STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
Written By:
Harve Bennett
Participating Writers
Jack B. Sowards
Samuel A. Peeples
MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE (TO BE DESIGNED)
FADE IN:
1 BLACK 1
Absolute quiet. SOUND bleeds in. Low level b.g.
NOISES of Enterprise bridge, clicking of relays,
minor electronic effects. We HEAR A FEMALE VOICE.
SAAVIK'S VOICE
Captain's log. Stardate 8130.3,
Starship Enterprise on training
mission to Gamma Hydra. Section 14,
coordinates 22/87/4. Approaching
Neutral Zone, all systems
functioning.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
As the ANGLE WIDENS, we see the crew at stations;
(screens and visual displays are in use): COMMANDER
SULU at the helm, COMMANDER UHURA at the Comm Con-
sole, DR. BONES McCOY and SPOCK at his post. The
Captain is new -- and unexpected. LT. SAAVIK is young
and beautiful. She is half Vulcan and half Romulan.
In appearance she is Vulcan with pointed ears, but her
skin is fair and she has none of the expressionless
facial immobility of a Vulcan.
SULU
Leaving Section Fourteen for
Section Fifteen.
SAAVIK
Project parabolic course to
avoid entering Neutral Zone.
SULU
Aye, Captain.
UHURA
(suddenly)
Captain... I'm getting something
on the distress channel. Minimal
signal... But something...
SAAVIK
Can you amplify?
UHURA
I'm trying...
SULU
Course change projected.
UHURA
It's an emergency distress call!
SAAVIK
On speakers!
VOICE
(filtered, breaking up)
Imperative! Imperative! This is
the Kobayashi Maru -- nineteen
periods out of Altair Six. We
have struck a gravitic mine and
have lost all power... Our hull
is...
(breaks up, static)
... and many casualties.
UHURA
This is the Starship Enterprise.
Your message is breaking up. Give
your coordinates. Repeat --
VOICE
Enterprise, our position is Gamma
Hydra, Section Ten...
SAAVIK
In the neutral zone.
VOICE
Hull penetrated, life support
systems failing. Can you assist
us, Enterprise? Can you...
Breaks up.
SAAVIK
Data on Kobayashi Maru! Tactical!
Tactical on big screen.
COMPUTER VOICE
Subject vessel is third class
neutronic fuel carrier, crew of
eighty-one, three hundred passengers.
SAAVIK
Damn.
(then)
Mr. Sulu, plot an intercept course.
SULU
May I remind the Captain that if a
Starship enters the zone --
SAAVIK
I'm aware of my responsibilities,
Mister.
SULU
(with a nod)
... Now entering the Neutral
Zone...
2 OMITTED 2
3 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - ANOTHER ANGLE 3
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. We have entered the
Neutral Zone... Warning...
SULU
Estimating two minutes to intercept.
On screen: Enterprise approaches the stricken vessel.
SAAVIK
Stand by transporter room, ready
to beam survivors, aboard.
UHURA
Captain, I've lost their signal!
COMPUTER VOICE
Alert. Sensors indicate three
Klingon Cruisers, bearing 316,
mark 4, closing fast.
SAAVIK
Visual!
On screen we see the approach of the Klingon vessels,
they are dark and sinister.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Battle stations! Activate shields!
The ALARM SOUNDS.
SULU
Shields activated!
SAAVIK
Inform the Klingons we are on a
rescue mission...
UHURA
They're jamming all frequencies,
Captain --
COMPUTER VOICE
Klingons on attack course and closing.
Screen verifies this. Saavik makes an agonized choice.
SAAVIK
We're over our heads. Mr. Sulu,
get us out of here.
SULU
I'll try, Captain.
COMPUTER VOICE
Klingon cruisers approaching,
bearing 090, mark 20.
SAAVIK
Visual!
The image flops: more Klingons approach. They FIRE
photon torpedoes.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Evasive action!
Sulu does his best, but Enterprise is hit; Sulu is
hurled from his station, and Bones hurries to him.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Engineering! damage report!
SCOTTY'S VOICE
(INTERCOM)
Main energizer hit, Captain!
SAAVIK
Engage auxiliary power. Prepare
to return fire!
The bridge takes another hit -- a big one. In its wake
there is a second electrical EXPLOSION along the communi-
cations panel. Uhura falls from her station. Bones
rushes to her side amid the smoke and alarms.
A CADET
Shields collapsing, Captain!
SCOTTY'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
Captain, we're losing auxiliary
power!
SAAVIK
Fire all phasers...!
SPOCK
No power to the weapons system,
sir.
Another hit: reverberating flashes of spark and flame
on the bridge. Spock dies. Bones comes to him, but
even as he coughs his way through the smoke, a final
hit and Bones falls. The room is smoke filled and a
shambles. Saavik looks about in shock.
SCOTTY'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
Captain, it's no use. We're
dead in space.
Saavik digests this for a painful moment. Then, touch-
ing a comm button:
SAAVIK
Activate escape pods. Send out the
Log Buoy... All hands abandon ship.
Repeat -- all hands --
KIRK'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
All right, open her up.
There is a loud CLANGING and --
4 FULL SHOT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 4
The side walls of the "bridge" slide apart, revealing
a lighted room beyond. Through the opening strides
KIRK. He stops, surveys the shambles, and shakes his
head.
SAAVIK
Any suggestions, Admiral?
KIRK
Prayer, Mr. Saavik. The Klingons
do not take prisoners.
(to Spock)
Captain.
SPOCK
Trainees to the briefing room.
Sulu awakens with a grin. Uhura straightens herself
demurely. The Trainees head toward the distant room,
Spock rises and leaves. Bones remains on the floor,
head propped in his hand, whimsically.
KIRK
Physician, heal thyself.
BONES
That's all you have to say?
KIRK
I'm not a drama critic.
Bones rolls his eyes and rises. Kirk sees Saavik who
has not moved.
KIRK
(continuing)
Well, Mr. Saavik, are you going
to stay with the sinking ship?
SAAVIK
Permission to speak candidly, sir?
KIRK
Very well.
SAAVIK
(fights emotion)
I don't believe this was a fair
test of my command capabilities.
KIRK
And why not?
SAAVIK
Because... there was no way to win.
KIRK
A no-win situation is a possibility
every commander may face. Has that
never occurred to you?
SAAVIK
... No, sir. It has not.
KIRK
How we deal with death is at least
as important as how we deal with
life, wouldn't you say?
SAAVIK
(falters)
As I indicated, Admiral, that
thought had not occurred to me.
KIRK
Then you have something new to think
about. Carry on.
She stays at attention.
BONES
Wouldn't it be easier to put
an experienced crew back on the
ship?
KIRK
They'll learn. Galloping about the
cosmos is a game for the young,
doctor.
He leaves. They look at each other.
UHURA
(offended)
What is that supposed to mean?
HOLD ON Saavik.
5 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY 5
Kirk rounds the corner and sees Spock, leaning against
the wall.
KIRK
(dry)
Aren't you dead?
Spock almost smiles.
KIRK
(continuing)
I assume you are loitering here
to learn what efficiency rating
I plan to give your cadets.
SPOCK
I am understandably curious.
They walk together.
KIRK
They destroyed the simulator room
and you with it.
SPOCK
The Kobayshi Maru scenario
frequently wreaks havoc with
students and equipment.
(dry)
As I recall you took the test
three times yourself. Your final
solution was, shall we say, unique?
KIRK
(solemn)
It had the virtue of never having
been tried.
SPOCK
Yours was not a solution which
would have occurred to a Vulcan
mentality.
KIRK
So you said at the time. Speaking
of which, your prot‚g‚'s first
rare -- a trifle emotional --
SPOCK
She's half Romulan, Jim. The
admixture makes her more volatile
than -- me, for example.
KIRK
Than you. Yes, I see that. By
the way, thank you for this.
He lifts the book.
SPOCK
I know of your fondness for antiques.
KIRK
(reads)
'It was the best of times, it was
the worst of times...' Message,
Spock?
SPOCK
None of which I am consciously
aware -- except, of course, happy
birthday -- surely the best of times.
Kirk looks around uncomfortably, overlaps:
KIRK
Hrummm... and where are you off
to, now?
SPOCK
The Enterprise. I must check in
before your inspection. And you?
KIRK
(shortly)
Home.
Spock studies him --
SPOCK
Something oppresses you.
They are old friends --
KIRK
Something.
He steps into a turbo elevator. The doors close as
Spock watches, wiping the scene.
6 EXT. DEEP SPACE - NEAR CETI ALPHA V 6
In f.g. is the U.S.S. RELIANT, an older, somewhat
battered starship of the ENTERPRISE class, with a
slightly different configuration. Reliant approaches
an inhospitable-looking yellow planet: CETI ALPHA V
CHEKOV'S VOICE
Starship log, Stardate 8130.4.
This report classified MOST SECRET.
Log Entry by Commander Pavel Chekov,
Duty Officer. Starship USS Reliant
on orbital approach with Ceti Alpha
VI in connection with project code
name GENESIS. We are continuing
our search for a lifeless planet
which will serve as a suitable test
site for the Genesis Experiments.
This is the 16th planet we have
visited, so far, no success.
7 INT. BRIDGE OF RELIANT 7
Well-aged and distinctive. The usual compliment of
officers and crew. CAPTAIN CLARK TERRELL, about 45,
soft spoken and in good shape, but somewhat laconic.
Behind Terrell, surveying the data screen is COMMANDER
CHEKOV, aged some, but still boyish.
TERRELL
Standard orbit, Mr. Beach.
BEACH
Standard orbit, sir.
TERRELL
Any change in surface scan?
BEACH
Negative. Limited atmosphere,
dominated by craylon gas, sand and
high velocity winds. Incapable
of supporting life forms.
Forward screen: Ceti Alpha.
CHEKOV
Does it have to be completely
lifeless?
Terrell rises and crosses to Chekov.
TERRELL
Don't tell me you've got something.
CHEKOV
(points)
We've picked up a minor energy flux
reading on one dyno scanner.
TERRELL
Damn! Are you sure? Maybe the
scanner's out of adjustment --
CHEKOV
I suppose it could be a particle
of preanimate matter caught in the
matrix...
TERRELL
All right, let's get on the Comm-pic to
Doctor Marcus. Maybe it's something
we can transplant.
CHEKOV
You know what she'll say...
8 EXT. DEEP SPACE - REGULA I SPACE STATION 8
A functional cluster of modules serve as a scientific
complex, a futuristic White Sands, orbiting a small
barren plantoid in b.g.: Regula.
CAROL MARCUS'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
Something you can transplant? I
don't know --
9 INT. SPACE STATION - CAROL'S LAB 9
Big but deserted except for Carol, in contact with
Reliant. Surrounded by equipment clearly meant for
many workers, CAROL MARCUS is in her early forties,
attractive and intelligent. Static mars the trans-
missions.
On the monitor: Terrell and Chekov, looking hopeful.
TERRELL
It might only be a particle of
preanimate matter...
CAROL
Then again it might not. You
boys have to be clear on this:
there can't be so much as a
microbe or the show's off.
(she thinks)
Why don't you have a look? If it
IS something that can be moved...
TERRELL
(eager)
You bet, doctor. We're on our way!
Carol sighs as the image fades, not happy.
10 INT. CORRIDOR, SPACE STATION REGULA I 10
Carol walks through the labyrinthine complex with
DAVID, her son, a bright young scientist of twenty.
He is good looking and humorous.
DAVID
How can you let them pull that
stuff on you? They're just lazy.
CAROL
And bored. I know. But maybe it
IS something they can...
DAVID
Come on, Mother, that's just the
military mentality. Never put off
tomorrow what you can put off today.
If there's one atom of life...
CAROL
I know, I know...
Silence.
DAVID
Well, don't have kittens.
Genesis is going to work. They'll
remember you in a wreath with
Newton, Einstein, Surak...
CAROL
(mock outrage)
Thanks a lot. No respect from my
offspring --
DAVID
Par for the course... you teaming
up with me for bridge after dinner?
CAROL
Maybe...
DAVID
Every time we have dealings with
Starfleet, I get nervous.
(shrugs)
We're dealing with something
that COULD be perverted into
a dreadful weapon. Remember that
overgrown boy scout you used to
hang out with? That's exactly
the --
They walk past the CAMERA, their VOICES FADING.
CAROL
Listen, kiddo, Jim Kirk was many
things, but he was never a Boy
Scout...
HOLD ON the empty corridor.
11 INT. KIRK'S APARTMENT, TERRA - NIGHT 11
Kirk reads the novel, trying to focus. His flat befits
an Admiral and a loner with few possessions, except
a collection of antiques.
WE HEAR A SOFT BONG.
Startled, Kirk lowers the book and pushes a button.
KIRK
Come.
The door slides open and Bones enters. He carries two
packages, one of them wrapped in brown paper.
KIRK
(continuing)
Bless me, doctor; and what beams
you into this neck of the woods?
BONES
'Beware Romulans bearing gifts.'
Happy Birthday...
With a flourish, he pulls out a bottle of blue
liquid.
KIRK
Romulan Ale! Bones, you know
this stuff is illegal --
BONES
(broad)
I only use it for medicinal
purposes. Don't be a pring...
KIRK
(reading the label
with difficulty)
Twenty-two, eighty-three...
BONES
Takes the stuff a while to
ferment. Gimme.
He takes the bottle and pours; continues talking.
BONES
(continuing)
Now open the other one.
Kirk starts to obey.
KIRK
I'm almost afraid to. What did
you bring me, contraband Klingon --
BONES
More antiques for your collection
-- Cheers!
They drink. The package is opened: a pair of gold
"Ben Franklin" half-glasses. (N.B.: Romulan Ale is
an INSTANT DRUNK: both men react.)
KIRK
Cheers. Bones, these are... charming.
BONES
Four hundred years old. You don't
find many with the lens still
intact.
KIRK
Uh -- what are they?
BONES
For your eyes. For most patients
of your age, I generally administer
Retlax Five to restore flexibility
of the lens.
KIRK
But I'm allergic to Retlax.
BONES
Exactly. Happy birthday.
He toasts. Kirk is unsure how they work.
BONES
(continuing)
Slide them down your nose. Now look
at me over the top. And you read
printed matter through the bottom.
KIRK
(reacts)
Amazing! I don't know what to say --
BONES
Say thank you.
KIRK
Thank you.
An awkward silence.
BONES
Damn it, Jim, what the hell's the
matter? Other people have birthdays.
Why're we treating yours like a funeral?
KIRK
Bones, I don't want to be lectured.
BONES
What DO you want? Damn it, why
isn't there a girl here? You know
this has nothing to do with age.
This is about you flying a goddamn
computer console when you wanna be
out hopping Galaxies.
