Star Trek: The Motion Picture/script/Shooting Script

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Screenplay by:

GENE RODDENBERRY & HAROLD LIVINGSTONE

Story by:

ALAN DEAN FOSTER & GENE RODDENBERRY


SHOOTING SCRIPT

July 19, 1978



                  FADE IN :
              1   EXT SPACE (S)                                                1
                  An ever expanding infinity of light and color as CAMERA                
                  TRAVELS THROUGH deep space, MOVING DIRECTLY for one
                  pinpoint of light: a STAR GROWING RAPIDLY as we SWEEP
                  TOWARD IT, a normal white star SUDDENLY CHANGING,
                  brightening, flaring unbelievable intensity: supernova.
                  The CAMERA HOLDS just a moment, then MOVES on, SEARCH-
                  ING through space, the jeweled beauty of other star
                  systems, sparkling nebulae, swirling hydrogen clouds.
                  STILL MOVING, then CAMERA FINDS:
              2   EXT. AREA OF LUMINESCENCE (S)                                2
                  In the far distance, slowly growing in size as CAMERA
                  APPROACHES: it resembles, vaguely at this distance, an
                  Aurora Borealis: flaring colors from the fringes,
                  beautiful yet ominous. It is so large, this Cloud, it
                  can envelope an entire solar system. CAMERA CONTINUES
                  APPROACHING the Cloud, and then suddenly, crossing
                  our POV, a:
                     
              3   KLINGON HEAVY CRUISER (S)                                    3
                  In a graceful, turning arc toward the mysterious
                  LUMINESCENCE. CAMERA FOLLOWS this Klingon, then FINDS
                  a second Klingon cruiser, also turning toward the Cloud,
                  which continues to grow in size as the Klingons
                  approach at warp speed, CAMERA CLOSING on the lead
                  ship, until the vessel's detail can be clearly MADE
                  OUT: lights, weaponry, power systems, identification
                  emblazoned on the nacelles and saucer in Klingon
                  language (and symbols).
              4   INT. KLINGON CRUISER BRIDGE (O)                              4
                  Clearly alien, an ODD-SOUNDING KLAXON signaling
                  "battle stations." Orders issued in KLINGON LANGUAGE,
                  the KLINGON CAPTAIN and EXEC peering at an unusual
                  bridge viewer at the huge area of LUMINESCENT HAZE
                  directly ahead. In KLINGON DIALOGUE:
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (Give me tactical.)
              5   CLOSE - MAIN VIEWER (O)                                      5
                  goes suddenly  to a TACTICAL GRID SYSTEM, showing the
                  LUMINESCENT HAZE to be an ENORMOUS BLIP OF LIGHT ON
                  THE SCREEN, with two TINY PINPRICKS OF LIGHT complete-
                  ing their turn on a direct course toward it.
              6   EXT. SPACE - THE KLINGON PATROL AND THE HAZE (S)             6
                  The Patrol is clearly SEEN now on the right of the 
                  bottom of the FRAME... THREE tiny ships closing on the                
                  steadily growing LUMINESCENT HAZE.
              7   INT. THE KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC (O)               7
                  All eyes on the viewer that shows the ships sweeping
                  on the Mysterious cloud.
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (In Klingonese)
                            Visual.
                  The TECHNICIAN makes the switch.
              8   CLOSE - VIEW SCREEN - LUMINESCENT HAZE (O)                   8
                  growing ever larger, its flaring colors menacing,
                  mysterious, strangely beckoning.
              9   INT. BRIDGE - KLINGON COMMAND CRUISER                        9
                  The crew stands by for battle.
                                       
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (In Klingonese)
                            Tactical again. Stand by on
                            torpedoes.
             10   EAT SPACE - LEAD KLINGON VESSEL (TORPEDO HATCH) (S)         10
                  sliding open, the glowing "Hell Fire" of the Photon
                  Launch tubes, slowly revealed.
             11   VERY WIDE ANGLE - THE THREE SHIPS (S)                       11
                  They are tiny, insect-like shapes moving still CLOSER
                  to the Luminescent Cloud, so large now that it begins
                  to dominate all space behind.
             12   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID - CAPTAIN AND           12
                  EXEC (O)
                  The growing nearness and enormous size of the Cloud
                  also reflected on the Tactical Grid, somehow more
                  awesome by this schematic view. The Captain gestures
                  the order to "FIRE."
             13   EXT. SPACE - ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL - TORPEDO HATCH (S)    13
                  The BRILLIANT PHOTON BLOBS of the torpedoes spurt from 
                  the tubes.
             14   ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL (S)                                 14
                  A deadly PHOTON TORPEDO pattern racing away from the
                  Klingon and toward the Luminescent glow in the distance.
             15   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID (O)                     15
                  Three torpedoes are heading directly toward the Cloud.
                  Suddenly they glow briefly and disappear long before
                  they reach their intended target.
             16   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC                      16
                  incredulous that their torpedoes have disappeared
                  without a trace.
             17   EXT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THREE KLINGON SHIPS (S)             17
                  as the second and third ships launch torpedoes toward
                  the color-flaring surface of the cloud. This time we
                  have an outside, real VIEW of the torpedoes glowing
                  brightly and then disappearing with no effect.
             18   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE (O)                                     18
                  The Klingon crew grim, desperate, watching a BRIGHT
                  STACCATO BLIP OF POWER from within the LUMINESCENCE.
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (quickly; Klingonese)
                            Full force fields; evasive
                            maneuvers.
             19   EAT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THE KLINGON PATROLS (S)             19
                  Out of the LUMINESCENCE hurtles a FRIGHTENING WHIPLASH
                  OF ENERGY. It bears down on the Klingon Patrol, now
                  in an evasive maneuver. Then the WHIPLASH BOLT hits
                  the third cruiser in a writhing flare of energy which
                  totally engulfs the vessel.
                  The other two ships veer off, warping around again into
                  attack position. The THIRD SHIP has begun to implode
                  in on itself, the matter-energy of its existence
                  drained by the WHIPLASH BOLT that HOLDS IT.
             20   ANGLE ON REMAINING KLINGON CRUISERS (S)                     20
                  desperately defending themselves, FORCE FIELDS FULL UP,
                  RAPIDLY FIRING PHOTON TORPEDOES. But now a SECOND
                  WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT has emerged from the cloud and
                  hits the second vessel, DESTROYING it.
                  The THIRD WHIPLASH BOLT glances off the surviving
                  Cruiser as the ship retreats in a wide, evasive turn,
                  FIRING from stern tubes.
             21   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE                                         21
                  The bridge shattered; Klingon bodies. The mortally-
                  wounded Captain is transmitting urgently:
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (In Klingonese)
                            ... severely damaged. Returning
                            fire...
             22   EXT. SPACE - STARFLEET MONITOR STATION EPSILON 9 (S)        22
                  Serenity here. A barren, rocky small plantoid softly
                  lit by the myriad stars. This is a small Starfleet 
                  outpost, antennae sprouting everywhere. Tiny figures
                  (WORKERS) servicing one antenna illustrate the size
                  of the installation.
             23   INT. EPSILON 9 - MONITOR ROOM - A VIEWER (O)                23
                  SHOWING the battle scene, and the VOICE OF THE KLINGON
                  CAPTAIN in his last stand against the Object; his VOICE
                  is weary, almost mechanical. On the adjacent viewer,
                  an English printout of the Klingon's words chatters
                  along the bottom of the picture:
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN
                                    (In Klingonese)
                            Imperial Klingon Cruiser Amar...
                            severely damaged by unfamiliar
                            weaponry... intruder unidentified..
             24   WIDER ANGLE - EPSILON 9 STARFLEET PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O)  24
                  At the viewers are a FEMALE LIEUTENANT and FOUR TECH-
                  NICIANS. COMMANDER BRANCH, a young, alert, enters hur-
                  riedly, scans he console.
                                          LIEUTENANT
                            Our sensor drone is intercepting
                            this on Quad L-14.
                                          KLINGON CAPTAIN (V.O.)
                            ... believe luminescent cloud 
                            to be enormous power field 
                            surrounding alien vessel... 
                            size and description unknown.. 
                            our sensor scans unable to 
                            penetrate. Imperial Klingon 
                            Cruiser Amar... continuing 
                            to attack.
                                          BRANCH
                            That's within Klingon boundaries.
                            Who are they fighting?
                                          LIEUTENANT
                            Unknown, sir.
                  A violent EXPLOSION inside the Klingon bridge -- Klingon
                  Captain's body is thrown violently against the bulkhead.
                                          TECHNICIAN
                            I have an exterior visual!
             25   CLOSE ON VIEWER (O)                                         25
                  showing EXTERIOR of the Klingon vessel: a final,
                  frightening WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT strikes it -- then
                  the same awesome IMPLOSION INTO FIREBALL.
             26   WIDER ANGLE - PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O)                      26
                  The Starfleet station onlookers react to the utter
                  annihilation of the huge cruiser. And now, past where
                  the cruiser just disappeared -- the mysterious LUMINES-
                  CENCE approaching in distance. Technician hits a
                  switch, magnifying the strange CLOUD.
                                          LIEUTENANT
                            We've plotted a course on that
                            cloud, Commander: it will pass
                            into Federation Space fairly 
                            close to us.
                                          BRANCH
                            Heading?
             27   CLOSE ON THE MAIN MONITOR STATION (O)                       27
                  as its focal point shifts to the huge elliptically-
                  shaped LUMINESCENCE racing across the sky. MUSIC
                  (V'GER THEME) COMMENCES in a low, unresolved CHORD
                  that remains in the background through the remainder
                  of this scene, and the beginning of the next one.
                                          LIEUTENANT'S VOICE
                            Sir, it's on a precise heading
                            for Earth.
                  Ominously now the LUMINESCENCE increases in size, and
                  begins to fill the viewer. HOLD A MOMENT, and then:
             28   EXT. SURFACE OF PLANET VULCAN - DAY (M)                     28
                  with the CAMERA MOVING THROUGH masses of thick, steamy
                  vaporous clouds, swirling about, rising boilingly up
                  from some unseen, underground source. The CAMERA
                  CONTINUES MOVING through clouds.
                  And then... the Vulcan landscape. Harsh, strange
                  angular peaks and rock formations -- the barren, legend-
                  ary mountain home of Vulcan Masters.
             29   EXT. VULCAN LEDGE - SPOCK ( M & F.P.)                       29
                  Spock's lean features instantly recognizable despite
                  unkempt, longer hair and the fatigue born of a long,
                  harsh discipline he has undergone. His robes, tattered
                  and dust covered, are that of a Vulcan Aspirant in
                  study with the Masters. Under the V'ger THEME MUSIC
                  we HEAR a VOICE in ritual tones:
                                          FEMALE MASTER'S VOICE
                            Spock, son of Sarek of Vulcan... 
                            and of Amanda of Earth... 
                            diligently you have labored for 
                            purification of mind...
             30   REVERSE ANGLE - SPOCK, VULCAN MASTERS AND RUINS             30
                  In b.g., gigantic ancient Vulcan statues and ruins. In f.g., 
                  the stone platform on which Spock stands facing a semi-circle 
                  of three similar platforms. On them in regal robes are three 
                  VULCAN MASTERS. The Master in the center is a female, the 
                  other two Masters are male. The elderly female is holding a 
                  cord and ancient pendant as if ready to place it around                
                  Spock's neck at an appropriate moment. Spock is staring up 
                  as V'ger THEME MUSIC fades.
                                          MALE MASTER
                                    (chidingly)
                            Spock . . . !
                  Spock turns, giving a small contrite nod -- the ritual
                  continues.
                                          FEMALE MASTER
                            Here are these sands, our fore-
                            bearers cast out their animal 
                            passions. Here our race was 
                            saved by the first attainment of 
                            Kolinahr.
                         
                                          MALE MASTER
                            Kolinahr: the final shedding of 
                            all emotion.
                                          FEMALE MASTER
                            You have labored long, Spock.
                            Now receive from us this symbol
                            of total logic.
                  Spock starts to kneel... the Female Master moves in,
                  intending to put the ancient pendant around his neck. 
                  But Spock now hesitates -- he's troubled as though 
                  uncertain he deserves this symbol and waves the 
                  pendant away. Then, a faint reprise of the V'ger THEME 
                  MUSIC now causes the Female Master to look skyward. 
                  She turns from this back to Spock as she exchanges a 
                  look with the Male Masters.               
                                          FEMALE MASTER
                                    (gestures Spock forward)
                            Come, give me your thoughts.
                  She kneels with Spock -- lays her hands on his temples 
                  in Vulcan mind-meld position.
                                          FEMALE MASTER
                                    (continuing)
                            Our minds, Spock... One and
                            together....
                  Their eyes close -- their minds meld -- then her head
                  jerks slightly, her features change as her mind feels
                  Spock's reactions to the V'ger consciousness. A long
                  moment, then she opens her eyes, gets to her feet and
                  looks down on the still kneeling Spock. Then, she
                  casts aside the pendant she carries -- it falls into
                  the dust.
                                          FEMALE MASTER
                                    (continuing; sadly)
                            This consciousness which calls --
                            it stirs your human half, Spock?
                            You have not achieved Kolinahr --
                            Your human emotions are not fully
                            extinguished.
                                   (turns to the other Masters)
                            He will not achieve his goal with
                            us. His answer lies elsewhere.
                  The three Masters leave -- Spock watches them go, his
                  disappointment evident even in his stoic features.
             31   MED. ANGLE ON SPOCK (M. & F.P.)                             31
                  CAMERA CLOSES IN on his face as we again HEAR a frag-
                  ment of V'ger THEME MUSIC -- Spock again raises his
                  head and peers up into the heavens. HOLD on his face
                  a moment, then...
                   SHOCK CUT TO :
             32   EXT. EARTH - AN AIR TRAM - DAY (S)                          32
                  gleaming silver in the sun as it streaks TOWARD THE
                  CAMERA POSITION and hurtles PAST.
             33   EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - HILLTOP AIR TRAM STATION -             33
                  DAY (M)
                  From this vantage, we can SEE all of twenty-third
                  century San Francisco stretched out before us. In
                  the b.g., the familiar forms of the carefully preserved
                  Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid Building
                  serve as our only reminders that this is, indeed, San
                  Francisco.
                  The AIR TRAM (an anti-gravitational train flying
                  several feet above the ground) DECELERATES sharply,
                  settles to the ground with a whisper.
             34   EXT. TRAM STATION - CLOSE ON TRAM DOORS - DAY               34
                  The doors opening, and various TRAVELERS (civilians
                  and Starfleet personnel) leaving the tram, striding
                  onto the platform, continuing on their respective
                  ways. Among the departing throng:
             35   KIRK                                                        35
                  in Admiral's uniform, grim, determined, moving through
                  the throng. Now and then Starfleet officers nod re-
                  spectfully; KIRK responds with detached formality; his
                  mind is clearly set on something he is resolved to ac-
                  complish here in headquarters -- whatever the cost.
                  CAMERA WITH HIM, to:
             36   INT. AIR TRAM STATION - DAY         `                       36
                  as Kirk strides into the graceful Starfleet HQ building.
                  Many PEOPLE are about, civilians and uniformed person-
                  nel; most of them with some air of urgency. (NOTE:
                  ALIENS interspersed among them, Vulcans, blue-skinned
                  Andorians, high-domed Vegans, ect.) Kirk continues on
                  when suddenly he reacts, annoyed as he sees:
             37   SONAK                                                       37
                  a Vulcan, Lt Commander; short, white-haired, grizzled,
                  hurrying along. Kirk calls to him:
                                          KIRK
                            Commander Sonak... !
                  SONAK turns with Vulcan imperturbability to face Kirk
                  who steps toward him
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            You've received your appointment
                            as Enterprise Science Officer?
                                          SONAK
                                    (nods)
                            Based, I am told, on your
                            recommendation, Admiral. Thank                           
                            you.
                                          KIRK
                            Why aren't you on board?
                                          SONAK
                            Captain Decker requested I complete
                            final Science briefing here before...
                                          KIRK
                                    (interrupting)
                            Here at Starfleet...? The
                            Enterprise is in final preparation
                            to leave dock...
                                          SONAK
                            Which will require twenty more
                            hours at minimum, Admiral...
                                          KIRK
                            Twelve! I'm on my way to a meeting
                            with Admiral Nogura which will not 
                            last more than three minutes.
                            Report to me on the Enterprise in
                            one hour.
                                          SONAK
                            To you, sir?
                                          KIRK
                            I intend to be there following 
                            that meeting. Report to me. One 
                            hour!
                  And Kirk turns, strides purposefully away. Sonak gazes
                  after him, one eyebrow raised quizzically.
             38   EXT. EARTH ORBIT (S)                                        38
                  In f.g., Orbital drydock offices, rotating slowly but
                  perceptibly against blue-black of space. Small figures
                  in spacesuits working on construction, with work belts.
                  Beyond and below... Earth. In the far distance we can
                  barely make out an orbital drydock.
             39   CLOSER ANGLE - ORBITAL OFFICE CLUSTER (S)                   39
                  The cluster is a fully-equipped dockyard engineering
                  center and computer drafting office.
                  CAMERA MOVES IN AND CENTERS ON an outer "Travel Pod."
             40   INT. INNER OFFICE (O)                                       40
                  an installation which also includes a double position
                  transporter, in which we SEE the TRANSPORTER EFFECT
                  BEGIN. With the TRANSPORTER CREW IS SCOTT. He's with
                  a Technician, busy with a piece of complex circuitry.
                  Then he turns, sees that it is Kirk BEAMING in here.
                  As Kirk materializes, steps off the transporter plat-
                  form, Scott moves quickly to him.
            40A   KIRK AND SCOTT                                             40A
                  The starship Engineering Officer clearly surprised to
                  see Kirk here. Kirk has the same look of grim de-
                  termination we just saw in the headquarters building.
                                
                                          SCOTT
                            Admiral, I've been hoping to see
                            you. Maybe you can get through 
                            to those thick heads in Starfleet
                            that...
                                          KIRK
                            Why aren't the Enterprise
                            transporters in operation, Mister
                            Scott?
                                          SCOTT
                            We're hoping it's only a temporary
                            problem, Admiral...
                                          KIRK
                            See that it is.
                                    (moving toward pod)
                            Take me over, please.
                  Scott is now eying Kirk just a little warily as he fol-
                  lows him into the pod. Kirk's determined expression
                  suggests that some chips are going to fly and Scott
                  does not want to become one of them.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (carefully)
                            Admiral, the Enterprise has just
                            finished eighteen months redesign-
                            ing and refitting. She needs 
                            testing, a shakedown...
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Scott, there's an alien object
                            with unbelievable destructive 
                            power less than three days away 
                            from this planet...
                  Kirk hits a button on the travel pod panel -- the air-
                  lock doors SLAM closed behind them. Then, stepping im-
                  mediately to the front observation window:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            ... the only Starship in
                            interception range is the
                            Enterprise! Ready, or not, she
                            launches in twelve hours!
                  Scott throws Kirk an appalled look but is now occupied
                  in sealing the Outer Pod door and manipulating drive
                  controls.
                  CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
                  Pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
                  and starts to move.
            40C   EXT. POD                                                   40C
                  CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
                  pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
                  and starts moving.
             41   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - ANGLES ON TRAVEL POD (S)                 41
              -                                                                -
             43                                                               43
                  
                   as it moves way from the office complex. We can
                  SEE the jet flames of its tiny thrusters as it cir-
                  cles around, heads off (toward the distant Orbital
                  dry dock).
             44   INT. TRAVEL POD - KIRK AND SCOTT                            44
                  Scott nervously eying Kirk, and finally deciding to
                  make one more effort:
                                          SCOTT
                            The crew hasn't had near enough
                            transition time with all the new
                            equipment. And the engines,
                            Admiral: they've yet to be even
                            tested at warp power. Add to 
                            that, an untried Captain...
                                          KIRK
                                    (hint of smile)
                            Two and a half years as Chief of
                            Starfleet Operations may have
                            made me a little stale, Mr. Scott
                            -- but I wouldn't exactly consider
                            myself 'untried.'
                  It takes Scott a moment to comprehend, and Kirk smiles
                  now, nods:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            They gave her back to me, Scotty.
                  Scott peers at him, genuinely surprised -- and pleased.
                  Then:
                                          SCOTT
                            "Gave' her back, sir...? I doubt
                            it was that easy...
                                    (returns smile)
                            But any man who could manage such
                            a feat, I wouldna dare disappoint.
                            She'll launch on time, sir...
                                    (with confidence)
                            And she'll be ready.
                  And he clasps Kirk's elbow affectionately, then gestures
                  Kirk to look out the pod window.
             45   EXT. OUTSIDE THE POD WINDOW - KIRK'S POV (O)                45
                  as he looks out: the blue-black of orbital space.
             46   INT. TRAVEL POD                                             46
                  Scott is well aware of what the Enterprise means to
                  Kirk. As Scott maneuvers the pod to provide the best
                  perspective, Kirk peers through the observation window,
                  craning his head, hungry for his first glimpse of the
                  starship. Scott is watching him, immensely pleased.
             47   PAST THEM TO THE POD WINDOW (O)                             47
                  as we SEE the drydock and more of its detail, and a
                  hint of what is inside.
             48   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - OTHER ANGLES FROM THE POD (O)            48
              -                                                                -      
             50                                                               50
                                                                             
                  PAST Kirk and Scott the corner of the drydock becomes
                  larger -- we begin SEEING more of it. And then the
                  merest glimpse of what is inside the drydock: The
                  Enterprise slips INTO VIEW.
             51   INT. POD - VERY CLOSE ON KIRK AT WINDOW                     51
                  as he watches, his face reflecting all of it: the awe,
                  the wonder, the romance, the obsession. The one comp-
                  lete love of his life. And with that love regained,
                  he is becoming more fully alive again.
                  Kirk looks at Scott; for a moment both hold each other's
                  eye. Scott knows precisely how Kirk feels. Both turn
                  to the window again.
             52   WHAT THEY SEE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                          52
                  Now DOMINATING the SCREEN -- the awesome, symmetrical
                  bulk of the starship comes fully INTO VIEW. And it
                  dominates Kirk's -- and our emotions.
             53   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE - AND THE POD (TINY IN THIS SHOT)       53
              -                                                                -
             56   AS IT CIRCLES - THE ANTI-LIKE FIGURES OF WORKERS (S)        56
                  The great ship dwarfs everything. The drydock becomes
                  a fragile filigree framing the ship's great curved
                  bulk. The tiny pod continues to move along it.
                  Small automated welding devices move along the gird-
                  ers, working with brief, bright orange-white flares.
                  In other areas of metal lace structure, supplies and
                  equipment are being loaded onto the ship. The pod
                  continues moving (Scott is giving Kirk time to see all),
                  watched carefully by the TINY FIGURES OF SUPERVISING
                  TECHNICIANS on the drydock. Now the pod moves toward
                  mating position. It closes in, secures itself to the
                  outer airlock.
             57   INT. POD - AT THE AIRLOCK                                   57
                  Scott completing the mating procedure, Kirk turning
                  from the observation window. Outside, the metallic..
                  CLICK of the pod locking onto the airlock. Now the
                  "WHOOSH" of the latch doors securing, the CLANG of
                  security bolts. It's all been a rare and delicious
                  moment for Kirk, and his face shows it.
                  OVER the POD INTERCOM we HEAR, "Pod secured. Pressure
                  equalized." Scott moves the control to open the hatch.
             58   INT. ENTERPRISE CARGO DECK (M)                              58
                  A confusion of organized work and VOICES. The cargo
                  deck bustles with activity; supplies and equipment
                  being stored and installed.
             59   INT. CARGO DECK - BALCONY AND CATWALK                       59
                  Kirk and Scott are met by a nervous, perspiring
                  ENSIGN.
                                          KIRK AND SCOTT
                            Permission to come aboard, sir...?
                                          ENSIGN
                            Granted, sir. Welcome aboard,
                            Admiral... Commander Scott,
                            you're needed in Engineering
                            immediately.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (to Kirk)
                            Sir, you'll excuse me...?
                  Kirk gestures him to leave, and Scott hurries away.
                  Kirk stands a moment, gazing down at the cargo deck.
             60   ANGLE DOWN PAST KIRK TO FLOOR (M)                           60
                  The crew maneuvering antigravity devices which move
                  heavy containers -- scrambles of activity at storage
                  holds and maintenance lockers.
             61   CLOSE ON KIRK AND ENSIGN                                    61
                  Kirk is drinking it all in. He's home.
                                          ENSIGN
                                    (nervous)
                            Sir, if you'll follow me, I'll...
                                          KIRK
                            I think I can find my way,
                            Ensign.
                  And Kirk moves off, leaving the Ensign gazing at him,
                  relieved.
             62   EXT. ELEVATOR AND CATWALK                                   62
                  Kirk ENTERS ANGLE and the doors snap open.
             63   INT. ELEVATOR                                               63
                  as Kirk enters. The doors close. Kirk waits a beat,
                  savoring this moment too. Then, firmly to the control
                  panel:
                                          KIRK
                            Bridge!
                  The turbo-elevator HUMS WITH POWER as it begins hur-
                  tling up. On the wall back of Kirk we SEE an electronic
                  diagram of the Enterprise tracking the elevator's 
                  speedy trip to the Bridge.
             64   INT. BRIDGE                                                 64
                  A confusion of activity and VOICES. Pieces o equip-
                  ment in a state of disarray: consoles open, fiber
                  optic tubes unconnected, viewing screens dismantled.
                  It's a frantic, desperate scene -- a ship and crew to-
                  tally unprepared. In the midst of this: ALIEN
                  ensign is assisting UHURA (Lt. Comdr. stripes)deftly
                  working her communications station, AD LIBBING
                  "... Hailing frequency four, check. Hailing frequency
                  five, will someone please check me?" At the helm,
                  sweat-soaked SULU (Lt. Comdr stripes) has a service
                  plate open, is peering inside to make delicate adjust-
                  ments, AD LIBBING "... Helm, now give me a reading on
                  four point zero zero six of full." And at the Weapons
                  Control, CHEKOV (Full Lt.)argues with TECHNICIANS who
                  insist photon torpedoes read "ready" while Chekov
                  argues the computer is not relaying that information.
             65   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                 65
                  snapping open -- and there is Kirk. For the moment no
                  one notices him, and he stands watching, remembering.
                  And then he moves forward toward the command center.
             66   ACROSS UHURA TO KIRK                                        66
                  as she is the first to see him. She reacts,pleased.
                                          UHURA
                            Captain... Starfleet just 
                            signaled your transfer-of-
                            command orders!
             67   ANOTHER ANGLE - VARIOUS REACTION                            67
                  as everyone else is suddenly aware of Kirk.
                  All work stops, with various AD LIBBED greetings from
                  the old crew: "Admiral Kirk..." "It's the Captain...!"
                  etc., etc. But most sit or stand, simple gaping at
                  Kirk, all quite awed. The old hands, Uhura, Sulu, and
                  Chekov start converging on Kirk. But he gestures them
                  back, speaking crisply.
                             
