Given the existence of matter replication devices (like the showÕs 
Òfood replicatorÓ terminals), a very logical question is: ÒWhy canÕt they just 
replicate entire starships?Ó The real reason is that such an ability would 
allow us to create entire fleets of starships at the touch of a button. This 
might be great for Federation defense and science programs, but makes for 
poor drama. For this reason, starship construction facilities (seen at Utopia 
Planitia in ÒBooby TrapÓ and Earth Station McKinley in ÒFamilyÓ) have been 
depicted as construction platforms rather than large replicators. We assume 
that replication is practical for relatively small items, but that energy costs 
would be prohibitive for routine replication of larger objects. (Jon Singer 
points out that if you could make a starship at the push of a button, you 
wouldnÕt need to!)  Æ