Post # 19 Theory To Reality

Posted on Thu Jun 17th, 2021 @ 11:37am by Lieutenant James McTavish & Lieutenant Tara Herculoid PhD & Captain Alesha Rivers

Mission: Mission Guardian Shield
Location: CSO's Office
Timeline: Current

::ON::

After his meeting with the new XO, James returned to his Office and finished writing the algorithm for the Romulan cloaking scans. He sat back in his chair and looked it over some more hoping that it would actually work.

Then he remembered something that was said at the Briefing "Lieutenant Herculoid, could I see you in my office please." James thought that Tara may be able to help him figure out if his theory would work or not."

Tapping her com-badge "On my way," Tara said closing her lap top and grabbing a PADD. Walking from her office she made her way to James office. Palming the door sensor.

"Come in Lieutenant" James said waiting to get a second opinion.

Tara walked in and took a seat "What can I do for you?" she asked

"Hi Tara, I've been working on an algorithm to enhance the Parametric scans for detecting cloaked vessels, more precisely Romulan ships. I recall you mentioning at the briefing about having some knowledge about Romulans. I thought someone with your knowledge could help me get this right" James explained.

"My planet once was invaded and conquered by the Romulans, it was a very dark time for us. My mother was taken hostage. Over a few years we were able to regain control. A close family friend was able to get the specs on the Romulan cloaking device and our engineers were able to modify it and install it on several of the Amazon fighters. The Romulans never knew what hit them when we were able to attack and drive them away from my planet. Ever since all of our ships and fighters can cloak." Tara replied.

"Wow that must have been tough for you, especially with your Mother being gone" James replied being very sincere; then turning the terminal towards Tara " Take a look at this, these are the specs for the Parametric scan and also the data of the Romulan cloaking that Lt. McKeon gave me. When you compare one against the other, I'm not convinced that the scan by itself would be able to detect a Romulan ship; that's why I think the algorithm used with the scan would work. What do you think."

Tara studied the data and shook her head, "It won't, sometimes the data can be old and that looks to be a few years old. Together they'll work but not alone. Romulan ships do show a distortion on sensors but they're hard to pick up."

James studied the screen for a few minutes "So if I add the algorithm to the Parametric scan, and use them in tandem, then they should work; I am understanding you correctly Tara" he asked.

Tara nodded "You are, alone they won't work but together you should be able to detect cloaked Romulan ships."

James was quite relieved and also excited that Tara had agreed with his theory, just one problem "Now I wish we had a way to test this theory; any suggestions Tara" he asked.

"As a matter of fact I do, as I said all of the Amazon ships can cloak and several can fire cloaked. There is an Amazon fighter aboard. It's First Lieutenant Rivers personal fighter from our home planet," Tara said "Only three of us aboard can fly it as the language is not in Federation Standard. It can be converted should the need arise."

James had a surprised look on his face "Do you think she would help us with this" he asked, knowing that his rank would not be a factor when a Marine was concerned.

"I know she will, she loves to fly, when she was three she'd sit on her dad's lap whenever he took a shuttle out and by the time she was ten she was training in fighters," Tara said

Looking at Tara "I think I'll give her a call; 1st Lieutenant Rivers, this is the CSO Lt.James McTavish, if you would be so kind, I'd like to meet with you to discuss something for our mission" he said.

Tapping her com-badge "Of course lieutenant, I'd be glad to meet with you. Where would you like to meet?" Alesha asked

"If you wouldn't mind, the CSO's Office. Lieutenant Herculoid is here with me also. I'd like to show you what we've been going over pertaining to Romulan cloaking" James explained.

"I'll be right there," Alesha said holstering her sidearm and headed for the fleet deck. Once there Alesha made her way to the science chief's office. Entering and seeing the door locked open nodded to Tara and turned to James offering her hand "First Lieutenant Rivers but you can call me Alesha."

Tara returned the nod from Alesha

Shaking her hand "It's very nice to finally meet you and please it's James" he replied then grabbed another chair "Please have a seat."

Then he and Tara began to fill Alesha in on all the details for the cloaking detection. After everything was explained, which took some time, James asked "When we get this setup at the Science Station, I was wondering if maybe you could take out your Fighter and cloak in a half dozen different areas around the Ship. Pause at each location for a few minutes so we can see if this theory actually works before we need it too".

"Any chance I get to fly I'll take it," Alesha said "I'll be more than happy to assist you."

"I told James you'd be willing to help," Tara replied

"Thank you so much Alesha, this should be a big help getting the theory into reality" James commented with a smile "When we get the Science Station set up I'll let you know, then we can do our tests."

"I look forward to it, just tell me when you need me and I'll be ready," Alesha said.

"I will and thank you Alesha for your time" James said, then turning to Tara " Thank you also for your help, It's always better with another set of eyes."

"Glad to help," Alesha said "I have my fighter flight ready at a moments notice, my call sign is Lightning Bug,"

"Anytime," Tara said "My people have a treaty with the Romulan Empire but renegades may not acknowledge it. James when the test is over stop by the hanger bay and get a close up look at her fighter."

"Since it's getting late in the day, I think I'll wait until tomorrow morning to setup the algorithm when I have fresh eyes; then I'll notify you 'Lightening Bug' when I'm ready to start the tests. I'll be sure to swing by hanger bay when the tests are over, I'd love to see your Fighter Alesha" James replied "Again thank you both for your help; I think I'm going to call it a day."

"As am I," Alesha said "Just let me know when your ready, I'm up by 05:00. Tara care to join me in ten forward for dinner and see if we can persuade that cousin of yours to join us."

"Give me about 30 minutes to get my reports finished and science turned over to the next shift," Tara replied

::OFF::