Classroom 5

[Baphomet]

"Greetings Fredcesa, please take a seat and read the last post transcript, then we shall continue."

[Rylaan Brish]

Rylaan sits next to his classmate and awaits instruction while reading the information already provided.

[Eugene Archer]

Welcome cadet Dane. Don't worry about it, we weren't really started yet. I was just telling cadet Mann here, that Avalon Station will be moved to another location and how Admiral Julian asked for our assistance.

Fleet Admiral Karelia already brought up the idea about propelling it at warp speed, and I've also given this idea some thought. I came to the conclusion that it will be really really difficult to do so. Further on in this course, we will also discuss warp field dynamics and the entire warp propulsion system.

The station will most likely be moved by using several starships, shuttles, delta flyers and runabouts who will all lock on their tractor beams and then move at impulse speed.

Therefore, I would like to start this engineering course with the tractor beam. Now, cadets, could you please give me a short description of how a tractor beam works?

[Jon Dane]

OOC: Is this course going to be extended? I've been enrolled in the academy since February, kind of a long wait for anything to happen.

[Eugene Archer]

Very, very good, cadet. I couldn't have explained it more clearly than you just did. What if I told you that the one who thought of it is only an ensign? Yes, I was amazed as well.
Next part of our training is the propulsion systems. Could you tell me something about the different propulsion systems?

[Gunn Mann]

*Cadet Mann reenters the classroom*

"Fleet Captain Archer, I have completed the engineering exam and submitted it for your evaluation."

*A nervous cadet stood hoping that he had passed the test*

[Eugene Archer]

*Archer entered the classroom, awaiting the new cadet: Dicen*

[Kirby Oak]

*Walking in, Kirby looks around*
"Cadet Oak reporting for the Engineering Class."

[Simon Rajnus]

OOC**For the time being until Eugene Archer gets here, Ill be multi-tasking http://www.expansionfleet.com/ikonboard/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>.

IC**

<Walks into the room and sees a few new cadets in the classroom>

"Ah, welcome all of you to the Engineering classroom.  Lets begin, what do you all know about engineering? What is it's real meaning?" Simon asked walking over to the desk.

[Marco Diaz]

This is where the basics of Engineering will be taught.

[fredcesa]

"I´ve already read and I´m ready to proceed." - states FredCesa, with a emotionless and mild voice.

[Baphomet]

"You may take this class now if you wish Cadet."

[Gunn Mann]

Yes Fleet Captain, a tractor beam is a non-Newtonian device which creates an attraction between the emitter and the target. The target is always drawn toward the emitter, irrespective of mass, because the beam does not actually transmit a force across space. It functions similarly to the warp drive, manipulating space-time at the target's position.

It is possible to transmit certain sorts of signals from the target back through the tractor to the emitter.

[Eugene Archer]

"Very well, let me explain the basics of tractor beams.

A tractor beam is a beam that exists of gravitons. This indeed makes it a non-newtonian device. The purpose of these beams is to control the movement of external objects. Besides dragging an object towards the tractor beam emitter (which is usually located on the aft ventral hull), it can also be used to hold the object on a fixed location. If the polarity of the beam is reversed, it can also be used to push an object away from the emitter.

Normally, tractor beams are only used at sub-warp speeds. Using one at warp-speed, the speed of both vessels need to be exactly the same. If not, a lot of damage can be done.

Using a tractor beam, normally causes quite some stress on the target's hull. If the tractor beam, however, is strong enough, it can also increase structural integrity of the target's hull.

The information I have just given you, is all you have to know about tractor beams for now. What I would like you to do now, is to apply this to the moving of the station; What approach would you use, how many vessels would be needed, etc.
Please bring the report on your findings next time we meet."

*Archer stood up and walked towards the exit*

"Class dismissed"

*Archer left the classroom, heading to his office*

[Gunn Mann]

"Yes Sir"

"Shields are the primary means of defense for a starship.  The shields create areas of highly focused space distortion containing a field of gravitons. Nearly all shields on starships and smaller craft are shaped like a bubble, which completely surrounds the entire ship. The complete bubble is generated by a series of shield generators positioned around the ship, which provide complete coverage when all are activated."

"Frequency modulation allows weapons to pass through the shields and can also be used to more effectively to block enemy fire.  The drawback is that when shields are up transporting to or from the ship is impossible."

"Being that the shields rely on a gravitron field, in theory it may be possible to adjust the shields to lower the mass of the station and thereby lessen the journey of the station, whomever thought of that one is very clever Sir."