Star Trek: 10 Dumbest Decisions By Starfleet Officers
7. Violating The Neutral Zone - Commodore Stocker
There is a little sympathy for this Commodore, though there is little doubt that his decision put the Enterprise in jeoprady. While Kirk and Spock, along with several other members of the crew, are infected with a disease that causes them to age rapidly, the captain's capacity for command becomes impaired. While Vulcans age at a much slower rate than humans do, Stocker decides that Spock can't be allowed to command either while infected.
He assumed command of the ship, though he doesn't have nearly enough experience. He has spent his entire career behind a desk, meaning his practical and strategic mind is not where it needs to be while a ship is in deep space. For example, to get to the nearest starbase more quickly, he orders Sulu to take the shortest route - which involves traveling through the Romulan Neutral Zone.
The Federation and the Romulans are in a state of Cold War, meaning a treaty violation could easily lead to the outbreak of hostilities. In fact, Stocker very nearly causes war to break out by entering the Zone. A Romulan Bird of Prey decloaks and begins to fire on the vessel, which they are technically well within their rights to do.
Kirk gives Stocker a pass though, once he is returned to normal. Stocker has plenty of expertise, yet none in the field. It may have been a dumb decision but it was made with the best of intentions.