You’re installing what??? Part 2

Posted on Thu Oct 24th, 2019 @ 5:58am by Lieutenant Commander Arianna Sky Kamar & Major Naomi Sylan Griffiths & Chief Petty Officer "Chief" Alpha I CSH

Mission: Onboarding & Departure
Location: Main Engineering
Timeline: One week before the USS Pennsylvania departs Starbase 11

[OFF]

Contd...

[Engineering]

Arianna's face turned red! "That'll be the day!", she growled. "I'll not be havin' a hologram running my engine room if this ship is about to explode. If we can't do it, no machine is gonna do it!", she said angrily.

"SILENCE!" Griffiths shouted she had trouble following what the problem was *sighs* "Okay what is the issue here, Commander Sky?" She asked looking at the CEO.

Taking a deep breath, Arianna slowly got a partial grip on her rage. "Major, with all due respect, none of this was cleared by me, nor did anyone even bother to bring it to my attention that this....this....so-called holo....whatever you call it was being installed into the ship. For all, I know this piece of equipment could be causing our little glitches. In the end, if the first two crystals don't work the final one will and that happens IF....the ship was about to explode. I said I'll not be havin' a hologram running my engine room. If we can't fix it, no machine is gonna do it!", Arianna stated. Still hot-tempered, Arianna managed to keep from yelling and spoke calmly for an enraged Klingon.

Frank stepped in before there was a fight between the Major and the Chief Engineer, "Listen, Lieutenant Commander Sky, the brass said we have to install it so we will. Any technical questions discuss with the Petty Officer."

Still livid, "Understood captain", Arianna said flatly. She was angry, hot, and peeved and it showed but apparently, Frank knew her temper and stepped in. It was a good thing too because Arianna was coming close to insubordination and that would not look good on her record. Turning to look at the Major, "Major I do apologize for my outburst but you can understand my concerns", she addressed the Major.

"I understand your concerns Commander, but as a Senior Officer, it is unbecoming of you to shout and rant like you were, someone in your position should approach such events befitting your rank and maturity, remember a calm outer shell usually goes over well. Then any anger you might have to visit the holodeck and kick the crap out of an enemy hologram until your anger is sated, but I do not want to see another display of anger like I just witnessed, understood Commander?" Griffith's said in a calm but firm tone.

"Yes Major, understood", was all Arianna could say as she was correct. She let her temper get the best of her again.

*looks at the Captain and raises an eyebrow and perceptibly flicks her head in the other direction* she was hoping that he would catch on that she needed to speak to him in private.

Frank nodded at his XO and knew they were going to have a serious discussion about Arianna's behaviour. "Lieutenant Commander Sky, assist the Petty Officer here with whatever is needed, if anything goes wrong, I'm holding the two of you responsible," turning to the Major he spoke, "Major, if you would, come with me please," before stepping out of the engineering department.

Arianna was about to protest but closed her mouth. Through pursed lips, "Understood sir", she said. *Looks at the Petty Officer* "So PO Stevenson, what else do you need to install in MY area?", she said flatly and annoyed by all this.

Stevenson could feel the Chief Engineer's gaze boring into him, but it did not phase him. After all, he had dealt with overprotective and boarder line hostile Engineers all of his careers. "Well Lieutenant, I just need access to the Master Systems table. From there I can plug in the PaDD, install the CSH and then run a series of diagnostics to make sure everything is synchronised correctly" he replied in a cool tone in an attempt to not anger the Engineer any further "It shouldn't take more than an hour at most, you are more than welcome to stick around and.... Supervise if you wish"

"I will 'Stick around' as you so eloquently put it. Then I will run a system-wide diagnostic of everything that is connected to that...that...hologram or whatever it is", Arianna said flatly.

