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FADE IN.
EXTERIOR: The Enterprise drifts slowly through space.
KIRK (V.O.)
Captain's Log: Stardate 4372.5. On a top-secret diplomatic mission, the Enterprise has entered the Tellun star system. Maintaining communications blackout, we have taken aboard Petri, Ambassador from Tyana, the outer planet, and are now approaching the inner planet Elas.
S.1. TURBOLIFT— SHIP’S DAY
KIRK, SPOCK, MCCOY, and SCOTT all ENTER, single file. Kirk is uncharacteristically churlish.
KIRK
Some desk-bound Starfleet bureaucrat cut these cloak-and-dagger orders.
He pinches the bridge of his nose for a moment.
SCOTT
Aye, but why the secrecy? This star system's under Federation control.
SPOCK
It's in a border area, Mister Scott. The Klingons also claim jurisdiction.
SCOTT
From what I've seen, it's not worth fighting about. Why are we here, Captain?
KIRK
My orders are to cooperate with Ambassador Petri in all matters pertaining to his mission here. He’s our only touchstone where it concerns our impending guests.
SCOTT
Is their society really so remote?
KIRK
From what I’ve been told, it’s doubtful they’ve ever—
UHURA (O.C.)
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
Kirk presses the com button.
KIRK (cont)
Kirk here. What is it?
UHURA (O.C.)
Captain, I have a signal from the Elasians. They're ready to beam aboard, and they demand an explanation for the delay.
KIRK
Demand? What delay? All right. Beam them aboard.
SPOCK
Sounds typical of the Elasians. The scientists who made the initial investigation reported the men were vicious and arrogant.
MCCOY
That's just the negative part, Mister Spock. I've been over those records. Now the women, they're supposed to be something very special. They're supposed to have a kind of subtle, mystical power that drives men wild.
KIRK (brightening)
Oh?
SPOCK
Yes, the report on Elasian biology did specify something to that effect. It is also worth noting that Elasian women have evolved several unique quirks. Exempli gratia, it is well documented that they have the ability to remove their own ocular organs at will.
McCoy is openly disgusted. Kirk laughs and lays a hand on Spock’s arm.
KIRK
I don’t think I read that far.
MCCOY
Leave it to you to spoil the allure, Mister Spock.
The turbolift doors slide open.
Scotty and McCoy EXIT.
Spock raises an eyebrow at Kirk, who smiles and shrugs. They both leave.
S.2. CORRIDOR— SHIP’S DAY
PETRI is a skinny humanoid with an ornate white wig and teal skin. His outfit is caught somewhere between French Rococo and Austin Powers. He wrings his hands apprehensively.
KIRK
Ambassador Petri, would you drop the nonsense and tell me what this is about?
Kirk and Petri move down the hall briskly.
PETRI
That must wait until the Dohlman is aboard.
KIRK
Dohlman? What the devil is a Dohlman?
S.2. CONT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Spock and Scott are already there, waiting for further instruction.
PETRI
The thing most feared and hated by my people. Our most deadly enemy.
Three burly Elasian men are beamed aboard, including SEYTON, their leader. They draw their weapons.
PETRI
Welcome. I am Petri, Ambassador of Tyana.
KIRK
I'm Captain Kirk. This ship is under my command.
SEYTON
There's a Tyanian here. I must know that all is secure before the Dohlman is brought on board.
KIRK
This ship is secure, and we're prepared for any hostile acts. Energize.
The Elasians get down on one knee.
SEYTON
Do honor to the Dohlman of Elas.
Petri kneels.
SEYTON (cont)
Glory to Ilaam, Dohlman of Elas.
A woman in little more than a high-necked bathing suit is beamed aboard. Her hair is done up in thick Egyptian braids. The camera PANS over her body slowly. She is beautiful but sullen.
The Enterprise officers kneel.
ILAAM scans the room, narrows her eyes.
She claps her hands once.
SEYTON
You may stand.
All rise.
KIRK (to Spock)
Body armor, nuclear weapons..?
SPOCK
Not without precedent. Remember that—
ILAAM (decisive)
You are not the ruler of this ship.
If Spock is offended by the interruption, he doesn’t show it.
SPOCK
Correct. I am the first officer. This is Captain James Kirk.
Ilaam’s focus snaps to Kirk.
Petri bustles ahead of the group.
PETRI
Your Glory, I am Petri. In the name of my people—
ILAAM
Your mission is known to us. Captain Kirk, you have now permission to show us to our quarters.
KIRK
Well, now, just a moment. There's going to have to be some kind of understanding—
PETRI (to Kirk)
Please.
Petri’s eyes flash with… something. Anger? Fear?
KIRK
My first officer Mister Spock will show you to your quarters.
(to Petri)
Ambassador, I'd like to speak to you—
ILAAM
You have not been dismissed.
Beat.
KIRK
May I have your permission to go?
ILAAM
You are now dismissed.
KIRK
Why, thank you.
(to Petri, through gritted teeth)
Ambassador.
Kirk guides Petri out of the room in a huff.
Spock looks to Ilaam.
SPOCK
Please follow me, Dohlman.
Ilaam bares her teeth, ever so slightly revealing snakelike fangs.
ILAAM
I do not accept commands from the likes of you.
Spock looks at her blankly— ‘do you want to see your room or not?’
Beat.
ILAAM (cont)
I demand to see where I am to be kept immediately.
She claps her hands. He turns wordlessly and leads her through a different door.
S.2. CONT. CORRIDOR
Kirk and Petri crowd a few feet from the door.
KIRK
Ambassador, I think it's time you
told me what's going on.
PETRI
That creature, Ilaam, is to be the wife of our ruler to bring peace. Our two warring planets now possess the capability of mutual destruction. Some method of co-existence must be found.
KIRK
I see. So, we go back to Tyana.
PETRI
Yes. But slowly, Captain. I will need time. Before we reach there, she must be taught civilized manners. In her present condition, my people would never accept her.
KIRK
And you are to be her teacher?
PETRI
Those are my orders. I must ask you and your crew to respect, or at least tolerate, their arrogance. Friction must be kept at a minimum.
KIRK
Yes, that I can understand.
Kirk makes to leave. Petri catches him by the sleeve.
PETRI
Another thing you should understand, Captain. You have as much at stake as I have. Your superiors made the statement that failure of this mission would be…
Petri smiles unpleasantly.
PETRI (cont)
…as catastrophic for Federation planning as it would be for our two planets.
Kirk’s eyes narrow. Petri’s smile warps into a grimace. He seems to turn inward on himself, if subtly. He drops Kirk’s wrist.
PETRI (cont)
To gain peace at the price of accepting such a queen is no victory. I will take her the official gifts I bear. Perhaps that will soften her mood.
Kirk scrutinizes the ambassador for a moment.
KIRK
Yes. Perhaps.
Kirk EXITS.
S.3. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S DAY
Enter Kirk. SULU, CHEKOV, Uhura, and Scott, and others are seeing to their usual duties.
KIRK
Mister Chekov, lay in a course for Tyana. Mister Sulu, impulse drive, speed factor point zero three seven.
SULU
Impulse drive, Captain?
KIRK
Yes, that's correct, Mister Sulu. Sublight factor point zero three seven.
SULU
Aye, aye, sir.
SCOTT
Captain? You'll not be using the warp drive? All the way on impulse? That'll take a great deal of time.
KIRK (sharply)
You in a hurry, Mister Scott?
Scott is surprised by Kirk’s attitude. Sulu and Chekov exchange a quizzical glance.
SCOTT
No.
Kirk collapses into the captain’s chair.
Spock ENTERS.
Kirk smiles. His expression has little of its usual vitality or warmth.
SPOCK
Captain, the Dohlman is dissatisfied with the quarters provided.
UHURA
What's the matter with them, Mister Spock?
SPOCK
I do not know, but all the Elasians seem most irrational.
Uhura stands up, offended.
UHURA
I gave up my quarters because I—
KIRK
Yes, I appreciate your sacrifice,
Lieutenant Uhura. I'll talk to her myself.
Kirk EXITS, leaving Uhura with her mouth open.
Beat.
SULU (sarcastically)
Woah.
S.4. ILAAM’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S DAY
Ilaam is throwing slippers at Petri. Seyton lingers nearby.
ILAAM
Swine! Take back your gifts!
PETRI
Your Glory, these are your wedding slippers.
ILAAM
Your ruler cannot buy the favors of the Dohlman of Elas.
PETRI
This—
He holds up a sky-blue thing.
PETRI (cont)
—this is your wedding dress, a gift from the bridegroom's mother.
ILAAM
I want nothing of his!
PETRI
This—
He holds up an ornate, chunky necklace.
PETRI (cont)
this is the most prized of royal jewels for your lovely neck.
Petri blatantly has murder on his mind.
Kirk ENTERS. He is composed and professional.
ILAAM
I would strangle if I was to put the gift of a Tyanian dog around my neck. Seyton, by whose permission did he enter?
She thrusts an accusing finger in Kirk’s direction.
SEYTON
He came in answer to your summons.
KIRK
I understand you're not happy with your quarters.
ILAAM
Quarters!?
She throws something that breaks.
KIRK
Not happy at all.
He toes at the broken object on the floor. It was some sort of vase. He grimaces at it remorsefully— he recognizes it as something of Uhura’s.
