KIRK (VO):
Captain's log, stardate 6295.3. Starfleet Command has ordered the
Enterprise to the Aldebaran sector. Meanwhile, Spock and I have been
recalled to the starbase... ...at Corinth 4 for a classified briefing. Thirty minutes 'til planetfall, captain. Thanks for taking your free time to
bring us here, Sulu. Sir, may I point out... ...as the communique only instructed
you and myself to report to the starbase... I would have been perfectly
capable of piloting the shuttle. Then I wouldn't have the chance
to see the museum at Corinth 4. They have the most extensive collection
of historical firearms in the quadrant. - It's a dream come true.
- I see. Doctor, do your interests also
extend to historical firearms? Absolutely, Mr. Spock. I've always
had a passion for handheld weaponry. We're near several Orion colonies. I'm using my off-time to perform studies on
social shifts within the Syndicate. Since the Zaminhon incident. - Has there been any progress with that?
- Perhaps. Perhaps a little too much.
There're a lot of very angry people. Angry enough to start
another civil war? Historically, oppression of any
segment of a given population... ...has lead to disastrous
long-term results. True, but that doesn't mean
the past can't be overcome. My mother used to tell me
stories of my great, great... great, great...
great, great grandfather... ...who grew up in an internment camp
during Earth's Second World War. If he could only see me now. Well, it's the 23rd century.
Anything's possible. Gentlemen.
Welcome to Corinth 4. - May I offer you a drink?
- Oh my. Is this what I think it is? Well, it depends on what you think it is.
But your odds are good. One of the advantages of being light
years away from Federation headquarters. You might need it after
what I've got to say. Mr. Spock?
Ease the nerves. Thank you, captain.
That won't be necessary. So, commodore. To what do we owe this pleasure? Captain, um, I know that you
and I have had our differences. Under the circumstances I
hope we can move past that. The crew of the Hood has been lost. Lost? Your communique was rather vague. Life-support systems failure. There's no reason to suspect foul
play. Just an unfortunate accident. Very unfortunate. Indeed. The ship is still intact. The Enterprise
has been sent to bring her home. You still haven't said...
Why are we here? You, Jim, are here as a
professional courtesy. I thought you'd want to be present
to hear what I have to say. The Hood will need a new
crew and a new captain. The Lexington is gone.
What about Commodore Wesley? He's put in for early retirement. I don't have to point this
out to you but our fleet has suffered extensive losses
in the last few years. The Farragut's being decommissioned? We only have 7 Constitution-class
starships in service. We need experienced
officers on those bridges. I know of only one candidate who is
qualified to assume command of the Hood. Congratulations...
Captain Spock. KIRK (VO):
Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the
Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission:
to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life
and new civilizations. To boldly go
where no man has gone before. SCOTT (VO):
Ship's log, stardate 6295.5.
Lieutenant Commander Scott in command. The Enterprise has been sent
to salvage the USS Hood near the edge of Federation
territory in the Beta Quadrant. No unusual transmissions, Mr. Scott. The Hood was investigating a subspace
anomaly when life support failed. Astrophysical analysis. It's possible they didn't compensate
properly for the gravitational effects. - All hands...
- And we wonder why man wasn't born with wings. It's a risk we all take when we
sign up for the service, laddie. Those 400 souls knew that.
Still, it doesn't make it any easier. - Maintain course.
- Yes, sir. Arrival at Aldebaran 3 in one hour. Inform Starfleet.
Scott to engineering. Ready tractor beam. Let's tow this lass back to port. Well. To the new captain of the USS Hood. I must confess I don't cherish the
idea of losing my best officer. - But I guess I knew this day would come.
- One moment, gentlemen. There may be a… "complication." Another
officer had applied for the position. Commander Garrett
from Earth Spacedock. Garrett?
Very experienced officer. Starfleet felt she wouldn't be
best "suited" for command. With all due respect to Mr. Spock... Garrett has an exemplary service record. Well, it seems that Commander
Garrett agrees with you. She's filed an appeal
with Starfleet Command. She asserts that she's been
selectively overlooked. Because she's a woman. Does she have any... basis
for that complaint? The United Federation of Planets was
formed over a hundred years ago by an unprecedented alliance of Humans,
Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites. The Romulan threat was
significant at that time. It was vital for Earth to ally itself
with other major powers in the region. Military powers. You've dealt
with Tellarites, captain? I've had the...
