Space Seed

1x22 The Return of the Archons A Taste of Armageddon Star Trek: The Original SeriesSeason 1

 STORY BY

Carey Wilber

 TELEPLAY BY

Gene L. Coon & Carey Wilber

 DIRECTED BY

Marc Daniels

 AIRED ON

February 16, 1967

 RUNTIME

50 minutes

 STARRING

 VIEWS

357

 LAST UPDATE

2024-09-18 20:47:59

 PAGE VERSION

Version 6

 LIKES

1

 DISLIKES

0

 SUMMARY

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 STORY

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 BEHIND THE SCENES

• Khan Noonien Singh’s Introduction: Khan is one of the most famous characters in the Star Trek franchise. He was a genetically engineered superhuman from the 20th century, created during the Eugenics Wars, which was a fictional conflict in the Star Trek universe. Khan’s appearance in Space Seed laid the groundwork for his return in The Wrath of Khan, which is often hailed as one of the best Star Trek films.
• Ricardo Montalbán's performance as Khan was so charismatic and memorable that fans and creators pushed for his return in the later movie, which became a direct sequel to this episode.
• Khan’s Name Origin: The character Khan Noonien Singh was named after a real person. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, had served in World War II and had befriended a man named Noonien Singh. Roddenberry lost contact with him after the war and named Khan hoping the man might recognize the name and get in touch. However, no one came forward.
• Casting of Ricardo Montalbán: Ricardo Montalbán was a well-established actor at the time, known for his work in films and television. His casting as Khan was a significant coup for Star Trek. Montalbán’s portrayal of Khan as an intelligent, complex, yet ruthless character left a strong impression on both viewers and critics.
• Montalbán's chest: There has been much debate over whether Montalbán's chest in The Wrath of Khan was real, due to its impressive musculature. Director Nicholas Meyer confirmed that it was indeed all Montalbán's natural physique.
• Genetic Engineering and the Eugenics Wars: The concept of Khan being a genetically engineered superhuman was cutting-edge science fiction at the time. Star Trek often used speculative science and technology to explore contemporary social issues, and this episode touched on themes of genetic engineering, eugenics, and the dangers of playing God. The idea of the Eugenics Wars became a major part of Star Trek lore, with this conflict taking place in the 1990s according to the show’s timeline. Interestingly, in the real 1990s, the term “Eugenics Wars” became a fan joke, since that future obviously didn’t come to pass.
• Female Officers: Space Seed features a female Starfleet officer, Lieutenant Marla McGivers, who falls in love with Khan and ultimately helps him try to take over the Enterprise. Her character reflects the gender dynamics of the 1960s, portraying a woman who was torn between her duty and her fascination with a powerful man. While her role was somewhat controversial, it also highlighted the struggle for more complex female characters in science fiction of that era.
• The Botany Bay: Khan and his crew were discovered aboard a sleeper ship called the SS Botany Bay, a name that references the penal colony in Australia where British convicts were once sent. This subtly hints at Khan's role as an exiled warlord.
• Kirk and Khan’s Rivalry: The rivalry between Captain James T. Kirk and Khan became legendary in Star Trek lore. Interestingly, in Space Seed, the two characters only have a single, direct fight scene. However, their rivalry was so well written and acted that it became iconic and was further developed in The Wrath of Khan.
• Marla McGivers’ Departure: At the end of the episode, Khan is exiled to Ceti Alpha V, and Lieutenant Marla McGivers opts to go with him, betraying her Starfleet crew. However, McGivers did not appear in The Wrath of Khan as the character was said to have died between the events of the episode and the film.
• Khan’s Influence on Star Trek’s Future: The influence of Space Seed continued far beyond The Wrath of Khan. Khan and the concept of genetically engineered superhumans were referenced in other Star Trek series, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where a major character, Dr. Julian Bashir, is revealed to be genetically enhanced.
• Gene Roddenberry’s Ethical Dilemma: Roddenberry had mixed feelings about Khan’s portrayal. While the character was depicted as a villain, he was also shown to be noble and charismatic, which led to debates about whether his actions were justified. This complexity is a hallmark of Roddenberry’s vision of Star Trek, where villains were often more than just evil for evil’s sake—they had motivations that were relatable, making them even more compelling.
• Unused Script Concept: Early drafts of the Space Seed script had Khan named "Harold Erickson," a Scandinavian character. It was only after Ricardo Montalbán’s casting that the character’s ethnicity and name were changed.
• Botany Bay Sleeper Ship Design: The Botany Bay ship was originally designed with a low-budget television production in mind, but its detailed miniatures and the creative reuse of models helped make the scene of the Enterprise finding the derelict ship memorable. The design of the Botany Bay would inspire future Star Trek designs of sleeper ships.
• "Sleeper Ship" Concept: The idea of cryogenic or "sleeper" ships in Star Trek was an early exploration of how humanity might travel long distances through space before faster-than-light (warp) travel became common. Space Seed was one of the first episodes to explore the consequences of such long-term space travel.

 MYTHOLOGY

Introduction of Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman from Earth's past.
The episode explores themes of genetic engineering, eugenics, and the dangers of playing god.
Sets the stage for the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

 QUOTES

Spock: I fail to understand why it always gives you pleasure to see me proven wrong.
Kirk: An emotional Earth weakness of mine.

Marla McGivers: Captain, it's a sleeper ship.
Kirk: Suspended animation.
McGivers: Uh-huh. I've seen old photographs of this. Necessary because of the time involved in space travel until about the year 2018. It took years just to travel from one planet to another.
Kirk: Is it possible they're still alive after centuries of travel?
McCoy: It's theoretically possible. I've never heard of it being tested for this long a period.

