I was arguing with a friend. She said fifteen minutes but I thought it should be longer. Turns out there wasn't an exact figure in canon or on Memory Beta. I've read Dark Victory and that "Chekov died in 2 weeks" part but that booth was turned down so I think it doesn't count? Any opinions?
The intercom sounds... "Security, here, Captain. The prisoner has ceased screaming." "Oh? Is he still breathing?" "...No, sir." "I see... I suppose you can release him then." What was really chilling was seeing him in the booth on display in a corridor for anyone to see (and hear) as they passed by. Just a little added humiliation to spice the experience a bit.
It's a nice euphemism. Maybe a an Imperial effort to make things sound nicer than keep him in there until he explodes.
Tomorrow is Yesterday Spock: "The aircraft has completely broken up Captain. Shall we turn off the tractor beam?"