New arm

Posted on 11 Nov 2025 @ 5:19pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & Master Chief Petty Officer Lucy Armitage & Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley & Lieutenant Paul Winchester

3,060 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: S04 Episode 02 The Hackers Backdoor (Incidentals)
Location: DCAGs Office/CRR
Timeline: Current

[ON]

Paul sat in his office, completing some of the office work, including finishing reports for the hangar deck after the Tomcat's refit, and signing order forms for the new consignment of fighters. He thought to himself, oO This is getting too much As he struggled to grip the PADD with his left hand, he tapped his Commbadge and said,=/\= Winchester to Lieutenant Hawksley, please report to the DCAG's Office=/\=.

Hawksley had shown up outside the DCAG's office. Carrying along with him a specialised cybernetic, diagnostic, and repair kit. He sensed he knew what the issue could be with Winchester.

Giving a nod and a hearty salute in good kindness, Hawksley, coming through when the chime had been passed, Leland asked.

"Don't you tell me that you broke that thing again!" Gavin pointedly stared. "What is the problem, Sir?" He shook his head as Hawksley took out his Engineering Tricorder, allowing him to see the computerised forearm and hand that was part of Winchester.

"I have not had this Arm serviced in two years," replied Paul, looking back at the Tomcat's Chief Engineer. He continued," and I am having Issues with gripping hold of stuff lately," as he did not want it to affect his ability to fly.

"Ah. Two years. Yeah, out here on missions in space. You bang it up pretty good, eh?" Hawksley asked, curious. The arm was built to last, and premium all the way!

Although two years was a long while. "You off this afternoon?" Gavin took out a measuring kit to see the actual computerised handling of the prosthetic. "I see, you're off by a .2243 micron, that tacticlized by 945.2243(10th) and your.... 14.7 % off right now. If I get you in, I can have you back to 20/20 in no time." Leland was happy to offer the DCAG.

"Yeah, I can do that," Replied Paul, gripping his left hand into a fist. " I do have some appointments due before I can get to you," he stated, looking at the Chief Engineer. He finished, " I can get down to you at 16:00."

Leland took in the information from Winchester, his arm, his cybernetic situation, and his geometry off tactilized, which could impact the miniature bio-prosthesis and cybernetic updates.

22:00

- Main Engineering Lab, Deck 07 - Bio-Cybernetic Control Lab 007 -

Leland was already in the lab, as he had a coffee with him, and his padd at his side.

His white lab coat adorned him, with his small tools in his coat neatly.... his Engineering belt swaged around his waist as well. Holding his Engineering Coveted Main Chief Engineering Tricorder. The thing was a walking sensor array. And other multi-functional devices.

"Hey, Lealand, how are you?" Paul asked as he entered the Lab, looking at the Chief Engineer as he unzipped his jacket and slipped it off his shoulders, and placed it on the table in front of him. He then slipped the undershirt off and put it on top of the jacket. He asked, "So, how do you want this done?" coming to a full stop. He finished, "Do you want the Arm disconnected or not?

“Leland paused a moment and let the main computer run a scan. The computer had then run a scan that corresponded to, prior motion of Paul’s arm in the past, and how it operated now to the micron scale.

By placing a neural cord link to the arm piece, which served as a transmitter of kiloquads of data over time, the arm was neutralised. Leland then paused. “I am going to detach your forearm from its encasement at your shoulder bridge.

Detaching the forearm, Leland then began scanning as he displayed a high-resolution video on his semi-mechanical, semi-omnitronic cybernetic forearm, showing Winchester on the screen.
Leland was on the screen, the video showing his precision work as he slowly opened compartments that revealed specialised tools and optictronic movement scanners.

After 45 minutes of optimising the sensors for a reset mode and frequency, Leland then paused. Taking a look at his padd device of all of the listed updates…

“Any other updates you wish. I mean. I have the updates crucial for your arm, Paul.” Leland just thought he would ask. “For now. Everything is looking good. Hawksley had punched in a few more codes into the main engineering laboratory computer console, which was pulled out to meet where Paul was lying back, relaxed. The cybernetic arm is on the side of the scanning table.

“Before I reset, I want you to know that I can not guarantee that any prior settings will remain and stay in effect after the initial uploading of the new data that is for your particular forearm prosthetic device,” Hawksley stated as a warning.

“Anyways. Let’s restart?” He looked at Paul for the go-ahead.

"Yeah, go on," replied Paul, looking over at the Chief Engineer. He continued, "Give me all the updates you have," knowing that having everything up to date would be beneficial to him and would prevent him from having to return here for a while.

"Ok. I have... " Hawksley thumbed on his padd in his hand. "Quite a few odd updates that are optional. One might be helpful, Paul. It is a Qualimatrix solution coating over the arm. Essentially, you can use your prosthetic as a fire-retardant poker or axe in an emergency, and it won't melt." Leland brought up the author of the Starfleet patent. "No way. I know this dude who created this."

Leland then returned his attention to Paul. "Erm. Sorry. Weird coincidence. So I am opting to place six more updates. If you can handle 44 minutes left in Engineering..."

