Star Trek: The Motion Picture

	                           Screenplay by:
	               GENE RODDENBERRY &  HAROLD LIVINGSTONE

	                              Story by:
	                ALAN DEAN FOSTER  & GENE RODDENBERRY

	      
	                                                     SHOOTING SCRIPT

	                                                       July 19, 1978



	      

	      FADE IN :

	  1   EXT SPACE (S)                                                1

	      An ever expanding infinity of light and color as CAMERA            

    
	      TRAVELS THROUGH deep space, MOVING DIRECTLY for one
	      pinpoint of light: a STAR GROWING RAPIDLY as we SWEEP
	      TOWARD IT, a normal white star SUDDENLY CHANGING,
	      brightening, flaring unbelievable intensity: supernova.
	      The CAMERA HOLDS just a moment, then MOVES on, SEARCH-
	      ING through space, the jeweled beauty of other star
	      systems, sparkling nebulae, swirling hydrogen clouds.
	      STILL MOVING, then CAMERA FINDS:

	  2   EXT. AREA OF LUMINESCENCE (S)                                2

	      In the far distance, slowly growing in size as CAMERA
	      APPROACHES: it resembles, vaguely at this distance, an
	      Aurora Borealis: flaring colors from the fringes,
	      beautiful yet ominous. It is so large, this Cloud, it
	      can envelope an entire solar system. CAMERA CONTINUES
	      APPROACHING the Cloud, and then suddenly, crossing
	      our POV, a:
	         
	  3   KLINGON HEAVY CRUISER (S)                                    3

	      In a graceful, turning arc toward the mysterious
	      LUMINESCENCE. CAMERA FOLLOWS this Klingon, then FINDS
	      a second Klingon cruiser, also turning toward the Cloud,
	      which continues to grow in size as the Klingons
	      approach at warp speed, CAMERA CLOSING on the lead
	      ship, until the vessel's detail can be clearly MADE
	      OUT: lights, weaponry, power systems, identification
	      emblazoned on the nacelles and saucer in Klingon
	      language (and symbols).

	  4   INT. KLINGON CRUISER BRIDGE (O)                              4

	      Clearly alien, an ODD-SOUNDING KLAXON signaling
	      "battle stations." Orders issued in KLINGON LANGUAGE,
	      the KLINGON CAPTAIN and EXEC peering at an unusual
	      bridge viewer at the huge area of LUMINESCENT HAZE
	      directly ahead. In KLINGON DIALOGUE:

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (Give me tactical.)

	  5   CLOSE - MAIN VIEWER (O)                                      5

	      goes suddenly  to a TACTICAL GRID SYSTEM, showing the
	      LUMINESCENT HAZE to be an ENORMOUS BLIP OF LIGHT ON
	      THE SCREEN, with two TINY PINPRICKS OF LIGHT complete-
	      ing their turn on a direct course toward it.

	  6   EXT. SPACE - THE KLINGON PATROL AND THE HAZE (S)             6

	      The Patrol is clearly SEEN now on the right of the 
	      bottom of the FRAME... THREE tiny ships closing on the             

   
	      steadily growing LUMINESCENT HAZE.

	  7   INT. THE KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC (O)               7

	      All eyes on the viewer that shows the ships sweeping
	      on the Mysterious cloud.

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (In Klingonese)
	                Visual.

	      The TECHNICIAN makes the switch.

	  8   CLOSE - VIEW SCREEN - LUMINESCENT HAZE (O)                   8

	      growing ever larger, its flaring colors menacing,
	      mysterious, strangely beckoning.

	  9   INT. BRIDGE - KLINGON COMMAND CRUISER                        9

	      The crew stands by for battle.
	                           
	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (In Klingonese)
	                Tactical again. Stand by on
	                torpedoes.

	 10   EAT SPACE - LEAD KLINGON VESSEL (TORPEDO HATCH) (S)         10

	      sliding open, the glowing "Hell Fire" of the Photon
	      Launch tubes, slowly revealed.

	 11   VERY WIDE ANGLE - THE THREE SHIPS (S)                       11

	      They are tiny, insect-like shapes moving still CLOSER
	      to the Luminescent Cloud, so large now that it begins
	      to dominate all space behind.

	 12   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID - CAPTAIN AND           12
	      EXEC (O)

	      The growing nearness and enormous size of the Cloud
	      also reflected on the Tactical Grid, somehow more
	      awesome by this schematic view. The Captain gestures
	      the order to "FIRE."

	 13   EXT. SPACE - ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL - TORPEDO HATCH (S)    13

	      The BRILLIANT PHOTON BLOBS of the torpedoes spurt from 
	      the tubes.

	 14   ANGLE ON KLINGON VESSEL (S)                                 14

	      A deadly PHOTON TORPEDO pattern racing away from the
	      Klingon and toward the Luminescent glow in the distance.

	 15   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - TACTICAL GRID (O)                     15

	      Three torpedoes are heading directly toward the Cloud.
	      Suddenly they glow briefly and disappear long before
	      they reach their intended target.

	 16   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - CAPTAIN AND EXEC                      16

	      incredulous that their torpedoes have disappeared
	      without a trace.

	 17   EXT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THREE KLINGON SHIPS (S)             17

	      as the second and third ships launch torpedoes toward
	      the color-flaring surface of the cloud. This time we
	      have an outside, real VIEW of the torpedoes glowing
	      brightly and then disappearing with no effect.

	 18   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE (O)                                     18

	      The Klingon crew grim, desperate, watching a BRIGHT
	      STACCATO BLIP OF POWER from within the LUMINESCENCE.

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (quickly; Klingonese)
	                Full force fields; evasive
	                maneuvers.

	 19   EAT SPACE - THE CLOUD - THE KLINGON PATROLS (S)             19

	      Out of the LUMINESCENCE hurtles a FRIGHTENING WHIPLASH
	      OF ENERGY. It bears down on the Klingon Patrol, now
	      in an evasive maneuver. Then the WHIPLASH BOLT hits
	      the third cruiser in a writhing flare of energy which
	      totally engulfs the vessel.

	      The other two ships veer off, warping around again into
	      attack position. The THIRD SHIP has begun to implode
	      in on itself, the matter-energy of its existence
	      drained by the WHIPLASH BOLT that HOLDS IT.

	 20   ANGLE ON REMAINING KLINGON CRUISERS (S)                     20

	      desperately defending themselves, FORCE FIELDS FULL UP,
	      RAPIDLY FIRING PHOTON TORPEDOES. But now a SECOND
	      WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT has emerged from the cloud and
	      hits the second vessel, DESTROYING it.

	      The THIRD WHIPLASH BOLT glances off the surviving
	      Cruiser as the ship retreats in a wide, evasive turn,
	      FIRING from stern tubes.

	 21   INT. KLINGON BRIDGE                                         21

	      The bridge shattered; Klingon bodies. The mortally-
	      wounded Captain is transmitting urgently:

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (In Klingonese)
	                ... severely damaged. Returning
	                fire...

	 22   EXT. SPACE - STARFLEET MONITOR STATION EPSILON 9 (S)        22

	      Serenity here. A barren, rocky small plantoid softly
	      lit by the myriad stars. This is a small Starfleet 
	      outpost, antennae sprouting everywhere. Tiny figures
	      (WORKERS) servicing one antenna illustrate the size
	      of the installation.

	 23   INT. EPSILON 9 - MONITOR ROOM - A VIEWER (O)                23

	      SHOWING the battle scene, and the VOICE OF THE KLINGON
	      CAPTAIN in his last stand against the Object; his VOICE
	      is weary, almost mechanical. On the adjacent viewer,
	      an English printout of the Klingon's words chatters
	      along the bottom of the picture:

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN
	                        (In Klingonese)
	                Imperial Klingon Cruiser Amar...
	                severely damaged by unfamiliar
	                weaponry... intruder unidentified..

	 24   WIDER ANGLE - EPSILON 9 STARFLEET PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O)  24

	      At the viewers are a FEMALE LIEUTENANT and FOUR TECH-
	      NICIANS. COMMANDER BRANCH, a young, alert, enters hur-
	      riedly, scans he console.

	                              LIEUTENANT
	                Our sensor drone is intercepting
	                this on Quad L-14.

	                              KLINGON CAPTAIN (V.O.)
	                ... believe luminescent cloud 
	                to be enormous power field 
	                surrounding alien vessel... 
	                size and description unknown.. 
	                our sensor scans unable to 
	                penetrate. Imperial Klingon 
	                Cruiser Amar... continuing 
	                to attack.

	                              BRANCH
	                That's within Klingon boundaries.
	                Who are they fighting?

	                              LIEUTENANT
	                Unknown, sir.

	      A violent EXPLOSION inside the Klingon bridge -- Klingon
	      Captain's body is thrown violently against the bulkhead.

	                              TECHNICIAN
	                I have an exterior visual!

	 25   CLOSE ON VIEWER (O)                                         25

	      showing EXTERIOR of the Klingon vessel: a final,
	      frightening WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT strikes it -- then
	      the same awesome IMPLOSION INTO FIREBALL.

	 26   WIDER ANGLE - PERSONNEL AND VIEWER (O)                      26

	      The Starfleet station onlookers react to the utter
	      annihilation of the huge cruiser. And now, past where
	      the cruiser just disappeared -- the mysterious LUMINES-
	      CENCE approaching in distance. Technician hits a
	      switch, magnifying the strange CLOUD.

	                              LIEUTENANT
	                We've plotted a course on that
	                cloud, Commander: it will pass
	                into Federation Space fairly 
	                close to us.

	                              BRANCH
	                Heading?

	 27   CLOSE ON THE MAIN MONITOR STATION (O)                       27

	      as its focal point shifts to the huge elliptically-
	      shaped LUMINESCENCE racing across the sky. MUSIC
	      (V'GER THEME) COMMENCES in a low, unresolved CHORD
	      that remains in the background through the remainder
	      of this scene, and the beginning of the next one.

	                              LIEUTENANT'S VOICE
	                Sir, it's on a precise heading
	                for Earth.

	      Ominously now the LUMINESCENCE increases in size, and
	      begins to fill the viewer. HOLD A MOMENT, and then:

	 28   EXT. SURFACE OF PLANET VULCAN - DAY (M)                     28

	      with the CAMERA MOVING THROUGH masses of thick, steamy
	      vaporous clouds, swirling about, rising boilingly up
	      from some unseen, underground source. The CAMERA
	      CONTINUES MOVING through clouds.

	      And then... the Vulcan landscape. Harsh, strange
	      angular peaks and rock formations -- the barren, legend-
	      ary mountain home of Vulcan Masters.

	 29   EXT. VULCAN LEDGE - SPOCK ( M & F.P.)                       29

	      Spock's lean features instantly recognizable despite
	      unkempt, longer hair and the fatigue born of a long,
	      harsh discipline he has undergone. His robes, tattered
	      and dust covered, are that of a Vulcan Aspirant in
	      study with the Masters. Under the V'ger THEME MUSIC
	      we HEAR a VOICE in ritual tones:

	                              FEMALE MASTER'S VOICE
	                Spock, son of Sarek of Vulcan... 
	                and of Amanda of Earth... 
	                diligently you have labored for 
	                purification of mind...

	 30   REVERSE ANGLE - SPOCK, VULCAN MASTERS AND RUINS             30

	      In b.g., gigantic ancient Vulcan statues and ruins. In f.g., 
	      the stone platform on which Spock stands facing a semi-circle 
	      of three similar platforms. On them in regal robes are three 
	      VULCAN MASTERS. The Master in the center is a female, the 
	      other two Masters are male. The elderly female is holding a 
	      cord and ancient pendant as if ready to place it around            

    
	      Spock's neck at an appropriate moment. Spock is staring up 
	      as V'ger THEME MUSIC fades.

	                              MALE MASTER
	                        (chidingly)
	                Spock . . . !

	      Spock turns, giving a small contrite nod -- the ritual
	      continues.

	                              FEMALE MASTER
	                Here are these sands, our fore-
	                bearers cast out their animal 
	                passions. Here our race was 
	                saved by the first attainment of 
	                Kolinahr.
	             
	                              MALE MASTER
	                Kolinahr: the final shedding of 
	                all emotion.

	                              FEMALE MASTER
	                You have labored long, Spock.
	                Now receive from us this symbol
	                of total logic.

	      Spock starts to kneel... the Female Master moves in,
	      intending to put the ancient pendant around his neck. 
	      But Spock now hesitates -- he's troubled as though 
	      uncertain he deserves this symbol and waves the 
	      pendant away. Then, a faint reprise of the V'ger THEME 
	      MUSIC now causes the Female Master to look skyward. 
	      She turns from this back to Spock as she exchanges a 
	      look with the Male Masters.               

	                              FEMALE MASTER
	                        (gestures Spock forward)
	                Come, give me your thoughts.

	      She kneels with Spock -- lays her hands on his temples 
	      in Vulcan mind-meld position.

	                              FEMALE MASTER
	                        (continuing)
	                Our minds, Spock... One and
	                together....

	      Their eyes close -- their minds meld -- then her head
	      jerks slightly, her features change as her mind feels
	      Spock's reactions to the V'ger consciousness. A long
	      moment, then she opens her eyes, gets to her feet and
	      looks down on the still kneeling Spock. Then, she
	      casts aside the pendant she carries -- it falls into
	      the dust.

	                              FEMALE MASTER
	                        (continuing; sadly)
	                This consciousness which calls --
	                it stirs your human half, Spock?
	                You have not achieved Kolinahr --
	                Your human emotions are not fully
	                extinguished.
	                       (turns to the other Masters)
	                He will not achieve his goal with
	                us. His answer lies elsewhere.

	      The three Masters leave -- Spock watches them go, his
	      disappointment evident even in his stoic features.

	 31   MED. ANGLE ON SPOCK (M. & F.P.)                             31

	      CAMERA CLOSES IN on his face as we again HEAR a frag-
	      ment of V'ger THEME MUSIC -- Spock again raises his
	      head and peers up into the heavens. HOLD on his face
	      a moment, then...

	       SHOCK CUT TO :

	 32   EXT. EARTH - AN AIR TRAM - DAY (S)                          32

	      gleaming silver in the sun as it streaks TOWARD THE
	      CAMERA POSITION and hurtles PAST.

	 33   EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - HILLTOP AIR TRAM STATION -             33
	      DAY (M)

	      From this vantage, we can SEE all of twenty-third
	      century San Francisco stretched out before us. In
	      the b.g., the familiar forms of the carefully preserved
	      Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid Building
	      serve as our only reminders that this is, indeed, San
	      Francisco.

	      The AIR TRAM (an anti-gravitational train flying
	      several feet above the ground) DECELERATES sharply,
	      settles to the ground with a whisper.

	 34   EXT. TRAM STATION - CLOSE ON TRAM DOORS - DAY               34

	      The doors opening, and various TRAVELERS (civilians
	      and Starfleet personnel) leaving the tram, striding
	      onto the platform, continuing on their respective
	      ways. Among the departing throng:

	 35   KIRK                                                        35

	      in Admiral's uniform, grim, determined, moving through
	      the throng. Now and then Starfleet officers nod re-
	      spectfully; KIRK responds with detached formality; his
	      mind is clearly set on something he is resolved to ac-
	      complish here in headquarters -- whatever the cost.
	      CAMERA WITH HIM, to:

	 36   INT. AIR TRAM STATION - DAY         `                       36

	      as Kirk strides into the graceful Starfleet HQ building.
	      Many PEOPLE are about, civilians and uniformed person-
	      nel; most of them with some air of urgency. (NOTE:
	      ALIENS interspersed among them, Vulcans, blue-skinned
	      Andorians, high-domed Vegans, ect.) Kirk continues on
	      when suddenly he reacts, annoyed as he sees:

	 37   SONAK                                                       37

	      a Vulcan, Lt Commander; short, white-haired, grizzled,
	      hurrying along. Kirk calls to him:

	                              KIRK
	                Commander Sonak... !

	      SONAK turns with Vulcan imperturbability to face Kirk
	      who steps toward him

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                You've received your appointment
	                as Enterprise Science Officer?

	                              SONAK
	                        (nods)
	                Based, I am told, on your
	                recommendation, Admiral. Thank                           
	                you.

	                              KIRK
	                Why aren't you on board?

	                              SONAK
	                Captain Decker requested I complete
	                final Science briefing here before...

	                              KIRK
	                        (interrupting)
	                Here at Starfleet...? The
	                Enterprise is in final preparation
	                to leave dock...

	                              SONAK
	                Which will require twenty more
	                hours at minimum, Admiral...

	                              KIRK
	                Twelve! I'm on my way to a meeting
	                with Admiral Nogura which will not 
	                last more than three minutes.
	                Report to me on the Enterprise in
	                one hour.

	                              SONAK
	                To you, sir?

	                              KIRK
	                I intend to be there following 
	                that meeting. Report to me. One 
	                hour!

	      And Kirk turns, strides purposefully away. Sonak gazes
	      after him, one eyebrow raised quizzically.

	 38   EXT. EARTH ORBIT (S)                                        38

	      In f.g., Orbital drydock offices, rotating slowly but
	      perceptibly against blue-black of space. Small figures
	      in spacesuits working on construction, with work belts.
	      Beyond and below... Earth. In the far distance we can
	      barely make out an orbital drydock.

	 39   CLOSER ANGLE - ORBITAL OFFICE CLUSTER (S)                   39

	      The cluster is a fully-equipped dockyard engineering
	      center and computer drafting office.

	      CAMERA MOVES IN AND CENTERS ON an outer "Travel Pod."

	 40   INT. INNER OFFICE (O)                                       40

	      an installation which also includes a double position
	      transporter, in which we SEE the TRANSPORTER EFFECT
	      BEGIN. With the TRANSPORTER CREW IS SCOTT. He's with
	      a Technician, busy with a piece of complex circuitry.
	      Then he turns, sees that it is Kirk BEAMING in here.
	      As Kirk materializes, steps off the transporter plat-
	      form, Scott moves quickly to him.

	40A   KIRK AND SCOTT                                             40A

	      The starship Engineering Officer clearly surprised to
	      see Kirk here. Kirk has the same look of grim de-
	      termination we just saw in the headquarters building.
	                    
	                              SCOTT
	                Admiral, I've been hoping to see
	                you. Maybe you can get through 
	                to those thick heads in Starfleet
	                that...

	                              KIRK
	                Why aren't the Enterprise
	                transporters in operation, Mister
	                Scott?

	                              SCOTT
	                We're hoping it's only a temporary
	                problem, Admiral...

	                              KIRK
	                See that it is.
	                        (moving toward pod)
	                Take me over, please.

	      Scott is now eying Kirk just a little warily as he fol-
	      lows him into the pod. Kirk's determined expression
	      suggests that some chips are going to fly and Scott
	      does not want to become one of them.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (carefully)
	                Admiral, the Enterprise has just
	                finished eighteen months redesign-
	                ing and refitting. She needs 
	                testing, a shakedown...

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Scott, there's an alien object
	                with unbelievable destructive 
	                power less than three days away 
	                from this planet...

	      Kirk hits a button on the travel pod panel -- the air-
	      lock doors SLAM closed behind them. Then, stepping im-
	      mediately to the front observation window:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                ... the only Starship in
	                interception range is the
	                Enterprise! Ready, or not, she
	                launches in twelve hours!

	      Scott throws Kirk an appalled look but is now occupied
	      in sealing the Outer Pod door and manipulating drive
	      controls.

	      CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
	      Pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
	      and starts to move.

	40C   EXT. POD                                                   40C

	      CAMERA CONTINUES TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL front of the
	      pod and arms of the office complex as Pod disconnects
	      and starts moving.

	 41   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - ANGLES ON TRAVEL POD (S)                 41
	  -                                                                -
	 43                                                               43
	      
	       as it moves way from the office complex. We can
	      SEE the jet flames of its tiny thrusters as it cir-
	      cles around, heads off (toward the distant Orbital
	      dry dock).

	 44   INT. TRAVEL POD - KIRK AND SCOTT                            44

	      Scott nervously eying Kirk, and finally deciding to
	      make one more effort:

	                              SCOTT
	                The crew hasn't had near enough
	                transition time with all the new
	                equipment. And the engines,
	                Admiral: they've yet to be even
	                tested at warp power. Add to 
	                that, an untried Captain...

	                              KIRK
	                        (hint of smile)
	                Two and a half years as Chief of
	                Starfleet Operations may have
	                made me a little stale, Mr. Scott
	                -- but I wouldn't exactly consider
	                myself 'untried.'

	      It takes Scott a moment to comprehend, and Kirk smiles
	      now, nods:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                They gave her back to me, Scotty.

	      Scott peers at him, genuinely surprised -- and pleased.
	      Then:

	                              SCOTT
	                "Gave' her back, sir...? I doubt
	                it was that easy...
	                        (returns smile)
	                But any man who could manage such
	                a feat, I wouldna dare disappoint.
	                She'll launch on time, sir...
	                        (with confidence)
	                And she'll be ready.

	      And he clasps Kirk's elbow affectionately, then gestures
	      Kirk to look out the pod window.

	 45   EXT. OUTSIDE THE POD WINDOW - KIRK'S POV (O)                45

	      as he looks out: the blue-black of orbital space.

	 46   INT. TRAVEL POD                                             46

	      Scott is well aware of what the Enterprise means to
	      Kirk. As Scott maneuvers the pod to provide the best
	      perspective, Kirk peers through the observation window,
	      craning his head, hungry for his first glimpse of the
	      starship. Scott is watching him, immensely pleased.

	 47   PAST THEM TO THE POD WINDOW (O)                             47

	      as we SEE the drydock and more of its detail, and a
	      hint of what is inside.

	 48   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - OTHER ANGLES FROM THE POD (O)            48
	  -                                                                -     

 
	 50                                                               50
	                                                                 
	      PAST Kirk and Scott the corner of the drydock becomes
	      larger -- we begin SEEING more of it. And then the
	      merest glimpse of what is inside the drydock: The
	      Enterprise slips INTO VIEW.

	 51   INT. POD - VERY CLOSE ON KIRK AT WINDOW                     51

	      as he watches, his face reflecting all of it: the awe,
	      the wonder, the romance, the obsession. The one comp-
	      lete love of his life. And with that love regained,
	      he is becoming more fully alive again.

	      Kirk looks at Scott; for a moment both hold each other's
	      eye. Scott knows precisely how Kirk feels. Both turn
	      to the window again.

	 52   WHAT THEY SEE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                          52

	      Now DOMINATING the SCREEN -- the awesome, symmetrical
	      bulk of the starship comes fully INTO VIEW. And it
	      dominates Kirk's -- and our emotions.

	 53   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE - AND THE POD (TINY IN THIS SHOT)       53
	  -                                                                -
	 56   AS IT CIRCLES - THE ANTI-LIKE FIGURES OF WORKERS (S)        56

	      The great ship dwarfs everything. The drydock becomes
	      a fragile filigree framing the ship's great curved
	      bulk. The tiny pod continues to move along it.

	      Small automated welding devices move along the gird-
	      ers, working with brief, bright orange-white flares.
	      In other areas of metal lace structure, supplies and
	      equipment are being loaded onto the ship. The pod
	      continues moving (Scott is giving Kirk time to see all),
	      watched carefully by the TINY FIGURES OF SUPERVISING
	      TECHNICIANS on the drydock. Now the pod moves toward
	      mating position. It closes in, secures itself to the
	      outer airlock.

	 57   INT. POD - AT THE AIRLOCK                                   57

	      Scott completing the mating procedure, Kirk turning
	      from the observation window. Outside, the metallic..
	      CLICK of the pod locking onto the airlock. Now the
	      "WHOOSH" of the latch doors securing, the CLANG of
	      security bolts. It's all been a rare and delicious
	      moment for Kirk, and his face shows it.

	      OVER the POD INTERCOM we HEAR, "Pod secured. Pressure
	      equalized." Scott moves the control to open the hatch.

	 58   INT. ENTERPRISE CARGO DECK (M)                              58

	      A confusion of organized work and VOICES. The cargo
	      deck bustles with activity; supplies and equipment
	      being stored and installed.

	 59   INT. CARGO DECK - BALCONY AND CATWALK                       59

	      Kirk and Scott are met by a nervous, perspiring
	      ENSIGN.

	                              KIRK AND SCOTT
	                Permission to come aboard, sir...?

	                              ENSIGN
	                Granted, sir. Welcome aboard,
	                Admiral... Commander Scott,
	                you're needed in Engineering
	                immediately.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (to Kirk)
	                Sir, you'll excuse me...?

	      Kirk gestures him to leave, and Scott hurries away.
	      Kirk stands a moment, gazing down at the cargo deck.

	 60   ANGLE DOWN PAST KIRK TO FLOOR (M)                           60

	      The crew maneuvering antigravity devices which move
	      heavy containers -- scrambles of activity at storage
	      holds and maintenance lockers.

	 61   CLOSE ON KIRK AND ENSIGN                                    61

	      Kirk is drinking it all in. He's home.

	                              ENSIGN
	                        (nervous)
	                Sir, if you'll follow me, I'll...

	                              KIRK
	                I think I can find my way,
	                Ensign.

	      And Kirk moves off, leaving the Ensign gazing at him,
	      relieved.

	 62   EXT. ELEVATOR AND CATWALK                                   62

	      Kirk ENTERS ANGLE and the doors snap open.

	 63   INT. ELEVATOR                                               63

	      as Kirk enters. The doors close. Kirk waits a beat,
	      savoring this moment too. Then, firmly to the control
	      panel:

	                              KIRK
	                Bridge!

	      The turbo-elevator HUMS WITH POWER as it begins hur-
	      tling up. On the wall back of Kirk we SEE an electronic
	      diagram of the Enterprise tracking the elevator's 
	      speedy trip to the Bridge.