                                          KIRK
                            I appreciate the welcome; I wish
                            the circumstances were less
                            critical.
                                    (to Uhura)
                            Epsilon Nine is monitoring the
                            intruder; keep a channel open to
                            them.
                                    (glances around)
                            Where is Captain Decker?
                                          SULU
                            He's in Engineering, sir...
                                    (uncomfortable,
                                     indicates Captain's 
                                     chair)
                            He doesn't know.
                  Kirk reacts with some exasperation, starts away,
                  addresses Chekov:
                                          KIRK
                            Mr Chekov, assemble the crew on
                            the Rec Deck at 0400 hours. I
                            want to show them what we're 
                            facing.
                  And Kirk moves to the elevator, enters, is gone. The
                  moment the elevator doors snap closed:
                                          SULU
                            I wouldn't have wanted to have
                            been standing in his way. He
                            wanted her back; he got her!
                                          ALIEN ENSIGN
                                    (perturbed)
                            And Captain Decker? He's been
                            with the ship every minute of
                            her refitting...
                                          UHURA
                                    (brittle)
                            Ensign -- our chances of coming
                            back from this mission in one
                            piece may have just doubled...!
             68   OMITTED                                                     68
               -                                                               -
             69                                                               69   
    
             70   INT. ENGINEERING SECTION                                    70
                  The entire complex a beehive of pre-departure activity.
                  ENGINEERING PERSONNEL (at least a third of them female)
                  coming and going, the platform-elevators (small, one-
                  man lifts to various levels) busy. A gentle but con-
                  stant HUM and WHIRR flows from the engine core, to indi-
                  cate a pre-idling mode. There will be continual AD
                  LIBBED conversation among the Technicians.
                  Now the Engine Room door opens and Kirk steps into the 
                  area. He stands a moment observing the activity. a
                  grizzled ENGINEERING CHIEF pushes a huge condenser on
                  an anti-grav device past irk with a respectful "watch
                  it, sir" admonishment. Kirk moves on to:
             71   THE INTERMIX CHAMBER                                        71
                  at the middle of the power shaft. Very NOISY here,
                  and a continual CACOPHONY of COMPUTERIZED AND HUMAN
                  VOICES calling off equipment checks. And grouped 
                  around a section of burnt-out circuitry are WILLARD
                  DECKER, Captain's stripes, handsome, in his early
                  30's; Scott, and two Technicians. Decker and Scott
                  are working feverishly uncoupling the device, 
                  probing its innards. Decker has discovered the problem,
                  removed several transistor-type parts, taps them 
                  with a pencil-sized sonic analyzer.
                                          DECKER
                                    (quietly elated)
                            I thought so! See... the trans-
                            porter sensor was not activated...
                                          SCOTT
                                    (impressed)
                            Aye, you were dead right about
                            that...
                                    (to Technician)
                            Clearly, put a back-up sensor into
                            the unit.
             72   ACROSS THEM TO KIRK                                         72
                  as the Technician prepares to install the device,
                  Scott glances up to see Kirk.
                  He looks from Decker to Kirk in acute embarrassment
                  (so that we should realize Scott hasn't mentioned
                  Kirk's taking over to Decker). Decker now notices
                  Kirk, reacts pleased.
                                          DECKER
                            Admiral Kirk...
                                    (shakes Kirk's hand)
                            We're getting a top brass send
                            off...?
                                    (self assured grin)
                            She'll launch on schedule if we
                            have to tow her out with our bare
                            hands. Right, Scotty?
                                          SCOTTY
                                    (lamely)
                            Aye, sir, that we will...
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Decker)
                            Will, let's go over here and
                            talk.
                  He indicates corner. Decker glances bemusedly at
                  Kirk, then turns to Scott:
                                          DECKER
                            Let me now when the back-up is 
                            in place.
             73   ACROSS SCOTT TO KIRK AND DECKER                             73
                  as Scott AD LIBS a glum "Aye, sir," and watches them
                  walk across the Chamber.
             74   A CORNER OF THE INTERMIX CHAMBER                            74
                  just a little quieter here, with Kirk and Decker arriv-
                  ing, and Decker saying blithely:
                                          DECKER
                            All due respect, sir, I hope
                            this isn't a Starfleet pep talk;
                            I'm just too busy.
                  Kirk eyes Decker -- then decides the best way to say
                  it is plainly, directly.
                                          KIRK
                            I'm taking over the Center seat. 
                            I'm sorry, Will.
                                          DECKER
                            You are what...?
                                          KIRK
                            I'm replacing you as Captain of
                            the Enterprise.
                  Decker seems shocked into silence; he can only peer
                  at Kirk who reaches tentatively as though to clasp a
                  paternal hand on Decker's shoulder, then withdraws it
                  and continues quickly.
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            You'll stay aboard as Executive
                            Officer... a temporary grade
                            reduction to Commander.
                                          DECKER
                                   (finding his voice)
                            -- You, personally, are assuming
                            command?
                                          KIRK
                            Yes.
                                          DECKER
                            May I ask Why?
                                          KIRK
                                    (nods)
                            My experience -- five years out
                            there dealing with unknowns like
                            this -- my familiarity with the
                            Enterprise, this crew...
                                          DECKER
                            Admiral, this is an almost totally
                            new enterprise. You don't know
                            her a tenth as well as I do.
             75   ANOTHER ANGLE - TO SHOW SCOTT IN B.G. (ACROSS THE           75
                  ROOM)
                  Scott, working on the relay, but continually glancing
                  at Kirk and Decker with worried concern, as Kirk
                  replies:
                                          KIRK
                            That's why you're staying aboard.
                            I'm sorry, Will.
                                          DECKER
                            No, Admiral. I don't think you are;
                            not one damned bit. I remember
                            when you recommended me for this
                            command. You told me how envious
                            you were, and if only you could
                            find a way to get a starship
                            command again. Well, sir, it looks
                            like you found a way.
                  Kirk is silent a moment, peering levelly at Decker,
                  who returns the gaze with equal intensity. Then:
                                          KIRK
                            Report to the bridge, Commander.
                            Immediately.
                  Decker EXITS. Kirk waits, collecting his composure
                  as he watches him go. Then Kirk turns to glare at
                  Scott. Interrupted by a flare as something shorts
                  out at the mechanism where Scott and Decker had been
                  working. Technician (Clearly) reacts, hits an inter-
                  com button fast:
                                          TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
                            Transporter room, come in!
                            Urgent!
                                    (to Scott)
                            Redline on the transporters,
                            Mister Scott!
                  Scott whirls to a console fast, speaks urgently!
                                          SCOTT
                            Transporter room, do not engage!
                            Do not....
                                          TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
                                    (reacting to the reading;
                                     interruption)
                            Too late; they're beaming now!
                  Kirk is exiting on a run, followed by Scott.
             76   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - INCLUDING TRANSPORTER CHAMBER       76
                  (O)
                  An unusually defective looking TRANSPORTER EFFECT in
                  progress, alternately flashing and glowing -- even the
                  Transporter SOUND seems wrong, as if struggling to
                  overcome some problem. At the console, CHIEF RAND and
                  ASSISTANT are reacting in surprised, near-horror as
                  they attempt vainly to save the situation.
                                          RAND
                                    (into intercom)
                            Starfleet, override us!
                            OVERRIDE...! Yank them back!
                  Suddenly, from Rand's console,a VIOLENT GLARE -- a
                  PROTESTING SOUND from the circuitry. And on the con-
                  sole a red-warning light now begins flashing.
                                          STARFLEET VOICE
                            Unable to retrieve their pattern,
                            Enterprise....!
                  Rand reacts in real horror now as human forms begin to
                  FAINTLY MATERIALIZE, then FADE AWAY, then REAPPEAR IN
                  FAINTLY MISSHAPEN FORM as she frantically works con-
                  trols. Kirk ENTERS fast, steps to the console to
                  assist Rand; Scott has also come in and moves to the
                  console, brushes aside the Asst. Chief, and begins
                  manipulating the additional controls himself.
                                          SCOTT
                            We're losing the pattern...!
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Starfleet, boost your matter gain; 
                            we need more signal!
                                          RAND
                            Oh, no! They're forming!
             77   CLOSER ON THE TRANSPORTER CHAMBER (O)                       77
                  with the human forms FLUTTERING INTO FULLER AND FULLER
                  MATERIALIZATION, FRIGHTENINGLY, HORRIBLY MISSHAPEN. We
                  RECOGNIZE one form as the Vulcan, Sonak -- the other a
                  human WOMAN. They MATERIALIZE; we HEAR A MOAN form 
                  from the Vulcan -- the Woman's SCREAM OF PAIN. Then,
                  all at once, the half-materialized bodies are gone;
                  the transporter chamber is empty.
                                          KIRK
                            Oh, my God...!
             78   KIRK, SCOTT AND RAND                                        78
                  gazing, horrified, at the empty chamber.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Starfleet, do you have them?
                  A mutter of utter, vacant silence -- and Kirk and
                  Scott look at each other again, their pained faces
                  presaging the answer they already know:
                                          STARFLEET VOICE
                                    (shaken)
                            Enterprise... what we got back
                            didn't live long. Fortunately.
                  Another moment of stunned silence, and then Kirk hits
                  the transmission button -- fighting to control his
                  voice as:
                                          KIRK
                            Starfleet... Kirk. Please...
                            express my condolences to their
                            families. Commander Sonak's
                            can be reached through the Vulcan
                            Embassy.
                                    (see Rand's stricken
                                     expression)
                            There was nothing you could have
                            done, Rand. It wasn't your fault.
                  And before Rand can answer, Kirk leaves the room.
             79   INT. CORRIDOR - TRAVELING WITH KIRK                         79
                  as Kirk steps out, and the doors snap closed behind
                  him. In the corridor the furor of the hurried depar-
                  ture is, as everywhere, quite evident: CREW MEMBERS
                  move back and forth. But Kirk does not see them; his
                  mind is tormented by the transporter accident -- was
                  there something he should have done, could have done,
                  to prevent it? Should he launch on schedule with the
                  starship this unready? Has he done right in yielding
                  to this terrible needs for starship command again,
                  forcing Starfleet to give her to him? Would Decker's
                  knowledge of the new design have prevented the acci-
                  dent?
                  Kirk reaches a corridor intersection, looks around,
                  realizes he's lost track of where he is. A passing
                  YEOMAN stops in response to his puzzled expression.
                                          KIRK
                            Turboshaft eight...?
                                          YEOMAN
                            Back that way, sir.
                  She's indicating back the direction from which Kirk
                  came. He nods his thanks, turns and moves back down
                  the corridor.
             80   DECKER                                                      80
                  hurrying down the corridor. The two face each other
                  a silent moment, Decker studying Kirk curiously.
                                          KIRK
                            We'll have to replace Commander
                            Sonak. I'd still like a Vulcan
                            there, if possible...
                                          DECKER
                            None available, Captain. There's
                            no one in fact, who's fully rated
                            on this design.
                                          KIRK
                            You are, Mister Decker. I'm
                            afraid you'll have to double as
                            Science Officer.
                   And Kirk moves on, Decker stands gazing reflectively
                   after him.
             81    OMITTED                                                    81
              -                                                                -
             84                                                               84     
    
             85    CLOSE - FULL SHOT OF THE KLINGON SHIP BEING DESTROYED      85
                  (AS SEEN ON VIEWER) (O)
         
                  (in the last part of the scene which showed the Klingon
                  Captain speaking in Klingonese and an English print-
                  out interpretation appearing at the screen bottom.
                  The Klingon ship nearly totaled; one engine nacelle
                  gone, smoke and flame spewing from the other, etc.
                  And then that final WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT STRIKING AND
                  SPECTACULARLY DESTROYING THE SHIP, etc.)
                  But this time, O.S., we HEAR GASPS of incredulity from
                  many throats (an audience), and various AD LIBBED com-
                  ments: "My God...!" "I don't believe it...!" "What
                  could it be...?" Etc., etc.
                  And then, immediately following this, on the viewer:
             86   THE LUMINESCENT CLOUD (AS SEEN ON A VIEWER) (O)             86
                  (as in earlier Epsilon 9 viewer -- but with no music,
                  only more AD LIBBED exclamations from an audience.)
                  The viewer goes blank.
             87   INT. RECREATION DECK (M)                                    87
                  We SEE that all this was being viewed by the CREW
                  MEMBERS (Aliens included) assembled on the Rec Deck.
                  The Recreation Deck is one of the largest areas on
                  the ship, several deck levels high, a part of one
                  wall consisting of picture windows, through which can
                  be seen sections of the drydock structure outside.
                  On another wall is a large viewer, on which was just
                  shown the Klingon transmission. Leading off and away
                  from this deck area are what are obviously other
                  specific recreation areas -- gymnasiums, food centers,
                  game rooms, lounges, etc.
             88   ANOTHER ANGLE OF THE RED DECK - HIGHER LEVEL                88
                  as the Crew Members chat in low, grim tones -- Kirk
                  (now with Captain's stripes) appears. As he comes
                  into view, the two hundred or so crew below go silent.
                  Kirk grimly indicates the now blank viewer:
                                          KIRK
                            That's all we know about it;
                            except that it's now 2.2 days
                            from Earth. Enterprise is the
                            only Federation starship that
                            stands in its way.
             89   ANOTHER ANGLE - CREW REACTIONS                              89
                  as the CAMERA FINDS various faces: human, alien; most
                  young, all intelligent, forthright -- anxious. Kirk
                  has paused a moment, now continues.
                                          KIRK (O.S.)
                            We assume there is a vessel of
                            some type at the heart of the
                            cloud. Our orders are to intercept,
                            investigate; and take whatever action
                            is necessary... and possible.
                                    (beat)
                            ...We can only hope that the
                            life form aboard that vessel
                            reasons as we do.
             90   ANGLE ON UHURA                                              90
                  standing near an intercom, which just then has emitted
                  a bosun's WHISTLE intercom signal.
                                          BRIDGE VOICE
                                    (from intercom)
                            Bridge to Captain. Priority
                            signal from Epsilon Nine --
                  Kirk leans over to the intercom, speaks into it:
                                          KIRK
                            Put it on the viewer here...!
             91   ON THE REC DECK VIEWER (O)                                  91
                  as all eyes turn to the viewer which fades into a view
                  of Commander Branch, in the Epsilon 9 monitor room.
                  Branch is tense, reflecting extreme urgency. Near
                  Branch, working intently at the console are the Female
                  Lieutenant and a Technician.
                                          BRANCH
                                    (from the viewer;
                                     checking console
                                     readings)
                            Enterprise... the Cloud is
                            definitely a powerfield of some
                            kind... Measures... My God!
                            Over 82 A.U.'s in diameter...
                            Must be something incredible
                            inside there generating it.
                                    (looks up from
                                     console)
                            We're transmitting linguacode
                            friendship messages on all
                            frequencies. No response.
                                          TECHNICIAN
                            I have a null reading at the 
                            center of the 'cloud,' sir.
                                          LIEUTENANT
                            Definitely something inside..
                            there but all scans are being
                            reflected back.
                                    (studies readings)
                            Receiving an odd pattern now..
                                    (toward Branch)
                            They seem to be reacting to
                            our scans, sir.
                                          BRANCH
                                    (inspecting another
                                     console)
                             Some kind of energy surge...
                                    (looking up)
                             Enterprise... they could be
                             mistaking our scans as a
                             hostile act...
                                    (reacts at readings)
                             Deflectors, emergency full!
                  Branch hits an alarm button; we HEAR ALARM KLAXON
                  SOUNDING. The viewer IMAGE DISTORTS, clears again
                  while Branch -- facing his viewer, continues urgently:
                                          BRANCH
                                    (continuing)
                            We are under attack...!
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Uhura)
                            External view...!
             92   ON THE VIEWER - EXT. THE DESTRUCTION OF EPSILON 9 (O)       92
                  as the image of Branch is immediately replaced by an
                  external view of the plantoid, and the LUMINESCENT
                  CLOUD (at about the same distance from which the
                  Klingon cruisers were attacked).
                  Then it STRIKES the plantoid WITH FULL, CATACLYSMIC                
                  FORCE. The viewer IMAGE BREAKS UP -- and immediately
                  the entire Starfleet base becomes a maelstrom of FLAR-
                  ING ENERGY, shattered structure, flying debris. And
                  then, all at once, there is nothing -- empty space,
                  Epsilon 9 is gone. We SEE only the stars; and the
                  mysterious LUMINESCENT CLOUD moving across the distant
                  sky.
                  (NOTE: The above is entirely SILENT, and when it is
                  finished, not a word is spoken.)
                                          KIRK (O.S.)
                            Viewer off.
             93   ANOTHER ANGLE - KIRK                                        93
                  as the viewer goes blank, all still facing the screen.
                  Then Kirk turns to the room as if to comment. Then he
                  stops -- nothing he can say will add at all to what
                  they've just seen. Instead:
                                          KIRK
                            Pre-launch countdown will
                            commence in forty minutes.
             94   ANOTHER ANGLE - CREW                                        94
                  The scene they have just witnessed still vivid in their
                  minds as they gaze somberly up toward Kirk who is exit-
                  ing. The bridge crew follows him out. Not a word is 
                  said as the remainder of the crew waits another moment,
                  then begins to disperse toward their duty stations too.
             95   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE IN DRYDOCK (S)                          95
                  Spectacular ORBIT VIEW of the giant starship in the
                  process of release. BEYOND US, in half light, EARTH
                  LOOMS HUGE. The dock welders are gone; the supply pods
                  float away from the ship. Little tongues of blue flame
                  spurt from the ship's maneuvering jets.
             96   CLOSER - ON ENTERPRISE (S)                                  96
                  as the large dock umbilical is released, floats free of
                  its starship attachment. Dock departure is imminent.
             97   INT. BRIDGE                                                 97
                  Kirk in the center seat, intently studying the Naviga-
                  tion console in front of him (at the Navigator's
                  station, which is unoccupied.) Other bridge personnel
                  are busy with their pre-launch duties.
                                          UHURA
                            Transporters Room and Chief
                            Engineer Scott report trans-
                            porter system fully repaired 
                            and now functioning normally, 
                            sir.
                                          SULU
                            Dock signals clear, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                            Rely we are holding position
                            awaiting final crew replacements.
                                          UHURA
                            Captain, Transporter Personnel
                            reports the Navigator...
                                    (consults console)
                            ... Lieutenant Junior Grade Ilia
                            (Eye-lee-ah) is already aboard,
                            and en route to the bridge.
             98   ANGLE ON DECKER - AT THE SCIENCE STATION                    98
                  as Decker (now wearing Commander stripes) reacts,
                  almost startled, and Uhura continues:
                                          UHURA
                            She's a Deltan.
                  Uhura's tone and expression convey "Deltan" in a
                  certain, special manner.
                                          KIRK
                                   (reprovingly)
                            And there are no finer navigators
                            in Starfleet, Commander.
                  The last is interrupted by:
            98A   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                98A
                  as they snap open, and there emerges a breathtakingly
                  beautiful young woman (uniformed as a Navigator Lieu-
                  tenant) who strides purposefully onto the bridge. A
                  stunning figure, but hairless, entirely bald but or
                  delicate eyebrows and eyelashes. Her bald head is not 
                  at all unattractive, in fact exudes an aura of sensual
                  nudity. Indeed, her whole being exudes sensuality.
                  (This is a racial characteristic, not a deliberate
                  presence.) She approaches Kirk
                  (NOTE: Throughout this sequence, Sulu eyes ILIA with
                  unrestrained admiration.)
                                          ILIA
                            Lieutenant Ilia reporting for
                            duty, sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (formally; rising)
                            Welcome aboard, Lieutenant.
             99   ACROSS ILIA TO DECKER                                       99
                  as Ilia starts to speak, suddenly stops: she has just
                  then noticed Decker, who has stepped from his station
                  to face her. For an electronic moment their eyes meet,
                  hold in unquestioned recognition.
                                          DECKER
                            Hello, Ilia.
                                          ILIA
                                   (surprised)
                            Decker....!
                  Kirk has observed this with surprise and some concern
                  (it presages possible complications). Decker turns to
                  Kirk, slightly uncomfortable at this.
                                      
                                          DECKER
                            I was stationed on the Lieutenant's
                            home planet some years ago...
                  Ilia looks from Kirk back to Decker, puzzled at his
                  sleeve stripes.
                                          ILIA
                                    (eyes his rank
                                     stripes)
                            'Commander' Decker?
                                          KIRK
                            Our Exec and Science Officer...
                                          DECKER
                                    (bitingly)
                            Captain Kirk has the utmost
                            confidence in me.
                  Kirk flashes a hard glance at Decker, then toward
                  Ilia too.
                                          KIRK
                                    (pointedly)
                            And in you, too, Lieutenant.
                                          ILIA
                            My oath of celibacy is on record
                            Captain. May I assume my duties?
                  While respectful, her tone of voice has been just as
                  firm as Kirk's.
                                          KIRK
                            By all means.
            100   ACROSS KIRK TO UHURA                                       100
                  receiving a message, now relaying it.
                                          UHURA
                            Captain, Starfleet reports our
                            last six crew members ready to
                            beam up...
                                    (puzzled)
                            ... but one of them is refusing
                            to step into the transporter.
                  Just as Kirk a moment before was tense, now suddenly
                  he's relaxed again; he rises.
                                          KIRK
                                    (pleased)
                            Oh? I'll see that he beams up...!
                  And he hurries from the bridge, onto the elevator, is
                  gone. A moment of puzzled silence, then:
                  
                                          DECKER
                            Mr. Sulu, take Lieutenant Ilia
                            in hand.
                                          SULU
                                    (startled)
                            Sir...?
                                   (then understands)
                            Yes, of course...
                                    (to Ilia)
                            Your pre-programming is already
                            set in, Lieutenant.
                  Sulu has almost tripped getting out of his chair. He
                  starts offering Ilia his hand, then thinks better of
                  it, withdraws it abruptly, immediately busies himself
                  punching out equations on her console... AD LIBS,
                  "It's all on the computer. You'll have no problem..."
                  Sulu is nervous, fluttery around this lovely creature --
                  now hits a wrong switch. Produces a BEEPING SOUND which
                  he fumbles to shut off. She smiles; speaks quietly,
                  repeats:
                                          ILIA
                            I'm sworn to celibacy, Mister
                            Sulu. That makes me as safe
                            as any human female.
                  Sulu catches her eye but before he can reply, Decker has
                  moved in beside Ilia.
                                          DECKER
                            I now the Captain meant no person-
                            al insult.
                                          ILIA
                                    (eyes on console)
                            I would never take advantage of
                            a sexually immature species.
                                    (looks at him)
                            You can assure him that's true,
                            can't you?
                  Clearly, the remark carries special, personal
                  significance.
           101    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM                                      101
             -                                                                 -
           102                                                               102
                  Kirk entering as Rand and her assistant electronically
                  list the last of the five arrivals who are leaving the
                  Transporter Chamber. Kirk calls through intercom to
                  the last arrival, a young female Yeoman.
                                          KIRK
                            Yeoman, what was the problem
                            down there?
                                          YEOMAN
                                    (through intercom)
                            He insisted we go first, sir.
                            Said something about first seeing
                            how it scrambled our molecules.
                                          KIRK
                            Thank you, Yeoman
                                    (hits transmit control)
                            Starfleet , this is Captain Kirk.
                            The officer is to be beamed up
                            immediately!
            103   ANGLE ON THE CHAMBER (O)                                   103
                  A moment, then again the GENERATING HUMMING, and then
                  the familiar BEAMING EFFECT. And then you SEE McCOY!
                  He fully MATERIALIZES. He looks himself over as if in
                  pleased surprise he is still in one piece. CAMERA PANS
                  McCoy from the Transporter Chamber to Kirk who is hav-
                  ing a hard time containing his amusement and delight.
                                          KIRK
                            Well, for a man who swore he'd
                            never return to Starfleet...
                                          McCOY
                                    (flat, tight)
                            What happened, Captain, sir, was
                            that your revered Admiral Nogura
                            invoked a little known -- and
                            seldom used -- reserve activation
                            clause...
                                    (snaps)
                            ... in simpler language, Captain,
                            sir, they drafted me!
                                          KIRK
                                    (straight-faced)
                            They didn't...!
                  Kirk has offered his hand, but McCoy is already flaring:
                                          McCOY
                            This was your idea! It was
                            your idea, wasn't it!
                                          KIRK
                            Bones, there's a 'thing' out
                            there --
                                          McCOY
                            -- Why is any object we don't
                            understand called a 'thing'?
                                          KIRK
                                    (continues)
                            -- headed this way. I need you...
                                
