The Savage Curtain

3x22 The Cloud Minders All Our Yesterdays Star Trek: The Original SeriesSeason 3

 STORY BY

Gene Roddenberry

 TELEPLAY BY

Gene Roddenberry & Arthur Heinemann

 DIRECTED BY

Herschel Daugherty

 AIRED ON

March 7, 1969

 RUNTIME

50 minutes

 STARRING

 VIEWS

257

 LAST UPDATE

2024-09-23 21:53:08

 PAGE VERSION

Version 7

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0

 DISLIKES

1

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 BEHIND THE SCENES

• Abraham Lincoln in Space: One of the most unusual aspects of "The Savage Curtain" is the appearance of Abraham Lincoln as a character. The idea of bringing a historical figure like Lincoln into a futuristic space setting was a bold and somewhat bizarre choice, but it fits within Star Trek’s occasional forays into using historical or mythological characters (e.g., "Plato’s Stepchildren" or "Who Mourns for Adonais?"). Actor Lee Bergere portrayed Lincoln, offering a charismatic and dignified performance that was surprisingly well-received despite the strange premise.
• Yarnek’s Unique Design: The character of Yarnek, an Excalbian alien made of molten rock, was one of the most complex makeup and costume creations in The Original Series. The bulky, rubbery suit required significant effort from the design team. Despite its low-budget nature, Yarnek remains one of the more memorable alien designs from the original series due to his rock-like appearance and towering stature. Actor Janos Prohaska played the role of Yarnek and was also known for portraying other creatures in the series.
• Surak’s First Appearance: "The Savage Curtain" introduces Surak, the legendary Vulcan philosopher who shaped Vulcan society’s focus on logic, peace, and emotional suppression. Surak was portrayed by actor Barry Atwater. While Surak was only a guest character in this episode, he would go on to become a central figure in Vulcan history throughout the Star Trek franchise, mentioned in numerous later episodes and even featured in Star Trek: Enterprise.
• Gene Roddenberry’s Contribution: Though Roddenberry was not as involved in Star Trek’s third season due to creative and budgetary conflicts with the network, the idea for "The Savage Curtain" reportedly came from him. Roddenberry was always interested in exploring philosophical ideas through the use of allegory, and this episode's examination of good versus evil, represented by historical figures, reflected his fascination with moral questions and the nature of leadership.
• The "Good vs. Evil" Battle Concept: The premise of the episode revolves around a battle between forces of good and evil, with iconic figures like Abraham Lincoln and Surak representing good, while Genghis Khan and Colonel Green represent evil. This concept was a common science fiction trope at the time, pitting moral opposites against each other in a controlled environment. However, in Star Trek, the idea of testing the characters’ morality in this way was tied to the series’ ongoing interest in ethical dilemmas.
• Budget Constraints and Simplistic Sets: Like many episodes in the third season, "The Savage Curtain" suffered from budget cuts that affected set design. Most of the episode takes place on a barren, rocky planet surface that was a simple redressed set from previous episodes. Despite this, the use of historical figures and larger philosophical themes helped distract from the lack of elaborate set pieces.
• Lee Bergere’s Lincoln Makeup: Actor Lee Bergere underwent extensive makeup and costuming to resemble Abraham Lincoln. His appearance, with the top hat, beard, and 19th-century clothing, was convincingly executed, even though the overall premise seemed campy to some viewers. Bergere’s portrayal of Lincoln is generally seen as respectful, with the character acting as a noble and idealistic counterpart to Kirk’s leadership style.
• The Episode’s Reception: "The Savage Curtain" received mixed reviews upon its original airing and has remained somewhat divisive among Star Trek fans. Some appreciated its exploration of leadership, morality, and ethical decision-making, while others found the premise, particularly the presence of Lincoln and the battle between good and evil, too far-fetched. Over time, the episode has gained a certain level of campy charm, and its exploration of Vulcan culture through Surak continues to be appreciated.
• Guest Villains’ Historical Significance: In addition to Genghis Khan, one of the villains in the "evil" group is Colonel Green, a character invented for the episode. Green is described as a future war criminal who led genocidal purges on Earth in the 21st century, and though he only appeared in this one episode, he would be referenced again in later Star Trek series, including Enterprise. His actions reflect Star Trek’s frequent commentary on the dangers of extremism and unchecked authority.
• Casting of Genghis Khan: The character of Genghis Khan, portrayed by actor Nathan Jung, was largely a silent presence in the episode, acting as part of the evil team. Khan’s inclusion was meant to represent the historical archetype of a ruthless conqueror. Jung’s portrayal was primarily physical, as Khan did not have any speaking lines, but the character’s inclusion further emphasized the contrasting figures representing good and evil.
• A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Ethical Debate: Some fans and critics argue that "The Savage Curtain" could have delved more deeply into the ethical and philosophical issues it raised. While the episode focuses on the struggle between good and evil, many feel it glosses over a more nuanced exploration of moral gray areas and instead opts for a straightforward, action-oriented conclusion.
• Legacy and Pop Culture Impact: Despite its somewhat unusual premise, "The Savage Curtain" has become a memorable episode for its sheer ambition and willingness to tackle complex moral questions. It is often referenced in discussions about the more philosophical episodes of Star Trek. The concept of pitting historical figures and alien representations of good and evil against one another became a part of Star Trek’s larger legacy of exploring human nature through allegory.
• Reuse of the Red Planet Set: The planet where the battle takes place, called Excalbia, was a redressed set used in multiple episodes throughout the series, particularly in the third season, where budget limitations often led to set recycling. This rocky, barren setting was a practical and cost-effective solution, though it added to the minimalist visual style that defined many of the later Star Trek episodes.

