Star Trek Hunter Episode 8: The Bolian Web

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Was the sexual tension there all in Dolphin's head, or was that a deliberate tactic on Irons' part to elicit compliance from him?

Irons loves to put people under pressure to see what they're made of. It's why she sought Dolphin for her crew - to see how all the hybrids under her command would react to a man famous for controversial statements about hybridization. She is always testing, evaluating and teaching - pushing people out of their comfort zones. She also really gets a kick out of messing with people - she has a bit of a sadistic streak...

Glad you're enjoying! rbs

 

[Will The Serious]

Use the pulse setting so there’s no chance of infected information traveling back up the beam into your phaser.”

In order for a data-based virus to infect a phaser through its beam, the weapon's emitter would also need to act as a receiver to a data storage or processor. If this is the case, it leaves open some very interesting possibilities for covert communications via focused phaser fire. Imagine a secret operative having a staged battle between the "enemy"that made a convincing display of solidarity against that "enemy" when, in fact, they were actually exchanging information, unbeknownst to an observer.

-Will

 

[Will The Serious]

The laser listening device has been a staple of the spy game since the 50's. It measures the vibrations of surfaces with the use of a laser from a distance. It is nearly undetectable and works by measuring the minute changes in distance to the transmitted laser to convert vibrating surfaces, such as windows, to sound. A spy, from across the street, can hear what is being said inside a closed room. Imagine modifying a phaser to do that? Couple it with the universal translator and a tricorder, and you can pick out individuals from a crowd.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_microphone

-Will

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

In order for a data-based virus to infect a phaser through its beam, the weapon's emitter would also need to act as a receiver to a data storage or processor...

It would only work with advanced hand phasers and disruptors like Star Fleet, Andorian Imperial Guard and Romulan Star Navy issue. The Farpoint episode of STNG established that a phaser is susceptible to receiving feedback wave patterns. So any phaser or disruptor with an onboard programmable computer could be affected - potentially with a software upload. It wouldn't work with TOS phasers and Klingon disruptors as these weapons don't have interactive software. A feedback loop could still destroy them.

The laser listening device... ...can hear what is being said inside a closed room. Imagine modifying a phaser to do that?

I used a similar idea in Ep. 2 - a low-level phaser, broad-beam to pinpoint dampening fields. i suspect the tricorder may have a more efficient listening device (well - a spycorder, at least.) The medical tricorder has both passive and active scanning that can conduct deep tissue brain scans (STTMP, ST4) so it makes sense that SFI and Section 31 have some pretty amazing spy gadgets. But I could see crew who don't have access to that kind of stuff reconfiguring a phaser because it's the only tool available.

Thanks!! rbs

 

[BountyTrek]

Seeing as this has already been bumped, I guess I’m not breaking any rules by squeezing in an extra review here.

Despite my notoriously slow reading speed, I’m doing my best to catch up with ST Hunter, and I’ve been enjoying it immensely so far. Some really rich characters and a satisfying combination of episodic plots coupled with a meatier overarching story that makes you want to keep reading.

Oddly, I think one of the most interesting bits is the approach to almost everyone’s ancestry being so thoroughly mixed up. I’d never really thought about it before, and I get why the TV shows didn’t bother with it outside of the occasional part-human, part-Vulcan/Betazoid/Klingon/whatever character, but that totally is what would happen if you had a galaxy full of (mostly) compatible sentient life.

Looking forward to diving into the rest! (No promises on how long it'll take me, mind you...)

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Oddly, I think one of the most interesting bits is the approach to almost everyone’s ancestry being so thoroughly mixed up.

Thanks for the kind words! Racism is definitely one of the major themes.

Looking forward to diving into the rest!

Glad you're reading at a clip - it makes it easier to hold the plot lines and character arcs together.

Thanks!! rbs