If Ilaam heard him speak, she doesn’t let him know. She holds up an elegant cushion.
ILAAM
Am I a soft Tyanian fawn to need pillows to sit on?
She rips it in half effortlessly and tosses the remaining scraps aside.
ILAAM (cont)
And these ridiculous female trappings!
She swipes a make-up kit off of the nearest surface— those were probably Uhura’s too. Brushes, pens, and compacts scatter everywhere.
ILAAM (cont)
They are an offense to my eyes.
KIRK
My communications officer generously vacated the rooms hoping you would find them satisfactory.
ILAAM
I do not find them so, and I find him—
Ilaam points to Petri.
ILAAM (cont)
—even less satisfactory. Must my bitterness be compounded with that ridiculous ambassador aboard your ship?
PETRI
I explained to Her Glory that her council of nobles and the Tyana Tribunal jointly agreed that I should instruct—
He pauses.
PETRI (cont)
…make her acquainted with the customs and manners of our people.
ILAAM
Seyton! Remove him! And take that garbage with you!
Petri picks up the wedding dress and necklace box and leaves with Seyton.
ILAAM (cont)
He dares to suggest that I adopt the servile manners of his people!
KIRK
Your Glory doesn't seem to be responding to instruction.
ILAAM
I will never forgive the council for putting me through this torture. Were you responding to my demand for better quarters?
KIRK
There are none better. I suggest you make do with these.
ILAAM
You suggest!?
She rips a painting off the wall violently enough to destroy it in one motion.
KIRK
There are no more available, but if that's the only way you can get gratification, I'll arrange to have the whole room filled from floor to ceiling with breakable objects.
ILAAM
I will not be humiliated!
Kirk turns to leave, shaking his head to himself. He’s only known Ilaam for half an hour, and he’s already nearing wit’s end.
ILAAM (cont)
I did not give you permission to leave!
Kirk turns, defiant.
KIRK
I didn't ask for any.
Kirk EXITS.
S.5. CHEKOV & SULU’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S EVENING
The room is small, dorm-like, complete with a twin-frame bunk bed and cheap shag rug.
The boys enter, followed by Uhura, who is toting an overnight bag.
Chekov and Sulu make themselves at home immediately. Uhura lingers by the door.
UHURA
Thank you again, for making space in here for me.
CHEKOV (brightly)
Our pleasure!
UHURA
I still can’t believe these absurd
arrangements. The entire guest wing, just for that ambassador.
SULU
Tyanians are meant to be a delicate people, aren’t they? Don’t feel too put out about it. We’ll pool our credits and get something special for dinner.
CHEKOV
Like pizza?
UHURA (sarcastically)
How old are you again?
SULU
Not too old for pizza.
Uhura places her overnight bag in the corner.
UHURA
That won’t be necessary. You’ve already shown me plenty hospitality as it is.
The boys seem pleased by this.
Uhura looks around and hesitates.
UHURA (cont)
Although, ehrm. Where am I going to sleep?
Chekov and Sulu look at each other— they hadn’t considered as much. They look around the room— there’s a table, two desks, two chairs, that’s it— then at each other, puzzling the problem out.
SULU
Uh—
CHEKOV
There is always the rug?
They all look down at it. It’s seen better days.
SULU (to Chekov)
I guess she could fight us.
Uhura is scandalized.
UHURA
“Fight you”?
CHEKOV
Oh sure. We could never decide who would get the top bunk, so we usually wrestle for it. You will notice, my sheets are on it now. I
won the last three nights running.
SULU
Don’t get too comfortable up there now.
Sulu grabs Chekov by the shoulder and honest-to-God gives him a noogie.
Uhura pulls a face— are they really that much younger than her?
UHURA
And to think you two are so professional on the Bridge.
S.6. CORRIDOR— SHIP’S EVENING
Kirk is pacing the halls.
Petri ENTERS and flags him down.
PETRI
Captain! Captain, I wish to contact my government. I cannot fulfil my mission. It would be an insult to our ruler to bring this incorrigible monster as a bride!
KIRK
Ambassador! This is supposed to be a peaceful mission.
PETRI
There cannot be peace between us. We have deluded ourselves. Captain, when I am near Her Glory, I do not want peace. I want to kill her.
Kirk regards him seriously.
KIRK
You're as bad as she is. It's not required that you like each other. Just do your job.
PETRI
The job is impossible. We cannot make peace with people we detest.
KIRK
Stop trying to kill each other. Then worry about being friendly.
PETRI
But if she won't listen to me—
Kirk snaps.
KIRK
Then make her listen, Ambassador!
He catches himself— he knows he’s getting a bit harsh. His tone becomes softer, more formal, like a teacher.
KIRK (cont)
Use a different approach. Stop being so diplomatic. She respects strength. Go in strong.
Petri opens his mouth to argue. The C.O. on the wall beeps before he can make a sound.
Kirk answers the call.
KIRK
Kirk here.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
Scotty is speaking into a wall comm.
SCOTT (hushed)
Captain, I know what you said about showing respect, but must I have these persons fool around with my equipment?
CUT TO:
CORRIDOR
Kirk glances over his shoulder at Petri— now is not the best time to commiserate.
KIRK
Hang on, Scotty. Be pleasant, no matter how much it hurts. I'll be right down.
S.7. ENGINEERING— SHIP’S EVENING
WATSON— a red shirt— is giving Ilaam and two of her guards a tour of the facility. She no doubt insisted upon it, but now she behaves as if she’s a captive audience.
WATSON
We're only running on impulse engines now. Ordinarily, we use the warp engines exclusively.
Scott approaches, places an amicable hand on Watson’s shoulder. He’s got on his nicest face, but his nerves are already fraying. He bounces on his heels slightly.
SCOTT
Well, I suppose, lassie, that even our impulse engines must seem fast compared to your nuclear propulsion units.
ILAAM
We are interested in how the ship is used in combat, not in what drives it. Engines are for mechanics and menials.
Scotty looks from Ilaam to Watson and back to Ilaam in offended disbelief.
SCOTT
Menials? Without engines, there'd be no fighting or—
KIRK(O.S.)
Mister Scott!
Kirk ENTERS and approaches the group.
KIRK (cont, to Ilaam)
I wish you had told me you wanted a tour of the engineering department.
ILAAM
Do we not have the freedom of this ship? We have granted your crew the permission not to kneel in our presence. What else do you want?
KIRK
Basic courtesy would be a start.
ILAAM
Courtesy is not for inferiors.
KIRK
Courtesy is for everyone around here, and you'll find you won't be able to exist on Tyana without it. Mister Scott, our Chief Engineer, has shown you his engineering department. That's a courtesy. You respond by saying thank you.
Beat. Ilaam scowls at Scott and stalks away with her bodyguards.
Kirk and Scott exchange a helpless look. Kirk places a hand on his shoulder.
KIRK
Don’t let her get under your skin Mr. Scott.
SCOTT
I’m doing the best I can Captain.
KIRK
Steady as she goes.
Beat.
KIRK (cont)
Scotty, I must apologize for—
SPOCK (O.C.)
Bridge to Captain.
Kirk’s focus immediately shifts.
KIRK
Kirk here.
SPOCK (O.C.)
Incoming communication from Starfleet. your presence has been requested to receive it.
KIRK
On my way.
(to Scott)
Sorry Scotty.
Scott shakes his head— ‘do what you must.’
Kirk EXITS briskly.
S.8. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S EVENING
Kirk, Spock, and a handful of Bridge regulars are standing around the viewscreen. A Starfleet official, Commodore LENNOX, is wrapping up a lecture.
LENNOX (O.V.)
…Be on the lookout for Klingon battle cruisers. This entire system is practically a hornets’ nest.
KIRK
Yes, we understand that, Commodore.
LENNOX (O.V.)
Keep it in the front of your mind, Kirk. That will be all. Lennox out.
The screen goes black. Kirk looks at Spock, desperately annoyed.
KIRK
That’s all? They pull me away from my work just to tell me what I already know? What my whole crew already knows?
SPOCK
Most probably, it is assurance, more for Starfleet’s benefit than ours. This mission is as delicate as it is unusual.
KIRK
Of course, but we’d be a ship of fools if we couldn’t tell we were flying through contested territory.
SPOCK
As I said, it was a matter of reassurance.
KIRK (dryly)
I’ll try not to take offense.
The comm beeps.
SECURITY 1 (O.C.)
Security to Captain Kirk.
KIRK
Kirk here. What is it?
SECURITY 1 (O.C.)
Disturbance in the Dohlman's quarters, sir.
Kirk looks to Spock— ‘You see what I’ve been dealing with?’— and throws up his hands. Spock’s expression remains blank, but something in his body language speaks to sympathy.
KIRK
Take the conn Mister Spock.
Kirk EXITS. Spock settles into the captain’s chair.
S.9. CORRIDOR— SHIP’S NIGHT
Kirk approaches a fretful SECURITY OFFICER.
SECURITY 1
Captain, it's Ambassador Petri.
They both take off jogging down the hall.
SECURITY 1 (cont)
They refuse to explain what's happening, but—
SEYTON
Her Glory has not summoned you.
Ilaam comes out of her room, glowering.
ILAAM
Seyton, remove that Tyanian pig.
