SD 920802.06 Development Phase - Shield Modification Log - Acting Captain Vincent Dharmajiva (CO), Acting Lieutenant Commander Tyee Redstone (XO), Crewman 1st Class Bodri Creeke (Eng) and Crewman 2nd Class Ricardo Montoya (Science Tech)
Damivist
<<OOC: This log occurs before the meeting, part one to be released soon -
please note that obviously I sent this to the list days ago, but with the
mailing listserv down, it obviously didn't get through.>>
Montoya had been in the Science Lab working on the shielding program that he
and Bo had started before everything went to hell. What with Bo busy with
repairs he took it upon himself to finish the project as best he could.
Especially since the Captain seemed to have taken in active interest in the
concept. He ran a few simulations using what they knew about the Xeleucian
weapons. Given the data they had, if the program had been in place prior to
the battle; the ship still would have taken damage, but it would not have
been nearly as extreme. With another thought he made a few adjustments
allowing for either manual or computer control.
Now was time to get an engineer's perspective. Montoya made his way to
engineering. Upon entering engineering he glanced around not seeing Bo. As
he reached up to activate his commbadge a hatch to a jefferies tube opened
and Bo's head popped out. "There you are, I was just about to call ya. I
think I got the shield program nailed. Wanna go check it out?" Seeing the
coffee cup in his hand, Montoya added with a smile; "So hiding in the tubes
for a bit of a break?"
Bo slipped easily out of the jeffries tube the empty cup dangling from a
finger and landed lightly on the deck. Turning toward Crewmen Montoya a
smile spreading across his face. "I wish - the only way I can get to drink a
cup of coffee is to take it with me every where I go." Chuckling "Besides it
keeps me from falling asleep and falling into a plasma conduit."
Bo reached behind him and pulled his engineering kit out of the tube.
"Shield program huh - you bet I want to check it out. Holding the cup up,
"Just give me a chance to recycle this and we'll go have a look it. You
think we're ready to run some more simulations?"
[Travelling Corridor - Deck 8]
"We have to ensure that we are fully operational within 72 hours, I know it
is a hard task Tyee but..." for a moment the Commanding Officer stalled as
he noticed that Holodeck two was open... and running.
A scowl crossed his face and before he addressed Tyee again he more or less
spoke to himself. "Who has been using the holodecks?"
"Whoever it is," Tyee said grumbling, "they are going to be scrubbing the
deck with a toothbrush for violating the restriction."
Without a response to Tyee, Vin entered the holodeck facility, determined to
get down to the bottom of this. When he entered obviously there was no one
around at the time, but a display of a holographic Scylax was in the middle
of - well mostly took up the entire holodeck. Pressing the holodeck
controls Vin accessed who had started the program and therefore also the
synopsis of the program. "So it is work, that is fair enough."
"You know, he's wrong for using the Holodeck without authorization but its
past time to remove the restrictions," Tyee said. "You know, primary source
of amusement. Exposure to a simulated, natural environment. Keeps everyone
from going a little nuts, the first officer included?"
Sighing, maybe a little amused (especially with her comment about scrubbing
the deck with a toothbrush), Vin responded to Tyee. "Yes, Yes... I will
remove the constraints on the use of the holodecks, I just believe I need
someone in charge of them. Too many times do we get reports of misuse and
inappropriate use... There should never be a reason to remove the safeties
yet for some reason, someone always is able to bypass the security systems
in place." turning with a raised brow "Do you have a 'volunteer'?"
By the way the term 'volunteer' was said, it really meant that if there
wasn't a true volunteer for the effort, someone was going to be stabbed with
the duty. To Vin it was important that someone take this up, because
essentially if the security systems weren't upgraded it meant a point of
control. Even if the security systems were upgraded any anomalies would go
through a point of control, essentially someone who will be accountable
should any illicit use of the holodecks occur (ie someone putting themselves
at risk by removing the safeties).
Understandably the Captain didn't want people to injure themselves, because
it would cause manning issues.
"I'll take it on," Tyee said, "though I'll probably draft a couple of people
to help. Overhaul the safety locks for one ... everyone and their brother
can bypass them as they stand now ... and for what? So they can run the risk
of actually getting killed during a simple training exercize?" She frowned,
shaking her head in disgust, and then turned her attention to the ship
before them. "This is interesting ..."
Finally though the two crewmen arrived. "Well gentlemen, is this going to
be a working demo yet?" the commanding officer greeted.
As Bo and Montoya entered the holodeck they both looked at each other,
seeing that both the Captain and the XO were already here. Montoya felt a
bit apprehensive. He had hoped to have Bo go over his work before taking it
to the Captain but it was too late now.
Montoya, stepped up and began the demonstration. "Well sir as you know
Crewman Creeke and I had begun to work on a shielding program to use while
evacuating SB 517. However we never got the opportunity to work up the
details before we were engaged." Handing a PADD to the Captain and XO with
a general outline on the program itself he then continued with the
demonstration.
[[Program components:
Transporter targeting scanners linked to main sensor array. - array enhanced
to accommodate increased signal flow
Individual locks routed to personnel transporters - groups to the cargo
transporters
Ships speed need only be reduced to maintain transporter range during
transport cycle
If under fire while nearing transport coordinates. The shield vector
closest to the coordinates is dropped and shields facing the opposing vessel
are automatically enhanced.