Reaching under the Master Systems table, Stevenson pulled off a panel that allowed him direct access to the wiring within and also several connection ports. He straightened up and grabbed the specially modified PaDD, as well as a short length of fibre optic cable. As he was connecting everything up, Stevenson turned to face the Chief Engineer "Just so you know Chief, the CSH isn't designed to replace anyone or do a better job than you. It was designed to help crews, not push them out the way. Yes, it has Engineering subroutines and various others, but it's no more going to take over the ship than your EMH." He offered her a small smile, then carried on "Besides, the CSH will need your help more than anything. It is still developing and learning, almost like a young adult. Besides, you look after his heart and soul" Morgan finished with a nod towards the warp core.

After getting the PaDD connected to the correct ports and running a quick test to make sure everything was working well, Morgan grabbed the blue-chip out of the case and plugged it into the PaDD "Also, that purple chip. That's just Dr Zimmerman's contact details, he just made me stress not to use it unless you are desperate. While the good Doctor is brilliant, he doesn't get on well with people not does he like to be disturbed" Stevenson said shaking his head with a chuckle. He tapped a few commands into the PaDD and the screen became a series of fast-flowing lines of code, it moved so fast that you'd get a headache if you even tried to follow it. "Well, the install process has begun, this should be the easy part"

Arianna was still angry but Stevenson was trying to be nice as he explained what he was doing. "Wait...this hologram will be what....depending on me to teach it? Fek'lar is Zimmerman mad! Oh, wonderful now they saddle me with an immature hologram. Oh joy", she said laughing. "So what else goes along with this immature hologram", she added.

"Not quite an immature Commander, after all the CSH has already been through several tests and even the Academy. No, more like guidance and support" Stevenson said, he paused for a few moments in order to think about the best way to explain it, a way that didn't involve the Engineer to have another meltdown "The CSH has all the knowledge, experience and history that anyone would ever need, after all, he is tied into the computer system. What he needs is for people to show him how to use that knowledge and experience, that is something a machine can't teach or learn easily. We programmed it with the most advanced learning and adaptability subroutines that any Hologram ever has, he just needs help"

Morgan quickly checked the PaDD to make sure everything was still working fine after he was satisfied, he pressed on "Take for example Lieutenant Commander Data. When he was first found he was very inexperienced but technically amazing. Over time, and with a little support here and a push there, he became a key member of the Enterprise crew and was irreplaceable. The CSH will be very much like Data's early days" he added with a small shrug, hoping that he conveyed the idea effectively.

"As for what he can do, well a lot put simply. There's another PaDD in the box with some details" Stevenson pointed to the box sat on top of the table "In short, it has subroutines for every department and role on the ship, so it can take over anything in an emergency. It can produce up to 5 avatars of itself and have them all over the ship, where there are holoprojectors of course. I'm sure that it'll be able to do a lot more, given enough time"

Arianna knew about the android Data and it did explain a lot about what Stevenson was saying. "So in other words, what you are saying is that this hologram is like Cmdr. Data. A learning hologram that we are to show it how to perform like a part of this crew?", she said. Somehow the Petty Officer's explanation made it clear to her so that it took some of her hostility out of the situation and left her with a small amount of wonder.

"Exactly Commander, the CSH is just another member of the crew, not a threat or here to replace you," Stevenson said as he placed is PaDD down on the table "With respect Commander, I understand the way you feel, believe me. I have seen this happen more than once since the CSH project was launched. Either consciously or subconsciously people let their ego and pride get in the way when faced with something like the CSH" he added, holding up his hands to hopefully stall Sky's response "Even back with the Mk 1 EMH people thought that it was there to replace them, to take over and do a better job, but that's not what they are here for. They're here to help us do our jobs better, that's all"

Morgan gestured the room around them as he continued "How many people wouldn't be here if it weren't for an EMH? During the Dominion war and various Borg conflicts, the EMH programs proved critical, savings hundreds, if not thousands of lives." He dropped his hands back down to his sides before pushing on with his pitch "The CSH will be no different. Earlier you said that you'd never let it touch your engine room, right? But what if there was a severe radiation leak that was lethal to organic life, you'd have to send someone in here to fix it but knowing that it'll kill them. Or you could use the CSH, it can't be killed by the leak nor does it feels pain, it could save the ship without risking a single life. That is what the CSH is for, not to take over or make us look bad, not to one day rule the galaxy but to help us do what we do" Stevenson finally finished, looking a little bit nervous after realising he was being boarder line insubordinate, he just hoped his speech went down ok.

