Build:Bio-neural Computer System
8.7 Bio-neural Computer System
Cost: 3 x Size
Power Requirement: 7 Power per active core per round
Available: 2371
On some of the latest, most advanced ships, the computer core has been augmented with a bio-neural computer system. This system, which includes bio-neural gel packs installed throughout the ship, uses organic substances which link with standard computers to create a very powerful information storage and processing device. The gel packs contain synthetic neural cells in a gelatinous organic medium. These neural cells replace the processors and isolinear chips of the standard Star Fleet computer. These computers were part of the answer to the Warp 5 limit imposed, due to subspace degradation caused by warp travel. The bio-neural gel packs assist in processing and ordering the minute changes to the warp nacelles necessary to prevent damage to local space. As such, they enter service on all ships authorized to exceed warp 5 (TNG Scale).
In game terms, a bio-neural computer system provides a +1 bonus to the results of all Computer Tests made using the system (this is in addition to bonuses from any standard computer upgrades). For lengthy computing tasks, the bio-neural computer system reduces the time needed by 10% (round up; the minimum time for any task is one round).
Although faster and more powerful than standard computers, bio-neural computers are vulnerable to viral infections and other attacks to which organic substances are susceptible. Infections can slow the system down, or even destroy it entirely. Unlike standard computers, which require repairs from engineers when they don’t work correctly, bio-neural systems also need a doctor’s care when they malfunction. For example, to treat an infection, the gel packs might be heated to give them a “temperature” which kills off the virus.
Standard regulations regarding the number of computer cores per ship and how many must be operational apply to bio-neural computer systems.
(Cardassian: Cardassian ships may not take the bio-neural computer systems.)
(Klingon: The Klingons do not possess bio-neural computer technology, though they could probably obtain it from the Federation if they felt a strong need for it.)
(Romulan: The Romulans have their own version of bio-neural computer technology, and may buy such systems using the regular Spacedock rules. Their “biogenically enhanced computer system,” or BECS, differs from a bio-neural computer system in various minor ways, but the two function identically in game terms.)