The Return of the Archons - S1-E22
Other mistake: After Sulu is "absorbed", he is beamed up to the ship. After materializing, his demeanor could be described as calm, gentle, meek and euphoric. After that scene, the captain's log quotes Kirk as saying "Mr. Sulu has returned, but in a highly agitated mental state." Was Kirk looking at a different Sulu than we were? A gentle, meek and euphoric condition incorrectly being touted as "highly agitated"? Time for Shore Leave. (00:01:28 - 00:03:53)
The Return of the Archons - S1-E22
Other mistake: On the bridge, as the camera looks at the view screen, there is a flashing blue light reflecting on the console in front of Sulu, but there is no light other than scanner under the viewer flashing and it's too far away to project light that far, and it's amber colored.
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut