"Although it wasn't the view that started me, I never grow tired of admiring the stars," he said dreamily, "one of the advantages of being 95% of one's time onboard a vessel with its purpose of sailing between them." He tried the dark liquid and raised his eyebrows. "Oh my," he sounded surprised, "you are full of surprises, dear Commandant. I hope you disclose the origin of this whiskey sometimes." And he smiled and took another sip. He then leaned over the datapad when Ian showed him Stevans notation. "Yes, I know of the problems with the life support system. I hoped that it wasn't that big a problem, but I guess I am wrong. I don't mind wiping the computer and rebuilding its OS. All important data is saved as a backup at Curacao. Whenever we dock at home the backups are automatically done before we take off again." A beep from his personal pad interrupted him. He took it out of his other pocket and looked at it. First he frowned and then his mood suddenly lightened up. He turned and showed Ian the pad, containing a message. "Seems Reverie got avenged, although it does not fix anything on her, nor is able to bring back all the people," he chuckled, "but nevertheless, it makes good hearing."
He took another mouthful of the whiskey, put away his personal pad and turned again to the admiring view. "So, let's talk about some numbers, shall we?" he faced Ian again and was suddenly more a business man than a captain, "I know that at this early state you can't say anything definitive, nor would I expect it. Much is uncertain and there are many factors which will show up over time that neither Stevan nor any of your men will notice at first. But an overall estimation of the time and costs should be possible, shouldn't it?"
He smiled, drained his glass and put it down.
"Well well, play stupid games and win stupid prizes." Ian said, chuckling as he looked over the message. "Never understood why some of us Junkers choose to steal when the salvage business is already lucrative."
He held the bottle of Whiskey up as if to offer Theobald another glass. "Care for more?" He asked, refilling the glass without waiting for an answer. "It might help numb the shock of me telling you that I don't expect the cost to you to be high at all.
Well, relative to the damages, anyhow." He grinned at Theobald, and then drained his glass.
He rose from his Captain's Chair and began to pace around the bridge, occasionally giving orders like: "Walters, reference available stock at Vieques, find us a good refurbished life support system,
and some engines, same model if you can."
and "Felix, get started on the core, I'm sure there's a suitable one laying around somewhere.
Just don't make the same mistake you made last time."
To which, the corresponding crewmen simply nodded and began clicking away at their terminals.
Then, suddenly and with a great thud, Ian stomped his foot angrily. "My crew shall address me correctly when given orders on duty!" He shouted sternly. "And make sure the parts are at least as good as what this good man had, or I'll toss you out of the airlock." "Sir, yes sir!" Chorused the entire bridge crew, and oddly Ian himself.
He made his way back to the Captains Seat, and sat,
his attitude softening considerably as he looked to Theobald and said. "Sorry about that. Known most of these guys since we were kids on Manhattan...
Sometimes they forget they're working and that I'm not just their friend."
The crewman Ian had called 'Felix' laughed, and Ian cleared his throat.
"Ah...yes, back to numbers.
You paid for my drinks at the bar, having only just met me and not realizing I was drinking the most expensive thing they had.
Since you decided to make such a respectful gesture...and you paid more than you want to know for those three drinks...
Once Rob and his folks arrive, I will pay his portion of the labor cost myself.
Oh, and I am not charging for labor either.
You just buy the parts from us -- at our price -- which beats Sirius average by a fair amount.
Of course the parts we Junkers use are refurbished, but they get rejected if they don't function and at least as reliably than they did when they were new."
Said Ian in a quite business-like tone, before pouring himself another Whiskey and draining it in one gulp.
"As for the Whiskey, it's made by...well...quite frankly...
I don't think you'd believe me, but...I don't know.
I think it's Mollys or Rogues that made this particular single malt, but don't quote me on that, it was a gift."
Theobald looked at Ian and said nothing, but enjoyed his second whiskey for some time. "Mollys crafting whiskey, that I can believe," he said, "but Rogues? Hmm, I don't know, but you never know what’s happening out there. So anything is possible." He sipped again and looked into the glass. "Hmm, only material costs and at a discount price. I think at some points it will be nearly impossible to beat the average Sirian Market. The ship is Renzu and they are very expensive with their parts, but I think you have your sources," he was talking more to himself, mumbling his thoughts, "personal costs at this point would go through the roof being much more than sixty percent, outstripping the material costs by far..." He continued to mumble, starting to calculate. Minutes passed while he turned some thoughts over. The suddenly he fixed Ian with his eyes and smiled. "Consider yourself as hired, Commandant Ian Howler from the Junker Congress, as well as every man and woman you need to repair the Orbital Spa and Cruise Liner Reverie, under the conditions you just mentioned. Bring her back to functionality as expected from a ship from the Renzu Corporation. Interior design like cabin furnishing and such should not be your concern at the moment. This will be done after you are finished, or, if you are willing, we can negotiate this at a later point." Theobald scratched his head and suddenly looked for a moment a bit embarrassed, but he passed it over quickly, returning to the same joyful expression he had a second ago. "However there is another point I wanted to discuss, and you are free to charge extra for it." He opened a file on his datapad and handed it over to Ian: "First: I received from Captain Cross a very generous gift: a complete module to upgrade Reverie's Hull with Capital Armor Mark VI. And second: I want to change the offensive point of the ship. She is now equipped with a full set of CT-402 Charon Turrets. They didn't help much against snubs of course. So I want to change them. I thought about a pair of BLH-5s, the EMP turrets, and the rest should be CT-403s, Iron Hammers. If you are already working on the ship, it would save time to do this overhaul together with the repairs." He took a large gulp of the whiskey. "Figured I should let you know I wanted this done too, before you agree to do anything at all."
