Epsilon-Delta

USS Discovery-B
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Epsilon-Delta is a modified Soong-Type Android programmed to (1) minimize risk and casualties in the course of Starfleet missions and (2) better understand interstellar social dynamics. Delta is one of four Epsilon Androids emerging from a joint-program commissioned by Starfleet Intelligence, the Vulcan Science Academy and Starfleet Engineering Corps, under the direction of Federation cyberneticist Helen Mirren, PhD.

Starfleet Data & Physical Statistics

• Current Rank: Lt. Commander
• Current Assignment: U.S.S. Discovery-B
• Position: Chief of Security
• Full Name: Epsilon-Delta
• Species: Mark IV Soong-Type Android Modified
• Date of Activation: December 1, 2358
• Place of Origin: Utopia Planitia, Mars
• Gender: Assigned as Female Stardate 238306.17
• Height: 5'7 1/2" (1.7145m)
• Weight: 200.75 lbs (.091 m.tons)
• Hair Color: Black (variable)
• Eye Color: Black (variable)
• Skin Tone: Pale (variable)
• Distinguishing Attributes:
  • With proper command clearance and during properly authorized emergencies,

Epsilon-Delta may assume control of critical command computer systems without the use of any tactile or audio-visual interfaces.

• • Although she can directly communicate with most LCARS and non-weapons-based

Federation-compliant technology, Epsilon has stated in her internal log that she finds audio and tactile manipulation "stimulating."

Family

• Marital Status: Single
• Parents Helen Mirren, MD, PhD.
• Siblings
  • Epsilon-Gamma: Utopia Planita, Mars. Mark III. (Epsilon Gamma is designed for zero-gravity operation and as a single occupancy life-vessel in vacuum conditions and liquid environments.)
  • Epsilon-Beta: Deep Space 285. Mark II. (Beta unit is an emotional memory software prototype, linked to holographic database.)
  • Epsilon-Alpha: Mark I. (Location is classified)

(right to left) Early Mark III designs.

Profile on Dr. Helen Mirren, PhD

Dr. Mirren is the director of the Epsilon Program, a member of the Borg Defense Initiative and Project Voyager. She lives in the Avalon Sector, Deep Space 285.

Early in her cybernetics career, Mirren initiated a variety of independent projects and conducted a period of research at the Omnicron Theta cybernetics research colony before it's demise in 2336. Dr. Mirren's reputation is well-known in the interstellar cybernetics community. She is one of the few living experts on Soong-type androids to have studied with Dr. Soong. She has publicly stated she refuses to work outside the Federation.

Mirren's family ties date back to Ancient Earth before the Eugenics Wars. She is an expert on cybernetics and a prominent historian whose thesis was on Khan Noonien Singh and the exploits of James Kirk and U.S.S. Enterprise-A. She is under unique entry restrictions when traveling within the Imperial Klingon Empire. Since she is a special envoy, Starfleet has assigned her a security officer who doubles as her personal bodyguard should she be assigned to away missions. (See Alona Levine)

Epsilon-Delta Operational Log

Pre-Starfleet

• Information has been classified at the request of Dr. Helen Mirren, PhD.

Starfleet Life

• 238406.17 - Completes training cruise at USS Centris.
• 238412.01 - Transferred to Utopia Planitia for further programming and hardware modification.
• 238406.17 - Promoted to Lt.JG and assigned as Chief of Operations, USS Discovery-B.
• 238502.06-238505.10 - Assisted in investigation of alien derelict in Avalon Sector and evacuation of Discovery-B following successful hijacking of Discovery-B by rogue Son'a agents. Delta encountered an ancient self-operating library which downloaded the contents of its database before destroying itself. [1]
• 238506.04 - Underwent refit at Deep Space 285 following extensive repair to mechanics. Positronic unit intact.
• 238506.15 - Encounters positive prediction error and re-experiences pre-Starfleet memory.
• 238507.22 - Assigned as Chief of Ops to USS Constitution-B while Discovery-B undergoes repair at Deep Space 285 .
• 238507.30 - Promoted to full Lieutenant with all rights and privileges.
• 238507.30 - 238510.05 Delta assists in mass evacuation of Genura III non-Federation colony in Avalon Sector.
• 238510.05 - Personality interaction routine is upgraded.
• 238603.15 - Promoted to Lt. Commander with all rights and privileges. Transfers to Marine Corps and rank of Major aboard USS Discovery-B. Awarded Merria Medallion[2] and Nebula Bar.[3]
• 238611.19 - Assigned as Chief of Security, Discovery-B

