SAAVIK'S VOICE
Captain's log. Stardate eighty-
one-thirty point three. Starship
Enterprise on training mission to
Gamma Hydra. Section Fourteen,
coordinates twenty-two/eighty-seven/
four. Approaching Neutral Zone, all
systems normal and functioning.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
As the ANGLE WIDENS, we see the crew at stations; (screens
and visual displays are in use); COMMANDER SULU at the
helm, COMMANDER UHURA at the Comm Console, DR. BONES McCOY
and SPOCK at his post. The Captain is new - and
unexpected. LT. SAAVIK is young and beautiful. She is
half Vulcan and half Romulan. In appearance she is Vulcan
with pointed ears, but her sin is fair and she has none
of the expressionless facial immobility of a Vulcan.
SULU
Leaving Section Fourteen for
Section Fifteen.
SAAVIK
Stand by. Project parabolic course
to avoid entering Neutral Zone.
SULU
Aye, Captain. Course change
projected.
UHURA
(suddenly)
Captain! I'm getting something
on the distress channel.
(CONTINUED)
2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
SAAVIK
On speakers!
MAN (V.O.)
(filtered, distorted)
Imperative! This is the Kobayashi
Maru, nineteen periods... out of
Altair Six. We have struck... a
gravitic mine,... and have lost
all power.
(STATIC)
Our hull is penetrated and we
have sustained many casualties.
(STATIC)
UHURA
(into headset)
This is the Starship Enterprise.
Your message is breaking up. can
you give us your coordinates?
Repeat. This is the Starship...
MAN (V.O.)
(filtered)
Enterprise, our position is Gamma
Hydra, Section Ten.
SAAVIK
(to herself)
In the Neutral Zone.
MAN (V.O.)
(filtered, distorted)
Hull penetrated, life support...
systems failing. Can you assist
us,... Enterprise? Can you
assist us?!
SAAVIK
Data on the Kobayashi Maru!
Tactical on big screen.
COMPUTER VOICE
Subject vessel is a third class
neutronic fuel carrier, crew of
eighty-one, three hundred passengers.
(CONTINUED)
3.
1 CONTINUED: (2) 1
SAAVIK
(to herself)
Damn.
(then)
Mister Sulu? Plot an intercept
course.
SULU
May I remind the Captain that if a
Starship enters the Zone -
SAAVIK
I'm aware of my responsibilities,
Mister.
SULU
Estimating two minutes to intercept.
(with a nod)
... Now entering the Neutral Zone...
2 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - ANOTHER ANGLE 2
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! We have entered the
Neutral Zone.
SPOCK
We are now in violation of Treaty,
Captain.
ON SCREEN: Enterprise approaches the stricken vessel.
SAAVIK
(into intercom)
Stand by transporter room, ready
to beam survivors aboard.
UHURA
Captain, I've lost their signal!
COMPUTER VOICE
Alert! Sensors indicate three
Klingon Crusiers, bearing three-
one-six, mark four. Closing fast.
SAAVIK
Visual!
ON SCREEN we see the approach of the Klingon vessels, they
are dark and sinister.
(CONTINUED)
4.
2 CONTINUED: 2
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Battle stations! Activate shields!
The ALARM SOUNDS.
SULU
Shields activated.
SAAVIK
Inform the Klingons we re on a
rescue mission...
UHURA
They're jamming al the frequencies,
Captain!
COMPUTER VOICE
Klingons on attack course and
closing!
Screen verifies this. Saavik makes an agonized choice.
SAAVIK
We're over our heads, Mister Sulu
get us out of here!
SULU
I'll try, Captain.
COMPUTER VOICE
Alert! Klingon torpedoes activated.
Alert!
The image flops: more Klingons approach. They FIRE
photon torpedoes.
SAAVIK
Evasive action!
Sulu does his best, but Enterprise is hit; Sulu is hurled
from his station, and Bones hurries to him.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Engineering: damage report

SCOTTY'S VOICE
(INTERCOM)
Main energizer hit, Captain!

(CONTINUED)
4.
2 CONTINUED: (2) 2
SAAVIK
Engage auxiliary power. Prepare
to return fire!
The bridge takes another hit - a big one. In its wake
there is a second electrical EXPLOSION along the
communications panel. Uhura falls from her station.
Bones rushes to her side amid the smoke and alarms.
A CADET
Shields collapsing, Captain!
SAAVIK
Fire all phasers...!
SPOCK
No power to the weapons, Captain.
Another hit: reverberating flashes of spark and flame
on the bridge. Spock dies. Bones comes to him, but
even as he coughs his way through the smoke, a final hit
and Bones falls. The room is smoke filled and a shambles.
Saavik looks about in shock.
SCOTTY'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
Captain, it's no use. We're
dead in space.
Saavik digests this for a painful moment. Then, touching
a Comm button:
SAAVIK
Activate escape pods. Send out
the Log Buoy... All hands abandon
ship. Repeat - all hands abandon
ship!
KIRK'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
All right, open her up.
There is a loud CLANGING and -
3 FULL SHOT - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 3
The side wall of the "bridge" slides apart, REVEALING
a lighted room beyond. Through the opening strides
KIRK. He stops, surveys the shambles, and shakes his
head.
(CONTINUED)
6.
3 CONTINUED: 3
SAAVIK
Any suggestions, Admiral?
KIRK
Prayer, Mister Saavik. The Klingons
don't take prisoners.
(to technicians)
Lights!
(to Spock)
Captain.
SPOCK
Trainees to the briefing room.
WOMAN (V.O.)
(intercom)
Maintenance Crew, report to
Bridge simulator. Maintenance
Crew, report to Bridge simulator.
Sulu awakens with a grin. Uhura straightens herself
demurely. The trainees head toward the distant room.
Spock rises and leaves. Bones remains on the floor,
head propped in his hand, whimsically.
KIRK
Physician, heal thyself.
BONES
Is that all you gotta say? Well,
what about my performance?
KIRK
I'm not a drama critic.
Bones rolls his eyes and rises. Kirk sees Saavik who
has not moved.
KIRK
(continued)
Well, Mister Saavik, are you going
to stay with the sinking ship?
SAAVIK
Permission to speak candidly,
sir?
KIRK
Granted.
(CONTINUED)
7.
3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
SAAVIK
(fights emotion)
I don't believe this was a fair
test of my command abilities.
KIRK
And why not?
SAAVIK
Because... there was no way to win.
KIRK
A no-win situation is a possibility
every commander may face. Has that
never occurred to you?
SAAVIK
... No sir. It has not.
KIRK
How we deal with death is at least
as important as how we deal with
life, wouldn't you say?
SAAVIK
(falters)
As I indicated, Admiral, that
thought had not occurred to me.
KIRK
Well, now you have something new
to think about. Carry on.
She stays at attention.
WOMAN (V.O.)
(intercom)
Engineering Cadets, assemble on
C Level. Engineering Cadets,
assemble on C Level.
BONES
Admiral? Wouldn't it be easier
to just put an experienced crew
back on the ship?
KIRK
Galloping about the Cosmos is a
game for the young, Doctor.
He leaves. They look at each other.
(CONTINUED)
8.
3 CONTINUED: (3) 3
UHURA
(offended)
Now, what is that supposed to
mean?
HOLD ON Saavik.
4 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE SIMULATION ROOM - DAY 4
Kirk rounds the corner and sees Spock, leaning against
the wall.
KIRK
(dry)
Aren't you dead?
Spock almost smiles.
KIRK
(continuing)
I assume you're loitering around
here to learn what efficiency rating
I plan to give to your cadets.
SPOCK
I am considerably curious.
They walk together.
KIRK
They destroyed the simulator room
and you with it.
SPOCK
The Kobayashi Maru scenario
frequently wreaks havoc with
students and equipment.
(dry)
As I recall you took the test
three times yourself. Your
final solution was, shall we say,
unique?
KIRK
(solemn)
It had the virtue of never having
been tried.
9.
5 INT. LOBBY/RECEPTION AREA 5
KIRK
Oh, by the way, thank you for
this.
He lifts a book.
SPOCK
I know of your fondness for
antiques.
KIRK
(reads)
'It was the best of times, it was
the worst of times...' Message,
Spock?
SPOCK
None of which I am consciously
aware - except, of course, happy
birthday - surely the best of
times.
WOMAN (V.O.)
(intercom)
Captain Spock, Captain Spock, space
shuttle leaving in fifteen minutes.
Kirk looks around uncomfortably, overlaps:
KIRK
Where are you off to, now?
SPOCK
The Enterprise. I must check in
before your inspection. And you?
KIRK
(shortly)
Home.
He steps into a Turbo elevator. The doors close as Spock
watches, wiping the scene.
6 KIRK'S APARTMENT, TERRA - NIGHT 6
Kirk reads the novel, trying to focus. His flat befits
an Admiral and a loner with a few possessions, except a
collection of antiques.
(CONTINUED)

10.
6 CONTINUED: 6
WE HEAR A SOFT BONG.
Startled, Kirk lowers the book and pushes a button.
The door slides open and Bones enters. he carries two
packages, one of them wrapped in brown paper.
KIRK
Why, bless me, Doctor. What beams
you into this neck of the woods?
BONES
'Beware Romulans bearing gifts.'
Happy Birthday, Jim!
KIRK
(low)
Thanks.
With a flourish, Bones pulls out a bottle of blue liquid.
KIRK
(continuing)
Romulan ale! Why, Bones, you know
this stuff is illegal -
BONES
(broad)
I only use it for medicinal
purposes. I got aboard a ship that
brings them in a case, every now
and then, across the Neutral Zone.
Now, don't be a prig...
KIRK
(reading the label
with difficulty)
Twenty-two, eighty-three...
BONES
Yeah, well it takes this stuff a
while to ferment.
KIRK
Hmm.
BONES
Here. Give me.
He takes the bottle and pours; continue talking.
(CONTINUED)
11.
6 CONTINUED: (2) 6
BONES
(continuing)
Now, you open this one.
Kirk starts to obey.
KIRK
I'm almost afraid to. What is
it, Klingon aphrodisiacs?
BONES
No.
They drink. The package is opened: a pair of gold
"Ben Franklin" half-glasses. (N.B.: Romulan ale is
an INSTANT DRUNK: both men react.)
KIRK
Oh, Bones, this is... charming.
BONES
For most patients your age, I
usually recommend Retinax Five.
KIRK
I'm allergic to Retinax.
BONES
Exactly. Cheers! Happy birthday.
He toasts.
KIRK
(reacts)
Well, I don't know what to say -
BONES
Thank you.
An awkward silence.
BONES
(continuing)
Damn it, Jim, what the hell's the
matter wit you? Other people
have birthdays. Why are we treating yours
like a funeral?
KIRK
Bones, I don't want to be lectured.
(CONTINUED)
12.
3 CONTINUED: (3) 3
BONES
What the hell do you want? This is
not about age! And you know it!
It's about you flying a goddamn
computer console when you wanna be
out there, hopping galaxies.
KIRK
Spare me your notions of poetry,
please. We all have our assigned
duties and.
BONES
Bull. You're hiding - hiding
behind rules and regulations -
KIRK
Who am I hiding from?
BONES
From yourself, Admiral.
Pause. Kirk pours another drink.
KIRK
Don't mince words, Bones. What
do you really think?
BONES
(mild take)
Jim, I'm your doctor and I'm your
friend. Get back your command. Get
it back before you turn into part of
this collection. Before you really
do grow old.
They look at each other.
7 EXT. DEEP SPACE - NEAR CETI ALPHA V 7
In f.g. is the U.S.S. RELIANT, an older, somewhat
battered Starship of the ENTERPRISE class, with a
slightly different configuration. Reliant approaches
an inhospitable-looking yellow planet: CETI ALPHA V.
CHEKOV'S VOICE
Starship log, Stardate eight-one-
three-oh point four. Log Entry
by Commander Pavel Chekov.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
13.
7 CONTINUED: 7
CHEKHOV'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Starship USS Reliant on orbital
approach to Ceti Alpha Six in
connection with project GENESIS.
We are...
8 INT. BRIDGE OF RELIANT 8
Well-aged and distinctive. The usual complement of officers
and crew. CAPTAIN CLARK TERRELL, about 45, soft spoken
and in good shape, but somewhat laconic.
CHEKHOV
...continuing our search for
a lifeless planet to satisfy the
requirement of the test site for
the Genesis Experiment. So far,
no success.
Behind Terrell, surveying the data screen is COMMANDER
CHEKOV, aged some, but still boyish.
TERRELL
Standard orbit, please.
(beat)
Mister Beach, any change in the
surface scan?
BEACH
Negative. Limited atmosphere,
dominated by craylon gas, sand...
high velocity winds. Incapable
of supporting life forms.
Forward screen: Ceti Alpha.
CHEKOV
Does it have to be completely
lifeless?
Terrell rises and crosses to Chekov.
TERRELL
Don't tell me you've found something.
CHEKOV
(points)
We've picked up a minor energy flux
reading on one dyno scanner.
(CONTINUED)
14.
8 CONTINUED: 8
TERRELL
Damn! Are you sure? Maybe the
scanner's out of adjustment -
CHEKOV
I suppose it could be a particle
of preanimate matter caught in the
matrix...
TERRELL
All right. Get on the Comm-Pic
to Doctor Marcus.
KYLE
Aye, sir.
TERRELL
Maybe it's something that we can
transplant, hmm.?
CHEKOV
You know what she'll say...
9 EXT. DEEP SPACE - REGULA I SPACE STATION 9
A functional cluster of modules serves as a scientific
complex, a futuristic White Sands, orbiting a small
barren planetoid in b.g.: Regula.
CAROL MARCUS'S VOICE
(FILTERED)
Now let me get this straight.
Something you can transplant??
CHEKOV'S VOICE
Yes, Doctor.
10 INT. SPACE STATION - CAROL'S LAB 10
Big but deserted, except for Carol, in contact with
Reliant. Surrounded by equipment clearly meant for many
workers, CAROL MARCUS is in her early forties, attractive
and intelligent. Static mars the transmissions.
On the monitor: Terrell and Chekov, looking hopeful.
CAROL
Something you can transplant!
(sighs)
I don't know.
(CONTINUED)
15.
10 CONTINUED: 10
TERRELL
But it may only be a particle
of preanimate matter...
CAROL
Then again it may not. You boys
have to be clear on this: there
can't be so much as a microbe or
the show's off.
(she thinks)
Oh, why don't you have a look?
But if it is something that can be
moved, I want...
TERRELL
(eager)
You bet, Doctor. We're on our
way!
Carol sighs as the image fades, not happy.
11 INT. CORRIDOR, SPACE STATION REGULA I 11
Carol walks through the labrynthine complex with DAVID,
her son, a bright young scientist of twenty. He is
good looking and humorous.
DAVID
Well, don't have kittens.
Genesis is going to work. They'll
remember you in one breath with
Newton, Einstein, Surak...
CAROL
(mock outrage)
Thanks a lot. No respect from
my offspring -
DAVID
Par for the course... Are you
teaming up with me for bridge
after dinner?
CAROL
Maybe... What is it?
DAVID
Every time we have dealings with
Starfleet, I get nervous.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
16.
11 CONTINUED: 11
DAVID (CONT'D)
(shrugs)
We are dealing with something
that COULD be perverted into
a dreadful weapon. Remember that
overgrown Boy Scout you used to
hang around with? That's exactly
the kind of man that would...
They walk past the CAMERA, their VOICES FADING.
CAROL
Listen, kiddo, Jim Kirk was many
thing, but he was never a Boy
Scout...
HOLD ON the empty corridor.
12 EXT. RELIANT - DEEP SPACE 12
orbiting Ceti Alpha V.
VOICES OVER indicate the transporter room is ready.
MAN'S VOICE
Captain Terrell, stand by to
beam down.
13 EXT. SURFACE CETI ALPHA V 13
A YELLOW PLANET, in constant SWIRLING HURRICANE WINDS
OF SAND. Terrell and Chekov materialize. Their VOICES
FILTERED, are hard to make out.
With the TRICORDER to guide them, they set out...
TERRELL
Chekhov, are you sure these are
the correct coordinates?
CHEKOV
Captain, this is the garden spot
of Ceti Alpha Six -
TERRELL
I can barely see it -
17.
14 SEVERAL ANGLES 14
The difficult search, the men leaning into the wind -
15 TERRELL 15
is ahead of Chekov on a slight rise -
CHEKOV
There's nothing here! The Tricorder
must be broken.
16 ANGLE 16
Terrell waves him frantically forward. As Chekov moves
up, we rise with him to the top of the ridge and look
down.
TERRELL
Chekhov! Over here!
17 ANGLE - THEIR POV 17
A RUINED SERIES OF MAN-MADE STRUCTURES, half-buried in
sand. They look at each other in consternation. Chekov
is worried; something about all this is familiar.
They descend towards the structures, now seen to be the
wreckage of some sort of space craft.
They pass but do not notice the FEDERATION LOGO, half
buried next to their feet.
TERRELL
Those look like cargo carriers...
Hey, give me a hand.
18 INT. CARGO HOLD 18
Terrell and Chekov enter, dumbfounded. THEIR POV.
Someone lives here - there are beds, food, all jury-
rigged, but no people. Terrell checks a monitor.
TERRELL
What the hell happened? If they
crashed, where's the rest of the
ship?

