December 16th, 5251

You look across the dining room table, and the remnants of MREVs, at your two Midshipmen. All three of you have tablets to hand and there is a certain expectant tension in the air.

“It's official, we have movement orders.”

Both midshipmen nod expectantly.

“Destination: The Murnmore system by way of the Azur system. Both are somewhat recently discovered, with basic warp lane mapping completed, but neither system has been actually surveyed. We know where the stars are, how many planets, moons, and major asteroid belts are present, so on. Our task is to map the systems out, track orbits, orbital periods, take low-orbital surface imagery of planets, so on. We've been granted discretion to land on worlds 'as required' but I'm not inclined to do so. We just don't have the human crew to pull it off.

“Departure date is three days from today, so let's see what we have, what we need, what we'd like, and what we can get in time. The ship's inventory is already up to date thanks to the automation, so let's skip to needs and wants. Engineering?”

Midshipman Huckle clears his throat with a rumble of static.

“Core Engineering essentials are all stocked up plus a five percent overage in preparation for extended deployment. Chemical and machine shops are good to go. Electronics is topped off too but I'd like to requisition a few extra automaton and cybernetic parts. I can make them if we absolutely need them, but I'd prefer a few extra spares too.

“On the Repair side of things we're in good shape as far as the automatons can actually use anyways. Anything above very basic repairs will need to wait for either extended repairs or a shipyard however. In-combat and in-emergency repairs are too 'anomalous' to be handled on the fly without extensive human direction. I'm getting better in the sims at doing exactly that but it's no replacement for real-world real-event experience.”

You nod in understanding.

“Sounds good. How are we doing on the rest of things Supply?”

Midshipman Engel drum rolls his fingers on his tablet as he gathers his thoughts.

“I concur that the Night Horse's inventory is up to date as well and a general surplus of about five percent across the board in most areas baring liquid and gas storage. The tanks can only hold so much before we get into over pressure situations. That being said cargo capacity is still at only three percent capacity used, so we have some extra room.

“I am expecting a cargo shipment that should improve our ration situation two days from now. Just a 'replacement' synthesizer for one we should have had but somehow never got issued. Not sure how the refit program managed to miss that one. We'll have to squeeze into a corner near here for ease of use. I also have a cargo container of nutrient pastes to feed it with coming in the same shipment. It is not as good as fresh food, but better then non-stop MREVs, and at least we should have more then ten meals available to choose from.

“I have also got a lead on a light exo-suit that Warehouse Victor Nine Bravo has spare. It's just a cargo slash engineering model, not a combat one, but it is void rated. I figure we can get it with the right paperwork, and only a few questions asked, given that the warehouse in question is looking to get rid of it for budget reasons.”

You lean back in your chair in thought. Midshipman Huckle's gaze is almost starry eyed at the prospect of an exo-suit to play with. Bored engineers, you reflect, are quite dangerous to themselves and those around them.

“Alright Supply we want it if we can get it before our scheduled departure.”

“Aff Sir, I will have it brought aboard along with the synthesizer.”

“I'm earmarking that exo-suit for your use as needed Midshipman Huckle, but expect a mere civilian grade power supply. We've got plenty of recharge ports scattered around the Night Horse, but no so many on the exterior, none on our two shuttles, and certainly none on any virgin worlds we may visit. If you want to make modifications then be damn sure you aren't going to cook something off.”

“No replacements or spares available, got it Sir.”

“I'm also sure that you've found the still that some dockworker left aboard. Regulations indicate no drinking on duty and no drunkenness on duty but stop short of 'no alcohol allowed'. If you do manage to get it up and running just be sure to test the product for potability, toxicity, and make enough to share. Can do?”

“Can do Sir!”