 QUOTES

Lincoln: Do I gather that you recognise me?
Kirk: I recognise what you appear to be.
Lincoln: And appearances can be most deceiving, but not in this case, James Kirk. I am Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln: What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know in my time some used that term as a description of property.
Uhura: But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century we've learned not to fear words.

Kirk: The very reason for the existence of our starships is contact with other life. Although the method is beyond our comprehension, we have been offered contact. Therefore, I shall beam down.

Rock: You are the survivors.

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 REVIEWS

Unbelievably believable — Yes, I'm Abraham Lincoln

Written by Pike on 2020-05-18
★ ★

ORIGINAL
The Savage Curtain is a very peculiar and original episode.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The first half of the episode is about the crew meeting... Abraham Lincoln in space. You have to see it to believe, both on deck and behind the television screen.

SQUID GAME
The second part of the episode is a sort of Squid Game version in space. A giant rock comes to life and opposes two teams: one team of so-called "good" people and one team of violent people.

GOOD v BAD
The story is an excuse to show us a metaphor about good versus evil. The problem is that, like in the previous episode—where we had a story on a divided society—the metaphor is really, really not subtle. A big stone transforms into what anyone could refer to a big pile of warm poo, and then the war between good and bad people starts.

PART I: BELIEVE THE UNBELIEVABLE
As much as I did not like nor the theme nor the overall story, I must admit it was not as ridiculous as I initially expected when discovering the episode and that it is well executed and very... unbelievably believable. The first half was interesting and intriguing.

PART II: JUST BAD
But from the moment they beam down onto the planet, the second half of the episode is really bad.

VERDICT
I give it 2 out of 5. Weak. Only two episodes to go. I want my life back. Kirk out.

 TRANSCRIPT

[Bridge]
SULU: All observation stations, take final readings. This'll be our last orbit.
KIRK: Spock, any answers?
SPOCK: I still read a suggestion of carbon cycle life forms on the planet surface, Captain.
KIRK: Which is scientifically impossible under conditions there.
SPOCK: Agreed. Mister Sulu, switch to the planet area I have under observation.
SULU: I'm reading it now, Mister Spock. It seems to indicate artificial power being generated in factor seven quantities.
SPOCK: Which would indicate a considerable civilisation there.
MCCOY: What's all this poppycock about life forms on this planet, Spock? The surface is molten lava. The atmosphere is poisonous.
SPOCK: Our readings could be false, Captain, perhaps caused by some natural phenomena.
MCCOY: Well I think Starfleet should forget about those old space legends. There's no intelligent life here.
KIRK: Lieutenant, anything from the planet?
UHURA: I've repeatedly tried on every hailing frequency, sir. There's no response on any channel.
KIRK: Transmit to Starfleet our sensor readings and log entries on the planet. Surface conditions make it impossible for us to beam down and investigate further. We are therefore going on to our next assignment.
UHURA: Aye, aye, sir.
SULU: Completing final orbit, sir.
KIRK: Prepare to warp us out.
(The red light on the navigation console flashes, and the lights dim)
KIRK: Alert status.
SPOCK: We're being scanned, Captain. A deep probe, incredibly swift.
(The lights come back up, and the planet disappears from the viewscreen)
MCCOY: Jim!
(On the screen is the image of a man sitting in a large leather chair, and wearing a stove-pipe hat)
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: Captain Kirk, I believe. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir.
KIRK: Uhura
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: No need to check your voice telegraph device. Do I gather that you recognise me?
KIRK: I recognise what you appear to be.
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: And appearances can be most deceiving, but not in this case, James Kirk. I am Abraham Lincoln.
KIRK: Spock.
SPOCK: Fascinating.
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: I have been described in many ways, Mister Spock, but never with that word.
KIRK: I was requesting your analysis, Spock.
SPOCK: They did scan us and our vessel, Captain, and doubtless obtained sufficient information to present this illusion.
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: Illusion? Captain, will you permit me to come aboard your vessel? No doubt you have devices which can check my reality.
KIRK: We'd be honoured to have you aboard, Mister President.
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: Do you still measure time in minutes?
KIRK: We can convert to it, sir.
LINCOLN [on viewscreen]: Then you should be directly over my position in. There. Exactly twelve and one half minutes. Until then, Captain.
(And the orange planet is back in view)
KIRK: (signing a PADD) Thank you, Mister Mulney.
SPOCK: Small change occurring there, Captain.
KIRK: Magnification four, helm.
SULU: Aye, aye, sir.
SPOCK: An area of approximately one thousand square kilometres. It measures completely Earth-like.
SULU: Perfect oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere.
CHEKOV: He called it to the second, sir. We'll be over it in exactly twelve minutes now.
KIRK: Security, send a detachment to the transporter room immediately, phaser side arms, and be prepared to give presidential honours.
MCCOY: Jim, do you really believe he's Abraham Lincoln?
KIRK: It's obvious he believes it. Doctor McCoy, Mister Spock, full dress uniforms.