She points to Petri, who is lying on the floor with a dagger in his back.
Kirk kneels at the ambassador’s side to appraise the damage. Over his shoulder, Ilaam’s eyes flash with cold fury.
S.10. SICKBAY— SHIP’S NIGHT
Petri lays in a cot, unconscious. He’s hooked up to a beeping medical device. McCoy, CHAPEL, and Kirk hover over him with furrowed brows.
MCCOY
It was a deep wound, Jim. He lost a lot of blood, but he'll recover.
KIRK
I told him to talk with her, not fight with her.
MCCOY
I've heard of reluctant brides, but this is ridiculous.
Yeoman BARROWS ENTERS.
BARROWS
Captain Kirk. May I speak with you, sir?
KIRK
Yes. Certainly.
Kirk and Barrows move off to one side to talk.
Chapel leans over Petri, examining his wounds with a medical scanner.
MCCOY (to Chapel)
Go and fetch those files we got from Starfleet. We ought to familiarize ourselves with the Elasians in greater detail.
CHAPEL
Of course, doctor.
Chapel EXITS.
Kirk draws back into the room. He’s not happy.
KIRK (wearily)
There's an added complication. The Federation High Commissioner will be attending the wedding.
MCCOY
The fat will be in the fire when he learns the bride just tried to murder the groom's ambassador.
Kirk grimaces at the unconscious ambassador.
KIRK
How long before he's on his feet?
MCCOY
It'll be a few days. A week, at least, Jim.
This is not the response Kirk was hoping for.
KIRK
Notify me the minute he wakes up.
MCCOY
Of course.
Kirk EXITS.
S.11. ILAAM’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S NIGHT
Ilaam— alone, save for Kirk— is dining like a Tudor royal, ripping poultry apart with her hands and speaking around mouthfuls of meat.
ILAAM
So, Ambassador Petri is going to recover? That is too bad. You have delivered your message. Now you may go.
KIRK
Nothing would please me more, Your Glory. But your impetuous nature—
ILAAM
Your Tyanian pig was here in my quarters without any permission, so I stabbed him.
KIRK
You Elasians pride yourselves on being a warrior people. You must understand discipline to be able to give and take orders. My orders are to take you to Tyana to be married and to see that you learn Tyanian customs.
Ilaam barks out a laugh.
ILAAM
Orders? You take orders? What sort of a ruler are you?
KIRK (exasperated)
I’m not the ruler here, I’m the Captain. There’s a difference.
ILAAM
That distinction means nothing to me.
She drops a half-eaten “chicken” leg on the table and reaches for an exotic looking piece of fruit.
KIRK
Well, regardless, we're still faced with the same problem.
Ilaam chews with her mouth open.
ILAAM
Problem?
KIRK
Yes, the problem of your indoctrination into Tyanian customs and manners.
ILAAM
I have eliminated that problem.
KIRK
You have eliminated the teacher. Our problem still remains.
Ilaam laughs again. Flecks of food rain in Kirk’s direction.
ILAAM
And you propose to take his place? Tell me, what could a dull thing such as yourself possibly know about Tyanian customs?
Kirk draws back a little. She’s right— he hadn’t thought that far ahead. This is getting out of hand fast.
KIRK
Dull or no, I’m obligated to teach you what I can in the time that we have.
Ilaam slams her food down on the table, suddenly infuriated. It splatters.
ILAAM
Your obligations are none of my concern! I will not be engaged in such trivialities. You will return me to Elas immediately.
KIRK
That's impossible.
ILAAM
Everything I order is possible.
KIRK
There’s no debate about this. One way or another, we’re getting you to Tyana.
ILAAM
I will not go to Tyana! I will not be humiliated, and I will not be given to a green pig as a bribe to stop a war!
Ilaam reaches for a jug of wine. She starts to chug furiously, until Kirk takes it away and holds it out of reach.
She bares her fangs at him like a caged animal.
Beat.
Kirk softens slightly, pours her a serving of wine as a sort of olive branch.
Ilaam glowers at it.
KIRK
Listen— we’ve got to work together on this. If you can’t find it in yourself to play nice on Tyana, life will be made much, much more difficult for both of us.
Ilaam looks up at him like an angry cat.
KIRK (cont)
You enjoy the privileges of being a Dohlman, now it’s time you earned your keep.
Ilaam’s eyes flash. She hops to her feet, enraged.
Ilaam PUSHES the table over with extreme force. It slams into Kirk, hard, bowling him over.
He collapses into the foot of her bedframe, cracking his back painfully.
He collects himself and rises to his feet slowly.
Ilaam squares her shoulders, ready to fight.
KIRK (cont)
Under normal circumstances, physically assaulting an officer earns you a spot in the brig. But you’re our guest here.
He starts towards the door.
KIRK (cont)
I can see you’ve hit your limit for the day. But I’ll be back tomorrow. This must be done.
Kirk turns to leave.
A KNIFE flies towards Kirk, just misses him, and sticks in the wall.
He turns to look at Ilaam sternly.
ILAAM
If you return here again, I shall pluck out my eyes and gag you with them.
Kirk is all grim determination. He plucks the knife and pockets it.
Ilaam is enraged by this.
KIRK
And still I’ll be here all the same.
EXIT Kirk.
Ilaam stares at the door with boundless fury, her hands knotted into fists.
She stalks towards the door with purpose and begins to slam her fist against it.
ILAAM
Seyton! Seyton!
A moment later, the doors slide open.
Seyton stands in the doorway.
SEYTON
Your Glory requested my presence?
ILAAM
I have a new duty for you to perform. Enter.
Ilaam draws into her room. Seyton follows.
S.12. SULU & CHEKOV’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S NIGHT
Uhura is sitting in one of two regulation grade dorm chairs, looking a little bit tense and a lot-a-bit bored.
Beat. Someone off screen grunts, and Sulu lands by her feet on the floor.
Chekov stares down at him from the top bunk, fists flying into the air triumphantly.
CHEKOV
Victory! I claim this bunk for the glorious Russian Empire!
Sulu sits up and rubs the top of his head.
SULU
The Russian Empire dissolved centuries ago.
CHEKOV
Then allow me to resurrect it here.
(to Uhura)
Unless I am challenged by an outside power..?
Sulu hops up and collapses into the bottom bunk.
UHURA (flatly)
Your fiefdom is under no threat from me.
CHEKOV
It is more of a supreme dominion, really.
SULU
But how supreme can it be without…
Sulu holds up a small PLUSH BEAR.
SULU (cont)
…Ditya?
Chekov turns bright red, with anger, embarrassment, or perhaps both.
CHEKOV
Where did you get that?
SULU
She’s a prisoner of war.
Chekov lunges at him.
CHEKOV
Ditya is a boy!
Uhura looks on for a moment, rolls her eyes, and huffs.
Uhura EXITS.
S.12. CONT— RESIDENTIAL CORRIDOR
Uhura wanders out into the corridor. She glances around and begins to wander.
The sound of whistling fills the hall. Uhura turns a corner to see Scott at his door, punching in the keycode.
She scurries up to meet him.
UHURA
Oh, hello Mr. Scott!
SCOTT
Miss Uhura! Lovely ship’s evening we’re having, isn’t it?
UHURA
Oh, uh, yes. Beautifully rendered.
Scotty beams and puffs out his chest.
SCOTT
Lieutenant Watson just updated the environmental protocol last week. He’s learning quickly— smart as a whip, that boy.
UHURA
Well, he does have the best instructor in the fleet.
SCOTT
Aw, shucks. Now, what brings you to this neck of the woods? Aren’t your quarters on Deck Five?
UHURA
Oh, they are. But I’m something of an orphan this week.
SCOTT (befuddled)
Is that so?
UHURA
Everyone in my sector cleared out for our esteemed guests.
SCOTT
What? We’re carrying not but half a dozen passengers!
UHURA
But from two different planets. Two warring planets. They requested to be housed as far apart as possible.
SCOTT
But aren’t they supposed to be forging peace?
A strained smile stretches across Uhura’s face. This is all she’s been hearing for days.
UHURA
Mm-hm.
SCOTT
And so, you’re staying..?
UHURA
Sulu and Chekov offered to put me up in their studio— which, of course, is very generous of them, but—
SFX: A door sliding open…
…Followed by a crash and a grunt.
Scott and Uhura look up to see a stuffed bear roll out into the corridor, followed by an enraged Chekov.
He scoops the bear up and glances around. He spots his audience.
CHEKOV (grimly)
You will tell no one of this.
Uhura and Scott exchange a glance.
SCOTT
Scout’s honor.
Chekov whips back towards the door.
CHEKOV
You’re a dead man, Hikaru!
EXIT Chekov.
Beat.
UHURA
Well. You know how young men can be.
SCOTT
I thought I did, ma’am.
S.13. ENGINEERING— SHIP’S NIGHT
We see an open door. We hear distant chatter and boots clacking across the floor.
HGGGG
The door slides shut.
We pan a few paces in to find Seyton, crouching behind a glut of machinery.
On a catwalk in the background, Watson and AZIZ— another engineer— walk into frame. Watson is adjusting knobs and peering into screens as they move along. Aziz has a padd in her hand.
Seyton splits his attention between monitoring the engineers and attaching something to a nearby machine.