If speed is essential, once the locks are established, the computer can be
given shield and transporter control to lower-transport-raise as quickly as
possible.]]
While the Captain and the XO where reviewing the details of their idea, Bo
walked over to Rico and put a hand on his shoulder and whispered. "Nothing
like a surprise inspection eh. Good luck Rico."
The Captain and XO reviewed the basics of their idea while Rico prepared the
holo-program. "Computer access program 'Montoya shield 1' and run." A 3D
replica of the Scylax appeared, its shields raised and highlighted in
yellow.
"Captain right now the computer is using me as the transporter target. The
shield vector closest to me drops as I enter into an established transporter
range. Now that energy is then transferred to the opposite shield emitters,
enhancing that shield vector. Of course this is just for example. In
reality that energy could be transferred to any shield grid facing attack or
in need of strengthening. Allow me to demonstrate. Computer run 'Montoya
shield 2'.
A slow motion battle scene replaced the current simulation and began to play
out. The simulated Scylax was coming into a 'hot' situation. The various
transport targets appeared in red and as the long range locks were
established a circle appeared around them.
As the simulated Scylax came into transporter range an enemy ship was
bearing down on an intercept course, and began to fire on the Scylax. The
Scylax dove in towards the targets and arched back out. As she did a shield
vector was dropped, the enhanced portion of the shields turned green.
While the enemy ships fire landed upon reinforced shielding, the transporter
targets now appeared in various locations within the Scylax as she then
pulled up and sped out of the area. Making a wide arc and prepared to come
back in from another angle.
When the previous scene played out again, Montoya called for the computer to
pause; "Computer pause program and return to time index 3.58." Once the
program had returned to the point of transport Montoya stepped up to the
holograms.
"As you can see sir, by transferring the shield energy the Scylax should be
able to last longer and evacuate faster in a 'hot' situation."
"I know this appears a bit crude, sir. I had intended to have Mr. Creeke
review everything prior to your arrival. But with him busy with repairs,
and you beating us here," with a quick glance to Bo, "we never got the
opportunity to fine tune everything."
"It's an interesting idea," Tyee said thoughtfully. "There's no degradation
to the transporter signal? How fast is the shields response time?"
"The transport cycle, itself, remains a function of the transporter
systems. I felt that attempting to tie the actual transport into the other
systems was too great a risk, both to the person to be transported as well
as to the ship. A minor enhancement to the main array should be more than
sufficient to handle the increased signal load."
Pausing briefly he addressed the commander's second question. "As to the
response time, the shields can be fully restored to the lowered section as
quickly as power can be rerouted. Plus by using the auxiliary power
generators to keep the emitters charged we don't have to worry about the
recharge cycle."
Bo couldn't help a grin forming on his face at the polish and performance of
the simulation put together by Rico.
"It looks interesting and from what I can gather the theory is sound.
Practical as you state though requires more work?" Yes, the Captain
addressed the last as more of a question because the holographic
demonstration appeared to be quite successful.
"Hmm, you may want to word up the new Ops Manager, Hilliard, after all...
the auxiliary power is his domain." Vin added answering his own question and
as he stated such, it was more or less permission for Montoya to use as much
resources as he needed to enact this plan.
Realizing the time, Vin pushed the matter aside and moved onto another point
"Crewman..." it was apparent Vin was addressing the Science technician "...
Maybe you could do something for me. When I was a science officer on the
USS Erinys I made it a point of building a working scaled model of the ship,
so instead of using the holodeck as you have done here, I could use the
model for implementing ship changes and 'possibilities', obviously some of
the things could not be replicated and had to be ordered and some things
just couldn't be done, like a miniature warp core and 'tiny eeny weeny
little people'..." he stated the last with some dry sense of humor "... But
it would be appreciated if you could bring something like that online for
the Scylax?"
Montoya nodded appreciatively, "Absolutely sir"
Nodding Vin excused Tyee and himself "Good display gentlemen, we have much
to prepare though as I am sure you are aware from the hubbub." the
demi-cardassian allowed Tyee to lead the way to the exit and have her say.
"Good work, both of you," Tyee said. "Send me the details, I want to go over
the data myself."
Looking over at Rico, "We'll forward all the specifications to you Sir."
"And gentlemen, meeting in the conference room for the coming mission at the
'top' of the hour, I expect to see you both there." added the commanding
officer. It was obvious that he was simulating something he once heard
knowledge of in reference to the statement of the time.
As the two senior officers walked out, Bo looked at Rico and smiled. "We'll
be ready Sir." Lowering his voice and extending his hand, "Congratulations
Rico - nice presentation. After they study the details a bit more I think
they'll give us permission to do a couple of test runs on the Scylax
itself."
Shaking Bo's hand, "Thanks Bo. This is starting to become old hat. This is
the second time I've briefed a Captain on something like this. Seems that
every time I get settled; something hits the fan, I end up briefing the
captain then I get transferred to another ship." With a bit of a
chuckle. "All I got to say is it better not happen again."
So what do you think they want us at a mission briefing for?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
End Log
Acting Captain Vincent Dharmajiva
Commanding Officer
USS Scylax - NCC 71488
Acting Lieutenant Commander Tyee Redstone
First Officer
Crewman First Class Bodri Creeke
Engineer
Crewman Second Class Ricardo Montoya
Science Technician