Enterprise hit by magnetic pulses.
A magnetic pulse weapon is a type of weapon used by Klingons in the 2260s, apparently consisting of a blast of magnetic energy fired at a target.
- It is not clear if this effect is somehow associated with the Klingon disruptor-type weapons which were also outfitted on Klingon ships of the era.
On stardate 3198, a Klingon attack ship fired magnetic pulses at the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) in a surprise, unprovoked attack. The Enterprise returned phaser fire, destroying the scout. (TOS:"Errand of Mercy")
- In TOS, the effect of Enterprise being hit by energy was a reused shot from a previous episode. A magnetic pulse effect could explain why the Klingon bird-of-prey's shots at the Enterprise and the Grissom in Star Trek III was an electric arc rather than the explosion that a torpedo might cause.