	 64   INT. BRIDGE                                                 64

	      A confusion of activity and VOICES. Pieces o equip-
	      ment in a state of disarray: consoles open, fiber
	      optic tubes unconnected, viewing screens dismantled.
	      It's a frantic, desperate scene -- a ship and crew to-
	      tally unprepared. In the midst of this: ALIEN
	      ensign is assisting UHURA (Lt. Comdr. stripes)deftly
	      working her communications station, AD LIBBING
	      "... Hailing frequency four, check. Hailing frequency
	      five, will someone please check me?" At the helm,
	      sweat-soaked SULU (Lt. Comdr stripes) has a service
	      plate open, is peering inside to make delicate adjust-
	      ments, AD LIBBING "... Helm, now give me a reading on
	      four point zero zero six of full." And at the Weapons
	      Control, CHEKOV (Full Lt.)argues with TECHNICIANS who
	      insist photon torpedoes read "ready" while Chekov
	      argues the computer is not relaying that information.

	 65   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                 65

	      snapping open -- and there is Kirk. For the moment no
	      one notices him, and he stands watching, remembering.
	      And then he moves forward toward the command center.

	 66   ACROSS UHURA TO KIRK                                        66

	      as she is the first to see him. She reacts,pleased.

	                              UHURA
	                Captain... Starfleet just 
	                signaled your transfer-of-
	                command orders!

	 67   ANOTHER ANGLE - VARIOUS REACTION                            67

	      as everyone else is suddenly aware of Kirk.

	      All work stops, with various AD LIBBED greetings from
	      the old crew: "Admiral Kirk..." "It's the Captain...!"
	      etc., etc. But most sit or stand, simple gaping at
	      Kirk, all quite awed. The old hands, Uhura, Sulu, and
	      Chekov start converging on Kirk. But he gestures them
	      back, speaking crisply.
	                 
	                              KIRK
	                I appreciate the welcome; I wish
	                the circumstances were less
	                critical.
	                        (to Uhura)
	                Epsilon Nine is monitoring the
	                intruder; keep a channel open to
	                them.
	                        (glances around)
	                Where is Captain Decker?

	                              SULU
	                He's in Engineering, sir...
	                        (uncomfortable,
	                         indicates Captain's 
	                         chair)
	                He doesn't know.

	      Kirk reacts with some exasperation, starts away,
	      addresses Chekov:

	                              KIRK
	                Mr Chekov, assemble the crew on
	                the Rec Deck at 0400 hours. I
	                want to show them what we're 
	                facing.

	      And Kirk moves to the elevator, enters, is gone. The
	      moment the elevator doors snap closed:

	                              SULU
	                I wouldn't have wanted to have
	                been standing in his way. He
	                wanted her back; he got her!

	                              ALIEN ENSIGN
	                        (perturbed)
	                And Captain Decker? He's been
	                with the ship every minute of
	                her refitting...

	                              UHURA
	                        (brittle)
	                Ensign -- our chances of coming
	                back from this mission in one
	                piece may have just doubled...!

	 68   OMITTED                                                     68
	   -                                                               -
	 69                                                               69   
     
	 70   INT. ENGINEERING SECTION                                    70

	      The entire complex a beehive of pre-departure activity.
	      ENGINEERING PERSONNEL (at least a third of them female)
	      coming and going, the platform-elevators (small, one-
	      man lifts to various levels) busy. A gentle but con-
	      stant HUM and WHIRR flows from the engine core, to indi-
	      cate a pre-idling mode. There will be continual AD
	      LIBBED conversation among the Technicians.

	      Now the Engine Room door opens and Kirk steps into the 
	      area. He stands a moment observing the activity. a
	      grizzled ENGINEERING CHIEF pushes a huge condenser on
	      an anti-grav device past irk with a respectful "watch
	      it, sir" admonishment. Kirk moves on to:

	 71   THE INTERMIX CHAMBER                                        71

	      at the middle of the power shaft. Very NOISY here,
	      and a continual CACOPHONY of COMPUTERIZED AND HUMAN
	      VOICES calling off equipment checks. And grouped 
	      around a section of burnt-out circuitry are WILLARD
	      DECKER, Captain's stripes, handsome, in his early
	      30's; Scott, and two Technicians. Decker and Scott
	      are working feverishly uncoupling the device, 
	      probing its innards. Decker has discovered the problem,
	      removed several transistor-type parts, taps them 
	      with a pencil-sized sonic analyzer.

	                              DECKER
	                        (quietly elated)
	                I thought so! See... the trans-
	                porter sensor was not activated...

	                              SCOTT
	                        (impressed)
	                Aye, you were dead right about
	                that...
	                        (to Technician)
	                Clearly, put a back-up sensor into
	                the unit.

	 72   ACROSS THEM TO KIRK                                         72

	      as the Technician prepares to install the device,
	      Scott glances up to see Kirk.

	      He looks from Decker to Kirk in acute embarrassment
	      (so that we should realize Scott hasn't mentioned
	      Kirk's taking over to Decker). Decker now notices
	      Kirk, reacts pleased.

	                              DECKER
	                Admiral Kirk...
	                        (shakes Kirk's hand)
	                We're getting a top brass send
	                off...?
	                        (self assured grin)
	                She'll launch on schedule if we
	                have to tow her out with our bare
	                hands. Right, Scotty?

	                              SCOTTY
	                        (lamely)
	                Aye, sir, that we will...

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Decker)
	                Will, let's go over here and
	                talk.

	      He indicates corner. Decker glances bemusedly at
	      Kirk, then turns to Scott:

	                              DECKER
	                Let me now when the back-up is 
	                in place.

	 73   ACROSS SCOTT TO KIRK AND DECKER                             73

	      as Scott AD LIBS a glum "Aye, sir," and watches them
	      walk across the Chamber.

	 74   A CORNER OF THE INTERMIX CHAMBER                            74

	      just a little quieter here, with Kirk and Decker arriv-
	      ing, and Decker saying blithely:

	                              DECKER
	                All due respect, sir, I hope
	                this isn't a Starfleet pep talk;
	                I'm just too busy.

	      Kirk eyes Decker -- then decides the best way to say
	      it is plainly, directly.

	                              KIRK
	                I'm taking over the Center seat. 
	                I'm sorry, Will.

	                              DECKER
	                You are what...?

	                              KIRK
	                I'm replacing you as Captain of
	                the Enterprise.

	      Decker seems shocked into silence; he can only peer
	      at Kirk who reaches tentatively as though to clasp a
	      paternal hand on Decker's shoulder, then withdraws it
	      and continues quickly.

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                You'll stay aboard as Executive
	                Officer... a temporary grade
	                reduction to Commander.

	                              DECKER
	                       (finding his voice)
	                -- You, personally, are assuming
	                command?

	                              KIRK
	                Yes.

	                              DECKER
	                May I ask Why?

	                              KIRK
	                        (nods)
	                My experience -- five years out
	                there dealing with unknowns like
	                this -- my familiarity with the
	                Enterprise, this crew...

	                              DECKER
	                Admiral, this is an almost totally
	                new enterprise. You don't know
	                her a tenth as well as I do.

	 75   ANOTHER ANGLE - TO SHOW SCOTT IN B.G. (ACROSS THE           75
	      ROOM)

	      Scott, working on the relay, but continually glancing
	      at Kirk and Decker with worried concern, as Kirk
	      replies:

	                              KIRK
	                That's why you're staying aboard.
	                I'm sorry, Will.

	                              DECKER
	                No, Admiral. I don't think you are;
	                not one damned bit. I remember
	                when you recommended me for this
	                command. You told me how envious
	                you were, and if only you could
	                find a way to get a starship
	                command again. Well, sir, it looks
	                like you found a way.

	      Kirk is silent a moment, peering levelly at Decker,
	      who returns the gaze with equal intensity. Then:

	                              KIRK
	                Report to the bridge, Commander.
	                Immediately.

	      Decker EXITS. Kirk waits, collecting his composure
	      as he watches him go. Then Kirk turns to glare at
	      Scott. Interrupted by a flare as something shorts
	      out at the mechanism where Scott and Decker had been
	      working. Technician (Clearly) reacts, hits an inter-
	      com button fast:

	                              TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
	                Transporter room, come in!
	                Urgent!
	                        (to Scott)
	                Redline on the transporters,
	                Mister Scott!

	      Scott whirls to a console fast, speaks urgently!

	                              SCOTT
	                Transporter room, do not engage!
	                Do not....

	                              TECHNICIAN (CLEARY)
	                        (reacting to the reading;
	                         interruption)
	                Too late; they're beaming now!

	      Kirk is exiting on a run, followed by Scott.

	 76   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - INCLUDING TRANSPORTER CHAMBER       76
	      (O)

	      An unusually defective looking TRANSPORTER EFFECT in
	      progress, alternately flashing and glowing -- even the
	      Transporter SOUND seems wrong, as if struggling to
	      overcome some problem. At the console, CHIEF RAND and
	      ASSISTANT are reacting in surprised, near-horror as
	      they attempt vainly to save the situation.

	                              RAND
	                        (into intercom)
	                Starfleet, override us!
	                OVERRIDE...! Yank them back!

	      Suddenly, from Rand's console,a VIOLENT GLARE -- a
	      PROTESTING SOUND from the circuitry. And on the con-
	      sole a red-warning light now begins flashing.

	                              STARFLEET VOICE
	                Unable to retrieve their pattern,
	                Enterprise....!

	      Rand reacts in real horror now as human forms begin to
	      FAINTLY MATERIALIZE, then FADE AWAY, then REAPPEAR IN
	      FAINTLY MISSHAPEN FORM as she frantically works con-
	      trols. Kirk ENTERS fast, steps to the console to
	      assist Rand; Scott has also come in and moves to the
	      console, brushes aside the Asst. Chief, and begins
	      manipulating the additional controls himself.

	                              SCOTT
	                We're losing the pattern...!

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Starfleet, boost your matter gain; 
	                we need more signal!

	                              RAND
	                Oh, no! They're forming!

	 77   CLOSER ON THE TRANSPORTER CHAMBER (O)                       77

	      with the human forms FLUTTERING INTO FULLER AND FULLER
	      MATERIALIZATION, FRIGHTENINGLY, HORRIBLY MISSHAPEN. We
	      RECOGNIZE one form as the Vulcan, Sonak -- the other a
	      human WOMAN. They MATERIALIZE; we HEAR A MOAN form 
	      from the Vulcan -- the Woman's SCREAM OF PAIN. Then,
	      all at once, the half-materialized bodies are gone;
	      the transporter chamber is empty.

	                              KIRK
	                Oh, my God...!

	 78   KIRK, SCOTT AND RAND                                        78

	      gazing, horrified, at the empty chamber.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Starfleet, do you have them?

	      A mutter of utter, vacant silence -- and Kirk and
	      Scott look at each other again, their pained faces
	      presaging the answer they already know:

	                              STARFLEET VOICE
	                        (shaken)
	                Enterprise... what we got back
	                didn't live long. Fortunately.

	      Another moment of stunned silence, and then Kirk hits
	      the transmission button -- fighting to control his
	      voice as:

	                              KIRK
	                Starfleet... Kirk. Please...
	                express my condolences to their
	                families. Commander Sonak's
	                can be reached through the Vulcan
	                Embassy.
	                        (see Rand's stricken
	                         expression)
	                There was nothing you could have
	                done, Rand. It wasn't your fault.

	      And before Rand can answer, Kirk leaves the room.

	 79   INT. CORRIDOR - TRAVELING WITH KIRK                         79

	      as Kirk steps out, and the doors snap closed behind
	      him. In the corridor the furor of the hurried depar-
	      ture is, as everywhere, quite evident: CREW MEMBERS
	      move back and forth. But Kirk does not see them; his
	      mind is tormented by the transporter accident -- was
	      there something he should have done, could have done,
	      to prevent it? Should he launch on schedule with the
	      starship this unready? Has he done right in yielding
	      to this terrible needs for starship command again,
	      forcing Starfleet to give her to him? Would Decker's
	      knowledge of the new design have prevented the acci-
	      dent?

	      Kirk reaches a corridor intersection, looks around,
	      realizes he's lost track of where he is. A passing
	      YEOMAN stops in response to his puzzled expression.

	                              KIRK
	                Turboshaft eight...?

	                              YEOMAN
	                Back that way, sir.

	      She's indicating back the direction from which Kirk
	      came. He nods his thanks, turns and moves back down
	      the corridor.

	 80   DECKER                                                      80

	      hurrying down the corridor. The two face each other
	      a silent moment, Decker studying Kirk curiously.

	                              KIRK
	                We'll have to replace Commander
	                Sonak. I'd still like a Vulcan
	                there, if possible...

	                              DECKER
	                None available, Captain. There's
	                no one in fact, who's fully rated
	                on this design.

	                              KIRK
	                You are, Mister Decker. I'm
	                afraid you'll have to double as
	                Science Officer.

	       And Kirk moves on, Decker stands gazing reflectively
	       after him.

	 81    OMITTED                                                    81
	  -                                                                -
	 84                                                               84     
     
	 85    CLOSE - FULL SHOT OF THE KLINGON SHIP BEING DESTROYED      85
	      (AS SEEN ON VIEWER) (O)
	
	      (in the last part of the scene which showed the Klingon
	      Captain speaking in Klingonese and an English print-
	      out interpretation appearing at the screen bottom.
	      The Klingon ship nearly totaled; one engine nacelle
	      gone, smoke and flame spewing from the other, etc.
	      And then that final WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT STRIKING AND
	      SPECTACULARLY DESTROYING THE SHIP, etc.)

	      But this time, O.S., we HEAR GASPS of incredulity from
	      many throats (an audience), and various AD LIBBED com-
	      ments: "My God...!" "I don't believe it...!" "What
	      could it be...?" Etc., etc.

	      And then, immediately following this, on the viewer:

	 86   THE LUMINESCENT CLOUD (AS SEEN ON A VIEWER) (O)             86

	      (as in earlier Epsilon 9 viewer -- but with no music,
	      only more AD LIBBED exclamations from an audience.)
	      The viewer goes blank.

	 87   INT. RECREATION DECK (M)                                    87

	      We SEE that all this was being viewed by the CREW
	      MEMBERS (Aliens included) assembled on the Rec Deck.

	      The Recreation Deck is one of the largest areas on
	      the ship, several deck levels high, a part of one
	      wall consisting of picture windows, through which can
	      be seen sections of the drydock structure outside.

	      On another wall is a large viewer, on which was just
	      shown the Klingon transmission. Leading off and away
	      from this deck area are what are obviously other
	      specific recreation areas -- gymnasiums, food centers,
	      game rooms, lounges, etc.

	 88   ANOTHER ANGLE OF THE RED DECK - HIGHER LEVEL                88

	      as the Crew Members chat in low, grim tones -- Kirk
	      (now with Captain's stripes) appears. As he comes
	      into view, the two hundred or so crew below go silent.
	      Kirk grimly indicates the now blank viewer:

	                              KIRK
	                That's all we know about it;
	                except that it's now 2.2 days
	                from Earth. Enterprise is the
	                only Federation starship that
	                stands in its way.

	 89   ANOTHER ANGLE - CREW REACTIONS                              89

	      as the CAMERA FINDS various faces: human, alien; most
	      young, all intelligent, forthright -- anxious. Kirk
	      has paused a moment, now continues.

	                              KIRK (O.S.)
	                We assume there is a vessel of
	                some type at the heart of the
	                cloud. Our orders are to intercept,
	                investigate; and take whatever action
	                is necessary... and possible.
	                        (beat)
	                ...We can only hope that the
	                life form aboard that vessel
	                reasons as we do.

	 90   ANGLE ON UHURA                                              90

	      standing near an intercom, which just then has emitted
	      a bosun's WHISTLE intercom signal.

	                              BRIDGE VOICE
	                        (from intercom)
	                Bridge to Captain. Priority
	                signal from Epsilon Nine --

	      Kirk leans over to the intercom, speaks into it:

	                              KIRK
	                Put it on the viewer here...!

	 91   ON THE REC DECK VIEWER (O)                                  91

	      as all eyes turn to the viewer which fades into a view
	      of Commander Branch, in the Epsilon 9 monitor room.
	      Branch is tense, reflecting extreme urgency. Near
	      Branch, working intently at the console are the Female
	      Lieutenant and a Technician.

	                              BRANCH
	                        (from the viewer;
	                         checking console
	                         readings)
	                Enterprise... the Cloud is
	                definitely a powerfield of some
	                kind... Measures... My God!
	                Over 82 A.U.'s in diameter...
	                Must be something incredible
	                inside there generating it.
	                        (looks up from
	                         console)
	                We're transmitting linguacode
	                friendship messages on all
	                frequencies. No response.

	                              TECHNICIAN
	                I have a null reading at the 
	                center of the 'cloud,' sir.

	                              LIEUTENANT
	                Definitely something inside..
	                there but all scans are being
	                reflected back.
	                        (studies readings)
	                Receiving an odd pattern now..
	                        (toward Branch)
	                They seem to be reacting to
	                our scans, sir.

	                              BRANCH
	                        (inspecting another
	                         console)
	                 Some kind of energy surge...
	                        (looking up)
	                 Enterprise... they could be
	                 mistaking our scans as a
	                 hostile act...
	                        (reacts at readings)
	                 Deflectors, emergency full!

	      Branch hits an alarm button; we HEAR ALARM KLAXON
	      SOUNDING. The viewer IMAGE DISTORTS, clears again
	      while Branch -- facing his viewer, continues urgently:

	                              BRANCH
	                        (continuing)
	                We are under attack...!

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Uhura)
	                External view...!

	 92   ON THE VIEWER - EXT. THE DESTRUCTION OF EPSILON 9 (O)       92

	      as the image of Branch is immediately replaced by an
	      external view of the plantoid, and the LUMINESCENT
	      CLOUD (at about the same distance from which the
	      Klingon cruisers were attacked).

	      Then it STRIKES the plantoid WITH FULL, CATACLYSMIC                
	      FORCE. The viewer IMAGE BREAKS UP -- and immediately
	      the entire Starfleet base becomes a maelstrom of FLAR-
	      ING ENERGY, shattered structure, flying debris. And
	      then, all at once, there is nothing -- empty space,
	      Epsilon 9 is gone. We SEE only the stars; and the
	      mysterious LUMINESCENT CLOUD moving across the distant
	      sky.

	      (NOTE: The above is entirely SILENT, and when it is
	      finished, not a word is spoken.)

	                              KIRK (O.S.)
	                Viewer off.

	 93   ANOTHER ANGLE - KIRK                                        93

	      as the viewer goes blank, all still facing the screen.
	      Then Kirk turns to the room as if to comment. Then he
	      stops -- nothing he can say will add at all to what
	      they've just seen. Instead:

	                              KIRK
	                Pre-launch countdown will
	                commence in forty minutes.

	 94   ANOTHER ANGLE - CREW                                        94

	      The scene they have just witnessed still vivid in their
	      minds as they gaze somberly up toward Kirk who is exit-
	      ing. The bridge crew follows him out. Not a word is 
	      said as the remainder of the crew waits another moment,
	      then begins to disperse toward their duty stations too.

	 95   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE IN DRYDOCK (S)                          95

	      Spectacular ORBIT VIEW of the giant starship in the
	      process of release. BEYOND US, in half light, EARTH
	      LOOMS HUGE. The dock welders are gone; the supply pods
	      float away from the ship. Little tongues of blue flame
	      spurt from the ship's maneuvering jets.

	 96   CLOSER - ON ENTERPRISE (S)                                  96

	      as the large dock umbilical is released, floats free of
	      its starship attachment. Dock departure is imminent.

	 97   INT. BRIDGE                                                 97

	      Kirk in the center seat, intently studying the Naviga-
	      tion console in front of him (at the Navigator's
	      station, which is unoccupied.) Other bridge personnel
	      are busy with their pre-launch duties.

	                              UHURA
	                Transporters Room and Chief
	                Engineer Scott report trans-
	                porter system fully repaired 
	                and now functioning normally, 
	                sir.

	                              SULU
	                Dock signals clear, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                Rely we are holding position
	                awaiting final crew replacements.

	                              UHURA
	                Captain, Transporter Personnel
	                reports the Navigator...
	                        (consults console)
	                ... Lieutenant Junior Grade Ilia
	                (Eye-lee-ah) is already aboard,
	                and en route to the bridge.

	 98   ANGLE ON DECKER - AT THE SCIENCE STATION                    98

	      as Decker (now wearing Commander stripes) reacts,
	      almost startled, and Uhura continues:

	                              UHURA
	                She's a Deltan.

	      Uhura's tone and expression convey "Deltan" in a
	      certain, special manner.

	                              KIRK
	                       (reprovingly)
	                And there are no finer navigators
	                in Starfleet, Commander.

	      The last is interrupted by:

	98A   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                98A

	      as they snap open, and there emerges a breathtakingly
	      beautiful young woman (uniformed as a Navigator Lieu-
	      tenant) who strides purposefully onto the bridge. A
	      stunning figure, but hairless, entirely bald but or
	      delicate eyebrows and eyelashes. Her bald head is not 
	      at all unattractive, in fact exudes an aura of sensual
	      nudity. Indeed, her whole being exudes sensuality.
	      (This is a racial characteristic, not a deliberate
	      presence.) She approaches Kirk

	      (NOTE: Throughout this sequence, Sulu eyes ILIA with
	      unrestrained admiration.)

	                              ILIA
	                Lieutenant Ilia reporting for
	                duty, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (formally; rising)
	                Welcome aboard, Lieutenant.

	 99   ACROSS ILIA TO DECKER                                       99

	      as Ilia starts to speak, suddenly stops: she has just
	      then noticed Decker, who has stepped from his station
	      to face her. For an electronic moment their eyes meet,
	      hold in unquestioned recognition.

	                              DECKER
	                Hello, Ilia.

	                              ILIA
	                       (surprised)
	                Decker....!

	      Kirk has observed this with surprise and some concern
	      (it presages possible complications). Decker turns to
	      Kirk, slightly uncomfortable at this.
	                          
	                              DECKER
	                I was stationed on the Lieutenant's
	                home planet some years ago...

	      Ilia looks from Kirk back to Decker, puzzled at his
	      sleeve stripes.

	                              ILIA
	                        (eyes his rank
	                         stripes)
	                'Commander' Decker?

	                              KIRK
	                Our Exec and Science Officer...

	                              DECKER
	                        (bitingly)
	                Captain Kirk has the utmost
	                confidence in me.

	      Kirk flashes a hard glance at Decker, then toward
	      Ilia too.

	                              KIRK
	                        (pointedly)
	                And in you, too, Lieutenant.

	                              ILIA
	                My oath of celibacy is on record
	                Captain. May I assume my duties?

	      While respectful, her tone of voice has been just as
	      firm as Kirk's.

	                              KIRK
	                By all means.

	100   ACROSS KIRK TO UHURA                                       100

	      receiving a message, now relaying it.

	                              UHURA
	                Captain, Starfleet reports our
	                last six crew members ready to
	                beam up...
	                        (puzzled)
	                ... but one of them is refusing
	                to step into the transporter.

	      Just as Kirk a moment before was tense, now suddenly
	      he's relaxed again; he rises.

	                              KIRK
	                        (pleased)
	                Oh? I'll see that he beams up...!

	      And he hurries from the bridge, onto the elevator, is
	      gone. A moment of puzzled silence, then:
	      
	                              DECKER
	                Mr. Sulu, take Lieutenant Ilia
	                in hand.

	                              SULU
	                        (startled)
	                Sir...?
	                       (then understands)
	                Yes, of course...
	                        (to Ilia)
	                Your pre-programming is already
	                set in, Lieutenant.

	      Sulu has almost tripped getting out of his chair. He
	      starts offering Ilia his hand, then thinks better of
	      it, withdraws it abruptly, immediately busies himself
	      punching out equations on her console... AD LIBS,
	      "It's all on the computer. You'll have no problem..."
	      Sulu is nervous, fluttery around this lovely creature --
	      now hits a wrong switch. Produces a BEEPING SOUND which
	      he fumbles to shut off. She smiles; speaks quietly,
	      repeats:

	                              ILIA
	                I'm sworn to celibacy, Mister
	                Sulu. That makes me as safe
	                as any human female.

	      Sulu catches her eye but before he can reply, Decker has
	      moved in beside Ilia.

	                              DECKER
	                I now the Captain meant no person-
	                al insult.

	                              ILIA
	                        (eyes on console)
	                I would never take advantage of
	                a sexually immature species.
	                        (looks at him)
	                You can assure him that's true,
	                can't you?

	      Clearly, the remark carries special, personal
	      significance.

	  101    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM                                      101
	 -                                                                 -
	  102                                                               102

	      Kirk entering as Rand and her assistant electronically
	      list the last of the five arrivals who are leaving the
	      Transporter Chamber. Kirk calls through intercom to
	      the last arrival, a young female Yeoman.

	                              KIRK
	                Yeoman, what was the problem
	                down there?

	                              YEOMAN
	                        (through intercom)
	                He insisted we go first, sir.
	                Said something about first seeing
	                how it scrambled our molecules.

	                              KIRK
	                Thank you, Yeoman
	                        (hits transmit control)
	                Starfleet , this is Captain Kirk.
	                The officer is to be beamed up
	                immediately!

	103   ANGLE ON THE CHAMBER (O)                                   103

	      A moment, then again the GENERATING HUMMING, and then
	      the familiar BEAMING EFFECT. And then you SEE McCOY!
	      He fully MATERIALIZES. He looks himself over as if in
	      pleased surprise he is still in one piece. CAMERA PANS
	      McCoy from the Transporter Chamber to Kirk who is hav-
	      ing a hard time containing his amusement and delight.

	                              KIRK
	                Well, for a man who swore he'd
	                never return to Starfleet...

	                              McCOY
	                        (flat, tight)
	                What happened, Captain, sir, was
	                that your revered Admiral Nogura
	                invoked a little known -- and
	                seldom used -- reserve activation
	                clause...
	                        (snaps)
	                ... in simpler language, Captain,
	                sir, they drafted me!

	                              KIRK
	                        (straight-faced)
	                They didn't...!

	      Kirk has offered his hand, but McCoy is already flaring:

	                              McCOY
	                This was your idea! It was
	                your idea, wasn't it!

	                              KIRK
	                Bones, there's a 'thing' out
	                there --

	                              McCOY
	                -- Why is any object we don't
	                understand called a 'thing'?

