Figuring It Out

Posted on Tue Jun 23rd, 2026 @ 1:36am by Lieutenant Commander Devon Hunt & Lieutenant Teneca Quinn

1,010 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Flight Of The Valkyries
Location: Science Lab

Backpost

Devon Hunt entered the science lab where he was scheduled to meet with Lieutenant Quinn. The Captain had assigned them the task of looking over the Iconian staff weapon that was acquired. Outside of seeing the weapon used against his people first-hand against his people on Starbase 234, the Commander didn't know all the details of the weapon. But this type of weapon, his wife Anya had fallen victim to while they tried to evacuate.

Teneca stood at a examination table on which the Herald staff weapon lay. A holographic version floating above the table.

Moving next to Teneca, he frowned, staring at the weapon. "How's it going, so far?"

"As you know, I've isolated the weapon's energy frequency, I'm now working on the power supply, and how we can possibly charge the weapon." Teneca replied.

Taking out a tricorder, he scanned the weapon. The technology on this thing was next level. Superior to their own weapons, yet the power cell seemed smaller. But capable of holding more power. "Not seeing anything remotely close to a stun setting."

"I assume they never needed a stun setting." Teneca said. "The power supply uses a containment method I'm unfamiliar with."

"I've read about theories about such weapons. But Startfleet is still its infancy regarding such technology."

"Agreed, anti-proton hand weapons are tricky to maintain." Teneca said. "I used an overloaded phaser rifle to destroy one of the Herald staffs, on the Station, but that's not a very practical idea."

"I would definitely agree with that assessment," Devon chuckled. "The question is are we able to duplicate this to even the odds."

"We could create proton beam projector, but it will be quite cumbersome, as it would need a large external power source and cooling system weighing approximately 20kg." Teneca suggested.

Devon thought about how to possibly make such a feat happen. "Perhaps we create this in a form of a backpack. The power source and cooling system would be carried on the individual's back. Would be difficult to move around, but its worth the sacrifice if this puts on somewhat on an even playing field."

"We can do that, in fact I'll get right on it." Teneca said moving over to the replicator. "It shouldn't take more than an hour to assemble and test." A smile crossed her lips, happy that they were getting somewhere.

"Same here. Seeing these things first-hand was scary as hell. Every bit of defense I tried to put together, these weapons helped cut right through in no time."

"How many should we build?" Teneca asked as she made a list of the required materials.

Thinking about the question carefully. "About six should do the trick. Have them ready for the away mission."

"Okay." Teneca said handing the Security Chief with a PADD containing a schematic and a list of materials. "We'll do three units each.

Accepting the PADD, Devon looked them over. "On another note, outside of our task here. I'm new to the Tokyo and was just curious about how things are done around here?"

"I like it here, we all seem to just pitch in where needed." Teneca said. "I'm a Science officer, but I have experience in engineering. One of our Trill counselor's host was a Marine, so he often taps into that experience while on Away Missions."

"Suppose I am just trying to get the lay of the land around here. I'm a single father now, trying to navigate getting my children through loss and dealing with a war."

"War is rough on everyone. I was born on the Proxima Centauri Colonies, we were hit pretty hard during the Dominion War." Teneca said. "If you need to talk about your loss, I'm willing to listen."

"I'm not quite ready to discuss my wife," he admitted. "But my children, they're in a new place and the support system for our family died on Starbase 234 or ended being reassigned to other places. The reality of raising them on my own is starting to really hit me."

"If we get through this, I'll do what I can to help." Teneca said. "Just call me Auntie Teneca."

"I have no doubt that we'll get through this in one piece. My children would like you. Especially Jasmine. She's interested in science. Hasn't quite decided if she wants to become a science officer or work in a civilian field. Normally, she's up reading some new research out there. Eleven years old and until recently only wanted to focus education. Now she's just lost."

Teneca smiled despite the circumstances. "Does Jasmine a favourite science topic?" She asked.

"Astronomy," he answered with a proud smile on her face. "That girl is determined to visit every place that she can locate on star chart. Have the feeling that she's going to grow up and simply disappear. Do you have children?"

"No, I haven't had the opportunity." Teneca said. "I'm kind of 'married' to my career."

"I used to be the same way, then I fell in love, got married, and had children. My career got delayed a bit, turning down assignments. Trying not to be pulled away from family. Probably would have been someone's first officer by now. But I have no regrets."

"I'm open to falling in love." Teneca said. "And sometimes I envy those with partners and children, but I'm still waiting."

"Your time will come soon enough," Devon assured her. "My children are what's allowing me to get through this difficult time."

"I'm glad." Teneca said.

The Commander found himself smiling. It had been a while since he actually felt good. In reality, he never had gotten around to taking himself out of panic mood. Even though his family was safely located on the Tokyo, he was in the mindset that this could all come to an end fairly quickly. Perhaps it was time to update his old messages before heading out on a dangerous mission. "Alright, let's get to it."


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Lt. Commander Devon Hunt
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Tokyo

Lieutenant Teneca Quinn
Chief Science Officer
USS Tokyo

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