Ad Astra per Aspera

Una Chin-Riley stands trial for concealing her genetic modifications as an Illyrian, in breach of the Federation's ban on genetic engineering. If convicted she faces discharge and up to 20 years in prison. Pike travels to the Vaultera Nebula to recruit Neera Ketoul, an Illyrian civil rights lawyer and a former friend of Una's, to defend her. The prosecution is led by Pike's girlfriend, Captain Marie Batel, and the facts against Una are hard to dispute. Neera changes tack: rather than deny the offence, she argues that the law itself is being applied unjustly. On the stand Una admits she came forward because she was tired of living a lie. Neera argues that Una qualifies for asylum under Starfleet's own code and urges the judges to rise to their ideals. The tribunal grants Una asylum, finds her not guilty, though the law itself remains in place.