	                              KIRK
	                        (continues)
	                -- headed this way. I need you...
	                    
	                              McCOY
	                Were you behind this?

	                              KIRK
	                        (nods)
	                Bones, I need you badly.

	      Kirk extends his hand again; McCoy delays some moments
	      -- then finally responds. And once done, it is the long
	      hand clasp of two old friends reunited despite their
	      differences. Now McCoy turns to Rand.

	                              McCOY
	                Permission to come aboard, sir?

	                              RAND
	                        (elated)
	                Permission granted, sir!

	      And McCoy moves toward the door, grumbling:

	                              McCOY
	                I hear Chapel's an MD now; I
	                need a top nurse, not a doctor
	                who'll argue every diagnosis...
	                And --

	      Even when he's in the corridor his grumbling trails
	      after him.

	                              McCOY
	                        (continuing)
	                ... they've probably redesigned
	                sickbay, too. Engineers love to
	                change things.

	104   FULL ON KIRK                                               104

	      as he gazes fondly after the grumbling McCoy, and now
	      turns to the intercom, flips it on:

	                              KIRK
	                All decks, this is the Captain.
	                Prepare or immediate departure.

	  105    INT. ENTERPRISE - MONTAGE  DEPARTURE SCENES                105
	 -                                                                 -
	  108                                                               108
	      Bulkheads closing, feed lines disengaging, main
	      ENGINES HUM into life, crew personnel hurrying to
	      launch stations. SHOTS of cargo deck, down to
	      Engineering Section slamming shut. Drydock area
	      clearing, work lights go out, warning lights go on.

	109   INT. BRIDGE                                                109

	      All flight positions manned, ready.

	                              UHURA
	                Dock control reports ready, sir.

	                              SULU
	                Helm ready, sir.

	                              ILIA
	                Orbital departure on plot, sir.

	                              UHURA
	                Yard command signaling clear,
	                sir.

	                              KIRK
	                Maneuvering thrusters, Mister
	                Sulu.

	                              SULU
	                Maneuvering thrusters, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                Hold station.

	                              SULU
	                        (working controls)
	                Thrusters at station-keeping, sir.

	110   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - ENTERPRISE AND DRYDOCK (S)              110

	      The starship within the drydock, but now the maneuver-
	      ing -- thrusters spurt pinpoints of BLUE-LAME. The
	      drydock is ready for the starship's departure -- not
	      a single pod or shuttlecraft in sight. The starship
	      looms majestically within the lacework girders.

	111   OMITTED                                                    111

	112   INT. BRIDGE                                                112

	      as Kirk hesitates just an instant, seems to hold his
	      breath. Then:

	                              KIRK
	                Thrusters ahead, Mister Sulu. 
	                Take us out.

	113   EXT. EARTH ORBIT                                           113

	      The maneuvering -- thrusters spurt more BLUE FLAME.
	      The Enterprise begins moving, DOMINATING SCREEN as
	      it moves majestically from the drydock.

	      THEME MUSIC IN AND UP.

	  114    CLOSER ANGLES - ENTERPRISE (S)                             114
	 -                                                                 -
	  117                                                               117
	      emphasizing fine detail reality of both drydock and
	      starship as saucer section emerges. Tiny space-
	      suited human figures watch the departing ship.
	      CAMERA HOLDS ON STARSHIP until completely clear
	      of the orbital dock.

	  117A   INT. ENGINEERING SECTION                                  117A

	      Here in Engineering Section, the ENGINE THROBBING
	      SLOWLY BUILDS to a THUNDERING SOUND. A glow from
	      the central unit indicates anti-matter intermix
	      underway. The Engineering Section shudders as the
	      great engines draw more and more power.

	                              SCOTT
	                Intermix set, Bridge, impulse
	                power at your discretion.

	118   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING KIRK                                118

	      as he hesitates just an instant. This is the moment
	      he's awaited, and to him it is equally as sensuous
	      and gratifying as making love -- which, perhaps, he
	      is -- to his mistress: The Enterprise.

	                              KIRK
	                        (after a moment)
	                Impulse power, Mr Sulu.
	                Ahead Warp point-five.

	119   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE (S)                                    119

	      The maneuvering jets turn off, the impulse drive glows.
	      The Enterprise begins moving perceptibly faster --
	      behind her, the drydock diminishing rapidly in size.

	                              KIRK
	                Departure angle on viewer.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Departure angle.

	      We SEE viewer IMAGE SWITCH to a departing view of
	      lovely bluish, cloud-laced image of Earth as it grows
	      smaller, smaller, dwindling quickly as the starship
	      gathers speed.

	                              KIRK
	                Viewer ahead.

	      And viewer IMAGE SWITCHED to show the star patterned
	      space ahead.

	120   EXT. SPACE - SATURN                                        120

	      with its colorful rings and multiple moons FILLING a 
	      major portion of the FRAME.

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                Captain's Log, stardate 7412.6.
	                2.7 hours from launch...

	121   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER                          121

	      All hands tense with the excitement of the journey,
	      on the viewer Saturn -- and its rings -- are falling
	      away (BEHIND US). OVER this:

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                        (concerned)
	                ... in order to intercept the
	                Intruder at the earliest possible
	                time, we must now risk engaging
	                Warp drive while still within the
	                solar system...

	      End of log.

	122   ANGLE ON DECKER - SCIENCE STATION                          122

	      punching in equations on his console, reaching a
	      reading:

	                              DECKER
	                Captain, assuming we have full
	                Warp capability, accelerating to
	                Warp Seven on leaving solar system
	                will bring us to IP with the
	                Intruder in twenty point one hours.

	  122A   INCLUDE ILIA                                              122A

	      Checking her console.

	                              ILIA
	                Science Officer's computations
	                confirmed, sir.

	      And Decker and Ilia glance at each other -- and again,
	      you know there is something more than casual in this.

	123   ANGLE ON THE ELEVATOR DOORS                                123

	      as they open, and McCoy appears, walks over to Kirk
	      who swings his chair around to face him. McCoy is
	      his usual dour self.

	                              KIRK
	                Well, Bones, do the new medical
	                facilities meet with your
	                approval?

	                              McCOY
	                They do not. It's like working
	                in a damned computer center.

	                              KIRK
	                        (turning to Decker)
	                Programming ready?

	                              DECKER
	                Program set for standard Warp
	                entry, Captain...

	      Kirk starts to swing his chair to normal position --
	      Decker calls:

	                              DECKER
	                        (continuing)
	                ... but I still recommend
	                further simulation study.

	                              KIRK
	                Mister Decker; every minute
	                brings that object nearer Earth!
	                        (using intercom)
	                Engineering! Stand by for
	                Warp Drive.

	      McCoy is watching Kirk, a bit surprised at his abrupt-
	      ness to Decker.

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                        (worried)
	                Captain, we need further Warp
	                simulation on the flow sensors...

	                              KIRK
	                Engineer, we need Warp speed now!

	                              McCOY
	                        (very gently)
	                You're pushing Jim. Your people
	                know their jobs.

	      Kirk flashes McCoy a glance of annoyance -- then back
	      to using intercom:

	124   INT. ENGINEERING                                           124

	      The main intermix chambers GLOWING with power; the LOW
	      RUMBLE of the main engines coming to life.

	      The CAMERA FINDS Scott in the chamber:

	                              SCOTT
	                        (into intercom)
	                Hold one minute, please, Captain --

	      He steps to his console where an ASST. ENGINEER is
	      working a computer, studying the readouts, punching
	      buttons, etc. Scott stands over him, grimly observ-
	      ing. Finally, the Asst. simply shrugs with frustration.

	                              ASST.
	                That's it, sir; I can't do any
	                better.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (grim)
	                Aye, lad...
	                        (into intercom)
	                It's borderline on the simulator,
	                Captain: I canna guarantee that
	                she'll...

	125   INT. BRIDGE                                                125

	      as Kirk, annoyed, interrupts Scott on the intercom.

	                              KIRK
	                Warp Drive, Mr Scott.

	      McCoy still watches curiously as Kirk turns to the
	      helm:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Ahead Warp One, Mr Sulu.

	                              SULU
	                Accelerating to Warp One, sir.

	      Sulu moves his controls forward -- everyone waits
	      tensely -- and then we HEAR THE INCREASING THROB OF
	      THE ACCELERATING ENGINES.

	                              SULU
	                        (continuing)
	                Warp point seven... point eight
	                ... nine...

	126   EXT. SPACE  THE ENTERPRISE - AFT AND AHEAD (S)             126

	      We SEE the WARP POWER EFFECT build up between the en-
	      gine "nacelles" -- then the starship makes the QUANTUM
	      LEAP into warp drive. The stars ahead shift, streak,
	      colors pulsating and changing as the shift exceeds the
	      wave lengths of the light spectrum -- and the stars
	      congeal into a MASS ahead.

	127   INT. BRIDGE - PAST KIRK TO THE VIEWER (O)                  127

	      as the viewer shows the same WARP DRIVE EFFECT. or
	      another moment all remain tense, and then all at once
	      relax, release their breaths. Smiles.

	                              SULU
	                Warp One, sir.

	      Kirk smiles, pleased, starts swinging his chair around,
	      at the same time calling:
	
	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Decker --

	      Kirk never finishes the word. At that instant, on the
	      viewer, a WORMHOLE DISTORTION: a sudden SPIRALING OF
	      STARS AND FLUID LIGHT narrowing into a VORTEX into
	      which the Enterprise hurtles. A space trap, a deadly
	      pandemonium of ALARM KLAXONS, BELLS, VOICES:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Wormhole!... Get us back on
	                impulse power! Full reverse!

	128   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                            128

	      Enterprise has been caught in a matter-time distortion,
	      sucked into a cylindrical "hole in space" (the Worm-
	      hole distortion), stars and planets become strange,
	      elongated shapes, with the Enterprise drawn deeper
	      and deeper into the vortex.

	129   INT. BRIDGE                                                129

	      The KLAXONS and BELLS CONTINUE, and the crew responding:

	                              SULU
	                Negative helm control, Captain!
	                Going reverse on impulse power...!

	                              UHURA
	                Subspace frequencies are jammed
	                by Wormhole effect!

	                              COMPUTER VOICE
	                        (terse, flat)
	                Collision alert...!
	                Collision alert...!

	      (Note: Computer alert continues through entire scene.)

	                              DECKER
	                        (consulting his viewer)
	                Negative control from inertial
	                lag will continue 22 point five
	                seconds before forward velocity
	                slows to sub-light speed.

	                              ILIA
	                Unidentified small object has
	                been pulled into the wormhole
	                with us, Captain! Directly 
	                ahead...!

	                              KIRK
	                Forcefields up full! Put object 
	                on viewer...!

	130   ANGLE ON THE MAIN VIEWER (O)                               130

	      showing (a magnification view) of a tiny point of light
	      directly ahead. Meanwhile, Kirk shouts an AD LIBBED
	      order to Sulu: "Go to Manual override!" Sulu AD LIBS,
	      "No manual response...!" (Through all this, McCoy
	      stands frozen, waiting -- and expecting -- the worse.)
	      Meanwhile, Ilia has reached over to Sulu's console,
	      hits a button, AD LIBBING, "Navigational deflectors
	      coming up...!" And then with alarmed dismay:

	                              ILIA
	                Navigational deflectors 
	                inoperative...!
	                        (consulting her 
	                         console, alarmed)
	                Directional control also 
	                inoperative, Captain...!

	                              DECKER
	                Wormhole distortion has over-
	                loaded main power systems...!

	131   CLOSE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                                   131

	      The picture is switched through two further levels of
	      magnification, enlarging the object: an elongated,
	      distorted, pitted asteroid, tumbling toward the Enter-
	      prise on a collision course.

	                              KIRK
	                        (toward Ilia)
	                Time to impact...?

	                              ILIA
	                Twelve seconds...!

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Chekov, stand by on the
	                phasers...!

	                              DECKER
	                        (racing to Chekov's
	                         station)
	                Delay that phaser order! Arm
	                photon torpedoes...!

	133   ANOTHER ANGLE - McCOY NOTICING KIRK                        133

	      who has just glanced, surprised at Decker (for counter-
	      manding the phaser order) -- and for a split instant,
	      Kirk seems confused. McCoy reacts with enlightenment
	      as, meanwhile:

	134   ANOTHER ANGLE - THE VIEWER (O)                             134

	      The object even larger.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Photon torpedoes armed...!

	                              ILIA
	                Object is an asteroid, reading
	                mass point seven...
	                       (consulting instruments)
	                Impact in eight seconds...
	                seven... six... five...

	                              DECKER
	                Fire torpedoes...!

	                              CHEKOV
	                        (punching button)
	                Torpedoes away...!

	135   EXT. SPACE - PAST THE ENTERPRISE AND THE ASTEROID (S)      135

	      as the starship's photon torpedo tubes EJECT GLOWING
	      BALLS OF LIGHT ENERGY, which seems to float toward the
	      oncoming asteroid, almost too slowly. And in these
	      brief seconds, the asteroid hurtles at the Enterprise,
	      the huge pitted rock growing even larger than the ship
	      itself. It FILLS THE SCREEN, as the photon torpedoes
	      hit, disintegrating the asteroid into thousands of
	      fragments. Instantly, these fragments pulverize them-
	      selves on the ship's forward forcefield and deflector
	      screens. The smaller pieces burn up on impact, clearly
	      outlining the ship's forcefield barriers.

	136   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                    136

	      The asteroid fragments still smashing into the force
	      field screen; the smaller bits like SPARKLERS as im-
	      pact heat consumes them. The larger sections bouncing 
	      away, the bridge QUIVERING as they hit.

	      Then one final gigantic fragment strikes, the bridge
	      SHUDDERS. And then the viewer shows only the normal
	      SUB-WARP EFFECT: The stars ahead, relatively station-
	      ary; a feeling of motion, but smooth, visually normal.

	                              CHEKOV
	                        (relieved)
	                We're out of it...!

	                              DECKER
	                We are at warp point eight.
	                Position report, Navigator..?

	                              SULU
	                Helm control restored, sir.

	                              ILIA
	                Computing new interception
	                course.

	                              UHURA
	                Communications are normal,
	                Captain.

	                              CHEKOV
	                        (to Kirk)
	                Negative damage report, sir.
	                        (to McCoy)
	                No casualties reported, sir.

	                              McCOY
	                        (tight)
	                Wrong, Mr. Chekov, there are
	                casualties. My wits!
	                        (to Kirk, indignant)
	                As in 'frightened-out-of'...!

	                              DECKER
	                       (into intercom)
	                Engineer... report status there.

	137   INT. ENGINEERING                                           137

	      with Scott and his crew pouring over the instruments --
	      all seem very grim. Scott, quite preoccupied, now
	      speaks into the intercom.

	                              SCOTT
	                In just a second, Exec; we're 
	                picking up the pieces down here.

	138   INT. BRIDGE                                                138

	      Kirk seeming to collect his thoughts now -- he gives
	      Decker a look, uses the intercom himself:

	                              KIRK
	                Warp Drive as soon as possible, 
	                Mr. Scott.

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                        (protesting)
	                Captain, it was our anti-matter
	                imbalance that created the 
	                wormhole in the first place. It 
	                will happen again if we don't 
	                correct it.

	                              KIRK
	                That object out there is less
	                than two days from Earth, Mister 
	                Scott. We've got to intercept 
	                while it still is out there!

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                        (near annoyed)
	                Aye, we understand that sir!
	                We're doing our best.

	      as Kirk flips off the intercom, rises determinedly,
	      faces Decker:

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Decker, I'd like to see you
	                in my quarters.
	                        (toward helm)
	                You have the conn, Mr. Sulu.

	                              McCOY
	                        (to Kirk)
	                Mind if I tag along?

	      Kirk gives McCoy an annoyed look, then strides to the
	      elevator. Decker, grim, follows -- McCoy brings up
	      the rear as they EXIT.

	139   ANGLE FAVORING ILIA                                        139

	      gazing worriedly at the just-closed elevator doors,
	      as Sulu is punching figures into his console.

	                              SULU
	                Maintaining warp point 
	                eight; I show our new heading 
	                as 287 point three Mark 105.

	      Ilia's attention is directed toward Decker.

	                              SULU
	                        (continuing; gently
	                         reminding)
	                Lieutenant Ilia...?

	                              ILIA
	                        (a beat; then 
	                         quickly)
	                Confirmed, Mr. Sulu. Confirmed.

	      And she punches in some equations, then again peers
	      up at the doors where she last saw Decker. She is
	      very concerned.

	140   INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS                                       140

	      The doors opening, Kirk entering, McCoy moves to b.g.
	      while Decker stands attentively, waiting as Kirk
	      turns to him.

	                              KIRK
	                Explanation, Mr. Decker: Why was
	                my phaser order countermanded?

	                              DECKER
	                       (cool, polite)
	                Sir, the Enterprise redesign
	                increases phaser power by
	                channeling it through the main
	                engines. When they went into
	                anti-matter imbalance, the
	                phasers were automatically cut
	                off.

	      Kirk is surprised by this information, perhaps slight-
	      ly chagrined. After a beat:

	                              KIRK
	                Then you acted properly, of course.

	                              DECKER
	                Thank you, sir. I'm sorry I embar-
	                rassed you.

	                              KIRK
	                You saved the ship.

	                              DECKER
	                        (coolly)
	                I'm aware of that, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (flaring)
	                Stop competing with me, Decker!

	                              DECKER
	                Permission to speak freely, sir?

	                              KIRK
	                        (tight)
	                Granted.

	                              DECKER
	                Sir, you haven't logged a single
	                star hour in two and a half years.
	                That, plus your unfamiliarity
	                with the ship's design -- in my
	                opinion, sir, seriously jeopardizes 
	                our mission.                          

	      Kirk reacts with anger. Struggles for and regains
	      control.

	                              KIRK
	                I trust you will... nursemaid me
	                through these difficulties, Mister?

	                              DECKER
	                Yes, sir, I'll do that.

	      Kirk peers at Decker, who stands facing him 
	      determinedly.

	                              KIRK
	                Then I won't keep you from your
	                duties any longer, Commander.
	                        (whirling at McCoy)
	                Yes, Doctor?

	      Kirk's last line has drowned out Decker's "Aye, sir."
	      McCoy says nothing, waits until Decker is gone and the
	      door closes behind him. Then:

	                              McCOY
	                He may not be wrong, Jim.

	141   OMITTED                                                    141     

 
	  -                                                                -
	142                                                              142


	143   INT. CORRIDOR                                              143

	      Decker moving toward an elevator -- the elevator doors
	      open, and there is Ilia. She steps out, faces him.

	                              ILIA
	                Was he difficult?

	                              DECKER
	                No more than I expected
	                        (hesitates)
	                Not as difficult as this. I'm
	                sorry...

	                              ILIA
	                That you left? or that you didn't
	                say 'goodbye'?

	                              DECKER
	                If I'd seen you again, would you
	                have been able to say it?

	                              ILIA
	                        (long hesitation;
	                         then shakes head)
	                No.

	      Ilia whirls, moves toward her stateroom door, which
	      snaps open, then closes behind her. Decker stands
	      gazing at the door, remembering, regretful.

	144   OMITTED                                                    144

	  144A   INT. KIRK'S CABIN - KIRK AND McCOY                        144A

	                              KIRK
	                Get out of here, Bones.

	                              McCOY
	                        (shakes head)
	                As ship's doctor, I am now
	                discussing the subject of
	                command fitness.

	      Kirk's expression hardens.

	                              KIRK
	                Make your point, Doctor.

	                              McCOY
	                The point, Captain, is that it's
	                you who's competing...
	                        (a beat, as Kirk reacts)
	                You pulled every string in the
	                book short of blackmail to get
	                the Enterprise -- maybe even
	                that. And when this mission is
	                over, you have no intention of
	                giving her back.

	                              KIRK
	                        (tight)
	                I intend to keep her, is that
	                what you're saying, Doctor?

	                              McCOY
	                It's an obsession -- that can
	                blind you so far more immediate
	                -- and critical responsibilities.
	                Your reaction to Decker is an
	                example.

	      Kirk studies him a beat; has McCoy touched a nerve?
	      Something Kirk himself might have been unaware of?
	      Kirk starts speaking, but is interrupted by:

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Bridge to Captain.

	  144B   ANGLE TO INCLUDE CABIN VIEWER                             144B

	      as Kirk turns to it.

	                              KIRK
	                Viewer on.

	      At his VOICE COMMAND, the viewer comes on with AN IMAGE
	      of Uhura at her console.

	                              UHURA FROM VIEWER
	                Signal from a Federation-registered
	                long-range shuttle, sir. She
	                wishes to come alongside, and
	                lock on.

	                              KIRK
	                For what purpose?

	      On the viewer, Chekov's IMAGE replaces Uhura.

	                              CHEKOV
	                It is a courier, Captain. Grade
	                One priority. Non-belligerency
	                confirmed.

	                              KIRK
	                Very well, Mr. Chekov, see to it.
	                Viewer off.

	      Viewer IMAGE FADES. Kirk turns back to McCoy whose
	      question of Kirk's fitness still hangs there between
	      them. Eye to eye - then, finally:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Your... opinion has been noted,
	                Doctor.
	                        (beat)
	                Is there anything further?

	                              McCOY
	                I hope not.

	      Kirk nods, exits. McCoy watches him go, hoping his
	      point has gotten through.

	145   OMITTED                                                    145

	146   EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE (S)                               146

	      traveling at a rapid speed; it carries warp-capacity
	      nacelles which dwarf the smaller  to 10 position
	      shuttle fuselage. The CAMERA HOLD ON THE SHUTTLE
	      as it overtakes the Enterprise, the ENTERPRISE COM-
	      ING INTO VIEW, and the shuttle slowing and beginning
	      to move between the starship's giant nacelles.

	147   EXT. SPACE - THROUGH WINDOW IN OFFICERS' LOUNGE -          147
	      THE ENTERPRISE AND THE SHUTTLE (S)

	      About the size of a fighter airplane floating in over
	      the vastness of an aircraft carrier. The shuttle
	      slows further, hovering now. Then its fuselage pod
	      detaches from the warp drive nacelles -- the pod
	      moving slowly but precisely toward the starship's
	      command airlock.

	148   INT. POD HATCH ENTRY AREA                                  148

	      as we HEAR the CLANK and WHOOSH of the AIRLOCK MECHAN-
	      ISM. Chekov is standing by  with a security man.

	      A moment later the hatch slips open - TO REVEAL
	      Spock. A proud Spock, impassively Vulcan, almost
	      contemptuously aloof. His hair is now trimmed in
	      neat Vulcan style; he wears Vulcan attire simple,
	      civilian, utilitarian.)

	                              SPOCK
	                Permission to come aboard, sir?

	                              CHEKOV
	                Granted, sir! Granted!

	      Spock is already moving out of the pod entry area, im-
	      passive, no greeting on his lips; no friendship in his
	      expression.

	149   EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE LEAVING                           149

	      pulling away from Enterprise.

	150   INT. BRIDGE                                                150

	      The elevator doors open, and there is Spock. It takes
	      everyone a moment to believe their eyes. Then, the
	      Bridge crew AD LIB their surprise and pleasure.

	                              KIRK
	                Spock...! Spock, where...how...?

	      Kirk, smiling, is moving toward Spock with hand out-
	      stretched. But Spock has already turned and moved
	      toward the science console where Decker sits.

	                              SPOCK
	                Commander, if I may...?

	150A  AT SCIENCE CONSOLE                                        150A

	      It takes Decker a moment to realize that Spock wants
	      to take over the console. He begins getting to his
	      feet, throwing Kirk a look. But Kirk's attention is
	      totally on SPOCK. And Spock is already intent on com-
	      putations he is beginning to punch into the science
	      console computer.

	                              SPOCK
	                I have been monitoring your
	                Starfleet transmissions, Captain,
	                your engine design difficulties.

	      Spock continues to punch information into the science
	      computer -- a monitor screen IMAGE begins to show com-
	      plex equations which Spock inspects -- he makes a
	      further computer punch out and inspects a second  monitor 
	      IMAGE of other equations. Only then does Spock seem to
	      become aware of Kirk and Decker standing there with
	      questioning expressions.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                I offer my services as Science
	                Officer.

	      Kirk starts to grin -- then remembers to wipe it off
	      his face as he turns to Decker.

	                              KIRK
	                If our Executive Officer has no
	                objections...?

	                              DECKER
	                        (interrupting)
	                Of course not. I'm aware of
	                Mister Spock's qualifications.

	                              KIRK
	                        (grinning openly now;
	                         turns, calls)
	                Mister Chekov, log Mister Spock's
	                Starfleet commission reactivated;
	                list him as Science Officer; both
	                effective immediately.

	  151   ANGLE TO INCLUDE ELEVATOR DOORS                             151

	      as they SNAP open -- McCoy and Chapel appear. Chapel
	      sees Spock at the science console -- she moves in
	      quickly, overjoyed. Even McCoy seems pleased.

	                              CHAPEL
	                Mr. Spock...!!!

	                              McCOY
	                So help me, I'm actually
	                pleased to see you.

	      But as Chapel crosses to Spock, her pleased smile
	      brightening her whole face, Spock turns, dismisses her
	      presence with a cold disinterested glance -- Chapel
	      stops, stands dumbfounded. Spock gives McCoy a similar
	      glance - turns back to his console readings as:

	                              UHURA
	                That's how we all feel, Mister...

	      The same cold glance causes Uhura to stop in mid-
	      sentence. Several grins directed toward Spock are now
	      fading from bridge crew faces. Spock has turned back
	      again for a last quick reading at the console and now
	      stands -- totally ignoring everyone else as he speaks
	      coolly, unemotionally to Kirk:
	
	                              SPOCK
	                With your permission, I will now
	                discuss these fuel equations with
	                the Engineer.

	      Kirk manages a nod, a bit dumbfounded himself at Spock's
	      strange manner. Spock heads for the elevator -- puz-
	      zled expressions from the entire bridge crew. Then
	      Kirk calls after him, very sincerely:

	                              KIRK
	                Mister Spock, welcome aboard!

