Why Did They Stop?

[Captain Clark Terrell]

I'm referring to Enterprise and Kronos One holding position after the dinner in TUC. I know why it makes sense from a plot POV, but what's the in-universe reason? Both ships should have had enough manpower to rotate personnel on and off duty, so there would have been no need to stop for rest. The only thing I can think of is that Gorkon was due to arrive at Earth at a specific time and was ahead of schedule, thus allowing both ships time to remain at station-keeping.

--Sran

 

[Kronos]

I've never gotten the impression they were halted, always seemed they were moving at impulse, which is also ridiculous when you think about it.

 

[Timo]

Given how warp effects were portrayed in TOS, both ships could also have been moving towards Earth at a constant warp seven. (Although in that case, when the BoP fired at the battle cruiser and crippled her, the Enterprise should have overshot by several lighthours before they realized what had happened...)

However, it could be an issue of very practical protocol that one won't beam onto an enemy starship while at high warp - it's risky enough at sublight speeds already!

Timo Saloniemi