So, upon death, along with the cargo hold items, the player drops an object with an escape pods icon and model "K% 's escape pod" or "The escape pod of K%" where the K% is the died players name.
Same what Malexa and Titan stated, its inviting bad rp. Since, large amount of players does not use things they are intended for or in way they are.
Pods would end up in series of scenarios were battleship strolls in, blows up 2-3 figters and then claim they are aboard his ship and he aint letting them go. I agree there are roleplay ways to get out of situation like that, but seriously, it will invite bad form.
Rules of Brainstorming: Toss in what comes up your mind, without early criticism:yahoo:
After that, go through all sugguestions and cross out the bad, or not possible ones.
Nobody will blame you if you say "Auto-Kill the one that dares to tracktor the pod in, without authorization"