First Duty

[T'Prise 0]

((Apologies, this ought to have been posted last week.))

 

The science bay was dark. The only light emanated from the holoprojector over the main work console, displaying the specifications for the new quantum cannons, currently being installed on the Manticore. The holoimage it projected was the object of intense scrutiny by the two science officers, barely discernable in the dim light, who stood next to the console, studying the weapon design.

 

His expression somewhat strained, Lieutenant Commander Escher broke the silence of the room, shifting his gaze to his Vulcan subordinate.

“Well, at least it’s not using the ship to route power or quantum energy. It’s basically acting as a machine gun for quantum torpedoes. Although,” he paused, something in the image drawing his attention, causing him to let out a low, speculative whistle, “this thing has some high yield…” He trailed off, taking in T’Prise’s impassive, but somewhat tightly drawn features.

 

“The designers did not display any rational foresight when it came to safety protocols. If one of these warheads was to detonate prematurely, it would have the capacity to destroy Manticore,” T’Prise commented, her words clipped, her tone devoid of even the slightest hint of feeling.

 

Escher blinked, slightly disconcerted. “Well, yes, but you could say the same thing about any of the torpedoes we already have on board. Besides, they had to make some shortcuts to get this thing to fire rapidly with such a high yield.”

 

“Safety protocols are designed and implemented to protect personnel and property. If shortcuts, as you suggest, were taken, the use of this weapon outside of any carefully controlled test environment would be dangerous and highly illogical,” she replied, arching a brow.

The science chief grimaced, not in the mood for another of their infamous discussions. “Logic isn’t coming into this, T’Prise. We’re the Federation’s showdog. We don’t have much choice.”

 

“The first duty to any Starfleet officer is to the ship and its crew. This technology is still in its infancy, making the probability of an accident occurring very high. Unless we wish to become another cautionary tale, we cannot approve the use of quantum technology on Manticore,” she stated succinctly.

 

“We don’t have a choice, T’Prise. It’s not THAT unsafe. Maybe you have a problem with quantum technology on starships due to your history,” he retorted unthinkingly.

 

As spark of something flashed in her eye, burning hotly for a brief moment, before swiftly retreating behind the cold exterior of the Vulcan haughtier as she let his comment clatter onto the deck between them and lie untouched. Silence spanned across the moments as neither attempted to retrieve that which had been dropped.

 

“If we are left without the ability to choose, we ought to be devising solutions to the problem,” the Vulcan finally commented, her tone once more clipped and rational. “Once the warheads are enabled, the risk Manticore is at risk it has safely cleared the ship. Given the rapidity at which this cannon fires, how can we negate this risk?”

 

A troubled look crossed Escher’s brow again as noticed the rather unsubtle nonresponse to his unthinking accusation. Tactless as it may have been, he felt that her reaction and then avoidance of the question posed almost as much of an issue. Still, he felt that it was something that needed to be addressed at a later date. Escher sighed and turned to study the specs in an absentminded fashion. “We could always phase ‘em.”

 

Eyes narrowed, gaze sharp, T’Prise turned towards him again. “What are you suggesting?”

 

He calmly point at the shells as he began to explain. “We could phase them. Or, if we don’t want to manually change all their casings, maybe we could make an…interphasic barrier. Or a warp tunnel. Or something.” He glanced back over towards her trying to gauge her reaction.

 

If possible, she became stiffer, her stance rigid, confirming that she understood what he was suggesting. “It is possible to create a highly stable slipstream tunnel if it is being projected from a stationary object.”

 

Escher blinked and turned to look at her again. “Are you ready to work with a slipstream tunnel again? After what happened last time?” he queried calmly, now studying her.

 

She was quiet for a moment, almost hesitating. “Using a slipstream tunnel on an unmanned craft was part of the early stages of the Peregrination Project. The tunnel was projected from a stationary point in order to test the viability of the technology. This methodology proved to be much more stable than attempting to project a quantum field from an object in motion; however, its efficacy is limited to the range of the field it can project from its location.”

 

Still focused on her, he cautiously moved closer, trying not to appear over eager. “So it that a yes? Is this something we could do on the cannon – specifically, is this something you’d be willing to do? I don’t have the know-how to do it myself.”

 

T’Prise’s expression remained unchanging, and she regarded him for a moment before turning back to the holoimage. “It would be possible to project a slipstream field from the cannon itself as the warheads are being launched.” Lifting a hand she indicated where the design modification would be made. “A warhead relies on rapid energy extraction from a zero-point vacuum, making its launch from the cannon the main point of instability. If it was launched into a slipstream tunnel, it would appear at its specified destination just after being enabled, reducing risk to the Manticore.”

 

Shifting his gaze, Escher considered the specs and her suggestion, the wheels in his head spinning. “This sounds plausible. We’ll have to run it by the Admiral, but if there’s no harm and makes the warheads faster and harder to detect I assume he’ll go for it.” A smile lit his face. “See? We can make it less dangerous after all.”

 

Still devoid of emotion, she stared at the cannon, unblinking. “I would suggest you present this to the Admiral at your earliest opportunity. Given the time frame, our schedule for implementing the proposed solution will be short.”

 

Nodding, he headed for the door. “Agreed. I’ll head over there now.” Stopping a just before the doors he turned, watching her for a long moment. “Are you all right, T’Prise? I’m not the best at reading you, but you seem more…uptight than you did a few hours ago. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

 

Not looking up, T’Prise curtly dismissed his concern. “The introduction of quantum technology to Manticore has the possibility of bringing unforeseen complications to the ship, its operations, and its crew. We need to determine if the appropriate personnel are trained to handle matters as they arise.”

 

Escher watched her for another moment, and then took the last step towards the door. It opened, spilling light into the lab. Feeling he should say more, but knowing his words would fall upon unresponsive ears, he gave his parting comment. “I’m here if you need me.”

 

The doors closed behind him, cutting off the additional light source and leaving the Vulcan to stare unblinking at the holoimage, surrounded by darkness.