Background

The Epsilon Program was jointly commissioned in 2372 by Starfleet Engineering Corps and the Vulcan Science Academy. Epsilon Delta's primary and secondary directives are (1) to minimize risks to civilians and Starfleet personnel and (2) better understand interstellar social dynamics. Much of the Epsilon series blueprint is classified under protection of Starfleet Intelligence but is accessible in this database with command level clearance.

Epsilon-Delta is the fourth model in the Epsilon series and the second of two functioning Epsilon units enlisted in active-duty in Starfleet.

Delta features breakthroughs in our understanding of new technologies acquired throughout the known galaxy during the last three decades. Modification to the Soong-based architecture includes security precautions designed to curtail the possibility of using the machine as a weapon against the Federation.

(On stardate 238305.28, under extraordinary circumstances, 
Captain Tyr Waltas, CO, USS Discovery-B, 
ordered Dr. Helen Mirren to disclose classified information 
relevant to Epsilon-Delta's origins.

The source of following information is derived 
from classified debriefings, academic texts 
and journal articles from stardate 235812.01 until 238305.28.)

U.S.S. Voyager and the Eugenics Movement

Research Foundations of the Epsilon Program

The Epsilon series is based on the work of Dr. Noonien Soong, creator of the Data, Lore and B4 androids as well as new findings following the return of the highly-modified U.S.S. Voyager. Drawing from Senior officer's logs, mission debriefings, computer core logs and the Emergency Medical Holographic runtime log as well as EMH duty-officer logs, Starfleet Engineering Corps and the Vulcan Science Academy discovered new theoretical relationships between positronic theory and Borg technology as well as restricted research on non-Federation eugenics theory and ancient Earth DNA research. The Epsilon operating system is dependent on the Soong-based architecture and can only run specified hardware, of which there are only four models, one in mothball.

The continued existence of the Epsilon program is based on a moral imperative to continually design and maintain mechanisms designed to support the Epsilon synthetic organism, often referred to as an artificial lifeform and is detectable on the current Starfleet lifeform index [4][5]. Using a modification of the Soong-based design and research in synthetic organism, the Epsilon series is a life-support solution for an assimilated Borg individual whose connection to the collective has been effectively severed. The individual's consciousness is preserved within the Zimmerman/Barclay holographic operating system, following the post-mortem procedure of the prime biological specimen. (See section on Holography & Salvaged Memory)

There are four synthetic organisms, each codenamed Epsilon, housed in separate modified Soong-type cybernetic architectures (designed to support separate Epsilon organisms). Each is progressively designed, the first ("Epsilon-Alpha") was developed after approximately 17,520 hours of research projects culling data and ship schematics from the modified USS Voyager upon its return from the Delta quadrant, and its research contributions to the Borg Defense Initiative.

This organism embodies a benevolent convergence of the aforementioned technologies, serving the Epsilon Program's primary and secondary missions in Starfleet and to minimize casualties and better understand interstellar life, respectively.

Holography & Salvaged Memory

The Epsilon-Delta holographic program is based on surgically-salvaged memory engrams of the aforementioned assimilated individual. It functions within the run-time environment of the Soong-Type positronic brain using a complex holographic protocol based on the Zimmerman/Barclay holographic matrix. Borg nanotechnology provides the Delta hardware runtime environment for the holographic program; as the cybernetic architecture developed over 3 decades ago by Dr. Noonien Soong transacts memory engrams between the Epsilon synthetic neural structure housing the salvaged consciousness.

