ACT ONE
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise orbits Jaffes's Planet: a dull, brown, inhospitable appearing piece of rock.
MCCOY (V.O.)
Chief Medical Officer's Log: Stardate 6120.2 Since the disappearance of James Kirk...
INT. CORRIDOR
Spock strides with purpose. As he passes, the crew snap to attention and salute.
MCCOY (V.O.)
...the crew have adjusted with difficulty to their new captain. Mr. Spock's ways are not Kirk's...
INT. REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Spock ENTERS and goes directly to the synthesizers. Seeing him, the crew get up and EXIT as he retrieves his cup of tea.
MCCOY (V.O.)
...and despite my repeated warnings, he seems determined to alienate his human crew.
INT. BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER
Scott is in the command chair, McCoy stands beside him. UHURA, CHEKOV, SULU, XON, DESALLE are at their posts. PETER and PRESCOTT stand guard at the turbolift doors. The mood is grim, silent. As Spock ENTERS they all snap to attention.
PRESCOTT
Captain on the bridge!
This is clearly not the ship we know. It is cold, unfriendly: military. We don't want to be here any more than the crew does.
Spock hands his cup to a YEOMAN and takes the conn.
SPOCK
At ease. Report!
SULU
Maintaining standard orbit around Planet Jaffe.
SCOTT
The Colony has been completely resupplied, and our engineer's have installed upgrades to their environmental systems.
CHEKOV
We have taken three prisoners on board for transfer to the District Court on the Griffin Colony. All misdemeanor offenses.
SPOCK
Any reports of Klingon interference?
CHEKOV
No more interference then calvary was to the Russians at Little Big Horn.
SPOCK
Mr. Chekov, your continued errors in historical facts have me questioning the wisdom of any further advancement in the fleet.
What?! Has Spock forgotten that this is - well, Chekov? Uhura, for one, hasn't been cowed by their new Captain.
UHURA
...but...Captain...they're jokes! We all know that! You especially: after all the time you've worked together on research projects...
SPOCK
(interrupting, curt)
Lieutenant, we have vastly different definitions of humor.
(to Chekov)
I suggest you take a remedial history course to rectify the errors in your education.
Chekov's stunned, and any light in the crew whooshes out of them like the air in a punctured balloon. Even Chekov's familiar tension breakers are unwelcome on this new ship of Spock's.
CHEKOV
Aye, sir.
McCoy plods past all this and continues the ship's business with his report.
MCCOY
The colony's medical facilities are substandard, and they could use another doctor.
SPOCK
Have you noted this in your report to Starfleet Command?
MCCOY
Well, yes..
SPOCK
Then I do not understand why you are wasting my time with an additional report.
A direct shot in their open war. The bridge and her crew takes a collective deep breath.
SPOCK (CONT'D)
Doctor McCoy, I believe you will find work to occupy you in Sick Bay.
Bull's-eye.
MCCOY
(stiffly, with venom)
Yes, Captain. I shall not bother you with my presence here again - unless ordered.
As he stalks toward the turbolift, Spock turns to Scott.
SPOCK
Mr. Scott, Lieutenant DeSalle can handle the required engineering duties here. I believe your duties as First Officer can be better handled from your office in the main Engineering section. I shall notify you when your presence is required on the bridge. Dismissed.
An unexpected casualty. Stunned, Scott moves to protest - but thinks better of it. His place in the battle is clear.
SCOTT
Yes, Sir!
He stalks toward McCoy and the lift. Spock continues.
SPOCK
(to everyone)
We will not be taking shoreleave here.
(to Chekov)
Lieutenant, plot a course to the Griffin Colony. Mr. Sulu, take us out, WARP Factor 4.
SULU
(hard)
Aye, Sir.
The helm team move to comply, savagely flipping switches. The bridge crew is stuck in the middle of this battlefield that has become their ship and they are all taking collateral damage. Spock appears oblivious: but it's what he intended.
SHOT ON - TURBOLIFT DOOR AS IT CLOSES ON SCOTT AND MCCOY.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise leaves orbit and heads into space.
INT. KIRK'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
A small, sparse room with dirty, chipped paint and an iron bed with a dirty mattress. Dim light struggles through the small, dirty window and it's bars.
Dressed only in dirty boxer shorts and T-shirt, Kirk is sitting on the bed against the wall in a tangled mess of limbs: protectively knotted against inner terror. Hair a tangled mess, his eyes are fixed on the window as a single point of sanity that has alit in his mind. His mouth moves silently as he holds fiercely onto that sanity: repeating one word over and over.
