Tomcat Upgrades - Finalization
Posted on 04 Jul 2025 @ 12:12pm by Lieutenant Colonel Alexandria Somers & Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe & Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley
4,187 words; about a 21 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Location: Starbase 51 - shipyard
Timeline: During/end of Arth Mission
OOC Somers: This takes place before the Awards Ceremony
[ON]
- Sharpe/Somers quarters -
Paul was in his quarters with his family when his Padd pinged. He looked at it and smiled "Listen, hon gotta boot, the Tomcats upgrade and refit is complete, so I need to give it a check over and class it ready for active duty", Paul said.
Looking at her husband, who seemed excited, she said, "Now!! I thought it was all done?" She said.
Looking back at her, "nope, after that sabotage attempt, the timeline was set back, but now it is complete, and I have to do my final duty, start making arrangements for our trip back to earth" Paul said and Alex nodded smiling, then he headed into the bedroom and changed into his uniform and exited the quarters.
He walked to the nearest turbolift and entered. As the doors closed, while he was en route, he tapped his Commbadge =/\= Sharpe to Hawksley, Please meet me at SB51 Shipyard. it is finally completed and ahead of schedule =/\= he said.
=/\= Understood. I’ll meet you there. Hawksley out. =/\= Leland had just finished a run in the Starbases Gym. This solidified how well he felt to return to duty. Washing up and changing into a crisp uniform, Hawksley made his way to the Shipyards.
- SB51 Shipyard Level -
When the connection went silent, the lift opened out onto the shipyard, and Paul walked over to the main console and ran a quick scan. All looked good, then he heard someone behind him.
"Hey Leland, looks like you will be on the Tomcat for your next mission. The refit and upgrade are completed, so I figured you should have a part in doing the post-refit start-up. After all, you had a big hand in her upgrade, and you will need to get to know your ship's updated systems," Paul said.
Leland listened and then nodded. “Understood,” he said. “I’ve added the Tomcat's sensor pallets for certification.” Hawksley grinned, feeling relaxed now. “It’s official. The final hull coatings and markings have been applied. The USS Tomcat.” Hawksley whistled. “She’s a beauty.”
“The last remaining lifeboat has been secured.” Leland checked his console readout, which was right beside Paul.
*Smiling* he tapped something into the console "Okay, secondary systems are all green, holographic emergency power Unit reporting no faults. Let's do a dry run. Start the simulation where the ship has taken combat damage and needs extra power for the shields. Now, the program will account for variations and adjust the power initialisation sub-power for the HEPU, so let's run the simulation and see how long it will last. There are safeties programmed in, so nothing will go boom. Start her up, Lieutenant," Paul said.
Leland’s eyes scanned the console, his fingers poised confidently over the controls as if he had meticulously checked every aspect. “The simulation is ready, Commander,” he said, his voice clear but laced with exhilaration. He entered the initialisation sequence, and his actions were precise as the holographic emergency power unit sprang to life. “Combat damage scenario activated, shields are critical, and power draw spikes. Let’s see how the HEPU performs.”
Hawksley leaned back slightly, exchanging a faint, approving nod with Paul. “Secondary systems are stable. If the adjustments hold, we should achieve a solid runtime before the safety protocols engage.” His eyes flicked to Sharpe, a rare smile playing at the corner of his lips. " The USS Tomcat is undoubtedly resilient. Let’s test her and discover just how remarkable she is.”
With a final keystroke, Leland initiated the dry run. His concentration intensified as the simulation progressed. He was entirely absorbed in his task, his engineer’s mind immersed in numbers and systems.
Monitoring the test, the emergency holographic warp core supplying power in an emergency situation lasted for 10 minutes before the safeties kicked in and closed down.
"Wow, these longevity results past my expectations, Leland. I do believe we have created the first ever holographic warp core, which can supply real power to the ship's systems in an emergency. I may have created it, but you brought the task along considerably, so you get to claim half," Sharpe said, sounding almost excited then he sobred a little "of course this is a stationary test run, the only true test will be in combat, to me the system passes, but as you are the Chief Engineer, does the holographic core meet your level?" Paul asked.
"It is unproven technology," Leland muttered to himself, referring to the analytics of the numbers of the energy evaluations, audits, and ventures mastered in the metaphysical universe of quantum spectrum drives. However... That said, I believe it can be reliable after rigorous in-field testing." Hawksley had nodded to Paul.
He smiled, "Congratulations, Paul!" He chuckled.
