Today, 12:16 AM
The impact of another weapons exchange shook the Aquila, the deck vibrating beneath Lieutenant Jez Mala’s boots as she steadied herself against the nearest console. Her attention remained fixed on the tactical display, studying the Cardassian vessels and the damage sustained by both sides. Continuing to trade fire without changing their approach risked turning the engagement into a battle of attrition, and that was a contest neither ship nor crew could afford to prolong.
Jez turned as Lieutenant Kalli Thorn, the Aquila’s Chief Engineer, arrived on the Bridge. The timing was opportune. If her proposal to modify an antimatter warhead had any chance of succeeding, Engineering would need to establish what could be done safely with the torpedo’s existing design.
“Lieutenant Thorn, I have a weapons modification proposal I’d like Engineering to evaluate. The objective is to improve the effectiveness of an antimatter warhead against Cardassian shielding without simply increasing its yield. A shaped charge might allow us to concentrate the energy released at the point of impact, but I’m concerned that modifying the warhead could compromise the torpedo’s stability or delivery accuracy.”
She gestured toward the tactical display, where the Cardassian vessels remained highlighted.
“My initial recommendation is to investigate whether we can improve the warhead’s energy concentration and detonation characteristics while remaining within the torpedo’s structural and containment tolerances. If we can focus more of the available energy into a smaller impact area, we may have a better chance of penetrating a localized section of shielding without requiring a larger antimatter payload.”
Jez glanced toward Tactical before returning her attention to Thorn.
“Meanwhile, Tactical could analyze the Cardassian vessels for potential vulnerabilities, particularly shield geometry and any structural features that might make a concentrated strike more effective. We would need to coordinate those findings with Engineering’s assessment before committing to a firing solution.”
Her expression grew more serious as another shudder passed through the Bridge.
“I don't recommend deploying an untested modification during an active engagement without first establishing its failure risks. If the warhead destabilizes, we could lose the torpedo before impact or, worse, create a containment failure. But if Engineering believes a controlled modification is feasible, even a limited improvement in penetration could allow us to end this engagement before either side suffers further losses.”
Jez paused, giving Thorn a chance to assess the proposal.
“Lieutenant, what do you think? Is there a viable way to concentrate the warhead’s energy without exceeding the torpedo’s safe operating limits?”
== Tag Thorn and Coppola.==
Jez turned as Lieutenant Kalli Thorn, the Aquila’s Chief Engineer, arrived on the Bridge. The timing was opportune. If her proposal to modify an antimatter warhead had any chance of succeeding, Engineering would need to establish what could be done safely with the torpedo’s existing design.
“Lieutenant Thorn, I have a weapons modification proposal I’d like Engineering to evaluate. The objective is to improve the effectiveness of an antimatter warhead against Cardassian shielding without simply increasing its yield. A shaped charge might allow us to concentrate the energy released at the point of impact, but I’m concerned that modifying the warhead could compromise the torpedo’s stability or delivery accuracy.”
She gestured toward the tactical display, where the Cardassian vessels remained highlighted.
“My initial recommendation is to investigate whether we can improve the warhead’s energy concentration and detonation characteristics while remaining within the torpedo’s structural and containment tolerances. If we can focus more of the available energy into a smaller impact area, we may have a better chance of penetrating a localized section of shielding without requiring a larger antimatter payload.”
Jez glanced toward Tactical before returning her attention to Thorn.
“Meanwhile, Tactical could analyze the Cardassian vessels for potential vulnerabilities, particularly shield geometry and any structural features that might make a concentrated strike more effective. We would need to coordinate those findings with Engineering’s assessment before committing to a firing solution.”
Her expression grew more serious as another shudder passed through the Bridge.
“I don't recommend deploying an untested modification during an active engagement without first establishing its failure risks. If the warhead destabilizes, we could lose the torpedo before impact or, worse, create a containment failure. But if Engineering believes a controlled modification is feasible, even a limited improvement in penetration could allow us to end this engagement before either side suffers further losses.”
Jez paused, giving Thorn a chance to assess the proposal.
“Lieutenant, what do you think? Is there a viable way to concentrate the warhead’s energy without exceeding the torpedo’s safe operating limits?”
== Tag Thorn and Coppola.==