Automatic Scuttling System

Automatic Scuttling System (ASS) is a Systems Alliance Starship system that allows the total destruction of the vessel. ASS may be activated to dispose of an abandoned, old, or captured vessel; to prevent the vessel from becoming a navigation hazard; or as an act of self-destruction to prevent the ship from being captured by an enemy force.

ASS's arming sequence varies from class to class but usually required authorization with the use of biometric identification.

Arming sequences
ASS's control panel usually consists of three buttons, a yellow arming/place explosives button, a red trigger button, and a green disarming/cancellation button.

On Nighthawk-Class vessels
On Nighthwak-class vessels, the explosives are pre-placed.

In order to activate ASS, the commanding officer would have to walk to engineering and break the control panel's glass.

After passing retinal and palm-print identification, the CO would have to slide a personal card and press the yellow button.

The ASS's console's monitor will then display: ASS is armed and engaged. Awaiting approval for countdown. TIME INVERTAL --:-- The CO Would have to set the time invertal, and the ASS's console's monitor will then display: ASS is armed and engaged. Awaiting approval for countdown. TIME INVERTAL MM:SS The CO would then press the red button to activate the countdown, and the ASS's console's monitor will then display: ASS is armed and engaged. Countdown apporved by CO. COUNTDOWN AT: MM:SS The sequence could be aborted at any time by pressing the green button or the CO stating vocally: "Abort ASS Countdown and disarm all bombs."