"Well, it was a team effort", Sharpe said "Okay now lets do a proper warp core and sub-systems start up, start slow until the core is at full power, then run a diagnostic on the systems to see if the power is going to all systems, I will monitor the power up sequence" he added.
“Acknowledged.” Leland nodded at Sharpe.
Entering the main WPS systems, Leland initiated a standard start-up sequence for the core. First, the subsystems began to initialise, piggybacking onto the central systems.
The computers emitted their usual sound alerts, some more critical and intense than others. This thrilled Hawksley; he relished working with power and forces as an engineer.
“Accessing M/ARA: Matter/Anti-Matter Reactor Assembly. “Pressure feeding to the…” Leland slid his finger along the LCD annular holographic diagram panel. “Anti-matter pods, deuterium generators online, quing chilled slush deuterium to 0.001 degrees above absolute zero… Confirmed.” Hawksley checked and rubbed his head, his thoughts racing in overdrive.
The pipework connecting the mechanics of the subsystems to the warp core power system, aligned with the central unit, all had to be expertly chilled to subzero temperatures, supporting dilithium/deuterium reactions in the warp core.
As the core turned grey, the pressure outlets began to vent cryonic gases alongside the core's tubular conduit. The engineering computer signalled, “Power Transfer Conduits Filamented Alert. Class 3 Gaseous Sub-Matter Fields Ionising.”
*nods* "Okay, all is green on power start-up initiating a level three diagnostic, now lets start to initialize the holo-emitters that are now installed throughout the ship, for this we will need to be on the ship itself, so let's go smell the new ship we will start at deck one" Paul said as he headed towards the ship itself.
Leland nodded. "Agreed." He then scooped up his engineering PaDDs and his large metallic silver oversized mug full of caffeine with the Starfleet Engineering Corps Logo on it. "Taking a drink, he turned and stood walking out in pace with Commander Sharpe. "This is the exciting part, isn't it! New starship smell, wow!"
"Well, technically, it is the same ship, just cleaner, but you are correct; the ship will have that new smell", Paul responded as he and Leland walked down the gangway and onto the ship. Already the new smell was evident as the pair headed to the bridge "is it me or do these corridors look more organic than the stock model there is so few blocky curves" Paul added and paused by a section where a Transverse bulkhead would appear should the Atmo fields fail, he paused and pulled out his tricorder and scanned.
Leland cheerfully sipped from his large mug, a smile spreading as caffeine coursed through him. "Oh, it’s not just you, Commander! These corridors feel much more inviting now—smoother lines and less of that bulky, modular look. It seems like Starfleet is finally mastering the art of beautifully blending form with function!" He glanced at the bulkhead Paul was inspecting, tilting his head in curiosity.
"Well, the Transverse bulkheads seem to be okay", he said as he stopped scanning the area and put away his tricorder and entered the lift.
"Paul, what did the tricorder find? I'd bet ten credits it’s some fascinating new alloy or a micro-lattice structure! " Hawksley then began testing several mechanical controls on the panel of the turbo lift as it reached the Tomcat Bridge.
"Nope, just the standard materials used by the Federation in ship construction, but I did detect the area around the transverse bulkhead apertures had been reinforced so there is that, now I am eager to test the holographic systems there are three Emergency Holograms built in, the ECH, EMH Mk3 and EEO, also I programmed in some holographic crew to test the system" Paul said.
"Of course." Leland stood back with his hands centred, patiently keeping his hands to himself from all the new technological goodies the Chief found interesting.
As the lift slowed to its stop, there was a distinctive halting, regression, and then pressurisation on the regression doors' mechanics, as Hawksley had imagined it all. "Flawless, " he mouthed.
"Yes, from what I heard Leland before the retrofit and upgrade, the doors occasionally strained, but it was her original config, by adjusting the external look of the ship and a total strip to get rid of the microfractures, you might as well say this is a new ship or at the least a Sub-type in its truest form" Paul said.
Both stepped out onto the bridge "Leland, the bridge engineering station is still at the rear of the ship. Warm up the ECH and the holocrew, I will be at tactical," Paul said.
Leland nodded at Commander Sharpe’s orders. Attending to the aft engineering computers, he entered his access to the substation's critical controls.
Upon gaining entry to the system, the Chief began to run a background systems recorder, essentially a virtual black box for anything that might happen during the simulation. This technique differed from simply saving data. This software and hardware testing method for Starships at fleet yards connected directly to the physical Tomcat’s computers, running statistical operations based on traditional Chief and Commander inputs on the holodeck.
