Star Trek (TV Series)

The Mark of Gideon (1969)

James Doohan: Scott

Quotes 

• Hodin : [on viewscreen, speaking from Gideon]  Mr. Spock you are an officer of a spaceship. In your profession you use many instruments, tools and weapons to achieve your objectives.

  Mr. Spock : [on the bridge of the Enterprise]  True, your excellency.

  Hodin : However, the only 'tool' diplomacy has is language. It is of the utmost importance that the meaning be crystal clear.

  Mr. Spock : Your excellency, I am basically a scientist. Clarity of formulation is essential in my profession also.

  Hodin : I am glad to hear it. Perhaps you could then make greater effort to choose your words more precisely.

  [sits down] 

  Dr. McCoy : [to Spock]  Are you gonna let him get away with that?

  Scott : No matter what ye say, Mr. Spock, he'll twist your meaning.

  Uhura : Yes, he's infuriating, sir, how can you stand it?

• Mr. Spock : Unfortunately, I must violate a direct order from Starfleet.

  Dr. McCoy : That's the best possible decision you could make, Spock. I'm with you.

  Mr. Spock : I do not make it lightly, Doctor. However, Command knows that Ambassador Hodin has not been totally honest with us. Lieutenant Uhura, repeat original Gideon co-ordinates for beam down.

  Uhura : Eight seven five, zero two zero, zero seven nine.

  Mr. Spock : Mister Scott, the co-ordinates given you?

  Scott : Eight seven five, zero two zero, seven zero nine.

  Dr. McCoy : Co-ordinates don't match.

  Mr. Spock : Precisely. I shall beam down at once. Mr. Scott, you have the con.

  Dr. McCoy : I'll pick up my medical tricorder and meet you in the transporter room.

  Mr. Spock : Negative, Doctor. I cannot accept the responsibility for ordering a fellow officer to violate a Starfleet directive. I can make such a decision only for myself.

  Dr. McCoy : I'm not asking you to make the decision for me.

  Mr. Spock : The situation forces me to do so, Doctor.

  Dr. McCoy : Well in that case, it's the worst possible decision you can make, Spock.