Screenplay by Nicholas Meyer & Denny Martin Flinn Story by Leonard Nimoy & Nicholas Meyer Fifth Draft 12/28/90 CONFIDENTIAL DO NOT PHOTOCOPY UNDER ANY CONDITIONS TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF THIS SCRIPT: We are determined to protect the secrecy of our materials, and of our project. 1. Your script is numbered and is for your use alone. 2. In addition to your script number in each page, all scripts have been coded (by number) by a method known only to this office. Reproduction of all or part of these materials will be traceable. Needless to say, if you have this script, you are a colleague in our mutual endeavor. Please take care of your material and treat it with the confidentially it deserves. Thank you. Distribution 2/15/91 R. Winter Star Trek VI/Script It has come to my attention that unauthorized copies of the STAR TREK VI script have been made and distributed. Requests for copies of the script should only be made through my office (956-5797) Each script has been assigned both a number and an internal code, which allows us to trace the script even if the red number written on each page is somehow removed. A wide distribution of the script weakens the impact that STAR TREK can have at the box office. Please return your script to my office if it is not essential to the making of this film. Please understand that this is necessary to help us deliver a fresh movie to our dedicated audience. Please help us maintain the secrecy of our project. Thank you for your help and cooperation. /rrb ...................................................................... 1 STARFIELD 1 VFX VFX Credits OVER serene space when SUDDENLY... an enormous EXPLOSION, sending debris FLYING at WARP velocities... 2 OMITTED 2 VFX VFX 3 CU A TEACUP 3 WIDEN TO REVEAL INT. BRIDGE, USS EXCELSIOR The polyglot CREW is busy. Seated in the CAPTAIN'S CHAIR, a familiar face: SULU. He has his own command and is drinking a CUP of tea. The SCIENCE OFFICER stands next to him, conferring, handing him a datacount. Sulu muses over the contents. SULU According to this we've completed our exploration of the entire sector. SCIENCE OFFICER Fifty-four planets - and their gaseous atmospheric anomalies. Our sensing and analytic equipment worked well. SULU Then it's time we were heading home. Three years is... The ship starts to TREMBLE. 4 ANGLE ON SULU'S TEA CUP 4 shaking in its saucer... Sulu and the CREW look at each other as the SHAKING increases. The TEACUP SMASHES. SCIENCE OFFICER I have an energy wave from 240 degrees mark six port -- SULU Visual! 4 ON THE SCREEN 4 VFX VFX an ENORMOUS GASEOUS WAVE, a subspace shock front. SULU (continuing) My God. SHIELDS. 5 EXT. THE GALAXY 5 VFX VFX Meteors and asteroids SMASHING PAST. Burning chunks fly by at WARP speeds. EXCELSIOR reels. 6 INT. USS EXCELSIOR BRIDGE 6 The ship rolls, throwing everyone off balance. SULU What the Hell is going on? The crew jumps to. Computers light up. Information flies across screens and monitors. The ship is BATTERED like a fighter's punching bag with shocks and jolts and tremors. 7 INT. CREW'S QUARTERS, GALLEY CORRIDORS, ETC. 7 Sleeping members are thrown from their berths. The CLAXON alarm sounds pervasively... CREW etc. What the -- Look out -- stations -- etc. 8 INT. EXCELSIOR BRIDGE 8 LOJUR Captain, she's not answering her helm -- SULU Starboard thrusters. Turn her into the wave! 9 INT. EXCELSIOR ENGINE ROOM 9 Chaos. Valves hiss PURPLE. Crew running, knocked about. ENGINEER Engine room. What's going on up -- 10 INT. EXCELSIOR BRIDGE 10 SULU Quarter impulse power! EXCELSIOR has been knocked about and everyone on the bridge is holding on or sliding around. She settles and one by one her CREW resume their stations. SULU Damage report. VOICE Seems to be in one piece, Captain. We're checking all systems... 10 THE SCREEN 10 VFXA VFXA shows Excelsior getting bumped about by the final fragments drifting past, bouncing off the shields. SULU (to Science Officer) Don't tell me that was any meteor shower. SCIENCE OFFICER (over his console) Negative. The subspace shockwave originated at bearing three-two- three, mark seven-five, the location is... (turns to Sulu) Praxis. A Klingon moon. Barren of indigenous life forms but - SULU Essential as a resource. Praxis is their key energy production facility. (thinks) Send to Klingon High Command: "This is Excelsior, a Federation Starship traveling through Beta Quadrant. We have monitored a large explosion in your sector. Do you require assistance?" COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Aye, sir. SULU Mr. Valtane, any more data? SCIENCE OFFICER I have confirmed the location, sir, but... SULU What is it? SCIENCE OFFICER ... I cannot confirm the existence of Praxis. Sulu reacts, goes over to the science console and looks at the screen. Nothing there. SULU Praxis? SCIENCE OFFICER What's left of it. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Captain, I'm getting a message from Klingon High Command. SULU Onscreen. 11 ON SCREEN: 11 a snowy picture of a WILD-EYED KLINGON OFFICER. OFFICER This is an emergency! We have suffered - He looks around, the GROUND is shaking under him; as Sulu watches, the pictures collapse, then comes on again, with a different face. KERLA This is Brigadier Kerla, speaking for the High Command. There has been an incident on Praxis. However everything is under control. We have no need for assistance. Obey treaty stipulations and remain outside the Neutral Zone. Transmission ends now. 12 The screen goes black. Sulu looks incredulous. 12 SULU An INCIDENT? COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Do we report this, sir? SULU Are you kidding? (swivels to the communications officer) Send to Starfleet Command... 13 EXT. SPACE 13 VFX VFX Excelsior warps off into the galaxy. 14 OMITTED 14 THRU THRU 22 22 22A CU STARFLEET SHIELD 22A Kirk walks into shot. KIRK What are we doing here? WIDEN TO REVEAL 23 INT. STARFLEET BRIEFING ROOM - DAY 23 The room fills with BEMEDALED BRASS, Kirk's CREW among them - the only starship complement in the room. They can't help looking at each other, questioning. They are in uniforms. BONES Search me. Anybody know how come we made the A list? UHURA My shore leave was just cancelled. (reacting) Isn't this just for top brass? CHEKOV Where is Mr. Sulu? KIRK Captain Sulu... on assignment... anyone seen Spock? A door opens and STARFLEET ADMIRAL DONALD, austere and impressive, enters and gavels the meeting to order. ADMIRAL DONALD This briefing is classified. There will be no recording devices. Ladies and Gentlemen, the C-in-C. All rise as the STARFLEET COMMANDER IN CHIEF enters with a briefcase and pulls materials from it. CinC As you were. I'll make this as simple as I possibly can. The Klingon empire has roughly 50 years of life left to it. They look at each other in disbelief. CinC (continuing) For full details, I am turning this briefing over to our Special Federation Envoy. He makes a sign and another door opens. Spock walks to the podium. Kirk and company are astounded. SPOCK Good morning. VFX OMITTED VFX SPOCK (continuing) Two months ago a Federation Starship monitored an explosion on the Klingon moon Praxis. We believe it was caused by over mining and insufficient safety precautions. The moon's decimation means an almost eighty percent loss of available energy and a deadly pollution of their ozone. Due to their large military expenditures, the Klingon economy is in a very weakened condition. They do not have sufficient resources to manufacture air shelters in large enough quantities to sustain anything like their current population. Last month - at the behest of the, uh, Vulcan Ambassador - I opened a dialogue with Gorkon, Chancellor of the Klingon High Council. He proposes to commence negotiations at once. ADMIRAL DONALD Negotiations for what? SPOCK The dismantling of our space stations and star bases along the Neutral Zone, an end to seventy years of unremitting hostility - a hostility the Klingons can no longer afford. Audible mutterings. PAN the crew. Is the war over? SPOCK (continuing) If the Klingons sue for peace, we could accumulate savings in defense expenditures, leaving the Federation economy free to grapple with urgent social problems... A MILITARY MAN Bill, are we talking about mothballing the Starfleet? CinC I'm sure our exploration and science programs would not be affected, but the facts speak for themselves, Captain. ADMIRAL DONALD I must protest. To offer the Klingons a safe haven within Federation space is suicide. Klingons would become the alien trash of the galaxy. And if we dismantle the fleet, we'd be defenseless before a bellicose people with a foothold on our territory. The opportunity which presents itself here is to embargo trading, force them to run through their own resources faster, and bring them to their knees. Then we'll be in a far better position to dictate terms. A vocal minority of the briefing supports this, but not all. Kirk simply stares at Spock. CinC Starfleet is under civilian control, Admiral. The decision is a political not a military one - and it's been made. KIRK Sir - CinC Captain Kirk? KIRK (eyes Spock briefly) Sir, I'm no diplomat, but the Klingons have never been trustworthy. I'm forced to agree with Admiral Donald. This is - (he gropes for tact) - a terrible, a terrifying idea... CinC Your son was killed by a Klingon, wasn't he, Captain? KIRK Yes, sir. CinC I'm sorry. But Commander Spock has persuaded the Federation that this situation is too promising to ignore. SPOCK It is imperative that we act NOW to support the Gorkon initiative, lest more conservative elements persuade his empire that it would be better to attempt a military solution and die fighting. CinC Captain Kirk, you are to be our first olive branch. KIRK Me? SPOCK We have volunteered to rendezvous with the Klingon ship that's bringing Chancellor Gorkon here, and escort him safely through Federation space. Kirk is too startled to speak. CinC As it happens, Kirk, the Chancellor specifically requested you and your officers. KIRK Why, in God's name? CinC There are some Klingons who feel the same about the peace treaty as yourself and Admiral Donald. They'll think twice about attacking the Enterprise under your command. SPOCK I have personally vouched for you in this matter, Captain. KIRK You have personally - CinC You will accord Chancellor Gorkon full diplomatic Courtesy, Captain Kirk. KIRK (straining) Surely a full Ambassador would be better equipped to - CinC If there's no further business I wish you and your crew Godspeed. Thank you all. He charges out as ALL RISE. Everyone files out. ADMIRAL DONALD I don't know whether to congratulate you or not, Jim. He moves off before Kirk can reply. The room is empty... except for Spock, still at the podium and Kirk sitting alone in the auditorium. He is furious, betrayed. Spock knows it. KIRK WE volunteered? SPOCK There's an old Vulcan proverb: only Nixon could go to China. KIRK (incensed) How could you vouch for me? That's... (words fail him) ... arrogant presumption - SPOCK I was asked by my father to open neg- KIRK I know your father's the Vulcan Ambassador for heaven's sake, but you know how I feel about this: they're animals. SPOCK Jim, there is an historic opportunity here - KIRK DON'T TRUST THEM. DON'T BELIEVE THEM - SPOCK They're dying. KIRK LET THEM DIE. Spock looks at him in silent reproach. Kirk hears himself and doesn't like it. KIRK (and what's more) Has it occurred to you that this crew is due for retirement in three months? WE'VE DONE OUR BIT FOR KING AND COUNTRY. Spock is patient. They stare at each other. ON Kirk's face. KIRK (finally) You should have trusted me. 24 OMITTED (POSS. ALTERNATE) 24 & & 24 VFX 24 VFX 25 INT. THE BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE 25 The elevator doors open. An attractive VULCAN LIEUTENANT leaps out of the command chair, whips to attention. BONES Well, I've heard some whoppers in my time... UHURA (overlaps) They're mothballing the fleet? CHEKOV (overlaps) We will regret this... LT. SAAVIK Captain on the bridge. The CREW stands to. KIRK As you were. Lieutenant...? LT. SAAVIK Saavik, sir. We were told you'd need a helmsman - (to Spock) ... so I volunteered. She salutes. He smiles, returns the salute. SPOCK Lieutenant, I am pleased to see you. (to Kirk) The Lieutenant is the first Vulcan to be graduated at the top of her class as the Academy. KIRK Congratulations, Lieutenant. That must make you very proud... LT. SAAVIK I don't believe so, sir. BONES She's a Vulcan all right. KIRK (down to business) All right, let's get this over with... departure stations... (pushes the comm) Scotty? They assume their familiar stations. SCOTTY'S VOICE Aye, sir? KIRK You find the engine room? SCOTTY'S VOICE Right where I left it, sir. KIRK Standby. Get me the dock master, Uhura. UHURA Control tower, reading, Sir. KIRK Control, this is Enterprise requesting permission to depart. VOICE OVER This is control. Enterprise, you are granted permission to depart... 30 seconds for port gates... LT. SAAVIK Clear all moorings... KIRK Awaiting port gates from this mark. FILTERED VOICE Mooring lines cleared... LT. SAAVIK Aft thrusters - KIRK (overlaps) Thank you. Lieutenant, one quarter impulse power... LT. SAAVIK (she turns to face him) Captain, may I remind you that regulations specify thrusters only while in space dock? The CREW - old and young - watch this exchange keenly. Spock is poker faced BONES (next to Chekov) Uh, Jim... KIRK You heard the order, Lieutenant. Saavik swivels away, rolling her eyes so Kirk can't see and hits the panel - The ship begins to rattle slightly, then 26 EXT. SPACE DOCK 26 VFX VFX the Enterprise SCREAMS out of the dock and exits through the just-opening bay doors into outer space. 27 OMITTED 27 THRU THRU 29 29 30 INT. BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE - NIGHT 30 Kirk sits comfortably with a smile on his face. KIRK (continuing) Lieutenant... Saavik faces him. KIRK (continuing) ... I don't care if I'm senile. If I sit in this chair and give the word you jump. Spock watches. LT. SAAVIK Aye, sir. KIRK Plot a course for Kronos, Lieutenant. LT. SAAVIK (startled) Kronos, sir? KIRK I'm still in the chair, Lieutenant. LT. SAAVIK Aye, sir. Other reactions. Kirk has taken command. 