Reed turned and surveyed the crew of the bridge. They were each running diagnostic evaluations of their instrumentation and, as he had no experience in that particular area, he
had a lot of free time on his hands. "Mr. Schultz", he called out cheerfully, "how are things coming along?"
"Excellent, sir", the Huckster replied. "The servo regulators are at maximum amperage, and the exostructural incursion has been rectified."
"Uh...good", Reed responded hesitantly. "How long until she's ready to roll?"
Schultz took on a thoughtful expression. "That depends on the level of which the anti-flux inhibitors were damaged", he conveyed, taking secret pleasure in confusing his superior. "My best
estimate of our operational functionality would be twenty-three septons, give or take three microns", the science officer concluded smugly.
The commander stared at him dully, his right eyelid fluttering as he ponderously mulled over the information.
"That's about a half hour, sir", Number Two remarked, throwing a dark look in Mr. Schultz's direction.
"Correct, Lieutenant", Reed replied belatedly. "I was just..."
"Proteau to Commander Reed", his comm-link squawked, cutting off his deeply technical explanation.
"Go for Reed", he responded, toggling the switch on his wrist communicator.
"We have a small problem that needs your expertise, sir", the security officer advised him.
"I see, Mr. Proteau", Reed said confidently. "Is this urgent?"
"Somewhat, sir", Proteau replied. "It's a personnel problem, but it is quite complicated."
"Which is why you called me", the commander suggested solicitously.
"Correct, sir."
"Then I guess I'd better get over there and handle this little emergency", Reed remarked, his voice taking on a grim resolve.
"Well, it's not actually an emergency, sir", Proteau observed. "It's more of a..."
"Regardless", the commander interrupted, "I'll solve this dire dilemma."
"Copy, sir", the security officer muttered with some confusion. "We'll be standing by."
Reed once again surveyed his crew, hooking his thumbs into the belt of his stylish Space Fleet uniform. "Looks like I'm needed elsewhere, people", he informed them dramatically. He turned back
to Mr. Schultz. "Providing you can get along without me for a few moments."
"I think we'll survive", the science officer assured him blandly.