                                          McCOY
                            Were you behind this?
                                          KIRK
                                    (nods)
                            Bones, I need you badly.
                  Kirk extends his hand again; McCoy delays some moments
                  -- then finally responds. And once done, it is the long
                  hand clasp of two old friends reunited despite their
                  differences. Now McCoy turns to Rand.
                                          McCOY
                            Permission to come aboard, sir?
                                          RAND
                                    (elated)
                            Permission granted, sir!
                  And McCoy moves toward the door, grumbling:
                                          McCOY
                            I hear Chapel's an MD now; I
                            need a top nurse, not a doctor
                            who'll argue every diagnosis...
                            And --
                  Even when he's in the corridor his grumbling trails
                  after him.
                                          McCOY
                                    (continuing)
                            ... they've probably redesigned
                            sickbay, too. Engineers love to
                            change things.
            104   FULL ON KIRK                                               104
                  as he gazes fondly after the grumbling McCoy, and now
                  turns to the intercom, flips it on:
                                          KIRK
                            All decks, this is the Captain.
                            Prepare or immediate departure.
           105    INT. ENTERPRISE - MONTAGE  DEPARTURE SCENES                105
             -                                                                 -
           108                                                               108
                  Bulkheads closing, feed lines disengaging, main
                  ENGINES HUM into life, crew personnel hurrying to
                  launch stations. SHOTS of cargo deck, down to
                  Engineering Section slamming shut. Drydock area
                  clearing, work lights go out, warning lights go on.
            109   INT. BRIDGE                                                109
                  All flight positions manned, ready.
                                          UHURA
                            Dock control reports ready, sir.
                                          SULU
                            Helm ready, sir.
                                          ILIA
                            Orbital departure on plot, sir.
                                          UHURA
                            Yard command signaling clear,
                            sir.
                                          KIRK
                            Maneuvering thrusters, Mister
                            Sulu.
                                          SULU
                            Maneuvering thrusters, sir.
                                          KIRK
                            Hold station.
                                          SULU
                                    (working controls)
                            Thrusters at station-keeping, sir.
            110   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - ENTERPRISE AND DRYDOCK (S)              110
                  The starship within the drydock, but now the maneuver-
                  ing -- thrusters spurt pinpoints of BLUE-LAME. The
                  drydock is ready for the starship's departure -- not
                  a single pod or shuttlecraft in sight. The starship
                  looms majestically within the lacework girders.
            111   OMITTED                                                    111
            112   INT. BRIDGE                                                112
                  as Kirk hesitates just an instant, seems to hold his
                  breath. Then:
                                          KIRK
                            Thrusters ahead, Mister Sulu. 
                            Take us out.
            113   EXT. EARTH ORBIT                                           113
                  The maneuvering -- thrusters spurt more BLUE FLAME.
                  The Enterprise begins moving, DOMINATING SCREEN as
                  it moves majestically from the drydock.
                  THEME MUSIC IN AND UP.
           114    CLOSER ANGLES - ENTERPRISE (S)                             114
             -                                                                 -
           117                                                               117
                  emphasizing fine detail reality of both drydock and
                  starship as saucer section emerges. Tiny space-
                  suited human figures watch the departing ship.
                  CAMERA HOLDS ON STARSHIP until completely clear
                  of the orbital dock.
           117A   INT. ENGINEERING SECTION                                  117A
                  Here in Engineering Section, the ENGINE THROBBING
                  SLOWLY BUILDS to a THUNDERING SOUND. A glow from
                  the central unit indicates anti-matter intermix
                  underway. The Engineering Section shudders as the
                  great engines draw more and more power.
                                          SCOTT
                            Intermix set, Bridge, impulse
                            power at your discretion.
            118   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING KIRK                                118
                  as he hesitates just an instant. This is the moment
                  he's awaited, and to him it is equally as sensuous
                  and gratifying as making love -- which, perhaps, he
                  is -- to his mistress: The Enterprise.
                                          KIRK
                                    (after a moment)
                            Impulse power, Mr Sulu.
                            Ahead Warp point-five.
            119   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE (S)                                    119
                  The maneuvering jets turn off, the impulse drive glows.
                  The Enterprise begins moving perceptibly faster --
                  behind her, the drydock diminishing rapidly in size.
                                          KIRK
                            Departure angle on viewer.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Departure angle.
                  We SEE viewer IMAGE SWITCH to a departing view of
                  lovely bluish, cloud-laced image of Earth as it grows
                  smaller, smaller, dwindling quickly as the starship
                  gathers speed.
                                          KIRK
                            Viewer ahead.
                  And viewer IMAGE SWITCHED to show the star patterned
                  space ahead.
            120   EXT. SPACE - SATURN                                        120
                  with its colorful rings and multiple moons FILLING a 
                  major portion of the FRAME.
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                            Captain's Log, stardate 7412.6.
                            2.7 hours from launch...
            121   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER                          121
                  All hands tense with the excitement of the journey,
                  on the viewer Saturn -- and its rings -- are falling
                  away (BEHIND US). OVER this:
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                                    (concerned)
                            ... in order to intercept the
                            Intruder at the earliest possible
                            time, we must now risk engaging
                            Warp drive while still within the
                            solar system...
                  End of log.
            122   ANGLE ON DECKER - SCIENCE STATION                          122
                  punching in equations on his console, reaching a
                  reading:
                                          DECKER
                            Captain, assuming we have full
                            Warp capability, accelerating to
                            Warp Seven on leaving solar system
                            will bring us to IP with the
                            Intruder in twenty point one hours.
           122A   INCLUDE ILIA                                              122A
                  Checking her console.
                                          ILIA
                            Science Officer's computations
                            confirmed, sir.
                  And Decker and Ilia glance at each other -- and again,
                  you know there is something more than casual in this.
            123   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                123
                  as they open, and McCoy appears, walks over to Kirk
                  who swings his chair around to face him. McCoy is
                  his usual dour self.
                                          KIRK
                            Well, Bones, do the new medical
                            facilities meet with your
                            approval?
                                          McCOY
                            They do not. It's like working
                            in a damned computer center.
                                          KIRK
                                    (turning to Decker)
                            Programming ready?
                                          DECKER
                            Program set for standard Warp
                            entry, Captain...
                  Kirk starts to swing his chair to normal position --
                  Decker calls:
                                          DECKER
                                    (continuing)
                            ... but I still recommend
                            further simulation study.
                                          KIRK
                            Mister Decker; every minute
                            brings that object nearer Earth!
                                    (using intercom)
                            Engineering! Stand by for
                            Warp Drive.
                  McCoy is watching Kirk, a bit surprised at his abrupt-
                  ness to Decker.
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                                    (worried)
                            Captain, we need further Warp
                            simulation on the flow sensors...
                                          KIRK
                            Engineer, we need Warp speed now!
                                          McCOY
                                    (very gently)
                            You're pushing Jim. Your people
                            know their jobs.
                  Kirk flashes McCoy a glance of annoyance -- then back
                  to using intercom:
            124   INT. ENGINEERING                                           124
                  The main intermix chambers GLOWING with power; the LOW
                  RUMBLE of the main engines coming to life.
                  The CAMERA FINDS Scott in the chamber:
                                          SCOTT
                                    (into intercom)
                            Hold one minute, please, Captain --
                  He steps to his console where an ASST. ENGINEER is
                  working a computer, studying the readouts, punching
                  buttons, etc. Scott stands over him, grimly observ-
                  ing. Finally, the Asst. simply shrugs with frustration.
                                          ASST.
                            That's it, sir; I can't do any
                            better.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (grim)
                            Aye, lad...
                                    (into intercom)
                            It's borderline on the simulator,
                            Captain: I canna guarantee that
                            she'll...
            125   INT. BRIDGE                                                125
                  as Kirk, annoyed, interrupts Scott on the intercom.
                                          KIRK
                            Warp Drive, Mr Scott.
                  McCoy still watches curiously as Kirk turns to the
                  helm:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Ahead Warp One, Mr Sulu.
                                          SULU
                            Accelerating to Warp One, sir.
                  Sulu moves his controls forward -- everyone waits
                  tensely -- and then we HEAR THE INCREASING THROB OF
                  THE ACCELERATING ENGINES.
                                          SULU
                                    (continuing)
                            Warp point seven... point eight
                            ... nine...
            126   EXT. SPACE  THE ENTERPRISE - AFT AND AHEAD (S)             126
                  We SEE the WARP POWER EFFECT build up between the en-
                  gine "nacelles" -- then the starship makes the QUANTUM
                  LEAP into warp drive. The stars ahead shift, streak,
                  colors pulsating and changing as the shift exceeds the
                  wave lengths of the light spectrum -- and the stars
                  congeal into a MASS ahead.
            127   INT. BRIDGE - PAST KIRK TO THE VIEWER (O)                  127
                  as the viewer shows the same WARP DRIVE EFFECT. or
                  another moment all remain tense, and then all at once
                  relax, release their breaths. Smiles.
                                          SULU
                            Warp One, sir.
                  Kirk smiles, pleased, starts swinging his chair around,
                  at the same time calling:
         
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Decker --
                  Kirk never finishes the word. At that instant, on the
                  viewer, a WORMHOLE DISTORTION: a sudden SPIRALING OF
                  STARS AND FLUID LIGHT narrowing into a VORTEX into
                  which the Enterprise hurtles. A space trap, a deadly
                  pandemonium of ALARM KLAXONS, BELLS, VOICES:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Wormhole!... Get us back on
                            impulse power! Full reverse!
            128   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                            128
                  Enterprise has been caught in a matter-time distortion,
                  sucked into a cylindrical "hole in space" (the Worm-
                  hole distortion), stars and planets become strange,
                  elongated shapes, with the Enterprise drawn deeper
                  and deeper into the vortex.
            129   INT. BRIDGE                                                129
                  The KLAXONS and BELLS CONTINUE, and the crew responding:
                                          SULU
                            Negative helm control, Captain!
                            Going reverse on impulse power...!
                                          UHURA
                            Subspace frequencies are jammed
                            by Wormhole effect!
                                          COMPUTER VOICE
                                    (terse, flat)
                            Collision alert...!
                            Collision alert...!
                  (Note: Computer alert continues through entire scene.)
                                          DECKER
                                    (consulting his viewer)
                            Negative control from inertial
                            lag will continue 22 point five
                            seconds before forward velocity
                            slows to sub-light speed.
                                          ILIA
                            Unidentified small object has
                            been pulled into the wormhole
                            with us, Captain! Directly 
                            ahead...!
                                          KIRK
                            Forcefields up full! Put object 
                            on viewer...!
            130   ANGLE ON THE MAIN VIEWER (O)                               130
                  showing (a magnification view) of a tiny point of light
                  directly ahead. Meanwhile, Kirk shouts an AD LIBBED
                  order to Sulu: "Go to Manual override!" Sulu AD LIBS,
                  "No manual response...!" (Through all this, McCoy
                  stands frozen, waiting -- and expecting -- the worse.)
                  Meanwhile, Ilia has reached over to Sulu's console,
                  hits a button, AD LIBBING, "Navigational deflectors
                  coming up...!" And then with alarmed dismay:
                                          ILIA
                            Navigational deflectors 
                            inoperative...!
                                    (consulting her 
                                     console, alarmed)
                            Directional control also 
                            inoperative, Captain...!
                                          DECKER
                            Wormhole distortion has over-
                            loaded main power systems...!
            131   CLOSE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                                   131
                  The picture is switched through two further levels of
                  magnification, enlarging the object: an elongated,
                  distorted, pitted asteroid, tumbling toward the Enter-
                  prise on a collision course.
                                          KIRK
                                    (toward Ilia)
                            Time to impact...?
                                          ILIA
                            Twelve seconds...!
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Chekov, stand by on the
                            phasers...!
                                          DECKER
                                    (racing to Chekov's
                                     station)
                            Delay that phaser order! Arm
                            photon torpedoes...!
            133   ANOTHER ANGLE - McCOY NOTICING KIRK                        133
                  who has just glanced, surprised at Decker (for counter-
                  manding the phaser order) -- and for a split instant,
                  Kirk seems confused. McCoy reacts with enlightenment
                  as, meanwhile:
            134   ANOTHER ANGLE - THE VIEWER (O)                             134
                  The object even larger.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Photon torpedoes armed...!
                                          ILIA
                            Object is an asteroid, reading
                            mass point seven...
                                   (consulting instruments)
                            Impact in eight seconds...
                            seven... six... five...
                                          DECKER
                            Fire torpedoes...!
                                          CHEKOV
                                    (punching button)
                            Torpedoes away...!
            135   EXT. SPACE - PAST THE ENTERPRISE AND THE ASTEROID (S)      135
                  as the starship's photon torpedo tubes EJECT GLOWING
                  BALLS OF LIGHT ENERGY, which seems to float toward the
                  oncoming asteroid, almost too slowly. And in these
                  brief seconds, the asteroid hurtles at the Enterprise,
                  the huge pitted rock growing even larger than the ship
                  itself. It FILLS THE SCREEN, as the photon torpedoes
                  hit, disintegrating the asteroid into thousands of
                  fragments. Instantly, these fragments pulverize them-
                  selves on the ship's forward forcefield and deflector
                  screens. The smaller pieces burn up on impact, clearly
                  outlining the ship's forcefield barriers.
            136   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                    136
                  The asteroid fragments still smashing into the force
                  field screen; the smaller bits like SPARKLERS as im-
                  pact heat consumes them. The larger sections bouncing 
                  away, the bridge QUIVERING as they hit.
                  Then one final gigantic fragment strikes, the bridge
                  SHUDDERS. And then the viewer shows only the normal
                  SUB-WARP EFFECT: The stars ahead, relatively station-
                  ary; a feeling of motion, but smooth, visually normal.
                                          CHEKOV
                                    (relieved)
                            We're out of it...!
                                          DECKER
                            We are at warp point eight.
                            Position report, Navigator..?
                                          SULU
                            Helm control restored, sir.
                                          ILIA
                            Computing new interception
                            course.
                                          UHURA
                            Communications are normal,
                            Captain.
                                          CHEKOV
                                    (to Kirk)
                            Negative damage report, sir.
                                    (to McCoy)
                            No casualties reported, sir.
                                          McCOY
                                    (tight)
                            Wrong, Mr. Chekov, there are
                            casualties. My wits!
                                    (to Kirk, indignant)
                            As in 'frightened-out-of'...!
                                          DECKER
                                   (into intercom)
                            Engineer... report status there.
            137   INT. ENGINEERING                                           137
                  with Scott and his crew pouring over the instruments --
                  all seem very grim. Scott, quite preoccupied, now
                  speaks into the intercom.
                                          SCOTT
                            In just a second, Exec; we're 
                            picking up the pieces down here.
            138   INT. BRIDGE                                                138
                  Kirk seeming to collect his thoughts now -- he gives
                  Decker a look, uses the intercom himself:
                                          KIRK
                            Warp Drive as soon as possible, 
                            Mr. Scott.
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                                    (protesting)
                            Captain, it was our anti-matter
                            imbalance that created the 
                            wormhole in the first place. It 
                            will happen again if we don't 
                            correct it.
                                          KIRK
                            That object out there is less
                            than two days from Earth, Mister 
                            Scott. We've got to intercept 
                            while it still is out there!
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                                    (near annoyed)
                            Aye, we understand that sir!
                            We're doing our best.
                  as Kirk flips off the intercom, rises determinedly,
                  faces Decker:
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Decker, I'd like to see you
                            in my quarters.
                                    (toward helm)
                            You have the conn, Mr. Sulu.
                                          McCOY
                                    (to Kirk)
                            Mind if I tag along?
                  Kirk gives McCoy an annoyed look, then strides to the
                  elevator. Decker, grim, follows -- McCoy brings up
                  the rear as they EXIT.
            139   ANGLE FAVORING ILIA                                        139
                  gazing worriedly at the just-closed elevator doors,
                  as Sulu is punching figures into his console.
                                          SULU
                            Maintaining warp point 
                            eight; I show our new heading 
                            as 287 point three Mark 105.
                  Ilia's attention is directed toward Decker.
                                          SULU
                                    (continuing; gently
                                     reminding)
                            Lieutenant Ilia...?
                                          ILIA
                                    (a beat; then 
                                     quickly)
                            Confirmed, Mr. Sulu. Confirmed.
                  And she punches in some equations, then again peers
                  up at the doors where she last saw Decker. She is
                  very concerned.
            140   INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS                                       140
                  The doors opening, Kirk entering, McCoy moves to b.g.
                  while Decker stands attentively, waiting as Kirk
                  turns to him.
                                          KIRK
                            Explanation, Mr. Decker: Why was
                            my phaser order countermanded?
                                          DECKER
                                   (cool, polite)
                            Sir, the Enterprise redesign
                            increases phaser power by
                            channeling it through the main
                            engines. When they went into
                            anti-matter imbalance, the
                            phasers were automatically cut
                            off.
                  Kirk is surprised by this information, perhaps slight-
                  ly chagrined. After a beat:
                                          KIRK
                            Then you acted properly, of course.
                                          DECKER
                            Thank you, sir. I'm sorry I embar-
                            rassed you.
                                          KIRK
                            You saved the ship.
                                          DECKER
                                    (coolly)
                            I'm aware of that, sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (flaring)
                            Stop competing with me, Decker!
                                          DECKER
                            Permission to speak freely, sir?
                                          KIRK
                                    (tight)
                            Granted.
                                          DECKER
                            Sir, you haven't logged a single
                            star hour in two and a half years.
                            That, plus your unfamiliarity
                            with the ship's design -- in my
                            opinion, sir, seriously jeopardizes 
                            our mission.                          
                  Kirk reacts with anger. Struggles for and regains
                  control.
                                          KIRK
                            I trust you will... nursemaid me
                            through these difficulties, Mister?
                                          DECKER
                            Yes, sir, I'll do that.
                  Kirk peers at Decker, who stands facing him 
                  determinedly.
                                          KIRK
                            Then I won't keep you from your
                            duties any longer, Commander.
                                    (whirling at McCoy)
                            Yes, Doctor?
                  Kirk's last line has drowned out Decker's "Aye, sir."
                  McCoy says nothing, waits until Decker is gone and the
                  door closes behind him. Then:
                                          McCOY
                            He may not be wrong, Jim.
            141   OMITTED                                                    141      
              -                                                                -
            142                                                              142


            143   INT. CORRIDOR                                              143
                  Decker moving toward an elevator -- the elevator doors
                  open, and there is Ilia. She steps out, faces him.
                                          ILIA
                            Was he difficult?
                                          DECKER
                            No more than I expected
                                    (hesitates)
                            Not as difficult as this. I'm
                            sorry...
                                          ILIA
                            That you left? or that you didn't
                            say 'goodbye'?
                                          DECKER
                            If I'd seen you again, would you
                            have been able to say it?
                                          ILIA
                                    (long hesitation;
                                     then shakes head)
                            No.
                  Ilia whirls, moves toward her stateroom door, which
                  snaps open, then closes behind her. Decker stands
                  gazing at the door, remembering, regretful.
            144   OMITTED                                                    144
           144A   INT. KIRK'S CABIN - KIRK AND McCOY                        144A
                                          KIRK
                            Get out of here, Bones.
                                          McCOY
                                    (shakes head)
                            As ship's doctor, I am now
                            discussing the subject of
                            command fitness.
                  Kirk's expression hardens.
                                          KIRK
                            Make your point, Doctor.
                                          McCOY
                            The point, Captain, is that it's
                            you who's competing...
                                    (a beat, as Kirk reacts)
                            You pulled every string in the
                            book short of blackmail to get
                            the Enterprise -- maybe even
                            that. And when this mission is
                            over, you have no intention of
                            giving her back.
                                          KIRK
                                    (tight)
                            I intend to keep her, is that
                            what you're saying, Doctor?
                                          McCOY
                            It's an obsession -- that can
                            blind you so far more immediate
                            -- and critical responsibilities.
                            Your reaction to Decker is an
                            example.
                  Kirk studies him a beat; has McCoy touched a nerve?
                  Something Kirk himself might have been unaware of?
                  Kirk starts speaking, but is interrupted by:
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Bridge to Captain.
           144B   ANGLE TO INCLUDE CABIN VIEWER                             144B
                  as Kirk turns to it.
                                          KIRK
                            Viewer on.
                  At his VOICE COMMAND, the viewer comes on with AN IMAGE
                  of Uhura at her console.
                                          UHURA FROM VIEWER
                            Signal from a Federation-registered
                            long-range shuttle, sir. She
                            wishes to come alongside, and
                            lock on.
                                          KIRK
                            For what purpose?
                  On the viewer, Chekov's IMAGE replaces Uhura.
                                          CHEKOV
                            It is a courier, Captain. Grade
                            One priority. Non-belligerency
                            confirmed.
                                          KIRK
                            Very well, Mr. Chekov, see to it.
                            Viewer off.
                  Viewer IMAGE FADES. Kirk turns back to McCoy whose
                  question of Kirk's fitness still hangs there between
                  them. Eye to eye - then, finally:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Your... opinion has been noted,
                            Doctor.
                                    (beat)
                            Is there anything further?
                                          McCOY
                            I hope not.
                  Kirk nods, exits. McCoy watches him go, hoping his
                  point has gotten through.
            145   OMITTED                                                    145
            146   EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE (S)                               146
                  traveling at a rapid speed; it carries warp-capacity
                  nacelles which dwarf the smaller  to 10 position
                  shuttle fuselage. The CAMERA HOLD ON THE SHUTTLE
                  as it overtakes the Enterprise, the ENTERPRISE COM-
                  ING INTO VIEW, and the shuttle slowing and beginning
                  to move between the starship's giant nacelles.
            147   EXT. SPACE - THROUGH WINDOW IN OFFICERS' LOUNGE -          147
                  THE ENTERPRISE AND THE SHUTTLE (S)
                  About the size of a fighter airplane floating in over
                  the vastness of an aircraft carrier. The shuttle
                  slows further, hovering now. Then its fuselage pod
                  detaches from the warp drive nacelles -- the pod
                  moving slowly but precisely toward the starship's
                  command airlock.
            148   INT. POD HATCH ENTRY AREA                                  148
                  as we HEAR the CLANK and WHOOSH of the AIRLOCK MECHAN-
                  ISM. Chekov is standing by  with a security man.
                  A moment later the hatch slips open - TO REVEAL
                  Spock. A proud Spock, impassively Vulcan, almost
                  contemptuously aloof. His hair is now trimmed in
                  neat Vulcan style; he wears Vulcan attire simple,
                  civilian, utilitarian.)
                                          SPOCK
                            Permission to come aboard, sir?
                                          CHEKOV
                            Granted, sir! Granted!
                  Spock is already moving out of the pod entry area, im-
                  passive, no greeting on his lips; no friendship in his
                  expression.
            149   EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE LEAVING                           149
                  pulling away from Enterprise.
            150   INT. BRIDGE                                                150
                  The elevator doors open, and there is Spock. It takes
                  everyone a moment to believe their eyes. Then, the
                  Bridge crew AD LIB their surprise and pleasure.
                                          KIRK
                            Spock...! Spock, where...how...?
                  Kirk, smiling, is moving toward Spock with hand out-
                  stretched. But Spock has already turned and moved
                  toward the science console where Decker sits.
                                          SPOCK
                            Commander, if I may...?
            150A  AT SCIENCE CONSOLE                                        150A
                  It takes Decker a moment to realize that Spock wants
                  to take over the console. He begins getting to his
                  feet, throwing Kirk a look. But Kirk's attention is
                  totally on SPOCK. And Spock is already intent on com-
                  putations he is beginning to punch into the science
                  console computer.
                                          SPOCK
                            I have been monitoring your
                            Starfleet transmissions, Captain,
                            your engine design difficulties.
                  Spock continues to punch information into the science
                  computer -- a monitor screen IMAGE begins to show com-
                  plex equations which Spock inspects -- he makes a
                  further computer punch out and inspects a second  monitor 
                  IMAGE of other equations. Only then does Spock seem to
                  become aware of Kirk and Decker standing there with
                  questioning expressions.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            I offer my services as Science
                            Officer.
                  Kirk starts to grin -- then remembers to wipe it off
                  his face as he turns to Decker.
                                          KIRK
                            If our Executive Officer has no
                            objections...?
                                          DECKER
                                    (interrupting)
                            Of course not. I'm aware of
                            Mister Spock's qualifications.
                                          KIRK
                                    (grinning openly now;
                                     turns, calls)
                            Mister Chekov, log Mister Spock's
                            Starfleet commission reactivated;
                            list him as Science Officer; both
                            effective immediately.
           151   ANGLE TO INCLUDE ELEVATOR DOORS                             151
                  as they SNAP open -- McCoy and Chapel appear. Chapel
                  sees Spock at the science console -- she moves in
                  quickly, overjoyed. Even McCoy seems pleased.
                                          CHAPEL
                            Mr. Spock...!!!
                                          McCOY
                            So help me, I'm actually
                            pleased to see you.
                  But as Chapel crosses to Spock, her pleased smile
                  brightening her whole face, Spock turns, dismisses her
                  presence with a cold disinterested glance -- Chapel
                  stops, stands dumbfounded. Spock gives McCoy a similar
                  glance - turns back to his console readings as:
                                          UHURA
                            That's how we all feel, Mister...
                  The same cold glance causes Uhura to stop in mid-
                  sentence. Several grins directed toward Spock are now
                  fading from bridge crew faces. Spock has turned back
                  again for a last quick reading at the console and now
                  stands -- totally ignoring everyone else as he speaks
                  coolly, unemotionally to Kirk:
         
                                          SPOCK
                            With your permission, I will now
                            discuss these fuel equations with
                            the Engineer.
                  Kirk manages a nod, a bit dumbfounded himself at Spock's
                  strange manner. Spock heads for the elevator -- puz-
                  zled expressions from the entire bridge crew. Then
                  Kirk calls after him, very sincerely:
                                          KIRK
                            Mister Spock, welcome aboard!
                  Spock continues onto the elevator without any acknow-
                  ledgment, leaves. Kirk glances, perplexed, at McCoy.
                  McCoy, equally perplexed, shrugs.
                                          McCOY
                            Never look a gift Vulcan in the
                            ears, Jim.
            152   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                            152
                  traveling past the stars, sub-warp. OVER this:
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                                    (buoyant)
                            Captain's Log. Stardate 7413.4.
                            Thanks to Mr. Spock's timely
                            arrival - and assistance...
            153   INT. ENGINEERING - SPOCK AND SCOTT                         153
                  
                  Scott making an intermix chamber reading with a hand-
                  held timer-temperature device which emits SIGNALS while
                  Spock now in regulation uniform and hair trim, makes
                  adjustments in the circuitry of a panel complex. Dur-
                  ing the following, they will react as if they've solved
                  the engine problem.
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                                    (continues)
                            ... we have the engines rebalanced
                            into full warp capacity. Repair
                            time less than three hours...
            154   INT. BRIDGE - ALL BRIDGE CREW EXCEPT SPOCK                 154
                  Sulu at the helm, accelerating; just a touch of tense-
                  ness in crew as they move toward the speed which
                  earlier threw them into the "wormhole" effect.
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                                    (continues)
                            ... which means we will now be
                            able to intercept Intruder while
                            still more than a day from Earth.
            155   ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                            155
                  Stars accelerating as Sulu calls off:


                                          SULU
                            Warp point eight... point nine...
                  The viewer shows the QUANTUM LEAP into warp drive. The
                  stars ahead shift, streak and congeal into WARP EFFECT
                  MASS.
                                          SULU
                                    (continuing)
                            Warp one, sir.
                  The others wait, then show relief as:
                                          SULU
                                    (continuing)
                            Warp two, sir... warp three...
                  He continues to seven.
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Engineering to Bridge... New
                            intermix balance holding steady.
                            She's not even straining!
            156   INT. OFFICER'S LOUNGE (O)                                  156
                  Where, first, CAMERA SHOOTS THROUGH THE WINDOW, the
                  myriad of stars, space, the whole magnificent vista.
                  In the lounge, empty but for them, are Kirk and McCoy
                  -- obviously awaiting Spock, who ENTERS and presents
                  himself cold and aloof as before:
                                          SPOCK
                            Reporting as ordered, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                            Sit down, please.
                  Spock remains standing, addresses Kirk:
                                          SPOCK
                            Sir, I would appreciate Dr. McCoy
                            absenting himself from this
                            interview.
                                          KIRK
                            I want him here.
                                   (indicating)
                            Sit down!
         