“Initiating ECH and guests.” Hawksley punched a few key codes into the LCD-LCAR aft screen. Turning, Leland witnessed the ECH and the main bridge crew complement phase into action.
The program remained static, as there was no command to start any simulation, at least not yet. Leland watched Commander Sharpe take tactical.
Hawksley stated, “All systems ready when you are, Commander.”
"Excellent", he said, starting a simple simulation.
"State the nature of the Emergency Command Hologram!" the hologram said
"Simulation evaluation exercise", Paul said "Leland, activate a disaster Scenario", he said.
Leland approached the engineering console. Efficiently, he navigated the LCARS interface with his usual speed. “Computer, activate disaster scenario protocols, Theta-7 simulation: simulate a cascade warp core destabilisation event along with a secondary EPS conduit overload in sections 12 to 17.” He ticked off his checklist… “Add a gravimetric shear anomaly affecting the port nacelle.” Hawksley read the command and executed each prompt algorithm on the main system. “With a 72% probability of critical system failure…”
“Theta-7 disaster scenario activated,” the central computer announced.
“Bring auxiliary sub-processors online to monitor feedback loops and redirect power in tertiary conduits.” “Confirmed,” the Tomcat’s Main Computer responded to the directives for the engineering systems.
Leland visually inspected everything to ensure readiness as the simulation commenced.
The Simulation went swimmingly at first, then errors started to show "computer end scenario" he said looking at the readings "Leland, the Emergency Holo system will need to be looked at, but as it is not an essential system, it will not impact the assessment, but note it down for the attention of engineering at a later date, I think we can forgo the rest of the Emergency hologram scenario testing, so there is a job for your team Leland" Sharpe paused "sadly we can only do a dry run where a weapons test is confirmed, so let's start that and remember the figures will be estimates" He said.
Hawksley skillfully manipulates the LCARS console, his gaze intensifying as he examines the warp core readouts. “Commander Sharpe, the warp core is currently at 62% destabilisation. I am increasing the magnetic constrictors to 115% and rerouting auxiliary power to the containment fields. The EPS conduits in sections 12-17 are stable; however, the gravimetric shear is diminishing plasma flow to the port nacelle by 14%.” Leland knitted his brow, shaking his head, as thoughts entangled within his mind. "I am recalibrating the warp field geometry to address this issue. The core maintains 78% integrity, although there is a power drain in section 15. I must re-route the LL15 grids to ensure the systems remain operational." He reported.
"Note that down too for future work, it is simply fine-tuning the upgrades, this ship is not going anywhere, yet, okay, let's test the Phaser Arrays, it will be a dry-fire test, so look at the numbers and percentages, and account for any imbalances" Sharpe said as he commenced a simulated weapons test fire "beginning at low power, he increased the power exponentially and all read as green as he finished the test he looked at the readings. "Hmm, Leland, while the weapons are okay, you might want to fine-tune the phasers, the short burst I was doing, but I did see a slight energy build-up beyond what is expected", Sharpe said.
Leland nodded while rubbing his forehead. He secured the phaser system and tested the roll bar coil assembly of the actual phaser unit mounted on the hull.
"Sir, diagnostics are running, and the machinery functions flawlessly in the sub-zero space environment. I don’t believe the energy plant is at fault. The phaser build-up might be due to the burn-off process of the new phaser coils. Since they were manufactured at the Delta IV yards, the mylar tachyon-coated phase coils require a firing burn-off. This is also noted in the first stage of the operational test firing manual, which addresses similar phaser anomalies during initial testing.”
He grunted and shrugged. “In other words, this is expected at this stage," Leland reported to Commander Sharpe.
"Yeah, a sad event for all new ships or retrofitted and upgraded ships, there is only so much a dry run can pick up, only a live fire test will truly test the ship. Well, with that done, let's test that emergency holographic power source, set up the simulation parameters and have all power fail and have automatic switch to the holographic core, let's see how it behaves with no beam or pulse weapons firing at it," Sharpe said.
"The simulation parameters have been secured," reported Leland, casting a glance at Sharpe for confirmation. “All primary power sources are scheduled to fail in T-minus ten seconds. The holographic core is in standby mode, prepared for activation. Critical systems, namely life support, navigation, and minimal communications, have been prioritised for the core’s output.” Hawksley double-checked. “No weapons activity has been included as per orders."
