Apparently summoned to Star Base 11, Kirk, Spock and McCoy visit a former Enterprise Commander, the paralyzed and horribly disfigured Christopher Pike. Uncharacteristically, Spock commandeers the Enterprise, then turns himself in for court martial.

Spock's court martial reveals the actions of Captain Pike on his previous visit to Talos IV, where the powerful Talosians tried to persuade Pike to breed with women provided for the purpose.