S01E01 - Main Story: Bucket of bolts...

[Samuel J. Grant]

OOC Note: These have been transfered from The Cold Harbor's previous site that she was simmed on to preserve her history; any postings not written by Colonel Samuel J. Grant will be titlted at the top with who did write them.

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Computer, begin Colonel’s Log: Stardate 65446.73,

Well, no one thought they’d see this day less then I did, it was never my ambition to command my own Starship; an Outpost or Starbase maybe… But these are truly trying times. The new alliance has put increasingly heavy demands on the allied members and have caused several new ‘radical’ solutions to come into effect; the Crisis Response Vessel Fleet is one of them.

A total of 15 ships have been assigned this role, my ship, is second in size an fire power for our entire, albeit small, fleet. The dedicated CRV admiral, a name kept classified during this time, is run out of Starfleet Security and Starbase 234 in conjunction with the United Forces Alliance.

Our standing orders are simple and are in 3 fold;

#1. Get the Cold Harbor space worthy and ‘in the field’,

#2. Get the Cold Harbor crewed and organized,

#3. This must be done within three weeks of the posted orders… 3 weeks… It’s been just over two and there is still a lot of work to be done.

Regardless, she’s a good ship and she’ll have a good crew. I’ll actually be receiving the last of my senior staff over the next day or so and am hopeful to be ‘out there’ in the directed time.

Computer, end log.

[Samuel J. Grant]

Location: Main Bridge

Sam was sitting on the Bridge, in the center chair, and had just completed his duty log entry when a console shorted out at the tactical station. He didn’t even blink, not because he was some ‘bad ass’ marine that had been there, done that, unfortunately it was because it wasn’t an unusual occurrence over the past week. Sighing deeply, he turned his head to look at the engineer at the tactical station, and shook his head, as he saw the smoke and sparks coming from the console. “I’m not sure if I should be more worried about enemy fire or my own ship blowing up around me…” he scoffed, leaned over the side of his command chair and retrieved a PADD that was in a large ‘box’ that was beside his feet.

He had chosen to work on the Main Bridge, instead of his ready room, in the hopes of being kept more up to date on what was going on, however, he seemed to becoming more and more frustrated at every issue that was arising. PADD after PADD after PADD was an authorization request for this or that, transfers, repair activities, etc. Samuel just sighed… The Cold Harbor needed a lot of work, and all he could think about was the time table he was given. He had just over a week to get her space worthy, unfortunately, Starbase 234 Engineering projections had them at least two to three weeks left for repairs, and that was with Sam’s ‘chop shop’ list for repairs.

By no means was Samuel mechanically skilled, or even versed, so with all the repairs going on he really was of no use; he’d only make things worse if he tried to help. Frustrated with the paperwork, and the scenery, he thought he’d get up and take a walk around the ship; at the very least he could help carry something somewhere. Getting up out of his chair, he turned to exit the Bridge via turbo lift when the Lieutenant working the Operation’s Station, and the term was use loosely due to the state of the Bridge, spoke up. “Colonel, we’re being hailed via CRV Frequency…” he tried desperately to make the console work properly, but with more wires and pieces laying around the station then inside the console, it was almost comical to look at.

“There’s no need to use those frequencies yet, the damn fleet doesn’t even exist for another week or so.” Sam itched his neck, just under the uniform line, with all the stress lately, he’d been fighting a case of ‘strives’ (hives brought on by stress). “A ship of firsts…” he said, but to no one specifically.

The Lieutenant, assisted by a few of the engineers on the Bridge, rerouted OPS to a station that was more ‘intact’ “Message is coded Priority One; Cold Harbor Actual Eyes Only…” The Lieutenant looked back at Samuel, a concern that couldn’t be expressed in words showed along his eyes and mouth. Sam sighed aloud “Okay Lt., route it to my Ready Room…” Sam turned and headed back onto the Bridge and towards his RR “Like I’ve got time for this…” he mumbeled. With all that was going on, message games was not on his list of things to do.

Upon entering his RR, he walked to his desk, spun the computer console, and activated it. “Computer, security clearance for CRV frequency, Grant, Samuel J. 1004 Whisky Juliet.” The computer hummed, several times, as it went through the process of activating the necessary ‘security lock outs’ and securing the channel.

When the console finally caught up, as it was still slow due to the refit, the picture on the screen caused Samuel to stiffen quickly. “General Macharius?!” Sam was stunned. He knew who it was immediately, but he hadn’t seen his old CO in almost five years.

“That’s Director General, Colonel…” replied the General, an ever small hint of a smile showing. “It’s good to see you’re still with us Sam, it’s been tough stretch.”

“Indeed,” replied Sam “Dir…Director General… What kind of rank is…” Sam’s voiced trailed off.

