Rebuild and Upgrade
Posted on Fri Oct 3rd, 2025 @ 11:20am by Captain Daegan Baas & Lieutenant M'Tala "Hobbes" Clan Hrasi & Commander Jerome Hunt Jr. & Lieutenant Liam O'Riley & Lieutenant JG Jason Mallory
Edited on on Mon Oct 13th, 2025 @ 1:20pm
1,604 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
What was Lost is Found
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 3 - Prior to the Discoveries post
[Engineering - 0930]
Being the DH had a few perks and one of them was being able to assign duties as needed. After handing off the helm to one of his people he made his to Engineering not only with his plan to replace a lost shuttle but hoping to get an ally in an upgrade to the Valkyrie's craft load out.
Walking into the section, here or on any ship, he was always impressed with the power being contained in a warp core. After his pause he glanced who he was looking for and headed over to him. "Liam, got a minute?"
Looking up from his work "Hey M'Tala; yes of course. It must be important to bring you all the way down to Engineering" Liam replied being quite curious concerning the unexpected visit from the Flight Chief.
Getting staight to it, "Well as you know we are down a shuttle. So whant to get with you before going to the Captain with a plan for replacement. But I was thinging we could go beyond just replacing the shuttle...especially with what we ran into that planet. Whatever that tendrilled thing was the shuttles phasers only pissed it off. I was thinking we could put together something with a little more punch."
Handing him the padd he continued. "The Vesta class load out allows for 6 shuttles, 6 runabouts, and 6 fighters, so there is plenty of room in the bay so that isn't an issue. And with command wanting us to find these things...who knows what we're going to run into. Plus I'm certified on that class so I can not only train the back-seater, but any other pilots as well.
"What do you think?"
Taking the PaDD Liam looked the data over before commenting "So....let me ask, are you wanting to build a warp capable fighter, or are you looking to create a hybrid; something between a shuttle and fighter" he inquired while the wheels in his mind were turning.
Shaking his head. "Nah nothing fancy, didn't see the need nor any means to justify trying to come up with something new...Not trying to be a Tom Paris or anything just want to give out auxiliary craft some real teeth. Something about these things tells me we're gonna need it."
Thinking for a moment "Well it's definitely doable but it will take some time to do it right" then Liam paused "Seeing those creatures up close and personal I've never been that scared before so ya we're going to need something with more teeth as you put it. This looks like a worthwhile project so whatever Engineering can do to help please let me know."
"Excellent. Thanks." Hobbes started to head out, "I will need to get a time with the Captain but I will let you know. I owe you one."
Liam gave a grin "Anytime Lieutenant; let me know if I can be of any further assistance" he replied.
[Bridge - 1400]
The time for his meeting with the Captain was here and as he waited for his relief a hand came down on his shoulder as he sat at the helm. Looking up the Captain stood there, "You wanted a meeting, you ready?"
"Yes sir. Just waiting for..." His ears turned at the sound of the doors of the lifts and the scent told him his relief had arrived. "Never mind, she's here."
As he rose he joined the Captain and the others as they headed into the conference room for his presentation.
Signaling for a replacement at the engineering station, O'Riley followed into the conference room curious as what the Captain's take would be on Hobbes' ideas for one and he was there to lend some support as well.
Commander Hunt sat back in silence. At this point, he would simply observe the current situation.
Grabbing a spare PADD to take notes on, Mallory signaled for his relief to take over at the Operations station and made his way to the Conference room. He was still getting used to the number of meetings required of the Chief's position, and hoped this one wasn't going to be another waste of time.
[Conference Room]
Hobbes stood near the entrance as everyone filed in. This meeting was at his request so he was ready make his presentation.
The Captain had taken his usual seat at the far end with the XO next to him. Both the Chief of Operations and Engineering took their seats and Hobbes nodded to O'Riley. "Thank you Captain for this meeting."
"No problem at all. What do you have for us?"
"Well sir. As you know we are down one type-9 shuttle and I have spoken to Lieutenant O'Riley about fabricating a replacement. With your approval that can proceed."
Daegan's hand lifted with a gesture as he interrupted. "Surely you didn't request this meeting for that?"
