Star Trek: The Motion Picture

1979
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

 STORY BY

Alan Dean Foster

 SCREENPLAY BY

Harold Livingston

 DIRECTED BY

Robert Wise

 RELEASED ON

Friday December 7, 1979

 VIEWS

388

 LAST UPDATE

2024-09-28 21:41:44

 PAGE VERSION

Version 24

 LIKES

1

 SUMMARY

Star Trek: The Motion Picture follows Admiral James T. Kirk, who takes command of the newly refitted USS Enterprise to intercept a mysterious alien entity known as V'Ger, heading toward Earth. As Kirk and his crew—Spock, McCoy, and others—encounter the sentient machine, they discover that it is a vastly evolved version of an old Earth space probe, Voyager 6, searching for its creator. Along the way, the crew faces tensions, personal challenges, and the complexity of V'Ger’s intelligence, culminating in a merging of human and machine consciousness. The film blends themes of identity, evolution, and humanity’s relationship with technology, set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring visuals and deep space exploration.

 STARRING

William Shatner	James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy	Spock

 STORY

Opening Sequence:
The film opens with three Klingon warships encountering a mysterious, vast energy cloud that destroys them with ease. The Federation space station Epsilon Nine, monitoring the event, tries to track the cloud as it approaches Earth.

Kirk's Return:
On Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk is introduced at Starfleet Headquarters, where he learns about the alien cloud heading toward Earth. The Enterprise, now under the command of Captain Willard Decker, is the only ship within range capable of intercepting it. Kirk uses his authority to assume command of the Enterprise for the mission, much to Decker's frustration. The Enterprise itself is still undergoing a refit, and its new, untested technology is a major concern.

The Crew Assembles:
Kirk gathers his old crew—Scotty, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov—to prepare for the mission, while introducing the new navigator, Lt. Ilia, and the new science officer, Sonak. However, a transporter malfunction occurs during an attempt to beam Sonak aboard, resulting in a gruesome death for him and another crew member. This tragic event foreshadows the difficulties the crew will face with the new Enterprise technology.

Departure:
The Enterprise departs for its mission to intercept V'Ger, but problems arise when the ship's warp drive malfunctions. Captain Decker is forced to intervene, saving the ship from a near-disastrous engine imbalance. Kirk’s unfamiliarity with the newly refitted ship creates tension between him and Decker, with the latter challenging Kirk’s decisions on multiple occasions.

Spock's Return:
On Vulcan, Spock is seen undergoing the Kolinahr ritual, which is meant to purge all emotions. However, Spock senses an intelligence emanating from the approaching cloud and is unable to complete the ritual. Spock returns to the Enterprise mid-mission, assuming the role of science officer. His telepathic abilities give him a unique connection to the mysterious entity.

Entering the Cloud:
The Enterprise finally encounters the cloud, revealing that it contains an alien vessel. The ship is attacked by a strange probe, which damages the ship's systems and probes Spock’s mind. The crew learns that this massive entity identifies itself as V'Ger. It eventually abducts Lt. Ilia and replaces her with a robotic replica. The Ilia probe informs the crew that V'Ger is on a mission to find its "Creator" and that it views the carbon-based crew members as inferior.

Spock's Spacewalk:
In an effort to understand V'Ger, Spock undertakes an unauthorized spacewalk to enter the entity's inner workings. Inside V'Ger, he performs a mind-meld and experiences visions of immense knowledge, learning that V'Ger is a sentient machine. Spock discovers that V'Ger is, in fact, an ancient NASA probe, Voyager 6, which was lost in space and encountered by a race of living machines. These machines repaired and enhanced the probe, allowing it to complete its original mission of collecting all possible knowledge.

Revelation and Conflict:
As V'Ger approaches Earth, it threatens to destroy the planet unless it can make contact with its creator. The Enterprise crew realizes that V'Ger's "Creator" is actually the human race. V'Ger, however, refuses to believe this unless the creator appears in person. In a desperate attempt to bridge the gap, Captain Decker offers himself as a bridge between the human and machine worlds. Decker merges with the Ilia probe and V'Ger, creating a new life form that transcends both human and machine existence.

Climax and Resolution:
The new life form, created by the union of Decker and V'Ger, disappears into space, leaving Earth unharmed. The threat averted, the crew reflects on the possibilities of life and evolution, as Kirk orders the Enterprise to resume its voyage of exploration.

The film ends with the iconic shot of the Enterprise heading into deep space, leaving the audience with the idea of future adventures for Kirk and his crew.

 BEHIND THE SCENES

• From TV to Film: Star Trek: The Motion Picture was initially intended to be a television series called Star Trek: Phase II. Paramount shifted the idea to a feature film after the success of Star Wars in 1977. Much of the preliminary work for Phase II (sets, scripts) was repurposed for the movie.
• Budget Problems: The film's budget soared to around $46 million due to several factors, including its roots in the Phase II project and difficulties with special effects. The original effects team was fired, and a new group had to redo the work, which significantly inflated costs.
• Special Effects Crisis: The special effects were so delayed that director Robert Wise didn’t see the completed film until the world premiere. He had to approve the final cuts while the film was being rushed to theaters.
• Unused Storylines: The idea of V'Ger, the film’s antagonist, came from an unused concept in Phase II. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, envisioned an episode where an ancient space probe returned to Earth, enhanced by an alien race.
• Leonard Nimoy’s Return: Nimoy initially refused to return to the role of Spock due to a dispute over unpaid royalties from merchandise. After legal issues were resolved, Nimoy agreed to participate, but only if his character had a meaningful role.
• Robert Wise as Director: Director Robert Wise was not a Star Trek fan before taking on the project, but his experience with science fiction (having directed The Day the Earth Stood Still) made him a suitable choice. He later admitted that the constant script rewrites during filming made it one of his most difficult projects.
• Persis Khambatta: The actress who played Lt. Ilia shaved her head for the role. She kept a scrapbook of photos documenting the process, as she had a modeling career that would be impacted by the drastic change in appearance.
• Shatner's Salary: William Shatner’s salary for the film was $5 million, which was a record at the time for an actor's fee. He also received 7.5% of the film's gross revenue.
• Constant Script Changes: The script was frequently rewritten during production. At one point, they were shooting scenes without knowing how they would fit into the final plot. The actors often received their lines just minutes before filming.
• Production Schedule: Principal photography started on August 7, 1978, and ended in January 1979, though post-production stretched almost to the movie’s December release.
• Disco Wrap Party: After filming ended, the cast and crew held a wrap party at Chez Moi, a disco nightclub in Los Angeles. It was very much in line with the culture of the late 1970s.
• First Use of Klingon Language: This was the first time the Klingon language was spoken in the Star Trek franchise. The language was developed further in future films and TV shows.
• Blaster Beam Instrument: The eerie sounds of the V’Ger entity were created using a unique musical instrument called the blaster beam. This instrument, invented by Craig Huxley (who had appeared in The Original Series as a child actor), was a 15-foot-long metal beam fitted with wires that produced haunting sounds.
• Model of the Enterprise: The model of the USS Enterprise used in the movie was eight feet long, making it one of the largest models ever built for a movie at the time.
• Visual Effects Innovations: The movie’s special effects broke new ground, including techniques that influenced later films like Blade Runner. Still, the heavy reliance on effects was a major critique, with some feeling they overshadowed character development and story.
• Mixed Critical Reception: Critics were divided, with some praising the visuals while others found fault with the pacing and lack of action. Many felt that the story was overly slow and cerebral compared to Star Wars, which had raised expectations for fast-paced sci-fi adventures.
• Box Office Performance: The film grossed around $139 million worldwide. While it was financially successful, it didn’t perform as well as the studio hoped, leading to budget cuts for the sequel, The Wrath of Khan.
• Academy Awards: Despite its mixed reviews, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was nominated for three Academy Awards in the categories of Art Direction, Original Score, and Visual Effects.
• Legacy and Influence: Though it was not as beloved as some of the later films, Star Trek: The Motion Picture set the tone for the franchise's return to mainstream pop culture. The success of the film directly led to the Star Trek movie series and eventually to Star Trek: The Next Generation.

 DVD/BLU-RAY COMMENTARY

 PLAYLIST

 QUOTES

Kirk: Mr. Scott, there's an alien object with unbelievable destructive power less than three days away from this planet. The only starship in interception range is the Enterprise. Ready, or not, she launches in twelve hours.

McCoy: Spock, you haven't changed a bit. You're just as warm and sociable as ever.
Spock: Nor have you, Doctor, as your continued predilection for irrelevancy demonstrates.

Spock: On Vulcan I began sensing a consciousness of a force more powerful than I have ever encountered. Thought patterns of exactingly perfect order. I believe they emanate from the intruder. I believe it may hold my answers.

Decker: Why bring us inside? Not to destroy us, they could have done that outside.
Kirk: They still can.
Spock: Curiosity, Mr. Decker,... insatiable curiosity.

