"Log entry two hundred and thirty seven. This is Doctor- <data loss: 1.02 seconds> -of the Ascenscion Project. This entry is just a short update on the experimental subsystem development process."
"I put in an order form last month for the extra materials required, and most of it has been filled - but I'm still waiting on some of the supplies! Word is that Facility 42CC is going through an exorbitant amount of material each week, which is stretching our TransDiv ships to the limit. Nevertheless, I have sent a memo to Operations HQ to see if they can hurry with the last parts. If we waste time at this stage, we're sending money down the drain."
"I'll repeat some notes from my last log for reference. As part of Project Ascenscion, Subject Alpha needs to undergo an extensive refit in order to be fully capable of mounting the experimental technology we have in mind. I don't know what kind of state Alpha will be in when we acquire it from the Navy, so it will be necessary to be flexible. It also provides a very good opportunity to use Alpha as a test-bed for other, smaller projects in a mobile but secure environment that cannot be provided by our more... standard... research vessels."
"Currently, my team has two sub-projects in the pipeline; one at Hamilton, and the other at Pueblo. Hamilton is working on putting together some cutting-edge superconduit lines. While Alpha no doubt has an effective power distribution system due to its size and robust military history, what we have here is something altogether new. Our superconduits will draw power from the reactor directly to experimental drive system, due to its prodigious energy requirements. It will also help redistribute power during other operations, and may even facilitate the development of new DEWs. I have even been tempted to try out a directed particle annihilator, but my colleagues believe that the concept is far too taxing for what even Alpha will be handling. I guess it will have to wait."
"Anyway, as I was saying... the second subproject. Quite a clever idea, if I do say so myself. Some scientists from BioChem and Radiology have teamed up to design a multi-stage, dual-phase separation and containment system for Alpha's reactor waste, and other difficult-to-manage substances. Unfortunately, they're a bit behind because of the transportation delays, but their subproject has enough float time that we can compensate for it."
"Once the designs of the superconduit and separator units are finalised, we will start producing them in larger quantities in preparation for their installation on Subject Alpha. On that note, I intend to talk to James Lewis over in Acquisitons to see how long it will take before we can get our hands on Alpha itself. Its operational status will be greatly influencing the direction and timing of any following sub-projects for the next few months."
"On a personal note, Professor Mondefore has been assigned to oversee Project Asgard, and I have wished him all the best with that. I am quite thankful that I am not cooped up in Leduc with him, though, as their shipments seem to get harassed a lot more frequently than those in the Core systems. I also can't stand the smell of that obscure coffee blend he's always drinking."
"Right, that's all for now. Chief Scientist, Project Ascenscion, personal log two hundred and thirty seven closed."
"The superconduit bundles appear to be maintaining integrity when passing current through at a maximum of 78.3% of the theoretical current limit. This is achieved by gradiating the power slowly through a series of transducer units. Beyond this 78.3% limit, there are measurable losses in power transfer due to deformation of the conduits."
"Unfortunately, the conduits have performed even more poorly when subject to sudden spikes of power. This is potentially problematic, as rapid rerouting of power throughout Subject Alpha may be necessary in the field. It is entirely likely that we will not be able to predict some of the tolerances required in some extreme circumstances."
"On a good note, Lewis tells me that they've finally acquired the license to our Alpha, which was once the LNS-Boxer. Once I've finished writing up the latest M-Spec reports, I'll be taking a team over to the Alpha for an inspection."