DEFLECTOR SHIELDS

	The tactical deflector system is the primary defensive system of the 
Galaxy class starship. It is a series of powerful deflector shields that protect 
both the spacecraft and its crew from both natural and artificial hazards.
	Like most forcefield devices, the deflector system creates a localized 
zone of highly focused spatial distortion within which an energetic graviton 
field is maintained. The deflector field itself is emitted and shaped by a series 
of conformal transmission grids on the spacecraft exterior, resulting in a field 
that closely follows the form of the vehicle itself. This field is highly resistive 
to impact due to mechanical incursions ranging from relativistic subatomic 
particles to more massive objects at lesser relative velocities. When such an 
intrusion occurs, field energy is concentrated at the point of impact, creating 
an intense, localized spatial distortion.
	To an observer aboard the starship, it appears that the intruding 
object has Òbounced offÓ the shield. A zero-dimensional observer on the 
intruding object would, however, perceive that his/her trajectory is 
unaffected, but that the location of the starship has suddenly changed. This 
is somewhat analogous to the spatial distortion created by a natural gravity 
well, and is typically accompanied by a momentary discharge of Cerenkov 
radiation, often perceived as a brief blue flash. The deflector is also effective 
against a wide range of electromagnetic, nuclear, and other radiated and 
field energies.  Æ