Given the laws of quantum mechanics, even though the synthetic organism is a lifeform, it will stagnate without the supporting architecture. Indeed, Epsilon-Delta mirrors the evolutionary relationship between a joined Trill and it's symbiont. Perhaps this is why Dr. Mirren chose to exploit the potential of the Soong positronic neural architecture, which thrives through continuous stimulus.

Separation of the hardware from the organism has proven risky, often resulting in the loss of memories not stored in the positronic architecture. Tragically, a great deal of the memory salvaged was lost in the original transfer (Epsilon-Alpha) and only partially salvaged in the consequent endeavor (Epsilon-Beta; Gamma). Epsilon-Delta is the youngest and most advanced model. The Beta model is outfitted with a holographic matrix that can only run within vast computer power available on subspace stations, starbases and Galaxy-class starship computers.

Parapsychology & Sentience

In theory, the modfied Soong-Barclay artificial intelligence structure simulates in cognitive function and a paradigms in behaviorial psychology, producing data interpreted by some cyberneticists as emotion, self-awareness and a state of dream.

Unlike previous Soong-type Androids, the Epsilon series units are not recognized as sentient under Federation law; and have yet found a landmark case to prove their sentience. Until the event(s) whereby a legal precedent is presented in a tribunal or court requesting such evidence be provided as necessary to defend them as an innocent party, Epsilon-Delta's rights as a sentient remain in a state of legal purgatory.

A battery of starfleet and non-Federation psychological tests hypothesize that Epsilon-Delta is aware of its own construction. As of stardate 238305.28, all Starfleet officers holding the position of Ship's Counselor have access to this declassified data. The case for sentience builds.

Though some argue it is simply part of her mission program, Epsilon-Delta has expressed desire to continually evolve healthy interpersonal relationships, stating it is essential to the integrity of her program to mirror biological roles of her peers and role-models. Perhaps Starfleet is the best environment for her and her peers, with it's clearly outlined hierarchical social structures; subordinate-ranking officer to commanding officer, a patient to doctor, and in the case of Dr. Helen Mirren, director of the Epsilon Program, a child to a parent.

Operation

Externals and Bionanetics

Network access is restricted by proprietary cabling whose design is classified and available to CSO, CEO and CMO aboard USS Discovery-B and Epsilon Lab on DS285. Her external surface in contact with airborne environment is an organic, malleable compound designed to instantly become an adhesive and detour attempts as disassembly. Beneath this skin-like surface is a duranium shield that acts as a sensor-resistant material, making premeditated tampering with a tricorder difficult. This highly resistant duranium is also machined into a single-molding that surrounds the positronic unit. The malleable compound can be stimulated to create new identities, although it cannot obfuscate her positronic field.

In several mission scenarios, Starfleet Intelligence tested her ability to board without authorization, non-Federation vessels to evade intruder alert systems. Per Intelligence regulations, the positronic shield could not be obfuscated, should the Delta unit be lost to enemy hands. However, the synthetic lifesign is protected from portable sensor equipment with the use a sensor-obfuscating alloy developed from materials salvaged on USS Voyager. Although it cannot totally obfuscate the positronic field, the alloy is embedded into a highly durable nanetic molding into the Delta exo-skeletal structure, using quantum mechanics to successfully interfere with most sub-spatial signals, thus, censoring complex data that reveals the unique reading given by the synthethic lifesign. Unexpectedly, the synthetic organism fails to register on all known types of lifesign sensors.

Limits Against Directed Energy Diffusion

The Delta series uses the same duranium-based alloys used to construct many types of Federation-compliant starships and Starfleet-grade housing. Over seventy percent of her construction is designed to withstand continuous stress and/or diffuse directed energy within the standard absorption rate of an industrial-grade warp-capable hull.

Although sturdy, Epsilon-Delta is not totally indestructible. She is vulnerable to long-term concentrations of ethereal or directed energy, including energy emitted from phasers, disruptor fire, quantum explosives and matter/anti-matter collisions.

