| abstract | - Navigational control posts were stations within a particular area of space which guided and managed vessels through that area. The Cardassians maintained at least twenty-four navigational posts within their territory. They used their sensors to determine the types of vessels within their territory and decide if they were a threat or not. They were also able to dispatch repair ships to assist disabled vessels. While these posts were able to scan and communicate within a wide area, the quality of communications degraded with distance from the post. At the extreme edge of scanner range, only audio contact was possible. Kira Nerys and Miles O'Brien used this to their advantage in 2370 when they infiltrated Cardassian space in a runabout disguised as the Lissepian transport Martuk. Cardassian Navigational Control Post 24 detected their runabout as the Lissepian transport; however, the modifications to the runabout's field buffers were interpreted by the past as malfunctioning subspace field emitters. Kira explained the malfunctions as trouble with the phase modulators, which they were attempting to correct. The officer asked them if they needed a repair ship, to which Kira said, although she appreciated the offer, that it was unnecessary. Seeing power fluctuations, the officer pressed if they needed help. Realizing he might be becoming suspicious, Kira changed tactics and said that they were carrying a shipment of Rulot seeds to Gul Marayn on Cardassia IV. She pressed that time was of the essence, as the crop might be ruined if they were delayed, as well as the gul's mood. The officer expressed his understanding and suggested they get their ship repaired after they delivered their cargo. He then ended the transmission, and the runabout was able to continue on its mission to rescue Li Nalas from the Hutet labor camp on Cardassia IV. (DS9: "The Homecoming")
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