Computer freeze

[sdrotar]

[OOC:] Now computers is something Grahm knows!



Grahm thought for a moment after hearing both Ario's and Juan's input. He knew what the engineers worries were, that if he shut down the core for a re-boot it might not re-start, and that would be a serious problem for the ship. The other problem was the re-boot time. It could take hours while the core read through the millions of files that it did on start up. But what if...

"Juan, what if we wrote a patch on a PADD or in a tricorder that would initiate only a primary file re-boot? Essentially only re-start the core enough for us to get the ship's primary systems re-networked and responding and then bring other files and systems online as we can get to them? Basically what Ario is saying, without having to pull all the boards."

All present knew that once the computer core shutdown and then re-booted, the ship systems that were active would have a temporary down time that could last 2 minutes to 15, as the computer re-initiated itself. Thus they would lose environment and lights for that time period, but if they prepared properly it would only be a couple of minutes of distraction - the ship's air supply would cetrainly last and the entire crew had all been given at least minimal training in weightlessness.

Grahm looked at Juan wondering if his ideas were sound.

It could work, Ramos thought, though that procedure certainly wasn't part of the Officer's Manual.
"My concern is life support - everything is else is basically down anyway, so there's little risk in trying anything. As long as we can avoid messing with those systems in the process, I'd approve this approach."

[tomcat]

"Maybe one of your boys here could write the patch to give you system selection for start-up, after the initial core file boot?" said Grahm. "Then you can select the order for which systems you want to bring up."

The tactical officer was beginning to feel good about himself and a grin was broadening on his face. But as quickly as he had begun his self-agrandizing, he realized he had a duty he had volunteered for, "I am off to Deck 7 and 8 to see about these fires. Let me know how it goes Juan. Ario, do you wanna come with me there or stay here with the tech-heads? Actually, maybe you should get yourself to sickbay, you're looking pretty pale? It's also on Deck 7."

[pgholland]

Ario shook his head, then wished that he hadn't. "I'm still needed on the ship." he said through a pounding headache, "And I might be of some use here, if you have any medical emergencies though I'm sure there should be teams near by, and if not, contact me and I'll get there ASAP. Even if I'm only providing moral support here, I have a tiny bit of experience here, it might be useful just to suggest where not to go..."

[trgieck]

Telek had been listening intently to the computer freeze conversation and as Grahm headed off he turned to Chief Ramos and said.

"Sir, I believe Commander Grahm may be on to something... About the patch I mean... I think I can come up with a program that will allow us to selectively re-sequence the boot up cycle... "

Telek began tapping on his data PADD again as he continued speaking. "I'll need to run the numbers on it and maybe have a computer specialist look at it but I believe we can even set it up for a manual cycling sequence... If it works we could then start only the sections of the computer absolutely necessary to get the Columbia back on her feet. Maybe start with basic lifesupport, weapons and shields... then move on to essential but not critical areas."

Telek finished with the PADD and handed it to Ramos for his input. "It wouldn't be perfect nor ideal sir but it might cut the boot up time down considerably if we're lucky."


(OOC - Not trying to be a Wesley Crusher here  but I thought I would run with the patch idea a bit.)

[sdrotar]

Telek had been listening intently to the computer freeze conversation and as Grahm headed off he turned to Chief Ramos and said.

"Sir, I believe Commander Grahm may be on to something... About the patch I mean... I think I can come up with a program that will allow us to selectively re-sequence the boot up cycle... "

Telek began tapping on his data PADD again as he continued speaking. "I'll need to run the numbers on it and maybe have a computer specialist look at it but I believe we can even set it up for a manual cycling sequence... If it works we could then start only the sections of the computer absolutely necessary to get the Columbia back on her feet. Maybe start with basic lifesupport, weapons and shields... then move on to essential but not critical areas."

Telek finished with the PADD and handed it to Ramos for his input. "It wouldn't be perfect nor ideal sir but it might cut the boot up time down considerably if we're lucky."


(OOC - Not trying to be a Wesley Crusher here  but I thought I would run with the patch idea a bit.)

"All right," Ramos said. "We'll want basic computer functions - low-level core - reset first; that may free up other systems. Then, let's get to shields and then propulsion - we're still in the middle of Klingon space. As long as we leave the life-support systems untouched at first, do what you can. I'll advise the bridge of our plan."