Marla McGivers: What a handsome group of people.

Khan: How long?
Kirk: How long have you been sleeping? Two centuries we estimate.

Spock: Even a theory requires some facts, Captain. So far I have none.
Kirk: And that irritates you, Mr. Spock.
Spock: Irritation?
Kirk: Yeah.
Spock: I am not capable of that emotion.
Kirk: My apologies, Mr. Spock.

Spock: Insufficient facts always invites danger, Captain.

McCoy: Well, either choke me or cut my throat. Make up your mind.

Khan: Where am I?
McCoy: You're in–– You're in bed, holding a knife at your doctor's throat.

McCoy: It would be most effective if you would cut the carotid artery, just under the left ear.

Khan: Khan is my name.
Kirk: Khan. Nothing else?
Khan: Khan.

Spock: Superior ability breeds superior ambition.

Kirk: They created a group of Alexanders, Napoleons.
Spock: I have collected some names and made some counts. By my estimate, there were some eighty or ninety of these young supermen unaccounted for when they were finally defeated.
Kirk: That fact isn't in the history texts.
Spock: Would you reveal to war-weary populations that some eighty Napoleons might still be alive?

Khan: I've been reading up on starships, but they have one luxury not mentioned in the manuals.
Marla McGivers: I don't understand.
Khan: A beautiful woman.

Khan: All bold men from the past. Richard, Leif Ericson, Napoleon. A hobby of yours, such men?
(He uncovers a work in progress — a man looking just like him.)
Khan: I am honoured. Thank you. But I caution you. Such men dare take what they want.
(He kisses her, and she responds.)

Khan: You are an excellent tactician, Captain. You let your second in command attack while you sit and watch for weakness.
Kirk: You have a tendency to express ideas in military terms, Mr. Khan. This is a social occasion.
Khan: It has been said that social occasions are only warfare concealed. Many prefer it more honest, more open.

Marla McGivers: Leif Ericson, Richard the Lion Heart, Napoleon. I don't know if you're going to like living in our time.
Khan: Then I'll have to remold it to my liking.
(Embraces her)
Marla: Please don't.
(Pushes her away.)
Khan: Go. Or stay. But do it because it is what you wish to do. Well?
Marla: I'll stay a little longer.
Khan: How many minutes do you graciously offer?
Marla: I only meant––
Khan: This grows tiresome. You must now ask to stay.
Marla: I'd like to stay. Please.

Khan: Open your heart. Will you open your heart?
Marla: Yes.

Khan: I intend to take this ship. Do you agree?
Marla: Oh, please don't ask me––
Khan: I need your help.

Kirk: Name, Khan Noonien Singh.
Spock: From 1992 through 1996, absolute ruler of more than a quarter of your world. From Asia through the Middle East.
McCoy: The last of the tyrants to be overthrown.

Scott: I must confess, gentlemen. I've always held a sneaking admiration for this one.
Kirk: He was the best of the tyrants and the most dangerous. They were supermen, in a sense. Stronger, braver, certainly more ambitious, more daring.
Spock: Gentlemen, this romanticism about a ruthless dictator is––
Kirk: Mr. Spock, we humans have a streak of barbarism in us. Appalling, but there, nevertheless.
Scott: There were no massacres under his rule.
Spock: And as little freedom.
McCoy: No wars until he was attacked.
Spock: Gentlemen.
Kirk: Mr. Spock, you misunderstand us. We can be against him and admire him all at the same time.
Spock: Illogical.
Kirk: Totally.

Khan: Captain, although your abilities intrigue me, you are quite honestly inferior. Mentally, physically. In fact, I am surprised how little improvement there has been in human evolution. Oh, there has been technical advancement, but, how little man himself has changed.

Khan: The trip is over. The battle begins again. Only this time it's not a world we win. It's a universe.

Kirk: Stardate 3142.8. They have my ship, discarding their own worthless vessel. Only moments of air left on the Bridge now. Commendations recommended for Lieutenant Uhura, Technicians First Class Thule and Harrison, Lieutenant Spinelli and, of course, Mr. Spock. I take full responsibility. I take full––
(He passes out)

Khan: I should have realised that suffocating together on the Bridge would create heroic camaraderie among you. But it is quite a different thing to watch it happening to someone else. Engage the viewing screen. I'm sure you recognise your medical decompression chamber here, Doctor. And the meaning of that indicator. (It is dropping to 10Hg) Your Captain will die. If you join me, Mr. Spock, I will save his life. My vessel was useless. I need you and yours to select a colony planet. One with a population willing to be led by us.
McCoy: To be conquered by you. A starship would make that most simple, wouldn't it?
Khan: Each of you in turn will go in there. Die while the others watch.

Khan: The Captain is dead. Take Mr. Spock next.

Spock: Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased.
Kirk: I'm a little pleased myself.

Khan: I have five times your strength. You're no match for me.

Kirk: Those men went on to tame a continent, Mister Khan. Can you tame a world?
Khan: Have you ever read Milton, Captain?
Kirk: Yes. I understand.

Kirk: Lieutenant Marla McGivers. Given a choice of court martial or accompanying them there.
Khan: (gazing into her eyes) It will be difficult. A struggle at first even to stay alive, to find food.
Marla: I'll go with him, sir.
Khan: A superior woman. I will take her. And I've gotten something else I wanted. A world to win, an empire to build.

