Isolinear Tracer

## Project Category: Ground Weaponry/Utility, Experimental

The **Isolinear Tracer** was envisioned as a way to support front-line command-level combatants (strike team leaders, etc) by emulating antique interchangeable 'rail mount' additions to rifles. In theory, it would be able to deploy a variety of different armaments using a small, self-contained device attached to a weapon or wrist...without someone sacrificing their combadge to take out a mission objective.

In testing, the concept became much more versatile by using a modified take on existing technology. By combining isolinear tags with a pre-programmed launcher pack, the user is able to utilize (and enhance) the functions of a linked transporter to call down grenade ordinance, tag a target for tracking or an airstrike, utilize the tag as a homing transponder, tag a creature for emergency transport, or call down emplacements. The possibilities are limited only by the transporters and the materials at hand. The use of isolinear tags also gives additional utility in their ability to bypass shields (but not security forcefields) and to embed themselves in or on most any material.

The original (now destroyed) proof-of-concept was actually the size of a small minigun with a transporter pack attached. However, the devices were then streamlined with two key points in mind: portability and low weight. This limits not only their ammunition capacity, but the utilization of the transporters. It's not feasible to transport in a large defensive emplacement in the middle of a firefight, as either the supporting ship would need to have their shields down for several seconds or the tracer module would need to have its own (rather hefty) pattern buffer and energy source.

In keeping with the design constraints, the devices were refined into the desired rail-mounted launchers, at the cost of some versatility. The prototypes rely on a transporter 'paired' to the modules either through manual console input or via automated combadge authorization with a friendly ship. If the ship transporters or the ship communications are down, a small status light is visible on the devices. Jamming the devices is *nearly* impossible, as the tracer transponder uses the same signal-boosting tech as the tags. Due to the module's size and reliance on a support ship, however, there are only a limited number of available modes as testing progresses.

* Currently, the default mode is to transport a single high-yield, short-fused grenade to the target location.
	+ Stun grenades are also an option, and are dependent upon the attached weapon's power setting (stun vs. kill).
	+ Multiple tracer rounds will transport multiple grenades all at once, to keep the cycle time down on ship shield facings.

* The secondary mode acts as a homing transponder, triggering an emergency transport designed for capturing high-value targets from shielded areas.
	+ Each shot triggers a transport, so firing multiple shots in quick succession will take a support craft's shield facing down for an appropriate amount of time to complete the final transport.
	+ Together, the launchers themselves also function as tags, allowing for emergency beam-out of the wielder even after the tags are depleted.

As of the relocation of Deep Space Olympus, there are only four known prototypes for field testing, only two of which are active at any time. Both active modules are assigned to Valerie Callahan, and are attached to her dual rifles. The remaining two modules remain in the hands of R&D, for further testing and expansion.