STAR TREK Written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman November, 2007 1-13 OMIT 1-13 14 OMIT 14 15 OVER BLACKNESS, we HEAR a BACH HARPSICHORD CONCERTO. And then a 15 WOMAN -- breathing hard -- straining, harder and harder -- until finally we HEAR a NEWBORN BABY CRYING -- and we... FADE IN: EXT. VULCAN FAMILY HOME - DUSK The image is spectacular, aglow in DUSK LIGHT: a beautiful BABY, just born, held in a WOMAN'S HANDS. 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 YOUNGER MIDWIFE, 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. 15A OMIT 15A 15B EXT. VULCAN LANDSCAPE - DUSK [FORMER SC. 14] 15B A planet of massive, tortured ROCK FORMS, distant cities constructed atop and underneath them. A HOVER-SPEEDER in 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: STARDATE 2230.06. The speeder parks outside the home -- 15C EXT. VULCAN HOME - DUSK 15C 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 HARPSICHORD MUSIC 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) 3 15C CONTINUED: 15C 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 VULCAN EAR. 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 BLACKNESS IS SPLIT BY TURBO-LIFT DOORS OPENING and we REVEAL THAT WE'RE ON: 4 15D INT. U.S.S. KELVIN [FORMER SC. 15A] 15D With URGENCY, we MOVE DOWN a corridor with CAPTAIN ROBAU and 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 -- SHWISH! 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-- 5 15D CONTINUED: 15D 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 -- ENORMOUS AND THREATENING. He doesn't even realize that he says: CAPTAIN ROBAU ... 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. 16-17 OMIT 16-17 18-19 OMIT 18-19 19A OMIT 19A 19B OMIT 19B 19C EXT. DEEP SPACE - CONTINUOUS 19C 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 CLAW that is the Narada -- 19D INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE 19D 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 WARNING BEEP -- OFFICER PITTS CAPTAIN ROBAU Sir, I have a reading -- they've locked weapons on us! -- Red alert! Arm weapons! ALARMS BLARE -- LIGHTS GO RED as -- 6 20 EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS 20 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 21 Officers SCRAMBLE, brace for impact -- FIRST OFFICER CAPTAIN ROBAU Torpedo locked on us at 320 degrees, mark two -- incoming -- Evasive pattern Delta-5! fast! 22 EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CONTINUOUS 22 A direct hit SMASHES several decks along the DISH of the ship -- 23 INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 23 In the massive Engine Room, a HUGE BLAST -- MEN GO FLYING IN THE STEEL-SHATTERING EXPLOSION -- 24 INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 24 Captain Robau helps a fallen CREW MEMBER up from the floor -- then, on his chair com.: CAPTAIN ROBAU Damage report! INTERCUT with: 24A INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 24A 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] 24B A WOMAN, 25, answers her communicator -- she lies on an exam table, afraid -- and pregnant. This is WINONA. 7 24B CONTINUED: 24B 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 25 ANOTHER NARADA TORPEDO -- it SEPARATES, pieces HIT the Kelvin. 25A INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 25A Chief Engineer RUNS past us -- CONSUMED BY A SUDDEN EXPLOSION! 25B INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS 25B A FEMALE CREW MEMBER running down the hall suddenly HOLDS ON as a HOLE IS RIPPED IN THE HALL -- and she's YANKED OUT OF THE CORRIDOR -- the CAMERA finally getting sucked out too! 26 INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 26 -- PANDEMONIUM -- 8 26 CONTINUED: 26 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 up? 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 ROMULAN FACE -- 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 26A 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. 8A 26A CONTINUED: 26A 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-C OMIT 26B-C 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 26DA 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] 26DB 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 26DC 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. 10 26E EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SPACE 26E 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 26EA Backlit by the distant floodlights, Robau remains steely-eyed as he moves for the darkened ship -- nerves -- 26F INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE 26F 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 26FA Robau watches as he gets closer, the BEEPBEEPING HEARD over the SOUNDS of the shuttle -- but then -- 26FB EXT. NARADA - SPACE - CONTINUOUS 26FB 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 26FC 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 26G TIGHT ON ROBAU as he faces the shuttle door, considering his fate. Finally the SHUTTLE DOOR OPENS -- standing there are eight ROMULAN GUARDS, 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 26H INT. NARADA BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 26H 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 THROWS AN IMAGE into the air before Robau. A ROTATING HOLOGRAM OF A UNIQUE-LOOKING SPACECRAFT (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. My commander 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 FLOATING, ROTATING IMAGE 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? 12 26H CONTINUED: 26H 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 26HA 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 26J 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 13! 