WRITTEN BY
Jerry Sohl
DIRECTED BY
Joseph Sargent
AIRED ON
November 10, 1966
RUNTIME
50 minutes
STARRING
VIEWS
388
LAST UPDATE
2024-09-24 17:04:24
PAGE VERSION
Version 6
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SUMMARY
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STORY
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BEHIND THE SCENES
- First Regular Episode Produced: While "The Corbomite Maneuver" was the tenth episode aired, it was actually the first regular episode of Star Trek: The Original Series produced after the pilots ("The Cage" and "Where No Man Has Gone Before"). It served as the cast and crew’s introduction to how the series would operate on a weekly basis. This explains why some aspects of the episode, such as character dynamics, feel slightly different than later episodes. This episode helped to establish the key format for Star Trek, emphasizing intellectual problem-solving over action, with a focus on moral and ethical dilemmas in space exploration.
- Introduction of Dr. McCoy: "The Corbomite Maneuver" is the first appearance of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) as the Enterprise’s chief medical officer in a full episode. While DeForest Kelley appeared in "Where No Man Has Gone Before", this episode marked the true start of his role as part of the iconic trio alongside Kirk and Spock.
- McCoy’s gruff yet compassionate demeanor is already in place, and his philosophical discussions with Kirk in this episode begin the long-running theme of McCoy being Kirk’s moral compass, often questioning decisions from a humanitarian perspective.
- The Introduction of Lieutenant Uhura in Her Iconic Gold Uniform: Nichelle Nichols' character, Lieutenant Uhura, appears in "The Corbomite Maneuver" wearing her iconic red uniform in many episodes. However, in this episode, she is still dressed in the original gold uniform, which was closer to the colors worn by the command division. This would soon change as the show solidified its character roles and color schemes.
- Bailey’s Role: Symbolizing Human Fear: The character of Lieutenant Bailey (played by Anthony Call) is central to the episode’s theme of dealing with fear and the unknown. Bailey's panic and inability to handle the intense pressure of the situation is used to highlight the human fear of the unknown and of making mistakes. He is a foil to Captain Kirk's calm leadership under stress. Originally, Bailey was supposed to be a more prominent character, but his role was reduced in future episodes. His meltdown, where he yells at Kirk, "You’re gambling with our lives!" is a standout moment that underscores the tension of the situation.
- The First Kirk Bluff: Captain Kirk’s use of the fictional corbomite device to bluff his way out of danger is one of his first displays of clever strategy in the series. The idea that Kirk would trick an overwhelmingly powerful adversary with a calculated lie became a defining trait of his command style. His ability to think quickly under pressure and outsmart enemies set a precedent for future episodes. This also establishes Kirk as a captain who values intelligence and diplomacy over brute force, a core theme of Star Trek.
- The Alien Balok: Ron Howard's Brother: Balok, the childlike alien encountered at the end of the episode, is played by Clint Howard, the younger brother of actor and director Ron Howard. Clint was only seven years old at the time and was cast because of his distinctive appearance. Balok's high-pitched, childlike voice and unsettling smile make him one of the more memorable aliens from Star Trek. Despite his age, Clint Howard was already an experienced actor and brought a unique presence to the role of Balok, whose appearance is meant to challenge the Enterprise crew's preconceptions about what constitutes an enemy.
- The Puppetry of the "Real" Balok: Before the crew sees the real Balok, they first encounter a giant, menacing alien face projected on their viewscreen. This puppet version of Balok was designed to be intimidating and terrifying, reflecting the Enterprise crew’s initial fear of the unknown. The puppet was later revealed to be a mere front, part of Balok’s own bluff. The contrast between the terrifying puppet and the childlike alien symbolizes the theme of fear and appearances being deceiving.
- Gene Roddenberry’s Vision of Peaceful Exploration: "The Corbomite Maneuver" is an early example of Gene Roddenberry’s vision of Star Trek as a show that would use peaceful exploration and diplomacy as a means of resolving conflict. Kirk's refusal to resort to violence, even when faced with overwhelming odds, is a prime example of Roddenberry’s ideal future for humanity, where intelligence, empathy, and communication prevail over aggression. The episode’s climax, where Kirk offers friendship to Balok instead of continuing hostilities, was an important statement for the time, emphasizing the potential for peaceful first contact with alien species.
- Tension Between Spock and Kirk: In this early episode, there is notable tension between Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Kirk (William Shatner). Spock’s cold, logical approach contrasts sharply with Kirk’s more instinctual and emotional style of command. This dynamic would evolve over the course of the series, with Spock coming to trust Kirk’s judgment and Kirk relying on Spock’s rational advice. In this episode, Spock’s suggestion that the situation with Balok is a "chess game" leads Kirk to think more strategically, although Kirk chooses a more creative and deceptive approach to resolve the crisis, demonstrating their contrasting but complementary styles of thinking.