Decker: Jim, V'Ger expects an answer.
Kirk: An answer? I don't know the question.

Spock: Captain, V'Ger is a child. I suggest you treat it as such.
Kirk: A child?
Spock: Yes, captain, a child. Evolving, learning, searching, instinctively needing.
Decker: Needing what?
McCoy: Spock! This thing is about to wipe out every living thing on Earth Now what do you suggest we do? Spank it?
Spock: It only knows that it needs, Commander. But like so many of us, it does not know what.

Spock: Each of us, at some time in our life, turns to someone, a father, a brother, a god and asks 'Why am I here?' 'What was I meant to be?' V'Ger hopes to touch its Creator to find its answers.
Kirk: 'Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?'

Kirk: Spock! Did we just see the beginnings of a new lifeform?
Spock: Yes, Captain, we witnessed a birth. Possibly a next step in our evolution.
Kirk: I wonder.
McCoy: Well, it's been a long time since I delivered a baby, and I hope we got this one off to a good start.
Kirk: I hope so, too. I think we gave it the ability to create its own sense of purpose. Out of our own human weaknesses, and the drive that compels us to overcome them.
McCoy: And a lot of foolish human emotions. Right, Mr. Spock?
Spock: Quite true, Doctor. Unfortunately it will have to deal with them as well.

 PHOTOS

1 photo

 REVIEWS

Dark Trek 2273: A Space Odyssey

Written by Pike on 2024-08-02
★ ★ ★ ★

This review is based on the Director's Cut.

DIFFERENT
After religiously watching every single episode from The Original Series as well as The Animated Series, I finally got to watch Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Released in 1979, a full decade after the end of The Original Series (the last episode Turnabout Intruder aired on June 3, 1969), the film is quite different from the show, and this is the primary concern.

OPENING SCENE
First, the opening shot of the stars with the calm and music full of wonders is quite original and a feast for the eyes, the ears and the imagination. I loved it. And it is extremely rare to have a scene appearing before the studio logo.

SCOPE
Then, in just one second, we understand that this movie means: SCOP. And big! Going from The Original Series (and The Animated Series) to this movie is absolutely huge. So this is what Star Trek looks like with time and money! Suddenly, everything changes. For instance, the very first shot inside the Klingon ship was a complete shock to me! After so many ultra cheap sets in TOS, we get actual sets and we can see how much time and efforts went into these.
Also, there are finally some wide windows in rooms and you can see the stars moving behind the characters. This is such a welcome addition and clearly changes the tone.

THE ROLEX-ENTERPRISE
One of the earliest scenes is Captain Kirk discovering the updated Enterprise. This scene seems to last forever and feels like a person who finally was able to buy his first Rolex and spends his days looking at it and being proud of it.
Look, look, I'm rich! I've made it! This is how it felt. If I was going meta, I would almost say that the producers are now finally able to show us that all these years spent with cheap budget finally paid off. Look, we made it!

SPOCK
Spock is the first of the main characters that we get to meet. Once again, a complete shock to see Spock with long hair on his Vulcan planet. The visuals are stunning and again a complete shock for anyone who still remembers TOS.

THIN AND SERIOUS KIRK
In this movie, the characters are back together, but they do not act the same way they used to. First, Captain Kirk, now admiral, is having a sense of gravitas that we rarely had seen with him. It seems the entire weight of the Universe lays onto his shoulders. Perhaps it is the case, but it feels odds to see him that serious. At the same time, this new Kirk very serious, very thin and very focused is welcomed and I must admit I loved watching him on the big screen—except when he kept watching at the camera!

FROM 4:3 TO 2.35
What struck me as well is how I had this feeling that Kirk was suddenly "squeezed" within the frame, by many other characters or objects, only to link it with the drastic change of frame. Since we are now onto the big screen, the director chose a wide 2.35:1 scope. This is such a drastic change from the 4:3 format which worked better for TV but also meant that the hero (Kirk) was often taking the entire frame. It's quite interesting and confirming me that over the decades, I do not take the 2.35 format as granted. The aspect ratio should be there based on the story. This is why I cringe when I watch sometimes documentaries on Netflix that crop the material just to "give a movie feeling" even though it adds no value whatsoever.

COSTUMES
The new costumes of the crew were interesting, but I am not convinced by the look of them. They felt like military pyjamas.

CAMARADERIE
One of the essential part of the series was the friendly camaraderie between the seven characters of the show. Kirk, McCoy and yes, even Spock would constantly play at each others, help each others in dire situations. All the seven main characters (including Scotty, Sulu, Uhura and Chekov) were a friendly family on the colorful home that was the starship Enterprise.
Except for this sense of belonging, that you can clearly see in the beginning of the film, there is no sense of friendly camaraderie anymore. Perhaps this simply doesn't work with such high stakes, but if you compare with the original Star Wars film, Han Solo and his friends actually have a great camaraderie, even when they tease each other. This is evidently clear during the last shot of the film.
It's ironic that Star Trek started it but wasn't able to translate it onto the big screen.

SCOTT, CHEKOV, UHURA AND SULU
Also, the four secondary characters from the series, Scott, Chekov, Uhura and Sulu, have such little exposition that I wonder why the writers had to introduce new characters without even utilizing the existing ones to the fullest of their potential.

SPOCK'S
Spock is back to the roots. After having spent some time alone on Vulcan, he has lost touch with his emotions and I could enjoy that.

MCCOY
My biggest concern is without any doubt with Dr. McCoy. The story has literally no place for him in this film. He is totally useless and is there because he has to be. I was quite saddened by it and I think his character was clearly under-utilized.

SLOW BEGINNING
It takes 36 minutes before the Enterprise finally gets to move.

A NEW THEME
Jerry Goldsmith is directing the music operations and that was quite a shock too. From the very first second—actually, a musical introduction with no images—the tone is set. We are in a big adventure on a big screen. Enough with the fun musical cues. This is big.
I liked the new theme he composed. Fun anecdote, the new theme almost didn't make the film, as he actually composed it to replace some music when Kirk discovers the refitted Enterprise. This worked very well in my opinion and, again, shows the scope of Star Trek, which brings me to the financial element.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE MOVIE TO DATE
Helped by the recent release of Star Wars, released two years before in 1977, the studio went fully at it, hoping to replicate the surprising success of George Lucas' space movie. Ironically, the movie was the most expensive movie to date, at $44 million (which would be worth $173m today in 2024), and therefore the first major movie based on a TV series.
And this can been in every frame. This was actually quite a shock to me, because the series was so cheap. By the third season, there were episodes with partial sets (the cowboy town with just random sets) or no sets at all (no more scenes outside). Costumes were often ridiculous and special effects rather poor.
Here, every frame is screaming money, almost bragging and almost losing its soul. The Enterprise, once a cozy home with vivid colors, has morphed into a gigantic beast that even the characters no longer recognize. The crew has different costumes, there are elevators everywhere, etc.
While this feels like a breath of fresh air, it is also a concern. Because we don't recognize anything. Therefore, the characters feel out of place. And since the story is not helping, this feels even more out of place. It's basically the same characters and the same set, but characters acting a different way (more serious) and in a set that has drastically changed (more serious as well).

NO JOKE
So, we don't laugh in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Oh, sure, there are a few scenes in which Admiral Kirk winks, but that's about it. In my view, there are not enough jokes. When you compare with the tone from Star Wars, this is night and day. But don't think this is unintentional. Which brings me to the story.

2273: A SPACE ODYSSEY
The story is complex, very complex. Answers are demanded without being any question. There is not a simple evil character that wants to destroy the Enterprise. And in a way, this is very good. The story is quite original and has lots of resemblance with Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. And this was very good. This is not about characters fighting with laser swords. This is about exploring new worlds, as Kirk used to say.
So, this is both an upside and a downside. On one level, it's great and fascinating, but on the other, the movie drags itself and for some time you don't even know what you are watching and there seems to be no inciting incident.
Whilst Star Wars focuses on fun action with no meaning whatsoever—I'm sure many will disagree with me but Star Wars is simply a good versus bad story—Star Trek is not afraid to travel space to find the meaning of life itself.

Spock: Each of us, at some time in our life, turns to someone, a father, a brother, a god and asks 'Why am I here?' 'What was I meant to be?' V'Ger hopes to touch its Creator to find its answers.
Kirk: 'Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?'

LONG
And that is a major problem to me. I find the film to be way too long. Running at 132 minutes, I would have cut at least 20 minutes. For instance, when Kirk is discovering the new Enterprise, this scene lasts for so long I couldn't understand the point of not cutting it. Clearly a mistake if you ask me.

THE TWIST (SPOILERS)
The twist of the movie is that they discover that V'Ger is actually... the Voyager 6 space probe!? The idea might sound stupid on paper, but I believe it actually works superbly. It is like a complete UFO as a movie. It is original. And this is what we love with Star Trek. This is not a simple good versus bad movie. There is no bad guy. And I know this is ironic because clearly the next movie is better and is a movie with a bad guy. But that's the beauty of this saga as well, which goes to plenty of territories.
Also, what is interesting is that 2001 is a technical movie (an AI taking a ship over) ending with a metaphysical twist; and Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a metaphysical movie (we keep seeing strange forms in space) ending with a technical twist (the Voyager probe).

