On the day of James Kirk's birth, his father dies on his ship in a last stand against a mysterious alien vessel. He was searching for Ambassador Spock, who is a child on Vulcan, disdained by his neighbors for his half-human nature. Twenty years later, Kirk has grown into a young troublemaker. He is inspired by Capt. Christopher Pike to fulfill his potential in Starfleet, even though he annoys his instructors. Suddenly, there is an emergency on Vulcan...

The Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise is on routine training maneuvers when it comes up against Khan, a genetically enhanced conqueror of late 20th century Earth who has escaped his prison and has set his sights on capturing Project Genesis and destroying Kirk.