Star Trek: The Motion Picture Script
FADE IN :
1 EXT SPACE (S) 1
An ever expanding infinity of light and color as CAMERA
TRAVELS THROUGH deep space, MOVING DIRECTLY for one
pinpoint of light: a STAR GROWING RAPIDLY as we SWEEP
TOWARD IT, a normal white star SUDDENLY CHANGING,
brightening, flaring unbelievable intensity: supernova.
The CAMERA HOLDS just a moment, then MOVES on, SEARCH-
ING through space, the jeweled beauty of other star
systems, sparkling nebulae, swirling hydrogen clouds.
STILL MOVING, then CAMERA FINDS:
2 EXT. AREA OF LUMINESCENCE (S) 2
In the far distance, slowly growing in size as CAMERA
APPROACHES: it resembles, vaguely at this distance, an
Aurora Borealis: flaring colors from the fringes,
beautiful yet ominous. It is so large, this Cloud, it
can envelope an entire solar system. CAMERA CONTINUES
APPROACHING the Cloud, and then suddenly, crossing
our POV, a:
3 KLINGON HEAVY CRUISER (S) 3
In a graceful, turning arc toward the mysterious
LUMINESCENCE. CAMERA FOLLOWS this Klingon, then FINDS
a second Klingon cruiser, also turning toward the Cloud,
which continues to grow in size as the Klingons
approach at warp speed, CAMERA CLOSING on the lead
ship, until the vessel’s detail can be clearly MADE
OUT: lights, weaponry, power systems, identification
emblazoned on the nacelles and saucer in Klingon
language (and symbols).
4 INT. KLINGON CRUISER BRIDGE (O) 4
Clearly alien, an ODD-SOUNDING KLAXON signaling
"battle stations." Orders issued in KLINGON LANGUAGE,
the KLINGON CAPTAIN and EXEC peering at an unusual
bridge viewer at the huge area of LUMINESCENT HAZE
directly ahead. In KLINGON DIALOGUE:
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(Give me tactical.)
5 CLOSE - MAIN VIEWER (O) 5
goes suddenly to a TACTICAL GRID SYSTEM, showing the
LUMINESCENT HAZE to be an ENORMOUS BLIP OF LIGHT ON
THE SCREEN, with two TINY PINPRICKS OF LIGHT complete-
ing their turn on a direct course toward it.
6 EXT. SPACE - THE KLINGON PATROL AND THE HAZE (S) 6
The Patrol is clearly SEEN now on the right of the
bottom of the FRAME... THREE tiny ships closing on the
steadily growing LUMINESCENT HAZE.
7 INT. THE KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC (O) 7
All eyes on the viewer that shows the ships sweeping
on the Mysterious cloud.
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(In Klingonese)
Visual.
The TECHNICIAN makes the switch.
8 CLOSE - VIEW SCREEN - LUMINESCENT HAZE (O) 8
growing ever larger, its flaring colors menacing,
mysterious, strangely beckoning.
9 INT. BRIDGE - KLINGON COMMAND CRUISER 9
The crew stands by for battle.
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(In Klingonese)
Tactical again. Stand by on
torpedoes.
10 EAT SPACE - LEAD KLINGON VESSEL (TORPEDO HATCH) (S) 10
sliding open, the glowing "Hell Fire" of the Photon
Launch tubes, slowly revealed.
11 VERY WIDE ANGLE - THE THREE SHIPS (S) 11
They are tiny, insect-like shapes moving still CLOSER
to the Luminescent Cloud, so large now that it begins
to dominate all space behind.
12 INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID - CAPTAIN AND 12
EXEC (O)
The growing nearness and enormous size of the Cloud
also reflected on the Tactical Grid, somehow more
awesome by this schematic view. The Captain gestures
the order to "FIRE."
13 EXT. SPACE - ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL - TORPEDO HATCH (S) 13
The BRILLIANT PHOTON BLOBS of the torpedoes spurt from
the tubes.
14 ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL (S) 14
A deadly PHOTON TORPEDO pattern racing away from the
Klingon and toward the Luminescent glow in the distance.
15 INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID (O) 15
Three torpedoes are heading directly toward the Cloud.
