Mr. Spock makes a spot-on distinction between two states/conditions which are not at all necessarily synonymous. Kirk is gobsmacked, and none too pleased, by the manner in which the Eminiarians conduct their “wars”; and Anan 7 {David Opatoshu} is titanically sangfroid-y, as per.
While the mighty Anan 7 is comprehensively beguiling Diplomat Fox with almost disdainful ease, Mr. Scott is *not* buyin’ it. When the utterly hoodwinked Fox gives his extremely dubious order (which would have meant the summary destruction of The Enterprise, including all crew), Mr. Scott yields not an inch. No. No. No. I am *not* following your jackass order. The screens stay up. Big points for Scotty.
Mr. Spock dispatches a guard in quite amusing (and utterly efficient) fashion; he also references noted existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Touching many a base in this episode, is the Vulcan.
And now the scene the fans paid their money for. The truly great Anan 7 displays his almost preternatural poise, sangfroid, and unruffle-ability, as Captain James Kirk (William Shatner) does his level best to rattle and intimidate the First Councilman. He uses every trick in the book, and even a few others, generally stored in private reserve; almost anyone else in history would indeed have been unnerved. Anan 7 not only utterly maintains his calm, but also his courtesy. And, for that matter, his humour. Even Kirk seems a bit amused/impressed by the epoch-defining aplomb and self-assurance that easily withstood the heavy artillery.
One would do well *not* to miss the Trek-oriented posts available over at The Creator’s area, Bideodromage.
Bideodromage II 