by Blane, Blakeslee, and Paxton Briggs
81115.856
After All Rumors Great and Small
-=Bridge; USS Serendipity=-
81115.856
After All Rumors Great and Small
-=Bridge; USS Serendipity=-
Zander and TC stood near the tactical console pouring over the most current version of their tactical plan to deal with both the Hugreti artifact as well as any threat to it. Neither was an easy task and now the Serendipity streaked though space largely unaware of the specifics needed to complete those plans.
Zander sighed and rubbed his eyes. “This is insane. We did not know anything about the Hugreti box that we are supposed to retrieve, well nothing outside of what little was known about the long extinct Hugreti race. Nothing about whom else might also know about the artifact and who also might be looking to acquire such a rare and dare we say priceless item.”
TC slapped Zander on the shoulder. “Oh and let’s not forget that we are also short handed because of the Alchemy being dispatched to Bajor.” He smiled. “Relax, not everything is bad news.”
Zander nodded. “Aye sir.” He held up a PADD. “Commander Briggs did supply us with these new phaser modulations. Much more efficient they what we used before and he also supplied us with a new technology called Tri-Modulation Adaptation Beam Carrier.”
TC raised his eye brows. “I have no idea what that is but it sounds nifty.”
Zander nodded. “It is something they have been working on at Border Station Indigo for the past few months. It was originally designed to combat the Borg. Of course it is not been combat tested, yet, but field testing has been promising.” He sounded excited.
TC folded his arms across his chest. “Really? Sounds kind of top secret.”
Zander nodded. “Well Commander Briggs figured since he was asking us about our new sensor arrays he had better play nice in the sandbox and share.”
TC nodded. “A little ‘you show me yours and I’ll show you mine.’ stuff.”
Zander laughed. “Yes sir. Briggs seems to be a stand up guy and from what he had given us I believe the technology will work. It uses a new set of high band phaser frequencies that no longer modulate before they discharge to the target but in route to the target. That way even if the Borg or anyone for that matter adapts their shields to block the beam modulation at the start, the first end of the shot hits, but midpoint the modulation frequency is different and should defeat the shield.”
TC nodded his understanding of the theory. “So what are the pluses and minuses?”
“They wind up breaking even.” Came a voice from behind them.
TC and Zander turned to see Commander Briggs approaching. “The pluses are that this can be implemented on a starship in a very short amount of time without any special equipment. A few simple program changes are needed and some new emitter enhancements that can be replicated easily.” He held out his hand to TC.
“Paxton Briggs.”
TC took the tall man's hand and shook it firmly. “TC Blane.”
“The minuses are that there is a long recharge period between each shot. We are working to improve the programming to alleviate this downfall. Also we have been unsuccessful in converting it to hand held weapons. The smaller emitters tend to overheat because of the sustained beam that is required.” Paxton concluded.
TC nodded. “Still sounds pretty impressive.”
Paxton smiled. “We are happy with it. We are hoping to develop a shield technology based on the same concept. You guys should be impressed with what you have done here.”
Zander glanced at TC in shock. He wondered if Commander Briggs had stumbled on information about the true nature of the Alchemy. If TC was worried about it his face gave not hint of it.
“What do you mean?” Zander prompted.
“Your sensor array is revolutionary.” His voice showed admiration of the technology.
Zander smiled. “Thanks.” He almost sighed in relief.
“We are hoping to use it on our station. As you may or may not know Indigo sits along on the edge of our territory with no friendly worlds within any reasonable distance. If we can extend our eyes and ears it would be a great advantage to us. I just hope that the phaser changes I provided can be seen as an equal trade.” He smiled.
TC nodded. “Oh I am sure we can call it even, plus your Doctor Hartcort has won points for his coverage in Sickbay as well as his volunteering to go to Bajor.”
Paxton laughed. “Well I would not call it volunteering. He was bound by Starfleet charter and all of those doctor oaths to go.” He shook his head. “Lance is the best doctor I know, have ever known, but just like most people who are ahead of the curve he has certain…” He paused looking for the correct word. “…nuances.”
TC frowned. “Nuances?”
Pax nodded. “Yes. Don’t forget Lance is extremely young for his rank. Don’t get me wrong there is no one else I would ever trust with my life but self control is not his strong point.” He leaned against the panel. “He signed up for this trip thinking that it would be a working social event. So far it has not been fun for him.”
“Fun? This is a Starfleet vessel. Duty first..” TC started to chide.
Pax held up his hand. “Like I said he earned his rank. He is one of the best. He is one quarter Vulcan, not that you would even know it, unless you’ve seen him work. He knows his duty but he like the good things in life, sucks the marrow out of it if you will. All I am saying is don’t go thinking him as noble and keep your daughters locked up.” He smiled.
TC nodded. “Understood.” Concern crossed his face.
Paxton smiled again. “Don’t fret so much Commander Blane. Not only will Doctor Hartcort save their bodies but their spirits as well. I guarantee it.”
Commander Paxton Briggs
Second Officer, Border Station Indigo
Currently aboard USS Serendipity
and
Commander TC Blane
Second Officer
USS Serendipity NCC 2012
and
Commander Zander Blakeslee
Chief of Tactical/Security Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012