Ian suppressed a laugh. "Well, the weaponry ought to be easy enough. Simple as some bolts and wires really.
But I do wonder why anybody would use CT-402s to begin with." He grinned at Theobald. "Armor should also be no big issue, my folks, and I'm sure Rob's folks as well, are well experienced in Armor fitting."
He shifted in his seat. "I must say though, I understand your concerns about cost.
I never intended to use all original parts for the repairs, though I believe we do have a Renzu core laying around.
We'd probably have to bite the bullet on brand new engines directly from Renzu, though.
Good luck finding them used or refurbished... Unless..."
Ian trailed off, it looked as though he had a sudden idea.
He poured himself a glass from the now dwindling bottle of Whiskey, then refilled Theobald's glass as well.
Ian downed half of his glass in one swallow. Then the other half, before speaking again.
"How would you feel..." He began apprehensively. "About engines not built by Renzu?"
He was staring intently at the empty glass in his hand, not meeting Theobald's eyes. "It would save you a great deal of money in both the short and long terms....
Probably make finding something we can use a lot easier too. That is, providing it works..."
He still stared at his glass, as though trying to make it fill itself.
He looked from his glass to Theobald, and heaved a sigh before saying quite glumly. "Most ship parts are pretty standard, no matter who makes them.
Adaptations can usually be made, and you'll have a functioning replacement.
Problems arise with cores and engines, though.
I can almost guarantee there's a Renzu-made core lying around somewhere in a Junker repair shop.
No real problem there....but..." He sighed again, and went back to looking at his glass.
"Engines in Liner-class vessels are usually not modular like they are in smaller vessels.
Brand new engines from Renzu are always an option if money is no object...
But if you're looking to go a bit more....affordable...
We will have to either get lucky, and I mean very very lucky, and find exact replacements on the salvage market...
Or, you will have to bank on the skills of Junkers,
and allow us to attempt to, for lack of a better word, 'build' you new engines...
We could possibly adapt engines from another Liner, or possibly from something Transport-class."
Ian produced a box of cigars, and offered one to Theobald before
lighting his own, apparently enjoying the earthy aroma.
He looked suddenly a bit thoughtful. "I hope Rob gets here soon."
.:j:.Saltese.Smelter - Bridge, Omega 3 System -
3rd Shift - The First Day, 0030 Hours
The Saltese Smelter was one of the younger Salvagers within the Congress fleet, if there was such a thing. Filled to the brim with tons of premium scrap, as well as tons more of pure titanium in the form of salvaged scrap. She shook, rattled, and rolled as they approached Freeport 1 out of the nearby asteroid field. The scared hull of a Luxury Liner sticking out like an ugly little thumb from a moor point on the lower levels. The Saltese slowly approached the front of the liner, her arms extending out and grasping at the damaged hull before grappling securely.
Rob was on the Bridge. Joined by his operations chief John. "I don't know what I expected" Rob sighed finally. "Were you expecting anything less of Ian?" John chuckled back. "I was expecting something to work with, not Swiss cheese." Rob retorted. "Look we're only here because Arbiter Tiltman is punishing you""I told you not to bring that up" Rob snapped back.
Both men were silent for a period of time. "Okay, whatever we'll charge him street price. Get the drones out and get a full survey done. I'll tell Ian we're here too."
Theobald nearly chocked on his last drops. Had he heard right in what Ian was suggesting? He let the information sicker in. “Hmm,” Theobald started, “interesting suggestion. I would never have dreamed about such a radical change. It probably would make Reverie unique in the fleet.” He chuckled, “but I will need to contact Director Seabourne about that. I have no idea what he would think. Although it often looks as if Orbitals funds are never ending, I am sure that the insurance department is already freaking out about the possible costs without knowing anything how it really looks. And they are probably breathing down Seabournes neck. So if we could lower the costs further, it would be advisable; not to speak of the time it would save.” He sighed, scratching the back of his head, “I remember how long the delivery was when the ship was newly built. Renzu Corp produces everything only on demand. It took ages for them to finish it. So I am pretty sure that a brand new engine would also take a hell of a lot of time to manufacture. And I have no idea, if they would deliver it here at all; might be possible for them to insist to have the ship at their own shipyard in Shikoku.”