Suddenly they glow briefly and disappear long before
they reach their intended target.
16 INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC 16
incredulous that their torpedoes have disappeared
without a trace.
17 EXT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THREE KLINGON SHIPS (S) 17
as the second and third ships launch torpedoes toward
the color-flaring surface of the cloud. This time we
have an outside, real VIEW of the torpedoes glowing
brightly and then disappearing with no effect.
18 INT. KLINGON BRIDGE (O) 18
The Klingon crew grim, desperate, watching a BRIGHT
STACCATO BLIP OF POWER from within the LUMINESCENCE.
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(quickly; Klingonese)
Full force fields; evasive
maneuvers.
19 EAT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THE KLINGON PATROLS (S) 19
Out of the LUMINESCENCE hurtles a FRIGHTENING WHIPLASH
OF ENERGY. It bears down on the Klingon Patrol, now
in an evasive maneuver. Then the WHIPLASH BOLT hits
the third cruiser in a writhing flare of energy which
totally engulfs the vessel.
The other two ships veer off, warping around again into
attack position. The THIRD SHIP has begun to implode
in on itself, the matter-energy of its existence
drained by the WHIPLASH BOLT that HOLDS IT.
20 ANGLE ON REMAINING KLINGON CRUISERS (S) 20
desperately defending themselves, FORCE FIELDS FULL UP,
RAPIDLY FIRING PHOTON TORPEDOES. But now a SECOND
WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT has emerged from the cloud and
hits the second vessel, DESTROYING it.
The THIRD WHIPLASH BOLT glances off the surviving
Cruiser as the ship retreats in a wide, evasive turn,
FIRING from stern tubes.
21 INT. KLINGON BRIDGE 21
The bridge shattered; Klingon bodies. The mortally-
wounded Captain is transmitting urgently:
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(In Klingonese)
... severely damaged. Returning
fire...
22 EXT. SPACE - STARFLEET MONITOR STATION EPSILON 9 (S) 22
Serenity here. A barren, rocky small plantoid softly
lit by the myriad stars. This is a small Starfleet
outpost, antennae sprouting everywhere. Tiny figures
(WORKERS) servicing one antenna illustrate the size
of the installation.
23 INT. EPSILON 9 - MONITOR ROOM - A VIEWER (O) 23
SHOWING the battle scene, and the VOICE OF THE KLINGON
CAPTAIN in his last stand against the Object; his VOICE
is weary, almost mechanical. On the adjacent viewer,
an English printout of the Klingon’s words chatters
along the bottom of the picture:
KLINGON CAPTAIN
(In Klingonese)
Imperial Klingon Cruiser Amar...
severely damaged by unfamiliar
weaponry... intruder unidentified..
24 WIDER ANGLE - EPSILON 9 STARFLEET PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O) 24
At the viewers are a FEMALE LIEUTENANT and FOUR TECH-
NICIANS. COMMANDER BRANCH, a young, alert, enters hur-
riedly, scans he console.
LIEUTENANT
Our sensor drone is intercepting
this on Quad L-14.
KLINGON CAPTAIN (V.O.)
... believe luminescent cloud
to be enormous power field
surrounding alien vessel...
size and description unknown..
our sensor scans unable to
penetrate. Imperial Klingon
Cruiser Amar... continuing
to attack.
BRANCH
That’s within Klingon boundaries.
Who are they fighting?
LIEUTENANT
Unknown, sir.
A violent EXPLOSION inside the Klingon bridge -- Klingon
Captain’s body is thrown violently against the bulkhead.
TECHNICIAN
I have an exterior visual!
25 CLOSE ON VIEWER (O) 25
showing EXTERIOR of the Klingon vessel: a final,
frightening WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT strikes it -- then
the same awesome IMPLOSION INTO FIREBALL.
26 WIDER ANGLE - PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O) 26
The Starfleet station onlookers react to the utter
annihilation of the huge cruiser. And now, past where
the cruiser just disappeared -- the mysterious LUMINES-
CENCE approaching in distance. Technician hits a
switch, magnifying the strange CLOUD.
LIEUTENANT
We’ve plotted a course on that
cloud, Commander: it will pass
into Federation Space fairly
close to us.
