Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition
Page 36
During the first phase of testing, the CAG should have the fighter maintenance teams powering and testing all systems on each and every Raptor. During shakedowns, time will be allotted for the CAG to launch groups of vessels for stress testing. At the same time, medical should be testing all its diagnostic and treatment equipment. During the shakedowns they attend, they should be running intense emergency response drills. When I say the ship operates as a unit, I mean the whole vessel and all of its crew.
Once the trials are complete, I will take a day to go over all the chronicles with my XO. When we are convinced we have acceptable results, we'll sign off on the Loki's fitness. Afterward, we'll also complete any transfer, reassignment and promotion recommendations. The following day, El and I will present the documentation to Admiral Leeds, together. She will authorize the ship's activation to service - or not.
When everything is certified, the Admiral will probably order a series of drills. Some will be independent, and some will be within a Group setting. Still, others will be in a Task Force formation, and the last ones will be Fleet-wide. This is to sharpen our skills within the environments the Loki will function. It's up to Admiral Leeds, but these exercises could take from two weeks to a month. So, you will all be exhausted in eight weeks or so. I will ask her for ship-wide rotating leaves, at that point.
Does anyone want to opt out? If you don't feel you can make the cut, you should go now.' I pause for a response. 'Does anyone have any questions?"
"Lt. Commander Laura Brent Chief Medical Officer asking, what happens if the ship blows up during testing or shakedown."
"Everyone aboard would all die, of course. - But, let me say that the manual establishes a means of testing each part of the ship a little harder at each phase. Ninety-nine point nine percent of all failures can be stopped, and the offending system shut down. Failure Mode Analysis is used at each step so we can determine if a system might fail at the next increment, allowing us to complete preventative repairs so we can avoid that risk in the coming phase. The likelihood of a ship-wide catastrophic failure is almost non-existent if we follow the plan precisely. Using this mode on the Shenzhen, we were able to find seventy-four failures and potential ones, without risking the ship or its crew. In the end, it took us two weeks longer than projected, but the ship was as safe as we could make it. I ran it for the next year under some pretty stressful situations without even coming close to a breakdown or failure. There is a second benefit to the procedure. If the crew that does it is the one that operates the ship, it helps them gain confidence in their vessel and their abilities to know and manage it." I explain to her.
"Thank you, Captain. You are saying that because it is progressive, the testing and shakedown are relatively safe procedures." She asks.
"Yes, Commander. Each step is secured by the one before it. That's why there can be no shortcuts. Anyone not doing their job at one hundred percent can endanger the whole ship and crew. The greatest risk is of people not being professional or not staying motivated. I will tell you that it is tedious, demanding, and sometimes boring work. It can cause people's attention to wander. That is why I stress that they must stay motivated and professional. Everyone's lives depend on everyone else performing at one hundred percent, during the entire process. And, I must tell you all that you have to impress on your people that if they're having a bad day, they should ask for relief - and, you should listen to them. Relieve anyone that feels they cannot remain focused, at any time. The hardest episode will be the first four days of shakedown when we run on a skeleton crew. It's difficult to replace people when your short staffed. If you run into that, and cannot resolve it, report to El or me. We will find a way to satisfy the need, even if it means we have to stop for a day. We must not let an accident happen because someone wasn't rested when they should have been. A side note to that point is that anyone needing to be changed on two or more days of the procedure should be sent to Medical. There may be something wrong with them. For example, a simple shortage of iron can make a person feel so tired they cannot remain focused or attentive. Am I right, doctor?" I ask Laura.
"...One hundred percent right, Captain. I can issue an outline, to all the Senior Officers, of signs of fatigue to watch for that can have a variety of causes, if you'd like, sir." She offers.
"That would be great, Doctor. Does anyone have any other questions or observations? I ask. There are no takers, so I go on.
'I know I sound like a serious hard-ass, right now. And, the XO will seem like one, too. But, it's only because we have a brand new ship that probably has a lot of bugs hiding in it. We'll work hard at coming together as a crew after this is out of the way. Good luck everyone. Everyone except El is dismissed." I end the meeting. Everyone rises and leaves.
