"STAR TREK" (2009)

STATS141pages255scenes28,602words38%dialogue93characters

Words

  • dialogue10,77338%
  • action16,29357%
  • other1,5365.4%

Scenes

location
  • INT 153
  • EXT 86
  • INT/EXT 2
  • UNKNOWN 14
time
  • DAY 16
  • NIGHT 10
  • DUSK 2
  • CONT 53
  • UNKNOWN 174
2

EXT. VULCAN FAMILY HOME- DUSK

Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman

15 OVERBLACKNESS, we HEARa BACHHARPSICHORDCONCERTO. And then a 15 WOMAN -- breathing hard -- straining, harder and harder -- until finally we HEARa NEWBORNBABYCRYING-- and we •••

The image is spectacular, aglow in DUSK LIGHT: a beautiful BABY, just born, held in a WOMAN'SHANDS. It is being cleaned; warm water runs down its face and body.

TIGHT ON the MIDWIFE (female, 60's) who holds and cleans the baby as it CRIES. Another, younger, Midwife can be seen behind her, assisting with the pitchers of water. As she cleans the baby, she says to someone OFF-CAMERA:

MIDWIFE
He is strong.

The baby, now calm, gets SWADDLED. He is then gently held out to the new MOTHER:

AMANDA GRAYSON,late 20's. An original beauty. She lies on a divan, spent but eager to hold her first child. She tenderly takes the infant into her arms, tears in her eyes, mesmerized. She holds the wrapped baby tight and whispers sweetly:

AMANDA
••. hello.

CLOSE ON the YOUNGERMIDWIFE, standing at the rear of the room. She raises an eyebrow as she quietly speaks:

YOUNGER MIDWIFE
The baby is healthy. Why does she cry?
MIDWIFE
(a beat; then)
She is human.

A distant, quiet BUZZ -- and the elder Midwife stands, looking into the distance. And this is when we see, for the first time, that the Midwife has POINTED EARS.

MIDWIFE (CONT'D)
Sarek arrives.

The Midwife moves away -- we PUSH IN on Amanda, who looks up for a moment, clearly disquieted.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 2

15A OMIT 15A

15B

EXT. VULCAN LANDSCAPE - DUSK [FORMER SC. 14]

A planet of massive, tortured ROCK FORMS, distant cities constructed atop and underneath them. A HOVER-SPEEDERin the mid-ground kicks up dust, backlit by the sun, as it traces the horizon. We PAN WITH IT, revealing a FAMILY HOME, built seamlessly into a rocky mountainside.

A SUPER READS: STARDATE2230.06.

The speeder parks outside the home

15C

EXT. VULCAN HOME- DUSK

SAREK (late 40's, a Vulcan) comes out to the balcony through the rear doors of the home. He moves to Amanda and kneels. He looks at the child -- his child -- and says:

SAREK
Well done.

She looks at him for a beat, then says, flatly -- with just enough rancor:

AMANDA
Thanks.

He regards her. Knows he's in TROUBLE

SAREK
Your tone suggests disappointment. The Science Council required my presence for a session regarding--
AMANDA
Don't do that. You knew I wanted you here.

The Vulcan Midwives share a look.Sarek glances at them. Nods. The two women excuse themselves.Sarek reaches over, touches a small touchpad -- the HARPSICHORDMUSIC STOPS. He says, clinically:

SAREK
As you are aware, the Vulcan male is traditionally not present at the moment of delivery.
AMANDA
Well traditionally, I'm not the one giving birth.
(then)
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 3

AMANDA (CONT'D)
I moved here -- to another planet -- to be with you. I needed you to be with me today. Holding my hand and telling me I'm doing great, even when I'm just ..• breathing the best I can.

Sad that she has to tell him this at all, she just looks back at the baby -- finding comfort in his innocence. Sarek considers this. He moves closer to her. Whispers intimately:

SAREK
You are correct. I should have been here. I am sorry.

And with her free hand, she pulls Sarek closer -- and kisses him. And the two look at the baby.

SAREK (CONT'D)
I had a thought. That we might name the child after one of our respected early society-builders. His name was "Spock".

She looks at the baby, not immediately taken by the name.

SAREK (CONT'D)
Your silence does not suggest enormous enthusiasm.
AMANDA
No ••. Spock.
(smiles, touches his face)
. • • Spock.

She looks at Sarek: Spock it is.

SAREK
The child has your eyes.

She pulls back the baby's swaddling, revealing his ears. She gently rubs the top of his right ear -- AND IT UNFURLS, revealing a small, soft pointed VULCANEAR.

AMANDA
..• and your ears.

And off the image of this TINY BABY, half-human, half-Vulcan, we ... FADE OUT. And over BLACKNESS,we BEGIN TO HEAR an ALARM SOUNDING-- GROWING-- and the SUPER "THREE YEARS LATER" APPEARS -- and finally the BLACKNESSIS SPLIT BY TURBO-LIFT DOORS OPENING and we REVEALTHAT WE'RE ON:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 4

lSD INT. U.S.S. KELVIN [FORMERSC. 15A] lSD

With URGENCY,we MOVEDOWN a corridor with CAPTAIN ROBAUand OFFICER PITTS:

CAPTAIN ROBAU OFFICER PITTS

-- our sensors haven't made -- no sir, it looked like a sense of the anomaly? lightning storm in the middle -- how far are we from the of space -- Klingon Neutral Zone? -- 150,000 kilometers, but the

vessel is not Klingon, Sir, its registry doesn't match any recorded profile --

SHWISHI The doors part and we enter THE BRIDGE OF THE SHIP -- a flurry of activity -- the MASSIVE SHIP they are approaching on the VIEWSCREEN. Robau moves to the center -- then he asks:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Report.

-- turning to the ship's FIRST OFFICER: 32, all-American face, swiveling in a console chair to FACE US:

FIRST OFFICER
Sir, new contact bearing zero-three-four.

CAPTAIN ROBAU FIRST OFFICER

Are they transmitting on any Negative, Captain -- all frequency? communications appear to be

shut down.

CAPTAIN ROBAU FIRST OFFICER

Hail the ship. What's the Nothing even close, Sir. closest match on registry?

Robau moves to Pitts:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Any response?
OFFICER PITTS
No Sir -- hails met with silence.
CAPTAIN ROBAU
Maybe they're incapable -- any identifiable damage?
OFFICER PITTS
Negative, Sir -- but our readings seem confused--

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 5

lSD CONTINUED: lSD

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Confused?
OFFICER PITTS
-- not only is the ship unregistered but even its construction materials seem unrecognizable.

Robau sits in the captain's chair his eyes on the ship as they approach -- and we SEE IT on the VIEWSCREEN-- THE NARADA-- ENORMOUSAND THREATENING. He doesn't even realize that he says:

CAPTAIN ROBAU

5

•. OH MY GOD •..

(to himself, boggled) A lightning storm ... then this ... (to deck) Signal all departments: first contact protocols. Looks like we have someone new on the block. All Stop.

16-170MIT 16-17

18-190MIT 18-19

19A OMIT 19A

19B OMIT 19B

19C

EXT. DEEP SPACE - CONTINUOUS

And in the endless vacuum of space, and in TOTAL SILENCE, the Kelvin appears as a dot, coming to a stop in front of the gigantic BLACK CLAWthat is the Narada --

19D

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE

Crew members are glued to their telemetry, working consoles:

FIRST OFFICER
Sir, should we initiate an invasive scan?
CAPTAIN ROBAU
That could be seen as an act of provocation -- all readings passive--

Suddenly, a WARNINGBEEP --

OFFICER PITTS CAPTAIN ROBAU

Sir, I have a reading -- they've locked weapons on us! Red alert! Arm weapons!

ALARMSBLARE -- LIGHTS GO RED as

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 6

20

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Narada FIRES a TORPEDO-- IT HEADS FOR THE KELVIN -- then SEPARATES, fracturing into a multi-hit projectile --

21

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CONTINUOUS

Officers SCRAMBLE, brace for impact

FIRST OFFICER CAPTAIN ROBAU

Torpedo locked on us at 320 degrees, mark two -- incoming Evasive pattern Delta-SI fast!

22

EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CONTINUOUS

A direct hit SMASHESseveral decks along the DISH of the ship

23

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM- CONTINUOUS

In the massive Engine Room, a HUGE BLAST -- MEN GO FLYING IN THE STEEL-SHATTERING EXPLOSION --

24

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Captain Robau helps a fallen CREWMEMBERup from the floor -- then, on his chair com.:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Damage report!

INTERCUT with:

24A

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM- CONTINUOUS

Moving with the Kelvin's CHIEF ENGINEER:

CHIEF ENGINEER
Our shields did nothing, Sir! Never seen anything like it! Weapons off-line! Main power at 38 percent!

As the crew regains their footing, the First Officer pulls himself to his console, true fear in his eyes as he places an inter-ship call -- it's RINGING -- his fear grows with every passing RING -- then, we INTERCUT WITH:

24B

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 26B]

A WOMAN,25, answers her communicator -- she lies on an exam table, afraid -- and pregnant. This is WINONA.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 7

WINONA
-- what was that-- what's happening?!

But the First Officer is just relieved that she's still alive:

FIRST OFFICER
-- you're okay-- thank God-- where are you?
WINONA
Medical bay-- I had a few close contractions-- I'm fine-- what was that?
FIRST OFFICER
Just sit tight-- stay there-- we'll be fine--

Or maybe not:

OFFICER PITTS
They're firing another, Captain!
25

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

ANOTHERNARADA TORPEDO -- it SEPARATES, pieces HIT the Kelvin.

I"' 25A INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM- CONTINUOUS 25A

Chief Engineer RUNS past us -- CONSUMEDBY A SUDDENEXPLOSION!

25B

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CORRIDOR- CONTINUOUS

A FEMALE CREWMEMBERrunning down the hall suddenly HOLDS ON as a HOLE IS RIPPED IN THE HALL -- and she's YANKEDOUT OF THE CORRIDOR -- the CAMERAfinally getting sucked out tool

26

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

-- PANDEMONIUM--

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 8

HELMSMAN OFFICER PITTS

-- life support failing on -- this is the u.s.s. Kelvin, decks seven through thirteen! attemping to reach Starfleet We have confirmed casualties, command on subspace! Repeat -- Sir! u.s.s. Kelvin, under attack by

unknown aggressor!

FIRST OFFICER TACTICAL OFFICER

shields at eleven percent -- were our shields even m,? and dropping! Ten percent -- That was like nothing I've we're at nine! Eight percent! ever seen -- this ship can not Seven! We're dropping here! take another hit like that! Six!

CAPTAIN ROBAU
All remaining power to forward shields! Prepare the shuttles f--

And he STOPS. They all do. A fucking FACE is now on their VIEWSCREEN. A ROMULANFACE -- the FIRST OFFICER of the Narada, whom we'll come to know as AYEL:

AYEL
My commander requests the presence of your captain in order to negotiate a cease-fire. You will come aboard our ship via shuttlecraft. Your refusal would be unwise.

Screen goes DEAD. All eyes on Robau .•. and he feels them. A tense, horrible moment. Finally, to the First Officer:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Walk with me.

The First Officer follows Robau OFF THE BRIDGE AND INTO:

26A

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CORRIDORS - CONTINUOUS

As they walk, briskly:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
If I don't report within fifteen minutes, execute general order 13.
FIRST OFFICER
Sir, we could issue a mayday call to--
CAPTAIN ROBAU
(frightened, but firm)
There is no help for us out here. If we're going down, we're taking them with us -- you save as many as you can.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 8A

FIRST OFFICER
•.. aye, Captain.

Robau heads into a waiting TURBOLIFT, turns -- they lock eyes, knowing what this means. Finally:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
You're Captain now. Mr. Kirk.

He's gone. And we realize this is GEORGE KIRK, Jim's father.

26B-COMIT 26B-C

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 9

,-.._ 26D INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 26D

All eyes on Kirk as he enters -- moves to the captain's chair. Sits. Not a small moment. Speaking his first words as Captain:

GEORGE KIRK
Lieutenant Pitts. Transfer Robau's vital signs to the main view screen.
OFFICER PITTS
Yessir.

In a moment, Robau's VITAL SIGNS appear on various monitors -- his HEART RATE, OXYGEN LEVELS, BLOOD PRESSURE, all of it. A LOW- PITCHED BEEPBEEP of his HEARTBEAT is now HEARD

SCIENCE OFFICER
Vitals on line.
GEORGE KIRK
(slightly awkward)
thank you.
26DA

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM- CONTINUOUS

TILT DOWN as the TURBO-LIFT DESCENDS -- we PUSH IN as the doors open and Captain Robau gets out -- moves quickly -- hurries down a SHUTTLE BAY catwalk --

26DB

INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 26C]

Robau enters a shuttle -- LIGHTS BLINK to life. He moves to the cockpit -- starts the vehicle up --

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Computer, initiate departure sequence.

A LOUD HISS and the craft SHUDDERS as it disembarks

26DC

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Sparks dripping from the ceiling, everyone is motionless eyes on the monitors -- and we're TIGHT ON GEORGE KIRK -- the BEEPS of Robau's heart might as well be representing his own. He realizes he's sweating -- wipes his forehead as:

OFFICER PITTS
The shuttle's pulling out of main bay, Sir.
GEORGE KIRK
I want to see him -- floodlights please.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 10

26E

EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SPACE

Two MASSIVE FLOODLIGHTS on the Kelvin's dish GO HOT -- and turn, FLARING out the lens -- landing on the SHUTTLE as it leaves the KELVIN, heading toward the imposing Narada.

26EA

INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

Backlit by the distant floodlights, Robau remains steely-eyed as he moves for the darkened ship -- nerves --

26F

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE

And Robau's HEARTBEAT QUICKENS -- the tension they all feel:

OFFICER PITTS
His heart rate's elevated--
HELMSMAN
He's scared.
GEORGE KIRK
He's brave. That's what he is.
26FA

INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

Robau watches as he gets closer, the BEEPBEEPING HEARD over the SOUNDS of the shuttle -- but then

26FB

EXT. NARADA - SPACE - CONTINUOUS

ALL WE HEAR IS THE LOW-PITCHED BEEPBEEP as the small shuttle seems to get swallowed up by the massive forward-facing spires of the Narada -- the distant floodlights creating EERIE SHADOWS everywhere. A gigantic IRIS DOOR TURNS, SLOWLY OPENS -- and the shuttle enters the Narada's main HANGAR -- the door CLOSES

26FC

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

And everyone is just motionless and silent. Only Robau's VITAL SIGNS can be HEARD, BEEPING away. George's eyes glued ahead

26G

INT. SHUTTLE/NARADA HANGAR- CONTINUOUS

TIGHT ON ROBAU as he faces the shuttle door, considering his fate. Finally the SHUTTLE DOOR OPENS -- standing there are eight ROMULANGUARDS, brandishing WEAPONS. He steps down. They grab him, hard -- he's SCANNED -- FRISKED -- PULLED ALONG -- and we REVEAL the absolutely MASSIVE HANGAR, the insane architecture of the interior of this dark, wet, dripping ship --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 11

26H

INT. NARADA BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Robau is led into the enormous, dark bridge. A dozen Romulans at controls. Robau does his level best to portray confidence as he is led up a walkway to AYEL. Behind him, sitting silhouetted and motionless, turned away and looking off, is his captain. A presence always felt in this scene. This is NERO.

Ayel touches a panel, then THROWSAN IMAGE into the air before Robau. A ROTATING HOLOGRAMOF A UNIQUE-LOOKINGSPACECRAFT (we will refer to it as the JELLYFISH).

AYEL
Are you familiar with this craft?

Robau regards it. Then:

CAPTAIN ROBAU
Who is your commander?
(silence, then re: Nero)
Is it him?
AYEL
You will speak only to me.
CAPTAIN ROBAU
Then ask your commander what right he has to attack a Federation vessel.
AYEL
That was hardly an attack. Mycommander will easily destroy your ship.If you do not respond to the question.

Robau considers the hologram again. And what his answer might mean for the fate of his crew.

CAPTAIN ROBAU
I've never seen it. Or any ship like it.
AYEL
Are you familiar with -- or better, know the location of -- Ambassador Spock?

Ayel has thrown another HOLOGRAM-- =A~F~L~O~A~T~I~N~G~,~R~O~T~A=T~I~N~G~I=MA= OF SPOCK, who appears to be 75 earth-years old. The baby, born just three years earlier. Robau is as confused as we are ••.

CAPTAIN ROBAU
I am unfamiliar with Ambassador Spock.
AYEL
A final question. What is the current stardate?

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 12

CAPTAIN ROBAU
(the fuck?)
Stardate? it's 2233.04.
(finally)
hey, where are you from--?

Suddenly: TSCHING! Nero's activated his STAFF -- FOUR LARGE, HORRIFYING BLADES APPEAR AT THE TIP AND NERO SPRINGS TO LIFE, CHARGING ROBAU WITH A ROAR AND ROBAU'S EYES POP HOLY SHIT AND--

26HA

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE

BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ... Robau's vitals go dead. PUSH IN ON KIRK as a SCREAMING ALARM IS HEARD --

OFFICER PITTS GEORGE KIRK

They're launching again! Evasive! Evasive! Delta-Five

maneuver! Fire full-spread!

26I OMIT 26I

26J

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Kelvin BANKS as it FIRES WILDLY -- another TORPEDO BLASTING FROM THE NARADA -- it SEPARATES -- some miss, OTHERS HIT!

,,..., 26K INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE 26K

Debris FLIES TROUGH THE CEILING, SLAMMING INTO A BRIDGE SUPPORT BEAM! Green COOLANT SPEWS from under the floor grating

GEORGE KIRK
I'm initiating General Order 131 Set self-destruct for maximum matter- antimatter yield! Two minute countdown!
OFFICER PITTS
Yessir!
GEORGE KIRK
I want auto-pilot targeted for their fuel cells!
TACTICAL OFFICER
Sir, unable to locate the ship's power source!
GEORGE KIRK
Then just target the damn thing dead center!
HELMSMAN
We got bigger problems: the first hit destroyed auto-pilot!
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 13

HELMSMAN(CONT'D)
The only way we're gonna ram that ship is to fly manual control!

TIGHT ON GEORGEas this lands. More honorable than terrified:

GEORGEKIRK
-- then I'll do it myself -- get to the shuttles, now!
(no one moves until:)
THAT'S AN ORDER! GO!

Agony in the faces as they reluctantly hurry off -- Kirk takes the Captain's chair, hits the COMLINK:

GEORGEKIRK (CONT'D)
All decks, this is the Captain speaking evacuate the ship immediately, get to your designated shuttle crafts --
26L

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS

MOVEFAST around Winona, in fucking labor now -- being transferred onto a wheelchair by the Doctor and Nurse--

GEORGEKIRK (V.O.) WINONA
repeat: evacuate ship and get to designated shuttles -- that's George's voice NOW! what's happening?
NURSE
We're packing it up -- you'll deliver in the shuttle!

-- and she's on the move, out the door as her COMMUNICATOR SOUNDS-- she answers --

WINONA
-- George!
26M

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Alone now on the bridge, piloting this massive craft by himself - - George talks to Winona from the Captain's chair --

GEORGEKIRK
I have medical shuttle 37 standing by, get to it now -- can you do that?
WINONA
Yes -- where are you?

HOLD ON GEORGEfor a moment as he hesitates -- his eyes glued to the screens as he pilots --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 14

GEORGEKIRK
I'm on my way.
WINONA
Good-- and George, it's coming-- our baby, it's coming now.

PUSH IN on him, his heart shattering -- having to out-maneuver incoming torpedoes, piloting the ship to its doom -- still, he forces optimism:

GEORGEKIRK
I'll see you in a minute, sweetheart.

He disconnects -- another ALARM-- he TURNS the ship, FIRES

26MA

EXT, U.S.S. KELVIN - CONTINUOUS

The Kelvin BANKSAGAIN -- its PHOTONSSLAMMINGINTO THE ONCOMING NARADATORPEDOES, JUST AVOIDING IMPACT!

26N

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SHUTTLE BAYS - CONTINUOUS

CREWMEMBERS scramble to their shuttles as the ship TREMBLES and we find WINONAamong them, being PUSHED through the madness.

,-...26P INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 26P

The Med-Team ARRIVES with Winona in the wheelchair-- it's CHAOS - - and for Winona, a huge contraction

WINONA
-- Agh! That was-- that was a big one!

-- as they put her into the shuttle bed:

NURSE
Just keep breathing, Honey, you're gonna be just fine--
WINONA
(through the pain)
-- the baby, too, right?
NURSE
-- the baby too.
26R

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As George Kirk pilots, he checks the monitors -- one reads the COUNTDOWNTO SELF-DESTRUCT (180 SECONDS, 179 SECONDS, 178 SECONDS..• ) and another reads IMPACT PROXIMITY (36,054 METERS, 36,042, 36018 •.• ).

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 15

Another screen that shows stats of DEPARTING SHUTTLES -- more leaving as we glance at the screen -- but SHUTTLE 34 REMAINS DOCKED--

The NARADAis GROWINGin the viewscreen -- he hits the comlink:

GEORGEKIRK
Captain to shuttle 37 -- is my wife on board?

INTERCUT WITH:

26S OMIT 26S

26T

INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

The PILOT is readying the controls

SHUTTLE PILOT
Yessir, she is--
GEORGEKIRK
I need you to go fillli:, d'you hear me?
SHUTTLE PILOT
We're waiting for you, Sir--
GEORGEKIRK
No-- gQ, take off, immediately.

SHUTTLE PILOT

38

. . YESSIR !

Shuttle Pilot works the controls -- and Winona, in the back, feels the shuttle SHUDDER--

WINONA
Wait! We can't go, my husband isn't here yet! Please! STOP--!

-- but she's suddenly WINCING as another CONTRACTIONhits --

NURSE
You'll need to push now-- are you ready?
26U

EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SHUTTLE BAY - CONTINUOUS

Clamps holding the shuttle SLAM BACK, the MED-SHUTTLEDROPS HARD, FUSION IMPULSE ENGINES IGNITE and the shuttle MOVES--

26V OMIT 26V

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 16

26W

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

George hits COMLINK-- a TONE -- then WINONA'S VOICE:

WINONA
The shuttle's leaving-- where are you?

As George EVADESENEMYFIRE, heading for the massive alien ship:

GEORGEKIRK
My love? Listen carefully, okay?

INTERCUT WITH:

26X

INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

Winona, holding her communicator

WINONA
-- we're about to have this baby --
GEORGEKIRK
Sweetheart ... I'm not going to be able to be there.

And she just stares -- realizing what's happeningthat he's been made Captain -- that there was an evacuationand somehow she just KNOWS. Tears come to her eyes --

WINONA
-- no-- no, no-- wait--

GEORGEKIRK WINONA

I want you to hear me. Please. Are you still on the ship? No- -- There's no other way-- my - no, you need to be here-- love-- you know all I want-- -- George, I can't do this all I want in the world is to without you-- be with you-- (crying now)

-- please -- don't d--!

-- but she's WINCING AGAIN --

DOCTOR
Okay-- you need to push.

-- and she does -- the shuttle BANKSand --

26Y

EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CORRIDORS

-- and the shuttle LEAVES the Kelvin bay -- turning to join DOZENSof other shuttles, all heading off in escape

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 17

26Z

INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As George PILOTS, DODGING INCOMING -- we INTERCUT WITH:

26ZA

INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

Winona PUSHING -- giving birth to their baby -- and we're BACK AND FORTH between a husband and wife that will never see each other again, MUSIC SWELLING as the Kelvin TURNS HARD, avoiding TORPEDOES -- the shuttle BANKING as the Doctor and Nurse help Winona -- and we're ON GEORGE as he HEARS A BABY CRYING -- and TEARS COME TO HIS EYES -- as he says--

GEORGE KIRK
Hey! Hey, so what is it?
WINONA'S VOICE
-- it's a boy.
GEORGE KIRK
It's a boy? Yeah?

