"Sensor readings just shot off the scale."
--Ensign DePaul
"There is a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder."
--Spock
PLOT
The Enterprise and her crew are declared casualties in an interplanetary
war that has been going on for 500 years and is entirely simulated by
computers. Kirk learns this after ignoring a code 7 (like a complete
dweeb) and approaching the planet anyway. By entering the airspace of the
planet, the Enterprise is a valid target and is "hit" by a computer
simulated missile. The crew must follow the other 126,520 casualties into
the disintegration chambers or the two planets will have a full-scale REAL
war. Kirk refuses in the hopes that the planets would rather talk peace
than fight a non-simulated war.
FACTS
The USS Valiant was lost.
Code 7 means to stay away.
Star cluster NGC-321.
Scotty defies Star Fleet Command.
The Federation diplomat is the main dork this week, with an assist by
Kirk.
The onboard ambassador and Kirk split the honor of being this week's
dork, the former for his idiotic actions ("of course we will lower the
shields, as a sign of friendship") and the latter for ignoring the code
seven in the first place.
General Order 24 (toast the planet if I don't get back to you).
