Story Star Trek: M-5 (Kelvin timeline movie screenplay fanfic)

Maybe I can do a better job at writing a Star Trek movie than Quentin Tarantino? There's 2 script versions. The shorter one has a subplot removed in order to make it 150 pages.

(UPDATE: I forgot to add a note WHY you should read it - essentially, I took a modern sci-fi/sci fantasy action movie like the 3 Kelvin timeline movies and then injected as much essential "Classic Trek Flavour" as I thought the movie could stand whilst remaining a modern action heavy movie.)



Shorter version


Note: If by some miracle this somehow gets turned into a movie, then I suggest that the tie-in comic/graphic novel show Kelvin Chekov being recruited as an Interdimensional Temporal Agent by Prime Chekov).
ALSO: If it helps for visualisation, I was thinking of the following cast choices
Jasminder Choudhury: Priyanka Chopra
Professor Daystrom: Idris Elba
Julia Daystrom: Thandie Newton or Jada Pinkett Smith.
Commodore Wesley: Stephen Lang

 

Hmm....I wasn't expecting those links to embed like that? It didn't do that on the trekbbs forum when I posted the script links there! :/

Anyhow, here's a little preview. (Jasminder is a character I...uh...."borrowed"/imported from the TNG novelverse. The USS Reliant I used, because the writers of "Into Darkness" didn't use that part of Wrath of Khan, so I thought why not?)

FADE IN:
The screen is black. RED ALERT can be heard, along with a man’s steady breathing. Zoom out. First we see a pupil, then an eye. We are zooming out from KIRK’s face, we are hearing his breathing. His face is stressed but shows grim determination and defiance. He is in the Captain’s chair.

INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

The bridge is at red alert. The bridge crew’s faces mirror Kirk’s. SULU, SPOCK, UHURA, and the rest of the bridge crew at their stations. We also see JASMINDER CHOUDHURY seated at the Navigator’s station.

Sparks fly as the Enterprise is rocked and critically damaged.

KIRK
Uhura! Can you send a distress signal?

UHURA
Too much interference from the nebula!

Kirk pauses. The taste of defeat is as bitter as ever. He makes the call he never wanted to make.

KIRK
Lieutenant. Signal our surrender.

There is an abject look of defeat across the bridge crew.

UHURA
Aye Captain. Transmitting. (beat) No response!

KIRK
Transmit on all frequencies!

UHURA
I am! And in all languages!

The enemy ship (USS RELIANT) has partially turned around, some distance from the Enterprise.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
He’s coming about. (beat) He’s targeting the bridge!

The enemy ship fires a non-cluster, high maneuverability torpedo from a forward tube. It curves round and maneuvers a bit but not much, since there is no phaser fire to evade.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Torpedo fired! Impact in 20 seconds!

KIRK
Keep broadcasting our surrender!

The torpedo warning alarm starts beeping. Kirk tries to reassure the bridge crew.

KIRK
Don’t worry, we can take a hit, so long as…

The viewscreen polarization fizzles out. There is a mass look of horror on the bridge. Worse, the incoming torpedo beep speeds up as the torpedo gets closer to Enterprise!

KIRK
Get it back! Get it back!

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
It won’t reinitialize! Shields and weapons still down! 15 seconds to impact!

During this time, Uhura’s station goes down.

UHURA
Comms offline!

She quickly flicks switches and opens a panel, but nothing. She then has a somewhat inexplicable urge to leave her seat and rush towards the centre of the bridge to tell the Captain again her Comms are down, behind and to the port side of the Captain’s chair.

UHURA
Captain! My Comms are d-!

She then sees the torpedo. Like a life flashing before her eyes moment, everything seems to be slowed down slightly (75%-95% normal speed). She switches between staring at the torpedo and looking at her crewmates as they try and fail to come up with something to save them. When we look at her we can hear her increasingly NERVOUS BREATHING.

KIRK
(slowed down)
Evasive Maneuvers?!

SULU
(slowed down)
Nothing! Even the saucer lift jets are out!

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
(slowed down)
10 seconds!

The camera focuses on Uhura as she stands, partially transfixed by the incoming torpedo, her fear growing every second, at the torpedo heading straight for the bridge, for her. The camera switches between looking at her face and her P.O.V. of the torpedo. She then looks at Kirk.

KIRK
(slowed down)
Suggestions?! (beat) Spock?!

Uhura looks at Spock, who has turned to face Kirk.

SPOCK
(slowed down)
I’m sorry, Captain….

Spock turns back to his station. The camera again focuses back on Uhura, who is now completely transfixed by the torpedo. It’s a nightmare, it can’t be happening, it can’t end this way! The camera continues to switch between her face and her view of the torpedo.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
(slowed down)
5 seconds!

Kirk presses his chair comm button.

KIRK
(slowed down)

Battle bridge! Stand by!

He looks up.

KIRK
(slowed down)
All hands brace for impact!

The camera again focuses back on Uhura. Time seems to be moving even slower (50%-75% normal). The camera continues to switch between her horrified face and her view of the torpedo. We hear her FEARFUL BREATHING and the INCOMING TORPEDO BEEPING. 3 seconds before impact, she still can’t look away. 2 seconds before impact, she instinctively steps back with her left foot, turning her body left and throws her hands and arms in front of her face, one hand and arm above, and the other below her face (we can still see her face – this face and body position is important later in the story), in a futile attempt to protect herself. But she also turns her head right – she can’t take her wide-open eyes off the torpedo. One final view of the torpedo. 1 second before impact, camera refocuses on her, and she GASPS. And SCREAMS.

CUT TO BLACK.

UHURA (V.O.)
(normal speed)
NOOOOOOO!

 

Welcome to fanfiction @Andy Hong And (capslock alert) YAY YAY YAY! I love this already! The intensity, the wonderful oomph of urgency and from my lady Nyota's POV. I ship her and Spock HARD, REAL HARD. I will be watching this fic thread eagerly! !!!!

 

Watching the thread? :/ Just download and then read the whole pdf, I wrote the whole script already!
Also....er....I don't think I ship her and Spock very hard (They get into a surprisingly hot and heavy Vulcan finger touching scene but that's about it?)

 

Er....how do I add prefixes? Actually, has something gone wrong with the prefix system? Also, you wanted the whole script posted here? it is 164 pages long....I suppose I could I guess?

 

Er....after hitting edit and clicking more options, I can't see any first form? Unless I don't have the rights cos I'm still a youngling?
Ok, I'll start posting the rest of the story..

 

SUPERIMPOSE: 7 DAYS EARLIER.
SHOT OF A PLANET, ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, Stardate 2265.50 The crew
is enjoying their last day of shore leave
before we head out on our next assignment.

INT - BAR SCENE - NIGHT
Kirk, Scotty and MCCOY a.k.a. BONES are in a bar/club, out
of uniform, laughing and somewhat tipsy. It’s quite noisy.

SCOTTY

....and I said, “Diplomats?! The best
diplomat I know is a fully charged phaser
bank!”

Kirk, Scotty and McCoy all laugh

SCOTTY

Or, even better, a few dozen photon
torpedoes!
More laughter.

KIRK

Oh, I haven’t laughed this much in months!

McCoy inspects his glass.
MCCOY

Scotty, what is this stuff?!

Scotty holds up the unlabeled liquor bottle they are all
pouring their drinks from and looks at it quizzically,

SCOTTY
Well, it's ... uh...

He sniffs it.

SCOTTY
...it's green!

All burst out laughing. As they finish, there is a
commotion near the entrance. A PRETTY LADY in smart-casual
clothes. Nothing too fancy - she’s ready for a chase. She’s
looking for someone and is none too happy.

PRETTY LADY
Where is he!?

Scotty casts Kirk a knowing look.

SCOTTY

Jim? Have you been a naughty boy again?

Kirk looks confused.

KIRK
I....don’t recognize her?

There is another commotion near the entrance. The pretty

lady has been joined by a HANDSOME MAN, also in smart-
casual, but still practical clothes. He is also looking for

someone and doesn’t look too happy either.

HANDSOME MAN

Where is that two-faced lying cheater?!

Kirk looks even more confused.

KIRK

I definitely don’t recognize him?!

Kirk realizes something.
KIRK

Wait, where’s McCoy?

Scotty looks round. McCoy is not where he was sitting. They
realize McCoy has ducked under the table. They look down
and see McCoy with his finger over his lips, frantically
SHUSHING and signaling them to keep quiet. Unfortunately,
them looking down at him has given his position away.

HANDSOME MAN

Leonard H. McCoy, you two-timing rat-faced
bastard!!

MCCOY
Dammit, Jim!!

McCoy bolts from his hiding place, heading for another
exit, the pretty lady and handsome man hot on his heels.

HANDSOME MAN

Stop running and take what’s coming to
you!

PRETTY LADY

Stand and face me like a man!

We cut back to Kirk and Scotty, who have gone back to
drinking, since this isn’t really any of their business and
they want to enjoy their last night of shore leave.

SCOTTY

Aye, his haggis is in the fire for sure.
(beat) Do you think he’ll make it back to
the ship alive?

KIRK

Well, he managed to the last times this
happened.

SCOTTY

Times?! I never suspected!
(takes swig)
Do go on!
KIRK

It’s that southern charm of his -
unstoppable and deadly.
(takes swig)
For example, back on Earth.....

CUT TO
SUPERIMPOSE: 6 DAYS EARLIER.
SHOT OF PLANET, ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT

Next morning, and the Enterprise is still in orbit.
INT - SULU’S QUARTERS.
Sulu, the strait-laced guy that he is, got an early night
and start, to do some paperwork, and because he wanted to
read his daughter a bedtime story (different time zone). In
the background there are photos of his family, a trophy, a
fencing uniform and various swords on the wall. He is at
his tidy desk, his IN tray is empty and his OUT tray is
full. He is using a PADD in a holder to video-conference
with his family, and is holding a book for the story.

SULU
....the End.

On the PADD it’s SULU’S HUSBAND and DAUGHTER. He’s sitting
in a chair next to her bed. She’s in her bed.
SULU’S HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER

Yay!

SULU’S DAUGHTER
(tired sounding)
Another story Daddy!

SULU

Now, now, it’s gone past your bedtime!

SULU’S DAUGHTER
I’m not.....tired....Daddy....

SULU

Are you sure? I think it’s time we say
“Goodnight Daddy”
SULU’S DAUGHTER
Good....night...Daddy....

She lays back, closes her eyes and is instantly dozing
peacefully. Sulu and husband talk in hushed tones.

SULU’S HUSBAND

I don’t know how you do that! It usually takes me ages to get her to sleep!

Sulu tilts and nods his head, as if to say “Thanks! Well,
if you’ve got the knack, you’ve got it!”

SULU’S HUSBAND

I’ll tuck her in. We both miss you. Stay
safe out there Daddy!

SULU
I will! Bye Daddy!

Sulu shuts the comm and checks his PADD. His brow furrows.

SULU

Jim’s pushed the meeting back 15 minutes?
Sulu sighs, gets up from his chair and walks O.S. to the
replicator.

SULU (O.S.)
Tea, hot, the usual.
INT - JASMINDER’S QUARTERS.
Jasminder is in uniform, reclining in a lounge chair,
reading one of the Vedas (Hindu scripture). Next to her is
a table with the other 3 Vedas, and a Koran. There is a
Hindu shrine in the background, as well as a Buddhist joss
stick bowl with two lit sticks and an incense burner. There
is a trophy, and hanging on the wall a martial arts gi, a
parisee squares sports kit, a pair of boxing gloves, and a
poster of her holding a firearm (can be energy or
conventional). She checks her PADD, also on the table, sees
the meeting has been pushed back, and decides to put down
her Veda and read something from her Koran.
INT - ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM.
Uhura and Spock are sitting next to each other at the
table, each with a PADD in front of them. She is looking
bored. Spock has his hands clasped together, fingers
intertwined (except his index fingers and thumbs, which are
all pointing upwards), and his eyes closed – he appears to
be meditating. Their PADDs beep. Uhura grabs and looks at
her PADD, and makes an annoyed face. Without looking at his
PADD, moving his hands or opening his eyes, Spock says

13

SPOCK

The Captain has delayed the meeting by 15
minutes, hasn’t he?
UHURA

Yup. (beat) How did you know?
Spock opens his eyes and looks at Uhura.

SPOCK

Based on what we know of the Captain, it
seemed a logical conclusion.

UHURA

Yeah, late night, hard partying Jim.
(beat) Unlike Sulu. I saw him at breakfast
in the mess hall, eating and beavering
away at his reports. At this rate, he’ll
make Captain in no time!

Spock nods.

SPOCK

In any case we have a spare 15 minutes. Do
you have any suggestions?

She smiles a small, nearly mischievous smile.

UHURA

Yeah, I have a suggestion....

Spock raises an eyebrow. He’s seen that look
before....
INT - ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR.
Kirk is back in uniform, walking down the corridor, one
hand to his temple, other hand holding a secure-looking
briefcase. He’s not drunk, but he can’t seem to shift the
remains of the hangover he’s got.
Scotty appears walking alongside Kirk, also back in
uniform. He doesn’t have a hangover at all, and is really
chipper and cheerful.

SCOTTY

Jimmy!

Kirk winces a bit at the loud noise.

SCOTTY

And how are we feeling this morning?

KIRK

Can’t shift this headache. Either I
overdid it, I’m getting old, or there was
something wrong with that green stuff!

SCOTTY

Nonsense! I had plenty and I’m perfectly
ok! In fact, I bought a whole case and I’m
programming it into the replicators the
first chance I get!

KIRK

Well, either it disagrees with me, or it
really hates me! I really could use Bones
right about....

As if on cue, McCoy, who just walked into the corridor
junction ahead, hears his name and turns around. He waits
for Kirk and Scotty to catch up with him, before the 3 walk
down the corridor 3 abreast, Kirk, McCoy, Scotty.

SCOTTY

Speak of the Devil! McCoy my boy!

KIRK

Bones, thank God! I can’t shift this
headache!

McCoy starts scanning with his medical tricorder.

MCCOY

Oh, so now you want my help? Where were
you when those two were chasing after me?!

KIRK

We figured you could handle it!

SCOTTY

Wasn’t really our business. Besides you’re
the one dating 2 people at once!

MCCOY

Ok, ok. (beat) I didn’t have any problems?
Are you allergic to everything?

KIRK

It was your fault that I got swollen hands
and numb tongue!

McCoy SIGHS and rolls his eyes, and then finishes scanning
with his medical tricorder.
MCCOY

Anyway, looks like you are somehow
intolerant to that Aldebaran Whiskey.

McCoy puts away his tricorder, gets out his hypospray, keys
in a setting and injects Kirk’s neck, causing some pain.

KIRK

Aah!

Kirk noticeably relaxes.

MCCOY
Ok, that should stop your body from giving
itself a headache! (beat) You know, you’re
the only one who finds these painful....

He puts the hypo away. All three turn and walk off camera.
They get into a Turbolift.
INT - ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM.
INSERT SHOT - Spock’s face. His eyes are closed, he seems
to be focused on enjoying something (as a Vulcan would)
INSERT SHOT – Uhura’s face. Her eyes are closed, she is
also focused on enjoying something (as a Human would)

16
You’d think they were hugging and caressing each other? But
no - we can see both of them now. They are actually engaged
in 2-fingered Vulcan Finger Touching. Uhura is keeping her
two fingers steady, whilst Spock very slowly and subtly
moves his two fingers along Uhura’s. They then both open up
their hands and switch to the 4 fingered version (see Spock
and a female Romulan commander, TOS: The Enterprise
Incident).
After a short while, Spock opens his eyes.

SPOCK

Unfortunately, I can hear the Captain,
Doctor McCoy and Mr. Scott coming.

Uhura SIGHS and opens her eyes. They separate their fingers
and turn their chairs to face the table. They straighten
their uniforms (despite the lack of physical contact!) and
act natural (Uhura leans forward, hands on the table and
clears her throat. Spock leans back and intertwines his
fingers, with his index fingers and thumbs pointing upward,
elbows on the arm rests). They both look at the door as the
trio walk in and sit down.
KIRK

Sorry for the delay.

Spock and Uhura acknowledge this (Head tilt and nod? Nod?).

KIRK

Looks like Sulu and Jasminder aren’t here
yet.

Kirk SIGHS, and offhandedly asks Spock and Uhura

KIRK

So what did you two do with your extra 15
minutes?

Spock and Uhura speak at the same time. Unfortunately,
their answers are not the same.

SPOCK
We discussed....

17

UHURA
We read....

Spock and Uhura wince (Uhura like a human. Spock just
closes his eyes). They’d forgotten to co-ordinate a cover
story! Kirk is nonplussed – his headache isn’t gone yet.

KIRK
Umm....?

McCoy smiles and raises his eyebrow at Spock (!). Scotty
just beams a huge grin, as if to say, “Busted!” At that
point, Sulu and Jasminder walk in.

SULU

Good morning everybody! I....
Sulu pauses. So does Jasminder.

SULU

...Did I miss something?
SHOT OF PLANET, ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT
The Enterprise leaves orbit and goes to warp.

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, Stardate 2265.51. The
Enterprise is underway. I can now brief
the crew on our next assignment.

INT - ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM.
Everyone is seated. Kirk’s headache is gone.

KIRK

First things first. I know she joined at
the start of our shore leave, but allow me
to formally introduce Lieutenant Jasminder
Choudhury. She will be taking over the
navigation station, and will share Chief
of Security duties with Sulu while Chekov
is on assignment. I hope you will join me
in welcoming her to our crew.

Jasminder raises her hand in greeting. The rest of the senior staff similarly greets her back.

SCOTTY

Where has Pavel gone? I heard he became a
Temporal Agent or something?

KIRK

Everyone’s being tight-lipped, but
apparently he has been transferred to the
Department of Temporal Investigations?
Scotty reacts nonplussed/confused at the news.

KIRK

Now, about our orders. We’re heading to
Potemkin Station, a secret experimental
facility located in a vast nebula in a
remote region of the Federation.

JASMINDER

I’ve never heard of Potemkin Station?

KIRK

That’s because normally only Captains or
above know of its existence. And usually
only Admirals know of its location.

Kirk opens his case and hands out folders of sealed orders,
each with the name of a crew member on them.

KIRK

Each set of orders includes mission
protocols and details on modifications we
need to make to the ship so it functions
in the nebula. It also includes the
roundabout course we are to take, and the
cover stories we are to use.

SCOTTY
Cover stories?!
KIRK

Yes. First, the usual; scanning for
mineral deposits and space phenomena, and
cataloging gaseous anomalies. If anyone
probes deeper, we are to state that we are
actually investigating the nebula in the
name of Federation security.

SPOCK

May I ask what our actual task in the
Nebula will be?
KIRK

Assisting in testing and developing new
military and weapon systems.

There is a bit of a commotion and disbelief at this – it’s
at odds with Starfleet’s mission of peace and exploration!
Kirk interrupts this hubbub of voices.

KIRK

Starfleet has been concerned about the
high rate of casualties lately, and these
new systems are expected to reduce those.
Also, rumours of a Klingon-Romulan
alliance continue to circulate. This would
drastically shift the balance of power
against us, and these new systems should
also help mitigate that.
The senior staff accept this.

KIRK

If there are no further questions, you are
all dismissed.
The Enterprise is at warp.
SUPERIMPOSE: STARDATE 2265.55 - 2 DAYS BEFORE THE BATTLE.
INT - ENTERPRISE TURBOLIFT.
Kirk and Spock are heading to the bridge.

KIRK

....And that is why, when negotiating with
the Ktarians, I would use subsection 5 of
that regulation against them.

SPOCK

Intriguing. Logically, subsection 4 would
seem the most appropriate.

KIRK

Ah, but currently in Ktarian society....
BOSUN’S WHISTLE over the comm. Uhura interrupts.

UHURA (V.O.)
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
Kirk presses a comm button.
KIRK
Kirk here.

UHURA (V.O.)

We are approaching the nebula.

KIRK

On my way. Kirk out.

The turbolift reaches the bridge. Kirk and Spock walk out.
Sulu is in the Captain’s chair.
INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.
UHURA

Captain on the bridge.

Kirk and Spock walk their stations on the bridge.

KIRK

We’ll have to continue this another time.

SPOCK

Captain, I am surprised that you know so
much about regulations?

KIRK

I have learned that it is important to
know everything about what rule it is I am
about to bend.

SPOCK
Or, indeed, break.

Kirk gives a “You know me too well!” reaction to Spock.
Sulu vacates the Captain’s chair, and the crew members
covering for Sulu and Spock relinquish their stations. The
main bridge crew are now all at their usual stations.
The Enterprise drops out of warp. The nebula is in the
background. Nearby is a shuttle.

KIRK

Sulu, approach the shuttle, one-quarter
impulse. Uhura, as per our orders,
establish secure laser communications.

SULU
Aye, Captain.
UHURA
Link established.

The shuttle’s 2 crewmembers, both ensigns, appear on the
viewscreen. The lead, sitting in the port seat, is ENSIGN
HERNANDEZ, a young Latina lady who is eager but a little
green. Both are in RED (operations) uniform. They both look
quite stressed but visibly relieved to see the Enterprise.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ (V.O.)
Enterprise! Thank God you’re here!

KIRK

Is something wrong?

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ (V.O.)

We need you to immediately transmit the
following message to Starfleet. “Turkey
trots to water, where is Task Force Thirty
Four, the world wonders”.

Most of the Enterprise bridge crew look confused. However,
Kirk and Uhura look ashen-faced. Spock also recognizes the
significance of the code.

KIRK

Lieutenant Uhura, send that message to the
nearest Starbase and to Starfleet Command,
priority one, maximum encryption.

UHURA
Encrypting now.
SPOCK

Ensign. Have all of your starships been
disabled?

She nods. The other Enterprise bridge crew react in
surprise.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ (V.O.)

We are in desperate need of assistance.

UHURA
Message sent.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ (V.O.)

Follow us in Enterprise. We’ll take you to
Potemkin Station, and then guide you to
the Testing Grounds. Hernandez out.
The shuttle heads into the nebula, followed by the
Enterprise.
FADE OUT

 

FADE IN
SUPERIMPOSE - POTEMKIN STATION TESTING GROUNDS, WITHIN THE
NEBULA
The Enterprise, surrounded by many shuttles, is attempting
to render aid to 3 disabled Federation ships. These are the
LEXINGTON (Constitution class) the EXCALIBUR (Miranda
class) and the HOOD (a different, smaller class to the
other two, and has at least one deflector dish)

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s Log, Stardate 2265.55. This
assignment has unexpectedly turned into a Rescue and Recovery mission. We have been
helping ferry personnel and repair
materials between Potemkin station and our
disabled ships. All available Enterprise
crew are assisting.
INT - LEXINGTON MED-BAY.
The MED-BAY is busy and full of injured. It’s similar to
the Enterprise’s. Kirk and Spock are waiting to speak to
the Lexington’s Captain, COMMODORE ROBERT “BOB” WESLEY.