(CONTINUED)
18.
18 CONTINUED: 18
They wander as they talk, picking up objects that bespeak
a fairly sophisticated ad hoc environment: a laboratory
in one hold, a kitchen; a LARGE SAND TANK filled with
disgusting CETI EELS.
TERRELL
(continuing)
What the hell is that?
They enter a new chamber -
19 KHAN'S QUARTERS 19
on its side in the sand: the walls are not the floor,
etc. All in crookedness - like its owner. On the
floor, smiling at them (i.e., the wall) is a BABY.
Tentatively they come over to it, looking around -
20 ANGLE - CHEKOV'S POV 20
Lethal-looking odd swords on one wall, a bookshelf;
CAMERA PANS by 20th Century volumes; MOBY DICK,
KING LEAR, THE HOLY BIBLE - and a seat belt dangling
with the name on it - BOTANY BAY.
Chekov mouths the words, softly at first, then aloud -
CHEKOV
Botany Bay... Botany Bay!! -
Oh, no! We've got to get out of
here -- now! Damn! Hurry!
Terrell catches his urgency -
TERRELL
What about... what - what about
the...
CHEKOV
Never mind that! Hurry! Hurry!
TERELL
Chekhov, what's the matter with
you? Chekhov!
CHEKHOV
Come on! Hurry!
19.
21 EXT. CARGO HOLD AIRBAY 21
Terrell and Chekov emerge, helmeted, then stop dead.
22 ANGLE - THEIR POV 22
A RING OF SUITED FIGURES has them surrounded.
23 INT. RELIANT - THE BRIDGE 23
Mr. Beach, the duty officer, stands looking at Ceti
Alpha V on the forward screen.
KYLE
Starship Reliant to Captain Terrell
... This is Commander Kyle. Will
you please respond, Captain...
Captain Terrell, respond please.
Nothing.
BEACH
(thinks)
Let's give it a little more time.
24 INT. CARGO HOLD - CETI ALPHA V 24
Terrell and Chekov are held by FOUR STRONG MEN. They
seem to be waiting. One of the men is JOACHIM.
Out of the airlock steps a tall masked figure. A
moment of suspense as Terrell and Chekov watch, terrified.
The mask is peeled back.
CHEKOV
(aloud despite himself)
Khan!
KHAN is startled by the recognition; comes over and
examines Chekov and Terrell.
KHAN
(finally)
I don't know you. But you. I
never forget a face. Mister Chekov,
isn't it?
(wonderingly)
I never thought to see your face
again.
(CONTINUED)
20.
24 CONTINUED: 24
TERRELL
Chekov, who is this man?
CHEKOV
A criminal. Captain - a product
of late Twentieth Century genetic
engineering -
TERRELL
What do you want with us? Sir,
I demand to be re-
KHAN
(mild)
You are in a position to demand
nothing, sir. I, on the other
hand, am in a position to grant
nothing. What you see is all that
remains of the ship's company and
crew of the Botany Bay, marooned
here fifteen years ago by Captain
James T. Kirk.
TERRELL
Listen to me - you men and women -
you haven't...
KHAN
Save your strength, Captain, these
people have sworn to live and die
at my command two hundred years
before you were born. Do you mean
he...
(i.e. Chekov)
... never told you the take?
(to Chekhov)
To amuse your Captain? No?
Never told you how the Enterprise
picked up the Botany Bay, lost in
space from the year nineteen-
ninety-six, myself and the ship's
company in cryogenic freeze?
TERRELL
I've never even met Admiral Kirk -
KHAN
Admiral? Admiral?! Admiral Kirk.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
21.
24 CONTINUED: (2) 24
KHAN (CONT'D)
He never told you how Admiral Kirk
sent seventy of us into exile on
this barren sand heap with only the
contents of these cargo bays to
sustain us?
CHEKOV
You lie! On Ceti Alpha Five there
was life, a fair chance -
KHAN
THIS is Ceti Alpha Five. Ceti
Alpha Six exploded six months
after we were left here. The
shock shifted the orbit of this
planet and everything was laid
waste. Admiral Kirk never
bothered to check on our progress.
It was only the fact of my
genetically engineered intellect
that enabled us to survive!
On earth, two hundred years ago,
I was a prince, with power over
millions!
CHEKOV
Captain Kirk was your host! You
repaid his hospitality by trying
to steal his ship and murder him.
KHAN
You didn't expect to find me.
You thought this was Ceti Alpha
Six. Why are you here?
They don't answer. Khan goes over to Terrell and, WITH
ONE HAND, LIFTS HIM INTO THE AIR -
KHAN
(continuing)
Why?!
Terrell gasps, stays silent.
Khan goes over to the tank and dips a kind of strainer in,
pulling out TWO CETI EELS - wriggling items -
(CONTINUED)
22.
24 CONTINUED: (3) 24
KHAN
(continuing)
Allow me introduce you to Ceti
Alpha Five's only remaining
indigenous life form; what do you
think? They've killed twenty of
my people, including my beloved
wife. Oh, not all at once, and
not instantly, to be sure. You
see, their young enter through
the ears and wrap themselves
around the cerebral cortex. this
has the effect of rendering the
victim extremely susceptible to
suggestion. Later, as they grow,
follows madness - and death.
CHEKOV
Khan! Listen to me!
As he speaks Khan dumps an eel into each of their helmets;
he swirls the helmets around as though he were mixing
martinis -
KHAN
These are pets, of course. Not
quite domesticated.
CHEKOV
Khan... Captain Kirk was only
doing his duty!
25 CLOSEUP - KHAN - CAMERA IN 25
TERRELL (O.S.)
No! No!
At a sign, the helmets are slammed down. As the muffled
shrieks are heard from within, the eels crawl across
the faces of Chekov and Terrell; with unerring instincts
they head for the ears of the two hapless men. There is
some atrocious pain as they enter - then dazed calm.
KHAN
That's better! Now: tell me why
you are here - and tell me where
I may find James Kirk.
23.
26 EXT. ORBITING SPACE DOCK AREA - TERRA (FEATURE STOCK) 26
A SPACE SHUTTLE moving toward us.
ENTERPRISE VOICE
Enterprise to Admiral Kirk's
shuttle. Prepare for docking.
Approach port side, torpedo bay.
27 INT. SPACE SHUTTLE 27
A new composite. Bones, Sulu, Uhura, and Kirk - who
sits, reading. Through the windows we can see the
approach to the Starship ENTERPRISE. Kirk looks up,
nods, Sulu activates a Comm button.
SULU
Enterprise, this is Admiral Kirk's
party on final approach.
ENTERPRISE VOICE
(FILTERED)
Enterprise welcomes you. Prepare
for docking.
Kirk looks up from his book as Sulu sits next to him.
KIRK
I hate inspections.
SULU
I'm delighted; any chance to go
aboard the Enterprise.
KIRK
Well, I for one, am delighted
to have you at the helm for
three weeks. I don't think
these kids can steer.
Sulu laughs.
28 EXT. SPACE DOCK - TERRA (FEATURE STOCK) 29
The shuttle approaches the mammoth airstrip. As we
near the ship, a few WORK CREWS IN SPACE flit about her
hull, working.
24.
29 EXT. ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 29
The shuttle makes its way tot he docking lock of the
mother ship and settles in place.
30 INT. ENTERPRISE DOCKING BAY 30
A reception group awaits, led by Captain Spock. Saavik
stands at his side, in company of the trainee crew.
Also present: CHIEF ENGINEER MR. SCOTT, and members of
his staff in their distinctive uniforms.
SPOCK
Open the airlock.
The doors open.. Kirk and his staff are piped aboard by
an electronic version of the boatswain's traditional
whistle. Kirk salutes the Federation symbol and steps
forward to exchange salutes with Spock.
KIRK
Permission to come aboard,
Captain.
SPOCK
Welcome aboard, Admiral. I think
you know my training crew. Certainly
they have come to know you.
KIRK
(dryly to Saavik)
Yes, we've been through death and
life together.
Saavik stiffens slightly - humor is not her forte.
KIRK
(continuing, to Scotty)
Mister Scott, you old space dog.
You're well?
SCOTTY
I had me a wee bout, sir - but, uh,
Doctor McCoy pulled me through.
KIRK
A wee bout of what?
Uncomfortable, Scotty exchanges a glance with Bones -
(CONTINUED)
25.
30 CONTINUED: 30
BONES
Shore leave, Admiral.
KIRK
Oh, yes.
He stops before a BRIGHT-FACED FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD, standing
so stiff he looks like he'll break - in an engineer's
uniform.
KIRK
(continuing)
And who do we have here?
PRESTON
(breathless)
Midshipman First Class Peter Preston,
engineer's mate, SIR.
A big salute. Kirk is amused, returns the salute.
KIRK
First training voyage, Mister
Preston?
PRESTON
Yes, SIR.
KIRK
I see. Well, shall we start with
the engine room?
He moves, followed by his staff.
SCOTTY
(eying his protege)
We'll see you in there, sir. And
everything is in order!
KIRK
That will be a pleasant surprise,
Mister Scott!
SPOCK
We'll see you on the bridge,
Admiral.
(to crew)
Company dismissed!
Kirk and party leave. CAMERA PUSHES IN ON SPOCK AND
SAAVIK. They speak in Vulcan with SUBTITLES.
(CONTINUED)
26.
30 CONTINUED: (2) 30
SAAVIK
He's never what I expected, sir.
SPOCK
What surprises you, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
(uncertain)
He's so... human.
SPOCK
Nobody's perfect, Saavik.
31 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM - LOOKING DOWN 30
FEATURING power room separated by glass from the rest
of the facilities. Bones, Sulu, Uhura, and some
trainees watch as Kirk inspects one console.
KIRK
Well, Mister Scott, are your
cadets capable of handling a
minor training cruise?
SCOTTY
Give the word, Admiral.
KIRK
Mister Scott, the word is given.
SCOTTY
Aye, sir.
He moves off, followed by Preston, who gives one last
salute as Kirk leaves, followed by Bones.
BONES
(dry)
Admiral! What about the rest of
the inspection?
KIRK
(mouths word)
Later.
(CONTINUED)
27.
32 CONTINUED: 32
They step into the Turbo Lifts.
33 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 33
The real one, no doubt! CAMERA REVEALS the maze detail:
winking and blinking displays, all HANDS at station,
a hum of activity, Uhura and Sulu are in familiar chairs,
Spock in the captain's chair, Saavik in the First
Officer's position. Kirk and Bones stand towards the
rear.
INTERCOM VOICE
This is Starfleet Operations.
Enterprise is cleared for departure.
SULU
Admiral on the bridge!
SPOCK
Very well, Mister Saavik. You
may clear all moorings.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
Saavik punches data into her console.
34 EXT. SPACE DOCK AND ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 34
The dock slowly folds away from the ship.
35 INT. BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE 35
Saavik watches instruments, punches data in response.
SAAVIK
All moorings are clear, Captain.
SPOCK
Thank you.
Spock casts a glance at Kirk, then, to Saavik:
SPOCK
(continuing)
Lieutenant, have you ever piloted
a Starship out of space dock?
(CONTINUED)
28.
35 CONTINUED: 35
SAAVIK
Never, sir.
Kirk tries to control his reaction. Spock enjoys it.
SPOCK
Take her out, Mister Saavik.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
Saavik settles herself in the chair, looks again at
the console - Spock looks at Kirk.
SPOCK
For everything, there is a first
time, Lieutenant. Don't you
agree, Admiral?