AZIZ
--Hikaru said he nearly took the senior comm officer’s head off this morning.
WATSON
No fooling? Bet it wouldn’t be the first time though.
AZIZ
I guess captains are supposed to be bossy, aren’t they? He always seemed nice to me, though.
WATSON
You’d know better than me, you’re up on the Bridge all the time. I’ve only met the guy a couple times.
They reach the end of the catwalk.
AZIZ
Well, last one!
WATSON
Not for me. I still have some reports to log.
AZIZ
What? But Alpha shift ended almost two hours ago!
WATSON
I promised John I’d pick up where he left off.
AZIZ
Jeez, you’re worse than Mr. Scott.
WATSON
I don’t mind doing it.
AZIZ
That’s exactly my point. I’ll see you later.
Aziz hands Watson the padd and hops off the catwalk. She breezes right past Seyton, unseeing.
Aziz EXITS.
Watson steps off the catwalk and approaches a monitor mounted on the wall.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
Kirk is commanding a skeleton crew for Beta shift. Spock is at the science station, PALMER is at the comm station, and RADHA is at the helm.
RADHA
Captain, I’ve detected an approaching craft. It appears to be a D7 class Klingon cruiser, ten parsecs out.
KIRK
Lieutenant Palmer, open up the hailing frequency. Identify us and ask the Klingons their intentions.
PALMER
Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
Seyton is crouched over, picking at a tangle of wires behind a panel.
WATSON(O.S.)
Hey! What are you doing?
Seyton startles and whips around.
Watson bends down to assess the damage.
WATSON
You’re not supposed to be in here
without—
Seyton surges forward, seizing Watson by the throat. They struggle.
Seyton is winning. He WRINGS Watson’s neck. Open mouthed and choking, Watson thrashes around in his grasp.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
PALMER
Captain, no response from the Klingon vessel on any channel.
KIRK
I see. All right, Lieutenant. Monitor all frequencies. Phaser crews stand by. Yellow Alert.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
Watson is collapsed on the floor at Seyton’s feet, dead.
PAN UP:
Seyton abandons his body and moves towards the monitor where Watson had been working. He makes a few keystrokes, types something in, and clicks a button.
He attaches another device to the supercomputer.
Seyton turns away. He stalks towards the dilithium reactor.
Pan down to the panel where Seyton had first been working. We see a small blinking, beeping device.
CUT TO:
RESIDENTIAL CORRIDOR
Uhura and Scott are still chatting.
UHURA
You wouldn’t happen to have space for me in your quarters, would you?
SCOTT
As a matter of fact, I do have a rather large ottoman in my living room.
Uhura’s mood elevates.
UHURA
Mr. Scott, you’re a lifesaver. Just let me fetch my—
A thundering roar echoes through the hallway. The ground shakes slightly.
Scott and Uhura look at each other.
SCOTT
What in the name of..?
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
Everyone is scattered about the Bridge, shaken up. The explosion hit them much harder. Some are prone on the ground. Kirk is on his feet before anyone else.
KIRK
Damage report.
RADHA
No external damage.
KIRK
None?
RADHA
There was no point of impact sir.
SPOCK
The source of the explosion must then be internal.
Off screen, Palmer groans in pain.
We see her now. She’s on the floor, wedged under the comm panel, rubbing the top of her head.
Kirk approaches her, helps her to her feet.
KIRK
Are you alright, Lieutenant?
PALMER
I think my head struck the edge of the control panel, sir.
KIRK
Mm. You’d better head to sickbay then.
PALMER
Sir.
Palmer EXITS.
KIRK
Spock, announce a red alert. I want every station on this Bridge occupied. Have two security teams dispatched: put one on the hunt for the source of the explosion and send the other to Ambassador Petri’s quarters. Put all other non-essential crewmen on lockdown.
SPOCK
What of the Dohlman, captain? Should a third security team not be dispatched to her quarters?
KIRK
I’ll check on her myself. I’m not certain she’s innocent in all this.
SPOCK
All the more reason to differ to security.
KIRK
She’s tyrannically violent, Mr. Spock. I don’t doubt she’d slaughter a lower-ranking officer without hesitation. I won’t send a crewman to die. I, however— on a purely hierarchical level— I’m too important to murder idly.
SPOCK
She has threatened your life, sir.
KIRK
And those threats were empty. You have your orders. Now carry them out.
SPOCK
Aye sir.
Kirk EXITS.
CUT TO:
RESIDENTIAL CORRIDOR
Uhura and Scott look up as the intercom crackles to life.
SPOCK (O.C.)
Red alert. All senior Bridge staff, please report to your stations immediately. Senior Bridge staff to your stations.
SCOTT
Ask not for whom the bell tolls, eh?
Uhura gives him a withering look.
SCOTT
Right. Best be off then.
They both head for the lift.
S.13 Corridor— SHIP’S NIGHT
Kirk is prevented from entering Ilaam's quarters by two large Elasian guards.
ELASIAN
No one may enter the Dohlman's presence.
KIRK
Where's Seyton?
ELASIAN
On business. No one may enter the Dohlman's presence.
KIRK
Will you tell Her Glory that Captain Kirk requests the honor of a visit?
ELASIAN
The Dohlman has promised I'll be whipped to death if I let Captain Kirk pass through that door.
They push Kirk away, advancing towards him with dark intentions. Suddenly, they are engulfed in light, and they fall to the ground, unconscious.
Kirk looks around to see Spock holding a phaser.
Kirk relaxes and approaches him.
KIRK (a little cheeky)
Shouldn’t you be on the Bridge Mr. Spock?
SPOCK
Captain, while I am certain your prior analysis of the situation was flawless, I do not recall any mention of her royal guard.
Kirk smiles at him, touches his arm.
KIRK
Right as always. Thank you.
He looks down at the felled Elasians and his smile fades.
KIRK
Bring these two straight to security holding. I’d help you out, but I have urgent business in the snake pit.
He jerks a thumb over his shoulder at Ilaam’s door.
SPOCK
Be cautious, Captain.
KIRK
Let’s circle back later.
Spock stoops to gather the stunned guards. Kirk makes for Ilaam’s door.
S.13. CONT. ILAAM’S QUARTERS
Kirk enters with purpose. Ilaam is resting on her bed, eyes wide open.
KIRK (softly)
Your Glory?
When he approaches, she flips over and swings at him with her fingernails.
He forces her back down onto the bed by the wrist, struggling to match her strength.
ILAAM
You dare touch the Dohlman of Elas?
KIRK
Only in self-defense.
He drags her back up by the wrist, not gentle and not violent.
KIRK (cont)
I’ve got a few questions for you.
ILAAM
Had I the full breadth of my armory here, I would flay you to the bone.
KIRK
We're not on Elas. We're on my starship. I command here.
She bites his hand— he lets her go on instinct— yelps— clutches his wrist.
Ilaam runs into the bathroom and leans on the door.
ILAAM
You are warned, Captain, never to touch me again.
KIRK
If I touch you again, Your Glory, it will be to bring you to security holding. Am I clear?
Kirk mashes the open/close button in the doorway several times to no avail.
Ilaam SLAMS her fist into the locking mechanism— it sticks.
Ilaam steps back; she’s cornered.
ILAAM
I will not be soiled by any contact with you!
Kirk pulls himself from the door, aggravated.
KIRK
Very well. I'll send in Mister Spock or Doctor McCoy. Either way, you're going to be properly prepared for Tyana. As ordered by councils, rulers, and bureaucrats.
Ilaam fumes behind the door. She casts about for a weapon or tool of any kind, nearing panic. Then, she catches a glimpse of herself in the MIRROR.
Her terror turns to horror, turns to grim determination. TEARS well up in her eyes.
Beat.
CUT TO:
Kirk, on his way to the exit.
The bathroom doors open and Ilaam emerges.
He stops but doesn’t turn around.
ILAAM
Captain, there is one thing you can teach me.
KIRK
No, no, you were right the first time. There's nothing I can teach you. There's nothing you do not know.
ILAAM
I don't know how to make people like me.
Kirk turns to look at her. She’s crying.
ILAAM
I don't want everybody to hate me.
Kirk is thrown by her naked weakness. It doesn’t make him like her any more, but he can’t help feeling sorry for her.
KIRK
Well, it's not that people hate you. It's just that people don't like to be treated as though they don't matter.
He WIPES a tear from her face. She looks at him blankly.
His expression melts into one of soft, dizzy confusion.
KIRK (cont)
It's, er, gotten very, er. Something must've gone wrong with the ventilation system.
ILAAM
Captain?
KIRK
Pardon me, Your Glory.
ILAAM
Captain.
They stare at each other— Kirk, bewildered and rapidly softening; Ilaam resigned, impassive. They kiss.
ILAAM (cont)
Captain, did you not have questions for me?
KIRK
I, er, I, er.
Beat.
Beat.
KIRK (cont)
We’ll talk about it later.
He pulls her into a passionate embrace.
S.14. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S NIGHT
Uhura is at her station, looking slightly blearier than normal. She’s as professional as ever but doubling up on shifts unexpectedly— especially after such an unusual night— has taken a small toll.
A light flashes on her panel.
She furrows her brow at it— why would this be happening?
UHURA
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
Beat. She gets no response.