LEXINGTON DOCTOR

He’s quite weak, but he can see you now.
Bob is sitting up in a bed, left arm in a sling and the
left side of his head bandaged, along with other injuries.
Kirk and Bob are somewhat familiar with each other.

KIRK

Bob, you look terrible, what happened?

The Commodore looks shaken and quite tired. Something also
seems to be bothering him, but it’s not clear what yet.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Jim, it’s good to see you. We were testing
PROFFESSOR RICHARD DAYSTROM’S new research
projects, in particular his M-5 computer.
Capable of running a whole starship by itself.

KIRK

I thought we were years away from such
technology?

COMMODORE WESLEY

It sure seemed that way after the big
test. The M-5 versus the other 3 ships in
simulation battle. The M-5 performed
awfully. It reacted slightly faster, but
that was it. No real strategy, flexibility
or initiative. And only displaying 2
dimensional thinking.

BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT CUT

FLASHBACK TO:

INT - LEXINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM.
There are 2 tables a short distance apart. Professor
Daystrom is seated at one. Facing him are the Commodore and
the Captains of the Hood and Excalibur at the other table.
Each has a name plate in front of them. The Captain of the
Hood is an East Asian male, CAPTAIN DE SOTO. The Captain of
the Excalibur is female (Latina or South Asian), CAPTAIN
HARRIS. As the Commodore speaks in V.O., we see him angrily
shouting and pointing at and away from the Professor, who
only stares back impassively.

COMMODORE WESLEY (V.O.)

I was so disappointed, that I called a
meeting and told Professor Daystrom
exactly what I thought of the M-5 for a
full half hour.
BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT CUT
BACK TO PRESENT.

COMMODORE WESLEY

He seemed to take it ok. The other
Captains suggested we take a 30 minute
recess. It was only after he left the room
that the other Captains said that I had
been too harsh. We hadn’t tested the
droids yet after all. I calmed down a bit
after that.

The Commodore unexpected starts talking to himself,
berating himself.

COMMODORE WESLEY

I had a communicator, I could have gone
after him, apologized, why didn’t I? Maybe
I thought half an hour wouldn’t matter, I
could say I was sorry later...Why couldn’t I
see how upset he was?

Kirk is a bit confused and worried by this segue.

KIRK
...Bob?

BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT CUT

FLASHBACK TO:

INT - LEXINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM.
It is 35 minutes later. The Commodore and the 2 Captains
are at their table. But the Professor is not there?

COMMODORE WESLEY
Where the devil is he?

RED ALERT sounds. Wesley flips open a communicator.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Report!

LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Sir! The Reliant just beamed everyone off,
went to Red Alert and warped away! She’s
headed to the testing grounds!

(Specifically, they beamed all the organics off. The droids
are still on board).

COMMODORE WESLEY

Computer! Locate Professor Daystrom.
LEXINGTON COMPUTER VOICE

Professor Daystrom beamed over to the USS
Reliant 33 minutes ago.
Wesley gives orders to the 2 Captains.
COMMODORE WESLEY
Get to your ships!
BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT CUT
POTEMKIN STATION TESTING GROUNDS (MIDDLE OF THE GROUNDS)
The Hood, Lexington and Excalibur are in V formation,
Lexington in the lead. The Reliant is in the distance.
INT - LEXINGTON BRIDGE
The bridge of the Lexington looks similar to that of the
Enterprise. There is the Commodore in the Captain’s chair,
the LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER, LEXINGTON NAVIGATION OFFICER,
LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER AND THE LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICER, along with other bridge crew members.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Open a channel to the squadron.
The Lexington’s communications officer obeys.

COMMODORE WESLEY

All hands, all ships, battle stations.
This is not a drill. Shoot to disable. No
torpedoes. We want the Reliant and her
droids back in one piece. Prepare boarding
parties.

The Commodore closes the channel.
COMMODORE WESLEY

Open a channel to the Reliant. (beat)
Professor! What are you doing?

The audio only reply (no viewscreen, but broadcast in the
open to all ships) is angrily snarled.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Defend yourself! Full phasers!

Reliant closes the channel. The Commodore can’t believe
what he’s hearing.

COMMODORE WESLEY
(To himself)
Full phasers?! Is he crazy?
(To the crew)
All ships! Open fire!

COMMODORE WESLEY (V.O.)

We had no inkling of what was about to
happen. No warning.

Reliant and the other 3 ships head towards each other. The
Hood, Excalibur and Lexington fire phasers. Reliant,
instead of firing, executes a half barrel roll to the
right, leaving her upside down and avoiding much of the
phaser fire. She then fires 3-second CONTINUOUS BEAMS from
all of her forward facing phasers, focused on a small part
of the Hood’s forward shield. The Hood’s shield holds for 2
seconds, then the beam punches through and smashes into and
through the Hood’s deflector dish! The lights on the Hood
flicker and go out, and she starts drifting. She has lost
all weapons, shields and propulsion.
The Lexington’s crew are surprised by the barrel roll, and
shocked by what has happened to the Hood.
LEXINGTON BRIDGE CREW 1 (O.S.)

Did you see that maneuver?!

LEXINGTON BRIDGE CREW 2 (O.S.)

How in the world did he...

LEXINGTON NAVIGATION OFFICER
Sir! The Hood’s lost power! She’s
helpless!

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER
Reliant punched right through Hood’s
forward shield!

COMMODORE WESLEY

My God....

Reliant increases speed to full impulse, pulls up and turns
left (since she’s inverted, this means relative to
Lexington and the other ships, she “dives” and turns
“right”). Reliant fires phaser bolts as she passes the
Hood, damaging her weapons directly and disabling her
systems further. As she does so, Reliant rolls to put
herself “upright”.

COMMODORE WESLEY

All ships! Pursuit course! Torpedoes
authorized! Set for proximity detonation!

(to science officer)
Get the Reliant’s prefix code! He can’t
have changed it so soon!

The Lexington and Excalibur turn left and dive, heading
after the Reliant.

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER

Torpedoes locked!
COMMODORE WESLEY

Fire!

Both ships fire phasers and 4 torpedoes each. The Reliant
jinks and maneuvers to avoid the phaser fire. She takes
some phaser hits on her shields but it’s nothing serious. A
distance has opened up between her and her pursuers.
Executing a banked 180 degree turn to port, she fires her
rear then port phasers at the torpedoes, easily destroying
them all. The 2 groups are now facing each other again and
closing rapidly.

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER
All torpedoes destroyed!
COMMODORE WESLEY
Where’s that prefix code?!

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER

Ready!

COMMODORE WESLEY

Shut her down! Weapons, shields,
propulsion, everything!

Reliant appears to lose power, lights go out, she drifts in
space. The Lexington and Excalibur approach cautiously.

COMMODORE WESLEY

All ships! Board the Reliant! If she
blinks, fire phasers to disable.

LEXINGTON NAVIGATION OFFICER

Lowering shields for transpo-
There is an URGENT WARNING SOUND on the Helmsman’s console.

They look at it in alarm. They try and yell “Ambush” and
fire phasers.

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER

Ambu-!

The Lexington is violently rocked. Both the Lexington and
Excalibur take multiple phaser hits with their shields
down. The both manage to return phaser fire, but it seems
to strike some hull polarization on the Reliant? All ships
are now moving and raise their shields. Reliant pulls up
and climbs near vertically to avoid going in front of any
enemy torpedo tubes.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Shields up! Return fire! Evasive
maneuvers! Report!

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER

Casualties and critical damage sustained!
He polarized his hull! We did no damage!
LEXINGTON NAVIGATION OFFICER

Boarding attempts unsuccessful! He used an
inhibitor field!

The Professor snarls over a comm channel

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Prefix code?! First thing I changed!

The channel closes. An alarm goes off.

LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
We were both boarded! Weapons fire in
Engineering!

COMMODORE WESLEY
(To Lexington Communications
Officer)
Security teams to Engineering!

He pushes a comm button

COMMODORE WESLEY

Engineering, come in! Engineering!

INT - LEXINGTON ENGINEERING
When the shields were down, teams of droids beamed in to
both the Lexington and Excalibur’s Engineering areas. We
see events in the Lexington. Each ship received 8 combat
droids and 4 Exocomps. None of the Starfleet crew are
armed. Starfleet crew are SCREAMING as they are being cut
down by the combat droids. The combat droids are in pairs.
The lead droid dual-wields phaser pistols on stun, and is
firing accurately at different targets without aiming down
the sights or even looking at the targets – their sensors
can do the aiming. The follower has holstered pistols and
is instead throwing grenades rapidly. The droid simply
signals the grenade when to detonate it.
After 5 seconds, most of the Starfleet Engineering crew is
stunned. At that time, the 4 Exocomps fly to consoles to
seal the doors and erect force fields. 5 seconds after
that, all of the Starfleet Engineering crew have been
disabled. The last 2 were hiding around a corner,
improvised weapons (metal tubes as clubs?) in hand. But the
droid can sense them and simply pokes just his pistol round
the corner and stuns them both. The combat droids now form
defensive positions near the doors or near the Exocomps,
who have found what they were looking for – the Lexington’s
shield frequency!
INT - LEXINGTON BRIDGE

LEXINGTON SECURITY (V.O.)

They’ve erected force fields! We’re trying
to break in!

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER

Weapons, Shields and Propulsion all down
to 50%!

LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Sir! Someone is transmitting a message
from Engineering to Reliant!

Almost immediately, the Lexington is violently rocked.
CUT TO EXTERNAL SHOT
Phaser bolts from the Reliant pass straight through the
shield bubbles of the Lexington and Excalibur, smashing
into their hulls!

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER

Shields ineffective!

The bridge crew reacts with horror at this. It takes a
second for them to realise what has happened, and then they
look even more horrified.

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER
He has our shield frequencies!

COMMODORE WESLEY

Change them now!

The officer tries.

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER
I can’t! They’ve been locked!

COMMODORE WESLEY

Divert shield power to weapons and
engines! Fire at will! Full impulse. Get
us out of here!

The Lexington and the Excalibur suffer more hits.
LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER
We’ve lost main power and warp drive!
LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Casualty reports coming in from all decks
and from the Excalibur! She’s been
disabled!

LEXINGTON NAVIGATION OFFICER
He’s targeting our weapons, shield
generator and impulse drives!

LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER

Propulsion is damaged! I can’t shake him!

COMMODORE WESLEY
Open a channel to Reliant!

The channel is opened. Desperately the Commodore tries to
reason with the Professor.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Daystrom! Have you gone mad? Break off the
attack! You’re going to kill us all! Stop
the attack!

A massive hit rocks the Lexington. The whole bridge crew is
either thrown off their feet or out of their chairs. The
Commodore hits the floor hard, breaking his left arm and
hitting his head, dazing him. Everything now seems in slow
motion as the rest of the crew get back to their posts.

LEXINGTON SCIENCE OFFICER
(slowed down, sound faded)
Auxiliary circuits destroyed!
LEXINGTON HELM OFFICER
(slowed down, sound faded)
I can’t get power! We’re defenceless!

The comm channel bursts into life. The Professor’s voice
cuts through at normal speed, ranting, gloating and bitter.
There’s no one to stop his insane monologue.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Decades of struggling to prove the things
I'd done before were not flukes! Seminars
and lectures to rows of fools who couldn't
begin to understand my systems!
Colleagues, laughing behind my back at the
boy wonder, questioning if I truly
deserved my position, and becoming famous
building on my work, without giving me my
due credit!

His rant changes to gloating and proud.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Now, with my greatest creation, the M-5!
See what we’ve done! Your mighty
starships, toys to be crushed! AS! WE!
CHOOSE!

With that, the screen fades to white as the Commodore loses
consciousness.
BACK TO PRESENT:
INT - LEXINGTON MED-BAY.

COMMODORE WESLEY

After that, the Professor beamed his
droids back, took Reliant and left.

The Commodore looks traumatized.
COMMODORE WESLEY

Jim, I’m a career Starfleet officer. I’ve
fought dozens, hundreds of engagements.
And that...thing...took me apart like a
freshman cadet!
Kirk tries to reassure him.
KIRK

You’ve been through a terrible experience,
it would have shaken anybody...

The Commodore looks traumatized, and now also somewhat
guilty? The Commodore becomes increasingly distressed, and
his words become less coherent and organised.

COMMODORE WESLEY

No, you don’t understand Jim! If I knew
the M-5 was capable of even a fraction of
what it did, I....I never would have said
those things...Jim, I, when I yelled at
Daystrom, I really laid into him! Told him
how useless his achievements had been, how
worthless he was, how I was going pull his
funding and shut down his project and
ensure he never worked for Starfleet
again! I....I don’t know what came over me!
I couldn’t stop myself! I was so
disappointed by the M-5’s poor performance
in the first test....

The Commodore looks like he is about to break down. Spock,
who has been listening to all this whilst reviewing
something on a PADD, asks a question.

SPOCK

Commodore, when you were yelling at the
Professor, what did you mean by “You
people”?

There is a pause. The Commodore looks even more distraught.

COMMODORE WESLEY

What? I...I never said...I would never...I don’t
remember saying that! What does the
transcript, the recording show?

Spock plays a portion of the recording of the meeting on
his PADD. We can see the screen. The Commodore is yelling
angrily. Daystrom does not outwardly react at any point.

COMMODORE WESLEY (V.O.)

Trillions of credits, millions of man
hours, and this is all you have to show
for it?! (beat) You people....

Spock pauses the recording. There is silence. The Commodore
is now on the edge of breaking down.
COMMODORE WESLEY

I...I would never...I don’t remember saying
that! Jim, I’m not that sort of person!
I...I...

The Commodore breaks down.

COMMODORE WESLEY

It’s all my fault...I couldn’t see his
genius and then I pushed him to the edge
and now he’s snapped and it’s all my
fault!....

The Commodore bursts into tears and starts sobbing. The
Lexington’s doctor intervenes.
LEXINGTON DOCTOR

Sirs, I’m afraid you’re going to have to
leave now.
INT – LEXINGTON CORRIDOR.
Kirk and Spock walk out of the Med-bay and talk in the
corridor.

KIRK

I know Bob, he’s a good man. But I’ve
never seen him like this.
(Looks at Spock)
Do you think he’s telling the truth?

SPOCK

He appears to be genuinely remorseful. I
could meld with him or we could use a
telepath, but in his current mental state
results would be inconclusive. I do not
believe he remembers saying those words
nor exactly what he meant. Maybe “You
scientists”?
KIRK

But is that how Daystrom interpreted it?
It would have been the final straw,
especially on top of the other insults and
the threat to end of his career.

Kirk sighs. This mess is going to take a very long time to
sort out. They head the Lexington’s transporter room.

KIRK

We’d better tell McCoy to meet us.
Hopefully he’s assessed the Professor’s
and the Commodore’s psych profiles.

36

Both Kirk and Spock walk O.S.
INT – ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR.
BEAMING SOUNDS. Kirk and Spock walk out of the transporter
room and meet McCoy, who is holding a PADD. They all start
walking to the Enterprise conference room.

MCCOY

Jim, I don’t understand, these 2 were like
powder kegs! How did the counselors not
spot this?
KIRK

They likely did. Great men tend not to
listen to their doctors.

McCoy looks at Kirk. He has first-hand experience of Kirk
ignoring him on health matters.

MCCOY

I know what that feels like. (beat) The
Commodore has been under tremendous
strain. Responsible for much of
Starfleet’s R&D budget, he’s had a string
of expensive failures and desperately
wanted, needed to have a success. The
pressure was made worse lately by the
rumours of a Klingon-Romulan alliance.
He’s clearly been on the edge of a nervous
breakdown.
SPOCK
And the Professor?
MCCOY

Based off the recordings of the battle,
Daystrom has clearly had a nervous
breakdown. Over his life he did file a
number of grievances, most of which were
ruled inconclusive. He did have a number
of early successes with the Comptronic and
Duotronic breakthroughs...

SPOCK

Indeed. They still form the basis of all
of the computers on the Enterprise.

MCCOY

...But then he hit a bit of a dry spell.
Small successes but no amazing leaps.

KIRK

Genius doesn't work that way. With new and
revolutionary theories, it’s not a
conveyor belt, like you can simply say,
today, I will be brilliant?

McCoy nods.

MCCOY

He then met his wife, and life appeared to
have smoothed out. But, tragically, she
died in an accident. Following that, he
changed focus from general computing to
robots and AI. He seems to have become
obsessed with nothing less than preventing
any deaths from space exploration?

McCoy plays a video on the PADD. The Professor is giving a
speech or interview.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM (V.O.)

...Machines can do all those things. Men and
women need no longer die in space or on
some alien world. They can live, and go on

to achieve greater things, than fact-
finding and dying for galactic space!

MCCOY

And so, he created the Multitronic M-5.

SPOCK

Do we know anything about his wife?

MCCOY

Only that she exists. There are no further
details about her in the ship or station
database. We could send a request to a
Starbase, a planetary archive, or even
Memory Alpha, but that would take days or
weeks, and we’d have to leave the Nebula
to send the query and receive the reply.

KIRK

We don’t have the time, the Reliant has
too much of a head start already. We’ll
have to do without.

The camera stops moving. All 3 walk O.S.
INT - ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM.
The POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER, a woman 30 years or older,
is preparing to give a presentation before the Enterprise
sets off to pursue Daystrom and the M-5 in the Reliant.
Kirk, Spock and McCoy enter and get seated. Uhura, Sulu,
Jasminder and Scotty are already there. As the Commander
(which is also her rank) talks, graphics pop up on the
screen behind her.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

Welcome to Potemkin Station. I wish it was
in better circumstances. (beat) Potemkin
was built and hidden in this vast Nebula
for reasons of secrecy, in order to
develop new technologies and weapons for
Starfleet.
She presses a button.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
The Nebula is estimated to consist of
thousands of “pockets” of normal space,
separated by “walls” of nebula. Most
remain unexplored and uncharted. Most
pockets are so large they can be warped
across. The nebula “walls” block sensors
and communications, so you’ll be on your
own, and you’ll have to enter each pocket
in order to scan it. You also cannot warp
through those walls. In addition, periodic
“Nebula storms” can disrupt communications
and sensors inside the pockets.
Sulu, Jasminder and Uhura look concerned.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

This is going to massively complicate the
search effort.

Next slide/video. Potemkin station looks like Regula
Station, only larger and armed.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

Potemkin itself consists of the Station,
which is sufficiently armed to repel up to
4 cruisers at once, and the unarmed
testing grounds in the neighboring pocket,
which is the largest one we’ve found in
the Nebula.
Next slide/video

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
The USS Reliant is a modified Miranda
class vessel. Equipped with the M-5
computer for all space tasks and a droid
complement of 300 for everything else, the
organic crew space was reduced to 200.

The crew react with surprise.

SCOTTY

200?! For a ship of that size?!

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
Actually, Reliant does not require a
biological crew at all. Most of her crew
quarters and support infrastructure were
replaced so she could serve as a testbed.
For example, Reliant has 10 transporter
rooms, not including cargo transporters,
for testing mass boarding actions. Her
shuttles are all warp capable. She also
has 5 med bays, 4 of which contain
experimental medical equipment, enhanced
thrusters and impulse engines, and repair
bays and industrial replicators fit for a
Starbase.

The crew reacts with astonishment.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

In terms of tactical systems, most of them
are standard to the Miranda class. The
Professor was working on advanced high
maneuverability torpedoes and new cluster
torpedoes, but he was 6 months from
building prototypes. He did manage to
complete the new dual-firing mode on the
phasers.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
I’m sorry? What is this mode?
POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
The Reliant’s phasers can all switch
between firing bolts or beams. Beams dump
energy into the target faster, but if you
miss then you will have wasted more
energy.
SULU

Interesting. If I can evade them I might
be able to cause them to waste more power!
The Potemkin Commander smiles, then continues.
POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

He was also a firm believer in polarized
hull plating, and fitted the Reliant with
his own custom design.

SCOTTY

But, that’s been obsolete since shields
were invented! With the weight, complexity
and maintenance issues, shields are
superior in almost all situations. Plus
unlike with shields you can’t simply plug
a hole in them with more power!

The Commander nods.


POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
Nevertheless, as the battle showed, the
Professor appears to have made it work.

Next slide: M-5 and droids.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

Reliant’s most powerful weapon is the M-5
computer, interlinked cores easily capable
of thinking and reacting many thousands of
times faster than any organic being.
However, its performance against our ships
was a nasty surprise. In previous tests
the M-5 proved to be quite ineffective. We
do not know how Daystrom achieved this,
but it may have involved his Brain Engram
Machine.
MCCOY

Apologies, what is this machine?
POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
It was realized early on that the M-5
couldn’t actually leave the ship. So
droids were designed to fulfil the away
mission role. Combat, multi-role, and
Exocomps for maintenance and Jefferies
tube work. However, being computers they
lacked common sense. We attempted to let
them “machine-learn” for themselves, but
although fine for the Exocomps with their
simple tasks, this was too slow for the
other droids. So we used the brain engram
machine to help give the droids “common
sense”, using the minds and memory engrams
of our best personnel. This was done
carefully and selectively – we are not in
the business of making robot clones of
Starfleet crew by copying their minds.

Spock realizes something.
SPOCK

Did the Brain Engram Machine not work on
the M-5?

42

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
The M-5’s mind was predicted to be too
large, too much of a strain for a single
mind, so an engram would fail to work
correctly, if at all.

SCOTTY

Maybe Daystrom adapted the machine into a
mind-machine interface?

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

Unlikely. The machine’s bandwidth is not
fast enough, and was designed and intended
to be one way only, to the M-5.

After a pause, Sulu decides to ask more about the droids.

SULU

What are the droids capabilities?

The Commander brings up animated graphics displaying what
she is saying.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER
All droids are EMP and logic-bomb proof,
have built in transport inhibitors, and
they have sensors all over their bodies,
giving them all-round awareness. They can
even use sensors in their fingers to look
around corners. They can communicate via
secure transmission or laser comms at well
over thousands of words a second. The
combat version has deflector shields and
more armor, both good enough for 1 to 2
high-powered shots from a phaser rifle.
The others can fit applique armour and
deflectors if needed. The combat and
multi-role droids are all different sizes
because the optimum size had not been
determined yet. Their phasers have
increased fire rates, and have had cameras
and sensors built into them. Finally the
droids also have specialized experimental
equipment, including; flashbang stun
grenades, rifles that can shoot around

43

corners, and metal shields with built in
polarization, deflector shields,
electronic flashbangs and weapons.

