Peter,

If you researched IDIC then you are aware it stands for 'Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination' - and I am merely applying some of those combinations to achieve the required diversity. Experimentation is the key to understanding, after all. And no, I did not 'date' the 'middle one' as well. I do not believe he would have been open to that particular suggestion.

It is unfortunate to hear that the parts you have been waiting for have been hijacked. Unfortunately I am not in a position to give you much aid, since I am not allowed to approve reqests for that type of equipment - I could submit a request that a second set be sent out to you, but I can not in all honestly guarantee such a request would be honoured, since a replacement set has already been sent.

Indeed, plugging in the modified tricorder without the OSBN relay would have been most inadvisable. The phrase 'lit match in a fireworks factory' would not be inappropriate. Nor, potentially, would 'crispy fried engineer' as you were so fond of saying.

I am unable to offer advice with the first of your problems. I am reminded, however, of the incident on Mars when we visited the southern mountain ranges. I have never viewed an innocent filing cabinet in quite the same way ever since. As to producing biomechanical gel, it seems the most efficacious method may indeed be to 'cook up' some of your own. I am assuming you do not have the facilities on board to construct the required semi-nanitic substance most often used in this type of device, so I shall attempting to provide you with an organic recipe that should achieve much the same result, though it will undoubtedly be less efficient and will require constant monitoring and recycling.

Studies have shown that a one-to-one mixture of plankton, heavy salt water and mud, combined with a very high concentration of 'Serratia marcescens' (at least a ratio of 3 million per cubic centimeter of water) will achieve something close to the desired result. This bacteria, as you may be aware, is most commonly found on bread-like substances that have been left to go moldy in a damp place - perhaps your sandwich might be a suitable source for growth?

There are one or two caveats associated with this suggestion:

Firstly you should be aware that while this will allow the makeshift generators to run at 75% efficiency and at a full 1G, as little stress should be placed on them as possible for fear of the makeshift OSBN relay overloading and exploding. If you were on board a starship I would most certainly not have made this suggestion. However, since you are on a space station which has little to no chance of moving in the near future I feel it is an acceptable risk. Secondly, as I mentioned, this 'recipe' would have to be replaced fairly often, most likely once a fortnight at the very least.

I await your next reply with great anticipation.
Sponn