Optimum Interface
| Star Traks: The Original Series | |
| Episode name | Optimum Interface |
|---|---|
| Season | |
| Episode number | |
| Writer(s) | Alan Decker |
| Year | 2373 |
| Stardate | Unknown |
| Chronology | |
| Previous in series | Beaming There [TRK] |
| Next in series | Choice Blend [TRK] |
| Previous in timeline | That Sinking Feeling [WAY] |
| Next in timeline | The Road To Nowhere - Part One [VEX] |
Lieutenant Emily Sullivan's been spending a bit too much time on the computer lately, so much so that the computer thinks Sullivan should become a part of it...permanently. The only person who can rescue her from a future as collection of isolinear chips is her ex-boyfriend, Commander Scott Baird. Can he get over his intense hatred of her long enough to save her life? Will he even bother trying?
Summary
Lieutenant Emily Sullivan has been spending a wee bit too much time logged into the Subspace Dating Service. Okay, way too much time. So much in fact that the USS Secondprize's computer decides to make her a permanent part of the system. While in her quarters, Sullivan is encased in wiring and connected to the ship. Commander Scott Baird and Lieutenant Patricia Hawkins are sent to investigate. Finding Sullivan, they call in Dr. Elizabeth Aldridge, who quickly determines this problem is more in Baird's area. When he tries to disconnect Sullivan, the metal encasing her smacks the tool out of her hand. A voice that is half the computer and half Sullivan states that she doesn't want to leave her new state because she can communicate so much more efficiently now. At first Baird is ready to leave her there and let her die, but he can't do it. Despite the anger between them, he still cares about her, and, with Aldridge's help, he dives in to disconnect her from the computer. Sullivan and the computer fight back viciously, but Baird is able to sever the last connection just as he is choked into unconsciousness. He awakens in Sickbay with Sullivan at his side. The two exchange barbs, but Sullivan thanks him for getting her out of the system. She realizes that she'd rather be among flesh and blood people.
Featuring
- Captain Alexander Rydell
- Commander Scott Baird
- Lieutenant Emily Sullivan
- Commander Travis Dillon
- Lieutenant Commander Jaroch
- Lieutenant Patricia Hawkins
- Lieutenant Monica Vaughn
- Dr. Elizabeth Aldridge