KIRK
(casual)
Mm-hm.
They all stifle their responses. Kirk is like a father
watching his kid drive the family car for the first time.
SAAVIK
Aft thrusters, Mister Sulu.
SULU
Aft thrusters, sir.
36 EXT. ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 36
as the ship slowly and majestically leaves the dock.
37 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 37
Activity hums. Kirk starts to say something, but
doesn't. Bones looks at him.
BONES
Would you like a tranquilizer?
Kirk shakes his head, takes a breath -
SULU
Ahead one quarter impulse power.
29.
38 EXT. SPACE DOCK ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 38
The ship clears the dock and begins heading into space.
39 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 39
Kirk quietly lets his breath out.
SULU
We are free and clear to navigate.
SAAVIK
Course heading, Captain?
Spock turns inquiringly to Kirk.
KIRK
Captain's discretion.
Spock digests this with a light smile.
SPOCK
Mister Sulu? You may... indulge
yourself.
SULU
Aye, sir.
40 EXT. THE ENTERPRISE (STOCK FROM FEATURE) 40
She gathers speed into the vastness of space..
41 EXT. SPACE - SPACE STATION REGULA I 41
42 INT. CAROL'S LAB 42
Huge and busy. Among the scientists going about their
tasks are JEDDA, a Deltan; MARCH, thin, intense; MADISON,
black, easygoing. they are all young and earnest. Carol
and David huddle over a computer console.
DAVID
That about do it?
(CONTINUED)
30.
42 CONTINUED: 42
CAROL
I don't think there's another
piece of information we could
squeeze into the memory banks.
Next time, we'll design a bigger
one.
DAVID
Hmm. Who'd want to build it?
Jedda at the Comm Console overlaps.
JEDDA
Doctor Marcus? Comm-Pic coming
in on hyperchannel... It's the
Starship Reliant.
Carol moves forward as the others close in.
CAROL
On the screen, please, Jedda.
Buttons punched; the screen ebbs, flows and crackles
on. ON SCREEN is CHEKOV.
CHEKOV
... come in, please. This is the
Reliant calling Regula One. Repeat.
This is USS Reliant -
CAROL
Commander, we are receiving. This
is Regula One. Go ahead.
CHEKOV
Ah, Doctor Marcus... good. We're
en route to you and should be
there in three days.
CAROL
En route? Why? We weren't
expecting you for another three
months. Has something happened?
CHEKOV
(fractional pause)
Nothing has happened. Ceti Alpha
Six has checked out.
Pleased reactions from the scientists.
(CONTINUED)
31.
42 CONTINUED: (2) 42
CAROL
Well, I - I don't understand
why you're coming about.
CHEKOV
We have received new orders. Upon
our arrival at Regula One, all
materials of Project Genesis will
be transferred to this ship for
immediate testing on Ceti Alpha Six.
Consternation in the lab. David is livid - the words
"bullshit" are overlapped by his mother.
DAVID
Who in the hell do they think
they are?!
CAROL
Will you please be quiet!
(back to console)
Commander Chekov, this is completely
irregular!

CHEKHOV
I have my orders.
DAVID
(to Carol)
Pin him down, Mother!
(to Chekhov)
Who gave the order?!
Chekov hesitates, seems to be listening to someone off
the monitor.
CHEKOV
The orders came from Admiral James
T. Kirk.
Sensation in the lab.
DAVID
I knew it! I knew it! All along
the military's wanted to get
their hands on this -
He starts to press a button; Carol pushes his hand
away and communicates herself.
(CONTINUED)
32.
42 CONTINUED: (3) 42
CAROL
This is completely improper,
Commander Chekov. I have no
intention of allowing Reliant or
any other unauthorized personnel
access to our work or materials.
CHEKOV
(pauses; listens)
I'm sorry you feel that way, Doctor.
Admiral Kirk's orders are confirmed.
Please prepare to deliver Genesis
to us upon our arrival. Reliant out.
The image fades.
43 INT. BRIDGE OF RELIANT 43
Chekov, in a MATCHED CUT, turns away as CAMERA WIDENS
TO REVEAL KHAN by his side. He is charming.
KHAN
Well done, Commander.
CHEKOV
You realize, sir, that they will
attempt to contact Admiral Kirk
and confirm the order.
Khan smiles, more charming than ever as we MOVE IN.
44 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 44
In no particular hurry.
45 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR 45
Kirk waits for the Turbo Lift, which opens at last. As
he gets in -
SAAVIK'S VOICE
Hold please - !
Kirk holds and Saavik dashes in. She is surprised to
see him.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
Thank you, sir.
(CONTINUED)
33.

45 CONTINUED: 45
Kirk nods, the doors close. There is an uneasy forced
intimacy between them.
KIRK
Lieutenant, are you wearing your
hair differently?
SAAVIK
It's still regulation, Admiral.
KIRK
Mm-hm.
She reaches out and touches a button. The lift stops.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
May I speak, sir?
KIRK
Self-expression doesn't seem to
be one of your problems.
(pause)
You're bothered by your performance
on the Kobayashi Maru.
SAAVIK
I failed to resolve the situation.
KIRK
There is no correct resolution.
It's a test of character.
SAAVIK
May I ask how you dealt with the
test.
KIRK
(amused)
You may ask.
She starts.

KIRK
(continuing)
That's a little joke.
SAAVIK
Humor... It is a difficult
concept... it is not logical...
(CONTINUED)
34.
45 CONTINUED: (2) 45
KIRK
We learn by doing.
She's a laff a minute. Kirk pushes the button; the
elevator starts. She studies him, considering No
doubt about it, the attraction is mutual and she has
no idea how to handle it. The lift stops and the
doors open.
BONES
Who's been holding up the damn
elevator?
He reacts to them. Saavik exits demurely.
SAAVIK
Thank you, sir.
Bones enters and the doors close. Kirk studies the
ceiling.
BONES
Did she changed her hairstyle?
KIRK
I hadn't noticed.
BONES
(finally)
Wonderful stuff, that Romulan ale -
UHURA'S VOICE
Admiral Kirk -
KIRK
Kirk here.
UHURA'S VOICE
I have an urgent Comm-Pic from
Space Lab Regula One for you, sir.
Doctor Carol Marcus.
KIRK
I'll take it in my quarters,
Uhura.
UHURA
Aye, sir.
Awkward silence.
(CONTINUED)
35.
45 CONTINUED: (3) 45
BONES
It never rains but it pours -
KIRK
As a physician you of all people
should appreciate the dangers of
re-opening old wounds.
The elevator stops. Kirk leaves. The doors close.
BONES
(annoyed with
himself)
Sorry.
46 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 46
FEATURING VIEW SCREEN: A scramble of interference and
noise. A piece of Carol's VOICE breaks through now
and again as we PULL BACK REVEALING a frustrated Kirk.
Carol's face appears. The image will never be stable
for long; sometimes the sound will be covered.
CAROL
Jim, can you read me?
KIRK
I can hear you, Carol. what's
wrong?
(STATIC)
Well, what's the matter?
CAROL
Why are you taking Genesis away
from us?!
KIRK
Taking Genesis? Who's taking
Genesis?
CAROL
I can see you, but I can't hear!
KIRK
Carol!
CAROL
Jim, did you give the order?
(CONTINUED)
36.
46 CONTINUED: 46
KIRK
What order? Who's taking Genesis?
CAROL
... Please help us, Jim... I will
not let them have Genesis without
proper authorization.
KIRK
I've got... Have Genesis?! Who
said... !
CAROL
On whose authority can they do
this?!
KIRK
(shouts)
No one's authority!
CAROL
Jim, please do something!

But the picture is irrevocable scrambled now. Kirk
pounds the Comm in frustration.
KIRK
Uhura! What's happening?
UHURA'S VOICE
Transmission jammed at the source,
sir.
KIRK
Alert Starfleet Headquarters.
UHURA'S VOICE
Aye, sir!
KIRK
I want to talk with Starfleet Command.
37 INT. REGULA I LAB 37
Everyone is talking at once.
CAROL
We must have order here.
(as they subside)
This has to be some sort of mistake.
(CONTINUED)
37.
47 CONTINUED: 47
DAVID
Mistake? We're all alone here.
They waited until everyone was on
leave to do this. Reliant is
supposed to be at our disposal,
not vice-versa.
MADISON
It seems clear Starfleet never
intended that -
CAROL
I know that! But I can't -
DAVID
I've tried to warn you before!
Scientists have always been pawns
of the military -
CAROL
(angry)
Starfleet has kept the peace for

a hundred years. I cannot and
will not subscribe to your
interpretation of this event.
Silence.
JEDDA
(Deltan cool)
You may be right, Doctor, but what
about Reliant? She's on her way.
Carol reacts: this is certainly true.
48 INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS 48
Spock is at mediation as Kirk enters quietly. Spock
looks up.

KIRK
We have a problem. Something
may be wrong at Regula One. We've
been ordered to investigate.
SPOCK
If memory serves, Regula One is a
scientific research laboratory.
(CONTINUED)
38.
48 CONTINUED: 48
KIRK
I told Starfleet Command all we
had was a boatload of children
but we're the only ship in the
quadrant. Spock: these cadets
of yours - how good are they?
Will they respond under real
pressure?
SPOCK
Like all living things, each
according to his gifts. Of
course, the ship is yours.
KIRK
No. That won't be necessary.
Just get me to Regula One.
SPOCK
As a teacher on a training mission,
I am content to command the
Enterprise. If we are to go on
actual duty, it is clear that the
senior officer on board must assume
command.
KIRK
It may be nothing. Garbled
communications. You take the ship.
SPOCK
Jim... you proceed from a false
assumption. I'm a Vulcan. I have
no ego to bruise.
Kirk smiles in bemused wonderment.
KIRK
You're about to remind me that
logic alone dictates your actions?
SPOCK
I would not remind you of that which
you know so well.
(pause)
If I may be so bold, it was a
mistake for you to accept promotion.
Commanding a Starship is your first,
best destiny. Anything else is a
waste of material.

(CONTINUED)
39.
48 CONTINUED: (2) 48
KIRK
I would not presume to debate you.

SPOCK
That is wise. In any case, were I
to invoke logic, logic clearly dictates
that the needs of the many outweigh
the needs of the few.
KIRK
Or the one.
Spock inclines his head.
SPOCK
You are my commanding officer. You
are also my friend. I have been
and always shall be yours.
49 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 49
The activity is normal. The Turbo Lift opens and Kirk

strides in. Bones and Saavik react to the following:
KIRK
Stop energizers.
SULU
Stop energizers.
KIRK
Prepare speakers.
They look wonderingly. Kirk takes a breath -
KIRK
(continuing)
An emergency situation has arisen.
By order of Starfleet Command, as
of now, eighteen hundred hours, I
am assuming command of this vessel.
Duty officer so note in the ship's log.
Plot a new course: for Space Laboratory
Regula One.
(pushes a button)
Mister Scott?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Aye, sir.
(CONTINUED)
40.
49 CONTINUED: 49
KIRK
We'll be going to warp speed -

