Original subtitles

Captain's log, stardate 6295 .3.

Starfleet Command has ordered the Enterprise to report to the Aldebaran

Meanwhile, Mr. Spock and I have been recalled to the Starbase at Corinth 4

classified briefing.

Thirty minutes till planetfall, Captain.

Thanks for taking your free time to bring us here, Susan.

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

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.

A dream come true.

I see.

Doctor, do your interests also extend to historical firearms?

Oh, 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 some studies on the social shifts within the

syndicate since the Samanhan incident.

Has there been any progress with that?

Perhaps.

Perhaps a little too much.

There are a lot of very angry people.

Angry enough to start another civil war?

Historically, oppression of any segment of a given population has led 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

If he could only see me now.

Well, it's the 23rd century.

Anything's possible.

Gentlemen, welcome to Corinth IV.

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.

But Buck, he's a nurse.

Thank you, Captain. That won't be necessary.

So, Commodore, to what do we owe this pleasure?

Captain, 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.

Eleven said, why are we here?

You, Jim, are here as a professional courtesy.

I thought you'd want to be present in person to hear what I have to say.

The Hood will need a new crew and a new captain.

Well, the Lexington is gone.

What about Commander 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.

Farragut's being decommissioned?

We have only seven Constitution -class starships in service, and we need

experienced officers on those bridges.

I know of only one candidate who's qualified to assume command of the Hood.

Congratulations, Captain Spock.

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.

Ship's log, 38629 -5 .5. Lieutenant Commander Scott in command. The

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 my support failed.

After a physical analysis.

It's possible they didn't compensate properly for the gravitational effects,

sir. 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 poor engine souls do that.

Still, it doesn't make it any easier.

Maintain course.

Yes, sir.

Arrival at Aldebaran 3 in one hour.

Inform Starfleet.

Got to engineering. Ready tractor beam. Let's tow this lass back to port.

Well.

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 Space Dock. Garrett.

Very experienced officer.

Starfleet felt that she wouldn't be best suited for command.

Well, 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

itself with other major powers in the region, military powers.

You've dealt with Tellarites, Captain.

Yes, I've had the distinct pleasure.

Then let me be frank. The men of Teller 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 Tellerites' enmity firsthand.

Then you understand.

Without Teller's resources, the Earth took little chance to survive the

incursion.

Commodore, with all due respect to the history lesson... Tellarite society has

always frowned on females serving as starship captains. It always has. Surely

the Federation is not bound by the backward 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

any formal regulation against it.

Not officially.

And while I am honored by the offer, if Commander Garrett indeed possesses

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 through 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.

Make 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

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

My position is not based upon Commander Garrett's gender. Or maybe it should be.

Despite our charter, our values, Starfleet has never given a woman

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 Grey would be the

more appropriate choice.

She doesn't want the ship.

Apparently, Garrett's on her way here.

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 accepting Commander Garrett's fitness reports.

I recommend reading them prior to your meeting.

You may find them informative.

Sir, we're within sincere range of the hood.

I'll stop.

That'll be close enough for now.

I'll 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.

Confirmed. There is nothing.

But the transmissions clearly said there was a... Aye, an anomaly of some sort.

Lieutenant, scan the hood's EPS grid.

Yes, sir.

Definitely been compromised.

Is the damage consistent with the report?

I'd like to tell.

Shall we rig for tractor beam?

Something doesn't feel right.

We cannot risk towing hoods at the Rydock without knowing a wee bit more

what happened.

Commander. If you give me some time, I should be able to restore life support

her engineering deck remotely.

You could get a closer look.

I 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.

Please, sit down.

Sir.

Before we begin, I want to stress that I understand my protests have irritated

certain flag officers.

Well, in my experience, flag officers are easily irritated.

Oh, believe me. I know.

I traveled here with Vice Admiral Dom from ESD.

Dom? Mm -hmm.

Nothing like a Vulcan bureaucrat.

And yet you survived without throwing yourself out the airlock.

Well, barely.

So, Commander, I've been looking at your record.

Quite an accomplished officer.

Rose to the ranks quickly.

Self -made woman.

Thank you.

I see you served on the...

Constitution before it was decommissioned. The original.

Must have 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.

over all my logs to Starfleet, including my personal logs. I'm certain that's

true. I simply want... 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.

Mr. 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.

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 logs.

Suit up for salvage and meet me in the transporter room in a half an hour.

Sir.

Mr. Hadley, you have the con.

Mr. Hadley, you have the con.

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. Stick with it.

You definitely won't until you try.

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

to my being a woman.

Yet, I have 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

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 in

this situation if she were a man?

I believe it would, Doctor.

But one can never be certain of another's motives.

No.

No, we can't.

But we can certainly strive to be clear about our own.

