Stardate 9521.6.
Captain's log U.S.S. Excelsior. Hikaru Sulu commanding.
After three years I've concluded my first assignment as master of this vessel -
- cataloguing gaseous planetary anomalies in Beta Quadrant.
We're heading home under full impulse power.
I'm pleased to report that ship and crew have functioned well.
According to this, we've completed our survey of the entire sector.
I have an energy wave at 240 degrees mark six port.
Visual!
My... God!
Shields. Shields!
She's not answering her helm.
Starboard thrusters. Turn her into the wave.
Go to impulse power.
- Damage report. - Checking all systems.
- That was no meteor shower. - Negative, sir.
The sub-space shock-wave originated at bearing 323.75.
Location... It's Praxis, sir. It's a Klingon moon.
Praxis is their key energy production facility.
Send to Klingon High Command. "This is Excelsior, a Federation Starship."
"We have monitored a large explosion in your sector."
- "Do you require assistance?" - Aye, sir.
- Mr. Vultane, any more data? - I've confirmed Praxis' location, but...
- I cannot confirm Praxis' existence. - On screen.
- Magnify. - Computer enhancement.
- Praxis? - What's left of it, sir.
Captain, I'm getting a message from Praxis.
Let's have it.
This is Brigadier Kerla, speaking for the High Command.
There has been an incident on Praxis.
However, everything is under control. We have no need for assistance.
Obey treaty stipulations and remain outside the Neutral Zone.
This transmission ends now.
- An incident? - Do we report this, sir?
Are you kidding?
- What are we doing here? - Maybe it's a retirement party.
That suits me. I just bought a boat.
I'm supposed to be chairing a seminar at the Academy.
- Isn't this just for top brass? - Where is Sulu?
Captain Sulu? On assignment. Where's Spock?
This briefing is classified. Ladies and gentlemen, the C-in-C.
As you were.
I'll break this information down succinctly.
The Klingon empire has 50 years of life left.
For full details, I'm turning this briefing over to the Federation Special Envoy.
Good morning.
Two months ago a Federation Starship monitored an explosion on Praxis.
We believe it was caused by over-mining and insufficient safety precautions.
The moon's decimation means a deadly pollution of their ozone.
They will have depleted their oxygen supply in 50 Earth years.
Due to their enormous military budget -
- the Klingon economy doesn't have the resources to combat this catastrophe.
Last month, at the behest of the Vulcan Ambassador, -
- I opened a dialogue with Gorkon, Chancellor of the Klingon High Council.
He proposes to commence negotiations at once.
Negotiations for what?
The dismantling of our space stations and bases along the Neutral Zone.
An end to 70 years of hostility, which the Klingons can no longer afford.
Bill, are we talking about mothballing the Starfleet?
Our exploration and scientific programs would be unaffected, but...
I must protest!
To offer Klingons safe haven within Federation space is suicide.
Klingons would become the alien trash of the galaxy.
If we dismantle the fleet, -
- we'd be defenseless before an aggressive species on our territory.
The opportunity here is to bring them to their knees.
Then we'll be in a better position to dictate terms.
- Sir... - Captain Kirk?
The Klingons have never been trustworthy.
I agree with Admiral Cartwright. This is a terrifying idea.
It is imperative that we act now to support the Gorkon initiative, -
- lest more conservative elements persuade his empire -
- that it's better to attempt a military solution and die fighting.
You, Captain Kirk, are to be our first olive branch.
We are to rendezvous with the vessel which is bringing Gorkon to Earth -
- and to escort him safely through Federation space.
Me?
There are Klingons who feel the same about the peace treaty as yourself, -
- but they'll think twice about attacking the Enterprise under your command.
I have personally vouched for you in this matter.
You have personally vouched?
You will extend Chancellor Gorkon full diplomatic courtesy, Captain.
- A full Ambassador is better equipped... - If there's no further business...
...I wish you and your crew Godspeed. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
I remind you this meeting is classified.