Water Survival

Epsilon is technically certified in water survival techniques and she can travel in most liquid environments plus 1 unit above standard starship's gravity at an average of 1.07 knots. However, her capacity to remain in a high volume of water exceeding her mass decreases exponentially over time. Most of Epsilon-Delta's solid mass is tonnage from duranium-based materials protecting her positronic brain.

Epsilon Lab R&D continues to test her capacity to operate in liquid environments within her existing design. This weight is compensated in liquid environments only through continuous use of a single experimental anti-gravity module powered by the primary battery. Energy efficiency continues to outweigh the collateral cost of deploying Delta in liquid environments. In summary, although Epsilon-Delta can remain afloat by continuously converting hydrogen into energy, she is still subject to the laws of conservation of energy.

Memory

In standard operating mode, Epsilon-Delta can consecutively record up to 7900 petabytes of data. By default, storage capacity is prioritized for observational data relevant to crew behavior and mission success, then self-monitoring protocols, and lastly for monitoring external systems such as her assigned vessel's ship routines and crew logs. This data is continuously uploaded via secure subspace to DS285.

Epsilons can self-erase any recorded information. Her short-term memory cycle prioritizes the protection of life over tasks devoted to high-bandwitch memory operations between her core and the main computer network, dumping non-essential data if necessary to the nearest subspace relay in the event of a catastrophe. However, control of her memory functions is highly flexible in part to the brilliant work of Dr. Soong in positronic architecture and she can reverse aforementioned prioritization if a logical analysis dictates it will save lives.

Memory transfer in Soong-type Androids is a critical asset in mission success, sometimes leading to surprising results. In one hostage scenario involving USS Discovery-B and an alien artificial intelligence, [6] Delta connected to the alien network, downloaded and then erased the alien core, inadvertantly retrieving the most succinct and complete finding of their recorded history.

Energy

All Epsilon units use various methods to store, draw and deplete energy, depending on environmental circumstances. Besides continually shunting kinetic energy into a storage battery, Epsilons can convert water and synthehol into energy and draw power from UVA/UVB radiation. Rollover energy not used during duty shifts is usually sent to a reserve battery as well as the main battery which cycles energy between systems to maintain optimal efficiency.

It should be noted that Epsilon can share stored energy with compliant systems, such as tricorders, phasers and some mobile life-support systems.

In two improvised test scenarios, Epsilon was able to survive in desert climates and traverse great distances during daytime using abundant solar energy. Epsilon also used battery heat to liquify ice in Antarctic Earth, converting the water into hydrogen energy. Though Epsilon-Delta may continue to function well into the next century, test scenarios show that a total depletion of her energy reserves can be quickly accomplished through continuous unmanaged use.

Sensor System

As Epsilon-Delta was designed to be deployed into exploratory mission scenarios, she is outfitted with a compact, but modular sensor and software package based on the last three decades of Federation research into matter, subspace and medical sensor technology.

The sensor apparatus is non-variable in range and extends to a diameter 12 meters from Epsilon's cranial module. It was designed as a navigational and exploratory system. The sensor system is capable of detecting subtle changes across distances and between obstacles, reading biosigns and environmental factors such as noise, light, heat and even data equivalent to the olafactory experience. The olafactory function was initially developed as a safety precaution against toxic airborne compounds.

Epsilon Delta employs pattern recognition software with transmitter/receiver hardware and optic sensors. Utilizing sonar, the EMG spectrum, and a subdermal polymer sensitive to several thousand pressure points per millimeter, Epsilon's situational awareness works to continuously:

• send feedback to dexterity hardware to manipulate her environment;
• relay information to Starfleet extrasensory sciences equipment;
• store environmental information within her memory;
• detect surrounding bio-signs;
• cross-reference non-classified medical knowledge with her peers' typical behavior;
• identify physical injuries in her peers or alert medical personnel to the presence of dangerous and/or contagious organisms;
• and in the presence of lethal weapons settings, Epsilon will raise ship/station security levels and alert security via a subspace modem. [7]

Epsilon has stated that her sensor system is crucial to her personality interaction routine. It allows her to "befriend" individuals based on her overall assessment of their personality and Starfleet record. [8] Some theorists speculate this is a "pro-active" subroutine independently developed in accordance with her secondary mission directive to explore interstellar social dynamics. Although some cyberneticists such as Whitehall argue it is a "positronic insurance policy" against uncertain away mission scenarios.