VERDICT
Now, I find myself in a dire situation. I need to rate this film. And this is quite a daunting task. It is so good and so weak at the same time that I cannot figure out which note to pick. Regardless of its flaws, I think I will go for a low 4 out of 5. But this note will not tell the full story. This review, hopefully, does.
___________________________________________

 TRANSCRIPT

Overture

OPENING CREDITS

(three Klingon battle cruisers approach a luminescent Cloud)

[Klingon bridge]

KLINGON CAPTAIN: (In Klingonese) Tactical.
(the battle cruisers overfly the Cloud)
KLINGON CAPTAIN: (In Klingonese) Visual.
(the Cloud on the viewscreen)
KLINGON CAPTAIN: (In Klingonese) Tactical. Stand by on torpedoes. Ready. Fire!
(the battle cruisers fire photon torpedoes at the Cloud)
KLINGON CAPTAIN: (In Klingonese) Evasive!

[Epsilon IX - exterior]

LIEUTENANT: This is comm station Epsilon Nine, calling U.S.S. Columbia. Come in Columbia. Respond!
COLUMBIA [OC]: (too faint to understand)
LIEUTENANT: This is Epsilon Nine. Am boosting output. How do you read this?
COLUMBIA [OC]: All right. (too faint to understand)
LIEUTENANT: Scout Columbia NCC six two one to rendezvous with Scout Revere NCC five nine five on stardate seven four one one point four. Further orders to be relayed at that time. Signed, Commodore Probert, Starfleet. End of transmission.
COLUMBIA [OC]: All right. (too faint to understand)

[Epsilon IX - interior]

LIEUTENANT: Our sensor drone is intercepting this on Quad L fourteen.
BRANCH: That's in Klingon boundaries. Who are they fighting?
LIEUTENANT: Unknown, sir.
TECHNICIAN: I have an exterior visual.
(the battle cruisers are destroyed by energy bolts from the Cloud)
LIEUTENANT: We've plotted a course on that Cloud, Commander. It will pass into Federation space fairly close to us.
BRANCH: Heading?
LIEUTENANT: Sir, it's on a precise heading for Earth!

[Surface of Vulcan]

FEMALE MASTER: (in Vulcan) Our ancestors cast out their animal passions on these very sands, ...saving our race through the attainment of Kolinahr.
MALE MASTER: (in Vulcan) Kolinahr, through which all emotion is renounced and shed.
FEMALE MASTER: (in Vulcan) You have laboured for many seasons, Spock ...and you have proved yourself worthy ...to receive this symbol of pure logic.
(Spock stops her putting the ancient pendant around his neck)
FEMALE MASTER: (in Vulcan) Your thoughts, give them to me. Our minds are joined, Spock, ...together, and as one. I sense the consciousness calling to you from space. ...Your human blood is touched by it, Spock. You have not yet attained Kolinahr. He must search elsewhere for his answer. He shall not find it here. Live long and prosper, Spock.

STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS
STARDATE: 7410.2

[San Francisco Air Tram station]

KIRK: Commander Sonak, you received your appointment as Enterprise science officer?
SONAK: Based, I am told, on your recommendation, Admiral. Thank you.
KIRK: Why aren't you on board?
SONAK: Captain Decker requested I complete final science briefing here before we leave on our mission.
KIRK: Here? At Starfleet? The Enterprise is in final preparation to leave dock.
SONAK: Which will require twenty more hours at minimum.
KIRK: Twelve! I'm on my way to a meeting with Admiral Nogura which will not last more than three minutes. Report to me on the Enterprise in one hour.
SONAK: Report to you, sir?
KIRK: It is my intention to be on that ship following that meeting. Report to me in one hour.

[Orbital Office Complex]

SCOTT: Admiral.
KIRK: Mister Scott.
SCOTT: Those departure orders, twelve hours, Starfleet cannot be serious.
KIRK: Why aren't the Enterprise transporters operating, Mister Scott?
SCOTT: A wee problem, sir, really. Just temporary. Admiral, we have just spent eighteen months redesigning and refitting the Enterprise. How in the name of hell do they expect to have her ready in twelve hours?
KIRK: Take me over, please.

[Travel Pod]

SCOTT: She needs more work, a shakedown.
KIRK: Mister Scott, there's an alien object with unbelievable destructive power less than three days away from this planet. ...The only starship in interception range is the Enterprise. Ready, or not, she launches in twelve hours.
SCOTT: The crew hasn't had near enough transition time with all the new equipment. And the engines are not yet tested at warp power. And an untried Captain.
KIRK: Two and a half years as Chief of Starfleet Operations may have made me a stale but I wouldn't exactly consider myself untried. They gave her back to me, Scotty.
SCOTT: Gave her back, sir? I doubt it was that easy with Nogura.
KIRK: You're right
SCOTT: Well, any man who could manage such a feat, I wouldna dare disappoint. She'll launch on time, sir, ...and she'll be ready.
(Enterprise flyby)
KIRK: Thank you, Mister Scott.
SCOTT: Aye sir.

[Enterprise cargo deck]

TANNOY [OC]: Cargo bay to launch crew. Travel pod is now available at dock six.
KIRK: Permission to come aboard, sir?
ENSIGN: Granted, sir. Welcome aboard, Admiral. ...Commander Scott, you're needed in engineering immediately.
SCOTT: Sir, you'll excuse me?
TANNOY [OC]: Flight deck. Prepare for incoming shuttlecraft.
ENSIGN: Sir, if you'll follow me, I'll...
KIRK: I think I can find my way, Ensign.
ENSIGN: Aye sir.

[Enterprise turbolift]

KIRK: Bridge.

[Enterprise bridge]

FEMALE CREWMEMBER'S [OC]: What's the problem? I thought you had that circuit patched an hour ago.
MALE CREWMEMBER'S [OC]: We did. And we had to disconnect it.
CREWMEMBER'S VOICES: (general technical chatter)
UHURA: I'll get somebody down there just as soon as I can. ...Captain! Starfleet just signalled your transfer-of-command orders, sir.
SULU: Captain!
KIRK: I appreciate your welcome. I wish the circumstances were less critical. Epsilon Nine is monitoring the intruder. Keep a channel open.
UHURA: Aye sir.
KIRK: Where's Captain Decker?
SULU: He's in engineering, sir. ...He ...doesn't know.
KIRK: Mister Chekov!
CHEKOV: Aye sir.
KIRK: Assemble the crew on the Recreation Deck at oh four hundred hours. I want to show them what we're facing.
SULU: He wanted her back. He got her!
ALIEN ENSIGN: And Captain Decker? He's been with the ship every minute of her refitting.
UHURA: Ensign, the possibilities of our returning from this mission in one piece may have just doubled.

[Enterprise engineering]

VOICES [OC]: Check. Cleary on number six.
Space matrix restoration coils. Dilithium crystals.
I knew it. The transporter sensor was not activated.
Faulty modules.
SCOTT [OC]: Cleary! Put a new backup sensor into the unit.
CLEARY [OC]: Aye sir.
DECKER: Admiral Kirk! ...We're getting a top brass send off? Don't worry, she'll launch on schedule if we have to tow her out with our bare hands. Right, Scotty?
SCOTT: Aye, yes, that we will, sir.
KIRK: Let's talk.
DECKER: Sure. Let me now when the backup's ready.
SCOTT: Aye sir.
DECKER: With all due respect, sir, I hope this isn't some kind of Starfleet pep talk, I'm really too busy.
KIRK: I'm taking over the center seat, Will.
DECKER: You're what?
KIRK: I'm replacing you as Captain of the Enterprise. You'll stay on as Executive Officer. Temporary grade reduction to Commander.
DECKER: You personally, are assuming command?
KIRK: Yeah.
DECKER: May I ask? Why?
KIRK: My experience, five years out there dealing with unknowns like this, my familiarity with the Enterprise, this crew.
DECKER: Admiral, this is an almost totally new Enterprise. You don't know her a tenth as well as I do.
KIRK: That's why you're staying aboard. I'm sorry,
DECKER: No, Admiral. I don't think you are, not one damn bit. I remember when you recommended me for this command. You told me how envious you were, and how much you hoped you'd find a way to get a starship command again. Well, it looks like you found a way.
KIRK: Report to the bridge, Commander. Immediately.
DECKER: Aye sir.
CLEARY: Transporter room, come in! Urgent! Redline on the transporters, Mister Scott!
SCOTT: Transporter room, do not engage! Do not...
CLEARY: It's too late. They're beaming now!

