The BDS firing its phaser in 2269.
The automatic bridge defense system (BDS) was a security system present on the USS Enterprise in 2269.
Specifics[]
This device is spherical and approximately 30 centimeters in diameter. It has an internally-powered antigrav locomotion system, infrared sensors, and the equivalent of a Phaser II weapons system. It normally remains in an unoccupied corner of the bridge until the vessel goes to General Quarters Three. At that time, it automatically stations itself near the ceiling, where it can fire on any point of the bridge. (FASA RPG module: Star Fleet Intelligence Manual: Agent's Orientation Sourcebook)
History[]
In 2269, Captain James T. Kirk requested that the system be installed after lamenting how often his bridge had been commandeered by intruders, most recently by a boarding party led by Chief Protector Nisu Miratuli of the First Federation. During a layover at Starbase 8, technicians installed the device along with a second turbolift exit. (TOS novel: The Face of the Unknown)
The system was used by the magnetic organism in an attempt to coerce the crew of the Enterprise into doing its bidding. (TAS episode & Log One novelization: Beyond the Farthest Star)
Appendices[]
Background[]
- In 2023, the defense system was highlighted on a CG recreation of the TAS-era bridge as part of The Roddenberry Archive project.
Appearances[]
References[]
- TOS novel: The Face of the Unknown
- FASA RPG module: Star Fleet Intelligence Manual: Agent's Orientation Sourcebook
- The Complete Star Trek: Animated Adventures Trading Cards, No. 6
- TAS reference: The Official Guide to The Animated Series
External links[]
- Automatic bridge defense system article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Automatic bridge defense system CG animation at The Roddenberry Archive website.
- Automatic bridge defense system CG animation on YouTube.