" I can handle that," replied Paul, giving his friend a smirk. He finished, "Do what you have to do," as the updates had not been done for the last few years, so he was behind with them. With missions and paperwork, he had put them off.

“So, how are things, Winchester. Notice anything odd over the years? No feedback, power surges?” Leland crossed his forearms as he leaned back in his seat, watching the computers update the link to Winchester's cybernetic arm.

“The device has been holding up well. Do you find it heavy in any way?”

" The arm itself is 5 years old since I had it fitted after the last upgrade I had," replied Paul, flexing his other hand. He continued, " I was wondering if it could be updated."

Leland nodded. "Of course. You are due." Leland wanted Winchester, the USS Tomcat's 100th Squadron Raiders, Wing Commander, to have the very best technology when out there commanding fighters in his dire and dangerous position.

"I have been studying upgrades to the wing fighters. We could potentially, with a new arm installed, have your arm interact with the fighter's computers, navigation, weapons, engines, and everything else. You can think it, and the new cybernetic arm I implant would be able to pass signals in case you were incapacitated."

Gavin pulled up the diagram of how the new arm would work. If Winchester even wanted that kind of setup, the ability to control a wing fighter group, from just sensory signals from his brain and transmitted to the wing fighter through his arm adaptation.

"It's a new concept that Starfleet Daystrom Institute had just come up with."

"Well, let's give it a try, shall we?" replied Paul. He knew that something new was worth a trial run and could help those back at Daystrom. he rotated the shoulder where his arm would be as it started to ache. He continued, " I do have a counter idea for you," replied Paul, looking at his friend

Leland took note of Paul's wishes. He jotted it down in the computer and made sure Winchester would be perfectly fitted for it. "I will have to have a second session with your prosthetic, if I am to download the program from Daystrom. They will be ecstatic that someone in the Field will give it a try."

"What about a replusor arm?" he stated, giving him a grin as the upgrade could come in handy in a tight spot.

"The Repulsor could also come in Handy with keeping Donovan in check." He chuckled. He waved his hand, scoffing... "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disparage your wonderful Wife. I couldn't help it."

"Don't worry about it," Paul responded, looking at him. "She has been a pain in the ass when she wakes up," he continued, and he started to laugh his head off. he finished," yeah, it does sound cool."

"If the Captain gives the A-OK, I would say go for it. That'd be pretty bad ass!" Hawksley rubbed his hands together, finding the project more interesting.

"Then let us go see the Captain," Paul stated, standing up and walking over to the table. He began to pick up his arm and reconnect it to the plate. He began to flex his fingers to make sure it worked. Paul then got dressed and finished " Shall we go?"

Leland agreed. "Let's do this." He let Paul lead the way. "Computer. What is Fleet Captain Somers' current location?"

"Fleet Captain Somers is in her Main Bridge Ready Room." The computer replied methodically.

Nodding, both Paul and Leland are carrying padds of information on the new device to be installed on Winchester. This was a prototype, so the situation was a bit more complex.

- Main Bridge: Outside Captain's Ready Room -

"Winchester, I think you should do the honours." He gestured for Paul to chime the Captain. Leland was pensive and unsure what the Fleet Captain would say...

They were greeted by the Captain's Yeoman, MCPO Lucy Armitage, "Hello, Sirs, I assume you wish to speak to the Captain about something?" Armitage asked, absentmindedly tucking some hair behind her left ear, showing her Bajoran earring.

"Yes, we do," replied Paul, looking back at the Yeoman in front of him. He continued," We have some proposals for the Captain to go over and approve," hoping that the proposals would be greenlit.

"Good afternoon, Lucy." Hawksley bowed, making a slight nod and smile. He still did not know what the FC Somers would think of Paul's adaptation. It was sound, it would be safe.

Jasmine had just finished what she was doing when her door buzzer sounded, and Lucy entered. "Captain Commander Hawksley and Lieutenant Winchester are requesting to see you; by their own account, they have a wicked proposal for you. I think it is more of a request or something similar. Can I let them in?" Lucy asked.

Looking up at her and smiling, "Send them in, Lucy", she said.

Lucy nodded and returned to her small deck outside the CRR, looking at the two officers. "You may go in, Sirs" she said with a smile, and watched both men enter.

As they entered, Jasmine looked at them, "Welcome, gentlemen, have a seat, and then let me know why you are here?" The Captain said.

"Captain, we are here to hand in a set of proposals for an update to my arm," replied Paul, handing over the Padds that both Hawksley and he had brought with them. He continued," We need your Authorisation to proceed as this would be a prototype arm that I am willing to test."

Leland turned sideways towards Winchester with a knowing glance. He was still unsure as to what the Captain would think.

Hawk kept his mouth shut, just letting the schematics and data speak for themselves. The energy weapon was clearly depicted on the attenuated servo-connected arm for Winchester...

Leland's eyes expertly scanned Jasmines as she began to take in the Padds. He was starting to make a game out of judging FC Somers' decisions before she announced them. oO It was all in her eyes....Oo, he stood with his hands behind his back, relaxed.