BRANCH
Heading?
27 CLOSE ON THE MAIN MONITOR STATION (O) 27
as its focal point shifts to the huge elliptically-
shaped LUMINESCENCE racing across the sky. MUSIC
(V’GER THEME) COMMENCES in a low, unresolved CHORD
that remains in the background through the remainder
of this scene, and the beginning of the next one.
LIEUTENANT’S VOICE
Sir, it’s on a precise heading
for Earth.
Ominously now the LUMINESCENCE increases in size, and
begins to fill the viewer. HOLD A MOMENT, and then:
28 EXT. SURFACE OF PLANET VULCAN - DAY (M) 28
with the CAMERA MOVING THROUGH masses of thick, steamy
vaporous clouds, swirling about, rising boilingly up
from some unseen, underground source. The CAMERA
CONTINUES MOVING through clouds.
And then... the Vulcan landscape. Harsh, strange
angular peaks and rock formations -- the barren, legend-
ary mountain home of Vulcan Masters.
29 EXT. VULCAN LEDGE - SPOCK ( M & F.P.) 29
Spock’s lean features instantly recognizable despite
unkempt, longer hair and the fatigue born of a long,
harsh discipline he has undergone. His robes, tattered
and dust covered, are that of a Vulcan Aspirant in
study with the Masters. Under the V’ger THEME MUSIC
we HEAR a VOICE in ritual tones:
FEMALE MASTER’S VOICE
Spock, son of Sarek of Vulcan...
and of Amanda of Earth...
diligently you have labored for
purification of mind...
30 REVERSE ANGLE - SPOCK, VULCAN MASTERS AND RUINS 30
In b.g., gigantic ancient Vulcan statues and ruins. In f.g.,
the stone platform on which Spock stands facing a semi-circle
of three similar platforms. On them in regal robes are three
VULCAN MASTERS. The Master in the center is a female, the
other two Masters are male. The elderly female is holding a
cord and ancient pendant as if ready to place it around
Spock’s neck at an appropriate moment. Spock is staring up
as V’ger THEME MUSIC fades.
MALE MASTER
(chidingly)
Spock . . . !
Spock turns, giving a small contrite nod -- the ritual
continues.
FEMALE MASTER
Here are these sands, our fore-
bearers cast out their animal
passions. Here our race was
saved by the first attainment of
Kolinahr.
MALE MASTER
Kolinahr: the final shedding of
all emotion.
FEMALE MASTER
You have labored long, Spock.
Now receive from us this symbol
of total logic.
Spock starts to kneel... the Female Master moves in,
intending to put the ancient pendant around his neck.
But Spock now hesitates -- he’s troubled as though
uncertain he deserves this symbol and waves the
pendant away. Then, a faint reprise of the V’ger THEME
MUSIC now causes the Female Master to look skyward.
She turns from this back to Spock as she exchanges a
look with the Male Masters.
FEMALE MASTER
(gestures Spock forward)
Come, give me your thoughts.
She kneels with Spock -- lays her hands on his temples
in Vulcan mind-meld position.
FEMALE MASTER
(continuing)
Our minds, Spock... One and
together....
Their eyes close -- their minds meld -- then her head
jerks slightly, her features change as her mind feels
Spock’s reactions to the V’ger consciousness. A long
moment, then she opens her eyes, gets to her feet and
looks down on the still kneeling Spock. Then, she
casts aside the pendant she carries -- it falls into
the dust.
FEMALE MASTER
(continuing; sadly)
This consciousness which calls --
it stirs your human half, Spock?
You have not achieved Kolinahr --
Your human emotions are not fully
extinguished.
(turns to the other Masters)
He will not achieve his goal with
us. His answer lies elsewhere.
The three Masters leave -- Spock watches them go, his
disappointment evident even in his stoic features.
31 MED. ANGLE ON SPOCK (M. & F.P.) 31
CAMERA CLOSES IN on his face as we again HEAR a frag-
ment of V’ger THEME MUSIC -- Spock again raises his
head and peers up into the heavens. HOLD on his face
a moment, then...
SHOCK CUT TO :
32 EXT. EARTH - AN AIR TRAM - DAY (S) 32
gleaming silver in the sun as it streaks TOWARD THE
CAMERA POSITION and hurtles PAST.
