One in Twelve Thousandth Percent

Chapter 3:

The last job was on the bridge. I hated going to the bridge. The bridge crew always looked down on me because I was just an ensign. They weren't as appreciative as the rest of the station was.

We walk in and see a terminal smoking with flashing and blinking lights. I scratch my head. "Uh... what happened?"

The station's Elven Captain, Yori Zintoris comes over with a scowl on his face. "What, the upper rank engineers were busy?"

I shrug my shoulders. "I mean, I can always go back to Commander Pocket and see when she can send one. Might not be until tomorrow." Misaki stands there smirking. She knows that we've got him by the short and curlies, especially if he wants the terminal repaired tonight.

He sighs. "Fine, just make it quick and don't make it worse. I'd hate to have to send back a bad report."

"With all due respect, sir. It's been two years since I've broken anything. And back then, I was new to the job. I'm much better at it now."

He scowls again. "We'll see," and walks away.

I roll my eyes behind his back and we head over. Misaki whispers in my ear. "He's an asshole, don't let him get to you."

I pop the panel off, grab a flashlight and climb in. "Oh, I don't. Because now I know I can do the job. Back then, like I said, I was new."

A moment passes while I search the inside of the panel. "Shit."

Misaki leans over as well as the nearest person within earshot. Simultaneously, they both say "What?"

"I need gloves. The piece that fried... literally fried and is red hot and overheating getting continual power from the power source." Misaki looks over to the other person as she's digging for gloves. "What does this terminal do?"

"Uh, it's just short range sensors."

I slide out of the terminal and hold my hand out for the gloves. "Ok, I'm gonna pull the power for this terminal for a few minutes so this piece will cool off." Misaki hands me the gloves and I go back inside to start searching for the power supply. I hear footsteps getting further away.

"Shit." Misaki leans over and says to me, "What now?" I ask, unable to see what's going on outside the console.

"That guy went to get Captain Z. This can't be good."

"Shit," was my only response. But I kept working.

Footsteps get louder then suddenly: "What the hell are you doing? Turning off the power for this terminal? That's unacceptable, I'm calling Commander Pocket right this instant."

From inside the terminal, while I'm still searching for the power supply, I practically shout at him, the first time I've EVER shouted at a superior officer.

"Look, the part inside this terminal is red hot because it's overheating from the power supply. That's why this terminal is STILL smoking. If you don't want this thing to BLOW up, I need to cut the power so I can pull the broken part. If you want to call Commander Pocket, I'll stop working and wait. By the time she gets here to tell you the same thing I'm telling you, this terminal is going to blow a hole in the side of the bridge and everyone here can take a free walk through space. Now, can you let me work please?"

The entire room gets silent. Everyone looks in our direction. Then they all stare at the Captain. He rolls his eyes and sighs. "Fine, but I'm going to report your insubordination to Pocket."

"Feel free to give me a written warning too. But I'm about to save everyone's lives," I shout again. He stomps off and I can hear his voice in the distance, probably calling Commander Pocket. Misaki lets out a low whistle. "Damn, girl."