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Why did Kirk approach the planet even after being told by its inhabitants not to? Usually I agree with decisions made by the Federation, but in this case... Doesn't the Federation usually preach tolerance, respect of other species' laws, and non-interference? I know Kirk had orders to make contact, but if he was told to leave, that should override Kirk's orders. Additionally, Kirk pulled out his phaser while on their planet and said "we will defend ourselves". So, first you ignore another species' wishes, establishing orbit around their planet anyways, then you threaten them when they show anger about it?

One of his moments of stupidity - Kirk isn't infallible, as this and the Reliant incident in particular demonstrate.

Indeed, Kirk's actions more often reflected a learning experience vs someone who just knew everything from birth.

To be fair, we don't know much about Kirk's orders or the reasoning behind them. For all we know Admiral Dipshit may have said something like

"Captain, its imperitive you make contact with those people. Under no circumstances should you be disuaded. Do not take no for an answer."

Granted, I'm stretching......but I guess its possible.

Sanehouse wrote:Why did Kirk approach the planet even after being told by its inhabitants not to? Usually I agree with decisions made by the Federation, but in this case... Doesn't the Federation usually preach tolerance, respect of other species' laws, and non-interference?

This is, apparently, an exception. No the only one we saw, either - Ambassador Fox had orders to contact Eminiar regardless of any warnings or the desire of the local government.

I know Kirk had orders to make contact, but if he was told to leave, that should override Kirk's orders.

Not really, no. He is a Starfleet officer and answerable to his chain of command. If his orders conflict with what the locals want then his duty is to follow his orders. And his orders were very clear : "We're to establish contact with the Melkotians at all costs."

GrahamKennedy wrote:

Sanehouse wrote:Why did Kirk approach the planet even after being told by its inhabitants not to? Usually I agree with decisions made by the Federation, but in this case... Doesn't the Federation usually preach tolerance, respect of other species' laws, and non-interference?

This is, apparently, an exception. No the only one we saw, either - Ambassador Fox had orders to contact Eminiar regardless of any warnings or the desire of the local government.

The situation with Eminiar, though, was that people were being killed and starships being destroyed. I don't recall any reason like that with the Melkotians.

Actually the Federation had no idea there was a war of any kind going on between Eminiar and Vendikar, and the ship that was lost had gone there decades before. Their reason for pressing it was naked selfishness - they wanted a port in a strategic area.