[Transporter room]

(Scott is in kilt and plaid, the three security guards look smart)
SCOTT: Full dress? Presidential honours? What is this nonsense, Mister Dickerson?
DICKERSON: I understand President Lincoln's coming aboard, sir.
SCOTT: Ha! You're daft, man.
DICKERSON: All I know is what the captain tells me, and he says he'll have the hide of the first man that so much as smiles.
(McCoy enters)
SCOTT: I'd have expected sanity from the ship's surgeon, at least. President Lincoln, indeed. No doubt to be followed by Louis of France and Robert the Bruce.
(Kirk and Spock enter)
KIRK: If so, we'll execute appropriate honours to each, Mister Scott.
SCOTT: Aye, sir.
KIRK: Gentlemen, I don't for a moment believe that President Lincoln is actually coming aboard, but we're dealing with an unknown and apparently highly advanced life-form. Until we know, when in Rome, we'll do as the Romans do.
CHEKOV [OC]: Bridge to Transporter room. One minute to overhead position.
SCOTT: Locked on to something. Does that appear human to you, Mister Spock?
SPOCK: Fascinating. For a moment, it appeared almost mineral. Like living rock with heavy fore claws. It's settling down now to completely human readings.
SCOTT: We can beam it aboard anytime now, sir.
KIRK: Doctor McCoy, take tricorder readings and see if it is human. Appropriate ruffles and flourishes, Mister Spock. Security, stand ready.
DICKERSON: Phaser team, set ready for a heavy stun.
SPOCK: Band honours ready, Captain.
KIRK: Energise.
(A tall, lean figure in a black frock coat is beamed aboard to drum beat and a bosun's whistle)
KIRK: The USS Enterprise is honoured to have you aboard, Mister President.
LINCOLN: Strange. Where are the musicians?
KIRK: That's taped music, sir. A starship on active duty never carries an honour detachment.
LINCOLN: Taped music, you say. Well, perhaps Mister Spock will be good enough to explain that to me later. A most interesting way to come aboard, Captain. What was the device used?
KIRK: An energy-matter scrambler, sir. The molecules in your body are converted into energy, then beamed into this chamber and reconverted back into their original pattern.
LINCOLN: Well, since I'm obviously here, and quite whole, whatever you mean apparently works very well indeed. Gentlemen, if those are weapons, please lower them. At my age, I'm afraid I'm not very dangerous.
MCCOY: Human, Jim.
LINCOLN: All too human, Doctor McCoy. Happy to make your acquaintance.
KIRK: Mister President, may I present my officers. Commander Spock, second in command, Engineering Officer Scott and Security Officer Dickerson.
LINCOLN: Mister Spock, Mister Scott, Mister Dickerson. Gentlemen, I hope to talk to each of you. But meanwhile, your captain is consumed with questions and I shall do my utmost to answer them. And I trust your duties will permit time to answer some of mine. At your service, Captain.
KIRK: Lieutenant Dickerson, you and your men may return to quarters. Mister President.
LINCOLN: A most interesting vessel.
(Kirk, Lincoln, Spock and security leave)
MCCOY: Just what was it you locked onto before you beamed him aboard?
SCOTT: You heard Mister Spock yourself. Mineral he called it, like living rock.
MCCOY: And that became Lincoln?
SCOTT: I couldn't tell. It may have been another figure down there standing by. What do you make of it?
MCCOY: I'm not quite sure.

Captain's log, stardate 5906.4. Who or what has been beamed aboard our vessel? An alien who has changed himself into this form? An illusion? I cannot conceive it possible that Abraham Lincoln could have actually been reincarnated. And yet his kindness, his gentle wisdom, his humour, everything about him is so right.

[Bridge]

KIRK: Yes, if I recall, your Union Army observation balloons were tendered six hundred or so feet high. We're six hundred and forty three miles above the surface of this planet.
LINCOLN: You can measure great distances that closely?
SPOCK: We do, sir. Six hundred forty three miles, two thousand twenty one feet, two point zero four inches at this moment, using your old-style measurements.
LINCOLN: Bless me.
UHURA: Excuse me, Captain Kirk.
KIRK: Yes, Lieutenant.
UHURA: Mister Scott
LINCOLN: What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know in my time some used that term as a description of property.
UHURA: But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century we've learned not to fear words.
KIRK: May I present our communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura.
LINCOLN: The foolishness of my century had me apologising where no offense was given.
KIRK: We've each learned to be delighted with what we are. The Vulcans learned that centuries before we did.
SPOCK: It is basic to the Vulcan philosophy, sir. The combination of a number of things to make existence worthwhile.
LINCOLN: Yes. Philosophy of Nome, meaning all. How did I know that? Just as I seem to know that on the planet surface you will meet one of the greatest living Vulcans in all the long history of your planet. My mind cannot recall his name, but I know he will be there. What is it that powers your vessel, Captain? May I see your engine room?
KIRK: Certainly. Our engineering officer
UHURA: Has been waiting in the briefing room for you, sir, for over two hours.
KIRK: Oh, dear. If you'll forgive me, our communications officer
LINCOLN: I would be delighted to have her as guide.
KIRK: Forgive me again. We'll rejoin you shortly.