"Office Recorder - cease recording. Convert voice recording to text and send to my data pad.' I order the system, then. 'What did you think, El?" I ask.
"I don't think anyone thought of you as a hard-ass. I believe that none of us ever thought of the problems you could have aboard a new ship, and we're probably all thankful we have a new Captain who knows what to do. All we ever saw was its shiny newness. No one wants to die unnecessarily. I think it went well. Would you like me to call in the Colonel now, Kurt?” I nod my assent as he finishes.
When Colonel Siskalis arrives, there are none of the usual formalities. We are both level six officers.
"You wanted to see me, Captain Brubacher? I am Colonel Siskalis." The massive man explains.
"Yes, Colonel. We need to talk. I am concerned, at the moment. May I ask if this is your first Regimental Command." I inquire.
"Yes, Captain. I was promoted from a Battalion Command on the Espanola." He responds.
"What a small world. I spent a year on the Espanola as Second Officer. Anyway, I ask because the security requirements are different at the Regimental level. The Regimental Commander is responsible for Group-wide protection. This includes guarding the Bridges and Flight Control Tower. We would not want an intruder taking command of our ship, or holding Admiral Leeds hostage. Regulations require you to post security at the entrances to each of the spaces I mentioned. They stipulate two per shift minimum. However, from experience, I recommend half-shifts of two. It is boring work. Half a period is about all anyone can take before being bored out of their mind. Don't misunderstand me. I don't mean to intrude in your area of responsibility. I just wanted to make sure that you just hadn't gotten around to it, yet. It is not regulation, but I would also ask that you post security at engineering areas like the reactors and the environmental oxygen generators so no unwanted intruders can get at them. It's just a thought." I use my most ambassadorial tone.
"As a matter of fact, I was just in the process of writing the orders for bridge security, when your Exec called. And later on the Midgard, I was going to ask for a meeting with you about your thought on securing other sensitive areas. I am glad we agree." Colonel Siskalis’ response is sheepishly unconvincing, as he rises.
"Thank you, Colonel. I'm sure the Admiral will be relieved when she sees what you've done." I respond as I offer my hand to the departing officer.
I turn to my system and send out a communiqué.
MEMO
To: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds
From: Captain Kurt Brubacher
Re: Meeting
Date: Oct. 3, 2255
Admiral,
I am still aboard the Loki winding up business. May I see you, now. It is important.
Kurt.
I receive a reply inviting me down to her office, immediately.
"Captain Brubacher and Commander Elasima reporting for our meeting, sir," I announce, while at attention.
"Relax gentlemen, and take a seat, please. What's on your mind Captain?"
"Sir, I have to ask a delicate question, at the risk of my new command and off the record, if that's okay with you," I tell her
"Go ahead, Captain. We can make this unofficial if you would like." She offers.
"Yes, Admiral. I think that would be better. Admiral, can I ask when you were promoted to this level?" I speak softly and in my most apologetic tone.
"I was a Rear Admiral until a month ago. Phoenix is my first Fleet Command. Why do you ask?" She queries.
"Well sir, it's just that Regulation stipulates that, no ship is to be run in normal operations until certified fit by her first Captain and that Captain's Executive Officer. The rules on determining fitness are quite specific. There is a testing and shakedown operation that takes four to eight weeks, depending on any required repairs." I am still speaking softly.
"Good catch, Captain. I do remember that regulation but have never been in this situation before. I had completely forgotten it." She responds admiringly.
"There's more Admiral." I offer.
"Go ahead, Captain. Let me have both barrels." She laughs as she makes the statement.
"Sir, regulations also state that no Senior Flag Officer shall even board an uncertified vessel. This is because the loss of a Vice Admiral in a ship's mishap would be too costly to the OESA." I advise her softly.
