A prefix code was a six digit number programmed into a Starfleet starship's computer that allows someone to take control of a specific starship. These codes are intended as anti-hijacking measures, but have been used for negative purposes. (TNG novel: The Captains' Honor, TOS movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
History and specifics[]
In 2285, the crew of the USS Enterprise accessed the prefix code of the USS Reliant in order to stop Khan Noonien Singh from using the Reliant against Enterprise. (TOS movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
In 2364, Captain Lucius Sejanus requested that Ensign Jenny de Luz get the USS Enterprise-D's prefix code, but de Luz didn't get it for him. (TNG novel: The Captains' Honor)
In 2365, Captain Jean-Luc Picard obtains the USS Lantree's prefix code after the ship's crew does not respond. It is then revealed that the crew died from an accelerated aging. (TNG episode: "Unnatural Selection")
In 2367, Captain Jean-Luc Picard gave the Cardassians the USS Phoenix's prefix code when it was attacking Cardassian starships. (TNG episode: "The Wounded")
In 2385 of the First Splinter timeline, the Warden of a prison asteroid containing Julian Bashir used the prefix code of the USS Lionheart to stop its approach to the prison. (TNG - The Fall novel: The Poisoned Chalice)
Appendices[]
External link[]
- Prefix code article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.