KIRK
Spare me your notions of poetry,
please. We all have our assigned
duties and...
BONES
Bull. You're hiding -- hiding
behind the rules and regulations --
KIRK
And who am I hiding from?
BONES
From yourself, Admiral.
Pause. Kirk pours another drink.
KIRK
Don't mince words, Bones; tell
me what you really think.
BONES
(mild take)
I'm your doctor and I'm your friend,
Jim. Get back your command. Get it
back before you really do grow old.
Before you turn into part of this
collection.
They look at each other.
12 EXT. RELIANT - DEEP SPACE 12
orbiting Ceti Alpha V.
VOICES OVER indicate the transporter room is ready.
13 OMITTED 13
14 EXT. SURFACE CETI ALPHA V 14
A YELLOW PLANET, in constant SWIRLING HURRICANE WINDS
OF SAND. Terrell and Chekov materialize. Their VOICES,
filtered, are hard to make out.
With the TRICORDER to guide them, they set out...
TERRELL
Are you sure these are the
coordinates?
CHEKOV
Captain, this is the garden spot
of Ceti Alpha VI --
TERRELL
I can hardly see --
15 SEVERAL ANGLES 15
The difficult search, the men leaning into the wind --
16 TERRELL 16
is ahead of Chekov on a slight rise --
CHEKOV
There's nothing, let's go --
17 ANGLE 17
Terrell waves him frantically forward. As Chekov
moves up, we rise with him to the top of the ridge and
look down.
18 ANGLE - THEIR POV 18
A RUINED SERIES OF MAN-MADE STRUCTURES, half buried in
sand. They look at each other in consternation. Chekov
is worried; something about all this is familiar.
They descend towards the structures, now seen to be the
wreckage of some sort of space craft.
They pass but do not notice the FEDERATION LOGO, half
buried next to their feet.
TERRELL
They look like cargo carriers...
As Chekov looks at the porthole, a face suddenly looks
back! It is the face of a CHILD! The Apparition
scares the daylights out of Chekov -- and us. He
screams.
TERRELL
(continuing)
What is it?
He comes clumsily over --
CHEKOV
A face! I saw -- it was like a
child --
He points. The porthole is empty.
TERRELL
You're crazy -- !
CHEKOV
I saw it -- !
TERRELL
There's an air-lock.
He points and they go into the airlock.
19 INT. CARGO HOLD 19
Terrell and Chekov enter, dumbfounded. THEIR POV.
Someone lives here -- there are beds, food, all jury-
rigged -- but no people. Terrell checks a monitor.
TERRELL
There's breathable atmosphere in here.
He takes off his helmet; Chekov likewise.
TERRELL
(continuing)
What the hell is this? Did they
crash? Where's the rest of the
ship?
They wander as they talk, picking up objects that be-
speak a fairly sophisticated ad hoc environment: a
laboratory in one hold; a kitchen; A LARGE SAND TANK
filled with disgusting CETI EELS.
ABRUPTLY A SOUND -- They start: CHILD'S GURGLE.
CHEKOV
(terrified)
I told you! I told you I saw a --
TERRELL
Ssssh!
They start looking. They enter a new chamber --
20 KHAN'S QUARTERS 20
On its side in the sand: the walls are now the floor,
etc. All in crookedness -- like its owner. On the
floor, smiling at them (i.e., the wall) is a BABY.
Tentatively they come over to it, looking around --
21 ANGLE - CHEKOV'S POV 21
Lethal-looking odd swords on one wall, a bookshelf;
CAMERA PANS by 20th Century volumes; MOBY DICK, KING
LEAR, THE HOLY BIBLE -- and a seat belt dangling with
the name on it -- Botany Bay.
Chekov mouths the words, softly at first, then aloud --
CHEKOV
Botany Bay -- oh no!
TERRELL
(examines the child)
What's the matter -- ?
Chekov runs, tries to get his helmet on, tries to drag
Terrell --
CHEKOV
Captain, we've got to get out of
here -- now! Damn! Hurry!
Terrell catches his urgency --
TERRELL
But the child --
CHEKOV
Never mind! Hurry!
22 EXT. CARGO HOLD AIRBAY 22
Terrell and Chekov emerge, helmeted, then stop dead.
23 ANGLE - THEIR POV 23
A RING OF SUITED FIGURES has them surrounded.
24 INT. RELIANT - THE BRIDGE 24
Mr. Beach, the duty officer, stands looking at Ceti
Alpha V on the forward screen.
BEACH
Try again.
KYLE
Starship Reliant to Captain Terrell
... This is Lieutenant Kyle. Will
you please respond, Captain...
Captain Terrell, respond please.
Nothing.
BEACH
(thinks)
Let's give them a little more
time.
25 INT. CARGO HOLD - CETI ALPHA V 25
Terrell and Chekov are held by FOUR STRONG MEN.
They seem to be waiting. One of the men is JOACHIM.
Out of the airlock steps a tall masked figure. A
moment of suspense as Terrell and Chekov watch, terri-
fied. The mask is peeled back.
CHEKOV
(aloud despite himself)
Khan!
KHAN is startled by the recognition; comes over and
examines Chekov and Terrell.
KHAN
(finally)
I don't know you. But you. I never
forget a face. Mister Chekov,
isn't it?
(wonderingly)
I never thought to see your face
again.
TERRELL
Chekov, who is this man?
CHEKOV
A criminal, Captain -- a product of
the late 20th Century genetic
engineering --
TERRELL
What do you want with us? I demand --
KHAN
(mild)
You are in a position to demand
nothing, sir. I, on the other hand,
am in a position to grant nothing.
What you see is all that remains of
the ship's company and the crew of the
Botany Bay, marooned here fifteen
years ago by Captain James T. Kirk.
TERRELL
Listen to me -- you men and women --
KHAN
Save your strength, Captain, these
people have sworn to live and die at
my command two hundred years before
you were born. Do you mean he...
(i.e. Chekov)
... never told you the tale?
To amuse you, Captain? Never told
you how the Enterprise picked up the
Botany Bay, lost in space from the
year 1996, myself and the ship's
company in cryogenic freeze?
TERRELL
I've never even met Admiral Kirk --
KHAN
Admiral? He didn't tell you how
Admiral Kirk sent seventy of us into
exile on this barren sand heap with
only the contents of these cargo bays
to sustain us?
CHEKOV
You lie! On Ceti Alpha V there was
life, a fair chance to --
KHAN
This is Ceti Alpha V! Ceti Alpha VI
exploded six months after we were
left here. The shock shifted the
orbit of this planet and everything
was laid waste. Admiral Kirk never
bothered to check on our progress.
It was only the fact of my genetically
engineered intellect that enabled us
to survive! On earth, two hundred
years ago, I was a prince, with power
over millions -- now, like Prometheus
I have been left by Admiral Kirk to
digest my own entrails.
CHEKOV
Captain Kirk was your host! You repaid
his hospitality by trying to steal his
ship and murder him.
KHAN
(moves closer)
And I'll wager he never told you
about his shipmate, the beautiful
and courageous Lieutenant McGiver,
who gave up everything to join me
in exile. OUT OF LOVE. And see how
Admiral Kirk requited her devotion --
She's dead as earth!
The wind howls in the silence. When Khan turns, his
eyes are filled with tears.
KHAN
(continuing)
A plague upon you all.
He recovers his poise and returns to them --
KHAN
(continuing)
You didn't expect to find me.
You thought this was Ceti Alpha VI.
Why are you here?
They don't answer. Khan goes over to Terrell and, WITH
ONE HAND, LIFTS HIM INTO THE AIR --
KHAN
(continuing)
Why?
Terrell gasps, stays silent --
KHAN
(continuing)
No matter.
He lets go; Terrell falls with a thud --
KHAN
(continuing)
You will soon tell me willingly
enough.
He goes over to the tank and dips a kind of strainer in,
pulling out TWO CETI EELS -- wriggling items --
KHAN
(continuing)
Let me introduce you to Ceti Alpha V's
only remaining indigenous life form;
what do you think? They've killed
twenty of my people, including my
beloved wife. Oh, not all at once
and not instantly, to be sure. Their
young enter through the ears and wrap
themselves around the cerebral cortex.
This has the effect of rendering the
victim extremely susceptible to
suggestion. Later, as they grow,
follows madness, paralysis -- and
death. These are pets, of course --
not quite domesticated.
As he speaks, Khan dumps an eel in each of their helmets;
he swirls the helmets around as though he were mixing
martinis --
CHEKOV
Khan, listen to me! Captain Kirk
was only doing his duty! You --
26 CLOSE UP - KHAN - CAMERA IN 26
KHAN
There is some pain at first, I am
told, and then the effects are quite
benign -- until the end. That was
what I learned from watching my wife.
At a sign, the helmets are slammed down. As the muffled
shrieks are heard from within, the eels crawl across
the faces of Chekov and Terrell; with unerring in-
stincts they head for the ears of the two hapless men.
There is some atrocious pain as they enter -- then
dazed calm.
KHAN
(continuing)
That's better! Now: tell me why
you are here -- and tell me where I
may find James Kirk.
27 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 27
KYLE
Captain Terrell. Captain Terrell...
This is Reliant; please respond.
No answer -- Beach makes up his mind --
BEACH
Mr. Kyle, muster a landing party
with full arms. Alert the
transporter room. We're beaming
down.
He heads for the door but is stopped by:
TERRELL'S VOICE
(filtered)
Reliant, this is Terrell. Respond
please.
BEACH
This is Reliant. Clark, are you
all right?
Fractional pause.
TERRELL'S VOICE
(filtered)
Everything's fine, commander. I'll
explain when I see you. Oh, by the
way, we're bringing several guests
aboard. Prepare to beam up on my
next signal. Terrell out.
Beach and Kyle look at each other.
KYLE
Guests?
BEACH
Maybe we ARE transplanting something.
28 EXT. ORBITING SPACE DOCK AREA - TERRA (FEATURE STOCK) 28
A SPACE SHUTTLE moving toward us.
29 INT. SPACE SHUTTLE 29
A new composite. Bones, Sulu, Uhura and Kirk -- who
sits, reading. Through the windows we can see the
approach to the starship ENTERPRISE. Kirk looks up,
nods. Sulu activates a comm button.
SULU
Enterprise, this is Admiral Kirk's
party on final approach.
ENTERPRISE VOICE
(filtered)
Enterprise welcomes you. Prepare
for docking.
Kirk looks up from his book as Sulu sits next to him.
KIRK
I really must thank you.
SULU
(embarrassed)
I am delighted; any chance to go
aboard Enterprise, however briefly,
is always an excuse for nostalgia.
KIRK
I cut your new orders personally. By
the end of the month, you'll have your
first command: USS EXCELSIOR.
SULU
Thank you, sir. I've looked
forward to this for a long time.
KIRK
You've earned it. But I'm still
grateful to have you at the helm
for three weeks. I don't believe
these kids can steer.
Sulu laughs.
30 EXT. SPOCE DOCK - TERRA (FEATURE STOCK) 30
The shuttle approaches the mammoth airstrip. As we
near the ship, a few WORK CREWS IN SPACE flit about
her hull, working.
31 EXT. ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 31
The shuttle makes its way to the Docking Lock of the
mother ship and settles in place.
32 INT. ENTERPRISE DOCKING BAY 32
A reception group awaits, led by Captain Spock. Saavik
stands at his side, in company of the Trainee crew.
Also present: CHIEF ENGINEER MR. SCOTT and members of
his staff in their distinctive uniforms.
INTERCOM VOICE
Docking procedure complete.
SPOCK
Prepare for Admiral's inspection.
The group comes to attention.
SPOCK
(continuing)
Open the Air Lock.
The doors open. Kirk and his staff are piped aboard
by an electronic version of the boatswain's tradi-
tional whistle. Kirk salutes the Federation symbol
and steps forward to exchange salutes with Spock.
KIRK
Permission to come aboard, Captain?
SPOCK
Welcome aboard, Admiral. I believe
you know my trainee crew. Certainly
they have come to know you.
KIRK
(dryly to Saavik)
Yes, we've been through death and
life together.
Saavik stiffens slightly -- humor is not her forte.
KIRK
(continuing to Scotty)
Mr. Scott, you old space dog. You're
well?
SCOTTY
I had me a wee bout -- but Dr. McCoy
pulled me through.
KIRK
Oh? A wee bout of what, Mr. Scott?
Uncomfortable, Scotty exchanges a glance with Bones --
BONES
Shore leave, Admiral.
KIRK
Ah.
He stops before a BRIGHT-FACED FOURTEEN-YEAR OLD, stand-
ing so stiff he looks like he'll break -- in an
engineer's uniform.
KIRK
(continuing)
And who is this?
PRESTON
(breathless)
Midshipman First Class Peter Preston,
engineers mate, SIR.
A big salute. Kirk is amused, returns the salute.
KIRK
Your first training voyage, Mr.
Preston?
PRESTON
Yes, SIR.
KIRK
I see. Well, shall we start with
the engine room?
He moves, followed by his staff.
SCOTTY
(eyeing his prot‚g‚)
I believe you'll find all in order --
SPOCK
We'll see you on the bridge, Admiral.
KIRK
Very good, Mr. Spock.
Kirk and party leave. CAMERA PUSHES IN ON SPOCK AND
SAAVIK.
SAAVIK
He's not what I expected, Sir.
SPOCK
What did you expect, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
(uncertain)
He's very human.
SPOCK
We can't all be perfect, Saavik.
You must control your prejudices
and remember that as a Vulcan as
well as a Romulan you are forever
a stranger in an alien land.
Around you are humans, and as a
member of the Starfleet you are
unlikely ever to escape their
presence or their influence.
You must learn to tolerance in addition
to all else I have taught you.
Tolerance is logical.
Saavik is humbled.
SAAVIK
As always, my mentor. Company dismiss.
33 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM - LOOKING DOWN 33
The inspection party dwarfed by the size. Silence as
Kirk looks around, runs a finger for dust, etc.
Scotty, his team and Preston, stand at attention.
34 ANGLE - FLOOR OF ENGINE ROOM 34
FEATURING power room separated by glass from the rest
of the facilities. Bones, Sulu, Uhura, and some train-
ees watch as Kirk inspects one console, clearly the
responsibility of the bursting Midshipman Preston.
PRESTON
(blurting)
I believe you'll find everything
shipshape, Admiral.
KIRK
(sternly puts
him on)
Oh do you? Have you any idea,
Midshipman Preston, how many times
I've had to listen to Mr. Scott on
the Comm, telling me his troubles?
Have you any idea the ribbing I've
had to endure in the officers' mess
to the effect that the Enterprise
is a flying death trap?
PRESTON
(scandalized)
Oh, no, sir! This is the finest
engine room in the whole Star --
The repressed grins of the others, and a smile on Scotty's
face tell Preston he's being had. He stops, confused.