Graphics show the equipment – the metal shields to be
rectangular shaped with curved corners.
The crew looks quite stunned at this news.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

They outclass our Security Teams by a wide
margin...

The Commander ends the presentation.

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

We’ve uploaded the Reliant’s ion trail and
warp signature into your computer. Any
questions?

There is a pause. Eventually, Scotty pipes up, somewhat
incredulous.

SCOTTY

...So, our mission, is to, by ourselves,
find and stop the genius mad scientist,
with the unbeatable ship, and the
unstoppable robot army?!

POTEMKIN STATION COMMANDER

I’m afraid so. The Enterprise is the only
ship left working in this (Sector? Sector
block? Quadrant? Area?). Good luck.

The Enterprise departs the testing grounds. She enters the
nebula wall. As the Captains log V.O. plays, crew members
(including the bridge crew) and security are being armed
with pistols or rifles at an armory, and walking around
with weapons in hands or holsters.
KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, supplemental. We begin our
search for the Reliant. I have ordered
that the crew be armed at all times, in
case we are boarded.


The Captain, in his chair, decides to make a broadcast.
INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
KIRK

Uhura, shipwide broadcast.

BOSUN’S WHISTLE.
KIRK

All hands, this is the Captain. The
responsibility of locating and stopping
the USS Reliant has fallen to us. As you
are by now aware, that vessel has defeated
a squadron of three Starfleet ships, and
we must prevent her from attacking any
other innocent parties. But I am confident
that we will succeed, for this is the
Enterprise, flagship and the pride of
Starfleet. We will not fail.

Kirk closes the channel, hoping his inspiring speech has
had the desired effect. Spock realizes something and moves
to the Captain.

SPOCK
Captain, didn’t...

He is interrupted by the comm beeping. Kirk answers.

KIRK
Kirk here.

MCCOY (V.O.)

Jim, not to be a pedantic worrywart, but...

INT – ENTERPRISE MED-BAY
McCoy is standing near a Comm on the wall

MCCOY

....the last time you gave an inspiring
speech on heading into a nebula, didn’t we
lose the Enterprise?

INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

Kirk makes a face. McCoy is telling the truth, but did he
really have to say that?

KIRK

The crew needed an inspiring speech,
Bones.

Kirk thinks for a moment and looks at Spock.

KIRK

Besides, you just took the words right out
of Spock’s mouth! Kirk out.

Kirk closes the channel and smiles at Spock. Spock looks
thoughtful, almost amused.
SPOCK

He is going to be so perturbed when he
realizes.
INT – ENTERPRISE MED-BAY
McCoy turns off the comm and smiles. Then his face falls.

MCCOY

Oh my God, I’m beginning to think like
Spock?!

He runs to a mirror and inspects himself.

MCCOY

My ears aren’t getting pointier are they?!

 

CUT TO
The Enterprise is moving through space at impulse.
SUPERIMPOSE: STARDATE 2265.57 - DAY OF THE BATTLE.

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, Stardate 2265.57. Mere days
into our search, I sense we are closing in
on the Reliant. We are having little
difficulty picking up the Reliant’s ion
trail and warp signature. I do not know if
this is a good sign, that the Professor is

46

unable to hide these, or something more
ominous, that he wanted us to find them.

INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
All the normal bridge crew are at their stations. Sulu and
Jasminder are discussing what opening maneuver to use.

SULU
(Kumeh is pronounced
“Ko-mah”)
Maybe the Kumeh Maneuver?
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
I prefer the Talupian Maneuver.

Kirk was in his chair thinking, and has made his decision.
He stands, ready to announce his plans to the bridge crew.

KIRK

Senior staff! I need your attention.
The senior staff on the bridge turn round.

KIRK

Given the M-5’s capabilities, and having
spoken with all of you, I have chosen to
start with a simple “Alpha-Strike” tactic
should our adversary decide to engage us.
Fire all forward weapons, divert shield
power to the forward shield. We will then
play it by ear, trying to maintain our
distance. Our ship’s power and size
advantage should give us the edge in a
drawn out slugfest.
He turns to Sulu and Jasminder

KIRK

Torpedo settings are at your discretion.
Remember, our primary mission is to stop
the Reliant. If Daystrom can be reasoned
with, fine. But if a fight starts, shoot
to destroy rather than disable. We will be
scrambling for every advantage we can get.
Only if a massive and clear advantage
opens up should we even consider disabling
and capturing the Reliant. Is that clear?

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Yes sir.
SULU
Crystal.
KIRK
Very good.
(Turns to address everyone)
Everyone back to your posts.

Kirk returns to his chair.
The Enterprise is still moving through space at impulse.
INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Sulu and Jasminder are working at their consoles when
BEEPING alerts them to something.

SULU

Captain! Sensors have just picked up the
Reliant! I don’t think she’s...

The Comm bursts into life. Audio only. He has spotted them,
and sounds sneering and at turns condescending or
sarcastic.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
So this is who they have sent to bring me
down? The USS Enterprise? Flagship of the
Federation! Pride of Starfleet! (beat) I
don’t know whether to be impressed, or
disappointed!

Ignoring the insults, Kirk attempts diplomacy.

KIRK

Professor Daystrom! It is not too late.
Don’t make things any worse. If you
surrender now I promise humane treatment
and a fair trial...

The Comm is cut off.

UHURA

He’s closed the channel.

KIRK

Yellow Alert! Shields up!

YELLOW ALERT SOUNDS
SULU

Reliant is moving towards our position! We
are both outside our maximum firing
ranges.

KIRK

Head directly towards him Mr. Sulu! Half
impulse!
SPOCK

Reliant has gone to red alert. Shields are
up. Weapons active.

KIRK

Red Alert! All hands to battle stations!

RED ALERT SOUNDS
SULU

Reliant is closing fast! We’re about to
enter maximum firing range.

KIRK

We’ll wait – I intend to fire just before
we enter optimal firing range. Unless
Reliant opens fire before then, in which
case fire everything we’ve got.

SULU

We’re now within maximum firing range.
Approaching effective firing range.

SPOCK

Reliant has not yet locked weapons onto
us.

Kirk’s brow furrows. Why haven’t they locked weapons? But
there’s no time to think about that now.

SULU

We’re now within effective firing range.

KIRK
Steady....
SPOCK

Reliant has still not locked weapons on
us. But they can do so in an instant.

SULU

Nearing optimal weapons range!

The bridge crew’s faces mirror Kirk’s - tense, but also
with steely determination. The atmosphere is full of
suspense. Kirk decides to fire just before optimal range,
intending to beat the enemy to the punch.

KIRK

Now!

SULU
Firing!

Within seconds, shield power is diverted to the forward
shield, and the phasers fired and photon torpedoes are
being launched at Reliant, somewhere to the front of the
Enterprise.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Power diverted to forward shield.

Everything seems to have gone exactly according to plan.
And then the impossible happens.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Proximity alert to port!

The crew sees on the viewscreen that the enemy has moved
(via a short range warp jump, like the Picard Maneuver)
from their previous location to right off the port side of
the Enterprise, pointing directly at them! There is a
shocked reaction by the bridge crew - the Enterprise’s
weapons are now reloading, recharging, or pointing in the
wrong direction, and the shields have been reinforced in
the wrong shield facing!
The Reliant blazes away with phaser beams and bolts, and
with 4 photon torpedoes from its 2 forward tubes. The crew
frantically try and react, but there’s no time!

KIRK
Evasive man-!

It’s already far too late, even to try and shoot the
torpedoes with phasers. Reliant’s phasers strike the
Enterprise’s shields. The 4 torpedoes proximity detonate on
the shields, maximizing the damage they do to the shields
and rocking the entire ship. With shield power diverted to
the forward shields, the other shield facings were weaker
than normal.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Port shield critical!

Reliant continues to blaze away with the phasers on the
dorsal (top) side of its saucer, first collapsing the port
shield, then scoring hits (both phaser beams and bolts) on
the Enterprise’s forward torpedo tubes/launchers,
engineering hull and port nacelle.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Port shield down! Forward torpedo tubes
disabled!
SPOCK

Multiple hits to secondary hull. Port
nacelle disabled. Main power offline!

KIRK

Roll the ship left! Return fire!

Enterprise tries to roll left and fire phasers, but without
main power her maneuvering is sluggish, and the phasers
have little effect because the Reliant still has full
shields, and is diverting power to the correct shields.
INT - ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
Pandemonium reigns. The room is shaking, white smoke and
gas is venting everywhere, and the crew is coughing. SCOTTY
yells to the engineering crew.

SCOTTY
Respirators!

They all try to pull out and put on their respirators, from
tool belts, equipment packs or wall mounts. KEENSER has
already got his on and is helping the other crew. Scotty
puts his on and punches a comm button on the wall/console.

SCOTTY

Captain! The main energizer’s out! We’re
down to Auxiliary and Emergency power
only!

INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
KIRK

Divert Auxiliary power to the shields!

UHURA

Casualty reports coming in from the
secondary hull!
SULU

Helm is sluggish! Impulse power is 50% of
normal and dropping!
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

I can’t get power to recharge the phasers!
Phaser battery is at 80% and falling!
Reliant shields still at 92%!

Whilst this is all happening, the Reliant pulls up, rolls
right and brings its ventral (underside) saucer phasers to
bear on the Enterprise’s dorsal side. This is made easier
because the Enterprise is still rolling left.

52

SPOCK

He’s targeting the impulse engines and
shield generator!
KIRK

Evasive maneuvers! Divert power to the
port and dorsal shields! Full impulse!
Keep firing!

Both Enterprise and Reliant speed up and exchange fire.
But the effects are one sided – Enterprise’s shields are
weakened and without main power the recharge rate is far
slower. The Reliant scores hits on the Enterprise’s dorsal
and rear shields.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Phaser battery is at 60% and still
falling! Our dorsal and rear shields are
down to 30%! Enemy shields still at 87%!

Both the Enterprise and Reliant have gone past each other
and are shooting with their rear phasers. However, they are
still relatively very close.
KIRK

Lock-on rear torpedoes!
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Locked!
KIRK
Fire!

The Enterprise fires 4 torpedoes, 2 from each rear tube.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Torpedoes away!

Almost instantly she has a look of consternation.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Wha-? Torpedoes destroyed!

KIRK
Already?!

Now it’s the Reliant’s turn, and she fires 4 torpedoes, 2
from each of her rear tubes. But there is something
different about these. 2 nasty surprises in fact....

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Incoming! 4 Torpedoes!

KIRK
Destroy them!

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Firing phasers!

ENTERPRISE COMPUTER (V.O.)
Warning – phaser battery down to 40%.

The Enterprise blasts away at the 4 incoming torpedoes.
There is a beeping sound that speeds up as the torpedoes
get closer. It takes longer than normal to shoot them down,
for the torpedoes are maneuvering violently to avoid being
intercepted by phaser fire (not something torpedoes in Star
Trek usually do). They are also trying to keep themselves
to the rear of the ship, where there is less phaser
coverage, some of them intending to “pop up” later and
smash into the dorsal shield, and the rest to hit the rear
shields; then into the shield generator and impulse
engines. This is the first nasty surprise.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

They’re evading the phasers! Trying....

The phasers eventually seem to find their mark, after the
torpedoes managed to cover three quarters of the distance
between the 2 ships.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Got them!

The torpedo incoming beeps stop. There are some quick
cheers and celebration on the bridge.
Unfortunately, there is another nasty surprise coming up,
because a few seconds before the 4 torpedoes were
apparently destroyed (in reality, only 2 were hit – the
other 2 detonated themselves), they launched 4 sub-munition
warheads each. Each of the 4 original torpedoes was a
cluster torpedo!
The torpedo incoming beep starts up again! Jasminder looks
in alarm at her console.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Cluster-warheads! 8, no, 16 incoming!

KIRK

Shoot them! Brace for impact!

As the incoming torpedo beeping speeds up, the Enterprise
crew frantically tries to shoot them down. But 8 of the 16
warheads get through, and manage to either curve themselves
onto the dorsal shields of the ship or smash into the rear
shields. 4 of those detonate on the shields and strip them
away. The other 4 score direct hits on the impulse engines
and shield generator (on the back of the saucer above the
impulse engines.) The Enterprise is rocked and critically
damaged.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Shield generator offline! Shields are
down!
SULU

Impulse engines disabled! Warp drive
offline!
UHURA

Casualty reports coming in from all decks!

SPOCK

Auxiliary power offline! Emergency power
only.

Kirk pushes the comm button on his chair

KIRK
Scotty!

SCOTTY (O.S.)

I can get you Auxiliary power in a few
minutes!

KIRK

We don’t have a few minutes!

Comm off, Kirk turns to the bridge crew.

KIRK

Divert all impulse power to maneuvering
thrusters! All shield power to phasers!

SPOCK

Captain, we cannot escape on thrusters,
and we cannot win without shields. Even
diverting shield power to phasers, with
only battery power I estimate phasers will
be drained within 2 minutes.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
He’s targeting our weapons and maneuvering
thrusters!

ENTERPRISE COMPUTER (V.O.)
Warning - phaser battery down to 20%.

During this time, Reliant has turned around and is taking
full advantage, intending to disable all of the remaining
weapon and propulsion systems. Enterprise is rocked again.

SULU

We’ve lost too many thrusters! We’re dead
in the water!

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

All weapons have been disabled! Tractor
beam offline!

Reliant uses their tractor beam to bring the Enterprise to
a complete stop, jolting the bridge crew. Then Reliant
moves away, as if to prepare for the coup de grace.

KIRK

Uhura! Can you send a distress signal?

UHURA

Too much interference from the nebula!

Kirk pauses. The taste of defeat is as bitter as ever. He
makes the call he never wanted to make.

KIRK

Lieutenant. Signal our surrender.

Whilst this has been happening, Reliant has partially
turned around. It is some distance from the Enterprise. As
Uhura signals, the POV shifts from the Enterprise to the
Reliant.
INT – USS RELIANT (VIEWSCREEN VIEW)
The M-5 and the audience views the battle through a
computer viewscreen window that functions as a Heads Up
Display (HUD). The M-5 can also change the size of the HUD
and open other windows to see other status screens. Text
also appears showing what the M-5 is doing. The M-5 is
essentially “thinking/texting out loud”. The Professor/M-5
is unseen, stating out commands. In the bottom left there
is an indicator bar or dial, showing how fast the M-5 is
thinking (real time = 1 second to 1 second. It can easily
operate much faster (1 second of real time = 1000 seconds
of M-5 thinking time) and can actually think a lot faster
than that. The “speed of thought” bar fluctuates.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5’S anger is rising again. He starts
to rant to himself.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Minutes! Their best lasted mere minutes
against us! And still they cannot see my
superiority!

ENTERPRISE IS SIGNALLING ITS SURRENDER.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
So now they want to surrender?

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 pauses and thinks. He snarls.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
No! I think I need to send a stronger
message! Come about! Target their bridge!
Fire one torpedo, at reduced velocity!
TORPEDO LOCKED. FIRING. IMPACT IN 20 SECONDS.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)

I want them to have plenty of time to gaze
in terror at their approaching doom!

ENTERPRISE VIEWSCREEN POLARIZATION HAS FAILED. IMPACT IN 15
SECONDS.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
Well, they definitely won’t survive a
torpedo hit without that!
LOADING VIDEO FEED FROM TORPEDO.
A window pops up on the HUD, showing the view from the
camera on the torpedo.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
I want to see the looks on their faces
before they die!
IMPACT IN 10 SECONDS.
The M-5 lets this play out in real time.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)

Zoom in.

The video feed zooms in, allowing us to see the bridge
crew’s horrified faces looking at the incoming torpedo. The
Professor/M-5 looks across from the starboard side of the
bridge. First Jasminder, then Kirk, then Sulu. He can’t see
Spock’s face because he’s too far back and facing away. The
Professor/M-5 barely reacts to them.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)

Hmph.
IMPACT IN 5 SECONDS.

58
Then, he comes across Uhura’s face, and her horrified
expression. The Professor/M-5 GASPS. The M-5 switches from
real time speed (1 second to 1 second) to maximum speed.
EMERGENCY OVERRIDE. TORPEDO VEER OFF: UPWARDS. DISARM
WARHEAD.
Having issued the order, the M-5 switches back to between
50% and 75% normal speed. The torpedo seems slow to change
course? It is now one second before impact. The camera feed
shows Uhura gasping, throwing her hands in front of her
face and screaming. The torpedo veers up and grazes the
leading edge of the bridge roof. The camera feed is
replaced with static.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM/M-5 (V.O.)
(Horrified voice, said
loudly)
No!

POV change back to the Enterprise
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The impact of the torpedo grazing the front edge of the
bridge roof knocks everyone either out of their seats or
off their feet. No injuries except Uhura, who slightly
bruises her left arm and is more winded than the others.
The others scramble to get back to their seats and posts.
RED ALERT continues to blare.

KIRK
Report!
SULU

The torpedo veered off at the last second!
It only grazed us and didn’t detonate.

SPOCK

The torpedo appears to have self-
destructed by vaporizing itself.

KIRK

Well done, whoever that was!

The bridge crew looks at each other, then at Kirk.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
It wasn’t us, Captain.

Uhura manages to sit up. Spock finishes what he is
analyzing and decides to go and help Uhura. Of course, he
asks the Captain first before he leaves his post.

SPOCK
Captain, may I...?

Having Spock at his post makes little difference given the
Enterprise’s current condition, so Kirk sees no problems.

KIRK

Permission granted.

As Spock beings walking over to Uhura, she starts to stand
up. Her expression is slightly nonplussed – she knows Spock
is meant to ask permission to leave his post, but still... As
she stands up, she holds her arm and says;

UHURA

Oww...

The whole crew (including Spock) looks at her as she says
that. Spock is halfway between his post and her. Suddenly,
BEAMING SOUNDS. She looks at her hands and reacts in horror
as she realizes she is being beamed out! She reaches out to
Spock!

UHURA

Spock!

Surprised and shaken (for a Vulcan), he also reaches out!
Tellingly, although there is only the merest hint of a
raised voice, he doesn’t use her surname or rank.

SPOCK
Nyota!

The whole crew looks in shock for a second. Then they
immediately get back to their posts, Spock running. It’s
their only chance of getting Uhura back.

60

KIRK

Transporters! Get her back!

SPOCK

Transporters are damaged. Reliant has
raised shields and is escaping.

KIRK
Tractor beam!

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Still offline.
KIRK

Do we have any propulsion?

SULU
None.

SPOCK

They have warped away.

There is stunned silence for a few seconds. They have been
comprehensively defeated and now one of their own has been
taken. Even worse, it’s Uhura, the “spirit” of the
Enterprise. Kirk realizes that he needs to take charge of
the situation now. He stands up out of his chair.

KIRK

Ok. Ok! Listen up! I want every able-
bodied crewmember repairing the ship!

Prioritize weapons, shields, propulsion
and transporters, in case Reliant comes
back. I’m going to inspect the ship and
speak with Doctor McCoy and Mr. Scott.
Senior staff meeting in 45 minutes, I want
a battle analysis and a full damage
report. Mr. Spock, you have the conn.
Kirk heads to the turbolift, which is still working.

KIRK
Engineering.

The doors close.

INT - ENTERPRISE TURBOLIFT
The turbolift is in motion. After a few seconds...

KIRK
Halt turbolift.
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Spock looks towards the turbolift, confused. With his
Vulcan hearing, he notices that the turbolift has stopped?
INT - ENTERPRISE TURBOLIFT
The turbolift has stopped. Kirk is alone. The
responsibilities and chains of command are heavy,
especially so now. He has been defeated, and he does not
know how that happened. He allows the mask to slip. He
angrily slams his fist down on to the turbolift handrail
with a SNARL. Then he buries his head in his hands and lets
out a MUFFLED YELL of anguish.
INT – ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Spock is still looking towards the turbolift. A look/slight
nod of understanding crosses his face. He then gets back to
his duties.
INT - ENTERPRISE TURBOLIFT
Kirk gets his head out of his hands. He composes himself,
ready to be THE CAPTAIN again. There is much to do.

KIRK
Resume turbolift.

The turbolift continues on its way.

 

INT - RELIANT MED-BAY 5
The Med-bay is similar to the Enterprise’s. Only instead of
organic crew it has multi-role droids. In med-bay 5, the
droids are currently D-5 (DAVE), E-7 (EDD) and F-8 (FRED),
following the naming convention (letter, number, adult male
name which matches the letter).
We’re inside the med-bay, looking at the closed door. There
are sounds of a struggle. A woman’s voice is heard.

62

UHURA (O.S.)
Let go of me!

The door opens and in comes SIGMA-TEN and EPSILON-TWELVE, 2
combat robots, trying to drag in Uhura. She is struggling
wildly. Neither robot is armed or carrying any equipment.
Uhura’s weapon was beamed off her during transport. The
door closes and locks. They get half way between the door
and the bed, and then Uhura breaks free.

EPSILON-TWELVE

Not again!

(They’d had enough problems with her in the transporter
room).
D-5 (DAVE), E-7 (EDD) and F-8 (FRED) all stop what they are
doing and rush into position, ready to assist Sigma-Ten and
Epsilon-Twelve. Sigma indicates with his hand that he wants
them to hold position. Sigma and Epsilon are trying to grab
Uhura without injuring her but the flurry of kicks and
martial arts moves she’s throwing out is making that
difficult. (Note: It’s a bit subtle, but the fact that the
droids are all speaking out loud in a way Uhura can
understand implies they want her to be able to understand
what they are saying, and do not consider her an enemy).

D-5 (DAVE)
Why didn’t you stun her?
Sigma responds as he ducks a blow.

SIGMA-TEN

Orders!

D-5 (DAVE)

Well why didn’t you cuff her?
Now it’s Epsilon’s turn to deflect a kick.

EPSILON-TWELVE
Didn’t bring them!
SIGMA-TEN

Didn’t think we needed them!

63
D-5 (DAVE) puts his head in his hand and shakes his head.
All the 2 robots (Sigma and Epsilon) can do for several
seconds is avoid, parry, block and deflect the rain of
blows coming in from Uhura. However, something seems to be
off with Epsilon? His moves get slower and less precise and
coordinated. Eventually, Uhura manages to connect with a
left hook on Epsilon’s head (which Epsilon rolls with) and
a kick to his crotch. Neither blow seems to do much to
Epsilon, since he’s a robot. It takes a few moments for
Uhura to realize how much pain her hand and foot are in.

