Anyone who knows Star Trek knows that its protagonist organization, the United Federation of Planets, is a near-utopian paradise. People work to better themselves and the rest of their Federation citizens collectively. It is as close to paradise as one can get.

However, what happens when that is threatened? What happens when good people, who strongly believe in upholding their principles, are pushed to the edge? Do they give up rather than violate them? Do they find a logical and peaceful way to help themselves and their comrades, or do they give in and do something rash in an attempt to stop the “bad guys?”

In the 22nd, 23rd and 24th centuries, the Starfleet captain is the epitome of all that is right and good. Still, they’re human. Let’s look at each of these captains, shall we?