PRESTON
(continuing)
If the Admiral can't see the facts
for himself, then, with all due
respect, he's as blind as a Tiberion
bat. SIR.
Approving laughter. Kirk looks amused.
KIRK
Midshipman, you're a tiger.
SCOTTY
My sister's youngest, Admiral.
Crazy to get to space.
KIRK
Every young boy's fancy. I seem
to remember it myself.
(brisk)
Very well. Mr. Scott, are your
engines capable of handling a minor
training cruise?
SCOTTY
Give the word, Admiral.
KIRK
Mr. Scott, the word is given.
SCOTTY
Aye, sir.
He moves off, followed by Preston, who gives one last
salute as Kirk leaves, followed by Bones.
BONES
(dry)
What about the rest of the
inspection, Admiral?
KIRK
The inspection will continue once
we're underway, Doctor.
They step into the Turbo Lifts.
35 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 35
The real one, no doubt! CAMERA REVEALS the maze detail:
winking and blinking displays, all HANDS at station,
a hum of activity, Uhura and Sulu in familiar chairs,
Spock is in the Captain's chair, Saavik in the First
Officer's position. Kirk and Bones stand towards the
rear.
INTERCOM VOICE
This is Starfleet operations.
Enterprise is cleared for departure.
SULU
Admiral on the bridge!
SPOCK
Very well, Mr. Saavik, clear all
moorings.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
Saavik punches data into her console.
36 EXT. SPACE DOCK AND ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 36
The dock slowly folds away from the ship.
37 INT. BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE 37
Saavik watches instruments, punches data in response.
SAAVIK
All moorings are clear, Captain.
SPOCK
Thank you, Mr. Saavik.
Spock casts a glance at Kirk, then, to Saavik:
SPOCK
(continuing)
Lieutenant, how many times have you
piloted a Starship out of Spacedock?
SAAVIK
Never, sir.
Kirk tries to conceal his reaction. Spock enjoys it.
SPOCK
Take her out, Mr. Saavik.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
Saavik settles herself in the chair, looks again at
the console -- Spock looks at Kirk.
SPOCK
There's a first time for everything,
Admiral.
KIRK
(casual)
To be sure, Captain.
They all stifle their responses. Kirk is like a father
watching his kid drive the family car for the first time.
SAAVIK
Aft thrusters, Mr. Sulu.
SULU
Aft thrusters, sir.
38 OMITTED 38
39 EXT. ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 39
as the ship slowly and majestically leaves the dock.
40 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 40
Activity hums.
SAAVIK
Ahead one quarter impulse power.
Kirk starts to say something, but doesn't. Bones looks
at him.
BONES
(sotto voice)
Would you like a tranquilizer?
Kirk shakes his head, takes a breath --
SULU
Ahead one quarter impulse power.
41 EXT. SPACE DOCK ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 41
The ship clears the dock and begins heading into space.
42 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 42
Kirk quietly lets his breath out.
SULU
We are clear and free to navigate.
SAAVIK
Course heading, Captain?
Spock turns inquiringly to Kirk.
KIRK
Captain's discretion.
Spock digests this with a slight smile.
SPOCK
Mr. Sulu, you may follow your nose.
43 EXT. THE ENTERPRISE (STOCK FROM FEATURE) 43
She gathers speed into the vastness of space.
44 EXT. SPACE, FEATURING THE RELIANT 44
moving towards us, in opposition to the previous shot,
close enough for us to read her markings.
45 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 45
Khan occupies the Captain's chair. We PULL BACK: the
crew of the RELIANT has been replaced by Khan's fol-
lowers in their odd-looking clothes.
At the helm is Joachim, Khan's lieutenant. He is in the
largest and brightest of Khan's group. Terrell sits in
the First Officer's chair, Chekov at the Comm Console.
Their behavior is normal, save for subtle hesitation,
symptoms of their mind-controlled state.
JOACHIM
Steady on course. All systems normal.
KHAN
It's not much different from
Enterprise.
(beat)
When I was a guest aboard her some
years ago, Captain Kirk kindly allowed
me to memorize her technical manuals.
And now, Mr. Chekov, let us review:
You say you have no details of
Project 'Genesis' ?
CHEKOV
Beyond what I told you, sir, it is
classified information.
KHAN
Umm. And would Admiral Kirk have
access to such information?
CHEKOV
I would think so, sir. He's on the
Fleet General Staff.
KHAN
Then to whom do you report directly
regarding Genesis?
CHEKOV
To Doctor Marcus, the civilian
director of the experiments on Space
Laboratory Regula I.
KHAN
(thinks)
I see. Helmsman?
HELMSMAN
Aye, sir.
JOACHIM
May I speak? We're all with you,
sir, but consider: we are free,
we have a ship and the means to
go where we will. We have
escaped permanent exile on Ceti
Alpha V. You have proved your
superior intellect and defeated
the plans of Admiral Kirk.
You do not need to defeat him
again.
KHAN
He tasks me -- and I'll have him. I'll
chase him round the moons of Nibia
and round the Antares maelstrom and
round perdition's flames before I give
him up.
(as no one speaks)
Prepare to alter course -- for Space
Station Regula I.
46 EXT. SPACE - SPACE STAION REGULA I 46
47 INT. CAROL'S LAB 47
Huge and busy. Among the scientists going about their
tasks are JEDDA, a Deltan; MARCH, thin intense;
MADISON, black, easy going. They are all young and
earnest. Carol and David huddle over a computer
console.
DAVID
Does that about do it?
CAROL
I don't think there's another piece
of information we could squeeze
into the memory banks. Next
time, we'll design a bigger
one.
DAVID
Who --
Jedda at the Comm Console overlaps.
JEDDA
Comm-Pic coming in on hyperchannel
... It's Reliant.
Carol moves forward as the others close in.
CAROL
On the screen, please, Jedda.
Buttons punched; the screen ebbs, flows and crackles
on. ON SCREEN is CHEKOV.
CHEKOV
... come in, please. This is Reliant
calling Regula I. Repeat. This is
USS Reliant --
CAROL
Commander, we are receiving. This
is Regula I. Go ahead.
CHEKOV
Dr. Marcus... good. We're en route
to you and should be there in three
days.
CAROL
En route? Why? We weren't expecting
you for another three months. Has
something happened?
(pause)
Has something happened? Do you read
us?
CHEKOV
(fractional pause)
All went well. Nothing has happened.
Ceti Alpha VI has checked out.
Pleased reaction from the scientists.
CAROL
I still don't under --
CHEKOV
We have received new orders. Upon our
arrival at Regula I, all materials of
Project Genesis will be transferred to
this ship for immediate testing at
Ceti Alpha VI.
Consternation in the lab. David is livid -- the words
"Bullshit" are overlapped by his mother.
CAROL
Will you please be quiet!
(back to console)
Commander Chekov, this is completely
irregular. Who gave the order you
are quoting? Who gave the order?
CHEKOV
(still smiling)
The order comes from Starfleet
command, Dr. Marcus, direct from
the General Staff.
CAROL
But Genesis is a civilian project,
under my control --
CHEKOV
I have my orders.
DAVID
Pin him down, mother! Who gave the
orders!?
Chekov hesitates, seems to be listening to someone off
the monitor.
CHEKOV
The orders come from Admiral James
T. Kirk.
Sensation in the lab.
DAVID
I knew it! I knew it! All along
the military has wanted to get their
hands on this --
He starts to press a button; Carol pushes his hand
away and communicates herself.
CAROL
This is completely improper,
Commander Chekov. I have no
intention of allowing Reliant or
any other unauthorized personnel
access to our work or materials.
CHEKOV
(pauses; listens)
I'm sorry you feel that way, Doctor.
Admiral Kirk's orders are confirmed.
Please prepare to deliver Genesis to
us upon our arrival. Reliant out.
The image fades.
CAROL
Commander Chekov -- !
48 INT. BRIDGE OF RELIANT 48
Chekov, in a matched cut, turns away as CAMERA WIDENS
TO REVEAL KHAN by his side. He is charming.
KHAN
Well done, Commander.
CHEKOV
You realize, sir, that they will
attempt to contact Admiral Kirk and
confirm the order.
Khan smiles, more charming than ever as we move in.
49 INT. REGULA I LAB 49
Everyone is talking at once.
CAROL
Will you please be quiet! We must
have order here.
(as they subside)
This has to be some sort of mistake.
DAVID
Mistake? We're all alone here.
They waited until everyone was on
shift-leave to do this. Reliant is
supposed to be at our disposal, not
vice-versa.
MADISON
It seems clear that Starfleet never
intended that --
CAROL
I know, but --
DAVID
I've tried to warn you. Scientists
are always pawns of the military --
CAROL
(angry)
Starfleet has kept the peace for
a hundred years, I cannot and
will not subscribe to your
interpretation of this event.
Silence.
JEDDA
(Deltan cool)
You may be right, Doctor, but what
about Reliant? She's on her way.
Carol reacts: this is certainly true.
CAROL
Get your gear together where it's
handy.
MARCH
Where are we going?
CAROL
That's for us to know and Reliant
to find out. We have only three
days. Let's not waste time.
They split off in different directions as ordered.
50 OMITTED 50
51 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 51
In no particular hurry.
52 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR 52
Kirk waits for the Turbo Lift, which opens at last. As
he gets in --
SAAVIK'S VOICE
Hold please -- !
Kirk holds and Saavik dashes in. She is surprised to
see him.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Thank you, sir.
Kirk nods, the doors close. There is an uneasy forced
intimacy between them.
KIRK
Lieutenant, are you wearing your
hair differently?
SAAVIK
It is still regulation, Admiral.
She reaches out and touches a button. The lift stops.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
May I speak, sir?
KIRK
Lieutenant, self-expression does not
seem to be one of your problems.
SAAVIK
I wish to thank you for the high
efficiency rating.
KIRK
You earned it.
SAAVIK
I did not think so.
KIRK
You're bothered by your performance
on the Kobayashi Maru.
SAAVIK
I failed to resolve the situation.
KIRK
There is no correct resolution.
It is a test of character.
SAAVIK
May I ask how you dealt with the
test?
KIRK
(amused)
You may ask, Lieutenant.
She stares.
KIRK
(continuing)
That was a little joke.
SAAVIK
Humor... that is a difficult concept
... it is not logical...
KIRK
We learn by doing, Lieutenant.
She's a laugh a minute. Kirk pushes the button; the
elevator starts.
KIRK
(continuing)
You want my advice?
She studies him, considering. No doubt about it, the
attraction is mutual and she has no idea how to handle
it.
SAAVIK
Yes.
KIRK
Take the test again.
The lift stops and the doors open.
BONES
Who's been holding up the damn
elevator?
He reacts to them. Saavik exits demurely.
SAAVIK
Thank you, sir.
Bones enters and the doors close. Kirk studies the
ceiling.
BONES
Has she changed her hairstyle?
Kirk says nothing.
BONES
(finally)
Wonderful stuff, that Romulan
ale --
UHURA'S VOICE
Admiral Kirk --
KIRK
Kirk here.
UHURA'S VOICE
I have an urgent CommPic from Space
Lab Regula I for the Admiral. Dr.
Carol Marcus.
KIRK
In my quarters, Uhura.
UHURA'S VOICE
Yes, sir.
Awkward silence.
BONES
It never rains but when it pours --
KIRK
As a physician you of all people
should appreciate the danger of
re-opening old wounds.
The elevator stops. Kirk leaves. The doors close.
BONES
(annoyed with
himself)
Sorry.
53 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 53
Featuring VIEW SCREEN: A scramble of interference and
noise. A piece of Carol's VOICE breaks through now
and again as we PULL BACK revealing a frustrated Kirk.
KIRK
Uhura. Can't you augment?
UHURA
I'm trying, sir. Stand by...
Carol's face appears. The image will never be stable
for long; sometimes the sound will be covered.
CAROL
Jim... read me? Can you read me?
KIRK
Message breaking up, Carol. What's
wrong? What's wrong?
CAROL
... Can't read you... repeat...
KIRK
Repeat... what's wrong? What's
wrong?
CAROL
... taking Genesis away from us...
KIRK
Taking Genesis? Who? Who is taking
Genesis?
CAROL
... see you but can't hear. Did
you... order...?
KIRK
What order? Who's taking Genesis?
CAROL
... Please help us, Jim... won't
let them have... without proper...
repeat... on whose authority...
KIRK
Carol!
CAROL
Jim please --
But the picture is irrevocably scrambled now. Kirk
pounds the Comm in frustration.
KIRK
Uhura! What's happening? Damn
it...
UHURA'S VOICE
Transmission jammed at the source,
sir.
KIRK
Damn. Alert Starfleet Headquarters.
I want to talk with Starfleet
Command.
54 OMITTED 54
55 EXT. ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 55
cruising.
56 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 56
The activity is normal. The Turbo-Lift opens and Kirk
strides in. Bones and Saavik react to the following:
KIRK
Stop engines.
SULU
Stop engines.
They look wonderingly. Kirk takes a breath --
KIRK
An emergency situation has arisen.
By order of Starfleet Command, as
of now, 1800 hours, I am assuming
command of this vessel. Duty officer
so note in the ship's log. Plot a
new course: for Space Laboratory
Regula I.
(pushes a button)
Mr. Scott?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Aye, sir.
KIRK
We'll be going to warp speed --
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Aye, sir --
SULU
(overlapping)
Course plotted for Regula I, Admiral...
KIRK
Engage warp engines --
SAAVIK
(comes out of being
stunned)
Prepare for warp speed.
SULU
Ready, sir.
KIRK
Mr. Sulu, go to Warp 5.
Sulu does, and with a great thrust of energy --
57 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 57
The ship accelerates, and then, with an eye-filled
burst, whips ahead to warp speed, disappearing.
57A INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS 57A
Spock is at meditation as Kirk enters quietly. Spock
looks up.
KIRK
We've got a problem.
Spock raises an eyebrow --
KIRK
(continuing)
Something may be wrong at Regula
I. We've been ordered to investigate.
SPOCK
Regula I is a scientific research
laboratory, if memory serves...
KIRK
I told Starfleet all we had was a
boatload of children but we're the
only ship in the quadrant. Spock:
those cadets of yours -- how good
are they? How will they respond
under real pressure?
SPOCK
Like all living beings, Admiral
each according to his gifts. The
ship is yours.
KIRK
That won't be necessary: just take
me to Regula I.
SPOCK
Excuse my presumption, but I do not
agree. As a teacher on a training
mission, I am content to command a
Starship. If we are to go on actual
duty, it is clear that the senior
officer aboard must assume command.
KIRK
But it may be nothing; garbled
communications. Why don't you...
SPOCK
You proceed from a false assumption.