"Good catch, again. I don't even have to check. Though I'd nearly forgotten it, I do recall that clause, now. What do you propose we do?"
"Well sir, I would welcome you making Loki your Flagship after we certify it, but I recommend you move to a certified vessel ASAP. Then, we should take Loki through the procedure." I offer in a more commanding voice.
"Who can supervise the procedure?" She asked.
"I've taken part in two certifications under Admiral Nichols when he supervised the first expansion of Boots Fleet. I also ran the certification program for the Shenzhen. The first assigned Captain is supposed to oversee the process, anyway, so why don't I run it, Admiral? I ask.
"Yes, that would be advantageous, but what about the war college?" She asks.
"It's no problem. I will still attend. I have prepared a manual on the proofing procedure. Commander Elasima will take the ship through the static testing phase, reporting to me at each step. The ship can remain right here at Midgard. It shouldn't be traveling for the next two weeks. Then, I will board the Loki and take on the rest of the job myself. The Commander is totally aware of the process. I will send you the manual, now.' I tap my pad, then continue. 'It is about a hundred and twenty pages long including the appendices. I've also held a meeting with the Loki's Senior Staff about this matter. I am sending you the transcript, now.' I tap my pad, again. 'If you’re in agreement with this, it would be wise for you to forward a memo to Admiral Nichols telling him the Loki is out of service pending certification, you are leaving it at Midgard, during the testing phase, and you are moving your flag. Don't mention me in the memo. It doesn't matter who brought this issue up. What really counts is that you are following regulations." I finish.
"This brings up another problem, Captain." The Admiral says.
"What's that, sir?" I ask.
"I took over the Fleet when it was almost fully formed. I don't know which other ships may not be certified." The Admiral offers.
"That's easy to check, Admiral. The certifying officer has to go to the Fleet Commander and present the documents. The Fleet Commander then orders the ship into service. If you go to the former Fleet Commander's logs, you should be able to match the directives to the vessels. Your COS can probably help you with that, especially if, he or she was the former Commander's Chief, too." I explain.
"Very Good thinking, Captain. Your supporters are right. You are a bright one. Anything else?" The Admiral asks.
"One more thing, Admiral. After the ceremony, when I am actually in command of Loki, you should write me an order grounding the Loki, and commanding me to conduct or supervise testing and shakedown of the vessel. You should copy that order to Admiral Nichols. It officially accounts for the grounding and inactivity of the ship." I advise.
"You sure know which side your bread is buttered on!" She responds admiringly.
"I was taught by the best. When you've spent most of your career under the watch of Admiral Bryant and tucked beneath Admiral Nichols wing, you learn the right way." I answer.
"Why such a close bond, if you don't mind me asking." She enquires.
"It's not in my file, and it's not common knowledge, but I got off to a horrible start with both Admirals Bryant, as a midshipman. He was a Vice-Admiral, and she was a Lieutenant, at that time. They gave me a second chance, and I made the most of it. Since then, they have always kept an eye on my performance and career. Admiral Nichols was enlisted in my cause by Admiral Bryant. The two have always been close. Since that one episode, I have always endeavored to give the OESA my very best. Before I do anything, I ask myself how it would be viewed by the service, Admiral Bryant, and Admiral Nichols. That has always motivated and guided me." I explain.
"I won't ask about the details of the episode. Your academy records are excellent, and your career has been exemplary, so I will accept it at face value and tell you they tried to enlist me, too. And, you just sold me on your cause.
I just want to ask your Exec if he's sure of his responsibility in the testing and shakedown of the Loki' She enquires and watches as he nods his assent.
"You're both dismissed... and thank you." She says with a smile as we rise to leave.
When we'd both left the Admiral turned to her system and began to write.
MEMO
From: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
To: Admiral Stephen Nichols Commander Theatre Nine
C.C. Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki (pending)
Re: ESS Loki Carrier Craft Vessel
Date: October 3, 2255
Admiral,
I am advising you that, it has come to my attention that the ESS Loki is currently uncertified. Due to this situation, I am taking it out of service, immediately. This may affect Phoenix patrols at the Group, Task or even Fleet level. I am also auditing to determine if any other recently acquired vessels or equipment have slipped through the cracks.