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) 13 26K CONTINUED: 26K HELMSMAN (CONT'D) The only way we're gonna ram that ship is to fly manual control! TIGHT ON GEORGE as this lands. More honorable than terrified: GEORGE KIRK -- 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: GEORGE KIRK (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 26L MOVE FAST around Winona, in fucking labor now -- being transferred onto a wheelchair by the Doctor and Nurse-- GEORGE KIRK (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 26M Alone now on the bridge, piloting this massive craft by himself - - George talks to Winona from the Captain's chair -- GEORGE KIRK I have medical shuttle 37 standing by, get to it now -- can you do that? WINONA Yes -- where are you? HOLD ON GEORGE for a moment as he hesitates -- his eyes glued to the screens as he pilots -- 14 26M CONTINUED: 26M GEORGE KIRK 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: GEORGE KIRK I'll see you in a minute, sweetheart. He disconnects -- another ALARM -- he TURNS the ship, FIRES -- 26MA EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CONTINUOUS 26MA The Kelvin BANKS AGAIN -- its PHOTONS SLAMMING INTO THE ONCOMING NARADA TORPEDOES, JUST AVOIDING IMPACT! 26N INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SHUTTLE BAYS - CONTINUOUS 26N CREW MEMBERS scramble to their shuttles as the ship TREMBLES -- and we find WINONA among 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 26R As George Kirk pilots, he checks the monitors -- one reads the COUNTDOWN TO SELF-DESTRUCT (180 SECONDS, 179 SECONDS, 178 SECONDS...) and another reads IMPACT PROXIMITY (36,054 METERS, 36,042, 36018...). 15 26R CONTINUED: 26R Another screen that shows stats of DEPARTING SHUTTLES -- more leaving as we glance at the screen -- but SHUTTLE 34 REMAINS DOCKED -- The NARADA is GROWING in the viewscreen -- he hits the comlink: GEORGE KIRK Captain to shuttle 37 -- is my wife on board? INTERCUT WITH: 26S OMIT 26S 26T INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 26T The PILOT is readying the controls -- SHUTTLE PILOT Yessir, she is-- GEORGE KIRK I need you to go now, d'you hear me? SHUTTLE PILOT We're waiting for you, Sir-- GEORGE KIRK No-- go, take off, immediately. SHUTTLE PILOT ... 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 CONTRACTION hits -- NURSE You'll need to push now-- are you ready? 26U EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - SHUTTLE BAY - CONTINUOUS 26U Clamps holding the shuttle SLAM BACK, the MED-SHUTTLE DROPS HARD, FUSION IMPULSE ENGINES IGNITE and the shuttle MOVES -- 26V OMIT 26V 16 26W INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 26W George hits COMLINK -- a TONE -- then WINONA'S VOICE: WINONA The shuttle's leaving-- where are you? As George EVADES ENEMY FIRE, heading for the massive alien ship: GEORGE KIRK My love? Listen carefully, okay? INTERCUT WITH: 26X INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 26X Winona, holding her communicator -- WINONA -- we're about to have this baby -- GEORGE KIRK Sweetheart... I'm not going to be able to be there. And she just stares -- realizing what's happening -- that he's been made Captain -- that there was an evacuation -- and somehow she just KNOWS. Tears come to her eyes -- WINONA -- no-- no, no-- wait-- GEORGE KIRK 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 BANKS and -- 26Y EXT. U.S.S. KELVIN - CORRIDORS 26Y -- and the shuttle LEAVES the Kelvin bay -- turning to join DOZENS of other shuttles, all heading off in escape -- 17 26Z INT. U.S.S. KELVIN - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 26Z As George PILOTS, DODGING INCOMING -- we INTERCUT WITH: 26ZA INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 26ZA 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 COUNTDOWN IS 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 the worst-- we'll name him after your dad-- let's call him Jim. WINONA ... Jim. Jim it is. Through the VIEWSCREEN -- he's ABOUT TO HIT -- the ship ANGLES within the enormous Narada blades -- George scared now -- 18 26ZA CONTINUED: 26ZA GEORGE KIRK WINONA Sweetheart? Sweetheart? I love you. Can you hear me? -- yes-- yes, I hear you... -- I love you. I love y-- -- his VOICE CUT OFF as -- 27-37 OMIT 27-37 38 EXT. NARADA - CONTINUOUS 38 -- the Kelvin SLAMS INTO THE NARADA -- an EXPLOSION BEGINS and-- 38A INT. MED-EVAC SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 38A 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 40 The shuttle SAILS AWAY with 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 41 MAYHEM: ALARMS and CREW work to stabilize the ship (OVERLAPPING ROMULAN DIALOG TO BE WRITTEN) -- we arrive at Nero, who, with small specks of HUMAN BLOOD on his face, just STARES at the fucking HOLOGRAM OF 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 42 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 43 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: 19 43 CONTINUED: 43 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 45 CLOSE ON a young VULCAN BOY. 11 years old. SPOCK. He's standing in an abstract space -- IMAGES PROJECTED and HOVERING -- questions -- that he's answering as 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. 