Theobald inhaled deeply: “I like the idea of using a different brand, if not a uniquely build one, one that is reliable. But as I have already said, I need the clearance by our Director for this.” He handed his glass back to Ian. “How about this: you start on the ship, but leave the engines for now. I will contact Renzu Corporation, although I am not very positive there. I will also send a comm to Director Seabourne, explaining the situation. As soon as I have an answer, how we will proceed with the engines, I will contact you here on board, alright?” He looked expectantly to Ian, eager to get everything finally started.
Ian was grinning as he took the glass back from Theobald,
and set it neatly next to his own. "Well, it sounds as if everything is in order now. I'll be awaiting your instructions on the engines
while we tend to everything else."
He began with a determined tone, excitement beginning to show in his face. "And it would appear that Rob has arrived, as well. Good, good."
He indicated to his datapad, which had lit up and was beeping with a new message. "Alright gentlemen! Get moving! You all know what to do!"
Ian barked at his crew, and they all obliged, moving with purpose and leaving their posts all but deserted.
He turned to Theobald, and said; "I'll lead you back onboard Freeport 1 so you don't get lost on my ship, and then I'll get started on the work immediately.
Rob can catch up when he catches up..."
He rose from his seat, and beckoned for Theobald to follow him.
Once they had wended their way through the many corridors and staircases again,
and had reached the giant airlock style doors leading back onto Freeport 1,
Ian stopped and looked back. "I really should make it less of a hassle to get around this place..."
He said with a chuckle before the doors slid open and he stepped into Freeport 1. "You know where to find me if you need anything.
And you're more than welcome to watch, if you'd like. Just try not to get in anyone's way if you do."
He said before making his way purposefully back to where the mangled 'Reverie' was,
not checking whether Theobald was following him or not.
Ian was proud to see his small crew of Engineers and Techs waiting for him when he arrived. "Where should we start?" One of the Engineers asked.
To which, Ian replied; "Anywhere, everywhere. Rob and his folks will be handling the hull so just stay out of their way when they get here."
At this, they dispersed and spread throughout the inside and outside of the 'Reverie',
not wasting any time in getting to work on what was a task all too familiar to a Junker;
restoring a wreck, something some would just scrap and melt down, to its former glory.
Without the proper equipment, nor the proper drydock, or really...proper anything.
Safety takes the back burner, if it's even thought of at all.
There was a din of banging, scraping, buzzing, and the occasional expletive shouted in pain
now ringing through the trashed vessel, the cacophony of Junkers at work.
Stevan Jester met Theobald at the airlock. Without a word both men headed away from the main hub. "Have your men moved off the ship?" Theobald asked Stevan. "Yes," the chief engineer replied, "the ship's clear for the Junkers. They can work unhindered. The whole ship is unlocked, not that the electronical locks would help at all, since the core's all down." Stevan chuckled. "Good," the captain said and sighed, "relax for now, we can't do anything at the moment. Stay clear of the ship and let the Junkers work in peace. I don't want to know what they do exactly, and you don't want to know either. I think it is better that way. Sleep, get rest, that's an order, Stev." And he smiled.
Stevan nodded, yawned and headed off to the rented quarters. That he didn't argue at all was the solely sign how tired and beaten down he was.
Theobald couldn't stop a yawn himself. It has been a hard day and the whiskey helped to feel like lead. He walked slowly away to his lodgings. As soon as he entered he tossed away his shoes, unknit his tie and sat down heavily on the couch. He just wanted to sleep, but he knew he had to finish a few things. He wiped out his datapad and quickly wrote the message to the Renzu Corporation. He then leaned back. The feeling that the engines will change everything with the ship has increased. Was he doing the right thing to let the Junkers have this free hand with his ship? Cait probably would say yes and agree with Ian. He sighed. Theobald just had enough time and energy left to change his clothes before he fell in a dead sleep.
The beep on his datapad ripped him out of his deathlike sleep only a few hours after his eyes had dropped. He couldn't belief how fast an answer he has got from Renzu. He read it twice and knew what he had to do. Since he was already awake now, he sent a communication to Johnathan Seabourne, before he leaned back in bed.
How he fell asleep again, he didn't know. But the morning alarm announced the start of the day-cycle on the station. It took him only moments to freshen himself up and leaving the room. On his way to the main docking hub he grabbed something to eat and a coffee.
