Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

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“As you have noticed, it’s a bit of a tropical jungle in here,” the saurian continued. “After you’ve had a moment to take a load off, I’d like to administer an evaluation. Don’t worry, it’s not going to determine if you are cleaning out holodeck filtration systems or anything like that; however, an engineer is required to keep calm under pressure. Often you will be expected to make a Monet, but are offered colored pencils to make it happen. Also, in an unrealistic time frame. When you’re ready I’ll issue you a single field kit and your instructions.”

Caelian nodded. “Thank you, sir. I came here immediately upon arrival, so I haven’t had a chance to find my quarters. To be honest, sir, I could do with a quick respite and something to eat. It’s… a little uncomfortable in here.”

He snapped his mouth shut immediately, swallowing hard. The heat must have gotten to him more than he’d imagined! Had he insulted a superior officer? His father had drilled into his head the importance of honesty and knowing one’s limitations, but his mother had also trained him to possess a bit of tact. He threw his hands up in an apologetic gesture.

“N-Not that it’s uncomfortable in here for you, sir,” he stammered. “It is, of course, your office, sir. I simply meant…”

Caelian reigned his embarrassment in, took a deep breath, and gave the chief a wry grin. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m a bit nervous. As I said, sir, I could use with a bit of refreshing. However, if your test is designed to test my performance while under stress, I’d like to start immediately. Given my current… condition… I believe it would only enhance the chief’s evaluation of my abilities.”
—Caelian Weir, Cadet—

“Quite the contrary, your evaluation will be to troubleshoot the climate control from the access panel behind you… you have seven minutes.” Zenzgii slid back in his chair and reached under his desk to pull out an engineering field kit. Setting the kit on his desk in front of Caelian the Saurian waited patiently. “Time is ticking…”

Zenzgii, CE

Seven minutes? Caelian thought to himself as he scooped up the kit and turned to the panel. It came away easily enough, revealing the illuminated workings beneath. Not enough time for a Level 3 Diagnostic. Where would the most likely problems be? Unless…

“Computer,” he grumbled as he ran an ODN recoupler over the available cables. “Set the environmental controls of this location to Federation standard parameters.”

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the right ones, he could almost hear his father say. It likely wouldn’t have been that easy, but he didn’t know his chief at all. If he were testing a fresh cadet, however, it would be something he’d try. Easy enough to have someone chasing their own tail if you made them think there was a problem in the first place.

When the ODN cables checked out, he moved on to the isolinear array.
—Caelian Weir, Cadet—