	      Spock continues onto the elevator without any acknow-
	      ledgment, leaves. Kirk glances, perplexed, at McCoy.
	      McCoy, equally perplexed, shrugs.

	                              McCOY
	                Never look a gift Vulcan in the
	                ears, Jim.

	152   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (S)                            152

	      traveling past the stars, sub-warp. OVER this:

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                        (buoyant)
	                Captain's Log. Stardate 7413.4.
	                Thanks to Mr. Spock's timely
	                arrival - and assistance...

	153   INT. ENGINEERING - SPOCK AND SCOTT                         153
	      
	      Scott making an intermix chamber reading with a hand-
	      held timer-temperature device which emits SIGNALS while
	      Spock now in regulation uniform and hair trim, makes
	      adjustments in the circuitry of a panel complex. Dur-
	      ing the following, they will react as if they've solved
	      the engine problem.

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                        (continues)
	                ... we have the engines rebalanced
	                into full warp capacity. Repair
	                time less than three hours...

	154   INT. BRIDGE - ALL BRIDGE CREW EXCEPT SPOCK                 154

	      Sulu at the helm, accelerating; just a touch of tense-
	      ness in crew as they move toward the speed which
	      earlier threw them into the "wormhole" effect.

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                        (continues)
	                ... which means we will now be
	                able to intercept Intruder while
	                still more than a day from Earth.

	155   ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                            155

	      Stars accelerating as Sulu calls off:

	                    
	                              SULU
	                Warp point eight... point nine...

	      The viewer shows the QUANTUM LEAP into warp drive. The
	      stars ahead shift, streak and congeal into WARP EFFECT
	      MASS.

	                              SULU
	                        (continuing)
	                Warp one, sir.

	      The others wait, then show relief as:

	                              SULU
	                        (continuing)
	                Warp two, sir... warp three...

	      He continues to seven.

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Engineering to Bridge... New
	                intermix balance holding steady.
	                She's not even straining!

	156   INT. OFFICER'S LOUNGE (O)                                  156

	      Where, first, CAMERA SHOOTS THROUGH THE WINDOW, the
	      myriad of stars, space, the whole magnificent vista.
	      In the lounge, empty but for them, are Kirk and McCoy
	      -- obviously awaiting Spock, who ENTERS and presents
	      himself cold and aloof as before:

	                              SPOCK
	                Reporting as ordered, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                Sit down, please.

	      Spock remains standing, addresses Kirk:

	                              SPOCK
	                Sir, I would appreciate Dr. McCoy
	                absenting himself from this
	                interview.

	                              KIRK
	                I want him here.
	                       (indicating)
	                Sit down!
	
	      For an instant, it looks like Spock will refuse. Then,
	      he complies but sits formally, rigidly. He ignores
	      McCoy totally.

	                              KIRK
	                You've reported that you felt
	                strong thought emotions. A
	                group of minds from a space
	                vessel? Could you make out any
	                plan, anything to do with
	                Earth?

	                              SPOCK
	                        (still formally)
	                Negative, Captain. I could sense
	                only what seemed an almost
	                omniscient pattern of perfect
	                logic. I can explain nothing
	                more; I understand nothing more.

	      Kirk is clearly disappointed -- and a bit uncomfortable
	      about what he must ask next. He exchanges a glance
	      with McCoy, then:

	                              KIRK
	                Also -- there was nothing in your
	                report about why you're here.

	                              SPOCK
	                That inquiry invades my personal
	                life, Captain.

	                              McCOY
	                Spock, we've already guessed why
	                you're here...

	                              KIRK
	                I inquired about you -- learned
	                you were studying with the
	                Masters...

	      Although Spock has been almost infuriatingly emotionless,
	      his expression shifts slightly. McCoy indicates this:

	                              McCOY
	                That flicker of emotion confirms
	                our guess. You failed.
	
	                              SPOCK
	                        (facing McCoy for
	                         the first time)
	                Your deductions do you credit,
	                Doctor... if your puerile
	                curiosity does not.

	                              McCOY
	                        (not in amusement)
	                And now, anger, Spock?

	      Spock looks straight ahead -- his face instantly com-
	      posed to almost total blankness.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (beat; nods)
	                I still contain fragments of my
	                human half.
	
	                              KIRK
	                And whatever you sensed out here....

	                              SPOCK
	                 ... is my only hope of accomplishing
	                what the Masters could not.

	                              McCOY
	                If you achieve perfect logic, Spock,
	                you'll pay a price. It's given
	                your planet ten thousand years of
	                peace, but no poetry's been written
	                since then, no music.

	      Spock has come to his feet fast - but Kirk is on his
	      feet too, confronting him. During which:

	                              KIRK
	                Let it drop, Bones.
	                        (to Spock)
	                You are my Science Officer -- I'll
	                expect an immediate report on
	                anything further you learn or sense
	                from here on.

	                              SPOCK
	                I have accepted service here as
	                a Starfleet officer... sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (nods)
	                I know this has been painful, Spock.
	                For me too. Thank you.

	      Spock EXITS. Kirk and McCoy exchange a troubled look,
	      then EXIT too as CAMERA CENTERS AGAIN ON OBSERVATION
	      WINDOW, the view of space there.

	157   OMITTED                                                    157 
	  -                                                                - 
	159                                                              159

	  159A   INT. BRIDGE - CLOSE ON CHEKOV'S HAND                      159A

	      pushing red alert. The ALERT SOUNDS; the red lights
	      begin FLASHING.

	                              CHEKOV'S VOICE
	                Red alert! Red alert!

	160   BRIDGE ANGLE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER                       160

	      All regulars in position (different uniforms), extra
	      CREW hurrying in from elevators to man the remainder
	      of the console positions. Decker is making a bridge
	      circuit.

	                              KIRK
	                Full mag on viewer!

	      Sulu hits a control -- viewer seems to ZOOM AHEAD and
	      in the distance we SEE a point of light which grows
	      into the LUMINESCENT CLOUD. The same as seen by the
	      Klingons and Starfleet's Epsilon Nine station. Myster-
	      ious, beautiful, and menacing.

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Linguacode?

	                              UHURA
	                Continuing friendship messages on
	                all frequencies, sir.

	                              CHEKOV
	                All decks and divisions confirm
	                status red.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (flat, impassive)
	                We are being scanned, Captain.

	161   ANOTHER ANGLE - ACROSS KIRK (AND DECKER) TO SPOCK          161

	      as Kirk whirls toward Spock's station, calls out:

	                              KIRK
	                Do not return scan, Mr. Spock!
	                It may be misinterpreted as
	                hostility!

	                              SPOCK
	                Intruder scans emanate from
	                the exact cloud center.
	                Energy of a type entirely un-
	                known to me.

	                              UHURA
	                       (after a moment)
	                No response to friendship
	                messages, Captain.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Should I go to battle stations,
	                sir.

	                              KIRK
	                Negative, We'll take no prov-
	                ocative action.

	      Decker has reacted sharply, disapprovingly, to this:

	                              DECKER
	                Recommend defensive posture,
	                Captain: Screens and shields.

	                              KIRK
	                No...
	                        (pause)
	                ... that could also be misinter-
	                preted as hostile, Mr. Decker.
	                        (to Spock)
	                Cloud composition, Mr. Spock?

	                              SPOCK
	                Twelve power energy field --

	                              SULU
	                        (in disbelief)
	                -- twelve power?!

	                              DECKER
	                        (urgently)
	                Captain, we've seen what their
	                weapons can do. Shouldn't we 
	                take every possible precaution -- ?

	                              KIRK
	                Mr Decker....

	                              SPOCK
	                        (interrupting)
	                Captain, I suspect there's an
	                object at the heart of that cloud.

	                              KIRK
	                        (cool)
	                Mr. Decker, I will not provoke 
	                an attack, If that order isn't 
	                clear to you...

	                              DECKER
	                        (interrupting in mid
	                         sentence)
	                Captain, as your Exec, it's my
	                duty to point out alternatives.

	      A moment of thought from Kirk.
	                              
	                              ILIA
	                Five minutes to Cloud boundary!

	                              KIRK
	                        (a look)
	                I stand corrected Mr. Decker.
	                        (toward Ilia)
	                Navigator, lay in a conic section
	                flight path into the cloud center;
	                bring us parallel to whatever
	                we find in there...

	162   FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                                   162

	      The Cloud has now grown so large it DOMINATES THE
	      ENTIRE VIEWER. Sulu hits a button, reducing magnif-
	      cation. Immediately, the CLOUD diminishes in size --
	      but almost instantly begins GROWING AGAIN. Decker's
	      annoyance (with Kirk) suddenly seems to dissipate as
	      his total attention is diverted to the cloud.

	  162A   ANOTHER ANGLE - SPOCK, DECKER AND KIRK                    162A

	      Decker turning to Spock

	                              DECKER
	                That measures twelve power?
	                Ten thousands of starships couldn't 
	                generate that much...
	
	      Decker trails his words, realizing that Spock isn't
	      hearing a word. Spock's attention is on the O.S. main
	      viewer, totally absorbed by something he's feeling.
	      He is slowly rising from his seat, stepping forward --
	      Kirk becomes conscious of this, turns and sees Spock's
	      strange expression. Before he can speak:

	                              SPOCK
	                They have... they have been
	                communicating with us. I sense
	                ... puzzlement. Why have we
	                not replied?

	                              KIRK
	                Communicated with us how?

	      Spock shakes his head... then reacts as if sensing or
	      theorizing something further. He turns, moves quickly
	      to his console, begins there as if searching for something.
	      Interrupted by another ALARM KLAXON.

	                              DECKER
	                Signal medical alert, Mister
	                Chekov!

	                              COMPUTER VOICE
	                Incoming fire. Ahead. Zero, 
	                ... mark, zero.
	                Incoming fire. Ahead. Zero,
	                mark, zero.

	163   FULL ON THE MAIN VIEWER (O)                                163

	      showing a WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT streaking from the
	      Cloud!

	                              KIRK (O.S.)
	                Forcefields now...! Deflectors
	                up full!
	                              SULU (O.S.)
	                Commencing evasive
	                maneuvers... !

	      Bridge begins to tilt.

	164   REVERSE ANGLE                                              164

	                              CHEKOV
	                Forcefields and deflectors up
	                full, Captain.

	165   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (S)                                165

	      The WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT speeds toward the Enterprise,
	      which veers sharply away now -- but WHIPLASH FOLLOWS.

	166   INT. BRIDGE AND VIEWER (O)                                 166

	      With the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT on the main viewer,
	      closer and closer -- heading straight-on for the Star-
	      ship. From the Bridge a CACOPHONY OF VOICES AND
	      SOUNDS, but all organized and disciplined with the
	      BRIDGE LIGHTING DIMMING and then as though traveling 
	      the last short distance (actually several million
	      miles) in the wink of an eye -- the WHIPLASH OF ENERGY
	      STRIKES. The bridge lights go out.

	      In the sudden darkness, the main viewer is all at once 
	      a frantic, furious, pattern of GREEN-WHITE FLARING ENERGY,
	      accompanied by an EXPLOSIVE SHRILLING SOUND. It seems to 
	      cling to the forcefields, the incredible energy of the          
	      forcefield barriers.

	167   FAVORING CHEKOV'S STATION (O)                              167

	      as a sheet of GREEN WHIPLASH ENERGY bursts from
	      Chekov's console -- a LASH of FLAME engulfs Chekov's
	      arm. Automatic fire control nozzles SPURT FOAM over
	      him as he falls twisting and groaning in pain. Ilia
	      reacts first, crossing quickly to assist Chekov --
	      Decker joins her, taking over Chekov's console.

	168   OMITTED                                                    168

	169   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE UNDER ATTACK (S)               169

	      The SHEET OF WRITHING-GREEN ENERGY enveloping the
	      entire vessel, outlining it starkly. (And outlining,
	      too, the forcefield screens and deflectors -- batter-
	      ing at them, seeking some gap through which to
	      penetrate.)

	170   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                      170

	      The bridge still darkened, and on the viewer the WHIP-
	      LASH ENERGY splattering the entire viewing screen with
	      GREEN ENERGY BRILLIANCE, forcing all to shield their
	      eyes against the impossible glare.

	171   OMITTED                                                    171
	
	172   INT. ENGINEERING                                           172
 
	      A smoking panel BURSTS INTO A SHOWER OF SPARKS AND
	      FLAME, spewing over and past Scott and his crew.

	                              SCOTT
	                Bypass...! Alternate
	                Integrators!

	173   INT. BRIDGE AND VIEWER (O)                                 173

	      as, first on the viewer, the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT
	      EFFECT clings another moment then begins FADING. And
	      then it is gone. The bridge lights go on again.
	      Elevator doors open. Doctor Chapel and Medical Corps-
	      men arrive and cross immediately to where Ilia tends
	      to the injured Chekov.

	                              SULU
	                The new screens held...!

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Engineering to bridge; we cannot
	                hold full power on forcefields;
	                deflector power is down seventy
	                percent!

	  173A   CHEKOV'S STATION                                          173A

	      Over the following, we will HEAR Captain Kirk AD LIB
	      order; "Divert auxiliary systems power to deflectors!"
	      and SCOTT INTERCOM VOICE answer: "All auxiliary power
	      to deflectors, sir." Meanwhile, Chapel and Corpsmen
	      giving medical treatment to Chekov who is in agony.
	      Chapel is about to give an injection.

	                              ILIA
	                No, I can stop his pain.

	      The Deltan woman takes Chekov's upper arm in both her
	      hands, kneading her fingers deep into nerve centers --
	      Chekov's pain begins to quickly recede and he is almost
	      startled by the sudden relief. Doctor Chapel, now
	      spraying plasti-skin on the burned hand and wrist,
	      gives Ilia a surprised, approving look and a flicker
	      of female friendship passes between the Deltan and
	      Earth woman. (setting up a later story point)

	174   CLOSE ON VIEWER (O)                                        174

	      The energy brilliance gone now, we can SEE the CLOUD
	      is very close -- the closest we have seen it yet, and
	      the Aurora effect is spectacular; a vast, dense blan-
	      ket of SPARKLING, FLARING COLOR.

	175   EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                          175

	      whirling abruptly in his chair, addressing Kirk:

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain, the Intruder has been
	                attempting to communicate! Now
	                placing their transmission on
	                the speaker...

	      Immediately, from the SPEAKER we HEAR a SHRILL, IN-
	      CREDIBLY FAST BEEP.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                ... frequency more than one
	                million megahertz at such high
	                speed their entire message lasts
	                only a millisecond.

	  175A   ANOTHER ANGLE                                             175A

	      Chapel and Corpsman are assisting Chekov from the
	      bridge (we'll have SEEN that the remarkable plasti-
	      skin sprayed on his hand has completley covered the
	      ugly burn marks - he is even able to move his fingers
	      a bit). Ilia returns to her station -- a relief CREW
	      WOMAN takes over from Decker at Chekov's console.

	176   CLOSER ON SPOCK'S STATION                                  176

	      so we can SEE in more detail Spock's monitor -- various
	      oscillating waves, and HEAR more of the SHRILL BEEPS as 
	      Spock manipulates his equipment, and continues:

	                              SPOCK
	                I suspect our messages were too
	                slow for them to be noticed.
	                        (touches a control)
	                Programming computer to send
	                linguacode at their rate.

	      Decker has hurried in to assist the science console.
	      Spock indicates a console area -- Decker works there --
	      Spock works another section of console buttons.

	177   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE CLOUD (S)              177

	      The Cloud ever closer to the ship now, which is a mere
	      dot in space compared to the immensity of the energy-
	      seething, continuous color-exploding Cloud. And then,
	      suddenly, from the Cloud -- ANOTHER WHIPLASH ENERGY
	      BOLT. Bearing down upon the Enterprise.

	178   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             178

	      where the oncoming WHIPLASH BOLT is SEEN emerging from
	      the Cloud. In the b.g., ALARM KLAXONS are SOUNDING, 
	      alert lights flashing, etc

	                              SULU
	                Here it comes...!

	                             COMPUTER VOICE
	                Incoming fire. Ahead, zero, mark,
	                zero, point two. Incoming fire. 
	                Ahead, zero, zero, mark, zero...

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Engineering... what's happening
	                to our forcefields?!

	179   INT. ENGINEERING                                           179

	      Much frenetic activity here, previous damage being
	      repaired, the main shaft GLOWING BLUE-WHITE, ENGINES
	      THROBBING AT FULL POWER, and a harassed Scott at the
	      intercom:

	                              SCOTT
	                Systems are overloading, Captain!
	                Our shields cannot handle another
	                attack!

	180   OMITTED                                                    180

	181   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE CLOUD (O)              181

	      The WHIPLASH BOLT streaking toward the ship.

	182   INT. BRIDGE                                                182

	                              KIRK
	                        (desperately)
	                Mr. Spock?

	                              ILIA
	                Impact in fifteen seconds...

	      Spock -- Decker assisting -- works frantically. Spock
	      is clearly dissatisfied, shakes his head tightly.

	                              KIRK
	                Transmit, Mr. Spock! Now!

	                              ILIA
	                Ten seconds....

	183   CLOSER ON SPOCK'S STATION                                  183

	      as Spock hits the "transmit" button, and we HEAR the
	      SHRILL BEEP SOUND (lasting but a fraction of a second),
	      and Decker calls to Kirk:

	                              DECKER
	                Transmitting...!

	                              ILIA'S VOICE
	                ... five seconds.

	184   ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                                   184

	      where the WHIPLASH BOLT is now BRILLIANT, almost upon
	      us! Then the WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT abruptly VANISHES.
	      In the blink of an eye, the entire EFFECT IS GONE.

	185   REACTIONS                                                  185

	      relief, incredulity.

	                              SPOCK
	                It appears that our message has
	                been understood, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Uhura)
	                Any reply from them?

	                              UHURA
	                Negative, no reply, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                       (returning to Spock)
	                Spock, have you sensed anything
	                else?

	      Spock turns, gives the O.S. viewer a glance. Then he
	      shakes head.

	                              SPOCK
	                The 'puzzlement' I sensed was
	                fleeting... minor...
	                       (ponders, then)
	                ... as if carrying a sense of
	                our insignificance, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                Our... 'insignificance'?

	      All have reacted to this; Kirk exchanges a look with
	      Spock who nods firmly. Then Kirk sees that both Decker
	      and Sulu are throwing him a questioning look. In b.g.
	      McCoy and Chapel have EXITED bridge with Chekov.

	                              SPOCK
	                We are obviously confronted by
	                a highly advanced mentality...
	                yet they cannot understand who
	                we are, or what we want.

	                              KIRK
	                But they understood our messages;
	                they broke off the attack.

	                              DECKER
	                They may have attacked only as
	                a warning to us, Captain. To
	                keep away.

	                              SPOCK
	                That would presuppose a feeling,
	                Commander... compassion. I sensed
	                no emotion, only...
	                        (reverentially)
	                ... pure logic.

	      Kirk peers at Spock hoping for some assistance on
	      the decision; but Spock merely peers back at him ex-
	      pressionlessly: the decision is Kirk's. Kirk faces
	      Spock one last beat, then turns and starts back to-
	      ward his chair, calling to Ilia.

	                              KIRK
	                Tactical plot on viewer.

	 185XC   ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                          185XC

	      where the IMAGE of the "powerfield Cloud: changes to a
	      tactical plot of Enterprise's conic flight path ap-
	      proach. It shows a large schematic of the Cloud itself
	      as well as a series of FAINTLY BLINKING schematics of
	      various recent positions and directional attitudes of
	      the Enterprise during its approach. These blinking
	      Enterprise schematics show that the starship has  gone
	      from a head-on approach to the Cloud into a (tech.
	      advice) skidding movement around the Cloud (the star-
	      ship always heading directly toward Cloud center),
	      with the last Enterprise positions now showing it ap-
	      roaching the Cloud from a quartering rear approach.

	 185XD   REVERSE ANGLE                                             85XD

	                              ILIA
	                Thirty seconds to Cloud
	                boundary...

	                              KIRK
	                Opinion, Mister. Spock?

	                              SPOCK
	                Recommend we proceede, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Decker... ?

	                              DECKER
	                I advise caution, Captain; we 
	                can't withstand another attack.

	                              KIRK
	                That thing is twenty hours from
	                Earth. We know nothing about it yet.	

	      Decker glances around, moves close to Kirk so only
	      Spock is able to overhear:

	                              DECKER
	                That's precisely the point, 
	                Captain. We don't know 
	                it will do. Moving into the
	                cloud -- at this time, is 
	                an unwarranted gamble.

	                              KIRK
	                How do you define unwarranted,
	                mister?!

	                              DECKER
	                You asked my opinion, sir.

	      Kirk looks at him, then at Spock, who once more is
	      peering in momentary concentration at the viewer,
	      feels Kirk's gaze -- and turns to him, again expres-
	      sionlessly; it's up to Kirk.

	                              ILIA
	                Fifteen seconds to Cloud Boundary.

	                              KIRK
	                Viewer, standard ahead.

	 185XE   ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWER (O)                              185XE

	      Main viewer IMAGE reverts to the "powerful cloud."
	      All peer in grim fascination at the cloud another
	      moment. Then:

	186   OMITTED                                                    186

	187   Kirk sits contemplating his next move. Once again, the     187
	      decision is his. He looks to the Viewer a moment, then:
	                    
	                              KIRK
	                       (to Helm)
	                Mr. Sulu, steady as she goes.

	                              SULU
	                Aye, sir.

	188   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE                                    188

	      as the Enterprise slowly enters deeper toward the chamber 
	      ahead. We SEE the sheer size of the Cloud as opposed to
	      that of the small ship now entering unknown territory.

	      As the Enterprise enters the Cloud:

	189   INT. BRIDGE - REACTIONS AT WHAT THEY ARE SEEING            189

	      On Viwscreen we SEE a vast array of IMAGES, spiralling 
	      IMAGES, changing in size, shape, colour. Its walls 
	      spinning and turning, looping and twisting, as the 
	      Enterprise proceeds further Into the Cloud. 

	      Amazed bridge crew members can do nothing but awe at 
	      the sight before thier eye's. Even Spock has turned to 
	      view the sight now illuminating the View screen. Kirk 
	      sits pondering, amazed, thinking "What comes next?" 

	  189A   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND V'GER                         189A
 
	      Moving slowly through the maze of VISUAL'S seen from 
	      the Main Viewer.

	190   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER (O)                     190

	      as the CLOUD OBSCURES all now. Everyone gazes at the
	      viewer, almost mesmerized by the shifting violet power-
	      field displays.

	                              KIRK
	                        (staring at viewer,
	                         frustrated, awed)
	                No vessel could generate a 
	                powerfield of this magnitude...

	                              SPOCK
	                Instruments fluctuating, Captain.
	                Patterns unrecognizable.

	                              SULU'S VOICE
	                Captain....!

	191   ANGLE ON SULU                                              191

	      Sulu peering toward O.S. main viewer, his eyes wide
	      with incredulity.

	192   OTHER REACTIONS                                            192

	      Crew peering at O.S. main viewer with expressions of
	      near disbelief. Similar reactions as Kirk and Decker
	      turn too, reacting to:

	193   WHAT THEY SEE ON MAIN VIEWER (O)                           193

	      (V'GER THEME MUSIC UP) The Cloud "Aurora" EFFECT
	      rapidly thinning -- in the "eye of the hurricane"
	      center of the Cloud is the object which has stunned
	      the entire bridge crew.

	      Rapidly growing in size -- already frighteningly huge.
	      Totally alien in look. Its enormous bulk is irrides-
	      cent, faintly glowing, suggesting that it is made up
	      of exotic combinations of matter, and energy far beyond
	      the scientific knowledge or ability of Earth's 23rd
	      Century technology. Menacing and yet strangely
	      beautiful, both at the same time.

	194   VARIOUS ANGLES ON THE BRIDGE CREW AND THE VIEWER           194
	  -                                                                -
	197                                                              197
	      The Object continues to GROW RAPIDLY IN SIZE as the
	      Enterprise continues moving toward it. Everyone is
	      awed; even Spock, from whom we discern an involuntary,
	      impressed reaction. Decker is with Spock at the
	      science console.

	                              DECKER
	                Incredible dimensions, Sir!
	                ... I make it as seventy-eight
	                kilometers in length...

	      All digest the dimensions, as:

	198   ANGLE ON THE BRIDGE ELEVATOR DOORS                         198

	      opening to admit McCoy and Chekov, whose face and hands
	      are taut with plastiskin applications. Seeing the
	      object on the viewer (O.S. at this ANGLE), Chekov's
	      eyes open with wide astonishment. He crosses quickly
	      to his weapons--defense station, his eyes on the
	      viewer. McCoy, eyes also fixed on the sight, moves
	      to Kirk's side.

	                              UHURA
	                It could hold a crew of tens
	                of thousands...!

	                              McCOY
	                Or just one thousand, ten 
	                miles tall.

	                              KIRK
	                Evaluation, Mister Spock?

	199   ACROSS KIRK TO SPOCK                                       199

	      (This will be the first time we've seen Spock dislay-
	      ing a definite reaction, almost an emotion.) So
	      engrossed is Spock in the main viewer IMAGE that he
	      appears not to have heard Kirk, whose AD LIBS a sharp
	      "Mr. Spock...!" Spock looks absently at Kirk an
	      instant, then:

	                              SPOCK
	                        (awed; compelled)
	                That vessel is generating a
	                forcefield measurably greater
	                than the radiation of the Earth's
	                sun.

	                              KIRK
	                        (turns to Uhura)
	                Transmit image of the Alien to
	                Starfleet; advise we are attempting
	                further communication.

	                              UHURA
	                        (interrupting)
	                Unable to make contact with
	                Starfleet. Our transmissions
	                out of the Cloud are being
	                reflected back.

	                              ILIA
	                Distance to object now seventy-
	                thousand kilometers...

	                              SULU
	                        (turning; concerned)
	                We're closing in on it rapidly,
	                Captain.

	      Concern reflected on the faces of others too. Kirk
	      considers his next move.