We HEAR the heavy metal door open and soft FOOTSTEPS approaching. Kirk doesn't react as Hamlin approaches.
HAMLIN
Good morning, John! It's Jan.
ON KIRK
As she straightens his tangled covers, retrieves a shirt and pants, dresses him: talking all the while in the cheerful, sing-song voice of a mother who knows she's talking to herself. He makes no notice of her - he's basically a doll: his eyes still fixed on the window.
HAMLIN (CONT'D)
It's a beautiful morning - sun shining, birds chirping. I see you didn't let them put on your nightclothes again.
Kirk's voice is audible now - barely.
This first sign of life stops Hamlin dead.
HAMLIN (CONT'D)
What's that?
Kirk answers in a whisper that grows louder, until we hear..
KIRK
Star. Star... star.
Hamlin can't believe it. But she's not going to let the first sign of sanity slip away.
HAMLIN
Actually, that's Jupiter. But very good, John.
Kirk glances at her sharply: looking at her for the first time.
KIRK
James.
Hamlin is frozen with hope - and disbelief. Is this violent, unbalanced man finally connecting to the world around him after a full year?
HAMLIN
James? Jim?
Like a match to gunpowder, the name "Jim" sends Kirk flailing back against the corner - and he's lost again to the black terror and pain.
This is the dangerous man Hamlin knows and she's instantly out the door, slamming it behind her.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Hamlin steadies herself, back against Kirk's door, and we HEAR Kirk's renewed terror. We wilt right along with Hamlin.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise flyby.
INT. REC ROOM
This is still not our ship. The crew present are subdued, dismal - barely alive. Scott and McCoy are seated together, a cemented band of two brothers in this inexplicable, unwelcoming world.
SCOTT
I didn't have a choice! Those heathens from the Lexington: they said Jim Kirk sold out to the Klingons!
Peter is seated at the table next to them: and he's listening to their conversation.
MCCOY
People gossip. You can't stop them, Scotty.
SCOTT
We should have stayed longer. Those civilians don't know anything about searching through that mess of aliens...
Peter turns around and speaks to them. He's all business.
PETER
(determined)
Ten days is far too long for any starship to be out of service. We stayed too long.
SCOTT
What would you suggest?
Peter stands - he's the only one of the three thinking rationally, not emotionally. Too rationally. This is the second person he's lost in a year and he's learned the Kirk way of dealing with these things: learned it too well.
PETER
Captain Kirk was lost on one of the Open Planets along the border. Humans, aliens, Klingons - it's a hub for all types of contacts and exchanges. In the first twenty-four hours the Captain could have left on any of their ships.
SCOTT
(alarmed)
You're not suggesting...
The crew around them wants nothing to do with this conversation. McCoy intervenes.
MCCOY
Of course not. But if he was taken... There is no evidence of Jim anywhere but on the planet, Peter. He didn't leave - he's there and...
Scott thwarts the word "dead"...
SCOTT
...and unable to contact us.
Peter is unfazed. He's thought this through: many times.
PETER
(fiercely)
You're not thinking rationally. You're not.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. KIRK'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Kirk is again sitting on the bed in a tangled mess, his eyes dull and lifeless as they stare at the window - drawn as if his dead mind remembers, somewhere, that there was sanity out there in space.
We HEAR the door open, and the SOUND of HEAVY FOOTSTEPS.
Kirk recoils instantly, repulsed by some smell, and drives himself against the corner as though trying to push himself through the walls.
KIRK
Smell! Smell! Sickly sweet...sickly sweet...like...
ON KIRK
As FRANK and FRED: disheveled, dirty orderlies approach and grab Kirk roughly. Kirk thrashes: he's protecting himself this time from these two - not some nameless terror.
KIRK (CONT'D)
Doctor Blah Blah Blah!
This is a routine part of their job and they barely notice his thrashing as they drag him toward the door.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
Frank and Fred wrangle the half-limp Kirk down the hall and EXIT through a door.
SHOT - ON DOOR
- and the NAMEPLATE affixed on the wall next to it: "E.C.T. Treatment Room"
INT. HOSPITAL E.C.T. ROOM
Frank and Fred ENTER, dragging a now exhausted Kirk with them.