And now we see Winona, handed this beautiful little boy. And she cries, just looking at him --

GEORGE KIRK (CONT'D)
Tell me ... tell me about him-- please--
WINONA
He's-- he's beautiful, he looks like you.

Heartsick, George laughs -- glances at the MONITORS -- SELF- DESTRUCT COUNTDOWNIS AT T-MINUS 20 SECONDS -- oh God •••

WINONA (CONT'D)
George, you should be here
GEORGE KIRK
I know-- so what should we call him, huh?
WINONA
We could name him after your father.
GEORGE KIRK
Tiberius? Are you kidding me? No, that's theworst-- we'll name him after your dad--let's call him Jim.

WINONA

45

• . JIM.JIM IT IS .

Through the VIEWSCREEN -- he's ABOUT TO HIT -- the ship ANGLES within the enormous Narada blades -- George scared now --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 18

26ZA CONTINUED: 26ZA

GEORGE KIRK WINONA

Sweetheart? Sweetheart? L love you. Can you hear me? -- yes-- yes, I hear you ... I love you. I love y--

-- his VOICE CUT OFF as --

27-37OMIT 27-37

38

EXT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

-- the Kelvin SLAMS INTO THE NARADA -- an EXPLOSION BEGINS and--

38A

INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

George's voice goes STATIC -- confusion washes over her face suddenly LIT BY A BRIGHT GLOW -- she looks over, with wet devastated eyes --

-- what she sees is the MASSIVE EXPLOSION -- quickly SUCKED AWAY in the vacuum of space -- and she's CRYING -- holding her new baby who just lost a father -- his life altered forever •••

39 OMIT 39

40

EXT. STARFIELD - ETERNAL NIGHT

The shuttle SAILS AWAYwith the others ... HOLD ON THIS ... for a long beat. Then PAN OVER to see NERO'S SHIP TUMBLING SILENTLY THROUGH SPACE -- DEBRIS still raining from the explosion --

41

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

MAYHEM: ALARMS and CREW work to stabilize the ship (OVERLAPPING ROMULANDIALOG TO BE WRITTEN) -- we arrive at Nero, who, with small specks of HUMANBLOOD on his face, just STARES at the fucking HOLOGRAMOF SPOCK -- he's OBSESSED.

Ayel works a monitor, yelling out something (in Romulan) to one of their men -- and as a result:

42

EXT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

Gargantuan "BLADES" EXTEND from the ship like otherworldly SAILS -- and the ship begins to STEADY -- but then ANOTHER SHIP APPEARS -- DECLOAKING FROM NOTHINGNESS: a fucking KLINGON VESSEL -- then ANOTHER -- AND ANOTHER --

43

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

And we're on Ayel as he witnesses, on his monitor, ships, popping up ALL AROUND THEM -- which is when they HEAR a VOICE speaking KLINGON -- and we SUBTITLE:

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 19

KLINGON VOICE (P.A.)
Trespassing vessel: you have entered the jurisdiction of the Klingon Empire. Power down and prepare to be boarded or you will be destroyed.

Eyes wide, Ayel turns to Nero, still staring at Spock's image:

AYEL
(SUBTITLED, in Romulan)
Commander Nero -- we're surrounded.

Finally Nero looks up.

AYEL (CONT'D)
(SUBTITLED, in Romulan)
Sir-- what are your orders?

And we PUSH IN ON NERO as our MUSIC BUILDS, then we CUT TO:

44 OMIT 44

45

INT. VULCAN LEARNING CENTER - DAY

CLOSE ON a young VULCAN BOY. 11years old, SPOCK. He's standing in an abstract space IMAGES PROJECTED and HOVERING questions -- that he's answeringas they appear, then disappear:

COMPUTER VOICE SPOCK

What is the square root of 2,396,304? one-thousand-five-hundered-

forty-eight --

-- Correct. What is the central assumption of Quantum -- everything that can happen Cosmology? does happen, in equal and

parallel universes --

-- Correct. Identify the 20th century earth composers of the following musical progression: -- Paul McCartney and John

Lennon.

-- Correct

And we find ANOTHER VULCAN CHILD -- then ANOTHER -- all in these odd spaces -- until we PULL BACK WIDE to reveal a large Vulcan LEARNING CENTER -- white "bowls", sunk into the dark ground, where PROFESSORS walk, hands behind their backs, surveying this mass "mental martial arts" test.

We're on ANOTHER VULCAN CHILD as she gets an answer wrong -- AND THE LIGHT OVER HER BOWL GOES OUT. Then ANOTHER CHILD -- who gets an answer wrong -- and HIS LIGHT GOES OUT. An EXTREMELY WIDE OVERHEAD SHOT reveals BOWL AFTER BOWL as the LIGHTS GO OUT.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 20

Until only one bowl remains. Spock's. He finishes his last question. Gets it right. PUSH IN ON HIM as the COMPUTERSAYS:

COMPUTERVOICE
Your score is one-hundred percent. Congratulations. Spock.

Off his face, we CUT TO MOMENTSLATER, as Spock collects his things. As he does, three young VULCANBULLIES walk up behind him. Spock glances at them, then back to his things.

YOUNGSPOCK
I presume you've prepared new insults for today.

VULCANBULLY#1 Your mother lies with many men.

Spock just NODS. Tries to ignore the fact that IT STINGS.

YOUNGSPOCK
I have no such information.

VULCANBULLY#2 You are neither human, nor Vulcan -- and therefore, have no place in the universe.

YOUNGSPOCK
(swallowing that too)
This is your thirty-fifth attempt to elicit an emotional response from me. Logic dictates you would cease by now.

VULCANBULLY#1 Look. He has human eyes. They look sad, don't they?

VULCANBULLY#2 Perhaps an emotional response requires physical stimuli.

And Bully #2 PUSHES Spock -- who stumbles back, almost falling into one of the bowls. He looks up as:

VULCANBULLY#2 (CONT'D) He's a traitor, you know. Your father. For marrying her.

Spock stares -- we l,fil;; him fighting the urge, but he's unable AND HE CHARGESTHE BULLYAND TACKLESHIM INTO THE BOWL! They land inside -- Spock cries, flailing as he punches Bully #21 The other two stand atop the bowl, stunned -- shocked -- unsure what the hell to do -- and we CUT TO:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 21

46

INT. LEARNING CENTER - CORRIDOR - LATER

TIGHT ON Spock, chastened, sitting glumly on a bench. A massive VULCANCITY seen through the window behind him. His parents ARGUE at a distance down the hall:

AMANDA SAREK

-- where I'm from, when someone hits you, you hit back- - how is that not logical? -- Spock had no reasonable -- They pick on him -- they expectation of being tease him -- every day. physically injured --

-- Which is precisely when reason must guide his actions

-- I want him to embrace above all. Vulcan, you know that ..• but he has to be himself-- which means, occasionally, being -- His "humanity" is very the human. source of his ostracism. -- When Vulcans get disgusted with each other, they never just walk away, do they? -- No. -- Well humans do.

And Amanda walks away, leaving Sarek standing there. He turns -- sees his son down the corridor. Approaches. And we're PUSHING IN on Spock, studying the fear in his eyes. His father stops in front of him, looming there, looking down stoically:

YOUNGSPOCK
I did not mean to create conflict between you and mother.

After a beat, Sarek seems to soften a little. No anger in his face. Takes a seat beside his son ..•

SAREK
In marriage ..• conflict is ...
YOUNGSPOCK
..• constant?
SAREK
Natural.
(a beat)
Emotions run deep within our race. In many ways, more deeply than in humans. Long ago, they nearly destroyed us ..• that is why we followed the teachings of Surak. Now you must choose.
YOUNGSPOCK
... between you and mother?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 22

SAREK
Never, my son. But you may choose the ethic of logic. Logic offers a serenity humans seldom experience. The control of feelings .•. so that they do not control you.
YOUNG SPOCK
They called you a traitor.
(then)
You suggest that I should be completely Vulcan .•. and yet you married a human ••. why?

Sarek is clearly conflicted by this. But he holds steady:

SAREK
As Ambassador to Earth, my duty is to observe and understand human behavior. Marrying your mother ••• was logical.
(Spock seems disquieted)
Spock. You are fully capable of choosing your own destiny. The question you are faced with .•. is which path you will take. This is something only you can decide.
47

EXT. IOWA FARMHOUSE- DAY

BAM-- a door opens: 14 year-old GEORGEKIRK, JR. angrily exits the house, carrying a duffel. His angrier, redneckier UNCLE FRANK following. 11 year-old JIM KIRK nervously pursues them:

UNCLEFRANK
Go ahead: gg_-- run away! You know I could give a damn!
YOUNGKIRK
-- wait-- no! Where are you going?
GEORGEJR.
Anywhere but here, far as I can get!
UNCLEFRANK
Which won't be far enough -- know what your problem is?!
(big luggie spit)
No one ever taught you respect! How to follow orders! Do as you're told!
(to Jim)
-- what the hell are you doing?
YOUNGKIRK
I-- I just don't want my brother to go.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 23

UNCLEFRANK
Well I do-- and I asked you to wash the earl How many damn times do I need to repeat myself?! How many damn times? How many?

A glare to George and Frank walks off. Jim nervously follows his brother, pulling out a small, FLOATING DISC --

YOUNGKIRK
Please stay-- you can have my Flo-Yo!

George hits it away:

GEORGEJR.
This isn't about toys, it's Uncle Frank. I can't take him anymore -- Mom has no idea what he's like when she's not here-- d'you hear him talking like he's our dad?! And that's not even his car you're washing! That was Dad's earl You know why you're washing it? Because he's gonna filll.l it!
JIM
Don't leave -- okay? We can tell Mom when she gets back from Africa.
GEORGEJR.
She's gone for five more months, by then I'll be in a different system.
(sees fear in Kirk)
You're gonna be okay. You always are. Always doing everything right -- good grades and obeying every stupid order ...
(then)
I can't be a Kirk in this house. Show me how to do that and I'll stay.

But Jim can offer nothing. George gives him a quick hug and walks off. Jim sadly watches his brother go.

47A

EXT. IOWA FARMHOUSE- DAY

Kirk washes a VINTAGE CORVETTE. Red, white top. Dumping the sponge in bucket, he's sadly cleaning, his mind spinning over his brother's departure. Devastated.

And he's wiping the soapy passenger window (SQEEEEEEAK!) with the sponge, when he STOPS -- seeing the KEYS in the ignition. PUSH IN ON HIS FACE as a devilish idea comes to his mind. PRE- LAP A LOUD SCREECHand we CUT TO:

'1"' 48-49OMIT 48-49

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 24

50

EXT. IOWA FARMHOUSE- DAY - LATER

THE CORVETTEBLASTS ONTO SCREEN, FISHTAILING ONTO THE ROAD, young Jim Kirk behind the wheel (NOTE: The SOUNDof the engine is a metallic WHIR -- not a gas engine). TIGHT ON JIM'S FACE as he drives -- having never done this before, he's as nervous as he is determined --

50A

EXT. IOWA ROAD - DAY - LATER

The CORVETTESPEEDS -- while inside the car, Jim turns on the updated, modified RADIO -- scans stations, momentarily losing control of the car -- but he's back on track as he finds a HARD ROCK SONG -- and HE'S STARTING TO FUCKING LOVE IT -- PILOTING SOMETHINGTHIS FAST FEELS GOOD.

He reaches for a CONVERTIBLEROOF latch -- then the other -- but with the speed he's driving, THE ROOF RIPS RIGHT OFF THE FUCKING CAR -- Jim glances back, wide-eyed -- and the roof TUMBLES through the air, landing on the road -- and we PUSH AND ARC AROUND, as a POLICE OFFICER runs out from taking a roadside PISS -- he races back, jumps on his HOVERCRUISERand TAKES OFF -- SPEEDING AFTER HIM, SIREN BLARING!

BACK IN THE CORVETTE-- BLOOPBLOOPl!I -- Jim's eyes dart to the REARVIEWas the cruiser WEAVESbehind him -- then PULLS UP BESIDE HIM -- the COP sees a CHILD driving and is AMAZED-- he calls through his PA:

COP
Son, you pull over that earl

But Jim just BLASTS the RADIO LOUDER:

JIM
I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
51

EXT. IOWA ROAD - CONTINUOUS

George, bag over shoulder, thumb out. He turns at the SOUNDof the SIREN -- sees what's approaching .•. that car ••• looks •.• familiar ... and the THE CORVETTESHOOTS PAST HIM, JIM AT THE WHEEL-- then the POLICE HOVERCRUISERI George runs into the middle of the road, mouth agape --

GEORGEJR.
-- no ..• way.

Back at the Corvette, Jim YANKSthe steering wheel TOWARDTHE COP -- who RISES to avoid the Corvette, which SCREECHESonto a perpendicular DIRT ROAD, kicking up wild dust as the Cop ARCS QUICKLY to follow --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 25

Jim is now officially LOVING THIS -- and he DRIVES THROUGH a FENCE -- CRASH! The Cop RACES through it, in the Corvette's DUST -- and we PUSH IN on a SIGN that reads "DANGER - QUARRY AHEAD -- IOWA MINING CO." In fact --

52

EXT. QUARRY- CONTINUOUS

We see the MASSIVE QUARRY -- hundreds of feet deep -- and TILT UP to the Corvette and Cop speeding toward it

53

INT. CORVETTE - MOVING - CONTINUOUS

KIRK, EYES INTENSE, ALMOST SUICIDAL -- this is where he's been headed all along -- and for a moment we think holy shit -- this is how James Kirk dies. He speeds toward the edge -- CLOSER -- CLOSER -- but at the last second, Kirk SLAMS the brake -- the car SKIDS -- PIVOTS -- and he LEAPS FROM THE CAR, WHICH SAILS SIDEWAYS OFF THE CLIFF EDGE -- FALLING ... falling ••• the COP comes to QUICK a STOP in CLOUDS of DUST as the Corvette EXPLODES ON THE QUARRY FLOOR --

The angry Cop hops off his hovercruiser, hand on weapon, as Jim Kirk, out of breath, exhilarated, gets to his knees.

COP
What's your name, son?

And as he stands, we PUSH IN on him LOW and WIDE -- damn if that kid doesn't have a swagger. It's like the first time he's ever stood in his life.

JIM
My name's Kirk. James Tiberius Kirk.

And as our MUSIC BUILDS we CUT TO:

54

EXT. RURA PENTHE- MINING QUARRY- NIGHT [FORMER OMIT]

CONSTANT SHOCKS OF LIGHT as an ALIEN PRISONER -- intelligent, bi- pedal, but with FOUR TERRIFIED EYES -- is SLAMMEDDOWNonto the wet pavement -- a CHOKE STICK SHOVED under his chin -- then: VOICES. Brutal, guttural KLINGON --

KLINGON GUARD (O.S.)
(SUBTITLED)
You say they are not yours ...

WHIP PAN TO SEE the scary KLINGON GUARDS -- four of them -- standing above the Alien -- chilling MASKS hide their hideous faces -- and one holds a FLUORESCENT SET OF PAGES

KLINGON GUARD (CONT'D)

62

•. THESE FEDERATION MAPS WE FOUND IN

your pockets.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 26

And the ALIEN SPEAKS -- an UNKNOWNLANGUAGE -- all eyes wild:

ALIEN
(SUBTITLED)
I speak the truth. I do.
KLINGON GUARD
Then who are they for?

But the Alien just SHAKES HIS HEAD, afraid -- he will not talk. So they GRAB HIM AND YANK HIM UPWARD --

KLINGON GUARD (CONT'D)
You would rather die then tell us?

PUSH IN TIGHT as the Alien finally WHISPERS, terrified:

ALIEN

63

• . NERO! ! !

And the Guards look at each other •.• seemingly with concern ...

MOMENTSLATER EIGHT GUARDS WALK TOGETHER -- and we PAN WITH THEM to reveal the HORRIFYING EXPANSE THAT IS THE KLINGON PRISON YARD. We realize that the constant shocks of light was LIGHTNING, that apparently never stops here. A SUPER READS: "RURA PENTHE - KLINGON PRISON ASTEROID". And we see they're heading for a MUSCULAR FIGURE, using a SLEDGE HAMMER, SPLITTING ROCKS, lit brilliantly by the lightning strikes. BOOM UP to find that it's NERO. And he stops, SENSING the coming Guards. And he manages a small smile. And he QUICKLY TURNS to them -- THEY ALL STOP, SUDDENLY. Afraid of him. One of them tosses Nero a set of MANACLES. Nero picks them up. Puts them on. And offers his cuffed hands, willingly.

54A

INT. RURAPENTHE- HOLDINGBLOCK - NIGHT (FORMERSC. 64B]

Guards drag Nero through the massive pyramidal structure ...

54B

INT. RURA PENTHE- INTERROGATIONCELL - NIGHT [FORMERSC. 64C]

Nero's ARMS AND LEGS get STRAPPED IN TIGHT. Go WIDE to reveal he's pinned to an interrogation table -- three GUARDS. A KLINGON INTERROGATOR approaches; looms over Nero, studying the Romulan's face with clinical detachment ...

KLINGON INTERROGATOR
(SUBTITLED KLINGON)
I have come far to meet you. "The One Who Does Not Speak." Ten years is a long time to maintain silence.
(beat)
Perhaps you simply do not speak Klingon, just as I do not speak Romulan.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 27

KLINGONINTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
(ENGLISH now)
But I assume we both speak the language of our common enemy.

(NOTE: FROMNOWON, OUR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERSWILL SPEAK ENGLISH, UNLESS OTHERWISENOTED,) He reveals a worn LEATHERJOURNAL. Opens it, flips through it almost casually ••• we see SKETCHES of the JELLYFISH SHIP, PAGES OF COMPLICATEDMATHEQUATIONS...

KLINGONINTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
We found this book in your cell. Cartography, mathematics-- what do these mean? This date here -- eleven years from now-- what happens then?
(holds up the FLUORESCENTMAPS)
And why attempt to smuggle in maps of Federation space?

Nero's face betrays nothing; no fear, no doubt. Cold as fucking ice. The Interrogator happens to stare at a page in the book: A DRAWINGOF SPOCK. He closes the book.

KLINGON INTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
When you were captured we assumed you were a spy, sent from Romulus to surveil the Empire. But because the Romulans ~ your existence, I believe you are much more than that.

Interrogator looks over to the Guards, nods. A Guard approaches with some kind of GLASS CONTAINER; we HEAR something wet FLIP- FLOPPING around inside, but we can't SEE what it is.

KLINGONINTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
Your ship remains in orbit above us now. We've been asking for its secrets for too long. That is why I am here. We want to know how it works and I believe now, finally ... you will tell us.

A Guard uses TONGS to pull out the most DISGUSTING creature you've seen from the container: a SLUG with SUCKERSand spikes, covered in a grimy muck -- it FLIP FLOPS.

KLINGON INTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
Centaurian slugs. Their native planet is in constant sunlight. As a result, there's nothing they hate more ••• than darkness.

A Guard GRABSNERO'S HEAD and FORCES IT BACK; the second PRIES HIS MOUTHOPEN with his hands.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 28

54B CONTINUED: ( 2) 54B

Another Guard SHOVES THE THING INTO NERO'S MOUTH-- Nero keeps his eyes open -- furiously determined not to be broken -- as they FORCE HIM TO SWALLOWIT -- he DOESN'T SCREAMas the wretched thing makes its way down his esophagus and into his stomach --

KLINGON INTERROGATOR(CONT'D)
They try to claw and bite their way out of any dark space they're in.

Nero stares at the ceiling in HORRIFYING INTERNAL PAIN -- but straining to block it out. PUSH DOWNon Nero's wide, crazed eyes -- TIGHTER as we SLOWLYDISSOLVE TO SEE WHATHE'S SEEING WHAT'S KEEPING HIM FROMLOSING HIS MIND -- DREAMLIKE, ETHEREAL IMAGES OF A WOMAN-- HER BEAUTIFUL, SMILING FACE -- SHE'S ROMULAN-- LOOKINGAT US, EYES FULL OF LOVE -- AND SHE TURNS AND WE SEE SHE'S PREGNANT-- AND AS OUR MUSIC BUILDS, WE CUT TO:

55-560MIT 55-56

57

INT. VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY- COUNCIL ANTE-CHAMBER- DAY

Quiet. A waiting area. AMANDA,Spock's mother, stands alone in a passageway. She looks off-camera to her son:

AMANDA
Spock, come here, let me see you.
SPOCK ( 0. S • )
(beat)
No.
AMANDA
Spock.

Reluctantly, Spock walks into frame. She begins adjusting his collar. This is our ADULT SPOCK. Gripped by anxiety but trying like hell to look impassive.

AMANDA( CONT' D)
There is no need to be so anxious. You'll do fine.
SPOCK
I am hardly "anxious", mother.
(beat, then, anxiously)
And "fine" has variable definitions.

Fine is unacceptable.

She just smiles as she works his collar. He sees this and it annoys him. He tries to move her hands away, to stop with his collar -- his annoyance, her love for him, all sweet-- but he doesn't let go of her hands. A meaningful silence between them.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 29

SPOCK (CONT'D)
May I ask a personal query?
AMANDA
... anything.
SPOCK
Should I choose to complete the Vulcan discipline of Kolinahr ... and purge all emotion ... I trust you will not feel it reflects judgement upon you.

She stares at him, moved. Touches his face.

AMANDA
As always ••• whoever you choose to be ..• you will have a proud mother.

HOLDon mother and son, worlds apart but forever bonded:

58

INT. VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY- COUNCIL CHAMBER- DAY

An imposing yet BEAUTIFULINDOORATRIUM. Spock stands before the VULCANHIGH COUNCIL. Among faces on the dais: his FATHER, seated beside the SCIENCEMINISTER and other VULCANLEADERS.

SCIENCE MINISTER
You have surpassed the expectations of your instructors. Your final record is flawless. With one exception. I see you have applied to Starfleet as well.
SPOCK
It was logical to cultivate multiple options.
SCIENCE MINISTER
Logical but unnecessary. You are hereby accepted to the Vulcan Science Academy. A distinction all the more significant given that you will be its first half- human pupil. It is truly remarkable, Spock. That you have achieved so much despite your disadvantage. Welcome to the Academy.

They all start to rise. But Spock is suddenly unsettled:

SPOCK
If you would clarify, Minister-- what "disadvantage" are you referring to?
SCIENCE MINISTER
... your human mother.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 30

As the council disperses, we PUSH IN on Spock's face -- the same look he had when he took punches as a kid. He glances at his father to say something, but Sarek's the consummate diplomat. His eyes command: remain calm. Spock STRUGGLES••• then makes the first spontaneous human -- decision of his life --

SPOCK
Council -- ministers. I must decline.

Everyone STOPS. A solid BEAT. Confused looks turn cold:

SCIENCE MINISTER
No Vulcan has ever declined admission to this academy.
SPOCK
Then as I am half-human, your record remains untarnished.

SAREK SPOCK

Spock. You have made a commitment to honor the Vulcan At the moment, Father, I can way-- think of no greater way to

honor our race than to attend Starfleet as its first Vulcan.

SCIENCE MINISTER
Why didyou come before this council today? Was it to satisfy your emotional need torebel?
SPOCK
I came with the intention of enrolling, as my father wished. However, your "insight" has convinced me otherwise. Therefore, the only emotion I wish to convey is gratitude. Thank you, Ministers, for your consideration.
(a contained "fuck you")
Live long and prosper.