[Briefing room]

MCCOY: Where the devil are they?
SCOTT: Why, they're probably looking up a plate of haggis in the galley. They've been everywhere else.
(Kirk and Spock enter)
KIRK: Sorry to have been delayed, gentlemen.
MCCOY: Jim, I would be the last to advise you on your command image.
KIRK: I doubt that, Bones, but continue.
MCCOY: Do I have to lay it out for you? Practically the entire crew has seen you treat this impostor like the real thing when he can't possibly be the real article.
SCOTT: Lincoln died three centuries ago on a planet hundreds of light years away.
SPOCK: More that direction, Engineer.
MCCOY: You're the science officer. Why aren't you, well, doing whatever a science officer does at a time like this?
SPOCK: I am, Doctor. I am observing the alien.
MCCOY: At last! At least somebody agrees with us he's an alien.
KIRK: Yes, of course he's an alien.
MCCOY And he's potentially dangerous.
SCOTT: Mad. Loony as an Arcturian dogbird.
KIRK: Gentlemen, as you know, Mister Spock and I have been invited to beam down to the planet surface with him. Any comments on that?
MCCOY: Yes, a big one. Suddenly, miraculously, we see a small spot of Earth-type environment down there. Now is it really there, or do we just think we see it down there?
SCOTT: You might beam down into a sea of molten lava.
KIRK: But why would he want to kill only two of us?
SPOCK: It would be illogical. With such abilities, they could as easily trick us into destroying the entire vessel.
MCCOY: Are you implying, Mister Spock, that it's probably safe to beam down there?
SPOCK: No, I'm not, Doctor. There's no doubt they want us down there for some hidden purpose. Otherwise, they would have revealed some logical reason for all of this.
KIRK: Why Lincoln, Spock? Any speculation on that?
SPOCK: Speculation is unnecessary, Captain. The answer is clear. President Lincoln has always been a very personal hero to you. What better way to titillate your curiosity than to make him come alive for you.
KIRK: But not only to me, Spock.
SPOCK: Agreed. I, too, experienced his charm. It is a magnificent work of duplication.
MCCOY: But he holds a special involvement to you, Jim. I think it's interesting, in as much as you're the one who's going to make the decision whether to beam down or not.
SCOTT: Don't do it, Captain.
KIRK: The very reason for the existence of our starships is contact with other life. Although the method is beyond our comprehension, we have been offered contact. Therefore, I shall beam down. Mister Spock, as for you
SPOCK: Captain, since I was included in the invitation to make contact, I must beam down with you.
MCCOY: You're both out of your heads!
SCOTT: Aye, sir.
KIRK: And you're on the edge of insubordination.
MCCOY: Would I be on the edge of insubordination to remind the captain that this smells of something happening to him that I might not be able to patch together again?
SCOTT: Aye!
KIRK: Gentlemen, your concern is noted and appreciated. Mister Spock, standard dress, tricorders and phasers. We will guide President Lincoln to the transporter room. We'll beam down immediately.

[Transporter room]

KIRK: Standing by, Mister Scott.
SCOTT: Transporter room to bridge. Standing by.
CHEKOV [OC]: We are now locked in synchronous orbit, Mister Scott. Sensors continue to show the area as completely Earth-like in all respects.
MCCOY: If they're wrong and they do beam into a pool of lava
SCOTT: Then they're dead men. I couldna pull them back in time.
KIRK: All right, Mister Scott, energise.
(Lincoln, Kirk and Spock are beamed away, but - )
MCCOY: Scotty.

[Planet surface]

(Sandy ground, big rocks, orange sky)
SPOCK: Captain. Our phasers and tricorders did not beam down with us.
KIRK: Kirk to Enterprise. Enterprise? Enterprise, come in. Kirk to Enterprise. Enterprise, come in.
SPOCK: Undamaged, yet something is preventing them from functioning.

[Transporter room]

SCOTT: Come in, landing party. Report. Enterprise to Captain Kirk. Can you read us?
MCCOY: If they're all right, they should've reported in.

[Planet surface]

KIRK: Your explanation, sir?
LINCOLN: Well, I have none. To me this seems quite as it should be.
KIRK: Why were our weapons taken? Why can't we communicate with our ship?
LINCOLN: Please, believe me. I know nothing other than what I have already told you.
KIRK: The game is over. We've treated you with courtesy. We've gone along with what and who you think you are.
LINCOLN: Despite the seeming contradictions, all is as it appears to be. I am Abraham Lincoln.
SURAK: Just as I am whom I appear to be.
SPOCK: Surak.
KIRK: Who?
SPOCK: The greatest of all who ever lived on our planet, Captain. The father of all we became.