Scott: It's a shame for a good Scotsman to admit it, but I'm not up on Milton.
Kirk: The statement Lucifer made when he fell into the pit. 'It is better to rule in hell than serve in heaven.'
Spock: It would be interesting, Captain, to return to that world in a hundred years and to learn what crop has sprung from the seed you planted today.
Kirk: Yes, Mr. Spock, it would indeed.

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 REVIEWS

The Wrath of Khan

Written by Pike on 2019-04-24
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Let me start with stating that I absolutely love Space Seed. This episode is truly great.
Right from the start, the story of this episode is truly fascinating: Kirk and his team discover a vessel wandering in space and decide to go aboard the ship. In it, they discover seventy bodies. Those are people sleeping in what is referred to as a "sleeper ship". These men and women have been sleeping for over two hundred years.
This is somewhat similar to the 2016 sci-fi movie Passengers, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, where two characters wake up in such vessel, during a multi-year space travel.
Kirk and his team decide to wake up what they think is the leader of the sleeper ship. His name? Khan.

ANTAGONIST
In lots of ways, this is the very first episode of Star Trek with a real antagonist. There was the Romulan from Balance of Terror (1x14), but since he was staying aboard his own ship, there was never any real confrontation against Kirk and his crew. Here, we get the privilege to see the entire process of the entry of a true bad guy from the discovery of his body to his master plan and his ultimate demise.

RICARDO MONTALBAN
Not only the script is terrific, but the casting of Khan is marvellous. The actor Ricardo Montalban does a phenomenal job, helped with his mystical physique. The actor Ricardo Montalban is giving all he's got and it shows. He doesn't portray the character half-way, he goes fully at it, as if he had dilithium crystals in his pocket. To make a poor analogy, such characters must be played like if you're breaking an egg or joining the highway. You have to go fully at it. No quarter! Therefore, he goes fully at it and it works magnificently. Kahn is a bad ass bad guy, the ones we see in blockbuster films.

COSTUMES
Also, the costumes designed for Khan are absolutely gorgeous. They inspire leadership, magnetism, animality and yes, raw sex. Not only that, but his clothes are often opened at the top, showing his chest like if he was a space version of Julio Iglesias. It makes it very believable that a female crewman would fall under his magnetism. And the way he manipulates her is fascinating to see.

HIGH STAKES
The reason the episode works so well also is that the stakes are very high. I guess you can see the stakes are high when Uhura is being slapped in the face and Captain Kirk is announced dead.

NAPOLEONS
The episode also raises fascinating questions such as the admiration we might have with some ruthless dictators, such as Napoleon or Ceasar. And the last part of the episode is also terrific, with Kirk deciding to let Khan and his men rule a planet, with Spock ending the episode by wondering how the planet will look like a hundred years from now. Just fascinating stuff that's nurturing our brain, which is a big part of why I like Star Trek: The Original Series and sci-fi in particular. I like to think and come up with concepts and this series is offering me to think about some of these.

I WANT TO READ ALL THE TECHNICAL MANUALS, OF COURSE!
The only caveat was the fact that when this mysterious character is waking up, while we can already sense that he may be of a rebellious type—he almost cut McCoy's throat—Kirk doesn't hesitate to offer him to read all the technical manuals about the ship. This was not a very clever move from Kirk but it still worked well in an episode I just cannot find anything negative to say about.

HEROISM
What I also loved about this episode is the moment when the main crew is held captive and has to watch one of Kahn's men slapping Uhura. Scotty vividly ask for Captain Kirk. The reason it works so well is because we've lived with these characters for some time now, and they all showed many times the excellent and friendly (and often snarky!) camaraderie they have altogether. This makes their suffering very real and you can really root for them. I fell like a member of the crew and I wanted to jump through the TV screen to jump at Khan's throat and knock this bastard down!

OPENED ENDING
I also loved the fact that we are clearly left with an opened ending. Something tells me that this not the last time we hear about Khan... I think many television series failed to reuse old storylines and characters, which is always interesting, since they had—especially in that era—to produce so many episodes each year. Writing sequels would have been quite a simple tactic with often great results. Such as when The X-Files reused the monster Eugene Victor Tooms in season 1.

Oh, and I loved the fact that, for the first time, we can see Kirk recording his log, just before collapsing.

SUMMARY
I give it 5 out of 5. One of the best episodes of the first season. I cannot wait to rewatch the second Star Trek movie: The Wrath of Khaaaaaaan!

 TRANSCRIPT

[Bridge]
SPINELLI: Coming up on it fast, sir.
KIRK: Are you certain of your sensor readings?
SPOCK: Definitely a space vessel of some type.
KIRK: Origin?
SPOCK: Unknown. It could hardly be an Earth ship. There have been no flights into this sector for years.
UHURA: I'm picking up a signal, sir. (a series of beeps comes over the speakers) Captain, that's the old Morse code call signal.
KIRK: Thank you.
UHURA: CQ. CQ.
KIRK: We're reading it, Lieutenant. I thought you said it couldn't possibly be an Earth vessel.
SPOCK: I fail to understand why it always gives you pleasure to see me proven wrong.
KIRK: An emotional Earth weakness of mine. There it is.
(The ship appears on the viewscreen.)
KIRK: An old Earth vessel, similar to the DY=500 class.
SPOCK: Much older. DY-100 class, to be exact. Captain, the last such vessel was built centuries ago, back in the 1990s.
KIRK: Then it's a derelict, its signal left on automatic.
SPOCK: Or an old Earth ship being used by aliens.
KIRK: Weapons status.
WEAPONS [OC]: Deflector shields on maximum. Phasers manned, sir.
KIRK: Bioscanners report.
MCCOY [OC]: Life science bioscanners are picking up heart beats from over there. Can't be human, though. They're too faint, and average only four beats per minute.
SPOCK: Sensor reading, Captain. Some sort of equipment functioning on that vessel.
KIRK: All decks go to full alert.
(Enterprise comes alongside the smaller ship, which is still as big as the engineering hull.