KIRK'S POV
A long, dismal room lined on both sides with ECT tables stretching all the way to the barred windows on the other end. Patients fill most of the beds, their limbs restrained with thick leather straps. Nearest the door the patients are unconscious. A few of them are being lifted into wheelchairs by orderlies and removed from the room.
As Frank and Fred pull Kirk down the middle aisle, he attempts to walk but his footing is dragged out from under him by the oblivious orderlies. As the pass, on either side are TWO TEAMS of DOCTORS and NURSES manning ECT equipment carts: one of them moving the cart from a newly unconscious patient onto the next; one of them attaching the equipment to another; two of them administering the ECT to patients with their backs arched as they bite down on padded tongue depressors to the sound of raw electricity searing through their neurons.
KIRK
Smell... sickly... smell... sick...
Frank and Fred manhandle Kirk onto an empty table. As they strap him down we HEAR the sound of raw electricity searing through a nearby patient's neurons. Kirk's panic is real now.
KIRK (CONT'D)
Doctor Blah Blah Blah...
A nurse wheels an ECT cart up to the table. Kirk is lost in his own mind.
KIRK (CONT'D)
Doctor Blah Blah Blah...
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise flyby.
INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS
Spock is seated at the desk, studying a journal on the desk viewer as the door buzzer SOUNDS.
SPOCK
Come.
DeSalle steps in with a DATA TAPE, and pauses formally.
DESALLE
Captain Spock, Sir. I am requesting a transfer to the Republic.
Spock responds with a silent stare.
DESALLE (CONT'D)
It's not personal, Sir.
(clearly, it is)
It's just this mission - patrolling the border, resupplying colonies...
An unwavering stare and... silence.
DESALLE (CONT'D)
It's just...not what I signed up for when I joined the fleet.
Interminable silence. Finally, Spock gestures to the shelf... and a BIN, full of data tapes, marked "Transfer Requests".
DeSalle places his tape into it, then stands there squriming.
DESALLE (CONT'D)
Permission to...
Spock gestures again and DeSalle makes an escape out the door, passing McCoy as he ENTERS.
MCCOY (O.C.)
Permission to enter, Sir?
Spock's voice not unemotional - it is cold.
SPOCK
If you wish.
(beat)
Sit down.
McCoy does so heavily, and lapses into a silent stare, his eyes fixed on the wall.
SPOCK (CONT'D)
Doctor?
MCCOY
(startled)
Do you know what the date is?
SPOCK
Shall I repeat the exact hour and minute for you?
MCCOY
Yes: you'd know to the minute, wouldn't you? Is that all?
SPOCK
What do you mean - all?
McCoy battles between anger and hurt.
MCCOY
Just numbers? Don't you know what day this is, Spock?
SPOCK
If you mean this is the ninety day anniversary of the day that Captain Kirk disappeared, yes, I know what date it is. Why do you ask?
MCCOY
The day Jim is declared dead by the Fleet - does it mean nothing to you?
Silence.
Spock leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers before him as if to brandish the captain's stripes at McCoy.
MCCOY
Aren't you going to do anything to commemorate the day? Most of the crew served under Captain Kirk. Isn't a memorial service in order?
SPOCK
To serve what purpose? We do not know that James Kirk is dead.
MCCOY
If he were alive he would have come back - somehow, someway - he would have found a way back from Hell itself if he had to: and you know it as well as I do.
Silence
MCCOY
To give the crew closure. Damn you, Spock! Can't you give them this much? You have what you always wanted - you're captain of the Enterprise now.
SPOCK
Doctor, I do not wish...
MCCOY
Don't give me that old spiel, "I do not wish to command"! You took it fast enough when Jim disappeared.
SPOCK
I took command in order to keep an efficient crew together. I have explained this to you before.
McCoy meets him in a deadlocked stare.
SPOCK (CONT'D)
Very well. Since you feel so strongly that some observance of the date should be made, you have my permission.
(firmly)
I, however, I will not attend.
McCoy stands and turns toward the door.
MCCOY
What's the matter, Spock - guilty conscience?
Spock is on his feet instantly.
SPOCK
Doctor McCoy! You will not use that tone with me!
McCoy spins on him.
MCCOY
Did I finally hit on the truth? You're willing to admit Jim's gone? Okay, put me on report! I don't care anymore. I'm leaving the Enterprise anyway.