As Ian Howler has said, Theobald turned the aisle down to the Reverie. It's airlock doors were wide open and a constant army of sounds was washing out into the hub. It sounded as if the ship was being dismantled and dozens of people were working hard on it. A few of the people looked at Theobald but said nothing, just continued with his work. Theobald on the other hand interrupted one of the workers and asked for Ian. The woman pointed him to the CCH, the Central Computer Hub.
While walking through the corridors which were not shut off because of the missing life support, Theobald willed himself to ignore the state everything was in. He passed the Hubs main door and just as the Junker woman has said he looked at Ians back, bent over the main Console, which was disassembled like everything else.
"Good Morning, Ian!" Theobald shouted from the door as soon as he entered, "thought you might want to know as soon as possible: Renzu Corp is as expensive as expected. They would charge 300 Millions, way too much of course. Director Seabourne thinks similar and so we have a go for you and your people. I add this task to your list, as we have discussed. Build me engines, worthy of this ship, but within reasonable costs, please."
He inhaled deeply after having spoken quickly. Crossing over to the busy Commandant, he looked at him and shook slightly. Theobald had not been able to disguise being excited to bring this news to him.
The main computers had been proving to be a right pain in the hindquarters for Ian and his Engineers.
They needed to get them running before they tackled anything else, as they could use the error codes to fix the biggest problems first.
No matter how many times they checked, they just couldn't find the short circuit that obviously still existed somewhere. "It's gotta be one of these leads here." A tall Engineer with dreadlocks said to Ian
as he held up a particularly fat bundle of wires. He had a distinct Bretonian accent, and a smooth, deep voice. "I'm sure of it."
"Good, dammit James, good!" Said Ian, sounding stressed. "Because this should be working by now. Our generators are running, and hooked in.
Everything's been replaced or re-used. We've checked everything probably ten times!"
Ian was bent over the main console, attempting and re-attempting to switch it on.
Suddenly, and without warning, James let out a yelp of pain as sparks shot from the bundle of wires he held.
He composed himself for a moment and then replaced the offending wire.
Ian was just about to try switching the console on again when Theobald entered. "Good morning to you as well Theobald!
I have good news for you. I think we've sorted out the computers."
He said, attempting once again to switch the console on.
It obliged this time, lighting up and showing all sure signs of life.
James, the Engineer gave an excited whoop.
Ian laughed and turned to face Theobald. "I expected as much from Renzu.
300 Million...for an Engine set...I'm actually surprised they didn't just suggest replacing the whole vessel.
Maybe they understand sentimental value? But that's still likely over what the entire job will cost you with us."
He shook his head, and continued to speak. "Once we get the core back online, we'll see what we can do about engines.
Any particular model you had in mind?
I'll be the first to admit an adaptation will be much easier than attempting to build them from scratch.
You name it, and we probably have at least one set laying around in one of our warehouses.
If not, I'm sure we can find some."
He turned his attention to reassembling the main console fully,
hoping Theobald didn't think he was being rude. "Gotta tell you though," Ian began with a chuckle as he screwed a panel in place. "Compared to the Engine work, the rest of this crap is child's play."
Crossing his arms Theobald looked over the main console without seeing much. A small part of his mind registered the success. "Hmm, I am not quiet sure, Ian," he said thoughtfully, "depends what is most easily available here, I guess." He turned and began to walk around a bit. "Bretonia and Rheinland are nearby, both have access to capital sized ships with engines you could use, I guess. The civilian market is always present, of course, and on Freeports one can get the engine versions Freelancers often use, the Border World Engines." He switched to an analytical mode, mumbling about advantages and disadvantages of certain series. Suddenly he stopped and looked again to Ian. "I personally prefer the HN-Series, since they do not need a lot of maintenance. I have one of these Long Range Engines build in my Arrow Interceptor, The-o-Bolt." He grinned with youthful smirkness, "The ship's been a gift from my father when I grew up. But I had the engines replaced to the current HN-Series, which were something more fancy at this time and rather hard to come by." He sighed and continued: "But I think they won't do with this ship and they still aren't so easy to find here. No, I think we should go with either the Bretonian or the Rheinland models. Both are reliable although completly different engines. Both would do their job well, I guess. However if one would just go for looks, the Rheinlandic engines would fit better and would be a sight rarely seen with a Renzu Liner. Especially since Kusari and Rheinland are not too well spoken for each other," he chuckled and added more thoughtfully: "Yes, I think that would fit well and create a unique picture. And Orbital is all for looks. No matter whats beneath the hull, the cover is what matters for most people and Orbital has to uphold that. Otherwise we wouldn't be as successfull. What do you think about using a Rheinlandic VP MOX Intermix Chamber, Ian?"
And he fully turned his attention back to the Junker Commandant.