	200   OMITTED                                                    200
	  -                                                                -
	203                                                              203

	204   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ALIEN                          204

	      CAMERA TRAVELING WITH ENTERPRISE as it moves on a
	      parallel--closing course -- Alien continues to GROW
	      IN SIZE. Although it already seems an impossibly
	      large vessel compared to the Enterprise, in reality
	      they are still tens of thousands of kilometers apart;
	      the incredible size of the Alien is nowhere near being
	      realized yet.

	  204A   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                            204A

	      Tension high as -- the Alien now appears so close that
	      its IMAGE MORE THAN FILLS VIEWER. Considerable
	      tension of bridge -- crew members, throwing nervous
	      looks from viewer to Kirk. How much closer?!

	                              KIRK
	                Reduce magnification. Factor
	                4, Mr. Sulu.

	                              SULU
	                        (uneasy)
	                We're already two settings
	                below that, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (reacts, then)
	                Adjust parallel course, Navigator.
	                Bring us in to one hundred
	                kilometers distance.

	      Very nervous looks now directed toward Kirk. Even
	      Spock gives him a glance, a raised eyebrow.

	205   EXT. SPACE - CAMERA TRAVELING WITH ENTERPRISE              205 

	      The Alien Object appears A DOZEN TIMES LARGER THAN
	      ENTERRISE and still GROWING IN SIZE.

	      We begin to SEE Alien exterior detailing which had
	      not even been suspected at a longer distance.

	      The Enterprise is now quartering in toward the
	      Intruder, coming closer and closer. The Alien
	      vessel is still GROWING IN SIZE -- more and more,
	      its exterior appears to be made of substances never
	      before seen by a human eye -- substances considered
	      possible only in the wildest flights of scientific
	      theory -- plasma-matter, energy fields diamond--hard
	      in their power, solid sheets of subatomic particles,
	      crystalline-lace patterns which seem capable of
	      shifting their nature and rearranging themselves.

	  205A   ANGLE ON INTRUDER                                         205A

	      This time, the Enterprise travels on away from us, as
	      its course takes it angling nearer and nearer the
	      gigantic Alien Intruder -- the Starship dwindling in
	      size, growing smaller, smaller, smaller... until it
	      is a tiny dot compared to the enormity of the Alien
	      vessel.

	206   INT. BRIDGE - VIEWER (O)                                   206

	      We are coming alongside the mid-section of the Alien
	      vessel, now so huge that only a small section of it
	      now completely fills main viewer frame.

	                              SULU
	                One hundred kilometers...

	                              KIRK
	                Hold relative position here...

	      Kirk's voice is blotted out by a DEAFENING, SHRILL-
	      ING SOUND, accompanied by a multi-hued point of LIGHT
	      which EXPLODES into BLINDING INTENSITY, obscuring
	      everything for an instant. Overlapping this action,
	      we HEAR:

	                              COMPUTER'S VOICE
	                Intruder alert...!  Intruder
	                alert!

	      Continues.

	207   OMITTED                                                    207

	208   THE PLASMA ENERGY PROBE (O)                                208

	      The BLINDING LIGHT FADES and in its lace we SEE a
	      strange "entity" shocking us with its frightening
	      appearance and its ugly-sounding THROBBING HUM of
	      power. It is about seven feet tall and resembles a
	      "blob" of raw energy in shifting patterns and colors
	      of deep, ugly hues of upper spectrum violet. Yet,
	      it looks strangely alive. At the end of the "tendril"
	      (of light) is an "eye" (a small multi-colored device)

	209   CREW REACTIONS -- ELEVATORS IN B.G. (O)                    209

	      The bridge crew reacting hard, shocked and shaken --
	      the THROBBING SOUND of the Alien thing intensifies
	      as it begins to move across the bridge. Suddenly, in
	      b.g., an elevator door snaps oen and two SECURITY
	      MEN burst onto the bridge, phasers drawn. Chekov
	      shouts warningly at the Men:

	                              CHEKOV
	                No weapons...!

	      But Chekov is too late: First Security Man FIRES --
	      the BLAST harmlessly absorbed by the Probe which emits
	      a SCREECHING nerve-grating SOUND --- sends out a SMALL
	      WHIPLASH ENERGY BOLT which instantly envelopes First
	      Security Man in a PURPLE GLOW (of implosion). Second
	      Security Man has almost lifted his phaser -- but now
	      carefully, slowly is moving his hand away from his
	      weapon.

	210   CLOSER - THE SECURITY MEN (O)                              210

	      PURPLE GLOW FADES, the First Security Man has simply
	      vanished.

	  210A   FULL SHOT - BRIDGE                                        210A

	      Chekov, like the others, horrified, flips a switch
	      and the COMPUTER-VOICE ("Intruder Alert") goes OFF.
	      At the same time Chekov speaks into his intercom:

	                              CHEKOV
	                Security... do not send further
	                teams!

	      The Probe is sending out snake-like tendrils to the
	      various consoles on the bridge.

	      These tendrils lash out in a cobra-strike movement,
	      the tendril-head seeming to enter into the console
	      affected -- at which time all monitors and instrument
	      lights there come ON as if the Probe is "reading"
	      each console function. The crew carefully stays clear
	      of the tendrils.

	      Spock has risen, moving to Kirk's side as he slowly
	      brings his tricorder up, very carefully extracting
	      its tiny sensor and aiming it at the probe.

	                              CHEKOV
	                        (shaken)
	                No intruder readings on other
	                decks, Captain...
	                        (to Spock)
	                Can that be one of their crew?

	                              SPOCK
	                        (quiet)
	                A probe from their vessel...
	                        (to Kirk)
	                A plasma-energy combination...

	      Meanwhile, the probe is now hovering near Chekov who
	      sits frozen, fists clenched, jaw tight.

	                              DECKER
	                Don't interfere with it...!

	                              CHEKOV
	                Absolutely, I will not interfere!

	  210B   ANGLE INCLUDING SPOCK'S CONSOLE (O)                       210B

	      as the "probe" withdraws an energy-tendril from one
	      bridge station and "inserts" it into another console.

	                              KIRK
	                No one interfere...! It doesn't
	                seem interested in us -- only
	                the ship...!

	      Kirk's words are never completed as suddenly all the
	      energy tendrils withdraw from all consoles and a
	      larger, more powerful-looking tendril lashes out,
	      snaking into the science console complex.

	  210C   CLOSER ON SCIENCE CONSOLE                                 210C

	      Where, also immediately, all the console and computer
	      lights are suddenly flashing wildly, rapidly --

	      -- There is an incredibly fast EXCHANGE OF HIGH-PITCHED
	      BEES -- the computer obviously in unauthorized commu-
	      nication with the probe!

	                              KIRK
	                Computer off!

	                              DECKER
	                It's taken control of the
	                computer...!

	                              KIRK
	                It's running our records!
	                Starfleet strength, Earth
	                defenses...

	      As Decker moves to the main power control, Spock now
	      steps in, his Vulcan strength easily brushing Kirk and
	      Decker aside. Spock clasps his fists above his head,
	      brings it down in a SHATTERING BLOW on the console. It
	      splits open! As the bridge lights dim even more, and
	      as the science console shorts itself out -- and off,
	      Decker confronts Spock:

	                              DECKER
	                We could have cut it off at the
	                main computer...

	                              SPOCK
	                This served the purpose.

	      Kirk has been giving Spock a puzzled look -- Spock now
	      turns abruptly, and:

	  210D   ANOTHER ANGLE (O)                                         210D

	      as Spock, in stepping back, accidentally brushes the
	      probe's energy tendril -- a FLASH OF LIGHT at the
	      contact point sends Spock sinning under the rail and
	      to the floor near Ilia. The probe's energy-tendril
	      has withdrawn from the darkened science console, hov-
	      ers high over the dazed Spock as if angrily seeking
	      the reason for the break in its computer contact.
	      Spock starts to rise.

	                              ILIA
	                Mr. Spock, don't move...!

	      Decker steps toward her, AD LIBBING a grim "Ilia...!"
	      But he has no chance as:

	211   OMITTED                                                    211
	  -                                                                -
	219                                                              219

	220   CLOSER ON ILIA (O)                                         220

	      The Probe hovers over her, its whole mass seemingly
	      about to envelope her with a single tendril extended
	      toward her, somehow freezing her into immobility -
	      and then the entire Probe DISSOLVES IN A BLINDING 
	      FLASH OF WHITE, obscuring Ilia. Almost instantly
	      the WHITE FLASH FADES -- but Ilia has vanished -- her
	      tricorder clattering to the deck.

	221   OMITTED                                                    221

	222   ACROSS THE NAVIGATOR'S STATION TO KIRK AND DECKER          222

	      helpless, shocked, gazing at the place Ilia was --
	      but which is now empty.

	                              DECKER
	                        (to Kirk, quiet 
	                         fury)
	                This is how I define unwarranted!

	      And almost at the same moment a new BRIDGE ALARM
	      SIGNAL.

	223   OMITTED                                                    223
	  -                                                                -
	232                                                              232

	233   The ALARM still sounding as from the giant alien ves-      233
	      sel, we SEE STRANGE, OPAQUE ENERGY PATTERNS STREAKING
	      TOWARD US. Kirk vaults to the command chair, lunges
	      for controls, as Decker races to the weapons-defense
	      console.

	                              DECKER
	                       (voice amplified)
	                The ship is under attack...!
	                Man all defensive stations...!
	                                           
	                              KIRK
	                Forcefields, full remaining
	                strength...! Total reserve!

	      Appropriate ALARM KLAXONS, and COMPUTER VOICES begin
	      SOUNDING, and all this is lost in a SUDDEN SHRILLING
	      SOUND (a constant, high-pitched tone). For a moment
	      the energy patterns are prominent on the viewer --
	      and then the PATTERNS VANISHED and the SHRILL SOUND
	      FADES -- and:

	234   FAVOR THE VIEWER (O)                                       234

	      showing V'ger GROWING RAPIDLY IN SIZE. The Enterprise
	      is being pulled along the length of the big ship,
	      toward its "prow."

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain, we have been seized
	                by a tractor beam...!

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Decker)
	                Get someone up here to take
	                the Navigator's station...!
	                        (into intercom)
	                Engineering... full emergency
	                power!

	                              DECKER
	                        (into intercom)
	                Chief Difalco to the bridge;
	                on the double!

	  234A   ENGINEERING                                               234A

	      in a state of controlled chaos, all personnel at their
	      stations, the Engine CORE GLOWING. Scott is working
	      his controls, speaking into the intercom:

	                              SCOTT
	                Going to full emergency...
	                        (studying readings)
	                But Captain, if we don't break
	                free in fifteen seconds, she'll
	                burn up...

	  234B   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING SPOCK                              234B

	      as Spock studies his readings, and:

	                              SPOCK
	                We cannot break free, Captain.
	                        (indicates monitors)
	                We do not have a fraction of
	                the power necessary.
	                    
	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Delay that order, Scotty...!
	                Disengage all main drive systems!

	      Spock peers in deep concentration at the Main Viewer,
	      trying to sense some clue. Kirk glances at him another
	      moment, then turns to the Main Viewer himself, watches
	      in frustrated helplessness.

	  235   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE BEING PULLED TOWARD V'GER (S)           235

	      the starship being pulled toward the giant as though
	      on a taut cable. As we MOVE CLOSER, we SEE still more
	      intricate details of the incredible Alien design.

	236   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         236

	      as Difalco arrives on the run, and Decker AD LIBS to
	      her, "Assume Navigator's station, Chief...!" Difalco,
	      bewildered, wants to ask what happened, but no time,
	      and she quickly sits at the post, begins orienting
	      herself. Meanwhile, Decker has begun an Executive
	      Officer's bridge circuit, assisting with various con-
	      soles. Kirk is glancing toward Spock who continues
	      concentrating on the Viewer, striving to comprehend
	      the myriad of thoughts he is sensing from he Aliens.
	      McCoy also arrives on the bridge, takes in the chaotic
	      scene, watches the Viewer grimly.

	237   OMITTED                                                    237
	  -                                                                -
	238                                                              238

	239   EXT. ENTERPRISE AND V'GER (S)                              239

	      At the forward end of the giant, an odd-shapped "iris"
	      begins opening menacingly. And it is frighteningly
	      obvious that the tractor beam is pulling the Enterprise
	      to the opening.

	240   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         240

	      showing the unusual "iris" now almost fully open as
	      Enterprise is drawn closer, closer -- through the
	      "iris" we now SEE (some of) V'ger's interior: a dark
	      void relieved only by strange flickering glows of dis-
	      tant ENERGY FIELD PATTERNS.

	      The crew reacts with understandable awe, apprehension,
	      curiosity, as:

	                              DECKER
	                Captain, suggest a maximum phaser
	                strike directly at the beam might
	                weaken it just enough for us to
	                break free --

	      Spock replies for Kirk: quickly, as though to make his
	      point convincingly:

	                              SPOCK
	                Break free to where, Commander...?
	                        (to Kirk)
	                Any show of resistance would not
	                only be futile, Catain...

	 240XA   ACROSS SPOCK TO KIRK (DECKER AND McCOY IN B.G.)          240XA

	      as Kirk reacts somewhat curiously to Spock's remark,
	      but it is Decker who articulates it:

	                              DECKER
	                        (troubled; suspicious)
	                We don't know that, Mr. Spock.
	                Why are you opposed to trying?

	                Before Spock can reply:

	                              UHURA
	                They're pulling us inside...!

	      All face the Viewer again, react, with McCoy who has
	      been observing all these reactions now galvanized
	      into action:

	                              McCOY
	                        (to Chekov)
	                Medical observers to all decks!

	      And he hurries toward the elevators, CAMERA WITH HIM
	      a moment, then SWINGING BACK TO:

	  240A   PAST KIRK TO VIEWER (O)                                   240A

	      Kirk staring at the viewer -- the "iris" now fully open
	      so that the exterior of V'ger is no longer visible --
	      and all we can SEE is the monstrous void dead ahead,
	      which is looming faster and larger before our eyes.
	      And now we are inside.

	241   OMITTED                                                    241
	  -                                                                -
	243                                                              243

	244   EXT. ENTERPRISE AND V'GER - AT THE "IRIS" (S)              244

	      Enterprise now being pulled past the opening -- into
	      the ship proper. Now we can SEE that the dark void
	      is actually a vast chamber, dimly and intermittently
	      lit by POWERFIELDS appearing and vanishing along the
	      vessel's inner walls, which are miles away in the 
	      distance. And here and there in the chamber gigantic
	      ENERGY DISPLAYS erupt briefly with a certain symmetry
	      that suggests they must be part of V'ger's ower or
	      control systems.

	245   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                         245
 
	      Kirk peering awed at the Viewer, the incredible sight
	      of the chamber -- suddenly glances up to see that
	      Spock is standing beside him -- Decker nearby, turns
	      to Spock:

	                              DECKER
	                        (to Spock)
	                Why bring us inside? Not to
	                destroy us; they could have 
	                done that outside.

	                              KIRK
	                They could have many ways of
	                destroying things, Mr. Decker.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (peering at Viewer)
	                Something about us puzzles them...
	                perhaps even concerns them.

	  245A   ANGLE ON UHURA                                            245A

	      Reacting to a console reading:

	                              UHURA
	                Captain, photic-sonar readings
	                indicate the aperture is closing;
	                we're trapped, sir...!

	246   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE ENTERING V'GER (S)                     246

	      The starship is pulled inside, the "iris" is closing
	      behind it.

	247   INT. BRIDGE - FAVORING THE VIEWER (O)                      247

	      The viewer image changing from the huge dark chamber,
	      rear angle shot, showing the "iris" closing.

	                              SULU
	                Reverse angle on the viewer,
	                Captain.

	      On the viewer the final glimmer from exterior space
	      as the "iris" closes completely.

	248   REACTIONS                                                  248

	      All eyes on the viewer, CAMERA FINDING ONE FACE AFTER
	      ANOTHER, the reality of the situation etched into
	      each face. Then:

	  248A   FAVORING KIRK                                             248A

	      As Spock turns from a reading:

	                              SPOCK
	                The tractor beam has released
	                us, Captain.

	                              DIFALCO                   
	                Confirmed: Vessel is floating
	                free. No forward momentum.

	                              KIRK
	                Viewer ahead.

	                              SULU
	                Viewer ahead, sir.

	  248B   INSERT - MAIN VIEWER                                      248B

	      Ahead, the cavernous interior of V'ger.

	  248C   BACK TO SHOT                                              248C

	      Kirk eying the main viewer -- Decker watching Kirk.

	                              KIRK
	                Maneuvering thrusters, Mr.
	                Sulu; ahead one third.
	                        (to Spock)
	                Full sensor scan, Mr. Spock;
	                they can't expect us not
	                to look them over now!

	                              SULU
	                        (manipulating controls)
	                Thrusters ahead, one third.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (manipulating
	                         controls)
	                Commencing sensor scans.

	      Kirk rises, goes to Spock's station.

	249   INT. V'GER ENTRANCE CHAMBER - ENTERPRISE (S)               249

	      The Enterprise moving slowly forward in this vastness,
	      its running lights merely specks of light, candles in
	      the darkness. In the distance those occasional ERUPT-
	      ING POWER DISPLAYS in distant locations, sizes, shapes
	      and patterns.

	250   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (O)                    250

	      showing another persective of the above, and further
	      away GLOWING ENERGY FIELDS dimly illuminating the alien
	      ship's walls -- miles away. Strange semi--solid LIGHT
	      SHAPES (some are "sensor-bee" swarms) traverse the dark-
	      ness in random directions. But in the distance ahead,
	      there seems to be an opening to another chamber.

	                              SULU
	                        (of Viewer)
	                Something ahead, sir; looks
	                like another area...
	                        (reacts)
	                It's closing up...!

	      Sulu is indicating what appears to be a lace-bulwark of
	      POWERFIELD PATTERNS closing off the "chamber" in the
	      distance ahead. Kirk, from the Science Station calls
	      out:

	                              KIRK
	                Hold station...!

	                              SULU
	                        (manipulating
	                         controls)
	                Thrusters at station keeping...

	251   ANGLE EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                    251

	      at his Science consoles, working rapidly, shifting from
	      one set of controls to another. Now he hits a master
	      control -- his console monitors FLASH, then go dark.

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain...

	      Spock brings a monitor IMAGE ON again, indicates a
	      (Povill) pattern showing a line hitting something,
	      then reversing direction.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                All scans are being reflected
	                back, Captain. Our sensors are
	                useless.

	  251A   ACROSS THEM TO THE MAIN VIEWER                            251A

	      Kirk reacts with disappointment, indicates the main
	      viewer.

	                              KIRK
	                Have you been able to analyze
	                any of this...?

	                              SPOCK
	                       (voice increasingly
	                        reverential)
	                I believe the light flares to be
	                energy fields -- undoubtedly part
	                of the vessel's inner mechanism.
	                A technology so incredibly
	                sophisticated that I cannot --

	                              COMPUTER VOICE
	                        (overlapping)
	                Intruder Alert! Intruder
	                Alert..!
	                        (continues)

	252   OMITTED                                                    252
	  -                                                                -
	253                                                              253

	254   ANGLE ON CHEKOV                                            254

	      Reacting to a console reading:

	                              CHEKOV
	                Deck four, Captain; Officers'
	                Quarters...!

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Chekov)
	                Have a security team meet me at
	                Deck Four main elevator!

	      A moment's reaction from all at this, Kirk hurrying
	      toward elevator, calling:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Take the conn, Mr. Decker:
	                Hold present position...
	                        (gesturing Spock
	                         to join him)
	                Spock...

	      And Spock rises, joins Kirk and they hurriedly exit,
	      the CAMERA SWINGING BACK to Decker, his perplexed con-
	      cern (because of Ilia).

	  254A   INT. ILIA'S CABIN - THE SONIC SHOWER                      254A

	      Where we SEE, behind the translucent stall door, what
	      is unmistakably the form of the NUDE FEMALE.

	255   INT. ILIA'S CABIN - KIRK                                   255
 
	      entering, Spock slightly behind him - and one Security
	      Guard. Kirk glances around the room, now glances at
	      the shower area and reacts as he sees the NAKED FORM.
	      The others react similarly, even Spock cannot help re-
	      pressing an expression of surprise. A moment's uncer-
	      tainty as Kirk peers at them, then he steps to the
	      stall door, hesitates another instant -- then slides
	      the door open.

	      (NOTE: Arrange lighting for bizarre, mysterious effect.)

	      Kirk's eyes cannot believe what he is seeing:

	  255A   "ILIA"                                                    255A

	      standing in the sonic mist, naked but for a small
	      multi-colored button embedded in her throat. As she
	      looks at Kirk -- and the others -- the men peer back
	      at her, speechless.

	                              "ILIA"
	                I have been programmed by V'ger
	                to observe and record normal
	                functioning of the carbon-based
	                units infesting USS ENTERPRISE.

	      Kirk peers at her another nonplussed moment, then leans
	      into the shower to touch a control, his eyes fixed on
	      the lovely body behind the mist. He punches in a three
	      digit code. Immediately a HUMMING SOUND emanates from
	      the shower stall, Kirk closing the door, but 'Ilia"
	      remaining inside.

	256   ACROSS KIRK AND THE OTHERS TO THE SHOWER STALL             256

	      The HUMMING SOUND just now reaching a gentle crescendo
	      -- through the translucent door you can see COLORS
	      ENVELOPING "ILIA'S" FORM. And now the SOUND STOPS.
	      "Ilia", attired in a leisure robe, steps from the stall,
	      into the room. She stands facing Kirk, her face impas-
	      sive, eyes unblinking. He looks her back a moment,
	      then glances at Spock, who is gazing at "Ilia" in abso-
	      lute fascination. Kirk addresses her:

	                              KIRK
	                Who is...'V'ger'...?

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger is that which programmed me.

	                              KIRK
	                Is V'ger the Captain of the alien
	                vessel?

	  256A   ANGLE ON THE DOOR - McCOY                                 256A

	      rushing in, concerned:

	                              McCOY
	                Jim, what's --

	      At the sight of 'Ilia", McCoy's words die in his throat
	      -- and his trained eyes have instantly told him some-
	      thing is awry. He unslings his tricorder, aims the
	      sensor unit at "Ilia". As he reads his instruments, his
	      face reveals the results (incredulity, fascination).
	      Meanwhile, from the start:

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger is that which seeks the
	                Creator.
	                              McCOY
	                        (of "Ilia")
	                Jim, this is a mechanism...!

	      Kirk stares at McCoy, then at "Ilia" and realizes that
	      "Ilia" is indeed non-human. And quickly:
	
	                              KIRK
	                Where is Lt. Ilia?
	
	                              "ILIA"
	                That unit no longer functions.
	                I have been given its form to
	                more readily communicate with
	                the carbon-based units infesting
	                Enterprise.

	                              SECURITY GUARD
	                "Carbon-based units"...?

	                              McCOY
	                        (drily)
	                Humans, Ensign Lang: us.
	                        (continues tricorder 
	                         exam, increasingly
	                         impressed)

	                              KIRK
	                        (to "Ilia")
	                Why does V'ger travel to
	                the third planet of the
	                solar system directly
	                ahead?

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger travels to the third 
	                planet to find the Creator.

	      Stunned, disbelieving reactions as all four attempt to
	      digest this -- Spock gazing at "Ilia" with even more
	      rapt fascination. Kirk, bewildered, addresses the
	      others:

	                              KIRK
	                Find the Creator? What Creator?
	                Whose...!?
	                        (to "Ilia")
	                What does V'ger want of the
	                'Creator'... ?

	                              "ILIA"
	                To join with him.

	  256B   FAVORING SPOCK                                            256B

	      suddenly alert, addressing "Ilia":

	                    
	                              SPOCK
	                Join with the Creator... ? How?

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger and the Creator will become
	                One.

	                              SPOCK
	                Who is the Creator?

	                              McCOY
	                        (worried)
	                Mr. Spock, be careful.

	                              "ILIA"
	                The Creator is that which created
	                V'ger.

	                              KIRK
	                Who is V'ger?

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger is that which seeks the
	                Creator.

	      Another moment of total exasperation, frustration, during
	      which "Ilia" seems to be waiting politely, patiently for
	      any further questions. When none are forthcoming:

	                              "ILIA"
	                       (continuing; pleasant,
	                        bland)
	                I am ready to commence my
	                observations.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (fast; to McCoy)
	                Doctor, a thorough examination
	                of this probe might provide some
	                insight into those who manufactured
	                it, and how to deal with them.

	                              McCOY
	                Let's get her to sickbay.

	      And he grasps "Ilia's" arm to escort her. But is as
	      though he has seized cast iron: immovable. McCoy is
	      thrown off balance merely by 'Ilia's" remaining sta-
	      tionary. She ignores McCoy, addresses Kirk:

	                              "ILIA"
	                I am programmed to observe and
	                record normal functioning
	                procedures of the carbon-based
	                units.

	  256B   Kirk glances at McCoy, who is totally bemused, but then   256B
	      Kirk quickly responds to "Ilia":
	                    
	                              KIRK
	                The examination is a normal
	                function.

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (a beat)
	                You may proceede.

	                              McCOY
	                        (carefully)
	                Thank you.

	257   CLOSE SHOT OF EXAMINING ROOM VIEWER (O)                    257

	      scanning a "body". PULL BACK TO SHOW McCoy, Chapel,
	      Kirk, Spock and Chekov -- standing over "ILIA" who lies
	      prone on the table, the physicians moving the scanner
	      over her.

	                              McCOY
	                        (from the start;
	                         indicating)
	                ... micro-miniature hydraulics,
	                sensors, molecule-sized multi-
	                processor chips... and look at
	                this...

	      In the b.g., Decker enters, grimly observes the proceed-
	      ings.

	                              CHAPEL
	                        (impressed)
	                An osmotic micro-pump... here
	                and here. Even the smallest
	                body functions are exactly
	                duplicated.
	                        (traces with finger
	                         on screen)
	                And every exocrine system is
	                here, too --

	      Chapel breaks off abruptly, noticing "Ilia" is peering
	      intently -- almost with a glimmer of recognition -- at
	      Decker. Slightly disconcerted, Chapel continues:

	                              CHAPEL
	                        (continuing)
	                -- even eye moisture.

