Shocking Progression

[Greylock]

Juneau Shipyard, 4.30.827 0800 SMT

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Electromagnetic Flak Cannon test logs.
Test #1

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"By combining a series of electromagnetic pulse bombs with a light charge, we should be able to deflect projectiles while at the same time taking down shields of any nearby snubcraft so our point defense turrets can take them out."

"In theory, yes. But how do we prevent the bombs from going off prematurely? These are far more delicate than the kinetic shrapnel."

"The entirety of the projectile will be inside a blast-proof casing that will be programmed to break off after leaving the turret."

"Sounds like a good plan. Let's get a few prototypes put together and take them out to the Valley Forge."


L.N.X. Valley Forge, 1200 SMT

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"All right, here we go, let's see how it goes."

After placing the projectile into the loader for the starboard flak turret, both Rear Admiral Evans and Captain Briggs proceeded to the bridge to observe the test fire.

"Fire starboard flak straight ahead and focus the camera on it, maximum magnification."

"Firing and tracking flak."

As the projectile left the cannon, it exploded just meters away from the ship, slightly draining the shields.

"Well, that didn't work. Perhaps we should program the casing to come off at a set distance far enough from the ship that it will not damage us."

"I agree. A few small adjustments to one of the ones we have left over should suffice."

Within an hour, the adjustments were made and the next projectile was ready for test fire.

"All right, you know the drill. Fire starboard flak turret dead ahead and track it."

"Yes sir. Firing and tracking."

This time, the protective casing broke apart as planned, about two hundred meters from the ship, and the package traveled another three hundred before exploding.

"I think this will do just fine. A few minor adjustments can be made as needed, and we will likely need to make a few changes to our existing flak turrets to better accommodate the larger payload."

With the test firing deemed successful, the Valley Forge returned to Juneau to prepare for modification.

Juneau Shipyard, 1330 SMT

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"Turret modifications complete. Now for the next test."

"Very well. Let's get it done."


L.N.X. Valley Forge, 1500 SMT
Test #2

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"All right, we know the electromagnetic pulse part works, but we absolutely must verify that it'll still perform its original job of deflecting incoming torpedoes so we can rain hellfire upon the enemy snubcraft for longer periods of time before needing to withdraw."

"I agree. I'll take one of the bombers for a spin and we'll see how they perform against dummy and live rounds."

As Briggs left the bridge and went down to the starboard bomber hangar, Evans relayed the plan to the rest of the crew.

"All hands, red alert. We're preparing for a live test on these flaks. Captain Briggs will first launch a dummy Nova torpedo at our bow, then follow with a live torpedo. Should the flaks fail, the shields will hold, but it might rock the ship as it were."

"Briggs to the Valley Forge, I'm ready when you are."

"Excellent. Route power to forward shields and flak arrays. Captain, you are clear to proceed."

"Launching dummy torpedo in 3... 2... 1."

As he launched the torpedo, the incoming missile alarms lit up like a parade on Manhattan.

"Fire the EMP flak cannons."

As the flak projectile exploded around the missile, the guidance systems of the missile were deactivated and it was deflected to a trajectory that would harm nothing.

"Launching live torpedo."

As the seconds torpedo hurtled towards the carrier, she again opened fire with the flak cannons, easily deflecting the torpedo and deactivating the guidance systems again.

"Looks like a successful test to me," Luke said to himself. "Briggs to the Valley Forge, requesting permission to dock."

"Permission granted. As soon as you're on board we're heading back to Juneau to start producing these turrets for the rest of the fleet."

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