UHURA (cont)
Mister Spock, I'm getting—
SPOCK
I have it on my sensor, Lieutenant.
UHURA
Bridge to Captain Kirk. Come in, please. Captain Kirk, please answer.
KIRK (O.C., listlessly)
Kirk here.
UHURA
Captain, I'm picking up a transmission from inside the Enterprise. It's on a tight beam aimed at a nearby Klingon vessel.
KIRK (O.C.)
Inside the Enterprise? Can you pinpoint it?
UHURA
I can try.
Uhura furrows her brow. Something is wrong.
She types away for a long moment.
UHURA
Captain? I’ve discovered something
disturbing. Someone has been manipulating external communications, most probably with a remote device. Whoever did this must still have the controls.
CUT TO:
ILAAM’S QUARTERS
Kirk sits on the edge of Ilaam’s bed, looking dazed and a bit blank.
KIRK
How do we locate them?
SPOCK (O.C.)
Spock here, Captain. I am triangulating now. It's coming from the engineering section.
While Spock talks, Ilaam curls an arm around Kirk’s shoulders. He’s clearly distracted— conflicted.
He shakes her off and hops up.
KIRK
Security to Engineering. Intruder alert. Security alert to all decks. Kirk out.
ILAAM
You’re going?
KIRK
I have to.
He EXITS, leaves Ilaam on the bed. She grimaces at his back.
She lifts her DAGGER, apparently pickpocketed from Kirk, and examines it. Her face cracks into a grin.
S.15. ENGINEERING— SHIP’S NIGHT
Seyton has been caught. He is flanked by two security officers.
Scotty and Kirk are conferencing nearby, while McCoy is on the floor, examining Watson’s body.
SCOTT
Nobody saw him, but that scoundrel snuck back in here some way. Watson must've caught him, and he was killed for it. He had this. Looks like some sort of transmitter.
KIRK
Then he’s got to be our man. Bones?
The doctor rises to his feet.
MCCOY
Neck snapped clean.
Scott sighs heavily.
SCOTT
The poor devil.
KIRK (to Seyton)
What kind of signal did you send the Klingon ship?
SEYTON
Captain, you must know I will tell you nothing. Our interrogation techniques are more excruciating than you are even capable of.
KIRK
Yes, I'm aware of Elasian training regimens.
Kirk steps away and presses a button on the opposite wall.
KIRK (cont)
Kirk to Communications.
UHURA (O.C.)
Uhura here, Captain.
KIRK
Lieutenant, it was Seyton transmitting. He refuses to talk. Send Mr. Spock down here for the Vulcan mind meld.
UHURA (O.C.)
Right away, sir.
Seyton grabs a security guard's phaser and VAPORIZES HIMSELF.
The security officer— a young thing, clearly new— looks horrified.
SECURITY 2
Captain, I'm sorry. He seemed—
KIRK
What was he trying to cover that was so important he felt he had to die for it? Scotty, he didn't come into Engineering just to use the transmitter. I want you to check every relay you've got.
SCOTT
Captain, you must realize the time—
KIRK
Don't waste the time telling me about it. Get to it.
Kirk STORMS OUT. Scotty looks baffled— maybe even offended— and more than a little concerned.
SCOTT
Aye.
S.16. ILAAM’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S NIGHT
Ilaam is perched on the edge of her bed, brooding.
ILAAM
Seyton was of a noble family. He loved me and wanted to marry me. He was furious when he heard of the announcement of the wedding plans.
Kirk crawls up behind her— cautious, but unable to help himself.
KIRK
He sold out to the Klingons because of jealousy?
Even through the haze of Elasian pheromones, his body language oozes doubt, distrust. He doesn’t believe her.
ILAAM
Probably.
Ilaam grimaces. Then, she twists her face into a smile and reaches for Kirk.
ILAAM (cont)
But why speak of unimportant matters when we can speak about us?
Kirk stays her hand.
KIRK
There's a Klingon warship out there. What's their involvement? Surely all of this isn't because they want to stop a marriage.
ILAAM
We should welcome their help.
KIRK
Ilaam. Ilaam, two planets, an entire star system's stability depends on it. We have a duty to forget what happened.
ILAAM
Could you do that? Could you give me to another man?
KIRK
My orders and yours say that you belong to another man.
Ilaam narrows her eyes.
KIRK (cont)
What happened…
Beat.
KIRK (cont)
What happened was an accident.
Kirk stands up and paces away. Ilaam follows.
KIRK (cont)
You should know, I’m not— I’m a married man. I have a bondmate. I wouldn’t— I’ve never— not since…
She takes him by the shoulders and turns him around before he can pursue this train of thought any further.
ILAAM
It was no accident. I chose you, and you chose me. I have a plan. With this ship, you could completely obliterate Tyana. Then there will be no need for the marriage. And in gratitude, my people will give you the complete
rule of this system.
KIRK
What kind of a mind could think of such a thing?
They KISS, and the doorbell buzzes.
SPOCK (O.C.)
Captain?
Kirk pulls away in response. Ilaam chases him.
They kiss again, fervently.
SPOCK (cont, O.C.)
Captain.
The door OPENS, and McCoy and Spock see the lovers in their close embrace.
Spock stiffens slightly. McCoy looks from Kirk to Spock in alarm, which quickly settles into anger.
Kirk and Ilaam break apart.
SPOCK (evenly)
May we see you a moment?
Beat.
MCCOY
Jim.
No response.
MCCOY (cont, quietly furious)
Jim! May we please have a word with you?
Slowly, jerkily, Kirk joins them in the corridor. Ilaam studies the trio carefully. The doors slide closed.
S.16. CONT. CORRIDOR
Kirk stumbles, dazed. Spock steadies him with both hands.
SPOCK
Captain, are you all right?
Kirk’s focus is tenuous. McCoy is red with anger.
MCCOY
Jim, what the hell do you think—
He stops, realization dawning on his face.
MCCOY (cont, incisively)
Did she cry, Jim?
KIRK
What?
MCCOY
Did she cry? Did her tears touch you at any time?
Kirk looks at his hand. We see his wedding band. He touches the side of his thumb absently.
McCoy and Spock exchange a panicked look. The doctor’s anger drains substantially.
MCCOY
Oh, we're in trouble. Now listen, Jim. Elasian women have a sort of a biochemical substance in their tears that acts like a— an aphrodisiac. A love potion. There’s no cure listed in the records.
Kirk processes this information, looking more miserable by the second.
SPOCK
It is true then, Captain?
Kirk breaks away; he won’t look at Spock. He won’t look at either of them.
KIRK
It's true. Bones, you've got to find me an antidote.
MCCOY
I'll try, but I'll need tests and time.
KIRK
Of course.
MCCOY
You’d better get some rest now. It’s been a long day, and technically Jim, you’re compromised. Once the ambassador is stable, you’ll come to Sickbay for a full examination.
KIRK
But I—
MCCOY
I can’t force you to cede command under such singular circumstances. But you should rest, if only for the remainder of the day.
Kirk grimaces.
KIRK
Fine.
Kirk EXITS.
Beat.
MCCOY (uncertain, softly)
Mister Spock—
SPOCK
Spare me whatever condolences you feel obliged to offer. They are not necessary.
McCoy goes on a face journey: he’s offended, sympathetic, then grim. He stands up a little straighter.
MCCOY
Keep an eye on him, if you can manage. I’m not confident there’s a record of Elasian pheromones’ effects on humans anywhere. I certainly didn’t receive any. We don’t know what he’ll be like in this condition.
Spock nods curtly and EXITS.
S.17. SPOCK & KIRK’S QUARTERS— SHIP’S NIGHT
Kirk enters, looking guilty as a basset hound. He is followed by Spock, who— as usual— does not emote.
KIRK
You didn’t have to follow me in here, you know.
SPOCK
I have done so only to ensure your security.
Kirk sits down on the edge of the bed and drops his head in his hands.
KIRK
You don’t trust me.
SPOCK
I did not say that. You are inhibited. Dr. McCoy has asked me to monitor you.
KIRK
For how long? You’re supposed to be manning the helm in my absence.
SPOCK
As acting Captain, it is my duty to maintain the safety of all those aboard the Enterprise. I will return to the Bridge once I am assured that you will be—
KIRK
Spock, I wasn’t infected with some kind of poison, it’s just hormones. I’m in love.
Kirk rests his hands on his knees and sighs.
KIRK (cont)
That wasn’t a problem before.
Spock approaches.
He hesitates by the edge of the bed, then sits beside Jim.
SPOCK
This is different.
Kirk looks up at him, searching for an anchor. He finds none and turns away suddenly, wracked with shame.
KIRK
I’m sorry. I just don’t—
SPOCK
It is not your place to apologize for this development. You are not at fault.
KIRK
But I am. Still. Sorry.
They look at each other for a moment, not sure how to proceed.
The comm on the bedside table pings.
SULU (O.C.)
Bridge to Captain.
They both reach to answer it. They look at each other.
SPOCK
James—
KIRK
He did say “Captain.”
SULU (O.C.)
Bridge to Captain. Please respond.
Kirk presses the button before either of them think better of it.
KIRK
Captain here.
SULU (O.C.)
Captain, the Klingon ship has changed course. It is heading toward us at warp speed.
KIRK
I'm on my way. Battle stations.
