Galaxy Class Starship
U.S.S ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D
Tacticle

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The Main Bridge station dedicated to defensive systems control and starship internal security is Tactical. As currently configured on the USS Enterprise, Tactical occupies a unique place in overall command environment, situated directly between the center command area and the aft work stations.

The physical layout of the raised Tactical station console describes a sweeping curve affording an unobstructed view of the command station below. This allows for an uninterrupted exchange between the Security Officer (doubling as senior Tactical Officer) and other bridge officers during critical operations, as well as exchanges with crew members occupying the aft stations. The console lacks a seat and is therefore a standup position, deemed ergonomically necessary for efficient security functions. While the lenght of the control/display panel can accommodate two officers, most scenarios will see the Security Officer conducting operation alone. Even during crisis situations, when action levels are the highest, a single Tactical Officer will respond in the least ambiguous manner, with a minimum number of significant order conformations and command interrogatives. A second Tactical Officer will be available as necessary, in the event the senior officer is called to away Team duty or otherwise indisposed.

Shipboard Security Fonctions

Part of the default control layout, depicted down here, presents the Security Officer with information readouts dealing with the internal protection of the Enterprise and its crew. The first tier of coverage involves a benign, low-level approach, watching over basic crew safety. The second tier activates during diplomatic and cultural missions, providing security for ambassadorial personnel or other important visitors. As an adjunct to these measures, high-level counterintelligence measures may be brought into play to negate possible sabotage or terrorist penetrations on board the Enterprise.

Security teams can be directed from Tactical via voice command or keyed instructions by the Security Officer or authorized deputy. Armory inventories, Security team personnel asignments, and detailed directives are but a few of items handled with panel inputs.

Starship Defense Functions

The very survival of the ship will often rest in the hands of Security Officer in the performance if operations in hazardous situations including close-in missions to energetic celestial objects, dealing with dangers posed by certain artificial constructs, and potential hostilities with Threat vessels. A wide variaty of systems are available the Security Officer from the Tactical station, including the ship's defense shields, phaser banks, and photon torpedoes, all first-line devices.

Tactical coordinates with the Flight Control Officer and Flight Operations positions in all situations involving external hazards. Guidance and navigation information, targeting data, and external communications are networked through all three stations, providing expanded options for dealing with unknowns as they present themselves.

Other systems that may be commanded by Tactical include long- and short-range sensor arrays, sensor probes, message buoys, and tractor beam devices.

Copyright © 1997 Tan Ngo-Dang Contact: tangowebmedia@sympatico.ca URL: http://www.tht.net/~tan/ncc1701d/tactical.htm	Created on 06/29/97 Updated on 12/08/97 Page status: final