I am a Vulcan. I have no ego to bruise.
Kirk smiles in bemused wonderment.
KIRK
You are going to remind me that
logic alone dictates your actions.
SPOCK
I was going to remind you of nothing,
least of all that which you know well.
(pause)
Your mistake, if I may be so bold,
was promotion. Commanding a Starship
is your first best destiny. Anything
else is a waste of material.
KIRK
I would not presume to debate you.
SPOCK
That is wise. In any case, were I
to invoke logic, logic clearly dictates
that the needs of the many outweigh
the needs of the few.
KIRK
Or the one.
Spock inclines his head.
SPOCK
You are my superior officer. You
are also my friend. I have been
and always shall be yours.
Kirk is moved. He starts to speak, can't -- finally:
KIRK
Will you accompany me to the bridge?
SPOCK
I'd best talk with Mr. Scott, first
so that he may, in his own words,
explain the situation to his cadets.
Kirk's face tells us the wisdom of Spock's choice.
58 EXT. SPACE STATION REGULA I 58
Floating quietly around the planet below. Tranquil
as we PUSH SLOWLY IN.
OVER we can hear, FILTERED, UHURA'S VOICE:
UHURA'S VOICE
Regula I, this is Enterprise. This
is Enterprise calling. Do you
receive... I say...
59 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 59
Featuring Spock and Uhura, as she keeps trying --
UHURA
... Again, this is Enterprise calling
Space Lab Regula I. Come in, please.
Dr. Marcus. Please respond, please
-- it's no use; no response from
Regula I.
SPOCK
But no longer jammed?
UHURA
No, sir. No nothing.
Spock considers, moves to Kirk.
SPOCK
There are two possibilities, sir
they are unwilling to respond, they
are unable to respond.
KIRK
How far?
SPOCK
Twelve hours and forty-three
minutes, present speed.
KIRK
Give up Genesis, she said. What in
God's name does that mean? Give it
up to whom?
SPOCK
It might help my analysis if I knew
what Genesis was.
Kirk looks at him, nods; rising now.
KIRK
Uhura, ask Dr. McCoy to join us in
my quarters. Mr. Saavik, take the
con.
They start for the Turbo Lifts as Saavik reacts --
60 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 60
BONES
I've got the sick bay ready. Will
someone please tell me what is going
on?
KIRK
(dims lights)
Computer. Request security procedure
and access to Project Genesis
Summary.
COMPUTER VOICE
Identify for retina scan.
KIRK
Kirk, Admiral James T., Starfleet
General Staff. Security Class 1.
The screen is suddenly busy with coded read-outs and
then computer graphics of retina patterns. Then it
glows green. SECURITY CLEARANCE, CLASS 1 GRANTED.
KIRK
(continuing)
Summary, please.
More coded read-outs, a red line SECURITY SCAN, then
over it APPROVED, in green. Replaced by:
61 ON SCREEN INT. CAROL MARCUS' LAB, REGULA I 61
Carol appears, FACING CAMERA, not used to it. To one
side stands David and behind them, the lab.
62 ANGLE - KIRK, SPOCK, BONES 62
SPOCK
Carol Marcus --
KIRK
Yes.
63 ON SCREEN (AND INTERCUT) 63
CAROL
I'm Dr. Carol Marcus, and I am
the director of the Project
Genesis team at Regula I. What
exactly IS Genesis? Put simply,
Genesis is a procedure whereby
the molecular structure of any
given matter can be restructured
-- changed -- into anything else
of identical mass.
(DNA ILM TAPE ACCOMPANIES, AD LIB)
SPOCK
Fascinating.
KIRK
Wait --
CAROL
Stage One of our experiments
was conducted in the labora-
tory. Stage Two of the series
will be attempted in a lifeless
underground; Stage Three will
involve the process on a plane-
tary scale. What follows is a
computer projected simulation
of Stage Three. Please watch
closely.
64 ILM MONITOR SEQUENCE 64
& &
65 CAROL 65
It is our intention to introduce
what we call the Genesis device
or "torpedo" into the targeted
area of a lifeless space body,
a moon or other inert form --
the device is fired --
66 ON BONES, SPOCK AND KIRK 66
react with wonder.
67 BACK TO MONITOR 67
CAROL
-- Unleashing, almost instantan-
eously, what we call the Genesis
effect. Particulate matter is
reorganized and electrified --
with life introduced results.
Instead of a dead moon, a living
breathing planet, capable of sus-
taining whatever life forms we
see fit to deposit on it... The
reformed object you see represents
the merest fraction of the Genesis
potential, should the Federation
wish to pursue these experiments to
their logical conclusion.
67A BACK TO CAROL IN LAB 67A
CAROL
When we consider the problems of
population and food supply, the
usefulness of this process begins
to become clear.
This concludes this demonstration
tape. Thank you for your attention.
The Genesis team eagerly awaits the
decision of the Federation regarding
the next phase of our work.
The tape becomes snowy and blinks off.
Kirk looks at Bones and Spock -- they are stunned.
SPOCK
It literally is Genesis...
KIRK
The power of creation --
SPOCK
Have they proceeded with their
experiments?
KIRK
The tape was made a year ago. I
can only assume they've reached
Phase Two by now --
BONES
But dear Lord, are we intelligent
enough to -- Suppose, this
thing were used where life already
exists?
SPOCK
It would destroy such life in favor
of its new matrix --
BONES
It's new -- have you any idea what
you're saying?
SPOCK
I was not attempting to evaluate
its moral implications, Doctor.
As a matter of cosmic history, it
has always been easier to destroy
than to create --
BONES
Not anymore! Now you can do both
at the same time! According to myth,
the earth was created in six days.
Watch out: here comes Genesis;
we'll do it for you in six minutes --
SPOCK
I don't dispute that in the wrong
hands --
BONES
Would you like to tell me whose
are the right hands, my cold-blooded
friend? Are you in favor of these
experiments?
KIRK
Gentlemen, this isn't --
SPOCK
Really, Dr. McCoy; you cannot ban
the acquisition of knowledge
because you distrust the moral
implications of what you learn.
Logic suggests --
BONES
Logic?? We're talking about
universal Armageddon, you inhuman
bloodless...
SAAVIK'S VOICE
(intercom)
Admiral, sensors indicate a vessel
in our area, closing fast.
KIRK
What do you make of her?
SAAVIK'S VOICE
It's one of ours, Admiral... It's
Reliant.
SPOCK
What's she doing here?
KIRK
Chekov's on Reliant, isn't he?
68 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 68
The whoosh of the turbo doors and Kirk, Bones and
Spock assume their posts. Saavik stands next to Kirk's
chair.
UHURA
She's not responding...
KIRK
Try the emergency channels...
UHURA
Enterprise to Reliant. Come in,
Reliant.
KIRK
Picture, Mr. Saavik.
69 ANGLE INCLUDING THE FORWARD SCREEN 69
Space; a tiny dot in the distance, growing larger.
SPOCK
Attempt visual communication.
UHURA
Yes, sir.
KIRK
Is it possible their COMM system
has failed -- ?
SPOCK
It would explain a great many things --
70 EXT. SPACE - THE RELIANT 70
Boring forward ominously.
71 INT. BRIDGE - THE RELIANT 71
Khan and his crew; no sign of Chekov and Terrell. On
Khan's screen, the Enterprise grows larger --
KHAN
(almost sing-song
with joy)
Slow to one-half impulse power.
Let's be friends...
HELMSMAN
Slowing to one-half impulse.
JOACHIM
They're requesting visual
communications, sir.
KHAN
Let them eat static.
JOACHIM
They're still running with shields down.
KHAN
Of course. We're one big happy fleet.
Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know
the Klingon proverb that tells us
revenge is a dish that is best
served cold?
(pause)
It is very cold in space.
72 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 72
SULU
Reliant in our section this quadrant,
sir, and slowing --
KIRK
Visual.
Visual of Reliant appears.
SAAVIK
Sir, may I quote General Order 12:
'On the approach of any vessel, when
communications have not been est --
SPOCK
Lieutenant, the Admiral is aware
of the Regulations.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
KIRK
(watches the
screen)
This is damned peculiar.
(beat)
Yellow alert.
SAAVIK
Energize defense fields.
ALARMS SOUND. The lights on the bridge dim into the
soft reddish glow of battle illumination. ADDITIONAL
CREW troop in to man vacant consoles.
UHURA
I'm getting a voice message... wait
... short range band. They say their
Chambers coil is shorting their COMM
system.
KIRK
Spock?
SPOCK
Scanning...
He steps to his station.
73 EXT. SPACE 73
The two ships are very close, barely moving as they inch
toward each other.
74 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 74
JOACHIM
They still haven't raised their
shields.
Khan is half out of his seat, sweating with anticipation.
KHAN
Careful: Not all at once. The
engine room. Lock on target and
prepare to fire.
JOACHIM
Locking phasers on target.
Computer graphics monitor: Cross-hairs on Enterprise.
BIG SCREEN (?)
75 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - FAVORING SPOCK 75
He reacts to his blue-lit scope --
SPOCK
Their coil emissions are normal...
Wait: their shields are going up.
They're locking phasers -- !
KIRK
Raise shields! Energize phasers,
stand by to --
But the ENTIRE BRIDGE is ROCKED by a shock impact, some
of the crew sent flying.
76 EXT.SPACE 76
Reliant firing phasers at Enterprise. A hit in the rear
of the engine room area, debris flying into the void.
77 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 77
An explosion rips through the facility, sending yellow-
ish green GAS hurtling down the long facility towards us.
Crewmen are hurled through the air, screaming.
78 ANGLE - THE GREAT AUTO DOORS 78
roll closed, sealing off the damaged tail section,
SIRENS SHRIEKING!
79 ANGLE - THE TRAINEES 79
terrified, scramble to get out amid the deadly yellow-
ish green smoke, the cries.
80 ANGLE - SCOTTY 80
trying to rally them --
SCOTTY
Respirators! Get back! Use your
respirators!
And he puts his own respirator on, as do some of the
veterans. Preston dons his respirator -- and stays.
81 HIGH ANGLE - ENGINE ROOM 81
The angle we saw during inspection. The trainees, in
panic amid the gas crawl over each other trying to get
out. They scramble over each other's shoulders in the
efforts to escape, screaming and shouting.
82 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 82
The bridge is slowly righting. Crew members getting
back to their stations. On speaker, we hear the CRIES
AND SHOUTS of the Engine Room.
KIRK
Mr. Sulu... The shields!
SULU
Trying, sir!
INTERCOM VOICE
Medical Alert: Engine Room.
Bones dashes out.
SULU
I can't get power, sir!
KIRK
Scotty!
Scotty's voice is faint, drowned by the screams and
cries from a dozen intercom stations.
KIRK
(continuing)
Uhura, turn off those damn
channels!!
Uhura does. There is a dead silence. Then:
UHURA
Mr. Scott on discrete.
KIRK
Scotty, let's have it.
83 INT. ENGINE ROOM - FAVORING SCOTTY 83
Behind, the crew chief and a few others work feverishly
in respirators. Scotty, in respirator, with a throat
mike which filters his voice.
SCOTTY
Just hanging on, sir. Main energizers
out.
84 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 84
ON SCREEN computer graphics, red flashing lights indi-
cate damaged areas. Spock steps up to Kirk evaluating
the display.
SPOCK
They knew just where to hit us.
KIRK
WHO? Who knew just where to hit
us? And why?
SPOCK
(shakes head)
One thing is certain; we cannot
escape on auxiliary power.
KIRK
Visual!
(sees visual)
Mr. Sulu, divert everything to the
phasers --
SPOCK
(re screen)
Too late --
On VISUAL SCREEN, Photon torpedoes approach...
KIRK
Hang on!
The bridge is shaken badly, screens go dark, fires spark
and erupt. ALARMS and SOUND full. Crew personnel try
to put out electrical fires, help the fallen --
85 EXT. SPACE - RELIANT 85
circling Enterprise.
86 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE - FAVORING KHAN AT DASH 86
The glow of the O.S. screens and battle illumination
highlighting the passion in his eyes.
87 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 87
The firefighting continues.
KIRK
Scotty -- what's left?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Just the batteries, sir. I can have
auxiliary power in a few minutes --
KIRK
We don't have minutes. Can you
give me phaser power?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
A few shots, sir.
SPOCK
Not enough against their shields.
KIRK
Who the hell are they?
UHURA
Admiral... Commander Reliant is
signaling.
(a pause)
He wishes to discuss terms of our
surrender.
There is a moment. Kirk looks around the battered
bridge, and his eyes meet Spock's, and Saavik's.
KIRK
On screen.
UHURA
(hesitating)
Admiral --
KIRK
Do it, while we have time.
All eyes go to the SCREEN. After momentary visual
confusion, Khan's face appears, smiling --
KIRK
(continuing; dumbfounded)
Khan!
SAAVIK
Who?
KHAN
You still remember, Admiral. I
cannot help but be touched. Of
course, I remember you.
KIRK
What is the meaning of this attack?
Where is the crew of the Reliant?
KHAN
Surely I have made my meaning plain.
I mean to avenge myself upon you,
Admiral. I've deprived your ship of
power and when I swing round I mean
to deprive you of your life --
88 EXT. SPACE 88
We can see Reliant making a large arc as she prepares to
come back for another round.
89 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 89
KHAN
(on screen)
-- But I wanted you to know first
who it was who had beaten you: I,
Khan Noonian Singh, the eagle you
attempted to cage forever.
KIRK
Khan, listen to me -- if its me you
want, I'll have myself beamed aboard.
All I ask is that you spare my crew.
KHAN
That is a most intriguing offer.
Typical, I must say of your sterling
character. Let me think.
90 EXT. SPACE 90
Reliant continues her slow arc.
91 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 91
KHAN
(on screen)
I make you a counter-proposal, I will
agree to your terms, if in addition
to yourself, you turn over to me all
data and material regarding the
project called Genesis.
Reactions from Spock and Kirk.
KIRK
Genesis, what's that?
KHAN
Don't play with me, Kirk, my hand is
on the phaser control --
KIRK
Give me some time to recall the data
on our computers --
KHAN
I give you sixty seconds, Admiral.
Kirk turns from the screen --
SPOCK
Admiral, you can't give him Genesis...
KIRK
At least we know he hasn't got it.
Just keep nodding as though I'm
giving orders. Saavik, punch up the
data charts of Reliant's command
console -- hurry...
SAAVIK
Reliant's command...
KIRK
HURRY.
SPOCK
The prefix code?
KIRK
It's all we've got.
SAAVIK
On screen...
KIRK
(to Khan)
We're finding it.
(urging)
Please, please -- you've got to
give us time -- the bridge is
smashed, computers inoperative...