(to Spock)
I know I’m meant to be resting. But the circumstances are dire. They need me up there.
SPOCK
I have no choice but to concede that you are correct.
Kirk kisses him on the cheek. It is a somber gesture.
KIRK
I really am sorry. Let’s get going.
S.18. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S NIGHT
Kirk and Spock enter swiftly.
Spock takes his usual position at the science station. Kirk bustles around, sweating and giving directives.
KIRK
Phasers stand by.
SULU
Phasers ready, sir.
SPOCK
Their speed is better than warp six, Captain.
KIRK
Ms Radha, lay in a course to take us out of this star system. If they want to fight, let's get some maneuvering room.
RADHA
Course computed, sir.
SULU
Laid in, Captain.
KIRK
All right. Ahead warp factor two.
SCOTT (O.C.)
Captain, the matter-antimatter—
KIRK
Belay that order. What is it, Scotty?
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
SCOTT
The anti-matter pods are rigged to blow up the moment we go into warp drive.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
KIRK
Is this explosive anything like the first one?
SCOTT (O.C.)
I couldn’t begin to hazard a guess, sir.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
SCOTT (cont)
We’ve just barely checked its residue in with forensics.
KIRK (O.C.)
Can you dismantle it?
SCOTT
Not without being blown halfway across the galaxy.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
KIRK
Give us every ounce of power you can from the impulse drive and find a solution to the bomb. Kirk out. Mister Sulu, stand by to make your maneuvers smartly. She'll be sluggish on response.
Ilaam enters the Bridge. Kirk sees her during Sulu's countdown and looks away in a hurry.
SULU
Aye, sir. One hundred thousand kilometers.
Ninety.
Eighty.
KIRK
Phaser crews, stand by to fire on command.
SULU
Sixty.
KIRK
Ready.
SULU
Fifty.
KIRK
Hold your fire.
On the viewscreen, the Klingon vessel roars past.
SULU
She's passed us without firing a shot.
SPOCK
I don't think they meant to attack us.
Kirk steals another glance at Ilaam. Her face is blank.
SPOCK
We were very fortunate this time.
KIRK
Yes, their tactics are quite clear now, Mister Spock. They were trying to make us cut in warp drive. That way we'd have blown ourselves up and solved their problem for them without risking war with the Federation. Very neat.
SPOCK
Very.
Beat, as Spock ponders this.
SPOCK (cont)
The contents of Seyton’s transmission have been erased. All we can logically assume is that he has informed the Klingons of our present handicap. But what, exactly, did he relay to incite such open aggression?
KIRK
A very good question, Mister Spock.
Beat.
SPOCK (softly)
I have another question, Captain. Is not the Bridge the wrong place for the Dohlman at a time like this?
KIRK (suddenly aggressive)
I'll be the judge of—
Kirk stops himself. He looks between Ilaam and Spock, both reserved and stoic in their own rights. He watches as they regard each other cautiously. The wind is suddenly taken out of his sails; he remembers himself now.
KIRK (cont)
Yes, you're quite right. Thank you, Mister Spock. Please, take her to Sickbay.
Ilaam seizes up, defensive.
ILAAM
I will go where I please.
KIRK
I want you to go. It's the best protected part of the ship.
ILAAM (more aggressively)
I will not leave here!
KIRK (growing desperate)
Your presence is interfering with my efficiency.
Ilaam looks at Kirk like a caged animal. Over his shoulder, she sees the faces of the crew members around her— Sulu, Radha, Uhura, and Spock. They betray a sense of terror that she cannot help but to reciprocate.
Ilaam obeys with a grunt and moves towards the turbolift. Spock follows dutifully behind.
S.19. TURBOLIFT— SHIP’S MORNING
Spock and Ilaam— now resigned to their unspoken status as rivals— stand in silence for a few beats.
ILAAM
I do not understand you.
SPOCK
You are not obliged to.
ILAAM
I am obliged to understand my opposition.
Beat. Spock’s silence betrays nothing, but he has no idea how to respond to that.
ILAAM (cont)
I will not remain here much longer. You will not hold me against my wishes.
SPOCK
You will only remain in the Sickbay until the threat has safely passed.
ILAAM (yelling)
I will not go to Tyana! You will not overpower me— not you, not your Captain, not the ambassador—
SPOCK (even, but loud)
You are beholden to your people. You owe them your birthright, and thus, your cooperation.
The turbolift doors part.
Spock takes a few steps forward, looks at Ilaam, nods towards the door.
Ilaam stares at him with a furrowed brow. She doesn’t move.
SPOCK
Dohlman?
ILAAM
Do you think I do not know who you are?
SPOCK
I fail to see the relevance—
ILAAM
I am no fool. I received reports about all of you. Your records in particular intrigued me.
The doors begin to slide closed. Spock sticks his foot in the doorway.
ILAAM (cont)
Do not patronize me with pretty words. You are like me.
SPOCK
With all due respect Dohlman, I am not.
ILAAM
I suppose your wife would agree with you, if you had one.
Spock looks at Ilaam over his shoulder. Whatever he was expecting, it wasn’t that.
ILAAM (cont)
You are not like me, because you fled your duties. You have succeeded in what I am now failing to accomplish. What you would prevent me from doing.
Beat.
Spock turns away again.
SPOCK
It would be illogical to dispute this further. I must insist that you come with me.
While he is talking, Ilaam slowly produces her DAGGER.
She approaches and smiles unpleasantly.
ILAAM
Elas is a harsh and lonely place. A planet of ice and snow. Not at all like the ponderous heat of Vulcan.
She raises her weapon, makes to stab Spock in the back.
Without any sign of upset, Spock swiftly catches Ilaam by the wrist and holds fast.
Her smile turns into a grimace.
She wrenches her arm away and stashes the weapon.
ILAAM (cont)
I did not think you would understand. But take heart. You are not so easily influenced as your Captain.
She goes with him.
S.20. SICKBAY— SHIP’S MORNING
Chapel and McCoy are hunched over an elaborate chemistry set on the far end of the room. Petri is the only patient, still laid up in a biobed.
CHAPEL
Test number twenty-four. Colladium trioxide in algobarium solution.
MCCOY
Results?
CHAPEL
Also negative.
McCoy dabs his brow.
MCCOY
Terrific. Initiate test number twenty-five.
Chapel nods and fusses with something on the counter.
PETRI (taunting)
Doctor, there is no antidote to the poison of Elasian tears. The men of Elas have tried desperately for centuries to dispel its power.
Petri is still in bed, but he’s wide awake.
Chapel and McCoy are astonished. They look at each other.
CHAPEL
How long has he been conscious?
MCCOY
Last I checked, he wasn’t.
Petri smirks.
PETRI
You are wasting your time doctor.
MCCOY
It is my time to waste, Ambassador.
Spock and Ilaam enter.
SPOCK
Doctor, the Captain asked me to bring the Dohlman here for safety.
Petri balks.
PETRI
Safety? In her presence? We would be better off submitting to whatever threat has driven her here.
MCCOY
Jim sent you? So much for sick leave.
SPOCK
Take utmost care when dealing with her. She appears to be uninhibited by any sort of ethical code.
Spock EXITS.
McCoy watches as he goes, then looks sharply at Ilaam. What could she have done to provoke such a comment from Spock?
MCCOY
Nurse? Better fetch some latex gloves. Extra-long.
Chapel is slightly bewildered. She nods and EXITS.
Once Chapel is gone, McCoy fixes Ilaam with a hateful stare.
MCCOY
You’ve really opened Pandora’s box here, haven’t you?
Ilaam arches a brow at him.
ILAAM
“Pandora”?
MCCOY
Couldn’t leave well enough alone. Something inside you won’t be happy until you’ve sewn as much discord as possible.
Ilaam’s expression becomes overtly sour.
ILAAM
What is given, I return in kind.
MCCOY
Not-hardly. You’ve been given nothing but deference since you’ve arrived.
ILAAM
I did not wish to be here in the first place.
McCoy’s temper flares. He slams something down on the table.
MCCOY
The feeling is mutual.
S.21. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S MORNING
UHURA
Captain, message from the Klingon ship. They're ordering us to stand by for boarding or be destroyed. They demand an immediate reply.
KIRK
They're trying to force a fight.
SCOTT (O.C.)
Engineering to Captain.
KIRK
Kirk here.
SCOTT (O.C.)
I've got bad news, Captain. The entire dilithium crystal converter assembly is fused. No chance of repair. It's completely unusable.
KIRK
No chance of restoring warp drive?
SCOTT (O.C.)
Not without dilithium crystals. We can't even generate enough power to fire our weapons.
KIRK
What's our energy status?
SCOTT (O.C.)
Ninety three percent of impulse power, sir.
SPOCK (O.C.)
We can still maneuver.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
SCOTT
Maneuver? Aye. We can wallow like a garbage scow against a warp-driven starship. Our shields will hold for a few passes, but without the matter-antimatter reactor, we’ve no chance. Captain, can you not call Starfleet on this emergency?
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
KIRK
And let the Klingons know they succeeded in wiping out our warp engines? Help won’t arrive before they get the chance to destroy us.
S.22. SICKBAY— SHIP’S MORNING
McCoy is snapping on the latex gloves. Chapel is already wearing hers. Ilaam watches from a nearby stool. Petri is still in bed.
