[Spock joins the other accused at the tribunal.]
Federation President:
Captain Spock, you do not stand accused.
Spock:
Mr. President, I stand with my shipmates.
Federation President:
As you wish. The charges and specifications are - conspiracy, assault on Federation officers, theft of Federation property, namely the starship Enterprise; sabotage of the USS Excelsior, willful destruction of Federation property, specifically the aforementioned USS Enterprise, and finally, disobeying direct orders of the Starfleet commander. Admiral Kirk, how do you plead?
Kirk:
On behalf of all of us Mr. President, I am authorized to plead guilty.
Federation President:
So entered. Because of certain mitigating circumstances, all charges but one are summarily dismissed. The remaining charge, disobeying orders of a superior officer, is directed solely at Admiral Kirk. I'm sure the admiral will recognize the necessity of keeping discipline in any chain of command?
Kirk:
I do, sir.
Federation President:
James T. Kirk, it is the judgment of this council that you be reduced in rank to captain. And that as a consequence of your new rank, you be given the duties for which you have demonstrated unswerving ability, the command of a starship. Captain Kirk, you and your crew have saved this planet from its own short-sightedness and we are forever in your debt.
