BUSSARD RAMSCOOP FUEL REPLENISHMENT

	In the event a deuterium tanker cannot reach a Galaxy class starship, 
the capability exists to pull low-grade matter from the interstellar medium 
through a series of specialized high-energy magnetic coils known 
collectively as a Bussard ramscoop. Named for the twentieth-century 
physicist and mathematician Robert W. Bussard, the ramscoop emanates 
directional ionizing radiation and a shaped magnetic field to attract and 
compress the tenuous gas found within the Milky Way galaxy. From this gas, 
which possesses an average density of one atom per cubic centimeter, may 
be distilled small amounts of deuterium for contingency replenishment of the 
matter supply. At high relativistic speeds, this gas accumulation can be 
appreciable, though the technique is not recommended for long periods for 
time-dilation reasons. At warp velocities, however, extended emergency 
supplies can be gathered. While matching supplies of antimatter cannot be 
recovered from space in this manner, minute amounts of antimatter can be 
generated by an onboard quantum charge reversal device.
	It is an accepted fact that a starship in distress will continue to 
deplete its energy supplies; however, systems such as this have been 
included to afford at least a small additional chance at survival.
	A Bussard collector can be found at the forward end of each warp 
engine nacelle. It consists of three main assemblies, an ionizing beam 
emitter (IBE), magnetic field generator/collector (MFG/C), and continuous 
cycle fractionator (CCF). The curved nacelle endcap, the largest single cast 
structure of the spacecraft, is formed from reinforced polyduranide and is 
transparent to a narrow range of ionizing energies produced by the emitter. 
It is the function of the emitter to impart a charge to neutral particles in 
space for collection by the magnetic field. At warp velocities, the ionizing 
energies are transitioned into subspace frequencies so that the beam 
components can project out ahead of the starship, decay to their normal 
states, and produce the desired effect.
	Behind and supporting the endcap is the MFC/G, a compact set of six 
coils designed to cast a magnetic ÒnetÓ ahead of the starship and pull in the 
charged particles toward the intake grills. These coils are constructed from 
cobalt-lanthanide-boronite and obtain their power from either the power 
transfer conduits directly, or the general electro plasma system. At sublight 
velocities, the coils sweep forward normally. At warp velocities, however, 
the coil operation is reversed to slow down the incoming matter. This system 
works in close connection with the main navigational deflector. In normal 
operation, of course, the job of the deflector is to prevent any interstellar 
material from contacting the ship. Small field ÒholesÓ are manipulated by the 
deflector and MFG/C to permit usable amounts of rarified gas through.
	Tucked within the MFG/C is the CCF, which continuously separates 
the incoming gas into different grades of matter considered ÒburnableÓ 
within the warp engine. The separated gases are compressed, and pressure-
fed to holding tanks within the Battle Section.  Æ