The bridge resonated with tension as the countdown commenced. Leland’s gaze shifted between the display and the diagnostic readouts, diligently monitoring for any irregularities. Upon reaching zero, the simulation was initiated…
The lighting dimmed and began to flicker. Consoles flashed, and the steady hum of the ship’s reactors gradually ceased, yielding an unsettling silence throughout the starship… Red warning indicators illuminated the screens and the faces of Sharpe and Hawksley, denoting the catastrophic loss of power…
"Dammit, end simulation," Sharpe said as he checked the readings and sighed. "Leland, make a note to check the holographic power core at some point, but for now, it is useless," he added.
"Okay, as for the drop pods, I am showing seventy-four online. Can you confirm that, Lieutenant, please?" Sharpe asked.
"Acknowledged, Sir.” The Lieutenant observed a keen sense of urgency and frustration towards the holographic system. This sentiment was likewise shared by Leland, who was responsible for overseeing, testing, and ensuring the operational status of the system. He was prepared to undertake several all-nighters to complete the task efficiently and accurately.
Hawksley accessed the emergency drop pod servo lockers, which operated on independent power cell units engineered for a singular instance of decompression and egress from a hazardous zone at supersonic speeds.
“My systems indicate that the drop pod assembly is aligned and fully operational, Commander," Leland confirmed. “Your design for the pods demonstrates considerable robustness!"
*Smiling,* "Thanks, they were meant to be like that. These pods use old designs to slow down in the atmosphere; they have a one-time-use chemical thruster on the bottom of the pod to soften the impact upon landing, so there is no computer tech in the pods to be sabotaged. The computer connection is here on the ship. But it is good that the pods read okay; now let's test the transverse bulkheads, and yes, we can actually activate these," Sharpe said.
Chief Engineer Hawksley, stationed at his console on the Tomcat’s bridge, swiped through cascading holographic analytics, his fingers dancing over the interface as he scrutinised the data.
"Commander Sharpe, transverse bulkhead diagnostics are complete. Stress tests confirm a 98.7% containment efficiency across simulated multi-vector hull breaches, with redundant lattice frameworks holding under 3.2 megakelvins of thermal stress—well within spec for combat or catastrophic decompression." Leland was diving into his engineering prowess, which he had partially learned from his Engineering Mentor and XO of the Tomcat, his brother from another mother, Commander Dodd.
"Internal dampener fields are synchronised to 0.003 microseconds, ensuring a stable inertial environment at warp velocities up to 9.9997. Field harmonics are nominal, and power draw is optimised at 1.4 petawatts. All systems report green." He let out a breath of relief as he turned his head to Commander Sharpe. "Sir, Tomcat’s primed for deep space, Commander!"
"Okay, Leland, now activate the Transverse Bulkheads, see if their activation matches the simulated readings", Sharpe said.
"Activating." A slight pause and then a well-defined, heavy, slow groan began all around them. Turbo truss servos are clear.... Actuation support pylons are grafting to support modular beams..." After a few more moments, the groaning slowed to a trickle...
There was a slight pause... Leland was looking for... "Annnnnnnnddddd..." A solid satisfying -CLUNK- was heard.
"Transverse bulkheads all in green. Ready to go, Paul." Hawksley breathed a huge sigh as he broke out into a smile, turning to glance at Paul. This was an engineering feat they accomplished together! A totally redesigned feature for the new Tomcat, which would save many lives one day.
"Okay, Leland, reset the Bulkheads and retract them. Now, are there any other systems we can do a dry run with, or are we to the point of testing in space?" Paul asked.
Entering the commands into the Engineering and Defensive Computer Systems, the bulkheads began a return to their in-situ positions. A familiar clunk was heard and felt as they belted back into the Tomcat's space frame.
Leland paused in thought. Sharpe asked a great question... 'What else could we go over in drydock?'
"The core emergency ejector hatch needs to be checked. Still has not been pre-sensitised to micro-abrasion fields. We can simulate that and enact an emergency core ejection. Planetia Yards specs state a .22% hatch failure option due to hatch duranium warping."
Looking at Leland, "Make it so, Lieutenant, let's see how it goes, as if there are any refining tasks needed to be done, they will be down to you", Sharpe said.
Leland nodded sharply, his mind thinking through the diagnostics as he tapped the console to initialise the simulation.
“I’ll run a micro-abrasion field test on the ejector hatch—simulate a full emergency core dump.” He glanced at Sharpe, a faint, confident glint in his eye, then turned to the other engineers nearby.
“Let’s get this rolling.” Hawksley then ordered. “Computer, two additional engineers please, accreditation Level Engineering T-CAS V.5.” The central computer then added two extra engineers to the simulation for Hawksley to delegate out tasks.
