Flight Preparations

It was around 17:30 hours and Chief Shale was on the Bridge making some adjustments to the conn that hopefully would make the ship fly more smoothly. The adjustments weren't regulation but as any good Chief knows regulations can be bent a lot before they break.

"Chief. In my ready room." The Chief stood up and looked around for the source of the ordering voice. He saw Captain Devore standing at the door of his ready room.

"On my way Captain." Shale said putting down his tools.

The two both sat down and as they did, Devore went to work right away. It looked as if he had a lot of work to do before they could disembark. "Chief tell me this. Is Cadet McCaffee able to take the Leviathan-A into this campaign ?"

The Chief gave a look of both happiness and sadness and then took a deep breath before speaking."Sir. I'm going to speak frankly. That boy needs to be in school around kids his own age. Not out here fighting for his life and ours. But since he wears a uniform.... well, yes. He can do it ! However as green as he is, he's no different then you or I in our first taste of real battle. I don't know if he is going to fight, panic or huddle in a corner crying for mommy, but I honestly think he can do it."

Devore leaned back in his chair and threw his PADD over to the Chief and then stood up and tucked his tunic. "You know Shale I like you because your honest and straight with me. Most men would try and 'bs' the hell out of me, but not you. I want you to fly the Hellcat during the battle. I believe an ace such as you would better serve a small fighter craft such as the Hellcat better then anyone onboard. I'll give you the specs here in a little while. If for some reason I don't come by and get them before we set off."

Rick stood up "Don't worry Captain. I'm sure the boy will do fine. By the way, I won't let you or the Hellcat down."