Captain's log, stardate 3141.9. A full hour has elapsed since interception of the strange vessel. Our presence alongside is still being completely ignored. Although our sensors continue to show signs of equipment and life aboard, there has been no indication of danger to us.

[Bridge]

KIRK: Weapons department, maintain battle stations. All other decks standby alert.
UHURA: All decks acknowledging, sir.
MCCOY: We're continuing to pick up some form of heart action over there. Very faint, very slow. Seems to be coming from about sixty or seventy bodies, as near as I can tell.
KIRK: Alien bodies, Bones?
MCCOY: Could be. There's no sign of breathing or other form of respiration.
SPOCK: Hull surface is pitted with meteor scars. However, scanners make out a name. SS Botany Bay.
KIRK: Then you can check the registry.
SPOCK: No such vessel listed. Records of that period are fragmentary, however. The mid=1990s was the era of your last so-called World War.
MCCOY: The Eugenics Wars.
SPOCK: Of course. Your attempt to improve the race through selective breeding.
MCCOY: Now, wait a minute. Not our attempt, Mister Spock. A group of ambitious scientists. I'm sure you know the type. Devoted to logic, completely unemotional
KIRK: All right, all right, gentlemen. As you were. Rig for tractor beam, Helm. Lock onto that vessel.
SPINELLI: Rigging for tractor beam, sir.
KIRK: The Bridge is yours, Mister Spock. Care to join the landing party, Doctor?
MCCOY: Well, if you're actually giving me a choice
KIRK: I'm not. Oh, I'll need somebody familiar with the late 20th-Century Earth. Here's a chance for that historian to do something for a change. What's her name? McIvers?
SPOCK: Lieutenant McGivers.

[McGiver's quarters]

(Lt McGivers is just about to settle down to some painting, when)
SPOCK [OC]: Attention. The following personnel report to transporter room. Engineering Officer Scott, Lieutenant McGivers. Acknowledge.
MARLA: McGivers. On my way.

[Transporter room]

SCOTT: Well, it looks like that ship was expecting us. We read heat coming on, complete oxygen atmosphere.
KIRK: Very interesting. You ready, Bones?
MCCOY: No. I signed aboard this ship to practice medicine, not to have my atoms scattered back and forth across space by this gadget.
KIRK: You're an old-fashioned boy, McCoy. Where's that historian? (McGivers enters) Come on, Lieutenant
MARLA: McGivers, sir.
KIRK: Energise.

[SS Botany Bay]

(Men and women are lying in clear-sided compartments, seemingly asleep.) KIRK: Scotty?
SCOTT: Definitely Earth-type mechanism, sir. Twentieth century vessel. Old type atomic power. Bulky, solid. I think they used to call them transistor units. I'd love to tear this baby apart.
MARLA: Captain, it's a sleeper ship.
KIRK: Suspended animation.
MARLA: I've seen old photographs of this. Necessary because of the time involved in space travel until about the year 2018. It took years just to travel from one planet to another.
KIRK: Is it possible they're still alive after centuries of travel?
MCCOY: It's theoretically possible. I've never heard of it being tested for this long a period.
MARLA: What a handsome group of people.
MCCOY: Jim, I have a new reading. The lights must have triggered some mechanism.
MARLA: Captain, look here.
(They go to the compartment holding a dark-haired man.)
KIRK: Scotty?
SCOTT: Beats me what's happening.
MCCOY: We've triggered something, all right. His heart beat's increasing. Now passing eight beats per minute. There are some signs of respiration beginning.
SCOTT: This one was probably programmed to be triggered first.
KIRK: Could he be the leader? The leader. Lieutenant?
MARLA: (dragging herself back from just gazing at the man) Yes, sir. The leader was often set to revive first. This would allow him to decide whether the conditions warranted revival of the others.
MCCOY: Heart beat now approaching forty per minute. The respiration pattern is firming up.
MARLA: From the northern India area, I'd guess. Probably a Sikh. They were the most fantastic warriors.
MCCOY: Heart beat now fifty two and increasing.
KIRK: The others?
SCOTT: There's no change, and they're mixed types. Western, mid-European, Latin, Oriental.
MARLA: A man from the twentieth century coming alive.
MCCOY: Maybe. Heart beat dropping.
KIRK: Circuit shorting.
SCOTT: Probably some dust.
MCCOY: Heartbeat now thirty, dropping fast. It's a heart flutter. He's dying.
MARLA: Do something, Captain.
KIRK: Can we?
SCOTT: It'd take an hour to figure it out.
KIRK: What happens if we get him out of there?
MCCOY: He'll die in seconds if we don't.
(Kirk uses something metal in his hand to break the glass and open the compartment. The man is slid out on a trolley, gasping and awake. He tries to speak.)
KHAN: How long?
KIRK: How long have you been sleeping? Two centuries we estimate. Landing party to Enterprise. Come in.
UHURA: Go ahead, boarding party. We read you.
KIRK: Lock in on McCoy's beam. He's transporting back with a casualty we discovered here.
MARLA: Magnificent.

Captain's log, supplemental. Alongside the SS Botany Bay for ten hours now. A boarding party of engineering and medical specialists are now completing their examination of the mysterious vessel. Attempts to revive other sleepers await our success or failure with the casualty already beamed over. Doctor McCoy is frankly amazed at his physical and recuperative power.