He looks to his father, whose disappointment is evident -- still, God bless him, Spock walks out --

59

EXT. "THE WARPTRAIL" BAR - IOWA- NIGHT

-- PUSH DOWNA HALLWAY-- MUSIC HEARD-- what seems like a PARTY is going on through windows in the double-doors ahead -- and a WOMAN SWOOPSINTO VIEW in front of us -- we PUSH BEHIND HER in the short skirt and high boots as she ENTERS the place -- a local, busy BAR -- the woman makes her way to the BAR, and we see her GORGEOUS,DIGNIFIED FACE. THIS IS UHURA. She leans into the bartender warmly, her smile glorious:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 31

UHURA
Hi. I'd like a Klabnian Fire Tea, two Cardassian Sunrises and three Earth beers, no slim-shots, anything on draft.

VOICE (O.S.) That's a lot of drinks for one woman. Wearing those boots.

JAMES KIRK'S FACE leans in: at 22, he's charming,witty, dangerous, rebellious. He grins at her, flirty.Uhura gives him a look, then back to the bartender:

UHURA
And a shot of Jack, straight up.
KIRK
(to the bartender)
Make it two -- her shot's on me.
UHURA
Her shot's on her. Thanks but no thanks.
KIRK
Don't you want my name before you completely reject me?
UHURA
I'm good without it.

Damn, he likes her already.

KIRK
You are good without it. It's Jim. Jim Kirk.
(long beat)
If you don't tell me your name, I'm gonna have to make one up.
UHURA
(beat)
Uhura.
KIRK
Uhura? No way -- that's the name I was gonna make up for you. Uhura what?
UHURA
Just Uhura.
KIRK
They don't have last names in your world?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 32

59 CONTINUED: ( 2) 59

UHURA
Uhura is my last name.
KIRK
They don't have first names in your world? Wait, let me guess. Is it "Jim"?

That makes her smile. So he moves closer to her:

KIRK (CONT'D)
Okay, so you're a cadet. Studying. What's your focus?
UHURA
Xenolinguistics. Lemme guess: you don't know what that means.
KIRK
Let me guess: study of Alien languages: phonology, morphology, syntax-- it means you've got a talented tongue.
UHURA
And for a moment I thought you were just a dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals.
KIRK
Well. Not Q.!l.ly.
UHURA
You think you're smart.
KIRK
Oh, baby, I'm the smartest.

Something sad in that. A BURLYSTARFLEETCADET appears.

BURLYCADET
This guy bothering you?
UHURA
Beyond belief, but nothing I can't handle.
KIRK
You could handle me. That's an invitation.

The Burly Cadet spins Kirk around:

BURLYCADET
Hey. You mind your manners.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 33

59 CONTINUED: ( 3) 59

KIRK
At ease, Cup Cake, it was a joke. Like your hairline.

Uhura turns back. The other cadets, seeing trouble, approach.

UHURA
Hey -- Jim: enough.
BURLY CADET
What was that?
KIRK
You heard me, Moon Beam.
BURLY CADET
You know how to count farm boy? There's five of us ••• and one of you.
KIRK
Okay, so go get some more guys, come back and it'll be an even fight.

The cadet swings his fist but Kirk HEADBUTTS HIS HAND, BREAKING IT -- another Cadet PUNCHES KIRK, then THROWS HIM into a table, which Kirk FLIES OVER, landing hard -- another Cadet GRABS HIM, pulls him up -- Kirk SLAMS FIVE FAST PUNCHES that send the Cadet back -- when ANOTHER CADET PUNCHES HIM -- yet another HOLDS KIRK -- and that last punch is repeated THREE-- then FOUR times --

UHURA
Enough! STOP!

Another punch and Kirk FLIES TO THE FLOOR - he's out of it, but won't give up. The Cadets UNLEASH on him and really PUMMELHIM - - and Kirk's spirited, but LOSING -- about to LOSE BAD -- when an EAR-SPLITTING WHISTLE makes everything STOP -- they turn standing in the doorway is a tall, rugged Starfleet officer -- CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER PIKE.

PIKE
Outside, all of you! NOW!

The cadets file out, in for it. Pike moves to a dazed, semi- conscious Kirk, now upside down on a table.

PIKE (CONT'D)
Y'alright, Son?
KIRK
You can ... whistle really loud, y'know that?

-- and Kirk PASSES OUT.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 34

60 OMIT 60

61

INT. "WARPTRAIL BAR" - NIGHT

HIGH WIDE OVERHEADSHOT of the almost-closed bar. Only Kirk and Pike sit here at a table. Kirk's bloodied, tissue in his nose.

PIKE
I couldn't believe when the bartender told me who you are.
KIRK
••• and who am I, Captain Pike?
PIKE
Your father's son.
(then, smiles)
For my dissertation, I was assigned the U.S.S. Kelvin. Something I admired about your dad •.• he didn't believe in no-win scenarios.
KIRK
He sure learned his lesson.
PIKE
Depends on how you define winning. You're here, aren't you?
(off Kirk's look)
That instinct to leap without looking-- that was his nature, too. And in my opinion it's something Starfleet has lost. We're admirable, respectable. But overly-disciplined.
(beat)
Those cadets you took on, they'll make competent officers -- but you can bet your ass they'll run home to momma the minute they're looking down the barrel of a Klingon phaser cannon.
KIRK
-- why are you talking to me?
PIKE
I looked up your file while you were drooling on the floor. Your aptitude tests were off the charts-- what is it, d'you like being the only Genius Level repeat-offender in the midwest?
KIRK
Maybe I love it.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 35

PIKE
So your daddy dies •.• you can settle for a less-than-ordinary life.
(beat)
Or do you feel like you're meant for something better? Something special?

And that just hangs there for a beat. Because Pike just hit a nerve. Kirk does his best not to show it -- still absent- mindedly fiddling with STARFLEET SHIP SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS.

KIRK
Come to think of it, I do want to feel special. You know what? I'm gonna go start a book club--
PIKE
Enlist in Starfleet.
KIRK
Enlist. You must be way down on your recruiting quota for the month--
PIKE
If you're half the man your father was, Jim, Starfleet could use you. You could be an officer in four years, have your own ship in eight.

He's getting under Kirk's skin -- but Kirk keeps up the 'tude, grabs his jacket, stands --

KIRK
We're even, right? I can go.
PIKE
Riverside shipyard. Shuttle for new recruits leaves tomorrow, 0800.
(Kirk turns, Pike grabs him)
Your father was Captain of a Starship. For twelve minutes. I dare you to do better.

Eyes lock ... and it's now Pike who stands and walks off. And that's where it hangs. Off Kirk, brooding •.•

62

EXT. IOWA PLAINS - SUNRISE

CORN STALKS whipping by -- Kirk on his SPOKELESSMOTORCYCLE rocketing across the plains -- his soul's been stirred and he's fighting it -- he cranks it, ELECTRIC ENGINE SCREAMING--

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 36

63

EXT. STARFLEET CONSTRUCTIONYARD - SUNRISE

Kirk pulls up to us, kills the bike. Camera starts to MOVE AROUNDHIM -- he's dramatically BACKLIT and we COMEAROUNDfor an INCREDIBLE REVEALof a SHIPYARD -- at its center, the skeletal frame of a NEW SHIP under arclights. UNMISTAKABLY,THE u.s.s. ENTERPRISE. Unformed, raw, like its future captain. Our MUSIC SWELLS, we PUSH IN ON HIM, considering Pike's offer, his future, his fate.

64

EXT. STARFLEET SHIPYARD - MORNING

The shipyard is abuzz with activity -- cadets loading into a shuttle -- and Pike, staring off, waiting. The PILOT approaches:

SHUTTLEPILOT
Waiting for something, Cap?
PIKE
... No. Guess not.

He climbs in. The pilot rapidly flips through switches, running a pre-flight sequence. Pike straps in. Glances through the viewshield ..• SEES SOMETHING•.. and he smiles. From his POV: KIRK on his MOTORCYCLE,driving into the shipyard --

PIKE (CONT'D)
Hold her a second ..•

Kirk rides past a WATERFALLof cooling tanks -- stops the bike near the shuttle -- steps off, has nothing -- no bags -- just the clothes on his back.

SHIPYARDWORKER
Nice ride, man.

Kirk kicks the stand, tosses the guy the startcard --

KIRK
Live it up.

Kirk walks past the startled worker and approaches Pike.

KIRK (CONT'D)
Four years? I'm gonna do it in three.

Pike grins as Kirk passes him.

Inside the shuttle, Kirk moves down rows of new recruits, some of them ALIEN. Passes UHURAand the BARFIGHT CADETS, who PERK UP when they see him -- one has a BANDAGEDHAND.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 37

KIRK (CONT'D)
At ease, Gentlemen.
(then, to Uhura)
Never did get that first name.
UHURA
(can't help it: a grin)
And you never will.

He smiles as he takes a seat at the back of the shuttle. Straps in as it RISES •••

MAN'S VOICE
Are you people deaf? I told you I don't need a doctor, damnit! I AM A DOCTOR!

Kirk turns to see a MANbeing forced OUT of the BATHROOMby a FEMALEFLIGHT OFFICER -- at 34, he has a Southern lilt and looks like a prisoner waiting for the guillotine to fall:

FLIGHT OFFICER MAN

you need to find a seat -- I had one, in the bathroom,

Darlin', with no windows --

Sir, for your own safety, -- I suffer from Aviaphobia, siddown, or I will MAKEyou case you don't understand big sit down •.. do you hear me? words, it means 'fear of dying RIGHT NOW. in something that flies.'

They GLARE at each other, then the man drops into the seat beside Kirk. The ship TORQUESto one side and the man GRIPS his armrests, pale, sweating -- glances at Kirk:

MAN
I might throw up on you.
KIRK
I think these things're pretty safe--
MAN
Don't pander to me, kid: one tiny crack in the hull and our blood boils in thirteen seconds solar flare might crop up, cook us in our seats -- Hell, some of the damn passengers are blue. And wait'll you're sitting pretty with a case of Andorian shingles, see if you're still so relaxed when your eyeballs are bleeding-- space is disease and danger, wrapped in darkness and silence.
KIRK
I hate to break this to you, but Starfleet operates in space.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 38

MAN
Yeah, well my ex-wife took the whole damn planet in the divorce, I got nowhere to go but up. Leonard McCoy.
KIRK
Jim Kirk-- you really gonna throw up--?
MCCOY
Maybe--

As the TREK THEME SOARS, the shuttle ascends and we •..

FADE OUT.

OVER BLACK: "THREE YEARS LATER" .

FADE IN:

64A-EOMIT 64A-E

64F

INT. NERO'S CELL - NIGHT

Nero lies on the floor of his cell, semi-conscious, looking like death. Behind him the DOOR OPENS. Two KLINGON GUARDS enter, backlit.

KLINGON GUARD #1 The day you've been waiting for is upon us, Silent One. And look. No sign of salvation. No sign of change. Just more pain.

And they both lift his limp body up -- as something miraculous happens -- NERO SNAPS TO LIFE AND SINGLE-HANDEDLY BEATS THE SHIT OUT OF THE GUARDS -- TAKING THEM BOTH DOWNIN TEN SECONDS -- in what seems like an instant, he's the only one standing here -- holding both of the Guards' rifles -- which he TWIRLS, badass.

64G

INT. AYEL'S CELL - NIGHT

PUSH IN ON THE DOOR as it opens -- Ayel, chained, looks up, intensely -- and sees that it's NERO who has arrived we PUSH IN TIGHT ON HIM as he SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME:

NERO
The wait is over.

Off Ayel, we CUT TO:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 39

64H

EXT. STARFLEET ACADEMYGROUNDS- DAY [FORMER SC. 82]

TILT DOWNfrom a GLIMMERINGBUILDING TO REVEAL a sea of RED CADET UNIFORMS: HUNDREDSOF CADETS head across campus, McCoy and Kirk among them. A miraculous view of San Francisco beneath a blue sky, Golden Gate Bridge piercing the air. Kirk struts:

KIRK
So you'll do it for me, right?
MCCOY
I have no interest.
KIRK
I didn't ask if you have interest, I asked if you'd do it.
MCCOY
I'm about to ask you an obvious question: why bother?
KIRK
Because I've failed the test twice.
MCCOY
And you're determined to make it three. We've all failed it-- everyone has, and that's the point! No one goes back for seconds, let alone thirds -- it's not like you need to pass it to graduate.
KIRK
So Bones: why do they make us take it?
MCCOY
I told you to stop calling me that. You're very annoying.
KIRK
And you're the greatest -- thank you.
MCCOY
You'd better study for it this time.
KIRK
Oh, no-- Bones -- I gotta date.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 40

MCCOY
A date? Listen, as smart as you are, which ain't much, if you don't prepare
KIRK
You have no idea how prepared I'm gonna be-- no idea.

And with a smile, Kirk heads off -- McCoy watches him go, calling after him:

MCCOY
Seriously, stop calling me Bones!
(to himself, hating it)
"Bones".

65-780MIT 65-78

79

INT. DORMROOM- NIGHT

In MOONLIGHT,a beautiful WOMANlies on her back, in some kind of bra, moaning in delight -- this is GAILA

GAILA
-- oh Jim ••• Jim ..• Jim, I love you.
KIRK
(kissing her)
Yeah. I sent you a message.

Gaila reaches over, turns on the light and we realize: SHE'S GREEN. And not particularly happy:

GAILA
I say "I love you", and you say "I sent you a message?"
KIRK GAILA
-- but you can only open it tomorrow at three o'clock on the dot -- -- what are you talking about?

What is it? What does it say?

-- Gaila, promise me you're not going to open it 'till what is it? Tell me what three -- it says!

-- I'll erase it, I swear, if you don't promise me you'll All right!! Three o'clock! wait -- I prom--

They're INTERRUPTEDby a DOOROPENING -- GASP!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 41

GAILA (CONT'D)
(sotto)
You can't get caught in this dorm-- hide! Under the bed, quick!

Kirk falls, lands hard on the floor, SCRAMBLESunder the bed as Gaila's roommate enters -- UHURA. Dropping her backpack:

GAILA (CONT'D)
Hey-- I thought you were going to be in the long-range sensor lab all night.
UHURA
I was supposed to be, but it was crazy, I picked up an emergency transmission from a Klingon prison planet -- there was an escape and a ship stolen from th--
(suddenly senses)
... you okay?
GAILA
Yeah, been running simulationsall week, just catching up on some rest.Tired.
(fake yawn)
That's all.

Uhura watches her. Her eyes narrow.

UHURA
Were you running simulations with the mouth-breather hiding under the bed?

Gaila freezes, caught. Uhura looks down, Kirk PEERS OUT.

KIRK
Your hearing is scary you sure both your parents are human?
UHURA
The hell are you doing with him in here?
GAILA JIM
I can't help it! I love him! Gaila loves me--
UHURA(CONT'D)
Get outta here -- it's my ass too if administration catches you in this dorm.
KIRK
(getting dressed, to Uhura)
You and I have a big day tomorrow

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 42

UHURA
(pushing him out)
You're gonna fail.
KIRK
If I pass, will you tell me your first name?
UHURA
No. Good night.
KIRK
(quiet, tries to charm)
I think the fact that you picked up a transmission of a Klingon prison escape is very interesting.

SHE CLOSES THE DOORON HIM and we CUT TO:

80

EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

The Narada APPEARS through space --

81

INT. NARADA- BRIDGE - DAY

Dead silence on the bridge .•. all eyes on the VIEWSCREENS: empty starfield, roiling clouds of methane ice.

AYEL
We have arrived at the coordinates you requested. Stardate confirmed. 2258.5.

Nero stands, looks out through his view screens.

NERO
Standby.

Ayel studies his console, hope in his eyes. Quietly:

AYEL
Captain ••• long range scansof Beta Quadrant complete. Romulusis there. She's there. We could go.Right now, go home ...
NERO
Not yet -- not like this. Not how we left. This is our chance .•. to serve our people. We owe it to them -- to do what no other Romulan could ever do.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 43

Ayel hides his disappointment behind his eyes as suddenly -- lL LIGHTNING STORM -- impossibly, from nowhere -- LOTS OF IT -- and through the lightning erupts THE JELLYFISH -- THE SHIP NERO HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR DECADES.

NERO (CONT'D)
Welcome back. Spock.

And we won't know where we are as MUSIC BUILDS and we CUT TO:

81A

INT. U.S.S. TRAINER - BRIDGE - SPACE [FORMERSC. 65]

Uhura TURNS TO US, at her comm station -- PUSH IN on her. She seems wildly BORED and almost RESENTFUL:

UHURA
-- we are receiving a distress signal from the u.s.s. Kobayashi Maru. The ship has lost power and is stranded. Starfleet Command has ordered us to rescue them.

WHIP TO THE COMMANDCHAIR, where KIRK captains the battered bridge. Confident -- cocky:

KIRK
"Starfleet Command has ordered us to rescue them ••. Captain."

She glares, turns away. Then McCoy, at a console, reports:

MCCOY
Klingon vessels have entered the Neutral Zone. And they are firing upon us.
KIRK
That's okay.

McCoy and Uhura -- and the others -- look at him, confused.

MCCOY
It's okay?
KIRK
Yeah, don't worry about it.

McCoy and Uhura share a look -- that's when we CUT TO:

81B

INT. TESTING CONTROLBOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 66]

Looking at the bridge from above, we PULL BACK to reveal an observation room above the faux-ship. This is the test Kirk was referring to. CONSOLE TECHNICIANS monitor the proceedings. A TEST ADMINISTRATOR turns to another and asks:

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 44

TEST ADMINISTRATOR #1 Did he say "don't worry about it"?

TEST ADMINISTRATOR #2 what's he doing?

And we CONTINUE TO PULL BACK TO REVEAL that, sitting among the technicians, is Gaila. Our resident GREEN GIRL. She checks her watch -- PUSH IN ON IT: 2:59 PM. On her MONITOR awaits a 23rd century e-mail -- a MESSAGE FROM KIRK

81C

INT, U.S.S. TRAINER - BRIDGE SIMULATOR- DAY [FORMERSC. 67]

MCCOY
Three more Klingon Warbirds decloaking -- and targeting our ship -- I don't suppose this is a problem either?
KIRK
Nah.
WEAPONS OFFICER
They're firing, Captain.
KIRK
Alert medical bay to prepare to receive all crew members from the damaged ship.
UHURA
And how do you expect us to rescue them when we're surrounded by Klingons?
KIRK
Alert medical.

Annoyed, she does as:

MCCOY
Our ship is being hit -- shields at sixty percent.
KIRK
I understand.
MCCOY
Should we at least, I dunno, fire back?
KIRK
Mmmm••• no.
MCCOY
Of course not.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 45

81D

INT. TESTING CONTROLBOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 70]

CLOSE ON GAILA'S WATCH as it changes to 3:00 -- and she opens Jim's message -- and all it reads is, "I'M SORRY." And just then something UPLOADS and EXECUTES and ALL THE SCREENS IN HERE AND ON THE BRIDGE DIE -- THE SYSTEM CRASHES -- everyone reacts --

TEST ADMINISTRATOR #1 -- the hell's happening?!

81E

INT. U.S.S. TRAINER - BRIDGE SIMULATOR- CONTINUOUS [FRMR. 71]

The crew doesn't know what's up -- except Kirk, who is remarkably pleased -- when the LIGHTS AND MONITORS COME BACK ON, things are not the same:

UHURA
(perplexed, works controls)
-- the Kobayashi Maru is still in distress ••• but ... the Klingons have stopped firing.
KIRK
Arm photons. Prepare to fire on the Klingon warbirds.
MCCOY
Jim, their shields are up.
KIRK
Are they?

McCoy looks at his monitor. No they're not.

MCCOY
no.
KIRK
Fire on all enemy ships -- one photon each should do -- let's not waste ammunition.
WEAPONS OFFICER
Target lock acquired on all warbirds firing!

They fire -- AND DESTROY ALL FIVE KLINGON SHIPS INSTANTLY. All mouths here are agape.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 46

KIRK
Begin rescue of the stranded crew. So. We've eliminated all enemy ships, no one on board was injured and the successful rescue of the Kobayashi Maru crew is underway.

For the first time, Kirk looks up to the testing room windows:

KIRK (CONT'D)
Anything else?
81F

INT. TESTING CONTROLBOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 72]

And they're stunned up here, too -- Test Administrator #2 turns to someone OFF-CAMERA:

TEST ADMINISTRATOR#2 How the hell'd that kid beat your test?

REVEALwho he was talking to: SPOCK is here. And not happy.

SPOCK
... I do not know.

82 OMIT 82

83

INT. ACADEMYCOUNCIL CHAMBERS- DAY

TIGHT ON a stern STARFLEETACADEMYPRESIDENT:

ACADEMY PRESIDENT
James T. Kirk. Step forward.

It's a huge Starfleet chamber. Golden Gate Bridge visible through huge windows. 500 cadets, a nervous KIRK among them. He stands, moves to one of two PODIUMS.

ACADEMYPRESIDENT (CONT'D)
An incident has occurred today that concerns the entire student body. Academic immorality by one is an assault on us all. It will. Not. Stand. Cadet Kirk, evidence has been submitted to this council suggesting you violated the ethical code of conduct pursuant to regulation 17.43 of the Starfleet code. Is there anything you care to say before we begin?
KIRK
(uncomfortable beat)
Yessir. I believe I have the right to face myaccuser directly.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 47

President nods toward the assembly. SPOCK RISES. He and Kirk MEET EYES for the first time. It's clock-stopping.

ACADEMY PRESIDENT
Step forward please. This is Commander Spock, one of our most distinguished graduates. He's programmed the Kobayashi Maru test for the last four years.

Spock steps up to the OTHERPODIUM. President nods,

SPOCK
Cadet Kirk. It is obvious you somehow managed to install and activate a sub- routine in the programming code, thereby changing the conditions of the test.

we happen to find GAILA, in the crowd, fucking pissed.

KIRK
Your point being?
ACADEMY PRESIDENT
In academic vernacular, you cheated.
KIRK
Respectfully. Define "cheating".
SPOCK
To deceive by trickery.
KIRK
Now let me ask you something I think we all know the answer to: the test is rigged, isn't it? You programmed it to be unwinnable.
ACADEMYPRESIDENT
Mr. Kirk, I don't see how the intent of the exam is relevant to these proceedings.
KIRK
Because if I'm right, Sir, then the test itself is a cheat.
SPOCK
Your argument precludes the possibility of a no-win scenario
KIRK
I don't believe in no-win scenarios

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 48

83 CONTINUED: ( 2) 83

FIND PIKE amongst the officers in attendance. His eyes locked on Kirk. This is his boy. His recruit. And he's INVESTED.

SPOCK
Then not only have you violated the rules, you've failed to understand the principle lesson.
KIRK
Please, enlighten me.
SPOCK
You, of all people should know, Cadet Kirk -- A captain cannot cheat death.

ON KIRK. The first punch by Spock that landed. The cockiness slips away as he senses where this is going --

KIRK
"I of all people?"
SPOCK
Your father, Lieutenant George Kirk, had assumed command of his vessel before killed in action, did he not?

Shit. The DADDYcard. Kirk, a mix of ANGER and EMBARRASSMENT--

KIRK
How long did it take you to look that up?
SPOCK
How long did it take you to program the virus that allowed you to cheat?

The President smirks; considers ending this now but doesn't, it's just too damn entertaining ...

KIRK
Maybe you just don't like that I beat your test.
SPOCK
I am Vulcan. "Like" is not a verb in our vernacular. I've simply made the logical deduction that you're a liar.
KIRK
What an idiot I am for taking that personally --
SPOCK
Agreed. Furthermore, you have failed to divine the purpose of the test.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 48A

83 CONTINUED: ( 3) 83

KIRK
Enlighten me again.
SPOCK
The purpose is to experience fear. Fear in the face of certain death. To accept that fear and maintain command of one's self and one's crew. This is a quality expected in every Starfleet captain.

Kirk absorbs that. Then

KIRK
So you're telling me the point. Of the whole thing. Is to be afraid?
SPOCK
Fear is necessary, yes.
KIRK
Have you taken the test, Commander Spark?
SPOCK
Spock. As a Vulcan, I require no additional training to control my narcissism when making command decisions.