I don't know whether to congratulate you or not, Jim.
I wouldn't.
We volunteered?
There's an old Vulcan proverb. "Only Nixon could go to China."
How could you vouch for me?
- That's arrogant presumption. - My father requested that I open...
I know your father is the Vulcan Ambassador, but you know how I feel.
- They're animals. - Jim...
- There is an historic opportunity here. - Don't believe them! Don't trust them.
- They're dying. - Let them die.
Has it occurred to you that this crew is due to stand down in three months?
We've done our bit for king and country.
You should have trusted me.
Control, this is S-D 103, approach to Space dock. Over.
You are clear to deliver Captain Kirk and party to N.C.C. 1701 Alpha.
- Captain on the bridge! - As you were. Lieutenant?
Val'eris, sir. We were told you needed a helmsman, so I volunteered.
It is agreeable to see you again.
She was the first Vulcan to graduate at the top of her class at the Academy.
- You must be very proud. - I don't believe so, sir.
She's a Vulcan, alright.
Let's get this over with. Departure stations.
- Scotty? Did you find the engine room? - Right where I left it.
Stand by. Uhura, get me the dock master.
Control tower reading, sir.
Control, this is Enterprise requesting permission to depart.
This is Control. Permission to depart granted. 30 seconds for port gates.
- Clear all moorings. - Awaiting port gates from this mark.
- All lines clear. - Aft thrusters.
Thank you, Lieutenant. 1 quarter impulse power.
Captain, regulations specify thrusters only while in space dock.
Jim...
You heard the order, Lieutenant.
Aye, sir.
Captain's log. Stardate 9522.6.
I've never trusted Klingons, and I never will.
I can never forgive them for the death of my boy.
To escort the Chancellor of the Klingon High Council to a peace summit -
- is problematic, at best.
Spock says this could be an historic occasion. I'd like to believe him.
But how on Earth can history get past people like me?
- Sorry. - You could have knocked.
We are almost at the rendezvous, sir. I thought that you would like to know.
Permission to speak freely, sir. It is an honor to serve with you.
You piloted well out of space dock, Lieutenant.
I've always wanted to try that.
You've done well, Val'eris.
As your sponsor at the Academy I've followed your career with satisfaction.
And as a Vulcan, you have exceeded my expectations.
I do not understand this representation.
It's a depiction from ancient Earth mythology.
"The expulsion from Paradise."
- Why keep it in your quarters? - To remind me that all things end.
It is of endings that I wish to speak.
Sir, I address you as a kindred intellect.
Do you not recognize...
...that a turning point has been reached in the affairs of the Federation?
History is replete with turning points. You must have faith.
- Faith? - The universe will unfold as it should.
- Is that logical? Surely we must... - Logic, logic, logic.
Logic is the beginning of wisdom, Val'eris. Not the end.
This will be my final voyage on board this vessel as a member of her crew.
Nature abhors a vacuum.
I intend you to replace me.
I could only succeed you, sir.
Now hear this. All officers to the bridge.
Klingon battle cruiser off the port bow. All Officers to the bridge.
Captain on the bridge!
Shall we raise our shields, Captain?
I've never been this close.
The Chancellor is undoubtedly awaiting our signal.
- Uhura, hailing frequencies. - Aye, sir.
Right standard rudder. Bring us alongside.
Right standard rudder. Z plus 5 degrees.
Channel is open, Captain.
This is the Starship Enterprise. Captain James T. Kirk commanding.
This is Kronos One. I am Chancellor Gorkon.
We've been ordered to escort you to your meeting on Earth.
Thank you.
Would you and your party care to dine this evening aboard the Enterprise -
- as guests of the United Federation of Planets?
We would be delighted to accept your gracious invitation.
We'll make arrangements to have you beamed aboard at 19:30 hours.
I shall look forward to that.
I hope you're happy.
Captain! There is a supply of Romulan ale aboard.
It might make the evening pass more... smoothly.
