Suppose Captain James T. Kirk met the Roadrunner. This means, of course, that we must somehow integrate the Saturday Morning Laws of Physics into the Star Trek universe, i.e.:
1. Sentient creatures do not fall until they realize they are about to.
2. Objects fall at a rate inversely proportional to their mass (otherwise known as "Anything falls faster than an anvil")
Now, if we assume that this is an effect of the Road Runner, as opposed to some general joke of the universe (although, I admit I have never seen an anvil descending over Kirk's head while he was falling), then we can expect other effects, as well. Notably:
1. Anything struck by a deadly weapon (presumably including phasers) is not killed, but merely singed and stunned (somehow "He's covered with soot, Jim" just doesn't carry, though).
2. Crew members surprised by the Roadrunner jump much higher than gravity should allow.
Now, the difficulty here is that there must be some reason for the encounter. Remembering that the Roadrunner is a fairly self centered beast, the motivation for the episode must come from the Federation in some form. Let us suppose that the Enterprise is doing some sort of research mission to an unknown planet. I think the Captain's Log would be worth a look:
Captain's Log, Stardate 54324.5: Starfleet Command has directed the Enterprise to do a preliminary exploration of a planet in advance of a full research team. Scanners report the atmosphere to be breathable, but are receiving confuing readings with regard to life forms. I am beaming down with a landing party composed of all our chief officers except for poor Scotty.
Supplement: Redshirt Riley has received a head injury, apparently while exploring under a high rock shelf. He reports only hearing a loud sound and jumping before being struck. After examination by Dr. McCoy he has been judged capable of continuing duty.
Supplement: We have encountered an alien creature on this planet. While it does not itself seem menacing, an unfortunate occurrence took place when it was present. Specifically, on my orders Lt. Sulu withdrew his phaser. The creature disappeared leaving a puff of smoke, immediately following which a loud noise was heard next to Sulu. Sulu fired, hitting Ens. Chekhov. Oddly enough, although Sulu's weapon was set to stun, Chekhov was also covered with a black powder similar to soot. Mr. Chekhov has been sent back to the ship for examination and quarantine.
(to be continued...)
1. Sentient creatures do not fall until they realize they are about to.
2. Objects fall at a rate inversely proportional to their mass (otherwise known as "Anything falls faster than an anvil")
Now, if we assume that this is an effect of the Road Runner, as opposed to some general joke of the universe (although, I admit I have never seen an anvil descending over Kirk's head while he was falling), then we can expect other effects, as well. Notably:
1. Anything struck by a deadly weapon (presumably including phasers) is not killed, but merely singed and stunned (somehow "He's covered with soot, Jim" just doesn't carry, though).
2. Crew members surprised by the Roadrunner jump much higher than gravity should allow.
Now, the difficulty here is that there must be some reason for the encounter. Remembering that the Roadrunner is a fairly self centered beast, the motivation for the episode must come from the Federation in some form. Let us suppose that the Enterprise is doing some sort of research mission to an unknown planet. I think the Captain's Log would be worth a look:
Captain's Log, Stardate 54324.5: Starfleet Command has directed the Enterprise to do a preliminary exploration of a planet in advance of a full research team. Scanners report the atmosphere to be breathable, but are receiving confuing readings with regard to life forms. I am beaming down with a landing party composed of all our chief officers except for poor Scotty.
Supplement: Redshirt Riley has received a head injury, apparently while exploring under a high rock shelf. He reports only hearing a loud sound and jumping before being struck. After examination by Dr. McCoy he has been judged capable of continuing duty.
Supplement: We have encountered an alien creature on this planet. While it does not itself seem menacing, an unfortunate occurrence took place when it was present. Specifically, on my orders Lt. Sulu withdrew his phaser. The creature disappeared leaving a puff of smoke, immediately following which a loud noise was heard next to Sulu. Sulu fired, hitting Ens. Chekhov. Oddly enough, although Sulu's weapon was set to stun, Chekhov was also covered with a black powder similar to soot. Mr. Chekhov has been sent back to the ship for examination and quarantine.
(to be continued...)