- Uhura’s Expanded Role: This episode gives Lieutenant Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, a more prominent role than in the early pilot episodes. She’s shown competently managing communications during the tense standoff with Balok, and her calm professionalism sets a tone for her character moving forward. Uhura's presence as a Black woman in a high-ranking, non-stereotypical role on television was groundbreaking, and "The Corbomite Maneuver" showcased her importance as part of the Enterprise's command structure.
- Flashing Red Alert Lights: "The Corbomite Maneuver" introduced the iconic red alert lighting system aboard the Enterprise. The flashing red lights and alert klaxons would become a staple of the show, signaling danger and ramping up tension during crisis situations. This visual cue quickly became synonymous with peril on the Enterprise, appearing in many future episodes.
- The Stress of Early Production: As the first episode filmed after the pilots, "The Corbomite Maneuver" was made under a lot of pressure. The cast and crew were still adjusting to the rigorous demands of the weekly television schedule, and there were many behind-the-scenes difficulties with the new production workflow. Actors were still getting used to their characters, and the special effects department had to figure out how to make complex visual scenes on a limited budget. Despite these early challenges, the episode turned out to be a defining one for the series, demonstrating the potential for deep moral and philosophical themes in Star Trek.
- Balok’s Offer of Friendship: The Federation’s Philosophy: After the tension between the Enterprise and Balok is resolved, Balok extends an offer of friendship, inviting a member of the crew to stay with him to learn about each other’s cultures. This reflects the philosophy of the Federation, which values peace, diplomacy, and cooperation over conflict. Kirk's decision to send Lieutenant Bailey, who had struggled with fear earlier in the episode, also shows the trust he places in his crew’s ability to grow and evolve. This ending emphasizes the recurring theme in Star Trek that many conflicts arise from misunderstandings and that open communication can resolve even the most dangerous situations.
- Clint Howard’s Impact on Future Episodes: Clint Howard’s portrayal of Balok was so iconic that it led to him being asked to return for future Star Trek appearances. Howard later appeared in other Star Trek series, including Deep Space Nine and Discovery. His childlike yet wise portrayal of Balok became a standout moment in Star Trek history.
- The First Use of Color-Coded Uniforms: Though uniform colors were inconsistent in the early episodes of Star Trek, "The Corbomite Maneuver" was one of the first episodes to solidify the use of the now-iconic color-coded uniforms: gold for command, blue for science and medical, and red for engineering and security. This color scheme became iconic and remained a staple throughout Star Trek.
- Early Exploration of the Unknown: "The Corbomite Maneuver" is one of the first episodes to fully explore Star Trek’s mission of venturing into the unknown. The Enterprise crew’s encounter with Balok, an alien who tests them with deception and intelligence, reflects the spirit of scientific exploration and the moral quandaries that come with contact with new species. This theme would be echoed in many future episodes.
- Kirk’s handling of the situation—assertive yet cautious, logical but willing to take risks—set the tone for his command style and the ethos of the Enterprise crew.
- Special Effects and Production Design: The special effects for "The Corbomite Maneuver" were ambitious for the time, particularly the depiction of Balok's massive ship, the Fesarius. The ship's design, resembling a large, glowing sphere, was made using practical models and lighting effects. The creators wanted to emphasize the vast technological disparity between the Enterprise and Balok's vessel, highlighting the potential threat the crew faced. The model for the Fesarius was constructed from a collection of lightbulbs to give it a glowing and otherworldly appearance. The special effects team worked creatively within the budget constraints, setting a standard for the kind of innovative designs that Star Trek would become known for.
- Cliff Bole’s Directorial Debut: This episode marked the directorial debut of Cliff Bole, who would go on to become a prolific director in the Star Trek franchise, directing many episodes across The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. His work on "The Corbomite Maneuver" demonstrated his ability to balance action and character-driven drama, which would become a hallmark of his future contributions to the franchise.
- Moral Complexity: Avoiding Prejudice: The episode emphasizes the theme of avoiding snap judgments based on appearance. The Enterprise crew is initially terrified of the intimidating, powerful alien figure on their viewscreen, but they discover that Balok is actually a small, childlike being with peaceful intentions. This plot twist reinforces Star Trek’s consistent message that alien species, and people in general, should not be judged based on superficial appearances. This theme was particularly important during the 1960s, as it paralleled the societal issues of prejudice and discrimination, resonating with viewers in an era of civil rights movements.
- The Role of Trust and Second Chances: Kirk’s decision to allow Bailey, who had faltered under pressure earlier in the episode, to stay with Balok as a representative of the Enterprise shows Kirk's belief in second chances and personal growth. Bailey’s character arc reflects Star Trek’s optimistic view of humanity’s potential to overcome fear and adapt to new situations, an important aspect of the Federation’s values.
- Bailey’s redemption and his willingness to stay with Balok underscore the episode’s overall message of learning from one’s mistakes and the power of trust and diplomacy in overcoming fear.
