franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

15.3 OPERATING MODES15.3 OPERATING MODES 15.4 CRUISE MODENormal flight and mission operations of the Galaxy classstarship are conducted in accordance with a variety of operatingrules, determined by the current operating mode of thevehicle. These operating modes are specified by the CommandingOfficer, although in certain cases the computer caninitiate Alert status upon detection of a potentially criticalsituation.In brief, the major operating modes are:• Cruise Mode. This refers to the normal operatingcondition of the spacecraft.• Yellow Alert Mode. This is a condition of increasedreadiness in which key systems are brought to greater operatingcapacity in anticipation of potential crises.• Red Alert Mode. This condition is invoked duringactual or immediately imminent emergency conditions. It isalso invoked during battle situations.• External Support Mode. This is a state of reducedsystem operations typically invoked when the ship is dockedat a starbase and is at least partially dependent on externalpower or environmental support systems.• Separated Flight Mode. This is a set of operatingprotocols used when the Saucer Module has separated fromthe Stardrive Section. Note that many Red Alert operatingrules apply, since such separation is typically for combatsituations.• Reduced Power Mode. These protocols may be activatedwhen power availability or power usage is reduced toless than 26% of normal Cruise Mode load.Note that while each operating mode has a distinct set ofoperating rules and protocols, the Commanding Officer has awide latitude in responding to specific situations. This isespecially critical during Alert situations. The OperationsManager is also heavily involved in making judgments regardingpriority allocations for departments and systems at suchtimes.This refers to the normal operating condition of the USSEnterprise. During Cruise Mode, ship's primary operationalpersonnel are organized into three distinct working shifts.Each shift is assigned to duty status during one of three eighthourwork periods. Primary operations are defined as thosefunctions that must be performed or enabled at all times.These are generally to insure the spaceworthiness of thevehicle, environmental support, propulsion systems operations,and the ability to perform primary missions.Other support functions including secondary missionoperations are not necessarily required to be maintained ona twenty-four-hour-a-day basis. Many such departments willconfine themselves to one or two operational shifts to increasethe interactivity among working personnel.Cruise Mode operational rules include:• Level 4 automated diagnostic series are run on all ship'sprimary and tactical systems at the beginning of each shift.(Key systems may require-more frequent diagnostics perspecific operational and safety rules.)• At least one major power system to remain at operationalstatus at all times. At least one additional power systemto be maintained at standby. (For example, if the warpengines are currently providing propulsion and power, CruiseMode operating rules require eitherthe main impulse engines,the Saucer Module impulse engines, or an auxiliary fusiongenerator to be at standby.)• Long-range navigational sensors to be active if the shipis traveling at warp speed. Lateral and forward sensor arraysto be maintained at ready status, although these instrumentscan be made available for secondary mission use at thediscretion of Ops.• Navigational deflector to be active as needed for protectionof the spacecraft from unanticipated debris or dragfrom the interstellar medium.• At least 40% of phaser bank elements and one photontorpedo launcher to be maintained at cold standby status,available for activation at two minutes' notice.• One shuttlebay is maintained at launch readiness withat least one shuttle vehicle maintained at launch minus fiveminutes status.