Quantum slipstream drive

The quantum slipstream drive (also known as quantum slipstream, slipstream drive, or simply QSD) is an advanced form of propulsion technology that allows for travel across vast distances at speeds far exceeding that of conventional warp drive. It is believed to have been originally developed by a Delta Quadrant race with the Borg designation, "Species 116".

History

The crew of the USS Voyager first encountered slipstream technology in 2374 when they discovered the USS Dauntless NX-01-A, a vessel they were made to believe was sent by Starfleet to transport them back home to the Alpha Quadrant. It was later revealed, however, that the vessel was an elaborate ruse by an alien named Arturis and the plot was foiled by the Voyager crew. The following year, the Voyager crew managed to construct their own quantum slipstream drive using rare benamite crystals. Despite the initial promise of the new drive, a phase variance was discovered in the slipstream that ultimately proved impossible for the crew to overcome.

For a time, the technology was set aside, and further development seemed unlikely until the technical specifications were delivered to Starfleet Command in 2376. Analysis of the information began almost immediately in the hope that it might yield some method of bringing the Voyager crew home. Not long afterward, a team was formed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards to take on the project of making quantum slipstream drive a workable reality.

Voyager’s safe return in 2378 meant it was no longer necessary to develop a functioning drive in order to bring them home. However, the drive’s potential for use in deep space exploration remained, and so the work continued. Having access to the physical hardware, personal experience, and full data files brought back by the Voyager crew gave the team a significant advantage. Within a relatively short time, they were ready to begin the initial testing phase.

The first official tests of Starfleet-built quantum slipstream drive began utilizing specially designed drone ships. These were followed by modified Intrepid class starships, and later the construction of the first Spirit class vessels, which served as the primary testbed for the next phase of slipstream development. Once the individual components had been trialed in the field, engineers moved into yet another phase, utilizing the Voyager crew’s thorough analysis of the Dauntless to construct a detailed replica, the USS Dauntless (NCC-80816). By 2383, this version of the vessel had completed rigorous testing and been deployed to the field, where it was used in Admiral Janeway’s search for the USS Protostar.

Not long after initial construction of the Dauntless prototype, the discovery that the Romulan sun would explode brought changes to large portions of Starfleet. The re-prioritization of Utopia Planitia toward a total emphasis on the evacuation fleet shifted primary responsibility for the slipstream project (including the new Vesta class design) to the 40 Eridani A Starfleet Construction Yards in orbit of Vulcan. This proved fortuitous in that, despite the attack on Mars in 2385, the project was able to continue unabated.

Commissioned at 40 Eridani A Yards in 2386, the prototype USS Vesta was dispatched to the Eleventh Fleet patrol zone to conduct her shakedown and slipstream trials away from the core worlds. The results of these trials were found to be in line with those of earlier testing. Although a few of the tests did uncover some flaws that the smaller test vessels did not experience, refinements to the system and additional tuning of the Vesta spaceframe ultimately proved the system’s viability for use aboard larger starships.

Technology

Operational Parameters

The current Starfleet quantum slipstream drive system maintains a cruising velocity of three hundred (300) light years per hour. This can be sustained for a period of up to twelve (12) hours before the auto-shutdown sequence is initiated. Forty (40) minutes of preparation, inspection, and warm-up are required before making a standard slipstream jump. Afterwards, a minimum of nine-point-eight (9.8) hours’ down time per one (1) hour of flight time is required, and a minimum of five (5) days total if the auto-shutdown sequence was initiated.

Any attempt to activate the quantum slipstream drive before the cool-down cycle has been completed presents an extreme risk of slipstream failure and the significant possibility that the vessel in question will be severely damaged or destroyed.

The benamite crystals utilized in the quantum slipstream drive are rare, unstable, and extremely difficult to synthesize. The supply of crystals allotted to each vessel equipped with a quantum slipstream drive has only a finite use as the crystals are in a constant state of decay, a problem exacerbated by their use. When operational guidelines are followed, the benamite matrix will require servicing at a qualified shipyard as part of standard refit procedures. If the operational parameters are exceeded, the benamite matrix will last significantly less time.

Failure to abide by Starfleet regulations when utilizing the quantum slipstream drive will result in an investigation and a hearing at which disciplinary action may be taken.

Security Concerns

Starfleet Command has ordered the strictest security and marked all materials pertaining to the quantum slipstream drive as classified. This is largely due to the anticipated impact such technology will have on the balance of power across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. While it is expected that other powers will eventually become aware of the drive’s existence, Starfleet considers it of paramount importance that the specifications are not allowed to pass into the hands of non-Starfleet personnel.

Compatible Ship Classes

As standard:

As refit:

Intrepid class

Alternate Timelines

Vesta’s failure

One alternate version of the USS Vesta existed in a timeline where development of the quantum slipstream drive was initially considered a failure. Early testing proceeded as it had in the prime timeline and, although reports seemed promising, the end results were far less than what had been hoped for. The Vesta prototype returned to drydock for retrofitting while subsequent Vesta class starships were constructed without quantum slipstream capabilities.

Writing Notes

Use of the quantum slipstream drive aboard any sim requires that a written request be submitted to and approved by the Department of Resources.