Department of Sufficiently Advanced Technology
From PPC Wiki
| Department of Sufficiently Advanced Technology | |
 | |
| Name: | Department of Sufficiently Advanced Technology |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation: | DoSAT |
| Director: | Hornbeam the Ironwood |
| Flash Patch: | A smoking swivel chair |
The Department of Sufficiently Advanced Technology handles the gadgets Agents use. The known staff members past and present are Hornbeam (the Head of Department), Makes-Things, Fix-It, Techno-Dann, Tess, Liz O'Grady, and Harlan, along with the Rose of Sharon, Adam and Frenchie in the A/V Division, and the Fireweed, Narcolepsy, and James Fairchild in the Testing and Application Division.
Though the DoSAT is technically headed by the Hornbeam, most Agents, if asked, would claim it was headed by the Senior Technician. Also known as the Head Technician, this position is the public face of the Department, acting the role of the Department's floor manager and as chief adviser to the Hornbeam on how well-- or not-- the place is running. This role was originally held by Makes-Things, who was the first non-Flower to work for the Organization, and who for a good deal of the PPC's history WAS the entire DoSAT. In March 2008 HST, during the Macrovirus Epidemic, Makes-Things was tragically killed. The role of Senior Technician was then passed to Techno-Dann; though not the longest-tenured member of the DoSAT after Makes-Things, he was evidently considered the best for the job (exactly how this was determined isn't quite clear).
Members of the Department have the title of Technicians; however, those assigned mostly to field work and acquisitions may sometimes be referred to as Agents (though they technically are not). Overall, the Department's total staff numbers about a hundred; however, since they usually do the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the PPC running, few of them ever gain the recognition commonly given to Agent pairs.
[edit] Activities
The DoSAT spends much of its time repairing Agent-abused equipment -- notably CADs and Consoles. However, it is also tasked with the design and acquisition of new technology. Canon worlds are investigated for usable tech -- such as the neuralyser -- and there is usually some form of (dangerous) test going on in the Department.
[edit] Divisions
- The A/V Division, headed by the Rose of Sharon, is a Division of this Department. Its job is to record audio and video footage from the various worlds that the PPC holds jurisdiction in. Occasionally, its agents may be pressganged into working alongside Agents from other Divisions or Departments on standard PPC work, or to operate on their own in roles normally handled by Action Departments if the need arises. Its recorded kills include the Balrog Sue, Harrow.
- The Testing and Application Division, headed by the Fireweed, is a Division of this Department. Its job is to search worlds under PPC jurisdiction for new forms of technology to either use straight or cannibalize to improve existing forms, as well as examining and testing such technology to either make it safe for use or to make it more safe (T&A's ultimate goal is to make the Combined CAD explosion-proof, which is a lofty challenge). T&A is prohibited from taking technology directly possessed by canons, however, as that could cause serious problems, so they usually have to find a good instance of badfic to nick their samples from.
- The Biotic Materials Division is an arm of this Department (though not technically its own division yet, despite the name) charged with creating organic alternatives to traditional DoSAT tech. This group mostly exists to accommodate the PPC's Yuuzhan Vong Agents (and is made up mostly of Yuuzhan Vong shapers), but also provides gear for other Agents who are either unable to handle traditional tech, or forbidden to do so.
- The Armory is affiliated with the Department, but may or may not be an actual Division.