- Balok’s Test: A Metaphor for Human Potential: Balok's deception—posing as a powerful, threatening adversary—is ultimately revealed as a test of the Enterprise crew's true character. This reflects the recurring Star Trek theme of intelligence, curiosity, and compassion being the true measures of humanity. The fact that Kirk responds to Balok's threat not with violence but with a clever bluff, followed by an offer of friendship, reinforces the idea that humanity’s strength lies in its ability to think beyond immediate fear. The resolution of the episode, with Balok extending an olive branch and Bailey staying to learn from him, highlights the optimism inherent in Star Trek’s vision of the future: one where humans and alien species can learn from one another.
- A Subtle Anti-War Message: Although "The Corbomite Maneuver" does not directly address war, the episode carries a subtle anti-war message. Rather than engaging in a fight with Balok, Kirk finds a way to de-escalate the situation through non-violent means. His willingness to bluff his way out of a conflict and his eventual offer of friendship underscore Roddenberry’s vision of a future where diplomacy and peaceful resolution take precedence over military action.
MYTHOLOGY
Introduces the concept of bluffing and psychological strategy in space encounters.
Balok, an alien with superior technology, tests the Enterprise crew’s resolve, hinting at the frequent theme of powerful alien entities testing humanity.
QUOTES
Bailey: Three days of this now, sir. Other ships must have made star maps of some of this.
Spock: Negative, Lieutenant. We are the first to reach this far.
Sulu: Sir, contact with an object. It's moving toward us.
Bailey: It's blocking the way!
Spock: Quite unnecessary to raise your voice, Mister Bailey. All engines stop. Sound the alert.
Bailey: Raising my voice back there doesn't mean I was scared or couldn't do my job. It means I happen to have a human thing called an adrenaline gland.
Spock: It does sound most inconvenient, however. Have you considered having it removed?
Bailey: Sir, we going to just let it hold us here? We've got phaser weapons. I vote we blast it.
Kirk: I'll keep that in mind, Mister Bailey, when this becomes a democracy.
Kirk: The mission of the Enterprise is to seek out and contact alien life.
Spock: Has it occurred to you that there's a certain... inefficiency in constantly questioning me on things you've already made up your mind about?
Kirk: It gives me emotional security.
Kirk: When I get my hands on the the headquarters genius that assigned me a female yeoman.
McCoy: What's the matter, Jim. Don't you trust yourself?
Kirk: I've already got a female to worry about. Her name's the Enterprise.
Spock: A very interesting game, this poker.
Kirk: It does have advantages over chess.
FILMING LOCATIONS
TOPICS
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REVIEWS
Fascinating!
Written by
Pike on 2019-04-20
★
★
★
★
★
WE ARE INDEED... IN SPACE
The first part of the episode is, as Spocks says at one time, "fascinating!" For the very first time, we don't have a story about yet another introducer into the ship. For the first time, the U.S.S. Enterprise ship is an active character in the series. Yes, it can shoot things! And we, we are in Space after all! Also, the cube was just very powerful as an imaginative device. I kept wondering what it was.
This episode opens new possibilities on what the saga could be about.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue is very interesting.
BAILEY
I absolutely loved the character of Bailey, which I found very well cast and very interesting.
SEXIST, ALWAYS
Of course, we get a nice sexist comment in the episode, when Captain Kirk complains about having a female Yeoman: "I've already got a female to worry about. Her name's The Enterprise."
ENDING
And what about the ending? The ending is as magical as you'd imagine... because you would never imagine it. Obviously, you'd expect crazy monster aliens. And I will let you discover on your own the end...
SUMMARY
I give it 5 out of 5. Excellent.
TRANSCRIPT
[Bridge]
SPOCK: One degree to overlap. Stand by to photograph. Now.
BAILEY: Three days of this now, sir. Other ships must have made star maps of some of this.
SPOCK: Negative, Lieutenant. We are the first to reach this far.
SULU: Sir, contact with an object. It's moving toward us. No visual contact yet.
SPOCK: Deflectors, full intensity.
SULU: It's coming at light speed.
BAILEY: Collision course.
SPOCK: Evasive maneuvers, Mister Sulu.
SULU: Object changing direction, too, sir. Keeps coming at us.
UHURA: I'm getting no signal from it, sir.
BAILEY: Still collision course. Deflectors aren't stopping it.
SPOCK: Sound alarm.
SULU: It's slowing down, Mister Spock.
SPOCK: Countermand alarm. All engines full stop.
BAILEY: Visual contact.
SPOCK: Ahead slow. Steer a course around it, Mister Sulu.
BAILEY: It's blocking the way!
SPOCK: Quite unnecessary to raise your voice, Mister Bailey. All engines stop. Sound the alert.
SULU: Bridge to all decks. Condition alert. All decks, condition alert. Captain Kirk to the Bridge.
