What kind of water craft do civilians use? Speedboats, sailboats, tourboats, fishing boats, cruise ships. Not destroyers or aircraft carriers (the present day equivalent of Starfleet vessels). Picard takes place in the civilian world at the end of the 24th century. He's no longer on active duty so of course we haven't seen any Starfleet ships!
Regular people can't just call for an Uber and get the Enterprise E. If they want to charter a vessel it's going to be something like Rios' ship, much smaller with limited shields and weapons - just enough to discourage criminal types. They certainly can't take on a Bird of Prey. I imagine there's the equivalent of modern air travel too. Warp capable ships with a few hundred small cabins that ordinary folks can afford tickets on. Picard didn't travel that way because he doesn't want the Romulans tracking his every move, and of course because he might need to go places one isn't supposed to go.
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Rorikon (17940)
5 years ago
Even if it takes place in the 'civilian world' as you call it, doesn't mean we don't see ships here or there. Like seeing Navy ships docked or at sea doing patrols. This is Earth we're talking about which he's retired to in some vineyard. He even travels to Starfleet command to talk to a certain Admiral to try and charter a small ship.
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chrisjdel (2714)
5 years ago
I mean we haven't seen them in action. I see naval ships from time to time where I live, but can't go for a ride on one or hire them out for personal travel. Never seen what their weapon systems can do either.
Picard wasn't looking to charter a ship, he was requesting temporary reinstatement and command of a small Starfleet vessel with a minimal crew complement. And Admiral Clancy looked like she was about to ask "Do you want fries with that?". She was incredulous that he'd just walk in after 14 years (and the TV interview) and ask for a starship command like he was renting a jetski. Perhaps if he hadn't burned so many bridges ... but then the producers, and Stewart himself, didn't just want to do a TNG continuation series with Picard back in uniform.
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