."
Kolok nodded. "You are correct, Lieutenant. But we must do our duty and stand tall for the Pioneer. Afterwards, we can drink bloodwine," Kolok said. "And perhaps some real food."
Seamus and Feren X'tal entered the Operations Department. Spotting Kolok, he approached the man. "Good day, Lieutenant. We both know this ceremony is a farce, but it is tradition, and traditions must be upheld. I myself would rather be fighting a worthy opponent, but unfortunately, we all have superiors whom we must obey." He said to Kolok.
Harold mustered to attention as the General entered. Based on what the General had said, Harold was sure that Seamus had heard what he and the Klingon had been talking about. For the moment, Harold simply hoped that there would be no fallout from that. He decided it would be best to let Kolok do the talking and not speak unless spoken to.
"Good day to you, General. Welcome to the Pioneer's Operations center. Klingons have a deep respect for tradition, sir. Even when their origins have been lost," Kolok said. He inwardly approved of the general's perspective on what had value in life.
"How would you like to proceed, General? I can show you around the actual space, but I believe you have been aboard an Intrepid-class starship before."
"Yes, I visited my daughter on her first assignment, the Jonathan Swift," Seamus confirmed. "That was over a decade ago; I'm sure there have been upgrades in that time."
Kolok inclined his head. "Yes, sir, thankfully there have been. In fact, I'm hoping to implement some of the new systems I learned while serving on the Iowa," Kolok said and motioned for the group to follow him.
"Lieutenant Spector has been working on upgrading our sensor arrays. There have been some new developments in power projection and how to pair different energy waves to increase the range and capabilities of our sensors. The downside is that it is much higher maintenance and requires constant supervision. Lieutenant Spector, why don't you walk the General through the new process?"
"Of course, Lieutenant." Harold began and then motioned toward the computer screen. "The original sensors of the Intrepid Class scan using the terrajoule range of power. However, the new grid uses less power and gains a wider range of scanning. Data is fed directly to the Bridge through the computer. The data needs to be purged once a day, which takes a few hours to do. So, I guess you take the good with the bad."
"That does appear to be the law of the universe," Seamus said. "Does this sensor system include tactical sensors?"
"Yes, sir, it does." Harold began, and with a few quick taps of the console, he brought up the Tactical Sensor specifications. "But with tactical, the improvements are not just to power. The computer's improved AI assists with targeting. Not just locking on, but actual selection of targets. The AI can evaluate the sensor data of an enemy vessel and suggest the weakest points for attack. Additionally, the tactical grid is now tied in to the scientific sensors. So, data on people is fed to the tactical console. The officer on the Bridge now knows how many people are present, their life signs, and whether or not they are friend or foe." Harold spoke with a little excitement. The sensors had been a particular pet project of his, so he was proud of it. He had the computer run a simulation as he spoke for the General to see.
"Very impressive, Lieutenant," Seamus said. "Don't you agree, Captain?"
"Yes, I could've used a system like that when I flew fighters." Captain X'tal replied. A crash during combat and the accompanying injuries had made her a glorified taxi driver, so she'd transferred to H and S (Headquarters and Service).
Kolok nodded at the Captain. "The Pioneer's weapons systems are also being upgraded. We've received a replacement for the phaser modulators that will allow improved range. That project should be completed within the next few weeks. Finally, the bio-gel packs have received a booster that extends the time between refits and replacements," Kolok said. "Operations is thoroughly engaged in making sure that the ship is ready when called."
"Perhaps we could adapt these updates to increase the effectiveness of Nostromo's defenses," Seamus said.
Kolok considered the idea for a moment before replying. "Yes, sir, I think that would be possible. The technology is fairly robust, and I think it could be done. Would you like me to put together a proposal for you to look over?"
"Yes, thank you. Lieutenant." Seamus said.
"Most of the work we do in Operations is no different when it comes to the systems that Marines use. A computer is a computer is a computer." Harold said with a laugh before adding. "It is all about what you tell the computer to do. If you wish, when we arrive, I can help your Operations staff make the changes."
Kolok nodded. "We are glad to assist, sir. It has been productive to have you here in Operations. Do not hesitate to call on us if you need help with power systems or computers... or if you need an additional warrior," Kolok said with a toothy grin.
"I will keep that in mind Lieutenant." Seamus said. "Thank you for your time, and may your opponents die well at your hand."
Turning to Captain X'tal he asked. "Captain, is anything you'd like to add?"
"Keep up the good work, Lieutenants, you're a credit to your department and ship." X'tal replied.
"Well said, Captain." Seamus said. "Lieutenant Kolok, Lieutenant Spector, we'll get out of your hair now, good day to you both."
Harold smiled in response to the General and the Captain's compliments. Something told him that a compliment like that did not come easy from someone like the General.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Harold Spector
Operations Officer, USS Pioneer
Brigadier General Seamus O'Rourke
Commanding Officer, Camp Nostromo
Captain Feren X'tal
Aide De Camp, Camp Nostromo
Lieutenant Kolok
Chief Operations Officer, USS Pioneer
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