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Automatic bridge defense system

Automatic bridge defense system deployed

Spock hit by ABDS

The system fires on Spock

The automatic bridge defense system was a type of automated defense mechanism, specifically a computer-controlled defensive phaser emitter, found on the bridge of some Constitution-class Federation starships during the late 2260s.

When a malevolent lifeform took control of the USS Enterprise in 2269, it tried to use the system to force the crew's obedience. (TAS: "Beyond the Farthest Star")

When this defense system was introduced in the script of "Beyond the Farthest Star", the script dictated that the system was to be "hereinafter referred to as BDS", though this abbreviation was never used anywhere else in the teleplay. The beams were identified as phasers in the script. The system's activation was described as: "A small ball-shaped object protrudes from a ceiling hatch. It has a full field of fire all around the bridge if necessary, and it is armed with phaser mechanisms. We will see it as needed."
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