31 EXT. SPACE 31 VFX VFX Enterprise cruises purposefully through the void. KIRK'S VOICE OVER Captain's log. Stardate 8679.225. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks - and maybe they're right. It seems to me our mission to escort the Chancellor of the Klingon High Council to a peace summit is problematic at best. 32 INT. KIRK'S CABIN 32 Kirk is unpacking his bag as he dictates, hanging up his uniforms, his shaving tackle going next to the sink, etc. KIRK (continuing) I have never trusted Klingons and never will. I have never been able to forgive them for the murder of my boy. Spock says this could be an historic moment and I'd like to believe him, but how on earth can history get past people like me? He sets up a photo of DAVID next to his berth. A delicate COUGH. Kirk realizes he's not alone. Swivels to face LIEUTENANT SAAVIK standing in the bulkhead doorway. LT. SAAVIK Sorry - KIRK Come on, Saavik, you COULD knock - LT. SAAVIK We're almost at the rendezvous - I thought you'd want to know... KIRK Right - He gets up and puts on his jacket. She watches. LT. SAAVIK Permission to speak freely, sir? He doesn't stop her. LT. SAAVIK (continuing) I gather you are not enthusiastic about the assignment... I don't think many on board are. KIRK You piloted well out of spacedock, Lieutenant - LT. SAAVIK (almost smiles) I always wanted to try that. KIRK (passing her) Only don't try putting words in my mouth. And leaves her with that. 33 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SPOCK'S QUARTERS 33 Saavik approaches; this time she's smart enough to KNOCK. SPOCK'S VOICE Enter. 34 INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS 34 In contrast with his Spartan personality, the room is a voluptuous incense-laden lair, filled with curtains and smoke. Spock lights a votive candle; surveys her. He is out of uniform. SPOCK You have done well, Saavik. As your sponsor at the Academy I have followed your career with... satisfaction. And as a Vulcan. LT. SAAVIK (intense) Sir, I speak to you as a kindred intellect. Do you not recognize that a turning point has been reached in the affairs of the Federation? SPOCK I am not certain such speculations are included among your duties, Lieutenant. VOICE FILTERED Klingon battlecruiser off the port bow. All hands on deck. Repeat... She's startled. SPOCK (off her look) In time you may come to view so- called turning points with... skepticism. He starts to get into uniform. SPOCK (continuing) You must have faith. LT. SAAVIK Faith...? SPOCK That the universe will unfold as it should. 35 INT. BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE 35 The cruise is proceeding evenly as Kirk arrives out of one turbo-lift. Spock and Lt. Saavik emerge from another. VOICE Captain on the bridge. CHEKOV Captain, shall we raise our shields? Spock looks at Kirk: trust me. Kirk scowls at him and stares at the screen. They all follow his gaze. 35 THE MAIN DISPLAY 35 VFX VFX A KLINGON battlecruiser. HUGE. KIRK (finally) Never been this close. SPOCK The Chancellor is undoubtedly awaiting our signal. Boy is this hard for Kirk - finally: KIRK Uhura, hailing frequencies. Right standard rudder, bring us alongside... LT. SAAVIK Right standard rudder, Z plus five degrees... UHURA Channel open, Captain. KIRK This is the Starship Enterprise, Captain James Kirk commanding. 36 GORKON comes up on the main visual display. 36 GORKON This is KRONOS One. I am Chancellor Gorkon. KIRK Chancellor. We've been ordered to escort you through Federation space to your meeting place on Earth. GORKON Thank you, Captain. KIRK (does his best) Uh, would you and your party care to dine this evening aboard Enterprise with my officers as guests of the United Federation of Planets? 37 A few of the crew look around at Kirk. 37 GORKON We'd be delighted to accept your gracious invitation. KIRK (nuts) We'll make arrangements to have you beamed aboard at 1930 hours. GORKON I shall look forward to it. He disappears. Kirk turns to Spock. KIRK I hope you're happy. LT. SAAVIK Captain. He turns. LT. SAAVIK (continuing) - there is a supply of Romulan ale aboard - it might make the evening pass more... smoothly? Kirk smiles, relieved. KIRK Officer thinking, Lieutenant. 38 AT THE COMMUNICATION CONSOLE 38 Chekov leans over to Uhura. CHEKOV Guess who is coming to dinner. 39 EXT. SPACE 39 VFX VFX Both ships cruise parallel in space. 40 INT. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM 40 Scotty stands by the console. Kirk, Spock and Bones stand next to him. They are spiffed up. SCOTTY Maybe if their particles just got a wee bit mixed... KIRK Energize... 40 The beams reflect on the glass shield as half dozen 40 VFX Klingons, including one WOMAN start materializing. VFX (NB Separate BEAM-INS for Gorkon, Azetbur, Chang). Gorkon descends first. He is tall, splendidly barbaric. KIRK Chancellor Gorkon. The Klingons are lordly, formal; bow, taking in their surroundings. An ELECTRONIC BOSUN'S WHISTLE pipes them. KIRK (continuing) Chancellor, may I present Commander Spock, whom I believe you know, Dr. Leonard McCoy, chief medical officer, Montgomery Scott, chief engineer... GORKON (to Spock) Commander, face to face at last.. you have my thanks.. Spock bows. GORKON (continuing) Gentlemen, this is my daughter Azetbur... my military advisor Brigadier Kerla... and this is General Chang my chief of staff. Chang wears a PATCH over one eye. He advances on Kirk with a grim smile, lone eyeball to eyeball. CHANG I've always wanted to meet you, Captain. KIRK (smiles) I'm not sure how to take that. KERLA Sincere admiration, Kirk - CHANG (soft) As one warrior to another... KIRK (ducks this) Uh, right this way, gentlemen. I thought you might enjoy a brief tour... The party leaves. As they move past TWO CREWMEN... 1st CREWMAN They all look alike. 2ND CREWMAN What about that smell? You know only the top of the line models can even talk. They turn to find themselves facing an expressionless Lieutenant Saavik. LT. SAAVIK You men have work? 1st CREWMAN Yes, sir. LT. SAAVIK Then snap to it. 41 INT. R DECK CORRIDOR 41 leaving the Enterprise Science Labs... GORKON Your research laboratory is most impressive... KIRK Starfleet's been charting and cataloging planetary atmospheres. All vessels are equipped with chemical analytic sensors... GORKON This cannot be easy for you, Captain... (off the look) I would feel awkward if I had to give you a tour of OUR vessel... The man's courtesy makes Kirk feel guilty... KIRK Would you care to go topside? CHANG Very much. CHEKOV (pulling Kirk aside) Captain, you're not going to show them the bridge?? KIRK (clenched teeth) Full diplomatic courtesy, Mr. Chekov... The party passes Uhura and a YOUNGER CREWMAN. YOUNGER CREWMAN Would you want your daughter to marry one? 42 OMITTED 42 42 REPEAT 39 VFX 42 VFX VFX THE TWO SHIPS CRUISE PARALLEL 43 INT. OFFICERS' MESS, ENTERPRISE 43 A WINDOW IRISES OPEN REVEALING the stars gliding by. A HAND POURS DEEP BLUE ROMULAN ALE