Officer thinking, Lieutenant.
Guess who's coming to dinner.
Energize.
- Chancellor Gorkon. - Captain Kirk.
May I present Captain Spock, whom I believe you know.
Captain, face to face at last. You have my thanks.
Chancellor.
Gentlemen.
This is my daughter, Azetbur...
My military advisor, Brigadier Kerla...
...and this is General Chang, my chief of staff.
I have so wanted to meet you, Captain.
- I'm not sure how to take that. - Sincere admiration, Kirk.
From one warrior to another.
Right...
This way. You might enjoy a brief tour.
- They all look alike. - What about that smell?
You know only top of the line models can even talk...
- You men have work? - Yes, ma'am.
Then snap to it.
I offer a toast.
The undiscovered country.
- The future. - The undiscovered country.
Hamlet, act 3, scene 1.
You have not experienced Shakespeare until you've read him in Klingon.
Captain Kirk. I thought Romulan ale was illegal.
An advantage of being 1,000 light years from Federation headquarters.
To you, Chancellor Gorkon. One of the architects of our future.
Chancellor!
Perhaps we are looking at something of that future here.
Tell me, Captain Kirk. Would you be willing to give up Starfleet?
The Captain feels that Starfleet's mission has always been one of peace.
I wouldn't dispute my first officer. Starfleet has always been...
There's no need to mince words. In space, all warriors are cold warriors.
General, are you fond of... Shakespeare?
We believe all planets have a sovereign claim to inalienable human rights.
"Inalien..." If you could only hear yourselves.
"Human rights." Why, the very name is racist.
The Federation is a "homo sapiens only" club.
Present company excepted, of course.
We know where this is leading - the annihilation of our culture.
That's not true. No!
"To be or not to be"...That is the question which preoccupies our people.
- We need breathing room. - Earth. Hitler, 1938.
I beg your pardon?
Well...
I see we have a long way to go.
We must do this again sometime.
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you.
If there is to be a brave new world, -
- our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.
- Captain Spock. - Chancellor. Madam.
Captain.
Well, most kind.
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Hmm, Captain?
"Have we not heard the chimes at midnight?"
Thank God!
- Did you see the way they ate? - Terrible table manners.
I doubt our own behavior will distinguish us in the annals of diplomacy.
I'm going to sleep this off. Is there any other way we can screw up tonight?
I'm going to go find a pot of black coffee.
The Enterprise hosted Chancellor Gorkon to dinner last night.
Our manners weren't exactly Emily Post.
To the galley - Romulan ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions.
Captain Kirk, will you please join me on the bridge? Captain Kirk?
- Captain. - What is it?
- I find this curious. - Spock, I'm really tired.
We are reading an enormous amount of neutron radiation.
- Where? - It appears to emanate from us.
The Enterprise?
Val'eris, do you know anything about a radiation surge? Chekov?
Only the size of my head.
I know what you mean.
- What's happened? - We've fired on the Chancellor's ship.
Torpedo room! Please confirm, have we fired?
- Uhura, monitor. - Aye, sir.
- Direct hit. - Confirmed, sir.
This is the bridge. Do you read me?
- Did we fire those torpedoes? - Negative. We're still fully loaded.
Unable to confirm or deny firing the torpedoes.
- Hailing frequencies. - Aye, sir.
Kronos One, this is Enterprise. Do you read?
It's very hard to make out. There's been weapons firing and a lot of shouting.
- She's still listing. - She's spinning out of control.
Have you not a shred of decency in you, Kirk?
We come in peace, and you blatantly defy that peace.
For that, I shall blow you out of the stars.
- We haven't fired. - Captain...
According to our data banks, we have. Twice...
Captain, they're coming about.
- They're preparing to fire. - Shields up, Captain?
- Captain, our shields. - Shields up, Captain?
Signal our surrender.
We surrender!
- This is Enterprise. We surrender. - If they fire, with our shields down...
