I meet with my Senior Officers on October 29th at eleven hundred hours.
"I hope everyone had a great shore leave. I know it wasn't very long, but we have tight time restraints on this mission. Our Fleet Commander needs to know she can count on Loki, and she needs to know that, quickly. We will do a much longer shore leave at the end of our shakedowns. We'll head back to the Midgard, today. The object is to program our acceleration ramp to reach twenty percent of light speed in under twenty minutes before entering the jump vortex. That will stress the Ion Propulsion system to its limits and put a little strain on the AMPE system, too. We will sustain twenty percent in the vortex, testing our stabilizers throughout the trip. For those who don't know, the shielding is modified to stabilize us in the vortex. By adjusting its shape, we can change the attitude of the craft in relation to the vortex walls. This usually allows us to make the ride more comfortable. The object of this exercise is to ensure that we have full command of our shield system. The aim of the trip is to prove that the vessel can be stressed in a rapid acceleration curve and will travel safely at standard speeds. Based on testing and the journey here, I would project only minor issues, today.
We will park at the Midgard when we reach HD75829, for a day, to offload everyone that makes up shifts three, four, and five. Some will be retrieved in a few hours, others should arrange for quarters. During the departure time, we will requisition and store any needed supplies, then unload all the warehousing team except one supervisor and a skeleton crew to fill any burning need that may come up during the next test. We will also analyze the results of the trip to HD75829, we just made. We will do that together, so you will become familiar with the process. If we are satisfied that the results of the flight met expectations, we will start the first shakedown cruise. If not, we will take the time to repair and adjust anything we discovered. Those should be minor issues, so we will go on to the cruise, after repairs. The trip will mimic the acceleration ramp we just ran but will take us to twenty-three percent of E. We will travel back to HD75809 holding that speed inside the MST conduit. We'll stop there to analyze the results, then return to HD75829 at twenty-five percent of max speed. While there, we will analyze all results and make any adjustments. We'll need to focus on reported structural integrity, propulsion, shielding, and chronometer results. Chronometer time dilation should be within one nanosecond of calculated value, or we need a new control module for our cesium unit. When we are satisfied all is well, we will begin the next shakedown, which is a return to HD75809 at twenty-seven percent of max. The failure analysis at this point should give us a picture of how safe the ship will be at speeds up to double standard rates. If we find only minor variations, we will bring the rest of the crew back aboard. The tests that follow will be at much longer distances requiring a full complement. The next step will be a run to HR5070 which is twenty-two and a half light years, from here. We'll make the entire run at twenty percent over four and a half days, then stop for a day to analyze the results. While stopped, we'll do a series of Raptor launches attempting to achieve seven seconds per launch. Raptor flight plans will take them on a half hour winding trip at various speeds, firing cannons set to twenty percent. A report on all aspects of each and every fighter must be received by El before we leave the star system. When we are sure all is well, we will return to HR75829 at twenty-five percent. That trip will take a little over three and a half days. We will follow the same procedure for analyses as we did at HR5070. If we had to change the module in the chronometer, we'll have to check it closely again to ensure the new one meets specifications. We will be two days at the Midgard at this point. The analysis of the Loki takes roughly the same time at each step, bu, we will need the additional day to complete the analysis of all one hundred ten raptors. I will have each of you do some of them, so you continue to get more familiar with the Failure Analysis and Finite Analysis software. Also, at this phase, I will have El do the vessel's overall results. I will check all your numbers, of course.' I add with a smile and stop for the chuckles to die down.
'That will have been the most crucial test. We will have a good idea of how hard we can push this vessel and what her strengths and weaknesses are. From then on, we will be pretty sure that we will not face any catastrophic problems caused by a ship's flaw.
If we're still pleased by then, we will head back to HR5070. Our acceleration ramp will take us to thirty-percent in normal space, and we will hold it during the three-day trip inside the vortex. At HR5070 we will stop to analyze, again. You will be doing all the grunt work, on this leg. El will do the overall. And, I'll just spot check the results. When we are happy, we will head back to the Midgard this time looking for thirty-five percent in standard space and throughout the FTL jump. It will take about sixty hours to reach HR75829. This leg will be the hardest on the communication system. Maintaining communications during a leap is complex, but more difficult at thirty-five percent. However, analyses of this data will have to determine if indicated problems are operator error or system problems. We don't want glitches in our com lines, but we also don't want to hunt for an issue that isn't there. Seven of you will do the grunt work of the analysis. The eighth will do the overall, and El will check all the numbers. I will just quickly scan them at this point because you're all new at this. If we're convinced, we will go to the last step. We will make an MST trip from the Midgard to 14 Hercules at forty for the entire journey. That means we will be at 14H in just four days seven hours. If we like the analysis, we will head to Phoenix Fleet at a leisurely thirty-five percent.