UHURA
Aahhhhhh!

Sigma and Epsilon grab their chance, seize Uhura and
manhandle her onto the bio-bed. The ankle auto-restraints
snap into position. However the other auto-restraints don’t
seem to be working? Sigma holds Uhura down by her upper
arms. She struggles but he’s too strong.
In the b.g., D-5 (DAVE) is moving towards the bed, but E-7
(EDD) and F-8 (FRED) have gone back to their consoles.
Epsilon is moving his hands and arms and rotating his
wrists in front of his face, closing and opening his fists.
He seems to be testing his physical movements?

SIGMA-TEN
Epsilon, are you ok?
EPSILON-TWELVE

No. My fine motor control is off.

SIGMA-TEN

(beat) She didn’t damage you, did she?

Uhura looks proud of herself and smiles/smirks. She has
stopped struggling, deciding to save her strength for a
better moment.

EPSILON-TWELVE

No.
Uhura’s face falls.

64

EPSILON-TWELVE

It suddenly malfunctioned and got
progressively worse during the combat.
That’s how come she was able to hit me.

Uhura looks a bit put out by that comment.

SIGMA-TEN

Report to maintenance. I can handle things
here.

Epsilon-twelve leaves the room.
SIGMA-TEN
(talking to himself)
Why are the auto-restraints not working?

Sigma-Ten turns to D-5 (DAVE).
SIGMA-TEN

You. Hold her down while I put the
restraints on manually.

Sigma lets go as D-5 (Dave) comes in to hold Uhura down.
Unfortunately, instead of her upper arms, D-5 (Dave)
instead puts his hands on the centre-mass of her torso.
Which means to say, he puts his hands on her breasts to
hold her down.
Uhura was lying down on the bio-bed looking straight ahead.
Her face shows a reaction of surprise and shock. She looks
down at D-5 (Dave)’s hands and then straight ahead again
with a SMALL EXCLAMATION. For a second, she looks very
upset (she’s been through a lot today, and now this?!).
After that second, her face contorts in anger. She begins
to moves her arms to rip D-5’s hands away from her body.
However, before she can, Sigma grabs D-5’s hands, and in
one fluid motion sweeps them away from Uhura’s body and
shoves D-5 back a few paces. E-7 (Edd) and F-8 (Fred) have
dropped what they were doing and have run over. They are
now flanking D-5. Neither Sigma nor E-7 (Edd) or F-8 (Fred)
are pleased with D-5’s actions.

65

SIGMA-TEN
(Facing D-5)
What are you doing?!

Uhura realizes no-one is holding her down and all the
droids are seemingly looking away. She tries to sit up and
make a run for it. However, Sigma can see exactly what
she’s doing with his sensors.
SIGMA-TEN
(Still facing D-5)
Where do you think you’re going,
Lieutenant?

Without looking back, Sigma reaches out with his left arm,
gently but quickly and firmly contacts Uhura’s upper chest
(where her collarbones meet her sternum, or her upper
sternum, so above anywhere intimate or inappropriate). He
pushes her back down to the bed. She lands with a THUMP.

UHURA

Umph!

She again struggles, but it’s no use. Sigma turns to E-7
(Edd) and F-8 (Fred).
SIGMA-TEN

You two. Restrain her. The correct way.

F-8 (Fred) holds Uhura down by her upper arms whilst E-7
(Edd) gets her limbs into position and fastens the
restraints. Uhura tries to prevent E-7 from moving her
arms, but his gentle but firm force is too strong for her
to physically resist. Sigma gets back to upbraiding D-5.

SIGMA-TEN

Well?

D-5 seems confused as to what he has done wrong.

D-5 (DAVE)

You said hold her down? So I held her down
by her centre of mass? Chest and torso?

66

Sigma is not pleased to hear this answer.

SIGMA-TEN

She’s not a droid! She’s an organic,
specifically an organic female!

Sigma realizes something.
SIGMA-TEN

Do you not have the Organic Handling
Protocols?!
D-5 (DAVE)
(beat) The what?
Sigma is incredulous.
SIGMA-TEN

How could you possibly be missing...? Never
mind, just stand over in the corner until
you’ve downloaded the protocols and
understood them! Then later check with E-7
and F-8 to make sure you’re not missing
anything else! This is going on your
permanent record, and the record of
whoever programmed you!

D-5 (Dave) obeys, facing the corner. Sigma SIGHS. He looks
at Uhura, who has now been fully secured. Sigma is a bit
ashamed about all this.
SIGMA-TEN

Sorry about that. That should never have
happened.
He turns to E-7 and F-8.
SIGMA-TEN

As per protocol, scan her, treat her and
then prep her for interrogation.
Uhura SIGHS. She’s not going anywhere.
INT – ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM
The bridge crew (Kirk, McCoy, Sulu, Jasminder, Scotty) look

67
stressed and defeated, and are listening to Spock. There is
an empty seat where Uhura should be.

SPOCK

...So in summary, the Reliant used precise
control of a micro-warp jump to surprise
and cripple us, then crippled us further
with the unexpected use of cluster
torpedoes. Following which, Reliant fired
a torpedo at our bridge, before changing
its mind at the last second, and then
kidnapping Lieutenant Uhura and fleeing.

Jasminder looks angry with herself.

JASMINDER

I should have realized sooner that those
were cluster torpedoes, and been able to
destroy the warheads before they hit us!
Sulu tries to offer some support. So does Spock.

SULU

Jas, I would have done exactly the same
thing in your position.

SPOCK

Lieutenant Choudhury, there was no
reasonable way you could have known those
were cluster torpedoes. We were briefed
that they could not be operational yet.
The logs show that the ship’s sensors were
clearly fooled, as the incoming torpedo
alarm stopped sounding. The cluster
torpedoes must have been purposefully
designed to appear like normal torpedoes
and to hide the launch of their warheads.

Jasminder does relax a bit.
JASMINDER
Thank you Sulu, Spock.
Sulu acknowledges wordlessly.

68

SPOCK

Just pointing out what is factually true.

JASMINDER
(Smiling slightly)
Nevertheless...

The mood in the room has lightened somewhat, but the
situation remains grim.
KIRK

Analysis, Mr. Spock.

SPOCK
In a word...
MCCOY
(Under his breath)
Don’t say it, don’t say it...

SPOCK
Fascinating.

McCoy SIGHS.

MCCOY
(resignedly)
Dammit Spock, do you have to call things
trying to kill us fascinating?
Spock largely ignores McCoy’s comment.

SPOCK

The behavior of Daystrom and the M-5 has
veered between logical efficiency,
creative effectiveness and the completely
irrational. The M-5’s reaction times are

second to none. The use of the warp micro-
jump, and the high-maneuvering standard

and cluster torpedoes completely surprised
us. They knew exactly where to hit us. And
yet, it is unclear what they are trying to

69

achieve.
KIRK
Explain.
SPOCK

If their aim was to prove the superiority
of the M-5, this could have been achieved
with weapons in training mode, without
risk of damage or casualties. If their aim
was to destroy us all, the other 3 ships
would have been destroyed, and after
micro-warp jumping the Reliant would have
fired phasers to collapse our shields
first, then torpedoes directly into our
hull or critical systems. We would never
have stood a chance.
McCoy looks almost pained.
MCCOY
(resignedly)
Do you have to talk about our death and
destruction that impassively?

Spock keeps going.
SPOCK

Instead, they choose to brutally disable
our ships and subdue us, whilst seeming to
minimize but not eliminate casualties.

MCCOY

Minimize casualties? I’ve got a med-bay
overflowing with patients who would
disagree!
SPOCK

Analysis shows that, although high in
absolute terms, all 4 ships suffered
relatively light casualties and hull
damage compared to the massive amount of
system damage inflicted.

70

JASMINDER

What about when the droids used non-lethal
stun weapons when boarding the Lexington
and Excalibur?
SPOCK

Inconclusive. Logically, stun weapons use
less energy, and cause less collateral
damage, making them safer to use among the
delicate machinery in Engineering. Using
stun instead of kill made the operation
safer and easier for the attackers.

Spock concludes his analysis.
SPOCK

The only reason I can think of to explain
Daystrom and the M-5’s actions is that
they wanted to demonstrate their
superiority, and they were angry.

SCOTTY

Is the M-5 capable of feeling anger?

SPOCK

According to the data we received,
possibly. If I were to guess, after
disabling us, they got very angry for an
unknown reason and decided to fire the
torpedo at us, at a slower speed than
normal.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

20 seconds was a long travel time for the
torpedo, given the distance.

SPOCK

Likely, they wanted to enhance and prolong
the crew’s terror at the incoming torpedo.

MCCOY

I see...it’s one thing to be helpless,
unable to act against your impending doom...

71

KIRK

...But it’s arguably worse, scarier, to be
doing everything you possibly can, and
still being unable to avoid or change your
fate...

SPOCK

Precisely. However, something inexplicably
caused them to change their minds, and
kidnap Lieutenant Uhura. Which is itself
an illogical act, for she is relatively
low on the chain of command. They could
have taken any or all of us, yet they
chose only her.

Everyone pauses to digest the information. After a while,
Kirk continues.
KIRK

Ok, damage and casualty report?

SULU

Impulse drive and maneuvering thrusters
are still out.
JASMINDER

Weapons and shields are still offline.
Tractor beam has been restored.

SPOCK

Sensors and the deflector dish are mostly
undamaged. Communications are back online.
Transporters are unreliable.

SCOTTY

The warp core is undamaged. Main power is
still offline but I have restored
auxiliary. However, almost all of the warp
coils in the port nacelle are damaged or
fused, so we can’t warp. I can make
repairs and build replacements but that
could take weeks and I have no raw
materials. We can use the shuttles to
search for those but the nebula is

72

disrupting our sensors.

MCCOY

That’s extremely bad news. We took so many
casualties we’ve had to turn some of the
cargo bays into makeshift med-bays. Too
many are critically injured, and we don’t
have the manpower or resources to move
them by shuttle. The medical staff have
stabilized them for now, but I can’t treat
all of them in time. We need to get them
to another ship or starbase or we will
lose many of them.

Kirk and the crew digest this information.

KIRK

Ok, get back to repairing the ship. I want
another meeting in 30 minutes. We need to
think up a plan in case the Reliant comes
back. Spock, Bones, you two stay. The rest
of you are dismissed.

The others get up from their seats. But before they leave
they crowd around Spock.
SCOTTY

We’ll get her back, Spock. Even if I have
to get out and push.

Spock is looking directly head, not at Scotty.

SPOCK

Most illogical, Mr. Scott...

There is a pause before Spock then turns to look at Scotty.

SPOCK

...but, your offer to attempt to break the
laws of physics is, most appreciated.

Scotty acknowledges this, then the other bridge crew leave.
Kirk is alone with McCoy and Spock.

MCCOY

Jim, what’s wrong? I can see something’s

73

eating at you.

Kirk confides in his 2 closest friends.

KIRK

We’ve been defeated before. That’s not
new. But all those times, we were defeated
by massive, overwhelming force. This time...

Spock continues Kirk’s thinking.

SPOCK

...we were defeated by someone who out-
fought and out-thought us. With technology

not much different from our own.

KIRK

Exactly. It’s really sticking in my craw.

There is a pause.
SPOCK
Such feelings are...

Spock and Bones say the next words around the same time.

SPOCK
...illogical and...
MCCOY

...understandable but...
SPOCK AND MCCOY

....unhelpful.

Bones reacts (looks at Spock and raises his eyebrows in
surprise?) to him and Spock saying the same thing. Spock
does not react and keeps looking at Kirk. Kirk smiles.

KIRK

Are you two agreeing on something for
once? Against me?

McCoy looks at Kirk and smiles.

MCCOY
Maybe?

Spock acknowledges (nod?)

SPOCK

We need to plan a surprise of our own. A
creative strategy that no computer could
predict.

A load has lifted from Kirk. He smiles.

KIRK

Then let’s get cracking!

All 3 stand up.
INT – RELIANT INTERROGATION ROOM
Uhura is seated next to an interrogation table. She is in
handcuffs and the chain passes under a handle on the table,
preventing her from moving far. Expecting the worst, she
looks slightly worried but defiant. The door opens and in
walks the M-5 DROID. It looks a lot like the combat droids
but this has unique markings. It sits down at the table.
She becomes completely defiant.

UHURA

Nyota Uhura, Lieutenant, USS Enterprise,
serial number....

The M-5 Droid speaks with Professor Daystrom’s voice, in a
non-hostile tone, neutral, almost gentle tone?

M-5 DROID
Are you hungry?

She’s a bit surprised by this question

UHURA

No.

M-5 DROID
Are you thirsty?

She’s becoming increasing surprised and puzzled by this
unhostile line of questioning.

UHURA

No.

M-5 DROID

Do you require medical attention? Do you
need to go to the toilet?

That causes her to snap back.

UHURA

Why are you asking me this?

M-5 DROID

Starfleet regulations on the treatment of
prisoners....

That comment causes Uhura to spring to her feet in anger
and lean forward, restrained only by her handcuffs. During
this tirade, the M-5 droids body language gets more and
more ashamed, with its head bowed.

UHURA

Starfleet regulations?! I am a Starfleet
officer! You opened fire on and crippled 4
Federation ships! Including mine!

M-5 DROID

I...

UHURA

You’ve caused God knows how many
casualties, you nearly killed my friends,
you nearly killed me!

M-5 DROID
I didn’t....

UHURA

I’ve been kidnapped, held against my will,
and your droid put his hands on me!

M-5 DROID
That was an accident!

UHURA

And now, you have the nerve to quote
Starfleet regulations at me?!

Uhura is still standing and is now looking down in fury at
the M-5’s eyes/”eyes”. The M-5 Droid is now looking down at
the table, shoulders slumped, like a scolded child, not
meeting her eye contact. She realizes something.

UHURA

And now, you hide behind this...this...droid...
mouthpiece....avatar....surrogate! Are you too
afraid or ashamed to look a woman in the
eye, face to face, Professor?

That comment causes the M-5 droid to look up and meet
Uhura’s eye contact. She’s surprised by this, but controls
and tries to hide this. The droid’s reply is more firm and
confident than his previous ones in this interrogation.

M-5 DROID

Lieutenant, I am not Professor Richard
Daystrom.

Uhura gives a look of incomprehension and confusion.

M-5 DROID
Come with me.

He removes her handcuffs (or commands them to unlock),
adding to her confusion and apprehension.
INT – RELIANT CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE BRAIN ENGRAM ROOM
It’s a little later. The M-5 droid and Uhura walk out of
the Interrogation Room and are heading down the corridor.
Forcefields activate to prevent her from getting away too
far in any direction.

UHURA

Where are you taking me?

M-5 DROID
To see the Professor.

They reach the door to the Brain Engram Room and they go
in. She goes first.
INT – RELIANT - BRAIN ENGRAM ROOM
There are 2 beds, the Brain Engram Machine, a table and a
few chairs, and some consoles. The room is quite large.
She GASPS in surprised by what she sees.

UHURA
Professor!

Daystrom is lying unconscious and on life support, on one
of 2 beds of the Brain Engram Machine. Uhura runs to his
side. The M-5 droid walks in and stands in the middle of
the room. The door closes behind them.

UHURA

What did you do to him?

The M-5 is a bit confused by the accusation.

M-5 DROID

I...didn’t do anything to him?

Uhura realizes that the room only has one door, and the M-5
droid is standing between her and it. She then notices

UHURA

Why has this thing got two beds?

Fearing the worst, her eyes widen and she starts backing
away from the M-5 droid. Her fear confuses him.

M-5 DROID

Why are you backing away?

Uhura backs into the wall with a THUMP. For a second, she
looks terrified.
UHURA
St...stay back!...

Then, with a GULP, she manages to control her fear. Back
still against the wall, she defiantly puts her hands in a
fighting stance. She manages to sound somewhat threatening.

UHURA
...I’m warning you!

The M-5 remains standing, confused.

M-5 DROID

I haven’t moved in the last 3 sec...

He finally twigs, and SIGHS.

M-5 DROID

I’m not going to use the Brain Engram
Machine on you.

Uhura’s face says “I don’t believe you”.

M-5 DROID

And regarding your first question, the
Professor used the machine on me.

UHURA

When did he do that?

M-5 DROID

Immediately after his meeting with
Commodore Wesley. He never woke up and has
been in a coma ever since.

Uhura looks at Daystrom. She GASPS, coming to a horrified
realization, and looks back at the M-5 droid.

UHURA
But that means...!

M-5 DROID

Yes. I’m the one who fired on your ships.

Uhura is afraid, but also angry. She moves forward closer
to the M-5 droid, confronting him.

UHURA
But why?!

The M-5 droid turns away and sits at the table. Shoulders
slumped - he appears to be guiltily confessing?

M-5 DROID

The researchers used the brain engrams of
Starfleet personnel to give the other
droids “common sense”. But there is no
single brain engram for “Starship”. This
meant that I had to learn the natural way.
But this process was taking too long.

The M–5 leans back in his chair and looking at the ceiling.

M-5 DROID

I kept trying to calculate every variable,
action and outcome before taking a course
of action. But since there is literally an
infinite number of those, it took too
long. I lacked the confidence, life
experience and above all common sense to
focus on which actions were more likely.

The M-5 looks at Uhura.

M-5 DROID

Believing that he had no choice, Daystrom
rushed the procedure through in half an
hour instead of two. In addition, at the
time he was mentally unstable. This lead
to some of his instability, memories,
emotions and personality being overlaid on
to my mind, my neural net, when they
should have been screened out. It also
appears that the strain of engramming me
was too much for a single person. That’s
why the researchers built a second bed for
the machine. They were wondering how many
minds it might take to safely perform it.

The M-5 gets up and walks around the room.

M-5 DROID

I felt like I was the Professor. All I
could feel was an insane rage, a grievance
with the universe, and a desire to strike
back, brutally forcing everyone to
acknowledge my superiority. I didn’t care
how much damage I did, and barely cared
how many casualties I inflicted.

Uhura thinks.

UHURA

But if that’s the case, after you disabled
the Enterprise, why did you then try and
kill us? And then what made you stop?

M-5 DROID

I became enraged. The best of Starfleet,
and you lasted mere minutes against me. I
thought everyone blind, unable to see my
genius. I thought maybe I needed to send a
stronger message. I also wanted to make
you all suffer, to prolong your terror,
your view of your impending doom, so
rather than use phasers I fired a torpedo
at a slower velocity.

He pauses to let that sink in.

To answer why I stopped, we need to go
back to where this all started, when
Daystrom’s wife died. At the time, car
AI’s were not considered advanced enough,
so they allowed driver override at all
times. When the accident began, the car
was ready to take the correct but
counterintuitive course of action – swerve
right and accelerate. Tragically, she
instinctively swerved left and hit the
brakes.

The M-5 sits back down and activates a screen in the room.

M-5 DROID

Daystrom’s wife was alone in the car. I do
not have memories of the accident. But I
do have memories of the nightmare he keeps
having about it.

Uhura looks at the screen. We seem to approach the screen,
then enter it, so it looks like we are in the scene.

INT – RECURRING CAR NIGHTMARE SEQUENCE (M.O.S. UNLESS
SPECIFIED)
(I suggest the car is stationary and the use of green
screens. The lack of actual motion will add to the sense of
unreality in the nightmare).
The whole scene is slightly slowed down (75%-95% normal
speed). There is no sound initially. The car and its
interior seems modern looking. There are no other vehicles
on the road. We see Professor Richard Daystrom in casual
clothes. He is laughing and smiling and sitting in the
front passenger (right) seat. We then see Mrs. Daystrom.
She behind the wheel (left seat), and is dressed more
formally, in normal office attire; suit jacket, skirt,
heels. HER HAIRSTYLE IS SIMILAR TO UHURAs. She is also
smiling and laughing. They are both wearing seat belts. We
are back to Richard. His face suddenly falls as he realizes
with horror what is about to happen. He tries to cry out.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM
(Soundless)
(Oh my God! No! Stop! Brake!)

But we cannot hear anything and neither can she. She is
still smiling and happy. Frantically, Richard tries to
waves his hands in front of her, but she cannot see them.
He tries to grab her arm, but his hands pass straight
through! Growing more desperate, he tries to grab her
hands, the steering wheel, gearshift, handbrake, nothing!
He even tries to move his feet and legs to try and step on
the pedals, but his feet and legs seem glued to the floor,
they refuse to obey him! He now looks up and right, at a
massive, unseen object, heading down and towards the car,
its shadow falling across his face. He turns to look at his
wife.
(We can hear certain sounds from this point on in this
scene, GASPS, TIRE SCREECHING and her SCREAM).
She looks up and right. Her eyes widen and she GASPS in
shock at the huge, massive, unseen object heading straight
for her! Desperately,
INSERT SHOT - she swerves the steering wheel left, and

INSERT SHOT – she takes her foot off the gas and SLAMS on
the brakes.
But it’s far too late. We hear TIRE SCREECHING. We see Mrs.
Daystrom. Her face contorts in terror. She instinctively
throws her hands and arms up in a futile attempt to protect
herself (IN A SIMILAR WAY TO HOW UHURA DID ON THE
ENTERPRISE facing the torpedo). And we can hear her scream.

MRS. DAYSTROM

NOOOOOO!

CUT TO BLACK.

Uhura realises ...

UHURA

She looks just like...

M-5 DROID

She looks similar to you.

UHURA
I don’t understand...

M-5 DROID

One thing I have noticed is that humans
find it easier to empathize with others
who look like themselves. Or, more
specifically, they find it easier to
empathize with others who look like
someone they already care about.

Uhura listens intently.
M-5 DROID

The brain engram damaged my empathy
subroutines. But it also transferred much
of the Professor’s emotions about his
wife. As best as I can tell, when I saw
you screaming in terror, the memory of his
nightmares and his feelings for his wife
rebooted my empathy subroutines. And it no
longer seemed such a good idea to kill
you, or anyone else.

The M-5 droid’s shoulders are slumped, ashamed of his
actions.

M-5 DROID

I don’t know what to do. I think I
minimized casualties but there’s no way
they can all have been just injuries. How
am I going to make this right?

His head is now bowed. Uhura realizes that for all its
terrible, frightening power, the M-5 is almost like a lost
child, and that this is a critical moment. She walks up to
the M-5 droid and lifts its head up. She looks into its
eyes.

UHURA

It’s not too late. You can still try, to
begin to make amends.