...we will not be able to respond. - Repeat, Enterprise surrenders.
- Are we firing torpedoes? - I wish I knew.
- I'm going aboard. Spock, take the con. - I involved you, I will go.
No, I'll go. We'll not be the instigators of war on the eve of universal peace.
I'm going too, they may need a doctor.
Uhura, tell them we're coming, and tell them we're unarmed.
- Have you lost your mind?! - I don't understand what's happened.
We're here to help.
Follow me.
- Chancellor Gorkon. - My God! What has happened here?
- You dare to feign ignorance? - What happened?
With a direct torpedo hit, you crippled our gravitational field -
- and two of your Starfleet crew beamed aboard wearing magnetic boots.
- Aren't you carrying a surgeon? - We were until this disgrace.
Then for God's sake, let me help.
I've got a pulse - we can move him. I need light. Put him on the table.
Hold him! Hold him while I stabilize him.
I said hold him!
Sweet Jesus.
- Can you? - I don't even know his anatomy.
- His wounds are not closing. - He's killing him!
He's gone into some kind of damned arrest.
Come on, dammit! Come on!
He's not responding.
Don't let it end this way, Captain.
Under article 184 of your Interstellar Law...
...I'm placing you under arrest.
You're charged with assassinating the Chancellor of the High Council.
He tried to save him.
They've been arrested.
Mr. Spock, we've got to do something.
I assume command of this ship as of 02:30 hours.
Commander Uhura, notify Starfleet headquarters and request instructions.
We cannot allow them to be taken to Kronos as prisoners.
Opening fire will not retrieve them, and we must avoid an armed conflict.
We will be able to follow the Captain's movements.
- How did you achieve this? - Time is precious.
We must piece together what happened here tonight.
According to our data bank, this ship fired those torpedoes.
- No way! - I sympathize, but we need evidence.
Please accompany me.
And if we cannot piece together what happened? What then, sir?
In that case, Mr. Chekov, it resides in the purview of the diplomats.
The Chancellor of the High Council is dead!
The result of an unprovoked attack -
- while he traveled to see you under a flag of truce on a mission of peace!
Captain Kirk was legally arrested for the crime.
He and Dr. McCoy boarded Kronos One of their own free will.
- None of these facts are in dispute. - I have ordered an investigation.
- In the meantime... - In the meantime...
...we expect the Federation to abide by the articles of Interstellar Law.
Kirk and Dr. McCoy will stand trial for the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon.
Out of the question. Ambassador Sarek, can we get them extradited?
Mr. President, I share a measure of personal responsibility in this matter, -
- but I am obliged to confirm my esteemed colleagues legal interpretation.
What is the position of the Romulan government?
I must concur with my colleagues.
You can't believe that Kirk assassinated the Chancellor of the High Council.
Mr. President. I don't know what to believe.
I'm waiting for your answer, sir.
This President is not above the law.
Mr. President, Starfleet command is here from San Francisco.
- Mr. President. - Mr. President.
Bill, Admiral Cartwright, please sit down.
Mr. President, we cannot allow Federation citizens to be abducted.
I'm constrained to observe Interstellar Law.
Sir, would you please take a look at this.
We prepared Operation Retrieve based on the danger of terrorism -
- between the Klingon empire and the Federation.
We can go in, rescue the hostages -
- and get out in 24 hours with acceptable losses.
- We have the technology... - Yes, yes.
But suppose you precipitate a full-scale war?
Then, quite frankly, we can clean their chronometers.
Mr. President, they are vulnerable. There will never be a better time.
The longer we wait, the less accessible the hostages will be.
I'll bear that in mind. Thank you, gentlemen, that's all for now.
Mr. President.
Sir...
Those men have literally saved this planet.
I know that. And now they're going to save it again.
By standing trial.
Enterprise, report back on the double. Do you read?
- We're to report back at once. - We can't abandon Kirk and McCoy.
400 years ago, on Earth, workers who felt their livelihood threatened -
- flung their wooden shoes called "sabots" into the machines to stop them.