[Enterprise transporter room]

RAND: Do you read me Starfleet? Override us. Pull them back!
STARFLEET [OC]: Unable to receive their pattern, Enterprise.
KIRK: Give it to me. Starfleet, boost your matter gain, we need more signal! ...More signal!
SCOTT: We're losing their pattern.
RAND: Oh, no! They're forming!
WOMAN: (a scream)
SONAK: (a moan)
KIRK: Starfleet, do you have them?
STARFLEET [OC]: Enterprise, ...what we got back didn't live long, ...fortunately.
KIRK: Starfleet, ...Kirk. Please ...express my condolences to their families. Commander Sonak's can be reached through the Vulcan Embassy. There was nothing you could have done, Rand. It wasn't your fault.

[Enterprise corridor]

KIRK: Yeoman! Turboshaft eight?
YEOMAN: Back that way, sir.
KIRK: We have to replace Commander Sonak. I'd still like a Vulcan there, if possible.
DECKER: None available, Captain. There's no one available. In fact there's no one who's fully rated on this design.
KIRK: You are, Mister Decker. I'm afraid you're gonna have to double as science officer.

[Enterprise recreation deck]

KIRK: That's all we know about it, except that it's now fifty-three point four hours away from Earth. Enterprise is the only Federation starship that stands in its way. Our orders are to intercept, investigate, and take whatever action is necessary, ...and possible.
BRIDGE [OC]: Bridge to Captain. Priority signal from Epsilon Nine.
KIRK: Put it on the viewer.
UHURA [OC]: On viewer, sir.
BRANCH (on viewer): Enterprise, the Cloud is definitely a power field of some kind. Measures, my God, over two A.U.'s in diameter. Must be something incredible inside there generating it. We're transmitting linguacode friendship messages on all frequencies. No response.
TECHNICIAN (on viewer): I have a null reading at the center of the Cloud, sir.
LIEUTENANT (on viewer): Definitely something inside there but all scans are being reflected back.
BRANCH (on viewer): A kind of power surge.
LIEUTENANT (on viewer): Receiving an odd pattern now.
BRANCH (on viewer): Enterprise, ...they could be mistaking our scans as a hostile act.
LIEUTENANT (on viewer): They seem to be reacting to our scans, sir.
BRANCH (on viewer): Deflectors, emergency full! We are under attack!
KIRK: External view!
(Epsilon IX is destroyed in the same way as the Klingon battle cruisers)
KIRK: Viewer off. ...Pre-launch countdown will commence in forty minutes.

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA [OC]: Transporter system fully repaired and functioning normally, sir.
SULU: Dock signals clear, Captain.
KIRK: Reply we are holding position awaiting final crew replacements.
UHURA: Aye sir. Transporter personnel reports the Navigator Lieutenant ...Ilia. She's already aboard, and en route to the bridge, sir. She's Deltan, sir.
ILIA: Lieutenant Ilia reporting for duty, sir.
KIRK: Welcome aboard, Lieutenant.
DECKER: Hello, Ilia.
ILIA: Decker!
DECKER: I was stationed on the Lieutenant's home planet some years ago.
ILIA: 'Commander' Decker?
KIRK: Yes, our Exec and science officer.
DECKER: Captain Kirk has the utmost confidence in me.
KIRK: And in you too, Lieutenant.
ILIA: My oath of celibacy is on record Captain. May I assume my duties?
KIRK: By all means.
UHURA: Captain, Starfleet reports our last six crewmembers are ready to beam up, ...but one of them is refusing to step into the transporter.
KIRK: Oh? I'll see to it that he beams up! ...Transporter room.

[Enterprise transporter room]

KIRK: Ellen.
ELLEN: Yes sir.
KIRK: What was the problem down there?
ELLEN: He insisted we go first, sir. Said something about first seeing how it scrambled our molecules.
KIRK: That has a familiar ring, doesn't it? Starfleet, this is Captain Kirk. Beam that officer up now! ...Well, for a man who swore he'd never return to Starfleet.
McCOY: Just a moment, Captain, sir. I'll explain what happened. Your revered Admiral Nogura invoked a little known, and seldom used, reserve activation clause, ...in simpler language, Captain, they drafted me!
KIRK: They didn't!
McCOY: This was your idea! This was your idea, wasn't it?
KIRK: Bones, there's a 'thing' out there...
McCOY: Why is any object we don't understand always called a 'thing'?
KIRK: ...headed this way. I need you. Dammit Bones, I need you. Badly!
McCOY: Permission to come aboard?
RAND [OC]: Permission granted, sir.
McCOY: Well, Jim, I hear Chapel's an MD now. Well, I'm gonna need a top nurse, not a doctor who'll argue every little diagnosis with me. And ...they've probably redesigned the whole sickbay, too. I know engineers. They love to change things.

(the Enterprise in Spacedock)

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA: Dock control reports ready, sir.
SULU: Helm ready, sir.
ILIA: Orbital departure on plot, sir.
UHURA: Yard command signalling clear, sir.
KIRK: Maneuvering thrusters, Mister Sulu.
SULU: Maneuvering thrusters, sir.
KIRK: Hold station.
SULU: Thrusters at station keeping.
KIRK: Thrusters ahead, Mister Sulu. ...Take us out.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Intermix set. Bridge, impulse power at your discretion.

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: Impulse power, Mister Sulu. Ahead, warp point five. ...Departure angle on viewer.
SULU: Departure angle.
KIRK: Viewer ahead.

(external space, Enterprise passes Jupiter)

Captain's log, stardate 7412.6. one point eight hours from launch. In order to intercept the intruder at the earliest possible time, we must now risk engaging warp drive while still within the solar system.

DECKER: Captain, assuming we have full warp capability, accelerating to warp seven on leaving the solar system will bring us to IP with the intruder, twenty point one hours.
KIRK: Well, Bones, do the new medical facilities meet with your approval?
McCOY: They do not. It's like working in a damned computer center.
KIRK: Programming ready?
DECKER: Programme set for standard warp entry, Captain, ...but I still recommend further simulation study.
KIRK: Mister Decker, every minute brings that object closer to Earth! Engineering! Stand by for warp drive.
SCOTT (on intercom): We need further warp simulation on the flow sensors.
KIRK: Engineer, we need warp speed now!
McCOY: Jim, you're pushing. Your people know their jobs.

[Enterprise engineering]

ASSISTANT ENGINEER: That's it, sir. I can't do any better.
SCOTT: Aye, lad. It's borderline on the simulator. Captain, I canna guarantee that she'll hold up.

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: Warp drive, Mister Scott. Ahead, warp one, Mister Sulu.
SULU: Accelerating to warp one, sir. Warp point seven, ...point eight, ...warp one, sir.
KIRK: Mister Decker... Wormhole! ...Get us back on impulse power! Full reverse!
SULU: Negative helm control, Captain! Going reverse on impulse power!
UHURA: Subspace frequencies are jammed, sir. Wormhole effect!
DECKER: Negative control from inertial lag will continue twenty-two point five seconds before forward velocity slows to sub-light speed.
ILIA: Unidentified small object has been pulled into the wormhole with us, Captain! Directly ahead!
KIRK: Forcefields up, full! Put object on viewer. ...Manual override on helm.
SULU: No manual response!
ILIA: Navigational deflectors coming up.
DECKER: Wormhole distortion has over-loaded main power systems!
ILIA: Navigational deflectors inoperative, Captain. Directional control also inoperative.
KIRK: (slowly, distorted) Time to impact?
ILIA: (slowly, distorted) Twenty seconds.
KIRK: (slowly, distorted) Mister Chekov, stand by on phasers.
DECKER: (slowly, distorted) No! ...Belay that phaser order! ...Arm photon torpedoes.
CHEKOV: (slowly, distorted) Photon torpedoes ...armed.
ILIA: (slowly, distorted) Object is an asteroid, reading mass point seven.
CHEKOV: (slowly, distorted) Targeting asteroid.
ILIA: (slowly, distorted) Impact in ten seconds. ...Impact in eight seconds
DECKER: (slowly, distorted) Fire torpedoes!
ILIA: (slowly, distorted) ...Six.
CHEKOV: (slowly, distorted) Torpedoes away.
ILIA: (slowly, distorted) ...Four.
SULU: Helm control restored, sir.
DECKER: Position report, Navigator?
ILIA: Computing new interception course.
UHURA [OC]: Communications are normal, sir.
CHEKOV [OC]: Negative damage report, Captain. No casualties reported, Doctor.
McCOY: Wrong, Mister Chekov, there are casualties. My wits! As in 'frightened-out-of', Captain, sir!
DECKER: We're at warp point eight. Engineer, ...report your status there.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: In just a second, Exec, we're picking up the pieces down here.

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: Mister Scott, we need warp drive as soon as possible.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Captain, it was the engine imbalance that created the wormhole in the first place. ...It'll happen again if we don't correct it.

[Enterprise bridge]

DECKER: We must correct it.
KIRK: That object out there is less than two days from Earth. We need to intercept while it still is out there. Navigator lay in a new heading to conform with our initial IP. Mister Sulu, you have the conn.
KIRK: Mister Decker, I'd like to see you in my quarters.
McCOY: Mind if I tag along, Captain?
KIRK: Level five.