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (peering at Decker)
	                Deck -- er.

	  257A   FAVORING SPOCK                                            257A

	      as everyone reacts to "Ilia's" utterance of Decker's
	      name. It seems to make the deepest impression on
	      Spock, confirming something he has suspected.
	                    
	                              SPOCK
	                        (to "Ilia")
	                Interesting. Not 'Decker-unit'?

	      "Ilia" continues peering at Decker with just a hint
	      of a puzzled frown, a glimmer of distant recognition.
	      It's the first time we've seen her expression look
	      anything but cool and bland. This results in the
	      quizzical rising of one of Spock's eyebrows.

	258   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              258

	      McCoy's examination now turns "Ilia" away from the
	      others. Spock quickly catches Kirk's and Decker's
	      attention, indicates an adjoining door -- they fol-
	      low him out of the room.

	259   INT. McCOY'S OFFICE                                        259

	      as Kirk, Spock and Decker enter, the door snapping
	      shut -- and Spock touching the electronic lock to
	      secure them. He faces the others:

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain... this probe may be a key
	                a key to the Aliens.

	                              DECKER
	                It's a programmed mechanism,
	                Mr. Spock...

	                              SPOCK
	                We have just seen that its body
	                duplicates our navigator in
	                precise detail. Suppose that
	                beneath its programming, the
	                real Ilia's memory patterns are
	                duplicated with equal precision.

	                              KIRK
	                They had a pattern to follow...

	                              SPOCK
	                        (nods)
	                ... they may have followed it
	                too precisely.

	                              KIRK
	                       (comprehending)
	                Ilia's memory, her feelings of
	                loyalty, friendship, obedience...
	                might all be there.

	  259A   ANGLE ON DECKER                                           259A

	      also comprehending, and not liking it one bit as Spock
	      and Kirk are both turning their attention to him.

	                              SPOCK
	                Exactly.
	                        (to Decker)
	                And you did have a 'relationship'
	                with Lieutenant Ilia, Commander.

	                              DECKER
	                That probe in there -- in a
	                different form now -- is the
	                same thing that killed Ilia!

	                              KIRK
	                Commander, we're locked in an
	                alien vessel, six hours from
	                Earth orbit, our only contact
	                with our captors is the probe.
	                If we can control it, persuade
	                it, use it in some way...

	      Interrupted by the SOUND of someone trying to open the
	      locked door behind them. Then a METAL RIPPING SOUND
	      as they whirl to see:

	260   MEDICAL OFFICE DOOR                                        260

	      with the METAL BUCKLING, TEARING -- and a single
	      hand slicing the steel door like paper. It is the
	      "Ilia" probe, her face absolutely impassive, her
	      whole manner incongruously benign. (Behind her, a
	      startled McCoy, Chapel and Chekov.) "Ilia" speaks
	      flatly, blandly.

	                              "ILIA"
	                I have recorded enough here.
	                       (motions to Kirk)
	                You will now assist me further.

	      Kirk exchanges a quick glance with Spock. Then:

	                              KIRK
	                       (indicating Decker)
	                The Decker-unit can assist you
	                with much greater efficiency...
	
	      "Ilia" has seemed about to object -- but now her eyes
	      hold on Decker. Then she nods.

	                              KIRK
	                       (continuing)
	                Carry on with your assignment,
	                Mr. Decker.

	  260A   ANOTHER ANGLE - ACROSS DECKER TO THE SMASHED DOOR         260A
	      (AND "ILIA")

	      as Decker looks at "Ilia" who stands at the torn door.
	      You can read Decker's mind: I'm supposed to persuade
	      that?! He turns back, finds Kirk's eyes on him.
	      Decker nods.

	                              DECKER
	                Aye, sir.

	      "Ilia" and a reluctant Decker EXIT.

	  260B   EMPHASIZING SPOCK                                         260B

	      looking very troubled as they watch Decker and "Ilia"
	      leave. Kirk notices.

	                              KIRK
	                Spock? Concerned about his
	                chances?

	                              SPOCK
	                I am uneasy with that being
	                our only hope of more information.

	      Spock EXITS.

	  261    INT. V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                                261

	      floating in the vast, eerie, alien chamber -- sporadic
	      FLASHES OF ENERGY, erupting now and then. Various
	      other EFFECTS. OVER this, Kirk's VOICE:

	                              KIRK (V.O.)
	                Captain's Log. Stardate 7414.1.
	                Our best estimates place us some
	                four hours from Earth. No
	                significant Ilia memory patterns
	                within the alien probe. This
	                remains our only means of contact
	                with our captor.

	262   INT. ENTERPRISE AIRLOCK AREA                               262

	      The area dimly lit -- unoccupied but for a lone AIRLOCK
	      TECHNICIAN checking and adjusting instruments. The
	      CAMERA MOVES PAST him to FIND:

	263   SPOCK                                                      263

	      His face fixed with grim determination, walking quietly
	      with obvious intent not to attract the Tech's attention.
	      Now he steals up behind the TECH -- and in an instant
	      has applied a Vulcan nerve pinch. The Tech slumps over
	      his console.

	264   INT KIRK'S CABIN - VIEWER MONITOR                          264

	      Showing a CLOSE SHOT of ENTERPRISE PICTURES, then PULL
	      BACK SLIGHTLY for an IMAGE of Decker and "Ilia" walk-
	      ing through the Rec Deck. PULL BACK FURTHER TO SHOW
	      Kirk watching this -- and with him is McCoy. They
	      continue watching a troubled beat, as:

	                              DECKER
	                        (of pictures)
	                All these vessels were called
	                "Enterprise".

	      "Ilia" is giving the pictures a very interested look
	      as we HEAR in Kirk's cabin:

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                        (controlled excitement)
	                Bridge to Captain...

	265   OMITTED                                                    265

	266   INT. BRIDGE - UHURA'S STATION (SCIENCE STATION IN          266
	      B.G.)

	      Uhura at her console, struggling to hear the signal.

	                              KIRK'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Kirk here.
	
	      In the b.g., Spock's station a MAINTENANCE TEAM
	      is replacing the broken Science Station computer.
	      (Spock is conspicuously absent.)

	                              UHURA
	                A faint signal from Starfleet,
	                sir. They have the intruder on
	                their monitors...
	                        (struggling to 
	                         hear)
	                They show us... three hours...
	                twenty-four minutes from Earth!

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                        (thru intercom)
	                Thank you.

	267   INT. RECREATION DECK                                       267

	      Decker and "Ilia", the Rec Deck unoccupied but for a
	      pair of wary SECURITY GUARDS at a very discreet dis-
	      tance. They are near the pictures of the five Enter-
	      prises, which should be FEATURED in this SHOT, as
	      Decker waves his hand about the huge room.

	                              DECKER
	                The carbon units use this area
	                for recreation...
	                        (carefully)
	                What type of recreation does the
	                crew aboard your vessel enjoy...?

	268   CLOSER TWO SHOT (PICTURES O.S.)                            268

	      As "Ilia" moves on into the room, Decker follows:
	                    
	                              "ILIA"
	                The words 'recreation' and 'enjoy'
	                have no meaning to my programming.

	      Decker peers at the lovely android with frustration --
	      and no little pain, for she is after all the exact
	      replica of Ilia. She pays not the slightest attention
	      to Decker's reaction, and begins walking about the Rec
	      Deck taking in (and, clearly, transmitting all images
	      to V'ger) the sights. They are near a game area (elec-
	      tronic games), and now Decker points to one game,
	      switches it on -- presses button to activate its
	      LIGHTS and SOUNDS. "Ilia" watches interestedly as
	      Decker operates the game.

	                              DECKER
	                Ilia 'enjoyed' this game... she
	                nearly always won --

	      And he demonstrates again, as "Ilia" steps to the
	      device, deftly hits some buttons -- and for just an
	      instant she turns to Decker with a momentary glimmer
	      of recognition.

	269   INT. KIRK'S CABIN - GROUP WATCHING THE MONITOR             269

	      McCoy watching with special interest:

	                              McCOY
	                        (approving)
	                Good! He's using audial-visual
	                association.

	      But the words are not out of McCoy's mouth when "Ilia"
	      says:

	                              "ILIA"
	                This device serves no purpose.

	      She steps away from the game; Decker's disappointment
	      is evident. So is everyone elses.

	                              KIRK
	                Damn...!

	                              McCOY
	                        (nods grimly)
	                She needs something else:
	                something much more personal to
	                stimulate memory patterns. Something
	                with a more emotional tie.

	      Kirk reacts to this, reflective.

	270   INT. REC DECK  FULL ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                   270

	      Decker waving back toward the general area of the
	      Enterprise pictures.

	                              DECKER
	                The crews of the previous
	                Enterprises were also carbon units.
	                In what way is the life form in
	                your vessel different?

	                              "ILIA"
	                Carbon units are not true life
	                forms... Do those images repre-
	                sent how Enterprise has evolved
	                into its present form?

	                              DECKER
	                        (hoping he's struck
	                         a responsive chord)
	                Yes.

	                              "ILIA"
	                Carbon units have clearly retarded
	                Enterprise's proper evolvement.

	                              DECKER
	                        (controlling surprise)
	                What is Enterprise's proper
	                evolvement?

	                              "ILIA"
	                Enterprise should not require
	                the presence of carbon units.

	      And with this she moves off, observing other Rec Deck
	      objects. Decker moves with her; then:

	                              DECKER
	                        (carefully)
	                Enterprise would be unable to
	                function without carbon units.

	                              "ILIA"
	                More data concerning this functioning
	                is necessary before carbon units can
	                be patterned for data storage.

	271   ACROSS "ILIA" TO DECKER                                    271

	      as he reacts to this ominous note; he stops abruptly.

	                              DECKER
	                What does that mean?

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (stopping; almost
	                         pleasantly)
	                When my examination is complete, 
	                the carbon units will be reduced 
	                to data patterns.

	      This has been delivered with chilling blandness, and
	      she stands facing Decker, almost as though waiting for
	      him to thank her. He thinks fast now.

	                              DECKER
	                Within you are memory patterns of
	                a carbon unit. If I can help you
	                revive these patterns; you could
	                understand our functions better.

	                              "ILIA"
	                That is logical. You may procede.

	272   ON DECKER                                                  272

	      realizing the difficult task ahead; the pain he will
	      suffer.

	273   INT. V'GER - ANGLE UP TOWARD ENTERPRISE (M)                273

	      The ship stationary in the chamber as now we SEE an
	      exterior hatch sliding fully open. Up through the
	      hatch a circular airlock door opens -- and a tiny
	      figure in a thruster spacesuit emerges, steps into
	      space, slowly floats down through the hatch and under
	      the Enterprise saucer section. In this and subsequent
	      VIEWS we will SEE that on the rear pack of his thruster
	      spacesuit is a FLASHING STROBE LIGHT which regularly
	      EMITS the identifying SIGNAL of this particular suit.
	      (By which Kirk will be able to see Spock's position
	      even from several miles away.)

	274   CLOSER ON THE SPACESUITED FIGURE (M)                       274

	      MOVING TOWARD the CAMERA until the features behind
	      the face mask are clearly identifiable: Spock, his
	      face set in the same grim, determined expression, as
	      he touches his spacesuit transmitter control.

	                              SPOCK
	                Computer, commence recording.
	                Captain Kirk -- this message
	                will detail my attempt to
	                contact the aliens...

	275   INT. BRIDGE                                                275

	      Kirk ENTERING, crossing Uhura as she calls:

	                              UHURA
	                Starfleet signals, sir, growing
	                in strength...
	                       (listening intently)
	                They -- have Intruder on their
	                monitors -- it's decelerating --
	                powerfield cloud beginning to
	                dissipate...

	                              SULU
	                Confirm, Captain. Lunar beacons
	                indicate Intruder on a course
	                into Earth orbit...

	                              CHEKOV
	                        (interrupting)
	                Sir! Airlock four has been opened;
	                a thruster suit is reported missing!

	                              KIRK
	                        (reacts knowingly)
	                Spock...!
	                        (to navigator)
	                Get a fix on his position!

	276   INT. V'GER - MED. ON SPOCK                                 276

	      His features now set into an almost trance-like expres-
	      sion as he concentrates on the thought emanations.
	      Then we SEE his head turn, he peers off -- then he
	      moves his thruster controls. We SEE the small blue
	      jets of his thrusters -- his spacesuit figure begins
	      to move off in the direction he was concentrating
	      upon.

	277   ANOTHER ANGLE - SPOCK                                      277

	      His thrusters moving him across V'ger's vast chamber
	      then dropping down into a deep "trough"-like area
	      which stretches into the distance ahead of him. A
	      cloud of CRYSTAL FORMS (Kirk's entrapment) become
	      visible to one side but Spock passes them at some dis-
	      tance and does not attract them.

	      We can SEE more clearly now the point on the inner wall
	      of the trough toward which Spock is heading. It is an
	      unusual combination of GLOWING FORCEFIELDS which seem
	      to mark this point of the vessel as of some importance.
	      (Here, also, we will become aware of "sensor-bee"
	      swarms, intermittently darting toward this same wall
	      from all points of the chamber.)

	278   INT. AIRLOCK AREA                                          278

	      SHOWING Kirk in a thruster spacesuit, helmet being
	      readied by AIRLOCK TECHNICIANS. McCoy is also here,
	      arguing with Kirk:

	                              KIRK
	                        (from the start)
	                ... I don't want him stopped, Bones;
	                I want him to lead me to whatever's
	                out there...!

	                              McCOY
	                And if that 'whatever' has taken
	                over his mind....?
	                              KIRK
	                Then he'll have still led me to
	                it, won't he?

	      And Kirk steps into the airlock door, hits a control --
	      it begins sliding closed behind him.

	279   INT. V'GER - ANGLE UP TOWARD ENTERPRISE                    279

	      UP THROUGH the circular airlock door as it slides open
	      -- and Kirk's tiny spacesuited figure floats down
	      clear of the saucer.

	280   CLOSER ON KIRK                                             280

	      SEEING his face through the spacesuit faceplate as he
	      scans the darkness.

	                              SULU'S VOICE
	                Bridge, Captain. We make Spock
	                as 26 Mark 345 degrees off ship's
	                axis.

	      During which, Kirk spots something.

	281   KIRK'S POV                                                 281

	      Spock's STROBE blinker at a mile or so distance,
	      nearing V'ger's inner walls.

	282   ANGLE ON KIRK                                              282

	                              KIRK
	                I have him in sight.

	      During which, Kirk touches his thruster controls and
	      blue thruster jet propels him off in the direction
	      indicated. His thrusters come on for a longer period
	      of time as he accelerates to the higher speed necessary
	      to overtake Spock...

	283   INT. ILIA'S QUARTERS                                       283

	      The DOOR SNAPPING open, and "Ilia", McCoy and Decker
	      entering. Then CAMERA REVEALS Chapel already inside,
	      looking through some female adornments she's found
	      there.

	                              CHAPEL
	                I remember Lt. Ilia once mentioning
	                that she wore this...

	                              DECKER
	                        (reacting; tight)
	                ... when we met.

	      Clearly this is very painful to Decker. Meanwhile,
	      Chapel hands the Deltan headband to "Ilia".
	                
	                              CHAPEL
	                        (gently)
	                Put it on.

	      "Ilia" hasn't the slightest idea what to do with the
	      headband, holds it, runs her fingers over the jewels
	      and feathers embedded into it. Chapel takes it from
	      her, places it on 'Ilia's" head, now switches on the
	      light illuminating the dressing table mirror -- stands
	      behind her with Decker, both watching apprehensively.

	284   ANGLE ON "ILIA"                                            284

	      studying her image in the mirror, her face totally
	      blank a moment, but then breaking into a bemused
	      frown -- as though trying to remember. And:

	                              CHAPEL
	                        (helpfully)
	                Ilia...

	                              DECKER
	                        (quiet; urging)
	                On Delta... remember...?

	      And it seems that "Ilia" does remember. She peers at
	      her image, then sets the headband into its exact
	      proper position. Then she turns and looks at them
	      with recognition.

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (haltingly)
	                Dr. Chapel...

	  285   ACROSS CHAPEL TO DECKER                                    285

	      as Chapel smiles, pleased, and looks at Decker who
	      stares at "Ilia" nonplussed. This is Ilia coming
	      alive!

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (to Decker)
	                "Will..."

	      And she touches his hand, runs her own hand over it,
	      and smiles.

	      Decker is completely overwhelmed, struggles for words
	      and looks to McCoy for some kind of help. McCoy
	      realizes Decker is losing himself in fantasy.

	                              McCOY
	                        (gently reminding)
	                Commander... this is a mechanism...

	      Decker is startled, and for another slit-second he's
	      lost -- but then he realizes the reality, and what he
	      should do:
	                              DECKER
	                        (gently; but urgingly)
	                Ilia, help us make direct contact
	                with V'ger...

	                              "ILIA
	                I... cannot.

	      Decker looks at "Ilia's" hand still resting on his.
	      Then:

	                              DECKER
	                Then tell us who V'ger is; where
	                he's from... W need your help.

	      For another moment "Ilia" continues smiling at Decker,
	      holding his hand. Then, abruptly, the smile vanishes
	      -- the hand is released. Clearly, she's again the
	      probe, as:

	                              "ILIA"
	                Why have two carbon units entered
	                V'ger...?

	      Decker glances at McCoy, who shakes his head almost
	      imperceptibly: he doesn't know. But Decker has an
	      obvious reply:

	                              DECKER
	                They want to make contact with
	                V'ger...
	                        (trying to revive
	                         "Ilia's" memory again;
	                         touches her hand)
	                Ilia...

	      "Ilia" peers at him blankly, allows him to continue 
	      touching her hand, but obviously it means nothing to
	      her.

	                              DECKER
	                        (continuing;
	                         distressed,
	                         to "Ilia")
	                Does V'ger object to the presence
	                of the two carbon units?

	                              "ILIA"
	                The carbon units are of no
	                consequence; V'ger will determine
	                their purpose.

	                              McCOY
	                Their purpose is to survive.

	                              "ILIA"
	                That is also V'ger's purpose.

	      Decker's face reflects his bemusement:

	                              DECKER
	                You said V'ger's purpose was to
	                find and join with the Creator.

	                              "ILIA"
	                That is how V'ger will survive.

	286   ON DECKER                                                  286

	      as now, the bemusement changes to just the slightest
	      enlightenment.

	                              "ILIA"
	                I wish to continue my observations.

	287   INT. V'GER - KIRK MANEUVERING WITHIN THE CHAMBER           287
         
	      Kirk but a small object, thruster jets occasionally
	      spurting as he guides himself deeper into the trench
	      as he continues forward progress in the direction he
	      saw Spock taking.

	288   CLOSER ON KIRK                                             288

	      So we can SEE his face (through the plate), as he looks
	      ahead into the distance toward Spock.

	289   KIRK'S POV (O)                                             289

	      Spock's STROBE signal closer and Spock's tiny space-
	      suited figure now becoming dimly visible as he moves
	      steadily toward the GLOWING FORCEFIELDS of the inner
	      wall.

	290   ON KIRK                                                    290

	      His attention fixed on Spock, he never notices until
	      an instant too late an O.S. object; quickly he hits a
	      thruster control, and we SEE the MANEUVERING JET turn
	      him to the side as:

	291   WIDER ANGLE - KIRK AND THE BLOB FORMATION (O)              291

	      A swarm of strange-looking translucent crystal-like
	      FORMS on a collision course with Kirk. (NOTE: They
	      were traveling randomly, and are not deliberate ob-
	      structions. However, Kirk's nearness now has attracted
	      them and the swarm of them heads in his direction.
	      Kirk tries to avoid them; he hits a second MANEUVERING
	      JET -- but he overcompensates, and spins straight into
	      the intercepting swarm of them.

	292   MED. SHOT - KIRK (O)                                       292

	      as the nearest crystal forms WHIP INTO SHOT, adhering
	      to Kirk's spacesuit. He hits full MANEUVERING JETS
	      now, seems to make some escape, but still more forms
	      WHIP IN, adhere.

	                              KIRK
	                Bridge...!

	293   INT. BRIDGE - EMPHASIZING HELM                             293

	      All eyes anxiously on the O.S. main viewer.

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                ... stand by, I may be in trouble...

	      Sulu hits the viewer magnification control.

	294   ANGLE TO MAIN VIEWER (M)                                   294

	      As the distant STROBE FLASHES of Kirk's spacesuit are
	      MAGNIFIED CLOSER, pulling Kirk into MEDIUM LONG SHOT.
	      We can SEE the details of the swarm of forms adhering.
	      But we can SEE that Kirk's spacesuit is now about half
	      covered with them!

	  294A   REVERSE ANGLE                                             294A
	
	      Expressions of bridge crew to reflect the horror of
	      what they're seeing as:

	                              SULU
	                Your phaser, Captain...!
	                Use your phaser...!

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                        (transmitter, weak)
	                Can't... reach... phas --
	                        (transmission breaks
	                         off in heavy STATIC)

	                              CHEKOV
	                Airlocks two and four --
	                prepare to launch rescue
	                teams!
	                        (glancing at viewer)
	                Chief Lang! Get them out
	                there! Fast!

	                              SULU
	                Mr. Spock, the Captain is in
	                trouble, directly behind you --
	                three hundred meters!
	                        (beat)
	                Mr. Spock!

	      Looks of distress are exchanged.

	295   INT. V'GER - SPOCK                                         295

	      Spock's spacesuited figure MOVING TOWARD the CAMERA,
	      as we HEAR:

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                        (weak; STATIC)
	                ... Spock...! ... need help...!
	                ... trapped...!

	      No indication at first that Spock has heard; his face
	      set with determination, his eyes fixed on his destin-
	      ation: the inner wall.

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                        (continuing; weakening;
	                         STATIC)
	                ... pressure on me...! ... can't
	                move...! Spock...!
	
	296   ON SPOCK - CLOSE                                           296

	      as Kirk's VOICE STOPS -- and all that is heard now
	      is the HEAVY STATIC crackling ominously. Spock's
	      expression flickers, then he hits reverse thruster
	      JETS, stops -- he turns to glance at the inner wall,
	      then his thrusters turn him so he can look back the
	      way he came from. But he cannot resist Kirk's call;
	      he suddenly hits his thruster controls, then JETS
	      FLARE, and:

	297   WIDER ANGLE - SPOCK                                        297

	      as thruster JETS accelerate him back toward Kirk.

	298   INT. BRIDGE - VIEWER (M)                                   298

	      showing Kirk's spacesuit completely covered, encased
	      in the blob. Kirk is no longer moving. But in the
	      distance, facing toward him is Spock!

	299   INT. V'GER - KIRK AND SPOCK                                299

	      with Spock in the near distance, heading TOWARD the
	      CAMERA. As he approaches Kirk, Spock brings out his
	      phaser. Now he hits the controls for the REVERSE JETS --
	      he slows RAPIDLY as he approaches Kirk's now complete-
	      ly encased spacesuit. Spock makes a quick phaser
	      adjustment.

	300   ANGLE ON SPOCK AND KIRK'S ENCASED SPACESUIT (O) (S)        300

	      Spock levels the phaser carefully. FIRES. The PHASER
	      BEAM strikes the blob form -- it SHATTERS, the pieces
	      DISINTEGRATING.

	301   INT. V'GER - SPOCK AND KIRK                                301

	      facing each other while hovering in space.

	                              KIRK
	                Bridge, cancel rescue teams.
	                        (hard)
	                Spock, what in the hell are you
	                doing out here!

	                              SPOCK
	                I am seeking answers, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                        (with insight)
	                Answers to what, Spock? Our
	                dilemma -- or your personal one?

	      Spock does not immediately reply, peers at Kirk through
	      the faceplate a long beat, then abruptly looks away,
	      points off into the distance:

	302   ANOTHER ANGLE - INCLUDING INNER WALL (O)                   302

	      We can SEE what appear to be SPARKLING GLOBULES OF
	      LIGHT darting toward the inner wall in the distance,
	      then disappearing there. (We'll SEE other swarms
	      occasionally too, coming from different directions --
	      they will later be identified as "sensor swarms" on
	      closer examination.)

	                              SPOCK
	                        (pointing)
	                Captain, I believe there we will
	                find an indication of whoever --
	                or whatever -- is aboard this
	                vessel...

	      Kirk weighs alternatives, then pushes his thruster
	      controls and begins moving in the direction Spock
	      indicated.

	      Their thruster jets flash, propel them toward the 
	      point on the inner wall.

	303   INT. V'GER - AT INNER WALL                                 303

	      The most prominent area of the vast inner wall -- the
	      patterns on the wall here seem to GLOW with life.
	      The spacesuited figures of Kirk and Spock ENTER SCENE,
	      gliding slowly toward what seems to be the central
	      part of theses patterns.

	304   CLOSER ON KIRK AND SPOCK                                   304

	      as they approach and then we SEE the brief REVERSE
	      THRUSTERS and then forward momentum stops; motionless.
	      Then Spock sees something, indicates.

	305   LONG ANGLE TO INCLUDE SENSOR SWARM (O)                     305

	      Now, we SEE that they are tiny, multi-colored points
	      of FLASHING LIGHT -- almost like swarms of bees.
	      They approach the inner wall at this central point
	      and seem to "disappear" through the orifice.

	306   KIRK AND SPOCK - ANOTHER "SWARM" APPROACHING (O)           306

	      This "sensor swarm" has been coming from a direction
	      that will take them close past Kirk and Spock. Then,
	      as it passes, Spock reaches out quickly, grabs.
	      He turns to Kirk, his hand closed on something.

	307   CLOSE ON KIRK AND SPOCK (AGAINST "TUBE" WALL)              307

	      Spock opens his hand, retaining a hold on something
	      with his fingers. He brings it up to Kirk's face mask
	      -- it's a tiny SENSOR, its multi-colors flashing as it
	      tries to escape from Spock's fingers. And in this CLOSE
	      VIEW, we SEE that this is a SENSOR very much like the
	      one we've seen earlier embedded in the Ilia-probe's
	      throat hollow. Then Spock releases it and it darts
	      to join the sensor swarm near the opening of the inner
	      wall.

