"Probe" 9812.27/DL

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: "Probe" 9812.27/DL

Date: Sun, Dec 27, 1998 10:48 PM

From: Ens Xiang

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Stardate 9812.27 - Duty Log

"Probe"

 

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Xiang floated quietly in the main shuttlebay. A row of portable terminals surrounded him in a semi-circular formation. Each displayed an independent scan of the large probe, which stood locked into a holding platform only a meter away. While McMurphy had been investigating the probe physically, Xiang had been studying the sensor data.

Once they had opened the probe's access port Xiang was able to create a stable scanning beam within the probe itself. Unfortunately the outer casing of the probe was made of a composite material which masked most standard sensor scans, including the range that the portable scanners were capable of. Only by introducing a sensor emitter inside the mechanical mesh of the probe was Xiang able to make a clear scan.

The scan had proved worthwhile. Before Xiang on the various monitor were the various versions of the technical schematics of the probe generated by the scan sweeps. The Ensign had compiled all of the information to come up with a perfectly accurate technical diagram of the probe's internal workings. Still, the mechanical portion of the probe had little influence on it's purpose. True, the arrangement of its systems did indicate that it was designed

to collect and store data, and was capable of transmitting that data if so instructed. But, that information alone did no help to understand its function.

McMurphy was concentrating on that part. Apparently, she had found a series of circuit ports which required the installation of several primitive switch relays. Xiang had provided those relays, and she had quickly put them in place. Upon activation of those switches, the probe had been activated, and McMurphy had even discovered a computer access terminal.

Xiang originally planned to access the probe's data from the ship's computer, and begin downloading and compiling the information. It wasn't possible. The attempt to plug an ODN line into the computer access port resulted in shorting out the Starfleet terminal. The probe operated on an electrical computer system instead of optical.

McMurphy discovered a primitive fold-out input interface and monitor, which Xiang assumed she was using to access the probes computer. The Delpin felt helpless, being unable to access any of the data himself.

If anything, the technical schematics of the probe convinced Xiang that there was more to this probe than first appearances. True, the power and computer systems were very primitive, but the scanning and transmission systems were at least as effective as Starfleet's standard probes. Hopefully further study would solve this mystery.

 

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