Assigned Gender

Epsilon androids are built sex/gender neutral, although a physical anatomy may be "assigned" based on male/female ratios of a vessel/station assignment. However, this anatomy may have no bearing on the Delta series' sexual preference.

As of Stardate 238306.17, the Delta series was assigned as female. It should be noted that although functions required to establish a sexual relationship with the Delta series are untested, there is evidence it has already begun to evolve as part of the artificial lifesign interaction with the programmable holographic matrix (see Personality) However, since Delta cannot reproduce in the normative biological sense, some cyberneticists theorize the mating subroutine within the personality interaction routine is non-essential to the integrity of Delta's personality.

Dr. Mirren has stated that in the event of a sexual liaison, Delta will advise the initiating party of the potential dangers involved.

Communication with Onboard Systems

With proper command clearance and during properly authorized emergencies, Epsilon-Delta may assume control of critical command computer systems without the use of any tactile or audio-visual interfaces.

Although she can directly communicate with most scientific and non-weapons-based Federation-compliant technology, Epsilon has stated in her internal log that she finds audio and tactile manipulation "stimulating."

Theoretically, a starship's entire computer functions, including navigation, engineering and lifesupport, can be rerouted and controlled by the Epsilon positronic processor. However, this is an inefficient and unstable "miracle solution," as over a short period of time, information payload would gradually decrease processor efficiency.

Personality Interaction Routine & Psychology

Although the architecture of Epsilon's personality is built on the Soong architecture, the Epsilon program's mission endeavors to improve the highly flexible interaction models Dr. Soong worked tirelessly to explore until the end of his life. Her written Academy counseling exit exam matched a psychological profile closely with those of Humans and Vulcans.

Theoretically, each of her decisions and actions are determined by her mission to explore and investigate within each mission scenario, while minimizing risks and casualties. However the artificial lifeform developed to house her holographic matrix continually evolves. The realm of her neural activity occurs in the interaction between hardware-software. Recent advances in hardware, including an emotional memory bank, raise new questions and capacities, such as her ability to detect a lie or respond verbally and non-verbally to emotional stimulus.

As she negotiates the most efficient language (both verbal and non-verbal) needed to maintain peak operability, useful information is stored and rewritten and secondary non-essential data recompiled into engrammatic, encapsulated data and reanalyzed during non-critical periods of operation. The reanalyzed experiences are

• sent via secure subspace networks
• positronically stored in her onboard memory,
• processed by the artificial lifesign via the holographic program
• evolves her personality interaction routine.

According to internal logs examined Epsilon Lab scientists, a great deal of interaction data is analyzed real-time in off-duty social environments. Although she can intelligently timeshift her reanalyzation of her experiences to non-strenuous relaxation phases or low-power modes, much of this data is filed during live interaction.

Epsilon-Delta has shown an affinity for exploring holodecks and historical biographies from figures throughout the galaxy, and frequently interacted with holographic simulations.

Some scientists, believe Delta also possesses what might be perceived in many cultures as a fierce sense of loyalty, as evident in her voluntary assignment in the security and her record as a former marine platoon leader of her assigned vessel, USS Discovery-B. The notable exception to this theory is the director of Epsilon Program, Dr. Mirren.

Emergency Safeguards in the Modified Soong Architecture

After the discovery of the Soong-type Android, B4, and subsequent events surrounding the Battle in the Bassen Rift resulting in near-loss of U.S.S. Enterprise-E, a series of safety protocols were developed by Starfleet regarding the use of Soong-based technology. Like all sworn Starfleet Officers, Epsilon-Delta observes emergency protocols in ship or land battle-readiness and first aid but can assist with several additional safeguards.