SCOTTY'S VOICE
Aye, sir -
SULU
(overlapping)
Course plotted for Regula One,
Admiral...
KIRK
Engage warp engines -
SAAVIK
(comes out of being
stunned)
Prepare for warp speed.
SULU
Ready, sir.
KIRK
(to crew and
trainees)
In know that none of you were
expecting this. I'm sorry. I'm
going to have to ask you to grow
up a little bit sooner than you
expected.
(to Sulu)
Warp five, Mister Sulu.
SULU
(to himself)
Well, so much for the little
training cruise.
And with a great thrust of energy -
50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (FEATURE STOCK) 50
The ship accelerates, and then, with an eye-filled
burst, whips ahead to warp speed, disappearing.
51 EXT. SPACE, FEATURING THE RELIANT
moving towards us, in opposite to the previous SHOT,
close enough for us to read her markings.
(CONTINUED)
41.
51 CONTINUED: 51
WOMAN'S VOICE
Course to intercept Enterprise
ready, sir.
KHAN'S VOICE
Excellent!
52 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 52
Khan occupies the Captain's chair. We PULL BACK: the
crew of the RELIANT has been replaced by Khan's
followers in their odd-looking clothes.
At the helm is Joachim, Khan's lieutenant. He is the
largest and brightest of Khan's group. Terrell sits in
the First Officer's chair, Chekov at the Comm Console.
Their behavior is normal, save for subtle hesitation,
symptoms of their mind-controlled state.
KHAN
Helmsman?
JOACHIM
Sir, may I speak? We're all with
you, sir, but consider this. We
are free, we have a ship and the
means to go anywhere we will. We have
escaped from permanent exile on Ceti
Alpha Five. You have proved your
superior intellect and defeated the
plans of Admiral Kirk. You do not
need to defeat him again.
KHAN
He tasks me! He tasks me! And I
shall have him. I'll chase him
round the moons of Nibia and round
the Antares malestrom and round
perdition's flames before I give
him up.
(as no one speaks)
Prepare to alter course.
53 EXT. SPACE STATION REGULA I 53
Floating quietly around the planet below. Tranquil
as we PUSH SLOWLY IN.
OVER we can hear, FILTERED, UHURA'S VOICE:
(CONTINUED)
42.
53 CONTINUED: 53
UHURA'S VOICE
Space Station Regula One, please
come in.
54 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 54
FEATURING Spock and Uhura, as she keeps trying -
UHURA
Doctor Marcus, please respond!
This is Enterprise call-
(beat, to Spock)
- it's no use; there's no response
from Regula One.
SPOCK
But no longer jammed?
UHURA
No, sir. No nothing.
Spock considers, moves to Kirk.
SPOCK
There are two possibilities.
They are unable to respond, they
are unwilling to respond.
KIRK
How far?
SPOCK
Twelve hours, forty-three minutes,
present speed.
KIRK
Give up Genesis, she said. What in
God's name does that mean? Give it
up to whom?
SPOCK
It might help my analysis if I knew
what Genesis was. Beyond the
Biblical reference.
Kirk looks at him, nods; rising now.
KIRK
Uhura, have Doctor McCoy join us inn
my quarters.
(CONTINUED)
43.
54 CONTINUED: 54
UHURA
Aye, sir.
KIRK
Mister Saavik? You have the con.
They start for the Turbo Lifts as Saavik reacts -
55 KIRK'S QUARTERS 55
Kirk and Spock as Bones enters -
BONES
I've got the sick bay ready. Will
someone please tell me what's
going on?
KIRK
(dims lights)
Computer. Request security
procedure and access to Project
Genesis Summary.
COMPUTER VOICE
Identify for retina scan.
KIRK
Kirk, Admiral James T.
The screen is suddenly busy with coded read-outs and
then computer graphics of retina patterns. Then it
glows green. SECURITY CLEARANCE, CLASS 1 GRANTED.
COMPUTER VOICE
Security scan approved.
KIRK
Summary, please.
More coded read-outs, a red line SECURITY SCAN, then
over it APPROVED, in green. Replaced by:
56 ON SCREEN INT. CAROL MARCUS' LAB, REGULA I 56
Carol appears, FACING CAMERA, not used to it. To one
side stands David and behind them, the lab.
CAROL
Project Genesis. A proposal to
the Federation.
44.
57 ANGLE -KIRK, SPOCK, BONES 57
SPOCK
Carol Marcus -
KIRK
Yes.
58 ON SCREEN (AND INTERCUT) 58
CAROL
What exactly IS Genesis? Well, put
simply, Genesis is life from
lifelessness. It is a process
whereby the molecular structure is
reorganized at the sub-atomic level
into life generating matter of equal
mass. Stage One of our experiments
was conducted in the laboratory.
Stage Two of the series will be
attempted in a lifeless underground;
Stage Three will involve the process
on a planetary scale. It is our
intention to introduce the Genesis
device into a preselected space body,
a moon or other dead form.
(DNA TAPE ACCOMPANIES, AD LIB)
59 ILM MONITOR SEQUENCE 59
CAROL
It is our intention to introduce
the Genesis device to a preselected
area of a lifeless space body, a
moon or other dead form - the
device is delivered -
60 ON BONES, SPOCK AND KIRK 60
react with wonder -
61 BACK TO MONITOR 61
CAROL
- instantaneously causing what
we call the Genesis effect.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
45.
61 CONTINUED: 61
CAROL (CONT'D)
Matter is reorganized with life
generated results.
(pause)
Instead of a dead moon, a living
breathing planet, capable of
sustaining whatever life forms we
see fit to deposit on it...
SPOCK
Fascinating.
CAROL
The reformed moon simulated here
represents the merest fraction
of the Genesis potential, should the
Federation wish to pursue the
experiments to their logical
conclusion.
62 BACK TO CAROL IN LAB 62
CAROL
When we consider the cosmic
problems of population and food
supply, the usefulness of this
process becomes clear. This
concludes our proposal. Thank
you for your attention.
The tape becomes snowy and blinks off.
Kirk looks at Bones and Spock - they are stunned.
SPOCK
It literally is Genesis.
KIRK
The power of creation -
SPOCK
Have they proceeded with their
experiments?
KIRK
Well, the tape was made a year
ago. I can only assume they've
reached Stage Two by now -
(CONTINUED)
46.
62 CONTINUED: 62
BONES
But dear Lord, do you think we're
intelligent enough to - Suppose,
what if this thing were used where
life already exists?
SPOCK
It would destroy such life in favor
of it's new matrix -
BONES
It's new - Do you any idea what
you're saying?
SPOCK
I was not attempting to evaluate
its moral implications, Doctor.

As a matter of cosmic history, it
has always been easier to destroy
than to create -
BONES
Not anymore! Now we can do both
at the same time! According to myth,
the earth was created in six days.
Now watch out: here comes Genesis;
we'll do it for you in six minutes -
SPOCK
Really, Doctor McCoy, you must
learn to govern your passions. They
will be your undoing. Logic suggests -
BONES
Logic??
(to Kirk)

My God! The man's talking about
logic! We're talking about
universal Armageddon!
(to Spock)
You green-blooded, inhuman...
SAAVIK'S VOICE
(intercom)
Bridge to Admiral Kirk. Admiral?
Sensors indicate a vessel in our
area, closing fast.
KIRK
What do you make of her?
(CONTINUED)
47.
62 CONTINUED: (2) 62
SAAVIK'S VOICE
It's one of ours, Admiral... it's
Reliant.
SPOCK
Reliant?!
63 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 63
The whoosh of the Turbo doors and Kirk, Bones and Spock
assume their posts. Saavik stand next to Kirk's chair.
KIRK
(to Uhura)
Try the emergency channels...
(to Saavik)
Picture, Mister Saavik.
64 ANGLE INCLUDING THE FORWARD SCREEN 64
Space; a tiny dot in the distance, growing larger.
65 EXT. SPACE - THE RELIANT 65
boring forward ominously.
66 INT. BRIDGE - THE RELIANT 66
Khan and his crew; no sign of Chekov and Terrell.
On Khan's screen, the Enterprise grows larger -
KHAN
(almost sing-song
with joy)
Slow to one-half impulse power.
Let's be friends...
JOACHIM
Slowing to one-half impulse
power.
67 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

SULU
Reliant in our section, this
quadrant, sir, and slowing -
(CONTINUED)
48.
67 CONTINUED: 67
Visual of Reliant appears.
SAAVIK
Sir, may I quote General Order
Twelve? 'On the approach of any
vessel, when communications have
not been established - '
SPOCK
Lieutenant, the Admiral is well
aware of the regulations.
SAAVIK
Aye, sir.
KIRK
Is it possible their Comm system
has failed - ?
SPOCK
It would explain a great many
things -
68 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 68
JOACHIM
They're requesting communications,
sir.
KHAN
Let them eat static.
JOACHIM
They're still running with shields
down.
KHAN
Of course. We're one big happy
fleet. Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do
you know the Klingon proverb that
tells us revenge is a dish that is
best served cold?
(pause)
It is very cold in space.
49.
69 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 69
KIRK
(watches the screen)
This is damned peculiar.
(beat)
Yellow alert.
SAAVIK
Energize main defense fields.
ALARMS SOUND. The lights on the bridge dim into the
soft reddish glow of battle illumination. ADDITIONAL
CREW troop in to man vacant consoles.
UHURA
I'm getting a voice message.
They say their chambers coil is
overloading their Comm system.
KIRK
Spock?
SPOCK
Scanning. Their coil emissions
are normal!
He steps to his station.
70 EXT. SPACE 70
The two ships are very close, barely moving as they
inch towards each other.
71 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 71
JOACHIM
They still haven't raised their
shields.
Khan is half out of his seat, sweating with anticipation.
KHAN
Raise ours!
72 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 72
SPOCK
Their shields are going up!
50.
73 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 73
KHAN
Lock phasers on target.
JOACHIM
Locking phasers on target.
74 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - FAVORING SPOCK 74
He reacts to his blue-lit scope.
SPOCK
They're locking phasers - !
KIRK
Raise shields!
But the ENTIRE BRIDGE is ROCKED by a shock impact,
some of the crew sent flying.
75 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 75
KHAN
(SHOUTS)
Fire!!
76 EXT. SPACE 76
Reliant firing phasers at Enterprise. A hit in the rear
of the engine room area, debris flying into the void.
77 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 77
An explosion rips through the facility, sending yellowish
green GAS hurtling down the long facility towards us.
Crewmen are hurled through the air, screaming.
78 ANGLE - THE GREAT AUTO DOORS 78
roll closed, sealing off the damaged tail section.
SIRENS SHRIEKING!
79 ANGLE - THE TRAINEES 79
terrified, scramble to get out amid the deadly yellowish
green smoke, the cries.
51.
80 ANGLE - SCOTTY 80
trying to rally them - and he puts his own respirator
on, as do some of the veterans. Preston dons his
respirator - and stays.
81 HIGH ANGLE 81
The ANGLE WE SAW during the inspection. The trainees, in
panic amid the gas crawl over each other trying to get
out. They scramble over each other's shoulders in the
efforts to escape, screaming and shouting.
82 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 82
The bridge is slowly righting. Crew members getting
back to their stations. On speaker, we hear the CRIES
AND SHOUTS of the engine room.
KIRK
Sulu, get those shields up!
SULU
Trying, sir!
(crew reactions;
EXPLOSIONS)
I can't get power, sir!
KIRK
Scotty!
Scotty's voice is faint, drowned by the screams and
cries from a dozen intercom stations.
KIRK
(continuing)
Uhura, turn off those damn channels!!

Uhura does. there is a dead silence. Then:
UHURA
Mister Scott on discrete.
83 INT. ENGINE ROOM - FAVORING SCOTTY 83
Behind, the Crew Chief and a few others work feverishly
in respirators. Scotty, in respirator, with a throat
mike which FILTERS his voice.
(CONTINUED)
52.
83 CONTINUED: 83
SCOTTY
We're just hanging on, sir. The
main energizer's out!
KIRK
Try auxiliary power!
SCOTTY
Aye!
64 ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 64
KIRK
Damage report.
ON SCREEN computer graphics, red flashing lights indicate
damaged areas. Spock steps up to Kirk evaluating the
display.
SPOCK
They knew exactly where to hit us.
KIRK
WHO? Who knew where to hit us?
And why?
SPOCK
(shakes head)
One thing is certain; we cannot
escape on auxiliary power.
KIRK
Visual!
(sees visual)
Sulu, divert all power to phasers!
SPOCK
(re: screen)
Too late -
On VISUAL SCREEN, photon torpedoes approach.
KIRK
Hang on!
The bridge is shaken badly, screens go dark, fires spark
and erupt. ALARMS and SOUND full. Crew personnel try
to put out electrical fires, help the fallen -
53.
85 EXT. SPACE - RELIANT 85
circling Enterprise.
86 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE - FAVORING KHAN AT DASH 86
The glow of the O.S. screens and battle illumination
highlighting the passion in his eyes.
87 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
The firefighting continues.
KIRK
Scotty - what's left?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Just the batteries, sir. I can
have auxiliary power in a few
minutes -
KIRK
We don't have a few minutes. Can you
give me phaser power?
SCOTTY'S VOICE
A few shots, sir.
SPOCK
Not enough against their shields.
KIRK
Who the hell are they?
UHURA
Admiral... The commander of the
Reliant is signaling.
(a pause)
He wishes to discuss terms of our
surrender.
There is a moment. Kirk looks around the battered
bridge, and his eyes meet Spock's, and Saavik's.
KIRK
Visual on screen.
UHURA
(hesitating)
Admiral -
(CONTINUED)
54.
87 CONTINUED: 87
KIRK
Do it, while we still have time.
UHURA
On screen, sir.
All eyes go to the SCREEN. After momentary visual
confusion, Khan's face appears, smiling -
KIRK
(continuing; dumbfounded)
Khan!
KHAN
You still remember, Admiral. I
cannot help but be touched. I of
course, remember you.
KIRK
What is the meaning of this attack?
Where is the crew of the Reliant?