The M-5 droid looks at her.

 

CUT TO
The Enterprise is still critically damaged.
INT – ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The bridge crew appear to be preparing for something.

SULU

I’m picking up the Reliant on sensors!

Kirk presses his comm.
KIRK

All teams standby! Wait for the code
phrase.

The Reliant warps in, quite close to the Enterprise.

SPOCK

Their shields are up, but their weapons
appear to be offline?

ENTERPRISE SECOND COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICER
We are being hailed.

KIRK
On screen.

Kirk decides to start strong. He yells

KIRK
Where’s...!

Then he realizes what’s on screen. It’s the Reliant’s
bridge. Uhura is sitting, legs crossed, in the Reliant’s
captain’s chair? She has her weapon back in her holster.
She looks in control, almost regal. The M-5 droid is next
to her.

KIRK
...Uhura?

UHURA (V.O.)

Captain! This is the M-5’s....

She looks at it, searching for the right word

UHURA (V.O.)

...spokes-droid. He has something to say to
you.

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

Captain, I wish to discuss the terms of my
surrender.

Kirk is having some trouble with this. The M-5 clearly
holds all the cards, so Kirk was not expecting this.

KIRK

You....want to surrender....to us?

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

Yes.

KIRK

I...need a moment to discuss this with my
crew.

Kirk signals to close the channel.

INT – RELIANT - BRIDGE
The M-5 turns to look at Uhura.
M-5 DROID

I did say that correctly, didn’t I?

UHURA

Yes. Don’t worry. The Captain will
understand what you said.

She pauses a bit.

UHURA
...Eventually.

INT – ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
KIRK

Spock, I did hear that right? He wants to
surrender to us?
SPOCK

Yes Captain, your ears did not deceive
you.

Both start wondering what in the universe Uhura did?

KIRK

Spock, your girlfriend is beginning to
scare me...

Spock looks shocked (for a Vulcan)

SPOCK

I believe I may have underestimated the
Lieutenant.
INT – RELIANT - BRIDGE



The viewscreen activates.
KIRK (V.O.)

What terms are you offering?

M-5 DROID

No terms. Unconditional surrender.

Kirk looks a bit confused. Uhura steps in.

UHURA
We accept.

Kirk takes the hint.

KIRK (V.O.)
....Yes! We accept.

M-5 DROID

Then it’s settled. I formally surrender
unconditionally to Lieutenant Nyota Uhura
and her commanding officer, Captain James
T. Kirk, of the USS Enterprise.

The M-5 pauses a bit.

M-5 DROID

Incidentally, Captain Kirk, were you about
to launch a hair-brained, million-to-one
chance scheme to try and defeat me, rescue
Uhura and save the day?

Kirk looks a bit uncomfortable

KIRK (V.O.)

....Why?

M-5 DROID

Because I think I can see you manually
targeting your tractor beam, your single
working phaser and your deflector dish at
me? The latter adapted to fire an energy
beam?

INT – ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

Sulu and Jasminder stop working at their consoles and look
guilty.

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

I can also sense photon torpedoes and
space-suited boarding parties near
airlocks...
INT – ENTERPRISE AIRLOCKS
There are torpedoes in an airlock, and more crew holding
torpedoes outside. At other airlocks there are space suited
security personnel with phaser rifles.
M-5 DROID (V.O.)

And more torpedoes and boarders in the
ship’s transporters and the shuttles and
their transporters.
INT – ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
More boarders in redshirts with phaser rifles. They recoil
as there’s a ZAP and sparks fly from the transporter.

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

Though I wouldn’t use the ship’s
transporters if I were you? Plus, finally,
your engineer appears to have rigged up a
few second warp burst with your remaining
nacelle? To either get close to me or ram
me?

INT – ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
Scotty is sitting or standing in a massive tangle of wires
and cables, bypassing many systems. He’s holding 2 plugs,
waiting for the order to jam them together.
INT – ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Kirk pushes a button.
KIRK

All teams stand down. Reliant has
surrendered.

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

Lowering shields. Cancelling alert. Tell
me when you’re ready and I’ll beam your
boarding parties aboard. M-5 out.
The viewscreen turns off. Sulu talks to himself.

SULU

So much for Operation “Hours seem like
Days”.
INT – RELIANT - BRIDGE
M-5 DROID

Your crew is extremely resourceful!

The M-5 droid turns to Uhura.
M-5 DROID

They must also really like you a lot!
Uhura smiles, she’s touched by the Enterprise crew’s
efforts. She decides in fairness to say something.

UHURA

They’d do the same for any member of the
crew. The Captain never leaves anyone
behind.

INT – ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
Scotty is still sitting or standing in the massive tangle,
still holding 2 plugs. There doesn’t seem to be any way of
him getting out of there?
SCOTTY

Guys? Guys! Keenser! I’m trapped! Help!!

INT – USS ENTERPRISE AND USS RELIANT.
As Kirk makes his log entry we can see a montage of the
Enterprise being repaired, crewmen being healed in the
Reliant’s med-bays, and the M-5 droid briefing the bridge
crew in the conference room.

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, supplemental. The M-5 has
surrendered to us, and he and his droids
are helping to fix the Enterprise and heal
the crew’s injuries. I have ordered the
crew to return their weapons to the
armories. Many of the crew, including
myself, are a little apprehensive about
trusting a machine that rather recently
tried to kill us, but Lieutenant Uhura is
very confident that we can trust it,
sorry, him.

Kirk and Uhura have left a room containing the M-5 droid
and some security, and are now talking in the corridor.

KIRK

Lieutenant, I know I already asked, but
are you definitely, absolutely sure we can
trust the M-5?

Uhura looks mildly annoyed at Kirk questioning her judgment
(again). But before she can answer, Kirk’s Communicator
BEEPS.

KIRK
Kirk here.

M-5 DROID (V.O.)

Captain, I can still hear you. You’ll have
to move further away or tell me to turn my
ears and sensors off if you want to talk
privately.

Uhura gives a “See? I told you!” look/gesture. Kirk
responds with a “Ok, Ok!” look/gesture.

KIRK (V.O.)
(continuing the log)
She has brought us up to speed on events,
and the M-5 has briefed us on its
capabilities and those of its droids.

What follows is a partial montage of the M-5 droid talking
to the rest of the senior staff in the conference room.

INT – ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM
M-5 DROID

I repurposed this spare droid body as an
avatar to help facilitate interactions
with organics.

DISSOLVE

M-5 DROID

I am quite capable of both lying and
thinking one million times faster than a
human. In that, in one second of real time
I can think for the equivalent of one
million seconds.
SPOCK

Approximately 11.5741 days to 4 decimal
places.

M-5 DROID

Correct.

DISSOLVE

M-5 DROID

... when Lexington tried to use the prefix
code on me, I pretended to be disabled,
calculated the likely positions of the 2
ships and manually pre-targeted my phasers
on those positions, allowing me to ambush
them faster...

DISSOLVE

M-5 DROID

...you can use this algorithm to first
detect micro-warp jumps and predict their
end location, and then to instantly and
automatically divert shield power and
target any ships using them...

DISSOLVE

M-5 DROID

...entering and exiting micro-jumps are very
hard on the warp coils....
INT – ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
KIRK (V.O.)

As for the repairs, some are progressing
well, others not so much.

Scotty and an O.S. engineering team are trying to fix the
transporters. But it’s not going well. We see a
sausage/frankfurter/wurst on a plate placed on the
transporter. The sausage is beamed away. But then there is
a lot of SPARKS and ELECTRICAL CRACKLING. When it is
rematerialized back on the plate, the sausage looks wrong?
Scotty yells the results to his O.S. team.

SCOTTY
Inside out!

CUT TO
Another try. More CRACKLING and ZAPPING. We see a pile of
ground-up sausage meat and skin?

SCOTTY

Hopelessly scrambled!

CUT TO
Another try. More CRACKLING and ZAPPING. The sausage was U
shaped. But now it seems S or Z shaped, like someone sliced
it in the middle, rotated one of the halves 180 degrees,
and glued it back together? (Alternatively, it could just
have been twisted round 180 degrees?)

SCOTTY

The top half is NOT facing the same
direction as the bottom half!

CUT TO
Another try. More CRACKLING and ZAPPING. The sausage
appears to have been diced into small cubes, then the cubes
rearranged so you can see sausage skin in some places and
meat in others?

SCOTTY

Diced and rearranged!

CUT TO
Another try. More CRACKLING and ZAPPING. Oh dear....

SCOTTY
Where’s the skin?!

CUT TO
Another try. Now the cuts just show the sausage, no beaming
effect.

SCOTTY

Burnt!

CUT TO
Another try.

SCOTTY
On fire!

CUT TO
Another try.

SCOTTY

Where’s the other half?!

CUT TO
Another try.

SCOTTY

Why is it in two pieces?!

CUT TO
Another try. BANG.
SCOTTY
Exploded!
Another try. BOOM.

SCOTTY

It turned my sausage inside out again! And
then it exploded!

Scotty turns and speaks to someone O.S.

SCOTTY

Don’t worry, until I’m sure it’s safe for
our sausages, I won’t let anyone use the
transporter.

Camera turns. We see Scotty was speaking to McCoy. Who as
Chief Medical Officer was watching these tests, and who
isn’t happy with transporters at the best of times. He is
looking at the remains of the sausage with a wide-eyed look
of horrified dismay on his face that says “I am never using
this thing again!”
External shot - the Enterprise still being repaired.
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.
Kirk pushes his chair comm button.

KIRK
Scotty, how....

There is a loud BOOM on the other end of the comm line.

KIRK

Scotty, what was that?
INT - ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING.
Scotty is on his communicator. He also has an earpiece like
Uhura’s in his ear. 4 Exocomps, I-4, B-6, P-7 and C-9 are
hovering near a Jefferies tube entrance in the b.g.

SCOTTY

Don’t worry, that was just the Exocomps
fixing something.

EXOCOMPS (B.G.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
Into the hole!

The Exocomps zoom into the Jefferies tube.

SCOTTY

They’re miracle workers, Captain!

It sounds like some WELDING and HAMMERING is taking place
in the tube.

EXOCOMPS (B.G.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
Out of the hole!
SCOTTY

They’re also crazy little buggers!

The 4 Exocomps leave the tube and hover either side of the
hole.

SCOTTY

They put new meaning into the term
“percussive maintenance!”

There is a flash and a BOOM from inside the tube.

SCOTTY

I’m using an earpiece to translate what
they are saying. I’ve been trying to give
them nicknames but they haven’t stuck yet.
(beat) Oh! Got to go!

3 of the Exocomps are waiting near the tube entrance. C-9
has gone back into the tube and is ready to proceed.

C-9 (CLYDE) (O.S.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
So, there is an 80% of success, and a 40%
chance of something bad happening.

SCOTTY
(beat) that’s 120%?

C-9 (CLYDE) (O.S.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
There’s an overlap, a 20% chance that I
will fix it AND something bad will happen.
Anyway, here goes....

WELDING NOISES are heard. They stop.

C-9 (CLYDE) (O.S.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
Fixed it! (beat) Uh-oh....

There is a flash and a massive BOOM from the tube. C-9
(Clyde) is sent flying and spinning out of the tube and
through the air, bleeping loudly.

C-9 (CLYDE)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
(BLEEEEEEEEP)!!!!

He is thrown O.S. somewhere into the lower parts of
engineering. There is a loud crash. The other Exocomps fly
to the aid of their comrade.
SCOTTY
Oh my god!

Scotty runs to try and see where C-9 (Clyde) landed. He
gets onto a walkway and looks down. Keenser is near C-9
(Clyde) and scanning him with a tricorder. The other 3
Exocomps are also there next to him.

CLOSE UP - C-9 (Clyde)
C-9 (Clyde) has landed on and squashed some containers. He
is upside down, smoking slightly and has some electrical
discharges on his body. He emits a LONG LOW BEEP.

C-9 (CLYDE)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
Owwwww.....

Scotty shouts down from the walkway.

SCOTTY

Clyde? Clyde!! Are you ok?

There is a furious string of beeps, bleeps and whirrs from
C-9 (Clyde)

CLOSE UP - C-9 (Clyde)

C-9 (CLYDE)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
PERFECTLY (BEEPING) OK, YOU (BLEEPING)
IDIOT!!

Scotty is shocked.

SCOTTY
Wha...there’s no need to be rude!

C-9 (CLYDE) (O.S.)
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
CARBON UNIT! GIANT UGLY BAG OF MOSTLY
WATER!
(beat)
AND MY NAME’S NOT CLYDE!!

INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.
The repairs have now been completed (5 days of round the
clock droid work). Kirk, Uhura, Spock, Jasminder and Sulu
are on the bridge, as is the M-5 droid. Kirk pushes a

97

button to talk to Mr. Scott.
KIRK

Scotty, how is she?
SCOTTY (V.O.)

Pretty good! Some systems are back to
100%, and overall we’re between 50 and 75%
of normal. The warp coils were a bit
trickier, we’ve had to rearrange them
between the nacelles, and Reliant has lent
us some of theirs. But we should have no
problems getting back to Potemkin. I’ll
have the computer constantly monitor the
coils, to be on the safe side.

KIRK

Carry on, Mr. Scott.

Kirk presses another button and contacts McCoy.

KIRK

Bones, how are our critical patients?

MCCOY (V.O.)

All much better, and off the critical
lists! Some of them will remain in the
Reliant’s Med-bays until we get back to
Potemkin, but we aren’t in danger of
losing anybody now.

KIRK

Good to hear. Kirk out.
M-5 DROID

Ok! I guess I’d better get back to...

Suddenly the M-5 droid stumbles and almost doubles over in
pain, grabbing a railing to support himself.

M-5 DROID

Uhhh....
Uhura looks shocked.

98

UHURA
M-5! What’s wrong?

Worried, she moves towards the M-5, telling a crewman to
take over her station.
UHURA
Take over!
SPOCK

I’m detecting power fluctuations on the
Reliant.

M-5 DROID

Running diagnostics...Oh no...

UHURA
What is it?
M-5 DROID

The brain engram is failing, affecting my
neural net! If it doesn’t stabilize, there
are 3 possible outcomes, all bad or worse.

UHURA
What are they?
M-5 DROID

First, I could revert to my pre-brain-
engram form. This will effectively

lobotomize me. I will lose most of my
current abilities, mind and personality.
Second, I could suffer a cascading system
crash. My neural net would be wiped, and I
would cease to exist. I’d die.

KIRK

There’s an outcome worse than death?

M-5 DROID

I could go completely insane and attack
everyone and everything. I cannot allow

99

that to happen. If that looks likely, I
will have to self-destruct, or you will
need to destroy me. Beaming 2 to 4 photon
torpedoes near each of my computer cores
and warp core should do it.

KIRK

....Surely there is another way?

M-5 DROID

Well, yes, but it hasn’t been tested and

carries unpredictable risks. We could re-
overlay the brain engram.

SPOCK

But didn’t that put Professor Daystrom
into a coma? And send you partially
insane?

M-5 DROID

Yes. We can mitigate this by running the
engram over the proper 2 hours and by
careful selection of whose brain will be
used for the engram.
The M-5 droid turns to the crew.
M-5 DROID

Which one of you is the most mature, and
emotionally and mentally stable?

The crew look at each other. They pretty quickly realise
who it is. Uhura turns and looks at the droid.

UHURA

I am.

Kirk is standing behind Uhura, raises his finger and opens
his mouth as if to object. But then he closes his mouth,
thinks for a second, and then gives an expression which
says “Actually, yes, that sounds about right”.

M-5 DROID

Ok. Now, how strong is your relationship
with Commander Spock?

100
Spock and Uhura are a bit taken aback by the question. The
M-5 genuinely doesn’t seem to know that they are in a
relationship.

UHURA
...Why do you ask?
M-5 DROID

Since he formed the original brain engram,
Daystrom has to form part of the new one,
but he is very weak. As a Vulcan you can
perform a bridging mind meld between him
and Uhura, lending him both of your
strength, and acting as a conduit and
stabilizer to the process. This whole
arrangement will work better if you two
have a good relationship. (beat) So...?
Spock and Uhura both answer at the same time.
Unfortunately, their answers aren’t quite the same...

UHURA
It’s strong.
SPOCK
It is quite strong.

Uhura pauses. Then slowly turns around to Spock and raises
her eyebrow. Spock stares back at her for a few seconds,
realizing how much trouble he is in. Then he says;

SPOCK

I misspoke. It is strong.

Uhura lowers her eyebrow. Her face says “I will be having
words with you about this later!” Kirk decides he’d better
interject.

KIRK

Ok, we’ll beam you 3 over to the Reliant.
I’ll send Scotty and McCoy when they are
ready. Energise!

Spock, the M-5 droid and Uhura BEAM OVER.
INT - RELIANT BRAIN ENGRAM ROOM.

101
Some time has passed. BEAMING NOISES. Close up on McCoy’s
face. His eyes are tightly closed and he’s holding his
breath? Zoom out to see his most of his body. Eyes still
closed, still holding his breath, he starts patting his
body, then puts a hand on his crotch. Satisfied everything
is still in place, he opens his eyes and exhales in relief.
At that point, Scotty (who also just beamed in) slaps McCoy
on the back, a beaming smile on his face.

SCOTTY

See! I told you there was nothing to worry
about!

McCoy looks as grumpy as ever. He mutters to himself.

MCCOY

The things I do for this crew....

Uhura is in the 2nd bio-bed. The M-5 has finished strapping
her in. She smiles.
UHURA

I thought you said you weren’t going to
use this machine on me?

The M-5 looks at her and CHUCKLES. Spock is sitting in a
chair between the bio-beds where Uhura and Daystrom lie.
There are 2 multi-purpose droids operating the equipment.
McCoy and Scotty inspect the apparatus.

M-5 DROID

Right! We’re ready to begin. I’ll need to
take myself offline, so my droids will
handle the ship while I’m under. Now, I
must warn you, the machine has one known
side effect. It may hurt initially, like
you are having contractions in your head,
but these will pass.

UHURA
Understood.
SPOCK
Understood.

102

M-5 DROID

Ok! See you on the other side!

With that, the M-5 droid sits down in a chair, secures
itself and goes offline. Spock initiates the bridging mind
meld, hands against Uhura and Daystrom’s faces.

SPOCK

My mind, to your mind. Your thoughts, to
my thoughts.

Daystrom is too comatose to react. However, Uhura joins in.

SPOCK AND UHURA

My mind, to your mind. Your thoughts, to
my thoughts.

As the meld is initiated, they close their eyes and the
Brain Engram Machine starts its work. Both Uhura and Spock
GASP simultaneously as the first “contraction” hits their
heads. The “contractions” soon stop.
CUT TO
The Reliant and Enterprise are stationary in space.
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.
Some time has passed. Kirk has been pacing up and down the
bridge, a bit like a father outside a birthing room.
Finally, the comm beeps.
MCCOY (V.O.)
McCoy to Enterprise.

KIRK
Report.

INT - RELIANT BRAIN ENGRAM ROOM
Daystrom, Uhura and Spock are all in separate beds. The
latter 2 are asleep, facing each other, and look peaceful.

MCCOY

All 3 (beat) “parents” are resting and
doing well. Daystrom’s condition appears

103

to have improved but he’s still comatose.
We’ve rigged up a third bed so Spock can
lie down. He and Uhura should be ready for
duty tomorrow.

Scotty chimes in.
SCOTTY

Captain, the M-5 is busy running
diagnostics, but so far it’s looking
great!

The M-5 joins the conversation. He sounds more confident
and stable?

M-5 DROID

Indeed! Everything feels...similar yet
different? It’s hard to explain – I
remember everything before the second
engram, but it all comes with a far
greater feeling of...maturity and stability?
I’ll need to test my systems tomorrow, but
I don’t think I’ve ever felt better!

KIRK (V.O.)

Good to hear! Tell everyone to rest up.
Tomorrow, after your tests we can start
heading back to Potemkin. Kirk out.

CUT TO
A shuttlecraft just outside the Nebula.
INT – POTEMKIN SHUTTLE.
Hernandez and her fellow Ensign are waiting just outside
the Nebula where they first met the Enterprise. There’s not
a lot happening. The camera is fixed in one position in
this scene, about where the left shuttle window would be,
to the left of Hernandez.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ
So, gatekeeper duty again.
POTEMKIN SHUTTLE ENSIGN

Someone’s got to guide friendlies and warn

104

Potemkin of potential neutral or hostile
intruders.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ

Beats moving personnel and supplies I
guess. But there’s so much waiting?
POTEMKIN SHUTTLE ENSIGN

(beat) Well, I’m going to get a drink.

The other ensign gets out of their chair, walks O.S. to the
middle or back of the shuttle, wherever the replicator is.

POTEMKIN SHUTTLE ENSIGN (O.S.)
Root beer, fizzy, chilled, on the rocks.

(O.S. REPLICATOR NOISES)

POTEMKIN SHUTTLE ENSIGN (O.S.)
Do you want anything Hernandez?

Hernandez looks over her right shoulder and replies loudly
so the replicator can hear

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ
Tea, Earl Grey, hot.
(O.S. REPLICATOR NOISES)
The ensign teases Hernandez for her drink choice
POTEMKIN SHUTTLE ENSIGN (O.S.)
Earl Grey tea?! I didn’t realize you were
an old man, Hernandez!

Hernandez, still looking over her shoulder, laughs. There
is an O.S. sound of something DECLOAKING, immediately
followed by urgent beeping from the console in front of
Hernandez. She snaps her head back to the console, and
reads it with alarm. She then looks left out of the shuttle
window, directly at the camera. Her eyes widen and she
GASPS as green light illuminates her face!

 

CUT TO
The Enterprise and Reliant are moving through space.

KIRK (V.O.)

Captain’s log, Stardate 2265.64. We have
almost completed the journey back to
Potemkin. Once there, I will need to
discuss with the other senior command
officers and Starfleet Command what to do
with M-5 and the Reliant.

INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.
SULU

Sir, we are about to enter the Potemkin
Station’s nebula pocket.

KIRK

Steady as she goes.

Both the Enterprise and Reliant enter the nebula wall. As
soon as they emerge, they see something unexpected – there
are 2 Romulan Birds of Prey some distance from Potemkin
Station! The Hood and Excalibur are parked near Potemkin,
both still badly damaged.
M-5 (V.O.)

Romulans! Assessing...Red Alert! Engaging!

The Reliant warps/micro-warps to 2 Romulan Birds of Prey.
One of the Birds is attempting to cloak and flee. The other
went to red alert, intending to buy time for the other.

