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 protégé'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 protégé) 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