“Yes, that’s right, ‘son’” a very prominent grin showed now “The CRV Fleet has been assigned to me, and the Cold Harbor assigned to you, by my orders…”

It was all he could do to keep from fainting. Director General, or as Sam new him last he saw him, Captain Robert L. Macharius had been Samuel’s CO aboard the USS Bull Run when he’d come out of the Academy. He’d also saved Sam’s career during his court martial hearing, for striking a superior officer. Now, 5 years later, he was in charge of yet another ‘great experiment’; the CRV Fleet. Director General Macharius was old, by anyone’s standard, but you’d never catch yourself saying it around him. At 86, his hair was deathly gray and his face showed heavy wrinkles and scaring from all his engagements he’d been in; it was often hard to tell the wrinkle from the scars. But he had as much energy as a child pumped full of sugar and caffeine.

“Heh, go figure…” Sam grinned “I appreciate the message, and the vote of confidence, but why the secrecy, you could have used a standard line…” suddenly, the foolishness of the comment caught up with him, he knew Macharius to well “This isn’t a courtesy call is Sir?” the formality returned in an instant.

“I knew there was a reason I selected you for this assignment” replied the Director General his face turned serious quicker then one thought possible “I have new orders for you…”

After about 15 minutes within his RR, Colonel Grant emerged carrying a PADD; he no longer smiled but looked as if he could arm wrestle a Nausican. He tapped his combadge “Colonel Grant to all Senior Staff, report to the Observation Lounge ASAP.” He crossed the Bridge, entered the Observation Lounge, and laid the PADD at the head seat. He sat down, roughly, and began reviewing the information it contained... “What are we supposed to do; the Cold Harbor’s just a bucket of bolts…”

He waited for the officers to join him and greeted them in turn as they arrived.

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Bob Murkeye

Location: Engineering

Bob received the call just after he walked into Engineering. “Colonel Grant to all Senior Staff, report to the Observation Lounge ASAP.” Bob just through his hands in the air… “Blast! I just got in here, how the heck is a fish supposed to get anything done around here anyway!” he tossed his PADD across the floor, and then sighed heavily, “I’ll probably need that…” Bob walked across the floor grabbed the PADD, and headed for the Observation Lounge.

As Bob entered the Observation Lounge he walked up to the desk and set his PADD down, looked at the chair cursed loudly in his guttural language “Mggrrrrruuuglrwlrwlrwll!” and stormed out. “How the heck do they expect me to sit in that thing?! I’ll crush my tail fin!” Bob thought out loud on the way back to PX & MRE’s Galore. Still mumbling he grabbed the stool that he sat on earlier and dragged it back to the Observation Lounge.

Once back in the Observation Lounge he took the old chair dragged that to the other side of the room and placed the bar stool at the desk, climbed up top and sat down. “There that’s better, now I can see ya’ll eye to eye and I don’t get my tail squashed in the process! Did I miss anything?” he looked around eagerly obviously very impressed with his creativity.

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Location: Observation Lounge

Colonel Grant sat on the far side of the lounge, reviewing tactical data from the short and curt briefing he’d just received. He had been lost in thought when he heard the ‘whoosh’ of the entry doors open, he looked up at the doors but didn’t see anyone enter. “Damn thing, I’m starting to think if I made a list of things that DID work around here it’d take less time.” He said aloud, thinking he was alone.

He was startled as a PADD seemed to appear out of no where and clatter onto the table, he then noticed the extended ‘tail’, or fin would be more appropriate, next to the table. With the severe lack of time normally given to a ship and crew, let alone one in this condition, Sam had failed in meeting all of the crew prior to departing. Although he knew immediately it was his Chief Engineer, 1st Lt. Murkeye, he felt stupid that he’d been so careless.

He went to acknowledge the Chief “Ah, welco…” but was unable to finish his sentence. “Mggrrrrruuuglrwlrwlrwll!” and Bob stormed out. “How the heck do they expect me to sit in that thing?! I’ll crush my tail fin!” Sam heard him exclaim on his way out.

Although at first he thought he should be upset by the actions, even though he hadn’t met all of the crew he’d read everyone’s ‘jacket. The Mur’gul as a race was known for their vast intelligence and efficient job performance, but they also had short tempers; Sam could respect that as he’d been known to have one too. When Bob had gotten excited, he’d reverted back to his ‘native tongue’, and upon leaving Sam shook his head and laughed; it was truly a unique sound.

As he waited for everyone to file in, the Chief returned, dragging a bar stool from only he knew where, and replaced one of the chairs at the table with it. Sam contained his laughter, barely, at the sight. His file had him down perfectly. Sam knew that he’d be an excellent asset to the Cold Harbor, he’d just have to give the Chief a little extra line… ROPE… when it came to certain things.