33 EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - HILLTOP AIR TRAM STATION - 33
DAY (M)
From this vantage, we can SEE all of twenty-third
century San Francisco stretched out before us. In
the b.g., the familiar forms of the carefully preserved
Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid Building
serve as our only reminders that this is, indeed, San
Francisco.
The AIR TRAM (an anti-gravitational train flying
several feet above the ground) DECELERATES sharply,
settles to the ground with a whisper.
34 EXT. TRAM STATION - CLOSE ON TRAM DOORS - DAY 34
The doors opening, and various TRAVELERS (civilians
and Starfleet personnel) leaving the tram, striding
onto the platform, continuing on their respective
ways. Among the departing throng:
35 KIRK 35
in Admiral’s uniform, grim, determined, moving through
the throng. Now and then Starfleet officers nod re-
spectfully; KIRK responds with detached formality; his
mind is clearly set on something he is resolved to ac-
complish here in headquarters -- whatever the cost.
CAMERA WITH HIM, to:
36 INT. AIR TRAM STATION - DAY ` 36
as Kirk strides into the graceful Starfleet HQ building.
Many PEOPLE are about, civilians and uniformed person-
nel; most of them with some air of urgency. (NOTE:
ALIENS interspersed among them, Vulcans, blue-skinned
Andorians, high-domed Vegans, ect.) Kirk continues on
when suddenly he reacts, annoyed as he sees:
37 SONAK 37
a Vulcan, Lt Commander; short, white-haired, grizzled,
hurrying along. Kirk calls to him:
KIRK
Commander Sonak... !
SONAK turns with Vulcan imperturbability to face Kirk
who steps toward him
KIRK
(continuing)
You’ve received your appointment
as Enterprise Science Officer?
SONAK
(nods)
Based, I am told, on your
recommendation, Admiral. Thank
you.
KIRK
Why aren’t you on board?
SONAK
Captain Decker requested I complete
final Science briefing here before...
KIRK
(interrupting)
Here at Starfleet...? The
Enterprise is in final preparation
to leave dock...
SONAK
Which will require twenty more
hours at minimum, Admiral...
KIRK
Twelve! I’m on my way to a meeting
with Admiral Nogura which will not
last more than three minutes.
Report to me on the Enterprise in
one hour.
SONAK
To you, sir?
KIRK
I intend to be there following
that meeting. Report to me. One
hour!
And Kirk turns, strides purposefully away. Sonak gazes
after him, one eyebrow raised quizzically.
38 EXT. EARTH ORBIT (S) 38
In f.g., Orbital drydock offices, rotating slowly but
perceptibly against blue-black of space. Small figures
in spacesuits working on construction, with work belts.
Beyond and below... Earth. In the far distance we can
barely make out an orbital drydock.
39 CLOSER ANGLE - ORBITAL OFFICE CLUSTER (S) 39
The cluster is a fully-equipped dockyard engineering
center and computer drafting office.
CAMERA MOVES IN AND CENTERS ON an outer "Travel Pod."
40 INT. INNER OFFICE (O) 40
an installation which also includes a double position
transporter, in which we SEE the TRANSPORTER EFFECT
BEGIN. With the TRANSPORTER CREW IS SCOTT. He’s with
a Technician, busy with a piece of complex circuitry.
Then he turns, sees that it is Kirk BEAMING in here.
As Kirk materializes, steps off the transporter plat-
form, Scott moves quickly to him.
40A KIRK AND SCOTT 40A
The starship Engineering Officer clearly surprised to
see Kirk here. Kirk has the same look of grim de-
termination we just saw in the headquarters building.
SCOTT
Admiral, I’ve been hoping to see
you. Maybe you can get through
to those thick heads in Starfleet
that...
KIRK
Why aren’t the Enterprise
transporters in operation, Mister
Scott?
SCOTT
We’re hoping it’s only a temporary
problem, Admiral...
KIRK
See that it is.
(moving toward pod)
Take me over, please.
Scott is now eying Kirk just a little warily as he fol-
lows him into the pod. Kirk’s determined expression
suggests that some chips are going to fly and Scott
does not want to become one of them.