Hence the word "sabotage".
We experience technical malfunction. All back-up systems inoperative.
Excellent. I mean... too bad.
Mr. President, I have been named chancellor in my father's place.
Madam Chancellor, you have my condolences on your loss.
I assure you that this shameful deed will not...
Let us come to the point. You want this conference to go forward.
I will attend in one week, on one condition.
We will not extradite the prisoners, and you will not attempt to rescue them.
We would consider any such attempt an act of war.
We hope you'll be our guest here on Earth.
After recent events, you will understand if I prefer a neutral site.
And in the interests of security, let us keep the location secret for now.
As you wish, Madam Chancellor.
Your father was killed for what he wanted.
The peace process will go forward.
Kirk...
Kirk will pay for my father's death.
It is as I said, Mr. Spock. Inventory registers every torpedo.
Yet the data banks insist we fired.
- One computer is lying. - A computer doesn't lie!
Precisely. Therefore we must inspect each torpedo visually.
That could take hours! And if they're all there?
Then someone forged an entry in the data banks.
Gorkon's daughter has been named Chancellor. It was on the news.
I'll bet that bitch killed her father.
- Her own father? - It is an old story, sir.
They don't place the same value on life as we do, you know that.
Take my word, she did not shed one bloody tear.
Hardly conclusive, since Klingons have no tear-ducts.
Lieutenant, any response from Starfleet since our dispatch?
Yes, sir.
And?
Commander Uhura is experiencing technical difficulties, sir.
Curious. Very well.
For 24 hours, we will agree this conversation didn't take place.
- A lie? - An omission.
In 24 hours we won't have a clue where Captain Kirk is.
- I know precisely where he will be. - You do? Where?
Kirk, Kirk, Kirk, Kirk...
It's a damn show trial.
The Enterprise fired on Kronos One without provocation.
The Chancellor and his advisors...
...having been lulled into a false sense of security -
- by an invitation to a dinner aboard Captain Kirk's vessel -
- at precisely 19:30 hours that same evening.
Call your first witness.
After the first shot we lost our gravitational field.
I was weightless and couldn't function.
Then two Starfleet crewmen came towards me.
Or perhaps they merely wore Starfleet uniforms.
That remark is speculative. I move that it be stricken.
We're interested in facts, not theories.
If the gravitational unit was not functioning, how could they walk?
They appeared to be wearing magnetic boots.
- Gravity boots? - Dr. McCoy.
Would you be so good as to tell me -
- what is your current medical status?
Aside from a touch of arthritis, I'd say pretty good.
You have a singular wit, Doctor.
For 27 years I've been surgeon aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.
In three months I stand down.
You know...
I believe that you consumed rather a generous amount of Romulan ale -
- in the officers mess on the night in question.
- Objection. - Sustained.
We all did. All of us. That doesn't mean...
Was Chancellor Gorkon alive when you first examined him?
Barely.
Now be careful, Doctor. Have you ever in your past -
- saved patients as barely alive as he?
I didn't have the medical knowledge I needed for Klingon anatomy.
- I see. - You where there.
You say you are due for retirement. May I ask, do your hands shake?
- Objection! - I was nervous.
No. You were incompetent.
You were incompetent!
Whether deliberately or as a result of age combined with drink.
- The court will have to determine. - My God, man. I tried to save him!
I tried to save him.
I was desperate to save him.
He was the last best hope in the Universe for peace.
The witness is excused.
There we have it, citizens. We have established the particulars of the crime.
And now we come to the architect of this tragic affair.
James Tiberius Kirk.
What would your favorite author say, Captain?
"Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings."
Tell us your sad story, Kirk.
Tell us that you planned to take revenge for the death of your son.
- That's not true. - Objection!
Captain Kirk has not been identified as the assassin.
I offer into the record this excerpt from the Captain's personal log.
I've never trusted Klingons, and I never will.