"No sir. I did had another items to bring up."
Nodding as he smirked a bit. "Go on."
Hobbes got the feeling the Captain knew something was up and glanced to O'Riley, surely he hadn't mentioned anything. "Thank you. During my flight to the surface and my engagements with that massive Defiled creature. The shuttles phasers had little to no effect. If anything all my shots did was draw it's attention.
"That in itself indicated some level of awareness, but we are not here to discuss the Defiled. At least not directly. My own analysis shows that even a Flyer class shuttle wouldn't have the punch needed against such a creature. I am recommending we fabricate a Gryphon class heavy-fighter."
Activating the tables holo-display Hobbes continued. Armed with fore and aft Type IX phasers, a port and starboard pulse phaser cannon, and capable of carrying various external under the wing ordinance, it has the fire power and loadout versatility to hammer one of those things back into the hole it came from."
Daegan looked to his XO. "Commander Hunt, what do you think?"
Hunt leaned forward as he looked at the fighter before them. "Impressive. If we encounter the Defiled again, it would be nice to have something like this as an option."
Looking over the display, Mallory jotted down a few notes. "So, do you mean for these to be in addition to or replacing the shuttles? Do we have the expertise onboard for the fabrication and construction? What kind of support will this need from Operations?"
Hobbes shook his head. The only replacement is the shuttle we lost at Pricari home world, the build I am proposing is an addition. The Vesta class spaceframe was build to accommodate berthing frames for six fighters in addition to the six shuttles and four runabouts she's designed to hold. When we left Starbase 152 we were at seven and 4 without the fighters so we have the room for a fighter or two.
"I have complete confidence that our engineering staff can handle the build. As to needs form Ops. Some ships resources will need to be diverted. There are sensor suites, onboard computer systems, control surfaces, etc...and I'm sure there will be some personnel that will want to help.
"And of course if approved, Lt. Rogers will need to be brought into this for the weapons systems and ordinance packages."
Listening intently to the conversation O'Riley chimed in "After looking over the blueprints and talking with Lieutenant Hobbes, his suggestion is very doable plus it'll give us the opportunity to have multiple departments working together on one project which is a good thing" he concluded.
Baas looked at the hologram, "This class of fighter a is a two seater."
"Correct sir. The back-seater is responsible for navigation, communications, sensors, readying weapon, and taking control should the pilot be incapacitated. I'm certified on this class an will make sure that anyone that step forward is trained before they that that seat or the pilots seat for that matter."
"Honestly I would prefer if carried more than just two people," the Commander spoke up. "Something an away team could use in more dangerous mission instead of waiting for backup.
"Well if an way team needs additional personnel their are the transporters, other shuttles or runabouts that can fill that roll. However, the Commander raises a good. I have never seen a fighter go it alone...even the best needs a wingman do they not?"
Hobbes ears perked, "That they do sir."
"Well then...don't worry about replacing the shuttle. Project approved...for two." Looking to his Engineer, "Liam, How long do you think it will take?"
Thinking for a few moments "The actual construction is pretty straight forward whether we are fabricating one or two fighters. The time consuming parts are the onboard computers and weapons" then he paused again "I would think, barring any unforeseen problems.....eight weeks from start to finish" Liam concluded.
"Very well." Looking back to Hobbes still standing at the far end of the table. We'll announce openings for volunteers for flight training to be submitted to you for review. You can then submit your recommendations for Pilot and...uh..." Gesturing to Hobbes.
"Tactical Intercept Officer or TIO, sir."
"Right, TIO, just submit your recommendation to the XO."
"Yes sir."
"Ok then, dismissed."
Hunt looked over to the Captain. "This is going to be a very interesting eight weeks."
Looking over at Hobbes then back to Jerome, "That's true. Though I'm actually kind of surprised it took him this long to ask. After all, he is a fighter pilot."
Captain Daegan Baas
CO
Commander Jerome Hunt
XO
Lt. M'Tala "Hobbes"
CFCO
Lieutenant Liam O'Riley
CEO
Ltjg Jason Mallory
COO
RSS Feed