[Bridge]

SULU: (in the captain's chair) All ship's systems going dead. Switch to reserve power. All decks report status.
UHURA: All decks report status. All decks report status.
SULU: Bridge to Engineering. Come in. What's happening to our power? Bridge to Engineering, report.
ENGINEER [OC]: Everything's out. We've switched to reserve power. Lost all power in the warp engines.
(Scott and McCoy enter)
SCOTT: How is it, Mister Sulu?
SULU: No answer yet on what caused it. They're standing by.
SCOTT: Shut down all but the most necessary systems.
UHURA: No damage report, Mister Scott.
ENGINEER [OC]: No indication of engine damage, sir.
SCOTT: Engage restart cycle.
ENGINEER [OC]: I can't. I don't understand it.
SCOTT: Start emergency procedures.
ENGINEER [OC]: Aye, aye, sir.

[Planet surface]

SURAK: Live long and prosper, Spock. May you also, Captain Kirk.
SPOCK: It is not logical that you are Surak. There is no fact, extrapolation of fact or theory, which would make possible.
SURAK: Whatever I am, would it harm you to give response?
SPOCK: Live long and prosper, image of Surak, father of all we now hold true.
SURAK: The image of Surak read in your face what is in your mind, Spock.
SPOCK: As I turned and my eyes beheld you, I displayed emotion. I beg forgiveness.
SURAK: The cause was more than sufficient. Let us speak no further of it. In my time, we knew not of Earth men. I am pleased to see that we have differences. May we together become greater than the sum of both of us.
KIRK: Spock, we'll not go along with these charades any longer.
(A rock changes into a creature with heavy fore-claws)
ROCK: You'll have an answer soon, Captain. Our world is called Excalbia. Countless who live on that planet are watching. Before this drama unfolds, we give welcome to the ones named Kirk and Spock.
KIRK: We know nothing of your world or your customs. What do you mean, drama about to unfold?
ROCK: You're intelligent life form, but I'm surprised you do not perceive the honour we do you. Have we not created in this place on our planet a stage identical to your own world?
KIRK: We perceive we were invited to come here, and we came in friendship. And you have deprived us of our instruments to examine your world, to defend ourselves, to communicate with our vessel.
ROCK: Your objection is well taken. We shall communicate with your vessel so your fellow life forms may also enjoy and profit from the play. Behold.
(More people arrive. A human, a Mongol, an alien woman and a Klingon)
ROCK: Captain, Mister Spock, some of these you may know through history. Genghis Khan, for one. And Colonel Green, who led a genocidal war early in the 21st century on Earth. Zora, who experimented with the body chemistry of subject tribes on Tiburon. Kahless the Unforgettable, the Klingon who set the pattern for his planet's tyrannies. We welcome the vessel Enterprise

[Bridge]

ROCK [on viewscreen]: To our solar system and to our spectacle.
MCCOY: At least the captain and Spock are safe.
SCOTT: It's a confrontation of some sort. Those are all figures out of history. Notoriously evil.
ROCK [on viewscreen]: We ask you to observe with us

[Planet surface]

ROCK: The confrontation of the two opposing philosophies you term good and evil. Since this is our first experiment with Earthlings, our theme is a simple one. Survival, life and death. Your philosophies are alien to us, and we wish to understand them and discover which is the stronger. We learn by observing such spectacles.
KIRK: What do you mean, survival?
ROCK: The word is explicit. If you and Spock survive, you return to your vessel. If you do not, your existence is ended.

[Bridge]

MCCOY: Can we beam the captain and Spock back up?
SCOTT: We don't have the power. They'll come aboard a mass of dying flesh.
MCCOY: Well, can we send the phasers down?
SCOTT: There's nothing we can do, Doctor. Nothing but watch them. He's skimmed the worst ones in history to face them.
MCCOY: But they're not real, any more than that Lincoln or Surak. What do the sensors read?
CHEKOV: As life-forms. They are living beings.
MCCOY: Could they be aliens projecting an illusion?
CHEKOV: The readings are those of humanoids.
ROCK [on viewscreen]: Why do you hesitate?

[Planet surface]

ROCK: Do you wish further clarification? Your choice of action is unlimited, as is your choice of weapons. Should you wish to use any, you may fabricate anything you desire out of what you can find around you. Captain?
KIRK: Mister Spock and I refuse to participate.
ROCK: You will decide otherwise.
(And changes back into a real lump of rock)
KIRK: Analysis, Spock. Why do they want us to fight?
SPOCK: It may be exactly as explained, Captain. Our concept of good and evil is strange to them. Perhaps they wish to determine which is strongest.
KIRK: And they'll get their answers if it kills us.
LINCOLN: I'm afraid none of us may leave, gentlemen, until we do what it demands of us.
GREEN: Captain Kirk, may I speak with you? I quite agree with your attitude toward this charade. It's ridiculous to think that we should take part in it.
KIRK: What do you want?
GREEN: The same thing as you do, to get out of here. I have no quarrel with you any more than you have with me.
KIRK: You're somewhat different than the way history paints you, Colonel Green.
GREEN: History tends to exaggerate. I suggest we call a halt to this at once and see if we can't find some way out of our difficulties. My associates are in full agreement with me. Captain, you were tricked into coming here, weren't you? So were we all.
KIRK: Where do you come from?
GREEN: I can't remember. Isn't that strange? My memory used to be quite remarkable. Well, wherever it was, I want to get back. So it seems to me, Captain, that we have a common cause, and our enemy is that creature.
KIRK: What do you propose?