[Kirk's quarters]

KIRK: All right, explanation? Why was my phaser order countermanded?
DECKER: Sir, the Enterprise redesign increases phaser power by channelling it through the main engines. When they went into anti-matter imbalance, the phasers were automatically cut off.
KIRK: Then you acted properly, of course.
DECKER: Thank you, sir. ...I'm sorry if I embarrassed you.
KIRK: You saved the ship.
DECKER: I'm aware of that, sir.
KIRK: Stop ...competing with me, Decker!
DECKER: Permission to speak freely, sir?
KIRK: Granted.
DECKER: Sir, you haven't logged a single star hour in two and a half years. That, plus your unfamiliarity with the ship's redesign, in my opinion, sir, seriously jeopardises this mission.
KIRK: I trust you will ...nursemaid me through these difficulties, Mister?
DECKER: Yes sir. I'll do that.
KIRK: Then I won't keep you from your duties any longer, Commander.
KIRK: Yes, Doctor?
DECKER: Aye sir.
McCOY: He may be right, Jim.

[Enterprise corridor]

ILIA: Was it difficult?
DECKER: No more than I expected. ...Not as difficult as seeing you. I'm sorry.
ILIA: That you left Delta Four? Or that you didn't even say 'goodbye'?
DECKER: If I had seen you again, ...would you have been able to say it?
ILIA: No.

[Kirk's quarters]

KIRK: Make your point, Doctor.
McCOY: The point, Captain, is that it's you who's competing. ...You rammed getting this command down Starfleet's throat. You've used this emergency to get Enterprise back.
KIRK: And I intend to keep her, is it that what you're saying?
McCOY: Yes! It's an obsession, an obsession that can blind you to far more immediate, and critical responsibilities. Your reaction to Decker is an example.
UHURA (on intercom): Bridge to Captain.
KIRK: Viewer on.
UHURA (on intercom): Signal from a Federation-registered long-range shuttle, sir.
UHURA (on viewer): She wishes to come alongside, and lock on.
KIRK: For what purpose?
CHEKOV (on viewer):Our security scanning shows it has a Grade-One priority, Captain. Non-belligerency confirmed. I suspect it is a ...courier of some kind.
KIRK: Very well, Mister Chekov, see to it. Viewer off. Your ...opinion has been noted.
McCOY: Is there anything further?
KIRK [OC]: That depends on you.

[Shuttle dock entrance]

COMPUTER [OC]: Security scan. One border. Identity, Starfleet inactive.
SPOCK: Permission to come aboard, sir?
CHEKOV: Granted, sir! Granted!

[Enterprise bridge]

CREW: Why... Why ...it's Mister...
KIRK: Spock! ...Spock.
SPOCK: Commander, if I may?
DECKER: If... Oh!
SPOCK: I have been monitoring your communications with Starfleet Command, Captain, I'm aware of your engine design difficulties. ...I offer my services as science officer. ...With all due respect, Commander.
KIRK: If our Exec has no objections?
DECKER: Of course not. I'm well aware of Mister Spock's qualifications.
KIRK: Mister Chekov, log Mister Spock's Starfleet commission reactivated, list him as science officer, ...both effective immediately.
CHAPEL: Mister Spock!!!
McCOY: Well, so help me, I'm actually pleased to see you.
UHURA: It's how we all feel, Mister Spock.
SPOCK: Captain, with your permission, I will now discuss these fuel equations with the Engineer.
KIRK: Mister Spock, welcome aboard.

Captain's log, stardate 7413.4. Thanks to Mister Spock's timely arrival, and assistance, we have the engines rebalanced into full warp capacity. Repair time less than three hours, ...which means we will now be able to intercept intruder while still more than a day from Earth.

SULU: Warp point eight, ...point nine, ...warp two, ...warp five, ...warp six, ...warp seven, sir.

[Enterprise officers lounge]

SPOCK: Science officer Spock, reporting as ordered, Captain.
KIRK: Please sit down.
McCOY: Spock, you haven't changed a bit. You're just as warm and sociable as ever.
SPOCK: Nor have you, Doctor, as your continued predilection for irrelevancy demonstrates.
KIRK: Gentlemen. At last report you were on Vulcan. Apparently to stay.
McCOY: Yes, you were undergoing the Kolineer discipline.
KIRK: Sit down.
SPOCK: If you are referring to the Kolinahr, Doctor, you are correct.
McCOY: Well, however it's pronounced, Mister Spock, it's the Vulcan ritual supposed to purge all remaining emotions.
KIRK: The Kolinahr is also the discipline you broke ...to join us. Will you, please, ...sit down!
SPOCK: On Vulcan I began sensing a consciousness of a force more powerful than I have ever encountered. Thought patterns of exactingly perfect order. I believe they emanate from the intruder. I believe it may hold my answers.
McCOY: Well, isn't it lucky for you that we just happened to be heading your way?
KIRK: Bones! We need him. I need him.
SPOCK: Then my presence is to our mutual advantage.
KIRK: Any thought patterns you might sense, ...whether they appear to affect you personally or not, I expect to be immediately reported.
SPOCK: Of course, Captain. Is there anything else?
KIRK: No.
McCOY: Jim, ...if this super-intelligence is as important to him as he says, how do we know?
KIRK: That he wouldn't put his interests ahead of the ship's. I could never believe that.
McCOY: How do we know about any of us?
UHURA (on intercom): Bridge to Officer's lounge, Captain Kirk. Revised estimate on Cloud visual contact, three point seven minutes.
KIRK: On my way.

[Enterprise bridge]

(klaxon sounding RED ALERT)
KIRK: Give us a reading, Commander. ...Standard light, Engineer. Full mag on viewer.
SULU: Full mag, sir.
KIRK: Linguacode?
UHURA: Continuing friendship messages on all frequencies.
CHEKOV: All decks and divisions confirm, status red.
SPOCK: Captain, we are being scanned.
KIRK: Do not return scan, Mister Spock. It could be misinterpreted as hostility.
SPOCK: Intruder scans emanate from the exact center of the Cloud. Energy of a type ...never before encountered.
UHURA: No response to friendship messages, Captain.
CHEKOV: Should I go to battle stations, sir?
KIRK: Negative, We'll take no provocative action.
DECKER: Recommend defensive posture, screens and shields.
KIRK: No, Mister Decker, ...that could also be misinterpreted as hostile. Cloud composition, Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Twelfth-power energy field.
SULU: Twelfth-power?
DECKER: Captain, we've seen what their weapons can do. Shouldn't we take every possible precaution?
KIRK: Mister Decker.
SPOCK: Captain, I suspect there's an object at the heart of that Cloud.
KIRK: Mister Decker, I will not provoke an attack, If that order isn't clear enough for you...
DECKER: Captain, as your Exec, it's my duty to point out alternatives.
KIRK: I stand corrected.
ILIA: Five minutes to Cloud boundary.
KIRK: Navigator, lay in a conic section flight path into the Cloud center. Bring us parallel to whatever we find in there. ...Mister Sulu, tactical plot on viewer.
SULU: Tactical on viewer.
DECKER: That measures twelfth power energy? Thousands of starships couldn't generate that much.
KIRK: Spock... Spock, tell me.
SPOCK: I sense ...puzzlement. We have been contacted. Why have we not replied?
KIRK: Contacted? How?
(klaxon sounds again)
KIRK: Forcefields up. ...Deflectors now!
CHEKOV: Forcefields and deflectors up full, Captain.
KIRK: Analysis, Mister Spock
SPOCK: Alien weapon is a form of plasma energy, Captain. Exact composition unknown. Guidance system unknown.
KIRK: All decks brace for impact.
(an energy bolt hits the Enterprise)
KIRK: Engineering, status report.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Systems overloading, Captain.

[Bridge}

(the effect of the energy bolt hits Chekov's right hand through his console)
CHEKOV: Aaaaarhh. ...Aaaaarhh.
KIRK: Medic.
DECKER: Medics are coming.
SCOTT (on intercom): Engineering to bridge.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: We cannot hold full power on forcefields. Deflector power is down seventy percent!

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: Divert auxiliary systems power to deflectors.
UHURA: Oh good, Christine. It's Chekov.
CHAPEL: Medic.
ILIA [OC]: I can stop his pain.
CHEKOV: Thank you.
SPOCK: Captain, the intruder has been attempting to communicate. ...Frequency more than one million megahertz, and at such high rate of speed their entire message lasts only a millisecond.
SPOCK: I am now programming our computer to transmit linguacode at their frequency and rate of speed. ...Commander
KIRK: Spock!
SULU [OC]: Here it comes!
KIRK: Engineering, ...what's happening to our forcefields?

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Our shields cannot handle another attack!

