Upgrades

Commander Riker and Master Chief Eddington nodded to each other as young Ensign Tolo worked with two crewman disassembling a sensor control panel.  The schematics being displayed on the screen showed a steady increase in the sensor output.  The Phoenix's sensors were already operating at 112% of standard capacity and the output was increasing. 

As Tolo prepared to put the panel back on he glanced over to a comms screen which displayed an all too familiar face.

"Thanks again, these new enhancements are wonderful.  I really never thought we could improve the sensors much past what you did on the McKenzie."

With a smile and simple nod the Cardassian glancing back signed off.  Eddington looked over at Commander Riker who, despite being impressed with the output, was clearly annoyed.

"Come on Commander look at that output.  Shields, the Anti matter capacitors and now sensors are all operating at unheard of levels.  You really can't argue with those results."

Creasing his brow slightly Riker shook his head and pointed at the now blank monitor.

"The results don't bother me old friend it is where they came from that I am just not comfortable with.  Since when did Starfleet begin modifications perfected by a criminal?"

With a laugh Master Chief Eddington simply shook his head.

"Criminal? Well yeah he is currently serving punishment but let's be honest he is one of the greatest engineering minds I have ever seen, and to dismiss that just because of where he is seems a bit much.  Besides he still wears the uniform, he is one of us."

Riker went to speak but Eddington cut him off.

"Besides, I remember a young ensign I used to work with who served some time for disobeying orders to do the right thing.  Whatever happened to that guy?"

With a nod Riker conceded the point.

"This is the here and now.  How will history remember this?"

"History will remember our parents as criminals?  Would you allow history to decide?"

Commander Riker shook his head, the mention of his father and the Maquis never sat well with him.

"Our parents were heroes.  History will remember them in that way with time."

"History will remember our parents as traitors and terrorists.  They may get some points for fighting the Dominion, but I doubt the Jem Hadar are in any hurry to make friends with history.  Sometimes the rules must be bent to do the right thing."

"I just don't like it"

"Neither do I Commander, but you can't argue with those results.  Lieutenant Sorripto relayed the modifications and they have worked like a charm."

Riker's eyes opened a bit to the rank.

"Lieutenant?  He was an ensign last I heard.  How do you get promoted in prison?"

"Maybe he is good"

"He can't be that good" Riker mumbled under his breath

With a snap the final panel was closed and the two crewman finished their work.  Riker looked around only to notice that Tolo had already left.  The conversation had taken his attention away he had failed to realize the job was complete.  Looking up at the final display Riker saw that output was now reading 125% of standard parameters.  Riker glanced over to see Eddington smirking as if to say "I told you so".  Shaking his head Riker simply laughed.

"That good eh?  Well I can add these numbers to the report."

As he began to press the PADD Riker stopped and handed it to Eddington.

"Or you can do it.  As first officer I can delegate command reports to the Chief of the Vessel"

"But this report is barely started.  This will take about three hours."

Winking as he left the room Riker laughed.  His final words fading as the door closed.

"Well you better hurry up then, Captain needs it in two."

Master Chief Eddington looked over to see the two crewman trying not to laugh.  With that he began to enter the numbers on the PADD as he also left the room.  With a woosh the doors shut behind him and the final stage of upgrades were complete.