Ships generate a large amount of trash. Certain solar systems have rules on the amount of debris that can be jettisoned so trash is often compacted together to reduce taxes. Plus, this is a cool way to squish people.
The two side hatches on the module are normally closed. To open or close them is an automatic action taken in an adjacent square. When the compactor is activated, they automatically close and cannot be opened until the compactor is deactivated. Movement in the module is the same as for a slagged module.
When the compactor is activated (Engineering vs 11) place the compactor counter
in the squares closest to the battlestation. Each phase it moves one square
away, making the free space a little smaller. Each time the bar moves, characters
need to make an Athletics check vs 11 +3 per square moved or be squished
(same effects as a Disintegrator.) After 4 phases, or an Engineering vs
11 the compactor
shuts off. The bar is removed. If damaged, the bar stops where it is, resuming
movement when repaired.