No he DIN'T! Kirk's hit guys for a lot less -- The crowd all but "OOOOOOHs." But Kirk ain't fucking done yet.

KIRK
You keep reminding me that you're Vulcan. And I'm sure you're really proud of that, who wouldn't be-- but isn't it true you people don't experience fear at all?

ON SPOCK. He raises that eyebrow. And Kirk sees •.. no matter how subtly .•. that he has fucking made CONTACT. Smelling blood -

KIRK (CONT'D)
And if that's the case -- What's that say about your ability to make command decisions?

Well. Looks like Kirk just hit him in HIS fucking weak spot. And before this lovefest can continue --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 49

83 CONTINUED: ( 4) 83

A REDSHIRT bursts into the HALL -- Kirk turns to look -- they all do -- now we're SPEEDING IN behind the REDSHIRT, who runs to the President, hands him a DATAPAD. President reads it. Everyone watches, on edge -- finally, quietly:

ACADEMY PRESIDENT
(to all)
We've received a distress call from Vulcan.
(Spock reacts concerned)
Cadet Kirk -- you are on academic probation pending the result of your hearing. Cadets, report to Shuttle Hangar One immediately -- this hearing is at recess until further notice -- dismissed.

Everyone's on their feet, MOVINGQUICKLY, Kirk suddenly irrelevant. PIKE passes by him, all fucking business, but before he goes --

PIKE
Cheating isn't winning.

And as that settles on Kirk, McCoy now joins him. The two exiting with the rest of the cadets as Kirk eyes SPOCK

KIRK
Who was that pointy-eared bastard?
MCCOY
I don't know, but I like him.
84

INT. STARFLEET ACADEMY- HANGAR- CONTINUOUS

DOLLY THROUGHHUNDREDSOF CADETS, racing to their shuttles BARRACKSLEADERS stand on platforms, calling out SHIP ASSIGNMENTS -- cadets HURRYINGOFF as they're called --

MALE BARRACKSLEADER FEMALE BARRACKSOFFICER Blake! u.s.s. Newton! Jaxa! The U.S.S. Endeavor! Counter! U.S.S. Odyssey! T'nag! The u.s.s. Antares! Fugeman: Regula One! Gerace: Pomoroy! The u.s.s. Oddyssey! U.S.S. Farragut! McGrath! Leifer! u.s.s. Newton! u.s.s. Wolcott! McCoy! Uhura! The U.S.S. Farragut! u.s.s. Enterprise! Welcome to Starfleet and Godspeed!

As the last of the cadets head off, Kirk stands there without a home -- he moves to his exiting Barracks Leader

KIRK
Excuse me, you didn't call my name. Kirk, James T ••

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 50

BARRACKS LEADER
(checks his tablet)
You're on academic probation. That means you're grounded until the Academy Board rules.

Kirk is POLEAXEDas Leader heads off -- McCoy, needing to run:

MCCOY
•.. Jim, the Board'll rule in your favor. Most likely.
(Kirk is just rocked)
Look, Jim -- I gotta go --
KIRK
... yeah-- yeah, you go ••• I'm good.

Kirk forces a half-smile. Torn, McCoy hurries off. PULL AWAY from Kirk, alone as the mass of newly-minted cadets criss- crosses around him. At the hangar entrance, McCoy suddenly STOPS: a lightbulb. He quickly returns to Kirk, pulls him off:

MCCOY KIRK
Corne with me -- what're you doing--?

TRACKwith them as they hurry through the throng of cadets and suddenly we're moving in the OTHERDIRECTION as a pissed-off Uhura serpentines through the group to SPOCK --

UHURA
Commander, a word?

Spock moves away from the officers, a private moment with her:

SPOCK
Yes, Lieutenant?
UHURA
Was I not one of your top students?
SPOCK
Indeed you were --
UHURA
Did I not receive a Gold rating for Exolinguistic skills, giving Starfleet first place over Kyoto and MIT at the Oxford Invitational?

A LOUD nearby SHUTTLELEAVES BEHIND THEM-- it gets WINDY--

SPOCK
An exceptional achievement, to be su--

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 51

84 CONTINUED: ( 2 ) 84

UHURA
-- and did I not, on multiple occasions, demonstrate exceptional aural sensitivity and, I quote, "unparalleled ability to identify sonic anomalies" in subspace transmission tests?!
SPOCK
Consistently, yes--
UHURA
And while you were well aware that my unqualified desire was to serve on the u.s.s. Enterprise, I was assigned to the Farragut.

Spock reacts unusually; he seems almost embarrassed. Ouiet.

SPOCK
It was an attempt to avoid the appearance of favoritism.

She gets closer, voice low, all pride and defiance:

UHURA
No. No. I am assigned to the Enterprise.

Their eyes hold. He checks his tablet, makes an change:

SPOCK
Oh. Yes, I believe you are.
85

INT. SHUTTLE HANGARMEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS

McCoy and Kirk enter fast. McCoy goes through a cabinet, preps a med in a hypospray SYRINGE.

KIRK
What are you doing?
MCCOY
Doing you a favor. I couldn't just leave you there, looking all pitiful-- roll up your sleeve, I'm gonna give you a vaccine against viral infection from Melvaran mud fleas.

McCoy FIRES the Hypospray

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 52

KIRK MCCOY
OW-- what for? To give you symptoms. I don't understand-- you're gonna start to lose

vision in your left eye --

yeah, I already have don't stand up yet -- (he tries to stand; WOOZY) what'd you do to me? -- you're gonna get a really (in pain) bad headache. And flopsweat. -- this is a favor?! -- yeah, you're welcome.

McCoy ushers Kirk out of the room --

86

EXT. STARFLEET ACADEMY- HANGAR- CONTINUOUS

McCoy ushers Kirk to a shuttle -- a SCANNINGOFFICER stops them:

SCANNINGOFFICER
"Kirk, James T." -- he's not cleared for duty aboard the Enterprise
MCCOY
But i am, and Medical Code states the treatment and transport of a patient's to be determined at the discretion of his attending physician, which is me.
(re: scanner)
You can see he's suffering, he needs me as his doctor, so since I'm assigned to this ship, so's he, or would you like to explain to Captain Pike why the Enterprise warped into a crisis without one of its medical officers?
SCANNINGOFFICER
..• as you were.
MCCOY
As you were.

And with that, he pulls Kirk past the speechless officer --

86A

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - DAY

A fleet of SHUTTLES depart Starfleet -- head out to space --

87

INT. SHUTTLE - DAY

Kirk, in agony, sweating, sits beside McCoy as they pass through the stratosphere. McCoy's peering out a window --

KIRK
I might throw up on you.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 53

MCCOY
You should look at this.

And through his pain, Kirk does ..• and is amazed •.•

88

INT. STARBASE ONE - SPACE DOCK - CONTINUOUS

The shuttle approaches a massive DOCKING STATION where a dozen STARFLEET VESSELS ARE DOCKED. But the ship we're approaching is miraculous: "U.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC 1701" IS REVEALEDON THE HULL OF THE FLAGSHIP. THE QUEEN OF THE FLEET IS FULLY CONSTRUCTED AND READY FOR HER MAIDEN VOYAGE. The shuttle glides to the underside of the Enterprise. A DOCKING BAY opens

89

INT. ENTERPRISE SHUTTLE BAY WALKWAY- CONTINUOUS

Officers move quickly on the ship -- Kirk and McCoy enter. Kirk WIPING HIS BROW, pretty much SOAKED.

KIRK
Bones. Thanks for getting me on board. But I don't feel right. I feel like I'm leaking.
MCCOY
Oh look, the pointy-eared bastard.

Kirk looks up -- SPOCK moves towards them, not seeing them Kirk yanks McCoy out of the way -- Spock passes and enters a TURBOLIFT -- Kirk looks back as the doors close.

Then we go INTO THE TURBOLIFT -- for just a moment -- as the doors open and we enter with Spock:

90

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Spock walks through the glorious, gleaming new space, taking his position at the SCIENCE CONSOLE. PIKE at the command chair.

SPOCK
Captain, engineering reports "ready for launch".
PIKE
The maiden voyage of our newest flagship deserves more pomp and circumstance than we can afford today, but her christening will have to be our reward for a safe return--
(toggles intercom)
All decks, this is Captain Pike. Prepare for immediate departure. Helm, thrusters.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 54

WHIP PAN to the helm: HIKARU SULU turns to Pike -- at 25, he's the Federation's best pilot. As he works the controls:

SULU
Moorings retracted, Captain. Dock Control reports ready -- thrusters fired, separating from space dock
90A

EXT. SPACE DOCK - SPACE [FORMER SC. 92]

The Enterprise moves away from the docksmaller SATELLITE crafts floating around it. The other FIVESTARFLEET SHIPS already ahead -- moving into position.

91

INT. MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS

MEDICAL STAFF preps. McCoy enters with Kirk, in amusing agony McCoy helps him onto a bed, prepares another hypospray.

KIRK MCCOY
-- oh, this wasn't worth it -- I wish I didn't know you-- I'm itching in my mouth, this is Here's a short-lasting horrible-- sedative -- those symptoms

won't last long, don't be an infant.

And he SHOOTSKIRK with another hypospray

92 OMIT 92

93

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As Sulu works the controls --

SULU
The fleet's cleared space dock, Captain. All ships ready for warp.
PIKE
Set course for Vulcan.
SULU
Course laid in.
PIKE
Maximum warp. Punch it.

And Sulu does and --

94

EXT. STARBASE ONE - CONTINUOUS

The six ships -- ONE, then TWO, then THREE, then FOUR, then FIVE SNAP INTO WARP. The Enterprise, however ... just sits there.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev, 55

95

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Pike -- and the others -- look at Sulu, who is confused -- concerned -- searching the controls. Finally:

PIKE
Lieutenant, where's Helmsman McKenna?
SULU
Uh, he has lungworms, Sir? He'll be fine but couldn't report to his post-- I'm Hikaru Sulu
PIKE
(fucking with him)
-- and you are a pilot, right?
SULU
Very much so, Sir-- I'm not sure what's ..• wrong here •..
PIKE
Is the parking brake on?
SULU
(half-laughs)
-- no, I'll figure it out, just--
SPOCK
Have you disengaged the External Inertial Dampener?

Sulu does -- and realizes Spock is right. He makes it work.

SULU
Ready for warp, Sir.
PIKE
The external inertial dampener. That's .•. the parking brake.
SULU
(essentially)
yessir.
PIKE
(laughs)
Let's punch it!
95A

EXT. STARBASE ONE - SPACE DOCK - CONTINUOUS

And now alone, the Enterprise SNAPS INTO WARP-- and is gone.

CLOSE ON a small Vulcan object. SHAKING, as if in a small earthquake. BOOM UP to find Amanda as she moves through her home, out to the balcony -- and in the distance, a mile away, is a massive COLUMNOF LIGHT -- like a ray from God, which creates NUKE-LIKE CONCENTRIC CLOUDS and massive DIRT AND DUST, slamming into the ground. Amanda's eyes go wide with terror --

95C

EXT. DRILLING MACHINE - DAY •

Looking DOWNtowards Vulcan at the gigantic DRILLING PLATFORM, the SOURCE of the PLASMA RAY -- and we TILT UP to see that the platform is HUNG ON A WIDE TETHER -- and we KEEP TILTING UNTIL WE SEE THE TETHER IS ATTACHED TO THE NARADA, in orbit above the planet --

95D

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Nero stares at holographic images of Vulcan -- as Ayel arrives behind him.

ROMULANCREW MEMBER
Captain Nero, drilling has begun.
NERO
Prepare the Red Matter. Tell me when we reach core depth.

Ayel heads off --

95E

INT. NARADA - HANGAR- LATER [FORMERLYSC. 101]

Ayel enters the massive hangar -- where SPOCK'S JELLYFISH SHIP SITS. Ayel moves to, enters the Jellyfish --

95F

INT. JELLY FISH - LATER

Ayel moves into the CONTAINMENT HOLD -- a METALLIC ROOM containing a large, floating RED BALL -- some kind of energy source. Ayel observes TWO ROMULANSEXTRACTING some of this Red Matter, sucking it into a tube

95G

INT. NARADA - HANGAR- LATER

workers place the tube of Red Matter into a SPACE POD.

96

INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

The journey's underway. The bridge crew monitors systems:

SULU
Engines at Maximum Warp, Captain.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 58

VARIOUS SHOTS of the Crew at work in DIFFERENT SHIP LOCALS.

CHEKOVON SCREEN (CONT'D)
Our mission is to assess the condition of Vulcan and assist in evacuations, if necessary.

MEDICALBAY: as the med staff sets up a triage area

CHEKOVON SCREEN (CONT'D)
We should bearriving at Vulcan within two minutes. Thank you for your time.

And as Chekov's message ends, Kirk suddenly SITS UP IN FRAME his mind SPINNING, through the pain and sedative -- he tries to get off the bed, to his feet, as McCoy hurries over

MCCOY
Jim, I told you to stay d-- good God!

What McCoy has just seen -- what we and Kirk see now -- is that KIRK'S HANDSHAVE SWOLLENTO ALMOSTTWOTIMES THEIR NORMALSIZE.

KIRK
-- what's this?!
MCCOY
-- I don't know-- a reaction to the vaccine -- damnit --

Kirk rushes to the video monitor where Chekov was seen -- using his huge hands, he REWINDSCHEKOV'S SPEECH -- replays this part as McCoy SCANS KIRK WITH A HANDHELDDIAGNOSER

CHEKOVON SCREEN
-- telemetry detected an anomaly in the Neutral Zone. What appeared to be a lightning storm in space.

He FREEZES it -- eyes wild -- looks to McCoy --

KIRK
-- Bones -- we have to stop the ship--
MCCOY
-- you're not allergic to Cardassian vole dander, are you?
KIRK
--- what? How the hell would I know? Is Uhura on board?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. SBA

97 CONTINUED: ( 2) 97

MCCOY
You need an antidote, Jim, or you're gonna ru..e_.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 59

97A

INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR

MCCOY
Jim, I'm not kidding, you gotta keep your heart rate down.
KIRK
Computer, locate crew member Uhura --
MCCOY
I haven't seen a reaction this severe since Med school.

A MAP appears -- locates her --

COMPUTERVOICE
Lieutenant Uhura is at signals monitoring station twelve -- deck four.
KIRK
We're flying into a trap.

Kirk RUNS OUT -- McCoy hurrying after him with a bag of gear:

MCCOY
You're delusional, you know that.
98

INT. SIGNALS MONITORING STATION - CONT.

Kirk and McCoy enter -- Kirk stops, looks around --

MCCOY
Come here -- Jim -- don't move --

And McCoy INJECTS HIM WITH ANOTHERSHOT --

KIRK
-- mi! Stop it!

And Kirk runs into a ENORMOUSSPACE -- giant STEEL COLLECTOR TANKS surround a dozen workstations where CREWMEMBERScollect data -- Kirk races to Uhura --

KIRK (CONT'D)
The transmission from the Klingon prison planet what exactly did you hear?
UHURA
What are YQl.l doing here-- what happened to your hands?!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 60

Kirk hides his hands behind his back -- as he talks it becomes MUFFLEDAND SLURRED--

KIRK
Who was it who escaped? What was the ship that was stolen ?!
(to McCoy, indiscernible)
what's happening to my mouth?
MCCOY
(working Hypospray)
you've got Numb Tongue --
KIRK
(impossible to make out)
Numb tongue?
MCCOY
That's not good-- I can fix that--

Kirk grabs a pen with his huge hands and writes -- shows her what he's written: "THE SHIP - WAS IT ROMULAN?" Uhura looks at him -- somehow scared -- as McCoy INJECTS HIM AGAIN:

KIRK
OW, DAMNIT!!! SONOFABITCH!
98A

EXT. VULCAN SURFACE - OUTSIDE SPOCK'S HOME- CONT. [FRMR 112]

EPIC WIDE SHOT: Amanda's a spec against the MASSIVE, EAR- SPLITTING PLASMATWISTER. The image is almost religious. POP CLOSER to her face mesmerized, terrified -- suddenly: a HOVERSPEEDERRACES IN behind her, at the controls is SAREK:

SAREK
(SHOUTS against wind)
AMANDA! WE MUST GET TO THE SHELTER!

She turns to him in horror --

99-l0DMIT 99-101

102

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Bridge doors WHOOSHOPEN as Kirk RUNS IN, followed by Uhura and a harried McCoy --

KIRK
Captain Pike-- Sir, we have to stop ship!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev, 61

PIKE MCCOY
-- Mr. Kirk! How the hell did you get on board the This man is under the Enterprise?! influence of a severe reaction

to a vaccine. He is delusional and I take full responsibility for --

KIRK (CONT'D)
Vulcan isn't experiencing a natural disaster, it's being attacked -- by Romulans.

ON THE CREWas that lands. But most specifically, SPOCK.

PIKE
Cadet Kirk, I think you've had enough attention for one day -- Dr. McCoy, return to medical, we'll have words later.
MCCOY
Yessir.

Rebuked, McCoy exits as:

SPOCK KIRK

As you know, Mr. Kirk is not cleared to be aboard this vessel. By Starfleet Yeah, I get it, you're a regulations, that makes him a great arguer, I'd love to do stowaway •.. it again with you, too.

I can remove the cadet from Try it! This cadet is the bridge, Sir -- trying to save the bridge! -- By recommending a full stop in trans-warp in the midst of a rescue mission? -- It's not a rescue mission--

listen to me! It's an attack!

Based on what facts?

ON KIRK. Enough, And cadet or not, the bridge is HIS,

KIRK
Fact: the same anomaly a lighting storm in space -- that wesaw today also occurred on the day of mybirth, before a Romulan ship attacked theu.s.s. Kelvin.
(to Pike)
You know that, I read your dissertation. Which was good.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 62

KIRK (CONT'D)
Fact: This ship -- which had formidable and advanced weaponry -- was never seen or heard from again -- fact: the Kelvin attack took place on the edge of Klingon space and at 11-hundred hours last night there was an escape from a Klingon prison planet -- Rura Penthe -- fact: the escaped prisoners were Romulans, Sir, and it was reported that they stole a ship from the prison dock.
PIKE
And you know of this prison escape how?

Kirk just points to Uhura.

UHURA
Sir, I-- I intercepted and translated the message myself. Kirk's report is accurate.
KIRK
We're warping into a trap-- there are Romulans waiting for us, I promise you that.

All eyes on Pike. He looks to Spock, who could screw Kirk here .•. But--

SPOCK
The cadet's logic is sound.
(then)
And Lieutenant Uhura is unmatched in xenolinguistics, we would be wise to accept her conclusion.
PIKE
(to Comm Officer)
Scan Vulcan space, check if any transmissions are being made in Romulan.
COMMUNICATIONSOFFICER
Sir, I'm-- not sure I could distinguish the Romulan language from Vulcan.
PIKE
(to Uhura)
How about you -- you speak Romulan, Cadet •.. ?
UHURA
Uhura, Sir. All three dialects.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 63

PIKE
Uhura, relieve the Lieutenant -- Mr. Hannity, hail the u.s.s. Truman.

Uhura sits at the console she PUTS ON THE EARPIECE. We've just watched the birth of an icon. She works the controls --

HANNITY
The other ships are out of warp and have arrived at Vulcan, Sir-- but we seem to have lost all contact--
UHURA
Captain, I pick up no Romulan transmissions -- or transmissions of any kind in the area. There seems to be something jamming all communication around Vulcan.
KIRK
It's because they're being attacked. Captain. Please.
PIKE
(long, tense beat)
Shields up. Ready all weapons.

LIGHTS GO RED. HOLD ON THE FACES of our people -- AFRAID, HEARTS POUNDING as they dread what they're about to see --

SULU
Arrival at Vulcan in five seconds! Four .•• three .•• two--

SUDDENLY, AS THE ENTERPRISE DROPS OUT OF WARP, THE FLAMING HULL OF A STARFLEET SHIP COMES BARRELING RIGHT AT THE BRIDGE!

CAPTAIN PIKE SULU

EMERGENCY EVASIVE! ON IT, SIR!

Sulu DIPS the Enterprise FAST AND HARD and the spinning debris JUST SCARS the ship. The bridge shakes, but rights itself. THE CREW SEES THE NARADA FLOATING ABOVE THE PLANET - THEIR EYES GO WIDE AT THE MONUMENTALSHIP -- meanwhile, inside:

103-6OMIT 103-6

107

INT. THE NARADA - CONTINUOUS

A PROXIMITY ALARM rings out --

ROMULANFIRST OFFICER
Sir, another Federation ship!

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 64

NERO
Destroy it, too.
108

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Spock snaps to Pike as images FLASH on his console --

SPOCK
Captain. they're locking torpedoes!
PIKE
Full reverse, come about Starboard ninety degrees! Drop us down underneath them! Prepare to fire all weapons!
109

EXT. SPACE - ABOVE VULCAN - CONTINUOUS

The Narada FIRES A TORPEDO and in a wild move, the Enterprise DROPS AND TUMBLES -- the SEPARATING TORPEDO passes RIGHT BETWEEN THE ENTERPRISE'S NACELLES -- ONE PIECE HITS our hero ship's DEFLECTOR DISH -- another the MAIN DISH and

110

INT./EXT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS

A CREW MEMBER runs through the machine room catwalks as a HUGE EXPLOSION sends him -- and large steel tanks -- TUMBLING INTO SPACE --

We see the ship from a distance -- the scale of the destruction relatively small --

111

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

SULU
Shields at thirty-two percent! Their weapons are powerful, Sir, we can't take another hit like that!
PIKE
Get me Starfleet Command!
SPOCK
Captain, the Romulan ship has lowered some kind of high energy pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere-- its signal appears to be blocking our communications and transporter abilities!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 64A

PIKE
All power to forward shields -- prepare to fire all weapons!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 65

lllA INT. ENTERPRISE - WEAPONSBAY - CONTINUOUS 111A

Photons LOADEDfast by CREWMEMBERS and --

112 OMIT 112

113

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Enterprise SWOOPSAROUND, firing photons at the Narada which takes the hits in stride --

114

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

The bridge in action --

ROMULAN TACTICAL OFFICER
Fire torpedoes, take them out--!

And just before our heroes are blown into oblivion, Nero suddenly LURCHESFORWARDand stabs out a hand:

NERO
WAIT!!!

Nero's eyes are hard and bright as diamond drills:

NERO (CONT'D)
The hull -- magnify --

On screen, the Enterprise's hull is revealed "U.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC-1701." Nero LIGHTS UP with recognition

115

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Pike on the comm:

PIKE
Divert auxiliary power from port nacelle to the shields--!

But Pike stops when he sees, on the viewscreen

UHURA
Captain, we're being hailed!

Pike looks over -- nods -- Uhura works controls and on viewscreen, Nero appears. Cool. Cordial. In English:

NERO
Hello.
PIKE
I am Captain Christopher Pike, to whom am I speaking?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 66

NERO
I am called Nero.

CLOSE ON KIRK -- breathless suddenly staring at the man who murdered his father -- holy SHIT .•.

PIKE
You've declared war against the Federation. Withdraw, and I'll agree to arrange a conference with Romulan leadership at a neutral loca--
NERO
I do not speak for the Empire. We stand apart. As does your Vulcan crew member ... isn't that right? Spock?

All eyes on Spock. Spock looks to Pike, who nods permission:

SPOCK
(to Nero)
Pardon me. But I don't believe you and I are acquainted.

NERO

118

. . NO,WE'RE NOT. NOT YET.

(then) I would like you to see something. Spock. ' (then) Captain Pike-- your transporter capability is disabled. You will man a shuttle and come aboard the Narada for negotiations. That is all.

The transmission ENDS. The crew stares in grave anticipation

KIRK SPOCK
-- he'll kill you, you know that-- Your survival is unlikely-- -- Captain, we gain nothing by diplomacy-- going over to that-- I, too, suggest you rethink ship is a mistake. this strategy.
PIKE
I understand that --
(loud, to the bridge)
I need officers who have been trained in advanced hand-to-hand combat!