KHAN
Time is a luxury you do not have,
Admiral: forty-five seconds...
92 EXT. SPACE 92
Reliant, her arc completed, is coming back.
93 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 93
SAAVIK
I don't understand --
Kirk puts on his spectacles --
KIRK
You've got to learn WHY things
work on a Starship.
(to Khan)
It's coming through now, Khan...
SPOCK
(descends)
The prefix code is 16309. All
commands from each Starship bridge
are relayed electronically; each
ship has its own prefix combination
code...
KHAN
Thirty seconds...
KIRK
... to prevent an enemy from doing
just what we're attempting; using
our console to tap in a message,
an order to lower Reliant's damn
shields...
SPOCK
(at the weapons console)
Let's hope he hasn't changed the
combination. He's quite intelligent...
KIRK
(grim)
Wait for my signal, Spock -- too
soon and he'll have time to figure
it out and raise them again.
Spock nods; Kirk turns to the screen --
KIRK
(continuing)
Khan, how do I know you'll keep
your word?
KHAN
(on screen)
I've given you no word to keep,
Admiral. In my judgment, you simply
have no alternative.
KIRK
I take your point. Stand by to
receive our transmission.
He turns from the screen again, softly:
KIRK
(continuing)
Mr. Sulu, lock phasers on target
and await my command...
SULU
(quietly)
Phasers locked...
They're all sweating.
KHAN
Time's up, Admiral...
KIRK
(dry)
Here it comes. Now, Spock.
94 CLOSE UP SPOCK'S HANDS PUNCHING IN THE PREFIX CODE 94
followed by other signals.
95 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 95
JOACHIM
(stares at his console)
Sir -- our shields are dropping!
KHAN
Raise them --
Joachim punches frantically --
JOACHIM
They won't --
KHAN
Where's the over-ride??
All monitors are haywire now that Enterprise is tapped
in. They search wildly for the right switch, but...
96 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 96
97 CLOSE UP - KIRK 97
KIRK
FIRE!
98 CLOSE UP - SULU'S HANDS 98
punching.
99 EXT. SPACE 99
Enterprise fires at Reliant inflicting heavy damage.
100 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 100
A shambles -- debris flying; Khan knocked to the deck.
He struggles to his feet through wiring --
KHAN
(enraged)
At them! At them! FIRE! FIRE!
Why can't you?
JOACHIM
We can't fire, sir; they've damaged
the photon controls and the warp
drive. We must withdraw!
KHAN
No!
JOACHIM
Sir, we must!
(desperate urging)
We must repair the damage. Enterprise
will wait; she's not going anywhere.
Khan calms as the other holds him; he breathes deeper.
101 EXT. SPACE 101
Reliant turns away.
102 ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 102
They watch on screen as Reliant hauls off.
SULU
(breathless)
Sir, you did it.
KIRK
(enraged)
I did nothing -- except get caught
with my britches down. I must be
senile. Mr. Saavik, you just keep
right on quoting regulations.
Meantime, let's find out what the
hell is going on and see how bad
we've been --
The turbo doors whoosh open as Kirk reaches them.
Scotty stands there, tears streaming down his face;
he holds the body of Midshipman Preston. Both of them
are covered in blood. He sways into Kirk's arms as
the others rush forward.
103 EXT. SPACE 103
The Enterprise, motionless, scars of battle showing.
104 INT. ENGINE ROOM 104
The CREW, wearing respirators amid the motionless ball
of gas, work frantically at a dozen jobs, trying to put
things aright, splicing wires, etc. Some TRAINEES who
panicked are back.
105 FEATURE THE CREW CHIEF 105
making a final adjustment.
CREW CHIEF
Hit your blowers!
A TURBO WHINES and a great wind of suction pulls the
gas towards appropriate vents. The Crew Chief watches,
then yanks off his respirator; wipes his brow.
106 INT. SICK BAY 106
MANY CASUALTIES IN EVIDENCE. Kirk enters and LEADS
CAMERA THROUGH them; he has a word or two for men he
doesn't know by name. Kirk leads us to the operating
theatre, where Bones works over Preston. Scotty stands
by, his lips trembling. Preston opens his eyes, sees
Scotty and Kirk.
PRESTON
(faint)
Is the word given?
KIRK
(soft)
The word is given: warp speed.
PRESTON
(almost smiles)
Aye...
He dies. Pause. Scotty looks across the body at Kirk.
SCOTTY
WHY?
KIRK
(looks at Preston)
He wants to kill me for passing
sentence on him 14 years ago -- and
he doesn't care who stands between
him and his vengeance.
BONES
Scotty, I'm sorry...
SCOTTY
He stayed at his post. When the
trainees ran, he stayed.
KIRK
If he hadn't, we'd be space by now.
SPOCK'S VOICE
Admiral, this is Spock.
Kirk hits a wall intercom --
KIRK
Yes, Spock.
SPOCK'S VOICE
Engine room reports auxiliary power
restored. We can proceed at impulse
power.
KIRK
(thinks)
Best speed to Regula I. Kirk
out. Scotty, I've got to ask: Any
chance of getting the mains back on
the line?
SCOTTY
I dinna think so, sir, but you'll
have my best --
With an effort, he gets to his feet --
SCOTTY
(continuing)
Thanks -- I know you tried, Doctor...
Squeezes his shoulder and limps off -- We NOW HEAR
the sound of impulse power taking effect.
KIRK
Are you all right?
Bones shrugs unhappily, looks at Preston.
BONES
Doctors lose patients sometimes.
Damn. I'm still in the dark: How'd
he know about Genesis?
KIRK
At the moment that question takes
a back seat to preventing him from
laying his hands on it. You said it
yourself; we're talking about a bang
that would re-arrange the universe...
BONES
There may still be time... you gave
as good as you got.
KIRK
(looks him in the eye)
I got beat. We're only alive because
I knew something about these ships
that he didn't.
He turns and leaves as Bones watches, looks again at
Preston.
107 EXT. SPACE - REGULA I SPACE STATION 107
Regula, the dead planet beyond.
108 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE 108
Approaching. As she moves slowly PAST CAMERA, WE PAN
WITH her TO SEE that she is approaching the space lab.
109 INT. BRIDGE - ENTERPRISE 109
Battle damage, some repaired, some not. The bridge is
filled with tension, all hands at station.
SULU (V.O.)
Approaching Regula and Space Lab
Regula I.
KIRK
Try again.
UHURA
Space Station Regular I, this is
Starship Enterprise. Come in, please...
110 INT. SPACE STATION REGULAR I - CAROL'S LAB - ON SCREEN 110
As before, Uhura's image, imploring a response.
UHURA
I say again. Space Station Regular.
This is Starship Enterprise. Please
respond. Please respond.
During this, CAMERA HAS PANNED CLOSE AMONG the techni-
cal clutter. Then suddenly. SOUND -- eerie, frightening.
Our ears cannot place it... and before we can, it is gone
a warning.
111 BACK TO BRIDGE 111
UHURA
... No response, sir.
KIRK
Sensors, Captain?
SPOCK
Scanners and sensors still inoperative.
There's no way to tell what's inside
the station.
KIRK
And no way of knowing if Reliant
is still in the area...
SPOCK
Affirmative, Admiral.
KIRK
(with irony)
... Blind as a Tiberian Bat.
What do you make of the plantoid
beyond?
SPOCK
Regula is class "D'. It consists of
various remarkable ores. Essentially,
a great rock in space.
KIRK
Reliant could be hiding behind that rock.
SPOCK
A distinct possibility.
KIRK
Engine room... Scotty, do we have
enough power for the transporters?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Just barely, sir.
KIRK
(the decision)
I'm going down to the station.
He starts out. Bones stops him.
BONES
Khan could be down there!
KIRK
He's BEEN there and hasn't found
what he wants. Can you spare
someone? There may be people
hurt.
BONES
I can spare me...
SAAVIK
Begging the Admiral's pardon:
General Order 15: 'No flag officer
shall beam into a hazardous area
without armed escort.'
KIRK
There is no such regulation.
Saavik's gaze falters --
KIRK
(continuing)
All right, join the party.
Mr. Spock, the ship is yours.
SPOCK
Aye sir --
KIRK
Establish a parking orbit around
the station and send me a complete
damage report when you've talked
with Mr. Scott.
SPOCK
Be careful, Jim...
Kirk, Bones and Saavik head for the turbo doors.
112 EXT. SPACE - SPACE STATION REGULAR I 112
CLOSER ANGLE now. The silence is ominous.
113 INT. SPACE STATION REGULAR I - CAROL'S LAB 113
empty, except for the hums and crackles of abandoned
equipment. With a FAMILIAR SOUND, BONES, KIRK and
SAAVIK MATERIALIZE. All have phasers, communicators
and tricorders.
For a moment they look around, seeing emptiness. Like
being in a haunted house.
KIRK
Hello...! Anybody here?
A WEIRD ECHO reverberates his cries.
SAAVIK
(raises tricorder)
Indeterminate life signs.
KIRK
Phasers on stun. Move out.
They separate. Each begins to search.
114 ANGLE WITH SAAVIK 114
She moves to the electronic and data area, examines the
consoles, the equipment, then settles for the data bank.
She starts keying sequences with the computer.
115 INT. SPACE STATION - BONES 115
He shows signs of fear as he walks through the deserted
place, like a scuba diver exploring a cave. We want
him to go back.
A NOISE. Bones reacts with brave apprehension.
Rounding a corner, he starts: A RAT scuttles right in
front of him.
Bones sighs with relief and moves forward. We think
he's safe.
SUDDENLY SOMETHING FALLS RIGHT ON HIS FACE: an upside
down human ARM.
116 SAME LOCALE - LATER 116
Kirk helps Bones cut down the last of the five BODIES
from where they were hanged, upside down.
Having recovered his composure, Bones examines the
corpses. We RECOGNIZE Madison, March, among others.
One is clearly the COOK.
KIRK
(stunned)
They even killed the galley chief.
BONES
This one looks like a Steward.
They're not warm, but rigor hasn't
set in. This didn't happen all that
long ago, Jim.
Kirk looks around, despairingly --
KIRK
Carol...
117 INT. SPACE LAB DATA BANK 117
WITH SAAVIK working with console. Something puzzles
her. She frowns, but a NEW SOUND distracts her. She
looks up and moves off.
118 FULL SHOT - IN THE LAB 118
A moan is heard. All three now converge on the area.
As they near it, Saavik's tricorder hums furiously. Be
this a room, a locker of some other place, this time
they -- "open the door." The limp bodies of Chekov and
Terrell fall out.
UHURA'S VOICE
(on screen)
Admiral Kirk, Enterprise. Come in,
please. Come in please.
She will continue sporadically.
KIRK
My God!
Chekov emits a live, reassuring moan.
BONES
That's Clark Terrell, Jim, I've
served with him.
Bones is passing his medical tricorder over Chekov.
BONES
(continuing)
Brain disturbance. Appears to be
drug induced.
He reaches into his kit. He shoots Chekov moves off
to Terrell. Uhura, voice continues in the b.g.
KIRK
Saavik, for God's sake, tell her
we're all right.
119 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - FAVORING UHURA 119
UHURA
I say again. This is Enterprise.
Please acknowledge signal. Please --
Saavik's face appears on her screen.
SAAVIK
(on screen, hurried)
Commander Uhura, this is Lt. Saavik.
We're all right. Please stand by.
Out.
UHURA
(baffled)
Aye, aye.
120 INT. SPACE STATION - TIGHT GROUP 120
Chekov opens his eyes, and stares into Kirk's.
CHEKOV
Oh, God, Admiral...!
He weeps like a child, and Kirk holds him. Meanwhile,
Terrell opens his eyes and stares at Bones.
BONES
It's Dr. McCoy, Captain. Do you
remember me?
TERRELL
McCoy? Yes. Oh, yes.
121 ANGLE FAVORING CHEKOV AND KIRK 121
Chekov breaks the embrace in high relief and anxiety.
CHEKOV
Oh, sir. It was Khan! We found him
on Ceti Alpha V.
KIRK
Easy, Pavel... Tell me what you
can...
CHEKOV
No life signs -- but he was there.
Captured us. He -- he put creatures
in our bodies. To control our minds.
Bones takes over Chekov --
BONES
It's all right, you're safe...
CHEKOV
... Made us say -- lies... Do...
things... But we beat him... The
Captain and me. -- He thought he
controlled us, but he didn't ...
The Captain was strong.
Chekov breaks into tears. Kirk looks at Terrell, who is
more composed.
KIRK
Captain. Where is Dr. Marcus?
Where are the Genesis materials?
TERRELL
He couldn't find them. Some of
the scientists were still here,
but everything else, even the data
banks -- were empty.
SAAVIK
That's true, Admiral. All the
memory cells have been emptied.
KIRK
(ponders)
Erased...
TERRELL
He tortured those people. None of
them would tell him anything. He
went wild, strung them up and slit
their throats. He wanted to tear
the place apart, but he was late:
he had to get back to Reliant in
time to blow you to bits.
KIRK
He came damn close...
CHEKOV
He left us.
(with irony)
We were no longer of use.
SAAVIK
Where is the Reliant crew? Dead?
TERRELL
Marooned on Ceti Alpha V. He's
completely mad, Admiral. He blames
you for the death of his wife...
KIRK
I know what he blames me for.
(thinks)
The escape pods are all in place.
(looks around)
Where's the transporter room?
122 INT. SPACE STATION TRANSPORTER ROOM 122
Kirk, wearing his spectacles, studies the transporter
consoles. ANGLE WIDENS TO REVEAL the transporter pods,
and the others, b.g.
KIRK
Did he make it down here?
Chekov and Terrell look at each other; they seem a bit
stronger.
CHEKOV
It was not my impression. He spent
most of his time trying to wring the
information out of the people.
Saavik approaches Kirk:
SAAVIK
Anything?
Kirk looks at her over the rims of the glasses:
KIRK
Somebody left the unit on. If
everyone else was dead, it implies
that no one remained to turn it off.
Those people back there bought escape
time for Genesis with their lives.
Saavik studies the console.
SAAVIK
It doesn't make sense. These
coordinates are well within
Regula -- a plantoid we know to be
lifeless and airless.
KIRK
(wheels turn)
If Stage Two was completed, it was
underground -- she said it was going
to be underground.
SAAVIK
Stage Two of what?
Kirk gets it.
KIRK
(on communicator)
Kirk to Enterprise. Damage report,
Spock?
SPOCK'S VOICE
Admiral, if we go by the book, like
Lieutenant Saavik, hours could seem
like days.
KIRK
(beat)
I read you, Captain. Let's have it.
Fractional pause.
SPOCK'S VOICE
The situation is grave, Admiral. We
won't have main power for six days
at least. Auxiliary power has
temporarily failed, but maybe we can
restore that in two days. By the
book, Admiral.