                  For an instant, it looks like Spock will refuse. Then,
                  he complies but sits formally, rigidly. He ignores
                  McCoy totally.
                                          KIRK
                            You've reported that you felt
                            strong thought emotions. A
                            group of minds from a space
                            vessel? Could you make out any
                            plan, anything to do with
                            Earth?
                                          SPOCK
                                    (still formally)
                            Negative, Captain. I could sense
                            only what seemed an almost
                            omniscient pattern of perfect
                            logic. I can explain nothing
                            more; I understand nothing more.
                  Kirk is clearly disappointed -- and a bit uncomfortable
                  about what he must ask next. He exchanges a glance
                  with McCoy, then:
                                          KIRK
                            Also -- there was nothing in your
                            report about why you're here.
                                          SPOCK
                            That inquiry invades my personal
                            life, Captain.
                                          McCOY
                            Spock, we've already guessed why
                            you're here...
                                          KIRK
                            I inquired about you -- learned
                            you were studying with the
                            Masters...
                  Although Spock has been almost infuriatingly emotionless,
                  his expression shifts slightly. McCoy indicates this:
                                          McCOY
                            That flicker of emotion confirms
                            our guess. You failed.
         
                                          SPOCK
                                    (facing McCoy for
                                     the first time)
                            Your deductions do you credit,
                            Doctor... if your puerile
                            curiosity does not.
                                          McCOY
                                    (not in amusement)
                            And now, anger, Spock?
                  Spock looks straight ahead -- his face instantly com-
                  posed to almost total blankness.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (beat; nods)
                            I still contain fragments of my
                            human half.
         
                                          KIRK
                            And whatever you sensed out here....
                                          SPOCK
                             ... is my only hope of accomplishing
                            what the Masters could not.
                                          McCOY
                            If you achieve perfect logic, Spock,
                            you'll pay a price. It's given
                            your planet ten thousand years of
                            peace, but no poetry's been written
                            since then, no music.
                  Spock has come to his feet fast - but Kirk is on his
                  feet too, confronting him. During which:
                                          KIRK
                            Let it drop, Bones.
                                    (to Spock)
                            You are my Science Officer -- I'll
                            expect an immediate report on
                            anything further you learn or sense
                            from here on.
                                          SPOCK
                            I have accepted service here as
                            a Starfleet officer... sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (nods)
                            I know this has been painful, Spock.
                            For me too. Thank you.
                  Spock EXITS. Kirk and McCoy exchange a troubled look,
                  then EXIT too as CAMERA CENTERS AGAIN ON OBSERVATION
                  WINDOW, the view of space there.
            157   OMITTED                                                    157 
              -                                                                - 
            159                                                              159
           159A   INT. BRIDGE - CLOSE ON CHEKOV'S HAND                      159A
                  pushing red alert. The ALERT SOUNDS; the red lights
                  begin FLASHING.
                                          CHEKOV'S VOICE
                            Red alert! Red alert!
            160   BRIDGE ANGLE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER                       160
                  All regulars in position (different uniforms), extra
                  CREW hurrying in from elevators to man the remainder
                  of the console positions. Decker is making a bridge
                  circuit.
                                          KIRK
                            Full mag on viewer!
                  Sulu hits a control -- viewer seems to ZOOM AHEAD and
                  in the distance we SEE a point of light which grows
                  into the LUMINESCENT CLOUD. The same as seen by the
                  Klingons and Starfleet's Epsilon Nine station. Myster-
                  ious, beautiful, and menacing.
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Linguacode?
                                          UHURA
                            Continuing friendship messages on
                            all frequencies, sir.
                                          CHEKOV
                            All decks and divisions confirm
                            status red.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (flat, impassive)
                            We are being scanned, Captain.
            161   ANOTHER ANGLE - ACROSS KIRK (AND DECKER) TO SPOCK          161
                  as Kirk whirls toward Spock's station, calls out:
                                          KIRK
                            Do not return scan, Mr. Spock!
                            It may be misinterpreted as
                            hostility!
                                          SPOCK
                            Intruder scans emanate from
                            the exact cloud center.
                            Energy of a type entirely un-
                            known to me.
                                          UHURA
                                   (after a moment)
                            No response to friendship
                            messages, Captain.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Should I go to battle stations,
                            sir.
                                          KIRK
                            Negative, We'll take no prov-
                            ocative action.
                  Decker has reacted sharply, disapprovingly, to this:
                                          DECKER
                            Recommend defensive posture,
                            Captain: Screens and shields.
                                          KIRK
                            No...
                                    (pause)
                            ... that could also be misinter-
                            preted as hostile, Mr. Decker.
                                    (to Spock)
                            Cloud composition, Mr. Spock?
                                          SPOCK
                            Twelve power energy field --
                                          SULU
                                    (in disbelief)
                            -- twelve power?!
                                          DECKER
                                    (urgently)
                            Captain, we've seen what their
                            weapons can do. Shouldn't we 
                            take every possible precaution -- ?
                                          KIRK
                            Mr Decker....
                                          SPOCK
                                    (interrupting)
                            Captain, I suspect there's an
                            object at the heart of that cloud.
                                          KIRK
                                    (cool)
                            Mr. Decker, I will not provoke 
                            an attack, If that order isn't 
                            clear to you...
                                          DECKER
                                    (interrupting in mid
                                     sentence)
                            Captain, as your Exec, it's my
                            duty to point out alternatives.
                  A moment of thought from Kirk.
                                          
                                          ILIA
                            Five minutes to Cloud boundary!
                                          KIRK
                                    (a look)
                            I stand corrected Mr. Decker.
                                    (toward Ilia)
                            Navigator, lay in a conic section
                            flight path into the cloud center;
                            bring us parallel to whatever
                            we find in there...
            162   FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                                   162
                  The Cloud has now grown so large it DOMINATES THE
                  ENTIRE VIEWER. Sulu hits a button, reducing magnif-
                  cation. Immediately, the CLOUD diminishes in size --
                  but almost instantly begins GROWING AGAIN. Decker's
                  annoyance (with Kirk) suddenly seems to dissipate as
                  his total attention is diverted to the cloud.
           162A   ANOTHER ANGLE - SPOCK, DECKER AND KIRK                    162A
                  Decker turning to Spock
                                          DECKER
                            That measures twelve power?
                            Ten thousands of starships couldn't 
                            generate that much...
         
                  Decker trails his words, realizing that Spock isn't
                  hearing a word. Spock's attention is on the O.S. main
                  viewer, totally absorbed by something he's feeling.
                  He is slowly rising from his seat, stepping forward --
                  Kirk becomes conscious of this, turns and sees Spock's
                  strange expression. Before he can speak:
                                          SPOCK
                            They have... they have been
                            communicating with us. I sense
                            ... puzzlement. Why have we
                            not replied?
                                          KIRK
                            Communicated with us how?
                  Spock shakes his head... then reacts as if sensing or
                  theorizing something further. He turns, moves quickly
                  to his console, begins there as if searching for something.
                  Interrupted by another ALARM KLAXON.
                                          DECKER
                            Signal medical alert, Mister
                            Chekov!
                                          COMPUTER VOICE
                            Incoming fire. Ahead. Zero, 
                            ... mark, zero.
                            Incoming fire. Ahead. Zero,
                            mark, zero.
            163   FULL ON THE MAIN VIEWER (O)                                163
                  showing a WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT streaking from the
                  Cloud!
                                          KIRK (O.S.)
                            Forcefields now...! Deflectors
                            up full!
                                          SULU (O.S.)
                            Commencing evasive
                            maneuvers... !
                  Bridge begins to tilt.
            164   REVERSE ANGLE                                              164
                                          CHEKOV
                            Forcefields and deflectors up
                            full, Captain.
            165   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (S)                                165
                  The WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT speeds toward the Enterprise,
                  which veers sharply away now -- but WHIPLASH FOLLOWS.
            166   INT. BRIDGE AND VIEWER (O)                                 166
                  With the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT on the main viewer,
                  closer and closer -- heading straight-on for the Star-
                  ship. From the Bridge a CACOPHONY OF VOICES AND
                  SOUNDS, but all organized and disciplined with the
                  BRIDGE LIGHTING DIMMING and then as though traveling 
                  the last short distance (actually several million
                  miles) in the wink of an eye -- the WHIPLASH OF ENERGY
                  STRIKES. The bridge lights go out.
                  In the sudden darkness, the main viewer is all at once 
                  a frantic, furious, pattern of GREEN-WHITE FLARING ENERGY,
                  accompanied by an EXPLOSIVE SHRILLING SOUND. It seems to 
                  cling to the forcefields, the incredible energy of the          
                  forcefield barriers.
            167   FAVORING CHEKOV'S STATION (O)                              167
                  as a sheet of GREEN WHIPLASH ENERGY bursts from
                  Chekov's console -- a LASH of FLAME engulfs Chekov's
                  arm. Automatic fire control nozzles SPURT FOAM over
                  him as he falls twisting and groaning in pain. Ilia
                  reacts first, crossing quickly to assist Chekov --
                  Decker joins her, taking over Chekov's console.
            168   OMITTED                                                    168
            169   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE UNDER ATTACK (S)               169
                  The SHEET OF WRITHING-GREEN ENERGY enveloping the
                  entire vessel, outlining it starkly. (And outlining,
                  too, the forcefield screens and deflectors -- batter-
                  ing at them, seeking some gap through which to
                  penetrate.)
            170   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                      170
                  The bridge still darkened, and on the viewer the WHIP-
                  LASH ENERGY splattering the entire viewing screen with
                  GREEN ENERGY BRILLIANCE, forcing all to shield their
                  eyes against the impossible glare.
            171   OMITTED                                                    171
         
            172   INT. ENGINEERING                                           172

                  A smoking panel BURSTS INTO A SHOWER OF SPARKS AND
                  FLAME, spewing over and past Scott and his crew.
                                          SCOTT
                            Bypass...! Alternate
                            Integrators!
            173   INT. BRIDGE AND VIEWER (O)                                 173
                  as, first on the viewer, the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT
                  EFFECT clings another moment then begins FADING. And
                  then it is gone. The bridge lights go on again.
                  Elevator doors open. Doctor Chapel and Medical Corps-
                  men arrive and cross immediately to where Ilia tends
                  to the injured Chekov.
                                          SULU
                            The new screens held...!
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Engineering to bridge; we cannot
                            hold full power on forcefields;
                            deflector power is down seventy
                            percent!
           173A   CHEKOV'S STATION                                          173A
                  Over the following, we will HEAR Captain Kirk AD LIB
                  order; "Divert auxiliary systems power to deflectors!"
                  and SCOTT INTERCOM VOICE answer: "All auxiliary power
                  to deflectors, sir." Meanwhile, Chapel and Corpsmen
                  giving medical treatment to Chekov who is in agony.
                  Chapel is about to give an injection.
                                          ILIA
                            No, I can stop his pain.
                  The Deltan woman takes Chekov's upper arm in both her
                  hands, kneading her fingers deep into nerve centers --
                  Chekov's pain begins to quickly recede and he is almost
                  startled by the sudden relief. Doctor Chapel, now
                  spraying plasti-skin on the burned hand and wrist,
                  gives Ilia a surprised, approving look and a flicker
                  of female friendship passes between the Deltan and
                  Earth woman. (setting up a later story point)
            174   CLOSE ON VIEWER (O)                                        174
                  The energy brilliance gone now, we can SEE the CLOUD
                  is very close -- the closest we have seen it yet, and
                  the Aurora effect is spectacular; a vast, dense blan-
                  ket of SPARKLING, FLARING COLOR.
            175   EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                          175
                  whirling abruptly in his chair, addressing Kirk:
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain, the Intruder has been
                            attempting to communicate! Now
                            placing their transmission on
                            the speaker...
                  Immediately, from the SPEAKER we HEAR a SHRILL, IN-
                  CREDIBLY FAST BEEP.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            ... frequency more than one
                            million megahertz at such high
                            speed their entire message lasts
                            only a millisecond.
           175A   ANOTHER ANGLE                                             175A
                  Chapel and Corpsman are assisting Chekov from the
                  bridge (we'll have SEEN that the remarkable plasti-
                  skin sprayed on his hand has completley covered the
                  ugly burn marks - he is even able to move his fingers
                  a bit). Ilia returns to her station -- a relief CREW
                  WOMAN takes over from Decker at Chekov's console.
            176   CLOSER ON SPOCK'S STATION                                  176
                  so we can SEE in more detail Spock's monitor -- various
                  oscillating waves, and HEAR more of the SHRILL BEEPS as 
                  Spock manipulates his equipment, and continues:
                                          SPOCK
                            I suspect our messages were too
                            slow for them to be noticed.
                                    (touches a control)
                            Programming computer to send
                            linguacode at their rate.
                  Decker has hurried in to assist the science console.
                  Spock indicates a console area -- Decker works there --
                  Spock works another section of console buttons.
            177   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE CLOUD (S)              177
                  The Cloud ever closer to the ship now, which is a mere
                  dot in space compared to the immensity of the energy-
                  seething, continuous color-exploding Cloud. And then,
                  suddenly, from the Cloud -- ANOTHER WHIPLASH ENERGY
                  BOLT. Bearing down upon the Enterprise.
            178   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             178
                  where the oncoming WHIPLASH BOLT is SEEN emerging from
                  the Cloud. In the b.g., ALARM KLAXONS are SOUNDING, 
                  alert lights flashing, etc
                                          SULU
                            Here it comes...!
                                         COMPUTER VOICE
                            Incoming fire. Ahead, zero, mark,
                            zero, point two. Incoming fire. 
                            Ahead, zero, zero, mark, zero...
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Engineering... what's happening
                            to our forcefields?!
            179   INT. ENGINEERING                                           179
                  Much frenetic activity here, previous damage being
                  repaired, the main shaft GLOWING BLUE-WHITE, ENGINES
                  THROBBING AT FULL POWER, and a harassed Scott at the
                  intercom:
                                          SCOTT
                            Systems are overloading, Captain!
                            Our shields cannot handle another
                            attack!
            180   OMITTED                                                    180
            181   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE CLOUD (O)              181
                  The WHIPLASH BOLT streaking toward the ship.
            182   INT. BRIDGE                                                182
                                          KIRK
                                    (desperately)
                            Mr. Spock?
                                          ILIA
                            Impact in fifteen seconds...
                  Spock -- Decker assisting -- works frantically. Spock
                  is clearly dissatisfied, shakes his head tightly.
                                          KIRK
                            Transmit, Mr. Spock! Now!
                                          ILIA
                            Ten seconds....
            183   CLOSER ON SPOCK'S STATION                                  183
                  as Spock hits the "transmit" button, and we HEAR the
                  SHRILL BEEP SOUND (lasting but a fraction of a second),
                  and Decker calls to Kirk:
                                          DECKER
                            Transmitting...!
                                          ILIA'S VOICE
                            ... five seconds.
            184   ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                                   184
                  where the WHIPLASH BOLT is now BRILLIANT, almost upon
                  us! Then the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT abruptly VANISHES.
                  In the blink of an eye, the entire EFFECT IS GONE.
            185   REACTIONS                                                  185
                  relief, incredulity.
                                          SPOCK
                            It appears that our message has
                            been understood, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Uhura)
                            Any reply from them?
                                          UHURA
                            Negative, no reply, sir.
                                          KIRK
                                   (returning to Spock)
                            Spock, have you sensed anything
                            else?
                  Spock turns, gives the O.S. viewer a glance. Then he
                  shakes head.
                                          SPOCK
                            The 'puzzlement' I sensed was
                            fleeting... minor...
                                   (ponders, then)
                            ... as if carrying a sense of
                            our insignificance, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                            Our... 'insignificance'?
                  All have reacted to this; Kirk exchanges a look with
                  Spock who nods firmly. Then Kirk sees that both Decker
                  and Sulu are throwing him a questioning look. In b.g.
                  McCoy and Chapel have EXITED bridge with Chekov.
                                          SPOCK
                            We are obviously confronted by
                            a highly advanced mentality...
                            yet they cannot understand who
                            we are, or what we want.
                                          KIRK
                            But they understood our messages;
                            they broke off the attack.
                                          DECKER
                            They may have attacked only as
                            a warning to us, Captain. To
                            keep away.
                                          SPOCK
                            That would presuppose a feeling,
                            Commander... compassion. I sensed
                            no emotion, only...
                                    (reverentially)
                            ... pure logic.
                  Kirk peers at Spock hoping for some assistance on
                  the decision; but Spock merely peers back at him ex-
                  pressionlessly: the decision is Kirk's. Kirk faces
                  Spock one last beat, then turns and starts back to-
                  ward his chair, calling to Ilia.
                                          KIRK
                            Tactical plot on viewer.
          185XC   ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                          185XC
                  where the IMAGE of the "powerfield Cloud: changes to a
                  tactical plot of Enterprise's conic flight path ap-
                  proach. It shows a large schematic of the Cloud itself
                  as well as a series of FAINTLY BLINKING schematics of
                  various recent positions and directional attitudes of
                  the Enterprise during its approach. These blinking
                  Enterprise schematics show that the starship has  gone
                  from a head-on approach to the Cloud into a (tech.
                  advice) skidding movement around the Cloud (the star-
                  ship always heading directly toward Cloud center),
                  with the last Enterprise positions now showing it ap-
                  roaching the Cloud from a quartering rear approach.
          185XD   REVERSE ANGLE                                             85XD
                                          ILIA
                            Thirty seconds to Cloud
                            boundary...
                                          KIRK
                            Opinion, Mister. Spock?
                                          SPOCK
                            Recommend we proceede, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Decker... ?
                                          DECKER
                            I advise caution, Captain; we 
                            can't withstand another attack.
                                          KIRK
                            That thing is twenty hours from
                            Earth. We know nothing about it yet.	
                  Decker glances around, moves close to Kirk so only
                  Spock is able to overhear:
                                          DECKER
                            That's precisely the point, 
                            Captain. We don't know 
                            it will do. Moving into the
                            cloud -- at this time, is 
                            an unwarranted gamble.
                                          KIRK
                            How do you define unwarranted,
                            mister?!
                                          DECKER
                            You asked my opinion, sir.
                  Kirk looks at him, then at Spock, who once more is
                  peering in momentary concentration at the viewer,
                  feels Kirk's gaze -- and turns to him, again expres-
                  sionlessly; it's up to Kirk.
                                          ILIA
                            Fifteen seconds to Cloud Boundary.
                                          KIRK
                            Viewer, standard ahead.
          185XE   ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWER (O)                              185XE
                  Main viewer IMAGE reverts to the "powerful cloud."
                  All peer in grim fascination at the cloud another
                  moment. Then:
            186   OMITTED                                                    186
            187   Kirk sits contemplating his next move. Once again, the     187
                  decision is his. He looks to the Viewer a moment, then:
                                
                                          KIRK
                                   (to Helm)
                            Mr. Sulu, steady as she goes.
                                          SULU
                            Aye, sir.
            188   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE                                    188
                  as the Enterprise slowly enters deeper toward the chamber 
                  ahead. We SEE the sheer size of the Cloud as opposed to
                  that of the small ship now entering unknown territory.
                  As the Enterprise enters the Cloud:
            189   INT. BRIDGE - REACTIONS AT WHAT THEY ARE SEEING            189
                  On Viwscreen we SEE a vast array of IMAGES, spiralling 
                  IMAGES, changing in size, shape, colour. Its walls 
                  spinning and turning, looping and twisting, as the 
                  Enterprise proceeds further Into the Cloud. 
                  Amazed bridge crew members can do nothing but awe at 
                  the sight before thier eye's. Even Spock has turned to 
                  view the sight now illuminating the View screen. Kirk 
                  sits pondering, amazed, thinking "What comes next?" 
           189A   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND V'GER                         189A