Sulu's hand goes up

SULU
I have training, Sir!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 67

PIKE
Then come with me -- Kirk, you too-- you're not supposed to be here anyway.
(to Chekov)
Radio the engine room, have Chief Engineer Olsen meet us at Shuttle Bay Five.
CHEKOV
Aye, Keptin.
PIKE
Let's go.

Bridge doors WHOOSHopen -- they EXIT.

116 OMIT 116

117

INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDORS - CONTINUOUS

WE TRACKFAST with Pike, Kirk, Spock and Sulu as they HURRY through the Enterprise toward the shuttle bay:

PIKE
Without transporters, we can't beam off the ship, can't assist Vulcan, can't do our job. I'm creating an opportunity: Mr. Kirk, Mr. Sulu and Mr. Olson will space-jump from the shuttle. You'll have chutes -- you'll land on that machine they've lowered into the atmosphere that's scrambling our gear-- you'll get inside, disable that thing then beam back to the ship.

Kirk and Sulu share a HOLYFUCKING SHIT look --

KIRK
okay.
PIKE
Mr. Spock, I'm leaving you in command of the ship. Once we have transport capability and communications back up, you'll contact Starfleet and report what the hell's happening here.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 68

11 7 CONTINUED: 117

PIKE (CONT'D)
Something you've got only precious few minutes to figure out. If all else fails, fall back and rendezvous with the fleet in the Laurentian System.
(Spock is freaked, then)
Kirk. I'm promoting you to First Officer.
KIRK SPOCK
What!?! -- Captain?
PIKE (CONT'D)
While I'm gone we need to keep the chain of command. And you two make a swell team.
SPOCK
Captain. Please. I apologize, but the complexities of human pranks escape me.
PIKE
It's not a prank, Spock.And I'm not the Captain. You are.

And with that, he's DONE. Strides off. Kirk finally shakes off the shock of his PROMOTION

KIRK
Once we knock out that machine •.. Sir, what happens to you?
PIKE
I guess you'll have to come get me.
(turns; to Spock)
Careful with the ship. She's brand new.

They appreciate the pure BALLS of that. BRAVERYwashes over them -- they'd fucking DIE for their Captain, who now turns to Kirk and Sulu --

PIKE (CONT'D)
Suit up, Gentlemen.
118

EXT. CITY OF VULCANAREGAR - CONTINUOUS

Sarek's hovercraft speeds along the desert floor, arriving at a massive CAVE OPENING -- he and Amanda hurry off the craft -- into the cave --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 68A

118A

INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONT. [FORMERLYSC. 116]

Bridge doors WHOOSHopen -- all eyes on Spock as he enters their new captain. With cold certainty, he takes the command chair, hits the intercom:

SPOCK
Dr. Puri, report --
118B

INT. MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS

CHAOS, UTTER AND COMPLETE. WOUNDEDMENAND WOMEN,it's bad, bloody -- a HANDhits an intercom: McCoy, badly shaken

MCCOY
It's McCoy-- Dr. Puri was on Deck 6, he's dead.
SPOCK
(beat)
Then you have just inherited his responsibility as Chief Medical Officer.
MCCOY
Aye, Sir.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 69

119

INT. ENTERPRISE - SHUTTLE BAY - CONTINUOUS

QUICK CUTS: Kirk, Sulu, and the ship's LEADENGINEER OLSON are suiting up for the drop, strapping on sleekAIRDROP ARMOR. WEB BELTS. CHUTE PACKS. HARNESSES. HELMETS. COM-SETS.

119A

INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

They race into the shuttle and take seats facing each other across a narrow aisle Red Shirt Engineer GRINS like he's going on a ski trip:

RED SHIRT ENGINEER
I am pumped to kick some Romulan fill.£! No joke. BRING IT ON!

Kirk nods at him -- subtext: "What a fucking .§.<!Qk." He looks to Sulu.

KIRK
So what kinda combat training d'you have?
SULU
(proudly)
Fencing.
KIRK
(unimpressed, beat)
fencing.

In the COCKPIT, Pike works the controls -- MOTORS WHINE and the craft LURCHES --

119B

INT. ENTERPRISE SHUTTLE HANGAR- NIGHT

We see the shuttle LEAVE THE DOCK --

120

EXT. IN ORBIT ABOVE VULCAN - CONTINUOUS

The shuttle soars from the Enterprise bay, the planet Vulcan a red orb below •.• THRUSTERS FLARE as it descends and now we REVEAL AN INCREDIBLE SIGHT:

THE NARADA: FROM ITS BELLY, TENTACLE CABLES DESCEND TOWARDTHE PLANET'S OUTER ATMOSPHERE, WHERE THE PLASMA DRILL SUB-STATION IS TETHERED: THE SOURCE OF THE DRILL BEAM SHOOTING INTO THE PLANET. The shuttle GLIDES to a hover, 60,000 FEET ABOVE THE DRILL --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 70

121

INT, SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS

A KLAXONSOUNDS, signalling depressurization of the cargo lock the guys ready their equipment, snatching for handstraps, standing on the lip of THE AIRLOCK -- Kirk and Sulu meet eyes through their helmet faceplates, the point of no return -- PIKE'S VOICE over their headsets:

PIKE (V.O.)
Pre-jump on one: Three, two, one.

KIRK, SULU, AND RED SHIRT ARE SLAMMEDHARD INTO THE ROOF OF THE CARGOHOLDAS GRAVITY DIES.

PIKE (CONT'D)
Good luck.

Pike hits another control -- as the shuttle BOMBBAY DOORSOPEN - - and KIRK, SULU, AND RED SHIRT ARE INSTANTLY PULLED OUT, INTO:

122

EXT. ABOVE VULCAN - CONTINUOUS

THE THREE MEN IN VIOLENT FREEFALL TOWARDTHE PLANET -- IN WILD SPIN -- THE SENSE OF SPEED'S BEYONDEXHILARATING--

ROCKETINGTHROUGH THE VOID AT 150 MPH AS THEY BREAKTHROUGHTHE ,-... PLANET'S ATMOSPHERE -- SHAKINGVIOLENTLY AT TERMINALVELOCITY --

123

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

The falling trio TRACKEDON SCREEN, everyone watches, agape:

CHEKOV
Away team's entering the atmosphere --

SPOCK and UHURAmeet eyes -- this is fucking insane -- and a MAN'S ENTHUSIASTIC YELLING takes us to:

124

EXT. VULCAN'S ATMOSPHERE-- CONTINUOUS

OLSON
WHOOOAAAHYYYEAAAAH!

ONE BY ONE THEY STABILIZE -- FALLING FACE DOWN-- STRAIGHT PAST THE CABLE TENTACLESTETHERING THE DRILL TO THE NARADAWHICH GIVE US A SENSE OF INCREDIBLE RELATIVE SPEED AND SCALE -- THESE MASSIVE CABLES AT DIZZYING SPEED --

THEY ANGLE THEIR HANDSAND FEET FOR CONTROL, GUIDING THEMSELVES TOWARDTHE PLASMADRILL -- SULU PULLS HIS CHUTE FIRST, THEN KIRK -- their chutes SNAP OPEN -- JERKING THEMHARDUPWARDAS THE RED SHIRT BLOWSPAST KIRK AND SULU --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 71

KIRK
OLSON. PULL NOW. NOW!!!

HE DEPLOYS HIS CHUTE LAST -- 50 FT -- 40 -- 30 AND HIS CHUTE BILLOWS OUT, OPENED TOO LATE -- OLSEN'S FUCKING BODY SLAMS INTO THE EDGE OF THE CIRCULAR DRILL. BOUNCINGOFF HARD STEEL AND RIGHT INTO ITS CENTER WHERETHE SWIRLING VORTEXSPINS -- HE'S INSTANTLY EVISCERATED IN THE PLASMALIGHT!

Kirk approaches -- more terrified than ever -- he comes in hard, too -- SLAMS against the drill edge, bounces but quickly gets his footing -- hits a button on his chute and SLITS appear in the fabric, suddenly there's no more drag and THE CHUTE AUTO- RETRACTS into Kirk's pack -- A REUSABLEPARACHUTE,

BUT SULU ISN'T SO LUCKY: 20 yards from the drill surface his chute gets SNAREDIN THE CABLES, JERKING him upside down -- the WIND is so intense Sulu is BLOWNSIDEWAYS-- his CHUTE LINES begin RUBBING on the sharp metal of the suspension rig! Kirk holds on to one of the chute's cables -- yells up:

KIRK (CONT'D)
I'M COMINGFOR YOU!

As Kirk tries to climb up, Sulu's cables begin to SNAP! ONE BY ONE -- and Sulu tries to CLIMB BACK using his chute cables, toward the rig -- otherwise he's gonna fly off.

As Kirk makes his way up the rig, suddenly:

SULU
BEHIND YOU!!

Kirk SPINS just as a Romulan appears -- tackling Kirk to the drill platform! The two FIGHT PRECARIOUSLYON THE EDGE OF THE SWIRLING PLASMADRILL, WIND ROARING -- and suddenly there's ANOTHERROMULAN from an OPEN HATCH! SULU SLIDES DOWNTHE CABLE - - JUMPING and tackling the second guard and the shit is ON: our Starfleet heroes battling these Romulans to the death -- and Sulu KICKS OFF AN ANTENNAPIECE and uses it as a SABER -- fucking swashbuckling at 10,000 feet! It's a frenzied assault even the bigger Romulan isn't ready for, and Sulu manages to KICK him into the vortex, where he's VAPORIZED as --

KIRK draws his PHASER and point-blank SHOOTSthe Romulan, knocking him clear OFF the cylinder and into the sky, falling to his death, DISINTEGRATING as he falls

Against pummeling wind, Kirk and Sulu move toward the HATCH-- OPEN IT -- as:

125 OMIT 125

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 72

126

INT. NARADA - HANGAR

Pike's SHUTTLEDOOROPENS. Pike steps out. Surrounded by a dozen of Nero's men. Ayel steps forward. Pike stands firm, knowing this is the end for him:

PIKE
I'm Captain Christopher Pi--

WHACK! He's cut off by a PUNCHto the face. Drops to his knees. Looks up at Ayel with blazing eyes, wipes a trickle of blood from his lip:

PIKE (CONT'D)
So much for diplomacy.

He's DRAGGEDAWAY as --

127

INT. PLASMA DRILL CYLINDER - CONTINUOUS

Kirk and Sulu DROP IN through the outer hatch to find a control console, Sulu madly flips switches, no luck --

SULU
None of this is familiar-- the interface, the controls--
KIRK SULU
Step back-- -- what, you have an idea? -- yeahyeah, I do--

Kirk FIRES his PHASER at the console, BLASTING IT --

128

EXT. PLASMA DRILL - CONTINUOUS

The immense column of light DISAPPEARS, leaving only a towering, swirling vortex of DIRT --

129

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Uhura's console LIGHTS UP with activity:

UHURA
The jamming signal's gone -- communications are re-established
CHEKOV
Transporter control re-engaged

Spock looks up from his console, grave --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 73

SPOCK
Chekov, run gravitational sensors -- I want to know what they're doing to the planet.
CHEKOV
Aye, Commander-- Keptin, sorry. Keptin.
130

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

A Romulan Helmsman RUNS to Nero --

ROMULAN HELMSMAN
The drill's been sabotaged, Sir.

Nero, mind racing --

NERO
Launch the red matter. Now.
131

EXT. NARADA - SPACE

The POD we saw earlier is FIRED from the ship -- it WHIPS past.

132

EXT. PLASMA DRILL CYLINDER - CONTINUOUS

,,..._ Kirk and Sulu pull themselves from the control cockpit back out onto the drill's outer hull, they start to hear a SOUND•.• A HIGH-PITCHED SHRIEK.•. GETTING LOUDERAS IT FALLS TOWARDTHEM... THEY LOOK UP JUST IN TIME TO SEE: THE RED MATTERPOD RIP RIGHT PAST THEM -- SNAP-TILT DOWNWITH IT AS IT PLUMMETSTOWARD VULCAN'S SURFACE, DISAPPEARING INTO THE DRILLED GAPING HOLE --

And for an instant •.• nothing. What looks like a puff of smoke billowing up from the planet's core ..• THEN A SHOCKWAVEBLASTS UPWARD,ALL THE WAYUP TO THE DRILL AT 10,000 FEET -- KIRK AND SULU FEEL IT -- LOSE THEIR BALANCE, FIGHT FOR PURCHASEAS:

KIRK
Kirk to Enterprise -- they just launched something toward the planet!
133

EXT. VULCAN SURFACE - CONTINUOUS

SCENES OF DESTRUCTIONACROSS THE PLANET AS IT STARTS TO COME APART: HUGE FISSURES FORM IN THE DESERT TERRAIN -- CRACKS SPREAD -- MOUNTAINSCRUMBLE-- PLATES SHIFTING, LAVA SPEWING SKYWARD THE HEAT AND CONCUSSIVEBLAST SHAKE THE CAMERATO A BLUR --

134

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

WARNING ALARMSSCREAM:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 74

CHEKOV
Keptin: gravitational sensors are off the scale -- if my calculations are correct, that pod they launched is creating a singularity ••. that will consume the planet.

SPOCK'S STOIC FACE.WE GET ONLYA HINT OF THE WILD EMOTIONS STIRRING INSIDE HIM Uhura watches Spock, heartsick for him:

SPOCK
They're creating a black hole •.. at the center of Vulcan?
CHEKOV
yessir.
SPOCK
How long does the planet have?
CHEKOV
•.• minutes, Sir. I'd say minutes.
SPOCK
(beat, to Uhura)
Alert Vulcan Command Center to signal a planetwide evacuation-- all channels, all frequencies -- maintain standard orbit --
UHURA
What? Spock, wait --

She goes after him as he moves to the TURBOLIFT

UHURA(CONT'D)
-- where are you going?
SPOCK
To evacuate the Vulcan High Council-- they're tasked with protecting our cultural history. My parents will be among them--
UHURA
-- you can't beam them out?
SPOCK
It's not possible -- they'll be in the Katrik Arc, I must get them myself--
TURBOLIFT DOORSCLOSE AS --
11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 75
135

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

HOLOGRAMSof VULCAN UNDER DESTRUCTION -- Nero watching them, pleased. He turns to Ayel --

NERO
Retract the drill, let's move out!
135A

EXT. NARADA

The drill platform LURCHES -- begins RETRACTING

136

EXT. PLASMA DRILL CYLINDER - CONTINUOUS

The platform BANKS -- Sulu FALLS BACK, OFF THE PLATFORM -- WITHOUT A CHUTE! Kirk, holding on, watching this wide-eyed and knowing what he must do, he RUNS AND JUMPS --

KIRK FALLS FAST, he's only gonna have one shot at this, presses his arms to his sides and ROCKETS downward, building speed, four hundred feet below is Sulu, FREEFALLING --

KIRK moves his feet and hands, angling toward him -- slashing downward at 160 mph, closing like a missile -- the gap between them narrows -- Sulu's 30 feet below him ... 5000 feet to the planet surface. 40 ft -- 20 -- 10 -- WHAM! Kirk slams into Sulu in a mid-air tackle -- they TUMBLE TOGETHER -- Kirk's made the grab and locked his arms around Sulu in an iron grip, screams in his face:

KIRK
I GOTCHA! NOW PULL MY CHUTE!

Sulu DOES -- it opens -- but HOLY FUCK, the double weight RIPS IT -- IT SNAPS AWAY FROM THEM -- NOW THEY'RE BOTH FREE-FALLING WITH NO CHUTE, THE GROUND COMING AT THEM FAST!

KIRK (CONT'D)
ENTERPRISE, WE'RE FALLING WITHOUT A CHUTE!!! BEAM US UP!!! BEAM US UP!!!
136A

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY

The TRANSPORTER CHIEF works his controls, sweating -- trying to LOCK ON TO THEIR MOVING TARGET --

TRANSPORTER CHIEF
I'm trying! I can't lock on your signal!
137

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

SNAP AROUND as Chekov hears this -- watching his controls -- Uhura watching too --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 76

TRANSPORTER CHIEF (V.O.)
you're moving too fast!
CHEVOK
no-- I can do that-- I CAN DO THAT!!!

Chekov suddenly BOLTS -- Uhura watches him race off -- a CREW MEMBER steps into frame:

CREW MEMBER
The black hole's expanding, we won't reach minimum safe distance if we don't leave immediately!
137A

INT. ENTERPRISE - VARIOUS AREAS

Chekov SPRINTS through CORRIDORS -- ENGINE ROOM -- YELLING:

CHEKOV
~! I CAN DO THAT! I CAN DO THAT!!!

And we take him to:

137B

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY

-- where he races to the controls, out of breath, yelling:

CHEKOV
I CAN LOCK ON! GIMME MANUALCONTROL! QUICK!!!

-- and he begins working the controls

137C

EXT. SKIES ABOVE VULCAN PLANET SURFACE - DAY

Kirk and Sulu SPEED-DROPPING -- TERRIFIED --

KIRK
ENTERPRISE. WHERE ARE YOU?!?!
137D

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY

Chekov's manipulating a joystick-like TARGETING DISPLAY -- trying to match the CROSSHAIRS on the DROPPING FIGURES --

CHEKOV
holdonholdonholdonholdon!
138

EXT. SKIES ABOVE VULCAN PLANET SURFACE - CONTINUOUS

A massive SHEET OF LAVA, MILES HIGH, BURSTS INTO THE SKY -- Kirk and Sulu enter frame, BULLET-WHOOSH right past us, DROPPING

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 77

KIRK
(headset)
NOW NOW NOW!!! DO IT NOW!!!!!!
139

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY [LOCATION CHANGE]

TIGHT ON CHEKOV as he struggles to lock onto them -- BEEP!

CHEKOV
Compensating gravitational pull and-- GOTCHA!

He HITS A BUTTON and

140

EXT. VULCAN SURFACE - CONTINUOUS

5 FEET BEFORE THEY HIT THE GROUND. KIRK AND SULU DEMATERIALIZE!

141

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY - CONTINUOUS

AND REMATERIALIZE, SLAMMING DOWNON THE TRANSPORTER PADS, HARD AND PAINFUL, BUT SAFE! Transporter engineers GAPE in utter amazement and relief -- Chekov, sweating, laughs. Kirk and Sulu get their bearings, peeling themselves up, at stunned whispers:

SULU

153

•. THANKS.

KIRK
... yeah, not a problem.

And Kirk looks up as SPOCK hurries in

SPOCK
Step aside -- I'm going to the surface.

As the console ENGINEER works the display --

KIRK
The surface of what? YOU'RE GOING DOWN THERE? Are you nuts?!
SPOCK
Energize --

And Spock DEMATERIALIZES

142

EXT. VULCAN - DAY

PUSH IN as Spock MATERIALIZES -- the distant landscape around him COLLAPSING, IMPLODING, EXPLODING -- he sprints for the MOUNTAIN -- the entrance to the ARK -- a scared, small CREATURE runs past Spock as he heads up the mountain -- rocks falling --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 78

143

INT. KATRIC ARK CHAMBER- DAY

Spock RACES through the tunnels as the world SHAKES around him he enters the massive ARK CHAMBER-- sees, atop the enormous stairs, FIVE VULCANELDERS, Sarek among them, hands placed on the sarcophagus-like ark. Mind melding with it. Amanda is here too, kneeling beside Sarek -- and she sees her son, who is now RUNNINGtoward them -- she stands:

AMANDA
Spock--!

Spock rushes up the stairs

SPOCK
The planet's not safe, it has only seconds left -- we must evacuate now

And as they run out, ENORMOUSROCKS COLLAPSE AROUNDTHEM -- and they run through the tunnels, the STONE COLLAPSING AROUNDTHEM --

144

EXT. TUNNEL ENTRANCE- DAY

Spock and the group finally emerge from the tunnels to see -- THE PLANET IS COLLAPSING, COMINGTOWARDTHEM -- Spock whips open a tri-corder, TREMBLINGLIKE CRAZY

SPOCK
Spock to Enterprise: take us back now!
145

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERROOM- CONTINUOUS [SET CHANGE]

Chekov works the controls:

CHEKOV
Locking volume, transport in 5-4-3--
146

EXT. KATRIC ARK CHAMBER- CONTINUOUS

HORRORAS THE WORLDLITERALLY STARTS TO FALL APART AROUNDSPOCK, HIS PARENTS AND THE FIVE ELDERS -- MASSIVE SINKHOLES APPEARING, LIKE THE GRANDCANYONRACING FOR THEM -- AND WE SEE IN ALL THEIR FACES -- THE BELIEF THAT THEIR PLANET -- THAT THEY -- ARE GOING TO DIE -- and Spock, trying to hold it together -- even though their transport hasn't yet begun -- looks at Amanda -- their eyes lock -- THE COLLAPSING GROUNDRACING TOWARDTHEM -- and in a surreal, intimate moment, Amanda says to Spock, quietly:

AMANDA
It's okay. To be scared.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 79

PUSH IN ON SPOCK, looking at her -- as the LIGHT DARTS start TRACING THEM -- and they begin to EVAPORATE AS THE GROUND DROPS FROM UNDER AMANDA-- AND SHE'S SUCKED DOWN-- AWAY -- as Spock REACHES FOR HER, CALLING OUT --

SPOCK
MOTHER!!!!
147

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY - CONTINUOUS

Chekov in a panic at the controls

CHEKOV
NO!!! I'M LOSING HER!!!

-- as the Vulcans MATERIALIZE on the pad, Spock still REACHING for his mother -- but all he gets it the GHOSTLY IMAGE OF HER BEAUTIFUL, HOLDING, FROZEN IN SPACE -- AN IMAGE HE'LL BE HAUNTED BY FOREVER AS IT FADES AWAY, EVANESCING LIKE MIST -- ON SPOCK as it lands -- Sarek too .•. a mother ... a wife ... has been lost. And Kirk stands nearby, having observed all of this, without anything to do or say ... there's no cheating death.

148

EXT. SPACE - ETERNAL NIGHT

And the Enterprise BLASTSAWAY in the distance, THE ENTIRE PLANET OF VULCAN SWALLOWSINTO ITSELF -- A TERRIFYING, UNIMAGINABLE IMPLOSION UNTIL NOTHING IS THERE BUT DARKNESS. And over this we HEAR:

SPOCK (V.O.)
Acting Captain's log. Stardate 2256.42: I have assumed command of the Enterprise.

149-50MIT 149-50

151

INT. ENTERPRISE - SICK BAY - CONTINUOUS

SHOCK. The kind that crashes after the world's changed. In triage, the bay's filled with wounded Enterprise Officers. The Vulcan Elders and Sarek being examined as well. Kirk sits here, getting his hand bandaged from the fight. During this, he looks up, seeing one of the Elders being treated for a slight wound -- her GREEN BLOOD seen through the bandage ..•

SPOCK (V.O.)
We've heard no word from Captain Pike. I have therefore classified him a hostage of the war criminal known as Nero.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 80

151A

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

Spock sits in the captain's chair, reporting. He's glassy-eyed, staring at nothing as he speaks. Behind him, Uhura sits, watching, concerned.

SPOCK
Nero, who has destroyed my home planet. And most of its six billion inhabitants. I estimate no more than ten thousand survived.
(beat)
While the essence of our culture has been saved, in the elders who now reside upon this ship •.. I am now a member of an endangered species.

Spock considers this. Clicks off the log recorder. Spock moves off, into the turbolift -- Uhura follows him --

152

INT. TURBOLIFT - CONTINUOUS

Spock and Uhura. Silence hangs. She glances over, wanting to say so much, but not to invade what must be the worst moment of his life. He looks at her, with kind eyes. And Uhura does something odd -- she STOPS the lift. Spock looks over as she wordlessly reaches out and puts her arms around him. Just holding him. Kissing his face with utter tenderness and comfort, which he lets her do ... and we realize, thi§. is why the intimacy before -- this is their secret .•.

