Q&A ยท 3:55:32-3:56:54

Could Romulan warships double as cargo carriers?

An external cargo-pod proposal encounters the setting's warp-geometry constraints.

Question

Could Romulan military vessels carry cargo modules and also serve the merchant fleet?

Short answer

Cargo pods are proposed, but their effect on warp geometry raises an objection to fitting them to every warship.

Notes

After a brief confirmation that the Romulans have a nationalized merchant marine, one proposal is to let military ships attach cargo pods. The aim is to perform merchant work without redesigning the entire hull around interchangeable roles. Its proponent explicitly allows for gaps in their knowledge of warp mechanics. The objection is that added pods affect warp geometry, making them unattractive for ships such as battleships, although unusual vessels with ample internal space could be exceptions.