We'll be docked with the Admiral's temporary Flagship for three days while we assemble all the results into a report. It will end up at about six hundred pages, plus all the certifications. We need to certify every sub-system of the vessel. Every Raptor, every piece of medical equipment, all galley equipment, all warehouse machinery, every unit of Marine Light and Heavy Armor, every weapon system, and the engine systems require approvals. The shield system, the communication system, the environmental system, the recycling system, the hangar launch chutes, the hangar launch doors, the shuttle bay doors, the docking seals and locks, the Casimir system and the remanufacturing systems do also. And they must all be identified by serial number. So, make sure all that grunt work for each part and system stays intact with all its system-wide data. After that, we combine it into an overall certification of the vessel highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, if any. When we're finished, you will know this ship, like a good old friend, and you will be confident in her ability to look after us if we take care of her.
..........................................................................
"Captain Kurt Brubacher reporting, Admiral." I snap, while at attention.
Today is a special day. It is Tuesday, December 18, 2255, and I am reporting to Vice Admiral Leeds. She has Phoenix Fleet at Eta Corona Borealis, now. I have the certifications of the Loki, in hand, on my data pad, along with a prepared memo, to reduce any angst she may have at the size of the report. I also have a box under my arm containing hard copies of the five hundred ninety-seven-page report and the four hundred twelve certifications. Many of the certificates are for up to as many as thirty-five subsystem serial numbers. We have actually accepted eighty-two hundred twenty units, plus the ESS Loki. I had hit the send button as I approached her door. I had already asked permission to see her.
"Take a seat, Captain, and unload, please. What do you have there?" She asks.
"I have your holiday gift from the officers and crew of the Loki," I tell her as I begin to lay out the hard copies on her credenza, before taking a seat.
"This is the paper report and all the certifications for the Loki, I am required to present you. I have sent you a soft copy and a memo, so you won't have to actually read all this unless you wish to." I say, just as the chime on her data pad sounds. She opens the mail.
"The file is huge!" She exclaims.
"Yes, sir. The report is nearly six hundred pages, and there are
over four hundred certificates. That's why I sent the memo." I explain as she opens it.
MEMO
From: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki
To: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Theatre Nine Commander, Commander Elasima Executive
Officer ESS Loki
Re: Certification of the ESS Loki
Date: December 18, 2255
Admiral,
My team and I have completed the very complex and demanding job of certifying the ESS Loki. The procedure was not without incident. Initial testing revealed problems that, at the least, could have significantly interfered with the vessel's ability to support the Fleet. At the worst, some issues could have led to catastrophic failure with loss of all the ship's personnel. These problems were repaired and or modified prior to the shakedown phase of the operation.
During shakedown, the vessel was taken on trips of various lengths stressing her systems from below standard to one hundred twenty percent of overall required maximum performance. Failure analysis indicates that the vessel is capable, as a combined unit, of actually achieving one hundred twenty-five percent of expected maximum performance for up to ten days before a non-catastrophic failure would occur in her power generation system. At accepted maximums, failure analysis predicts all systems will function as expected before a major overhaul would be needed to power, propulsion, weapons and shielding systems in five years. This is not to say that, the Loki is immune from failure and the need for repairs, but the likelihood of her successful operation over the five-year period is indicated at 99.99555% by the best analysis means available.
With that being said, both Commander Elasima and I have signed her certifications. We feel she is a great ship that will serve us for a couple of decades, with distinction.
We have presented our nearly six-hundred-page report in both hard and soft copies, for your examination, and have included the more than four hundred sub-system certifications and the final global certification of the ship to you.
We hope this meets your requirements and needs.
I must add that though El and I both expected to find personnel changes necessary during such a demanding process, we were pleased to discover the Senior Officers, Officers, and Crew worked as a team. I am proud of my Loki personnel. This operation brought them all together as a well-synchronized team.
In the interest of fairness to them, I ask that the Loki remain detached for another two weeks so I may grant them a generous leave. They are tired, and they have earned it.
With my deepest respect,
Captain Kurt Brubacher
"Impressive, Captain! ...Very good, indeed.' The Admiral was smiling. Then, she continued. 'After the problems you initially encountered, I didn't think you'd be able to present the Loki, until the New Year. So, you and your team may take her wherever you. Just be back here by January 3, 2256. I want you to know how astonished I am, with you... and your team. I especially liked that first meeting you held. You set the ground rules very well. Since then, you seemed to have gained their loyalty and respect. I have received ten emails from your Senior Officers, who appear to have gone on some kind of letter writing campaign. They all love you and expressed their appreciation of to detail you enforced during the Loki shakedowns. They all appreciate your teaching skills. It seems that most of them feel they learned enough to conduct the same trials on a new ship, themselves. That is a real confidence builder.
I also want to convey the gratitude a lot of people feel over your manuals outlining the procedure. There has been a flurry of mailings about the subject. I have been copied on communications between Admiral Nichols and Admiral Bryant, and between Bryant and Admiral Stephenson. It seems Admiral Bryant is embedding a reference to them in the appropriate section of the Regulations amended for use in Mobile Fifth and Stephenson is pushing to place the same reference into the OESA Rules and Regulation. Your manuals are the law in Mobile Fifth and will probably be the law in the Empire, shortly. Everyone is very impressed, especially Admiral Nichols who has done more certifications than anyone else.