[tomcat]

[OOC:] I need Telek to give me a Computer Use (Programming) extended test TN 30. Each test will have a TN 10 for determination of DOS, and constitute 30 minutes - this can be reduced based on DOS and any abilities or traits.

Once done, I need an Engineering System (Computers) test TN 12 to wire the PADD / Tricorder to the core; test will only be 15 minutes reduced by DOS or abilities/traits.

Finally, I need to get the command to shut down and re-boot (via narrative). Once the re-boot is ordered, I need another extended test TN 75 to bring the computer back online, each cumulative test will be as follows:

Computer Use (Programming) TN 15 - to initiate all INI files and bring online the core's base OS
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)
Computer Use (Programming) TN 10 - to initiate (enter system choice)

Again each test will be 30 minutes and may be reduced by DOS or abilities/traits. A failed test may be repeated, but with each failure, the TN will increase by 2.

Because you are shutting down all means of technological aid, normal bonus mods will be unavailable, and penalties may be incurred due to environmental challenges.

[sdrotar]

OOC: "Telek" has been busy, so Tomcat asked me to have Ramos make the rolls so we can get moving again in the interim.

All rolls add +1 for Ario's assistance.

INITIAL SETUP:

Extended Test (TN 30):
Roll(2d6)+7:5,2,+7 Total:14
Roll(2d6)+7:1,4,+7 Total:12
Roll(2d6)+7:2,3,+7 Total:12 = 38 - SUCCESS (67 minutes spent)

WIRING IN TRICORDER
Test (TN 12): Ramos' skill +10, Ario +1 = +11
Roll(2d6)+11:4,3,+11 Total:18 - SUCCESS (75 minutes spent)

***
After receiving approval from Science Officer Stonn - even though the acting captain made it clear that he preferred something faster since the B'rels were likely still closing - Ramos and his team got to work.


BRINGING THE COMPUTERS BACK ON-LINE:

Test 1 - Re-initializing CPU (TN 15): Ramos' Computer Use +6, Ario +1 = +7
Roll(2d6)+7:2,1,+7 Total:10 - FAIL (now TN 17)
Roll(2d6)+7:4,4,+7 Total:15 + 1 Courage = 18 - SUCCESS (98 minutes spent)

Test 2 - Life-Support (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7:1,3,+7 Total:11 - SUCCESS (121 minutes spent)

Test 3 - Weapons (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7:6,3,+7 Total:16 - SUCCESS (136 minutes spent)

Test 4 - Sensors (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7: 2,3,+7 Total:12 - SUCCESS (159 minutes spent)

Test 5 - Shields (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7: 5,3,+7 Total:15 - SUCCESS (182 minutes spent)

Test 6 - Helm/Navigation Control [Propulsion] (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7: 2,1,+7 Total:10 - SUCCESS (212 minutes spent)

Test 7 - Misc. Systems [Operations] and Completion (TN 10):
Roll(2d6)+7:6,3,+7 Total:16 - SUCCESS (227 minutes spent)

***

It was arduous, tedious work, but Ramos was pleased to see that it got the job done - Columbia's computer core was clean and functioning properly. Of course, as Ramos noted to his tired staff - that was only Step One...

[tomcat]

[OOC:] Hey Shawn, I adjusted the time base on your DOS's... 227 minutes equals 3 hours, 47 minutes. A little better than the 4+ hours you calculated. 

Here is a time breakdown since the Episode started:

A hour* -1	crew slowly revive and begin initial work to find out what has happened
A hour* -.25	Darkan starts his 30 minute tests to come back to his senses
A hour* -0	Klingon B'rels arrive and move in opposite direction
A hour* +.5	Ramos begins computer reboot; Pushkin starts shuttle launch
A hour* +.75	Grahm blows pods and extinquishes fire
A hour* +1	Pushkin circuits the Columbia; Ramos programs the patch
A hour* +1.25	Pushkin discovers the Gr'Toth; Ramos wires the tricorder
A hour* +1.5	Ramos initializes the CPU
A hour* +2	Life support comes online
A hour* +2.25	Communications come online
A hour* +2.5	Sensors come online
A hour* +3	Shields come online
A hour* +3.5	Helm and Nav come online
A hour* +3.75	Misc minor systems come online

* A hour is the arrival hour of the two B'rels

[tomcat]

[OOC:] Unless they show up to play again, we can consider Anderson and Telek as NPC's who may just fade back into the 'crew'.


