A Taste of Armageddon - 45th Anniversary This Week
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...And remarkably coherent, well-paced and free of plot illogic, despite dealing with a science fiction concept that at first sight looks like sheer insanity.
Plus, it introduces one of the cleverest plot devices of Star Trek - that one can't beam through shields. This balances out the convenient but a bit too magical plot device of transporter existence in easily graspable and jeopardy-generating terms.
Too bad the episode immediately un-introduces it! That is, the guest star of the week beams down despite the villains waiting with their finger on the trigger to blast the Enterprise out of the sky as soon as the shields are lowered.
Should we perhaps think that beaming down is okay, while beaming back up will be blocked by shields? That idea AFAIK is not contradicted in TOS yet. (Is it contradicted in the spinoffs or movies?)
Timo Saloniemi
Plus, it introduces one of the cleverest plot devices of Star Trek - that one can't beam through shields. This balances out the convenient but a bit too magical plot device of transporter existence in easily graspable and jeopardy-generating terms.
Too bad the episode immediately un-introduces it! That is, the guest star of the week beams down despite the villains waiting with their finger on the trigger to blast the Enterprise out of the sky as soon as the shields are lowered.
Should we perhaps think that beaming down is okay, while beaming back up will be blocked by shields? That idea AFAIK is not contradicted in TOS yet. (Is it contradicted in the spinoffs or movies?)
Timo Saloniemi
In this episode, Ambassador Fox invokes command powers. As with "The Galileo Seven", we see another civilian giving orders to Captain Kirk and his crew.
It's easy to poke fun at Fox and his reckless ambition. But Starfleet is not a purely military organization. And Fox was just doing his job. (Even though he was lucky he didn't wind up in a "disintegration machine".) So despite his arrogance, Fox was on the same side as Kirk. (Note how Fox's attitude changes after Spock rescues him.)
And Fox chooses to stay behind on Eminiar VII to continue his work when the Enterprise moves on to her next assignment. This shows me two things: (1: Fox isn't just a headstrong jerk, but a driven professional who is willing to risk everything to accomplish his mission; and (2: Despite the mistakes he made, he is obviously a good diplomat who is "hopeful" he will get his treaty with both Eminiar VII and Vendikar.
Here's a different angle to consider: in the ep, we see only Fox and an aide beam down. But Anan 7 speaks of 500 people aboard the Enterprise. Since the Enterprise typically carries only 430, could we assume that Fox brought an entire company of diplomatic aides with him? (It would make more sense that he had his own crew; we see his aide apparently either severely injured or killed in the firefight. Surely Fox wasn't left on Eminiar VII by himself to handle everything.)
If Fox did bring an large entourage along with him, it would explain why Kirk and Scotty were ready to use military force on the planet; if Anan 7 did succeed in killing the ship's crew and passengers, it would clearly be an act of war even moreso than just killing the Enterprise's crew only.
It's easy to poke fun at Fox and his reckless ambition. But Starfleet is not a purely military organization. And Fox was just doing his job. (Even though he was lucky he didn't wind up in a "disintegration machine".) So despite his arrogance, Fox was on the same side as Kirk. (Note how Fox's attitude changes after Spock rescues him.)
And Fox chooses to stay behind on Eminiar VII to continue his work when the Enterprise moves on to her next assignment. This shows me two things: (1: Fox isn't just a headstrong jerk, but a driven professional who is willing to risk everything to accomplish his mission; and (2: Despite the mistakes he made, he is obviously a good diplomat who is "hopeful" he will get his treaty with both Eminiar VII and Vendikar.
Here's a different angle to consider: in the ep, we see only Fox and an aide beam down. But Anan 7 speaks of 500 people aboard the Enterprise. Since the Enterprise typically carries only 430, could we assume that Fox brought an entire company of diplomatic aides with him? (It would make more sense that he had his own crew; we see his aide apparently either severely injured or killed in the firefight. Surely Fox wasn't left on Eminiar VII by himself to handle everything.)
If Fox did bring an large entourage along with him, it would explain why Kirk and Scotty were ready to use military force on the planet; if Anan 7 did succeed in killing the ship's crew and passengers, it would clearly be an act of war even moreso than just killing the Enterprise's crew only.
There is another possibility: either one of the Federation people (maybe Fox himself) bragged about his entourage to Anan 7 before being arrested.
A more likely possibility is actually confirmed by Spock: the Eminian Union scanned the Enterprise when the ship first arrived in orbit (at that point, screens were down) and was able to take an accurate reading of how many people were aboard. (Given the level of technology we see, the Eminian Union must be able to accurately scan an unshielded space vessel within transporter range; this would seem to be backed up by Mea 3 knowing where Kirk's landing party would first materialize.)