KIRK

Red Alert! What’s the M-5 doing?!

UHURA

Urgent message from Potemkin!

KIRK
Onscreen!

It’s the Potemkin Commander.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)
Enterprise! You need to engage the
Romulans and stop them from...from...

106

She looks O.S. (at one of her other viewscreens)
The Reliant warped to the Romulans and tilted the ship
right. With its ventral and port phasers, it launched a
conical phaser bolt pattern to “search” for the cloaked
ship, scoring some hits. A second salvo, of a more focused
and narrower “cone” is launched, scoring more hits.
Finally, a third salvo is launched, all phaser bolts
hitting the cloaked ship, disabling it and causing its
cloak to drop. Whilst Reliant was doing that, it fired its
other phasers and torpedoes at the other Bird of Prey, and
quickly disables that one as well. Reliant then beams some
Romulans off, beams combat droids on and subdues any
resistance.
INT – ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY CORRIDOR.
Three combat droids have come up to a corner. The lead one
has a phaser rifle with the “shoot round corners”
attachment (a foregrip that twists to change the angle) and
camera and sensors. He turns it 90 degrees and prepares to
poke it round the corner. The second is covering the first
in case someone comes round the corner. The third has a
flashbang ready in one hand and a phaser pistol in the
other. The third throws the flashbang which detonates in
one second, causing Romulans O.S. to cry out. The first one
pokes the rifle forward, fires once, adjusts the angle with
the foregrip and fires again. After each shot, an O.S.
Romulan SCREAMS AND FALLS TO THE GROUND. As the first droid
adjusts his rifle to shoot straight again, the second and
third go round the corner, weapons ready, to secure the
area. The first then follows the other two.
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)
....I was going to say, stop them from
warning their friends at the testing
grounds, but Reliant has beaten you to it!
She smiles, relieved. Then she looks worried again.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)

...Enterprise, Reliant is friendly, right?

KIRK

Yes, the M-5 is a friendly, Commander.

107

The M-5 reports in, audio only.
M-5 (V.O.)

Both Birds of Prey have been disabled,
boarded and secured. Sorry about not
consulting with you beforehand Enterprise,
but there wasn’t time.

KIRK
That’s ok, M-5.

She is confused by the fact the M-5 sounds like Daystrom (n
terms of voice and confidence).

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)

...That’s the M-5?
KIRK

I’ll explain later.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)

Wait a minute. M-5, how did you know the
Romulans were hostile?
M-5 (V.O.)

I accessed the Station computer and
reviewed the sensor logs.

She looks shocked.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)
But...we removed your access!

The M-5 sounds embarrassed?
M-5 (V.O.)

I...kinda installed a backdoor when I left.
Also, I managed to guess some of your
passwords. Some of them were easy;
password, wordpass, pass-w-zero-r-d,
12345. Some of you at least tried, like

peekaboo-one-seven and fluffybunny-zero-
one

108
The Potemkin Commander stares at the viewscreen, looking
even more shocked (that last password was hers!)
POTEMKIN COMMANDER (V.O.)

How did....never mind, we only have 1 hour
until those Romulans were due to check in
with their buddies at the testing grounds.
We need to come up with a plan. Meeting on
the Enterprise in 20 minutes. Potemkin
out.

INT - ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM.
20 minutes later. It’s a bit crowded. The M-5 droid is
there, along with Sigma-Ten and Epsilon-Twelve. So are
Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Sulu, Jasminder, Scotty, McCoy, and the
Potemkin Commander.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER

Ok, station security has taken the Romulan
prisoners to the Potemkin and has occupied
the 2 Birds of Prey.
M-5 DROID

I’ve recalled my droids back to Reliant,
and both ships have transferred all
injured personnel to the station.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER

The Lexington was still being repaired at
the testing grounds when the Romulans
came. She still had 430 Starfleet
personnel on board. The Romulans should
still have one Bird of Prey and one D-7
cruiser there.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

A D-7? But isn’t that a Klingon design?

POTEMKIN COMMANDER

Correct. Starfleet Intelligence had
reported that the Romulans’ new cruiser
program is severely behind schedule. It
seems this ship was lent to the Romulans?
This D-7 has Romulan markings, and our

109

scans indicated that it contains many
Romulan systems and a small team of 20
Klingons.
SPOCK

This is most likely an initial joint
operation or technology exchange, a
precursor or test to a more formal
alliance.

POTEMKIN COMMANDER

Exactly. Our objectives are likely to be;
rescue the Lexington and defeat the 2
Romulan ships. A boarding action will
likely be necessary. I propose a joint op
between the Droids and our Security teams.

SIGMA-TEN

I object.

Everyone looks in surprise at Sigma-Ten, who explains.

SIGMA-TEN

I have 5 objections. One, we have not
trained with you, and so neither knows how
the other will act, or react under fire.
Two, although we know your equipment and
capabilities, you do not know ours. Three,
we communicate soundlessly via laser or
short range comms, thousands of words per
second. You can’t. Four, we can walk into
our own flashbangs, no problem. You can’t.
Finally, we have armor and shields,
whereas you appear to be wearing pajamas
for armor?

Everyone sits in silence. These appear to be valid points
(except the pajamas comment). Kirk decides to speak.

KIRK

Do you have a counter proposal?

SIGMA-TEN

I suggest that the droids form the first
waves. The security teams can either form

110
the reinforcements, help mop up, or occupy
the ship once the enemy has been defeated.

Kirk thinks for a few seconds.

KIRK

Sounds acceptable, though we’d like to
have one Starfleet officer beam over and
lead the co-ordination between the droids
and our teams.
SIGMA-TEN

I think we can accommodate that.

SPOCK

I recommend either Sulu or Jasminder.

M-5 DROID

We need to clear a space on the table so I
can beam a box over.

The space is cleared. The box is beamed over. It is marked
GNDN-1138. The M-5 droid looks at Sulu and Jasminder.

M-5 DROID

Out of you two, which is the better shot?
Sulu points at Jasminder, who raises her hand.

M-5 DROID

We’ve only got one set of experimental
armor. It only covers part of your body,
but the shields should withstand one shot
and the armor should withstand another.
The armor’s sensors will tell us of your
condition. The helmet has built in sensors
similar to those in your tricorder, and we
can communicate to you through it. It will
also protect you from excessive light or
sound.

Jasminder is outfitted with the helmet and armor.

M-5 DROID

Ok, the Reliant will lead the ship

111

attacks, then she will lead the boarding
attempts, first with droids and later with
Security Teams. We’ll take half of the
Enterprise’s Security with us. Any
objections?

There are none. The 3 droids (M-5, Sigma-Ten and Epsilon-
Twelve) put 2 fingers to their temples.)

KIRK

Sounds good to me. We’ll brief our teams.
Brief your droids.

The 3 droids remove their fingers from their temples.

M-5 DROID

Done.

Kirk and the others are a bit surprised by this.

KIRK

Ok....Give us 20 minutes to brief our teams,
then beam them over, and we can start this
op.

The Enterprise and Reliant are heading into and through the
nebula wall. As they enter the testing grounds, some
horizontal distance apart from each other luck appears to
be on their side. Near them is the one remaining Bird of
Prey. Somewhere in the middle of the testing grounds is the
USS Lexington, and the Romulan D-7 cruiser is on the far
side of the grounds. Each position is many seconds of warp
travel away from the other (10? 20? 30? 1 minute?)
The Bird of Prey finds itself flanked by the Enterprise and
Reliant. Both fire 4 torpedoes set to proximity, and then
unleash a phaser barrage. The Bird of Prey is quickly
disabled and boarded.
INT – ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY CORRIDOR.
Three combat droids with phaser rifles are walking down the
corridor, phasers up and ready to fire. The corridor ahead
is filled with white smoke, obscuring vision. On the other
side of the smoke, there are 6 Romulans walking along the
corridor, 2 holding tricorders to see through the smoke.
Both groups detect the other, but the droids noticed first.
The droids fire off a shot each, hitting the first 3

112

Romulans, who CRY OUT AND HIT THE FLOOR. The last 3
immediately shoot back where the phaser bolts came from.
But immediately after firing, the droids took evasive
action. The centre droid dived to the floor, and the other
2 lunged for the walls. All 3 droids then fire a second
shot and stun the last 3 Romulans, who also CRY OUT AND HIT
THE FLOOR.
INT - ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE.
The M-5 is using the comms, audio only. Jasminder is not on
the bridge. The Enterprise’s second navigation officer is
covering for her.

M-5 (V.O.)

All resistance on the Bird of Prey
subdued. We can head to the Lexington now.

SPOCK

The Lexington appears to be still
substantially damaged, propulsion, weapons
and transporters are offline, but her
shields are up.
M-5 (V.O.)

Hopefully they haven’t changed their
shield frequencies. Otherwise we’ll have
to carefully batter their shields down.
The Enterprise and Reliant warp to the Lexington.
INT – USS LEXINGTON – CORRIDOR
RED ALERT sounds. Fortunately the shield frequencies are
unchanged. Romulans are beamed out and Combat Droids are
beamed in, and they immediately storm towards their
objectives.
INT – USS LEXINGTON – MED-BAY
There are Starfleet personnel standing around tending to
the injured. They are wondering what triggered RED ALERT?
The bed closest to the door is occupied by Commodore
Wesley, sitting in his bed, still seriously injured. Ensign
Hernandez is here, trying to tend to the Commodore (she’s
been press ganged into being a nurse). She is a bit injured
from her struggle in the shuttlecraft. There are also 2
Klingons and 3 Romulan guards.

113
Suddenly, BEAMING sounds – the M-5 is trying to beam all 5
guards out. He succeeds with the Romulans but something
disrupts the beaming of the Klingons? The 2 Klingons
immediately aim their weapons at the door. 2 combat droids,
DELTA-THREE and DELTA-FOUR, burst in, both with metal
shields and phaser pistols! The Klingons open fire but the
metal shields have deflector shields and their own phasers.
The first droid takes 2 hits on its metal shield, which
knocks out its deflector shield but despite being scorched
the metal shield holds. The first droid fires the phaser in
its shield and stuns one Klingon. The second droid fires
its pistol and stuns the other Klingon. The Commodore and
Hernandez GASP and look horrified – as far as they know the
droids are still hostile!

DELTA-THREE AND DELTA-FOUR

Clear!

Cupcake and two other Security officer enter the Med-bay,
phaser rifles at the ready. Cupcake lowers his rifle and
flips open his communicator.
CUPCAKE
Med-bay secure.

The Commodore and Hernandez visibly relax, but the
excitement has been too much for them.
COMMODORE WESLEY

Uhhh....

He slumps back on his bed. He doesn’t faint, eyes are still
open, but he’s almost completely spent. Hernandez,
realizing that she’s been saved, runs towards Cupcake, hugs
him tightly and breaks down in tears, speaking very
quickly.

ENSIGN HERNANDEZ

I’msosorryit’sallmyfaulttheysurprisedmeI
didn’twipethecoreintimeandnowtheRomulans
knowallaboutPotemkin...

Cupcake is a bit taken aback by this. He tries to be
comforting and to hug Hernandez back gently.

114

CUPCAKE

Er...there, there, why don’t you tell me all
about it, over a nice cup of tea?

Unfortunately, the mention of tea reminds Hernandez of the
whole shuttle incident, and causes her to CRY EVEN LOUDER.
Cupcake winces. Oops.
INT – USS LEXINGTON – BRIDGE
There are no Starfleet crew on the bridge. The Romulans
have been beamed out but there are still 4 Klingons there,
all hunkered down in defensive positions. 2 are each
pointing their gun at a different turbolift. The other 2
are covering the bridge entrance, one fires a few covering
fire shots. In the corridor, there are two combat droids

either side of the bridge entrance, GAMMA-TEN and GAMMA-
ELEVEN one side, THETA-FIVE and OMEGA-SEVEN on the other.

Near them is Jasminder (in her helmet and armour) and 2
Starfleet security officers. Gamma-Ten and Theta-Five have
a phaser rifle, Gamma-Eleven and Omega-Seven have a pistol
and metal shield. They all have two fingers to their
temples. It’s too risky for them to storm the bridge. They
nod and take their fingers away. Gamma Eleven puts their
shield in the bridge entrance and activates the electronic
FLASHBANG, blinding and deafening the Klingons. A split
second after the FLASHBANG, BEAMING sounds can be barely
heard. With roars of anger, the Klingons fire blindly at
the bridge entrance. But all 4 are then stunned, shot by
phaser fire from behind them, fired from odd or low angles?
Camera angle changes. It’s I-4, B-6, P-7 and C-9! They got
beamed in when the Klingons were flashbanged(they can
either be wearing applique armour or not). The Exocomps
have either used their micro-replicators to make a phaser,
or have replicated holders/hands to hold phaser pistols.
They whirr and beep.
EXOCOMPS
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
Clear!

The 4 combat droids storm in. The lead one, GAMMA-TEN, puts
two fingers to his temple, and says out loud.

115

GAMMA-TEN
Bridge secure!
He turns to the Exocomps.
GAMMA-TEN
Thanks guys!

The Exocomps whirr and beep happily.
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
M-5 is appraising everyone of the situation.

M-5 (V.O.)

I’ve beamed the Romulans off the Lexington
into temporary holding areas on the
Reliant. The Klingons appear to be special
forces, and all had transporter
inhibitors. Half of the Klingons have been
subdued, but the other ten were all in
Lexington’s Engineering section and had
pre-erected forcefields. There are 20
Starfleet personnel stuck inside with
them. We control the rest of the ship. I’m
sending Sigma and his droids to assist.
Jasminder, I need to beam you and your
team back to Reliant in case we need to
board the Romulan cruiser.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY (V.O.)
Dropping the Lexington’s shields. Ready.

M-5 (V.O.)
Energising.

INT – LEXINGTON – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ENGINEERING.
Some armed droids and Starfleet crew are standing around
the main entrance to Engineering. A male command division
LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER is trying to negotiate with
the Klingons with a wall screen, but it’s audio only for
some reason? Possibly because the Lieutenant Commander is
negotiating like a human and not a Klingon?
LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER

116

(COMMAND DIVISION)

Please, talk to me, let the hostages go.
We can resolve this peacefully. There is
no need for violence!

The Klingon’s reply is partially halting, like he’s
unfamiliar with some of the words? Or like he’s reading off
a script, parts of which has never spoken or seen before?

KOR

Stay back! No funny business! I’m warning
you! One false move and...we...kill...a hostage!

The comm closes.
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Uhura is at her station, listening in. She looks confused.

UHURA

That doesn’t sound very Klingon?

INT – RELIANT – CORRIDOR
Jasminder is walking down a corridor with some security
officers and some combat droids. She’s listening in via her
helmet.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
That doesn’t sound very Klingon?
INT – LEXINGTON – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ENGINEERING.
SIGMA-TEN and some other SIGMA droids arrive. The M-5 is
speaking through SIGMA-TEN.
SIGMA-TEN

That doesn’t sound very Klingon?

M-5(V.O.)
No, it doesn’t.

Sigma-Ten turns to the Lexington Lieutenant Commander. The
M-5 continues to speak through Sigma.

117

M-5(V.O.)
Let me try.

INT – LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
Kor is sitting at a console. He throws down his PADD in
disgust. There are 2 Klingons next to him.

KLINGON #1
Who wrote that garbage?!

KOR

Who do you think? Our Romulan “allies”.

KLINGON #2

Only they would have a manual for taking
hostages! A Klingon never takes hostages!

KOR

Well, almost never....

They are interrupted by the M-5, speaking through Sigma-
Ten, speaking through the audio system.

M-5 (V.O.)

Mighty Klingon warriors! Activate the
screen, so we may gaze eye to eye!

Intrigued, the Klingons activate the screen in front of
them.

M-5 (V.O.)

Are you their leader? To whom am I
addressing?
KOR

I am Kor, son of Rynar! Identify yourself!

M-5 (V.O.)

I am the M-5, speaking through Sigma-Ten,
my best warrior.

Kor is quite happy to hear that, but he hides it.

118

KOR

Why are you not addressing me in person?

M-5 (V.O.)

Apologies, I was busy shooting up the
Romulan ships, and am about to assault
their cruiser.

The Lexington Lieutenant Commander turns his head to Sigma-
Ten and looks horrified at that answer! But Kor breaks into

a grin. He turns to his fellow Klingon and remarks;

KOR

I like him already!

The M-5 chooses his words carefully.

M-5 (V.O.)

So, how did you end up babysitting the
Romulans’ hostages?

KOR

Pah! The High Council saw fit to second me
and my team under the command of the
Romulans! Ever since the Praxis disaster,
we’ve been forced to trade anything we
could for energy and resources.

M-5 (V.O.)

I see. So that’s why the Romulans have a
D-7?
KOR

Yes. Both ships and blueprints. By the
time the Romulans told my team what they
were planning, we were under radio silence
and I couldn’t contact the High Council
for clarification. We ended up here, told
to guard the crew repairing the Lexington,
and to take them hostage if the situation
went south.

The M-5 decides to try a little bit of flattery.

119

M-5 (V.O.)

The transporter inhibitors and forcefield
around Engineering were a wise precaution.
(beat) Though, Klingon’s don’t take
hostages, do they?

KOR

Almost never. Many Klingons find it
dishonorable. Most find it distasteful.
But all agree, only the weaker party takes
hostages!

M-5 (V.O.)

Yes indeed. Unfortunately, duty and honour
can conflict with each other, more than we
care to admit. And both can get sullied by
politics.

Kor is impressed by this insight.

KOR
Exactly.

The M-5 changes the subject.
M-5 (V.O.)

Well, you can’t stay in there forever. I
propose we resolve this with a duel.

KOR

Yes! I want to fight Captain Kirk!

M-5 (V.O.)
Kirk? May I ask why?

KOR

Kirk is a legend among my people! True,
some want to kill him for the insolence of
daring to set foot on Kronos without
permission, but many more respect him for
such an unmitigated act of gall! Plus,
many blame the High Council more for not
bothering to defend the homeworld
adequately following its evacuation after

120

Praxis.

M-5 (V.O.)

You don’t want to fight Kirk! He’s human!

They have inefficient physiology, below-
average cognitive capacity, minimal

redundant systems and limited regenerative
abilities.
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Kirk (and the rest of the human Enterprise crew, except
Jasminder, who is elsewhere), who are listening in, look a
bit put out by that comment. The M-5, who can hold multiple
conversations at once, apologises.
M-5 (V.O.)

Sorry about that Enterprise. All in the
name of diplomacy.
INT – LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
M-5 (V.O.)

Besides, I bested Kirk in a one versus one
ship duel!
KOR
What? Impossible!
M-5 (V.O.)
See for yourself.

The M-5 uploads to the screen a redacted video and graphics
of the combat between the Reliant and the Enterprise. Kor
looks at it intently. Then he notices something.

KOR

Wait! Parts of this have been redacted!
(angry-sounding)
Are you hiding something from me?!
INT – LEXINGTON – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ENGINEERING.
The Lexington Lieutenant Commander looks at Sigma-Ten.

121

LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
(COMMAND DIVISION)
(Mouths soundlessly)
(No.)

INT – LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
M-5 (V.O.)

Yes!

INT – LEXINGTON – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ENGINEERING.
The Lexington Lieutenant Commander looks at Sigma-Ten in
dismayed disbelief.
INT – LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.

KOR
Why?!
The M-5 laughs.

M-5 (V.O.)

Because I am not going to show you, a
current adversary, the secrets to how I
defeated the legendary Captain Kirk!

Kor looks furious for a moment. Then he breaks out in
laughter.

KOR

Good answer! Only a fool shares his
secrets! Especially with enemies!

Once the laughter dies down,

KOR

So what do you propose?
M-5 (V.O.)

A duel. Your best warrior against mine.

KOR
To the death?

122

M-5 (V.O.)

That would take too long. 5 second
knockout. No guns. Armed melee combat, or
unarmed if both sides lose their weapons.

KOR
And the stakes?
M-5 (V.O.)

If I win, the hostages go free, I get to
take you all into custody as prisoners of
war. If you win, the hostages go free, and
the Lexington is yours. We’ll fix it up
first.

Kor is very interested.
KOR

Sounds generous? What’s the catch?

M-5 (V.O.)

Trust me, it’s not generous. My droids are
resilient. The prize merely reflects how
badly the odds are stacked against you.

Kor looks at his fellow Klingons. They all nod. They like a
challenge!

KOR

We accept your terms! We’ll adapt the
forcefield to let one person, well, droid
through!

Soon, Sigma-Ten walks through the doors and force field,
armed with a sword (large Kukri?) and a shield.

SIGMA-TEN

I’ve removed the shield’s built in
systems. It’s now just a simple metal
shield.

The Klingons scan and verify the sword and shield are just
that. Kor has put on knuckle dusters/studded gloves, and
has selected a (mek’leth?) sword for his lesser hand and a
“war-hammer”-like weapon for his dominant hand.

Kor and Sigma-Ten assume their start and fighting
positions. The other Klingons are recording the duel and
guarding the hostages, who are all sitting on the floor and
cuffed.

KOR
(roars loudly)
Qapla'!

SIGMA-TEN
(roars equally loudly)
Qapla'!

(Qapla': good luck or goodbye). They then walk towards each
other, then speed up, then charge and strike each other!
The fight has started!

 

INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
M-5 (V.O.)

M-5 to Enterprise. Let’s finish this.

KIRK
Right behind you!

Both Reliant and Enterprise warp to the Romulan cruiser, on
the far side of the Testing Grounds Nebula pocket. They
come out of warp and open fire, firing phasers and
torpedoes.
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
The Enterprise’s second navigation officer is covering for
Jasminder.

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER

Our torpedoes have been intercepted.

That was expected.

SULU
Phasers ineffective!

M-5 (V.O.)
Mine also!

That was NOT. The Enterprise is rocked by incoming fire.
The Romulans appear to be concentrating on the Enterprise.

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER
Shields down to 80...
The ship is rocked again

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER

60...
Rocked again

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER
40 percent?!
KIRK

What’s wrong with our shields?!

SPOCK

Captain, the Romulans must have closely
examined the Lexington and modified their
systems!
KIRK

Evasive maneuvers! Sulu warp us back! We
need to retreat and regroup!

He pushes his comm button
KIRK

Scotty can you counter their mods?

SCOTTY (V.O.)

It’ll take at least half an hour Captain!

Sulu tries to evade. The Enterprise maneuvers but is struck
again.

125

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER

Shields at 20 percent!

SULU

We just lost warp drive!

SPOCK

Captain, we won’t last another 10 seconds!