"distinct pleasure." Then let me be frank. The men of Tellar
Prime are an adversarial people. Their culture is based on
insults... arguments... hostility. They make excellent politicians. My father and I have both navigated
the Tellarites' enmity firsthand. Then you understand. Without
Tellar's resources... ...the Earth stood little chance to survive
the Romulan incursion. Commodore. With all due respect to
the history lesson... Tellarite society has always frowned on
females serving as starship captains. - It ALWAYS has.
- But surely the Federation's not bound... ...by the backwards social
policies of one member species! Not necessarily. But after the controversial admission
of Coridan, the Tellarites have been "suggesting" they might
pull their seat from the Council. It would be unwise to
antagonize them further. - Permission to speak freely, sir.
- Always. Laura. From the very beginning, Starfleet
has had female captains. - You, yourself, are a perfect example.
- I'm in command of a starbase. Not a Constitution-class starship. I sympathize with your
feelings, believe me. Of all people... I sympathize. Sir. Despite the present lack
of female starship captains I do not believe there is any
formal regulation against it. Not officially. And while I am honored
by the offer... If Commander Garrett indeed posseses
qualifications greater than I... it would be unethical for
her to be passed over for promotion simply
because she is a woman. I agree. She deserves the ship, commodore. I see. Well... I don't envy the person that has to explain
that to the Tellarite ambassador. Enter. Settling in, I see. As it is unknown how long I
shall reside here... Logic dictates I arrange my
quarters to my liking. - Makes sense.
- Captain... After careful consideration, I have
concluded that logic also dictates... I may be the more suitable
candidate for the position. I must consider the possibility that
Starfleet was correct in their assessment. This is about more than logic, Spock.
It's about fairness. My God. After all we've overcome... We shouldn't even be
having this conversation. My position is not based upon
Commander Garrett's gender. Well maybe it SHOULD be. Despite our charter... our values... Starfleet has never given a woman command
of a Constitution-class starship. I'd like to tell myself that it's just
been the way the cards fell... But perhaps there's a greater good
to be considered here. If the goal is to nominate
a woman for the post, Commodore Gray would be the
more appropriate choice. She doesn't want the ship. Apparently, Garrett's
on her way here. The commodore wants me to interview her.
Draw my own conclusions. But I must be honest, Spock. I can't imagine the Hood with a
better captain than Garrett. Perhaps. But perhaps you simply cannot
imagine the Enterprise without me. I appreciate your confidence. I, too, would find leaving the
ship to be -- most difficult. But you cannot allow that
to weigh on your decision. How could it not? I'm only human, Spock. Captain... I took the liberty of accessing
Commander Garrett's fitness reports. I recommend reading them prior to your
meeting. You may find them informative. Sir. We're within sensor
range of the Hood. All stop. That'll be
close enough for now. All stop. No life signs. Keep an eye out for subspace eddies. We
don't want the same thing to happen to us. Commander? I'm seeing no unusual
activity in this system. Confirmed. There's nothing. - But the transmissions clearly said...
- Aye. An anomaly of some sort. Lieutenant? Scan the
Hood's EPS grid. Yes sir. Definitely
been compromised. Is the damage consistent
with the reports? - Difficult to tell.
- Shall we rig for tractor beam? Something doesna' feel right. We cannuh risk towing
her to drydock without knowin' a wee bit more
about what happened. Commander, if you
give me some time... I should be able to restore life support
on her engineering deck remotely. You could get a closer look. Aye. Suppose we must. Diana Garrett reporting as ordered. At ease, commander. I trust your journey from
Earth was without incident? It was, captain. Thank
you for asking. Good. Please sit down. Sir. Before we begin, I want
to stress that I understand my... ...protests have "irritated"
certain flag officers. In my experience, flag
officers are easily irritated. Believe me, I know. I traveled here
with Vice Admiral Stomm from ESD. Stomm? Nothing like a
Vulcan bureaucrat. And yet you survived without
throwing yourself out the airlock? - Well... barely.
[THEY LAUGH] So... commander. I've been looking
at your record. Quite an accomplished officer.
Rose through the ranks quickly... - Self-made woman.