into Gorkon's crystal goblet. Dinner well underway. Principles from both parties are at table. STEWARDS keep food and drink in motion. GORKON I give you a toast: the undiscovered country - (off their looks) the future. All drink ROMULAN ALE, echoing "the undiscovered country." The KLINGONS eat with their fingers, scorning utensils. SPOCK HAMLET, act three, scene one. GORKON You have never experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon. Chang turns to Kirk with a malicious twinkle. CHANG "To be or not to be, that is the question" which preoccupies our people, Captain Kirk. We need BREATHING room... KIRK I beg your pardon? KERLA Captain Kirk, I thought Romulan ale was illegal. It takes Kirk a moment to regain his composure. KIRK One of the advantages of being a thousand light years from Federation headquarters. Silence. BONES To you, Chancellor Gorkon: one of the architects of our future. All drink. As Romulan ale flows throughout the scene, tongues get looser. Gorkon WATCHES. SCOTTY Perhaps we are looking at something of that future here. AZETBUR Commander Spock, mindful of all your work behind the scenes, and despite the cordiality at this mess, I do not sense an acceptance of our people throughout your ship. SPOCK They're naturally wary, ma'am. We've been at war a long time. UHURA How do both sides overcome ingrained prejudice? CHEKOV Perhaps with a few small steps at a time. Like this one. BONES And perhaps with a large step or two. Like a peace treaty. CHANG Captain Kirk, are you willing to give up Starfleet? Kirk stares. SPOCK (looks at Kirk) I believe the Captain feels that Starfleet's mission has always been one of peace - KIRK (glares) Far be it for me to dispute my first officer. Starfleet has always - CHANG Come now, Captain, this dinner is off the record: in space all warriors are cold warriors. SCOTTY We have never tried to -- KERLA You hypocritically presume that your democratic system gives you a moral prerogative to force other cultures to conform to your politics. BONES That's not true...! KERLA No? Uhura turns to the Klingon next to her - all tact. UHURA General, are YOU fond of Shakespeare? He looks at her, his hands and mouth full of food. Ugh. Chekov pursues - CHEKOV We do NOT impose democracy on others. We do believe that every planet has a sovereign claim to human rights. AZETBUR (spits) "Human rights." Even the name is racist. The Federation is basically a "homo sapiens" only club... SPOCK reacts to this. Chang is amused. CHANG Present company excepted, to be sure... UHURA Well, I suppose we're not perfect - SCOTTY (rising) Don't let them put words in your mouth - ! I haven't served 30 years in the engine room of a starship to be accused of gunboat diplomacy! KERLA In any case, we know where this is leading: the annihilation of our culture. Klingons will replace those on the lowest rung of the Federation employment ladder, taking menial jobs and performing them for lower pay... CHEKOV That's economics, not racism - UHURA But you have to admit it adds up to the same thing. BONES Don't be naive, Commander -! UHURA Who you calling naive -? Kirk stares sullenly down the table throughout this. CHEKOV We're explorers not diplomats! BONES Starfleet's killed an awful lot of natural phenomena in the name of "exploration"... SCOTTY We follow orders... CHEKOV Since when has THAT been an excuse? Diplomacy must resolve these - SCOTTY Right - leave it to the politicians to muck it up and leave us defenseless...! A COUGH interrupts the fight. All eyes on Gorkon. The Klingons conceal their amusement. GORKON (finally) Well. I see we have a long way to go. Reactions from Kirk and his officers. 44 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM, ENTERPRISE 44 Both parties are gathered, saying goodbyes. GORKON Thank you, Captain Kirk. The evening has been most... edifying. KIRK (wooden) We must do this again soon. Gorkon stares at him, smiles slightly. GORKON You don't trust me. Kirk can't look at him. GORKON (continuing) I don't blame you. If there IS to be a Brave New World, we old people will have the hardest time living in it. Commander Spock. SPOCK Chancellor. A pleasure to meet you, Ma'am. AZETBUR Captain, Commander... KIRK General Chang, a pleasure... CHANG (grins) "Parting is such sweet sorrow, shall we say goodnight till it be morrow?" Kirk is ready to slug him but turns his fist into a SALUTE. The Klingons step on the transporter platform. Chang speaks into his communicator, nods to Kirk. KIRK Energize. 44 They disappear. The Bosun's whistle. 44 VFX VFX SCOTTY Thank God. CHEKOV Did you see the way they ate? Terrible table manners. SPOCK I don't believe our own conduct will distinguish us in the annals of diplomacy... KIRK I'm going to sleep it off. Let me know if there's some other way we can screw up tonight. He starts out; others follow... 45 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 45 He comes in slightly drunk and pushes the button on his log. Lies on his bunk and speaks. The SHIP'S BELLS give 0100. KIRK Captain's log. Stardate 8679.15. The Enterprise hosted Chancellor Gorkon and company for dinner last night. Our manners were not exactly Emily Post. Note to the galley: Romulan ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions. He leans back, sighs, thinking - KIRK (continuing) But is wasn't the ale. That was just the excuse we needed to say all the things that were really on our minds... SPOCK'S VOICE (filtered) Captain Kirk, you are wanted on the bridge. Captain Kirk... Kirk reacts, tries to shake himself awake. 46 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 46 Kirk enters. Glances at the main visual display: the 46 battlecruiser still travels silently alongside. 46 VFXA VFXA Saavik still has the conn. Spock is at his post. SPOCK Captain. KIRK (rubs his eyes) What is it? SPOCK I am uncertain. KIRK Spock, I'm really tired... SPOCK We are reading an enormous amount of neutron radiation. KIRK (tries to focus) Where? SPOCK Curiously it appears to emanate from us. KIRK From Enterprise? Spock remains silent. Kirk is disturbed, paces, watching the displays. KIRK Saavik, you know anything about a neutron energy surge? LT. SAAVIK Sir? KIRK Mr. Chekov, anything unusual? CHEKOV Just the size of my head - KIRK I know what you mean... 46 A photon TORPEDO suddenly streaks from the bottom of 46 VFXB the screen and hits the hull of the President's VFXB flagship! KIRK What the - SPOCK We've fired on the Chancellor's ship - CHEKOV Torpedo room--? KIRK Uhura, monitor! LT. SAAVIK Direct hit - UHURA Confirmed, Captain! 46 A second photon shoots out from the bottom of the 46 VFXC display screen toward the President's ship VFXC KIRK (frantic) Who's doing that? Saavik hits panel controls, trying to find out... 47 INT. GORKON'S STATEROOM, KLINGON FLAGSHIP 47 Gorkon, several advisors and soldiers were seated but the impact has thrown them about. They speak SUBTITLED KLINGON. The entire FLAGSHIP is drenched in AMBER emergency LIGHT. ADVISOR We're hit --! Another blast. They start floating helplessly in the air! Everything mobile RISES...WEAPONS FLOAT OUT OF REACH... SOLDIER Gravity generator! 