Making the time to listen, deep down she knew he was right in many aspects but she wasn't sold on the idea but maybe.....just maybe she might get used to the principal and the brasses reasoning for doing it. "Well, I suppose in time I may trust the CHS", she said.

Releasing a breath as a sign of relief, Stevenson offered Sky a sly smile "A wise man once said that trust is earned, never given. I hope you do learn to trust the CSH and truely see his value" At that moment, the PaDD emitted a double tone to indicate that it had completed the software patch and installation, it was time to move onto the next stage. Morgan stepped back to the Master Systems table and began typing a few commands, checking to make sure everything worked "Well Chief, everything seems good to me. Are you ready to meet your new crewman?" He asked, winding his smile in anticipation.

Arianna did a double-take, "Ready to me....meet him......? You mean it is finished?", she said incredulously.

"The marvels of modern technology Commander. Also, our little chat helped pass the time" Stevenson offered with a smile "it will take a little time for the CSH to fully interface with all the ship's systems, plus it's probably a good idea to leave him offline through the graviton catapult. But, that being said, we can activate him now and say hello"

For once all she could do was look as Stevenson for a split second....."Say hello now........", she laughed, "Sure why not! Better now than later if we want to see all bugs outright", laughing as she spoke.

"Hopefully there are no bugs, but I'll guess we will see," Stevenson said as he began working the console in front of him, bringing various aspects of the CSH's program online. After a few moments of work, Stevenson looked up from the console "Here goes nothing I suppose. Computer, activate the Command Support Hologram." The computer offered a small feedback tone, indicating that it had received the command and was executing it

A faint shimmer started to form next to Stevenson and Sky, at first it looked like a mirage or heat effects, but it started to change. Slowly, the shimmer began to form into a humanoid shape, then it gained more and more detail. Black buffed shoes, a Starfleet uniform with a bright crimson collar and a silver Chief Petty Officer rank, then the face started to form. The whole process took a few moments but eventually, an average-sized middle-aged but easy looking man stood in Engineering, he had rust coloured hair with a fair complexion and eyes full of wonder. It spoke with a soft, but commanding voice as it said "Program initialised, handshake protocol activated... Working... " It paused for a few moments more, wearing a face of concentration and focus "Handshake completed, connected to the mainframe. Program initialisation completed" he said with a smile, as it looked around the room, his eyes fell upon Stevenson and Sky.

"Hello again Morgan, it's good to see you again," the CSH said with a friendly smile, recognising his colleagues and long-time technician. He then turned to face Commander Sky "Greetings Commander Sky, how are you doing today?" The program asked with warmth in his voice.

Arianna was shocked, dumbfounded, and hugely embarrassed, to say the least. "I had.....um....had no idea.......", she said as she shook its hand. "Er.....um...I am fine.....how are you?", she said slightly shocked. Looking at the hologram than to Stevenson, "How did you incorporate into its mainframe the subroutine for emotions. It spoke with a warm caring voice?", she continued.

"Lot's of time and work, simply put. The development team studied every sentient AI they could to make a more realistic personality, we even looked into the Soong Type Androids and the experimental emotion chip" Stevenson said, as he recalled all the work that was put into the CSH, years of work at that "Then we got a team of Psychologists to help develop Chief's personality, even more, making it as human as possible. The real improvements came when Chief went to school and the Academy, that's when he became more than just a machine"

Arianna was floored! This was incredible, unrealistically crazy but so ingenious it made her feel very small. For something to be smarter than her was unbelievable but yet it was and that is something she respected. Maybe this thing could prove helpful and work well in this case.

