The bridge module of the Prevaricate class was the subject of an intense study effort into the ergonomics and efficient use by a crew of so few members. The only solution was to make visually concentrated, yet expansive, LCARS interfaces that would not normally be seen on most capital ships. Most interfaces go all the way from lap level all the way up to the ceiling and nearly follow the overhead's concavity in an effort to afford maximal information display and control manipulation. The prediction algorithms on a Prevaricate class are by necessity much more detailed as it is impossible for an entire crew to be at all stations at once. Information has been shown in both computer simulations and actual engagements to predict crew interface requirements quite well with billions of preprogrammed scenarios in the computer core that initiate LCARS display changes most appropriate to situations.
Data processing and environmental conduits, like the Rapier class, are embedded in the underside of the bridge to eliminate the possibility of hazardous material falling on the crew in engagements.
Seats on the bridge are quite unique. They feature a small graviton producers in the chair’s trunk that eliminate the possibility of chair tip-over with IDS lag. Also to reduce a person’s falling, movable arm rests with LCARS interfaces come down securely over the legs and side-bolsters come up beside the hips. These automatically come down as the pressure sensitive pad in the seat senses the person’s body. When a crew member on the bridge such as Ops, Helm, Tactical, or Engineering needs to move to another console, the movement against a pressure sensitive module in the chair translates the chair’s movements into directional graviton manipulation for motion across the floor. This is a low-impact, very efficient system making movement safer and more precise in situations with less unpredictable jarring.
View Screens
Three view screens were judged by designers to be necessary to adequately give a comprehensive survey of visual phenomena. Normally controlled by Ops.
Helm
Responsible for craft’s piloting and navigation. Also the position responsible for relativistic considerations during impulse flight, and any necessary manual flight maneuvers. Placed at front of bridge to provide optimal visibility of the view screens. It sits in a pit .25 m below the standard elevation of the bridge.
Operations
Responsible for normal computer operations, sensor allocation, and power usage in consultation with Engineering. Placed alongside of Helm to ensure good communication between posts that necessitate coordination of ship function and piloting. Like Helm, it sits in a pit .25 m deep.
Computer Systems
Placed behind Ops and Helm to give the pilot (who does not typically accompany the crew on missions) easy reach to computer function and manipulation. Also far enough way that another crew member or mission specialist can use a pull-out seat to operate while Helm and Ops are being utilized.
Science
While not normally used in special operations, deemed advantageous to have in case of atypical circumstances necessitating dedicated consoles specialized in utilization and analysis of biological, chemical, physical, geological, and astronomical data.
Technology Assessment
While normally linked to Defense Systems console, in the instance that mission specialists are aboard or circumstance call for dedicated displays, it was deemed appropriate to have a specialized console on the bridge. Normally used for tactical assessment, it can also be used for non-defense appraisal of foreign technology.
Commanding Officer
Placed at the center of bridge to afford excellent visibility to all other stations. Next to Executive officer to facilitate interaction during crises. A simplified console of Helm, Ops, and Tactical functions sits at the right.
Executive Officer/Communications
Placed next to commanding officer for visibility purposes and for easy interaction on tactical, command, control, and communication situations. Specific to the USS Apocalypse, the Executive Officer doubles as the communication officer and alleviates some of the work load of Ops in taking on this responsibility.
Tactical
Now a sit down position, it is given a more specified console to make more information on external tactical matters accessible. Obvious defense functions include phaser targeting and firing, quantum torpedo control, defensive shield function (shield engineering functions are handled on the Defense Engineering Console), and missile setting, arming, and firing. Other functions include all tractor beams (though the Helm can take control if deemed appropriate), sensor probes, and even sensor arrays (though Ops normally coordinates in this role).
Defense Systems
Normally concerned with internal tactical matters, it’s function is basic benign safety measures, security, and even ship-board counterintelligence. It is also the primary station (though not dedicated station) for technology assessment of threat forces and appropriate tactical conclusions from it. It also has a larger display than that on Tactical for these functions, though not as sophisticated as that on the specialized console. Though this station is not commonly found on main bridges on Starfleet vessels, Defense systems was given its own dedicated console given the tactically intensive requirements of the mission profiles commonly taken on by the USS Apocalypse.
Engineering
Given the crew interaction necessary in a mission for special operations, it was deemed better to give the chief engineer a large dedicated set of consoles on the bridge that could be used with equal ease as those located in Main Engineering. Different systems displayed include warp propulsion systems, impulse propulsion systems, utility systems (deflector control, exterior hardpoints, replicators), transporter systems, and environmental systems.
Defense Engineering
Created for the chief engineer for a more concentrated display of tactically relevant systems such as shield function, phaser function, projectile weapon and launcher function, damage control (fire suppression, bulkhead function, component ejection), and emergency operations systems (auto-destruct, personnnel ejection systems).
Environmental
Normally a completely automated system, can be utilized to alter or maintain hospitable conditions on the ship when specific concentrated data display is needed.
Strategic Holographic Display
A new addition to the bridge of the ship, it almost entirely eliminates the need for a ready room, saving critical space on a ship. It was placed at the back of the bridge to afford the commanding officers and tactical an unobstructed view.
All references to the "Prevaricate" class and the "USS Shadow Horseman" are copyrighted David Highlander. They are not public domain and not for use without his express permission and any and all infringements will be prosecuted to the absolute fullest extent of the law. David Highlander can be reached at dhighlander@pdq.net.
All references to the "USS Apocalypse" are copyrighted to C. David Sands III. It is not public domain and not for use without his express permission and any and all infringements will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. David Sands can be reached at csand4ka@mwc.edu, or after May 20, 1998 at hifidave@erols.com.