Post 437: Shakedown

Stardate: 70914.1200
Title: Shakedown
Author: Salvek
Scene: Aboard the USS Alchemy
Time: After "Alchemy"

"I guess I'll take the helm then." Zanh Liis spun on her heel away from the Command chair, and sat at the Alchemy's pilot position. She doubted Salvek heard her, as he was fully engrossed in the display panels on the Command chair that he had helped himself to. N'Dura took up position at the tactical console.

"The trans-warp jump drive is remarkably close to what Kellyn and I envisioned. Crude, but remarkably close. An excellent start to fulfilling the ultimate goals of our research. I cannot believe the patience Starfleet had to pour over all our notes and research and incorporate them into this ship, and actually understand what they were doing. Helm, take us back to the Independence."

"Yes, SIR." Zanh Liis said with a laugh.

"Apologies Captain." Salvek stood. "Of course, you take Command, Sir."

"That's all right, you play with your new toy, I'm content here for now. I suggest you sit back down though, if the thrusters do have the kick that Kellyn designed, you may not want to be standing when I engage them."

Salvek sat back down, and Liis engaged the thrusters, the ship lurched, and leapt from the dock, pressing Salvek and Liis back into their seats. N'Dura held onto the tactical railing for dear life. As the acceleration leveled off with a jolt, they were all tossed forward. Salvek rolled out of the Command chair onto the floor. Quickly he got to his feet and retook his place, hoping no one else noticed.

"Perhaps some modifications to the inertial dampers to match Kellyn's modifications to the thrusters would be wise." Said N'Dura, "But this ship's ability to maneuver is impressive."

"Indeed, we had discussed that, but never had the chance to work on it. Captain, I would like permission to take a small crew aboard Alchemy and escort the Independence to Yensul IV. That will give us a chance to test all the systems and the Independence will be nearby in case there are any other. . .surprises."

"Who do you need Salvek?"

"Kellyn, Xhian, Reece, Grace and Mr. Blane should do well to monitor all the systems and stations. I would very much like especially to test the trans-phasic shielding and trans-warp jump abilities. Perhaps a game of "hide and seek" with the Independence to see just how well the shields can hide us."

"So you want to play, eh Salvek?" Zanh Liis heard the anticipation in his voice and wondered how much of this cruise was testing the ship, and how much was going to be showing off the Alchemy for the Independence crew. "You will have your crew. Just don't expect the Independence to go easy on you, Mr. Salvek."

**************************************************
Commander Salvek
Acting XO
USS Independence NCC-90791