KHAN
Surely I have made my meaning plain.
I mean to avenge myself upon you,
Admiral. I've deprived your ship
of power and when I swing around I
mean to deprive you of your life -
88 EXT. SPACE 88
We can see Reliant making a large arc as she prepares
to come back for another round.
89 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 89
KHAN
(ON SCREEN)
- But I wanted you to know first
who it was who had beaten you!
KIRK
Khan - if it's me you want, I'll
have myself beamed aboard. Spare
my crew.
90 EXT. SPACE 90
Reliant continues her slow arc.
55.
91 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 91
KHAN
(ON SCREEN)
I make you a counter-proposal.
I'll agree to your terms, if...
if... in addition to yourself,
you hand over to me all data
and material regarding the project
called Genesis.
Reactions from Spock and Kirk.
KIRK
Genesis, what's that?
KHAN
Don't insult my intelligence, Kirk.
KIRK
Give me some time to recall the data
on our computers -
KHAN
I give you sixty seconds, Admiral.
Kirk turns from the screen -
KIRK
Clear the bridge.
SPOCK
Well, at least we know he doesn't
have Genesis.
KIRK
Just keep nodding as though I'm
still giving orders. Mister Saavik,
punch up the data charts of Reliant's
command console.
SAAVIK
Reliant's command...
KIRK
HURRY.
KHAN
Forty-five seconds!
SPOCK
The prefix code?
(CONTINUED)
56.
91 CONTINUED: 91
KIRK
It's all we've got.
SAAVIK
The chart's up, sir.
KHAN
Admiral!
KIRK
(to Khan)
We're finding it.
KHAN
Admiral!!
KIRK
Please, please - you've got to
give us time - The... the bridge
is smashed, the computers
inoperative...
KHAN
Time is a luxury you don't have,
Admiral.
92 EXT. SPACE 92
Reliant, her arc completed, is coming back.
93 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 93
KIRK
(to himself)
Damn.
KHAN
Admiral?
KIRK
It's coming through now, Khan.
SPOCK
Reliant's prefix number is one-
six-three-zero-nine.
SAAVIK
I don't understand -
(CONTINUED)
57.
93 CONTINUED: 93
Kirk puts on his spectacles -
KIRK
You have got to learn WHY things
work on a Starship.
SPOCK
(descends)
Each ship has its own combination
code...
KIRK
... to prevent an enemy to do
what we're attempting; using
our console to order Reliant to
lower her shields...
SPOCK
(at the weapons console)
Assuming he hasn't changed the
combination. He's quite intelligent...
KHAN
Fifteen seconds.
Kirk turns to the screen -
KIRK
Khan, how do we know you'll keep
your word?
KHAN
(ON SCREEN)
Well, I've given you no word to
keep, Admiral. In my judgement, you
simply have no alternative.
KIRK
I see your point. Stand by to
receive our transmission.
He turns from the screen again, softly:
KIRK
(continuing)
Mister Sulu, lock the phasers on
target and await my command...
SULU
(quietly)
Phasers locked...
(CONTINUED)
58.
93 CONTINUED: (2) 93
They're all sweating.
KHAN
Time's up, Admiral.
KIRK
(dry)
Here it comes. Now, Mister Spock.
94 CLOSEUP SPOCK'S HANDS PUNCHING IN THE PREFIX CODE 94
followed by other signals.
95 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 95
JOACHIM
(stares at his console)
Sir - our shields are dropping!
KHAN
Raise them -
Joachim punches frantically -
JOACHIM
I can't!
KHAN
Where's the override?? The
override!!
All monitors are haywire now that Enterprise is tapped
in. They search wildly for the right switch, but...
96 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 96
97 CLOSEUP - KIRK 97
KIRK
FIRE!
98 CLOSEUP - SULU'S HANDS 98
punching.
KIRK
FIRE!

59.
99 EXT. SPACE 99
Enterprise fires at Reliant inflicting heavy damage.
100 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 100
A shambles - debris flying; Khan knocking to the
deck. He struggles to his feet through wiring -
KHAN
(enraged)
FIRE! FIRE!
JOACHIM

We can't fire, sir!
KHAN
Why can't you?
JOACHIM
They've damaged the photon control
and the warp drive. We must withdraw!
KHAN
No! No!!
JOACHIM
Sir, we must! The Enterprise can wait;
she's not going anywhere.
Khan clams as the other holds him; he breaths deeper.
101 EXT. SPACE 101
Reliant turns away.
102 ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 102
They watch ON SCREEN as Reliant hauls off.
SULU
(breathless)
Sir, you did it.
KIRK
(enraged)
I did nothing - except get caught
with my britches down.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
60.
102 CONTINUED: 102
KIRK (CONT'D)
I must be getting senile. Mister
Saavik, you go right on quoting
regulations. In the meantime, let's
find out how badly we've been hurt.
The Turbo doors whoosh open as Kirk reaches them.
Scotty stands there, tears streaming down his face;
he holds the body of Midshipman Preston.
Both of them are covered in blood. He sways into Kirk's
arms as the others rush forward.
103 EXT. SPACE 103
The Enterprise, motionless, scars of battle showing.
104 INT. SICK BAY 104
MANY CASUALTIES IN EVIDENCE
Kirk enters and LEADS CAMERA THROUGH them; he has a
word or two for men he doesn't know by name. Kirk leads
us to the operating theater, where Bones works over
Preston. Scotty stands by, his lips trembling. Preston
opens his eyes, sees Scotty and Kirk.
PRESTON
(faint)
Is the word given, Admiral?
Scotty's eyes fill with tears, looks at Kirk.
KIRK
(soft)
The word is given: warp speed.
PRESTON
(almost smiles)
Aye...
He dies. Pause. Scotty looks across the body at Kirk.
SCOTTY
(with sob)
He stayed at his post... when the
trainees ran!
(CONTINUED)
61.
104 CONTINUED: 104
SPOCK'S VOICE
Admiral, this is Spock.
Kirk hits a wall intercom -
KIRK
Yes, Spock.
SPOCK'S VOICE
Engine room reports auxiliary power
restored. We can proceed at impulse
power.
KIRK
(thinks)
Best speed to Regula One. Kirk out.
BONES
I'm sorry, Scotty.
105 EXT. SPACE - REGULA I SPACE STATION 105
Regula, the dead planet beyond, as the Enterprise
moves forward toward it.
SULU (V.O.)
Approaching Regula and Space Lab
Regula One.
UHURA
Space Station Regula One, this is
the Starship Enterprise. Please,

come in.
106 INT. SPACE STATION REGULA I - CAROL'S LAB - ON SCREEN 106
As before, Uhura's image, imploring a response.
UHURA
Space Station Regula One, do
you read? Space Station Regula
One, this is Enterprise. Please
acknowledge.
During this, CAMERA HAS PANNED CLOSE AMONG the technical
clutter. Then sudden. SOUND - eerie, frightening.
Our ears cannot place it... and before we can, it is
gone. A warning.
62.
107 EXT. SPACE - REGULA I SPACE STATION 107
Enterprise moves in front of stationary Regula I.
UHURA'S VOICE
This is Enterprise. Do you read
me? Space station Regula One,
do you read? Please come in.
108 INT. BRIDGE - ENTERPRISE 108
Battle damage, some repaired, some not. The bridge
is filled with tension, all hands at station.
UHURA
There's no response, sir.
KIRK
Sensors, Captain?
SPOCK
Scanners and sensors are still
inoperative. There is no way to
ascertain what's inside the station.
KIRK
No way of telling if Reliant is
still in the area...
SPOCK
Precisely.
KIRK
(with irony)
What do you make of that planetoid
beyond?
SPOCK
Regula is a class "D." It consists
of various unremarkable ores.
Essentially, a great rock in space.
KIRK
And the Reliant could be hiding
behind that rock.

SPOCK
A distinct possibility.
KIRK
Engineering?
(CONTINUED)
63.
108 CONTINUED: 108
SCOTTY'S VOICE
Aye, sir?
KIRK
Mister Scott, do you have enough
power for the transporters?

SCOTTY'S VOICE
Barely, sir.
KIRK
(the decision)
I'm going down there.
He starts out. Bones stops him.
BONES
Khan could be down there.
KIRK
He's BEEN there. Hasn't found
what he wants. Can you spare
someone? There may be people hurt.
BONES
Yeah. I can spare me...
SAAVIK

Begging the Admiral's pardon:
General Order Fifteen: 'No flag
officer shall beam into a hazardous
area without armed escort.'
KIRK
There's no such regulation.
Saavik's gaze falters.
KIRK
(continuing)
All right, join the party.
Mister Spock, the ship is yours.
SPOCK
Jim? Be careful.
Kirk, Bones, and Saavik head for the Turbo doors.
109 EXT. SPACE - SPACE STATION REGULA I 109
CLOSER ANGLE now. The silence is ominous.

64.
110 INT. SPACE STATION REGULA I - CAROL'S LAB 110
empty, except for the hums and crackles of abandoned
equipment. With a FAMILIAR SOUND, BONES, KIRK and
SAAVIK MATERIALIZE. All have phasers, communicators
and tricorders.
For a moment they look around, seeing emptiness.
Like being in a haunted house.
SAAVIK
(raises tricorder)
Indeterminate life signs.
KIRK
Phasers on stun. Move out.
They separate. Each begins to search.
111 ANGLE WITH SAAVIK 111
She moves to the electronic and data area, examines
the consoles, the equipment, then settles for the data
bank. She starts keying sequences with the computer.
112 INT. SPACE STATION - BONES 112
He shows signs of fear as he walks though the
deserted place, like a scuba diver exploring a cave.
We want him to go back. A NOISE. Bones reacts with
brave apprehension.
Rounding a corner, he starts: A RAT scuttles right
in front of him.
Bones sighs with relief and moves forward. We think
he's safe.
SUDDENLY SOMETHING FALLS RIGHT ON HIS FACE: an upside-
down human arm.
BONES
Jim!
113 SAME LOCALE - LATER 113
Kirk helps Bones cut down the last of the five BODIES
from where they were hanged, upside-down.
(CONTINUED)
65.
113 CONTINUED: 113
Having recovered his composure, Bones examines the
corpses. We RECOGNIZE Madison, March, among others.
BONES
Well, rigor hasn't set in. This
couldn't have happened too long
ago, Jim.
Kirk looks around, despairingly -
KIRK
Carol...
114 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 114
Spock stand behind Uhura seated at Comm console,
speaking into headset.
UHURA
This is Enterprise calling Space
Station Regula One. Respond, please.
115 INT. SPACE LAB REGULA I - LABORATORY 115
Bones and Kirk kneel over the bodies on the floor.
WITH SAAVIK working with console. Something puzzles
her. She frowns, but a NEW SOUND distracts her. She
looks up and moves off.
SAAVIK'S VOICE
Admiral! Over here.
116 FULL SHOT - IN THE LAB 116
A moan is heard. All three now converge on the area.
As they near it, Saavik's tricorder hums furiously.
Be this a room, a locker or some other place, this
time they - "open the door." The limp bodies of
Chekov and Terrell fall out.
UHURA'S VOICE
(ON SCREEN)
Doctor Marcus, come in, please!
She will continue sporaddically.
KIRK
Oh, my God!
66.
117 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - FAVORING UHURA 117
UHURA
Please acknowledge signal. Please -
SAAVIK'S VOICE
Commander Uhura, this is Lieutenant
Saavik. We're all right. Please,
stand by. Out.
118 INT. SPACE STATION - TIGHT GROUP 118
Chekov opens his eyes, and stares into Kirk's.
CHEKOV
Oh sir. It was Khan! We found him
on Ceti Alpha Five.
KIRK
Easy, Easy, Pavel.
CHEKOV
He - put creatures in our bodies.
To control our minds.
Bones takes over Chekov.
BONES
It's all right, you're safe now...
CHEKOV
... Made us say - lies. Do...
things.. But we beat him... He
thought he controlled us, but he
did not... The Captain was strong.
Chekov breaks into tears. Kirk looks at Terrell, who
is more composed.
KIRK
Captain. Where's Doctor Marcus?
Where're the Genesis materials?
TERRELL
He couldn't find them. Even the data
banks were empty.
KIRK
(ponders)
Erased?
(CONTINUED)
67.
118 CONTINUED: 118
TERRELL
He tortured those people. But
none of them would tell him anything.
He went wild. He slit their throats.
He wanted to tear the place apart,
but he was late: he had to get back
to the Reliant in time to blow you
to bits.
SAAVIK
Where's the Reliant's crew? Dead?
TERRELL
Marooned on Ceti Alpha Five. He's

completely mad, Admiral. He blames
you for the death of his wife.
KIRK
I know what he blames me for.
(thinks)
The escape pods are all in place.
(looks around)
Where's the transporter room?
119 INT. SPACE STATION TRANSPORTER ROOM 119

Kirk, wearing his spectacles, studies the transporter
consoles. ANGLE WIDENS TO REVEAL the transporter pods,
and the others, b.g.
KIRK
Did he make it down here?
Chekov and Terrell look at each other; they seem a bit
stronger.
CHEKOV
It was not my impression. He spent
most of his time trying to wring
the information out of the people.
Saavik approaches Kirk:
SAAVIK
Anything?
Kirk looks at her over the rims of the glasses:
(CONTINUED)
68.
119 CONTINUED: 119
KIRK
The unit's been left on. This
means nobody remained to turn
it off.
BONES
Those people back there bought
escape time for Genesis with their
lives.
Saavik studies the console.
SAAVIK
This is not logical. These
coordinates are deep inside Regula
- a planetoid we know to be
lifeless.
KIRK
(wheels turn)
If Stage Two was completed, it was
going to be underground - It was
going to be underground, she said!
SAAVIK
Stage Two of what?
Kirk gets it.
KIRK
(into communicator)
Kirk to Enterprise.
SPOCK'S VOICE
Spock here.
KIRK
Captain Spock, damage report.
SPOCK'S VOICE
Admiral, if we go by the book,
like Lieutenant Saavik, hours
could seem like days.
KIRK
(beat)
I read you, Captain. Let's have it.
Fractional pause.
(CONTINUED)
69.
119 CONTINUED: (2) 119
SPOCK'S VOICE
The situation is grave, Admiral.

We won't have main power for six
days. Auxiliary power has
temporarily failed. Restoration
may be possible in two days. By
the book, Admiral.
Kirk frowns.
KIRK
Meaning you can't even beam us
back?
SPOCK'S VOICE
Not at present.
Kirk looks at Saavik and Bones, decides -
KIRK
Captain Spock, if you do not hear
from us within one hour your orders
are to restore what power you can,
get the Enterprise to the nearest
Star Base and alert Starfleet
Command as soon as you're out of
jamming range.
UHURA'S VOICE
Sir - we won't leave you behind...!
KIRK
Uhura, if you don't hear from us,
there won't be anybody behind.
Kirk, out.
(to Terrell and Chekov)
Well, gentlemen, you can stay here,
or...

TERRELL
If it's all the same, Admiral, we'd
like to share the risk.
KIRK
(hesitates)
Fine. Let's go. Saavik.
BONES
Go?? Where are we going?
(CONTINUED)
70.
119 CONTINUED: (3) 119
KIRK
(points to console)
Where they went.
Kirk walks onto the pods as Saavik works the console,
rolling in electronic coding. The others join Kirk.