[Bridge]

KIRK: Kirk to boarding party.
SCOTT [OC]: Scott here.
KIRK: Scotty, any records, log books of any kind?

[SS Botany Bay]

SCOTT: Negative, Captain. It appears they were in suspended animation when the ship took off.

KIRK: How many alive?
SCOTT [OC]: Twelve units have malfunctioned, leaving seventy two still operating. Thirty of those are women.
KIRK: Kirk out. Seventy two alive. A group of people dating back to the 1990s. A discovery of some importance, Mister Spock. There are a great many unanswered questions about those years.
SPOCK: A strange, violent period in your history. I find no record what so ever of an SS Botany Bay. Captain, the DY-100 class vessel was designed for interplanetary travel only. With simple nuclear-powered engines, star travel was considered impractical at that time. It was ten thousand to one against their making it to another star system. And why no record of the trip?
KIRK: Botany Bay. That was the name of a penal colony on shores of Australia, wasn't it? If they took that name for their vessel
SPOCK: If you're suggesting this was a penal deportation vessel, you've arrived at a totally illogical conclusion.
KIRK: Oh?
SPOCK: Your Earth was on the verge of a dark ages. Whole populations were being bombed out of existence. A group of criminals could have been dealt with far more efficiently than wasting one of their most advanced spaceships.
KIRK: Yes. So much for my theory. I'm still waiting to hear yours.
SPOCK: Even a theory requires some facts, Captain. So far I have none.
KIRK: And that irritates you, Mister Spock.
SPOCK: Irritation?
KIRK: Yeah.
SPOCK: I am not capable of that emotion.
KIRK: My apologies, Mister Spock. You suspect some danger in them?
SPOCK: Insufficient facts always invites danger, Captain.
KIRK: Well, we'd better get some facts. Rig for towing.
SPINELLI: Aye, aye, sir.
KIRK: Make course for Starbase Twelve.
SPOCK: Aye, sir.

[Sickbay - medical ward]

(At Khan's bedside)
MCCOY: (to nurse) That'll be all. (she leaves)
KIRK: Bones?
MCCOY: He'll live.
KIRK: My compliments.
MCCOY: No, I'm good, but not that good. There's something inside this man that refuses to accept death. Look at that. Even as he is now, his heart valve action has twice the power of yours and mine. Lung efficiency is fifty percent better.
(McGivers enters)
KIRK: An improved breed of human. That's what the Eugenics War was all about.
MCCOY: I'd estimate he could lift us both with one arm. It will be interesting to see if his brain matches his body.
MARLA: Doctor, will he live?
MCCOY: It appears he will, Lieutenant. (leaves)
KIRK: I'd like to talk to you.
(They go out into the main area, where McCoy is at his desk)
KIRK: If I were to rate your performance as a member of the landing party today I
MARLA: I know, sir. I'm sorry.
KIRK: Lieutenant, at any one time, the safety of this entire vessel might depend upon the performance of a single crewman, and the fact that you find a man strangely compelling to you personally
MARLA: Not personally, Captain. Professionally. My profession is historian, and when I find a specimen from the past alive, I'm in the sheer delight of examining his mind.
KIRK: And men were more adventuresome then. Bolder, more colourful.
MARLA: Yes, sir, I think they were.
KIRK: Good. If I can have honesty, it's easier to overlook mistakes. That's all.
MARLA: Yes, sir.
(She leaves)
MCCOY: A pity you wasted your life on command, Jim. You'd have made a fair psychologist.
KIRK: Fair? (leaves)
(In the ward, Khan wakes, gets out of bed and does some stretches. He hears McCoy's voice.)
MCCOY: Sickbay to lab. Anything new on those bios?
LAB TECH [OC]: They all came out fine, Doctor.
MCCOY: Good. McCoy out.
(Khan sees a display of old medical instruments on the wall, takes a scalpel, and is back in bed when McCoy walks in to check on him. As the good doctor leans over, Khan grabs him by the throat and holds the blade to his neck.)
MCCOY: Well, either choke me or cut my throat. Make up your mind.
KHAN: English. I thought I dreamed hearing it. Where am I?
MCCOY: You're in (a squeeze makes him lower his voice) You're in bed, holding a knife at your doctor's throat.
KHAN: Answer my question.
MCCOY: It would be most effective if you would cut the carotid artery, just under the left ear.
(Khan releases him.)
KHAN: I like a brave man.
MCCOY: I was simply trying to avoid an argument. (takes the scalpel) You're aboard the United Spaceship Enterprise. Your vessel is in tow.
KHAN: I remember a voice. Did I hear it say I had been sleeping for two centuries?
MCCOY: That is correct.
KHAN: Where is your Captain? I have many questions.
(McCoy goes to the intercom)
KIRK [OC]: Bridge.
MCCOY: I have a patient here with many questions, Captain.
KIRK [OC]: On my way.
(A little later, and Khan is sitting up more)
KIRK: James Kirk, commanding the starship Enterprise.
KHAN: I see.
KIRK: And your name?
KHAN: I have a few questions first. What is your heading?
KIRK: Our heading is Starbase Twelve, a planet in the Gamma 400 star system. Our command base in this sector. Is that of any use to you?
KHAN: And my people?
KIRK: Seventy two of your life-support canisters are still functioning.
KHAN: You will revive them.
KIRK: As soon as we reach Starbase Twelve.
KHAN: I see.
KIRK: And now
KHAN: Khan is my name.
KIRK: Khan. Nothing else?
KHAN: Khan.
KIRK: What was the exact date of your lift off? We know it was sometime in the early 1990s, but
KHAN: I find myself growing fatigued, Doctor. May we continue this questioning at some other time?
KIRK: The facts I need, Mister Khan, will take very little time. For example, the nature of your expedition.
MCCOY: Jim. A little later might be better.
KHAN: Captain, I wonder if I could have something to read during my convalescence. I was once an engineer of sorts. I would be most interested in studying the technical manuals on your vessel.
KIRK: Yes, I understand. You have two hundred years of catching up to do.
KHAN: Precisely.
KIRK: They're available to any patient on the viewing screen. Doctor McCoy will show you how to tie into the library tapes.
KHAN: Thank you, Captain. You are very co-operative.