- Thank you. I see you served on the Constitution
before it was decommissioned. Yes. The original. Must've been difficult. The attack on
Nimbus 3. Losing your captain like that. I'd prefer not to
discuss the matter, sir. Sorry? I've already said everything there is to
say about the incident. Turned over all my logs to Starfleet.
Including my personal logs. I'm certain that's true. Captain. My testimony is a matter of record. Now, with your permission... I would
like to retire to my quarters. It's been 24 Earth hours
since I've slept. Certainly, commander.
Get yourself some rest. Thank you. Mister Scott? I've been
able to restore emergency power to the Hood's
engineering section. You'll have six -- maybe seven
hours of oxygen at most. Good work, ensign.
That'll have to do. Follett? We need to study the
reactor for gravitational damage. Sir! Request permission to
join the boarding party! Not this time, lad. Uhura. Prepare for a full scan of the
Hood's logs. Suit up for salvage. Meet me in the transporter
room in half an hour. - Sir.
- Mister Hadley, you have the conn. "Mister Hadley, you have the conn." It's not personal, Pavel. You're a talented navigator.
But you're not... focused. Command... science... engineering. A jack-of-all-trades
is a master of none. Find something you really love.
And stick with it. You never know until you try. [INTERCOM WHISTLES] Doctor. The captain filled me
in on the situation. I thought I'd check in
and see how you're doing. Is this a bad time? I was in the midst
of deep meditation. A bad time, then. I apologize for the interruption. We can talk later if you like. Counselor... I would welcome your advice on this
matter. It may not be prudent to provoke the
Tellarites at this time. We both know the Tellarites love to
make threats, Mr. Spock. Threats on which they
almost never deliver. I don't think that's the issue. What do you believe
the issue is, doctor? Acquiring my position on the
Enterprise was not easy. There were many who believed
a counselor was unnecessary. But having the requisite
skills and experience, I never attributed their
concern to my being a woman. Yet... I've seen enough
of human nature to know that how we learn to evaluate
others is a many-layered process. And if bias is present, it is
often deep and subconscious. As one whose appearance
has, on occasion, been perceived as the most
significant element of my identity... I concur that humans -- indeed, all
races -- are capable of such bias. Both intentionally...
and unintentionally. I don't know what my future holds, but... if I were ever to have a daughter... I would want her to know that
any position is within her grasp if she works
hard enough to achieve it. Without question. But Commander Garrett's
record has numerous issues which necessitate
further scrutiny. And tell me, Spock... Would her record be under the same
degree of scrutiny if she were a man? I believe it would, doctor. But... One can never be certain of
another's motives. No. We can't. But we can certainly strive
to be clear about our own. GRAY:
Captain. I asked you to interview Commander Garrett.
Not antagonize her. That wasn't my intention, commodore. Intention or not... She
filed a petition for an immediate decision regarding
the Hood's captaincy. What's the hurry? Per Starfleet regulations... a
three-person committee will hold a formal hearing to make
the final determination. Admiral Stomm... myself... and the next
senior officer on this starbase. YOU, captain. KIRK (VO):
Captain's log, supplemental. I was certain of my decision
regarding the Hood's captaincy. But now, I'm not so sure. [BELL RINGS] This hearing is now in session. I have appointed as
members of this inquiry: Space Command
representative Stomm ...and USS Enterprise Captain
James T. Kirk. Commanders Spock and Garrett. You have the right to ask for substitute
officers if you feel any of these named harbor any prejudice
to your cases. Do you consent to the service of
myself as president of this board? - I do, sir.
- Yes, I do, sir. Very well.
Mr. Spock. If you please. [COMPUTER WHIRS] Spock. Serial number: S179-276SP. Service rank: commander. Position: first officer;
science officer. Current assignment: USS Enterprise. Commander Spock's record
is impeccable, of course. I move that we dispense with the
formalities. If there are no objections. No, sir. GRAY:
Oh, I object. I believe Mr. Spock's qualifications
are material to this decision. Proceed. Commendations: Vulcanian
Scientific Legion of Honor. Awards of valor: twice decorated
by Starfleet Command. Thank you. Commander Spock. How long
have you served in Starfleet? Nineteen years, five
months, twenty days... And for the majority of that
time, you functioned as science officer on
board the Enterprise. Under both Captain Pike, and -- for the
last four years -- under Captain Kirk. - I have.
- Commander. If you were transferred
to the captaincy of the Hood... How would that make you "feel"? Yes. You are Vulcan. But you are also half-human.