A more likely possibility is actually confirmed by Spock: the Eminian Union scanned the Enterprise when the ship first arrived in orbit (at that point, screens were down) and was able to take an accurate reading of how many people were aboard. (Given the level of technology we see, the Eminian Union must be able to accurately scan an unshielded space vessel within transporter range; this would seem to be backed up by Mea 3 knowing where Kirk's landing party would first materialize.)
Here is the bridge scene prior to Kirk beaming down to the planet...
SPOCK: We know very little about them. Their civilization is advanced. They've had spaceflight for several centuries, but they've never ventured beyond their own solar system. When first contacted more than fifty years ago, Eminiar VII was at war with its nearest neighbor.
KIRK: Anything else?
SPOCK: The Earth expedition making the report failed to return from its mission. The U.S.S... Valiant. Listed as missing in space.
Ambassador Fox enters the Bridge, approaches Kirk.
FOX: Kirk, what's this about you going down alone?
KIRK: Not alone. I'm taking some security people with me.
FOX: It is my prerogative--.
KIRK: I can't risk beaming you down there until I know what kind of reception you're going to receive. Your safety is my responsibility. Those are my orders, sir. Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Transporter room standing by, Captain.
KIRK: What coordinates?
SPOCK: We've selected a site which from the traffic seems to be near an official establishment.
KIRK: Final sensor readings?
SPOCK: No hostility directed toward us. No apparent notice taken of us at all, which seems strange. They did scan us when we assumed orbit. Obviously, they know we're here.
KIRK: Ship's defences?
SPOCK: Screens down, but all defensive details on general alert status, Captain.
KIRK: Good. Landing party will pick up phaser number one's from the arsenal. Keep them inconspicuous. Mister Scott?
SCOTT: Yes, sir?
KIRK: The ship is yours. Take care of her until I come back.
SCOTT: Aye, aye, sir. And have a bonny trip.
KIRK: We'll do our best. Let's go.
Scotty and Fox exchange not-so-pleasant looks.
* * *
It is from the above excerpted dialogue (thank you, chakoteya.net) that we can reasonably assume the possibility that Anan 7 knew what he was talking about when he spoke of the number of people aboard ship.
SPOCK: We know very little about them. Their civilization is advanced. They've had spaceflight for several centuries, but they've never ventured beyond their own solar system. When first contacted more than fifty years ago, Eminiar VII was at war with its nearest neighbor.
KIRK: Anything else?
SPOCK: The Earth expedition making the report failed to return from its mission. The U.S.S... Valiant. Listed as missing in space.
Ambassador Fox enters the Bridge, approaches Kirk.
FOX: Kirk, what's this about you going down alone?
KIRK: Not alone. I'm taking some security people with me.
FOX: It is my prerogative--.
KIRK: I can't risk beaming you down there until I know what kind of reception you're going to receive. Your safety is my responsibility. Those are my orders, sir. Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Transporter room standing by, Captain.
KIRK: What coordinates?
SPOCK: We've selected a site which from the traffic seems to be near an official establishment.
KIRK: Final sensor readings?
SPOCK: No hostility directed toward us. No apparent notice taken of us at all, which seems strange. They did scan us when we assumed orbit. Obviously, they know we're here.
KIRK: Ship's defences?
SPOCK: Screens down, but all defensive details on general alert status, Captain.
KIRK: Good. Landing party will pick up phaser number one's from the arsenal. Keep them inconspicuous. Mister Scott?
SCOTT: Yes, sir?
KIRK: The ship is yours. Take care of her until I come back.
SCOTT: Aye, aye, sir. And have a bonny trip.
KIRK: We'll do our best. Let's go.
Scotty and Fox exchange not-so-pleasant looks.
* * *
It is from the above excerpted dialogue (thank you, chakoteya.net) that we can reasonably assume the possibility that Anan 7 knew what he was talking about when he spoke of the number of people aboard ship.
Fair enough. And I certainly have nothing against the idea of the Ambassador's retinue being 70 strong...
Whether that would mean 70 diplomats, or two diplomats and 68 Marines to guard them, remains to be decided.
The Federation came to dictate terms, that much seems obvious from the teaser. This is also reflected in the later actions of the heroes, as they do not hesitate to point very big guns at Anan's world with the express purpose of slaughtering random people until Anan is negated as a threat. A large contingent of diplomats would appear superfluous for the purposes of dictating a "cease and desist" treaty, or even for securing the "treaty port" discussed...
Timo Saloniemi
Whether that would mean 70 diplomats, or two diplomats and 68 Marines to guard them, remains to be decided.
The Federation came to dictate terms, that much seems obvious from the teaser. This is also reflected in the later actions of the heroes, as they do not hesitate to point very big guns at Anan's world with the express purpose of slaughtering random people until Anan is negated as a threat. A large contingent of diplomats would appear superfluous for the purposes of dictating a "cease and desist" treaty, or even for securing the "treaty port" discussed...
