[net.startrek] Warp Engines near Planets, Starbases

knudsen@ihnss.UUCP (06/11/84)

I too wondered about kicking in the Big E's warp engines right
outside the space station door, having recalled the problems in 
ST-TMP.  Yes, the wormhole was caused by a bid fuel mix in ST-TMP
(until Spock re-jetted the carbs),
but as the Enterprise was leaving earth orbit to interceptV'ger,
Kirk distinctly said "We must take the risk of engaging warp
drive WHILE STILL INSIDE THE SOLAR SYSTEM" (Capitals mine).
Just another example of how shamefully ST2 and ST3 ignore
the first movie.  On the other hand,
the TV series always had ships
"warping out of orbit,"
so maybe ST-TMP should be faulted for ignoring TV tradition.
On the other hand, the 1st movie started with brand new engines,
possibly requring more free space to operate safely!

On balance: Yes, ST-3 IS at fault for ignoring the rules
laid down by the first movie. -- mike k
PS: those impulse engines are awful sloooowwww, no?  In ST-TMP
they used "maneuvering thrusters" to leave drydock.  Jeez!