Aren't you? - I am, admiral.
- Mister Spock... As a student, you were accepted
to the Vulcan Science Academy. - A tremendous honor.
- Affirmative. Yet you turned down admission. Did your "human emotions"
play a role in that decision? No sir. They did not. COMPUTER:
Inaccurate. Inaccurate. Data in error. The computer would appear to
disagree with you, commander. I object to this line of
questioning. Spock is not on trial here. His racial heritage should have no
bearing on his qualification for this position, any more than
Commander Garrett's gender should. Captain Kirk. Would you deny
that every individual's abilities... character...
judgments... strengths... are -- in part -- shaped by his
or her heritage? Beliefs? Gender? I know the idea of a female starship
captain "unsettles" some people. - Doesn't it.
- I see. Let's "cut to the
chase," shall we? For the record: I am absolutely convinced that it's time for a woman to
captain a Constitution-class vessel. But with respect to
Commander Garrett... I'm not convinced
she is that woman. The board's damaged. I'll need to
bypass it to access the ship's logs. Check the intermix ratio at the time
the engines went offline. I'll get the dilithium chamber open. See how
bad these crystals have decayed. [BIONIC WHIRRING] COMPUTER:
Garrett, Diana L. Serial number:
SC459-033M. Service rank: commander. Position: first officer. Current assignment:
Earth Spacedock. Commendations: Tucker
Memorial Medal of Honor. Risian Star of Excellence. Aenar Award for Meritorious Service
to Disadvantaged Cultures. Awards of valor: four times
decorated by Starfleet Command. STOMM:
Commander Garrett. You boast an impressive record
for your service to Starfleet. STOMM: Very impressive.
GRAY: Indeed. But there are some questions which this
court would be remiss not to address. You were part of the ill-fated
Nimbus 3 landing party, were you not? Those arthropods came
out of nowhere. Yes. I read your
statement to Starfleet. I also read the official
investigation into the incident. Commodore? It suggested "human error." That investigation was conducted
by a Tellarite officer. I strongly and formally
contested those findings... I understand that
you contested them. ...and no proof of wrongdoing was
ever officially determined. "Officially." Yet you -- and two of your
subordinates -- plead the 7th Guarantee during
the proceedings... ...Which by law may not be inferred
as an admission of culpability. There are numerous similar
incidents in your file. Diana. I see two officers sitting in that chair. One with a long history
of faithful service. And one who reacts with undue hostility
whenever her judgment is questioned. Perhaps hostility is a
legitimate reaction when one is subjected to undue scrutiny
and discrimination. I wish I could assure you that you
haven't been held to a different standard throughout your career
because you happen to be a woman. Perhaps you have. Perhaps I have. I honestly don't know. But part of the duty
of a starship captain ...is to learn from mistakes. To face repercussions
of action... and inaction. And to admit when he -- or
she -- is in the wrong. I am well aware of the position's
job requirements, commodore. And as I have testified
too many times now: I was not in the wrong. Follett? The logs I've managed to download
are consistent with a subspace disruption. But here... - The rift... it disappeared!
- What do you make of it? I've never seen anything like that before. [SHIP SHUDDERS]
[RED ALERT KLAXON] What in the name of...? Close the chamber! Sir, I'm reading a massive power
surge in the Hood's engines! Enterprise! We've got a containment
failure! Get us out of here! Bridge to transporter room!
Energize! Their deflector screens have activated!
It's impossible to get a lock! We can't bring them back! Scott to Enterprise! The
reactor's at "critical"! Sir... there's nothing I can do!
Can you jettison the core? Circuits are fused! How much time? Minutes? Seconds? Impossible to tell. I'm sorry. Scott to Enterprise. Get
as far away as possible. Rendezvous with the
captain at Corinth 4. Commander? Lieutenant, that's a direct order. - Yes, sir.
- Wait! I have an idea. Permission to take
weapons subsystems station, sir! Trust me! Go! SCOTT (on comm):
Enterprise! Get out of here! Mister Hadley! That's a direct order! Chekov...! I might be able to transmit
duotronic algorithm... Overload signal gain! Force
computer to drop shields! Are ya daft, ensign? That'll
short out the whole board! You'll kill yourself, man! The Hood's warp core is critical! [CHEKOV SPEAKS RUSSIAN] Their shields are down! Transporter room!
