I don't understand how/why McCoy would be able to help with the torpedo setup. He's a doctor, not an engineer.
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3Perhaps they needed his steady hands.– Jack B NimbleCommented Mar 10, 2021 at 14:26
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44"He's a doctor, not an engineer" — you've missed a "Damnit, Jim" in there.– Paul D. WaiteCommented Mar 10, 2021 at 18:19
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4@PaulD.Waite youtube.com/watch?v=_suzpmJ8nGc– OrangeDogCommented Mar 11, 2021 at 9:20
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4@OrangeDog Next you’ll be claiming that Kirk never said “Beam me up, Scotty”.– Paul D. WaiteCommented Mar 11, 2021 at 9:27
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1The same question and answer applies to Into Darkness (ew)– Azor Ahai -him-Commented Mar 11, 2021 at 16:24
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2 Answers
We get a little more info (and a different version of the dialogue) in the film's official novelisation. In short, McCoy evidently has a reasonable knowledge of the systems involved and the best person for the job, Scott, is otherwise occupied. Plus it's fiddly work and he's got surgeon's hands.
Kirk finished. "Precisely. They may be unable to completely cloak the exhaust products of their impulse engines. But accurate targeting will prove difficult." Kirk did not quite smile. "The portable equipment in the science lab, for atmospheric analysis . . ."
Spock nodded. The doctor's eyes widened as he looked from the Vulcan to the captain and back.
"That's it, then," McCoy said cheerfully.
"Pretty delicate work, though, and Scotty's tied up in Engineering right now." He started for the lift. "I'm going to perform surgery on a torpedo. You never know. . ." Spock glanced at the captain and, after receiving a nod, accompanied McCoy. "You may need assistance, Doctor."
As the lift doors snapped open, McCoy gave the Vulcan a sly glance. "Fascinating. .
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2When do you think was the last time McCoy did actual surgery? Commented Mar 11, 2021 at 2:57
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@MarkRansom Other than the ham-fisted field medicine with Gorkon, I'd say it was probably in San Fransisco, 1986 - Chekov's subdural hematoma.– J...Commented Mar 12, 2021 at 10:05
In the movie, the other characters think that Mccoy can do it because they compare it to doing surgery on a torpedo. While he may not know how the torpedo works, he has enough experience manipulating fine components and he has the guidance of other Starfleet personnel.