SEPARATION SYSTEM OPERATION

	In the docked configuration, the passive apertures retain the grab 
plates in their fully deployed positions, and a structural locking wedge is 
driven into the gap between the plates. Energy from the structural integrity 
field (SIF) is conducted through the grab plates to rigidize the combined 
vehicle. All umbilicals would operate normally to transfer consumables and 
information. The turbolifts move normally between the Saucer Module to the 
Battle Section. At the confirmed signal for Saucer Module separation, once 
an assigned crew has occupied the Battle Bridge, computer event timers 
deadface all interconnects by commanding all umbilical blocks to shut down 
and retract to safe housings, and turbolift termination seals to drop into their 
deploy positions. Should any key umbilicals or turbo paths show a failure 
condition at the vehicle interface, the computer will close off the affected 
elements at the best possible points upstream of the failure. Hardware and 
software failures will then be dealt with later, once the emergency situation 
is resolved. Crews on both sides of the vehicle interface monitor the 
progress of the separation sequence, and are then on standby awaiting 
reconnection duties.
	Once all systems are safed, preparatory to the -Y translational 
maneuver, the latch wedge blocks are retracted and the grab plates are 
moved together. If the maneuver is conducted at sublight, there exists an 
option to postpone the latch retract into the Battle Section, in case a rapid 
reconnection is required. Once into warp flight, however, this option is 
canceled, as the latches must retract quickly to minimize vehicle stresses 
and any chance of collision with the Saucer Module.
	The separation maneuver will cause the two vehicle components to 
behave differently from a flight dynamics standpoint, and vehicle velocity at 
the time of separation will further increase the differences in handling 
characteristics. The main computers aboard each vehicle, interacting with 
their respective engines, SIF, and the inertial damping field (IDF), will perform 
realtime adjustments to compensate for vehicle-induced oscillations or 
externally forced motions. As the Saucer Module is equipped only with 
impulse propulsion, computational modeling has verified that special 
cautions must be observed when attempting separation at high warp factors. 
Prior to leaving the protection of the Battle SectionÕs warp field, the Saucer 
Module SIF, IDF, and shield grid are run at high output, and its four forward 
deflectors take over to sweep away debris in the absence of the dish on the 
Battle Section. Decaying warp field energy surrounding the Saucer Module 
is managed by the driver coil segments of the impulse engines. This energy 
will take, on average, two minutes to dissipate and bring the vehicle to its 
original sublight velocity.  Æ