The Hornet was now well underway to Supply Base 901. She had been holding warp 10 for over 13 hours now, and had slowed down to warp 9.3. The internal systems were nearly all complete. The main tactical system had been completed. Warrant Officer Matthews was acting as Chief Engineer until a commissioned officer was placed in that position.
Matthews had spent the better part of two years building the Hornet. So he thought it was only right that he be assigned one last time to a ship he helped build.
Patrick was in Main Engineering near the area next to the warp core, scanning and running last minute tests. Patrick was on his knees working hard when another Engineer came up to him. This Engineer was only 20 years old and a crewman.
"Sir, what is that thing you've been working on the last four days?" the crewman asked.
"That's need-to-know basis, crewman, and you need not know! Only myself and the Commodore know what this for. Until we pick up our Chief Tactical officer, then he'll know." Matthews closed the panel and pressed a few keys then a force field appeared over the access panel.
Patrick left Engineering and headed to the bridge. The ship was equipped with about 465 people aboard, another 235 would be picked up at the star base. The trip to the bridge only took a few seconds, to arrive at the ready room. The Warrant Officer walked in as he was told to after pressing the chime.
"Sir, I've completed work on the Cloaking device. It's locked down in a type 5 force field. I believe we are the second Federation ship to have a cloaking device." Patrick handed over his PADD and stood at attention.
Commodore Wallace remained quiet as he read the PADD. He then spoke after reading it. "Very well. After we pick up the rest of the crew, the senior staff will be informed of the cloaking device and it's purpose. Until then Mr. Matthews, please keep it under a tight lid."
"No problem there sir," Matthews responded with a smile. Wallace then motioned for him to take a seat. Patrick was a little uneasy now.
"I've pulled your record. You have sixty-nine and half years in Starfleet. That's a long time. Of course because you're not commissioned you're facing mandatory retirement in five years." Wallace then looked at the man trying to see if was not comfortable with this topic.
"Yes sir, so I've been told. Hey it's been a blast at least. I saw the development of replicators, quantum torpedoes. The expansion of the Federation. So I've got nothing to complain about. I will serve you to the best of my ability." Patrick sat with a smile really hiding how felt about his forced retirement.
Patrick made his way to Ten Forward. Ten Forward was bar type lounge. You could eat a meal and drink too. Patrick walked up to the bar where a human female served as bartender. "Red leaf tea please." Patrick sat back and noticed an Ensign sitting next him. The Ensign was a human male around twenty-something. The Ensign wore gold, and Pat knew the ensign wasn't an engineer -- he knew mostly all forty-three Engineers assigned to the ship.
"Evening, Ensign. I take it this is your first posting?" Patrick waited for the ensign to finish his swallowing his drink.
"Yes, Warrant Officer?" The Ensign didn't exactly know the man's name and was being polite.
"Warrant Officer Matthews. Acting Chief Engineer." He raised his tea cup in a respectful manner, and then shook the mans hand.
"Pleased to meet you, Mister Matthews. I'm Ensign Hays, 5th Tactical officer." Hays sort of sounded disgusted.
"Well sir, you'll more or less be a second or third tactical officer. I mean what I've read about these Mullurans makes the Cardassians sound like pussy cats. I tell you when I was on the Intrepid during the Border War, we must have had three Chief Tactical officers in one week. Uh-huh." Patrick took a sip from his tea. He saw the ensign get a little uneasy.
"They all died?" Hays asked looking more intent.
"Ah, one did -- a bulkhead cut him in two. The others lost arms and legs. Yeah... wonder who's idea it was to put a plasma conduit right next to a bulkhead." Patrick scratched his chin.
"They still don't do that do they?"
"Oh no. They put it right under you, smack dab between your legs. Of course I remember seeing a few guys during the Dominion war complain about losing a third leg and not being able to have kids." The Ensign stood up not feeling so good and excused himself. "Excuse me Mister Matthews." The Ensign ran out covering his mouth.
A few seconds later Commodore Wallace took the Ensign's seat. "That wasn't too nice Patrick."
"What sir? Just telling a few stories to the kid," Patrick said with a sinister grin on his face.
"Wouldn't be surprised if I got a transfer on my desk in the morning," Wallace said giving a chuckle with Matthews.
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