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: Mister Spock? ...Spock!
ILIA [OC]: Fifteen seconds,...
KIRK: Spock! Transmit now!
ILIA [OC]: ...ten seconds.
DECKER: Transmitting.
KIRK: It would seem that our friendship messages have been received and understood, Mister Spock.
SPOCK: I would say that was a logical assumption, Captain
ILIA: One minute, thirty seconds to Cloud boundary.
SPOCK: Captain, we are obviously confronted by a highly advanced mentality, ...yet they cannot understand who we are, or what we want.
KIRK: And yet it would seem that they understand our messages. They broke off the attack.
DECKER: They may have attacked only as a warning to us, Captain, to keep away.
SPOCK: That would presuppose a feeling, Commander, ...compassion. I sensed no emotion, only ...pure logic.
KIRK: Mister Sulu, hold present position.
SULU: Holding present position, sir.
KIRK: Tactical plot on viewer.
SULU [OC]: Course projection on tactical, sir.
KIRK: Opinion, Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Recommend we proceed, Captain.
KIRK: Mister Decker?
DECKER: I advise caution, Captain, we can't withstand another attack.
KIRK: That thing is twenty hours away from Earth. We know nothing about it yet.
DECKER: That's precisely the point. We don't know it will do. Moving into that Cloud, at this time, is an unwarranted gamble.
KIRK: How do you define 'unwarranted'?
DECKER: You asked my opinion, sir.
KIRK: Viewer, standard ahead. ...Navigator, maintain course. Helmsman, ...steady as she goes.
(the crew watch on the viewer as the Enterprise flies into the Cloud)
KIRK: No vessel could generate a power field of this magnitude. ...Spock?
SPOCK: Instruments fluctuating, Captain. Patterns unrecognisable.
(the Enterprise continues to fly into the Cloud)
KIRK: Transmit image of the alien to Starfleet, advise we are attempting further to communicate.
UHURA: Unable to make contact with Starfleet, Captain. Any attempt to transmit out of the Cloud is being reflected back.
SULU: We're closing in on it rapidly, Captain.
KIRK: Reduce magnification. Factor four, Mister Sulu.
SULU: We're already two settings below that, sir.
KIRK: Mister Sulu, ...bring us into a parallel course, over the alien at five hundred metres distance.
SULU: Five hundred metres?
KIRK: Then take us out to one hundred kilometres, adjusting parallel course.
SULU: Aye sir.
KIRK [OC]: Viewer astern.
SULU [OC]: Reverse angle on viewer.
SULU: Five hundred metres.
KIRK: Viewer ahead.
SULU [OC]: Viewer ahead, sir.
(Enterprise continues flying even deeper into the Cloud)
KIRK: Hold relative position here.
(klaxon sounds alert for incoming alien weapon)
CHEKOV: Mister Spock? Can that be one of their crew?
SPOCK: A probe from their vessel, Captain. Plasma-energy combination.
DECKER: Don't interfere with it!
CHEKOV: Absolutely I will not interfere.
KIRK: No one interfere. It doesn't seem interested in us, only the ship. ...Computer off.
DECKER: Its taken control of the computer!
KIRK: It's running our records. Earth defences, ...Starfleet strength,
(Spock smashes the computer console controls)
DECKER: Ilia! ...Ilia!
(the probe with Ilia disappears)
DECKER: This is how I define unwarranted! ...Activate auxiliary computer circuits through manual shut-off.
(klaxon sounds again)
SPOCK [OC]: Captain, we have been seized by a tractor beam.
KIRK [OC] Get someone up here to take the Navigator's station! Engineering, ...full emergency power!
DECKER: Chief Difalco to the bridge, on the double!

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Captain, if we don't break free in fifteen seconds, she'll burn up.

[Enterprise bridge]

SPOCK: We cannot break free, Captain. We only have a fraction of the power necessary.
KIRK: Engineering! Belay that order, Scotty! Disengage all main drive systems!
DECKER: Chief Difalco, take over Lieutenant Ilia's station.
(the Enterprise is pulled towards an 'iris' aperture)
KIRK: Difalco, disengage engine navigation relays now.
DIFALCO [OC]: Aye sir.
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN: Forcefield circuits E ten through E fourteen show ready for reactivation. Confirm, please.
KIRK [OC]: Scotty, drive systems should be free now.
DECKER: Commander?
UHURA: Ready to launch remote drone with complete ship's record including our present situation, sir.
DECKER: Delay launching as long as possible. Our drone can't escape as long as we're held in their traction.
UHURA: Aye.
DECKER: Captain, a maximum phaser strike directly at the beam might weaken it just enough for us to break free.
SPOCK: Break free to where, Commander? Any show of resistance would be futile, Captain.
DECKER: We don't know that, Mister Spock. Why are you opposed to trying?
(the Enterprise's journey inside the alien ship continues)
DECKER: Why bring us inside? Not to destroy us, they could have done that outside.
KIRK: They still can.
SPOCK: Curiosity, Mister Decker, ...insatiable curiosity.
UHURA: Captain, photic-sonar readings indicate the aperture is closing. We're trapped, sir!
SULU [OC]: Reverse angle on the viewer, Captain.
SPOCK: The tractor beam has released us, Captain.
DIFALCO: Confirmed. Vessel is floating free. No forward momentum.
KIRK: Viewer ahead.
SULU: Viewer ahead, sir.
KIRK: Maneuvering thrusters, Mister Sulu, ahead, one third.
SULU [OC]: Thrusters ahead one third.
KIRK: Let's take a look. Full sensor scan, Mister Spock. They can't expect us not to look them over now.
DECKER: Now that we're looking down their throat.
KIRK: Right! Now that they've got us just where they want us.
SULU [OC]: It's closing up.
KIRK: Hold position.
SPOCK: Captain, ...all our scans are being reflected back. Sensors are useless.
KIRK: Damn! ...What do you make of all this?
SPOCK: I believe the closed orifice leads to another chamber. Undoubtedly part of the vessel's inner mechanism. I suspect it may be necessary...
COMPUTER [OC]: Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert!
CHEKOV: Deck five, Captain, Officers' Quarters!
KIRK: Have a security team meet me at deck five main elevator. Spock! Mister Decker you have the conn. Hold position.

[Ilia's quarters]

(the Ilia probe is in the sonic shower)
ILIA PROBE: You are the Kirk unit. You will assist me. I've been programmed by V'Ger to observe and record normal functioning of the carbon-based units infesting U.S.S. Enterprise.
McCOY: Jim, what's going on?
KIRK: Tricorder. ...Who is ...'V'Ger'?
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger is that which has programmed me.
KIRK: Is V'Ger the name of the captain of the alien vessel?
McCOY: Jim, this is a mechanism!
SPOCK: A probe, Captain. No doubt a sensor-transceiver combination, recording everything we say and do.
KIRK: Where is Lieutenant Ilia?
ILIA PROBE: That unit no longer functions. I have been given its form to more readily communicate with the carbon-based units infesting Enterprise.
SECURITY GUARD: 'Carbon-based units'?
McCOY: Humans, Ensign Perez. Us.
KIRK: Why does V'Ger travel to the third planet of the solar system directly ahead?
ILIA PROBE: To find the Creator.
KIRK: To find the Creator? Whose? ...What does V'Ger want with the Creator?
ILIA PROBE: To join with him.
SPOCK: Join with the Creator? ...How?
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger and the Creator will become one.
SPOCK: And who is the Creator?
ILIA PROBE: The Creator is that which created V'Ger.
KIRK: Who is V'Ger?
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger is that which seeks the Creator. I am ready to commence my observations.
SPOCK: Doctor, a thorough examination of this probe might provide some insight into those who manufactured it, and how to deal with them.
McCOY: Fine! Let's get her to sickbay.
ILIA PROBE: I am programmed to observe and record only the normal functioning procedures of the carbon-based units.
KIRK: The ...examination is a normal function.
ILIA PROBE: You may proceed.

[Enterprise examining room]

McCOY: ...micro-miniature hydraulics, sensors, and molecule-sized multi-processor chips. ...And take a look at this!
CHAPEL: Osmotic micro-pump, ...right here. Even the smallest body functions are exactly duplicated. ...And every exocrine system is here, too, ...even eye moisture.
ILIA PROBE Deck ...er.
SPOCK: Fascinating. Not 'Decker-unit'? ...Gentlemen.
KIRK: Will.

[Enterprise corridor]

DECKER: What happened to her?
SPOCK: Captain, ...this probe may be a key a key to the aliens.
DECKER: Probe? Ilia?
SPOCK: Exactly. It's a programmed mechanism, Commander. ...Its body duplicates our navigator in precise detail. Suppose that beneath it's programming, the real Ilia's memory patterns are duplicated with equal precision.
KIRK: They had a pattern to follow.
SPOCK: Indeed. ...They may have followed it too precisely.
KIRK: Ilia's memory, her feelings of loyalty, obedience, friendship, ...might all be there.
SPOCK: You did have a 'relationship' with Lieutenant Ilia, Commander.
DECKER: That probe in there, in a different form now, is what killed Ilia!
KIRK: Commander! Will, we're locked in an alien vessel, six hours from Earth orbit, our only contact with our captor is that probe. If we could control it, persuade it, use it in some way.
(the Ilia probe breaks out into the corridor)
ILIA PROBE: I have recorded enough here. You will now assist me further.
KIRK: The Decker-unit can assist you with much greater efficiency. ...Carry on with your assignment, Mister Decker.
DECKER: Aye sir.
SPOCK: I am concerned with that being our only source of information.

