Hi everyone! I'm the "new kid on the block" so to speak, and I'd like to ask a few burning questions if you have the time.
Why is the bridge on most ships in such an exposed location? It's right on the top of the saucer section, making it more vulnerable to attack!
I've noticed a strange circle with a cross in the center on many consoles...I first noticed it on the transporter console, but then I saw it at tactical, ops, navigation (or helm, whatever it's called). I was wondering...does anyone know what that control does?
Also, why when ships get fired on do the consoles blow up so easily? Wouldn't they be more protected than that? They should have some way of rerouting the energy and directing it back to the target...
I think that's all for now...thanks again for your time!
Sorak First Year Cadet
Posted by Cherry Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
Welcome to the forum.
To answer your questions:
1. It's no different than the bridges on naval vessels. Plus, just because the bridge is in an exposed position doesn't mean that it's the smartest place for an attacker to hit. I would go for the ship's engines, which are equally vulnerable, before the bridge. Plus, adequate shielding should be efficient enough to ward off attackers anyway.
2. I have no idea what you're talking about.
3. Because if consoles didn't blow up, the FX guys would have nothing to do.
Posted by Colorful Cartman (Member # 256) on :
3a) Because circuit breakers have gone out of fashion (as many a fried redshirt can attest to).
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
The bridge is in the center of the top of the saucer because Gene Roddenberry wanted it there. I believe he wanted it to indicate that the ships were exploring, not looking for a fight, so to the command crew weren't cowering down inside the bowels of the ship.
The only time I recall seeing that round set of buttons used was on the helm console to control the thrusters.
Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
The position of the bridge was later rationalized with the invention of the bridge module. The bridge is replaceable, to allow for relatively easy upgrades of main control systems.
Posted by Tahna Los (Member # 33) on :
As well, the "cross" buttons are used for a variety of purposes, from thrusters, to torpedoes, etc.
This thread should actually be in Starships. There it goes.