ILAAM
Do you really fear my power so much? That you would wear such primitive coverings?
MCCOY
Sometimes the simplest precautions are the most effective.
Ilaam smirks darkly and approaches him.
She produces her DAGGER and points it at the underside of his chin.
ILAAM
I am inclined to agree with you.
MCCOY (unfazed)
And how exactly do you expect this will help your situation?
Ilaam considers this.
She snarls and stashes her weapon, stalks away.
Chapel hovers by the comm button on the wall.
CHAPEL
Doctor—
MCCOY
Don’t bother, nurse. She’s a little rough around the edges, but she’s not stupid. They have enough problems on the Bridge as it stands. We can handle the odd unruly patient.
McCoy turns to the chemistry equipment on the table.
PETRI
You humans are a foolhardy breed.
Ilaam hisses at him, all fangs and venom.
PETRI (cont)
And you. What a precious creature you are.
Ilaam shrieks in anger and snatches a few beakers from the table.
She pelts Petri with them. He cringes as each one barely misses and shatters on the floor.
ILAAM
Tyanian mongrel! Purposeless! Frail! I will end you here—
Ilaam whirls around and grabs another beaker. McCoy seizes her by the wrist. They both shake with effort.
MCCOY
It’s a long way back to Elas, missy. If you don’t straighten up and fly right, I’ll make you get out and walk.
Ilaam unhinges her jaw and surges forward for a devastating bite.
Before her teeth find purchase, Ilaam gasps and slumps, unconscious. McCoy catches her in his arms.
ZOOM OUT to reveal Chapel, slipping a hypo out of the back of Ilaam’s neck, at the top of her spine.
MCCOY
Thank you, nurse.
CHAPEL
Of course, doctor. I’ll replenish our samples and initiate test twenty-five.
Chapel EXITS. Petri watches her go.
McCoy takes Ilaam to an unoccupied biobed and lays her there.
PETRI
She does as she’s told.
MCCOY
Keep it up. There’s a sedative drip with your name on it.
Petri settles back in his cot, smug.
McCoy stoops to deal with the mess Ilaam made.
MCCOY (cont)
Don’t look so pleased with yourself. She’ll come back around in no time at all.
PETRI (concerned)
And you won’t sedate her again?
MCCOY
You’re awfully aggressive for a peace-broker. We’re on red alert, under attack by Klingons, our captain’s been poisoned, you’re incapacitated— what else needs to happen for you to develop a sense of priority?
McCoy returns to what remains of test twenty-four.
PETRI
You Terrans are just as quarrelsome as the Elasians!
Still, Petri seems disturbed by the doctor’s words.
On the biobed across the room, Ilaam stirs.
Petri regards her with apprehension.
McCoy keeps an eye on them both.
Petri climbs out of bed, slowly, still in pain, and approaches Ilaam with resolve.
Ilaam is no longer erratic or viperish. She stares into the middle distance, glazed over.
Petri takes the NECKLACE from his pocket.
PETRI
Now that we are all about to die, I ask you once again to accept this necklace, and to wear it as a token of respect for the desperate wishes of your people and mine for peace.
ILAAM (without passion)
Respect? You think you have earned my respect?
PETRI
I am asking for it.
Ilaam looks in Petri’s direction.
Over his shoulder, McCoy is staring at her.
We can practically see the gears turning in Ilaam’s head: she’s cornered and weakened from the sedative. Sheer force and subterfuge have both failed her. She starts to take on the look of a trapped animal.
S.22. THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S MORNING
Everyone— Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Sulu, Radha, and a handful of extras— is at their proper stations on high alert.
KIRK
We'll stall for time, proceed on course and hope the Klingons can be bluffed. Or that they're not prepared for a general war. Open a hailing frequency.
UHURA
Frequency open, sir.
KIRK
This is Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise on Federation business. Our mission is peaceful, but we're not prepared to accept any interference.
KLINGON COMMANDER (V.S.)
Enterprise, prepare to be boarded or destroyed.
KIRK (aside, to Spock)
I'd say our strategy wasn't totally effective.
SULU
Captain, the Klingon ship is closing on an intercept course. Five hundred thousand kilometres. Deflector shields up.
KIRK
Scotty, can you give me partial power on the phaser banks?
Ilaam enters, in the blue wedding dress and wearing the necklace.
SCOTT (O.C.)
No, sir, not a chance.
Kirk sees Ilaam. He’s not happy.
SULU
Three hundred thousand kilometers.
KIRK (to Ilaam)
I told you to stay in Sickbay.
ILAAM (hollowly)
I would sooner die a maid than live to marry on Tyana.
Kirk is caught somewhere between horror, rage, and despair.
KIRK
Is that what this is all about? A suicide bid with four-hundred others as collateral? Is life so cheap to you?
Ilaam glowers at him, but before she can respond—
SULU
One hundred thousand kilometers.
Something ballistic hits the Enterprise. Everyone braces.
SPOCK
They’ve passed us. All shields held.
KIRK
Mister Sulu, bring her to one four three mark two. Keep our forward shields to him.
SULU
Here they come again, sir.
KIRK
Stay with the controls. Keep our forward shields to him.
SPOCK
Better than warp seven.
KIRK
Hard over, Sulu. Bring her around. He's going for our flank.
Another disruptor hit— the ship jostles. Kirk and Spock keep their balance; Ilaam tumbles to the ground like a ragdoll. Sulu is thrown from his seat.
It’s as if Kirk is being posed with an ultimatum: Ilaam or his ship— his crew. He makes his choice instinctively.
Sulu recovers quickly on his own; Kirk is still there to pull him to his feet.
KIRK
Alright lieutenant?
Ilaam is left to fend for herself. She struggles to her feet, scowling.
Meanwhile, Sulu dusts himself off, unharmed, and settles back into his seat with expert speed.
SULU
Nothing a little glue won’t fix.
KIRK
And the Klingon vessel?
SPOCK
They’ve passed us again. Damage to number four shield.
KIRK
How bad?
SPOCK
It will not withstand another full charge, Captain.
SULU
He's paralleling us again. He seems to have broken off the attack.
KIRK (sharply, to Ilaam)
What was in that transmission?
ILAAM
What transmission?
Kirk approaches Ilaam as he speaks:
KIRK
We don’t have time for these games anymore, Ilaam. When you sent your man to hack into external communications, you sent him with a message. What was it?
Ilaam remains frostily silent. She’s resolute, chin held high.
KIRK (cont)
You would condemn us all to death?
ILAAM
When I am on this ship, I am a gift to be given. And while you are alive, you are obliged to deliver me.
KIRK
The alternative is nuclear war! Your entire star system is at stake!
The ship jostles from another impact.
This time, no one falls.
KIRK
Sulu, damage report.
SULU
Shields holding, but weakened, sir.
UHURA
Captain. Message coming in.
KIRK
Accept it.
The viewscreen flickers on, revealing the KLINGON COMMANDER.
KLINGON COMMANDER (O.V.)
Enterprise, our readings confirm your power extremely low, your shields buckling. This is your last chance to surrender.
SULU
Captain, number four shield just collapsed. Impulse power down to thirty one percent.
KIRK
Lieutenant Uhura, open a hailing frequency.
UHURA
Channel open, sir.
KIRK
This is Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise. May I request your terms for surrender?
KLINGON COMMANDER (O.V.)
No terms. Surrender must be unconditional and immediate.
KIRK
Will you guarantee the safety of our passenger, the Dohlman from Elas?
Ilaam looks away.
KLINGON COMMANDER (O.V.)
No conditions. Surrender immediately.
The feed goes dead.
The Bridge is eerily quiet for a moment. All eyes are on Kirk and Ilaam.
KIRK
Ilaam, please. What did you tell them? More than just our lives are at stake.
ILAAM
Ensure my liberty and I will tell you.
KIRK (miserable)
I can’t promise you that. I’m sorry.
Ilaam is taken aback by such self-sabotaging honesty.
She calculates briefly.
ILAAM (reluctantly)
I instructed Seyton to offer my planet's allyship in exchange for my rescue. They are to launch a military campaign against the Tyanians upon my safe recovery.
SPOCK
With all due respect Dohlman, Elas’s military capacity is negligible compared to all major powers in this quadrant. What need would such an allegiance fulfill?
Ilaam tugs on her necklace.
ILAAM
The Tyanians call these radans. They are a rare commodity there. On Elas, they are common stones.
Spock approaches, scanner in hand.
He examines the crystals around Ilaam’s neck. She tolerates the invasion.
SPOCK
Captain, these stones are pure dilithium.
KIRK (to Ilaam)
May I have this?
Ilaam closes her eyes and extends her neck. ’Just take it. Spare me the indignity of giving permission.’
Kirk removes the necklace gingerly and examines it.
KIRK
You may have just saved our lives. Thank you.
Ilaam bears his gratitude like a weight on her back.
KIRK
Mister Spock, bring this down to Engineering immediately. Mister Scott Might find some use of them.
SPOCK
Undoubtedly.
Spock takes the necklace.
EXIT Spock.
KIRK
Ilaam—
SULU
Klingons coming around again sir.
Kirk’s attention instantly shifts.
KIRK
Mister Sulu, prepare on my order to turn quickly to port. Try and protect the number four shield.