[Bridge]

GREEN [on viewscreen]: That we combine forces, and reason some way to overcome it.
KIRK [on viewscreen]: You were notorious, Colonel Green, for striking at your enemies in the midst of negotiating with them.
GREEN [on viewscreen]: But that was centuries ago, Captain, and not altogether true. No, there is much I would change now if I could. Don't let prejudice and rumour sway you.
(Meanwhile, the other three baddies split up and start to circle around)
SULU: Captain! How can we warn him?
(Khan throws a rock at Spock, and a fight starts until the bad guys run off)

[Planet surface]

KIRK: Anyone hurt?
LINCOLN: I fear my clothing is somewhat damaged, but how delightful to discover at my age that I can still wrestle.
KIRK: Mister Spock?
SPOCK: I'm all right, Captain. However, I suggest that we prepare ourselves for another attack.
KIRK: No, I think Colonel Green is right. That rock-like thing is our enemy, not those illusions.
LINCOLN: For an illusion, my opponent carried a considerable punch. Oh, I forgot. You consider me an illusion too.
SURAK: The captain speaks wisely. Those four are not our enemy. We should arrive together at a peaceful settlement.
ROCK: I am disappointed. You display no interest in the honour we do you. We offer you an opportunity to become our teachers by demonstrating whether good or evil is more powerful. You find my body heat distressing, Captain? You forget the nature of this planet. I must conclude that your species requires a cause to fight for. You may now communicate with your ship.
KIRK: Kirk to Enterprise. Enterprise, come in.

[Engineering]

SCOTT [OC]: Scott to Engineering. Report, Lieutenant.
ENGINEER: Emergency increasing, sir.

[Bridge]

ENGINEER [OC]: Deterioration has just started, sir.
SCOTT: Give me that again, man. I cannot hear you.
UHURA: Mister Scott, I have the captain.

[Planet surface]

KIRK: Scotty, do you read me?

[Bridge]

UHURA: Mister Scott, I have the captain.
SCOTT: Engineering, check for radiation. Get a repair crew on it at once.
ENGINEER [OC]: We have already, sir. We can't seem to stop it.
SCOTT: Is there a danger of detonation?
ENGINEER [OC]: Estimating four hours, sir.
UHURA: Red Alert, Captain. Mister Scott is standing by.
KIRK [OC]: What caused the red alert?
UHURA: I don't know yet, sir.
SCOTT: Captain.

[Planet surface]

KIRK: Scotty, beam us up fast.

[Bridge]

SCOTT: I cannot. We have a complete power failure.

[Planet surface]

SCOTT [OC]: We're on emergency battery power only.
KIRK: What happened?

[Bridge]

SCOTT: I can't explain it, sir, but the matter and antimatter are in red zone proximity.
KIRK [OC]: What caused that?
SCOTT: There's no knowing and there's no stopping it either. The shielding is breaking down. I estimate four hours before it goes completely. Four hours before the ship blows up.

[Planet surface]

ROCK: The estimate is quite correct. Your ship will blow itself to bits within four hours, Captain, unless you defeat the others before then. Is that cause enough to fight for?
KIRK: What if they defeat us?

[Bridge]

ROCK [on viewscreen]: To save your ship and your crew, you have to win.

[Planet surface]

KIRK: Scotty, inform Starfleet Command. Disengage nacelles, Jettison if possible. Mister Spock, assist them. Advise and analyse. Scotty? Scotty?
ROCK: Your communicators no longer function, Captain. You may proceed with the spectacle.
LINCOLN: James, the war is forced upon us. History repeats itself.

Supplemental Log, stardate 5906.5. Engineer Scott reporting. The Enterprise is doomed to explode in two hours if Captain Kirk is defeated by the enemy on the surface of the planet. The enormous power of the Enterprise has been neutralised and we sit here watching, unable to assist.

[Bad man base]

GREEN: Did you set the traps?
KAHLESS: Yes.
GREEN: What did you find out? What are they doing?
KAHLESS: They've done nothing. They've not armed themselves nor prepared for any kind of defence. I say attack now and finish them.
GREEN: With what? These? (pointed sticks)
KAHLESS: Better than what they have.
GREEN: No, it's not advantage enough. I want to make sure the odds are in our favour. Overwhelm and devastate, that's the way to get power and to hold it, and I mean to do that.