Captain's Log, star date 1512.2. On our third day of star mapping, an unexplained cubical object blocked our vessel's path. On the Bridge, Mister Spock immediately ordered general alert. My location, Sickbay. Quarterly physical check.
[Sickbay]
MCCOY: Just a few seconds more.
KIRK: (on back, pumping pedals) Just a few seconds more.
MCCOY: That's a boy. Keep it up. Work up a little sweat, it'll will do you good. (notices red alert)
KIRK: You're killing me. You're killing me.
MCCOY: Stop. Winded?
KIRK: You'd be the last one I'd tell. (sees light, goes to desk monitor) Kirk here. What's going on?
SPOCK [on monitor]: Have a look at this, Captain.
KIRK: What's that?
SPOCK [OC]: Undetermined. Whatever it is, it's blocking our way. When we move, it moves as well.
KIRK: A vessel of some kind?
SPOCK [OC]: Negative. More some type of device.
KIRK: I'll be right up. You could see the alarm lights flashing from there, McCoy. Why didn't you tell me?
MCCOY: Finally finished a physical on you, didn't I. (Kirk leaves) What am I, a doctor or a moon shuttle conductor? If I jumped every time a light came on around here, I'd end up talking to myself.
[Corridor]
SULU [OC]: All decks alert. All decks alert.
[Turbolift]
KIRK: Bridge. Captain to Bridge.
SPOCK [OC]: Spock here.
KIRK: Any changes?
SPOCK [OC]: Negative. Whatever it is, it seems to just want to hold us here.
KIRK: Any indication of danger from it?
SPOCK [OC]: Negative.
KIRK: I'll change first then. Captain out.
[Bridge]
SPOCK: All decks have reported green, Mister Bailey.
BAILEY: Yes, sir.
SPOCK: And when the Captain arrives he will expect a full report on
BAILEY: The cube's range and position. I'll have it by then. Raising my voice back there doesn't mean I was scared or couldn't do my job. It means I happen to have a human thing called an adrenaline gland.
SPOCK: It does sound most inconvenient, however. Have you considered having it removed?
BAILEY: Very funny.
SULU: You try to cross brains with Spock, he'll cut you to pieces every time.
[Kirk's quarters]
KIRK: Captain to Bridge.
SPOCK [on monitor]: Spock here.
KIRK: Any signs of life?
SPOCK [on monitor]: Negative.
KIRK: Have you tried all hailing frequencies?
SPOCK [on monitor]: Affirmative. No answer from the cube.
KIRK: Have the department heads meet me on the Bridge.
SPOCK [on monitor]: Already standing by.
[Bridge]
SPOCK: Reporting, sir. Sensors show it is solid, but its composition is unknown to us.
KIRK: Lieutenant Uhura.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies still open, sir. I get no message from it.
KIRK: Navigation.
BAILEY: Distance from us, fifteen hundred ninety three metres, position constant.
SULU: Each of its edges measures one hundred seven metres. Mass, a little under eleven thousand metric tons.
KIRK: Scotty.
SCOTT: Motive power? Beats me what makes it go.
KIRK: I'll buy speculation.
SCOTT: I'd sell it if I had any. That's a solid cube. How something like that can sense us coming, block us, move when we move, well it beats me. That's my report.
KIRK: Life sciences.
MCCOY: Same report.
BAILEY: Sir, we going to just let it hold us here? We've got phaser weapons. I vote we blast it.
KIRK: I'll keep that in mind, Mister Bailey, when this becomes a democracy.
Captain's Log, star date 1513.8. Star maps reveal no indication of habitable planets nearby. Origin and purpose of the cube still unknown. We've been here, held motionless, for eighteen hours.
[Briefing room]
KIRK: Anything further, gentlemen?
SPOCK: I believe it adds up to either one of two possibilities. First, a space buoy of some kind.
KIRK: Second?
SPOCK: Flypaper.
KIRK: And you don't recommend sticking around.
SPOCK: Negative. It would make us appear too weak.
KIRK: It's time for action, gentlemen. Mister Bailey
BAILEY: Bridge to Phaser Gun Crew
KIRK: Countermand. I'll select what kind of action.
BAILEY: I'm sorry, sir. I thought you meant
KIRK: Are you explaining Mister Bailey? I haven't requested an explanation. Now, as I was about to say, Navigator, plot us a spiral course away from the cube.
BAILEY: Yes, sir. We'll try pulling away from it.
SULU: Yes, sir. Helmsman to Engine Room, stand by. All decks alert. We're going to try pulling away.
[Bridge]
BAILEY: Course plotted and laid in, sir.
KIRK: Engage, Mister Sulu. Quarter speed.
SULU: Point two five, sir. Still blocking us, sir.
KIRK: Let's see if it'll give way. Ahead half speed.
SULU: Point five oh, sir.
SPOCK: Radiation from the short end of the spectrum increasing.
KIRK: All stop. Hold position.
