Project Sierra

The Sierra Project's task was the creation of a device which would provide cloak shielding not forbidden by the Treaty of Algeron, and allow detection of cloaked vessels. Clearly, this would give Spacefleet a tactical advantage if war broke out between the Federation and other powers possessing cloaking technology. In addition, it would give Spacefleet the ability to conduct covert operations in hostile territory as warranted. With Sierra's cloaking abilities, Spacefleet would be able to attain an even defensive and offensive standing with hostile powers, if not an advantage due to the cloaking-detection systems.

One of the Sierra Device's main components is a Cloak Detection sensor system, which allows the Endeavour to detect other cloaked ships. This Sensor Add-On uses frequency detection/analysis, tachyon particle pattern scanning, and ion trail detection to locate cloaked vessels. The combination of these scans has an unusual effect. When set within a certain power level the Sensor Add-On will have a virtually undetectable signal; hence, a ship carrying the Sensor Add-On can closely approach a cloaked vessel without having its scans detected. However, on a different power setting the scans are easily detectable by ships with cloaking devices, as proven by the experiences of the U.S.S. Endeavour.

The Sierra Sensor Add-On is installed next to the Main Sensor Array, thus making it harder to reach when it is need of repairs or adjustments, but it uses 70.8% less power than if installed in Main Engineering. It is a fairly small metallic box, about the size of a computer display. Inside the first panel is some of the wiring for the Sensor Add-On and a hidden panel on the side for the power level setting. Inside the second panel is the manual scanning adjustment, which changes scanning levels, and an emergency Sensor Add-On destruction button. Under the third panel is the smallest amount of wiring and a circuit board covering the whole length of the bottom, which is the main brain of the Sierra Sensor Add-On, plus the ship identifier and imaging scanner. All of these things, except for the Add-On Self Destruct and the Power Level Settings (PLS) for the detection system, can be changed from the bridge consoles. The Chief Engineering officer can destruct the sensor from any engineering console.

Located in Main Engineering is the Sierra Cloaker, a metallic rectangular shaped box about the size of a big dresser. There are two panels located on opposite sides of the Cloaker. On the front is the main wiring and emergency de-cloaker circuit board, while on the back is the Main Brain Circuit Board (MBCB) and the power level monitor. In a concealed panel on the bottom of the right side are the controls that set the power levels, plus a monitor displaying the difference between the normal PLS and the current settings.

The Sierra Cloaker uses the deflector shields to cloak the ship, causing less power drainage than did the previous defensive shield. It modifies the deflector shields' output without disrupting their duties by creating a kind of holographic image with the deflector shields. The holographic image is that of any star area that the ship is in, after the fashion of the classic smoke-and-mirrors magic.

The Sierra cloaking device has undergone some modifications since its original incarnation. Originally it used the defensive shields, which prohibited transporting. It also drastically weakened the defensive shields. Currently, the Cloaker uses the deflector screens, which has been proven to save energy, and keeps all defensive systems nominal. However, although the amount of energy that it drains has been drastically reduced due to the modifications in its style of "cloaking," the Sierra Cloaker still has a high energy drain.

The only ship currently known to contain the Sierra device is the U.S.S. Endeavour, where most of the field research for the Sierra device was performed. Most research for the Sierra Cloaker was done by U.S.S. Endeavour Ex-Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bybee, while the Engineering crew of the U.S.S. Endeavour conducted tests for the Sensor Add-On.

Although no rules or laws have been made that cover Sierra because it is not a true cloaking device, there is debate over its legality. Those in command have yet to determine it's true status.