I universum:
original studio pitch som erbjuds av Gene Roddenberry bekräftade att kapten Robert April s stående beställningar var att undersöka klass-M-planeter på grund av begränsningarna i hans skepp (landningsfartyg, standard sensorpaket, etc.).
Nature and duration of command:
Galaxy exploration and Class-M investigation: 5 years
You will patrol the ninth quadrant, beginning with Alpha Centauri and extending to the outer Pinial Galaxy limit.
You will conduct this patrol to accomplish primarily:
(a) Earth security, via exploration of intelligence and social systems capable of a galaxial threat, and
(b) Scientific investigation to add to the earth's body of knowledge of life forma and social systems, and
(c) Any required assistance to the several earth colonies in this quadrant, and the enforcement of appropriate statutes affecting such Federated commerce vessels and traders as you might contact in the course of your mission.
Consistent with the equipment and limitations of of your cruiser-class vessel, you will confine your landings and contacts to planets approximating earth-Mars conditions, life, and social orders.
Utanför universum
Det är billigare.
Some format and budget considerations . . .
SETS: Our format is tailored to practical production and cost factors. Use of stage sets, backlot and other locations are simplifled by Captain April's "Class-M" orders. And our own "Parallel Worlds" concept. The majority of story premises listed can be accomplished on such sommon studio backlot locales and sets such as Early 1900 Street, Oriental Village, Cow town, Border Fort, Victorian Drawing Room, Forest and Streamside.