BAILEY: It's still coming toward us. Range, one hundred ninety metres.
SPOCK: Radiation increasing.
KIRK: Power astern, half speed.
SULU: Half speed.
SPOCK: Radiation nearing the tolerance level.
BAILEY: Still coming, gaining on us.
KIRK: Engines astern, full speed.
SULU: Full speed.
BAILEY: Range one hundred twenty five metres now.
KIRK: Helm, give us warp speed.
SULU: Warp one, sir.
SPOCK: Radiation at the tolerance level.
SULU: Warp two, sir. Speed is now warp three.
SPOCK: Radiation passing the tolerance level, entering lethal zone.
BAILEY: Range fifty one metres and still closing, sir.
KIRK: Phaser Crew stand ready.
BAILEY: Phaser Crew reports ready, sir.
SPOCK: Growing. We can take only a few more seconds of this.
KIRK: Lock phasers on target. Mister Bailey, lock phasers.
BAILEY: Phasers locked on target, sir. At point-blank range and closing.
KIRK: Fire main phasers.
Captain's Log, star date 1514.0. The cube has been destroyed. Ship's damage minor but my next decision, major. Probe on ahead or turn back.
[Bridge]
SPOCK: Nothing, Captain. No contacts, no objects in any direction.
KIRK: Care to speculate on what we'll find if we go on ahead?
SPOCK: Speculate? No. Logically, we'll discover the intelligence which sent out the cube.
KIRK: Intelligence different from ours or superior?
SPOCK: Probably both, and if you're asking the logical decision to make
KIRK: No, I'm not. The mission of the Enterprise is to seek out and contact alien life.
SPOCK: Has it occurred to you that there's a certain inefficiency in constantly questioning me on things you've already made up your mind about?
KIRK: It gives me emotional security. Navigator, set a course ahead.
BAILEY: Plotted. Laid in, sir.
KIRK: Engage.
BAILEY: Warp one, sir.
KIRK: Mister Bailey, phaser crews were sluggish. You were slow in locking them into your directional beam. Helmsman, engineering decks could have been faster, too. Programme a series of simulated attacks and evasion maneuvers. Keep repeating the exercise until we're proficient, gentlemen.
SULU: Yes, sir.
BAILEY: Yes, sir.
MCCOY: Your timing is lousy, Jim.
[Turbolift]
MCCOY: Your men are tired.
KIRK: Captain's quarters. Aren't you the one who always says a little suffering is good for the soul?
MCCOY: I never say that.
BAILEY [OC]: This is the Bridge. Prepare for simulated attack.
MCCOY: I'm especially worried about Bailey. Navigator's position's rough enough for a seasoned man.
KIRK: I think he'll cut it.
MCCOY: Oh? How so sure? Because you spotted something you liked in him, something familiar, like yourself say about, oh, eleven years ago?
BAILEY [OC]: On the double, deck five! Give me a green light.
KIRK: Why, Doctor, you've been reading your textbooks again?
MCCOY: I don't need textbooks to know you could've promoted him too fast. Listen to that voice.
BAILEY [OC]: Condition alert. Battle stations.
[Kirk's quarters]
BAILEY [OC]: Engineering, deck five, report. Phaser crews, come on, let's get with it. Phaser station two, where's your green light?
KIRK: What's next? They're not machines, Jim?
MCCOY: Well, they're not. After what they've been through they really should
KIRK: Doctor McCoy, I've heard you say that man is ultimately superior to any mechanical device.
MCCOY: No, I never say that, either.
KIRK: I could've sworn I heard you say that. Kirk here.
SPOCK [OC]: Exercise rating, Captain. Ninety four percent.
KIRK: Let's try for one hundred, Mister Spock.
SPOCK [OC]: Agreed.
MCCOY: What are you going to do with that six percent when they give it to you, Jim?
KIRK: I'm going to take it, and I'm going to (door opens)
RAND: Excuse me, sir. It's past time you had something to eat, sir.
KIRK: What the devil is this? Green leaves?
RAND: It's dietary salad, sir. Doctor McCoy ordered your diet card changed. I thought you knew.
MCCOY: Your weight was up a couple of pounds, remember?
KIRK: Will you stop hovering over me, Yeoman?
RAND: Well, I'll change it if you don't like it, sir.
KIRK: Bring some for the doctor, too.
MCCOY: No, no. No, I never eat until the crew eats.
KIRK: Thank you, Yeoman.
RAND: You're welcome, sir. (leaves)
BAILEY [OC]: This is the Bridge. All decks prepare to better reaction time on second simulated attack.
KIRK: When I find the headquarters genius that assigned me a female yeoman
MCCOY: What's the matter, Jim. Don't you trust yourself?
KIRK: I've already got a female to worry about. Her name's the Enterprise.
BAILEY [OC]: Engineering decks alert. Phaser crews, let's
SULU [OC] Countermand that. All decks to battle stations. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill.