Jasmine took the Padds and looked them over, understanding only a fraction of what she was looking at. "Leland, kindly sit your ass down, please!" She said without looking up.

Hawksley chuckled inside, as he could already sense the conversation about to be had. He relaxed and clasped his large hands together. He glanced at Winchester.

After he was sitting down, she finished reading. She looked up incredulously, "If I am understanding she finished, " you, Hawksley and myself,"his correctly and trust me, I am understanding these schematics only barely, I am a former Marine, not an Engineer but you want to use protptype tech to turn Lieutenant Winchesters arm into someoething that allows him to emit a repulsor blast, is that correct?" She asked.

"That would be correct," replied Paul, looking at the Captain. He continued, " Only three people will be in the know about the upgrade," he concluded," yourself, Hawksley, and my good self." as Paul wanted the upgrade kept Secret.

She gave them a *you are crazy look* "I can sign off on that, so you are going from a bio-synthetic arm to an all-metal arm, then? I know enough to know a Bio-synthetic arm is not built for such an adaptation, a metal arm, however, is how it did or which one of you came up with this crazy idea?" she asked.

"I can not lie, Ma'am, but it was LeaLand's idea," Paul said with a smirk, as he knew that it was both of them who had collaborated on the design of his new arm.

The Captain looks at Hawksley, "That true, Leland?" she asked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips

Leland deadpanned at Paul, a knowing look. "Yes, Captain. This was all my idea. Therefore, I have reviewed the schematics and approved the discharge parameters, with onboard safety sensor nets preventing premature firing. It checks out..."

He coughed with his hand over his mouth... "All my work." He sat up in self-indulgent pride, a grin forming. Leland proposed replacing the arm with a new Starfleet prototype from the SF Engineering Core. Paul agreed.

"I thought it was a Repulsor blast piece?" the Captain said, looking confused to all hell.

Leland read the confusion in Somer's eyes. “It is a Repulson Blast, ma’am, correct. I was only highlighting the security safeguards I’ve had to install to prevent premature repulsor blasts from taking out a hallway bulkhead by accident.” He nodded, hoping he was direct.

"Yeah, we just don't want that to happen, do we?" Paul replied as he watched the CO for a response to the proposal that had been presented to her. He asked, " Is this a green light for the go-ahead, Ma'am?"

Trying not to smile, "yeah, the Premature emissions can be a problem in many ways", she said, "so Mr Winchester, why are you changing from an organic arm to a metallic one, having a normal limb not good enough for you?" The Captain asked in a little more serious tone.

" It is due to the upgrades in the arm, Captain," replied Paul, keeping his focus on his senior officer. He continued," Also, as this is a prototype, I am helping get the bugs out before it becomes available."

Looking at him incredulously, "You do realise how risky this is, Paul", she said, using his first name for the first time since ever ", you are a pilot who had a bio-synthetic arm that felt and looked like the real thing, and now you want to go to an all-visual false one!!! You'd better learn how to control it PDQ, otherwise I will ground you for good. What does your wife think?" the Captain asked.

"Well, Jasmine," using her first name, "the reason I am doing this prototype is to help work out the kinks," he stated, looking at her. He continued," I should help with the tests and make sure it works." He finished," But as for my wife, I will deal with her," as he knew Serina would have a fit.

Leland chuckled as he turned, facing Winchester. “You will deal with her, or she’ll deal with you?” He winked.

She looked at Winchester "Lieutenant Winchester while it is known for the Captain or Senior Officer to use your first name on duty, for a Junior Officer to call his Captain by her First name without prior permission, is not the done thing, and I have not given you permission to use my first name Lieutenant Winchester, DO I MAKE MYSELF CRYSTAL CLEAR?" She asked, enunciating her question.

Hawksley stiffened up, his back spine feeling a jolt with the Captain’s reminder. Even if it were directed at Winchester, Leland was subtly reminded as well.

"Yes, Ma'am," replied Paul as he sat uncomfortably in his chair. He looked back at his commanding officer, knowing he might have overstepped the mark once again.

Calming down just as quickly as she showed anger, she sat back and looked at the pair "I will authorise this adjustment, although I do not see the allure in going from a bio-synthetic arm to a metallic one just to have a rupuilsor blas emitter installed. But go ahead" she said looking at Leland "you have clearence to make the adjustment Commander, as Lieutenant Winchester is wanting it, see it done" she finished.

Hawksley understood that Captain was giving leeway on this and that he had better get the installation augment right, not just for the safety of Lt. Winchester, but also for the rest of the crew.

He bowed his head, stating to Somers, “Acknowledged, Captain.” He then let his eyes slowly turn to Winchester. A look of, we should get going on this.

"Thank you, Ma'am, we will get started on this shortly," replied Paul, looking back at Hawksley as he wondered how long this would take to get right. He also knew there would be bugs to sort out. He finished, "Thank you for your Time, Ma'am," and waited for the order to be dismissed.

Looking at the pair, "Dismissed, get you gone," the Captain said, and watched them leave with a rueful smile.

[OFF]

 

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