Scientific Protocols

Posted on 05 Jun 2024 @ 5:45pm by Lieutenant JG Ziyi Zhao

556 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Enigma Variations
Location: Science Lab 2
Timeline: Current

The traditional Chinese melody played softly in the background as Zhao walked back to her console from the replicator, a fresh cup of cold hibiscus tea in her hand. Working the night shift had its advantages - for one, no one was around to remind her not to have a drink at her console. For two, she could play the music she liked without anyone judging her for her traditional tastes. And for three, she just liked it better when she was alone, without anyone breaking her concentration.

She brought back the holographic display and tried to refocus her mind. The current assignment might have seemed simple and straightforward enough at first, but it was turning into something infinitely more complex - a litterature review on isolinium, its potential uses, and ways to identify its manufacturing process. She had been at this for over eight hours, and for now her data PaDD was remarkably empty of notes.

While the Daystrom Institute archives did contain some information on the potential uses for isolinium, much of it was classified data, which meant not only could she not access it, but even her attempt to access it had undoubtedly raised some flags over at Starfleet Security. No matter, she was just doing her job. If anyone questioned her about it, she would refer them to the ship's commanding officer.

The other part of the assignment, finding ways to identify the manufacturing process, was a bit easier. The data wasn't as closely guarded, but it was sparse. The Andorians, in particular, had a fairly good database on the manufacturing process for isolinium - in fact, the product had initially been used as a power source some centuries ago, before evidence emerged of its instability and the ease with which it could be weaponized.

The Vulcan Science Academy also had a few papers on the subject, explaining some of the differences between the Andorian and the Kellerun processes to manufacture isolinium, but the papers themselves lacked any description of how to tell the two apart based on the end product alone. There were also a half-dozen other papers on the characteristics of isolinium variations from five other species, from the Tholians to the Narkinians. In all, Zhao identified eight different species who had experimented with isolinium in some form over the past two centuries.

"Computer," she instructed, her soft voice slightly tinted with her Chinese accent. "Compare the Tholian and Zeppalite manufacturing processes for isolinium. Highlight the differences."

"Working," replied the automated voice. After a few seconds, a report appeared on her console. Three steps differed between the two processes - two of which were completely useless, she judged. The third, however...

"The Zeppalites add trace amounts of isolinium-3 isotopes to the mixture? Can you confirm this?" she asked.

"Confirmed," the computer returned after a brief chirp.

"Compare with the other manufacturing processes we've identified. List all additional elements, and highlight the differences. Identify methods and protocols to detect these trace elements."

A tingle went up her spine. She might finally have something to report to Lieutenant Lisald after all.

She took a sip of hibiscus tea while the computer worked, bashfully concealing a smile.

- - - - - - - -

A post by
Lieutenant JG Ziyi Zhao [NPC]
Science Officer
USS Cygnus

Played by Lt Cmdr Temerant Bast

 

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