KIRK: Kirk here.
SPOCK [OC]: We're picking up an object, sir. Much larger, coming toward us.
KIRK: Coming.
[Bridge]
SPOCK: Exceptionally strong contact. Not visual yet. Distant spectrograph. Metallic, similar to cube. Much greater energy reading.
SULU: There, sir.
KIRK: Half speed. Prepare for evasive action.
SULU: Reducing to warp two, sir.
SPOCK: Tractor beam, Captain. Something's grabbed us, hard.
SULU: Engines overloading, sir.
KIRK: All engines stop.
SULU: All engines stopped, sir.
KIRK: Phaser crews stand ready.
BAILEY: Bridge to phaser crews, stand ready.
CREWMAN [OC]: Forward phaser, will comply. All weapons at operational ready.
SPOCK: Fascinating.
KIRK: What's its mass, Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Reading goes off my scale, Captain. Must be a mile in diameter.
BAILEY: Over five thousand metres away, and it still fills the screen.
KIRK: Reduce image. Let me see all of it.
SULU: Magnification two five, sir. Magnification one eight point five, sir.
KIRK: Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
KIRK: This is the United Earth ship Enterprise. We convey greetings and await your reply. What is it, Mister Bailey?
BAILEY: A message coming over my navigation beam.
KIRK: Pick it up.
UHURA: Switching, sir.
BALOK [OC]: And trespassed into our star systems. This is Balok, Commander of the flagship Fesarius of the First Federation. Your vessel, obviously the product of a primitive and savage civilisation, having ignored a warning buoy and having then destroyed it, has demonstrated your intention is not peaceful. We are now considering the disposition of your ship and the life aboard.
KIRK: Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
KIRK: This is the Captain of the Enterprise speaking. The warning nature of your space buoy was unknown to us. Our vessel was blocked. When we attempted to disengage
SPOCK: Captain, we're being invaded by exceptionally strong sensor probes everywhere. Our electrical systems, our engines.
BALOK [OC]: No further communication will be accepted. If there is the slightest hostile move, your vessel will be destroyed immediately.
SPOCK: They're shutting off some of our systems, Captain. Brilliant. Extremely sophisticated in their methods.
KIRK: Does the recorder marker have this on its tapes?
SPOCK: Enough to warn other Earth ships.
KIRK: Mister Bailey, dispatch recorder marker. Mister Bailey?
BAILEY: Recorder marker dispatched, sir.
SPOCK: Marker on course. Heading back the way we (big bang)
BALOK [OC]: Your recorder marker has been destroyed. You have been examined. Your ship must be destroyed. We make assumption you have a deity or deities or some such beliefs which comfort you. We therefore grant you ten Earth time periods known as minutes to make preparations.
SPOCK: Might be interesting to see what they look like if I can locate where that voice is coming from. (McCoy and Scott enter)
MCCOY: Balok's message. It was heard all over the ship.
KIRK: Captain to crew. Those of you who have served for long on this vessel have encountered alien lifeforms. You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown. But there's no such thing as the unknown, only things temporarily hidden, temporarily not understood. In most cases we have found that intelligence capable of a civilisation is capable of understanding peaceful gestures. Surely a lifeform advanced enough for space travel is advanced enough to eventually understand our motives. All decks stand by. Captain out. Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
KIRK: This is the Captain of the USS Enterprise. We came seeking friendship but we have no wish to trespass. To demonstrate our goodwill, our vessel will now return the way it came. We (humming noise) Lay in a course ahead, Mister Bailey.
BAILEY: What? A course?
SULU: Plotted and laid in, sir.
KIRK: Engage, warp factor one.
SULU: Warp factor. There's no response.
KIRK: Switch to impulse.
SULU: All engine systems show dead, and weapon systems.
SPOCK: Switching to screen. I believe I can get something visual.
BALOK [on viewscreen]: You are wasting time and effort. There is no escape. You have eight Earth minutes left.
SPOCK: I was curious to see how they appeared.
KIRK: Yes, of course you were.
BAILEY: I don't understand this. Spock's wasting time. Everybody else just sitting around. Somebody's got to do something.
MCCOY: Easy, Bailey.
BAILEY: What do they want from us? Let's find out what they want us to do.
KIRK: They want us to lose our heads.
BAILEY: We've only got eight minutes left.
SULU: Seven minutes and forty five seconds.
BAILEY: He's doing a countdown!
MCCOY: Practically end of watch.
BAILEY: What, are you all out of your minds? End of watch? It's the end of everything. What are you, robots? Wound-up toy soldiers? Don't you know when you're dying? Watch and regulations and orders What do they mean?
KIRK: Bailey, you're relieved! Escort him to his quarters, Doctor.
