(I'm using this icon because it's the only TNG icon I have right now. I'm not actually/metaphorically facepalming, though.)
I can definitely see your point. Enterprise is an exploratory vessel (NOT a warship, as someone else commented, as that's Nu!Trek canon and not TNG canon), often going into unknown/potentially dangerous areas, areas that are potentially unsafe for children. Areas that make it necessary to arm an exploratory vessel with warheads "just in case".
On the other hand, IRL, there are families living and working on military bases all over the world. And, you could argue that, functionally, the Enterprise is a giant floating military base.
*shrug*
Personally, I think Picard should've made an order to evacuate the families to the nearest Starfleet outpost, once he and his team realised how dangerous their mission was becoming.
no subject
I can definitely see your point. Enterprise is an exploratory vessel (NOT a warship, as someone else commented, as that's Nu!Trek canon and not TNG canon), often going into unknown/potentially dangerous areas, areas that are potentially unsafe for children. Areas that make it necessary to arm an exploratory vessel with warheads "just in case".
On the other hand, IRL, there are families living and working on military bases all over the world. And, you could argue that, functionally, the Enterprise is a giant floating military base.
*shrug*
Personally, I think Picard should've made an order to evacuate the families to the nearest Starfleet outpost, once he and his team realised how dangerous their mission was becoming.