48 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM, FLAGSHIP 48 CLOSE ON 48 TWO SETS OF HEAVY GRAVITY BOOTS as they materialize. 48 VFXA The legs inside them wear STARFLEET UNIFORMS and VFXA carry PHASERS at their sides. They SHOOT the Klingon Transporter OFFICER. They STOMP HEAVILY through the ALARMS and chaos, firing at the helpless, floating CREW... CRIES of wounded... WEAPONS FLOAT out of their holsters just out of reach in the AMBER LIGHT... 48 KLINGON BLOOD FLOATS IN THE AIR 48 VFXB VFXB 49 INT. FLAGSHIP CORRIDOR 49 where Klingon crew are FLOATING helplessly. The GRAVITY BOOTS shoot anything in their way, WALK ON WALLS, etc. as they hurry along to 50 INT. GORKON'S STATEROOM, FLAGSHIP 50 where they BLAST a GUARD at the door, SEVERING HIS ARM and enter. The KLINGONS have weapons but are floating and unable to aim. They are quickly shot as the two HIT MEN make their way toward Gorkon. 50 BLOOD NOW FLOATS about as well as debris in the 50 VFX crackling emergency lighting. A good deal of HISSING VFX STEAM... Chancellor Gorkon is shot. The Hit Men turn and exit quickly. Linger on a scene of WEIGHTLESS carnage and assassination. 51 INT. FLAGSHIP CORRIDOR - NIGHT 51 The Hit Men hurry back the way they came in their 51 awkward magnetic boots. Bodies and blood floating 51 VFX around them VFX 52 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM, FLAGSHIP 52 52 The HEAVY BOOTS step on the platform and de-materialize. 52 VFX VFX (One FOOT TREADS ON FLOATING KLINGON BLOOD) 53 INT. BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE 53 53 A snowy picture on the visual display, then Chang comes 53 VFXA on (still in AMBER LIGHT)... VFXA CHANG (He's screaming in Klingon, reverting to his native language under stress.) UHURA He says we've fired on them in a blatant act of war. KIRK We HAVEN'T fired - SPOCK According to the data bank, we HAVE - twice... LT. SAAVIK Captain, they're coming about! 53 ONSCREEN 53 VFXB VFXB the battlecruiser/flagship now heading for Enterprise. SPOCK They're preparing to fire. CHEKOV Shields up, Captain --? Kirk hasn't moved. He's staring at the display, thinking. LT. SAAVIK Captain, our shields -- ! KIRK Uhura, signal our surrender. UHURA Captain -- KIRK WE SURRENDER. UHURA This is Enterprise. We surrender. Repeat Enterprise surrenders -- CHEKOV Captain, if they fire at us with our shields down -- KIRK Torpedo bay! DID we fire those torpedoes? 54 OMITTED 54 55 INT. ENTERPRISE TORPEDO BAY 55 Scotty at the console. SCOTTY Negative, Captain. According to Inventory we're still fully loaded. 56 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 56 ANGLE ON SPOCK reacting. How can this be? He checks DATA BANKS again. 56 CU DATA BANKS: they reconfirm - two photon torpedoes 56 VFX fired. VFX KIRK Stand down your weapons. SCOTTY Captain, if -- 57 ANOTHER ANGLE 57 KIRK Stand DOWN, Mr. Scott. All stop. That's an order. SCOTTY Aye, sir. Bones hurries in, carrying his stuff. BONES What the Hell's going on? KIRK I wish I knew. Uhura? UHURA It's pretty chaotic over there. There's been some weapons fire and a lot of shouting... KIRK I'm going aboard. Spock, you have the conn. He heads for the transporter room. Spock blocks him. SPOCK (blocks Kirk) I am responsible for involving you in this. I will go. KIRK (bitter) I'M going. You are going to be responsible for getting me out of this. Meantime we're not going to be the instigators of a full-scale war on the eve of universal peace. SPOCK Perhaps you're right. And Spock uncharacteristically pats him on the back. SPOCK (continuing) Good luck, Captain. BONES I'm going too. They may need a doctor. KIRK Uhura, tell them we're coming. And tell them we're unarmed. They hurry out. 58 INT. GORKON'S STATEROOM, FLAGSHIP 58 Chang and his ASSISTANTS are trying to sort things out without gravity. Chang shouts efficient orders in Klingon as he finds and tries to help Gorkon... Chang keeps himself upright by grabbing a handhold, but the stricken are still floating... A few more orders from Chang, then the lights flicker, then all the bodies and BLOOD slam to the ground as the gravitational source is restored. Lighting is "NORMAL." 59 INT. FLAGSHIP TRANSPORTER ROOM 59 VFX VFX Kirk and Bones materialize. They are quickly surrounded by ARMED SOLDIERS. Kirk puts his hands out to indicate they are not carrying weapons. They are searched as Kerla enters. KERLA Have you lost your mind? KIRK I give you my word I don't understand what has happened. BONES We're here to help... KERLA (hesitates; furious) Follow me. He leads them along the 60 INT. FLAGSHIP CORIDOR 60 same path - a scene of destruction - which the hit men took, right into 61 INT. GORKON'S STATEROOM, FLAGSHIP 61 where dead and wounded are being separated. Kerla hurries over to Gorkon, askew on a rug, blood running everywhere. Azetbur is holding him, now bloody herself (she wasn't in the room during the assassination). BONES Chancellor Gorkon! He goes to him immediately. Chang rises from next to Gorkon. KIRK My God, what happened here? CHANG You feign ignorance? KIRK WHAT HAPPENED? CHANG You crippled our gravitational field with a direst torpedo hit, and two Starfleet crewmen beamed aboard in magnetic boots and did this! WE HAVE WITNESSES! Kirk has no response, is shocked. BONES Jim! Bones is being held back from Gorkon by two Klingons. KIRK He's a DOCTOR! CHANG How can I trust -- BONES Are you carrying a surgeon? CHANG (enraged) We were until your torpedoes! BONES Then let me help! Chang hesitates; signals. Bones is released. BONES I need some light. Can we get him onto the table...? KLINGONS lift Gorkon onto his table; someone produces LIGHT. Bones whips out his medical scanner. His hands are SHAKING. A spage-age REMBRANDT painting. BONES Sweet Jesus...! He's lost a lot of whatever this stuff is... KIRK Can you - ? BONES Jim, I don't even know his anatomy. Bones furiously goes over Gorkon with his anabolic photoplaser. Shakes his head. BONES (continuing) The wounds aren't closing... KERLA You're killing him! Kirk grabs Chang before he can get to Bones. KIRK No! BONES Chancellor Gorkon, can you hear me? Chancellor...? No response. AZETBUR Father...! KIRK Bones...? BONES He's gone into some kind of arrest... come on, dammit! He tries a medical tricorder. Frantically, he WHUMPS Gorkon's chest... as Kirk et al, look, Gorkon feebly opens his eyes, sees Kirk... GORKON Are you all right? HE FREEZES; Bones looks at the scanner. It burns bright red. Gorkon is dead. Kirk is in shock: he was for real. Azetbur sits holding Gorkon, dry-eyed. Kirk has to pull the stunned Bones away. CHANG (grim triumph) Under article 184 of Interstellar Law, I place you both under arrest. You are charged with assassinating the Chancellor of the High Council. KIRK He just tried to save him! CHANG (Klingon) Take them away. They are handcuffed. Both are in shock. 