Get them out of there! [BELL RINGS] This hearing is now
back in session. The board will entertain motions
before delivering its verdict. - Very well.
- All rise. Admiral? I endorse Commander Garrett for
promotion to the rank of "captain." I endorse Commander Spock for
promotion to the rank of "captain." Captain Kirk? [INTERCOM WHISTLES] Ops to Commodore Gray. Gray here. Sir, incoming transmission
from the Enterprise. They were unable to salvage
the Hood, commodore. It's been destroyed. Kirk here.
What about my people...? Reports still coming in, sir... but
no major injuries to your crew. Understood. Gray out. Ladies and gentlemen. This new information renders
these proceedings... "unnecessary." I'm afraid that appears
to be the case. Commander Garrett and I shall
return to Earth Spacedock. GARRETT:
If I may... There's an underlying issue that
still remains, is there not? For decades... I believe the
service has overlooked capable officers for certain positions
simply because we're women. They may not admit it. Hell, may not even be intentional. We can hide behind "Tellarite
diplomacy." Rationalize it. Justify it. - But it is still true.
- Commander Garrett. Do you believe a person
should receive special consideration because of their gender?
Religion? Race? If that person's gender,
religion, or race has been historically used to
deny them consideration. That wasn't the question. Perhaps not. But that is my answer. Starfleet has the opportunity
to implement change. To change our values.
To change the future. There are countless female officers more
than capable of commanding a starship. This may not be MY time. But it is most certainly THEIRS. I think we're all in
agreement with that. Spock. Peace and long life. Live long and prosper. A moment, doctor? Take two, Scotty. Mister! Of all the hare-brained,
half-baked, lunatic ideas... It's good to see you, too, sir. Yes, sir. I've informed Admiral Stomm of
your little "stunt," lieutenant. It's worthy of a court martial. Whatever disciplinary action
you feel I deserve, I... "Lieutenant"? Thank you... for saving our lives.
Lieutenant Chekov. Sir... yes sir...! I'll be filing a formal recommendation
with Starfleet Engineering Corps ...to install a shield
prefix code on all of our ships. And it vill be called...
the "Chekov code"! Don't push your luck, lad. I cannuh lie... that was an inspired idea. Have ya considered a career in tactical?
Ya may wanna talk to Mr. Drake. Commander? What
happened over there? The anomaly... the warp core...
the deflector screens...? I dunno, lieutenant. An'
that's what worries me. Well. Whatever happened... Thank you. And congratulations! Before you overloaded the
board, you said something. The translators didn't pick it up.
But it sounded like Russian? Old expression. "Eyes might be afraid...
but hands do the job." Means "You never know...
until you try." Ambassador. We acknowledge and respect
your culture's beliefs. - But I must tell you...
- Oh, please. I'm well aware that my
people's prejudices are hopelessly outdated
by modern standards. I appreciate that you
recognize that, sir. A large faction on Tellar Prime argues against
our government's stance on this matter. And I, for one, am
part of that faction. I believe one of your
greatest human writers once said... "A lady's 'verily'
is as potent as a lord's." That he did, sir. The winds of change blow for us. I do not envy the decisions
Starfleet now faces. But trust that you
have my full support. Thank you, ambassador. Embrace the winds. Sir. I know we didn't get off
to the greatest start. Regardless. Thank you
for your consideration. - I do hope our paths cross again.
- As do I. Who knows. Maybe some day a "Garrett"
will command an "Enterprise." Well, it is the 23rd century.
Anything's possible. Yes. Thank you. - Captain.
- Spock. I must confess... I find myself
bordering on an emotional reaction. I believe you would
refer to it as... "shame." - "Shame," Spock?
- Shame. That I am somewhat relieved at
the destruction of the Hood. If I may inquire... Had the
vessel not been lost... - How would you have voted?
- Ohhhh... Spock. I'll admit. I considered voting against
you... because I didn't wanna lose you. Indeed. I briefly considered withdrawing
my name for the very same reason. And I briefly considered chaining you
to your station so you could never leave. - Kirk to Enterprise.
- Enterprise. Scott here, sir. Scotty, standby to receive shuttlecraft.
We'll be home for dinner. Both of us. [Engish subtitles by:
Peter Goundrill]
Woah, all of my interests are colliding!
Thanks for sharing.