We are assembling a team to take the Loki through testing and shakedown cruises.
I will be temporarily moving my flag to a certified vessel. I will advise you, after completion of the audit determining which ships are okay.
Vice Admiral Helena Leeds
MEMO
From: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
To: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki (pending)
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Commander Theatre Nine
Re: ESS Loki Carrier Craft Vessel
Date: October 3, 2255
Captain,
It has come to my attention that the ESS Loki is uncertified. First of all, I would like to apologize for any inconveniences this causes. The Loki was acquired just before I took command of Phoenix Fleet.
I wish to ask if you have had any experience in certifying a new vessel since the ship's first assigned Captain must sign off on its worthiness with the First Officer. Please immediately advise me of the role you may be capable of playing in completing this task.
Vice Admiral Helena Leeds
I send the following message as soon as I receive Admiral Leeds's memo.
MEMO
From: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki (pending)
To: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Theatre Nine Commander, Commander Elasima Executive
Officer ESS Loki
Re: ESS Loki Carrier Craft Vessel
Date: October 3, 2255
Admiral Leeds,
While in Boots Fleet, I participated in the certification of two vessels, including a Carrier, under the direction of then Commodore Stephen Nichols. This was during the first expansion acquisitions when Boots was expanded to four Groups. During the addition of Fifth Mobile, I led the certification of the ESS Shenzhen and certified the vessel as its first Captain. As a part of that process, I constructed a manual for the procedure, which can be easily modified for cond
ucting the procedure on a Carrier Class Vessel. I will use my experience during testing of the Espanola and Admiral Nichols records of other Carrier certifications to modify the handbook. I feel confident I can lead the operation, delegating some of the testing portions to my new First Officer, while I am aboard Midgard. I should find it easier with the Loki grounded at this location. I have met my new Exec, and I have no reservations about Commander Elasima's abilities.
Captain Kurt Brubacher
I don't know where the day has gone. It's thirteen thirty, and I have to meet Admiral Nichols at his office an hour before the ceremony. I shuttle back the Midgard, shower, dress, and change.
By fifteen hundred, I'm at his office.
"Come in, Captain and relax.' He waves me in. 'By all the mail that's flying around, it looks like you're having quite a day. Good catch, Kurt." He says through a grin.
"Sir?" I am playing stupid.
"Don't play dumb with me. Helena is very forthcoming. She sent the memos to cover all butts. But, she'd already called a face to face and filled me in on everything. I know it was you who caught the mistake - or maybe mistakes, and had the solutions all worked out. What'll happen aboard the Loki while you're taking classes?" Nichols asks.
"I met with my Exec. Then, we met with the senior staff. Everyone has a plan for the testing and shakedowns. Elasima will run the daily trials, receive the reports, and complete the Failure Analysis for the day's operation. He will forward it to me, at the end of each day. I will examine it and counsel him on anything to look out for. With the Loki here, I can even take a run over and deal with him directly. But, I want to delegate it to him. I don't really want to mother him. The Loki will be done testing around the time I'm done with the introductory courses, so I will board and take over the slow cruise, which is the last of the testing. We will take her to where the crew can get a little rest, and I will declare three days of rotating leaves. Then, we will head back to the Fleet at twenty percent. The next weeks will be spent doing shakedown cruises that stress particular systems. Repairs will be done as needed, including any that require dock time. I told the team that it's quality, and not speed, that matters in this process. We don't go to the next step if there are unresolved issues with the one before it. They seem to understand. They are aware of how attentive, professional, and motivated they have to remain through the process, so no one will die because of a failure. I'm sending you the manual I prepared for this. It's the bible we're all following. I am also forwarding the transcript of my first staff meeting, which I recorded." I finish as I tap on my data pad. Nichols opens the files, one at a time.