[Bridge]

KIRK: This Khan is not what I expected of a twentieth century man.
SPOCK: I note he's making considerable use of our technical library.
KIRK: Common courtesy, Mister Spock. He'll spend the rest of his days in our time. It's only decent to help him catch up. Would you estimate him to be a product of selective breeding?
SPOCK: There is that possibility, Captain. His age would be correct. In 1993, a group of these young supermen did seize power simultaneously in over forty nations.
KIRK: Well, they were hardly supermen. They were aggressive, arrogant. They began to battle among themselves.
SPOCK: Because the scientists overlooked one fact. Superior ability breeds superior ambition.
KIRK: Interesting, if true. They created a group of Alexanders, Napoleons.
SPOCK: I have collected some names and made some counts. By my estimate, there were some eighty or ninety of these young supermen unaccounted for when they were finally defeated.
KIRK: That fact isn't in the history texts.
SPOCK: Would you reveal to war-weary populations that some eighty Napoleons might still be alive?

[Sickbay - medical ward]

(Khan is lounging, showing off his chest and calves.)
MARLA: Ship's historian, Lieutenant
KHAN: Marla McGivers.
MARLA: Yes.
KHAN: I am told you participated in my rebirth.
MARLA: In a small way.
KHAN: I've been reading up on starships, but they have one luxury not mentioned in the manuals.
MARLA: I don't understand.
KHAN: A beautiful woman. My name is Khan. Please sit and entertain me.
(She perches on another bed)
MARLA: I'd like some historical information about your ship, its purpose and
KHAN: And why do you wear your hair in such an uncomplimentary fashion?
MARLA: It's comfortable.
KHAN: But it's not attractive. (He takes her to a mirror and loosens a couple of strands at the back.) There. Soft. Natural. Simple.
MARLA: Mister Khan, I'm here on business.
KHAN: You find no pleasure here?
MARLA: My interest is scientific. Men of. That is, the world of the past. I'm sure you understand to actually talk to a man of your century
KHAN: There. Simple, soft. Please remember.
MARLA: Perhaps some other time, when you feel more like talking about the past.
KHAN: I'm glad you came. Please do it again.

[Officer's Mess]

(The dining table is laid out, and the senior staff are in dress uniform.)
MCCOY: Very impressive. Are we expecting a fleet admiral for dinner?
KIRK: Lieutenant McGivers' idea to welcome Khan to our century. Just how strongly is she attracted to him?
MCCOY: Well, there aren't any regulations against romance, Jim.
KIRK: My curiosity's official, not personal, Bones.
MCCOY: Well, he has a magnetism. Almost electric. You felt it. And it could over power McGivers with her preoccupation with the past.

[McGiver's quarters]

(A crewwoman shows Khan in.)
KHAN: Thank you. I hoped you might guide me to our dinner engagement. (sees a picture on the wall) Very good. Fine technique.
MARLA: It's a gladiator named Flavius. He once
KHAN: And you've rearranged your hair for me. Excellent.
KHAN: All bold men from the past. Richard, Leif Ericson, Napoleon. A hobby of yours, such men?
(He uncovers a work in progress - a man in a turban)
KHAN: I am honoured. Thank you. But I caution you. Such men dare take what they want.
(He kisses her, and she responds.)

[Officer's mess]

(After dinner, as liqueurs are being served.)
KIRK: Forgive my curiosity, Mister Khan, but my officers are anxious to know more about your extraordinary journey.
SPOCK: And how you managed to keep it out of the history books.
KHAN: Adventure, Captain. Adventure. There was little else left on Earth.
SPOCK: There was the war to end tyranny. Many considered that a noble effort.
KHAN: Tyranny, sir? Or an attempt to unify humanity?
SPOCK: Unify, sir? Like a team of animals under one whip?
KHAN: I know something of those years. Remember, it was a time of great dreams, of great aspiration.
SPOCK: Under dozens of petty dictatorships.
KHAN: One man would have ruled eventually. As Rome under Caesar. Think of its accomplishments.
SPOCK: Then your sympathies were with
KHAN: You are an excellent tactician, Captain. You let your second in command attack while you sit and watch for weakness.
KIRK: You have a tendency to express ideas in military terms, Mister Khan. This is a social occasion.
KHAN: It has been said that social occasions are only warfare concealed. Many prefer it more honest, more open.
KIRK: You fled. Why? Were you afraid?
KHAN: I've never been afraid.
KIRK: But you left at the very time mankind needed courage.
KHAN: We offered the world order!
KIRK: We?
KHAN: Excellent. Excellent. But if you will excuse me, gentlemen and ladies, I grow fatigued again. With your permission, Captain, I will return to my quarters.
(Kirk stands, and Khan leaves.)

