Skip to main content

star trek - Is there any explanation as to why the Voyager crew don't eat on the holodeck?


I was reading this question: Why can some holodeck matter leave the holodeck while others can't


This question implies the holodecks are independent Why are the holodecks on Voyager in use if they have energy issues?


This got me thinking about Voyager. It's been mentioned that the holodeck uses a different type of power (so they can use it even with power problems on the ship). But Voyager has to use replicator rations because power is low: this poses a huge inconsistency since the holodeck replicates some objects.


So if you run out of replicator rations and don't want to eat Neelix's delicious 'Hair Pasta', you could just eat on the holodeck. That doesn't make a lot of sense. Is there any explanation given that could explain this?


I know Voyager is littered with inconsistencies but this seems to be a huge one. I'm assuming holo-food will be replicated (not projected) as the computer would assume it would be eaten. Or perhaps it deducts it from your ration but that creates another problem: other things would be replicated without your knowledge every time you use the holodeck. I just don't see a way this could work.



Answer



The implication is that the holodeck's replicator isn't capable of creating food-quality molecules. Don't forget that the point is to occasionally replicate something that will pass for a casual tactile and visual sensation rather than a high quality molecule that can be eaten and digested.


While there are occasions (such as in Voy: Day of Honor) when food and drink are consumed in the holodeck, I think we can assume that they're just simulacra, with the superficial taste and texture of food but without the nutritional benefit.




MOKLOR: It will be a lengthy ordeal. First, you must eat from the heart of a sanctified targ.


[Torres takes a piece and eats, disgusted]


MOKLOR: Pak'logh! Yes, the heart of targ brings courage to one who eats it. Next, you will drink mot'lach from the Grail of Kahless. Drink to the glory of Kahless, the greatest warrior of all time!


[Torres drinks and coughs]



In DS9: Meridian, we learn that Quark's holosuites are clearly unable to create "real" food since he's offering it as an extra service.



QUARK: I'm sorry to hear you say that, but if you're asking for a refund, forget it. The contract specifically says that satisfaction is not guaranteed. But for a valued customer such as yourself, I'll make an exception and allow you try a different programme. No extra charge. Let's see. Something a little bit more unique. Oh, I have just the thing. A picnic with the Pleasure Goddess of Rixx. I can even provide real food for a small fee, of course.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

harry potter - Did Dolores Umbridge Have Any Association with Voldemort (or Death Eaters) before His Return?

I noticed that Dolores Umbridge was born during the first Wizarding War, so it's very likely she wasn't a Death Eater then (but she is pretty evil -- who knows?). After that Voldemort was not around in a way that could affect many people, and most wouldn't know he was planning to rise again. During that time, and up through Voldemort's return (in Goblet of Fire ), did Umbridge have any connection with the Death Eaters or with Voldemort? Was she doing what she did on her own, or was it because of an association with Voldemort or his allies? Answer Dolores Umbridge was definitely not a good person. However, as Sirius points out, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters". Remember that he also says that he doesn't believe Umbridge to be a Death Eater, but that she's evil enough (or something like that). I think there are two strong reasons to believe that: Umbridge was proud to do everything according to the law, except when she trie...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is the etymology of Doctor Who?

I recently decided to watch Doctor Who, and started viewing the 2005 version. I have the first two episodes from the first season, and I can't help but wonder what is the etymology of the name "Doctor Who"? And why does the protagonist call himself "the Doctor" (or is it "the doctor")? Answer In the very first episode of Doctor Who (way back in 1963), the Doctor has a granddaughter going by the name "Susan Foreman", and the junkyard where the TARDIS is has the sign "I.M. Foreman". Barbara, who becomes one of the Doctor's companions, calls him "Doctor Foreman" (probably assuming that is his name given his relationship to Susan), and Ian (another early companion) does the same in the second episode, to which the Doctor says: Eh? Doctor who? What's he talking about? "Foreman" is most likely selected as a convenient surname for Susan to use because it happened to be on display near where the TARDIS landed....
Post a Comment
Read more

story identification - Animation: floating island, flying pests

At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...
Post a Comment
Read more