(Music) Lieutenant Uhura, code
a message to Starfleet Command. Advise them of our situation. Include all log entries to this point.
Aye, sir. Mister Spock,
your sensors read clear. What happened? I have a theory, Captain.
Captain Kirk, I'm receiving a class two signal from the Romulan vessel.
Put it on the main viewing screen, Lieutenant, and complete that message
to Starfleet Command. Aye, sir.
You have been identified as the star ship Enterprise, Captain James T. Kirk last known
to be in command. Your information
is correct. This is Captain Kirk. [on viewscreen]: I am Sub-commander Tal
of the Romulan fleet. Your ship is surrounded, Captain. You will surrender immediately,
or we will destroy you. Lieutenant. (mutes sound)
They want something, or they would have destroyed us by now.
True, Captain. That would be standard Romulan procedure.
It's my ship they want, and very badly.
It would be a great prize. Lieutenant. (sound on) Save
your threats. If you board this ship, I'll blow it up. You'll gain nothing.
[on viewscreen]: Who is that beside you? My first officer, Commander Spock.
[on viewscreen]: Vulcan. (his communicator beeps and he answers it) Yes, Commander. Yes, Commander.
No one should decide quickly to die, Captain.
We give you one of your hours. If you do not surrender your ship at the end of that time,
your destruction is certain. We will be open to communication should you wish it.
You understand that Starfleet Command has been advised of the situation?
[on viewscreen]: The subspace message will take three weeks to reach Starfleet.
The decision is yours, Captain. One hour. [Briefing room]
The design of the ship is the same. Mister Spock, you said you had a
theory on why your sensors didn't pick up the new ships until they were upon us.
I believe the Romulans have developed a cloaking device
which renders our tracking sensors useless. If so, Romulans could attack in Federation
territory before we knew they were there, before a vessel or planet could get even
begin to get their defences up. They caught us right enough.
Well, that's a brilliant observation, Mister Scott. Do you have any other helpful opinions?
We've not got many choices. KIRK: We have three. We can fight and
be destroyed, or we can destroy the Enterprise ourselves and keep her from the Romulans. Or
we can surrender. Opinions, gentlemen. If the Enterprise is taken by Romulans,
they'll know everything there is to know about a starship.
If we had not crossed the Neutral Zone, on your order,
you would not now need our opinions to support a decision
which should never have had to be made. Jim, you ordered us? You had no authority!
Dismissed, Doctor. Jim!
I said dismissed. (McCoy leaves.)
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
Kirk here. [Bridge]
The Romulan vessel is signalling again, sir. [Briefing room]
Put them on the screen. Aye, aye, sir.
My commander wishes to speak with you, Captain Kirk.
Put him on. [on monitor]: The commander wishes to see you
and your first officer aboard this vessel. It is felt this matter requires discussion.
Why should we walk right into your hands? [on monitor]: Two of my officers will beam
aboard your vessel as exchange hostages while you are here.
What guarantee do we have they'll beam aboard our ship
once we're on yours? [on monitor]: Granted,
we do not easily trust each other, Captain, but you are the ones who violated our territory.
Should it not be we who distrust your motives? However, we agree to simultaneous exchange.
Give us your transporter co-ordinates. We're beaming
aboard. (Music)