I've never been able to forgive them for the death of my boy.
I've never trusted Klingons, and I never will.
I've never been able to forgive them for the death of my boy.
Are those your words?
Those words were spoken by me.
Objection! My client's political views are not on trial.
On the contrary. Captain Kirk's views are at the very heart of the matter.
His record shows him to be an insubordinate, unprincipled opportunist -
- with a history of violating the chain of command whenever it suited him.
Continue.
The record shows that Captain Kirk once held the rank of Admiral -
- and he was broken for taking matters into his own hands.
Do you deny being demoted for these charges. Answer me now!
- I cannot deny it. - You were demoted?
- For insubordination? - On occasion, I have disobeyed orders.
Were you obeying or disobeying orders -
- when you arranged the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon?
I didn't know about it until we boarded the ship.
You still deny the Enterprise fired on Kronos One?
And you still deny your men beamed aboard and shot the Chancellor?
I cannot confirm or deny actions which I didn't witness.
Are you aware that as the captain of a ship, -
- you are responsible for the actions of your men?
I am.
If it's proved that members of your crew carried out the assassination...
- They're setting us up. Your Honors! - Do not answer.
Captain Kirk, you will answer the question.
As Captain...
...I'm responsible for the crew under my command.
Your Honors, the state rests.
Send to Commander Enterprise.
"We stand ready to assist you. Captain Sulu, U.S.S. Excelsior."
It is the determination of this court that the prisoners are guilty as charged.
I wish to note for the record that all the evidence is circumstantial.
I beg the court to consider this when pronouncing its sentence.
So noted.
Captain James T. Kirk, Dr. Leonard McCoy.
In the interest of fostering amity -
- for the forthcoming peace talks, the sentence of death is commuted.
It is the judgment of this court -
- that, without possibility of reprieve or parole, -
- you be taken from this place to the dilithium mines -
- on the penal asteroid of Rura Penthe.
There to spend the rest of your natural lives.
Rura Penthe!
Known throughout the galaxy as the alien's graveyard.
Better to kill them now and get it over with.
Lieutenant. The torpedo hit once again, please.
Hold.
It is Enterprise. We fired.
That is not possible! All weapons visually accounted for, sir.
An ancestor of mine maintained -
- that if you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains must be the truth.
What does that mean?
That if we cannot have fired those torpedoes, someone else did.
They didn't fire on themselves and there are no other ships present.
- There was a neutron surge. - Not from us.
A neutron surge that big could only be produced by another ship.
- Kronos One? - Too far away.
Very near us. Possibly beneath us.
If there were a ship beneath us, the Klingons would have seen it.
Would they?
- A Bird of Prey? - A Bird of Prey.
- Cloaked? - They can't fire when they're cloaked.
All things being equal, I would agree.
However, things are not equal. This one can.
- We must inform Starfleet Command. - Of what?
A new weapon that's invisible? They'll call us raving lunatics.
They'll say we'll say anything to exonerate the Captain.
And they would be correct. We have no evidence.
Only a theory which happens to fit the facts.
Assuming you're right. Why would they fire on their own President?
Indeed.
This ship will be searched from bow to stern.
I do not understand. If there was a ship underneath us -
- surely the assassins beamed aboard from that vessel, not Enterprise.
You're forgetting something, Mr. Chekov.
According to our data banks, this ship fired those torpedoes.
If we did, the killers are here.
If we did not, whoever altered the data banks is here.
In either case, what we are looking for is here.
- What are we looking for, sir? - Lieutenant.
Two pairs of gravity boots.
This is the gulag Rura Penthe.
There is no stockades, no guard tower, no electronic frontier.
Only a magnetic shield prevents beaming.
Punishment means exile from prison to the surface.
On the surface, nothing can survive.
Work well, and you will be treated well.
Work badly, and you will die.
Oh, my God!
The universal translator has been confiscated.
I'm sorry?
He's definitely on about something, Jim.
If this is your spot, we'll move on.