	308   KIRK AND SPOCK'S POV (O)                                   308

	      From this closer distance, we SEE that an opening ap-
	      pears in the wall, admits the sensor swarm, then closes
	      immediately.

	309   BACK TO SHOT                                               309

	      Kirk and Spock exchange a look. Their thruster JETS
	      ignite briefly, moving them in that direction.

	310   INT. V'GER - KIRK AND SPOCK (O)                            310

	      closely approaching the inner wall now, timing their
	      movements to coincide with the arrival of another
	      "swarm" -- the wall begins OPENING. The "swarm"
	      through, the wall begins CLOSING -- but Spock and 
	      Kirk slip in before it closes.

	311   INT. "MEMORY CAVE" - SPOCK AND KIRK                        311

	      The wall closing behind them, they are safely inside.
	      But as they stop their forward momentum, their eyes
	      widen with awe and surprise at what they are seeing:

	  311A   WHAT THEY SEE (M)                                         311A

	      The long "cave" chamber with its row of huge MEDIATOR
	      BALLS extending into the distance. To one side, the
	      gleaming CRYSTAL MEMORY WALL.

	  311B   KIRK AND SPOCK                                            311B

	      as Spock makes a quick analysis and estimate of what
	      they are seeing. Then, he takes out his tricorder
	      again, propels himself toward the memory crystals.
	      Kirk follows.

	  311C   AT MEMORY CRYSTAL                                         311C

	      as Spock adjusts his tricorder through several readings.

	                              SPOCK
	                It would appear that the atomic
	                arrays of these crystals store
	                information. A remarkably
	                efficient system.

	                              KIRK
	                        (indicates)
	                And these 'sensor-swarms' collect
	                that data, carry it here.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (nods; indicates)
	                New crystals: they must contain
	                the most recent data obtained --

	      And Spock touches one of these new crystals (it will be
	      shinier, more pulsating than the others): ANOTHER 

RAPID
	      PROFUSION OF FAINT IMAGES, but this time including a
	      pattern-like image of Klingons, Klingon vessels (the
	      ones destroyed by the Cloud), and obvious Starfleet
	      personnel -- and the Epsilon 9 station. Also, a 

pattern
	      of the Security Guard killed by the probe. And Ilia.
	
	                              KIRK
	                Klingons... our Epsilon 9 station
	                ... and Ilia!! They seem to be 
	                more than just images...

	                              SPOCK 
	                        (agreeing)
	                Exact patterns. The energy bolt
	                that hit them wasn't simply a
	                weapon -- it dematerialized them,
	                stored them. But why?

	      And he turns and begins moving on, studying the wall,
	      consulting his tricorder.

	312   ACROSS THEM TO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE WALL                 312

	      Spock inspecting this area at which the "newer" crystals
	      are PULSATING and GLOWING, and which appears to be a
	      termination of the Crystal area, continuing on and dis-
	      appearing through the wall.

	                              KIRK
	                If this is their ship's data
	                banks, where is the crew? Or
	                is their entire ship automated?

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain, I do not believe there
	                is a crew -- or that this is a
	                vessel as such.

	      A beat, as Kirk reacts incredulously.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                I am almost certain now that all
	                of this is V'ger -- I believe
	                that we are inside a life form,
	                a living machine.

	      Spock turns his spacesuit, turns his tricorder out to-
	      ward the Mediator Balls, takes a reading in that di-
	      rection. Then a glance to Kirk.

	                              SPOCK
	                I must attempt mindmeld with it,
	                Captain.

	      Spock touches his spacesuit controls; the THRUSTER
	      JETS move him out toward the Mediator Balls.

	                              KIRK
	                        (warningly)
	                Spock...

	313   ANGLE AT MEDIATOR BALL                                     313

	      Spock reaching the Ball, halts his momentum and removes
	      one gauntlet, baring his hand. Stretching the bare
	      hand toward a part of it which looks strangely "alive."
	      The very power generated from this area is clearly
	      affecting Spock's hand. Meanwhile, Kirk has used his
	      THRUSTERS to join him.

	                              KIRK
	                Spock, if you're right, its mind
	                may be enormous...

	      But Spock pays him no attention, his entire being now
	      focused on the PULSATING GLOW of the "alive" area --
	      the CAMERA MOVING IN CLOSER TO Spock, as he forces his
	      hand toward that surface, closer, closer.

	314   KIRK                                                       314

	      watching, almost mesmerized. Torn between wanting to
	      pull Spock away from the wall -- and knowing that
	      Spock must go through with it. For everyone's sake.

	315   CLOSER ON SPOCK                                            315

	      preparing for the ordeal, moving his hand to the "liv-
	      ing area," the invisible force even stronger -- but
	      Spock's strength unwavering, and now he touches the 
	      surface -- and it FLARES WITH STRANGE ENERGY at the
	      touch. And at the same moment Spock' body convulses
	      as if tens of thousands of volts of electricity are
	      charging through him.

	316   CLOSE ON SPOCK'S FACE                                      316

	      as he begins to shudder with the shock, the CAMERA
	      CONTINUES INTO EXTREME CLOSE-UP as we SEE Spock's mouth
	      open -- he SCREAMS. CAMERA INTO EXTREME CLOSE SHOT OF
	      SPOCK'S EYES.

	317   CAMERA ZOOM - THROUGH SPOCK'S EYES                         317

	      MUSIC IN AND UP as we travel through ABSTRACT IMAGES
	      (per Con Pederson discussion). Symbolizing V'ger's
	      incredible and complex store of mechanistic knowledge,
	      these IMAGES suggest patterns of atoms, molecules,
	      galaxies, dimensions of the universe beyond human
	      knowledge or comprehension. It takes only fifteen or
	      twenty seconds, but seems to span aeons, taking us
	      through micro-infinity and macro-infinity.

	      DISSOLVE TO :

	318   INT. DISPENSARY - SPOCK'S EYES                             318

	      CAMERA BRIDGING BACK OUT THROUGH SPOCK'S EYES AND INTO
	      ANGLE ON SPOCK'S FACE as he lies in a sickbay bed. His
	      eyes are open; he is staring straight ahead as if in a
	      catatonic state, completly unaware of his surroundings.
	      Then Doctor Chapel leans INTO SCENE, moving a medical
	      scanner over the brain area.

	                              CHAPEL
	                Now scanning pons area at spinal
	                nerve fiber connection...

	319   ANGLE ON McCOY AND KIRK                                    319

	      McCoy at a console, watching readings he is getting
	      from Chapel's scanner. Kirk watches McCoy anxiously.

	                              McCOY
	                Indications of some neurological
	                trauma--the power pouring through
	                that mind-meld must have been
	                staggering...

	      Before Kirk can reply, they HEAR a LAUGH! An abrupt,
	      harsh, bitter laugh.

	320   ACROSS THEM TO SICKBAY                                     320

	      as all whirl to the patient area where it is obviously
	      Spock who has just laughed -- but there is no indication
	      of laughter from him now. A startled Chapel has stepped
	      back away from the bed. Spock seems to be attempting
	      to focus, orient himself as Kirk and McCoy hurry to the
	      bedside.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (quiet)
	                Jim...

	      And Spock reaches out a hand weakly., takes a surprised
	      Kirk's hand in his. McCoy exchanges a surprised glance 
	      with Kirk, as Spock -- clutching Kirk's hand in friend-
	      ship and need -- struggles to summon strength to speak.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                This simple feeling...
	                        (looks at Kirk)
	                ... is so far beyond V'ger's
	                comprehension.

	321   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              321

	      with Kirk and McCoy exchanging another surprised
	      glance (at Spock's emotion), with McCoy gesturing Kirk
	      not to question it.

	                              KIRK
	                        (gently)
	                Were you right? Spock? V'ger
	                is a living machine...?
	
	                              SPOCK
	                        (nodding)
	                A life form of its own; a
	                conscious, living entity.

	                              CHAPEL
	                        (reacting)
	                A living machine...?!

	                              McCOY
	                        (to Chapel)
	                We're living machines, too: protein
	                mechanisms.

	      Kirk nods at McCoy.

	                              KIRK
	                And it considers the Enterprise a
	                living machine: that's why the
	                probe refers to our ship as an
	                entity.

	                              CHAPEL
	                If it thinks our ship is alive
	                what does it think we are?

	                              McCOY
	                        (dryly)
	                An 'infestation' -- bacteria...
	                microbes.

	322   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              322

	      as Spock turns to Kirk.

	                              SPOCK
	                I saw V'ger's planet: a planet
	                populated by living machines.
	                Unbelievable technology.
	                        (pained)
	                V'ger has knowledge that spans this
	                universe.
	                And... in all this order... all
	                this magnificence, V'ger feels
	                no awe...no delight... no beauty...
	                        (a beat; exhausted)
	                I should have known...

	      Kirk waits for Spock to continue, but Spock seems too
	      weak.

	                              KIRK
	                Know what, Spock? What?

	      But Spock falls back, exhausted -- and McCoy gently
	      tugs at Kirk, AD-LIBBING, "Let him rest, Jim..."
	      Kirk shrugs McCoy away, addresses Spock:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                What should you have known?

	                              SPOCK
	                        (weak)
	                No meaning... No hope...
	                        (summoning strength)
	                And, Jim, no answers...!
	                Jim, it's looking for answers
	                itself!

	                              KIRK
	                What answers?

	                              SPOCK
	                'Is this all I am? Is there not
	                more?'

	      Just then an INTERCOM SIGNAL:

	                              UHURA'S VOICE
	                A faint signal from Starfleet,
	                sir! Intruder Cloud has been
	                located on their outer monitors
	                for past twenty-seven minutes...
	                dissipating rapidly as it approaches.

	      Immediately, Sulu's voice:

	                              SULU'S VOICE
	                Starfleet reports forward velocity
	                has slowed to sub-warp speed! We
	                are three minutes from Earth's
	                orbit!-

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                I'll be right there...
	                        (to Chapel; crisp)
	                I need Spock on the bridge.

	323   ANOTHER ANGLE                                              323

	      as Chapel urns to a MED TECH, AD LIBS an order,
	      "Dalaphaline, twenty cc's..." As the Tech quickly sets
	      the hypo-injector, and hands it to Chapel - and she
	      injects Spock, the hypo emitting a fast, QUIET HISS --
	      Kirk gazes at Spock just an instant as Spock breathes
	      deeply, the drug clearly strengthening him. Chapel
	      and the Tech help Spock from the bed, as Kirk addresses
	      McCoy:

	                              KIRK
	                A machine planet...? Sending a
	                machine to Earth looking for its
	                Creator...?

	                              McCOY
	                God.

	      Kirk looks at him, then at Spock -- on his feet now --
	      then at McCoy again:

	                              KIRK
	                'To find the Creator,' the probe
	                said. Find God...?

	                              McCOY
	                Isn't that what we're all trying
	                to do...?
	                        (dryly)
	                All us machines...?

	      Kirk stands facing him another moment, then whirls
	      and steps to the monitor, flips some buttons, and
	      peaks into his communicator.

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Chekov, Commander Decker's
	                present location?

	                              CHEKOV'S VOICE
	                He... they... are in Engineering,
	                sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                I want to make a ship's announcement.
	                But it's to be heard only in
	                Engineering.

	                              UHURA'S VOICE
	                Ready, Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                        (voice amplified)
	                This is the Captain speaking. It
	                appears that the alien ship...
	                V'ger... is NOT a manned vessel...

	324   ENGINEERING                                                324

	      SHOWING Scott (at his console) listening to Kirk's
	      words -- and facing Decker and "Ilia" who are just
	      about to leave Engineering. (In b.g. the Engine core
	      GLOWS the appropriate color, and there is a SOFT
	      HUM of IDLE POWER.) Kirk's VOICE continues:

	                              KIRK'S VOICE
	                        (amplified)
	                It is a living entity...! A machine
	                life form. We are attempting to
	                ascertain its intentions. All
	                personnel will maintain yellow alert
	                status!

	325   CLOSER ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                                325
 
	      The probe bland as usual, but Kirk's words seem to
	      have strangely elated Decker; he says to her:

	                              DECKER
	                A machine...! Then it had to be
	                programmed. By whom...?

	                              "ILIA"
	                By the Creator.

	                              DECKER
	                        (probing)
	                To join, and become One with the
	                Creator?

	                              "ILIA"
	                To learn all that is learnable;
	                to deliver all collected data to
	                the Creator on the third planet.
	                That is the programming.

	326   INCLUDE SCOTT                                              326

	      just now confronting them, regarding "Ilia" with open
	      disapproval.

	                              SCOTT
	                Well, sir, now what about all that?
	                A living entity, the Captain says...
	                entity... A living thing...!

	      Decker really hasn't heard Scott; he's gazing at "Ilia,"
	      attempting to digest what she's just said. But quickly:

	                              DECKER
	                Thank you, Scotty...

	      He moves to leave.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (dourly)
	                Your welcome, sir.

	      Now Decker and "Ilia" move toward the exit, Scott gaz-
	      ing after them glaringly, watching "Ilia's" every
	      move. Suddenly, almost into the corridor, "Ilia" turns
	      and looks back at the engine room. She addresses
	      Decker, but load enough for Scott to overhear:

	                              "ILIA"
	                There is no logical reason for
	                carbon units to control Enterprise's
	                power systems.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (to "Ilia")
	                Lassie, if I were functioning
	                'logically,' right now I'd be
	                showing you the inside of our
	                scrap metal compactor!

	327   INT. BRIDGE                                                327

	      Kirk with McCoy and Spock, who although somewhat shaky,
	      is clearly more alert. They are just assuming their
	      stations.

	                              UHURA
	                We're now locked into Starfleet's
	                transceivers; Admiral Nogura has
	                received your reports, sir.

	328   ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                                 328

	      Kirk pausing halfway to his chair to study the viewer
	      on which is appearing an IMAGE of V'ger looming omi-
	      nously in orbit over Earth.

	                              UHURA
	                The visual is a lunar monitor
	                relay, sir.

	      As they begin to study it, the IMAGE suddenly distorts and 
	      is replaced by signal interference -- SIGNAL STATIC LINES 
	      RUNNING ACROSS THE VIEWER SCREEN. 
	      (Somewhat resembling the kind of high voltage interference
	      some-times seen on the television screen.)

	                              UHURA
	                        (continuing)
	                Heavy interference, sir -- it's
	                coming from here, inside the
	                intruder itself...

	      Uhura hits buttons and immediately from the speakers we 
	      HEAR A SERIES OF CARRIER WAVE BEEPS. Spock looks up from 
	      his console, listens to it.

	                              SPOCK
	                Puzzling! The interference
	                appears to be a rather simple
	                carrier wave code signal...

	                              UHURA
	                On an old style radio frequency,
	                sir...

	329   PAST KIRK TO THE ELEVATOR                                  329

	      as the doors snap open and Decker and "Ilia" appear.
	      All eyes go to them as:

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (to Decker;
	                         interrupting)
	                As I stated, V'ger calls to the
	                Creator.

	                              DECKER
	                       (nods; turns to Kirk)
	                V'ger is announcing that it has
	                arrived, sir -- that it's ready
	                to deliver the information it
	                was programmed to collect...

	                              "ILIA"
	                'To learn all that is learnable.'

	                              DECKER
	                        (to Kirk)
	                It expects a return signal now,
	                ordering it to transmit that 
	                information to the Creator.

	                              UHURA
	                        (whirling)
	                Sir! V'ger's signals have
	                stopped...

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (as if frightened)
	                Decker... The Creator has not 
	                responded.

	      Kirk hears this, turning inquiringly toward her, but
	      Uhura interrupts:

	                              UHURA
	                Picking up Starfleet again; a
	                lunar monitor relay...

	330   ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (O)                                 330

	      as, indeed, the interference is fading and a new Main 
	      Viewer IMAGE is appearing -- it shows V'GER IN EARTH 
	      ORBIT with a strange looking OBJECT moving away from 
	      V'ger. It is an ominous looking, HUGE SWIRLING GREEN
	      MASS -- it resembles the same green plasma-energy bolts
	      that destroyed the Klingons and Epsilon 9 -- and very 
	      nearly the Enterprise. It is not a bolt now -- the mass 
	      is much larger and appears much more deadly. A second 
	      object has now formed and moves off, a third one begins 
	      to appear. (Meanwhile, the first and second PLASMA-
	      ENERGY OBJECTS are moving off into the distance in 
	      different direction.)

	                              McCOY
	                My God! They're the same kind
	                of things that destroyed the
	                Klingons, Epsilon Nine...

	                              SPOCK
	                        (interrupting; from
	                         science console)
	                These read as identical composition...
	                        (turns to Kirk)
	                ... however, Captain, they measure
	                several hundred times more
	                powerful!

	                              KIRK
	                High mag, Mr. Sulu!

	      Sulu adjusts the viewer through several IMAGE MAGNI-
	      FICATIONS until we SEE the huge OMINOUS GREEN DEVICES
	      more clearly.

	                              SULU
	                The third one is moving off too --
	                a fourth one is forming...

	                              UHURA
	                        (overlapping)
	                Urgent signal from Starfleet,
	                Captain!
	                        (turns, shaken)
	                All Earth defense systems have
	                gone dead.

	      Kirk reacts hard at this. Uhura gets another message.

	                              UHURA
	                         (continuing)
	                Sir, Starfleet computes their
	                trajectories as moving toward
	                equidistant positions over Earth.

	331   ANOTHER ANGLE - KIRK AND SPOCK                             331

	      exchanging significant glances.

	                              SPOCK
	                From four equidistant positions,
	                Captain, a detonation would blanket
	                the entire surface of the planet.

	                              DIFALCO
	                I plot them as reaching equidistant
	                positions in... twenty-nine
	                minutes, sir... mark!

	332   ACROSS KIRK TO DECKER AND "ILIA"                           332

	      as Kirk vaults from his chair, strides to a handrail to
	      confront the "Ilia"-probe.

	                              KIRK
	                Why...?!

	                              "ILIA"
	                The carbon-units infection will
	                now be removed from the Creator's
	                planet.

	                              KIRK
	                Why?!

	                              "ILIA"
	                The Creator has not answered.

	                              KIRK
	                The carbon-units are not
	                responsible for that.

	                              "ILIA"
	                You infest and control Enterprise.
	                V'ger believes carbon-units interfere
	                with the Creator in the same manner.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (to Kirk)
	                Then V'ger believes the Creator to
	                be a machine too.

	                              DECKER
	                       (nods)
	                It seems we all imagine God in our
	                own image.

	333   ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER - INCLUDING CHEKOV (O)                333
	
	      Three of the four OMINOUS SWIRLING GREEN OBJECTS have
	      all moved away from V'ger now, in different directions,
	      growing smaller in the distance. The fourth object is
	      holding position nearby, seeming to grow in size and
	      intensity.

	334   ANGLE EMPHASIZING KIRK                                     334

	      as he throws a look toward Spock who is now in deep
	      meditation. Kirk turns and takes "Ilia's" shoulders
	      and carefully turns her to face him.

	                              McCOY
	                '... similar life forms...?'
	                Jim, V'ger's saying the Creator
	                is a machine...!

	                              DECKER
	                        (grimly amused)
	                Of course: we all create God
	                in our own image.

	      Kirk peers at Decker a moment, ingesting this thought. 
	      Then he addresses "Ilia" again, this time with emotion: 
	      after all, he is pleading for the survival of the 
	      entire planet:

	                              KIRK
	                V'ger! If we are lesser beings,
	                we are still, like you, living.
	                And because we are alive, we --
	                like you -- wish to survive.
	                You must not destroy --
	
	      Kirk pauses abruptly: "Ilia" is regarding him blandly,
	      stonily -- not the slightest reaction or response;
	      clearly Kirk's plea is being ignored.
	      Kirk draws in his breath to continue, realizes the
	      futility, turns helplessly to Spock.

	335   ACROSS KIRK TO SPOCK                                       335

	      who has been listening intently, with near fascination
	      -- an idea forming in his mind. Quickly, he steps
	      down to Kirk:

	                              SPOCK
	                        (quiet, terse)
	                Captain...
	                        (reaches Kirk)
	                Treat V'ger as you would... a
	                child.

	336    FAVORING KIRK                                             336
	
	       startled at this, not sure he's heard correctly.

	                              KIRK
	                Child...!?

	                              SPOCK
	                Yes, Captain, a child: evolving
	                into adulthood -- learning, searching
	                -- instinctively needing.

	                              DECKER
	                        (intrigued)
	                Needing what...?

	                              McCOY
	                Spock, this 'child' is about
	                to eliminate all life on Earth;
	                how do we teach it that that's
	                'wrong'? With a spanking...!?

	      Spock peers at McCoy almost sadly, then replies to
	      Decker.

	                              SPOCK
	                It doesn't know what it needs,
	                Comm          ander...
	                        (to Kirk)
	                It does not know.

	      Kirk says nothing, looks at Spock who is awaiting a
	      reaction; then Kirk glances at "Ilia" -- his brain
	      is racing, struggling to reach a decision. And then:

	                              KIRK
	                        (abruptly to
	                         "Ilia")
	                The carbon--units-know-why-the
	                Creator-has-not-responded.

	                              McCOY
	                        (shocked)
	                Jim...!

	                              DECKER
	                        (to "Ilia,"
	                         urgingly)
	                Ilia... we can help V'ger
	                find what it needs --

	      "Ilia" studies Decker just a bland beat, then turns
	      to Kirk:

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (to Kirk, hard)
	                Disclose the information.
	
	                              KIRK
	                        (cool, calm)
	                Not until V'ger withdraws the
	                devices orbiting the third planet.

	                              "ILIA"
	                KIRK UNIT! DISCLOSE THE
	                INFORMATION!

	      Kirk studies her a moment, then decides to press his
	      bet:

	                              KIRK
	                        (to "Ilia," almost
	                         pleasant)
	                No.
	                        (then to crew
	                         commandingly)
	                Secure all stations. Clear
	                the bridge.

	      A moment where all are startled at this order -- but
	      no time for questions as just then the ship is ROCKED
	      BY A FURIOUS POWERFUL ERUPTION NEARBY within V'ger.

	                              DECKER
	                        (amplified)
	                Bridge to all decks,secure
	                your stations.

	                              McCOY
	                Your child is having a
	                tantrum, Spock.
	
	                              SULU
	                Clear the bridge, Captain...?

	                              KIRK
	                That was the order, Mr. Sulu:
	                Clear the bridge.

	      Just then another ERUPTION -- the ship is ROCKED AGAIN.

	337   INT. INSIDE V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                         337

	      rocked about by the furious powerfields -- with
	      frightening displays of ray energy.

	338   INT. BRIDGE                                                338

	      as all react to the powerful blasts, holding on to 
	      railings, etc, at the same time attempting to secure
	      their stations for the evacuation. The DAMAGE REPAIR
	      TECHNICIAN leaves his station, crossing to exit.

	                              DAMAGE TECH.
	                        (leaving bridge;
	                         to Captain)
	                Severe stress on engine pylons,
	                sir.

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (to Kirk; flat)
	                V'ger requires the information.

	      Kirk merely looks at her, then to the evacuating crew:

	                              KIRK
	                Bridge secure all stations! 
	                Move out!

	                              McCOY
	                Jim, what the hell kind of
	                strategy is this...?

	      Meanwhile, Decker has crossed to Chekov's now abandoned
	      console, checks it.

	                              DECKER
	                All ship's functions going to
	                automatic, Captain.
   
	339   ANGLE ON KIRK                                              339

	      turning to confront "Ilia":

	                              KIRK
	                If V'ger destroys the Enterprise,
	                the information V'ger requires
	                will also be destroyed.
 
	  339A   INCLUDING VIEWER                                          339A

	      as LIGHT SHOW outside perceptically recedes, and simul-
	      taneously the ROCKING CEASES. At the same time, "Ilia"
	      is saying:

	                              "ILIA"
	                It is illogical to withhold
	                required information.

	      Kirk does not reply to this, turns away to observe
	      the withdrawing crew. Most are out; only Spock,
	      Decker and McCoy remain behind -- with McCoy on his 
	      way. The bridge lighting dims, and now Kirk looks at
	      Spock, who nods approvingly; clearly Spock is the only
	      person who seems to comprehend what Kirk is doing, and
	      why. As Kirk now moves toward the exit, and the lights 
	      are dimmed even further:

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (almost polite)
	                Kirk-unit, why do you not
	                disclose information?

	                              KIRK
	                Because V'ger is going to
	                destroy all the carbon units
	                on the third planet.

	                              "ILIA"
	                They have repressed the Creator.

	                              KIRK
	                The information will not be
	                disclosed.

	      And, gesturing the others ahead of him, Kirk starts
	      toward the bridge elevator. "Ilia" calls after him:

	                              "ILIA"
	                        (almost a plea)
	                V'ger needs the information.

	340   AT THE ELEVATORS                                           340
 
	      Decker and McCoy about to enter, Spock and Kirk just
	      behind -- all stopping abruptly now at "Ilia's" state-
	      ment. The very tone of her voice is enough for them
	      to realize they have made a very telling point. Kirk
	      follows fast:

	                              KIRK
	                Then V'ger must withdraw its
	                orbiting devices.

	                              "ILIA"
	                V'ger will comply if the carbon
	                units disclose the information.

	341   ANGLE ON McCOY                                             341

	      wryly reacting to this:

	                              McCOY
	                It learns fast, doesn't it...?

	342   ACROSS McCOY TO KIRK AND SPOCK                             342 

	      as Kirk looks at Spock, Kirk's whole expression convey-
	      ing the obvious question: "What the hell do we do now?"
	      But Spock is ready with an answer:

	                              SPOCK
	                Captain, the vessel -- V'ger --
	                obviously operates from a
	                central brain complex...

	      Spock allows the sentence to hang, as he and Kirk
	      eye each other significantly, the CAMERA SWINGING
	      OVER TO KIRK so we can perceive that to Kirk this
	      idea has an even greater significance.