[Good guy base]

KIRK: There's nothing immoral about fighting an illusion, Mister Spock. We play their game, fight, or lose the ship and all the crewmen aboard.
SPOCK: And if they're real, Captain?
KIRK: We'll use this as a base. It's defensible. They can't approach without being seen.
LINCOLN: Are we fighting a defensive war, James?
KIRK: No, we don't have time. But if things go against us, I want a place to retreat to. What I want to do now is scout them out, find their weaknesses and attack.
LINCOLN: Do you drink whiskey?
KIRK: Occasionally. Why?
LINCOLN: Because you have qualities very much like those of another man I admire greatly. General Grant.
KIRK: Thank you. Thank you. Mister Spock, we'll need weapons. I believe the ancient Vulcans made something like a boomerang?
SPOCK: Yes, Captain.
KIRK: And slings and spears. Slings. Mister President. You used a sling as a boy.
LINCOLN: Indeed I did.
SPOCK: Captain. Logic dictates that we consider another course.
KIRK: We don't have much time, Spock.
SURAK: In my time on Vulcan, we also faced these same alternatives. We'd suffered devastating wars which nearly destroyed our planet. Another was about to begin. We were torn. But out of our suffering some of us found the discipline to act. We sent emissaries to our opponents to propose peace. The first were killed, but others followed. Ultimately we achieved peace, which has lasted since then.
KIRK: Circumstances were different then, Surak.
SURAK: The face of war has never changed, Captain. Surely it is more logical to heal than kill.
KIRK: I'm afraid that kind of logic doesn't apply here.
SURAK: That is precisely why we should not fight.
KIRK: My ship is at stake.
SURAK: I will not harm others, Captain.
SPOCK: His convictions are most profound in this matter, Captain.
KIRK: So are mine, Spock. If I believed that there was a peaceful way out of this
SURAK: The risk will be mine alone. If I fail, you lose nothing. After all, I'm no warrior.
SPOCK: The captain knows that I have fought at his side before and will do so now, if need be. However, I too, am a Vulcan, bred to peace. Let him attempt it.
KIRK: You saw how treacherously they acted.
SURAK: Oh, yes. But perhaps it's our belief in peace that is actually being tested.
KIRK: I have no authority over you. You may do as you think best.
SURAK: Thank you. May you live long and prosper.
KIRK: The weapons, gentlemen. In case he fails.

[Bad guy base]

KAHLESS: Colonel!
(They watch Surak approach. Zora makes to throw a spear)
GREEN: No. Let's hear what he has to say. We may find it useful. Stop there, Vulcan. State your purpose.
SURAK: I come in peace to propose peace.
GREEN: Are you surrendering?
SURAK I'm doing what I consider best for all of us. If you choose to regard that as surrender, I accept your definition.
KAHLESS: One of those peace lovers, Colonel.
GREEN: Why are you doing this? Do you speak for the others?
SURAK: No, I speak for myself because I abhor violence. But if you accept the solution I offer, they, too, will accept it.

[Bridge]

GREEN [on viewscreen]: How can I be sure? I think you're trying to trick me, Vulcan. I think that while you're here talking peace, the others are preparing to attack.
SURAK [on viewscreen]: No, Colonel. They are at their base awaiting an answer.

[Bad guy base]

GREEN: How can I believe that? No one talks peace unless he's ready to back it up with war.
SURAK: He talks peace if it is the only way to live.
GREEN: Then tell me, what do you have to gain if we accept?
SURAK: Nothing but the knowledge that I have done what I believe in.
GREEN: What do I get out of it? I fight for gain, Vulcan. What do I gain here?
SURAK: Your life and the lives of the others. You said yourself, Colonel, that we have common cause to survive. Together we can. But not by warring.
KAHLESS: Why don't we kill him?
GREEN: No. He's our means to finish them all.
(Kahless and Khan circle around)
SURAK: Colonel, surely you accept the logic of this. What is your answer?
GREEN: You're very persuasive, Vulcan. I'd like to come out of this with a whole skin. Perhaps I can convince my associates that it would be to their advantage also.

[Good guy base]

(Kirk, Spock and Lincoln are also sharpening sticks as spears)
KIRK: Your Surak is a brave man.
SURAK: Men of peace usually are, Captain. On Vulcan, he is revered as the father of our civilisation. The father image holds much meaning for us.
KIRK: You show emotion, Spock.
SPOCK: I deeply respect what he has accomplished.
KIRK: I hope he accomplishes something here, and soon.
(A scream rings out)
KIRK: Surak?
SURAK [OC]: Help me, Spock! Spock, help me!
GREEN [OC]: Mister Spock, your friend wants you. He seems to be hurt.
SURAK [OC]: Spock! Help me, Spock! Spock! Help me!
GREEN [OC]: You can't let him suffer.
SPOCK: They're trying to goad us into attacking, Captain. They expect us to act rashly.
KIRK: Yes, I know that.
SURAK [OC]: Help me, Spock!
SPOCK: He was aware of what might happen when he went.
KIRK: I should never have let him go.
SPOCK: You had no choice, Captain. You could not have stopped him.
KIRK: How can you ignore that?
SPOCK: A Vulcan would not cry out so.
KIRK: Whether he's a Vulcan or not, he's in agony.
SPOCK: I am not insensitive to it, Captain.
SURAK [OC]: Help me, Spock!
KIRK: But you can just listen to it and do nothing. I can't.
SPOCK: Captain, that is what they are waiting for. They're waiting for us to attempt a rescue.
KIRK: I can't just let him stay there.
LINCOLN: Perhaps we can rescue him, Mister Spock. Now, I suggest that we do whatever they want.
KIRK: Do what they want, sir?
LINCOLN: Not the way they want it, however. We must first convince them that they have provoked us to recklessness. James, I do not mean to presume upon your authority. What I propose is that I circle around to their rear while you two provide a frontal assault. It should be sufficiently violent to cover whatever I do.
KIRK: And what will you do?
LINCOLN: Why, slip into their camp and free him.
KIRK: No.
LINCOLN: James, James. Remember, I was something of a backwoodsman. I doubt that you could do what I was bred to.
KIRK: I can't let you risk it, Mister President.
LINCOLN: I am no longer president. Mister Spock, any comment?
SURAK [OC]: Help me, Spock!
SPOCK: No, sir.
LINCOLN: One matter further, gentlemen. We fight on their level. With trickery, brutality, finality. We match their evil. I know, James. I was reputed to be a gentle man. But I was commander in chief during the four bloodiest years of my country's history. I gave orders that sent a hundred thousand men to their death at the hands of their brothers. There is no honourable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war except its ending. And you are fighting for the lives of your crew.
KIRK: Your campaign, Mister President.