                  Moving slowly through the maze of VISUAL'S seen from 
                  the Main Viewer.
            190   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER (O)                     190
                  as the CLOUD OBSCURES all now. Everyone gazes at the
                  viewer, almost mesmerized by the shifting violet power-
                  field displays.
                                          KIRK
                                    (staring at viewer,
                                     frustrated, awed)
                            No vessel could generate a 
                            powerfield of this magnitude...
                                          SPOCK
                            Instruments fluctuating, Captain.
                            Patterns unrecognizable.
                                          SULU'S VOICE
                            Captain....!
            191   ANGLE ON SULU                                              191
                  Sulu peering toward O.S. main viewer, his eyes wide
                  with incredulity.
            192   OTHER REACTIONS                                            192
                  Crew peering at O.S. main viewer with expressions of
                  near disbelief. Similar reactions as Kirk and Decker
                  turn too, reacting to:
            193   WHAT THEY SEE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                           193
                  (V'GER THEME MUSIC UP) The Cloud "Aurora" EFFECT
                  rapidly thinning -- in the "eye of the hurricane"
                  center of the Cloud is the object which has stunned
                  the entire bridge crew.
                  Rapidly growing in size -- already frighteningly huge.
                  Totally alien in look. Its enormous bulk is irrides-
                  cent, faintly glowing, suggesting that it is made up
                  of exotic combinations of matter, and energy far beyond
                  the scientific knowledge or ability of Earth's 23rd
                  Century technology. Menacing and yet strangely
                  beautiful, both at the same time.
            194   VARIOUS ANGLES ON THE BRIDGE CREW AND THE VIEWER           194
              -                                                                -
            197                                                              197
                  The Object continues to GROW RAPIDLY IN SIZE as the
                  Enterprise continues moving toward it. Everyone is
                  awed; even Spock, from whom we discern an involuntary,
                  impressed reaction. Decker is with Spock at the
                  science console.
                                          DECKER
                            Incredible dimensions, Sir!
                            ... I make it as seventy-eight
                            kilometers in length...
                  All digest the dimensions, as:
            198   ANGLE ON THE BRIDGE ELEVATOR DOORS                         198
                  opening to admit McCoy and Chekov, whose face and hands
                  are taut with plastiskin applications. Seeing the
                  object on the viewer (O.S. at this ANGLE), Chekov's
                  eyes open with wide astonishment. He crosses quickly
                  to his weapons--defense station, his eyes on the
                  viewer. McCoy, eyes also fixed on the sight, moves
                  to Kirk's side.
                                          UHURA
                            It could hold a crew of tens
                            of thousands...!
                                          McCOY
                            Or just one thousand, ten 
                            miles tall.
                                          KIRK
                            Evaluation, Mister Spock?
            199   ACROSS KIRK TO SPOCK                                       199
                  (This will be the first time we've seen Spock dislay-
                  ing a definite reaction, almost an emotion.) So
                  engrossed is Spock in the main viewer IMAGE that he
                  appears not to have heard Kirk, whose AD LIBS a sharp
                  "Mr. Spock...!" Spock looks absently at Kirk an
                  instant, then:
                                          SPOCK
                                    (awed; compelled)
                            That vessel is generating a
                            forcefield measurably greater
                            than the radiation of the Earth's
                            sun.
                                          KIRK
                                    (turns to Uhura)
                            Transmit image of the Alien to
                            Starfleet; advise we are attempting
                            further communication.
                                          UHURA
                                    (interrupting)
                            Unable to make contact with
                            Starfleet. Our transmissions
                            out of the Cloud are being
                            reflected back.
                                          ILIA
                            Distance to object now seventy-
                            thousand kilometers...
                                          SULU
                                    (turning; concerned)
                            We're closing in on it rapidly,
                            Captain.
                  Concern reflected on the faces of others too. Kirk
                  considers his next move.
            200   OMITTED                                                    200
              -                                                                -
            203                                                              203
            204   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ALIEN                          204
                  CAMERA TRAVELING WITH ENTERPRISE as it moves on a
                  parallel--closing course -- Alien continues to GROW
                  IN SIZE. Although it already seems an impossibly
                  large vessel compared to the Enterprise, in reality
                  they are still tens of thousands of kilometers apart;
                  the incredible size of the Alien is nowhere near being
                  realized yet.
           204A   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                            204A
                  Tension high as -- the Alien now appears so close that
                  its IMAGE MORE THAN FILLS VIEWER. Considerable
                  tension of bridge -- crew members, throwing nervous
                  looks from viewer to Kirk. How much closer?!
                                          KIRK
                            Reduce magnification. Factor
                            4, Mr. Sulu.
                                          SULU
                                    (uneasy)
                            We're already two settings
                            below that, sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (reacts, then)
                            Adjust parallel course, Navigator.
                            Bring us in to one hundred
                            kilometers distance.
                  Very nervous looks now directed toward Kirk. Even
                  Spock gives him a glance, a raised eyebrow.
            205   EXT. SPACE - CAMERA TRAVELING WITH ENTERPRISE              205 
                  The Alien Object appears A DOZEN TIMES LARGER THAN
                  ENTERRISE and still GROWING IN SIZE.
                  We begin to SEE Alien exterior detailing which had
                  not even been suspected at a longer distance.
                  The Enterprise is now quartering in toward the
                  Intruder, coming closer and closer. The Alien
                  vessel is still GROWING IN SIZE -- more and more,
                  its exterior appears to be made of substances never
                  before seen by a human eye -- substances considered
                  possible only in the wildest flights of scientific
                  theory -- plasma-matter, energy fields diamond--hard
                  in their power, solid sheets of subatomic particles,
                  crystalline-lace patterns which seem capable of
                  shifting their nature and rearranging themselves.
           205A   ANGLE ON INTRUDER                                         205A
                  This time, the Enterprise travels on away from us, as
                  its course takes it angling nearer and nearer the
                  gigantic Alien Intruder -- the Starship dwindling in
                  size, growing smaller, smaller, smaller... until it
                  is a tiny dot compared to the enormity of the Alien
                  vessel.
            206   INT. BRIDGE - VIEWER (O)                                   206
                  We are coming alongside the mid-section of the Alien
                  vessel, now so huge that only a small section of it
                  now completely fills main viewer frame.
                                          SULU
                            One hundred kilometers...
                                          KIRK
                            Hold relative position here...
                  Kirk's voice is blotted out by a DEAFENING, SHRILL-
                  ING SOUND, accompanied by a multi-hued point of LIGHT
                  which EXPLODES into BLINDING INTENSITY, obscuring
                  everything for an instant. Overlapping this action,
                  we HEAR:
                                          COMPUTER'S VOICE
                            Intruder alert...!  Intruder
                            alert!
                  Continues.
            207   OMITTED                                                    207
            208   THE PLASMA ENERGY PROBE (O)                                208
                  The BLINDING LIGHT FADES and in its lace we SEE a
                  strange "entity" shocking us with its frightening
                  appearance and its ugly-sounding THROBBING HUM of
                  power. It is about seven feet tall and resembles a
                  "blob" of raw energy in shifting patterns and colors
                  of deep, ugly hues of upper spectrum violet. Yet,
                  it looks strangely alive. At the end of the "tendril"
                  (of light) is an "eye" (a small multi-colored device)
            209   CREW REACTIONS -- ELEVATORS IN B.G. (O)                    209
                  The bridge crew reacting hard, shocked and shaken --
                  the THROBBING SOUND of the Alien thing intensifies
                  as it begins to move across the bridge. Suddenly, in
                  b.g., an elevator door snaps oen and two SECURITY
                  MEN burst onto the bridge, phasers drawn. Chekov
                  shouts warningly at the Men:
                                          CHEKOV
                            No weapons...!
                  But Chekov is too late: First Security Man FIRES --
                  the BLAST harmlessly absorbed by the Probe which emits
                  a SCREECHING nerve-grating SOUND --- sends out a SMALL
                  WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT which instantly envelopes First
                  Security Man in a PURPLE GLOW (of implosion). Second
                  Security Man has almost lifted his phaser -- but now
                  carefully, slowly is moving his hand away from his
                  weapon.
            210   CLOSER - THE SECURITY MEN (O)                              210
                  PURPLE GLOW FADES, the First Security Man has simply
                  vanished.
           210A   FULL SHOT - BRIDGE                                        210A
                  Chekov, like the others, horrified, flips a switch
                  and the COMPUTER-VOICE ("Intruder Alert") goes OFF.
                  At the same time Chekov speaks into his intercom:
                                          CHEKOV
                            Security... do not send further
                            teams!
                  The Probe is sending out snake-like tendrils to the
                  various consoles on the bridge.
                  These tendrils lash out in a cobra-strike movement,
                  the tendril-head seeming to enter into the console
                  affected -- at which time all monitors and instrument
                  lights there come ON as if the Probe is "reading"
                  each console function. The crew carefully stays clear
                  of the tendrils.
                  Spock has risen, moving to Kirk's side as he slowly
                  brings his tricorder up, very carefully extracting
                  its tiny sensor and aiming it at the probe.
                                          CHEKOV
                                    (shaken)
                            No intruder readings on other
                            decks, Captain...
                                    (to Spock)
                            Can that be one of their crew?
                                          SPOCK
                                    (quiet)
                            A probe from their vessel...
                                    (to Kirk)
                            A plasma-energy combination...
                  Meanwhile, the probe is now hovering near Chekov who
                  sits frozen, fists clenched, jaw tight.
                                          DECKER
                            Don't interfere with it...!
                                          CHEKOV
                            Absolutely, I will not interfere!
           210B   ANGLE INCLUDING SPOCK'S CONSOLE (O)                       210B
                  as the "probe" withdraws an energy-tendril from one
                  bridge station and "inserts" it into another console.
                                          KIRK
                            No one interfere...! It doesn't
                            seem interested in us -- only
                            the ship...!
                  Kirk's words are never completed as suddenly all the
                  energy tendrils withdraw from all consoles and a
                  larger, more powerful-looking tendril lashes out,
                  snaking into the science console complex.
           210C   CLOSER ON SCIENCE CONSOLE                                 210C
                  Where, also immediately, all the console and computer
                  lights are suddenly flashing wildly, rapidly --
                  -- There is an incredibly fast EXCHANGE OF HIGH-PITCHED
                  BEES -- the computer obviously in unauthorized commu-
                  nication with the probe!
                                          KIRK
                            Computer off!
                                          DECKER
                            It's taken control of the
                            computer...!
                                          KIRK
                            It's running our records!
                            Starfleet strength, Earth
                            defenses...
                  As Decker moves to the main power control, Spock now
                  steps in, his Vulcan strength easily brushing Kirk and
                  Decker aside. Spock clasps his fists above his head,
                  brings it down in a SHATTERING BLOW on the console. It
                  splits open! As the bridge lights dim even more, and
                  as the science console shorts itself out -- and off,
                  Decker confronts Spock:
                                          DECKER
                            We could have cut it off at the
                            main computer...
                                          SPOCK
                            This served the purpose.
                  Kirk has been giving Spock a puzzled look -- Spock now
                  turns abruptly, and:
           210D   ANOTHER ANGLE (O)                                         210D
                  as Spock, in stepping back, accidentally brushes the
                  probe's energy tendril -- a FLASH OF LIGHT at the
                  contact point sends Spock sinning under the rail and
                  to the floor near Ilia. The probe's energy-tendril
                  has withdrawn from the darkened science console, hov-
                  ers high over the dazed Spock as if angrily seeking
                  the reason for the break in its computer contact.
                  Spock starts to rise.
                                          ILIA
                            Mr. Spock, don't move...!
                  Decker steps toward her, AD LIBBING a grim "Ilia...!"
                  But he has no chance as:
            211   OMITTED                                                    211
              -                                                                -
            219                                                              219
            220   CLOSER ON ILIA (O)                                         220
                  The Probe hovers over her, its whole mass seemingly
                  about to envelope her with a single tendril extended
                  toward her, somehow freezing her into immobility -
                  and then the entire Probe DISSOLVES IN A BLINDING 
                  FLASH OF WHITE, obscuring Ilia. Almost instantly
                  the WHITE FLASH FADES -- but Ilia has vanished -- her
                  tricorder clattering to the deck.
            221   OMITTED                                                    221
            222   ACROSS THE NAVIGATOR'S STATION TO KIRK AND DECKER          222
                  helpless, shocked, gazing at the place Ilia was --
                  but which is now empty.
                                          DECKER
                                    (to Kirk, quiet 
                                     fury)
                            This is how I define unwarranted!
                  And almost at the same moment a new BRIDGE ALARM
                  SIGNAL.
            223   OMITTED                                                    223
              -                                                                -
            232                                                              232
            233   The ALARM still sounding as from the giant alien ves-      233
                  sel, we SEE STRANGE, OPAQUE ENERGY PATTERNS STREAKING
                  TOWARD US. Kirk vaults to the command chair, lunges
                  for controls, as Decker races to the weapons-defense
                  console.
                                          DECKER
                                   (voice amplified)
                            The ship is under attack...!
                            Man all defensive stations...!
                                                       
                                          KIRK
                            Forcefields, full remaining
                            strength...! Total reserve!
                  Appropriate ALARM KLAXONS, and COMPUTER VOICES begin
                  SOUNDING, and all this is lost in a SUDDEN SHRILLING
                  SOUND (a constant, high-pitched tone). For a moment
                  the energy patterns are prominent on the viewer --
                  and then the PATTERNS VANISHED and the SHRILL SOUND
                  FADES -- and:
            234   FAVOR THE VIEWER (O)                                       234
                  showing V'ger GROWING RAPIDLY IN SIZE. The Enterprise
                  is being pulled along the length of the big ship,
                  toward its "prow."
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain, we have been seized
                            by a tractor beam...!
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Decker)
                            Get someone up here to take
                            the Navigator's station...!
                                    (into intercom)
                            Engineering... full emergency
                            power!
                                          DECKER
                                    (into intercom)
                            Chief Difalco to the bridge;
                            on the double!
           234A   ENGINEERING                                               234A
                  in a state of controlled chaos, all personnel at their
                  stations, the Engine CORE GLOWING. Scott is working
                  his controls, speaking into the intercom:
                                          SCOTT
                            Going to full emergency...
                                    (studying readings)
                            But Captain, if we don't break
                            free in fifteen seconds, she'll
                            burn up...
           234B   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING SPOCK                              234B
                  as Spock studies his readings, and:
                                          SPOCK
                            We cannot break free, Captain.
                                    (indicates monitors)
                            We do not have a fraction of
                            the power necessary.
                                
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Delay that order, Scotty...!
                            Disengage all main drive systems!
                  Spock peers in deep concentration at the Main Viewer,
                  trying to sense some clue. Kirk glances at him another
                  moment, then turns to the Main Viewer himself, watches
                  in frustrated helplessness.
           235   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE BEING PULLED TOWARD V'GER (S)           235
                  the starship being pulled toward the giant as though
                  on a taut cable. As we MOVE CLOSER, we SEE still more
                  intricate details of the incredible Alien design.
            236   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         236
                  as Difalco arrives on the run, and Decker AD LIBS to
                  her, "Assume Navigator's station, Chief...!" Difalco,
                  bewildered, wants to ask what happened, but no time,
                  and she quickly sits at the post, begins orienting
                  herself. Meanwhile, Decker has begun an Executive
                  Officer's bridge circuit, assisting with various con-
                  soles. Kirk is glancing toward Spock who continues
                  concentrating on the Viewer, striving to comprehend
                  the myriad of thoughts he is sensing from he Aliens.
                  McCoy also arrives on the bridge, takes in the chaotic
                  scene, watches the Viewer grimly.
            237   OMITTED                                                    237
              -                                                                -
            238                                                              238
            239   EXT. ENTERPRISE AND V'GER (S)                              239
                  At the forward end of the giant, an odd-shapped "iris"
                  begins opening menacingly. And it is frighteningly
                  obvious that the tractor beam is pulling the Enterprise
                  to the opening.
            240   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         240
                  showing the unusual "iris" now almost fully open as
                  Enterprise is drawn closer, closer -- through the
                  "iris" we now SEE (some of) V'ger's interior: a dark
                  void relieved only by strange flickering glows of dis-
                  tant ENERGY FIELD PATTERNS.
                  The crew reacts with understandable awe, apprehension,
                  curiosity, as:
                                          DECKER
                            Captain, suggest a maximum phaser
                            strike directly at the beam might
                            weaken it just enough for us to
                            break free --
                  Spock replies for Kirk: quickly, as though to make his
                  point convincingly:
                                          SPOCK
                            Break free to where, Commander...?
                                    (to Kirk)
                            Any show of resistance would not
                            only be futile, Catain...
          240XA   ACROSS SPOCK TO KIRK (DECKER AND McCOY IN B.G.)          240XA
                  as Kirk reacts somewhat curiously to Spock's remark,
                  but it is Decker who articulates it:
                                          DECKER
                                    (troubled; suspicious)
                            We don't know that, Mr. Spock.
                            Why are you opposed to trying?
                            Before Spock can reply:
                                          UHURA
                            They're pulling us inside...!
                  All face the Viewer again, react, with McCoy who has
                  been observing all these reactions now galvanized
                  into action:
                                          McCOY
                                    (to Chekov)
                            Medical observers to all decks!
                  And he hurries toward the elevators, CAMERA WITH HIM
                  a moment, then SWINGING BACK TO:
           240A   PAST KIRK TO VIEWER (O)                                   240A
                  Kirk staring at the viewer -- the "iris" now fully open
                  so that the exterior of V'ger is no longer visible --
                  and all we can SEE is the monstrous void dead ahead,
                  which is looming faster and larger before our eyes.
                  And now we are inside.
            241   OMITTED                                                    241
              -                                                                -
            243                                                              243
            244   EXT. ENTERPRISE AND V'GER - AT THE "IRIS" (S)              244
                  Enterprise now being pulled past the opening -- into
                  the ship proper. Now we can SEE that the dark void
                  is actually a vast chamber, dimly and intermittently
                  lit by POWERFIELDS appearing and vanishing along the
                  vessel's inner walls, which are miles away in the 
                  distance. And here and there in the chamber gigantic
                  ENERGY DISPLAYS erupt briefly with a certain symmetry
                  that suggests they must be part of V'ger's ower or
                  control systems.
            245   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         245

                  Kirk peering awed at the Viewer, the incredible sight
                  of the chamber -- suddenly glances up to see that
                  Spock is standing beside him -- Decker nearby, turns
                  to Spock:
                                          DECKER
                                    (to Spock)
                            Why bring us inside? Not to
                            destroy us; they could have 
                            done that outside.
                                          KIRK
                            They could have many ways of
                            destroying things, Mr. Decker.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (peering at Viewer)
                            Something about us puzzles them...
                            perhaps even concerns them.
           245A   ANGLE ON UHURA                                            245A
                  Reacting to a console reading:
                                          UHURA
                            Captain, photic-sonar readings
                            indicate the aperture is closing;
                            we're trapped, sir...!
            246   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE ENTERING V'GER (S)                     246
                  The starship is pulled inside, the "iris" is closing
                  behind it.
            247   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                      247
                  The viewer image changing from the huge dark chamber,
                  rear angle shot, showing the "iris" closing.
                                          SULU
                            Reverse angle on the viewer,
                            Captain.
                  On the viewer the final glimmer from exterior space
                  as the "iris" closes completely.
            248   REACTIONS                                                  248
                  All eyes on the viewer, CAMERA FINDING ONE FACE AFTER
                  ANOTHER, the reality of the situation etched into
                  each face. Then:
           248A   FAVORING KIRK                                             248A
                  As Spock turns from a reading:
                                          SPOCK
                            The tractor beam has released
                            us, Captain.
                                          DIFALCO                   
                            Confirmed: Vessel is floating
                            free. No forward momentum.
                                          KIRK
                            Viewer ahead.
                                          SULU
                            Viewer ahead, sir.
           248B   INSERT - MAIN VIEWER                                      248B
                  Ahead, the cavernous interior of V'ger.
           248C   BACK TO SHOT                                              248C
                  Kirk eying the main viewer -- Decker watching Kirk.
                                          KIRK
                            Maneuvering thrusters, Mr.
                            Sulu; ahead one third.
                                    (to Spock)
                            Full sensor scan, Mr. Spock;
                            they can't expect us not
                            to look them over now!
                                          SULU
                                    (manipulating controls)
                            Thrusters ahead, one third.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (manipulating
                                     controls)
                            Commencing sensor scans.
                  Kirk rises, goes to Spock's station.
            249   INT. V'GER ENTRANCE CHAMBER - ENTERPRISE (S)               249
                  The Enterprise moving slowly forward in this vastness,
                  its running lights merely specks of light, candles in
                  the darkness. In the distance those occasional ERUPT-
                  ING POWER DISPLAYS in distant locations, sizes, shapes
                  and patterns.
            250   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                    250
                  showing another persective of the above, and further
                  away GLOWING ENERGY FIELDS dimly illuminating the alien
                  ship's walls -- miles away. Strange semi--solid LIGHT
                  SHAPES (some are "sensor-bee" swarms) traverse the dark-
                  ness in random directions. But in the distance ahead,
                  there seems to be an opening to another chamber.
                                          SULU
                                    (of Viewer)
                            Something ahead, sir; looks
                            like another area...
                                    (reacts)
                            It's closing up...!
                  Sulu is indicating what appears to be a lace-bulwark of
                  POWERFIELD PATTERNS closing off the "chamber" in the
                  distance ahead. Kirk, from the Science Station calls
                  out:
                                          KIRK
                            Hold station...!
                                          SULU
                                    (manipulating
                                     controls)
                            Thrusters at station keeping...
            251   ANGLE EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                    251
                  at his Science consoles, working rapidly, shifting from
                  one set of controls to another. Now he hits a master
                  control -- his console monitors FLASH, then go dark.
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain...
                  Spock brings a monitor IMAGE ON again, indicates a
                  (Povill) pattern showing a line hitting something,
                  then reversing direction.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            All scans are being reflected
                            back, Captain. Our sensors are
                            useless.
           251A   ACROSS THEM TO THE MAIN VIEWER                            251A
                  Kirk reacts with disappointment, indicates the main
                  viewer.
                                          KIRK
                            Have you been able to analyze
                            any of this...?
                                          SPOCK
                                   (voice increasingly
                                    reverential)
                            I believe the light flares to be
                            energy fields -- undoubtedly part
                            of the vessel's inner mechanism.
                            A technology so incredibly
                            sophisticated that I cannot --
                                          COMPUTER VOICE
                                    (overlapping)
                            Intruder Alert! Intruder
                            Alert..!
                                    (continues)
            252   OMITTED                                                    252
              -                                                                -
            253                                                              253
            254   ANGLE ON CHEKOV                                            254
                  Reacting to a console reading:
                                          CHEKOV
                            Deck four, Captain; Officers'
                            Quarters...!
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Chekov)
                            Have a security team meet me at
                            Deck Four main elevator!
                  A moment's reaction from all at this, Kirk hurrying
                  toward elevator, calling:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Take the conn, Mr. Decker:
                            Hold present position...
                                    (gesturing Spock
                                     to join him)
                            Spock...
                  And Spock rises, joins Kirk and they hurriedly exit,
                  the CAMERA SWINGING BACK to Decker, his perplexed con-
                  cern (because of Ilia).
           254A   INT. ILIA'S CABIN - THE SONIC SHOWER                      254A
                  Where we SEE, behind the translucent stall door, what
                  is unmistakably the form of the NUDE FEMALE.
            255   INT. ILIA'S CABIN - KIRK                                   255

                  entering, Spock slightly behind him - and one Security
                  Guard. Kirk glances around the room, now glances at
                  the shower area and reacts as he sees the NAKED FORM.
                  The others react similarly, even Spock cannot help re-
                  pressing an expression of surprise. A moment's uncer-
                  tainty as Kirk peers at them, then he steps to the
                  stall door, hesitates another instant -- then slides
                  the door open.
                  (NOTE: Arrange lighting for bizarre, mysterious effect.)
                  Kirk's eyes cannot believe what he is seeing:
           255A   "ILIA"                                                    255A
                  standing in the sonic mist, naked but for a small
                  multi-colored button embedded in her throat. As she
                  looks at Kirk -- and the others -- the men peer back
                  at her, speechless.
                                          "ILIA"
                            I have been programmed by V'ger
                            to observe and record normal
                            functioning of the carbon-based
                            units infesting USS ENTERPRISE.
                  Kirk peers at her another nonplussed moment, then leans
                  into the shower to touch a control, his eyes fixed on
                  the lovely body behind the mist. He punches in a three
                  digit code. Immediately a HUMMING SOUND emanates from
                  the shower stall, Kirk closing the door, but 'Ilia"
                  remaining inside.
            256   ACROSS KIRK AND THE OTHERS TO THE SHOWER STALL             256
                  The HUMMING SOUND just now reaching a gentle crescendo
                  -- through the translucent door you can see COLORS
                  ENVELOPING "ILIA'S" FORM. And now the SOUND STOPS.
                  "Ilia", attired in a leisure robe, steps from the stall,
                  into the room. She stands facing Kirk, her face impas-
                  sive, eyes unblinking. He looks her back a moment,
                  then glances at Spock, who is gazing at "Ilia" in abso-
                  lute fascination. Kirk addresses her:
                                          KIRK
                            Who is...'V'ger'...?
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger is that which programmed me.
                                          KIRK
                            Is V'ger the Captain of the alien
                            vessel?
           256A   ANGLE ON THE DOOR - McCOY                                 256A
                  rushing in, concerned:
                                          McCOY
                            Jim, what's --
                  At the sight of 'Ilia", McCoy's words die in his throat
                  -- and his trained eyes have instantly told him some-
                  thing is awry. He unslings his tricorder, aims the
                  sensor unit at "Ilia". As he reads his instruments, his
                  face reveals the results (incredulity, fascination).
                  Meanwhile, from the start:
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger is that which seeks the
                            Creator.
                                          McCOY
                                    (of "Ilia")
                            Jim, this is a mechanism...!
                  Kirk stares at McCoy, then at "Ilia" and realizes that
                  "Ilia" is indeed non-human. And quickly:
         
                                          KIRK
                            Where is Lt. Ilia?
         
                                          "ILIA"
                            That unit no longer functions.
                            I have been given its form to
                            more readily communicate with
                            the carbon-based units infesting
                            Enterprise.
                                          SECURITY GUARD
                            "Carbon-based units"...?
                                          McCOY
                                    (drily)
                            Humans, Ensign Lang: us.
                                    (continues tricorder 
                                     exam, increasingly
                                     impressed)
                                          KIRK
                                    (to "Ilia")
                            Why does V'ger travel to
                            the third planet of the
                            solar system directly
                            ahead?
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger travels to the third 
                            planet to find the Creator.
                  Stunned, disbelieving reactions as all four attempt to
                  digest this -- Spock gazing at "Ilia" with even more
                  rapt fascination. Kirk, bewildered, addresses the
                  others:
                                          KIRK
                            Find the Creator? What Creator?
                            Whose...!?
                                    (to "Ilia")
                            What does V'ger want of the
                            'Creator'... ?
                                          "ILIA"
                            To join with him.
           256B   FAVORING SPOCK                                            256B
                  suddenly alert, addressing "Ilia":


                                          SPOCK
                            Join with the Creator... ? How?
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger and the Creator will become
                            One.
                                          SPOCK
                            Who is the Creator?
                                          McCOY
                                    (worried)
                            Mr. Spock, be careful.
                                          "ILIA"
                            The Creator is that which created
                            V'ger.
                                          KIRK
                            Who is V'ger?
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger is that which seeks the
                            Creator.
                  Another moment of total exasperation, frustration, during
                  which "Ilia" seems to be waiting politely, patiently for
                  any further questions. When none are forthcoming:
                                          "ILIA"
                                   (continuing; pleasant,
                                    bland)
                            I am ready to commence my
                            observations.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (fast; to McCoy)
                            Doctor, a thorough examination
                            of this probe might provide some
                            insight into those who manufactured
                            it, and how to deal with them.
                                          McCOY
                            Let's get her to sickbay.
                  And he grasps "Ilia's" arm to escort her. But is as
                  though he has seized cast iron: immovable. McCoy is
                  thrown off balance merely by 'Ilia's" remaining sta-
                  tionary. She ignores McCoy, addresses Kirk:
                                          "ILIA"
                            I am programmed to observe and
                            record normal functioning
                            procedures of the carbon-based
                            units.
           256B   Kirk glances at McCoy, who is totally bemused, but then   256B
                  Kirk quickly responds to "Ilia":
                                
                                          KIRK
                            The examination is a normal
                            function.
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (a beat)
                            You may proceede.
                                          McCOY
                                    (carefully)
                            Thank you.
            257   CLOSE SHOT OF EXAMINING ROOM VIEWER (O)                    257
                  scanning a "body". PULL BACK TO SHOW McCoy, Chapel,
                  Kirk, Spock and Chekov -- standing over "ILIA" who lies
                  prone on the table, the physicians moving the scanner
                  over her.
                                          McCOY
                                    (from the start;
                                     indicating)
                            ... micro-miniature hydraulics,
                            sensors, molecule-sized multi-
                            processor chips... and look at
                            this...
                  In the b.g., Decker enters, grimly observes the proceed-
                  ings.
                                          CHAPEL
                                    (impressed)
                            An osmotic micro-pump... here
                            and here. Even the smallest
                            body functions are exactly
                            duplicated.
                                    (traces with finger
                                     on screen)
                            And every exocrine system is
                            here, too --
                  Chapel breaks off abruptly, noticing "Ilia" is peering
                  intently -- almost with a glimmer of recognition -- at
                  Decker. Slightly disconcerted, Chapel continues:
                                          CHAPEL
                                    (continuing)
                            -- even eye moisture.
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (peering at Decker)
                            Deck -- er.
           257A   FAVORING SPOCK                                            257A
                  as everyone reacts to "Ilia's" utterance of Decker's
                  name. It seems to make the deepest impression on
                  Spock, confirming something he has suspected.
                                
