Hydropressure aquedeucts, also known as "Bridger's Folly," is a hydropressure system designed by Nathan Bridger ultimately used to power undersea colonies. Prior to its widespread use, this unique design feature is implemented on seaQuest DSV 4600 and 4600-II. This design facilitates complete access for the dolphin, Darwin, throughout the vessel, with windowed view ports from the ducts into corridors and compartments, such as mammal engineering.
The concept was originally part of seaQuest's design, with the intention of fully integrating a Navy-trained dolphin into the ship's crew. It is implied that the tubes were integrated into seaQuest DSV 4600 during the 2018 UEO refit following the Livingston Trench Incident (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
The 4600-II features even further integration of these aqueducts, with Darwin now having access to the Captain's Quarters (DSV: "Daggers").
Implementation
The primary design element of Bridger's Folly is a network of tubes and passageways that allow Darwin movement throughout seaQuest. This contrasts sharply with the typical layout of a submarine, which prioritizes controlled access for safety and security. The purpose of this design is to integrate a Navy-trained dolphin as a functional member of the crew, allowing the creature the ability to participate in the ship's missions.
In its implementation, the system includes sensors that feed data to the vocoder designed by Lucas Wolenczak that translates Darwin's vocalizations into human language, facilitating communication with the human crew. The vocoder system, along with the design of the passageways, allows Darwin to effectively engage with the human crew and participate in ship operations (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
"Bridger's Folly"
Admiral William Noyce remarks on the design upon seeing that Darwin has full access to the ship and refers to it as "Bridger's Folly." The term "Bridger's Folly" itself suggests that this design is not only unconventional but also potentially impractical or ill-advised. This design challenges traditional notions of a military vessel and raises questions about the relationship between humans and animals, especially in a military context.
Upon recovering seaQuest DSV 4600-II in 2032 CE, Captain Oliver Hudson remarks that the tubes that run throughout the ship are nonsensical, while contrasting their use throughout undersea colonies, such as Nexus, as a source of power. Hudson offhandedly notes that Bridger's design patent would likely have made Bridger a rich man during his 10 year absence, prompting both to realize they had their way into Nexus, with a team forcing President Alexander Bourne (2032: "Brave New World").