62 INT. BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE 62 Uhura is listening carefully. Scotty has joined Spock and the others on the bridge. UHURA They've been arrested. All eyes go to Spock. We can guess how he feels. CHEKOV Mr. Spock, we've got to do something! The others crowd in, waiting for orders. Depending on him. SPOCK (finally) I assume command of this ship as of (he checks) 0130 hours. Uhura, send to Starfleet HQ. Explain precisely what has taken place, and request instructions. UHURA Yes, sir. LT. SAAVIK But we can't allow them to be taken back to Kronos as prisoners. SPOCK What do you suggest, Lieutenant? Opening fire won't retrieve the Captain; and an armed engagement was precisely what he wished to avoid. SCOTTY At least we must keep track of where they are taken, sir. I - SPOCK I've already addressed that question, Mr. Scott. We'll e able to follow the Captain's movements. LT. SAAVIK How did you - ? SPOCK In the meantime we must endeavor to piece together what happened here tonight. According to our data banks, this ship fired those torpedoes. SCOTTY NO WAY! SPOCK Mr. Scott, you forget yourself. Please accompany me. He starts out - CHEKOV And if we can't piece together what happened? What then? Sir. Spock turns unhappily. SPOCK Then Mr. Chekov, it resides in the hands of the diplomats. 63 INT. OFFICE OF THE FEDERATION PRESIDENT - DAY 63 The FEDERATION PRESIDENT and the KLINGON AMBASSADOR. With them is the VULCAN AMBASSADOR, SAREK - Spock's father - and NANCLUS, the ROMULAN AMBASSADOR. KLINGON AMBASSADOR The Chancellor of the High Council is dead - the result of an unprovoked attack while he traveled to see YOU under a flag of truce on a mission of peace. Captain Kirk was legally arrested for the crime. May I remind you that he and Doctor McCoy boarded KRONOS ONE of their own free will. None of these facts are in dispute, Mr. President. PRESIDENT I will demand a full investigation. You can be assured we will cooperate with all our power to get to the bottom of the matter. In the meantime -- KLINGON AMBASSADOR In the meantime we expect the Federation to abide by the articles of Interstellar Law you claim to cherish. Kirk and Doctor McCoy WILL stand trial for the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon. PRESIDENT Out of the question. Ambassador Sarek, there must be some way to extradite these men - AMBASSADOR SAREK (heavily) Mr. President, I share a measure of personal responsibility in this matter, but I am obliged to confirm my esteemed colleagues legal interpretation: Kirk and Dr. McCoy were properly arrested, and the Klingons are within their rights to try them. PRESIDENT And what is the position of the Romulan government, Ambassador Nanclus? AMBASSADORT NANCLUS (wily) In the absence of specific instructions from my government, I must concur with my colleagues. PRESIDENT But surely you cannot believe that James Kirk assassinated the Chancellor of the High Council. AMBASSADOR NANCLUS ("reluctant") Mr. President, I don't know what to believe. KLINGON AMBASSADOR I am waiting for your answer, Mr. President. Long pause. PRESIDENT This President is not above the law. The Klingon Ambassador bows and takes his leave. The President is left with the two Ambassadors. SEC'Y VOICE Mr. President, Starfleet Command is here from San Francisco. PRESIDENT Send them in. Three OFFICERS from Starfleet - including Admiral Donald and the CinC - enter from a DIFFERENT DOOR. ADMIRAL DONALD Mr. President. PRESIDENT Admiral Donald...Bill... ADMIRAL DONALD Mr. President we cannot allow Federation citizens to be abducted. PRESIDENT At present I'm awaiting a full report from Enterprise. Pending that I am constrained to observe Interstellar Law. A stand off. Donald nods to another OFFICER. OFFICER I've prepared Operation Retrieve based on the rising danger of terrorism and hostility between the Klingon empire and the Federation. (hands the President a CD) Put simply, we can go in and rescue the Starfleet hostages and be out in 24 hours with an acceptable rate of loss in manpower and equipment. We have the technology -- PRESIDENT Suppose you precipitate a full scale war? OFFICER Then, quite frankly, Mr. President we can clean their chronometers. AMBASSADOR NANCLUS Mr. President, they ARE vulnerable. There'll never be a better time... Pause as the President considers. PRESIDENT I'd prefer not to be the President to push the button if I can avoid it. ADMIRAL DONALD The longer we wait, the less accessible the hostages will be, Mr. President. PRESIDENT I'll bear it in mind, Admiral. I think that's all. CinC Sir. The President looks at him. CinC (continuing) Those men have literally saved this planet - and you know it. PRESIDENT I do know it. And I'm afraid they're going to save it again. By standing trial. They're dismissed. The President puts his head in his hands...finally looks up at Sarek. PRESIDENT Do you know I agree with everything they said? AMBASSADOR SAREK I'm sorry, Mr. President. And I know my son must feel equally responsible. It was at my request that he persuaded Kirk to undertake this mission. The President looks at him. PRESIDENT I want the crew of Enterprise in my office tomorrow morning. AMBASSADOR SAREK They're still in space, Mr. President - adjacent to the Neutral Zone. PRESIDENT Then tell your son to get the hell back here before the end of the week. He swallows some pills. 64 INT. BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE 64 Uhura's communications panel. Chekov stands over her shoulder. In Uhura's EARPIECE we can HEAR filtered SCREAMING! She can hardly stand the volume. UHURA (understates) We're to report back at once. CHEKOV We cannot abandon Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy. He looks at the rest of the CREW. Lt. Saavik wanders over. LT. SAAVIK (quietly) Trouble? UHURA (reluctant) We've been ordered to - LT. SAAVIK In nineteenth century France, workers who felt their livelihood threatened by machines, flung their wooden shoes - called SABOTS - into the gears to stop them. Hence the word SABOTAGE. UHURA We are experiencing a technical malfunction. All backup systems inoperative. CHEKOV Excellent. I mean too bad. LT. SAAVIK I will inform Captain Spock. 65 OFFICE OF THE FEDERATION PRESIDENT - DAY 65 The President is meeting with SIX civilian ADVISERS. MUNITIONS BUSINESSMAN You have our total support, Mister President. My factories are standing by. We can gear up to full weapons production in less than a week. PRESIDENT Thank you, Henry. Right now we're pursuing diplomatic channels... MUNITIONS BUSINESSMAN Of course. No one wants a war... AMBASSADOR SAREK If I may, Mr. President. The important thing is to keep the peace process alive. If the new Chancellor is so disposed, perhaps we can attach a rider, get some assurance that these men won't be executed. Then, in a year - SEC'Y VOICE Mr. President, you have the new Chancellor of the High Council calling. They all swing to look at the far wall, which 65 lights up as a visual display. After a snowy 65 VFX beginning, Azetbur appears. VFX 66 INT. AZETBUR'S OFFICE 66 AZETBUR Mr. President, I've been named Chancellor of the High Council in my father's place. 67 INT. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 67 Reactions in the room. PRESIDENT Madam Chancellor, you have my sincerest condolences on your recent loss. I want to assure you that this shameful deed -- AZETBUR Mr. President, let us come to the point: you want the conference to go forward and so did my father. I will attend in one week - after I've had the opportunity to master the details of this position - on one condition: we will not extradite the prisoners and you will not attempt to rescue them in a military operation. We would consider any such attempt an act of war. PRESIDENT We look forward to meeting with you next week, Madam Chancellor. I hope you will be our guest here on -- AZETBUR After recent events you will understand I prefer a neutral site. And in the interests of security, let us keep the location secret. PRESIDENT As you wish, Madam Chancellor. She clicks off. The President and his advisers are a little speechless at her strength and brusqueness. More pills. 68 INT. AZETBUR'S OFFICE - DAY 68 she's just gotten off the phone. KERLA Attack them now, Madam Chancellor - while we still can...! He unfurls battle plans... FIRST GENERAL Attack or be slaves in their world! SECOND GENERAL We can take whole by force what they propose to divide...! AZETBUR (weary) You don't seem to understand our situation, General. War is... obsolete. As we are in danger of becoming. KERLA Better to die on our feet than live on our knees... AZETBUR (quickly) That wasn't what my father wanted - CHANG (bitter) He was killed for what he wanted. That sinks in. Azetbur hardens. Faces Chang. AZETBUR Kirk must have a fair trial. CHANG Of course. AZETBUR (stony) But I want a conviction. You will represent the State, General Chang. CHANG With the greatest pleasure, Madam Chancellor. 69 INT. TORPEDO BAY, USS ENTERPRISE 69 Spock and Scotty hover over the torpedo console, looking at numbers and lights. Spock thinks hard. EIGHT BELLS SOUND. It is perfectly clear: according to the "INVENTORY" program ALL TORPEDOES ARE STILLL ABOARD. SCOTTY It's as I said, Mr. Spock: Inventory still registers every torpedo. SPOCK (musing) Yet the data banks insist we fired: twice. One computer is lying. SCOTTY A computer canna lie, sir. SPOCK I think not. SCOTTY You can check the torpedoes visually, if you like - SPOCK We'll have to check every one of them, Mr. Scott. SCOTTY That could take hours! SPOCK Nevertheless. SCOTTY And if they're still in place? SPOCK Then someone forged a data bank entry. Lieutenant Saavik descends into the bay. LT. SAAVIK They've named Gorkon's daughter Chancellor - it was on the news. SCOTTY I'll bet that Klingon bitch killed her father... SPOCK Her own father...? LT. SAAVIK Such things have happened before, sir. SCOTTY They don't place the same value on life that we do, Spock - you know that... take my word: she didn't shed one bloody tear... SPOCK That's hardly conclusive, Mr. Scott, as Klingons have no tear ducts. Before he can react. SPOCK (continuing) Any reply from Starfleet to our dispatch, Lieutenant. LT. SAAVIK Not as yet, sir. SPOCK Curious. You haven't been assisting Commander Uhura with her radio transmissions, have you, Lt? LT. SAAVIK Commander Uhura has been experiencing technical difficulties sir. SPOCK Very well. For twenty-four hours we'll agree that this conversation did not take place. LT. SAAVIK A lie? SPOCK An omission. After that - SCOTTY Twenty-four hours from now we won't have a clue where the Captain is. SPOCK I know precisely where he'll be. Scotty and Lieutenant Saavik react. SCOTTY You do? Where? 70 TIGHT ON KIRK'S EYES. JUMP BACK TO REVEAL 70 VFX VFX THE KLINGON EMPIRE IN ALL ITS BARBARIC SPLENDOR A cavernous stadium arranged in circular tiers cut from jagged stone. A place from a bygone age, of savage and awesome beauty. Something between a CIRCUS and a CATHEDRAL. ... turned for the occasion into a gigantic COURTROOM with thousands of spectators... SCREAMING: "KIRK! KIRK! KIRK! Many in the AUDIENCE hold SPEARS with lighted HEADS. Kirk and Bones in the dock, stand in the bottom at the very center of the circle, surrounded by a Klingon AUDIENCE in rising tiers, while HOODED KLINGON JUDGES sit invisible in a darkened dugout. (One Judge is an ALBINO.) CHANG wears the prosecutor's mantle. In the audience is President Azetbur and her ADVISORS. The trial is being BROADCAST and special CAMERAS abound. Near Kirk and Bones sit their young, eager Klingon DEFENSE ATTORNEY. Kirk keeps his cool throughout, though Bones tends to steam. The rules are different. Attorneys are empowered to ask anyone present a question at any time. And to mix this up with statements and charges. The proceedings BEGIN in subtitled KLINGON. Kirk and Bones wear HEADPHONES. When they speak a TRANSLATOR converts to Klingon... As Chang gets going, we ZOOM into his MOUTH and he converts to ENGLISH... the JUDGES' GAVEL IS A GROTESQUE MAILED GLOVE. CHANG The State will show that Enterprise fired on KRONOS One without provocation, the Chancellor and his advisers having been lulled into a false sense of security with an invitation to a state dinner aboard Captain Kirk's vessel at 1930 hours that same evening. Do you deny all this? The mob howls "Kirk!" as the Judge gavels. JUDGE The Prisoner will respond. KIRK I don't deny we invited them to dinner. 71 ANGLE ON CHANCELLOR AZETBUR 71 CHANG Where you drunk at that dinner, Captain? 72 INT. PRESIDENT UFP'S OFFICE - DAY 72 72 The President and his ADVISERS, including Sarek, watch 72 VFX the proceedings unhappily onscreen. TRANSLATOR'S VFX VOICE OVER. KIRK What? CHANG Isn't it a fact that you served Romulan ale, a beverage illegal in the Federation because of its overwhelming potency? KIRK The drink WAS served... The CinC and President wince - CinC This is a damned show trial. 73 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 73 CHANG And you still maintain your ship did not fire on Kronos One? Would you have known if she had? Come now, Captain. The record clearly there were no other ships in the sector. KIRK There... were no other ships in the sector. CHANG Did you have occasion to refer to your ship's data banks during that night? KIRK I checked the data banks, yes. CHANG And what did they tell you? KIRK (reluctant) That we fired two photon torpedoes. But - The mob howls. CHANG The witness is excused - for the time being. Chang whirls off as the Judge gavels... 74 START ON TV: INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 74 One of PRESIDENT GORKON'S GUARDS is on the stand. He is MISSING AN ARM. GUARD After the first hit, we lost our gravitational field; I found myself weightless and unable to function. Then 2 Starfleet crewmen came walking toward us - 75 WIDEN TO REVEAL WE ARE WATCHING ABOARD ENTERPRISE 75 Spock et al are receiving the transmission on their main visual display. They watch in silence. TRANSLATOR'S VOICE. DEFENSE ATTORNEY Perhaps they merely wore Starfleet uniforms - CHANG I move that remark be stricken as purely speculative... JUDGE So ordered. Colonel Worf, we are interested in facts, not theories. DEFENSE ATTORNEY If the gravitational field was not functioning, how could these men have been walking? GUARD They appeared to be wearing magnetic boots. Murmur. The Defense Attorney wishes he hadn't asked. SPOCK Gravity boots. 