As the court martial continues, Kirk learns the Talosians meant to breed Pike with an earlier survivor, Vina, to produce their slave race. But Pike convinces them that Earthmen would prefer death to such slavery, however pleasant illusions could make it. Humans were the Talosians last chance, but Pike convinces them to release him. Finally, as they orbit Talos, Kirk learns why Spock violated General Order 7: here, in his illusory world, Pike can live out his remaining years as the man he once was. The Talosians agree to this, and the Federation suspends General Order 7 due to the circumstances.