Cheif stood and watched the conversation between Sky and Stevenson, it was something he has seen many times over. People weren't sure how to deal with him at first, it usually involved a mixture of awe and suspicion, sometimes it is difficult to adapt to new things "I assure you, Commander Sky, there is much more to me than that, I am probably the most advanced AI that Starfleet has ever made. I am certainly looking forward to working with you, if you wish to ask me anything then please do so"

"I....um......augusfratt! Chief, it will be a pleasure to work with you. I am sure you will no doubt show me all the new-fangled engineering wizardry Starfleet has packed me to your program I'm sure", Arianna said looking at Stevenson with her mouth still open in wonder. "Stevenson!......he is wonderful, passionate and warm, I think this will work out wonderful for this ship", Arianna said smiling.

[Outside Engineering]

When both were outside engineering and the doors were closed Naomi spoke quietly to the Captain "Captain we cannot have a senior officer like the commander behaving in such a fashion to a subordinate, I know her ways are different, but there is or should be an etiquette, she was unprofessional in there, now I do not want to assign our CEO punishment duties, as the infraction is minor, but we need to do something about such tempers. *pause*, On the other hand, a hologram-like what was mentioned was unexpected, was there a memo that I missed as I so no requisition come across my desk on wanting to install a hologram in engineering" Griffiths said calmly.

"I agree with you Major, I will see that she is taken care of. I will not tolerate conduct unbecoming an officer aboard my ship. I did see the orders on Stevenson's Padd, I haven't checked my memo's this afternoon just to verify this is legitimate."

"I will check mine too, but have you ever heard of a hologram being installed in engineering before? I can understand medical, but I have yet to hear of an EEH and no one came to me about this, hence why I shouted for silence in there. I am all for the initiative, but not knowing about this before now is disturbing" Griffiths said.

"This is disturbing I'm headed to my ready room to see first if there was a notice from Starfleet second I will be contacting the Admiral in charge of the refits, we should have been given a heads up. Major, you're more than welcome to join me or stay here and keep those two from hurting each other."

"My money is on the Chief Engineer," she said in humour, but no I have some items to put towards you, things have been planned I just need to get your approval on them. I will join you shortly Sir, I have to go lay down the rules to those two hotheads in there" she said indicating Engineering.

"Understood," Frank replied as he walked off to the ready room.

As the Captain left Naomi inhaled and calmed herself and re-entered Engineering and walked up to the pair who had fallen silent but were trying to win a staring contest, she sighed heavily. "Stevenson, Commander play nice and the hologram remains deactivated until we sort this out as this is news to me and the Captain, do you both understand?" She asked.

Stevenson turned to face the Major who had just spoken "Chief will need a few hours to completely integrate into the ship. I was going to deactivate him after running a few tests anyway, we also don't know if the Graviton catapult is going to affect him, better to keep him offline during transit"

"Oh no Major, we have settled our differences. I was just telling Stevenson that I would love to work with Chief here. You have no idea of how he sounds so warm and understanding Chief can be. Chief is fantastic!", Arianna said with a hint of excitement in her voice.

*smiling dubiously* "good to hear, I hope it stays this way, now I shall leave you to it, I have to go check to see if any mention of this hologram thing was in any communications to me," Griffiths said and left engineering.

Chief gave the engineer a shy smile "Why thank you, Commander Sky, I've only been here 5 minutes and I seem to have a fan already" turning to face Griffiths, he continued "As Stevenson said, it will still take time for me to fully interface with the ship and it's better than my program not be online while we head through the Graviton catapult. I'm sure that'll give you enough time to sort out the paperwork".

"Oh I am sure it will. I don't want our newest member to go poof before we get to know you," Arianna said smiling.