Kirk frowns.
KIRK
Meaning you can't even beam us back?
SPOCK'S VOICE
Not at present.
Kirk looks at Saavik and Bones, decides --
KIRK
Captain Spock, if you do not hear
from us within one hour your orders
are to restore what power you can,
take the Enterprise to the nearest
Star Base and alert Starfleet
command when you are out of jamming
range.
UHURA'S VOICE
Sir -- we won't leave you behind...!
KIRK
Uhura, if you don't hear from us,
there won't be anybody behind. Kirk
out.
(to Terrell and Chekov)
You gentleman can remain here, or...
TERRELL
If it's all the same, Admiral, we'd
like to share the risk.
KIRK
(hesitates)
Very well. Let's go.
BONES
Go? Where are we going?
KIRK
(points to console)
Where they went. Saavik.
Kirk walks onto the pods as Saavik works the console,
rolling in electronic coding. The others join Kirk.
BONES
But what if they went -- nowhere?
KIRK
Then this will be your big chance
to get away from it all.
SAAVIK
Ready.
She presses a button, joins them on the pods. Slowly
they VANISH.
123 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANTOID REGULA 123
CAMERA MOVES TOWARD it as the BEAM SOUND continues,
with irregularity. The plantoid is ugly and dead.
The sound frightens us, and climaxes with:
124 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 124
The BEAM SOUND screeches, then settles into its comfort-
able mode as the FIVE FIGURES FLUCTUATE, FADE, then
APPEAR. They look around in wonder and relief.
SAAVIK
Admiral --
She indicates something O.S. They cross as CAMERA
reveals a cave wall stacked with technical materials
and crowned by a LARGE PROJECTILE, a giant version
of the model we saw earlier. They stare. (N.B. FEATURE
GENESIS ARMING CONTROL BOX.)
BONES
Genesis, I presume.
They walk by a group of crates. It all happens very
fast: David leaps out and tackles Kirk, throwing him to
the ground and landing atop him, a knife at his throat.
At the same time, Bones and Saavik reach for their
phasers, but Jedda, already armed, steps out. He has
them covered and helpless.
125 ANGLE FAVORING DAVID 125
DAVID
You're the sonavabitch who
committed mass murder up there.
He raises the knife --
KIRK
I'm Admiral Kirk...
DAVID
We were still there, you dumb
bastard! We could hear the screams
all the way to the transporter room --
Again he raises the knife --
KIRK
Where's Dr. Marcus --
DAVID
I'm Doctor Marcus!
Carol reaches the tunnel entrance to the cave --
CAROL
David --
DAVID
Mother, go back!
Carol sees Kirk --
CAROL
Jim --
DAVID
Go back. I'm going to kill him.
CAROL
(takes a breath)
You do that and you'll have murdered
your father.
All react. David and Kirk, facing each other, are
turned to stone. Bones, Jedda and Chekov turn to look
at Carol, wondering. Terrell very casually takes the
phaser from Jedda.
126 NEW ANGLE (FORMERLY SCENE 134) 126
TERRELL
(cool)
I'll hold onto this.
But Kirk and Carol ignore them and walk towards each
other. There are tears in Carol's eyes. She reaches
up, trying to smile and touches his hair --
CAROL
You've got a little grey --
She can't. Kirk takes her and holds her tightly, look-
ing at David, over her shoulder. He stands there,
stunned, looking back.
KIRK
Carol. Is that true?
She nods --
KIRK
(continuing)
Why didn't you tell me?
DAVID
She's making it up! My father was
Professor --
CAROL
David, you're just making this
harder --
TERRELL
I'm afraid it's even harder than you
think, Doctor.
He and Chekov have their phasers trained on them.
TERRELL
(continuing)
Please don't move --
KIRK
Chekov -- !
CHEKOV
I'm sorry, Admiral.
Terrell speaks into his wrist recorder.
TERRELL
Your excellency, have you been
listening?
KHAN'S VOICE
(filtered)
I have indeed, Captain. You have
done well...
DAVID
I knew it -- !
David makes a reckless break for Terrell; Saavik
instantly throws herself on him bringing him down as
Terrell fires, hitting Jedda, who was behind David --
a killing ray. Jedda dematerializes. Carol SCREAMS
and David reacts with horror and guilt.
Most importantly, Chekov begins to tremble. Terrell
himself is shaken by his reflexive action. He's in
semi-panic.
TERRELL
Don't move -- any of you!
127 127
thru thru
134 134
135 EXT. SPACE - THE DARK SIDE OF REGULA 135
Reliant, motionless in a parking orbit.
136 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE - FAVORING KHAN 136
Joachim over his shoulder. Others in evidence. Khan
speaks into his console.
KHAN
Captain... We're waiting. What's
the delay?
137 INT. ROCKY CAVERN (INTERCUT AS DESIRED) 137
TERRELL
All is well, sir. You have the
coordinates to beam up Genesis...
KHAN
First things first, Captain. Kill
Admiral Kirk.
Reactions by all -- only Kirk and Bones are unsurprised.
David and Saavik, dazed, fight the urge to do something.
Chekov is close to a seizure. Terrell fights conflicting
mental signals.
TERRELL
Excellency... it is difficult.
I try to obey, but --
KHAN'S VOICE
Kill him.
As though tearing off a leach, Terrell grabs at the
wrist recorder and flings it to the ground. A shock-
wave of pain hits Terrell. He recovers, trembling and
tries to obey. Chekov is shaking badly. Terrell aims
his phaser at Kirk. Chekov slowly raises his phaser
and aims at Terrell, though his hands are like lead.
We THINK Chekov is going to do the right thing. Then,
shockingly: Terrell turns his phaser on himself.
KHAN'S VOICE
(still emanates from
wrist recorder)
Kill him, Terrell. Now.
Terrell does, blowing himself into oblivion.
138 ANGLE - FAVORING CHEKOV 138
He SCREAMS, horribly, drops his phaser, clutching his
head.
Bones leaps to his side, pulls an injection device from
his belt pack, jabs it into Chekov's arm. Chekov,
almost with a sigh of relief, drops.
KHAN'S VOICE
Terrell? Chekov -- !
BONES
Jim -- for God's sake!
They rush to his side, as do Carol and David.
139 ANGLE - FAVORING CHEKOV 139
From the fallen man's ear, something begins to emerge.
140 VERY CLOSE - CHEKOV'S EAR 140
The Ceti eel crawls out. It has grown quite large.
141 SCENE 141
Horror from all. Kirk picks up a phaser. As the eel
clears Chekov, he fires and destroys it. He shudders,
then sees the wrist recorder and grabs it.
KIRK
Khan, you bloodsucker, they're
finished! You'll have to do your
own dirty work now. Do you hear me?
Do you?
142 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 142
Khan reacts to Kirk's VOICE: electronic shock. He
clutches the communicator, his eye-whites rolling.
KHAN
Kirk! Kirk, you are still alive --
my old friend...
INTERCUT AS DESIRED WITH
143 ROCKY CAVERN - FAVORING KIRK 143
KIRK
Still, 'old friend.' You've
managed to kill just about everyone
else, but like a poor marksman, you
keep missing the target.
KHAN
(ironic)
Perhaps I no longer need to try.
He punches several buttons.
In the Rocky Cavern the transporter beam locks on to the
Genesis torpedo and its arming control box.
As Kirk and the others watch, horrified, Khan beams up
the materials. David tries to reach the torpedo, but
Saavik holds him fast --
DAVID
Let go -- he can't -- !
SAAVIK
Only half of you would get there.
The beam disappears and Genesis with it, leaving them
alone.
KIRK
(desperate)
Khan, you have Genesis, but you
don't have me! You were going to
kill me, Khan, it was your sole
purpose. You'll have to come down
here to do it! You'll have to
come down!
KHAN'S VOICE
I've done far worse than kill you,
Admiral. I've hurt you. And I
wish to go on hurting you. I
shall leave you, as you left me --
where no one will ever find you:
poetic justice; marooned for
eternity in the center of a dead
planet -- buried alive.
KIRK
Khan -- !
KHAN
Goodbye, Admiral. Oh, and don't
count on Enterprise. She can't
move. My next act will be to blow
her out of the heavens.
KIRK
KHAN!
144 OMITTED 144
145 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 145
Khan closes his eyes in voluptuous satisfaction.
Joachim enters and Khan looks at him.
KHAN
Well?
JOACHIM
Warp drive still inoperative. All
other systems should be restored
shortly.
Khan sighs, contentedly.
KHAN
Excellent. We have all the time
in the world.
146 INT. ROCKY CAVERN 146
As before, Saavik is on the communicator.
SAAVIK
This is Lt. Saavik, calling Enterprise...
She keeps trying. Chekov stirs --
BONES
He's alive!
Bones goes and tends Chekov who moans, tries to sit up.
KIRK
Pavel?
Chekov tries to smile; Kirk takes his hand --
SAAVIK
No use, Admiral, they're still
jamming all channels.
BONES
(looks across Chekov)
It wouldn't make any difference.
If Enterprise obeyed orders she's
long since gone. And if she couldn't
obey, she's finished.
DAVID
So are we, it looks like.
CAROL
I don't understand.
Who's responsible for all this?
Who is Khan?
KIRK
It's a long story.
DAVID
We appear to have plenty of time.
BONES
(dry)
You and your father can catch up on
things.
DAVID
(bitter)
My father. I hope you realize
another man has just been killed
because of...
BONES
Because of you, son. You shouldn't
have tried to rush someone holding
a primed phaser. Anyway it isn't
one man dead, it's two, in case
you've lost count.
David has been effectively spiked. Long silence.
KIRK
Do you have anything to eat? I
don't know about anyone else, but
I'm starved.
BONES
How can you think of food at a time
like this?
KIRK
Our first order of business is survival.
CAROL
There's food in the Genesis cave,
enough to last a lifetime -- should
that be necessary.
BONES
We thought this was Genesis.
Carol laughs -- there's an edge of hysteria to it.
CAROL
This? It took the Starfleet corps
of engineers ten months in space
suits to tunnel out all this. What
we did in there -- we did in a day.
David, why don't you show Dr. McCoy
and the Lieutenant our idea of food.
DAVID
But we can't just sit here -- !
KIRK
(unruffled)
Oh, yes we can. Is there really
something to eat?
David looks at his father, who checks his watch, putting
on his spectacles.
CAROL
David. Please.
DAVID
(to Kirk)
This is just to give us something
to do, isn't it?
(he shrugs)
Come on.
Saavik and Bones make to follow. Saavik turns to Kirk --
SAAVIK
Admiral?
KIRK
As your teacher Mr. Spock is fond
of saying: I like to think there
always are possibilities.
147 OMITTED 147
thru thru
149 149
150 EXT. SPACE 150
Dark side of Gamma. Reliant sits idle.
150A INT. ROCKY CAVERN 150A
Carol sits on the ground, Chekov's head in her lap,
looking at Kirk.
CAROL
David was right, wasn't he? It's
just to keep them busy.
KIRK
Why? Why didn't you tell me?
CAROL
How can you ask me that? Were we
together? Where we going to be?
You had your world and I had mine.
I wanted him in mine, not chasing
through the universe with his father.
Kirk turns away, overcome. She watches him.
CAROL
(continuing)
He's a lot like you in many ways.
Nothing I could do about it. He's
smarter, of course; that goes without
saying. Most of Genesis is really
his.
Her joke doesn't take effect. He doesn't turn.
CAROL
(continuing)
This is it, isn't it? We're never
going to get out of here.
Kirk says nothing.
CAROL
(continuing)
Please. Tell me what you're feeling.
Kirk hesitates, comes back and sits next to Chekov; he
changes Bones' compress on the ear as he finally speaks.
KIRK
There's a man I haven't seen in
fifteen years who thinks he's killed
me. You show me a son who'd almost be
happy to help him. My son. My life
that could have been and wasn't. What
am I feeling? I'm feeling old --
worn out.
Carol studies him; gently she sets Chekov's head down
on a sweater, then stands.
CAROL
Let me show you something that will
make you feel young -- young as when
the world was new.
She offers her hand. Kirk looks at Chekov, who smiles,
faint assurance.
CAROL
(continuing)
He'll be all right. Come.
After a moment's hesitation, Kirk takes her hand and
she leads him to the tunnel.
150B INT. TUNNEL 150B
TRUCKING BEFORE Carol and Kirk. A rising light falls
on their faces as they walk, then run with excitement
toward the source. Kirk races ahead...
150C KIRK'S POV - MOVING THROUGH THE TUNNEL 150C
toward an iridescent light at its end, blindingly
beautiful with color.
INTERCUT: THESE TWO ANGLES until WE CAN HARDLY WAIT
for Kirk to reach the end of the tunnel, and then,
when it does:
150D INT. GENESIS CAVE - PROMONTORY LEVEL 150D
where the rock tunnel ends. Kirk comes out of the
tunnel, and his mouth drops open.
150E FULL SHOT - THE GENESIS CAVE (MATTE AND FX) (FORMERLY 150E
SCENE 130)
A huge cavern. Kirk is actually standing at the middle
of it. Space extends vastly above and below his point
of view. Like Eden, lush growth everywhere, water-
falls, and a cobalt blue sky high, high above where a
round orb glows sending light and warmth downward.
There is a path from where Kirk stands down to the lower
level where Bones, and the others are waiting and calling
to him. Mist and haze waft gently across the cavern.
150F BACK TO KIRK 150F
as Carol comes up beside him.
KIRK
You did this -- in a day?!
CAROL
The matrix formed in a day. The
life forms grew later -- at a
wildly accelerated rate. Can I
cook or can't I?
151 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 151
The turbo doors open and Joachim stands there.
JOACHIM
Impulse power restored.
Khan smiles.
KHAN
More than a match for poor
Enterprise.
He punches at his console.
152 OMITTED 152
thru thru
153 153
154 EXT. SPACE - REGULA 154
Reliant ominously pokes her nose into the lit side of
the planet, heading for Enterprise.
155 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 155
JOACHIM
Departing dark side, Regula.
KHAN
Visual --
156 ON SCREEN 156
The Regula I Space Station -- but where is Enterprise?
157 ON KHAN 157
frowning with puzzlement.
KHAN
Where IS she?
158 ON SCREEN 158
not a trace!
159 INT. GENESIS CAVE PLATFORM 159
Kirk and the others eat fruit from the huge (matte)
forest beyond. Chekov has been moved to join them.
159A ANGLE FAVORING DAVID AND SAAVIK 159A
who watches him.
DAVID
What are you looking at?
SAAVIK
The Admiral's son.
DAVID
Don't you believe it.
SAAVIK
Oh, I believe it.
She almost smiles. David returns her stare and it
throws her.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
What are you looking at?