                                          SPOCK
                                    (to "Ilia")
                            Interesting. Not 'Decker-unit'?
                  "Ilia" continues peering at Decker with just a hint
                  of a puzzled frown, a glimmer of distant recognition.
                  It's the first time we've seen her expression look
                  anything but cool and bland. This results in the
                  quizzical rising of one of Spock's eyebrows.
            258   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              258
                  McCoy's examination now turns "Ilia" away from the
                  others. Spock quickly catches Kirk's and Decker's
                  attention, indicates an adjoining door -- they fol-
                  low him out of the room.
            259   INT. McCOY'S OFFICE                                        259
                  as Kirk, Spock and Decker enter, the door snapping
                  shut -- and Spock touching the electronic lock to
                  secure them. He faces the others:
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain... this probe may be a key
                            a key to the Aliens.
                                          DECKER
                            It's a programmed mechanism,
                            Mr. Spock...
                                          SPOCK
                            We have just seen that its body
                            duplicates our navigator in
                            precise detail. Suppose that
                            beneath its programming, the
                            real Ilia's memory patterns are
                            duplicated with equal precision.
                                          KIRK
                            They had a pattern to follow...
                                          SPOCK
                                    (nods)
                            ... they may have followed it
                            too precisely.
                                          KIRK
                                   (comprehending)
                            Ilia's memory, her feelings of
                            loyalty, friendship, obedience...
                            might all be there.
           259A   ANGLE ON DECKER                                           259A
                  also comprehending, and not liking it one bit as Spock
                  and Kirk are both turning their attention to him.
                                          SPOCK
                            Exactly.
                                    (to Decker)
                            And you did have a 'relationship'
                            with Lieutenant Ilia, Commander.
                                          DECKER
                            That probe in there -- in a
                            different form now -- is the
                            same thing that killed Ilia!
                                          KIRK
                            Commander, we're locked in an
                            alien vessel, six hours from
                            Earth orbit, our only contact
                            with our captors is the probe.
                            If we can control it, persuade
                            it, use it in some way...
                  Interrupted by the SOUND of someone trying to open the
                  locked door behind them. Then a METAL RIPPING SOUND
                  as they whirl to see:
            260   MEDICAL OFFICE DOOR                                        260
                  with the METAL BUCKLING, TEARING -- and a single
                  hand slicing the steel door like paper. It is the
                  "Ilia" probe, her face absolutely impassive, her
                  whole manner incongruously benign. (Behind her, a
                  startled McCoy, Chapel and Chekov.) "Ilia" speaks
                  flatly, blandly.
                                          "ILIA"
                            I have recorded enough here.
                                   (motions to Kirk)
                            You will now assist me further.
                  Kirk exchanges a quick glance with Spock. Then:
                                          KIRK
                                   (indicating Decker)
                            The Decker-unit can assist you
                            with much greater efficiency...
         
                  "Ilia" has seemed about to object -- but now her eyes
                  hold on Decker. Then she nods.
                                          KIRK
                                   (continuing)
                            Carry on with your assignment,
                            Mr. Decker.
           260A   ANOTHER ANGLE - ACROSS DECKER TO THE SMASHED DOOR         260A
                  (AND "ILIA")
                  as Decker looks at "Ilia" who stands at the torn door.
                  You can read Decker's mind: I'm supposed to persuade
                  that?! He turns back, finds Kirk's eyes on him.
                  Decker nods.
                                          DECKER
                            Aye, sir.
                  "Ilia" and a reluctant Decker EXIT.
           260B   EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                         260B
                  looking very troubled as they watch Decker and "Ilia"
                  leave. Kirk notices.
                                          KIRK
                            Spock? Concerned about his
                            chances?
                                          SPOCK
                            I am uneasy with that being
                            our only hope of more information.
                  Spock EXITS.
           261    INT. V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                                261
                  floating in the vast, eerie, alien chamber -- sporadic
                  FLASHES OF ENERGY, erupting now and then. Various
                  other EFFECTS. OVER this, Kirk's VOICE:
                                          KIRK (V.O.)
                            Captain's Log. Stardate 7414.1.
                            Our best estimates place us some
                            four hours from Earth. No
                            significant Ilia memory patterns
                            within the alien probe. This
                            remains our only means of contact
                            with our captor.
            262   INT. ENTERPRISE AIRLOCK AREA                               262
                  The area dimly lit -- unoccupied but for a lone AIRLOCK
                  TECHNICIAN checking and adjusting instruments. The
                  CAMERA MOVES PAST him to FIND:
            263   SPOCK                                                      263
                  His face fixed with grim determination, walking quietly
                  with obvious intent not to attract the Tech's attention.
                  Now he steals up behind the TECH -- and in an instant
                  has applied a Vulcan nerve pinch. The Tech slumps over
                  his console.
            264   INT KIRK'S CABIN - VIEWER MONITOR                          264
                  Showing a CLOSE SHOT of ENTERPRISE PICTURES, then PULL
                  BACK SLIGHTLY for an IMAGE of Decker and "Ilia" walk-
                  ing through the Rec Deck. PULL BACK FURTHER TO SHOW
                  Kirk watching this -- and with him is McCoy. They
                  continue watching a troubled beat, as:
                                          DECKER
                                    (of pictures)
                            All these vessels were called
                            "Enterprise".
                  "Ilia" is giving the pictures a very interested look
                  as we HEAR in Kirk's cabin:
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                                    (controlled excitement)
                            Bridge to Captain...
            265   OMITTED                                                    265
            266   INT. BRIDGE - UHURA'S STATION (SCIENCE STATION IN          266
                  B.G.)
                  Uhura at her console, struggling to hear the signal.
                                          KIRK'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Kirk here.
         
                  In the b.g., Spock's station a MAINTENANCE TEAM
                  is replacing the broken Science Station computer.
                  (Spock is conspicuously absent.)
                                          UHURA
                            A faint signal from Starfleet,
                            sir. They have the intruder on
                            their monitors...
                                    (struggling to 
                                     hear)
                            They show us... three hours...
                            twenty-four minutes from Earth!
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                                    (thru intercom)
                            Thank you.
            267   INT. RECREATION DECK                                       267
                  Decker and "Ilia", the Rec Deck unoccupied but for a
                  pair of wary SECURITY GUARDS at a very discreet dis-
                  tance. They are near the pictures of the five Enter-
                  prises, which should be FEATURED in this SHOT, as
                  Decker waves his hand about the huge room.
                                          DECKER
                            The carbon units use this area
                            for recreation...
                                    (carefully)
                            What type of recreation does the
                            crew aboard your vessel enjoy...?
            268   CLOSER TWO SHOT (PICTURES O.S.)                            268
                  As "Ilia" moves on into the room, Decker follows:
                                
                                          "ILIA"
                            The words 'recreation' and 'enjoy'
                            have no meaning to my programming.
                  Decker peers at the lovely android with frustration --
                  and no little pain, for she is after all the exact
                  replica of Ilia. She pays not the slightest attention
                  to Decker's reaction, and begins walking about the Rec
                  Deck taking in (and, clearly, transmitting all images
                  to V'ger) the sights. They are near a game area (elec-
                  tronic games), and now Decker points to one game,
                  switches it on -- presses button to activate its
                  LIGHTS and SOUNDS. "Ilia" watches interestedly as
                  Decker operates the game.
                                          DECKER
                            Ilia 'enjoyed' this game... she
                            nearly always won --
                  And he demonstrates again, as "Ilia" steps to the
                  device, deftly hits some buttons -- and for just an
                  instant she turns to Decker with a momentary glimmer
                  of recognition.
            269   INT. KIRK'S CABIN - GROUP WATCHING THE MONITOR             269
                  McCoy watching with special interest:
                                          McCOY
                                    (approving)
                            Good! He's using audial-visual
                            association.
                  But the words are not out of McCoy's mouth when "Ilia"
                  says:
                                          "ILIA"
                            This device serves no purpose.
                  She steps away from the game; Decker's disappointment
                  is evident. So is everyone elses.
                                          KIRK
                            Damn...!
                                          McCOY
                                    (nods grimly)
                            She needs something else:
                            something much more personal to
                            stimulate memory patterns. Something
                            with a more emotional tie.
                  Kirk reacts to this, reflective.
            270   INT. REC DECK  FULL ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                   270
                  Decker waving back toward the general area of the
                  Enterprise pictures.
                                          DECKER
                            The crews of the previous
                            Enterprises were also carbon units.
                            In what way is the life form in
                            your vessel different?
                                          "ILIA"
                            Carbon units are not true life
                            forms... Do those images repre-
                            sent how Enterprise has evolved
                            into its present form?
                                          DECKER
                                    (hoping he's struck
                                     a responsive chord)
                            Yes.
                                          "ILIA"
                            Carbon units have clearly retarded
                            Enterprise's proper evolvement.
                                          DECKER
                                    (controlling surprise)
                            What is Enterprise's proper
                            evolvement?
                                          "ILIA"
                            Enterprise should not require
                            the presence of carbon units.
                  And with this she moves off, observing other Rec Deck
                  objects. Decker moves with her; then:
                                          DECKER
                                    (carefully)
                            Enterprise would be unable to
                            function without carbon units.
                                          "ILIA"
                            More data concerning this functioning
                            is necessary before carbon units can
                            be patterned for data storage.
            271   ACROSS "ILIA" TO DECKER                                    271
                  as he reacts to this ominous note; he stops abruptly.
                                          DECKER
                            What does that mean?
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (stopping; almost
                                     pleasantly)
                            When my examination is complete, 
                            the carbon units will be reduced 
                            to data patterns.
                  This has been delivered with chilling blandness, and
                  she stands facing Decker, almost as though waiting for
                  him to thank her. He thinks fast now.
                                          DECKER
                            Within you are memory patterns of
                            a carbon unit. If I can help you
                            revive these patterns; you could
                            understand our functions better.
                                          "ILIA"
                            That is logical. You may procede.
            272   ON DECKER                                                  272
                  realizing the difficult task ahead; the pain he will
                  suffer.
            273   INT. V'GER - ANGLE UP TOWARD ENTERPRISE (M)                273
                  The ship stationary in the chamber as now we SEE an
                  exterior hatch sliding fully open. Up through the
                  hatch a circular airlock door opens -- and a tiny
                  figure in a thruster spacesuit emerges, steps into
                  space, slowly floats down through the hatch and under
                  the Enterprise saucer section. In this and subsequent
                  VIEWS we will SEE that on the rear pack of his thruster
                  spacesuit is a FLASHING STROBE LIGHT which regularly
                  EMITS the identifying SIGNAL of this particular suit.
                  (By which Kirk will be able to see Spock's position
                  even from several miles away.)
            274   CLOSER ON THE SPACESUITED FIGURE (M)                       274
                  MOVING TOWARD the CAMERA until the features behind
                  the face mask are clearly identifiable: Spock, his
                  face set in the same grim, determined expression, as
                  he touches his spacesuit transmitter control.
                                          SPOCK
                            Computer, commence recording.
                            Captain Kirk -- this message
                            will detail my attempt to
                            contact the aliens...
            275   INT. BRIDGE                                                275
                  Kirk ENTERING, crossing Uhura as she calls:
                                          UHURA
                            Starfleet signals, sir, growing
                            in strength...
                                   (listening intently)
                            They -- have Intruder on their
                            monitors -- it's decelerating --
                            powerfield cloud beginning to
                            dissipate...
                                          SULU
                            Confirm, Captain. Lunar beacons
                            indicate Intruder on a course
                            into Earth orbit...
                                          CHEKOV
                                    (interrupting)
                            Sir! Airlock four has been opened;
                            a thruster suit is reported missing!
                                          KIRK
                                    (reacts knowingly)
                            Spock...!
                                    (to navigator)
                            Get a fix on his position!
            276   INT. V'GER - MED. ON SPOCK                                 276
                  His features now set into an almost trance-like expres-
                  sion as he concentrates on the thought emanations.
                  Then we SEE his head turn, he peers off -- then he
                  moves his thruster controls. We SEE the small blue
                  jets of his thrusters -- his spacesuit figure begins
                  to move off in the direction he was concentrating
                  upon.
            277   ANOTHER ANGLE - SPOCK                                      277
                  His thrusters moving him across V'ger's vast chamber
                  then dropping down into a deep "trough"-like area
                  which stretches into the distance ahead of him. A
                  cloud of CRYSTAL FORMS (Kirk's entrapment) become
                  visible to one side but Spock passes them at some dis-
                  tance and does not attract them.
                  We can SEE more clearly now the point on the inner wall
                  of the trough toward which Spock is heading. It is an
                  unusual combination of GLOWING FORCEFIELDS which seem
                  to mark this point of the vessel as of some importance.
                  (Here, also, we will become aware of "sensor-bee"
                  swarms, intermittently darting toward this same wall
                  from all points of the chamber.)
            278   INT. AIRLOCK AREA                                          278
                  SHOWING Kirk in a thruster spacesuit, helmet being
                  readied by AIRLOCK TECHNICIANS. McCoy is also here,
                  arguing with Kirk:
                                          KIRK
                                    (from the start)
                            ... I don't want him stopped, Bones;
                            I want him to lead me to whatever's
                            out there...!
                                          McCOY
                            And if that 'whatever' has taken
                            over his mind....?
                                          KIRK
                            Then he'll have still led me to
                            it, won't he?
                  And Kirk steps into the airlock door, hits a control --
                  it begins sliding closed behind him.
            279   INT. V'GER - ANGLE UP TOWARD ENTERPRISE                    279
                  UP THROUGH the circular airlock door as it slides open
                  -- and Kirk's tiny spacesuited figure floats down
                  clear of the saucer.
            280   CLOSER ON KIRK                                             280
                  SEEING his face through the spacesuit faceplate as he
                  scans the darkness.
                                          SULU'S VOICE
                            Bridge, Captain. We make Spock
                            as 26 Mark 345 degrees off ship's
                            axis.
                  During which, Kirk spots something.
            281   KIRK'S POV                                                 281
                  Spock's STROBE blinker at a mile or so distance,
                  nearing V'ger's inner walls.
            282   ANGLE ON KIRK                                              282
                                          KIRK
                            I have him in sight.
                  During which, Kirk touches his thruster controls and
                  blue thruster jet propels him off in the direction
                  indicated. His thrusters come on for a longer period
                  of time as he accelerates to the higher speed necessary
                  to overtake Spock...
            283   INT. ILIA'S QUARTERS                                       283
                  The DOOR SNAPPING open, and "Ilia", McCoy and Decker
                  entering. Then CAMERA REVEALS Chapel already inside,
                  looking through some female adornments she's found
                  there.
                                          CHAPEL
                            I remember Lt. Ilia once mentioning
                            that she wore this...
                                          DECKER
                                    (reacting; tight)
                            ... when we met.
                  Clearly this is very painful to Decker. Meanwhile,
                  Chapel hands the Deltan headband to "Ilia".
                            
                                          CHAPEL
                                    (gently)
                            Put it on.
                  "Ilia" hasn't the slightest idea what to do with the
                  headband, holds it, runs her fingers over the jewels
                  and feathers embedded into it. Chapel takes it from
                  her, places it on 'Ilia's" head, now switches on the
                  light illuminating the dressing table mirror -- stands
                  behind her with Decker, both watching apprehensively.
            284   ANGLE ON "ILIA"                                            284
                  studying her image in the mirror, her face totally
                  blank a moment, but then breaking into a bemused
                  frown -- as though trying to remember. And:
                                          CHAPEL
                                    (helpfully)
                            Ilia...
                                          DECKER
                                    (quiet; urging)
                            On Delta... remember...?
                  And it seems that "Ilia" does remember. She peers at
                  her image, then sets the headband into its exact
                  proper position. Then she turns and looks at them
                  with recognition.
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (haltingly)
                            Dr. Chapel...
           285   ACROSS CHAPEL TO DECKER                                    285
                  as Chapel smiles, pleased, and looks at Decker who
                  stares at "Ilia" nonplussed. This is Ilia coming
                  alive!
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (to Decker)
                            "Will..."
                  And she touches his hand, runs her own hand over it,
                  and smiles.
                  Decker is completely overwhelmed, struggles for words
                  and looks to McCoy for some kind of help. McCoy
                  realizes Decker is losing himself in fantasy.
                                          McCOY
                                    (gently reminding)
                            Commander... this is a mechanism...
                  Decker is startled, and for another slit-second he's
                  lost -- but then he realizes the reality, and what he
                  should do:
                                          DECKER
                                    (gently; but urgingly)
                            Ilia, help us make direct contact
                            with V'ger...
                                          "ILIA
                            I... cannot.
                  Decker looks at "Ilia's" hand still resting on his.
                  Then:
                                          DECKER
                            Then tell us who V'ger is; where
                            he's from... W need your help.
                  For another moment "Ilia" continues smiling at Decker,
                  holding his hand. Then, abruptly, the smile vanishes
                  -- the hand is released. Clearly, she's again the
                  probe, as:
                                          "ILIA"
                            Why have two carbon units entered
                            V'ger...?
                  Decker glances at McCoy, who shakes his head almost
                  imperceptibly: he doesn't know. But Decker has an
                  obvious reply:
                                          DECKER
                            They want to make contact with
                            V'ger...
                                    (trying to revive
                                     "Ilia's" memory again;
                                     touches her hand)
                            Ilia...
                  "Ilia" peers at him blankly, allows him to continue 
                  touching her hand, but obviously it means nothing to
                  her.
                                          DECKER
                                    (continuing;
                                     distressed,
                                     to "Ilia")
                            Does V'ger object to the presence
                            of the two carbon units?
                                          "ILIA"
                            The carbon units are of no
                            consequence; V'ger will determine
                            their purpose.
                                          McCOY
                            Their purpose is to survive.
                                          "ILIA"
                            That is also V'ger's purpose.
                  Decker's face reflects his bemusement:
                                          DECKER
                            You said V'ger's purpose was to
                            find and join with the Creator.
                                          "ILIA"
                            That is how V'ger will survive.
            286   ON DECKER                                                  286
                  as now, the bemusement changes to just the slightest
                  enlightenment.
                                          "ILIA"
                            I wish to continue my observations.
            287   INT. V'GER - KIRK MANEUVERING WITHIN THE CHAMBER           287
        
                  Kirk but a small object, thruster jets occasionally
                  spurting as he guides himself deeper into the trench
                  as he continues forward progress in the direction he
                  saw Spock taking.
            288   CLOSER ON KIRK                                             288
                  So we can SEE his face (through the plate), as he looks
                  ahead into the distance toward Spock.
            289   KIRK'S POV (O)                                             289
                  Spock's STROBE signal closer and Spock's tiny space-
                  suited figure now becoming dimly visible as he moves
                  steadily toward the GLOWING FORCEFIELDS of the inner
                  wall.
            290   ON KIRK                                                    290
                  His attention fixed on Spock, he never notices until
                  an instant too late an O.S. object; quickly he hits a
                  thruster control, and we SEE the MANEUVERING JET turn
                  him to the side as:
            291   WIDER ANGLE - KIRK AND THE BLOB FORMATION (O)              291
                  A swarm of strange-looking translucent crystal-like
                  FORMS on a collision course with Kirk. (NOTE: They
                  were traveling randomly, and are not deliberate ob-
                  structions. However, Kirk's nearness now has attracted
                  them and the swarm of them heads in his direction.
                  Kirk tries to avoid them; he hits a second MANEUVERING
                  JET -- but he overcompensates, and spins straight into
                  the intercepting swarm of them.
            292   MED. SHOT - KIRK (O)                                       292
                  as the nearest crystal forms WHIP INTO SHOT, adhering
                  to Kirk's spacesuit. He hits full MANEUVERING JETS
                  now, seems to make some escape, but still more forms
                  WHIP IN, adhere.
                                          KIRK
                            Bridge...!
            293   INT. BRIDGE - EMPHASIZING HELM                             293
                  All eyes anxiously on the O.S. main viewer.
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                            ... stand by, I may be in trouble...
                  Sulu hits the viewer magnification control.
            294   ANGLE TO MAIN VIEWER (M)                                   294
                  As the distant STROBE FLASHES of Kirk's spacesuit are
                  MAGNIFIED CLOSER, pulling Kirk into MEDIUM LONG SHOT.
                  We can SEE the details of the swarm of forms adhering.
                  But we can SEE that Kirk's spacesuit is now about half
                  covered with them!
           294A   REVERSE ANGLE                                             294A
         
                  Expressions of bridge crew to reflect the horror of
                  what they're seeing as:
                                          SULU
                            Your phaser, Captain...!
                            Use your phaser...!
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                                    (transmitter, weak)
                            Can't... reach... phas --
                                    (transmission breaks
                                     off in heavy STATIC)
                                          CHEKOV
                            Airlocks two and four --
                            prepare to launch rescue
                            teams!
                                    (glancing at viewer)
                            Chief Lang! Get them out
                            there! Fast!
                                          SULU
                            Mr. Spock, the Captain is in
                            trouble, directly behind you --
                            three hundred meters!
                                    (beat)
                            Mr. Spock!
                  Looks of distress are exchanged.
            295   INT. V'GER - SPOCK                                         295
                  Spock's spacesuited figure MOVING TOWARD the CAMERA,
                  as we HEAR:
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                                    (weak; STATIC)
                            ... Spock...! ... need help...!
                            ... trapped...!
                  No indication at first that Spock has heard; his face
                  set with determination, his eyes fixed on his destin-
                  ation: the inner wall.
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                                    (continuing; weakening;
                                     STATIC)
                            ... pressure on me...! ... can't
                            move...! Spock...!
         
            296   ON SPOCK - CLOSE                                           296
                  as Kirk's VOICE STOPS -- and all that is heard now
                  is the HEAVY STATIC crackling ominously. Spock's
                  expression flickers, then he hits reverse thruster
                  JETS, stops -- he turns to glance at the inner wall,
                  then his thrusters turn him so he can look back the
                  way he came from. But he cannot resist Kirk's call;
                  he suddenly hits his thruster controls, then JETS
                  FLARE, and:
            297   WIDER ANGLE - SPOCK                                        297
                  as thruster JETS accelerate him back toward Kirk.
            298   INT. BRIDGE - VIEWER (M)                                   298
                  showing Kirk's spacesuit completely covered, encased
                  in the blob. Kirk is no longer moving. But in the
                  distance, facing toward him is Spock!
            299   INT. V'GER - KIRK AND SPOCK                                299
                  with Spock in the near distance, heading TOWARD the
                  CAMERA. As he approaches Kirk, Spock brings out his
                  phaser. Now he hits the controls for the REVERSE JETS --
                  he slows RAPIDLY as he approaches Kirk's now complete-
                  ly encased spacesuit. Spock makes a quick phaser
                  adjustment.
            300   ANGLE ON SPOCK AND KIRK'S ENCASED SPACESUIT (O) (S)        300
                  Spock levels the phaser carefully. FIRES. The PHASER
                  BEAM strikes the blob form -- it SHATTERS, the pieces
                  DISINTEGRATING.
            301   INT. V'GER - SPOCK AND KIRK                                301
                  facing each other while hovering in space.
                                          KIRK
                            Bridge, cancel rescue teams.
                                    (hard)
                            Spock, what in the hell are you
                            doing out here!
                                          SPOCK
                            I am seeking answers, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                                    (with insight)
                            Answers to what, Spock? Our
                            dilemma -- or your personal one?
                  Spock does not immediately reply, peers at Kirk through
                  the faceplate a long beat, then abruptly looks away,
                  points off into the distance:
            302   ANOTHER ANGLE - INCLUDING INNER WALL (O)                   302
                  We can SEE what appear to be SPARKLING GLOBULES OF
                  LIGHT darting toward the inner wall in the distance,
                  then disappearing there. (We'll SEE other swarms
                  occasionally too, coming from different directions --
                  they will later be identified as "sensor swarms" on
                  closer examination.)
                                          SPOCK
                                    (pointing)
                            Captain, I believe there we will
                            find an indication of whoever --
                            or whatever -- is aboard this
                            vessel...
                  Kirk weighs alternatives, then pushes his thruster
                  controls and begins moving in the direction Spock
                  indicated.
                  Their thruster jets flash, propel them toward the 
                  point on the inner wall.
            303   INT. V'GER - AT INNER WALL                                 303
                  The most prominent area of the vast inner wall -- the
                  patterns on the wall here seem to GLOW with life.
                  The spacesuited figures of Kirk and Spock ENTER SCENE,
                  gliding slowly toward what seems to be the central
                  part of theses patterns.
            304   CLOSER ON KIRK AND SPOCK                                   304
                  as they approach and then we SEE the brief REVERSE
                  THRUSTERS and then forward momentum stops; motionless.
                  Then Spock sees something, indicates.
            305   LONG ANGLE TO INCLUDE SENSOR SWARM (O)                     305
                  Now, we SEE that they are tiny, multi-colored points
                  of FLASHING LIGHT -- almost like swarms of bees.
                  They approach the inner wall at this central point
                  and seem to "disappear" through the orifice.
            306   KIRK AND SPOCK - ANOTHER "SWARM" APPROACHING (O)           306
                  This "sensor swarm" has been coming from a direction
                  that will take them close past Kirk and Spock. Then,
                  as it passes, Spock reaches out quickly, grabs.
                  He turns to Kirk, his hand closed on something.
            307   CLOSE ON KIRK AND SPOCK (AGAINST "TUBE" WALL)              307
                  Spock opens his hand, retaining a hold on something
                  with his fingers. He brings it up to Kirk's face mask
                  -- it's a tiny SENSOR, its multi-colors flashing as it
                  tries to escape from Spock's fingers. And in this CLOSE
                  VIEW, we SEE that this is a SENSOR very much like the
                  one we've seen earlier embedded in the Ilia-probe's
                  throat hollow. Then Spock releases it and it darts
                  to join the sensor swarm near the opening of the inner
                  wall.
            308   KIRK AND SPOCK'S POV (O)                                   308
                  From this closer distance, we SEE that an opening ap-
                  pears in the wall, admits the sensor swarm, then closes
                  immediately.
            309   BACK TO SHOT                                               309
                  Kirk and Spock exchange a look. Their thruster JETS
                  ignite briefly, moving them in that direction.
            310   INT. V'GER - KIRK AND SPOCK (O)                            310
                  closely approaching the inner wall now, timing their
                  movements to coincide with the arrival of another
                  "swarm" -- the wall begins OPENING. The "swarm"
                  through, the wall begins CLOSING -- but Spock and 
                  Kirk slip in before it closes.
            311   INT. "MEMORY CAVE" - SPOCK AND KIRK                        311
                  The wall closing behind them, they are safely inside.
                  But as they stop their forward momentum, their eyes
                  widen with awe and surprise at what they are seeing:
           311A   WHAT THEY SEE (M)                                         311A
                  The long "cave" chamber with its row of huge MEDIATOR
                  BALLS extending into the distance. To one side, the
                  gleaming CRYSTAL MEMORY WALL.
           311B   KIRK AND SPOCK                                            311B
                  as Spock makes a quick analysis and estimate of what
                  they are seeing. Then, he takes out his tricorder
                  again, propels himself toward the memory crystals.
                  Kirk follows.
           311C   AT MEMORY CRYSTAL                                         311C
                  as Spock adjusts his tricorder through several readings.
                                          SPOCK
                            It would appear that the atomic
                            arrays of these crystals store
                            information. A remarkably
                            efficient system.
                                          KIRK
                                    (indicates)
                            And these 'sensor-swarms' collect
                            that data, carry it here.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (nods; indicates)
                            New crystals: they must contain
                            the most recent data obtained --
                  And Spock touches one of these new crystals (it will be
                  shinier, more pulsating than the others): ANOTHER RAPID
                  PROFUSION OF FAINT IMAGES, but this time including a
                  pattern-like image of Klingons, Klingon vessels (the
                  ones destroyed by the Cloud), and obvious Starfleet
                  personnel -- and the Epsilon 9 station. Also, a pattern
                  of the Security Guard killed by the probe. And Ilia.
         