SCOTT
(carefully)
Admiral, the Enterprise has just
finished eighteen months redesign-
ing and refitting. She needs
testing, a shakedown...
KIRK
Mr. Scott, there’s an alien object
with unbelievable destructive
power less than three days away
from this planet...
Kirk hits a button on the travel pod panel -- the air-
lock doors SLAM closed behind them. Then, stepping im-
mediately to the front observation window:
KIRK
(continuing)
... the only Starship in
interception range is the
Enterprise! Ready, or not, she
launches in twelve hours!
Scott throws Kirk an appalled look but is now occupied
in sealing the Outer Pod door and manipulating drive
controls.
CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
Pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
and starts to move.
40C EXT. POD 40C
CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
and starts moving.
41 EXT. EARTH ORBIT - ANGLES ON TRAVEL POD (S) 41
- -
43 43
as it moves way from the office complex. We can
SEE the jet flames of its tiny thrusters as it cir-
cles around, heads off (toward the distant Orbital
dry dock).
44 INT. TRAVEL POD - KIRK AND SCOTT 44
Scott nervously eying Kirk, and finally deciding to
make one more effort:
SCOTT
The crew hasn’t had near enough
transition time with all the new
equipment. And the engines,
Admiral: they’ve yet to be even
tested at warp power. Add to
that, an untried Captain...
KIRK
(hint of smile)
Two and a half years as Chief of
Starfleet Operations may have
made me a little stale, Mr. Scott
-- but I wouldn’t exactly consider
myself ’untried.’
It takes Scott a moment to comprehend, and Kirk smiles
now, nods:
KIRK
(continuing)
They gave her back to me, Scotty.
Scott peers at him, genuinely surprised -- and pleased.
Then:
SCOTT
"Gave’ her back, sir...? I doubt
it was that easy...
(returns smile)
But any man who could manage such
a feat, I wouldna dare disappoint.
She’ll launch on time, sir...
(with confidence)
And she’ll be ready.
And he clasps Kirk’s elbow affectionately, then gestures
Kirk to look out the pod window.
45 EXT. OUTSIDE THE POD WINDOW - KIRK’S POV (O) 45
as he looks out: the blue-black of orbital space.
46 INT. TRAVEL POD 46
Scott is well aware of what the Enterprise means to
Kirk. As Scott maneuvers the pod to provide the best
perspective, Kirk peers through the observation window,
craning his head, hungry for his first glimpse of the
starship. Scott is watching him, immensely pleased.
47 PAST THEM TO THE POD WINDOW (O) 47
as we SEE the drydock and more of its detail, and a
hint of what is inside.
48 EXT. EARTH ORBIT - OTHER ANGLES FROM THE POD (O) 48
- -
50 50
PAST Kirk and Scott the corner of the drydock becomes
larger -- we begin SEEING more of it. And then the
merest glimpse of what is inside the drydock: The
Enterprise slips INTO VIEW.
51 INT. POD - VERY CLOSE ON KIRK AT WINDOW 51
as he watches, his face reflecting all of it: the awe,
the wonder, the romance, the obsession. The one comp-
lete love of his life. And with that love regained,
he is becoming more fully alive again.
Kirk looks at Scott; for a moment both hold each other’s
eye. Scott knows precisely how Kirk feels. Both turn
to the window again.
52 WHAT THEY SEE - THE ENTERPRISE (S) 52
Now DOMINATING the SCREEN -- the awesome, symmetrical
bulk of the starship comes fully INTO VIEW. And it
dominates Kirk’s -- and our emotions.
53 EXT. THE ENTERPRISE - AND THE POD (TINY IN THIS SHOT) 53
- -
56 AS IT CIRCLES - THE ANTI-LIKE FIGURES OF WORKERS (S) 56
The great ship dwarfs everything. The drydock becomes
a fragile filigree framing the ship’s great curved
bulk. The tiny pod continues to move along it.
Small automated welding devices move along the gird-
ers, working with brief, bright orange-white flares.
In other areas of metal lace structure, supplies and
equipment are being loaded onto the ship. The pod
continues moving (Scott is giving Kirk time to see all),
watched carefully by the TINY FIGURES OF SUPERVISING
TECHNICIANS on the drydock. Now the pod moves toward
mating position. It closes in, secures itself to the
outer airlock.
