3/30/2258
Enterprise Ready Room
"Chris. I need you to relieve me of command due to my being compromised."
There were a few moments of complete silence before Pike spoke next.
"Jim, if we do this there will be no going back. The Enterprise is the most coveted ship in the Fleet.
I know, off the top of my head, over a dozen different Captains who would line up to have her.
Plus, even after you defeated Nero, many in the Admiralty debated giving you the Flagship and
quite a few would be more than happy to see her given to someone else. If I relieve you of command,
you will never get the Enterprise back."
The Admiral leaned toward the viewscreen, eyes locked with Kirk's. "Are you absolutely sure, son?"
"Yes." Kirk's voice was quiet but firm. "I'm in no condition to command now. Hell, in the state I'm in
I'm not fit to command a garbage scow. And even if I were…everyone here has made it plain what
they think of me. I have no desire to stay on this ship a day longer."
His next words rang with finality. "This crew and I…we're done."
McCoy gave one of his patented scowls and grumbled: "Make that resignation for the Chief Medical Officer
too, Admiral – someone needs to keep an eye on him."