                                          KIRK
                            Klingons... our Epsilon 9 station
                            ... and Ilia!! They seem to be 
                            more than just images...
                                          SPOCK 
                                    (agreeing)
                            Exact patterns. The energy bolt
                            that hit them wasn't simply a
                            weapon -- it dematerialized them,
                            stored them. But why?
                  And he turns and begins moving on, studying the wall,
                  consulting his tricorder.
            312   ACROSS THEM TO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE WALL                 312
                  Spock inspecting this area at which the "newer" crystals
                  are PULSATING and GLOWING, and which appears to be a
                  termination of the Crystal area, continuing on and dis-
                  appearing through the wall.
                                          KIRK
                            If this is their ship's data
                            banks, where is the crew? Or
                            is their entire ship automated?
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain, I do not believe there
                            is a crew -- or that this is a
                            vessel as such.
                  A beat, as Kirk reacts incredulously.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            I am almost certain now that all
                            of this is V'ger -- I believe
                            that we are inside a life form,
                            a living machine.
                  Spock turns his spacesuit, turns his tricorder out to-
                  ward the Mediator Balls, takes a reading in that di-
                  rection. Then a glance to Kirk.
                                          SPOCK
                            I must attempt mindmeld with it,
                            Captain.
                  Spock touches his spacesuit controls; the THRUSTER
                  JETS move him out toward the Mediator Balls.
                                          KIRK
                                    (warningly)
                            Spock...
            313   ANGLE AT MEDIATOR BALL                                     313
                  Spock reaching the Ball, halts his momentum and removes
                  one gauntlet, baring his hand. Stretching the bare
                  hand toward a part of it which looks strangely "alive."
                  The very power generated from this area is clearly
                  affecting Spock's hand. Meanwhile, Kirk has used his
                  THRUSTERS to join him.
                                          KIRK
                            Spock, if you're right, its mind
                            may be enormous...
                  But Spock pays him no attention, his entire being now
                  focused on the PULSATING GLOW of the "alive" area --
                  the CAMERA MOVING IN CLOSER TO Spock, as he forces his
                  hand toward that surface, closer, closer.
            314   KIRK                                                       314
                  watching, almost mesmerized. Torn between wanting to
                  pull Spock away from the wall -- and knowing that
                  Spock must go through with it. For everyone's sake.
            315   CLOSER ON SPOCK                                            315
                  preparing for the ordeal, moving his hand to the "liv-
                  ing area," the invisible force even stronger -- but
                  Spock's strength unwavering, and now he touches the 
                  surface -- and it FLARES WITH STRANGE ENERGY at the
                  touch. And at the same moment Spock' body convulses
                  as if tens of thousands of volts of electricity are
                  charging through him.
            316   CLOSE ON SPOCK'S FACE                                      316
                  as he begins to shudder with the shock, the CAMERA
                  CONTINUES INTO EXTREME CLOSE-UP as we SEE Spock's mouth
                  open -- he SCREAMS. CAMERA INTO EXTREME CLOSE SHOT OF
                  SPOCK'S EYES.
            317   CAMERA ZOOM - THROUGH SPOCK'S EYES                         317
                  MUSIC IN AND UP as we travel through ABSTRACT IMAGES
                  (per Con Pederson discussion). Symbolizing V'ger's
                  incredible and complex store of mechanistic knowledge,
                  these IMAGES suggest patterns of atoms, molecules,
                  galaxies, dimensions of the universe beyond human
                  knowledge or comprehension. It takes only fifteen or
                  twenty seconds, but seems to span aeons, taking us
                  through micro-infinity and macro-infinity.
                  DISSOLVE TO :
            318   INT. DISPENSARY - SPOCK'S EYES                             318
                  CAMERA BRIDGING BACK OUT THROUGH SPOCK'S EYES AND INTO
                  ANGLE ON SPOCK'S FACE as he lies in a sickbay bed. His
                  eyes are open; he is staring straight ahead as if in a
                  catatonic state, completly unaware of his surroundings.
                  Then Doctor Chapel leans INTO SCENE, moving a medical
                  scanner over the brain area.
                                          CHAPEL
                            Now scanning pons area at spinal
                            nerve fiber connection...
            319   ANGLE ON McCOY AND KIRK                                    319
                  McCoy at a console, watching readings he is getting
                  from Chapel's scanner. Kirk watches McCoy anxiously.
                                          McCOY
                            Indications of some neurological
                            trauma--the power pouring through
                            that mind-meld must have been
                            staggering...
                  Before Kirk can reply, they HEAR a LAUGH! An abrupt,
                  harsh, bitter laugh.
            320   ACROSS THEM TO SICKBAY                                     320
                  as all whirl to the patient area where it is obviously
                  Spock who has just laughed -- but there is no indication
                  of laughter from him now. A startled Chapel has stepped
                  back away from the bed. Spock seems to be attempting
                  to focus, orient himself as Kirk and McCoy hurry to the
                  bedside.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (quiet)
                            Jim...
                  And Spock reaches out a hand weakly., takes a surprised
                  Kirk's hand in his. McCoy exchanges a surprised glance 
                  with Kirk, as Spock -- clutching Kirk's hand in friend-
                  ship and need -- struggles to summon strength to speak.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            This simple feeling...
                                    (looks at Kirk)
                            ... is so far beyond V'ger's
                            comprehension.
            321   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              321
                  with Kirk and McCoy exchanging another surprised
                  glance (at Spock's emotion), with McCoy gesturing Kirk
                  not to question it.
                                          KIRK
                                    (gently)
                            Were you right? Spock? V'ger
                            is a living machine...?
         
                                          SPOCK
                                    (nodding)
                            A life form of its own; a
                            conscious, living entity.
                                          CHAPEL
                                    (reacting)
                            A living machine...?!
                                          McCOY
                                    (to Chapel)
                            We're living machines, too: protein
                            mechanisms.
                  Kirk nods at McCoy.
                                          KIRK
                            And it considers the Enterprise a
                            living machine: that's why the
                            probe refers to our ship as an
                            entity.
                                          CHAPEL
                            If it thinks our ship is alive
                            what does it think we are?
                                          McCOY
                                    (dryly)
                            An 'infestation' -- bacteria...
                            microbes.
            322   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              322
                  as Spock turns to Kirk.
                                          SPOCK
                            I saw V'ger's planet: a planet
                            populated by living machines.
                            Unbelievable technology.
                                    (pained)
                            V'ger has knowledge that spans this
                            universe.
                            And... in all this order... all
                            this magnificence, V'ger feels
                            no awe...no delight... no beauty...
                                    (a beat; exhausted)
                            I should have known...
                  Kirk waits for Spock to continue, but Spock seems too
                  weak.
                                          KIRK
                            Know what, Spock? What?
                  But Spock falls back, exhausted -- and McCoy gently
                  tugs at Kirk, AD-LIBBING, "Let him rest, Jim..."
                  Kirk shrugs McCoy away, addresses Spock:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            What should you have known?
                                          SPOCK
                                    (weak)
                            No meaning... No hope...
                                    (summoning strength)
                            And, Jim, no answers...!
                            Jim, it's looking for answers
                            itself!
                                          KIRK
                            What answers?
                                          SPOCK
                            'Is this all I am? Is there not
                            more?'
                  Just then an INTERCOM SIGNAL:
                                          UHURA'S VOICE
                            A faint signal from Starfleet,
                            sir! Intruder Cloud has been
                            located on their outer monitors
                            for past twenty-seven minutes...
                            dissipating rapidly as it approaches.
                  Immediately, Sulu's voice:
                                          SULU'S VOICE
                            Starfleet reports forward velocity
                            has slowed to sub-warp speed! We
                            are three minutes from Earth's
                            orbit!-
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            I'll be right there...
                                    (to Chapel; crisp)
                            I need Spock on the bridge.
            323   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              323
                  as Chapel urns to a MED TECH, AD LIBS an order,
                  "Dalaphaline, twenty cc's..." As the Tech quickly sets
                  the hypo-injector, and hands it to Chapel - and she
                  injects Spock, the hypo emitting a fast, QUIET HISS --
                  Kirk gazes at Spock just an instant as Spock breathes
                  deeply, the drug clearly strengthening him. Chapel
                  and the Tech help Spock from the bed, as Kirk addresses
                  McCoy:
                                          KIRK
                            A machine planet...? Sending a
                            machine to Earth looking for its
                            Creator...?
                                          McCOY
                            God.
                  Kirk looks at him, then at Spock -- on his feet now --
                  then at McCoy again:
                                          KIRK
                            'To find the Creator,' the probe
                            said. Find God...?
                                          McCOY
                            Isn't that what we're all trying
                            to do...?
                                    (dryly)
                            All us machines...?
                  Kirk stands facing him another moment, then whirls
                  and steps to the monitor, flips some buttons, and
                  peaks into his communicator.
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Chekov, Commander Decker's
                            present location?
                                          CHEKOV'S VOICE
                            He... they... are in Engineering,
                            sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            I want to make a ship's announcement.
                            But it's to be heard only in
                            Engineering.
                                          UHURA'S VOICE
                            Ready, Captain.
                                          KIRK
                                    (voice amplified)
                            This is the Captain speaking. It
                            appears that the alien ship...
                            V'ger... is NOT a manned vessel...
            324   ENGINEERING                                                324
                  SHOWING Scott (at his console) listening to Kirk's
                  words -- and facing Decker and "Ilia" who are just
                  about to leave Engineering. (In b.g. the Engine core
                  GLOWS the appropriate color, and there is a SOFT
                  HUM of IDLE POWER.) Kirk's VOICE continues:
                                          KIRK'S VOICE
                                    (amplified)
                            It is a living entity...! A machine
                            life form. We are attempting to
                            ascertain its intentions. All
                            personnel will maintain yellow alert
                            status!
            325   CLOSER ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                                325

                  The probe bland as usual, but Kirk's words seem to
                  have strangely elated Decker; he says to her:
                                          DECKER
                            A machine...! Then it had to be
                            programmed. By whom...?
                                          "ILIA"
                            By the Creator.
                                          DECKER
                                    (probing)
                            To join, and become One with the
                            Creator?
                                          "ILIA"
                            To learn all that is learnable;
                            to deliver all collected data to
                            the Creator on the third planet.
                            That is the programming.
            326   INCLUDE SCOTT                                              326
                  just now confronting them, regarding "Ilia" with open
                  disapproval.
                                          SCOTT
                            Well, sir, now what about all that?
                            A living entity, the Captain says...
                            entity... A living thing...!
                  Decker really hasn't heard Scott; he's gazing at "Ilia,"
                  attempting to digest what she's just said. But quickly:
                                          DECKER
                            Thank you, Scotty...
                  He moves to leave.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (dourly)
                            Your welcome, sir.
                  Now Decker and "Ilia" move toward the exit, Scott gaz-
                  ing after them glaringly, watching "Ilia's" every
                  move. Suddenly, almost into the corridor, "Ilia" turns
                  and looks back at the engine room. She addresses
                  Decker, but load enough for Scott to overhear:
                                          "ILIA"
                            There is no logical reason for
                            carbon units to control Enterprise's
                            power systems.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (to "Ilia")
                            Lassie, if I were functioning
                            'logically,' right now I'd be
                            showing you the inside of our
                            scrap metal compactor!
            327   INT. BRIDGE                                                327
                  Kirk with McCoy and Spock, who although somewhat shaky,
                  is clearly more alert. They are just assuming their
                  stations.
                                          UHURA
                            We're now locked into Starfleet's
                            transceivers; Admiral Nogura has
                            received your reports, sir.
            328   ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                                 328
                  Kirk pausing halfway to his chair to study the viewer
                  on which is appearing an IMAGE of V'ger looming omi-
                  nously in orbit over Earth.
                                          UHURA
                            The visual is a lunar monitor
                            relay, sir.
                  As they begin to study it, the IMAGE suddenly distorts and 
                  is replaced by signal interference -- SIGNAL STATIC LINES 
                  RUNNING ACROSS THE VIEWER SCREEN. 
                  (Somewhat resembling the kind of high voltage interference
                  some-times seen on the television screen.)
                                          UHURA
                                    (continuing)
                            Heavy interference, sir -- it's
                            coming from here, inside the
                            intruder itself...
                  Uhura hits buttons and immediately from the speakers we 
                  HEAR A SERIES OF CARRIER WAVE BEEPS. Spock looks up from 
                  his console, listens to it.
                                          SPOCK
                            Puzzling! The interference
                            appears to be a rather simple
                            carrier wave code signal...
                                          UHURA
                            On an old style radio frequency,
                            sir...
            329   PAST KIRK TO THE ELEVATOR                                  329
                  as the doors snap open and Decker and "Ilia" appear.
                  All eyes go to them as:
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (to Decker;
                                     interrupting)
                            As I stated, V'ger calls to the
                            Creator.
                                          DECKER
                                   (nods; turns to Kirk)
                            V'ger is announcing that it has
                            arrived, sir -- that it's ready
                            to deliver the information it
                            was programmed to collect...
                                          "ILIA"
                            'To learn all that is learnable.'
                                          DECKER
                                    (to Kirk)
                            It expects a return signal now,
                            ordering it to transmit that 
                            information to the Creator.
                                          UHURA
                                    (whirling)
                            Sir! V'ger's signals have
                            stopped...
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (as if frightened)
                            Decker... The Creator has not 
                            responded.
                  Kirk hears this, turning inquiringly toward her, but
                  Uhura interrupts:
                                          UHURA
                            Picking up Starfleet again; a
                            lunar monitor relay...
            330   ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                                 330
                  as, indeed, the interference is fading and a new Main 
                  Viewer IMAGE is appearing -- it shows V'GER IN EARTH 
                  ORBIT with a strange looking OBJECT moving away from 
                  V'ger. It is an ominous looking, HUGE SWIRLING GREEN
                  MASS -- it resembles the same green plasma-energy bolts
                  that destroyed the Klingons and Epsilon 9 -- and very 
                  nearly the Enterprise. It is not a bolt now -- the mass 
                  is much larger and appears much more deadly. A second 
                  object has now formed and moves off, a third one begins 
                  to appear. (Meanwhile, the first and second PLASMA-
                  ENERGY OBJECTS are moving off into the distance in 
                  different direction.)
                                          McCOY
                            My God! They're the same kind
                            of things that destroyed the
                            Klingons, Epsilon Nine...
                                          SPOCK
                                    (interrupting; from
                                     science console)
                            These read as identical composition...
                                    (turns to Kirk)
                            ... however, Captain, they measure
                            several hundred times more
                            powerful!
                                          KIRK
                            High mag, Mr. Sulu!
                  Sulu adjusts the viewer through several IMAGE MAGNI-
                  FICATIONS until we SEE the huge OMINOUS GREEN DEVICES
                  more clearly.
                                          SULU
                            The third one is moving off too --
                            a fourth one is forming...
                                          UHURA
                                    (overlapping)
                            Urgent signal from Starfleet,
                            Captain!
                                    (turns, shaken)
                            All Earth defense systems have
                            gone dead.
                  Kirk reacts hard at this. Uhura gets another message.
                                          UHURA
                                     (continuing)
                            Sir, Starfleet computes their
                            trajectories as moving toward
                            equidistant positions over Earth.
            331   ANOTHER ANGLE - KIRK AND SPOCK                             331
                  exchanging significant glances.
                                          SPOCK
                            From four equidistant positions,
                            Captain, a detonation would blanket
                            the entire surface of the planet.
                                          DIFALCO
                            I plot them as reaching equidistant
                            positions in... twenty-nine
                            minutes, sir... mark!
            332   ACROSS KIRK TO DECKER AND "ILIA"                           332
                  as Kirk vaults from his chair, strides to a handrail to
                  confront the "Ilia"-probe.
                                          KIRK
                            Why...?!
                                          "ILIA"
                            The carbon-units infection will
                            now be removed from the Creator's
                            planet.
                                          KIRK
                            Why?!
                                          "ILIA"
                            The Creator has not answered.
                                          KIRK
                            The carbon-units are not
                            responsible for that.
                                          "ILIA"
                            You infest and control Enterprise.
                            V'ger believes carbon-units interfere
                            with the Creator in the same manner.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (to Kirk)
                            Then V'ger believes the Creator to
                            be a machine too.
                                          DECKER
                                   (nods)
                            It seems we all imagine God in our
                            own image.
            333   ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER - INCLUDING CHEKOV (O)                333
         
                  Three of the four OMINOUS SWIRLING GREEN OBJECTS have
                  all moved away from V'ger now, in different directions,
                  growing smaller in the distance. The fourth object is
                  holding position nearby, seeming to grow in size and
                  intensity.
            334   ANGLE EMPHASIZING KIRK                                     334
                  as he throws a look toward Spock who is now in deep
                  meditation. Kirk turns and takes "Ilia's" shoulders
                  and carefully turns her to face him.
                                          McCOY
                            '... similar life forms...?'
                            Jim, V'ger's saying the Creator
                            is a machine...!
                                          DECKER
                                    (grimly amused)
                            Of course: we all create God
                            in our own image.
                  Kirk peers at Decker a moment, ingesting this thought. 
                  Then he addresses "Ilia" again, this time with emotion: 
                  after all, he is pleading for the survival of the 
                  entire planet:
                                          KIRK
                            V'ger! If we are lesser beings,
                            we are still, like you, living.
                            And because we are alive, we --
                            like you -- wish to survive.
                            You must not destroy --
         
                  Kirk pauses abruptly: "Ilia" is regarding him blandly,
                  stonily -- not the slightest reaction or response;
                  clearly Kirk's plea is being ignored.
                  Kirk draws in his breath to continue, realizes the
                  futility, turns helplessly to Spock.
            335   ACROSS KIRK TO SPOCK                                       335
                  who has been listening intently, with near fascination
                  -- an idea forming in his mind. Quickly, he steps
                  down to Kirk:
                                          SPOCK
                                    (quiet, terse)
                            Captain...
                                    (reaches Kirk)
                            Treat V'ger as you would... a
                            child.
            336    FAVORING KIRK                                             336
         
                   startled at this, not sure he's heard correctly.
                                          KIRK
                            Child...!?
                                          SPOCK
                            Yes, Captain, a child: evolving
                            into adulthood -- learning, searching
                            -- instinctively needing.
                                          DECKER
                                    (intrigued)
                            Needing what...?
                                          McCOY
                            Spock, this 'child' is about
                            to eliminate all life on Earth;
                            how do we teach it that that's
                            'wrong'? With a spanking...!?
                  Spock peers at McCoy almost sadly, then replies to
                  Decker.
                                          SPOCK
                            It doesn't know what it needs,
                            Comm          ander...
                                    (to Kirk)
                            It does not know.
                  Kirk says nothing, looks at Spock who is awaiting a
                  reaction; then Kirk glances at "Ilia" -- his brain
                  is racing, struggling to reach a decision. And then:
                                          KIRK
                                    (abruptly to
                                     "Ilia")
                            The carbon--units-know-why-the
                            Creator-has-not-responded.
                                          McCOY
                                    (shocked)
                            Jim...!
                                          DECKER
                                    (to "Ilia,"
                                     urgingly)
                            Ilia... we can help V'ger
                            find what it needs --
                  "Ilia" studies Decker just a bland beat, then turns
                  to Kirk:
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (to Kirk, hard)
                            Disclose the information.
         
                                          KIRK
                                    (cool, calm)
                            Not until V'ger withdraws the
                            devices orbiting the third planet.
                                          "ILIA"
                            KIRK UNIT! DISCLOSE THE
                            INFORMATION!
                  Kirk studies her a moment, then decides to press his
                  bet:
                                          KIRK
                                    (to "Ilia," almost
                                     pleasant)
                            No.
                                    (then to crew
                                     commandingly)
                            Secure all stations. Clear
                            the bridge.
                  A moment where all are startled at this order -- but
                  no time for questions as just then the ship is ROCKED
                  BY A FURIOUS POWERFUL ERUPTION NEARBY within V'ger.
                                          DECKER
                                    (amplified)
                            Bridge to all decks,secure
                            your stations.
                                          McCOY
                            Your child is having a
                            tantrum, Spock.
         
                                          SULU
                            Clear the bridge, Captain...?
                                          KIRK
                            That was the order, Mr. Sulu:
                            Clear the bridge.
                  Just then another ERUPTION -- the ship is ROCKED AGAIN.
            337   INT. INSIDE V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                         337
                  rocked about by the furious powerfields -- with
                  frightening displays of ray energy.
            338   INT. BRIDGE                                                338
                  as all react to the powerful blasts, holding on to 
                  railings, etc, at the same time attempting to secure
                  their stations for the evacuation. The DAMAGE REPAIR
                  TECHNICIAN leaves his station, crossing to exit.
                                          DAMAGE TECH.
                                    (leaving bridge;
                                     to Captain)
                            Severe stress on engine pylons,
                            sir.
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (to Kirk; flat)
                            V'ger requires the information.
                  Kirk merely looks at her, then to the evacuating crew:
                                          KIRK
                            Bridge secure all stations! 
                            Move out!
                                          McCOY
                            Jim, what the hell kind of
                            strategy is this...?
                  Meanwhile, Decker has crossed to Chekov's now abandoned
                  console, checks it.
                                          DECKER
                            All ship's functions going to
                            automatic, Captain.
  
            339   ANGLE ON KIRK                                              339
                  turning to confront "Ilia":
                                          KIRK
                            If V'ger destroys the Enterprise,
                            the information V'ger requires
                            will also be destroyed.