[Khan's quarters]

(Khan is pacing when Marla enters.)
MARLA: I wanted to apologise. They had no right to treat you that way.
KHAN: Quite understandable, since I'm something of a mystery to them.
MARLA: You're no mystery to me. I know exactly who you are.
KHAN: Do you?
MARLA: Leif Ericson, Richard the Lion Heart, Napoleon. I don't know if you're going to like living in our time.
KHAN: Then I'll have to remold it to my liking.
(Embraces her)
MARLA: Please don't.
(Pushes her away.)
KHAN: Go. Or stay. But do it because it is what you wish to do. Well?
MARLA: I'll stay a little longer.
KHAN: How many minutes do you graciously offer?
MARLA: I only meant
KHAN: This grows tiresome. You must now ask to stay.
MARLA: I'd like to stay. Please.
(He takes her hand, then forces her down onto her knees.)
KHAN: Open your heart. Will you open your heart?
MARLA: Yes.
KHAN: I intend to take this ship. Do you agree?
MARLA: Oh, please don't ask me
KHAN: I need your help.
MARLA: You won't harm anyone?
KHAN: Now you question me?
MARLA: No.
KHAN: Will you assist me?
MARLA: Oh, please, Khan, don't ask me
KHAN: Leave me then. Go, I say.
MARLA: No. I promise. I'll do anything you ask.

[Briefing room]

(A large picture of their guest in on a screen)
KIRK: Name, Khan, as we know him today. (Spock changes the picture) Name, Khan Noonien Singh.
SPOCK: From 1992 through 1996, absolute ruler of more than a quarter of your world. From Asia through the Middle East.
MCCOY: The last of the tyrants to be overthrown.
SCOTT: I must confess, gentlemen. I've always held a sneaking admiration for this one.
KIRK: He was the best of the tyrants and the most dangerous. They were supermen, in a sense. Stronger, braver, certainly more ambitious, more daring.
SPOCK: Gentlemen, this romanticism about a ruthless dictator is
KIRK: Mister Spock, we humans have a streak of barbarism in us. Appalling, but there, nevertheless.
SCOTT: There were no massacres under his rule.
SPOCK: And as little freedom.
MCCOY: No wars until he was attacked.
SPOCK: Gentlemen.
KIRK: Mister Spock, you misunderstand us. We can be against him and admire him all at the same time.
SPOCK: Illogical.
KIRK: Totally. This is the Captain. Put a twenty four hour security on Mister Khan's quarters, effective immediately.

[Khan's quarters]

(Khan is seated at a plain table, dressed in a red Enterprise uniform shirt, when Kirk bursts in and sits opposite him.)
KHAN: I'm sorry, Captain. I was lost in thought. My door. Locked from outside, a guard posted.
KIRK: Unusual treatment for Khan Noonien Singh.
KHAN: Excellent. You identified me with your computer system, I imagine.
KIRK: I'd like those answers now. First, the purpose of your star flight.
KHAN: A new life, a chance to build a world. Other things I doubt you would understand.
KIRK: Why? Because I'm not a product of controlled genetics?
KHAN: Captain, although your abilities intrigue me, you are quite honestly inferior. Mentally, physically. In fact, I am surprised how little improvement there has been in human evolution. Oh, there has been technical advancement, but, how little man himself has changed. Yes, it appears we will do well in your century, Captain. Do you have any other questions?
KIRK: Thank you. They've all been answered.
(He leaves, and the guard resumes his post. Khan summons his strength, wrenches the locked door open and knocks out his guard with a single blow.)

[Transporter room]

(Marla is holding a phaser on the transporter chief.)
MARLA: Move away.
(Khan comes in and incapacitates him with pressure at the base of the skull. She beams him to the Botany Bay.)

[SS Botany Bay]

(Freshly revived supermen and women are stretching their muscles when Khan greets them.)
KHAN: Otto. Joaquin. The trip is over. The battle begins again. Only this time it's not a world we win. It's a universe. Kati.

[Bridge]

SPINELLI: On course, sir. Warp factor two.
KIRK: Maintain. (he answers the intercom) Bridge.
SECURITY [OC]: Captain, Security here. Khan's escaped.
KIRK: Sound security alert.
UHURA: Security alert, Captain. Communication channels are down, Captain.
(Kirk heads to the lift, but the doors do not open)
SPOCK: Turbo elevators inoperative. Jammed, Captain.
(Kirk rushes to a panel on the far bulkhead and pushes buttons.)
KIRK: Atmospheric controls cut off.
SPOCK: Useless. They're on override in Engineering.
KIRK: Engineering. Scotty. This is the Bridge.

[Engineering]

SCOTT: Captain!
(He gets knocked out)

[Bridge]

KIRK: What's going on down there?

[Engineering]

KHAN: He's not able to answer you at the moment, Captain.

[Bridge]

KHAN [OC]: Your ship is mine. I have shut off the life-support system to your Bridge, and jammed up your exit routes. I am willing to negotiate.
KIRK: Flood all decks with neural gas.
SPOCK: Impossible. Intruder control systems inoperative. Mister Khan was very thorough in his study of our tech manuals.
KIRK: Contact Starbase Twelve.
UHURA: All channels are totally jammed, Captain.
SPOCK: Brilliant. Every contingency anticipated.
KHAN [OC]: Your air should be getting quite thin by now.

[Engineering]

KHAN: Do you surrender the Bridge?

[Bridge]

KIRK: Negative.