DAVID
(confused)
I don't know.
159B INT. GENESIS CAVE - WIDER ANGLE 159B
Saavik rises, paces. Kirk puts down his food.
KIRK
Now that's what I call a meal.
BONES
It's like the Garden of Eden...
CAROL
Only here, every apple comes from
the Tree of Knowledge.
Kirk watches Saavik.
KIRK
What's on your mind, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
The Kobayashi Maru, sir.
DAVID
The what?
BONES
The no-win scenario -- and with
what philosophy a commander faces
defeat.
KIRK
Are you asking me if we are playing
out that scenario now, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
On the test, sir, will you tell me
what you did? I'd really like to
know.
Kirk looks at Bones, who smiles --
BONES
Lieutenant, you are looking at the
only Starfleet cadet who ever beat
the no-win scenario --
KIRK
And almost got tossed out of the
Academy...
He looks at his watch again, using his glasses --
SAAVIK
How?
KIRK
I reprogrammed the simulation so it
was possible to rescue the ship.
SAAVIK
WHAT?
KIRK
I changed the conditions of the
test. I received a commendation for
original thinking.
(pause)
I don't like to lose.
SAAVIK
Then -- you never faced that
situation -- faced death...
BONES
Until now.
KIRK
We each face death every day we're
alive, Saavik.
He picks up the communicator.
KIRK
(continuing)
Spock, this is Kirk. It's two hours.
Are you about ready?
SPOCK'S VOICE
Right on schedule, Admiral. Just
give us your coordinates and we'll
beam you aboard.
The others are on their feet, stunned with amazement --
KIRK
Right. I don't like to lose.
He clicks off.
David gapes at his father.
160 OMITTED 160
161 EXT. SPACE DARK SIDE OF REGULA 161
WE CAN SEE NOW where Enterprise is: she has slipped
behind the plantoid, clockwise, even as Reliant was
rounding into the lighted side.
162 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ENTERPRISE 162
Kirk, David, Saavik, Carol and Bones, holding the semi-
conscious Chekov MATERIALIZE. Spock is there to greet
them.
SAAVIK
But the damage report -- we were
immobilized...
KIRK
Come, come, Lieutenant, you of all
people go by the book. Hello,
Spock. You remember Dr. Marcus...
They are moving through the room as they talk --
SPOCK
Certainly...
SAAVIK
(overlapping)
By the book...
KIRK
Regulation 46-A: 'If transmissions
are being monitored during battle...'
SAAVIK
'... no uncoded messages on an open
channel...'
Saavik steps in front of Spock.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
You lied.
SPOCK
I exaggerated.
KIRK
Hours instead of days, Saavik; now
we have minutes instead of hours --
BONES
(behind)
I'm taking this bunch to sick bay.
CAMERA STAYS WITH THEM, HOLDS ON DAVID, awed.
163 INT. CORRIDOR ENTERPRISE 163
Saavik and Kirk follow Spock. They stop at a Turbo
Lift --
SPOCK
They're inoperative below C-deck.
164 INT. ANOTHER ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR 164
They race down corridors as they speak --
KIRK
What IS working around here?
SPOCK
Not much, Admiral. We have partial
main power...
KIRK
That's it?
SPOCK
Best we could do in two hours.
165 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 165
Full crew in place as doors whoosh open --
SULU
(overjoyed)
Admiral on the bridge --
KIRK
Battle stations.
ALARMS, SIRENS, ETC. CREW RUSH INTO PLACE AS Kirk,
Spock and Saavik approach the big screen.
KIRK
(continuing)
Tactical.
We see the Enterprise emerging from the dark side of
Gamma Regula, where Reliant is now a moving blip.
KIRK
(continuing)
Uh oh.
SPOCK
She can out-run us and out-gun us.
But there is the Mutara Nebula at
153 mark four.
KIRK
(studies his console)
Scotty, can we make it inside?
SCOTTY
The energizer's bypassed like a
Christmas tree -- so don't give me
too many bumps.
KIRK
No promises, Mr. Scott. On your way.
SAAVIK
Trouble with the nebula, sir, is all
that static discharge and gas clouds
our tactical display. Visuals won't
function and shields will be useless.
Kirk looks over the rims of his glasses at Spock; they
smile with faint amusement.
SPOCK
What's sauce for the goose, Mr.
Saavik. The odds will be even.
166 VARIOUS CORRIDORS, ENTERPRISE 166
As the lights change, the CREW runs to their stations.
166A EXT. SPACE 166A
ENTERPRISE STARTS MOVING.
167 INT. HOSPITAL 167
Carol, David and Bones react to the light change and
the sirens -- Bones works on Chekov...
DAVID
I'm going up there.
BONES
You'll be in the way, Dr. Marcus...
best stay here.
Carol and David are civilians on a battleship.
168 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 168
Reacting. Saavik approaches Kirk and Spock.
SAAVIK
Admiral... what happens if Reliant
fails to follow us into the nebula?
Kirk and Spock exchange looks --
SPOCK
I think we can guarantee she'll
follow us, Mr. Saavik. Remind me
to explain to you the concept of
human ego.
KIRK
Best speed, Scotty...
169 EXT. SPACE 169
The Enterprise whooshes by CAMERA leaving Regula
behind. Reliant now appears in far b.g. and CAMERA
BEGINS A MOVE to her.
170 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 170
KHAN
There! Full impulse power! Not
so wounded as we were led to believe
-- so much the better...
171 EXT. SPACE 171
Reliant moves to and past CAMERA in hot pursuit.
172 EXT. SPACE - SERIES OF SHOTS 172
Call them SPACE-BYS. Enterprise rushes TOWARD US,
flashes BY and CONTINUES towards the swirling nebula.
THEN Reliant does the same, closer in pursuit. At
this moment, half the distance between Regula and
the nebula has been covered.
173 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 173
SPOCK
Estimating nebula penetration
in two minutes. Reliant is
closing.
KIRK
Steady as you go...
174 EXT. SPACE 174
Orientation, SHOT. Reliant can clearly see where
Enterprise is headed --
175 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 175
JOACHIM
We'll lose them if they go in there.
KHAN
Rake her.
176 SOMEONE PUNCHES A BUTTON 176
177 EXT. SPACE 177
Reliant's shot crosses Enterprise's bow --
178 INT. ENTERPRISE HOSPITAL 178
The ship reverberates with the near miss. Chekov wakes
up, looks wildly about --
BONES
Take it easy --
CHEKOV
But I must --
BONES
Listen to me, Pavel; you haven't
the strength or the equilibrium --
CHEKOV
But --
As they talk, David, unnoticed, leaves the area. The
Enterprise is buffeted again --
CAROL
Dr. McCoy, I can't just sit here.
Tell me what I can do.
BONES
(grim)
You can help get my surgery squared
away. I'm expecting customers.
She whitens in fear. ANOTHER SHOT reverberates.
179 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 179
SAAVIK
That was close --
KIRK
(unfazed)
They just don't want us going in there.
SPOCK
One minute to nebula perimeter.
The bridge door slides open and David enters. He
stares in wonder. Saavik reacts to David.
SPOCK
(continuing)
Admiral, they're reducing speed.
KIRK
Uhura, patch me in --
UHURA
Aye, sir.
180 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 180
KHAN
Why are we slowing?
JOACHIM
We daren't follow them into the
nebula, sir -- our shields will be
useless...
KIRK'S VOICE
This is Admiral Kirk.
Khan's eyes bulge --
KIRK'S VOICE
(continuing)
We tried it once your way, Khan.
Are you game for a rematch?
Khan's eyes bulge --
KIRK'S VOICE
(continuing)
Khan -- ! I'm laughing at the
"superior" intellect.
KHAN
Full impulse power!
JOACHIM
No sir! We have Genesis -- Whatever
you want --
KHAN
Full power damn you!
And he reaches across and executes it himself.
181 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 181
They react to Reliant's speed-up. The nebula approach
is ON SCREEN.
KIRK
(dry)
I'll say this for him: he's
consistent.
182 EXT. SPACE - THE MUTARA NEBULA 182
WE'RE VERY CLOSE NOW, and SEE CLEARLY the swirling,
slowly moving gases, magenta, purple, etc. There are
veils of luminescent materials and through all an
interlace of unpredictable electrical charges.
Like lightning, these intermittent great flashes
illumine whole sections of the nebula. OUR VIEW is
moving slowly forward...
183 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 183
SPOCK
(timing)
And we're... in.
184 EXT. SPACE - THE NEBULA 184
As Enterprise whooshes into the PICTURE headed into the
purplish gas -- and disappears into a cloud bank of
the stuff.
A moment then Reliant APPEARS, pursues Enterprise into
the gloom, also disappears.
185 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 185
ON SCREEN the picture is squirrelly purple, breaking
up. Blindness. Panic.
KHAN
Tactical!
JOACHIM
(tries)
Inoperative.
KHAN
Raise the shields...
Electrical forces raging without are also reflected on
the circuits within. It's bumpy, on top of everything
else. Electronic WHINING.
JOACHIM
As I feared, sir. Not functional.
I'm reducing speed.
Khan does not argue.
186 EXT. SPACE - PURPLE - SERIES OF SHOTS 186
Cautiously Reliant emerges from a massive "cloudbank."
Electrical discharges abound. Barely moving, she feels
her way forward. Alone.
187 AS THE ANGLE WIDENS 187
A treat: Enterprise is above and behind Reliant.
188 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - ON SCREEN 188
Reliant's image is breaking up.
SULU
Phaser lock inoperative, sir.
KIRK
Best guess, Mr. Sulu. Fire when
ready.
Sulu strains, then fires -- just as an electrical dis-
turbance bounces the bridge --
189 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 189
The bounce causes Sulu's phaser shot to go wide of
Reliant, amid CRACKLING discharges --
190 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 190
Rolls from the near-miss concussion --
KHAN
Aft-torpedoes -- fire -- !
191 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 191
Reliant is wide of the mark with a Photon torpedo.
A BLINDING ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE. When it clears,
Enterprise appears to be alone.
192 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 192
ON SCREEN, nothing but magenta amid picture breakup --
KIRK
(sweating)
Hold your course. Look sharp...
SAAVIK
At what.
193 EXT. NEBULA (INTERCUT WITH BRIDGE) 193
Enterprise feeling its way...
194 ON BRIDGE - POV ON SCREEN 194
All peer into the lousy picture. Occasional electrical
flashes.
195 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 195
Still Enterprise moves forward... A LARGE FLASH... a
SUDDEN GLIMPSE: Reliant boring in on collision course!
196 INT. ENTERPRSIE BRIDGE 196
A sudden clearing ON SCREEN: Reliant!
KIRK
Evasive starboard!
Hard over, but not fast enough. Reliant fires a phaser.
197 SERIES OF SHOTS 197
Reliant's phaser shot hits the Enterprise torpedo room
in Dorsal Fin area of ship.
198 INT. ENTERPRISE TORPEDO ROOM 198
An EXPLOSION rocks the room and...
199 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 199
The Bridge rattles from the explosion below; Sulu is
thrown from his chair. Saavik leaps to her post --
KIRK
Phaser bank one, fire!
200 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 200
The Enterprise fires a phaser and delivers a raking shot
-- which rips along the side of Reliant's primary hull.
200A INT. RELIANT BRIDGE (FORMERLY SCENE 205) 200A
The bridge is damaged; Joachim and others are wounded...
KHAN
Joachim!
For the first time, his friend wounded, Khan hesitates,
holds him --
JOACHIM
Yours... is... the superior...
KHAN
I shall avenge you --
200B NEW ANGLE 200B
She veers to one side with the impact and disappears
into a deep purple mass.
201 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 201
Sulu is being helped by David --
KIRK
Damage, Scotty?
202 INT. ENGINE ROOM 202
Bones is there, helping some crewmen. The Reactor Room
flashes a red warning light and glows with a blue
light. The air is heavy with smoke but the doors,
damaged earlier, still hold.
SCOTTY
Admiral, I've got to take the mains
off the line. The energizer's shaken
loose and I can't get in there to
fix her -- radiation --
203 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 203
KIRK
All right, we'll do the job with
auxiliary power.
The bridge door opens and closes; Chekov, faint,
stands there.
CHEKOV
Could you use another hand, Admiral?
KIRK
Man the weapons console, Mr. Chekov.
ANGLE FAVORING David as the others react to Chekov
taking his place. Quiet.
KIRK
(continuing)
Spock?
Spock is bent over the scanner --
SPOCK
Sporadic energy readings port side,
aft. Could be an impulse turn.
KIRK
He won't break off now. If he
followed me this far he'll be back.
But from where...?
SPOCK
He's intelligent, but not experienced.
His pattern indicates two dimensional
thinking...
Kirk looks at him, smiles.
KIRK
Mr. Saavik, all stop.
SAAVIK
All stop, sir.
KIRK
Descend ten thousand meters. Stand
by photon torpedoes.
204 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 204
Reliant in purplish mass, banking slightly, completing
a long turn, then boring ahead.
205 OMITTED 205
206 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 206
As Reliant emerges from the dark blue mass into a clear
almost tranquil place. Reliant, moving slowly, stops,
as if looking around.
207 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 207
The screens are empty.
KHAN
Where is he? Where in God's name
is he?
208 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 208
Reliant motionless in the f.g. amid occasional flashes.
Now, behind Reliant and from below, like a great whale
rising from the depths, Enterprise rises vertically,
slowly passing the unsuspecting enemy. When Enterprise
is above, behind and quite close:
209 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 209
Reliant ON SCREEN, intermittent but clear.
CHEKOV
Torpedoes ready, sir.
KIRK
Fire.
210 SERIES OF SHOTS 210
A) EXT. ENTERPRISE
fires torpedo; one which hits, destroying Reliant's
weapons pod on top.
B) INT. RELIANT
C) EXPLOSIONS rock the interior of Reliant.
D) EXT. ENTERPRISE
fires two more times. The first causes general
damage. The second, close behind blasts Reliant's
port engine off into space, debris scattering.
E) INT. RELIANT BRIDGE
is devastated. Khan is blown from his chair and
WE'RE UNCERTAIN of his fate.
211 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 211
Reliant, now a scarred, battered hulk, her main hull
still intact, but dead in space.
212 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 212
No cheers, just deadly professionalism.
KIRK
Cease fire. Look sharp.
SAAVIK
Power levels quite low, sir.
KIRK
(to intercom)
Mr. Scott, can you get the mains
back on line?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
(breaking up slightly)
I'll need ten minutes, sir, 'til
the radiation dissipates.
KIRK
Uhura, send to Commander, Reliant:
prepare to be boarded.
UHURA
Aye, sir.
213 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 213
Amid the smoke and ruins, WE SEE no signs of life.