           339A   INCLUDING VIEWER                                          339A
                  as LIGHT SHOW outside perceptically recedes, and simul-
                  taneously the ROCKING CEASES. At the same time, "Ilia"
                  is saying:
                                          "ILIA"
                            It is illogical to withhold
                            required information.
                  Kirk does not reply to this, turns away to observe
                  the withdrawing crew. Most are out; only Spock,
                  Decker and McCoy remain behind -- with McCoy on his 
                  way. The bridge lighting dims, and now Kirk looks at
                  Spock, who nods approvingly; clearly Spock is the only
                  person who seems to comprehend what Kirk is doing, and
                  why. As Kirk now moves toward the exit, and the lights 
                  are dimmed even further:
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (almost polite)
                            Kirk-unit, why do you not
                            disclose information?
                                          KIRK
                            Because V'ger is going to
                            destroy all the carbon units
                            on the third planet.
                                          "ILIA"
                            They have repressed the Creator.
                                          KIRK
                            The information will not be
                            disclosed.
                  And, gesturing the others ahead of him, Kirk starts
                  toward the bridge elevator. "Ilia" calls after him:
                                          "ILIA"
                                    (almost a plea)
                            V'ger needs the information.
            340   AT THE ELEVATORS                                           340

                  Decker and McCoy about to enter, Spock and Kirk just
                  behind -- all stopping abruptly now at "Ilia's" state-
                  ment. The very tone of her voice is enough for them
                  to realize they have made a very telling point. Kirk
                  follows fast:
                                          KIRK
                            Then V'ger must withdraw its
                            orbiting devices.
                                          "ILIA"
                            V'ger will comply if the carbon
                            units disclose the information.
            341   ANGLE ON McCOY                                             341
                  wryly reacting to this:
                                          McCOY
                            It learns fast, doesn't it...?
            342   ACROSS McCOY TO KIRK AND SPOCK                             342 
                  as Kirk looks at Spock, Kirk's whole expression convey-
                  ing the obvious question: "What the hell do we do now?"
                  But Spock is ready with an answer:
                                          SPOCK
                            Captain, the vessel -- V'ger --
                            obviously operates from a
                            central brain complex...
                  Spock allows the sentence to hang, as he and Kirk
                  eye each other significantly, the CAMERA SWINGING
                  OVER TO KIRK so we can perceive that to Kirk this
                  idea has an even greater significance.
                                          KIRK
                                    (to Spock)
                            The orbiting devices would be
                            controlled from the point,
                            then...?
                                          SPOCK
                            Precisely.
                  Kirk nods grimly, faces "Ilia" again; this time 
                  he's playing for all the stakes.
                                          KIRK
                            The carbon units' information
                            cannot be disclosed to V'ger's
                            probe... only to V'ger directly.
            343   ANOTHER ANGLE - REACTIONS                                  343
                  all wait with hushed expectancy, all eyes on "Ilia"
                  who seems momentarily in some internal communication.
                  She turns away from Kirk and steps forward looking at
                  the Main Viewer.
                                          McCOY
                                    (indicating
                                     viewer)
                            Jim...!
            344   PAST THEM TO VIEWER                                        344
                  the image of the chamber in which the Enterprise is
                  imprisoned. But now, toward the chamber-end, where
                  further passage had previously been barred by the lace-
                  work energy barriers -- an OPENING APPEARS. And at
                  the same time there is a GENTLE LURCHING EFFECT, and:
                                          DECKER
                            Forward motion, Captain...!
                                          SPOCK
                            A tractor beam...
                  "Ilia" steps down from the platform and into the well
                  where she is closer to the viewer.
                                          DECKER
                            Captain, what's the next move?
                                          KIRK
                            The question is, Mr. Decker, is
                            there a next move...
            345   INT. V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                                345
                  moving through the chamber, pulled by the invisible
                  tractor beam, toward the OPENING -- toward the next
                  chamber which, from this POV seems even larger,
                  more forbidding.
            346   INT. BRIDGE                                                346
                  as the four officers step down onto the bridge, Spock
                  hurrying to his science station, Kirk to the center
                  seat.
                                          KIRK
                            Resume duty stations, Mr. Decker.
                  As Kirk attends to his console, Deck is at an
                  intercom:
                                          DECKER
                                    (into intercom,
                                     voice amplified)
                            All personnel resume stations...!
                  At the same time the lights are brightening -- and
                  members of the bridge crew begin returning. All this
                  time there is an ever increasing sense of movement.
                  Kirk glances at Decker:
                                          KIRK
                            Well, Mr. Decker, it seems my
                            bluff is being called.
                                          DECKER
                            I'm afraid our hand is pretty
                            weak, Captain.
                                    (slight smile)
                            But it's the only game in town.
         
                  Kirk reacts, pleased, a split beat at Decker's "our"
                  hand, and goes on:
                  Kirk throws him a look of appreciation, then, abruptly
                  his manner changes as he addresses Chekov:
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Chekov, when do those devices
                            activate?
                                          CHEKOV
                            They reach final position in...
                            Twenty-seven minutes -- mark.
                                          KIRK
                                    (a beat; then into
                                     intercom)
                            Engineering...
            347   INT. ENGINEERING - SCOTT                                   347
                  at his console, a female engineering technician (CHIEF
                  ROSS) nearby, the usual engine room ambience in the
                  b.g., as:
                                          SCOTT
                            Scott, here, sir.
            348   INT. BRIDGE - KIRK WITH AN ANGLE ON SPOCK                  348
                  as Kirk hesitates, glances around at the crew -- now
                  all having resumed their stations -- and then grimly
                  looks at "Ilia" who still remains at the rail.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom,
                                     eyes on "Ilia")
                            Mr. Scott, be prepared to execute
                            Starfleet order two zero zero
                            five.
                  Hearing this, Spock whirls around -- peers incredulously
                  at Kirk. He appears for a moment to be incensed at
                  Kirk's words. Then he realizes and understands Kirk's
                  position and turns, sadly resigned, back to his work.
            349   INT. ENGINEERING                                           349
                  as Scott, too, hears this, but his reaction is of grim
                  acceptance. Not so Chief Ross; she is horrified.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (with a glance at
                                     Ross, into intercom)
                            When, Captain?
                                          KIRK'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            On my command.
                                          SCOTT
                                    (somberly, into
                                     intercom)
                            Aye, sir.
                  And Scott hits buttons on his console, now moves to
                  step from his station, nearly collides with Ross, who
                  clearly is bravely struggling to maintain her poise
                  and dignity:
                                          ROSS
                            Why has the Captain ordered self-
                            destruct, sir?
                                          SCOTT
                                    (a beat; gently)
                            I would say, lass, because he
                            thinks -- he hopes -- that when
                            we go up... we'll take V'ger
                            with us.
                                          ROSS
                            Will we?
                                          SCOTT
                                    (with grim
                                     satisfaction)
                            When that much matter and anti-
                            matter are brought together?
                            Oh, yes; we will, indeed.
            350   EXT. ENTERPRISE - INT. V'GER                               350
                  The ship passing now through a chamber that is vastly
                  more active than anything we have previously seen.
                  Directly ahead appears to be an area that dispatches
                  powerfields; a tremendous volume of them seem to ema-
                  nate and converge there. The medium from which the
                  ship moves appears almost solid, to the point where it
                  seems incredible that the ship can be pulled through
                  it at all. The entire chamber pulses with machine-
                  like, alien life. This should even be evidenced in the
                  booming POWERFIELD LIGHTENING BOLTS as they course in
                  ever more frighteningly close proximity to the ship as:
           350A   INT BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER                         350A
                  The crew all watching the awesome spectacle of V'ger's
                  interior (on the viewer) as the Enterprise is being
                  pulled toward the brain complex. All are somewhat sub-
                  dued, for all realize how their journey will end -- but
                  at the same time they also realize there is no other
                  way. The CAMERA PANS, catching facial reactions -- as,
                  in the b.g., we HEAR a constant flow of AD-LIBBED crew
                  comments:
                                          CHEKOV
                            Twenty-five minutes to device
                            activation, sir.
            ALT. (Twenty-two)
            ALT. (Eighteen)
                                          UHURA
                            Starfleet has been apprised of 
                            our situation, Captain.
                                          SULU
                            Tractor beam remains constant...
                                          DIFALCO
                            We are seventeen kilometers inside
                            the vessel...
            351   ANGLE ON SPOCK                                             351
                  His back to the viewer, the angle does not reveal his
                  facial features, but we can discern him struggling to
                  contain his feelings.
            352   WIDER ANGLE (INCLUDE KIRK, McCOY, AND DECKER)              352
                  Kirk's back to Spock as he watches the viewer, Kirk
                  now turning toward Spock.
                                          KIRK
                            Spock... Spock...
                  Spock does not respond, then Kirk reacts with momentary
                  annoyance, then realizes Spock is totally distracted.
                  Kirk peers at him a moment, then suddenly rises and
                  steps up to:
            353   SPOCK'S STATION - KIRK AND SPOCK (McCOY IN B.G.)           353
                  as Kirk arrives, with Spock still facing away from
                  him, clearly distracted.
                                          KIRK
                                    (starts)
                            Mr. Spock -- I think...
                  Spock moves to face him, turning fully INTO the CAMERA
                  so we can see now, just under Spock's eye:
                  A tear! Welling fom the eye, rolling down his cheek.
                  Kirk is speechless a moment, glances at McCoy who has
                  also witnessed this phenomenon, and started toward
                  Spock; but Kirk gestures McCoy to stay back, as he
                  addresses Spock:
                                          KIRK
                                    (quiet, feeling)
                            Not for us?
                                          SPOCK
                            No, Captain, not for us... for V'ger.
         
                  Spock pauses as Kirk peers incredulously at him, then
                  continues:
                                          SPOCK
                                    (continuing)
                            I weep for V'ger, as I would for
                            a brother -- far more knowledgeable
                            than I -- and yet one step behind.
            354   ANGLE ON McCOY AND DECKER                                  354
                  Listening, McCoy's face reflecting concern; Decker's
                  face compassion and understanding, with Decker step-
                  ping closer to Spock, as Spock continues:
                                          SPOCK
                            As I was -- when I came aboard...
                            so is V'ger now: empty, incomplete.
                            Searching. Logic and knowledge are
                            not enough.
                                          McCOY
                                    (with empathy)
                            Spock, are you saying that you
                            found, what you needed -- but V'ger
                            hasn't?
                                          SPOCK
                            Has not, Doctor -- and now, because
                            of what we are planning... will not...
                                          KIRK
                                    (almost hard)
                            There is no alternative.
                                          DECKER
                                    (gently pressing)
                            Mr. Spock, what would V'ger need
                            to fulfill itself?
                                          SPOCK
                            V'ger has begun to understand the
                            true limits of our universe,
                            thereby realizing the existence
                            of other dimensions. To fulfill
                            itself it must evolve to a
                            higher dimension; V'ger believes
                            this can be achieved only by
                            joining with the Creator.
                                          SPOCK (ALTERNATIVE)
                            Each of us, at some time in our
                            life, turns to someone, a father,
                            a brother, a God and asks 'Why
                            am I here?' 'What was I meant
                            to be?' V'ger hopes to touch its
                            Creator to find its answers.
            355   ACROSS KIRK TO DECKER                                      355
                  as Decker reacts with sudden, almost evangelical en-
                  lightenment, as Kirk Says:
                                          KIRK
                                    (understanding)
                            'Is this all that I am? Is there
                            nothing more?
                  ON DIFALCO
                  reacting to the (O.S.) viewer, AD-LIBBING a terse:
                                          DIFALCO
                            Captain...!
                  PAST KIRK AND SPOCK TO THE VIEWER
         
                  where another opening is suddenly visible -- another
                  chamber. But the violent and color energy effects of
                  the previous chambers are no longer evident. Instead,
                  the entire chamber appears beautifully symmetrical,
                  with a strange, subdued glow, which increases as we
                  move closer.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (flat)
                            Captain, I believe that is our
                            destination.
         
            356   EXT. ENTERRISE - INT. V'GER - NEAR THE "ISLAND"            356
                  COMPLEX
                  This enormous chamber resembles a hemisphere, laced
                  throughout with dazzling energy patterns, not at all
                  ominous, but quite lovely in effect. As the Enterprise
                  continues forward motion, now ahead you will to SEE a
                  small "island." Floating in the exact center of the
                  hemisphere, the "island" seems alive with PULSING LIGHT,
                  with more of the lovely and delicate ENERGY FORMS and
                  COLORS. On the "island," vague at this distance, ap
                  pears to be a "solid" matter form.
            357   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             357
                  The "island" looming larger in the distance. And the
                  Enterprise (as evidenced from the viewer) perceptibly
                  slowing. Kirk just resuming his command chair, as:
                              
                                          SULU
                            Forward motion slowing, Captain...!
                  Kirk says nothing a moment, studies the viewer -- and
                  then:
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Engineering... Status, Mr. Scott?
                                          SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
                                    (somber)
                            We're ready, sir.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Thank you, Scotty. Stand by.
            358   ACROSS KIRK TO McCOY                                       358
                  as Kirk turns from the intercom and glances at McCoy.
                  Between them a total look of understanding.
            359   EXT. ENTERPRISE (INT. V'GER)                               359
                  The Enterprise approaching the edge of the "island" --
                  slowing, but still quite clearly being pulled by the
                  tractor beam. The "solid matter" in the "island" cen-
                  ter still obscured by the STRANGE LIGHT GLOW emanating
                  from that area. The Enterprise is now nearly at the
                  "island" edge.
            360   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             360
                  as all watching "island" loom closer and closer.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Tractor beam strength lessening,
                            Captain.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Mr. Scott... on my next signal.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (fast)
                            Captain, the orbital device will     (ALT.)
                            not be triggered for twenty-two      (nineteen...)
                            minutes...                           (fifteen...)
                                          KIRK
                            The point...
                            (Your)
                                          SPOCK
                                    (eying "Ilia";
                                     carefully)
                            The point is, Captain, twenty-two    (ALT. should
                            minutes. We could have that much      loop "19" &
                            more time...                                 "15")
        
                  Kirk glances at the Viewer, the oncoming "island," then
                  at Spock:
                                          KIRK
                                    (shakes head, no)
            (ALT: "19",)    (Mr. Spock), if we do not provide
            (     "15  )    V'ger with certain information, we
                            won't have twenty-two seconds; the
                            plan must be implemented upon arrival.
                                          DECKER
                            Captain, we can't be sure that our...
                            move... will actually save Earth.
                                          KIRK
                            No!
                  Decker's last word is interrupted by an almost gentle
                  BUMP -- and on the Viewer all perceptible motion has
                  stopped. At the same time:
                                          SULU
                            Forward motion stopped, Captain.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Tractor beam is released.
            361   INT. INSIDE V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE AT THE "ISLAND"         361
                  The ship's sauce leading edge holding position at
                  the "island" edge as though docked.
            362   INT. BRIDGE  "ILIA"                                        362
                  watching the (O.S.) Viewer.
                                          "ILIA"
                                   (indicating viewer)
                            V'ger...
            363   INCLUDING THE VIEWER  KIRK AND THE OTHERS                  363
                  all very silent a moment, gazing at the sight. Now
                  Kirk glances at the people around him: on his command
                  their lives are about to end. Nothing is said; no
                  time for it, no inclination to articulate the obvious.
                  No need to.
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom:
                                     with finality)
                            Mr. Scott...
            364   ANGLE ON CHEKOV                                            364
                  reacting to a console reading with surprise.
                                          CHEKOV
                            Captain... I read an oxygen and
                            gravity envelope forming outside
                            the Enterprise...!
                                          UHURA
                            Sir, I have located the source
                            of V'ger's radio signal: (it's)
                            directly ahead.
                                          SPOCK
                            That transmitter is a vital link
                            between V'ger and the Creator.
                                    (its)
                                          DECKER
                                    (urging)
             (ALT. "18",)   We have twenty-one minutes. Captain,
             (.... "14" )   we can still save V'ger... and ourselves. 
                  All this has caused Kirk to vacillate, but he still
                  believes his course of action is the proper one, as:-
                                          "ILIA"
                            The carbon units will now provide 
                            V'ger the required information.
                  "Ilia" is moving toward the elevator, turning to face
                  the others as she says this. Kirk remains frozen, his
                  hand on the intercom button. He glances at McCoy, as
                  though seeking advice. McCoy peers at him blandly,
                  levelly; Kirk must follow his own instinct.
            365   FAVORING KIRK                                              365
                  gazing at "Ilia," then at Spock, his brain racing, con-
                  sidering all the possibilities, options. He glances
                  at the anxious faces awaiting his decision: a possible
                  twenty-two more minutes of life -- or instant death.
                  Another beat as he decides. Then:
                                          KIRK
                                    (into intercom)
                            Mr. Scott... we're holding off;
                            there may be a chance...
                                    (rises, gestures
                                     Spock and McCoy)
                            Spock, Bones...
                  He starts for elevator.
            366   PAST DECKER TO KIRK                                        366
                  as Kirk strides toward the elevator, joining McCoy and
                  Spock.
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Decker... I will contact you
                            every five minutes. Otherwise...
                            inform Mr. Scott immediately.
                                          DECKER
                                    (calls after him)
                            Captain... I'd like to go along...
                  Kirk studies Decker a beat -- there is something com-
                  pelling about Decker's manner -- a certain sense of
                  absolute necessity. Kirk seems about to deny the re-
                  quest, then turns to Sulu:
                                          KIRK
                            Mr. Sulu, you have the conn...
                  And Kirk leaves; Decker, his face reflecting a strange,
                  almost eager gratification, hurries after him.
                                          KIRK
                            V'ger plans to literally meld
                            to reduce both itself and the
                            Creator to patterns...
                                          SPOCK
                            ... and then to reassemble itself
                            combined with the Creator. The
                            most certain way of obtaining
                            all the Creator's answers.
                  A sudden STORM OF LIGHT AND STRANGE SOUND. In the
                  midst of it, Kirk finds a SHAFT OF LIGHT very much
                  centering on him. He sees "Ilia" watching him with
                  none of their "former navigator" in her expression
                  now. Kirk hesitates, gathering his thoughts:
                                          KIRK
                                    (to "Ilia")
                            Our data is being prepared.
         
                                          "ILIA"
                            Answer!
                                          KIRK
                            We will answer and present proof
                            of our answer when it is ready!
                  Kirk's words lead to a suggestion of FRUSTRATION in the
                  STORM OF LIGHT AND SOUND around them.
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            V'ger, we will bring the Creator
                            to you! Here!
            367   ANGLE EMPHASIZING "ILIA" AND DECKER                        367
                  as he moves to her:
                                          DECKER
                            We need only a few more minutes.
                            Believe me...
                  Decker has reached out to touch her -- the probe spins
                  at his touch -- the move knocks Decker from his feet,
                  tumbling, a hard fall. Then the robe looks at him
                  lying there -- just the slightest softening of her
                  features now.
            368   EMPHASIZING DECKER                                         368
                  slowly turning to face the probe again.
                                          DECKER
                            Ilia, believe me... the Creator
                            will appear!
            369   EMPHASIZING "ILIA"                                         369
                  as she meets Decker's look, her expression softening
                  still more. The STORM OF LIGHT and SOUND begins to
                  subside a bit. She moves to him and he gets to his feet.
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Enterprise to Captain...
            370   INT. BRIDGE                                                370
                  Uhura with Sulu and Chekov there.
                                          UHURA
                            Problem, Captain: the response
                            signal is not in our records.
                            Voyager Six was sent out by Earth's
                            "United States Subdivision.' The
                            code was probably...
            371   INT. VOYAGER SIX SITE                                      371
                  as Uhura continues:
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            ... kept secret to keep Voyager's
                            data from rival subdivisions.
                                          McCOY
                            That's preposterous! They
                            wouldn't have kept scientific
                            data from one another.
                                          CHEKOV'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            We are now checking with Starfleet
                            Archives, Captain. Stand by.
            372   ANGLE ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                                 372
                  Kirk, Spock and McCoy are standing some distance from
                  them (out of hearing). The probe is clearly moving
                  into still closer touch with Lt. Ilia's memory patterns
                  as Decker takes her hand.
                                          DECKER
                            And when V'ger melds? What will
                            happen to you?
                                          "ILIA"
                            It will... take me from you...
            373   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      373
                  McCoy is looking at Kirk with an incredulous expression
                  on his face.
                                          McCOY
                            And when it realizes what the
                            Creator is...?
                                          KIRK
                            There's no way to know. V'ger
                            expected it to be a machine --
                            some single entity.
                                    (indicates entire
                                     site)
                            All of us here may be reduced
                            into patterns...
                                          SPOCK
                            That seems to be what it has
                            planned -- to have the Creator
                            physically present here.
                                          McCOY
                                    (small smile)
                            The God it captures is going to
                            be a hell of a disappointment.
            374   DECKER AND "ILIA"                                          374
                  at the side of Voyager Six, Decker in the midst of
                  twisting a wing-nut which releases a hatch which swings
                  open. Decker peers inside while "Ilia" waits.
            375   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      375
                  Decker and "Ilia" at the old capsule in b.g. as Kirk
                  looks that way.
                                          KIRK
                            Commander...
                  We SEE Decker look up at Kirk's call, then ignore him
                  and go back to inspecting inside the access hatch. At
                  this moment, from Kirk's communicator, a SIGNAL.
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing;
                                     into communicator)
                            Kirk here.
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            We now have the response code,
                            sir.
                                          KIRK
                            Stand by. Transmit it on my
                            orders.
                  The three of them exchange looks -- Kirk, Spock and
                  McCoy exchanging a silent moment of friendship and
                  resignation. Then Kirk lifts his communicator again:
                                          KIRK
                                    (continuing)
                            Enterprise... transmit.
            376   DECKER AND "ILIA"                                          376
                  catching Decker in the midst of pressing a control on
                  his tricorder. Both he and "Ilia" are watching Kirk
                  and the others closely. Now Decker looks down at the
                  tricorder's face. He nods:
                                          DECKER
                            Recording...
            377   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      377
                  still waiting. They continue to wait. McCoy shifts
                  uncomfortably, throws Kirk a puzzled glance. Kirk
                  finally lifts his communicator.
                                          KIRK
                            Enterprise, are you transmitting?
                                          UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Affirmative, Captain. For some
                            time now.
                                          KIRK
                            Confirm code and transmitting
                            frequency.
                                          CHEKOV'S INTERCOM VOICE
                            Both signal and frequency
                            confirmed, sir.
                                          DECKER
                                    (calling)
                            Captain Kirk!
            378   VARIOUS ANGLES                                             378
                  as the others turn to Decker and "Ilia."
                                          DECKER
                                    (continuing)
                            The fault is here, sir, not in
                            the transmission.
                                    (indicating into
                                     hatch)
                            The antenna leads have been
                            disconnected. V'ger never
                            intended to accept a transmitted
                            signal.
                                          KIRK
                            Capture God! In order to
                            retrieve V'ger's data, the
                            Creator has to physically come
                            here!...
                                          DECKER
                            And plug the signal directly into
                            the circuitry at this...
                                    (indicates into
                                     access)
                            ... point here, Captain. It
                            should pick up even a tricorder
                            playback.
                                          KIRK
                                    (lifting communicator)
                            Enterprise, I want that signal
                            again. Transmit!
                  Then Kirk touches a control on his tricorder exactly
                  as Decker did earlier. Then he looks up, reacts as
                  he sees Decker holding his own tricorder up -- and a
                  smile playing on Decker's face.
            379   ACTION ANGLE                                               379
                  as Kirk suddenly pivots, races toward Decker -- but he
                  passes too close to the "Ilia"-probe. It sends him
                  spinning back, tumbling to his knees.
            380   AT KIRK                                                    380
                  as KIRK starts up to scramble to his feet but Spock has
                  stepped in, putting a hand on Kirk's shoulder and re
                  straining him.
                                          SPOCK
                            Jim... he wants it.
                                          DECKER
                            You got the Enterprise, it's
                            what you wanted. This is what
                            I want.
                                          (smiles)
                            But, Jim...
                                          (now very seriously)
                            ... I'm the right choice for this
                            mission.
                  And then Decker shoves the tricorder into the access
                  hatch.
            381   VARIOUS EFFECTS SHOTS - DECKER BEING FUSED - V'GER         381
                  TRANSCENDING (S)
                  For just an instant nothing happens -- and then a 
                  BLINDING SHAFT OF LIGHT STRIKES Decker. The color
                  becomes BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER, begins spiraling through
                  the room. "Ilia" stes toward Decker, is caught in the
                  LIGHT, and instantly VANISHES in a BRILLIANT WHITE GLOW.
                  We SEE Decker seeming to grow larger -- as if his
                  molecular pattern is expanding. A SPECTACULAR SERIES
                  OF VISUALS., THE SPIRALING LIGHT enveloping the entire
                  area.
                  All this emanating from Decker's body, becoming LARGER
                  -- also BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER until now it is almost
                  transparent. And the SPIRALING now expanding in all
                  directions, and the room itself starting to dissolve,
                  vanishing into nothingness -- and all commencing to
                  slip into the new dimension.
                  Kirk, Spock and McCoy stand transfixed another instant.
                  Around them, V'ger seems to be TRANSFORMING INTO BRIL-
                  LIANT, LOVELY PATTERNS. They all turn and race into
                  the complex in the direction of their vessel.
            382   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - AN ENERGY BOLT (S)                      382
                  It too seems to be flowering into loveliness, brilliant,
                  graceful patterns as they seem to slip through to another 
                  dimension, vanishing.
            383   EXT. V'GER - FULL SHOT                                     383
         
                  The "FLOWERING" EFFECT now spreading outward, V'ger's
                  massive shape becoming a spiraling pattern of twisting,
                  graceful shapes and brilliant colors -- a transcendence
                  into another dimension.
                  And then all of that is left is a shimmering, jewel-like
                  point of light -- and then it too fades -- and reveals
                  there in the blue-black of space, the U.S.S. Enterprise.
            384   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER (O)                     384
                  which shows now only space and its familiar star
                  patterns. All gaze at the viewer, awed at what they've
                  seen and undergone. They exchange looks silently, no
                  one wanting to be the first to try to comment on some-
                  thing which is beyond mere words. We HEAR an ELEVATOR
                  DOOR, Scott and Chapel ENTER the bridge and stand 
                  silently watching.
                                          McCOY
                            Well, it certainly has been...
                            interesting.
                                          KIRK
                            Spock, we were its answer!
                                          SPOCK
                                    (nods)
                            Yes, Captain. It needed our
                            mortality, the fear of it, our
                            struggle against it, our fears,
                            our dreams...
                                          KIRK
                            ... and the 'foolish' emotions
                            which drive us?
                                          SPOCK
                                    (looks at Kirk; then)
                            I prefer your poet Dante's phrase
                            -- 'the divine restlessness of
                            the human spirit.'
                                          McCOY
                            Spock... you're quoting poetry?
                  Spock's cold look at McCoy is interrupted by:
                                          UHURA
                            Starfleet signal, Captain!
                            Return to orbital dockyard for
                            inspection.
                                          KIRK
                            Ignore that signal.
                                    (to Scott)
                            Shall we give the Enterprise a
                            proper shakedown, Mr. Scott?
                                          SCOTT
                                    (suddenly beaming)
                            I'd say it's time for that, I
                            would, sir.
                                    (toward Spock)
                            We can have you back on Vulcan
                            in four days, Mr. Spock.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (coolly)
                            I have no business on Vulcan,
                            Engineer.
                  Kirk and Spock exchange a look -- then Kirk turns to
                  the helm.
                                          KIRK
                            Ahead Warp One, Mr. Sulu.
                                          DIFALCO
                            Heading, sir?
                                          KIRK
                                    (taking center seat;
                                     indicates generally)
                            Out there.  Thataway.
                                          SPOCK
                                    (nods gravely)
                            A most logical choice, Captain.
                  Then the trace of a smile comes over Spock's face.
            385   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (S)                                385
                  Planet Earth in the distance, and receding in size as
                  the starship heads out the other direction.
                  FADE OUT.
                                          THE END