Beta 5 computer
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
The Beta 5 computer was a sophisticated computer built by unknown aliens from a hidden planet located more than 1,000 light years from Earth. It was installed in 1968 at 811 East 68th Street, Apartment 12-B in New York City, which was occupied by pseudo-secret agent Gary Seven.
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[edit] Capabilities
As a highly capable device, the Beta 5 was able to make analytical decisions due to its extremely advanced artificial intelligence. This artificial intelligence was supplemented with a snobbish, feminine personality.
- It is unknown if the Beta 5's snobbish behavior was unique to this model, or a trait common to all Beta 5 units, if indeed other units indeed existed, much like case of the Federation's EMH Mark I.
The Beta 5 contained a vast database of knowledge on other planets and the history of Earth. It had the ability to check news broadcasts from across the globe, as well as intercept and decode government messages thanks to its exceiver circuits.
The Beta 5 computer was also linked to a transporter chamber, located in an apparent walk-in vault, which could transport individuals simply by passing through the entrance-way.
The Beta 5 also contained a materialization niche on the right-hand side of its console that could be used for such purposes as producing false identification.
[edit] Access
When not in use, the Beta 5 computer was hidden behind the bookcase in Gary Seven's office.
When hidden, the Beta 5 could be accessed through a scanner, which resembled a green cube, located on Seven's desk. While active, the cube glowed brightly and then dimmed when waiting for further input. This interface device, however, was limited to only voice command input. For finer, manual control of the Beta 5, it needed to be taken out of hidden mode and accessed directly.
[edit] Missions
The Beta 5 was instrumental in the completion of Seven's mission in 1968 after Agents 201 and 347 were killed in a car accident on their way to their mission objective.
It assisted Seven in completing his mission by taking control of the flight telemetry of the missile launch. This allowed him to cause a failure in third stage detachment of the rocket, and arm the warhead of the missile. The Beta 5 was able to block all commands to the rocket by McKinley Rocket Base and US tracking bases in Bermuda and South Africa. (TOS: "Assignment: Earth")
- The Beta 5 computer's voice was provided by Barbara Babcock.
[edit] Appendices
[edit] Apocrypha
In the Eugenics Wars novel series, Khan Noonien Singh stole secure files from the Beta 5 (including an ozone-depleting satellite developed by Wilson Evergreen, which Khan named "Morning Star"), and then destroyed it in a spray of machine gun fire.