Captain's log, stardate 7414.1. Our best estimates place us some four hours from Earth. No significant progress thus far reviving Ilia memory patterns within the alien probe. This remains our only means of contact with our captor.

[Kirk's quarters]

DECKER (on viewscreen): All these vessels were called 'Enterprise'.

[Enterprise recreation deck]

DECKER: The carbon units use this area for recreation. ...This is one of the games. ...What type of recreation does the crew aboard your vessel enjoy?
ILIA PROBE: The words 'recreation' and 'enjoy' have no meaning to my programming.
DECKER: Ilia enjoyed this game, ...she nearly always won.

[Kirk's quarters]

McCOY: Good! He's using audial-visual association.
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): This device serves no purpose. ...Why does Enterprise require the presence of carbon units?
DECKER (on viewscreen): Enterprise would be unable to function without carbon units.
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): More data concerning this functioning is necessary before carbon units can be patterned for data storage.
DECKER (on viewscreen): What does that mean?
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): When my examination is complete, all carbon units will be reduced to data patterns.
DECKER (on viewscreen): Within you, are memory patterns of a certain carbon unit. If I can help you revive those patterns, you could understand our functions better.
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): That is logical. You may proceed.

[Enterprise airlock area]

(Spock disables a technician with a nerve pinch)

[Kirk's quarters]

(viewscreen has moved to Ilia's quarters)
CHAPEL (on viewscreen): I remember Lieutenant Ilia once mentioning that she wore this.
DECKER (on viewscreen): Put it on. ...On Delta, ...remember?
CHAPEL (on viewscreen): Ilia.
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): Doctor Chapel, ...Will?
DECKER (on viewscreen): Ilia.
McCOY (on viewscreen): Commander. ...Commander, ...this is a mechanism.
DECKER (on viewscreen): Ilia, help us make direct contact with V'Ger.
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): I cannot.
DECKER (on viewscreen): This Creator V'Ger's looking for. What is it?
ILIA PROBE (on viewscreen): V'Ger does not know.

[Outside Enterprise - Spock in a thruster suit]

SPOCK: Computer. Commence recording. Captain Kirk, these messages will detail my attempt to contact the aliens. ...I intend to calculate thruster ignition and acceleration rates to coincide with the opening of the V'Ger orifice. This should facilitate a better view of the interior of the alien spacecraft.

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA: Captain, Starfleet signals growing in strength, sir. ...They still have the intruder on their monitors. It's decelerating!
SULU: Confirmed. Lunar beacons indicate intruder on a course into Earth orbit.
CHEKOV: Sir! Airlock four has been opened. A thruster suit is reported missing!
KIRK: A thruster suit? That's Spock! Damn him! Bring him back here. ...No wait, ...get a fix on his position.
CHEKOV: Aye sir.

[Outside Enterprise]

(Spock fires the thruster suit and successfully passes through the opening orifice)
SPOCK: I have successfully penetrated the next chamber of the alien's Interior, and I am witnessing some sort of dimensional image which I believe to be a representation of V'Ger's home planet. I am passing through a connecting tunnel. Apparently a kind of plasma-energy conduit. Possibly a field coil for gigantic imaging systems. Curious. I am seeing images of planets, moons, stars, whole galaxies all stored in here, recorded. It could be a record of V'Ger's entire journey. But who, or what, are we dealing with? The Epsilon Nine station, stored here with every detail. Captain, I am now quite convinced that all of this is V'Ger. That we are inside a living machine. Ilia. The sensor ...must contain some special meaning. I must try to mind-meld with it. Aaaaarhh.
(Spock reappears outside the Enterprise, Kirk in a spacesuit retrieves him)
KIRK: Spock? ...Spock?

[Enterprise sickbay]

CHAPEL: Now scanning pons area. Spinal nerve fiber connection.
McCOY: Indications of some neurological trauma. The power pouring through that mind-meld must have been staggering.
SPOCK: Jim, ...I should have known.
KIRK: Were you right? About V'Ger?
SPOCK: A lifeform of its own, a conscious, living entity.
CHAPEL [OC]: A living machine?
KIRK: It considers the Enterprise a living machine. That's why the probe refers it as an entity.
SPOCK: I saw V'Ger's planet, a planet populated by living machines. Unbelievable technology. V'Ger has knowledge that spans this universe. And, yet with all this pure logic, ...V'Ger is barren, cold, no mystery, no beauty. I should have known.
KIRK: Known? Known what? ...Spock, what should you have known?
SPOCK: This simple feeling ...is beyond V'Ger's comprehension. No meaning, ...no hope, ...and, Jim, no answers. It's asking questions. 'Is this ...all I am? Is there nothing more?'
UHURA (on intercom): Bridge to Captain.
KIRK: Kirk here.

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA: A faint signal from Starfleet, sir. Intruder Cloud has been located on their outer monitors for past twenty-seven minutes. ...Cloud dissipating rapidly as it approaches.
SULU: Starfleet reports forward velocity has slowed to sub-warp speed. We are three minutes from Earth's orbit.

[Enterprise sickbay]

KIRK: I'll be right there. ...I need Spock on the bridge.
CHAPEL: Dalaphaline, five cc's.

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA [OC]: Captain, Starfleet is sending this tactical on V'Ger's position. V'Ger is transmitting a signal.
DECKER: Jim!
KIRK: From V'Ger?
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger signals the Creator.
KIRK: Spock?
SPOCK: A simple binary code transmitted by carrier-wave signal. Radio.
KIRK: Radio?
DECKER: Jim, V'Ger expects an answer.
KIRK: An answer? I don't know the question.
ILIA PROBE: The Creator has not responded.
CHEKOV: All planetary defence systems have just gone inoperative.
UHURA: Sir, Starfleet says the devices are proceeding to equidistant positions orbiting the planet.
McCOY: They're the same things that hit us.
SPOCK: They are hundreds of times more powerful, Captain. From those positions they could devastate the entire surface of the planet.
KIRK: Why?
ILIA PROBE: The Creator has not answered. The carbon-units infestation is to be removed from the Creator's planet.
KIRK: Why?
ILIA PROBE: You infest, Enterprise. You interfere with the Creator in the same manner.
KIRK: The carbon-units are not an infestation. They are ...a natural function of the Creator's planet. They are living things.
ILIA PROBE: They are not true lifeforms Only the Creator and other similar lifeforms are true.
McCOY: Similar lifeforms. Jim, V'Ger is saying its Creator is a machine.
KIRK: Machine!
SPOCK: Captain, V'Ger is a child. I suggest you treat it as such.
KIRK: A child?
SPOCK: Yes, captain, a child. Evolving, learning, searching, instinctively needing.
DECKER: Needing what?
McCOY: Spock! This thing is about to wipe out every living thing on Earth Now what do you suggest we do? Spank it?
SPOCK: It only knows that it needs, Commander. But like so many of us, it does not know what.
KIRK: The carbon units know why the Creator has not responded.
ILIA PROBE: Disclose the information.
KIRK: Not until V'Ger withdraws the devices orbiting the third planet.
UHURA: Captain! I'm losing Starfleet. Interference from V'Ger.
ILIA PROBE: Kirk unit, disclose the information. Why has the Creator not responded?
KIRK: No. ...Secure all stations, clear the bridge.
(the Enterprise suffers a severe shock)
SULU: Clear the bridge, Captain?
KIRK: That was the order, Mister Sulu. Clear the bridge.
SULU: Aye sir.
(the Enterprise is rocked by more severe shocks)
McCOY: Your child is having a tantrum, Mister Spock.
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger requires the information.
KIRK: Bridge. Secure all stations. Move out!
McCOY: Jim! What the hell kind of strategy is this?
DECKER: All ship's functions going to automatic, Captain.
KIRK: If V'Ger destroys the Enterprise, all the information that V'Ger requires will also be destroyed.
ILIA PROBE: It is illogical to withhold the required information. ...Kirk unit. Kirk unit, why do you not disclose the information?
KIRK: If V'Ger's gonna to destroy all the carbon units on the third planet...
ILIA PROBE: They have repressed the Creator.
KIRK: ...the information will not be disclosed.
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger needs the information.
KIRK: Then V'Ger must withdraw all the orbiting devices.
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger will comply if the carbon units will disclose the information.
McCOY: It learns fast, doesn't it?
SPOCK: Captain, the vessel, V'Ger, obviously operates from a central brain complex.
KIRK: The orbiting devices will be controlled from that point.
SPOCK: Precisely.
KIRK: The carbon unit's information cannot be disclosed to V'Ger's probe, but only to V'Ger directly.
DECKER: Forward motion, Captain!
SPOCK: Tractor beam.
DECKER: Captain, what's the next move?
KIRK: The question is, Mister Decker, is there a next move? ...Resume duty stations.
DECKER: All personnel resume stations.
KIRK: Well, Mister Decker, it seems my bluff has been called.
DECKER: I'm afraid our hand is pretty weak, Captain.
KIRK: Mister Chekov, when do those devices reach final position?
CHEKOV: Twenty-seven minutes. Mark.
KIRK: Engineering.
SCOTT (on intercom): Scott here.
KIRK: Mister Scott, be prepared to execute Starfleet order two zero zero five.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: When, sir?