BONES
Suppose they went - nowhere?
KIRK
Then this would be your big
chance to get away from it all.
Saavik pushes a button, joins them on the pods. Slowly
they VANISH.
120 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANETOID REGULA 120
CAMERA MOVES TOWARD it as the BEAM SOUND continues,
with irregularity. The planetoid is ugly and dead.
The sound frightens us, and climaxes with:
121 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 121
The BEAM SOUND screeches, then settles into its
comfortable mode as the FIVE FIGURES FLUCTUATE. FADE,
then APPEAR. They look around in wonder and relief.
SAAVIK
Admiral -
She indicates something O.S. They cross as CAMERA
REVEALS a cave wall stacked with technical materials
and crowned by a LARGE PROJECTILE, a giant version
of the model we saw earlier. They stare, (N.B. FEATURE
GENESIS ARMING CONTROL BOX.)
BONES
Genesis, I presume?
They walk by a group of crates. It all happens very
fast: David leaps out and tackles Kirk, throwing him
to the ground and landing atop him, a knife at his throat.
At the same time, Bones and Saavik reach for their
phasers, but Jedda, already armed, steps out. He has
them covered and helpless.
JEDDA
Phasers down!
71.
122 ANGLE FAVORING DAVID 122
DAVID
(to Kirk)
You!
KIRK
Where's Doctor Marcus?
DAVID
I'm Doctor Marcus!
Carol reaches the tunnel entrance to the cave -
CAROL
Jim -
KIRK
Is that David?
DAVID
Mother! He killed everybody we
left behind.
CAROL
Oh, of course he didn't. David,
you're just making this harder -
TERRELL
I'm afraid it's even harder than
you think, Doctor.
He and Chekov have their phasers trained on them.
TERRELL
(continuing)
Please don't move -
KIRK
Chekov - !
CHEKOV
I'm sorry, Admiral.
Terrell speaks into his wrist recorder.
TERRELL
Your Excellency, have you been
listening?
72.
122 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 122
CAMERA PANS along Khan's arm to wrist radio and up to
his face.
KHAN
I have indeed, Captain.
123 INT. ROCKY CAVERN 123
KHAN'S VOICE
You have done well.
DAVID
I know it! - You son-of-a...
David makes a reckless bread for Terrell, Saavik
instantly throws herself on him bringing him down as
Terrell fires, hitting Jedda, who was behind David -
a killing ray. Jedda dematerializes. Carol SCREAMS
and David reacts with horror and guilt.
Most importantly, Chekov begins to tremble. Terrell
himself is shaken by his reflexive action. He's in
semi-panic.
TERRELL
Don't move - Anybody!
KHAN'S VOICE
Captain? We are waiting.
125 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE - FAVORING KHAN 125
Joachim over his shoulder. Others in evidence. Khan
speaks into the console.
KHAN
What's the delay?
126 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 126
TERRELL
All is well, sir. You - you
have the coordinates to beam
up Genesis...
73.
127 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 127
KHAN
First thing's first, Captain.
Kill Admiral...
128 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 128
KHAN'S VOICE
...Kirk.
Reactions by all - only Kirk and Bones are unsurprised.
David and Saavik, dazed, fight the urge to do something.
Chekov is close to a seizure. Terrell fights
conflicting mental signals.
129 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 129
TERRELL'S VOICE
Sir, that is difficult. I try
to obey, but...

KHAN
Kill him!
130 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 130
TERRELL
I...
As though tearing off a leach,, Terrell grabs at the
wrist recorder and flings it tot he ground. A shockwave
of pain hits Terrell. He recovers, trembling and tries
to obey. Chekov is shaking badly. Terrell aims his
phaser at Kirk. Chekov slowly raises his phaser and
aims at Terrell, though his hands are like lead. We
THINK Chekov is going to do the right thing. Then,
shockingly: Terrell turns the phaser on himself.
KHAN'S VOICE
(still emanates from
wrist recorder)
Kill him, Terrell. Now.
Terrell does, blowing himself into oblivion.

74.
131 ANGLE - FAVORING CHEKOV 131
He SCREAMS, horribly, drops his phaser, clutching his
head. Bones leaps to his side, pulls an injection
device from his belt pack, jabs it into Chekov's arm.
Chekov, almost with a sigh of relief, drops.
BONES
God sakes!
They rush to his side, as do Carol and David
132 ANGLE - FAVORING CHEKOV 132
From the fallen man's ear, something begins to emerge.
133 VERY CLOSE - CHEKOV'S EAR 133
The Ceti eel crawls out. It has grown quite large.
134 LOW ANGLE - KIRK 134
Horror from all. Kirk picks up a phaser. As the eel
clears Chekov, he fires and destroys it. He shudders,
then sees the wrist recorder and grabs it.
KIRK
Khan, you dirty bloodsucker!!
135 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 135
KIRK'S VOICE
You're going to have to do your
own dirty work now! Do you hear
me?! Do you?!
Khan reacts to Kirk's VOICE: electric shock. he
clutches the communicator, his eye-whites rolling.
KHAN
Kirk! Kirk, you're still alive -
my old friend...
136 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - FAVORING KIRK 136
KIRK
Still 'old friend.' You've managed
kill just about everyone else.
75.
137 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 137
KIRK'S VOICE
But like a poor marksman, you keep
missing the target.
KHAN
(ironic)
Perhaps I no longer need to try.
He punches several buttons.
138 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 138
In the rocky cavern the transporter beam locks on to the
Genesis torpedo and it's arming control box.
As Kirk and the other watch, horrified, Khan beam sup
the materials. David tries to reach the torpedo, but
Saavik holds him fast -
DAVID
No - he can't take it - !
The beam disappears and Genesis with it, leaving them
alone.
KIRK
(desperate)
Khan, Khan, you've got Genesis...
139 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 139
KIRK'S VOICE
... but you don't have me! you
were going to kill me, Khan!
You're going to have to come down
here! You're going to have to
come down here!
KHAN
I've done far worse than kill you.
I've hurt you. And I wish to go on
hurting you. I shall leave you,
as you left me -
76.
140 INT. ROCKY CAVERN -REGULA 140
KHAN'S VOICE
... as you left her. Marooned for
all eternity in the center of a dead
planet -
141 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 141
KHAN
Buried alive!
142 INT. ROCKY CAVERN - REGULA 142
KHAN'S VOICE
Buried alive!
KIRK
Khan!
143 EXT. REGULA PLANET SURFACE 143
CAMERA PULLS UP and BACK over rocky surface.
KIRK'S VOICE
Khan!
INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 144
Khan closes his eyes in voluptuous satisfaction.
145 INT. ROCKY CAVERN 145
As before, Saavik is on the communicator.
SAAVIK
This is Lieutenant Saavik, calling
Enterprise... Can you read us?
She keeps trying. Chekov stirs -
BONES
He's coming around.
Bones goes and tends Chekov who moans, tries to sit up.
(CONTINUED)
77.
145 CONTINUED: 145
KIRK
Pavel?
Chekov tries to smile; Kirk takes his hand.
SAAVIK
Can you read us? It's no use,
Admiral, they're still jamming our
channels.
BONES
(looks across Chekov)
If Enterprise followed orders she's
long since gone. If she couldn't
obey, she's finished.
DAVID
So are we, it looks like.
CAROL
I don't understand. Who's responsible
for all this? Who is Khan?
KIRK
Oh, it's a long story.
DAVID
We appear to have plenty of time.
KIRK
Is there anything to eat? I don't
know about anyone else, but I'm
starved.
BONES
How can you think of food at a time
like this?
KIRK
First order of business. Survival.
CAROL
There is food in the Genesis cave,
enough to last a lifetime - if
necessary.
BONES
We thought this was Genesis.
Carol laughs - there's an edge of hysteria to it.
(CONTINUED)
78.
145 CONTINUED: (2) 145
CAROL
This? It took the Starfleet corps
of engineers ten months in space
suits to tunnel out all of this.
What we did in there - we did in
a day. David, why don't you show
Doctor McCoy and the Lieutenant our
idea of food.
DAVID
We just can't sit here - !
KIRK
(unruffled)
Oh, yes we can.
DAVID
(to Kirk)
This is just to give us something
to do, isn't it?
(he shrugs)
Come on.
Saavik and Bones make to follow. Saavik turns to Kirk -
SAAVIK
Admiral?
KIRK
As your teacher Mister Spock is fond
of saying: I like to think there
are always possibilities.
Saavik turns and exits.
KIRK
(continuing, to
Carol)
I did what you wanted. I stayed
away. Why didn't you tell me?
CAROL
How can you ask me that? Were we
together? Were we going to be?
You had your world and I had mine.
And I wanted him in mine, not chasing
through the universe with his father.
Kirk turns away, overcome. She watches him.
(CONTINUED)
79.
145 CONTINUED: (3) 145
CAROL
(continuing)
Actually, he's a lot like you in
many ways. Please. Tell me what
you're feeling.
KIRK
There's a man out there I haven't
seen in fifteen years who's trying
to kill me. You show me a son
that'd be happy to help him. My son.
My life that could have been and
wasn't. And what am I feeling?
Old - worn out.
CAROL
Let me show you something that'll
make you feel young - as when the
world was new.
She offers her hand. After a moment's hesitation,
Kirk takes her hand and she leads him to the tunnel.
146 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 146
Doors slide open REVEALING Joachim. CAMERA PANS DOWN
past him to CU Khan.
JOACHIM
Impulse power restored.
KHAN
Excellent. More than a match for
poor Enterprise.
147 INT. TUNNEL 147
TRUCKING BEFORE Carol and Kirk. A rising light falls
on their faces as they walk, they run with excitement
toward the source. Kirk races ahead...
147A KIRK'S POV - MOVING THOUGH THE TUNNEL 147A
toward an iridescent light at its end, blindingly
beautiful with color.
INTERCUT: THESE TWO ANGLES until WE CAN HARDLY WAIT
for Kirk to reach the end of the tunnel, and then,
when he does:
80.
147B INT. GENESIS CAVE - PROMONTORY LEVEL 147B
where the rock tunnel ends. Kirk comes out of the
tunnel, and his mouth drops open.
147C FULL SHOT - THE GENESIS CAVE (MATTE AND FX) 147C
A huge cavern. Kirk is actually standing at the middle
of it. Space extends vastly above and below his point
of view. Like Eden, lush growth everywhere, waterfalls,
and a cobalt of blue sky high, high above where a round orb
glows sending light and warmth downward. There is a
path from where Kirk stands down to the lower level where
Bones, and the others are waiting and calling to him.
Mist and haze waft gently across the cavern.
147D BACK TO KIRK 147D
as Carol comes up beside him.
KIRK
You all did this - in a day?!
CAROL
The matrix formed in a day. The
life forms grew later - at a
substantially accelerated rate.
BONES
Kirk! This is fantastic! Have
you ever seen the like?
CARL
Can I cook or can't I?
148 EXT. SPACE - REGULA 148
Reliant ominously pokes her nose into the lit side of
the planet, heading for Enterprise.
149 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 149
Joachim stands next to Khan, who frowns suddenly,
reacting, leaning forward.
150 ON SCREEN 150
The Regula I Space Station - but where is Enterprise?
81.
151 ON KHAN 151
frowning with puzzlement.
KHAN
Where is she?
152 EXT./INT. GENESIS CAVERN PLATFORM 152
Past waterfall at Kirk, Saavik, McCoy, David, and Carol
sitting and standing on grass at mouth of tunnel steps.
Saavik paces stopping beside Kirk sitting on a rock
next to Carol.
SAAVIK
Sir? May I ask you a question.
KIRK
What's on your mind, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
The Kobayashi Maru, sir.
KIRK
Are you asking me if we're playing
out that scenario now, Lieutenant?
SAAVIK
On the test, sir. Will you tell
me what you did? I would really
like to know.
Kirk looks at Bones, who smiles -
BONES
Lieutenant, you are looking at the
only Starfleet cadet who ever beat
the no-win scenario -
SAAVIK
How?
KIRK
I reprogrammed the simulation so it
was possible to rescue the ship.
SAAVIK
WHAT?
(CONTINUED)
82.
152 CONTINUED: 152
DAVID
(laughs)
He cheated!
KIRK
I changed the conditions of the test.
I got a commendation for original
thinking.
(pause)
I don't like to lose.
SAAVIK
Then - you never faced that situation
- faced death...
He picks up the communicator.
KIRK
I don't believe in the no-win
scenario
(into communicator)
Kirk to Spock. It's two hours.
Are you about ready?
SPOCK'S VOICE
Right on schedule, Admiral. Just
give us your coordinates and we'll
beam you aboard.
The others are on their feet, stunned with amazement -
KIRK
All right!
(to Saavik)
I don't like to lose.
He clicks off.
153 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ENTERPRISE 153
Kirk, David, Saavik, Carol and Bones, holding the
semi-conscious Chekov MATERIALIZE. Spock is there to
greet them.
SAAVIK
But the damage report - we were
immobilized... Captain Spock said
it'd be two days.
(CONTINUED)
83.
153 CONTINUED: 153
KIRK
Come, come, Lieutenant, you of
all people go by the book, Spock!
You remember Doctor Marcus...
They are moving through the room as they talk -
SPOCK
Why, of course.
CAROL
Hello, Mister Spock.