Twenty minutes into setting up the core ejection simulation, the engineering diagnostics completed a full run through.
“Anyone want to bet on a clean ejection?” His tone carried just enough levity to keep the team engaged as he dove into the task. Over the next fifteen minutes, there was enough core energy to brew a meltdown that could lead to a breach.
“Extrapolate data, completing competency scores… Level out a SFE Safety Coding of Level three.” The simulation room displays the aggregated coding assignments. “Ok. Commander.” Hawk gestured at the numbers, “We are levelling a score of 0.02 on abrasion occlusions. That is virtually perfection in core dynamics. I can sign off on it.” Leland calmly and firmly reported that he was A-OK.
"Excellent, so what things will you and your team need to look at while the ship goes on its next mission, as by the sound of it you, its Chief Engineer, are clearing this old Girl for active duty?" Sharpe said.
“Commander, authorising the Tomcat for active duty signifies that my team and I will diligently monitor critical systems throughout Tomcat’s shakedown process.” Leland completed the bridge scenario and activated the primary visualisation display, attending to his padds and system interfaces, which exhibited various encoded colours overlaying an interactive Tomcat.
“Naturally, warp core stability remains a paramount concern; it has been refitted with new dilithium, and I am overseeing the matter-antimatter ratios. Fluctuations exceeding 0.0340% could jeopardise the integrity of the containment field. I am conducting diagnostics every two hours to verify the readings of the magnetic constrictors.”
Going through the assigned tasks for his Engineering Officers. “Regarding task assignments, Hewitt is accountable for the SIF reactors. Lieutenant Hewitt is also supervising the tritanium plating, transverse bulkheads, and additional components. Todd will oversee real-time stress data from the field generators.”
Taking a sip from his silver mug of coffee, Leland continued.
“The intriguing test will involve evaluating gravimetric shearing, such as in proximity to a neutron star. I need to understand the stress responses, which I will personally oversee."
“I am assigning Lieutenant sh'Zoarhi to supervise the plasma conduit network on the Tomcat. Thex’s expertise is exemplary. If anyone possesses the capability to manage such a complex network, it is Thex. Since the relays on decks 7 to 12 were replaced due to a prior drydock failure, Thex will monitor micron-second data related to plasma fluctuations, especially when engines operate beyond Warp 6.5. This is a significant task, Commander, as you are aware.” He ensured to impress on Sharpe how impressed Leland was with his Deputy.
“All of my Ensigns will have repair kits to ensure immediate response capabilities. Additionally, Life Support Systems, Sensor Array Calibrations, and Deflector Dish Alignment are scheduled for assessment. It will be a comprehensive shakedown, Commander.” He took a moment to breathe.
Leland then offered a friendly grin, feeling quite at ease socially with the Commander. “The question is, Sir. Which system may I assist you with, or will you oversee my oversight?" Leland joked.
"No oversight from me, Lieutenant, you have proven yourself in my eyes, you are aptly qualified. So, apart from a few minor issues, would you class this ship spaceworthy?" Sharpe asked.
“Thank you for your confidence, Commander Sharpe. As Chief Engineer of the Tomcat. I want to inform you that the ship is in complete specification condition. The minor issues—primarily calibration adjustments and a few non-critical system redundancies—will not cause any delays. The vessel is spaceworthy and prepared to explore the cosmos.” Hawksley stood tall, proud.
Leland smiled at that. He and Sharpe had achieved what first seemed impossible, at least for Leland. He was silently overwhelmed. His Father, Daniel Hawksley, would be proud of him; he would have to send him a message.
"Excellent" Sharpe said, pulling out his Padd and double signing off on the affirmation of the Tomcat being classed as Active "you know we have worked wonderes and shat miracles Leland, normally a refit and upgrade would take at least a minimum of ten years to complete, but we did it in just under a year you can be proud of that and thus have bragging rights. Now send the sign off to the Captain and to Engineering and take some time off to be with your wife, she must be due to give birth any day now, yes?" Sharpe asked.
Leland nodded. A tired but satisfied smile crossed his face. "Thank you, sir. I'm honoured to have been part of this. I'll send the sign-off to the Captain and Engineering right away. And yeah, the wife's due any day now. I appreciate that, sir. I'll take a bit of time to be with her." He tapped his Padd, finalising the transmission, and looked back at Sharpe. "Couldn't have pulled this off without the team, sir. Bragging rights or not, I'm just glad the Tomcat's ready to fly."
"Me too, Leland, Me too, let's go", Paul said and led them out of the ship.
[OFF]
RSS Feed