Attention all personell. This is the Commander. Drydock docking procedure is about to commence,
"Ok Ensign, your first docking maneuver. Be patient, stay calm and don't hit anything. The last Ensign's Insurance Company went broke because he scratched the dock."
Ensign Hoffer was sweating. Just a bit, actually. But for him it felt like Niagara Falls.
"Starting procedure sir. Maneuvering thrusters only. 10% thrust upwards."
The vibration of hundreds of small maneuvering thrusters could be felt everywhere on the ship. Although this maneuver was boring compared to a full scale battle, it was as dangerous.
"Thrust at 20%. Upwards only. Distance to entry point 200 meters."
The Battlestar was equipped with very basic computers intentionally, thus preventing any Cylon Virus from doing its work. On the downside, even simple docking maneuvers needed to be done manually.
"Distance 100 meters. Warming up downwards thrusters."
Hoffer was just thinking about what would happen if he crashes the Battlestar. He wasn't insured at all.
"Distance 20 meters. Downward thrust 100% for 2 seconds."
With a sudden and violent shake the Atlantia stopped. For a second, nobody even breathed listening for metallic screeches. Nothing was to be heard.
"Forward thrust 20%. Closing in to docking position."
Commander Jesco tried to motivate the young Ensign: "You're doing good. Just keep it up."
"Yes, Sir. Distance to docking point 300 meters and closing"
The Dock now was everywhere around them. One mistake and thousands might die.
"Distance 150 meters. Engaging reverse thrusters 5%. Stopping forward."
The Docking clamps now were just above the Battlestar. One mistake would rip them open.
"Distance 0 meters. Speed 0 meters per second. All systems green."
"Very good Ensign. Excellent work. You are dismissed for today. Go have a beer on the Atlantia."
Hoffer was reliefed. All he wanted right now is to see his family.
Edited by Black Scorpion, 16 January 2011 - 08:21 PM.
Moderator note: Topic moved to appropriate section since this is not so much a page from a pilot's journal as it is part (the beginning?) of a story about the events taking place on board your ship.