Timo Saloniemi
This episode has one of those spine-tingling moments for me [http://www.chakoteya.net/StarTrek/23.htm]:
Well, as for the makeup of Fox's imaginary unseen entourage, I would assume he had a substantial support staff. Everything to keep him up and running, from a steno pool to I.T. techies and research assistants to the folks who wash Fox's undies, press his suits and turn down his bed for him.
BTW: I got the same spine-tingling feeling the first time I saw Kirk's voice coming out of Anan 7's mouth. That was a neat trick.
BTW: I got the same spine-tingling feeling the first time I saw Kirk's voice coming out of Anan 7's mouth. That was a neat trick.
Fair enough. And I certainly have nothing against the idea of the Ambassador's retinue being 70 strong...
Whether that would mean 70 diplomats, or two diplomats and 68 Marines to guard them, remains to be decided.
The Federation came to dictate terms, that much seems obvious from the teaser. This is also reflected in the later actions of the heroes, as they do not hesitate to point very big guns at Anan's world with the express purpose of slaughtering random people until Anan is negated as a threat. A large contingent of diplomats would appear superfluous for the purposes of dictating a "cease and desist" treaty, or even for securing the "treaty port" discussed...
Timo Saloniemi
I thought this over, and it occurred to me that the Federation probably sent a substantial support entourage with Fox in the event of any contingency.
I assume that the Federation dispatched a starship with the stature of the Enterprise because they evaluated the situation and decided that if it warranted a high-profile mission, and they picked an diplomat and support staff to be prepared for anything.
Consider this passage from the end of the teaser and the beginning of act one:
UHURA: Captain, message coming in from Eminiar Seven. Sir, it's code seven-ten.
KIRK: Are you sure?
UHURA: Positive. It repeats over and over.
FOX: Is that supposed to mean something?
KIRK: Code seven-ten means under no circumstances are we to approach that planet. No circumstances whatsoever.
FOX: You will disregard that signal, Captain.
KIRK: Mister Fox, it is their planet.
FOX: Captain, in the past twenty years, thousands of lives have been lost in this quadrant. Lives that could have been saved if the Federation had a treaty port here. We mean to have that port and I'm here to get it.
KIRK: By disregarding code seven-ten, you might well involve us in an interplanetary war!
FOX: I'm quite prepared to take that risk.
KIRK: You are! I'm thinking about this ship, my crew!
FOX: I have my orders, Captain, and now you have yours. You will proceed on course. Achieve orbit status and just leave the rest to me. You're well aware that my mission gives me the power of command. I now exercise it! You will proceed on course. That's a direct order!
(Fox exits the Bridge.)
SPOCK: In view of code seven-ten, Captain, may I suggest--.
KIRK: Yes, Mister Spock. (speaking to intercom) This is the Captain. Condition Yellow Alert. Phaser crews stand by. Deflector shields up. We're going in. Peacefully, I hope. But peacefully or not, we're going in.
Captain's log, stardate 3192.5. Now in standard orbit around planet Eminiar VII. My orders are clear. We must establish diplomatic relations at all cost. Preparing to beam down to planet surface.
* * *
The Federation doesn't know much about Eminiar and Vendikar, but given the obvious use of subspace radio technology by these worlds, it is possible the Federation may have intercepted some signals from either or both of them. This interception could have been from the ill-fated Valiant or from subsequent unmanned probes that entered Star Cluster 321. So it's a safe bet that the Federation had mimimal knowledge, but was not devoid of knowledge.
As for the motivation of the Federation and what the Enterprise was sent there to do, Fox said that in the last 20 years "thousands of lives have been lost". So, to date, they know that thousands of people (presumably at least some civilians, possibly most of that number) have either vanished or been found dead in the vicinity of Star Cluster 321. This may or may not be a direct result of encounters with Star Cluster 321's inhabitants. It could be pirates from other nearby systems, it could be the Klingons, or it could be natural phenomena along poorly placed shipping lanes. We don't know.
It seems logical to assume that the Federation figured out that people were either being killed by the inhabitants of Star Cluster 321, or these innocent space travelers were being killed because they were using poorly place shipping lanes that avoided Star Cluster 321. It could be either one. But the Federation had to know that at least some inhabitants of the cluster were very advanced. So if the situation had become enough of an annoyance to the Federation, they're going to do something about it. Namely, they're going to re-route the shipping lanes and make these advanced worlds into useful ports for safety reasons.
I don't see the show's teaser as laying out the Federation as "dictating terms", though. No, I see Kirk and Fox being sent to 321 to troubleshoot. They at least know that Eminiar VII and III were at war when the U.S.S. Valiant came to visit. And Kirk makes sure to ask "you're still at war?", a little bemused but not totally shocked. So the combination of Fox and the Enterprise was probably sent to ensure that whatever problems may have existed between these two advanced worlds would be addressed decisively so that the port(s) could be secured.
At least, that's how it looks when I watch this show.
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