Ashlyn came to the security office with a PaDD and a console to share with Cass. “I’m sorry to bother you, is this a good time?” Ashlyn had been on top of her work more than usual since Sharah left and frequently had been coming to the office for historical files on incidents involving data loss or unauthorized access, both successful and failed. She had been working on some projects in secret and has generated a problem more than once with her new roommate when Ashlyn had, once again, changed the lock code. It was pretty obvious a communications gap had fallen between the two Junior Officers because Ashlyn’s frequent changing of the code had been a common trait since she came aboard. Ensign Fayth never had a problem with keeping up on the code changes, however, Ensign Kien has shown a tendency to forget most of her security codes on a regular basis.

Once Trenton had been given permission to enter, she showed an excited eagerness that she hadn’t shown in a while. She placed the console on the desk to prepare a presentation and handed over the PaDD to the Chief of Security. The PaDD contained detailed reports of system penetration tests, both logical and physical, identified vulnerabilities, and created suggested temporary patches, then outlined a system upgrade that would require two to three weeks of work with the engineers to make sure things work without overloading relays. This upgrade would eliminate most of the identified vulnerabilities and provide longevity for the current system for another twenty years or so before a refit would be required.

Trenton turned on the console to show off the plans for an addition to the computer core that would allow security systems to run independently of the main computer while still providing security protections. Because security would be run from a separate device, there would be less demand on the main computer, smaller power requirements, and an easier to control access point to verify all users before granting core access. This new core is designed with additional capacitors and resistors to prevent surges from disabling or affecting the main core giving it an added level of protection. Backup virtualization of the core would be available on the main computer should something happen to the security core as a redundant protocol. There is even a new suite of software on the security core that gives more precise control of containment fields within the ship assisted with a limited tactical AI to better contain breaches and unauthorized boarding parties.

Ashlyn didn’t stop there, the images even included theoretical computer core designs that would have to be worked out with an engineer, internal stun weapon systems to help with intruders that could be given kill settings with variable frequency to help fend of Borg attacks, even new internal monitoring designs to prevent tampering or interruption. Trenton eventually stopped when she realized her rambling excitement wasn’t giving Abrams the chance to even give a reply. So she stopped and stood still to wait for critique.

• Ensign Ashlyn Trenton
  Security, USS Europa