MCCOY: Let's go. (McCoy and Bailey leave)
KIRK: Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
KIRK: This is the Captain of the Enterprise speaking. It is the custom of Earth people to try and avoid misunderstanding whenever possible. We destroyed your space buoy as a simple act of self-preservation. When we attempted to move away from it, it emitted radiation harmful to our species. If you've examined our ship and its tapes, you know this to be true. (humming noise)
BALOK [on viewscreen]: You now have seven minutes left.
SULU: Four minutes, thirty seconds.
SCOTT: You have an annoying fascination for timepieces, Mister Sulu.
SPOCK: Jim.
BALOK [OC]: Four minutes.
KIRK: What's the matter with them out there? They must know we mean them no harm.
SPOCK: They're certainly aware by now that we're totally incapable of it.
KIRK: There must be something to do, something I've overlooked.
SPOCK: In chess, when one is outmatched, the game is over. Checkmate.
KIRK: Is that your best recommendation?
SPOCK: I'm s, I regret that I can find no other logical alternative.
MCCOY: Assuming we get out of this, Captain
KIRK: Nobody's given up yet.
MCCOY: Well, then about Bailey. Let me enter it in my medical records as simple fatigue.
KIRK: That's my decision, Doctor.
MCCOY: And your mistake. You overworked him, pushed him, expected too much from him.
KIRK: I'm ordering you to drop it. I have no time for you, your theories, your quaint philosophies.
MCCOY: I intend to challenge your actions in my records. I'll state that I warned you about Bailey's condition. Now that's no bluff.
KIRK: Any time you can bluff me, Doctor.
BALOK [OC]: Three minutes.
KIRK: All right, Doctor. Let's hope we have time to argue about it. Not chess, Mister Spock, poker. Do you know the game? Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
KIRK: This is the Captain of the Enterprise. Our respect for other lifeforms requires that we give you this warning. One critical item of information that has never been incorporated into the memory banks of any Earth ship. Since the early years of space exploration, Earth vessels have had incorporated into them a substance known as corbomite. It is a material and a device which prevents attack on us. If any destructive energy touches our vessel, a reverse reaction of equal strength is created, destroying
BALOK [OC]: You now have two minutes.
KIRK: Destroying the attacker! It may interest you to know that since the initial use of corbomite more than two of our centuries ago, no attacking vessel has survived the attempt. Death has little meaning to us. If it has none to you then attack us now. We grow annoyed at your foolishness.
SPOCK: However, it was well played. I regret not having learned more about this Balok. In some manner he was reminiscent of my father.
SCOTT: Then may heaven have helped your mother.
SPOCK: Quite the contrary. She considered herself a very fortunate Earth woman.
KIRK: Doc. Sorry.
MCCOY: For having other things on your mind? My fault. I don't how the devil you keep from punching me in the face.
SULU: One minute. I knew he would. (Bailey enters) If anyone's interested, thirty seconds.
BAILEY: Request permission to return to post, sir.
KIRK: Permission granted.
SULU: Eleven, ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.
SPOCK: A very interesting game, this poker.
KIRK: It does have advantages over chess.
MCCOY: Love to teach it to you.
BALOK [OC]: This is the Commander of the Fesarius.
KIRK: Here it comes. Is it raise or call?
BALOK [OC]: The destruction of your vessel has been delayed. We will relent in your destruction only if we have proof of your corbomite device.
KIRK: Hold on that. Let him sweat for a change. Ship to ship.
UHURA: Hailing frequencies, sir.
KIRK: Request denied.
SPOCK: I have visual contact, Captain.
BALOK [on viewscreen]: We will soon inform you of our decision regarding your vessel. And having permitted your primitive efforts to see my form, I trust it has pleased your curiosity. And now, another demonstration of our superiority.
MCCOY: I thought the power was off in the galley.
RAND: I used a hand phaser, and zap. Hot coffee.
SULU: Something's going on, Captain. (something leaves the Fesarius)
KIRK: It's a small ship.
SPOCK: About two thousand metric tons.
BALOK [OC]: It has been decided that I will conduct you to a planet of the First Federation which is capable of sustaining your lifeform. There you will disembark and be interned. Your ship will be destroyed, of course.
SPOCK: Engine systems coming on, Captain.
BALOK [OC]: Do not be deceived by the size of this pilot vessel. It has an equal potential to destroy your vessel.
SPOCK: Tractor beam again.
BALOK [OC]: So that you may sustain your gravity and atmosphere, your systems are now open. Escape is impossible since you are being taken under our power to your destination. Any move to escape or destroy this ship will result in the instant destruction of the Enterprise and everyone aboard.
SULU: We're being towed, sir.
Captain's Log, star date 1514.1. The Enterprise is in tow. To this point, no resistance has been offered. My plan? A show of resignation. Balok's tractor beam has to be a heavy drain of power on his small ship. Question. Will he grow careless?
[Bridge]
BAILEY: Captain, he's pulling out a little ahead of us.
SPOCK: He's sneaked power down a bit.
SULU: Our speed is down to point six four of light.