Captain, I asked you to interview Commander Garrett, not antagonize her.

That wasn't my intention, Commander.

Intention or not, she filed a petition for an immediate decision regarding the

Hood's captaincy.

Hurry. Per Starfleet regulations, a three -person committee will hold a

hearing to make the final determination.

Admiral Storm, myself, and the next senior officer on this Starbase.

You, Captain.

Captain's log, Supplemental. I was certain of my decision regarding the

captaincy, but now I'm not so sure.

This hearing is now in session.

I have appointed as members of this inquiry Space Command Representative

and USS Enterprise Captain James T. Kirk.

Commander Spock and Garrett, you have the right to ask for substitute

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.

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 formality if there are no objections.

No, sir.

Oh, I object.

I believe Mr. Spock's qualifications are material to this decision.

Proceed.

Commendations. Volcanian 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've 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

make you feel?

Yes, you are Vulcan, but you are also half -human, aren't you?

I am, Admiral.

Mr. 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.

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,

you deny that every individual's abilities, character, judgment,

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 think...

Let's cut to the chase, shall we?

For the record, I am absolutely convinced that it's time for a woman to

the Constitution class, Beth.

But with respect to Commander Garrett, I'm not convinced she is that woman.

The board's damaged. I'm going to 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

Dalitian chamber open. See how bad these crystals have decayed.

Garrett, Diana L.

Serial number SC459 -033M.

Service rank, Commander.

Position, First Officer.

Current assignment, Earth Space Doc.

Commendations. Tucker Memorial Medal of Honor.

Ryzian Star of Excellence.

Aynar Award for Meritorious Service to Disadvantaged Cultures.

Awards of Valor. Four times decorated by Starfleet Command.

Commander Garrett.

You boast an impressive record for your service to Starfleet.

Very impressive.

Indeed.

But there are some questions which this court would be remiss not to address.

You were part of the ill -fated Nimbus III 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 Telluride officer.

I strongly and formally contested those findings. I understand that you

contested them. And no proof of wrongdoing was ever officially

Officially. Yet you and two of your subordinates pled the seventh guarantee

during the proceeding. 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

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

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.

Call it.

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.

What's the name of it?

Close the chamber!

I'm reading a massive power switch in the hood's engines.

Enterprise, we've got a containment failure. Get us out of here.

Ridge 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 reactors are critical.

Sarah, there's nothing I can do. Can you jettison the core?

Circuits are fused.

It's got to be a surprise.

Give it by the way it's possible.

Rendezvous with the Captain of the Corps in four.

Commander. Lieutenant, that's a direct order.

Yes, sir.

Me.

I have an idea.

Permission to take weapons subsystem stations, sir.

Trust me.

Go.

Enterprise, get out of here!

Mr. Halley, that's a direct order!

Check off. I might be able to transmit deutronic algorithm.

Overload signal gain. Force computer to drop field.

Are you adopted?

That'll short out the whole board.

You'll kill yourself, man!

The hype warp core is critical!

The

shields

are

down. Transport her and get them out of there!

This hearing is now back in session.

The board will entertain motion 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?

Ops to Commodore Grey.

Grey 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?

Report 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 space dock.

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, it may not even be intentional.

We can hide behind Telluride diplomacy, rationalize it, justify it.

But it is still true.

Commander Garrett, do you believe a person should receive special

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.

Smart.

Peace and long life.

Live long and prosper.

A moment, Doctor.

Take two, Scotty.

Of all the harebrained, half -baked lunatic ideas.

It's good to see you too, sir.

Yes, sir.

I've informed Admiral Storm 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 preface code on all of our ships.

And it will be called the Chekov Code.

Don't push your luck, lad.

I cannot lie. That was an inspired idea.

Have you considered a career in tactical?

You may want to talk to Mr. Drake.

Commander, what happened over there?

The anomaly, the warp core, the deflector screens.

I don't know, Lieutenant.

And that's what worries me.

Well,

whatever happened, thank you.

And congratulations.

Before you overloaded the board, you said something.

Translators didn't pick it up, but it sounded like Russian.

Old expression.

I might be afraid.

But hands do the job.

It 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

standards.

I appreciate that you recognize that, sir.

A large faction on Teller 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 riders once said, a lady, verily, is as

potent as a lord.

That he did, sir.

The winds of change blow for us.

I do not envy the decision Starfleet now faces, but trust that you have my full

support.

Thank you, Ambassador.

embrace the wind.

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.

Yes, do I.

Who knows?

Maybe someday a Gerard 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?

Ooh, Spock.

I'll admit, I considered voting against you because I didn't want to 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. Scotty here, ma 'am. Scotty, stand by to receive shuttlecraft. We'll

be home for dinner.

Both of them.