SULU
Aye, sir.
KIRK
Now, Sulu. hard a-port!
Another disrupter hit— everyone braces.
SULU
Captain, number four shield just collapsed. Impulse power down to thirty one percent.
KIRK
Scotty, your estimate.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
SCOTT
We're fitting it now, sir, but we'll have to run a few tests to make sure.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
KIRK
Test it in combat.
CUT TO:
ENGINEERING
SPOCK
Captain, these are crude crystals. There is no way to judge what the unusual shapes will do to the energy flow.
CUT TO:
THE BRIDGE
SCOTT (O.C.)
Aye, that could blow us up just as effectively as—
KIRK
Let me know when it's in place.
SCOTT (O.C.)
It's in place, sir, but I can't answer for what happens.
KIRK
You and Spock get up here.
Sulu, prepare for warp maneuvers.
SULU
Aye, sir.
KIRK
Radha, arm photon torpedoes.
RADHA
Photon torpedoes ready.
SULU
Warp power to the shields, Captain?
KIRK
Negative. Their sensors will pick up our power increase. The more helpless they think we are, the closer they'll come. As the ship passes, I want to cut in warp drive. We'll pivot at warp two and bring all tubes to bear.
SULU
Aye, sir.
KIRK
Miss Radha, give him a full spread of photon torpedoes.
RADHA
Aye, Captain.
Scott and Spock enter— they each take their places on the Bridge. Kirk eyes them both as they go.
SULU
One hundred thousand kilometers.
KIRK
Scotty, stand by to cut in warp drive.
SCOTT
Fluctuation. It's the shape of the crystals. I was afraid of that.
SULU
Seventy-five.
Seventy.
Sixty.
Fifty.
KIRK
Fire at minimum range.
SULU
Forty.
SCOTT
She won't steady down.
SULU
Thirty.
KIRK
Warp in, Scotty. Full power to shields.
The Klingons fire.
KIRK
Warp factor two. Bring us to course one four eight mark three.
The Klingons fire again.
KIRK
Radha, photon torpedoes. Fire!
RADHA
Direct hit amidships by photon torpedo.
SPOCK
Klingon number four shield obliterated. Loss of maneuver power.
SULU
He's dead in the water, Captain. Continuing away at reduced speed.
KIRK
Secure from general quarters. Well done, all. Mister Sulu, resume course for Tyana.
Ilaam sets her jaw and closes her eyes momentarily, seeming to withdraw into herself.
The Bridge is returning to normal functioning around her; she remains standing, leaden with resignation.
SULU
Aye, aye, sir.
S.22. CORRIDOR— SHIP’S DAY
Kirk and McCoy make their way down the hall.
MCCOY
Chris is still in the lab now. Been there all morning. M’Benga’s got half of his staff on research. If there’s a cure, we’ll find it.
KIRK
It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve spun me a miracle.
McCoy stops short, puts a hand on Kirk’s shoulder.
MCCOY
How do you feel?
KIRK
You want the honest answer? I feel like I’ve got a knife in my gut.
MCCOY
And Spock?
KIRK
Two knives.
MCCOY
Well, you’d better hurry and pull it out. He isn’t angry with you. I don’t think he knows how to be.
KIRK
Well that doesn’t help.
MCCOY
He wouldn’t have the right to be if he was. This wasn’t your fault, Jim.
KIRK
And yet, here we are.
They start down the hall again.
KIRK (cont)
It isn’t just about what happened. This entire mission was a disaster.
MCCOY
But you got the job done, didn’t you?
They turn a corner. Some yards down the hall, Ilaam, Petri, and their respective entourages hover by the TRANSPORTER ROOM DOOR. Ilaam is in her wedding attire.
One by one, everyone files in, save Ilaam. She looks over her shoulder at Kirk and McCoy, who have stopped halfway down the hall.
KIRK
That’s what I was talking about.
Kirk approaches Ilaam.
McCoy watches warily from a respectful distance.
S.22. CONT. CORRIDOR, BEFORE THE TRANSPORTER ROOM
ILAAM
You will not beam down for the ceremony?
KIRK
No.
ILAAM
Then why are you here.
KIRK
I wanted to apologize. This shouldn’t have happened to you.
Beat.
Ilaam regards him suspiciously.
ILAAM
When you did battle with the Klingons, you disarmed their vessel. Yet you did not remain to finish them off. Why?
KIRK
Where I come from, mercy is an honored quality.
ILAAM
It never ceases to baffle me, what you and your Starfleet find permissible.
Kirk can’t possibly respond to this.
Ilaam produces her DAGGER.
ILAAM
When an Elasian of status is defeated, we relinquish our weapons to the victor. On Tyana, they do not wear such things.
She hands it over.
KIRK
I’m sorry, but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not remember this.
Ilaam smiles ruefully. She pushes the dagger into his hands.
ILAAM
But you will. And it will make you stronger.
Kirk looks at her, bewildered by her sudden sincerity.
ILAAM
I will get stronger too. Goodbye Captain.
Ilaam starts to walk away, taking long strides. Kirk calls after her, just before she’s out of earshot.
KIRK
Good luck to you, in your union.
Ilaam looks at him over her shoulder, somewhere between confusion and animosity.
KIRK (cont)
I mean it.
ILAAM
I do not want it.
Ilaam steps through the door, leaving Kirk lingering behind her. He looks at the knife she left, turns it over in his hand.
Beat.
Light floods through the cracks in the door, then fades.
Kirk deflates.
S.23: TRANSPORTER ROOM— SHIP’S DAY
Kirk Enters. Spock, Scott, and Uhura are all gathered around the console.
KIRK
Report?
SPOCK
The Dohlman and her attendants have beamed down. The ceremony will begin momentarily.
KIRK
Good. I’m glad that’s over.
SPOCK
I am inclined to agree.
KIRK
Uhura?
UHURA
Yes Captain?
KIRK
You’re relieved of duty for the day. You should find that your quarters are now vacant and as clean as you left them.
Uhura smiles at him.
UHURA
Thank you, sir.
Kirk shifts uncomfortably.
KIRK
Cleaner, even.
UHURA
Sir?
KIRK
Regrettably, some of your personal effects were damaged. You’ll be reimbursed, of course. I’m terribly sorry.
UHURA
It’s alright. I knew the risks of volunteering my room. I didn’t leave anything important out.
KIRK
Still. That’s very gracious of you. Your equanimity won’t go unrewarded.
UHURA
Thank you, sir.
Uhura EXITS.
Kirk turns to Scott, grimmer this time.
KIRK
Scotty. I’m sorry about Watson. It was a terrible waste.
SCOTT
Aye. He was a bright pupil and a good man. But loss is nothing we aren’t prepared for here.
KIRK
No, I suppose it’s not. You can take your next shift off, if you need it.
SCOTT
Not that the offer isn’t appreciated, sir, but they need me down in the engine room. And, in all honesty, it’s where I’d prefer
to be.
Kirk smiles.
KIRK
Always the workhorse. But have it your way.
Scott nods with a small smile and EXITS.
Kirk turns to Spock, guilt stricken.
KIRK
Spock.
SPOCK
Captain?
KIRK
Please. What do I need to do to restore your trust in me?
SPOCK
I’m certain I do not know what you’re referring to.
KIRK
Don’t be like that— you know what I’m referring to.
SPOCK
My trust in you has not wavered. As I told you before, I do not blame you for what has happened. And I do not pass this judgment lightly.
KIRK
I don’t know what I did to deserve you. To deserve any of you.
SPOCK
You have earned our respect and our loyalty. Or, at bare minimum, you have earned mine.
Kirk struggles to respond to such naked affinity. He holds Spock by the biceps and smiles at him. Then, in an instant, Kirk is crushing him in a hug. Spock takes this open display of emotion in stride.
KIRK
Thanks.
S.24 THE BRIDGE— SHIP’S EVENING
The Bridge regulars— minus Uhura— are all at their stations, business as usual.
SCOTT (to Spock)
It's stabilized now.
SPOCK
Very good, Mister Scott.
McCoy enters in a bit of a tizzy.
MCCOY
Spock, I've isolated the biochemical substance of the Elasian tears. They carry a parasite, and I think I've found a remedy.
SPOCK
You are too late, Doctor. The Captain has found his own remedy.
McCoy purses his lips, almost grimacing.
MCCOY
Spock, what did you-- You know what? I don't want the details.
Spock continues, either unfazed or oblivious.
SPOCK
The remedy, Doctor, is a starship. The Enterprise infected the Captain long before the Dohlman did.
McCoy looks around the Bridge for a moment. There’s Kirk, in his element, surrounded by crew members.
Scotty approaches him, presents him with a padd, remarks on something. Kirk laughs amicably and scribbles something down. Scott heads for his own station.
Kirk looks up.
KIRK
Mister Sulu, prepare to take us out of orbit.
MCCOY
Well, I doubt seriously if there's any kind of an antidote for the Enterprise.
SPOCK
In this particular instance, Doctor, I agree with you.
Kirk glances up at Spock and McCoy, smiles big, in that guileless way he does.
Spock and McCoy exchange a glance.
MCCOY
Better hit him with the antibiotics anyway. Just to be safe.
SPOCK
Yes, perhaps you should.
KIRK
Ahead warp factor two.
FADE OUT.