The Tour: C Deck

CSCCS Nomad > C Deck > Engineering
“Right this way,” said Captain Yoshida to crew who were itching to tour their new work place and accommodations.

All 10 crew members, as well as Ghost, filed into the freight elevator and they ascended to the catwalk.

Sestero began narrating his tour again, “This is C Deck, Engineering and Cargo. A 250 ton cargo hold is that way as well as the reactor, cooling tanks, FTL drive, and relay and control station. All in the aft of the ship. Not that it matters much If that puppy fails on us.” said Sestero, pointing toward the back of the vessel. “Towards the fore of the ship, we got maintenance tunnels, air scrubbers shaft, heating, plumbing, and some empty space for more potential cargo, storage sheds, or new modules when we can afford them. You want to take an elevator or junction up to B Deck?”

Upon entering the hangar, Povel found himself a wall to lean on for support once the gravity and air were functioning. He was quick to remove his helmet and looked a few shades paler. Out of the entire crew, he seemed to be the only member that had not enjoyed exiting out the back of a shuttle into the free floating expanse of space. He felt queasy in his gut and a little fatigued, as if his blood sugar had dropped.

While the others had perused the interior of the hangar, in their own way, he was content to remain against the wall catching his breath and trying to relax. He did however glance about the space and took note of the things he could see. When it was time to move on with the group, he brought up the rear.

Overall, Eldon had actually enjoyed the process of getting to where he is now. He'd grinned back in response to Rita's unspoken question before stepping out into space, and again as he watched her race Peaches, errr, Maddox (damn, that name's probably going to stick) across the divide.

He himself has taken everything slower...double-checking indicators, and accepting any help offered. Once on the ship, he was among the last to remove his helmet. Along the way he quietly examined his surroundings...how the door mechanisms worked...what safety features were in place and where...what the vehicle bay held.

Rita's question about their new lab was definitely an interest he had as well. Smiling and nodding as he moved to stand next to her and awaited the answer to her question, he honestly felt like learning all the other basics first so that he could focus exclusively on the lab once they got to it and not be pulled away for more touring.

As the group began to move, he lingered and looked back at Povel. He seemed concerned for him, but when the man began moving to follow the rest of the group he relaxed and moved with the rest.*

"Guess we got a quiet crowd," laughed Sestero at the lack of response from the crew. "We'll take the elevator. I'm sure doggo doesn't do rungs."

“Hasn’t mastered, them yet, have ya boy?” ”Yoshida laughed and took the lead, guiding the group in the direction of one of the closest elevators that spanned decks A-C.

Looking around at their new surroundings, the crew could discern the nascent existence of the Nomad. The ship's parts were pristine with nary a scuff on the walls, floors, ladders, or rails.

Sestero continued, "Whichever one of you lucky bastards is Vieregg, you'll be joining me down in Engineering when it calls for it. Else I'll be all by my lonesome."

Then SA-Miii in a matter of fact tone, replied, "I will consider myself a lucky bastard as well. I am adept to assist the two of you with engineering and technology."

Povel raised his hand to help identify himself when Sestero asked. “That would be me.” He started to say before SAM-iii comment turned him into a chuckle. As the group continued on the tour, Povel’s head was on a swivel taking it all in.

In his thoughts he admired the new ship design; however, behind its clean and impressive facade there were trillions of hidden electrical and mechanical parts; all built by the lowest bidder no doubt. If Sestero, SAM-iii and himself couldn’t keep things working everyone would die. It was a sobering truth.

"Watch out. She's a live one," laughed Sestero as the group entered the elevator. He pressed the button for B Deck and the elevator closed with a hermetic seal, indicating its airtight capabilities. It rose and the doors hissed open again a moment later.