UHURA'S VOICE
Commander, Reliant, this is
Enterprise. Surrender and prepare
to be boarded. Repeat...
In f.g., chillingly, Khan rises INTO SHOT by the main
console. He is horribly burned, and it is clear that
he is clinging to life by his will.
KHAN
No... Kirk. The game's not over.
As Uhura's voice continues O.S., Khan pulls himself
into a chair at the console, one of his hands useless
at his side.
KHAN
(continuing)
To the last I will grapple with thee!
Painfully, with one good arm, he starts arming the
Genesis console.
213A INT. RELIANT TRANSPORTER ROOM 213A
There sits the Genesis torpedo: lights start blinking
in response. As we watch, the CHILD we met on Ceti Alpha
walks to the torpedo and smiles at the lights.
214 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 214
UHURA
Enterprise to Reliant: you are
ordered to surrender your vessel.
Respond!
(to Kirk)
Nothing, sir.
KIRK
We'll beam aboard. Alert
transporter room --
SPOCK
Admiral. Scanning an energy source
on Reliant. A pattern I've never
seen.
David peers closer over Spock's shoulder, reacts.
DAVID
It's the Genesis Wave!
KIRK
What?
DAVID
He's on a build up to detonation!
KIRK
How soon --
DAVID
We encoded four minutes --
KIRK
We'll beam aboard and stop it --
DAVID
You can't!
The briefest stunned moment. Kirk hits intercom:
KIRK
Scotty, I need warp speed in three
minutes or we're all dead!
STATIC.
KIRK
(continuing)
Scotty!
Spock leaps from his place and disappears through the
bridge doors.
KIRK
(continuing)
Saavik, get us out, best speed!
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
215 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 215
Enterprise backs away from Reliant. Her speed is pain-
fully slow.
216 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 216
ON SCREEN, Enterprise, intermittent image, backs away.
Khan smiles triumphantly through his pain. An elec-
tronic power SOUND has been building.
KHAN
No... You can't get away... From
hell's heart I stab at thee...
(amid the pain)
For hate's sake... I spit my last
breath at thee!
Khan topples forward, dead. The WHINE continues to
build chillingly.
217 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 217
Spock rushes in. Bones ministers to Scotty, b.g.
Spock sizes up the situation, starts for the radiation
room, Bones intercepts him.
BONES
Are you out of your Vulcan mind?
No human can tolerate the radiation
loose in there!
SPOCK
But, as you are so fond of observing,
Doctor, I'm not human.
BONES
You're not going in there -- !
SPOCK
I'm afraid I can't stop to discuss
this logically --
He gives Bones the Vulcan nerve pinch. Bones goes
down.
Spock presses the access button and enters the Reactor
Room, a separated area behind radiation-proof glass
and metal, RED FLASHING LIGHTS and an iridescent blue
glow within.
218 ANGLE - SCOTTY AND BONES 218
SCOTTY
(in horror)
Spock -- get out of there!
219 INT. ENTERPRISE REACTOR ROOM 219
Bathed in blue light, arcing energy around him, Spock
is a silhouetted figure as he goes to work, door clos-
ing behind him.
220 EXT. SPACE - RELIANT 220
The WHINE increasing, the dead ship Reliant alive with
danger...
221 EXT. SPACE NEBULA - ENTERPRISE 221
A snail's pace compared to the escape speed needed.
222 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 222
KIRK
Time from my mark...
SAAVIK
Two minutes, ten seconds.
KIRK
(intercom)
Engine room! What's happening?!
223 INT. ENTERPRISE REACTOR ROOM (INTERCUT AS 223
REQUIRED)
Outside the glass, Scotty and Bones screaming:
SCOTTY
Captain, please!
BONES
Get out! Get out, man! Oh, dear
God...!
224 WITHIN 224
WE CAN SEE the silent urging of Bones and Scotty.
Spock is oblivious. Amid the fire-blue arcs, he moves
to the control panel. Between his hands and the con-
trols, power arcs insanely. Spock is in an inferno,
a radiation hell, fighting now with all his strength
to control it. Slowly, the damping rods move out.
Spock moves to a manual control, begins to turn it.
225 CLOSE - SPOCK'S HANDS 225
on the manual control, slowly turning black.
226 HIS FACE 226
His face, using all the self discipline he is capable
of to control the pain, continuing to work --
227 WITHOUT 227
Bones and Scotty react in helpless horror.
228 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 228
Enterprise still well within the nebula, Reliant a
figure still visible in b.g. She's crawling still.
229 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 229
Reliant, now symbol of death, ON SCREEN.
KIRK
Time!
SAAVIK
Three minutes, thirty seconds.
KIRK
Distance from Reliant...
CHEKOV
Four hundred kilometers.
Kirk looks at David, but David shakes his head: No
way. Then:
CADET
Sir! The mains are back on line -- !
KIRK
Bless you, Scotty. Go, Saavik!
She increases power and --
230 EXT. SPACE NEBULA - SERIES OF SHOTS 230
A) With a burst of warp speed, Enterprise accelerates
out of the lazy pace and whooshes PUT OF SCENE,
leaving Reliant behind.
B) POV RELIANT
disappearing in the swirls of:
C) POV MUTARA NEBULA
which clears the flame and --
D) ENTERPRISE
roaring through space -- and:
E) RELIANT
The WHINE increases to fever pitch, then: she goes!
F) EXT. MUTARA NEBULA - MASTER EFFECT
As Reliant goes, so goes the nebula. The "Genesis
Effect" WE SAW in its earliest experiments, now
seems familiar on a gigantic, cosmic scale.
The blinding flash at first, followed by the same
tumbling turbulence of the miniature test. It is
awesome.
231 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 231
The bridge doors open and Carol appears. Instinctively
she draws near her son.
Finally, Kirk turns, sees Carol --
KIRK
Reduce speed. My God, Carl. Look
at it.
ON SCREEN and INTERCUT -- GENESIS TUMBLES and starts
evolving. A moment in history.
KIRK
(continuing, on
intercom)
Engine Room. Well done. Scotty?
BONES' VOICE
(after a beat)
Jim, you'd better get down here. Hurry.
The tone frightens Kirk.
KIRK
Saavik, take the con.
He moves through the doors quickly, leaving the rest
staring at the new world evolving.
232 INT. STAIRWAY TO ENGINE ROOM 232
It is endless. Kirk runs forever, feet pounding down,
down, down --
233 EXT. SPACE AND ON SCREEN 233
The clouds tumble and move, new things lie beyond --
234 INT. STAIRS 234
Kirk races --
235 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 235
Kirk emerges to encounter Scotty and Bones. Their
looks tell him. He sees the flashing light over the
Reactor Room. He dashes for the control panel. Bones
grabs him.
SCOTTY
No, sir! You'll flood the whole
compartment...!
KIRK
He'll die -- !
BONES
(also holds him)
He's dead already, Jim.
Kirk's eyes bulge.
KIRK
Oh, God.
236 ANGLE AT REACTOR ROOM GLASS DOOR 236
With stunned understanding, Kirk stumbles to the door,
sees Spock on his knees, hands blackened, face cracked
with radiation lines and scars.
Spock shakes his head. With a feeble hand he reaches
the intercom button: filtered communication.
KIRK
Spock!
SPOCK
The ship -- out of danger?
KIRK
Yes --
Spock is satisfied; he fights for breath --
SPOCK
Don't grieve, Admiral -- it's
logical: the good of the many
outweighs --
He almost keels over. Kirk has tears streaming down
his face.
KIRK
... the good of the few...
SPOCK
Or the one.
He props a hand on the glass to support himself. Kirk's
hand reflexively goes to match Spock's on the other side
of the glass --
SPOCK
(continuing)
I never took the Kobayashi Maru
test -- until now. What do you
think of my solution?
KIRK
Spock...!
SPOCK
I have been -- and always will be
-- your friend... Live. Long. And.
Prosper.
Spock falls. Bones and Scotty react.
KIRK
No...!
SAAVIK'S VOICE
(intercom)
Admiral, you've got to see this!
There's new life -- a whole new
world, a Genesis world -- !
But Kirk is past hearing or caring. He is huddled up
against the glass, destroyed. Bones looks on, helpless.
DISSOLVE TO:
237 EXT. SPACE 237
A spectacular look at Carol's planet being born!
238 OMITTED 238
239 CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL 239
the Ship's Company in full dress uniforms assembled for
ship's burial service. Over the PULLBACK, we HEAR:
KIRK
In accordance with the traditions
of Starfleet and of Article 184
Starfleet Regulations, we are
assembled here today to pay final
respects to our honored dead.
Carol and David are PROMINENTLY FEATURED. David watching
Kirk attentively. So are Sulu, Uhura, Chekov, and Saavik.
Bones stands next to Kirk. Scotty carries his bagpipes.
Saavik wears her hair down.
KIRK
(continuing)
And yet, in the midst of our sorrow
it should be noted that this death
takes place in the shadow of new
life, the sunrise of a new world,
a world that our beloved comrade
gave his own life to protect and
nourish. He did not feel that
sacrifice a vain or empty one --
and we will not debate his profound
wisdom, in these proceedings. Of
my friend, I can only say this, that
of all the souls I have encountered
in my travels, his was the most --
(he falters)
-- human.
He tries to go on, but catches Bones' face: Bones is
streaming tears. Kirk can't go on.
KIRK
(continuing)
Lieutenant Saavik.
240 OMITTED 240
241 ANGLE - THE GROUP 241
Saavik steps forward.
SAAVIK
We commend the soul of our brother
departed. We love we commit his
body to the depths of space.
SULU
Honors -- hup!
All Starfleet personnel salute. Scotty begins to PIPE,
an odd blare which mellows into Amazing Grace. Kirk
nods a signal.
242 THE CAPSULE 242
A gleaming black projectile is carried by pallbearers
into the launching chamber, which locks behind it. At
a hand signal from a TORPEDOMAN, the projectile is fired.
NOISE.
243 EXT. SPACE 243
Spock's remains seen on their way to the new world.
The capsule grows too small to SEE. The bagpipes STOP.
244 INT. TORPEDO ROOM 244
SULU
Return -- hup!
The salute drop.
KIRK
Lieutenant.
She steps to him and they exchange salutes --
KIRK
(continuing; very
quietly)
After you dismiss the company, you
will take the watch. Set course
for Ceti Alpha V and we'll pick up
survivors.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
KIRK
I'll be in my quarters if needed,
but I would prefer...
SAAVIK
Understood, sir.
KIRK
(aloud)
Dismiss the company.
They salute. She about-faces as Kirk walks towards
the Turbo Lift. Saavik issues dismissal and posting
orders, but WE TRUCK with Kirk until CAMERA STOPS and
he leaves FRAME and WE HOLD on David. He finally
understands.
245 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 245
After a long moment, the CAMERA DISCOVERS Kirk. He
pours a drink, then decides not to have it.
He sits wearily, not knowing how to shake the ghosts.
Then he sees the book.
Kirk picks up the battered volume, the gift from his
friend, and closes his eyes a moment. Almost idly
he starts turning pages, looking for a clue. But he
can't see the writing -- he rummages through his
pockets and pulls out the half-glasses --
One of the lenses is broken. It has a deep impact on
Kirk. He puts down the book and glasses and covers
his eyes.
A SOFT BONG. Kirk clears his throat.
KIRK
Yes... come.
The door whooshes open and closes to admit David. The
last person Kirk expected to see.
DAVID
I don't mean to intrude.
KIRK
Uh, no...
(rises)
I should be on the bridge.
DAVID
Are you running away from me?
David's strength is turning a corner with Kirk --
KIRK
I suppose I was.
(pause)
I poured a drink. Would you like
it?
DAVID
No. I -- I guess I'm not what you
expected.
KIRK
(rueful)
I didn't expect anything.
DAVID
That makes two of us.
(he studies his
father)
Lieutenant Saavik was right: you
never have faced death --
KIRK
(hoarse)
Not like this -- no. I haven't faced
death, I cheated death. I tricked
my way out of death and patted myself
on the back for my ingenuity. I
know nothing.
DAVID
You knew enough to tell Saavik that
how we face death is at least as
important as how we face life --
KIRK
It was just words.
DAVID
But good words. That's where ideas
begin. Maybe you should listen to
them.
KIRK
I'm trying, David.
DAVID
So am I. My friends were killed,
too.
KIRK
I am truly sorry.
Pause. They study each other.
DAVID
I was wrong about you. And I'm
sorry.
KIRK
Is that what you came here to say?
DAVID
Mainly.
(he starts out,
then turns -- )
And also that I'm proud -- very
proud -- to be your son.
A stunned moment, then Kirk lets it all hang out: for
David, for Carol and for Spock. He hugs his son, hold-
ing onto him as if to life itself.
246 EXT. SPACE 246
The Enterprise passes the new planet in all its beauty.
247 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 247
The door whooshes. Kirk strides on the bridge, David
with him. Carol is there with Bones; they are glad at
what they see.
SAAVIK
Admiral on the bridge!
KIRK
As you were, Mr. Saavik.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir. On course to Ceti Alpha.
All is well.
KIRK
Good, I believe you already know
my, uh, son --
Saavik comes close to blushing --
KIRK
(continuing)
Yes, well, why don't you show him
around and...
SAAVIK
Aye, sir --
She takes him off, deadpan amusement --
SAAVIK
(continuing)
So you turn out to be the dumb
bastard.
They stare at her.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
That is a little joke.
Kirk has a smile. He joins Bones and Carol facing the
screen.
BONES
She's changed her hair again.
(pause)
Will you look at that? Think
they'll name it for you, Doctor?
CAROL
Not if I can help it. We'll name
it for our friend.
KIRK
(quietly)
It is a far far better thing I do
than I have ever done before... a
far better resting place I go to
than I have ever known...
CAROL
(soft)
Is that a poem?
KIRK
Something Spock was trying to
tell me. On my birthday.
He shakes his head, remembering --
BONES
You okay, Jim? How do you feel?
KIRK
(considers; smiles)
Young. I feel young, Doctor.
He turns to Saavik and David --
KIRK
(continuing)
Lieutenant, new course: 'Second
star to the right and straight on
till morning.'
The bridge crackles with lights and CHATTER as we...
CUT TO:
247A THE VIEWSCREEN 247A
AND GO THROUGH TO:
248 EXT. SPACE FINALE (BOARDED) 248
SPOCK'S VOICE
Space, the final frontier... These
are the continuing voyages of the
Starship Enterprise... Her ongoing
mission: to explore strange new
worlds... to seek out new life and
new civilizations... To boldly go
where no man has gone before...
She is moving out now, passing CAMERA and heading
toward the distant stars. She is beautiful and they
are beautiful. And as she slowly disappears from
VIEW...
MUSIC RISES. CREDITS ROLL.
THE END