[Bad guy base]

GREEN: They should be coming soon.
(Green and Khan see Kirk and Spock duck down behind a large rock, carrying a lot of spears)
GREEN: Zora! Kahless! No, wait!
(Spock throws the first spear)
GREEN: How many do you see?
KAHLESS: Two.
GREEN: Zora.
(She goes to circle around. Khan and Kirk throw rocks at each other. Meanwhile, a very stealthy Lincoln has found Surak.)
LINCOLN: Surak.
(Green and Kahless arrive)
LINCOLN: Surak, the others have drawn them away. We will circle around. It was a worthy effort, Surak. Worthy. No need to blame yourself before its failure.
(But once untied, Surak is revealed to be dead.)
KAHLESS: (as Surak) Help me, Spock. Help me, Spock.
GREEN: Now can you cry like Lincoln?
KAHLESS: (as Lincoln) Help me, Kirk. Help me, Kirk!
(Lincoln walks towards Kirk and Spock)
KIRK: Mister Lincoln!
LINCOLN: James, stay back.
(Lincoln finally topples forward, a big spear in his back. Now the close fighting begins, with Green letting his 'associates' do the hard work. Zora runs off. Kirk deals with Kahless and helps Spock with Khan. The bad guys retreat. Kirk chases and catches Green who ends up falling on his own dagger.)
ROCK: You are the survivors. The others have run off. It would seem that evil retreats when forcibly confronted. However, you have failed to demonstrate to me any other difference between your philosophies. Your good and your evil use the same methods, achieve the same results. Do you have an explanation?
KIRK: You established the methods and the goals.
ROCK: For you to use as you chose.
KIRK: What did you offer the others if they won?
ROCK: What they wanted most. Power.
KIRK: You offered me the lives of my crew.
ROCK: I perceive you have won their lives.
KIRK: How many others have you done this to? What gives you the right to hand out life and death?
ROCK: The same right that brought you here. The need to know new things.
KIRK: We came in peace.
ROCK: And you may go in peace.
KIRK: Kirk to Enterprise. Come in.
SULU [OC]: Is that you, Captain? Are you all right?
KIRK: Yes, Mister Sulu. We're all right. You may beam us aboard.

[Bridge]

KIRK: Mister Scott, report.
SCOTT: The ship is functioning normally again, sir, and the restart cycle is in operation. You'd never know anything had been out of order. I can't fathom it.
KIRK: Mister Sulu.
SULU: We should be on warp power within thirty minutes, sir.
KIRK: Good. Mister Chekov.
CHEKOV: The deterioration in the shielding has stopped and is reversing itself. I have no explanation.
KIRK: Thank you, Mister Chekov. Mister Spock, any explanation?
SPOCK: Conjecture, Captain, rather than explanation.
KIRK: Well?
SPOCK: It would seem that we were held in the power of creatures able to control matter and to rearrange molecules in whatever fashion was desired. So they were able to create images of Surak and Lincoln after scanning our minds and using their fellow creatures as source matter.
KIRK: They seemed so real. And to me, especially Mister Lincoln. I feel I actually met Lincoln.
SPOCK: Yes, and Surak. Perhaps in a sense they were real, Captain. Since they were created out of our own thoughts, how could they be anything but what we expected them to be?
KIRK: It was so hard for me to see him die again. I feel I understand what Earth must have gone through to achieve final peace.
UHURA: Captain Kirk, the planet has resumed its normal appearance.
KIRK: There's still so much of their work to be done in the galaxy, Spock. Mister Sulu, break us out of orbit and continue to our next assignment.
SULU: Aye, aye, sir.

 HISTORY

2024-09-24 13:46:56 - Pike: Review modified.
2024-09-24 13:44:35 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-24 11:59:40 - Pike: Review modified.
2024-09-24 11:22:26 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-24 11:18:08 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-24 11:06:59 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-23 21:53:08 - Pike: Added some trivia.
2024-09-19 10:40:19 - Pike: Added the writers.
2024-09-17 21:56:48 - Pike: Added the director.
2024-09-17 07:29:54 - Pike: Review modified.
2024-09-14 15:48:58 - Pike: Updated the transcript.
2024-09-14 15:48:47 - Pike: Added a banner.
2024-09-14 15:37:24 - Pike: Added the air date.