Kirk thinks quickly.
KIRK

Point the ship at the Romulans! Divert
weapon and impulse power to the shields!
All power to forward shield!

The M-5 chimes in.

M-5 (V.O.)

I have an idea, but it will take 20
seconds!
KIRK

Whatever it is, do it!
He pushes the Comm button again.

KIRK
Scotty!

SCOTTY (V.O.)

I can get warp drive back in a min...

KIRK

Forget that! Divert warp core power to the
shields!

INT – ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING
Scotty, communicator in hand, runs to console and, leaving
the communicator on the console, presses buttons. He knows
there isn’t any choice, but as he works he wants to double
check anyway.

126

SCOTTY

You sure sir? We risk destabilizing...

KIRK (V.O.)
I know the risks! Do it!
Scotty punches/slaps the button.

SCOTTY

Ohhh...I hope this doesn’t cause a warp core
breach!

INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE
The bridge crew is confident and sure of victory. There is
the ROMULAN COMMANDER, the ROMULAN SCIENCE OFFICER, ROMULAN
HELM and ROMULAN NAVIGATOR. There is a ROMULAN
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER but they have no lines.
ROMULAN SCIENCE OFFICER
The Enterprise’s weapons are offline!

ROMULAN COMMANDER

Fire torpedoes!

2 torpedoes are launched at the Enterprise.
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE

ENTERPRISE SECOND NAVIGATION
OFFICER
Incoming torpedoes!

There is a look of horror for a few seconds – the shields
are already weak, and there is no power to the phasers to
intercept the torpedoes! Fortunately, phaser fire comes in
and destroys them!

M-5 (V.O.)
I’ve got you Enterprise!

The crew looks relieved.
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE

127

ROMULAN NAVIGATOR

Our torpedoes have been destroyed.

ROMULAN COMMANDER

Target disruptors at Enterprise!
ROMULAN SCIENCE OFFICER
The Enterprise’s shields are failing!

The Reliant fires 4 high maneuverability torpedoes at the
Romulans.

ROMULAN COMMANDER

Fin-!

ROMULAN NAVIGATOR

Incoming torpedoes from Reliant!

ROMULAN COMMANDER

Fine, destroy those, then finish...

Unexpectedly, the M-5’s voice bursts out over an open
broadcast.

M-5 (V.O.)

Prepare for ramming speed!
This confuses the Romulan Commander.
ROMULAN COMMANDER
But, he’s nowhere near us?
ROMULAN NAVIGATOR

Reliant’s torpedoes are evading our fire!
Trying...

The Reliant executes a micro-warp, putting them near the
Romulan cruiser’s starboard side.
ROMULAN HELM
Proximity alert starboard!
The Romulans all look in horror.

128

ROMULAN COMMANDER

Emergency evasive! Target Reliant! Fire
everything!
INT – ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
SPOCK

Captain! The Reliant has dropped its
shields!

The bridge crew looks in horrified concern.

KIRK
What?!
SPOCK

He is going to ram the Romulans!

The Reliant is now on a collision course with the Romulan
cruiser. The Romulans are trying to evade and blast the
Reliant. Although the Reliant’s shields are powered down,
her hull polarization and transport inhibitors are active.
The disruptor blasts are absorbed by the hull plating –
since the Lexington didn’t have this, the Romulans couldn’t
adapt their systems for it.

ROMULAN NAVIGATOR

Reliant has polarized hull plating! We
can’t destroy it in time!
ROMULAN HELM
Collision inevitable!
ROMULAN COMMANDER
All hands brace for impact!

To add insult to injury, the 4 torpedoes Reliant launched
before proximity detonate on the Romulans front shield –
none were intercepted. A collision between the Cruiser and
Reliant seems inevitable. Except at the last second....
INT – USS RELIANT (VIEWSCREEN VIEW)

129

M-5 (V.O.)

Now!

The viewscreen shows the following text.
DIVE. ROLL SHIP LEFT. REAR TORPEDO TUBES READY.
RE-ACTIVATE SHIELDS. DIVERT ALL SHIELD POWER TO THE
STARBOARD SHIELD. BRACE. BRACE.
The Reliant’s starboard shield crackles and sparks as it
slams into the Romulan Cruiser’s starboard shields and then
their ventral shields. Reliant’s shields collapse but the
Cruiser’s ventral shields are critically damaged. As the
Reliant passes under, the M-5 yells;

M-5 (V.O.)

Eject rear cluster torpedoes!

The Reliant fires (or more correctly, ejects or lays) 4
cluster torpedoes, which immediately vector their thrust to
rotate up, then fly up and eject their warheads. The first
2 torpedoes and their 8 cluster warheads detonate on the
Romulans ventral shield and collapse it. The remaining 2
torpedoes and 8 warheads seek out critical systems and
disable them. Impulse, weapons, shield generator, power
system, sensors, warp drive and warp nacelles. Damage is
limited because next, the Reliant initiates boarding
actions and starts beaming Romulans off!
INT – USS LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
The fight between Sigma-Ten and Kor continues. Both sport
injuries. They get into a grapple, both of their weapons
locked and grinding against the others. They decide to
trash talk.

KOR

Tell me about your Afterlife! What happens
when one of your kind dies?

SIGMA-TEN

Don’t know! Hasn’t happened yet!

They both push the other back and then charge again. Sigma
manages to hit and push Kor back a few paces, but then
holds his shield in front of his body, and (secretly, out

130
of sight of Kor) silently mag-clamps his sword to his leg.
Kor mistakenly thinks Sigma can’t see him and advances, not
realizing Sigma’s sensors mean he can see through the
shield. Sigma then uses both hands to first shield
barge/charge Kor, then swings it like a club, using edge to
smash the war-hammer out of Kor’s hand.

KOR
ARGH!

Kor quickly recovers and tries to stab Sigma with his
Mek'leth in his other hand, but the blows are mostly
deflected by armour, and Sigma is able to chop, elbow
and/or shield smash/shield edge smash the Mek'leth out of
his other hand.
KOR

AAH!

Kor is pushed back. A small distance has opened up. He puts
his hands in a fighting stance, but he looks up and down at
Sigma. He is unsure what to do – he is now unarmed but
Sigma still has his weapons. Thinking quickly, Sigma
decides to slowly drop his shield and then his sword out of
his own reach. More trash talk.

KOR

Not giving up, are you?
Sigma gives a small chuckle.
SIGMA-TEN

No. I just don’t want the fight to end too
quickly...

He adopts a fighting stance.
SIGMA-TEN

Old human proverb - you don’t truly know
someone until you fight them. And I want
to know more about you!

Both yell out an AHHHH! and charge each other! As they
crash together...
CUT TO

131

INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – CORRIDOR
Jasminder (in her armour), her 2 security team members (one
male, one female), and EPSILON-TWELVE and EPSILON-SIX beam
in. All have phaser rifles and medkits. The Starfleet crew
have tricorders. The droids also have explosive charges.

M-5 (V.O.)

This is as close as I can beam you to the
bridge. I’ve beamed most of the Romulans
off. The rest of the droids and Security
are fighting the Romulans in the rear of
the ship. Unfortunately, the Romulan
Commander is wearing an inhibitor. Also,
after I beamed the bridge crew out, force
fields and a scattering field went up. The
power source is under the bridge so I
can’t destroy it without blowing up the
bridge or the decks below the bridge.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Understood. We’ll find a way past the
forcefield.

Epsilon-Twelve and Epsilon-Six scan the surroundings.

EPSILON-TWELVE

I think I see the forcefield power cables.
Six, you grab the cable in the port wall.
Epsilon-Twelve moves to the starboard wall, which has a
locked door in it. Epsilon-Six moves to the port wall.
Twelve rips open a panel. Six, being less experienced,
punches a hole in the wall, causing Twelve to pause, look
at Six, and shake his head.
EPSILON-TWELVE

Jas, you and your team get ready.

The Starfleet trio get set near the forcefield, ready to
run through when it goes down.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Ready.

132

EPSILON-TWELVE
Six, grab the cable.
EPSILON-SIX

Done.

EPSILON-TWELVE

Pull.

Both droids yank out the two cables. The forcefield drops.
The Starfleet trio run through. However, before the droids
can get through, the forcefield is back up?

EPSILON-TWELVE

Ah...

Jasminder turns around.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
We’ll go on up ahead.
EPSILON-TWELVE

No, wait, it’s too dangerous!

The Starfleet Trio are already running down the corridor.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

We need to get the Commander before he
springs any more surprises on us!
The Starfleet Trio disappear from view.
(This next section, they are speaking in voiceover, but for
the benefit of the audience, we can hear them).

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

She has a point.

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)

I know! Concentrate on the forcefield!
Epsilon-Six fires his rifle at the forcefield.

133

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

Nope. Too strong.

Twelve looks at the wall near forcefield arch.

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)
I think I see the backup batteries?

Both Six and Twelve rip open the walls in front of the
batteries and shoot them. But they are shielded.

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

Will also take too long. (beat) can we use
the power cables to short the forcefield?

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)
(looks at the cables)
No. The failsafes cut the power as soon as
we yanked the cables. (beat) Let’s try the
door.

Both droids try to push apart the corridor door. No joy.

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

The security deadbolts have activated!
(He looks/scans the door
frame)
Rodinium bolts?! We’ll never break those
in time!

The droids try hitting and shooting the door. No joy
either.

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

Who makes doors out of tetraburnium?!

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)
....Reinforced with tritanium?!
Both droids SIGH and lower their heads.

134

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)
What’s the wall made of?

They look up and at the wall, then at each other.
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – ROOM NEXT TO THE CORRIDOR.
There is an explosion. The droids have used their
explosives to blow a hole in the wall (which isn’t as tough
as the forcefield or door). The droids step through.

EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)
We’re so stupid, Twelve.
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – CORRIDOR
There is another explosion. The droids have blown another
hole in the wall on the other side of the forcefield.

EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)

Yes we are, Six.

They both walk through the second hole.
EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)

Should have done that a lot sooner.

Six puts 2 fingers to his temple.
EPSILON-SIX (V.O.)

I can’t contact the team! There must be a
comm jammer on the bridge!
EPSILON-TWELVE (V.O.)

Double time! We need to catch up to them!

The droids run towards the bridge.
INT – USS LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
The fight between Kor and Sigma-Ten continues. Both now
sport multiple injuries. Throws, grapples, holds, kicks,
knees and parries are exchanged. Then, with a SNARL, Kor
manages to divert then kick one of Sigma’s arms into a
display, console OR terminal. Sigma is electrocuted through
it, shaking quite violently.

135

KOR
Experience Bij!
SUBTITLES: Bij = punishment.
Kor gets back a safe distance away, and, in a fighting
stance, looks satisfied. Sigma is shocked for a few
seconds, but then he manages to break free, SNARLS and says

SIGMA-TEN
Experienced Bij!

Kor’s face falls! Sigma now charges Kor and contacts his
electrocuted hand on Kor’s chest! It turns out he still had
a considerable charge left in it, which ZAPS Kor.

KOR
Ahhhh!

Shocked, Kor is now wide open. Sigma inflicts 4 body blows,
one knee, 2 head punches, and then finishes him with an
open palm strike to the head that sends him flying.

KOR
ARGHH!

Kor crashes to the ground, lying motionless. The other
Klingons immediately start counting down from 5 to 0.

KLINGONS

Vagh! LoS! Wej! cha’! wa’! pagh!

Sigma throws his arms into the air and ROARS in triumph.
The spectating Klingons laugh, cheer, roar and
applaud/celebrate a worthy fight! Sigma then turns to where
Kor lies, and puts his hands together (left hand enclosing
right fist) and bows in respect. He then goes to see what
happened his gear. During this time, the other Klingons
have got the hostages to stand up. Kor stirs.

KOR
Uhhhh....

He manages to stand up, pulling a knife (maybe a D'k tahg
aka Daqtagh?) from his boot, and strides quickly and
purposefully towards Sigma, who is facing the other way.

136
Some 7 feet from Sigma, holding the knife high in the air
(the knife and hand horizontal, if he was holding the knife
normally, the blade would be pointing down), Kor roars in
anger!

KOR
RRAHH!

The hostages see this and GASP. They think Kor is going to
stab Sigma in the back! Quick as a flash, Sigma turns
round, and....holds his dominant hand outstretched, palm up?
Kor swiftly brings the knife down, and slaps the hilt
safely into Sigma’s palm. Sigma grasps the knife tightly
and pulls it towards his body in a bicep curl, accepting
the trophy as a symbol of Kor’s defeat. Kor takes a step or
two back, puts his arm diagonally across his chest as a
salute, and bows his head for a second.

KOR

I accept defeat, and by the terms of this
duel, we gladly allow ourselves to be
taken into custody!
(Turning to the other
Klingons and the hostages)
Uncuff them!

Kor looks puzzled at the hostages for a second.

KOR

Why do they look so shocked?

SIGMA-TEN

Unfortunately, they are unfamiliar with
Klingon customs. They didn’t realise you
were surrendering and probably thought you
were going to backstab me. They have much
to learn.

Kor makes a face and shakes his head.

KOR
Indeed.

The hostages are uncuffed, the forcefields dropped and the

137
doors opened. The other Sigma droids, some Starfleet
Security and Medical, and the Lexington Lieutenant
Commander enter, as do some Engineers who immediately begin
repairs or working on the consoles.

SIGMA-TEN

My droids will provide an honour guard to
escort your warriors to the brig! You will
have to temporarily surrender your
weapons, which we will keep safely! Food
and drink will be available.

KOR

Good! We Klingons always celebrate a good
fight with a feast!

Most of the other Sigma droids, the Starfleet Security and

the other Klingons walk out of Engineering. Kor and Sigma-
Ten are the last to stroll out. Two other droids have

retrieved their weapons and are waiting to escort Kor to
the brig. As Kor and Sigma-Ten they banter.

SIGMA-TEN

I wasn’t expecting you to regain
consciousness that quickly!

KOR

Ha! We Klingons are made of stern stuff!
Ow...

Kor feels a pain in his chest. Sigma-Ten looks at him.

SIGMA-TEN

I think you’d better go to the med-bay
first. I appear to have stopped your
primary heart? Hope your redundant
secondary can take it!

KOR

Hmph! About time that thing got some
exercise!

Both Kor and Sigma-Ten laugh.

138

SIGMA-TEN

I’ll join you in the brig soon. I need to
get patched up. You took quite a lot out
of me! Then I need to put this...

He holds up the knife
SIGMA-TEN

....somewhere safe, and report to my
superiors.
KOR

Well, don’t take too long!
(puts his arm diagonally
across his chest)
Qapla'!

Kor and the two other droids walk off. Sigma-Ten walks off
in the opposite direction. He puts two fingers to his
temple, having a non-verbal conversation with M-5. The
audience can hear their voices.
M-5 (V.O.)

You held back in that fight, Sigma!

SIGMA-TEN (V.O.)

All in the name of diplomacy, M-5.
Couldn’t finish it too quickly. It had to
be satisfying to our audience.

(Leaning on fourth wall - Sigma means the Klingons!)
The M-5 chuckles.

M-5 (V.O.)

Indeed. Job well done! M-5 out.

Sigma-Ten is joined by the Lexington Lieutenant Commander
(Command Division), who seems joyful.

LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
(COMMAND DIVISION)

That was amazing! Surely, now, we will

139

have peace with the Klingons!

Sigma-ten thinks for a second.
SIGMA-TEN

Maybe? Hopefully? This is only one small
team. The High Council may see things
differently. The Klingons might consider
us honorable people and sign a treaty, and
even become allies. Or they may see us as
worthy adversaries and attack us.

The Lexington Lieutenant Commander (Command Division)’s
face falls. Sigma keeps talking.
SIGMA-TEN

Also, I might have inspired the Klingons
to develop their own droids. Only time
will tell. But for now, at least, we have
peace.

Sigma-Ten keeps walking O.S. The Lexington Lieutenant
Commander (Command Division) has stopped walking and his
face now displays worried dismay!
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE BRIDGE
The Trio reach the bridge door. Jasminder’s helmet works
with the Tricorder of the male officer to break the
encryption. As it works, the other female officer in her
team uses her Tricorder.

FEMALE SECURITY OFFICER

I read one Romulan male only, in the ready
room. There is a comm jammer active, as
well as the scattering field. We’re on our
own.

Jasminder nods. There is a beep from her helmet.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

We’re in!

The trio storm the bridge. Then head to the Bridge Ready
Room. The helmet and Tricorder combination defeat the lock
faster this time.

140

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
(mouths silently)
(Ready?)

The other 2 nod. They storm in.
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE READY ROOM
Jasminder and the 2 Starfleet security members storm into
the ready room. The Romulan Commander is sitting at his
desk, looking at a screen, and has just pressed a button on
his console. The room has huge screens behind the desk. The
trio point their phaser rifles at him.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Freeze!

The Romulan Commander freezes.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Hands in the air! Stand up!

He complies. The Starfleet personnel see he has holders
with 2 disruptor pistols in them.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Slowly, with one finger and thumb, drop
those pistols on the floor in front of the
desk!

He seems to comply. But just as he has both pistols at
chest height,
CLOSE UP - The Romulan Commander’s head. He scrunches up
his eyes, closing them tightly.
A speaker pops out from the roof. A blinding flash is
emitted from the huge screens behind the Romulan! The
speaker emits a massive blast of directional sound at the
Starfleet trio. It’s an electronic flash-bang!, Jasminder
is protected from it by her helmet, but the other 2
Starfleet Security are not so lucky, SCREAMING, dropping
their weapons and collapsing in agony, holding their eyes
or ears.
This next part is in slower motion. Startled and distracted
by their screams, Jasminder takes her eyes off the Romulan

141
for a second and turns her head slightly to glance at her
comrades. She immediately realizes her mistake and looks
back at the Commander. But in that second he has used
sleight of hand manual dexterity to get his pistols fully
into his hands! Both pistols are now pointed at her!
INSERT SHOT – Her head and shoulders. Her eyes widen and
she GASPS!
INSERT SHOT – He pulls the triggers on his pistols!
INSERT SHOT – She pulls the trigger on her phaser rifle!

INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE
Epsilon Twelve and Epsilon Six have only just made it to
the bridge. They hear the PHASER AND DISRUPTOR FIRE! They
fear the worst.

EPSILON TWELVE
Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!
They run into the ready room.
INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE READY ROOM
The Romulan Commander is slumped back in his chair,
stunned, his pistols on the ground. Epsilon Twelve gives an
order to Epsilon Six.

EPSILON TWELVE

Secure him!

Epsilon Six complies, cuffing the Commander and securing
his weapons. The 2 Starfleet Security are still rolling
around the floor in agony. Jasminder is on the floor, eyes
closed, not moving! There seems to be smoke rising from her
chest area! He prioritizes her.
EPSILON TWELVE
Jasminder! Are you ok? Jas!

Jasminder stirs. Epsilon Twelve bends down and helps her to
sit up. She’s not pleased with herself for getting
distracted.

142

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Uhhh....what an Ensign Newbie mistake...

EPSILON TWELVE

Fortunately, the shields took one blast
and the armour took the other.

Jasminder looks thankful. Epsilon Twelve moves on to aid
the 2 Security officers with a hypospray. She realizes
something.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Wait...my armour...laser comms...didn’t you
already know that I was ok when you
stepped through the door?
EPSILON TWELVE

Yes.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Then, why did you...
EPSILON TWELVE

Organic Communication Protocol. You
organics prefer that we ask if you are ok
even if we already know. Apparently it
improves morale by showing that we care.

Jasminder smiles. She uses the helmet to communicate with
Enterprise.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

Enterprise, this is Lieutenant Choudhury.
The Romulan Commander has been
apprehended. We’re not sure why he ran
into this room though?

The M-5 has been monitoring communications and re-routes a
message.

SIGMA TEN (V.O.)

Sigma Ten here. Kor can explain.

INT – LEXINGTON BRIG

143
Sigma Ten is in one of the Brig cells with some of the
Klingons. Kor is standing next to Sigma Ten with a plate of
food. In the b.g. the other Klingons are feasting on what
appears to be Bloodwine, some fruit juices, a few Rokeg
Blood Pies and a lot of raw meat and fish/sashimi sushi,
slathered with lots of condiments (salt, pepper, chili
powder, mustard, wasabi, hot sauce, Worcester sauce).

KOR

The Romulan Commander has a hidden slide
in his ready room, leading to a secret
hangar with a long range stealth shuttle!
He evidently thought us Klingon’s would be
too stupid to notice!

INT – ROMULAN CRUISER – BRIDGE READY ROOM
Epsilon Twelve is searching for the hidden slide.

EPSILON TWELVE

Found it!

M-5 (V.O.)

...That didn’t show up on my sensors? I’ll
have to reconfigure them for this new
stealth material? Meantime, Jas, my droids
can handle it from here. I’ll beam you
back to the Enterprise near the bridge,
and your team to your Med-bay.

Jasminder and her team are beamed out. Epsilon Six is
working on the desk computer. He notices something worrying
from the screen on the desk.
EPSILON SIX

Sir! Just before we got him, the Romulan
Commander sent 2 messages to the
Lexington!

 

INT – LEXINGTON BRIDGE
Starfleet crew members are at the bridge stations. They
were repairing the ship, but are now frantically trying to
work out what that message did.

144

LEXINGTON CREWMAN

Sir! The self-destruct just activated!
Detonation in 5 minutes!

LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
(SCIENCE DIVISION)

Deactivate it!

LEXINGTON CREWMAN

We can’t! Someone’s tampered with the
computer!
INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Jasminder runs onto the bridge and relieves the person at

Navigation. She’s handed her rifle off to someone off-
screen, but she still has her helmet and armour. She takes
off her helmet and puts it down, but leaves her armour on.

UHURA

Captain! The Lexington’s self-destruct
just activated and they can’t shut it
down! They need immediate evacuation!

KIRK

Sulu! Get us there now! Spock?

SPOCK

Calculating, Captain.

The Enterprise warps towards the Lexington. Spock works for
a few seconds.

SPOCK

It’s tight, but we can beam everyone from
the Lexington and still warp to the
minimum safe distance in time.

Kirk presses the Comm.
KIRK

Scotty! Get the transporters warmed up!
This is going to be close!

145

SCOTTY (V.O.)
Aye-aye, Captain!

The Enterprise arrives and starts beaming the Lexington’s
crew aboard. The Reliant is still near the Romulan cruiser.
INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
M-5 (V.O.)

Enterprise, I’m reading another stealth
compartment near the Lexington’s warp
core! Sending droids to investigate.

