Kirk lied to avoid consequences. I don't know what the consequences might be, but it's not like they were going to execute him, not like they would have a Nazi at a concentration camp who tried to smuggle out the Jews.Artabax wrote: ↑Wed Dec 26, 2018 8:42 pm Chuck damns Kirk for not owning his decision, it's not an oppressive regime, but it is an oppressive regime. Abrams Trek applies the VOY and ENT Prime Directive = kill them all, let the Cosmic Plan sort them out.
Classic Trek:
Spok: But Captain, telling these people will violate the PD.
Kirk: Extinction is worse than breaking PD.
Spok: That's logical, Captain.
Kirk is a snotty teenager and should NOT command the Flagship. He should not even command a rowing boat.
I ain't seen the movie, I am just going by the review.
So what did they do for him both making that decision, lying about it, and proving a poor leader? Stripped his captainship that he never earned, and sent him back to the Academy that he never actually graduated from. If he hadn't lied...perhaps they'd have reduced him in rank, but he might still be in Starfleet because he owned up to making a tough decision.
Keep in mind that the purpose of the PD is to protect actions from having unknown consequences. If Kirk had made a measured, thoughtful decision to risk the consequences of saving these people because it's worth saving an entire civilization even if their culture is contaminated in the process, that's respectable. But he utterly refused to accept any consequences to himself while he's making decisions with potentially massive ramifications.
Yes, he's a tool.