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Command packet

Kirk with the command packet

The command packet or command pack was a small pouch kept in the possession of Federation starship captains containing the ship's itinerary and destination schedule. As this was considered to be sensitive information, Starfleet captains were usually the only individuals with access to the packet. Captain James T. Kirk kept it in his personal safe in his quarters.

In 2266, an android posing as Captain Kirk retrieved the pack from Kirk's safe and delivered it to Roger Korby, who reviewed the USS Enterprise's destination schedule to determine the best location to start his covert infiltration of society with androids. (TOS: "What Are Little Girls Made Of?")

A commanding officer would typically have the command packet on hand during court martial proceedings, such as a preliminary hearing. (TOS: "The Menagerie, Part I")

Captain Kirk also kept a record tape containing his final orders to Spock and Doctor McCoy in his command packet, should he ever be declared dead. In 2268, when it appeared as if Kirk had been lost aboard the USS Defiant, Spock and McCoy reviewed the tape together. (TOS: "The Tholian Web")

Occasionally, it could also come in the form of a digital file. In 2152, a paranoid Malcolm Reed sent identification codes in the form of a voice-encrypted command packet to all senior officers on Enterprise NX-01 to protect against impostors. (ENT: "Singularity")

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