57 INT. POD - AT THE AIRLOCK 57
Scott completing the mating procedure, Kirk turning
from the observation window. Outside, the metallic..
CLICK of the pod locking onto the airlock. Now the
"WHOOSH" of the latch doors securing, the CLANG of
security bolts. It’s all been a rare and delicious
moment for Kirk, and his face shows it.
OVER the POD INTERCOM we HEAR, "Pod secured. Pressure
equalized." Scott moves the control to open the hatch.
58 INT. ENTERPRISE CARGO DECK (M) 58
A confusion of organized work and VOICES. The cargo
deck bustles with activity; supplies and equipment
being stored and installed.
59 INT. CARGO DECK - BALCONY AND CATWALK 59
Kirk and Scott are met by a nervous, perspiring
ENSIGN.
KIRK AND SCOTT
Permission to come aboard, sir...?
ENSIGN
Granted, sir. Welcome aboard,
Admiral... Commander Scott,
you’re needed in Engineering
immediately.
SCOTT
(to Kirk)
Sir, you’ll excuse me...?
Kirk gestures him to leave, and Scott hurries away.
Kirk stands a moment, gazing down at the cargo deck.
60 ANGLE DOWN PAST KIRK TO FLOOR (M) 60
The crew maneuvering antigravity devices which move
heavy containers -- scrambles of activity at storage
holds and maintenance lockers.
61 CLOSE ON KIRK AND ENSIGN 61
Kirk is drinking it all in. He’s home.
ENSIGN
(nervous)
Sir, if you’ll follow me, I’ll...
KIRK
I think I can find my way,
Ensign.
And Kirk moves off, leaving the Ensign gazing at him,
relieved.
62 EXT. ELEVATOR AND CATWALK 62
Kirk ENTERS ANGLE and the doors snap open.
63 INT. ELEVATOR 63
as Kirk enters. The doors close. Kirk waits a beat,
savoring this moment too. Then, firmly to the control
panel:
KIRK
Bridge!
The turbo-elevator HUMS WITH POWER as it begins hur-
tling up. On the wall back of Kirk we SEE an electronic
diagram of the Enterprise tracking the elevator’s
speedy trip to the Bridge.
64 INT. BRIDGE 64
A confusion of activity and VOICES. Pieces o equip-
ment in a state of disarray: consoles open, fiber
optic tubes unconnected, viewing screens dismantled.
It’s a frantic, desperate scene -- a ship and crew to-
tally unprepared. In the midst of this: ALIEN
ensign is assisting UHURA (Lt. Comdr. stripes)deftly
working her communications station, AD LIBBING
"... Hailing frequency four, check. Hailing frequency
five, will someone please check me?" At the helm,
sweat-soaked SULU (Lt. Comdr stripes) has a service
plate open, is peering inside to make delicate adjust-
ments, AD LIBBING "... Helm, now give me a reading on
four point zero zero six of full." And at the Weapons
Control, CHEKOV (Full Lt.)argues with TECHNICIANS who
insist photon torpedoes read "ready" while Chekov
argues the computer is not relaying that information.
65 ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS 65
snapping open -- and there is Kirk. For the moment no
one notices him, and he stands watching, remembering.
And then he moves forward toward the command center.
66 ACROSS UHURA TO KIRK 66
as she is the first to see him. She reacts,pleased.
UHURA
Captain... Starfleet just
signaled your transfer-of-
command orders!
67 ANOTHER ANGLE - VARIOUS REACTION 67
as everyone else is suddenly aware of Kirk.
All work stops, with various AD LIBBED greetings from
the old crew: "Admiral Kirk..." "It’s the Captain...!"
etc., etc. But most sit or stand, simple gaping at
Kirk, all quite awed. The old hands, Uhura, Sulu, and
Chekov start converging on Kirk. But he gestures them
back, speaking crisply.
KIRK
I appreciate the welcome; I wish
the circumstances were less
critical.
(to Uhura)
Epsilon Nine is monitoring the
intruder; keep a channel open to
them.
(glances around)
Where is Captain Decker?
