“Computer, initiate a full diagnostic of ship systems, and report any irregularities or malfunctions.” Harry’s kit back was still lying on the floor of his quarters, casually tossed there by him as he stuck his head through the door. Without evening glancing around at the quarters, he has quickly made his way to engineering, full of excitement. This was it, this was his ship! Well, the Captain might have something to say about that if he said that out loud, but it wasn’t the Captain that was going to know every nook and cranny like the back of their hand. Harry, on the other hand, was relishing the opportunity.

=^= Initiating diagnostic. Please specify parameters for ‘irregularities or malfunctions.’ =^= came the familiar, if not slightly unhelpful, voice of the main computer.

“Very well, let’s start with any issues that either affect the safety of the ship.”

=^= Preliminary analysis indicates two issues that may affect ship safety. Shield generator efficiency is currently at 82%, below optimal performance levels. Cause appears to be a misalignment in the shield emitter array. Torpedo launcher system diagnostics report a 12-second delay in torpedo arming sequence, exceeding standard operation parameters. =^=

Harry grinned to himself; first day, and he was already going to make a difference. He had expected nothing out of the ordinary. “Pull up the maintenance logs for those two systems.” he said, as he went across to a terminal.

The maintenance logs for the shield generator indicated the last calibration was performed 7 months ago. Whilst no anomalies were reported, it was outside of the routine maintenance schedule. As for the torpedo launcher, the log showed a firmware update was applied 3 months ago.

“Curious.” he said to himself. “Computer, was the firmware update in line with Starfleet maintenance instructions?”

=^= Reviewing Starfleet maintenance directives. =^= The computer paused. =^= The firmware update applied to the torpedo launcher system 3 months ago was not listed in the most recent Starfleet maintenance instructions available prior to the update. =^=

“Well that’s odd.” he said, looking at the log entry to see who authorised it. At first glance, it looked like the previous Chief Engineer had approved the firmware update.

=^= Please respecify your request. =^= intoned the computer. Harry rolled his eyes slightly.

“Computer, conduct a detail analysis of the current firmware’s modifications.” There was a pause as the computer compared the current firmware against the last Starfleet-approved version to identify unauthorised modifications, changes in operational parameters, and potential vulnerabilities. A few more seconds passed before Harry prompted the computer. “How long will it take to process the request?”

=^= Request will take approximately five minutes. =^=

“Well, let’s not just sit here. Let’s take a look at the shield generator.” he muttered to himself. He pulled up the diagnostic of the shield generator; the results indicated that the misalignment in the shield emitter array was due to a degradation in the alignment actuators, which had led to a 18% drop in shield efficiency. He was surprised that no-one from the bridge had complained about this, and made a mental note to set some monitoring thresholds so that he could make sure engineering was being proactive on maintenance. Within a few minutes, he had assigned the maintenance to one of the scheduled maintenance teams.

=^= Analysis of torpedo launcher system complete. =^= responded the computer. Harry brought it up on his console. The analysis identified unauthorised modifications that enhanced torpedo tracking capabilities but introduced a delay in the arming sequence, potentially compromising rapid-fire capability in combat situations. The modifications did not appear to compromise system integrity or ship security but did deviate from standard Starfleet operational protocols. Harry actually admired the modifications; it was clear that they had been necessary in a previous circumstance, even with the inadvertent disadvantage.

“Hmm…” he sighed. “Is there a way to incorporate the modifications to the tracking capabilities without introducing a delay?”

=^= Unknown. Further analysis required. =^=

“Of course.” Harry said, slightly sarcastically, before pausing. “Create a simulation programme, Archer Zero One, and transfer the firmware changes across. Then reset the live firmware to the latest Starfleet approved release.” He had decided that this would be one of his first projects on the ship, with a view to submitting the recommended changes to Starfleet Corps of Engineers for inclusion in an approved release.

=^= Initiating firmware reset on torpedo launcher systems to the latest Starfleet-approved release. Operation will take 27 minutes. =^=

“Great, commence standard system checks after completion.”

=^= Acknowledged. Awaiting any further instructions. =^= Harry blinked. Had the computer, in its own unemotional manner, offered to do more than the bear minimum?

“Well, seeing you ask, I’ll have an English breakfast tea… hot, with a dash of milk”. The replicator nearby buzzed, and a tea appeared in the centre. Harry took it, and gingerly took a sip of the liquid, before moving to step out of his office. He figured he should probably go and meet some of the engineering crew.

Lt Harry Archer
Chief Engineer