BONES
I'm taking this bunch to sick bay.
SAAVIK
(overlapping)
By the book?
KIRK
By the book! Regulation Forty-six-A:
'If transmissions are being monitored
during battle...'
SAAVIK
...no uncoded messages on an open
channel...'
Saavik steps out in front of Spock.
SAAVIK
(continuing)
You lied.
SPOCK
I exaggerated.
KIRK
Hours instead of days, Saavik.
154 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR 154
KIRK
Now we have minutes instead of
hours -
Saavik and Kirk follow Spock. they stop at a Turbo
Lift -
(CONTINUED)
84.
154 CONTINUED: 154
SPOCK
They're inoperative below C-deck.
They race down the corridors as they speak -
KIRK
What IS working around here?
SPOCK
Not much, Admiral. We have partial
main power...
KIRK
That's it?
SPOCK
Best we could do in two hours.
155 EXT. SPACE & DEAD PLANET 155
The Enterprise moves forward; CAMERA PANS UP SLOWLY
over rocky surface to REVEAL the Reliant SEEN above.
156 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 156
Full crew in place as doors whoosh open -
SULU
(overjoyed)
Admiral on the bridge -
KIRK
Battle stations!
ALARMS, SIRENS, ETC. CREW RUSHES INTO PLACE as Kirk,
Spock and Saavik approach the big screen.
KIRK
(continuing)
Tactical.
We see the Enterprise emerging from the dark side of
Gamma Regula, where Reliant is now a moving blip.
KIRK
(continuing)
Uh-oh.
(CONTINUED)
85.
156 CONTINUED: 156
SPOCK
She can still outrun us and out-
gun us. But there is the Mutara
Nebula at one-five-three mark four.
KIRK
(studies his console)
Scotty, can we make it inside?
SCOTTY
The energizer's bypassed like a
Christmas tree - so don't give me
too many bumps.
KIRK
No promises. On your way.
SAAVIK
Trouble with the nebula, sir, is all
that static discharge and gas clouds
our tactical display. Visual won't
function and shields will be useless.
Kirk looks over the rims of his glasses at Spock; they
smile with faint amusement.
SPOCK
Sauce for the goose, Mister Saavik.
The odds will be even.
157 EXT. SPACE 157
Enterprise travels away from the planet.
158 VARIOUS CORRIDORS, ENTERPRISE 158
As the lights change, the CREW runs to their stations.
159 INT. HOSPITAL 159
Crew members raise floor pieces as CAMERA MOVES IN.
Large torpedo is lowered from above, fitting into floor.
Crew members run in corridor with equipment.
160 EXT. SPACE & ENTERPRISE 160
The Enterprise whooshes by CAMERA leaving Regula
behind. Reliant now appears in far b.g. and CAMERA
BEGINS A MOVE to her.
86.
161 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 161
KHAN
There she is! There she is!
Ahh! Not so wounded as we were
led to believe - so much the better...
162 EXT. SPACE 162
Reliant moves to and past CAMERA in hot pursuit.
163 EXT. SPACE - SERIES OF SHOTS 163
Call them SPACE-BYS. Enterprise rushes TOWARD US,
flashes BY and CONTINUES towards the swirling nebula.
THEN Reliant does the same, closer in pursuit. At
this moment, half the distance between Regula and
the nebula has been covered.
164 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 164
SPOCK
Estimating nebula penetration
in two point two minutes.
Reliant is closing.
165 EXT. SPACE 165
Orientation SHOT. Reliant can clearly see where
Enterprise is headed -
166 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 166
JOACHIM
If they go in there, we'll lose
them.
KHAN
Explain it to them.
167 SOMEONE PUNCHES A BUTTON 167
168 EXT. SPACE 168
Reliant's shot crosses Enterprise's bow -
87.
169 INT. ENTERPRISE HOSPITAL 169
David paces; Carol and McCoy are seated. The ship
reverberates with the near miss.
170 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 170
SAAVIK
That was close -
KIRK
(unfazed)
They just don't want us going in
there.
SPOCK
One minute to nebula perimeter.
The bridge door slides open and David enters. He
stares in wonder.
171 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 171
Khan, seated in the captain's chair, points, reacting.
KHAN
Are we slowing?
JOACHIM
We can't follow them into the nebula.
Our shields would be useless.
172 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 172
SPOCK
They are reducing speed.
KIRK
Uhura, patch me in -
UHURA
Aye, sir... You're on, Admiral.
173 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 173
KIRK'S VOICE
This is Admiral Kirk.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
88.
173 CONTINUED: 173
KIRK'S VOICE (CONT'D)
We tried it once your way, Khan.
Are you game for a rematch?
Khan's eyes bulge -
174 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 174
KIRK
Khan - ! I'm laughing...
175 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 175
KIRK'S VOICE
... at the "superior" intellect.
KHAN
Full impulse power!
JOACHIM
No. Sir! You have Genesis -
You can have whatever you -
KHAN
Full power damn you!
And he reaches across and executes it himself.
176 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 176
They react to Reliant's speed-up. The nebula approach
is ON SCREEN.
KIRK
(dry)
I'll say this for him: he's
consistent.
SPOCK
We are now entering the Mutara
Nebula.
177 EXT. SPACE - THE MUTARA NEBULA 177
WE'RE VERY CLOSE NOW, and SEE CLEARLY the swirling,
slowly moving gasses, magenta, purple, etc.
(CONTINUED)
89.
177 CONTINUED: 177
There are veils of luminescent materials and through
all an interlace of unpredictable electrical charges.
Like lightning, these intermittent great flashes
illumine whole sections of the nebula. OUR VIEW is
moving slowly forward...
KIRK'S VOICE
Emergency lights.
178 THE NEBULA 178
As Enterprise whooshes into the PICTURE headed into
the purplish gas - and disappears into a cloud bank
of the stuff.
A moment then Reliant APPEARS, pursues Enterprise
into the gloom, also disappears.
179 INT. RELIANT SCREEN 179
ON SCREEN the picture is squirrelly purple, breaking
up. Blindness. Panic.
KHAN
Tactical!
JOACHIM
(tries)
Inoperative.
KHAN
Raise the shields...
Electrical forces raging without are also reflected on
the circuits within. It's bumpy, on top of everything
else. Electronic WHINING.
JOACHIM
As I feared, sir. Not functional.
I'm reducing speed.
Khan does not argue.
180 EXT. SPACE - PURPLE - SERIES OF SHOTS 180
Cautiously Reliant emerges from a massive "cloudbank."
electrical discharges abound. Barely moving, she
feels her way forward. Alone.
90.
181 ANGLE WIDENS 181
A treat: Enterprise is above and behind Reliant.
182 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - ON SCREEN 182
Reliant's image is breaking up.
CADET'S VOICE
Target, sir!
SULU
Phaser lock inoperative, sir.
KIRK
Best guess, Mister Sulu. Fire
when ready.
Sulu strains, then fires - just as an electrical
disturbance bounces off the bridge -
183 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 183
The bounce causes Sulu's phaser shot to go wide of
Reliant, amid CRACKLING discharges -
184 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 184
rolls from the near-miss concussion -
KHAN
Aft torpedoes - fire - !
185 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 185

Reliant is wide of the mark with a photon torpedo.
A BLINDING ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE. When it clears,
Enterprise appears to be alone.
186 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 186
ON SCREEN, nothing but magenta amid picture breakup -
KIRK
(sweating)
Hold your course.
91.
187 EXT. NEBULA 187
Enterprise feeling its way...
188 ON BRIDGE - POV ON SCREEN 188
All peer into the lousy picture. Occasional electrical
flashes.
189 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 189
Still Enterprise moves forward... A LARGE FLASH....
A SUDDEN GLIMPSE: Reliant boring in on collision course!
190 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 190
A sudden clearing ON SCREEN: Reliant!
KIRK
Evasive starboard!
Hard over, but not fast enough. Reliant fires a phaser.
191 EXT. ENTERPRISE 191
CLOSE, LOW on Enterprise.
192 RELIANT 192
HIGH ANGLE as Reliant moves FG, firing.
193 EXT. ENTERPRISE 193
Reliant's phaser shot hits the Enterprise torpedo
room in dorsal fin area of ship.
194 INT. ENTERPRISE TORPEDO ROOM 194
An EXPLOSION rocks the room and...
195 EXT. ENTERPRISE 195
Phaser fire hits Enterprise, causing white explosion
to COVER SCREEN.
92.
196 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 196
Men fall into explosion area - smoke covers SCREEN.
197 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 197
The bridge rattles from the explosion below; Sulu is
thrown from his chair. Saavik leaps to her post -
KIRK
Fire!
198 EXT. ENTERPRISE 198
Enterprise fires.
199 EXT. RELIANT 199
Reliant moving as its bridge is hit by phaser fire.
Explosion covers SCREEN.
200 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 200
The bridge is damaged; Joachim and others are wounded...
Khan moves around bridge to piece of fallen equipment,
lifts heavy piece of wreckage and tosses it. He reacts,
looking down O.S.
201 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 201
Bones is there, helping some stunned crewmen. The
reactor room flashes a red warning light and glows
with a blue light. The air is heavy with smoke but
the doors, damaged earlier, still hold.
KIRK'S VOICE
Damage, Mister Scott?
SCOTTY
Admiral, I've got to take the mains
off the line. The - radiation -
Scotty starts to pass out and McCoy grabs him, dragging
him out.
KIRK'S VOICE
Scotty?!
93.
202 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 202
Khan kneels on the floor, holding the dying Joachim
in his arms. Joachim dies with his eyes open; Khan
hugs him fiercely.
KHAN
Joachim!
JOACHIM
Yours...is...the superior...
KHAN
I shall avenge you -
203 EXT. SPACE & NEBULA 203
Reliant enters and disappears into a deep purple mass.
204 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 204
The bridge door opens and closes; Chekov, faint,
stands there.
CHEKOV
Could you use another hand,
Admiral?
KIRK
Man the weapons console, Mister
Chekov.
ANGLE FAVORING David as the others react to Chekov
taking his place. Quiet.
KIRK
(continuing)
Spock?
Spock is bent over the scanner -
SPOCK
Sporadic energy readings port side,
aft. Could be an impulse turn.
KIRK
He won't break off now. He followed
me this far, he'll be back. But,
from where...?
(CONTINUED)
94.
204 CONTINUED: 204
SPOCK
He's intelligent, but not experienced.
His pattern indicates two-dimensional
thinking...
Kirk looks at him, smiles.
KIRK
Full stop.
SULU
Full stop, sir.
KIRK
Descent ten thousand meters. Stand
by photon torpedoes.
205 EXT. ENTERPRISE 205
Enterprise moves DOWN; lights flash within nebula.
Reliant emerges from murky clouds, moving forward.
206 INT. RELIANT RIDGE 206
CLOSE on large screen with static and criss-crossing
colors. Khan clasps his hands in front of his face,
sighs, watches O.S. screen, reacting.
207 EXT. RELIANT & ENTERPRISE 207
Reliant moves into foreground as Enterprise appears,
moving upward into view behind it.
208 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 208
Chekhov's hand pulls out torpedo fire button.
CHEKHOV
Torpedoes ready, sir.
209 EXT. RELIANT & ENTERPRISE 209
Reliant motionless in the f.g. amid occasional flashes.
Now, behind Reliant and from below, like a great whale
rising from the depths, Enterprise rises vertically,
slowly passing the unsuspecting enemy. When
Enterprise is above, behind and quite close:
95.
210 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 210
Reliant ON SCREEN, intermittent but clear.
KIRK
Look sharp!
(pause)
Fire!
211 EXT. RELIANT & ENTERPRISE 211
Enterprise fires. Reliant's bridge is hit and explodes.
212 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 212
Khan is walking forward through doorway to bridge as
it explodes and he falls, screaming.
213 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 213
KIRK
Fire!
214 EXT. RELIANT & ENTERPRISE 214
Past Reliant at Enterprise firing torpedoes, hitting
Reliant's port engine, scattering debris into space.
CLOSE ON RELIANT EXPLODING
215 INT. RELIANT 215
Crew men fall from the impact of torpedo fire and
explosion.
216 EXT. ENTERPRISE 216
Firing torpedo.
217 EXT. RELIANT 217
Torpedo hits causing explosion. Engine breaks away
into space. Explosion covers SCREEN.
96.
218 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 218
Joachim's body is slumped in FG. Khan and others are
thrown about from explosion hitting bridge.
219 EXT. RELIANT 219
CAMERA PULLS BACK with Reliant moving into FG, one
engine gone.
220 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 220
No cheers, just deadly professionalism.
KIRK
Uhura, send to Commander, Reliant:
prepare to be boarded.
UHURA
Aye, sir.
(into headset)
Commander Reliant, prepare to be
boarded.
221 INT. RELIANT WRECKAGE 221
Amid the smoke and ruins, WE SEE no signs of life.
UHURA'S VOICE
Surrender and prepare to be boarded.
Enterprise to Reliant. You are
ordered to surrender your vessel.
Respond!
(scuffling noise)
Reliant! Come in, Reliant! You
are ordered to surrender your
vessel!
222 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 222
Uhura at Comm.
UHURA
Enterprise to Reliant. You are
ordered to surrender your vessel.
Respond.
97.
223 INT. RELIANT WRECKAGE 223
IN f.g. chillingly, Khan rises INTO SHOT by the main
console. He is horribly burned, and it is clear that
he is clinging to life.
KHAN
No... Kirk. The game's not over.
As Uhura's voice continues O.S., Khan pulls himself into a
chair at the console, one of his hands useless at his side.
224 INT. RELIANT TRANSPORTER ROOM 224
Lower half of Genesis device on pod, lighting up.
225 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 225
Khan pushes another control.
226 INT. RELIANT TRANSPORTER ROOM - GENESIS DEVICE 226
Genesis comes to life.
227 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 227
Khan turns controls on console. CAMERA MOVES IN.
228 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - GENESIS 228
The device begins to hum.
229 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 229
KHAN
To the last I will grapple with
thee!
Painfully, with one good arm, he starts arming the
Genesis console.
230 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 230
Kirk swivels in chair to face Spock.
(CONTINUED)
98.
230 CONTINUED: 230
SPOCK
Admiral. Scanning an energy source
on Reliant. A pattern I've never
seen before.
David peers closer over Spock's shoulder, reacts.
DAVID
It's the Genesis Wave!
KIRK
What?
DAVID
They're on a build-up to detonation!
KIRK
How soon -
DAVID
We encoded four minutes -
KIRK
We'll beam aboard and stop it -
DAVID
You can't!
The briefest stunned moment. Kirk hits intercom:
KIRK
Scotty, I need warp speed in three
minutes or we're all dead!
STATIC.
UHURA
No response, Admiral.
KIRK
Scotty!
Spock leaps from his place and deciparas through the
Turbo doors.
KIRK
(continuing)
Mister Sulu, get us out of here,
best possible speed!
SULU
Aye, sir!
99.
231 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 231
Enterprise backs away from Reliant. Her speed is
painfully slow.
232 INT. RELIANT TRANSPORTER ROOM - GENESIS 232
Genesis glows with power.
233 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM AREA 233
Spock on ladder; he bends down and lifts hatch cover.
234 EXT. ENTERPRISE 234

