Matteo has been aware of the upgrade's status for the entire duration, even if he didn't had an active participation in it. So now he's expecting Lucian to show up with the report, and soon enough he makes his appearance. "Senor Perez, you're slow to deliver news. This can have heavy consequences in a war, but for your sake now we're doing business. Pack your bags, and take McIntyre with you.". As the drydock tests were completed, the next phase is to perform flying tests. Matteo would like to have Perez close to him, and McIntyre to supervise the flight tests, and also instruct the Parabellum's engineering crew about the installed modifications.
Lucian was a bit nervous that both he and McIntyre had to go with Matteo and couldn't supervise the repairs of the Torment. Seeing this, Matteo made a remark: "Capitan, if your team did it's job well there's nothing to be afraid of. I need both of you here. The Corsairs are renowned shipbuilders, so patching up the Torment is a walk in the park.". Lucian had no choice but to accept this gamble.
As the two captains and part of the Torment's engineering team embarked the Parabellum, Matteo took command and departed the drydock, leaving way for the Torment to dock in it's place. The Corsair engineers with the other part of the Torment's engineering team proceeded to make a damage report. At a first look, some big holes are spotted on the hull, so life support is down in at least several sections of the ship. Giving the size of the Torment, a full report will take more than a few hours to complete. Once it's done, a repair plan shall be drafted in collaboration with the Torment's engineers left on Rhodes.
We expected the damage report to take longer than usual, but not as long as it did. This should make you an idea about how badly the Torment was damaged. Also, keep in mind that the Corsairs are familiar to the Liberty tech from Murmillo-class battleships, but they're surely no experts on Arbiters. Basically, there's only couple of systems that still run properly. Added on top, the ship has six holes in it's hull done by mortars. To sum everything, the damage assesstment of the Torment is as follows:
- hull integrity down to 40%;
- life support is down in the engine room, NCO living quarters and galley, result of mortar impact;
- one leaking fuel tank, sucessfully isolated from the rest to prevent a fuel crisis;
- 65% of the weapon systems are offline;
- engines performing at 57%;
- hydraulic system is offline, ship commands had to be engaged manually;
- shield emitter overburnt out of intense usage without proper maintenance;
- reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems beyond repair;
- cloaking device malfunctioning, this will require an expert to take a better look.
All in all, the Torment is in a bad shape. Together with part of the engineering team that was left on Rhodes for the repairs, we managed to put together a comprehensive repair plan. The Corsairs are to patch the ship's hull and repair the hydraulic system and shield emitter, as they are preety basic and don't require to have ample knowledge about the ship's blueprints. So, the Torment's engineering team is to handle with all the harder and technical stuff that's left, the weapon and life support systems and the engines. Good thing they did a warm up on the Parabellum's engines. A list of materials needed for the repairs was prepared by the joint team:
- 5.000 units of Hull Segments;
- 10.000 units of Premium Scrap;
- 10.000 units of High Performance Alloy;
- 20.000 units of Super Alloy;
- 1 replacement Reconnaissance Module.
This will not come cheap, but it's not our problem, Lucian will handle this from his own pockets. Even if he kept his word, the Corsairs cannot afford a waste of resources. Oh, and the Corsair engineers deserve some rum for the job they'll do to the Torment, so this will add to the costs as well. Most of the materials needed we possess already here on Rhodes or they're available on the nearby Freeports. Once we'll consult with Rhodes's quartermaster to check the current stocks I'll arrange for the missing materials to be delivered.
Also, what worries me is the Torment's cloaking device. Although we do possess similar technology, this is by far the most damaged we've seen. As you don't come by these very often our only solution is to repair this one. To maximize the chances I'll contact The Order to provide support as they're experts in this matter. And also, I'll ask them to supply the Reconnaissance Module as they're top on this matter as well.
Right, enough technicalities, the Torment won't patch itself.
With a steady influx of materials being delivered by MFE, and the Order on their way to interview Perez, it's safe to say things are going smooth. The mixed engineering team is making progress on the repairs of the Torment, and within the next two weeks the job should be complete. I must admit, the sheep's folly of Perez proved very beneficial for the Corsairs. Not only that the Parabellum had its engines modified, but we also renewed our relations with neighbouring Med Force Enterprises.
Now there's one more unknown piece in this puzzle, and that's how Perez's interview with the Order will end. This comes in very handy, as they'll reveal his true intentions and we'll know how to proceed from now on. I almost feel sorry for him. He found himself relying on the Corsairs for the survival of the Torment and its crew, and now the meeting with the Order will decide his fate. Depending on the outcome of the interview, the Order will consider whether to repair the cloaking device or not. It's worth mentioning that he won't need it if this goes south.
And so, the endeavour of captain Lucian Perez continues.
