Richard Daystrom (FASA)
| Species | Human |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | RSD2146 |
| Portrayed by | William Marshall |
| First Appearance | TOS53 (8 Mar 1968) |
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Doctor Richard Daystrom was born on RSD1/4608 (August 2146). A research physicist,[1] he was renowned for the invention of duotronics,[2]—a method of processing information not in the binary method of older computers, but in 1036 gradations of maybe between yes and no—which by 2209[1] powered the computer systems aboard Federation Star Fleet vessels like the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.[2]
On RSD2171, Daystrom shared a Nobel Prize with William Abramson for their revolutionary work on duotronics.[3] A year later, on RSD2172, Daystrom and Abramson's work led to the development of the first practical, portable universal translator.[4]
In 2209,[5] Daystrom announced the development of multitronics, a new form of computing that surpassed even duotronics. The M-5 computer was installed aboard the Enterprise, but during a series of war games the project proved to be a failure. Daystrom had recorded his own brain patterns onto the computer, which failed to recognize the difference between simulated and actual combat. The U.S.S. Excalibur NCC-1664 was lost with all hands before Enterprise Captain James T. Kirk and his crew were able to deactivate the computer, convincing it to destroy itself as punishment for the murder of hundreds of Star Fleet crew members. Daystrom suffered a mental breakdown, and was taken into custody for treatment.[2]
Notes and References
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 Goldstein, Stan et al (Authors). Spaceflight Chronology. Star Trek. Book. Wallaby Books. 1980.
- ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "The Ultimate Computer." Star Trek, Season 2, Episode 24. Directed by John Meredyth Lucas. Story by Laurence N. Wolfe. Teleplay by D.C. Fontana. Desilu Productions, 8 March 1968.
- ↑ Menke, Bernard Edward and Rick David Stuart (Authors). The Federation. Star Trek: The Role Playing Game. Book 2011. Cover art by David R. Deitrick. Illustrations by Todd F. Marsh, John C. Tylk, Bob Eggleton, Daniel E. Carroll, and Jay Harris. FASA Corporation. 1986.
- ↑ Theisen, John A. (Author). The Four Years War. Star Trek: The Role Playing Game. Book 2218A . Cover art and illustrations by Dana Knutson. FASA Corporation. 1986.
- ↑ Wheeler, Wm. John et al (Authors). Cadet's Orientation Sourcebook. Star Trek: The Role Playing Game. Book 2004A, Second Edition. Cover art by Rowena. Graphics and layout by Dana Knutson and Jordan Weisman. FASA Corporation. 1983.
