franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

3.6 TACTICALThe Main Bridge station dedicated to defensive systemscontrol and starship internal security is Tactical. As currentlyconfigured on the USS Enterprise, Tactical occupies a uniqueplace in the overall command environment, situated directlybetween the center command area and the aft work stations.The physical layout of the raised Tactical station consoledescribes a sweeping curve affording an unobstructed view ofthe main viewer, and an equally clear view of the commandstations below. This allows for an uninterrupted exchangebetween the Security Officer (doubling as senior TacticalOfficer) and other bridge officers during critical operations, aswell as exchanges with crew members occupying the aftstations. The console lacks a seat and is therefore a standupposition, deemed ergonomically necessary for efficient securityfunctions.While the length of the control/display panel canaccommodate two officers, most scenarios will see the SecurityOfficer conducting operations alone. Even during crisissituations, when action levels are highest, a single tacticalofficer will respond in the least ambiguous manner, with aminimum number of significant order confirmations andcommand interrogatives. A second Tactical Officer will beavailable as necessary, in.the event the senior officer is calledto Away Team duty or is otherwise indisposed.authorized deputy. Armory inventories, Security team personnelassignments, and detailed directives are but a few ofthe items handled with panel inputs.STARSHIP DEFENSE FUNCTIONSThe very survival of the ship will often rest in the hands ofSecurity Officer in the performance of operations in hazardoussituations including close-in missions to energetic celestialobjects, dealing with dangers posed by certain artificialconstructs, and potential hostilities with Threat vessels. Awide variety of systems are available to the Security Officerfrom the Tactical station, including the ship's defensive shields,phaser banks, and photon torpedoes, all first-line devices(See: 11.0).Tactical coordinates with the Flight Control Officer andFlight Operations positions in all situations involving externalhazards. Guidance and navigation information, targetingdata, and external communications are networked through allthree stations, providing expanded options for dealing withunknowns as they present themselves.Other systems that may be commanded by Tactical includelong- and short-range sensor arrays, sensor probes,message buoys, and tractor beam devices.SHIPBOARD SECURITY FUNCTIONSPart of the default control layout, depicted in 3.6.1,presents the Security Officer with information readouts dealingwith 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 tieractivates during diplomatic and cultural missions, providingsecurity for ambassadorial personnel or other important visitors.As an adjunct to these measures, high-level counterintelligencemeasures may be brought into play to negatepossible sabotage or terrorist penetrations on board theEnterprise.Security teams can be directed from Tactical via voicecommand or keyed instructions by the Security Officer or3.6.1 Tactical systems control panel (Cruise Mode)