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)
In 2285, the crew of the USS Enterprise accesed 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 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, the Warden of a prison asteroid containing Julian Bashir used the prefix code of the USS Lionheart to stop it's approach to the prison. (TNG novel: The Poisoned Chalice)
External link[]
- Prefix code article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.