76 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 76 CHANG They fired on you? GUARD With Starfleet issue phasers. They dashed into the Chancellor's stateroom, we could hear more phaser fire; then they went back the way they'd come. CHANG Towards the transporter room? GUARD That's right. SWISH PAN TO CU SULU 77 INT. BRIDGE, USS EXCELSIOR 77 Sulu and his crew are watching the trial on their visual display as well. 78 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 78 CHANG Doctor McCoy, what is your current medical status? BONES Aside from a touch of arthritis, I'd say pretty good. Sulu has to smile. Chang is not amused; waits. BONES (continuing) For 27 years I have been Ship's Surgeon and later Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Enterprise. In three months I'm due to stand down. CHANG Stand...? BONES Retire. CHANG (soft) Ah. I believe you also consumed Romulan ale at the officers' mess on the night of question, Doctor? DEFENSE ATTORNEY Objection! JUDGE Sustained... BONES (angry) We all did. But that doesn't mean - JUDGE General Chang, come to the point or abandon this line of inquiry. CHANG Was Chancellor Gorkon alive when you first examined him? BONES Barely. CHANG Have you saved patients as "barely" alive as he was? President Azetbur flinches at the memory. BONES I didn't have the knowledge of Klingon anatomy I needed. CHANG You say you are due for retirement. May I ask: do your hands shake? DEFENSE ATTORNEY Objection! JUDGE Overruled - BONES I was nervous - CHANG You were incompetent! - whether deliberately or as a result of age combined with drink this court will determine. BONES I tried to save him! I was desperate to save him! He was the last best hope in the universe for real peace. CHANG The Chancellor herself will testify that the defendant's hands shook. 79 INT. UFP PRESIDENTS OFFICE 79 79 The President et al watch unhappily. 79 VFX VFX 80 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 80 CHANG And now we come to the architect of this tragic affair, Captain James Tiberius Kirk. I put it to you, Captain, that you were seeking revenge for the death of your son. KIRK That isn't true...! CHANG That, either as an instrument of Federation policy or acting on your own drunken initiative, you and your fellow conspirators crippled KRONOS One and cold-bloodedly assassinated the Chancellor of the High Council. Then you and Doctor McCoy went aboard to make certain the job was complete. DEFENSE ATTORNEY Objection: Captain Kirk has not been identified as the assassin. JUDGE Sustained. CHANG I offer into the record the following excerpt from Captain Kirk's personal log. He signals. Kirk's VOICE fills the room. KIRK'S VOICE I have never trusted Klingons and never will. I have never been able to forgive them for the murder of my boy... An explosive babble fills the court. The Judge POUNDS HIS GLOVE for order... QUICK REACTION SHOTS: 81 THE ENTERPRISE, 81 82 THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE, 82 83 THE EXCELSIOR - THEN BACK TO THE COURTROOM 83 84 INT. COURTROOM - DAY 84 CHANG Are those your words? KIRK Yes. CHANG Spoken by you? KIRK Yes... CHANG Louder, please. We cannot hear you. KIRK (firmer) Those words WERE spoken by me. 85 INT. BRIDGE, USS EXCELSIOR 85 85 Sulu is speaking confidentially to his communications 85 VFX officer. Onscreen behind them the trial continues VFX SULU Send to commander Enterprise: "We stand ready to assist you. Captain Sulu, USS Excelsior." Attach our co-ordinates. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Is that wise, sir? I mean, given their situation - (off Sulu's look) Aye, sir. He leaves. Sulu looks up at the screen, unhappily. 85A COURTROOM 85A DEFENSE ATTORNEY Objection, your honors. My clients' political views are not on trial here. 86 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 86 86 The trial is on SEVERAL MONITORS BG. Spock, next to 86 VFX Uhura VFX UHURA Sulu's giving us his position and telling us he's standing by... SPOCK (unhappy) He's placing himself in a most awkward position... CHANG (V.O.) On the contrary, Captain Kirk's views and motives are at the heart of the matter. This officer's record shows the accused to be an insubordinate, unprincipled career opportunist with a history of violating the chain of command when it suited him. 87 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM - DAY 87 CHANG (continuing) Indeed the record will show that "Captain" Kirk was once "Admiral" Kirk and that Admiral Kirk was broken for taking matters into his own hands in defiance of regulations and the law. Do you deny you were demoted on these charges, Captain? DO NOT WAIT FOR THE TRANSLATION ANSWER ME NOW! DEFENSE ATTORNEY Don't answer - objection -! JUDGE Objection overruled. The Prisoner will answer the question. KIRK I cannot deny it. CHANG You were demoted... KIRK Yes. CHANG For insubordination. KIRK I have on occasion disobeyed orders. CHANG And you were obeying or disobeying orders the night you arranged the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon? DEFENSE ATTORNEY (overlapping) I object -! KIRK (overlapping) I was unaware of the assassination until I boarded his ship! CHANG (overlapping) You deny Enterprise fired on KRONOS One? KIRK Well, I - CHANG (overlapping) You deny that your men beamed aboard KRONOS One and shot the Chancellor? KIRK I cannot confirm or deny actions which I did not witness. CHANG Captain Kirk, are you aware that under Federation law, the Captain of a Starship is considered responsible for the actions of his men? KIRK I am. CHANG So if it should prove members of your crew did in fact carry out such an assassination - ? BONES Jim! They're setting us up! Your honors, I protest-! JUDGE The defendant will be silent! Captain Kirk, you will answer the question. KIRK (heavily) As Captain I am responsible for the conduct of the crew under my command. CHANG Your honors, the State rests. An excited BABBLE. Kirk and Bones turn to their attorney. BONES Is it our turn, now? DEFENSE ATTORNEY (grim) According to Klingon law both sides present their cases at the same time; we've HAD our turn. On Bones' and Kirk's reaction, the Judge's mailed fist crashes down with a flurry of sparks. JUDGE It is the judgment of this court that the defendants are guilty as charged. Sensation in court. A BOOMING CHANT "KOOM! KOOM!" as all the LIGHT SPEARS are pointed at Kirk and Bones. Chang is stone-faced. AGAIN THE HORRIBLE GAUNTLET. JUDGE Captain James T. Kirk, Doctor Leonard McCoy... They face the Judge's box. INTERCUT THIS MOMENT WITH 88 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - DAY 88 SPOCK'S FACE - what has he done? 89 INT. KLINGON COURTROOM 89 JUDGE Have either of you anything to say before this court passes sentence? Kirk and Bones look at each other. BONES (simply) We were framed. DEFENSE ATTORNEY (rises passionately) I wish to note for the record that the evidence against my clients is entirely circumstantial. I beg the