UHURA
I'm so sorry.

Spock looks off, taking comfort, bewildered and lost ...

UHURA(CONT'D)
What can I do? Tell me what you need.
SPOCK
... I need .••

He's on the verge of some emotional release ... but self- consciousness returns and he clamps up, starting the lift again:

SPOCK (CONT'D)
I need for us all to continue performing admirably.

He looks at her again gives her another kiss. The door opens and he exits. She watches him go -- and the door closes on her.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 81

152A

INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR

Kirk comes down the hall, stretching his hand bandage -- when he stops. Standing at the other end of the corridor, operating a DATAPAD is a familiar-looking GREENGIRL. Guilt overcomes him. After a beat he moves to her. Awkward.

KIRK
Hey.
(she turns to him)
Listen, about what happened at Starfleet. The test and everything-- I know it looks like I was .•• using you, or whatever. And I'm sorry. I really am. And •.. I just hope you'll forgive me.

She just stares at him for a long beat, as if she's just pissed. But Kirk's face changes ... and then he says:

KIRK (CONT'D)
you're not Gaila, are you?
NOT GAILA
(pissed)
No.
KIRK
(nods)
Sorry.

And he walks off. (NOTE: ALT. VERSION HAS GAILA SAYING, "I'M NOT GAILA.")

153

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Uhura at her station, scanning for enemy signals -- all of our principals are here, in debate:

SPOCK
Lieutenant, have you confirmed that Nero is headed for Earth?
UHURA
Their trajectory suggests no other destination, Captain.
KIRK
Earth may be his next stop, but we have to assume every Federation planet's a target.
CHEKOV
Yes, agreed-- but why didn't they destroy us?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 82

SULU
Why waste a weapon? We weren't a threat.
SPOCK
That's not it. He said he wanted me to see something, The destruction of my home planet.
MCCOY
And how the hell did they do that by the way? When did :tJJ.gy jump so far ahead in the arms race?
SPOCK
The engineering comprehension necessary to artificially create a black hole may suggest the answer: such technology could theoretically be manipulated to create a tunnel through space time.
MCCOY
Damnit, man, I'm a doctor, not a physicist -- are you suggesting they're from the future?
KIRK
That is what he's suggesting and I don't buy it.
SPOCK
If you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains -- however improbable -- must be the truth.
MCCOY
How poetic.
KIRK
Then what would an angry future Romulan want with Captain Pike?
SULU
As Admiral he knows details of Starfleet's defenses.
KIRK
What we need to do is catch up to that ship. Disable it, take it over and get Pike back.

They're all looking at Kirk like he's nuts.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 82A

MCCOY
(bitingly)
Fantastic, I'm in.
SPOCK
Captain Pike left us with standing orders to rendezvous with the fleet on the other side of the quadrant.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 83

153 CONTINUED: ( 3) 153

SPOCK (CONT'D)
We're technologically outmatched in every way. A rescue attempt would be illogical.
KIRK
"Illogical"-- you're funny.
CHEKOV
Not to mention we couldn't do it anyway: Nero's ship would have to drop out of warp for us to overtake them --
KIRK
what about assigning Engineering crews to try and boost our warp yield?

SPOCK KIRK

Remaining power and crew are being used to repair radiation leaks on the lower decks and damage to the main deflector shield-- without which we cannot communicate with -- okay--okay, okayokayokay-- Starfleet. there's gotta be SOMEWAY!

SPOCK
We must gather with the rest of Starfleet to balance the terms of our next engagement --
KIRK
There won't be a next engagement, Spock: by the time we've "gathered", it'll be too late -- how many planets are you willing to risk? You say he's from the future? Knows what's gonna happen? Then the logical thing is to be unpredictable.
SPOCK
You're assuming Nero knows how events are predicted to unfold. The contrary: Nero's very presence has altered the flow of history, beginning with the attack on the U.S.S. Kelvin, culminating in the events of today -- thereby creating a new chain of incidents that cannot be anticipated by either party.
MCCOY
Does anyone understand him?
UHURA
(stunned)
... an alternate reality.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 84

SPOCK
Precisely. Whatever lives we might have lived, if the time continuum was disrupted •.. our destinies have changed.
(then:)
Mr. Sulu, plot a course for the Laurentian system, Warp Factor Three--
KIRK SPOCK
-- wait-- don't do that -- Spock -- running back to the rest of the fleet for a confab is a massive waste of time-- -- These were the orders -- He also ordered us to go Captain Pike issued when he back and get him! Spock, left ship-- you're Captain now--! -- I am aware of my -- Every second we waste, responsibilities, Mr. Kirk! Nero's getting closer to his next target--! -- that is correct -- and why

I'm instructing you to accept

-- I will not allow us to go that I alone am in command. backwards, away from the problem, instead of hunting -- then I must remove you from Nero down! this ship. If I confine you

to the brig, you'll likely escape. Mr. Chekov: have transportation prepare a deployment capsule. Mr. Sulu, escort him out.

For a beat, nobody moves -- an impossible choice for all of them. Torn, Chekov and Sulu close in on Kirk --

SULU
I'm sorry.
KIRK
Yeah, don't worry ab

-- but Kirk SWINGS, Sulu jerks, FASTER, spins, GRABSKirk's wrist! Kirk ELBOWShim as Chekov reaches for his PHASER but Kirk SLAMSHIM, the phaser DROPS -- Kirk reaches for it but Spock's fingers CLAMPon Kirk's neck: THE VULCANPINCH:

BLACK.
154

INT. NARADA - TORTUREROOM

On PIKE'S FACE, strapped to a TABLE. Nero looks down upon him.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 84A

NERO
You are only the second human I have ever met, face to face. You must have so many questions for me.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 85

NERO (CONT'D)
(then)
I only have one for you. I need the subspace frequencies of Starfleet's border detection grids. Specifically those surrounding Earth.

Pike looks up at him -- quiet rage. Then --

PIKE
Christopher Pike -- Captain, U.S.S. Enterprise, registry NCC-1701.
NERO
Christopher.
(beat; hardcore)
Answer my question.
PIKE
No. You answer for the genocide you just committed on a peaceful planet--
NERO
I orevented genocide.
(beat, calms)
Where I come from, Christopher ... this ship is just a mining vessel. I chose a life of honest labor to provide for myself ... and the wife who was carrying my child.
(beat)
I sit here now .•. knowing you as enemies. Not just of today. But of tomorrow. I watched as your Federation did nothing. They let us burn to death •.. as our planet broke in half.

Curiosity behind Pike's eyes.

PIKE
Then Nero, you're confused.Romulus has not been destroyed. How canyou blame the Federation for somethingthat hasn't happened--?
NERO
It did happen. I remember it. I ... felt it.
(then; pained)
When I lost her ... I promised myself I would not speak another word until the day of my retribution. In twenty five years I forgot the sound of my own voice ••. but I didn't forget the pain. That feeling cannot be erased.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 86

NERO (CONT'D)
(turning to anger now)
A feeling that every surviving Vulcan now shares.

Pike just looks at him. Sees how fucking far GONEhe is.

PIKE
If what you say is true •.• you can save Romulus. You have a second chance to --
NERO
-- yes, which is a gift I won't waste on mercy.
(beat)
My purpose, Christopher, is not simply to avoid the destruction of the home I love ...
(beat)
... but to create a Romulus which exists, free of the Federation. Only then will she be saved.

And the "she" could refer to the planet •.. or to Nero's lost love. Either way, Pike knows a losing battle when he's fighting one. Ever so nobly, he quietly says

PIKE
Then we have nothing more to discuss.

Nero reaches for something under the counter Pike lies upon. Retrieves A FAMILIAR GLASS CONTAINER inside DOZENSOF CENTAURIANSLUGS, the very ones used on Nero.

NERO
It's not the fault of the human race that Starfleet chose Earth as its center. You're a more noble race than my fallen cousins. I'll take no pleasure in your extinction.
PIKE
How reassuring.

Nero opens the container, reaches for a pair of TONGS

NERO
The frequencies, please.
PIKE
Christopher Pike -- Captain, U.S.S. Enterprise, registry NCC-1701.

Nero sad-smiles. What he expected.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 87

154 CONTINUED: ( 4) 154

NERO
As you wish.

A ROMULANGUARD HOLDS PIKE'S MOUTH -- Nero uses the tongs -- and OFF PIKE'S EXPRESSION --

155

INT. SHUTTLE CRAFT - CONTINUOUS

Our POV is BLURRY. We come into FOCUS on a blinking instrument panel. KIRK is stirring awake, his shoulder kills. He sits up: inside a ONE-MAN POD CRAFT. He WIPES THE GLASS -- looks up -- like a TUNNEL OF SNOW, 30 feet long, to the sky. THE PODCRAFT'S EMBEDDED ON THE SURFACE OF A VAST. ICE PLANET. Kirk's been MAROONED. He closes his eyes, his face falls ...

KIRK
Computer ••• where am I?
COMPUTER VOICE
Current location Delta Vega: Class "M" Planet, unsafe. You have been ordered to remain in your pod until retrieved by Starfleet authorities.
KIRK
Bite me, how's that.

The CANOPY RISES -- a blast of cold air hits Kirk -- with some agony, out he goes -- he CLIMBS UP THE TUBE OF SNOW -- and gets to the surface -- looks out. HE'S IN THE MIDDLE OF FUCKING NOWHERE. Finally:

KIRK (CONT'D)
SONOFABITCH BITCH-BITCH! THERE'S NOTHING HERE!!! YOU NECK-PINCHING MOTHERF--!l!
SMASH CUT TO:

156-70MIT 156-7

158

EXT. DELTA VEGA - PLANET SURFACE - CONTINUOUS

TRACKING along a massive ICE SHEET •.. Kirk ENTERS FRAME walking along, cold, pissed •.• whips out a TRICORDER, speaks into it:

KIRK
Lieutenant's log, supplemental: I'm preparing a testimonial for my Starfleet court martial assuming there's still a Starfleet left.

From overhead, what we see -- what Kirk doesn'tis something HUGE, SLITHERING UNDERWATERbeneath the ice --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 88

KIRK (CONT'D)
Acting Captain Spock -- whose only form of expression's apparently limited to his left damn eyebrow -- has marooned me on Delta Vega in what I believe to be a violation of security protocol 49.09, governing the treatment of prisoners aboard a st--
159

EXT. DELTA VEGA - PLANET SURFACE - CONTINUOUS

Kirk FREEZES at a nearby GROWL. He looks -- sees nothing -- then ANOTHER GROWL -- he turns -- some thirty feet away, an eleven foot-tall cross between a polar bear and a gorilla (it's a POLARILLA) steps out from behind a mass of ice. Sees Kirk. It's horrifying. Kirk takes a SLOW, SMALL STEP BACKWARD-- and the fucking thing CHARGES HIM -- KIRK RUNS, TERRIFIED -- and the POLARILLA PURSUES gaining -- it's gonna EAT HIM ALIVE WHEN SUDDENLY

WHATEVERWAS BENEATH THE ICE EARLIER EXPLODES UP THROUGH IT -- IT'S NEARLY 30 FEET TALL, RED, HUNDREDS OF EYES -- IT SMACKS THE POLARILLA AWAYLIKE NOTHING AS KIRK FALLS TO THE ICE AND TURNS BACK -- HOLY SHIT! THIS THING IS SO MUCH WORSE! IT ROARS AS KIRK GETS TO HIS FEET AND RUNS, SCREAMING --

KIRK HAULS ASS AS THE THING COMES AFTER HIM -- THEN SUDDENLY HE FALLS -- DROPS -- and we see that Kirk is FALLING DOWNA MASSIVE SNOW MOUNTAIN! The huge red creature stops at the edge and ROARS LOUDLY -- until the ice shelf BREAKS AWAY! The creature starts to FALL AS WELL! Now Kirk is TUMBLING, the immense creature TUMBLING not far behind!

And Kirk LANDS ON THE ICE, HARD -- sees a distant CAVE. Looks up at the FLAILING CREATURE that is about to CRUSH HIM -- Kirk tries to run, but the ice is TOO SLIPPERY -- FINALLY he gets footing and runs off toward the cave -- as the red creature LANDS HARD -- its sharp SPEAR LIMBS STAB into the ice as it pursues Kirk --

160

INT. CAVE - DAY

Kirk races through the darkened cave -- the creature comes after him -- Kirk goes as fast as he can -- the creature reaches out and fucking GRABS HIM -- pulls him toward the disgusting, wet, TEETHY MOUTH -- Kirk tries to hold on to anything he can -- but he's fucking LUNCH -- and just as you're SCREAMING, there's LIGHT -- FIRE LIGHT -- and a FIGURE APPEARS, WAVING A TORCH --

And the red creature's eyes ALL GO WILD -- and it DROPS KIRK and BACKS OFF, AFRAID -- the figure CHASES IT until it's gone. Kirk, on the ground, is freaked out, out of breath, and can't take his eyes off this man ••• who says:

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 89

FIGURE
The Hen-Gra. Notoriously afraid of heat.
161

INT. CAVE - DAY

And the Figure turns ... we may have recognized the voice. IT'S SPOCK. As in NIMOY. HERE. Lit in the darkness by the fire. We'll refer to him as SPOCK PRIME. He looks at Kirk -- moves closer to him -- finally seeing him. And is amazed ...

KIRK
Hey .•. thank you •••
SPOCK PRIME
KIRK
(stunned)
-- how d'you know my name?
SPOCK PRIME
How did you find me--? Does Starfleet know of my presence?
KIRK
HOW DO YOU KNOWMY NAME?

Spock looks deep into the eyes of the freaked out young man, feeling the full effect of fate playing its hand, but realizing he doesn't recognize him •.•

SPOCK PRIME
I have been •.. and always shall be •.. your friend.
KIRK
-- no, I don't know you -- the only Vulcan I know isn't exactly a buddy.

Of all the things Spock predicted Kirk might say, it wasn't that. He's analyzing a thousand steps ahead, calculating:

SPOCK PRIME
You are James T. Kirk. Your father is George, as is your brother. Your mother's name is Winona -- you were born in 2233 --
KIRK
Stop. Please. I don't understand.

As Spock nods, we PRE-LAP:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 90

SPOCK PRIME
... I am Spock. One hundred and thirty years senior to the Vulcan you know.
KIRK
(beat, beat, beat)
Bullshit.
161A

INT. CAVE - NIGHT

Firelight flickers -- shadows of Kirk and Spock Prime dance on the ice walls. Remarkable NIGHT STARS outside.

SPOCK PRIME
It's remarkably pleasing to see you again.
(re: Vulcan)
especially after the events of today.
KIRK
Old friend. Sir, I don't have any idea how you know what you know. But I don't know you and if you are Spock we're not friends. You hate me. You marooned me here for mutiny •..
SPOCK PRIME
Mutiny? You are not the Captain?
KIRK
You're the captain. Pike was taken hostage.
SPOCK PRIME
(realizing, grave)
... by Nero.
KIRK
Nhat do you know about him?
SPOCK PRIME
(guilty, burdened)
... he is a remarkably ..•
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 91

SPOCK PRIME (CONT'D)
troubled Romulan.
(then)
•.• Please. Allow me -- it will be easier--

Spock Prime reaches for Kirk's face -- Kirk grabs his wrist --

KIRK
What're you doing--?

A skeptical beat, but Kirk finally releases his hand. Spock gently places his fingers on Kirk's cheek and temple --

SPOCK PRIME
(whispering; a mantra)
Our minds ..• one and together ••• One hundred and twenty-seven years from now everything ends.

Spock's eyes SNAP SHUT, Kirk JOLTS as if by an electric charge and the SCREEN OVEREXPOSES TO WHITE as we CUT TO our MIND MELD SEQUENCE:

162

EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

A SUPERNOVA. An EXPLODING STAR, like a LIGHT, EATING AWAYAT ALL AROUND IT

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
A star in Beta Quadrant will go supernova -- and like a cancer left untreated .•. it will grow ... and destroy everything.
162A

INT. VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY

Now we're seeing VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY-- where SIX VULCAN SCIENTISTS study a HOLOGRAMof this event -- the star's ORIGIN, its PATH OF DESTRUCTION -- and SPOCK PRIME is among them

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
I saw the beginning of it myself. Vulcan Science Academy devised a plan to stop it.
162B

EXT. VULCAN SHIPYARD - NIGHT

PUSH IN as the JELLYFISH SHIP is under construction --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 92

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
We built a ship containing a material capable of generating the only thing powerful enough to consume a supernova. A black hole.
163

INT. JELLYFISH - CONTAINMENTHOLD - NIGHT

Now we're INSIDE the ship -- the CONTAINMENTHOLD -- being ASSEMBLEDby Vulcan Scientists --

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
I agreed to pilot the ship. Knowing I would not return.

164 Now we see Spock Prime, in a ritual ceremony of a Vulcan 164 Kamikaze pilot. Tea, sipped inside the Ark --

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
My sacrifice, in service of all races, seemed only logical.

Now Spock Prime sits in the Jellyfish COCKPIT --

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Unfortunately ••• before I could begin the mission .•• the supernova destroyed Romulus.

165 OMIT 165

166 -- and suddenly we're OUT OF THE MIND MELD as KIRK GRABS SPOCK 166 PRIME'S HAND AGAIN:

KIRK
Nero's planet was destroyed--
SPOCK PRIME
Yes. He of course blamed us. Believed Vulcan allowed his planet to die. Which was hardly the case. Let me continue.

KIRK SPOCK PRIME

This annoys me, I don't like -- I know, I know, I'm not it-- do we have to do it like surprised to hear you complain this--? -- allow me to finish.

Spock Prime touches Kirk again and we go:

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 93

167

EXT. SPACE

-- the JELLYFISH SWOOPS PAST US -- and we PAN -- and see the MASSIVE SUPERNOVA in the infinite distance -- no sense of scale here -- but then -- THE NARADA APPEARS -- FIRES TORPEDOES at the Jellyfish.

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
Nero came after me. Determined to thwart my mission. If Romulus was allowed to die, he said ... all planets should share its fate.

167A SPOCK PRIME IN THE COCKPIT, ROCKEDAS TORPEDOESEXPLODE 167A CLOSELY. TIGHT ON SPOCK PRIME AS HIS MIND RACES

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
I needed an exit. I knew if this mission failed •.. everyone, everywhere ..• would lose everything.

Spock Prime LEAVES the cockpit

167B

INT. JELLYFISH - CONTAINMENTHOLD

Prime ENTERS AN AIRLOCK -- TUMBLES IN WEIGHTLESSNESS and enters THE CONTAINMENT ROOM. QUICK CUTS as he REMOVES RED MATTER FROM THE HOLD --

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
I realized: a large black hole could destroy the supernova. A smaller one ... could be my escape. Could send me back in time, allowing me to complete my mission. So I created a black hole ...

Spock loads the CANNISTER with a small amount of RED MATTER into a JETTISON TUBE

167C

EXT. JELLYFISH - SPACE - NIGHT

-- and he FIRES THE CANNISTER INTO SPACE --

167D

EXT. JELLYFISH - COCKPIT - NIGHT

Spock Prime back in the cockpit -- takes aim on his controls and FIRES AT THE CANNISTER --

167E

EXT. JELLYFISH/NARADA - SPACE - NIGHT

A BLACK HOLE IS CREATED -- Spock Prime PILOTS TOWARDTHE HOLE --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 94

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
Nero must have understood what I was trying to do. Because he began racing for it.

The NARADA and the JELLYFISH aiming for the BLACK HOLE --

167F OMIT 167F

167G

INT. JELLYFISH - COCKPIT - NIGHT

Spock Prime watches as the NARADA GOES IN -- LIGHTNING STORM- STYLE DISAPPEARING FIRST -- then SPOCK PRIME'S FACE -- WHITE WITH LIGHTNING -- OVEREXPOSED --

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
Nero simply got to it first. How long I was travelling •.. I couldn't tell you. It was timeless. But when I arrived ..•

LIGHT on Spock Prime's face goes away -- he and the Jellyfish are back in SPACE --

168-90MIT 168-9

170

EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

-- but now, facing him, is the NARADA.

SPOCK PRIME (V.O.)
Nero was waiting for me.

171-30MIT 171-3

174

INT. CAVE - DAY

KIRK INHALES, SHARPLY, having been there with Spock Prime. Back to the two men, in a cave:

Kirk stares at him ..• his mind spinning because now he believes him. The result is overwhelmingly emotional.

SPOCK PRIME
Forgive me •.. emotional transference is an effect of the mind meld.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 95

KIRK
(sympathy, surprise)
.•. so you do feel .•.
SPOCK PRIME
"Cthia" is the stricture that binds our emotions ... but few of us are that perfectly Vulcan.

Kirk gathers himself, wipes his eyes on his sleeve .•.

KIRK
Going back in time ••. you changed all our lives.
SPOCK PRIME
Yet remarkably, events within our timelines, characteristics, people •.. seem to overlap significantly. Tell me about the rest of the crew? Chekov-- Uhura --?
KIRK
Tactical and Communications
SPOCK PRIME
-- Sulu --
KIRK
-- he's the helmsman, why?
SPOCK PRIME
Dr. McCoy would assert our meeting here is not a matter of coincidence .•. but rather, indication of a higher purpose.
KIRK
... he'd call it a damn miracle.
SPOCK PRIME
Yes he would. Perhaps the time stream's way of attempting to mend itself. In both our histories, the same crew found its way onto the same ship in a time of ultimate crisis -- therein lies our advantage.
(rises)
We must go-- there's a Starfleet outpost not far from here.

But Kirk stands -- stops him:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 96

174 CONTINUED: ( 2) 174

KIRK
Where you came from •.. did I know my father?
SPOCK PRIME
... yes. You often spoke of him as your inspiration for joining starfleet.

This is amazing for Kirk -- he looks off, trying to imagine that life. Spock intuits what this means.

SPOCK PRIME (CONT'D)
You should know. He proudly lived to see you become captain of the Enterprise.
KIRK
... Captain?
SPOCK PRIME
A ship we must return you to as soon as possible.
174A

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Enterprise STREAKSthrough frame in a warp blur --

,,-... 174B INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 174B

Sulu at his controls:

SULU
warp three. Course one-five-one mark three, the Laurentian System.

The turbolift opens -- McCoy enters, moves to Spock:

MCCOY
You wanted to see me?
SPOCK
(discreet tone)
Yes, Doctor. I'm aware that James Kirk is a friend of yours. Supporting me, as you did, must have been difficult.
MCCOY
are you thanking me?
SPOCK
I'm simply acknowledging your difficulties.

We're not sure how McCoy is taking this •..

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 97

MCCOY
Permission to speak freely, Sir.
SPOCK
I welcome it.
MCCOY
Do you. Okay then: are you out of your Vulcan mind? Were you doing the logical thing? Maybe. The right one? Debatable. But one thing's for damn sure -- that kid doesn't know how to lose. Just isn't in his DNA. Back home we have a saying: "If you're gonna ride in the Kentucky Derby, don't leave your prize stallion in the stable."

SPOCK

186

•. A CURIOUS METAPHOR, DOCTOR. AS A

stallion must first be broken before it can reach its potential.

MCCOY
My God, Man•.. you could at least act like it was a hard decision.
SPOCK
I intended to assist in the effort to re- establish communication with Starfleet. However, if crew morale would be better served by my roaming the halls weeping, I'll gladly defer to your medical expertise.

A strong look and Spock turns away as Sarek enters the bridge. Spock moves to meet him. Off McCoy, fuming

174C

EXT. DELTA VEGA - PLANET SURFACE - DAY

A fucking BLIZZARD.Kirk and Spock Prime move through the maddening whiteout.Kirk yells through it:

KIRK
I AM SO PISSED OFF AT THE OTHERYOU RIGHT NOW!