Regaining his composure, the Colonel spoke to the Chief Engineer “Mr. Murkeye, you’re sure to be the man of the hour here,” Sam looked around the Observation Lounge “seems like every meter of this ship needs your attention in one form or another.” Even the vastness of his statement was an understatement. Even with all the work that had been done, the Cold Harbor was still in poor shape. It wasn’t because of anyone’s fault, it was just the cursed timeline they’d been given. Samuel also pointed towards the chair/s “Sorry about the inconvenience, as I’m sure you’re painfully aware, we’re behind on a lot of things; but we’ll get you a special, more comfortable chair soon.”

“A ship of firsts…” he found himself thinking again…

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Sergeant Major Charles Hooper

Location: Observation Lounge

Entering the Observation Lounge he takes a seat and looks at the fish "Hello" as he thinks a little garlic a nice lemon butter sauce delicious, Then looks at the Col "Col" as he waits for the rest of the staff

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Lieutenant Tam Grax

He was on his way back to his quarters when he heard the call that "All senior staff report to the Observation Lounge, ASAP"

"Computer, halt. New destination: Bridge" he told the Turbolift he was in. The TL stopped and started to rise toward the command deck

A minute later, he stepped off the TL and stopped short. First thing he saw was a smoking Tactical console. This did not look good. He saw a pair of feet sticking out from under the console. He walked over and knelt down, seeing the engineer that was under there "It would be apprieciated to have a working Tactical console when we leave port" he said bemused

The engineer looked up at him feeling irritated for a moment then said "Yes, sir. I'll have it working for you shortly"

He gave a slight nod then proceeded to the OL. Once entering he would see the Colonel, one that seemed to ooze arrogance from him and then what looked like a walking fish. This was his first experiance meeting such a race amd his curiousity was awakened

"Hello" he would greet the fish person, then turned to the Colonel, giving a salute "Second Lt Tam Grax reporting as ordered, sir"

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Second Lieutenant D’Nal Akhiy tr’Keras

Location: Turbolift

He enters a TL "Bridge" the lift moves when it stops the doors swish open, he exits walks a cross the bridge and enters the Observation Lounge

Upon entering seeing several others he stands at attention saluting in both rihannsu and fed fashion. "2Lt D'nal tr'Keras reporting Rekkhai (sir)" he stands at Attention

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Major Arishela (Resigned)

On the way to the cargo bay to get a detail ready to babysit a fighter, she was told to report to the observation lounge. As she entered the TL, she tapped her com and assigned the details needed for a 24 hr watch. There was some grumbling which she stopped in short order.

She walked into the meeting, seeing several others she nodded. Then seeing the romuluSngan, she smiled very slightly. It was time for both of them to see the other as ally. What she thought and felt was unimportant, the will of the Empire first. She saluted by balling her fist and striking her chest over hearts, followed by Federation salute. She did this to show her willingness to accept this new alliance.

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Sergeant Major Charles Hooper

Location: Observation Lounge

He sees a Romulan enter and salute, then the Klingon from the hanger Bay, as he looks at the Klingon he thinks " Nice piece of womanhood" he slowly looks back to the Col

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Lieutenant Tam Grax

As he waited for the Colonel's response, he glanced around toward the door to see a romulan officer enter, followed by the Klingon woman he saw down in the hangar bay

He merely observed as they both saluted the Colonel, reporting as ordered. His gaze lingered on the Klingon a moment longer then necessary, thinking that she was an attractive be' ( woman )

He inwardly shook his head and returned his attention back to the Colonel

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Captain Mark Danrea (Resigned)

Location: Observation Lounge

Mark made his way in.. He had his work gear on.. One of the fighters that was sent to the ship had trouble in the port side engine. He walked over and got him self a glass of water and something to eat..

Placing the pad down on the table he would look over the last readings of the test he had done on the Engine.. Once at full impulse the engine wants to always over heat. A shake of his head was given..

He seemed to not pay any mind to the others around him he had to think of what may be making this happen and why

Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Captain Mark Danrea (Resigned)

Location: Observation Lounge

Mark made his way in.. He had his work gear on.. One of the fighters that was sent to the ship had trouble in the port side engine. He walked over and got him self a glass of water and something to eat..

Placing the pad down on the table he would look over the last readings of the test he had done on the Engine.. Once at full impulse the engine wants to always over heat. A shake of his head was given..

He seemed to not pay any mind to the others around him he had to think of what may be making this happen and why
Location: Observation Lounge

[Samuel J. Grant]

Posted by Lieutenant Sabina Jackson; Doctor

Location: Observation Lounge

After cleaning up sickbay a little bit, and meeting a few crewmembers as well as the Colonel, Sabina reports to the Observation Lounge after hearing the order. She enters the room and nods at everyone assembled so far, smiling as well. She sits down at the table quietly, not wanting to intrude on conversations already occuring.