Judgment (Star Trek: Enterprise)
Template:Infobox Star Trek episode Judgment is the 19th episode of Season 2 of Star Trek: Enterprise which originally aired on April 9, 2003.
Synopsis
Captain Archer is tried at a Klingon tribunal for attacking a Klingon ship and inciting a rebellion.
Plot
Captain Archer is tried at a Klingon tribunal for attacking a Klingon ship and inciting a rebellion.
Archer stands in the witness pit of a Klingon tribunal where he's charged with aiding rebels of the empire and attacking a Klingon ship.
Later, in his cell, Archer is visited by Phlox, who gives the captain an update that diplomacy is well under way. Archer tells Phlox to ferry the message that no matter what the outcome, T'Pol will leave and keep the Enterprise crew safe.
In court, the prosecutor, Orak, faces off against Archer's advocate, Kolos -- Archer is not supposed to speak. Orak brings forth Captain (now second weapons officer) Duras to testify. Duras tells a tale of confronting a belligerent Archer, who fires on the Klingon ship first. Archer can't hold his tongue, and is silenced with pain sticks.
Kolos offers a deal if Archer gives up the rebels. Archer instead insists that Kolos actually put up a defense. Kolos relates that the courts used to be about justice, but now the warrior mindset is taking over and all victories are savored. With this history lesson in hand, Kolos reenters the court and fights for Archer. Archer tells his side, and Kolos relates to the numerous times Archer has helped the Empire in the past. Archer may be a meddler, and should be judged on that, not on what he's accused of.
Archer is spared execution, but sentenced to life on the Klingon dilithium mining planet of Rura Penthe, where the average life expectancy of a prisoner is between 6 months and a year. Kolos protests, and is himself sentenced to a year at Rura Penthe. T’Pol stands by Archer's original instructions, and does not stage a rescue. Instead, she uses some backdoor diplomatic channels, and some bribes, to arrange for opportunity and transport to get the captain back. Archer wants Kolos to return with him, but Kolos decides that if one man can make a difference, he can best do that by following the law he has served for so long and serving his sentence. Archer and Kolos part with a handclasp.
Trivia
 | This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (September 2007) |
- The tribunal takes place on the planet Narendra III. In the Star Trek: TNG episode Yesterday's Enterprise, it is revealed that the Klingon outpost on this planet was destroyed by the Romulans, in spite of a valiant defence from the Enterprise C, which was also destroyed. It was that event which led to the Klingon-Federation alliance seen in TNG.