KIRK: I want a right angled course. Shear away from him no matter which way he turns.
BAILEY: Yes, sir.
KIRK: Maximum acceleration when I give the word.
SULU: Yes, sir.
KIRK: Engage.
SULU: It's a strain, Captain. Engines are overloading.
KIRK: More power.
SPOCK: We're superheating. Intermix temperature, seven thousand four hundred degrees. Seven five, seven six, eight thousand degrees. (everything is juddering, the little ship is getting brighter and brighter)
KIRK: Shear away, Mister Bailey.
SPOCK: Two thousand degrees above maximum. Eight four, eight five, eight six. She'll blow soon!
KIRK: Now, Mister Sulu. Impulse power two.
BAILEY: We're breaking free, sir.
KIRK: All engines stop.
SULU: All engines stopped, sir.
SCOTT: Engines need work badly, Captain. Can you hold it here a few hours?
SPOCK: That may not be wise. He got a signal through to the mother ship.
KIRK: Then we're not home yet.
UHURA: A signal, Captain. It's very weak. It's Balok. It's a distress signal to the Fesarius. His engines are out. His life-sustaining system isn't operating. The message is repeating, sir.
KIRK: Any reply?
UHURA: Negative, sir. The signal is growing weak. Sir, I doubt if the mother ship could have heard it.
KIRK: Plot a course for it, Mister Bailey.
SPOCK: For it, Captain?
KIRK: Dead ahead. This is the Captain speaking. First Federation vessel is in distress. We're preparing to board it. There are lives at stake. By our standards, alien life but lives nevertheless. Captain out.
BAILEY: Course plotted and laid in, sir.
KIRK: Mister Scott, ready the transporter room.
SCOTT: Aye, sir. (leaves)
KIRK: Mister Sulu, bring us to within one hundred metres. Ahead slow.
SULU: Ahead slow, sir.
MCCOY: Jim, don't you think
KIRK: What's the mission of this vessel, Doctor? To seek out and contact alien life, and an opportunity to demonstrate what our high-sounding words mean. Any questions? I'll take two men with me. Doctor McCoy to examine and treat the aliens if necessary, and you, Mister Bailey.
BAILEY: Sir?
KIRK: The face of the unknown. I think I owe you a look at it.
BAILEY: Yes, sir.
SPOCK: Captain, request permission to
KIRK: Denied. If I'm wrong, if it's a trap, I want you here.
[Transporter room]
KIRK: Transporter ready?
SCOTT: Well, yes, sir, but it's risky. We're locked on what appears to be a main deck.
KIRK: Air sample?
SCOTT: Breathable. In fact, a slightly higher oxygen content than our own. Communicator, phaser weapon.
KIRK: Thank you, Scotty. Ready, Doctor?
MCCOY: No, but you won't let that stop you.
SCOTT: Bend low, gentlemen. It reads pretty cramped over there. Ready to transport.
KIRK: Energise.
[Balok's ship]
KIRK: It's a dummy. A puppet of some kind.
BALOK: I'm Balok. Welcome aboard. (curtain opens to reveal a small humanoid with big grin)
KIRK: I'm Captain Kirk.
BALOK: And McCoy and Bailey. Sit. Be comfortable. Go ahead, be seated. We must drink. This is tranya. I hope you relish it as much as I.
KIRK: Commander Balok.
BALOK: I know, I know, a thousand questions. But first, the tranya. Gentlemen. (drinks) Ahh.
KIRK: Commander, that puppet.
BALOK: My alter ego, so to speak. In your culture, he would be Mister Hyde to my Jekyll. You must admit he's effective. You would never have been frightened by me. And I thought my distress signal quite clever. It was a pleasure testing you.
BAILEY: Testing us?
KIRK: I see.
BALOK: I had to discover your real intentions.
KIRK: But you probed our memory banks.
BALOK: Your records could have been a deception on your part.
MCCOY: And your crew?
BALOK: I have no crew, Doctor. I run everything, this entire complex, from this small ship. But I miss company, conversation. Even an alien would be welcome. Perhaps one of your men for some period of time. An exchange of information, cultures.
KIRK: Yes. Both our cultures would benefit. Do you know where we can find a volunteer, Mister Bailey?
BAILEY: Me, sir. I'd like to volunteer.
BALOK: Ah. You represent Earth's best, then.
BAILEY: No, sir, I'm not. I'll make plenty of mistakes.
KIRK: But you'd find out more about us that way, and I'd get a better officer in return.
BALOK: (laughs) I see. We think much alike, Captain, you and I. Now, before I bring back the Fesarius, let me show you my vessel. It is not often I have this pleasure. Yes, we're very much alike, Captain. Both proud of our ships.
2024-09-24 17:04:24 -
Pike:
Added some trivia.
2024-09-18 12:53:19 -
Pike:
Added the writer.
2024-09-17 20:58:50 -
Pike:
Added the director.