And Spock POINTS -- an OUTPOST-- half a mile away.

175

INT. STARFLEET OUTPOST - DAY

Long tile corridor. The door at the end opens -- SNOWAND WIND as Kirk and Spock Prime enter. Door closes. Silence again.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 98

KIRK
hello?!

Echo. Nothing. They head down. After a beat, a SMALL, DARK, ODDLYALIEN CREATURESTEPS OUT, Eyes them curiously. This is KEENSER.

KEENSER

189

•• CAN I HELP YOU?

SPOCK PRIME
Are you the station chief?

Keenser looks them over. Then:

KEENSER
•.. no. This way.

And they follow Keenser into a MASSIVEWAREHOUSE,filled mostly with junked space parts. A large, tarped SHUTTLEin the background. In the middle of the huge, depressing space is a table. And a STARFLEETOFFICER who is ASLEEP, legs kicked up, leaning back in a chair, a hat covering his face. Keenser taps the Officer's boot.

STARFLEETOFFICER
Hm.
KEENSER
Visitors.

A beat -- and the Officer peers from under his hat. A cool, slow burn.

STARFLEETOFFICER
You realize how unacceptable this is.
KIRK
Excuse me?
SPOCK PRIME
(re: the Officer)
Fascinating.
KIRK
What?

Officer stands, unhappy about something. Keeser watches nearby --

STARFLEETOFFICER
I'm sure it's no' your fault, and I know youse lads are just doing your jobs, but could you no' have come a wee bit sooner?!
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 99

STARFLEETOFFICER (CONT'D)
Six months I've been living on nothing but Starfleet Protein Nibs and the promise of a real food delivery! Six months, boys! It's pretty clear what's going on here, isn't it? Punishment! Ongoing! For something that was clearly an accident!
SPOCK PRIME
You're Montgomery Scott.
KIRK
You know him?
SCOTTY
Yes, that's me -- Scotty-- you're in the right place-- are there any other hard- working and equally-starving Starfleet officers around?
KEENSER
Me.
SCOTTY
You eat nothing. A beanand you're done for a week, I need food.And now you're here -- so. Thank you.Where is it.
SPOCK PRIME
You are in fact the Mr. Scott who postulated the theory of trans-warp beaming.
SCOTTY
Yes! That's exactly what I'm talking about! How d'ya think I ended up here? I got into a debate with my instructor on the issue of Relativistic Physics as they pertain to subspace travel •.• H.e seemed to think that the range of transporting say, a roast turkey, was limited to a few hundred miles -- so I told my instructor I could not only beam a bird from one planet to an adjacent planet in the same system -- which is no big deal anyway but if I were so inclined I could actually do it with a lifeform! So I tested it on Admiral Archer's prize beagle. Which ..• was a mistake.
KIRK
I know that dog. What happened to it?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 100

SCOTTY
I'll tell ya when it reappears. Dunno. Feel guilty.
SPOCK PRIME
What if I told you your trans-warp theory was correct? That it is indeed possible to beam onto a ship that is travelling at warp speed. And that you only required the correct field equation to recrystallize dilithium?
SCOTTY
I haven't been stationed here that long. If such an equation had been discovered, I'da heard.
SPOCK PRIME
The reason you haven't heard of it, Mr. Scott .•. is because you haven't discovered it yet.

Kirk reacts. Scotty reacts is almost spooked -- sobers up a bit ..• really regards Spock Prime. Skeptical. Amused.

SCOTTY
Y'from the future, are ya? Brilliant. D'they still have sandwiches where you're from? Piece and jam? Mince 'n tatties? Cockaleekie soup?
KIRK
What is he talking about?
KEENSER
Food.
SPOCK PRIME
Allow us access to your shuttle .•• and I will show you what a genius you actually are.

Off Scotty, who can't help but be intrigued --

176 OMIT 176

177

EXT./INT. SCOTTY'S SHUTTLE - TRANSPORTERPAD - MOMENTSLATER

Scotty PULLS A TARP over much of the out-of-service shuttle.

SCOTTY
She's a wee bit dodgy: shield emitters are totally banjaxed, along wi' a few other things.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 101

Spock finishes speed-typing the FIELD EQUATIONSon the TRANSPORTERCONTROL PANEL -- amazingly fast.

SCOTTY (CONT'D)
••. rapid. That's impressive.

Spock Prime steps aside:

SPOCK PRIME
Your equation for achieving trans-warp beaming.

Scotty looks at the equations -- we watch his expression run the gamut: from confused, to dumbfounded, to quiet awe and delight:

SCOTTY
Imagine that! Never occurred to me to think of space as the part that's moving.
SPOCK PRIME
Point of fact: it did occur to you.
(he works the console)
Extrapolating Enterprise's course
SCOTTY
Enterprise? Had its maiden voyage already, has it? Well, you must've done something right to be assigned to that ship, Kiddo. She's a well endowed lady -- love to get my hands on her ample nacelles, if you'll pardon the engineering parlance.
SPOCK PRIME
Now's your chance, Mr. Scott.
SCOTTY
Look, even if I believed you -- where you're from, what I've done-- which I don't -- we're still talkin' bout slingshotting aboard while she's going faster than light. Without a proper receiving pad, that's like tryin'a hit a bullet with a smaller bullet, wearing a blindfold. On a horse.
SPOCK
I calculate no more than a four meter margin of error.
SCOTTY
That's all well and good unless you rematerialize four meters outside the ship.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 102

177 CONTINUED: ( 2 ) 177

As Spock works the keyboard, an ENTERPRISE SCHEMATICrotates:

SPOCK PRIME
Agreed: the aft engineering bay is your best option: a large space and no unpredictable airlocks
KIRK
you're coming with us, right?
SPOCK PRIME
No, Jim. My destiny liesalong a differentpath.

KIRK SPOCK PRIME

Your destiny can wait -- he (simply, strong) won't believe mg_, only you canUnder no circumstances can he explain w-- be ma.de aware of my existence.

You mb.st promise me this.

KIRK
You're telling me I can't tell you I'm following your own orders? Why not? What happens?
SPOCK PRIME
Trust me. Above all. Jim,this is the one rule you cannot break.To stop Nero, you alone must take commandof your ship.
KIRK
How, over your dead body?
SPOCK PRIME
Preferably not. There is, however, Starfleet Regulation 619.
(off Kirk's confusion)
Yes. I forget what little regard you had for such things. 619 states that any commanding officer who is emotionally compromised by the mission at hand ... must resign said command.
KIRK
So I need to emotionally compromise you?
SPOCK PRIME
Jim. I just lost my planet. I can tell you. I fill! emotionally compromised.
(then)
What you must do •.. is get me to show it.

PUSHING IN ON KIRK as this lands for him --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev, 103

KIRK
Hm.
SCOTTY
Aye, then. Live or die, Laddie, let's get this over with. he Enterprise has a decent cafeteria I'm guessing.

Scotty's on the pad. Kirk follows, looks at Spock:

KIRK
You know ... coming back in time .•. changing history ..• that's cheating.
SPOCK PRIME
A trick I learned from an old friend.

Something strikes Kirk --his eyes GLINT with revelation. Spock responds enigmatically: asilent acknowledgment of what Kirk must do to get the ship.He raises his hand in the legendary Vulcan salute:

SPOCK PRIME (CONT'D)
Live long, and prosper,

And Spock activates the transporter and they DEMATERIALIZE JII""' the light plays off his face as he watches them vanish --

178

EXT, SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Enterprise SHOOTS THROUGH FRAME at warp --

179

INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING BAY - CONTINUOUS

Amid the ROAR of the ship's plasma drives, PARTICLES rematerialize •.. it's KIRK, eyes wide in suspense. He looks down at his legs, his chest, his arms to make sure he's still in one piece, glances over to share his relief with Scotty ... BUT SCOTTY ISN'T THERE. A strange BANGING -- Kirk turns: the BANGING is coming from a large metal TANK -- then Scotty appears in a TRANSLUCENT PIPE -- FREAKING OUT -- BANGING ON THE CLEAR METAL -- Kirk's mind races -- he looks around for a way to save his new friend -- just then a STRONG CURRENT IS FELT inside the tube -- AND SCOTTY IS YANKED AWAY, DOWNTHE TUBE!

KIRK
-- no-- shit!

And Kirk runs after him -- down the length of the ORANGE, TWISTING and TURNING tubes -- SCOTTY SEEN every time he enters a CLEAR TUBE AREA -- then DISAPPEARING again into the ORANGE tubes -- and Scotty gets sucked UPWARDS -- and Kirk turns and looks -- FOLLOWS THE LENGTH OF TUBE -- SEEING WHERE IT'S HEADING -- TO A GIANT WATER TURBINE -- essentially? A MASSIVE FUCKING BLENDER.

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 104

KIRK (CONT'D)
no--nonono--

And Kirk HAULS ASS to the control panel -- we see the huge machine -- overhead, the RELEASE VALVE under the pipe -- and Kirk works as fast as he can --

KIRK (CONT'D)
COMEONCOMEONCOMEON-- like the simulator: manual control enabled, pressure seal: enabled -- shutdown--

-- but the COMPUTER SAYS:

COMPUTER VOICE
Turbine Shutdown Not Allowed.
KIRK
DAMNIT!
180

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

A display on the forward console, an ALARM FLASHES --

CHEKOV
Keptin, we're detecting unauthorized access to a water turbine control board!

Spock moves from Sarek to Chekov

SPOCK
Bring up video.

Chekov brings up TWO DOZEN SECURITY VIDEO IMAGES ON ONE SCREEN. Spock points to one -- it ENLARGES -- and we see KIRK AND SCOTTY racing through the ship -- Spock's eyes narrow -- he moves to the Captain's chair hits comm:

SPOCK (CONT'D)
Security, this is the captain -- seal engineering deck and bring me the intruders in turbine station three -- set phasers to stun.
181

INT. PIPE - CONTINUOUS

INSIDE THE TUBE, SCOTTY TUMBLES, YELLING UNDERWATERas --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 105

181A

INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING BAY - CONTINUOUS

Kirk, AT THE PANEL, accesses the RELEASE VALVE CONTROL -- he watches Scotty disappear through a CLEAR SECTION -- Kirk times it -- waiting -- then he HITS THE BUTTON and Scotty DROPS THROUGH THE RELEASE VALVE AND SLAMS TO THE FLOOR -- hurt, wet, but BREATHING, deeply --

KIRK
You all right?
SCOTTY
(recovering, looking around)
nice -- (cough) -- ship. Really.
KIRK
-- let's get to the bridge--
181B

INT. ENTERPRISE - VARIOUS AREAS

Kirk and wet Scotty race through the ship -- only to finally turn a corner and be faced with PHASERS, AIMED RIGHT AT THEM.

But suddenly PHASERS are at their heads. Two SECURITY GUARDS one, THE GUY HE GOT INTO THE FIGHT WITH AT THE BAR. YEARS AGO.

SECURITY OFFICER #1 Come with me. Moon Beam.

Off Kirk -- shit --

182-30MIT 182-3

184

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE [SET CHANGE]

WOOSH -- bridge doors open -- Kirk and Scotty are ushered in by the Security Guards. Spock moves to them, containing his anger and dismay. McCoy is here as well. Spock walks right up to Kirk ..• raises his eyebrow.

KIRK
Surprise.
SPOCK
(to Scotty)
Who are you?
KIRK
He's with me.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 106

SPOCK
We're travelling at warp -- how did you manage to get aboard this ship?

Kirk stares at the young Spock -- a different experience now --

KIRK
You're the genius, you figure it out.
SPOCK
As Captain of this vessel I order you to answer the question.
KIRK
Well I'm not telling.
(then)
Captain.

HUH. That confounds Spock. And Kirk is off to the races --

KIRK (CONT'D)
Does that frustrate you? My lack of cooperation ..• does it make you angry?

Spock again focuses on Scotty --

SPOCK
You are not a member of this ship's crew. Under penalty of court martial, I order you to explain to me how you beamed ab --
KIRK
(to Scotty)
Don't answer him.
SPOCK
You will answer me.

ON SCOTTY. Weighing all this. Then

SCOTTY
I'd rather not take sides.

Spock nods back to the SECURITY GUARDS, over this --

SPOCK
Escort them to the Brig.

But before the guards can do so

KIRK
What is it about you, Spock? Your planet was just destroyed -- your mother murdered -- and you're not even upset?

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 107

SPOCK
Your presumption that these experiences interfere with my abilities to command this ship is inaccurate--
KIRK
HA! And yet you said fear was necessary for command. I mean -- did you see that bastard's ship? Did you see what he did?
SPOCK
(tense)
Yes, of course I--
KIRK
So are you afraid or aren't you?!?
SPOCK
(tenser)
I will not ••. allow you to lecture me about the merits of emotion.

Kirk gets close to Spock --

KIRK
Then why don't you stop me.

Sarek watches, tense. McCoy, too. Spock blinks --

SPOCK
Step away from me, Mr. Kirk.
KIRK
What is it like? Not to feel?Anger. Or heartbreak. Or the need tostop at nothing to avenge the death ofthe woman who gave birth to you?!
SPOCK
(volcanic)
-- back away --
KIRK
(closer still)
You must not feel anything! It must not even compute for you! You must not have loved her at all--!

-- WHAM! SPOCK HAS JUST HIT KIRK -- and Kirk goes to hit back, but Spock fucking DELIVERS A SERIES OF POWERFUL BLOWS Security stand back as the Captain attacks ...

And Spock is now fucking CHOKING Kirk -- HE SLAMS KIRK AGAINST THE WALL SPOCK'S CHOKING THE LIFE OUT OF HIM

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 108

184 CONTINUED: ( 3) 184

SAREK
Spock!

And everything -- everything -- STOPS. Spock, red-faced, releases his grip. Kirk GULPS air and tumbles to the ground. Spock staggers back. Kirk's hardly able to speak, close to collapsing. But despite his brutalized face, his expression isn't about spite, or hatred •.. but compassion.

Spock sees the faces of the STUNNEDCREWstaring at him. But worst of all? Sarek. His father. Spock levels his chin. Quickly wipes his eyes. Trying to regain some semblance of dignity ... looks to McCoy. Softly

SPOCK
Doctor. I am no longer fit for duty. I hereby relinquish my command on the grounds that I have been ••• emotionally compromised. Please note the time and date in the ship's log.

JESUS. Spock just ... OUIT. And after a beat, he leaves the room. Sarek follows a moment later.

The crew just stands there in stunned SILENCE. Finally --

SCOTTY
I like this ship. It's exciting.

McCoy turns to Kirk, exasperated --

MCCOY
Congratulations, Jim. Now we've got no Captain and no first officer to goddamn replace him.

ON KIRK. The moment is upon him.

KIRK
Yeah we do.

ON MCCOY. The CREW-- confused. Sulu just fucking POINTS at Kirk and they all realize HOLY SHIT -- Pike made KIRK the First Officer before he left!

MCCOY
WHAT?!
KIRK
Thanks for the support!

And Kirk moves to the captain's chair, passing Uhura:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 108A

184 CONTINUED: ( 4) 184

UHURA
I sure hope you know what you're doing.
KIRK
• • . so do I.
(studies chair, sits, into mic)
Attention crew of the Enterprise. This is James Kirk ...
185

INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR

TRACKINGWITH SPOCK, hearing the announcement as he walks stoically -- past CREW, hearing this --

KIRK (V. 0.)
Mr. Spock has resigned commission and advanced me to acting Captain. I know you were all expecting to regroup with the fleet, but I've ordered a pursuit course of the enemy ship to Earth.

186 OMIT 186

187

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE [SET CHANGE]

""- On KIRK as he ends the announcement:

KIRK
I want all departments atbattle stations and ready in ten minutes.Either we're going down, or they are.Kirk out.

Clicks off. PUSH IN ON KIRK, staring off --

UHURA
I want some answers.

He looks up. Uhura is there. Pissed off:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 109

UHURA(CONT'D)
Right now. Where the hell'd you get trans-warptechnology?
KIRK
yeah, you know that's complicated
UHURA
Do I look simple to you?!
SULU
I'm a PhD in astrophysics, I think I can handle it how'd you get back?
CHEKOV
You vant us to trust you but you von't tell us the truth?
KIRK
No. No, I won't-- hey, I'm the Captain now! I don't have to tell you anything! Now listen: we need to figure out a way to catch up and get to Nero's .s..h.;iJ;l.
SULU
There's not a chance. They're gonna be in geosynchronous orbit around Earth in ten minutes. We'll never make it.
MCCOY
Even if we could, you can't go in guns blazing, not with their technology, that's suicide.
KIRK
Then we find a way to get on that ship and steal the black hole device away from them.
SCOTTY
Well you can forget transwarp. No way to predict the Narada's position from here.
KIRK
Uhura: anything from Captain Pike?
UHURA
No •.. I"ve been monitoring all channels.
188

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY [SET CHANGE]

SPOCK stand here, staring at the place where his mothershould have, but didn't, arrive. Sarek enters. Sees his son.They're alone for the first time in ages. A beat:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 110

SAREK
You must not punish yourself.
(beat)
Speak your mind, Spock.
SPOCK
That would be unwise.
SAREK
What is necessary is always wise.

Watch Spock's face. Struggling with what's pent-up inside •.•

SPOCK
I feel as conflicted as I once was. As a child. Have I made so little progress?
SAREK
(beat, softly)
You will always be a child of two worlds. I am grateful for that. And for you.
(painfully)
And not only because you are all I have left of her.

Spock looks at Sarek. This is as close to emotion as he'll get.

SPOCK
I feel anger. For the one who took her life. An anger I cannot stop.
SAREK
I believe she would say ... do not try to.
(then)
You asked me once. Why I married your mother.
(beat, simply)
I married her because I loved her.

Their look HOLDS-- and for Spock, a revelation ...

189

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

-- the strategy session continues in FULL SWING -- now Chekov, the youngest of the bunch, gets up the courage to chime in, incidently becoming the very first officer to say:

CHEKOV
Keptin Kirk? Excuse me, plees, could I ... ?

All eyes shift to the wonder-kid who awaits permission to speak:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 111

KIRK
Yes, Chekov-- you don't need to ask permission to--
CHEKOV
Based on the Narada's course from Vulcan, I've projected that Nero will travel past Saturn. If we could drop out of warp behind one of Saturn's moons, say, Titan, the magnetic distortion from the planet's rings will make us invisible to Nero's sensors. We could follow him to Earth by staying in his blind spot.
KIRK
What blind spot?
CHEKOV
Its exhaust wake. If we adjust our shield frequencies, they shouldn't detect us.
MCCOY
Wait a minute-- anyone understand this kid? How old are you?
CHEKOV
I am seventeen, Sir, how old are you?
MCCOY
We're all old enough to shave here.
SPOCK (O.S.)
Doctor •.. Mr. Chekov is correct.

Everyone turns, surprised: SPOCK has entered the bay -- galvanized. full of purpose --

SPOCK (CONT'D)
I have reviewed his telemetry. If Mr. Sulu can maneuver us into position, X can beam aboard Nero's ship.
KIRK
I won't order you to do that, Mr. Spock.
SPOCK
Romulans and Vulcans share a common ancestry. Our cultural similarities will make it easier for me to access their ship's computer to locate the device.
(beat; a flicker of emotion)
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 111A

SPOCK (CONT'D)
Also, my mother was human. Which makes Earth the only home I have left.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 112

The crew looks at this very courageous Vulcan with deep respect - - but his focus is on Uhura, whose eyes smile back at him.

KIRK
Then I'm coming with you.
SPOCK
(beat, considering)
I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it.
KIRK
See, we're getting to know each other.

And a MOMENT-- a burgeoning friendship --

190

EXT. BARREN LANDSCAPE

PANNINGACROSS AN ALIEN LANDSCAPE... and even though it's in shadow, you start to recognize it as THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON. OUR POV ascends now to see:

THE ENTERPRISE DROPS OUT OF WARPIN THE DEAD SILENCE OF SPACE...

And we move past it, along the orbit of the moon, cresting the horizon to see EARTH -- AND NERO'S SHIP HOVERINGABOVE IT.

191

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - NIGHT

CLOSE ON NERO -- his face illuminated on the DARKENEDBRIDGE of the Narada by SOFT BLUE LIGHT. Light radiated by EARTH. A BEAUTIFUL HOLOGRAMbefore him. He doesn't notice behind him, as those BLADES from his STAFF APPEAR BEHIND HIS NECK. Nero tenses, only now sensing this unforeseen danger: AYEL HOLDS THE WEAPON. Strong. Tough. But under it all .•• terrified.

AYEL
The men and I have discussed this. What we are about to do.
(beat)
We have to turn the ship around. We can save our home.

Nero turns slowly and deliberately -- Ayel tenses:

AYEL (CONT'D)
Stop.

Nero now faces Ayel, blades at his throat -- Ayel growing more nervous as he faces his master. The surrounding crew stare on, frozen in the moment, only slightly confirming their makeshift mutiny with scared looks.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 113

AYEL (CONT'D)
We can go back. That's what we want. We have taken our vengeance on Vulcan. No more. We want to go home now.

Nero considers this .•. nods gently.

NERO
There is no need, Ayel. To threaten me.
(beat)
I understand.

Ayel is massively relieved.Nero gently reaches out, holds the staff (still aimed at him).He deactivates it -- the blades instantly RETRACT.

NERO (CONT'D)
I understand. But you are wrong.

And just as Ayel realizes he's fucked, Nero somehow activates the staff in a way we have not seen -- AND THE BLADES APPEAR ON THE OTHER END THE END NOW FACING AYEL AND JUST AS AYEL'S EYES GO WIDE NERO THRUSTS THE BLADES INTO AYEL WHO FALLS TO THE FLOOR. DEAD! Nero's hard face turns to the rest of his crew.

NERO (CONT'D)
We will return to Romulus when the Federation lies in ruins and not a moment before. When those who watched our people burn at last understand our pain, our loss. I refuse to return as a slave! We will return as conquerors!

ON THE FACES OF THE MEN, SUBMITTING TO HIS WILL, our MUSIC BUILDING -- and then, his eyes on Earth like a fucking LION eyes a gazelle--

NERO (CONT'D)
Deploy the drill.
192

EXT. THE NARADA

THE DRILL BAY DOORS open as they LOWER THE PLASMA DRILL.

193

INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

No sign of Kirk and Spock. Sulu's in the captain's chair. Chekov at helm.

SULU
Mr. Chekov, transfer manual control to the Captain's chair.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 114

CHEKOV
Aye.
(works controls)
I've projected the parabolic course you must follow. If you deviate by so much as a meter, we will be detected.
SULU
Give me one quarter impulse burst for five seconds and I'll do the rest with thrusters. on my mark. Three .•. two ••• one ... fire.
194

EXT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - SPACE

The impulse engines SURGE, shutting off as the ship slips out from behind the moon and into open space --

195

INT. U,S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Sulu makes rapid-fire thruster combinations to stay on track a stealthy ballet of incredible dexterity. THE NARADAappears over the horizon in geosynchronous orbit, passing underneath the Enterprise as they arc in behind it.

SULU

,.._ All stop in three ..• two ..• one •.•

196

EXT. THE NARADA/ENTERPRISE - CONTINUOUS

The small Enterprise pulls into position behind the massive Narada's BLIND SPOT and comes to a gentle stop. Tension --

197

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - NIGHT

SULU (INTO CHAIR COMM)
Transporter Room. We're in stable geosynchronous orbit behind the Narada.
CHEKOV
(scanning)
No sign they've detected us --
198

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERROOM- CONTINUOUS

KIRK and SPOCK ready themselves for transport. STRAP ON UTILITY BELTS: COM-SETS, TRICORDERS, and of course, PHASERS --

SCOTTY
(on Communicator)
Well done, Mr. Sulu.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 115

KIRK
Whatever happens Mr. Sulu, if you feel you have a tactical advantage fire on that ship. Even if we're still aboard. It's an order.
SULU
Yessir. Good luck.