SULU
He’s in Engineering, sir...
(uncomfortable,
indicates Captain’s
chair)
He doesn’t know.
Kirk reacts with some exasperation, starts away,
addresses Chekov:
KIRK
Mr Chekov, assemble the crew on
the Rec Deck at 0400 hours. I
want to show them what we’re
facing.
And Kirk moves to the elevator, enters, is gone. The
moment the elevator doors snap closed:
SULU
I wouldn’t have wanted to have
been standing in his way. He
wanted her back; he got her!
ALIEN ENSIGN
(perturbed)
And Captain Decker? He’s been
with the ship every minute of
her refitting...
UHURA
(brittle)
Ensign -- our chances of coming
back from this mission in one
piece may have just doubled...!
68 OMITTED 68
- -
69 69
70 INT. ENGINEERING SECTION 70
The entire complex a beehive of pre-departure activity.
ENGINEERING PERSONNEL (at least a third of them female)
coming and going, the platform-elevators (small, one-
man lifts to various levels) busy. A gentle but con-
stant HUM and WHIRR flows from the engine core, to indi-
cate a pre-idling mode. There will be continual AD
LIBBED conversation among the Technicians.
Now the Engine Room door opens and Kirk steps into the
area. He stands a moment observing the activity. a
grizzled ENGINEERING CHIEF pushes a huge condenser on
an anti-grav device past irk with a respectful "watch
it, sir" admonishment. Kirk moves on to:
71 THE INTERMIX CHAMBER 71
at the middle of the power shaft. Very NOISY here,
and a continual CACOPHONY of COMPUTERIZED AND HUMAN
VOICES calling off equipment checks. And grouped
around a section of burnt-out circuitry are WILLARD
DECKER, Captain’s stripes, handsome, in his early
30’s; Scott, and two Technicians. Decker and Scott
are working feverishly uncoupling the device,
probing its innards. Decker has discovered the problem,
removed several transistor-type parts, taps them
with a pencil-sized sonic analyzer.
DECKER
(quietly elated)
I thought so! See... the trans-
porter sensor was not activated...
SCOTT
(impressed)
Aye, you were dead right about
that...
(to Technician)
Clearly, put a back-up sensor into
the unit.
72 ACROSS THEM TO KIRK 72
as the Technician prepares to install the device,
Scott glances up to see Kirk.
He looks from Decker to Kirk in acute embarrassment
(so that we should realize Scott hasn’t mentioned
Kirk’s taking over to Decker). Decker now notices
Kirk, reacts pleased.
DECKER
Admiral Kirk...
(shakes Kirk’s hand)
We’re getting a top brass send
off...?
(self assured grin)
She’ll launch on schedule if we
have to tow her out with our bare
hands. Right, Scotty?
SCOTTY
(lamely)
Aye, sir, that we will...
KIRK
(to Decker)
Will, let’s go over here and
talk.
He indicates corner. Decker glances bemusedly at
Kirk, then turns to Scott:
DECKER
Let me now when the back-up is
in place.
73 ACROSS SCOTT TO KIRK AND DECKER 73
as Scott AD LIBS a glum "Aye, sir," and watches them
walk across the Chamber.
74 A CORNER OF THE INTERMIX CHAMBER 74
just a little quieter here, with Kirk and Decker arriv-
ing, and Decker saying blithely:
DECKER
All due respect, sir, I hope
this isn’t a Starfleet pep talk;
I’m just too busy.
Kirk eyes Decker -- then decides the best way to say
it is plainly, directly.
KIRK
I’m taking over the Center seat.
I’m sorry, Will.
DECKER
You are what...?
KIRK
I’m replacing you as Captain of
the Enterprise.
Decker seems shocked into silence; he can only peer
at Kirk who reaches tentatively as though to clasp a
paternal hand on Decker’s shoulder, then withdraws it
and continues quickly.
KIRK
(continuing)
You’ll stay aboard as Executive
Officer... a temporary grade
reduction to Commander.
DECKER
(finding his voice)
-- You, personally, are assuming
command?
KIRK
Yes.
DECKER
May I ask Why?
KIRK
(nods)
My experience -- five years out
there dealing with unknowns like
this -- my familiarity with the
Enterprise, this crew...