Moving slowly.
235 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 235
Spock moves down ladder to floor of engine room toward
Scotty's unmanned console.
236 EXT. RELIANT 236
Reliant drifts into the nebula
237 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 237
Spock rushes in. Bones ministers to Scotty, b.g.
Spock sizes up the situation, starts for the radiation
room, Bones intercepts him.
BONES
Are you out of your Vulcan mind?
No human can tolerate the radiation
that's in there!
SPOCK
As you are so fond of observing,
Doctor, I am not human.
BONES
You're not going in there - !
(CONTINUED)
100.
237 CONTINUED: 237
SPOCK
Perhaps you're right. What is
Mister Scott's condition?
BONES
Well, I don't think that he...
He gives Bones the Vulcan nerve pinch. Bones goes
down.
SPOCK
I'm sorry, Doctor. I have no time
to discuss this logically -
CLOSE ON Spock's hand on side of McCoy's face, eyes
closed.
SPOCK
(continuing)
Remember.
Spock presses the access button and enters the reactor
room, a separated area behind radiation-proof glass
and metal, RED FLASHING LIGHTS and an iridescent blue
glow within.
238 ANGLE - SCOTTY 238
SCOTTY
(in horror)
Spock - get out of there!
Spock!! Spock!! Get outta
there!
239 EXT. SPACE & ENTERPRISE 239
Enterprise travels forward slowly, followed by Reliant
drifting behind, moving through the nebula's flashing
lights.
240 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 240
KIRK
Time from my mark...
SAAVIK
Two minutes, ten seconds.
(CONTINUED)
101.
240 CONTINUED: 240
KIRK
(intercom)
Engine room! What's happening?!
241 INT. THE ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 241
Outside the glass, Scotty and Bones screaming!
BONES
Spock!
SCOTTY
Spock!
BONES
You dumb ninny! Get out of
there!
REVERSE ANGLE as Spock works inside with radiation,
lifts top of radiation container, releasing power
as it bursts up into his face.
SCOTTY
No! God, don't, Spock!
242 WITHIN 242
WE CAN SEE the silent urging of Bones and Scotty.
Spock is oblivious. Amid the fire-blue arcs, he moves
to the control panel. Between his hands and the controls,
power arcs insanely. Spock is an inferno, a radiation
hell, fighting now with all his strength to control it.
Slowly, the damping rods move out. Spock moves to a
manual control, begins to turn it.
243 EXT. ENTERPRISE & NEBULA 243
Enterprise and Reliant SEEN drifting in BG. Enterprise
exits.
244 INT. RELIANT TRANSPORTER ROOM & GENESIS 244
Genesis glows.
102.
245 INT. BRIDGE ENTERPRISE 245
Reliant, now symbol of death, ON SCREEN.
KIRK
Time!
SAAVIK
Three minutes, thirty seconds.
KIRK
Distance from Reliant?
CHEKOV
Four thousand kilometers.
SULU
We're not going to make it,
are we?
Kirk looks at David, but David shakes his head. No way.
246 INT. RELIANT BRIDGE 246
ON SCREEN, Enterprise, intermittent image, backs away.
Khan smiles triumphantly through his pain. An
electronic power SOUND has been building.
KHAN
No... You can't get away... From
hell's heart I stab at thee...
(amid the pain)
For hate's sake... I spit my last
breath at thee!
Khan topples forward, dead. The WHINE continues to build
chillingly.
247 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - GENESIS 247
Genesis glowing, vibrating with power.
248 INT. ENTERPRISE REACTOR ROOM 248
Through the glass walls, CAMERA PANS UP with Spock, rising.
He sets top back, covering escaping radiation.
103.
249 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 249
CLOSE on monitor as levels change.
CADET
Sir! The mains are back on line!
KIRK
Bless you, Scotty! GO, Sulu
250 EXT. SPACE NEBULA 250
With a burst of warp speed, Enterprise accelerates
out of the lazy pace and whooshes OUT OF SCENE,
leaving Reliant behind.
251 EXT. SPACE - RELIANT 251
The WHINE increasing, the dead ship Reliant alive with
danger...
252 EXT. ENTERPRISE 252
The Enterprise safely outside the explosion, moving
rapidly forward, in warp speed.
253 EXT. MUTARA NEBULA - MASTER EFFECT 253
As Reliant goes, so goes the nebula. The "Genesis
Effect" WE SAW in its earliest experiments, now seems
familiar on a gigantic, cosmic scale.
The blinding flash at first, followed by the same tumbling
turbulence of the miniature effect. It is awesome.
254 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 254
The bridge doors open and Carol appears. instinctively
she draws near her son.
Finally, Kirk turns, sees Carol -
KIRK
My God, Carol! Look at it.
(CONTINUED)
104.
254 CONTINUED: 254
ON SCREEN and INTERCUT - GENESIS TUMBLES and starts
evolving. A moment in history.
KIRK
(continuing, on
intercom)
Engine room. Well done, Scotty.
BONES' VOICE
(after a beat)
Jim! I think you'd better get
down here.
The tone frightens Kirk.
KIRK
Bones?
BONES' VOICE
Better hurry!
KIRK
Saavik, take the con.
He moves though the doors quickly, leaving the rest
staring at the new world evolving.
255 EXT. GENESIS & SPACE 255
Red hot clouds surround the new planet being born.
256 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDORS 256
Endless. Kirk runs forever, feet pounding down,
down, down -
257 EXT. GENESIS & SPACE 257
The clouds tumble and move, new things lie beyond -
The red dims.
258 INT. ENTERPRISE ENGINE ROOM 258
Kirk emerges to encounter Scotty and Bones. Their looks
tell him. He sees the flashing light over the reactor
room. He dashes for the control panel. Bones grabs him.
(CONTINUED)
105.
258 CONTINUED: 258
BONES
Don't! You'll flood the whole
compartment...!
KIRK
He'll die - !
SCOTTY
(also holds him)
Sir! He's dead already!
Kirk's eyes bulge.
BONES
It's too late.
259 ANGLE AT REACTOR ROOM GLASS DOOR 259

With stunned understanding, Kirk stumbles to the door,
sees Spock on his knees, hands blackened, face cracked
with radiation lines and scars.
Spock shakes his head. With a feeble hand he reaches
the intercom button: FILTERED communication.
KIRK
(mouths word)
Spock!
(calls out into
intercom)
Spock!
SPOCK
Ship - out of danger?
KIRK
Yes -
Spock is satisfied; he fights for breath.
SPOCK
Do not grieve, Admiral - it is
logical: the needs of the many
outweigh -
He almost keels over. Kirk has tears steaming down
his face.
KIRK
... the needs of the few...
(CONTINUED)
106.
259 CONTINUED: 259
SPOCK
Or the one.
He props a hand on the glass to support himself. Kirk's
hand reflexively goes to match Spock's on the other side
of the glass -
SPOCK
(continuing)
I never took the Kobayashi Maru
test - until now. What do you
think of my solution?
KIRK
Spock...!
SPOCK
I have been - and always will be
- your friend...Live. Long. And.
Prosper.
Spock falls. Bones and Scotty react.
KIRK
No...!
DISSOLVE TO:
260 INT. ENTERPRISE 260
CAMERA PANS DOWN with Spock's burial capsule covered
with the Starfleet Logo/flag, being lowered down to
Torp. Bay 2. We SEE the Ship's Company in full dress
uniforms assembled for ship's burial service.
Over the PULLBACK, we HEAR:
KIRK
We are assembled here today to
pay final respects to our honored
dead.
Carol and David are PROMINENTLY FEATURED.
David watching Kirk attentively. So are Sulu, Uhura,
Chekov, and Saavik. Bones stands next to Kirk. Scotty
carries his bagpipes. Saavik wears her hair down.
(CONTINUED)
107.
260 CONTINUED: 260
KIRK
(continuing)
And yet, it should be noted, that
in the midst of our sorrow, this
death takes place in the shadow of
new life, the sunrise of a new world,
a world that our beloved comrade
gave his life to protect and
nourish. He did not feel this
sacrifice a vain or an empty one -
and we will not debate his profound
wisdom at these proceedings. Of
my friend, I can only say this...
of all the souls I have encountered
in my travels, his was the most -
(he falters)
- human.
SULU
Honors - hup!
All Starfleet personnel salute. Scotty begins to PIPE,
an odd blare which mellows into Amazing Grace. Kirk
nods a signal.
261 THE CAPSULE 261
A gleaming black projectile is carried by pallbearers
into the launching chamber, which locks behind it. At
a hand signal from a TORPEDOMAN, the projectile is
fired. NOISE.
262 EXT. SPACE 262
Spock's remains seen on their way to the new world.
The capsule grows too small to SEE. The bagpipes STOP.
263 INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS 263
After a long moment, the CAMERA DISCOVERS Kirk. He
pours a drink, then decides not to have it.
He sits wearily, not knowing how to shake the ghosts.
Then he sees the book.
Kirk picks up the battered volume, the gift from his
friend, and closes his eyes a moment. Almost idly he
starts turning pages, looking for a clue.
(CONTINUED)
108.
263 CONTINUED: 263
But he can't see the writing - He rummages through his
pockets and pulls out the half-glasses -
One of the lenses is broken. It has a deep impact on
Kirk. He puts down the book and glasses and covers
his eyes.
A SOFT BONG. Kirk clears his throat.
KIRK
Come.
The door whooshes open and closes to admit David. The
last person Kirk expected to see.
DAVID
I don't mean to intrude.
KIRK
No, not at all. I should be on
the bridge.
DAVID
Look, can I talk to you for a
minute?
KIRK
I poured myself a drink. Would you
like it?
DAVID
Lieutenant Saavik was right: you
never have faced a death.
KIRK
(hoarse)
No. Not like this. I haven't faced
death, I've cheated death. I've
tricked my way out of death and patted
myself on the back for my ingenuity.
I know nothing.
DAVID
You knew enough to tell Saavik that
how we face death is at least as
important as how we face life -
KIRK
Just words -
(CONTINUED)
109.
263 CONTINUED: (2) 263
DAVID
But good words. That's where ideas
begin. Maybe you should listen to
them. I was wrong about you.
(pause)
And I'm sorry.
KIRK
Is that what you came here to say?
DAVID
Mainly.
(he starts out,
then turns - )
And also that I'm proud - very
proud - to be your son.
A stunned moment, then Kirk lets it all hang out: for
David, for Carol and for Spock. He hugs his son,
holding onto him as to life itself.
264 EXT. SPACE 264
The Enterprise passes the new planet in all its beauty.
265 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 265

The door whooshes. Kirk strides on the bridge, David
with him. Carol is there with Bones; they are glad at
what they see.
266 EXT. SPACE & ENTERPRISE 266
Enterprise moving as the sun goes behind the Genesis
planet.
KIRK'S VOICE
Captain's Log, Stardate eighty-
one, thirty-one, point six.
267 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE 267
Kirk walks forward across bridge past Sulu. CAMERA
PULLS BACK with him to railing to include McCoy and
Carol looking at large screen with a full view of the
new Genesis planet with the sun coming around its side.
(CONTINUED)
110.
267 CONTINUED: 267
KIRK
Starship Enterprise departed for
Ceti Alpha Five to pick up the
crew of the USS Reliant. All is
well. And yet, I can't help
wondering about the friend I
leave behind. there are always
possibilities, Spock said. And
if Genesis is indeed "life from
death," I must return to this place
again.
BONES
He's really not dead. As long as
we remember him.
KIRK
"It is a far, far better thing I do
than I have ever done before.
(beat)
A far better resting place that I
go to than I have ever known."
CAROL
(soft)
Is that a poem?
KIRK
No. Something Spock was trying to
tell me. On my birthday.
Kirk shakes his head, remembering -
BONES
You okay, Jim? How do you feel?
KIRK
(considers; smiles)
Young. I feel young.
268 EXT. SPACE & GENESIS 268
CAMERA PANS over surface of planet. DARK SCREEN.
LAPSE DISSOLVE:
269 EXT. GENESIS & CLOUDS 269
Swirling, moving clouds.
LAPSE DISSOLVE:
111.
270 EXT. GENESIS SURFACE 270
Lush trees and sun shining through them.
LAPSE DISSOLVE:
271 EXT. GENESIS SURFACE 271
CAMERA MOVES OVER treetops.
LAPSE DISSOLVE:
272 EXT. GENESIS SURFACE 272
Through trees and lush plants, CRANING UP and HOLDING
on Spock's capsule resting on grass.
LAPSE DISSOLVE:
273 EXT. GENESIS SURFACE 273
CAMERA MOVES OVER trees as sun sets and wind blows
branches on trees.
FADE TO WHITE.
274 FADE IN FROM WHITE: 274
EXT. SPACE FINALE (BOARDED)
SPOCK'S VOICE
Space, the final frontier... These
are the continuing voyages of the
Starship Enterprise... Her ongoing
mission: to explore strange new
worlds... to seek out new life and
new civilizations... To boldly go
where no man has gone before...
She is moving out now, passing CAMERA and heading toward
the distant stars. She is beautiful and they are
beautiful. And as she slowly disapepars from VIEW...
MUSIC RISES. CREDITS ROLL.
----------
THE END

THE END