How are your War College courses going?" She startled me with the off-topic question.
"Fairly well Admiral. I managed to keep up during all the stops at the Midgard. I even pulled ahead of my personal schedule, on my own, during one of our stops. I just wrote the first semester exams. My marks came in yesterday. I can send them to you if you want." I offer.
"It's not necessary. I will get an official copy. It'll probably come today if you received it yesterday. How'd you do?" She asked.
"...Three hundred percenters, one ninety-seven and two ninety-ones." I respond.
"Impressive considering the length of time and the stress you've been under. How long for you to finish the second semester." She asks.
"It's hard to say because I need access to a Command Carrier regularly to stay on track. I can do a lot of the work in my quarters, but I need the College for some lectures and the tests and exams." I explain.
"It's not a problem. I think we can find excuses to visit Midgard, and maybe even Valhalla, from time to time. I can even send Loki on errands to Midgard every once in a while. How long would it take you, if you have regular access?" She is pushing, now.
"I can finish in six weeks if I have consistent availability and our patrols are fairly standard. A war would kind of slow me down. But on regular patrols, I can work on it four hours a day and still meet my obligations to the mission and the Loki. Why do you ask, Admiral?" I ask.
"Because, I am really sold on Kurt Brubacher, now. I want that star on your collar, as soon as possible. I need a Group Commander. And, you will make an impressive Task Force Commander in an extremely brief period of time. I am going to push Admiral Bryant to put you on an accelerated fast track. It's not just your performance in Phoenix. Your tactical history as the Captain of the Shenzhen is excellent. You have all the skill needed to run your own Fleet. You just need a little more experience at higher levels." The admiration in her voice was quite evident.
"Thank you, Admiral. I appreciate the confidence. I will just try to keep thinking of the current moment, though. I have to concentrate on the Loki and the War College. That way, I won't let you down. In the end, it will get us both what we want. I want to be C&C, one day. You want a Task Force Commander, quickly." I offer - to kind of cool things down a little.
"Yes, your right, of course. You have to keep your eye on all the balls you're juggling, now." She replies.
"Admiral, may I ask if you will be returning your flag to the Loki. We would be proud to fly your pennant on her. She is a great vessel, now." I ask.
"Yes, Captain. I intend to announce today that I will be restoring the Loki to my Flagship on January 3. I liked her before she was safe. Now, I will probably fall in love with the ship. You're right. The Loki is a great ship. I will write all your orders, immediately. You will receive them within the hour. You're dismissed, Captain." Leeds snaps officiously.
My enunciator chimes an hour later, aboard Loki.
MEMO
From: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
To: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Theatre Nine Commander, Commander Elasima Executive
Officer ESS Loki, all ship commanders Phoenix Fleet
Re: Certification of the ESS Loki
Date: December 18, 2255
Captain Brubacher,
Congratulations on achieving such amazing results in such a short timeframe. Your performance and achievement of your team have been outstanding. I would also like to thank you and your crew for the comprehensive performance reports and the four hundred twelve certifications involved in this process. Commendations have been added to your file and those of all your Senior Officers.
Please be advised that in response to overall certification 49-71412*Loki, I am placing the ESS Loki on the active duty roster, effective immediately.
We are proud to attach such a grand vessel to Phoenix Fleet. It is comforting to know that, Loki has completed such stringent testing, repairs, and shakedowns and is as safe a ship as it can be.
In light of the completion of such a daunting task, I am detaching ESS Loki from the Fleet, until January 3, 2256. Please feel free to take her where your people can enjoy an extended rotating leave. However, be sure not to go too far. You are to report for duty at nine hundred hours on January 3, 2256. Give our best wishes to all your Officers and crew.
Vice Admiral Helena Leeds
MEMO
From: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
To: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Theatre Nine Commander, Commander Elasima Executive
Officer ESS Loki, all ship commanders Phoenix Fleet
Re: Phoenix Command Flag Vessel
Date: December 18, 2255
Captain Brubacher,
Please be advised that effective ten hundred hours January 2, 2256, the ESS Loki will become the Command Ship of the Phoenix Fleet. Please make all necessary arrangements for me to move my Phoenix pennant to your vessel. Please also arrange to have quarters available for my command, personal staff, and me.
In the interest of efficiency, please coordinate space for the Phoenix Command office and my Staff offices on the Loki's flag bridge. I look forward to the move.
Vice Admiral Helena Leeds
MEMO
From: Vice Admiral Helena Leeds Commander Phoenix Fleet
To: Captain Kurt Brubacher Commander ESS Loki
C.C. Admiral Stephen Nichols Theatre Nine Commander, all Officers and crew ESS Loki
Re: Commendation
Date: December 18, 2255
Captain Brubacher,
Your performance since joining Phoenix Fleet has been outstanding. Your service record and past accomplishments correspond to what I have seen in Phoenix.
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