5.6 Catastrophic Emergency Procedures
Describes the predicted catastrophic failure of the fusion power system as an energetic event capable of crippling Deep Space 9, the physical effects and high casualty probability of reactor chambers explosively dissociating, the civilian evacuation and damage-control or refurbishment response, the EVA repair and debris-clearing tasks performed in suits and Work Bee craft, the gathering and embargo of incident debris, the bringing online of auxiliary and microfusion power sources, and the possible forfeiture of the station after a total loss from hostile action.
The catastrophic failure of the fusion power system is predicted to be an energetic event capable of crippling Deep Space 9. The physical effects of one or more reactor chambers explosively dissociating will include gross structural accelerations, EPS energy releases, coolant-chemical releases, and major power losses. The probability of large numbers of casualties is high, activating rapid rescue and medical response teams. Once the initial event has occurred, evacuation of all civilians will take place with all available space vehicles (see 13.0). If the severity of the failure is such that the system can be refurbished, engineering crews will perform standard damage-control tasks, including safing all affected systems, assessing any collateral structural and system damage, and sealing off station hull breaches as would be done in the case of a fusion-reactor failure aboard a starship.
The engineering teams assigned to EVA tasks would examine the affected areas in standard extravehicular work garments (SEWG) and perform repairs. In hazardous areas where pressure suits would not provide adequate protection, piloted Work Bee craft with remote manipulator arms would engage in repairs and debris clearing. All critical debris required for an incident inquiry would be gathered, stored in a cargo bay, and embargoed, where it would await Starfleet investigators.
If possible, all auxiliary power systems would be brought on-line to make up for all EPS energy lost due to a major reactor failure. In some cases, these smaller fusion devices would aid in the evacuation of Deep Space 9 and would then be shut down. The microfusion reactors powering the station RCS may also provide EPS power for a limited time. If the fusion system suffers a total loss as a result of hostile military action, and all civilians and commercial operators have already been removed to safe locations, all remaining Starfleet and Bajoran assets will depart and the station will likely be forfeit.