The major emergency safeguards designed to prevent reverse engineering are outlined below.

Safeguard to Deter Espionage (SDE): Epsilon-Delta's sensor systems continually scan for known weapons signatures and will silently raise condition levels via text or visual messages. In the event Epsilon detects her sensor systems have been tampered with, she will send an encrypted silent distress beacon to a Commanding Officer's communicator and/or nearest Security station.

Safeguard as Stand-alone Communications Server (SSCS):

All four Epsilon units were designed to serve as emergency beacons and mobile communications hubs in the event of an away-team or ship-board emergency and only where primary systems are rendered off-line. Epsilon can directly interface with all Federation-compliant communications systems and even act as a universal translator.

Safeguard to Self-Destruct to Prevent Control Override (SSDPCO):

The main battery can cycle energy for an explosive discharge roughly equivalent to the power of a fully-charged Mark IV phaser set to self-destruct. The collateral damage will effectively damage most internal hardware with the exception of the highly-shielded positronic brain and will destroy the synthetic organism. Since this safeguard results in the loss of the unit it can only be initiated through command authorization by either Dr. Mirren or the Commanding Officer of her assigned post.

Safeguard of Sudden Command Control of Hardware/Software (SASCCHS):

Although Epsilon units obey a rigid behaviorial code that values life, personal liberty and a greatest possible degree of security, command codes to directly control her behavior can be initiated in the event of an unprecedented critical situation. This command code authorization can only be initiated if her logic routine is compromised and only by her Commanding Officer. The encrypted voice authorization command is changed each stardate and housed in the LCARS [9] of her assigned vessel on as as well as the LCARS aboard Deep Space 285 and Utopia Planitia.

Safeguard Against Subterfuge of Mission (SASM): Although she may serve as a highly valuable legal witness during security investigations, she must obey command orders to secure or classify mission scenarios. Access to this portion of her memory is possible through commanding officer's clearance or by command clearance by three or more officers of equal rank.

In the event Epsilon predicts she will incur catastrophic damage, Epsilon will execute a secure memory transfer by subspace to Deep Space 285, one of two Federation facilities where major repairs of her systems are possible.

Construction Primer

The Epsilon series is a work in process. Her construction is a balance of synthetics, breakthroughs in cybernetics and an experiment in form and function. Her hardware design is modifiable. Aboard USS Discovery-B, the Chief Medical Officer and Science Chief possess separately packaged critical data regarding cybernetic functions. In accordance with Starfleet regulations that the Chief Engineering Officer has command clearance data on all on-board equipment. Epsilon's schematic is also accessible by authorization of her Commanding Officer.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it is the deeper internal structure surrounding her cybernetic brain which has been designed for durability and limited access, while the "superficial" function of her exterior is designed to allow her to blend into humanoid environments.

Starfleet Engineering Corps rigorously pursued a design to fool-proof reverse engineering attempts on the Epsilon series, developing a semi-modular design scheme that "counters" unauthorized disassembly. Comprehensive analysis of hypothetical and actual missions scenarios showed that the highest probability Epsilon-Delta would be damaged beyond repair would occur by intentional, pre-meditated subterfuge by Starfleet personnel or a member of the Epsilon project to gain access to her positronic brain.

Final analysis by Starfleet Intelligence concluded that Epsilon Program modify the basic Soong Architecture with the primary intention to protect the positronic memory at the expense of external hardware, synthetics and cosmetic function. However, the design primer of her personality interaction routine maintained the final design include several (not explained here) cosmetic functions. Furthermore, Starfleet Intelligence was intrigued by the mission potential of an easily deployable, re-assignable physiology using cybernetics. This last function is least explored aspect of her construction and upgrades may be potentially developed in the future Mark V.

Mission Archives

Up-to-date mission archives from Epsilon's internal log'

UPDS Officer's Profile