The mid-23rd century Constitution-class was listed as being in the Starship-class on the dedication plaque of the USS Enterprise. Starships were also identified exclusively as vessels operated by Starfleet, or as stated by R.M. Merik, "a very special vessel and crew". (TOS: "Bread and Circuses" ) Within the Federation, Starships were viewed as the role of protector within the civilian community, as Starship captains were given a certain level of authority in the region they patrolled. (TOS: "Mudd's Women" , "The Conscience of the King" , "The Trouble with Tribbles" ) Generally limited to the roles of exploration and defense, Starships typically did not transport cargo except in the case of an emergency. (TOS: "The Cloud Minders" ) Design was also a factor in defining a Starship. The config