Spock turns to Uhura, who hands him a small TRANSLATORDEVICE:

UHURA
We'll be monitoring your frequency •..

Uhura gives the translator to Spock -- AND HE KISSES UHURA.

SPOCK
Thank you, Nyota.

They part, revealing KIRK'S SHOCKEDFACE. Uhura walks off, leaving the two men -- Kirk looking stunned at Spock.

KIRK
Her first name is ..•
SPOCK
I have no comment on the matter.

Kirk still stunned as Scotty moves to transporter control.

SCOTTY
If there's any common sense to their ship design, I'll be puttin' ya in a cargo bay, shouldn't be a soul in sight.

KIRK AND SPOCK STANDON THE TRANSPORTERPAD, SIDE-BY-SIDE AND FACING THE SAMEDIRECTION FOR THE FIRST TIME -- AN ICONIC IMAGE - - The moment of truth.

KIRK
Energize.

Scotty hits the transport and Kirk and Spock DISAPPEAR --

199

INT. NARADA - CARGOBAY - CONTINUOUS

Kirk and Spock MATERIALIZE in the cargo bay .•. to find themselves suddenly smack-dab in the middle of SIX ROMULAN GUARDSworking at cargo consoles!!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 116

For a split second they're as shocked as Kirk and Spock, until they ATTACK-- Kirk immediately engages the closest Romulan, struggles -- but Spock's a machine: his palm snaps up CRACKINGa nose -- SLAMSa head against the wall -- as battle-ready as the Romulans are, it's like trying to catch a GHOST, Kirk finally knocks his one opponent unconscious, and turns to see it's ALL OVER --

KIRK
(a touch insecure)
Mine had a gun.
SPOCK
I am trained in the Vulcan martial art of Suus Mahna.

Kirk and Spock move to a still conscious Romulan as he struggles to get up. Spock reaches for the fallen Romulan's temples.

SPOCK (CONT'D)
I am unable to meld with these Romulans there are subtle differences in their physiology I did not anticipate
KIRK SPOCK
-- punch him in the face -- make him talk! Suus Mahna his -- Suss Mahna is only intended ass! for self-defense, he's no

longer a threat --

-- then pretend it's a threat - - I'm your captain, that's an order!

Spock PUNCHESthe Romulan HARD-- and via Uhura's comlink translator, speaks in SUBTITLED ROMULAN:

SPOCK (SUBTITLE) (CONT'D)
What is your computer access code?

The guard SPITS green blood at Spock, who PUNCHEShim again

SPOCK (SUBTITLE) (CONT'D)
TELL! (PUNCH) ME! (PUNCH) THEI (PUNCH) CODE!
200

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

ROMULANHELMSMAN
The plasma drill is repaired and fully deployed.
NERO
Good. Let's begin.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 117

201

EXT. SUSPENDED DRILL - ABOVE CALIFORNIA - CONTINUOUS

THE ENERGYTORNADO FIRES FROMTHE DRILL INTO THE EARTH!

202

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - DAY

The plasma beam SLAMS INTO SAN FRANCISCO BAYmassive CONCUSSIONCLOUDSFORMAROUND THE BEAM--

202A

EXT. STARFLEET ACADEMY/COMMAND- CONTINUOUS

Cadets RUN to see the horrific sight of the plasma beam --

203

INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As Uhura returns to the bridge, everyone's stations go DARK STATIC on screens --

CHEKOV
They've activated the drill --
UHURA
Communications and transporter inoperative --
SULU
They're on their own now.
204

INT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

A ROTATING SHIP SCHEMATIC-- Spock typing at a console, searching -- accesses two inter-cam windows: on one, SPOCK PRIME'S SHIP, THE JELLYFISH -- in a lower containment hold -- on the other: PIKE, unclear if he's dead or alive.

SPOCK
What you refer to as the "Red Matter Device" is in the main hangar -- and I've located Captain Pike.
KIRK
Is he alive?
SPOCK
Unknown.
KIRK
Let's move.

They cover each other with phasers as they move down the hall --

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 118

205

INT. NARADA- MAIN HANGAR

Captain Pike's shuttle and the Jellyfish sit parked among the equipment. Kirk and Spock stealthily board the Jellyfish

206

INT. JELLYFISH - COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

Kirk hits a console, a familiar voice comes to life:

COMPUTERVOICE
Voice print and face recognition analysis enabled.
KIRK
Spock, you'll be piloting the ship alone.
SPOCK
Which may be problematic, as I am unfamiliar with this ship's design.

THE LASER GRID RESPONDSTO SPOCK'S VOICE, scans his features for ID -- THE HOLOGRAPHICDISPLAY MATERIALIZES:

COMPUTERVOICE
Welcome back, Ambassador Spock.
KIRK
(awkwardly)
Wow. That's weird.

He looks to Kirk in surprise -- Spock's eyes fix with sudden understanding. Ambassador Spock ... of course .•. suddenly all the pieces start coming together •••

SPOCK
Computer: what is your manufacturing origin?
COMPUTERVOICE
Stardate 2397, commissioned by the Vulcan Science Academy.

Spock looks at Kirk, a touch upset:

SPOCK
It appears you've been keeping rather important information from me.
KIRK
Just trust me. Can ya do that?

Spock weigh his options. Trust. Finally:

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 119

KIRK (CONT'D)
I'll get Pike.

Kirk exits

207

INT. NARADA [SET CHANGE]

Kirk moves through various areas of the ship --

208

INT. JELLYFISH - COCKPIT

Spock works the control -- fires up the craft

209

EXT. NARADA - HANGAR- WITH JELLYFISH INSIDE

LIGHTS COME ON -- he starts it up -- the ship begins to RISE and with the enormous JELLYFISH now OPERATING -- FLOATING IN THE HANGAR, Spock turns the ship and FIRES AT THE MASSIVE IRIS DOOR, BLOWING IT OPEN! DEBRIS AND LOOSE OBJECTS GET SUCKED INTO SPACE as --

210

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE

The ship SHUDDERS from within -- ALARMS --

ROMULANHELMSMAN
Primary core rupture, warp engines off- line!
NERO
HOW?!!
ROMULANTACTICAL OFFICER
Someone has detonated weapons in the main hangar!

CLOSE -- NERO -- EYES WILD, REALIZING THEY HAVE A SABOTEUR:

NERO
Restore power! Engage auxiliary systems!

211 OMIT 211

212

EXT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

THE JELLYFISH FLIES OUT -- ANGLES TOWARDTHE DRILL AND FIRES ANOTHER TORPEDO -- DIRECT HIT!

THE MASSIVE RIG SWINGS -- THE TETHERS SNAPSNAPSNAP -- THE DRILL TILTS AND ROCKETS LOOSE, PLUMMETING DOWN.•. DOWN..• DOWN.•.

213 ••. CRASHING INTO SAN FRANCISCO BAY 213

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 120

214

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As the bridge crew fights to regain control:

ROMULANTACTICAL OFFICER
The drill's been severed!
ROMULANCOMMANDER
Ambassador Spock's ship has been stolen as is heading out of the solar system!
NERO
-- WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!

A beat -- the Romulan Commander looks up from his console:

ROMULANCOMMANDER
(darkly)
Spock.

OFF Nero's fucking mega rage

215

EXT. SPACE - ABOVE EARTH

The Narada turns -- accelerates in pursuit of the Jellyfish and AWAYFROMEARTH -- and now we're back to the imagery of the first few moments of the movie -- THE NARADAGAINING ON THE JELLYFISH, SPOCK AT THE CONTROLS

216

INT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

NERO
(to comms officer)
Open a channel --
ROMULANCOMMUNICATIONSOFFICER
Channel Open
NERO
Spock -- I should've killed you when I had the chance.
217

INT. NERO'S SHIP/ JELLYFISH - INTERCUTTING:

SPOCK STARES WITH DEADLYFOCUS AT THE VIEWSCREEN:

SPOCK
Under authority granted me by the Europa convention, I'm confiscating this illegally obtained ship and order you to surrender your vessel. No terms. No deals.

And Nero? Just grins in perfect contentment ...

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 121

NERO
You can't cheat me again, Spock. I know you better than you know yourself.
SPOCK
Last warning: unconditional surrender or you will be destroyed.
NERO
(to his Men)
Fire at will.
ROMULANCOMMANDER
Sir-- if you ignite the red matter, the--
NERO
I want Spock dead! Fire!

Nero hurries to the controls -- operates them himself and --

218

EXT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

-- FIRE IT DOES -- TORPEDOESBLAST FROMTHE HOLD and to the jellyfish, which performs evasive maneuvers -- the torpedoes EXPLODE as --

,-... 219 INT. NARADA - AIRLOCK SHAFT - CONTINUOUS 219

Kirk moves through shadow into an airlock shaft, starts climbing ladder rungs

220

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The JELLYFISH TILTS, earth receding far behind itSpock veers to avoid being blown apart -- Nero's ship gainingfiring

221

INT. NARADA - CORRIDORS - CONTINUOUS

Kirk moves through the space -- into the TORTUREROOM, where he finds PIKE, CLOSE TO DEATH-- Kirk begins unfastening his binds. Pike sees him through his fog -- amazed --

PIKE

232

•. KIRK?

KIRK
Came back, Sir. Just like you ordered.

Kirk helps LIFT HIM -- but what he DOESN'T SEE are the FOUR GUARDSentering with weapons --

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 122

But PIKE, God bless him, does: summoning his last ounce of strength, he manages to UNHOLSTER KIRK'S PHASER AND BLASTS THE FOUR GUARDS OUT OF EXISTENCE! Safe, he SLUMPS, dropping the phaser --

222

EXT. NARADA - SPACE - CONTINUOUS

The Narada FIRES again, TEARING a gash in the Jellyfish's side.

223

INT. JELLYFISH - CONTINUOUS

An array EXPLODES --

NERO ON COMMS
..• you should've fled, Spock. Sight target, standby torpedoes .•• FIRE!
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning: Shields off-line.

On Spock -- bad as things are, they just got worse -- his mind SPINS until:

SPOCK
Computer, prepare self destruct sequence.
224

EXT. JELLYFISH - CONTINUOUS

And the Jellyfish TURNS -- a new course RIGHT FOR THE NARADA

225

INT. SPACE - NARADAAND JELLYFISH - CONTINUOUS

CLOSE ON SPOCK, bravely facing certain death -- on a collision course with the Narada -- looks like he's gonna sacrifice himself -- and we assume he'll pull away at the last second, of course he will, but he DOESN'T:

226

EXT. NARADAAND JELLYFISH - CONTINUOUS

SMASH! THE JELLYFISH EXPLODES, SPOCK SEEMINGLY KILLED -- AND IN THE BLAST, THE RED MATTER IGNITES! A MASSIVE BLACK HOLE STARTS TO FORM, THE BIGGEST ONE YETI STARS DRIFT TOWARDITS CENTER, PULLED INTO THE SPHERE BY THE GRAVITY WELL AS IT STARTS TO EXPAND --

227

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

As the ship's ROCKED HARD, Nero sees the black hole BUILDING through the cockpit window:

NERO
FULL REVERSE!!! NOW. NOW!!

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 123

228

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

EVERYTHING'S GETTING SUCKEDINTO THE EVER-EXPANDINGBLACKHOLE -- A MASSIVE PULSE OF ENERGYPUMMELSNERO'S SHIP, SHEARING THROUGH ITS HULL -- AS THE NARADATRIES TO REVERSE OUT OF THE GRAVITY WELL, THE ENTERPRISE IS REVEALEDBEHIND IT -- HAVING BEEN THERE THE WHOLETIME --

229

INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTERBAY - CONTINUOUS

IT'S A RUSH, CRAZY, TENSE AS HELL --Uhura, McCoy, a MED TEAM and ND OFFICERS race in as Scotty finishes receiving incoming signals:

KIRK, SPOCK.•• AND PIKE MATERIALIZE ON THE PAD:

KIRK
(to Transporter Chief)
Nice timing, Lieutenant
SCOTTY
Never beamed two targets from two places onto the same pad before! That was pretty good!

Kirk transfers Pike to McCoy, who urgently SCANS Pike and barks to a MED-TECH:

MCCOY
-- we're gonna need gastric stimulators, let's prep him for surgery, now!
230

INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Everyone's HURLEDoff their feet -- consoles fry -- FIRE

ROMULAN COMMUNICATIONSOFFICER
Nero-- it's the Enterprise!
NERO
LOAD WEAPONSAND RAISE SHIELDS!!!
ROMULAN HELMSMAN
ENGINES USING ALL OUR POWER, SIR!

Nero's eyes come UNHINGED--

231

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

WHOOSH:KIRK and SPOCK race back onto the bridge --

CHEKOV
Keptinl The enemy ship is losing power-- its shields are down!

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 124

KIRK
Hail them -- now!

NERO appears on screen from the Narada bridge -- the Narada's on its last legs -- a beat before Nero TURNS, realizing Kirk's fucking GRINNING at him from the screen:

KIRK (CONT'D)
This is Captain James T. Kirk of the u.s.s. Enterprise -- your ship is compromised -- too close to the singularity to survive without assistance which we are willing to provide.
SPOCK
(sotto)
Captain what are you doing?
KIRK
(sotto)
We show them compassion-- it may be the only way to earn peace with Romulus. It's logic, Spock! I thought you'd like that.
SPOCK
No, not really, not this time.
NERO
I would rather suffer the death of Romulus a thousand times than accept assistance from you.
KIRK
You got it.
(turns)
Lock phasers! Fire everything we've got!
232

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

THE ENTERPRISE ARCS AROUND, FIRING A FULL SALVO AT THE NARADA AND THE HITS CONNECT, A DOMINO-EFFECT OF EXPLOSIONS RIPPLING ACROSS THE ALREADY WEAKENEDSHIP -- IT STARTS NOSE-DIVING, TOWARDTHE BLACK HOLE --

233

INT. U,S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE

KIRK
Kirk to Engineering: get us out of here, Scotty!
SCOTTY (V,O.; COMMS)
-- you bet yer ass, Captain

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 125

234

INT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS

The walls are RIPPING AWAY, PYLONS pull free from their moorings, into the ever-expanding sphere -- NERO -- IN THE CHAOS, KNOWING HE'S REACHED THE END, CLOSES HIS EYES:

NERO
Forgive me ••• Romulus ...
235

EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

AND THE NARADA IMPLODES, BUCKLING IN ON ITSELF, DISAPPEARING IN PIECES INTO THE BLACK VORTEX --

Leaving only the Enterprise -- its nacelles FLARE as the ship tries to make the quantum leap -- BUT: the black hole's now a TITANIC WHIRLPOOL so insanely strong that the Enterprise is held in place by the gravity well even at warp! IT SHAKES INTO A BLUR, trying to cut loose but it CAN'T

236

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

KIRK
WHY AREN'T WE AT WARP?!
CHEKOV
-- WE ARE--!
SCOTTY OVER SPEAKERS
CAPTAIN. WE'RE TRAPPED IN THE GRAVITY WELL! IT'S GOT US!
KIRK
GO TO MAXIMUMWARP! PUSH IT!!!
237

INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING - INTERCUTTING:

Scotty SHOUTS BACK into the com against the SCREAMING DRIVE:

SCOTTY
I'M GIVIN' HER ALL SHE'S GOT, CAPTAIN!
KIRK
ALL SHE'S GOT ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH! WHAT ELSE D'YOU GOT?!
SCOTTY
(last desperate thought)
IF WE EJECT THE CORE AND DETONATE. THE BLAST COULD BE STRONG ENOUGH TO PUSH US AWAY BUT I CAN'T PROMISE ANYTHING!
KIRK
DO IT DO IT DO IT!

11/05/07 YELLOW Rev. 126

Scotty SLAMS the activation panel and we see the WARP CORE eject down a tube, like an INSTANT PNEUMATIC RELEASE --

238

EXT. ENTERPRISE - ABOVE THE BLACK HOLE - CONTINUOUS

THE WARP CORE TUBE LAUNCHES FROM THE ENTERPRISE, STREAKING RIGHT INTO THE MOUTH OF THE BLACK HOLE -- AN INSANE, SILENT EXPLOSION: THE BLACK HOLE LIGHTS UP FROM HORIZON TO HORIZON, THE BLAST WAVE WHITING OUT THE FRAME! THE ENTERPRISE IS CONSUMEDWITHIN IT:

FOR A MINUTE, WE THINK IT'S GONE.•• UNTIL IT'S JETTISONED OUT INTO THE STARS, FLYING AWAY, LEAVING THE FIRESTORM BEHIND IT!

239

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

Everyone white-knuckles their seats as the blast DISSIPATES ... and our crew sits, wide-eyed, trembling .•. finally, truly safe.

240

EXT. STARFLEET ACADEMY- SAN FRANCISCO - DAY

Back home.

241

INT. STARFLEET ACADEMY- MEDICAL BAY/HANGAR- DAY

Spock is seen in a medical office with Pike, who lies in bed, recovering -- McCoy monitors him - Spock exits -- walks through the corridor -- sees a VULCAN in silhouette, staring out at the Academy. Sarek. Spock moves to him -- says quietly:

SPOCK
Father ... ?

Sarek turns -- but IT ISN'T SAREK. IT'S SPOCK PRIME. Who says:

SPOCK PRIME
I am not .•. our father.

An incredible beat, our two Specks in eye lock ... both minds processing conversational possibilities at an incredible rate .•. surreal extensions of each other, separate but connected ..•

SPOCK
Fascinating.
SPOCK PRIME
There are so few Vulcans left. We cannot afford to ignore each other.

Young Spock's eyes flicker in puzzlement •..

SPOCK
Then why did you send Kirk aboard when you alone could've explained the truth?

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 127

SPOCK PRIME
(beat, simply)
Because you needed each other. Opposing yet complimentary opposites. It was that balance between us -- I should say you and Kirk -- that often made the impossible, possible.
SPOCK
..• it was a test?
SPOCK PRIME
(no: his heart heavy)
I'm in no position to pass judgment ... my actions have robbed you of much. I could not also deprive you the revelation of all you can accomplish together ... of a friendship that will define you both in ways you cannot yet realize.

There is, to young Spock's surprise, vulnerability in that.

SPOCK
How did you persuade him to keep your secret?
SPOCK PRIME
I inferred universe-ending paradoxes would ensue should he break his promise.
SPOCK
You lied.
SPOCK PRIME
I implied.
SPOCK
A gamble .•.
SPOCK PRIME
An act of faith. One I hope you'll repeat in the future.

Young Spock considers an enduring friendship between him and Kirk ... for the first time, understanding it. But --

SPOCK
The future's not what it used to be ... in the face of extinction, it's only logical I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 127A

SPOCK PRIME
And yet, you are in a unique position ... you can be in two places at once.
(MORE)

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 128

SPOCK PRIME (CONT'D)
(beat)
I urge you to remain in Starfleet: I've already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony, and assist in the foundation of a new science academy.

Young Spock takes that in, resolute •..

SPOCK
My future cannot be determined by your past. We are one, but not the same.
SPOCK PRIME
Then I ask that you do yourself a favor. Put away logic. Do what feels right. The world you've inherited lives in the shadow of incalculable devastation ••• but there's no reason you must face it alone.

Spock Prime moves to the door, stops. Offers the VULCANSALUTE:

SPOCK PRIME (CONT'D)
As my customary farewell would appear oddly self serving, I will simply say ... good luck.

Their eyes hold. Spock turns, disappearing into the corridor. Young Spock stares at the empty doorway a beat, his mind a jumble of thoughts ... and our MUSIC BUILDS•..

242

INT. STARFLEET CORRIDOR - HANGAR- CONTINUOUS

As Spock Prime walks off down the corridor, he passes right by a man conferring with a nurse -- the man pauses, turns ... it's SAREK. Suddenly overcome by a feeling that the stranger who's just passed him is ... oddly familiar.

243

INT. STARFLEET ACADEMY- COUNCIL CHAMBERS- DAY

MUSIC STILL BUILDING -- glass walls reveal THE ENTERPRISE at dock, UTILITY CRAFTS floating around it, repairing. Standing at attention in rows, THE ENTERPRISE CREW-- over four hundred of them wearing DRESS UNIFORMS-- TRACKDOWNthe faces, all proud and we STOP ON YOUNGKIRK. Composed, focused, a man. The ACADEMYPRESIDENT stands at a podium:

ACADEMYPRESIDENT
This assembly calls Captain James Tiberius Kirk ...

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 129

Kirk breaks from formation, pivots, marches down the hangar past UHURA... SULU..• CHEKOV•.• SCOTTY. All Beaming. Notably absent, is Spock. Kirk ascends the stairs, snaps to attention:

ACADEMY PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Your inspirational valor and supreme dedication to your comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of service and reflect utmost credit to yourself, your crew, and the Federation. For your ..• unique solution to the Kobayashi Maru, it's my honor to award you with a commendation for original thinking.

He opens a BOX -- glorious in repose, a MEDAL:

ACADEMY PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
By Starfleet Order 28455, you are hereby directed to report to Commanding Officer, USS Enterprise, for duty as his relief.

Kirk turns. Walks to ••. PIKE. In a wheelchair now, wearing an ADMIRAL'S UNIFORM. Overnight, his hair's turned totally grey -- but despite his trauma, his pride's overwhelming. They SALUTE:

KIRK
I relieve you, Sir.
PIKE
I am relieved. Congratulations, Captain.

Pike containing a smirk, pins the medal to Kirk's chest.

KIRK
Thank you, Sir.

Kirk turns to the crowd. Eyes shining. WILD APPLAUSE. As Kirk rejoins his crew for hugs and congratulations, we go to the BACK of the hangar ... SPOCK PRIME. Watching. Moved beyond words. He turns and leaves them to it ..• and our MUSIC SWELLSas --

244

INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

The turbolift WHOOSHESopen and in walks Kirk to every fan's delight, wearing his iconic GOLD SHIRT. All around him, our crew -- young and fresh-faced but no longer children -- in charge of the greatest starship ever built:

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 130

SULU
Maneuvering thrusters and impulse engines at your command, Sir.
CHEKOV
Weapons systems and shields on standby.
UHURA
Dock control reports ready. Yard Command signalling clear.
KIRK
Scotty how are we?
SCOTTY (O.S. OVER COMMLINK)
Dilithium chamber at maximum efficiency, Captain.
MCCOY
(wry grin)
Same ship, different day.

And Kirk pauses. His eyes go over to the empty science console with a sense of incompleteness. In fact, everyone on the bridge feels it. A bitter truth they'll have to accept.

KIRK
Mr. Sulu, prepare to engage thrus--

WHOOSH:the turbolift door opens. SPOCK!!! Wearing his BLUE UNIFORM. Our hearts soar --

SPOCK
Permission to come aboard, Captain.
KIRK
Permission granted.
SPOCK
As you have yet to select a first officer, respectfully, I would like to submit my candidacy. Should you desire, I can provide character references.

Kirk nearly laughs. Spock's eyebrow goes up. Something passes between them ..• it carries acceptance, and trust •..

KIRK
It would be my honor, Commander. Maneuvering thrusters, Mr. Sulu. Take us out.
SULU
Aye, Captain.

11/05/07 YELLOWRev. 131

As the ship maneuvers out of dry dock, Spock takes his place next to Kirk. Gold and blue. side by side.

245

EXT. STARBASE ONE - DRYDOCK- CONTINUOUS

And the ship crests the drydock portal, drifting into space .•. blessed one last time by the voice of our Vulcan hero:

SPOCK/NIMOY
Space .•• the final frontier. These are the continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission ... to explore strange new worlds •.. to seek out new life forms, and new civilizations .•. To boldly go, where no one has gone •.. before •..

The TREK THEMESOARS as the Enterprise warps off into a universe of infinite possibilities ••.

FADE OUT.

T H E B E G I N N I N G