Created by Captain Michael Turlogh Kane on Aug 16, 2016 @ 2:57am

ADVANCED REACTIVE COMPUTER USER SYSTEM (A.R.C.U.S.)

The Advanced Reactive Computer User System (ARCUS) Project is a defunct semi-sentient behavioural computer interface system for use aboard starships and starbases. Designed in-house by Starfleet Science, Arcus (or the Mark 1 Behavioural Interface, to give it its working title) was the first such computer system to incorporate a fully-interactive behavioural interface programme. Using a series of holographic projectors built into each deck of the ship, the main computer would in effect have an interactive 'avatar', capable of being activated and accessed by any crewmember at any time.

The development of a truly adaptable and intelligent computer interface has long been a dream of starship computer designers. After the development of duotronics, then the isolinear chip, then bio-neural systems, the stage was set for a programme along the lines of the Arcus Project.

The first complete working system was installed aboard the USS Century in 2414, and thereafter rolled out to several active starships, most of whom chose individual names for their computer avatars. Early reports indicated that the interface reduced or eliminated crew personality conflicts, and combatted the isolation of working with the same familiar faces in deep space for a long duration, by providing a multitude of new holographic computer avatars to interact with (although the command functions avatar remained consistent). The Arcus system also included a limited personality matrix, capable of providing limited companionship and interaction if needed.

Although early reports were positive, the Arcus system eventually fell into disuse aboard the Century and throughout the fleet, tending to be accessed only in critical situations. When the Century was stood down in 2417, the computer engineers at Starbase 56 uninstalled the original Arcus programme from her memory banks. The programme was returned to Starfleet Science, where it has languished in development hell for over a decade.

After being overshadowed by the successful development of a positronic matrix for Starfleet by the Maddox Institute in 2426, the future of the Arcus Project is now in serious doubt. It is not currently clear what, if any, resources are being committed to the project. Is Project Arcus' time at an end?