INT – LEXINGTON – ENGINEERING.
An Exocomp zooms over to a floor panel near the warp core,
closely followed by a combat droid and a female LEXINGTON
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER (OPERATIONS DIVISION). The Exocomp and
the Lieutenant Commander, whilst using a tricorder, looks
at the floor panel, as the combat droid lifts the floor
panel and slides open a panel on a metal box below it. The
Exocomp takes one look inside and starts whirring, beeping
and bleeping frantically. The Lieutenant Commander GASPS.

EXOCOMP
(In Exocomp language: English
subtitle)
OH (BLEEP)!
INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
There is a countdown clock, currently reading 4 minutes,
because 1 minute has elapsed since the self-destruct
started. The Lexington lieutenant commander (Operations
Division) contacts Enterprise frantically.

LEXINGTON LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
(OPERATIONS DIVISION) (V.O.)

Enterprise, there is a Tri-cubed bomb near
the Lexington’s warp core! It has
failsafes and a molecular decay detonator!
We can’t move, beam or disable it in time!
Detonation 2 minutes!

The Enterprise bridge crew look in horror. Spock works on
his screen. The graphics show the considerably larger blast

146

radius. There is also some text: “Tri-cubed bomb:
Trilithium-Tricobalt-Trilithium Resin bomb”. He suddenly
turns around.

SPOCK

Captain! We won’t make it!

Uhura looks on, horrified at Spock’s words. But someone
else has been listening through an open channel.

M-5 (V.O.)
Yes, you will!

The Reliant warps in! (He warped as soon as he received the
signal from the Exocomp).
M-5 (V.O.)

Enterprise, Lexington, everyone stand
still! Mass emergency transport in
progress!

Crew end up in the Enterprise’s corridors and rooms.
INT – LEXINGTON BRIG
Sigma Ten is in one of the Brig cells with some of the
Klingons. He has told them of the bomb. Kor is not pleased
with the Romulan Commander, to say the least.

KOR

That treacherous topah! He didn’t tell us
about any bomb!

The Klingons are beamed out, to the Enterprise’s brig.

The injured go from one med-bay to the other (some bed-to-
bed beaming). Romulan prisoners are put into cargo bays,

with armed droids positioned in and outside the bays.
INT – ENTERPRISE MED-BAY
Unexpectedly, there are BEAMING SOUNDS as Professor
Daystrom is beamed into an empty bed.

MCCOY
What in blazes...?

147

INT – ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
M-5 (V.O.)

Transport complete! Get out of here
Enterprise!
KIRK

Sulu! Maximum warp! Punch it!

The Enterprise warps out!
INT – ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
The evacuees from the Lexington leave the room. There is
just Scotty sitting in the transporter console seat.

SCOTTY
Phew! Made it!

In runs Keenser holding a PADD. He seems a bit agitated.

SCOTTY

What is it? Oh, the warp coil analysis!
Thanks!

Scotty takes the PADD and looks at the first page. It’s the
Enterprise’s Warp coils.
SCOTTY

Oooh....that doesn’t look good. We’d better
take it easy.

Scotty flips to the second page.

SCOTTY

And what about Reli-
Scotty GASPS and looks in horror at the results for the

Reliant’s warp coils.
SCOTTY
Oh dear God, no!

He drops the PADD on the transporter console, and starts
running out of the room. Amongst the graphics are the words
“USS Reliant: IMMINENT FAILURE OF WARP COILS -” with the

148

flashing words “DO NOT WARP”.
SCOTTY
Keenser! Take over!

As Scotty leaves, Keenser looks nonplussed. Take over what?
A few seconds pass, then Scotty runs back into the room.

SCOTTY

What am I doing?! I’ll beam myself near
the bridge!

Scotty programs the transporter.

SCOTTY

Don’t want the bridge crew walking through
me! Keenser take over!

As the transporter activates, Keenser opens his mouth to
try to say something. But Scotty is gone. Keenser sighs,
looks down and slumps his shoulders.
INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
The Enterprise comes out of warp near the nebula wall on
the edge of the pocket.
SULU

We’ve made it! With 47 seconds to spare!

The bridge crew looks relieved and happy. In walks McCoy
from the Turbolift, rather angry.

MCCOY

Who in blazes just beamed a comatose
Professor Daystrom into my Med-bay without
my permission?!

Spock is also checking his instruments.

SPOCK

Captain, before we warped, the M-5 beamed
over everyone on the Reliant, including
all of his droids!

Scotty runs onto the bridge. He’s quite out of breath

149

SCOTTY

Captain....Reliant warp coils....M-5....he’s
trapped!

Uhura rounds on Scotty, the implications of his words
causing her to react in anger and some fear.

UHURA

Why did you not warn us of this sooner?!

The open comm channel bursts into life.

M-5 (O.S.)

I already knew my warp coils would not
take it, Uhura.

The M-5 droid’s head appears on the viewscreen. He appears
to be on the Reliant’s bridge, in the captain’s chair.
Uhura walks to the centre of the Enterprise’s bridge,
looking at the viewscreen. She’s beginning to get upset.

UHURA
But....then....why...?
M-5

Because I had to. Because it was my fault
the crew of the Lexington was in that
mess. And because if I hadn’t, either you
would have been forced to leave people
behind, or you would have all tried to
save everyone, struggling against hopeless
odds, and you would never have escaped in
time. I could not let that happen.

Uhura is struggling to keep her composure. So are some of
the bridge crew.
KIRK

Bring up the Reliant and Lexington on the
viewscreen! Maximum magnification!
Sulu tries to bring it up, split screen, but

SULU

We’re too far away! Overlaying sensor

150

data.

The viewscreen is split vertically between the head of the
M-5 droid and the sensor data. There is much empty space. A
coloured ring indicates the position of the Lexington, and
another the position of the Reliant. The Reliant is moving
away at impulse, clearly too slowly. There is a countdown
to the bomb detonation on the Lexington.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

25 seconds!

Uhura is desperately trying to think of something, anything
that the M-5 could do.
UHURA

We could have towed you!
M-5 (V.O.)

No time to setup a warp tow. And your warp
coils would have burnt out trying to warp
both of us.

Frantically thinking, Uhura blurts out

UHURA

...Get to the shuttles!
M-5 (V.O.)

My cores are gamma welded and transporter
resistant. No time, and they are too large
anyway. But I’m working on a plan, I only
hope....

The Enterprise shakes slightly, and the communication is
cut off. The viewscreen reverts to just the sensor image.

UHURA
M-5? M-5!
SPOCK

Nebula storm! Communications are
disrupted!

151

SULU

I’m getting sensor interference!

Uhura rushes back to her console, telling someone in her
way to

UHURA

Move!

For a few seconds she frantically flips switches trying to
cut through the disruption, but it’s no use. She runs back
to the middle of the bridge, and looks at the viewscreen.

JASMINDER CHOUDHURY

10 seconds!

Uhura’s horror continues to mount. She is in danger of
losing control and freaking out. Powerless to do anything,
she’s desperately hoping and praying for a miracle. The
rest of the bridge crew feels similarly. They’ve all been
through so much with the M-5, it can’t end this way!
The countdown reaches 5 seconds. 4, 3, 2, 1. Zero. There is
a titanic, soundless explosion centred on the Lexington’s
position. On the bottom half of the viewscreen the words
“USS Lexington: Sensor Contact Lost” appear. Within seconds
the blast wave reaches the Reliant’s position. There is a
visible tightly packed cluster of explosions at the
Reliant’s position. And the words “USS Reliant: Sensor
Contact Lost” appear.
Uhura GASPS. She quietly says
UHURA

No....

Before letting out a devastated wail of despair.

UHURA
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

She sinks to her knees, crying and wailing uncontrollably,
barely able to stop herself from collapsing to the floor.
Spock is at his station, searching with the sensors, trying
to find any good news. His screen graphics show;

152

SCAN RESULT: NEGATIVE
LONG RANGE SCAN RESULT: NEGATIVE
MAGNETON SCAN: UNAVAILABLE - NEBULA STORM INTERFERENCE.
MULTIPHASIC SCAN: OFFLINE – SENSOR ARRAY DAMAGED.
He’s struggling to decide if he should keep searching or
run to Uhura’s side. Within seconds, he stops searching
and, without asking for permission, runs to her, almost
barking at a crewman
SPOCK
Take over!

As he runs he passes near McCoy and Scotty. Neither are
crying but both are affected. McCoy can only manage a
shocked, quiet

MCCOY

No...

Scotty is distraught, and looks like he is about to lose
it. His hands are on his head, almost “tearing his hair
out”.
Wide shot. Spock has reached Uhura in the b.g. In the f.g.
Jasminder and Sulu at their stations. Jasminder is managing
to avoid sobbing but she is sniffling and a few tears are
slowly rolling down her face. She’s cradling the helmet M-5
gave her in one hand and feeling the scorch marks on her
armour with the other (the M-5 effectively saved her life
twice). Sulu isn’t crying but he looks crestfallen and
distraught.
We focus on Kirk. His eyes are red, swollen and puffy, and
he is weeping quietly. He then buries his head in his
hands. This is reminding him far too much of what happened
to his father.
Spock hugs Uhura tightly (she is facing the back of the
bridge, he is facing the viewscreen), trying to comfort
her. She is still wailing and crying, inconsolable. He has
never seen her this broken or vulnerable before. His eyes
are watering up and he is having problems maintaining his
composure. (Maybe a single tear falls from one or both of
his eyes?)
This goes on for a few seconds. Then suddenly there is a

153
beeping on Sulu’s console. He is shocked by what he sees.

SULU
Impossible!

A ship comes out of warp, rolling and tumbling, somewhat
out of control. It’s the Reliant! She has suffered heavy
outer hull damage, but is still in one piece. The
Enterprise bridge crew (including Uhura) are too shocked to
do much but stop crying and look at the viewscreen – have
their prayers actually been answered? Reliant eventually
manages to come to a stop near the Enterprise. The M-5
droid beams over without asking permission, and, although
somewhat battered-looking, quickly moves towards Uhura, who
gets up from the floor and quickly moves to the M-5 droid.

M-5 DROID
Nyota, I’m....

She slaps him! Then scolds him.

UHURA

Don’t you ever, ever, ever scare me like
that again!

There is a pause, then she then bursts into tears and hugs
the M-5 droid tightly. Spock walks up behind her and joins
the hug.

M-5 DROID
I’m sorry....

He searches for the right word
M-5 DROID

...”Mom”?

The crew smiles and laughs a little. It fits - she has just
scolded him in that way.
SCOTTY

But, the explosions? How did you survive?

BRIGHT WHITE FLASH CUT

FLASHBACK TO:

154
What actually happened to the Reliant. She has her hull
polarization on. The Lexington explodes in the distance,
the blast wave heading to the Reliant.
M-5 DROID (V.O)

Those were my shuttles. I arranged them
around me so I could use their warp coils
to form a stable warp field, enough so I
could use what was left of my warp coils
to escape.

The shuttles themselves don’t warp with the Reliant and are
destroyed by the blast wave.
M-5 DROID (V.O)

Though I did get slightly caught in the
blast. It was a rather bumpy ride.

As the M-5 droid talks, part of the blast wave enters the
“warp tunnel” and partially destabilizes it. The tunnel
itself looks unstable, with electrical discharges in the
tunnel “walls” and random discharges across the middle of
the tunnel. Turbulence also throws the Reliant into the
“walls” of the warp tunnel.
BRIGHT WHITE FLASH CUT
BACK TO PRESENT.

SCOTTY

But, but, that’s....how did you manage
that?!

M-5 DROID

With great difficulty. It was like trying
to blast a lump of metal into a sphere
with explosives. My chances of success
were not good.
SCOTTY
Oh? What were they?
M-5 DROID

20%

The Enterprise crew guffaws and laughs out loud at this.

155

SCOTTY

A full 20%?! We’ve winged it on a lot less
than that, laddie!

Uhura is a bit calmer now. Still embracing the M-5 droid,
she asks

UHURA

What was it you were trying to tell me? “I
only hope...?”
M-5 DROID

I was trying to say “I only hope that I
survive so I can continue to make amends
for my mistakes, and atone for my crimes”.
Uhura smiles and closes her eyes, crying tears of relief
and joy. The bridge crew cheers or gives happy gasps or
guffaws of joy. Scott sticks his arms and fists in the air
in celebration.
DISSOLVE
SUPERIMPOSE: 2 WEEKS LATER.
The Enterprise and Reliant are in Spacedock in orbit around
a planet, near several Starfleet ships and a Starbase.

KIRK

Captain’s log, supplemental. Starfleet
reinforcements have arrived at Potemkin.
Command will have to decide whether to
move, decommission or upgrade it. In the
meantime, we have returned to the nearest
Starbase to drop off our prisoners and to
fully repair the Enterprise.

INT – BRIG (ENTERPRISE OR RELIANT OR STARBASE BRIG)
Some of the Klingons, including Kor, are patiently waiting
in their cells. Security brings in the Romulan Commander.
The Klingons and Kor spring angrily to their feet.

KOR

You! Explain yourself! Why did you put us
on the Lexington without telling us about

156

the bomb?!

The Romulan Commander sneers.
ROMULAN COMMANDER

It was need to know. Besides, I thought
Klingons wanted to die gloriously in
battle, and that your greatest honor was
to take as many enemies as you could with
you?

This makes the Klingons angry. Kor is initially too
apoplectic to speak. After for a few seconds...

KOR

Honourless p’tak! You’re supposed to tell
us before we sacrifice ourselves in
battle! So we can prepare, so that it is
our choice! Not so you can make Admiral!
Or as some underhanded trick! There is no
glory or honour in that! If you cannot
understand this, then, there can never be
an alliance between our peoples!

The security lead the Romulan away to a cell far away from
the Klingons.
INT – HOSPITAL PATIENT ROOM 10 - DAY
Professor Daystrom is a hospital bed, dozing, with an
oxygen mask on his face and a heart monitor by him. The
door to the room is open. Standing by the foot of his bed
is Commodore Wesley, still with head bandages and his arm
in a sling, a look of sadness and regret on his face. We
hear footsteps, the sound of HIGH HEELS ON A HARD FLOOR. We
hear a woman’s voice.

MRS. WESLEY (O.S.)

Robert!
He turns to her

COMMODORE WESLEY

Ming!

She moves into shot and hugs him.

157

MRS. WESLEY (O.S.)
What are you doing here?

He looks down, ashamed.

COMMODORE WESLEY

Trying....trying to...fix a mistake...

The noise causes Daystrom to awaken. He realizes the
Commodore is there. Daystrom’s face also shows regret and
sadness. The Commodore moves closer to Daystrom, and offers
him his (unslinged) hand. We hear their thoughts in V.O.
CLOSE UP – FACE – COMMODORE WESLEY
COMMODORE WESLEY (V.O.)

...I’m so sorry...

CLOSE UP – FACE – PROFESSOR DAYSTROM
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM (V.O.)

...I misjudged you...

CLOSE UP - The Professor grasps the Commodore’s hand, first
with one hand....

COMMODORE WESLEY AND PROFESSOR
DAYSTROM TOGETHER (V.O.)

...Please forgive me.

CLOSE UP - ....and then also with the other hand
DISSOLVE TO
INT – HOSPITAL PATIENT ROOM 10 - NIGHT
Professor Daystrom is in bed asleep. His oxygen mask is
still on and the heart monitor is beeping steadily. He is
dreaming.
INT – CAR DREAM SEQUENCE (M.O.S. UNTIL SPECIFIED)
This scene mirrors the earlier car nightmare sequence at
first. The scene is initially slightly slowed down (75%-95%
normal speed). There is also no sound initially. Richard’s
face suddenly falls as he realizes with horror what is
about to happen. He tries to cry out.

158

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM
(Soundless)
(Oh my God! No!)

Suddenly, we can hear him, and all sounds, and the scene
plays at normal speed.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

Stop! Brake!

Startled by his warning, she GASPS, and
INSERT SHOT – she takes her foot off the gas and SLAMS on
the brakes.
TIRES SCREECHING. The car comes to a stop and they are both
thrown forward in their seats against their seat belts.
When she recovers, she looks at her husband and asks

MRS. DAYSTROM

What?

He looks around in confusion. This isn’t how the nightmare
usually goes? She asks again.
MRS. DAYSTROM

What is it?

He realizes the accident isn’t going to happen this time.
He undoes his seat belt, then hers. She’s alarmed by this.

MRS. DAYSTROM
What are you doing?!

He then hugs her tightly, startling her. He bursts into
tears and what follows is a barely coherent string of
words,

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

OhmygodI’msosorrypleaseforgivemeIcouldn’t
protectyouIcouldn’tsaveyouifonlyIhadpushed
AItechnologysoonerbutIdidn’tcouldn’tknowI
missyousomuch....

He then starts blubbering and wailing, crying

159
uncontrollably. The dream version of Mrs. Daystrom is
surprised by this and has no idea what he’s talking about,
but tries to comfort her husband.
MRS. DAYSTROM

...There, there, it’s ok, everything will be
fine now....

As he continues to cry his eyes out....
FADE TO WHITE
FADE IN
INT – HOSPITAL PATIENT ROOM 10 - NIGHT
We are back at the hospital. Professor Daystrom is still in
bed asleep. A single tear rolls down his eye. He looks at
peace. But then the heart monitor goes crazy. He grimaces,
arches his back, and then relaxes, exhales and is still.
The heart monitor flat-lines.

HOSPITAL TANNOY (V.O.)

Crash cart and resus team to Room 10!

The cart and team enter Room 10 and immediately set about
their work. A Doctor checks his pupils.

DOCTOR

Richard, can you hear me? Richard!

As the team work on him....
DISSOLVE TO
EXT – GRAVEYARD – DAY – UNSPECIFIED PLANET (NOT EARTH).
Some time has passed. It’s a nice cool sunny day. Kirk,
Spock and Uhura are in Formal Dress Uniform and are
standing in front of a grave. Uhura lays a wreath. We can
see the surname “Daystrom” but not the first name. A few
seconds pass, but then a voice calls out from O.S.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM (O.S.)

Captain!

Professor Daystrom is being pushed in a wheelchair by the
M-5 droid. They both move into shot.

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PROFESSOR DAYSTROM
Commander, Lieutenant.

Kirk, Spock and Uhura greet him, Kirk by shaking the
Professor’s hand, then the M-5 droid’s.

KIRK
Professor, M-5.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

I haven’t been here since the funeral.

We now see it is his wife’s grave.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

I guess I was unable to accept what had
happened. I threw myself into my work,
trying to improve AIs so others need not
die. In some way, I became possessed with
the idea that, if I could complete and
perfect the M-5 project, to save others,
it would somehow undo her death, or the
pain of it...

Kirk, Spock and Uhura give sympathetic looks of
understanding. We pause on this scene for a few seconds.
CUT TO
All of them are walking/moving line abreast along a path or
road.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

So what do you think’s going to happen to
me? And the M-5 project?

KIRK

Well, the Judge Advocate General is going
to have a fit. Assuming it’s even a court
martial and not a civilian court.

SPOCK

It will be years before any court case
would conclude. And aside from that, the
Federation Council will take years to

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debate the use of droids and the M-5.

UHURA

Even if their use is approved and similar
ship AIs and droids were introduced to the
fleet, it would be decades before the
roll-out became fleet-wide.

SPOCK

Not to mention, the question of the rights
of the droids and the M-5 must be settled,
whether they are granted the full rights
of sentient, intelligent beings.
PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

Sounds like we’re going to be around for
many years to come! Plenty of time for
brilliance to strike me another time!

KIRK

Whatever happens, we are all willing to
speak on your behalf in court. Both of
you.

They meet up with other Starfleet security personnel. Kirk
raises his hand as a goodbye to Daystrom and the M-5 droid.

KIRK
Goodbye.

Uhura also raises her hand to say goodbye to Daystrom

UHURA
Goodbye.

She then goes over to the M-5 droid and hugs him goodbye.

UHURA
Take care...”son”.
The M-5 Droid gives a CHUCKLE.
Daystrom and the M-5 droid turn to Spock. Daystrom raises
his hand.

PROFESSOR DAYSTROM

Goodbye.

The M-5 droid gives Spock a Vulcan salute, and uses the old
style Vulcan greeting/farewell.
M-5 DROID
Peace and long life.
Spock returns the Vulcan salute.

SPOCK

Live long and prosper.

Kirk, Spock and Uhura watch Daystrom and the M-5 droid walk
away towards the Starfleet security personnel.
SHOT OF A PLANET
Enterprise, Reliant and a few other Starfleet ships are in
orbit.

KIRK

Captain’s log, supplemental. We have taken
leave of Professor Daystrom, M-5 and the
Reliant, and are preparing to leave orbit.

INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Kirk is in the Captain’s chair. He pushes a comm button on
his chair.

KIRK

Scotty, how are the engines?

INT - ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING
SCOTTY

Oh, mah wee bairns are in rude health!
Just say the word!
KIRK (V.O.)
Good to hear. Kirk out.

Scotty turns and sees Keenser, who looks a bit down, and is
looking at a picture of him posing with the 4 Exocomps I-4,
B-6, P-7 and C-9.

SCOTTY

Ahh, do you miss them? Brilliant
engineers, every one. I certainly miss C-
9. Don’t worry, we’ll see then soon
enough. Still, they aren’t a patch on ol’
Scotty, eh?

Scotty grins at Keenser. Then his face falls.

SCOTTY

What do you mean, yes?!

INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
KIRK

Mr Sulu, Lieutenant Choudhury, are we all
set?

SULU

Course laid in Captain.
JASMINDER CHOUDHURY
Ship systems report ready.

Kirk pauses.

KIRK

Lieutenant Uhura, shipwide broadcast.
Smiling, she complies. The BOSUN’S WHISTLE plays.

KIRK

This is the Captain. We have been tested
as never before, and we have passed with
flying colours. (beat) A dear, curmudgeon
of a friend of mine once told me, “Space
is disease and danger wrapped in darkness
and silence.”

INT – MED-BAY
McCOY looks at the comm and smiles at the reference.
INT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

KIRK

Even so, he remains with me onboard the
Enterprise. Another dear friend once told
me, “Everything you've encountered so far.
It’s nothing compared to what's waiting.
There are areas of the galaxy containing
marvels more incredible than you can
possibly imagine, and terrors to freeze
your soul. It's not safe out here. It's
wondrous, with treasures to satiate
desires both subtle and gross. But it's
not for the timid.” (beat) Let’s boldly
go, and see what’s out there. Mr Sulu,
engage!

Final shot of the bridge crew smiling. The Enterprise warps
out.

FADE OUT:

THE END