	                              KIRK
	                        (to Spock)
	                The orbiting devices would be
	                controlled from the point,
	                then...?

	                              SPOCK
	                Precisely.

	      Kirk nods grimly, faces "Ilia" again; this time 
	      he's playing for all the stakes.

	                              KIRK
	                The carbon units' information
	                cannot be disclosed to V'ger's
	                probe... only to V'ger directly.

	343   ANOTHER ANGLE - REACTIONS                                  343

	      all wait with hushed expectancy, all eyes on "Ilia"
	      who seems momentarily in some internal communication.

	      She turns away from Kirk and steps forward looking at
	      the Main Viewer.

	                              McCOY
	                        (indicating
	                         viewer)
	                Jim...!

	344   PAST THEM TO VIEWER                                        344

	      the image of the chamber in which the Enterprise is
	      imprisoned. But now, toward the chamber-end, where
	      further passage had previously been barred by the lace-
	      work energy barriers -- an OPENING APPEARS. And at
	      the same time there is a GENTLE LURCHING EFFECT, and:

	                              DECKER
	                Forward motion, Captain...!

	                              SPOCK
	                A tractor beam...

	      "Ilia" steps down from the platform and into the well
	      where she is closer to the viewer.

	                              DECKER
	                Captain, what's the next move?

	                              KIRK
	                The question is, Mr. Decker, is
	                there a next move...

	345   INT. V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE                                345

	      moving through the chamber, pulled by the invisible
	      tractor beam, toward the OPENING -- toward the next
	      chamber which, from this POV seems even larger,
	      more forbidding.

	346   INT. BRIDGE                                                346

	      as the four officers step down onto the bridge, Spock
	      hurrying to his science station, Kirk to the center
	      seat.

	                              KIRK
	                Resume duty stations, Mr. Decker.

	      As Kirk attends to his console, Deck is at an
	      intercom:

	                              DECKER
	                        (into intercom,
	                         voice amplified)
	                All personnel resume stations...!

	      At the same time the lights are brightening -- and
	      members of the bridge crew begin returning. All this
	      time there is an ever increasing sense of movement.
	      Kirk glances at Decker:

	                              KIRK
	                Well, Mr. Decker, it seems my
	                bluff is being called.

	                              DECKER
	                I'm afraid our hand is pretty
	                weak, Captain.
	                        (slight smile)
	                But it's the only game in town.
	
	      Kirk reacts, pleased, a split beat at Decker's "our"
	      hand, and goes on:

	      Kirk throws him a look of appreciation, then, abruptly
	      his manner changes as he addresses Chekov:

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Chekov, when do those devices
	                activate?

	                              CHEKOV
	                They reach final position in...
	                Twenty-seven minutes -- mark.

	                              KIRK
	                        (a beat; then into
	                         intercom)
	                Engineering...

	347   INT. ENGINEERING - SCOTT                                   347

	      at his console, a female engineering technician (CHIEF
	      ROSS) nearby, the usual engine room ambience in the
	      b.g., as:

	                              SCOTT
	                Scott, here, sir.

	348   INT. BRIDGE - KIRK WITH AN ANGLE ON SPOCK                  348

	      as Kirk hesitates, glances around at the crew -- now
	      all having resumed their stations -- and then grimly
	      looks at "Ilia" who still remains at the rail.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom,
	                         eyes on "Ilia")
	                Mr. Scott, be prepared to execute
	                Starfleet order two zero zero
	                five.

	      Hearing this, Spock whirls around -- peers incredulously
	      at Kirk. He appears for a moment to be incensed at
	      Kirk's words. Then he realizes and understands Kirk's
	      position and turns, sadly resigned, back to his work.

	349   INT. ENGINEERING                                           349

	      as Scott, too, hears this, but his reaction is of grim
	      acceptance. Not so Chief Ross; she is horrified.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (with a glance at
	                         Ross, into intercom)
	                When, Captain?

	                              KIRK'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                On my command.

	                              SCOTT
	                        (somberly, into
	                         intercom)
	                Aye, sir.

	      And Scott hits buttons on his console, now moves to
	      step from his station, nearly collides with Ross, who
	      clearly is bravely struggling to maintain her poise
	      and dignity:

	                              ROSS
	                Why has the Captain ordered self-
	                destruct, sir?

	                              SCOTT
	                        (a beat; gently)
	                I would say, lass, because he
	                thinks -- he hopes -- that when
	                we go up... we'll take V'ger
	                with us.

	                              ROSS
	                Will we?

	                              SCOTT
	                        (with grim
	                         satisfaction)
	                When that much matter and anti-
	                matter are brought together?
	                Oh, yes; we will, indeed.

	350   EXT. ENTERPRISE - INT. V'GER                               350

	      The ship passing now through a chamber that is vastly
	      more active than anything we have previously seen.
	      Directly ahead appears to be an area that dispatches
	      powerfields; a tremendous volume of them seem to ema-
	      nate and converge there. The medium from which the
	      ship moves appears almost solid, to the point where it
	      seems incredible that the ship can be pulled through
	      it at all. The entire chamber pulses with machine-
	      like, alien life. This should even be evidenced in the
	      booming POWERFIELD LIGHTENING BOLTS as they course in
	      ever more frighteningly close proximity to the ship as:

	  350A   INT BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER                         350A

	      The crew all watching the awesome spectacle of V'ger's
	      interior (on the viewer) as the Enterprise is being
	      pulled toward the brain complex. All are somewhat sub-
	      dued, for all realize how their journey will end -- but
	      at the same time they also realize there is no other
	      way. The CAMERA PANS, catching facial reactions -- as,
	      in the b.g., we HEAR a constant flow of AD-LIBBED crew
	      comments:

	                              CHEKOV
	                Twenty-five minutes to device
	                activation, sir.

	ALT. (Twenty-two)
	ALT. (Eighteen)

	                              UHURA
	                Starfleet has been apprised of 
	                our situation, Captain.

	                              SULU
	                Tractor beam remains constant...

	                              DIFALCO
	                We are seventeen kilometers inside
	                the vessel...

	351   ANGLE ON SPOCK                                             351

	      His back to the viewer, the angle does not reveal his
	      facial features, but we can discern him struggling to
	      contain his feelings.

	352   WIDER ANGLE (INCLUDE KIRK, McCOY, AND DECKER)              352

	      Kirk's back to Spock as he watches the viewer, Kirk
	      now turning toward Spock.

	                              KIRK
	                Spock... Spock...

	      Spock does not respond, then Kirk reacts with momentary
	      annoyance, then realizes Spock is totally distracted.
	      Kirk peers at him a moment, then suddenly rises and
	      steps up to:

	353   SPOCK'S STATION - KIRK AND SPOCK (McCOY IN B.G.)           353

	      as Kirk arrives, with Spock still facing away from
	      him, clearly distracted.

	                              KIRK
	                        (starts)
	                Mr. Spock -- I think...

	      Spock moves to face him, turning fully INTO the CAMERA
	      so we can see now, just under Spock's eye:

	      A tear! Welling fom the eye, rolling down his cheek.
	      Kirk is speechless a moment, glances at McCoy who has
	      also witnessed this phenomenon, and started toward
	      Spock; but Kirk gestures McCoy to stay back, as he
	      addresses Spock:

	                              KIRK
	                        (quiet, feeling)
	                Not for us?

	                              SPOCK
	                No, Captain, not for us... for V'ger.
	
	      Spock pauses as Kirk peers incredulously at him, then
	      continues:

	                              SPOCK
	                        (continuing)
	                I weep for V'ger, as I would for
	                a brother -- far more knowledgeable
	                than I -- and yet one step behind.

	354   ANGLE ON McCOY AND DECKER                                  354

	      Listening, McCoy's face reflecting concern; Decker's
	      face compassion and understanding, with Decker step-
	      ping closer to Spock, as Spock continues:

	                              SPOCK
	                As I was -- when I came aboard...
	                so is V'ger now: empty, incomplete.
	                Searching. Logic and knowledge are
	                not enough.

	                              McCOY
	                        (with empathy)
	                Spock, are you saying that you
	                found, what you needed -- but V'ger
	                hasn't?

	                              SPOCK
	                Has not, Doctor -- and now, because
	                of what we are planning... will not...

	                              KIRK
	                        (almost hard)
	                There is no alternative.

	                              DECKER
	                        (gently pressing)
	                Mr. Spock, what would V'ger need
	                to fulfill itself?

	                              SPOCK
	                V'ger has begun to understand the
	                true limits of our universe,
	                thereby realizing the existence
	                of other dimensions. To fulfill
	                itself it must evolve to a
	                higher dimension; V'ger believes
	                this can be achieved only by
	                joining with the Creator.

	                              SPOCK (ALTERNATIVE)
	                Each of us, at some time in our
	                life, turns to someone, a father,
	                a brother, a God and asks 'Why
	                am I here?' 'What was I meant
	                to be?' V'ger hopes to touch its
	                Creator to find its answers.

	355   ACROSS KIRK TO DECKER                                      355

	      as Decker reacts with sudden, almost evangelical en-
	      lightenment, as Kirk Says:

	                              KIRK
	                        (understanding)
	                'Is this all that I am? Is there
	                nothing more?

	      ON DIFALCO

	      reacting to the (O.S.) viewer, AD-LIBBING a terse:

	                              DIFALCO
	                Captain...!

	      PAST KIRK AND SPOCK TO THE VIEWER
	
	      where another opening is suddenly visible -- another
	      chamber. But the violent and color energy effects of
	      the previous chambers are no longer evident. Instead,
	      the entire chamber appears beautifully symmetrical,
	      with a strange, subdued glow, which increases as we
	      move closer.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (flat)
	                Captain, I believe that is our
	                destination.
	
	356   EXT. ENTERRISE - INT. V'GER - NEAR THE "ISLAND"            356
	      COMPLEX

	      This enormous chamber resembles a hemisphere, laced
	      throughout with dazzling energy patterns, not at all
	      ominous, but quite lovely in effect. As the Enterprise
	      continues forward motion, now ahead you will to SEE a
	      small "island." Floating in the exact center of the
	      hemisphere, the "island" seems alive with PULSING LIGHT,
	      with more of the lovely and delicate ENERGY FORMS and
	      COLORS. On the "island," vague at this distance, ap
	      pears to be a "solid" matter form.

	357   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             357

	      The "island" looming larger in the distance. And the
	      Enterprise (as evidenced from the viewer) perceptibly
	      slowing. Kirk just resuming his command chair, as:
	                  
	                              SULU
	                Forward motion slowing, Captain...!

	      Kirk says nothing a moment, studies the viewer -- and
	      then:

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Engineering... Status, Mr. Scott?

	                              SCOTT'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                        (somber)
	                We're ready, sir.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Thank you, Scotty. Stand by.

	358   ACROSS KIRK TO McCOY                                       358

	      as Kirk turns from the intercom and glances at McCoy.
	      Between them a total look of understanding.

	359   EXT. ENTERPRISE (INT. V'GER)                               359

	      The Enterprise approaching the edge of the "island" --
	      slowing, but still quite clearly being pulled by the
	      tractor beam. The "solid matter" in the "island" cen-
	      ter still obscured by the STRANGE LIGHT GLOW emanating
	      from that area. The Enterprise is now nearly at the
	      "island" edge.

	360   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING VIEWER                             360

	      as all watching "island" loom closer and closer.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Tractor beam strength lessening,
	                Captain.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Mr. Scott... on my next signal.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (fast)
	                Captain, the orbital device will     (ALT.)
	                not be triggered for twenty-two      (nineteen...)
	                minutes...                           (fifteen...)

	                              KIRK
	                The point...
	                (Your)

	                              SPOCK
	                        (eying "Ilia";
	                         carefully)
	                The point is, Captain, twenty-two    (ALT. 

should
	                minutes. We could have that much      loop "19" &
	                more time...                                 "15")
         
	      Kirk glances at the Viewer, the oncoming "island," then
	      at Spock:

	                              KIRK
	                        (shakes head, no)
	(ALT: "19",)    (Mr. Spock), if we do not provide
	(     "15  )    V'ger with certain information, we
	                won't have twenty-two seconds; the
	                plan must be implemented upon arrival.

	                              DECKER
	                Captain, we can't be sure that our...
	                move... will actually save Earth.

	                              KIRK
	                No!

	      Decker's last word is interrupted by an almost gentle
	      BUMP -- and on the Viewer all perceptible motion has
	      stopped. At the same time:

	                              SULU
	                Forward motion stopped, Captain.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Tractor beam is released.

	361   INT. INSIDE V'GER - THE ENTERPRISE AT THE "ISLAND"         361

	      The ship's sauce leading edge holding position at
	      the "island" edge as though docked.

	362   INT. BRIDGE  "ILIA"                                        362

	      watching the (O.S.) Viewer.

	                              "ILIA"
	                       (indicating viewer)
	                V'ger...

	363   INCLUDING THE VIEWER  KIRK AND THE OTHERS                  363

	      all very silent a moment, gazing at the sight. Now
	      Kirk glances at the people around him: on his command
	      their lives are about to end. Nothing is said; no
	      time for it, no inclination to articulate the obvious.
	      No need to.

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom:
	                         with finality)
	                Mr. Scott...

	364   ANGLE ON CHEKOV                                            364

	      reacting to a console reading with surprise.

	                              CHEKOV
	                Captain... I read an oxygen and
	                gravity envelope forming outside
	                the Enterprise...!

	                              UHURA
	                Sir, I have located the source
	                of V'ger's radio signal: (it's)
	                directly ahead.

	                              SPOCK
	                That transmitter is a vital link
	                between V'ger and the Creator.
	                        (its)

	                              DECKER
	                        (urging)
	 (ALT. "18",)   We have twenty-one minutes. Captain,
	 (.... "14" )   we can still save V'ger... and ourselves. 

	      All this has caused Kirk to vacillate, but he still
	      believes his course of action is the proper one, as:-

	                              "ILIA"
	                The carbon units will now provide 
	                V'ger the required information.

	      "Ilia" is moving toward the elevator, turning to face
	      the others as she says this. Kirk remains frozen, his
	      hand on the intercom button. He glances at McCoy, as
	      though seeking advice. McCoy peers at him blandly,
	      levelly; Kirk must follow his own instinct.

	365   FAVORING KIRK                                              365

	      gazing at "Ilia," then at Spock, his brain racing, con-
	      sidering all the possibilities, options. He glances
	      at the anxious faces awaiting his decision: a possible
	      twenty-two more minutes of life -- or instant death.
	      Another beat as he decides. Then:

	                              KIRK
	                        (into intercom)
	                Mr. Scott... we're holding off;
	                there may be a chance...
	                        (rises, gestures
	                         Spock and McCoy)
	                Spock, Bones...

	      He starts for elevator.

	366   PAST DECKER TO KIRK                                        366

	      as Kirk strides toward the elevator, joining McCoy and
	      Spock.

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Decker... I will contact you
	                every five minutes. Otherwise...
	                inform Mr. Scott immediately.

	                              DECKER
	                        (calls after him)
	                Captain... I'd like to go along...

	      Kirk studies Decker a beat -- there is something com-
	      pelling about Decker's manner -- a certain sense of
	      absolute necessity. Kirk seems about to deny the re-
	      quest, then turns to Sulu:

	                              KIRK
	                Mr. Sulu, you have the conn...

	      And Kirk leaves; Decker, his face reflecting a strange,
	      almost eager gratification, hurries after him.

	                              KIRK
	                V'ger plans to literally meld
	                to reduce both itself and the
	                Creator to patterns...

	                              SPOCK
	                ... and then to reassemble itself
	                combined with the Creator. The
	                most certain way of obtaining
	                all the Creator's answers.

	      A sudden STORM OF LIGHT AND STRANGE SOUND. In the
	      midst of it, Kirk finds a SHAFT OF LIGHT very much
	      centering on him. He sees "Ilia" watching him with
	      none of their "former navigator" in her expression
	      now. Kirk hesitates, gathering his thoughts:

	                              KIRK
	                        (to "Ilia")
	                Our data is being prepared.
	
	                              "ILIA"
	                Answer!

	                              KIRK
	                We will answer and present proof
	                of our answer when it is ready!

	      Kirk's words lead to a suggestion of FRUSTRATION in the
	      STORM OF LIGHT AND SOUND around them.

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                V'ger, we will bring the Creator
	                to you! Here!

	367   ANGLE EMPHASIZING "ILIA" AND DECKER                        367

	      as he moves to her:

	                              DECKER
	                We need only a few more minutes.
	                Believe me...

	      Decker has reached out to touch her -- the probe spins
	      at his touch -- the move knocks Decker from his feet,
	      tumbling, a hard fall. Then the robe looks at him
	      lying there -- just the slightest softening of her
	      features now.

	368   EMPHASIZING DECKER                                         368

	      slowly turning to face the probe again.

	                              DECKER
	                Ilia, believe me... the Creator
	                will appear!

	369   EMPHASIZING "ILIA"                                         369

	      as she meets Decker's look, her expression softening
	      still more. The STORM OF LIGHT and SOUND begins to
	      subside a bit. She moves to him and he gets to his feet.

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Enterprise to Captain...

	370   INT. BRIDGE                                                370

	      Uhura with Sulu and Chekov there.

	                              UHURA
	                Problem, Captain: the response
	                signal is not in our records.
	                Voyager Six was sent out by Earth's
	                "United States Subdivision.' The
	                code was probably...

	371   INT. VOYAGER SIX SITE                                      371

	      as Uhura continues:

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                ... kept secret to keep Voyager's
	                data from rival subdivisions.

	                              McCOY
	                That's preposterous! They
	                wouldn't have kept scientific
	                data from one another.

	                              CHEKOV'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                We are now checking with Starfleet
	                Archives, Captain. Stand by.

	372   ANGLE ON DECKER AND "ILIA"                                 372

	      Kirk, Spock and McCoy are standing some distance from
	      them (out of hearing). The probe is clearly moving
	      into still closer touch with Lt. Ilia's memory patterns
	      as Decker takes her hand.

	                              DECKER
	                And when V'ger melds? What will
	                happen to you?

	                              "ILIA"
	                It will... take me from you...

	373   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      373

	      McCoy is looking at Kirk with an incredulous expression
	      on his face.

	                              McCOY
	                And when it realizes what the
	                Creator is...?

	                              KIRK
	                There's no way to know. V'ger
	                expected it to be a machine --
	                some single entity.
	                        (indicates entire
	                         site)
	                All of us here may be reduced
	                into patterns...

	                              SPOCK
	                That seems to be what it has
	                planned -- to have the Creator
	                physically present here.

	                              McCOY
	                        (small smile)
	                The God it captures is going to
	                be a hell of a disappointment.

	374   DECKER AND "ILIA"                                          374

	      at the side of Voyager Six, Decker in the midst of
	      twisting a wing-nut which releases a hatch which swings
	      open. Decker peers inside while "Ilia" waits.

	375   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      375

	      Decker and "Ilia" at the old capsule in b.g. as Kirk
	      looks that way.

	                              KIRK
	                Commander...

	      We SEE Decker look up at Kirk's call, then ignore him
	      and go back to inspecting inside the access hatch. At
	      this moment, from Kirk's communicator, a SIGNAL.

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing;
	                         into communicator)
	                Kirk here.

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                We now have the response code,
	                sir.

	                              KIRK
	                Stand by. Transmit it on my
	                orders.

	      The three of them exchange looks -- Kirk, Spock and
	      McCoy exchanging a silent moment of friendship and
	      resignation. Then Kirk lifts his communicator again:

	                              KIRK
	                        (continuing)
	                Enterprise... transmit.

	376   DECKER AND "ILIA"                                          376

	      catching Decker in the midst of pressing a control on
	      his tricorder. Both he and "Ilia" are watching Kirk
	      and the others closely. Now Decker looks down at the
	      tricorder's face. He nods:

	                              DECKER
	                Recording...

	377   KIRK, SPOCK AND McCOY                                      377

	      still waiting. They continue to wait. McCoy shifts
	      uncomfortably, throws Kirk a puzzled glance. Kirk
	      finally lifts his communicator.

	                              KIRK
	                Enterprise, are you transmitting?

	                              UHURA'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Affirmative, Captain. For some
	                time now.

	                              KIRK
	                Confirm code and transmitting
	                frequency.

	                              CHEKOV'S INTERCOM VOICE
	                Both signal and frequency
	                confirmed, sir.

	                              DECKER
	                        (calling)
	                Captain Kirk!

	378   VARIOUS ANGLES                                             378

	      as the others turn to Decker and "Ilia."

	                              DECKER
	                        (continuing)
	                The fault is here, sir, not in
	                the transmission.
	                        (indicating into
	                         hatch)
	                The antenna leads have been
	                disconnected. V'ger never
	                intended to accept a transmitted
	                signal.

	                              KIRK
	                Capture God! In order to
	                retrieve V'ger's data, the
	                Creator has to physically come
	                here!...

	                              DECKER
	                And plug the signal directly into
	                the circuitry at this...
	                        (indicates into
	                         access)
	                ... point here, Captain. It
	                should pick up even a tricorder
	                playback.

	                              KIRK
	                        (lifting communicator)
	                Enterprise, I want that signal
	                again. Transmit!

	      Then Kirk touches a control on his tricorder exactly
	      as Decker did earlier. Then he looks up, reacts as
	      he sees Decker holding his own tricorder up -- and a
	      smile playing on Decker's face.

	379   ACTION ANGLE                                               379

	      as Kirk suddenly pivots, races toward Decker -- but he
	      passes too close to the "Ilia"-probe. It sends him
	      spinning back, tumbling to his knees.

	380   AT KIRK                                                    380

	      as KIRK starts up to scramble to his feet but Spock has
	      stepped in, putting a hand on Kirk's shoulder and re
	      straining him.

	                              SPOCK
	                Jim... he wants it.

	                              DECKER
	                You got the Enterprise, it's
	                what you wanted. This is what
	                I want.
	                              (smiles)
	                But, Jim...
	                              (now very seriously)
	                ... I'm the right choice for this
	                mission.

	      And then Decker shoves the tricorder into the access
	      hatch.

	381   VARIOUS EFFECTS SHOTS - DECKER BEING FUSED - V'GER         381
	      TRANSCENDING (S)

	      For just an instant nothing happens -- and then a 
	      BLINDING SHAFT OF LIGHT STRIKES Decker. The color
	      becomes BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER, begins spiraling through
	      the room. "Ilia" stes toward Decker, is caught in the
	      LIGHT, and instantly VANISHES in a BRILLIANT WHITE GLOW.

	      We SEE Decker seeming to grow larger -- as if his
	      molecular pattern is expanding. A SPECTACULAR SERIES
	      OF VISUALS., THE SPIRALING LIGHT enveloping the entire
	      area.

	      All this emanating from Decker's body, becoming LARGER
	      -- also BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER until now it is almost
	      transparent. And the SPIRALING now expanding in all
	      directions, and the room itself starting to dissolve,
	      vanishing into nothingness -- and all commencing to
	      slip into the new dimension.

	      Kirk, Spock and McCoy stand transfixed another instant.
	      Around them, V'ger seems to be TRANSFORMING INTO BRIL-
	      LIANT, LOVELY PATTERNS. They all turn and race into
	      the complex in the direction of their vessel.

	382   EXT. EARTH ORBIT - AN ENERGY BOLT (S)                      382

	      It too seems to be flowering into loveliness, brilliant,
	      graceful patterns as they seem to slip through to another 
	      dimension, vanishing.

	383   EXT. V'GER - FULL SHOT                                     383
	
	      The "FLOWERING" EFFECT now spreading outward, V'ger's
	      massive shape becoming a spiraling pattern of twisting,
	      graceful shapes and brilliant colors -- a transcendence
	      into another dimension.
	      And then all of that is left is a shimmering, jewel-like
	      point of light -- and then it too fades -- and reveals
	      there in the blue-black of space, the U.S.S. Enterprise.

	384   INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDING THE VIEWER (O)                     384

	      which shows now only space and its familiar star
	      patterns. All gaze at the viewer, awed at what they've
	      seen and undergone. They exchange looks silently, no
	      one wanting to be the first to try to comment on some-
	      thing which is beyond mere words. We HEAR an ELEVATOR
	      DOOR, Scott and Chapel ENTER the bridge and stand 
	      silently watching.

	                              McCOY
	                Well, it certainly has been...
	                interesting.

	                              KIRK
	                Spock, we were its answer!

	                              SPOCK
	                        (nods)
	                Yes, Captain. It needed our
	                mortality, the fear of it, our
	                struggle against it, our fears,
	                our dreams...

	                              KIRK
	                ... and the 'foolish' emotions
	                which drive us?

	                              SPOCK
	                        (looks at Kirk; then)
	                I prefer your poet Dante's phrase
	                -- 'the divine restlessness of
	                the human spirit.'

	                              McCOY
	                Spock... you're quoting poetry?

	      Spock's cold look at McCoy is interrupted by:

	                              UHURA
	                Starfleet signal, Captain!
	                Return to orbital dockyard for
	                inspection.

	                              KIRK
	                Ignore that signal.
	                        (to Scott)
	                Shall we give the Enterprise a
	                proper shakedown, Mr. Scott?

	                              SCOTT
	                        (suddenly beaming)
	                I'd say it's time for that, I
	                would, sir.
	                        (toward Spock)
	                We can have you back on Vulcan
	                in four days, Mr. Spock.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (coolly)
	                I have no business on Vulcan,
	                Engineer.

	      Kirk and Spock exchange a look -- then Kirk turns to
	      the helm.

	                              KIRK
	                Ahead Warp One, Mr. Sulu.

	                              DIFALCO
	                Heading, sir?

	                              KIRK
	                        (taking center seat;
	                         indicates generally)
	                Out there.  Thataway.

	                              SPOCK
	                        (nods gravely)
	                A most logical choice, Captain.

	      Then the trace of a smile comes over Spock's face.

	385   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (S)                                385

	      Planet Earth in the distance, and receding in size as
	      the starship heads out the other direction.

	      FADE OUT.

	                              THE END