DECKER
Admiral, this is an almost totally
new enterprise. You don’t know
her a tenth as well as I do.
75 ANOTHER ANGLE - TO SHOW SCOTT IN B.G. (ACROSS THE 75
ROOM)
Scott, working on the relay, but continually glancing
at Kirk and Decker with worried concern, as Kirk
replies:
KIRK
That’s why you’re staying aboard.
I’m sorry, Will.
DECKER
No, Admiral. I don’t think you are;
not one damned bit. I remember
when you recommended me for this
command. You told me how envious
you were, and if only you could
find a way to get a starship
command again. Well, sir, it looks
like you found a way.
Kirk is silent a moment, peering levelly at Decker,
who returns the gaze with equal intensity. Then:
KIRK
Report to the bridge, Commander.
Immediately.
Decker EXITS. Kirk waits, collecting his composure
as he watches him go. Then Kirk turns to glare at
Scott. Interrupted by a flare as something shorts
out at the mechanism where Scott and Decker had been
working. Technician (Clearly) reacts, hits an inter-
com button fast:
TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
Transporter room, come in!
Urgent!
(to Scott)
Redline on the transporters,
Mister Scott!
Scott whirls to a console fast, speaks urgently!
SCOTT
Transporter room, do not engage!
Do not....
TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
(reacting to the reading;
interruption)
Too late; they’re beaming now!
Kirk is exiting on a run, followed by Scott.
76 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - INCLUDING TRANSPORTER CHAMBER 76
(O)
An unusually defective looking TRANSPORTER EFFECT in
progress, alternately flashing and glowing -- even the
Transporter SOUND seems wrong, as if struggling to
overcome some problem. At the console, CHIEF RAND and
ASSISTANT are reacting in surprised, near-horror as
they attempt vainly to save the situation.
RAND
(into intercom)
Starfleet, override us!
OVERRIDE...! Yank them back!
Suddenly, from Rand’s console,a VIOLENT GLARE -- a
PROTESTING SOUND from the circuitry. And on the con-
sole a red-warning light now begins flashing.
STARFLEET VOICE
Unable to retrieve their pattern,
Enterprise....!
Rand reacts in real horror now as human forms begin to
FAINTLY MATERIALIZE, then FADE AWAY, then REAPPEAR IN
FAINTLY MISSHAPEN FORM as she frantically works con-
trols. Kirk ENTERS fast, steps to the console to
assist Rand; Scott has also come in and moves to the
console, brushes aside the Asst. Chief, and begins
manipulating the additional controls himself.
SCOTT
We’re losing the pattern...!
KIRK
(into intercom)
Starfleet, boost your matter gain;
we need more signal!
RAND
Oh, no! They’re forming!
77 CLOSER ON THE TRANSPORTER CHAMBER (O) 77
with the human forms FLUTTERING INTO FULLER AND FULLER
MATERIALIZATION, FRIGHTENINGLY, HORRIBLY MISSHAPEN. We
RECOGNIZE one form as the Vulcan, Sonak -- the other a
human WOMAN. They MATERIALIZE; we HEAR A MOAN form
from the Vulcan -- the Woman’s SCREAM OF PAIN. Then,
all at once, the half-materialized bodies are gone;
the transporter chamber is empty.
KIRK
Oh, my God...!
78 KIRK, SCOTT AND RAND 78
gazing, horrified, at the empty chamber.
KIRK
(into intercom)
Starfleet, do you have them?
A mutter of utter, vacant silence -- and Kirk and
Scott look at each other again, their pained faces
presaging the answer they already know:
STARFLEET VOICE
(shaken)
Enterprise... what we got back
didn’t live long. Fortunately.
Another moment of stunned silence, and then Kirk hits
the transmission button -- fighting to control his
voice as:
KIRK
Starfleet... Kirk. Please...
express my condolences to their
families. Commander Sonak’s
can be reached through the Vulcan
Embassy.
(see Rand’s stricken
expression)
There was nothing you could have
done, Rand. It wasn’t your fault.
And before Rand can answer, Kirk leaves the room.
79 INT. CORRIDOR - TRAVELING WITH KIRK &