You're Oblivious!

[Tachyon 0]

"You're Oblivous!"

By Midshipman Dent and Ens. Zhu

SD 50702.16

 

Arthur Dent was sitting on an obscured bench, holding a tired PADD he was working on docking protocols for the upcoming Yorktown visit. His surroundings were dull and quiet.

 

A figure walked slowly towards him from the other end of the corridor, it was Eli Zhu his head was turning left and right and left and right no doubt surveying any damage done to the station.

 

Dent saw Eli and waved.

 

“Hey, Sir!”

 

Zhu turned his head till he was facing Dent and walked over to him.

 

“Hello there Mr. Dent.”

 

Dent looked around and inquired. “So what’s been going on, lately? I saw some security Personnel rushing through here earlier . . . the sensors still down?”

 

Eli Nodded grimly. “I’m afraid so, we suspect a saboteur is aboard and at large. The antimatter containment system had a spill in engineering a few hours back. The sensor grid resembles something like swish cheese.”

 

Dent’s Expression became surprised. “I had no idea, it’s so easy to become out of touch with everything. Since I was working on the docking protocols.” He paused then went on. “But with the sensors down, we won’t be docking with anything for now. Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

Eli shrugged. “Sure, watch for unusual activities and strange figures, the saboteur is still on board.”

 

Dent nodded and sighed. “Do you have any idea what’s going on in the CT?”

 

Eli looked around again, feeling uneasy. “The last time I checked it was quiet, everyone is snapping at each other about sensors.”

 

“Ouch. Why wasn’t I informed?” Something hit Dent in the back of his mind. He should have remained at CT for a while longer rather than getting off to study docking protocols right after.

 

“Well ¡­ Where were you for the past 4 hours?”

 

“Yes, I” He paused glancing at the PADD in his hand. “I just lost track of time studying this.” He paused again then went on. “I guess Flight Operations is pretty superfluous at a time like this. But I could have been informed, at least.” Eli nodded then grinned.

 

“That explains it. Well the sensors as you know ended 4 hours ago then we found the ¡® Swiss Cheese’ effect 1.5 hours ago.”

 

Dent only nodded slight, somewhat speechless.

 

“Is there anything I can do, to help?

 

Eli shrugged again. “Well as I said ¨C keep an eye out for strange looking figures, look for evidence that suggests tempering, and well, and be calm and casual.” Eli grinned to prove he was casual and not frightened.

 

Dent nodded. “I assume that the captain ordered all ships to stay in dock for the time being.”

 

Eli nodded. “While I was on the CT, the command staff mentioned that all incoming and departing ships are to be subjected to a high resolution scan before it could go to their respective destination.”

 

“Unless Scanned? How can we do that without sensors?” Dent blurred out.

 

Eli laughed and nodded. “With out sensors we can’t do that can we?”

 

“Have you determined the cause of the sensor damage? I mean, what did the saboteur do?” Dent Inquired.

 

“I don’t know for sure but Cmdr Quark and the engineering staff is going to be examining a defective, possibly tempered, sensor terminal that was on deck 6 hopefully we find some clues and hopefully real soon.”

 

“What about our new crew members? Those new engineers? Did they arrive before the docking lockout, or are they still stranded?” Dent said. It pounded on Eli’s thoughts. The new engineers, they were still not here, evidentially stranded or have not yet reported in.

 

Eli glanced at the floor for a moment then looked up. “I don’t know.”

 

“Engineers would certainly be useful.” Dent mused then got up and stretched. “Ach, I’ve been sitting on that bench for an hour or two.”

 

Eli glanced at the seat and smirked. “you should take a walk eh.”

 

“Okay. I better head back to my quarters and change my uniform before the next duty shift. Where are you heading?”

 

Eli looked around nervously again. “Survey all decks for signs of tampering on anything.” He paused. “Regardless of significance.”

 

Dent nodded. “Sounds like a fair bit of work you’ve got in store. Well, I’m heading up to the CT in a little, so if you need anything I’ll be available.” He paused. And in a slightly drier tone, he said. “It’s not like I’ll be busy.”

 

Eli nodded in appreciation and kept his grin going. “Alright, see you later.”

 

Dent nodded awkwardly.

 

Eli and Dent parted to their separate ways. What waits for them now?