SPOCK
Doctor. I am Captain of the Enterprise. I command here. I do what I think is best for this ship and I do not have to explain my actions to you. I understand how you feel about Captain Kirk, so I will overlook your outburst. However, you cannot leave this ship unless I approve. Since I do not approve, you will stay.
MCCOY
Why you...!
McCoy begins to take a step towards Spock, but then decides it's futile. He EXITS.
Spock stares at the closed door, a strange expression crossing his face - pain? Regret? Slowly, he sits down again, his eyes riveted on the door.
SPOCK'S POV
The view of the closed door wavers - and we're back in time. A young, vibrant ship's captain - James T. Kirk stands there: bursting with enthusiasm. The man we know and love.
KIRK
Spock! There's a place here - you'll never believe it. I just have to show you!
SPOCK (O.C.)
I do not wish to take leave now. There is a new science journal with a report I must study - for the good of the ship.
Kirk's disappointed, but he winks at Spock.
KIRK
Trust me, Spock - you'll be sorry!
INT. CHAPEL
Uhura stands at the podium in a room overfilled with crew. Sitting, standing: grief-stricken. Kirk's absence is real now - and deeply final.
INT. BRIDGE -MOMENTS LATER
Spock is in command. The rest of the bridge crew are new. ON SPEAKERS we HEAR Uhura singing. As her voice falters and she breaks down, crying...
A twinge of - something - flashes across the Vulcan's face.
INT. DARK DESTROYER KARGH's OFFICE
KARGH is at his desk, leisurely enjoying a steaming cup. LE'AK is leaning against the wall, impatient and disproving. Kirk sits across the desk from Kargh, his face dirty - an untouched cup on the desk in front of him.
KARGH
You disappoint me, Kirk - that you would think I would dishonor myself by using poison.
KIRK
What's the matter, Kargh: finding the job of Warlord less than satisfactory?
KARGH
(ignoring the barb)
Drink! This is a social occasion.
KIRK
Don't you have a fleet to attend to? Some innocents to menace?
KARGH
Kirk! We have worked together in the past for our common good. I am offering you the opportunity to do so again!
Kirk leans in conspiratorially. Kargh is intrigued - is he finally going to cooperate?
KIRK
Let me give you a tip for dealing with Humans: we don't consider being drugged and kidnapped the precursor of a social event.
LE'AK
You are weaklings!
Le'ak's furious pacing amuses Kirk and he leans back.
KIRK
She didn't get enough time outs as a child, did she?
KARGH
I wish to discuss time travel.
Kirk is jovial, social.
KIRK
I don't know anything about time travel. You should have kidnapped Einstein.
LE'AK
You have a planet which contains a time portal!
KIRK
I don't get enough salary to own a planet.
(to Kargh)
What's the pay like in your fleet?
Kargh remains committed to the business at hand despite Kirk's continued chatty mood.
KARGH
This time portal of yours: it is in restricted space.
KIRK
Well, that explains why I've never been there.
LE'AK
Kirk, you found this place!
Kargh's sharp glance of warning sends her pacing again.
KARGH
Kirk, my spies report that your ship travels in time routinely. Explain to me this technique.
KIRK
I don't know: they probably report on a coded channel via subpace radio.
Kargh is finally at his breaking point. Le'ak never had one.
LE'AK
This is a waste of time!
KARGH
If you do not voluntarily share this with me, I will extract it from your mind with our -
(he pauses for drama)
Mind-sifter.
KIRK
I saw your Mind-Sifter at work on Organia. I look forward to the experience.
KARGH
Kirk, not only will I wipe your mind, I shall leave you making sure that the very sound of your name causes you agony.
You don't frighten Captain James Kirk. Period.
KIRK
I've always wanted a shot at a fresh start. I wonder how much Elvis impersonators make?
Kargh leans down into his face.
KARGH
You have been a worthy opponent, Kirk. Do not force me to empty your mind of all but terror and unspeakable pain. Warriors like us should die in battle, not end their days like that...As you will.
Kirk's ruminating over the chance to start his life fresh.
KIRK
Maybe I'll go to clown college: learn to twist balloons into cute little animals.
Kargh straightens as Le'ak steps up beside him and smiles.
FADE TO:
GREY
We HEAR Kirk screaming in pain.
HARD CUT TO:
INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS
Spock sits up suddenly in bed: shaking, covered with sweat, eyes wide...
Kirk's SCREAMS in Spock's mind can still be heard.
END ACT ONE