[Engineering]

KHAN: Academic, Captain. Refuse,

[Bridge]

KHAN [OC]: And every person on the Bridge will suffocate.
(A little later, with everyone else unconscious, Kirk makes his last log entry.)
Stardate 3142.8. They have my ship, discarding their own worthless vessel. Only moments of air left on the Bridge now. Commendations recommended for Lieutenant Uhura, Technicians First Class Thule and Harrison, Lieutenant Spinelli and, of course, Mister Spock. I take full responsibility. I take full (He passes out)

[Briefing room]

(The senior staff are awake again, and listening to a speech at gunpoint.)
KHAN: Nothing ever changes, except man. Your technical accomplishments? Improve a mechanical device and you may double productivity. But improve man and you gain a thousand fold. I am such a man. Join me. I'll treat you well. I need your training to operate a vessel this complex.
SCOTT: Where is Captain Kirk?
KHAN: I see now I made one serious error. You are the Communications Officer? Engage the viewing screen, please.
(Uhura doesn't move, so Joaquin drags her to the table, then hits her. As he raises his hand again, Marla intervenes.)
MARLA: No!
KHAN: I should have realised that suffocating together on the Bridge would create heroic camaraderie among you. But it is quite a different thing to watch it happening to someone else. Engage the viewing screen. I'm sure you recognise your medical decompression chamber here, Doctor. And the meaning of that indicator. (It is dropping to 10Hg) Your Captain will die. If you join me, Mister Spock, I will save his life. My vessel was useless. I need you and yours to select a colony planet. One with a population willing to be led by us.
MCCOY: To be conquered by you. A starship would make that most simple, wouldn't it?
KHAN: Each of you in turn will go in there. Die while the others watch.
MARLA: Khan. There's no reason I must watch this, is there?
KHAN: (Shakes his head) But I hoped you would be stronger. (She leaves) If any one of you joins me, anyone! I'll let him live. It's so useless!
JOACHIM: We've lost the channel. How do I regain picture?
KHAN: It does not matter. The Captain is dead. Take Mister Spock next.

[Decompression chamber]

(There is one young man standing guard by the chamber door.)
MARLA: Khan said to watch him very closely. He may decide to co-operate.
(As he turns to look in the porthole, she injects him. He passes out and she repressurises the chamber, freeing Kirk.)
MARLA: Captain, I saved your life. Now please don't kill him.
(The outer Sickbay door opens, Kirk waits and then tackles Spock's guard. Spock neck-pinches him.)
SPOCK: Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased.
KIRK: I'm a little pleased myself. Situation?
SPOCK: Khan is holding our staff in the briefing room. His men have control of the ship.
KIRK: Our only chance is the intruder control circuit. Although he's cut it off at the Bridge.
SPOCK: There's a relay junction down the corridor.
KIRK: Gas all decks but this one.

[Briefing room]

KHAN: Armoury, this is Khan. Report. Rodriguez. Ling. McPherson. Anyone. Report status.
(Gas starts coming out of the ventilation grill. Khan flees, Scott hits a guard and gives chase. Everyone else coughs.)

[Corridor]

KIRK: Where's Khan?
SCOTT: I don't know. He got out just as the gas
KIRK: Kirk here.
SPOCK [OC]: Anesthesia gas in all sections except Engineering. Someone just closed that line.

[Engineering]

(Khan is working controls and listening to the intercom messages.)
SPOCK [OC]: Captain, acknowledge. Unable to flood Engineering section. I suspect
SCOTT [OC]: This is Scott. Captain's headed for the Engineering section. I'll follow in case
SPOCK [OC]: Negative. We must retake the vessel while the anesthesia lasts. Meet me in the Armoury. I'm blowing it clear first. Spock out.
(Kirk dashes into Engineering and straight into Khan, who easily disarms him then crushes the phaser. Then an alarm beeps.)
KHAN: If I understood your manuals, that's an overload in progress. Your ship flares up like an exploding sun within minutes.
(The two fight. Khan can throw Kirk around with little effort.)
KHAN: I have five times your strength. You're no match for me.
(But Kirk gets himself a weapon and clubs Khan into unconsciousness before stopping the overload and saving his ship.)

Captain's Log. Stardate 3143.3. Control of the Enterprise has been regained. I wish my next decisions were no more difficult. Khan and his people. What a waste to put them in a reorientation centre. And what do I do about McGivers?

[Briefing room]

(The senior staff are in dress uniform again.)
UHURA: Record tapes engaged and ready, Captain.
KIRK: This hearing is now in session. Under the authority vested in me by Starfleet Command, I declare all charges and specifications in this matter have been dropped.
MCCOY: Jim. Agreed you have the authority
KIRK: Mister Spock, our heading takes us near the Ceti Alpha star system.
SPOCK: Quite correct, Captain. Planet number five there is habitable, although a bit savage, somewhat inhospitable.
KIRK: But no more than Australia's Botany Bay colony was at the beginning. Those men went on to tame a continent, Mister Khan. Can you tame a world?
KHAN: Have you ever read Milton, Captain?
KIRK: Yes. I understand. Lieutenant Marla McGivers. Given a choice of court martial or accompanying them there.
KHAN: (gazing into her eyes) It will be difficult. A struggle at first even to stay alive, to find food.
MARLA: I'll go with him, sir.
KHAN: A superior woman. I will take her. And I've gotten something else I wanted. A world to win, an empire to build.
KIRK: This hearing is closed.
(Khan and McGivers are escorted out.)
SCOTT: It's a shame for a good Scotsman to admit it, but I'm not up on Milton.
KIRK: The statement Lucifer made when he fell into the pit. 'It is better to rule in hell than serve in heaven.'
SPOCK: It would be interesting, Captain, to return to that world in a hundred years and to learn what crop has sprung from the seed you planted today.
KIRK: Yes, Mister Spock, it would indeed.

 HISTORY

2024-09-18 20:47:59 - Pike: Added the writers.
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