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK: On my command.

[Enterprise engineering]

SCOTT: Aye sir.
ROSS: Why has the Captain ordered self-destruct, sir?
SCOTT: I would say, lass, because he thinks, he hopes, that when we go up ...we'll take the intruder with us.
ROSS: Will we?
SCOTT: When that much matter and anti-matter are brought together, oh yes, we will, indeed.

[Enterprise bridge]

CHEKOV: Eighteen minutes to device activation.
DECKER [OC]: Give me an all-decks read-out.
UHURA: Starfleet has been apprised of our situation, Captain.
COMPUTER [OC]: Crew status is one seven two at duty stations, two four eight off duty, eleven in sickbay, all minor, Over.
SULU: Tractor beam remains constant.
DIFALCO: We are seventeen kilometres inside the vessel.
DECKER: Engineering, show me your readings.
SCOTT (on intercom): Deck four, that temperature should read one zero one three degrees.
DECKER [OC]: Please confirm.
KIRK: Spock. ...Spock?
(as Spock turns Kirk and McCoy see that he is crying)
KIRK: Not for us?
SPOCK: No, Captain, not for us, ...for V'Ger. ...I weep for V'Ger, as I would for a brother. As I was when I came aboard, so is V'Ger now, empty, incomplete, ...searching. Logic and knowledge are not enough.
McCOY: Spock, are you saying that you've found, what you needed, but V'Ger hasn't?
DECKER: What would V'Ger need to fulfil itself?
SPOCK: Each of us, at some time in our life, turns to someone, a father, a brother, a god and asks 'Why am I here?' 'What was I meant to be?' V'Ger hopes to touch its Creator to find its answers.
KIRK: 'Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?'
DIFALCO: Captain!
SULU: Forward motion slowing, Captain.
SPOCK: Captain, I believe that is our destination.
CHEKOV: I read an oxygen gravity envelope forming outside the Enterprise!
SULU: Forward motion stopped.
ILIA PROBE: V'Ger.
UHURA: Sir, I have located the source of V'Ger's radio signal, it's directly ahead.
SPOCK: That transmitter is a vital link between V'Ger and it's Creator.
ILIA PROBE: The carbon units will now provide V'Ger the required information.
KIRK: Spock, Bones. Mister Decker. ...I will contact you every five minutes.
DECKER: Captain, ...I'd like to go along.
KIRK: Mister Sulu, you have the conn.

[Outside Enterprise - with a 'Giant's Causeway' leading away]

ILIA PROBE: V'Ger!

[Voyager VI platform]

KIRK: V-G-E-R ...V-O-Y-A-G-E-R ...Voyager! ...Voyager VI?
DECKER: NASA. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Jim, this was launched more than three hundred years ago.
KIRK: Voyager series, designed to collect data and transmit it back to Earth.
DECKER: Voyager VI ...disappeared into what they used to call a black hole.
KIRK: It must have emerged sometime on the far side of the Galaxy and fell into the machine's planet's gravitational field.
SPOCK: The machine inhabiters found it to be one of their own kind, primitive yet kindred. They discovered its simple twentieth-century programming. Collect all data possible.
DECKER: Learn all that is learnable. Return that information to its Creator.
SPOCK [OC]: Precisely, Mister Decker, the machines interpreted it literally.
SPOCK: They built this entire vessel so that Voyager could fulfil it's programming.
KIRK: And on its journey back it amassed so much knowledge, it achieved consciousness itself. It became a living thing.
ALIEN MACHINE VOICE [OC]: (unintelligible)
ILIA PROBE: Kirk unit, V'Ger awaits the information.
KIRK: Enterprise, order up the ship's computer library of records, on the late twentieth-century NASA probe, Voyager VI.

[Enterprise bridge]

KIRK (on intercom): We want the old NASA code signal that instructs the probe to transmit its death.

[Voyager VI platform]

KIRK: ...and fast, Uhura, fast!
UHURA (on intercom): Aye sir.
DECKER: That's what it's been signalling, its readiness to transmit its information.
KIRK: And there's no one on Earth who could recognise the old signal and send a response.
McCOY: The Creator does not answer.
KIRK: V'Ger, ...V'Ger, ...V'Ger, ...we are the Creator.
ILIA PROBE: That is not possible. Carbon units are not true lifeforms.
KIRK [OC]: We will prove it. We will make it possible for you to complete your programming. Only the Creator could accomplish that. ...Enterprise?

[Enterprise bridge]

UHURA: We have just received the response code, Captain.

[Voyager VI platform]

KIRK: Set the Enterprise transmitter on appropriate frequency, and transmit the code now.
UHURA (on intercom): Transmitting.
DECKER: Five zero four, three two nine, three one seven, five one zero, and the final sequence...
KIRK: That should trigger Voyager's transmitter.
SPOCK: Voyager is not transmitting its data, Captain.
ILIA PROBE: The Creator must join with V'Ger.
KIRK: Uhura! Repeat the final sequence.
ILIA PROBE: The Creator must join with V'Ger.
SPOCK: Voyager is not transmitting, Captain, because it did not receive the final sequence.
McCOY: Jim, we're down to ten minutes.
KIRK: Enterprise, stand by. The antenna leads are melted away.
SPOCK: Yes Captain, just now. By V'Ger itself.
KIRK: Why?
SPOCK: To prevent reception.
KIRK: Of course.
DECKER: To bring the Creator here, to finish transmitting the code in person, ...to touch the Creator.
McCOY: To capture God! V'Ger's going to be in for one hell of a disappointment.
SPOCK: Perhaps not. ...Captain, ...V'Ger must evolve. Its knowledge has reached the limits of this universe and it must evolve. What it requires of its God, Doctor is the answer to its question, 'Is there nothing more?
McCOY: What more is there than the universe, Spock?
DECKER: Other, dimensions, higher levels of beings.
SPOCK: The existence of which cannot be proved logically, therefore V'Ger is incapable of believing in them.
KIRK: What V'Ger needs in order to evolve is a human quality. Our capacity to leap beyond logic.
DECKER: And joining with its Creator might accomplish that.
McCOY: You mean that this machine wants to physically join with a human? Is that possible?
DECKER: Let' find out.
KIRK: Decker!
DECKER: I'm gonna key the sequence through the ground-test computer.
McCOY: Decker! You don't know what that will do to you.
DECKER: Yes, I do, Doctor.
KIRK: Decker, don't!
DECKER: Jim, I want this. As much as you wanted the Enterprise, I want this.
(the 'Ilia probe' merges into the incandescent cloud enveloping Decker)

[Enterprise bridge]

SULU: Captain.
KIRK: Spock! Did we just see the beginnings of a new lifeform?
SPOCK: Yes, Captain, we witnessed a birth. Possibly a next step in our evolution.
KIRK: I wonder.
McCOY: Well, it's been a long time since I delivered a baby, and I hope we got this one off to a good start.
KIRK: I hope so, too. I think we gave it the ability to create its own sense of purpose. Out of our own human weaknesses, and the drive that compels us to overcome them.
McCOY: And a lot of foolish human emotions. Right, Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Quite true, Doctor. Unfortunately it will have to deal with them as well.
UHURA: A communication from Starfleet. They're requesting damage and injury reports and complete vessel status.
KIRK: Report two casualties. Lieutenant Ilia. Captain Decker.
UHURA [OC]: Aye sir.
KIRK: Correction! They're not casualties. They are... List them as missing. Vessel status, fully operational.
UHURA [OC]: Aye sir.
KIRK: Mister Scott! Shall we give the Enterprise a proper shakedown?
SCOTT: I would say it's time for that, sir, aye. We can have you back on Vulcan in for days, Mister Spock.
SPOCK: Unnecessary, Mister Scott. My task on Vulcan is completed.
KIRK: Mister Sulu, ahead, warp one.
SULU [OC]: Warp one, sir.
DIFALCO [OC]: Heading, sir?
KIRK: Out there. Thataway!

THE HUMAN ADVENTURE IS JUST BEGINNING.
END CREDITS

 HISTORY

2024-09-28 21:41:44 - Pike: Updated the transcript.
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2024-09-23 17:00:09 - Pike: Added the writers and director.
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