Nige, Tumock and Carter were on a break. They had finished their work on the Griffin but still had to upgrade the Mekong and the Congo.
"I was thinking, for the Runabouts, maybe we can make the shielding more reliable, if we send out a continuous resonance burst from their deflectors," said Tumock.
"No, it wouldn't work! To send out a signal like that would take to much power away from the weaponry and shields." replied Carter quickly. Nige sat back in his chair gazing out at the stars which were flashing past. To the left he noticed the Orion and fixed his gaze on it.
"Are you all right Nige?" asked Tumock. "You've been acting a bit odd ever since we left the briefing."
"Oh, I'm fine.... I think my stomach's playing up again."
"Good evening gentleman," came a voice. The three Lieutenants looked up to see Owen Kovack pulling up a chair. "I hear that you've been upgrading the ship's runabouts to launch an attack against the Kelvans."
"Yes," replied Carter.
"I wish you luck in your attack." He stands up ready to leave. "You know, some people have been saying that we're on a suicide mission. Some people are worried that the equipment might fail."
"It won't fail!" replied Nige quickly. "Starfleet has run simulations that prove this technology safe. Brock and Benson have seen no problems with it."
"He is correct. There is no reasonable evidence to assume that the shielding will fail," agreed Tumock.
"Even so, Lieutenants, sending three ships, two of them among the oldest in the fleet, against a planet with incredible destructive power seems a bit.... reckless."
"Look! This mission will succeed!" said Nige beginning to get slightly angry.
"I agree," said Carter. "How do you know if we'll succeed or not. You know almost nothing of our situation."
"I think we'd better get back to work," said Nige standing up. Tumock looked at Nige with a raised eyebrow.
"Lieutenant, what is your hurry to leave? We haven't eaten yet."
"I'd just prefer it if we got the work finished as soon as possible."
"Come on then," said Carter. "Its always better to finish things early."
"I will join you shortly," said Tumock as Nige and Carter walked out.
Later, in the shuttlebay work was progressing on the Congo. The Mekong had been finished hours ago. But a lack of sleep was beginning to affect the work.
"I think I'll turn in for the night," said Carter walking towards the door. "I'll see you two tomorrow."
"Sleep well," called Nige. The shuttle bay doors closed and Nige stood up to close a hatch when he noticed Tumock standing beside him. He looked at Tumock.
"I spoke to Commodore Pike earlier," began Tumock. "He explained everything, about this technology failing. I must say I did not see the logic in sending only three ships, but I accepted Starfleet's order and went along with it."
"You are under orders not to speak about this aren't you?"
"Yes, but I feel I....."
"If you don't stop talking about this, I'll throw you in the brig for spreading harmful rumors among the crew! I agree with the Commodores decision to tell no one. The crew will work better if they know they have a chance of succeeding. I think I'll head for my quarters now as well. Remember - do not speak about this to anyone, least of all Owen Kovack. He's suspicious enough already." Nige slammed down the hatch he'd been working on and exited the shuttlebay without saying another word. Tumock stepped inside the runabout and continued to modify its systems.