Ramos looked at the PADD and knew that they had a successful link-up, along with re-boot control with the hand-held device. He gave Ario a wink and with his ship-wide anouncement made, the engineer initiated the system shutdown and re-start.

The Columbia began to go dark except for the battery powered lamps. It also became quieter as the constant hiss of the environmental system stopped working. Then gravity ceased. There were some shouts from startled men and women, and many of the ship's crew made a silent prayer that Ramos would be successful.

Inside the massive computer core, everything shutdown for a total of nine seconds, but then the primary initiation functions began to scroll up the console in front of Ario. Both he and Ramos breathed a sigh of relief.

Thirty minutes of weightless bumping about passed as the computer finished cycling through its start-up and commenced to open library files for the LCARS control system and environment. Without warning gravity returned and those that were unprepared fell to the floor, or onto some other obstruction. Around the crew, multitudes of loose items also fell and clattered to the deck.

Lights came on next and then to everyones joy, the sound of the air system. The ship's auto safety systems also came online. Emergency force fields closed the few hull breaches on the ventral and dorsal sides of the Columbia, stopping the  bleed out of her environment.

With systems beginning to work, Ramos shouted out new orders to his staff and then looked to Ario, "Maybe it's time for you to get to the sickbay."

[pgholland]

Ario looked up at Ramos from the computer station where he was sat monitoring the computer reboot. "Sir, is the ship running properly? Is the crisis averted? I do not believe so, my skills in this area may be meagre, but I cannot leave you when you may need me. It is my duty as an officer. And my constitution can handle these wounds if it must, and it seems to me that if the ship is as crippled as she is, then I must."
With that he set about checking the computer once more, ensuring that the new program suites were running correctly.

[OOC:
Computer Use TN10?
Computer Use +3
Roll (2d6)+3: 3,1+3 Total= 7
D'oh!]

[tomcat]

[OOC:] Hey Peter, I am sure that Shawn will reply for Ramos soon, but you are absolutely correct and I want to remind everyone of this... just because the computer is coming back online, it doesn't mean that the Columbia is better off. It just means that now the crew can use the computer to aid them in repairs and running the needed systems, but the ship as a whole took a heck of a beating from the Romulans.

Make sure you look at the starship character sheet, if you wanna see how bad things are:

Columbia ship record sheet

[sdrotar]

OOC: My understanding is that we're time-shifted a bit here, too. We know the repairs will work, but that's hours from "now", right?
That will keep the Columbia from being dead in space, but it's still in bad shape.

He turned to the young officer. "Your versatility is useful, my boy, but it'll take time for the computers to come back online and after that, we'll have an idea of what to do next. In the meantime, why don't you get yourself checked out in Sickbay while we don't have much to do but wait? You won't be much help standing around bleeding on my deck." Ramos' hand moved to his sore forehead with a smirk. "Don't worry - you'll have your hands full soon enough!"

[pgholland]

"Perhaps, but what if we were to have an emergency and I wasn't here? I would never forgive myself, my wounds have been tended for now- I can survive longer, they are not serious wounds."

[tomcat]

OOC: My understanding is that we're time-shifted a bit here, too. We know the repairs will work, but that's hours from "now", right?
That will keep the Columbia from being dead in space, but it's still in bad shape.

[OOC:] Hey Shawn, I have started a new thread for engineering... let me know if I missed any other repairs since the ship has semi-recovered from the explosion of the Connie.

[sdrotar]

"Perhaps, but what if we were to have an emergency and I wasn't here? I would never forgive myself, my wounds have been tended for now- I can survive longer, they are not serious wounds."

"That's an order. When the doctor says you're ready for duty - and you have nothing better to do - come on back. But working ourselves to death is only a figure of speech around here; we don't mean it literally," he said with a smile.

OOC: I'm figuring that since there's hours to go, Ario could get patched up and come back - if he's not needed elsewhere first - by the time any anything interesting happens in game-time.