20 45 CONTINUED: 45 Until only one bowl remains. Spock's. He finishes his last question. Gets it right. PUSH IN ON HIM as the COMPUTER SAYS: COMPUTER VOICE Your score is one-hundred percent. Congratulations. Spock. Off his face, we CUT TO MOMENTS LATER, as Spock collects his things. As he does, three young VULCAN BULLIES walk up behind him. Spock glances at them, then back to his things. YOUNG SPOCK I presume you've prepared new insults for today. VULCAN BULLY #1 Your mother lies with many men. Spock just NODS. Tries to ignore the fact that IT STINGS. YOUNG SPOCK I have no such information. VULCAN BULLY #2 You are neither human, nor Vulcan -- and therefore, have no place in the universe. YOUNG SPOCK (swallowing that too) This is your thirty-fifth attempt to elicit an emotional response from me. Logic dictates you would cease by now. VULCAN BULLY #1 Look. He has human eyes. They look sad, don't they? VULCAN BULLY #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: VULCAN BULLY #2 (CONT'D) He's a traitor, you know. Your father. For marrying her. Spock stares -- we see him fighting the urge, but he's unable -- AND HE CHARGES THE BULLY AND TACKLES HIM INTO THE BOWL! They land inside -- Spock cries, flailing as he punches Bully #2! The other two stand atop the bowl, stunned -- shocked -- unsure what the hell to do -- and we CUT TO: 21 46 INT. LEARNING CENTER - CORRIDOR - LATER 46 TIGHT ON Spock, chastened, sitting glumly on a bench. A massive VULCAN CITY 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: YOUNG SPOCK 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... YOUNG SPOCK ... 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. YOUNG SPOCK ... between you and mother? 2 46 CONTINUED: 46 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 47 BAM -- a door opens: 14 year-old GEORGE KIRK, JR. angrily exits the house, carrying a duffel. His angrier, redneckier UNCLE FRANK following. 11 year-old JIM KIRK nervously pursues them: UNCLE FRANK Go ahead: go-- run away! You know I could give a damn! YOUNG KIRK -- wait-- no! Where are you going? GEORGE JR. Anywhere but here, far as I can get! UNCLE FRANK 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? YOUNG KIRK I-- I just don't want my brother to go. 23 47 CONTINUED: 47 UNCLE FRANK Well I do-- and I asked you to wash the car! 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 -- YOUNG KIRK Please stay-- you can have my Flo-Yo! George hits it away: GEORGE JR. 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 car! You know why you're washing it? Because he's gonna sell it! JIM Don't leave -- okay? We can tell Mom when she gets back from Africa. GEORGE JR. 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 47A 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 SCREECH and we CUT TO: 48-49 OMIT 48-49 24 50 EXT. IOWA FARMHOUSE - DAY - LATER 50 THE CORVETTE BLASTS ONTO SCREEN, FISHTAILING ONTO THE ROAD, young Jim Kirk behind the wheel (NOTE: The SOUND of 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 50A The CORVETTE SPEEDS -- 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 SOMETHING THIS FAST FEELS GOOD. He reaches for a CONVERTIBLE ROOF 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 HOVERCRUISER and TAKES OFF -- SPEEDING AFTER HIM, SIREN BLARING! BACK IN THE CORVETTE -- BLOOPBLOOP!!! -- Jim's eyes dart to the REARVIEW as the cruiser WEAVES behind 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 car! But Jim just BLASTS the RADIO LOUDER: JIM I CAN'T HEAR YOU! 51 EXT. IOWA ROAD - CONTINUOUS 51 George, bag over shoulder, thumb out. He turns at the SOUND of the SIREN -- sees what's approaching... that car... looks... familiar... and the THE CORVETTE SHOOTS PAST HIM, JIM AT THE WHEEL -- then the POLICE HOVERCRUISER! George runs into the middle of the road, mouth agape -- GEORGE JR. -- no... way. Back at the Corvette, Jim YANKS the steering wheel TOWARD THE COP -- who RISES to avoid the Corvette, which SCREECHES onto a perpendicular DIRT ROAD, kicking up wild dust as the Cop ARCS QUICKLY to follow -- 25 51 CONTINUED: 51 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 52 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 53 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] 54 CONSTANT SHOCKS OF LIGHT as an ALIEN PRISONER -- intelligent, bi- pedal, but with FOUR TERRIFIED EYES -- is SLAMMED DOWN onto 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) ... these Federation maps we found in your pockets. 26 54 CONTINUED: 54 And the ALIEN SPEAKS -- an UNKNOWN LANGUAGE -- 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 ... NERO!!! And the Guards look at each other... seemingly with concern... MOMENTS LATER 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. RURA PENTHE - HOLDING BLOCK - NIGHT [FORMER SC. 64B] 54A Guards drag Nero through the massive pyramidal structure... 54B INT. RURA PENTHE - INTERROGATION CELL - NIGHT [FORMER SC. 64C] 54B 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) 27 54B CONTINUED: 54B KLINGON INTERROGATOR (CONT'D) (ENGLISH now) But I assume we both speak the language of our common enemy. (NOTE: FROM NOW ON, OUR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS WILL SPEAK ENGLISH, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.) He reveals a worn LEATHER JOURNAL. Opens it, flips through it almost casually... we see SKETCHES of the JELLYFISH SHIP, PAGES OF COMPLICATED MATH EQUATIONS... KLINGON INTERROGATOR (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 FLUORESCENT MAPS) 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 DRAWING OF 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 deny 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. KLINGON INTERROGATOR (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 SUCKERS and 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 GRABS NERO'S HEAD and FORCES IT BACK; the second PRIES HIS MOUTH OPEN with his hands. 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 SWALLOW IT -- he DOESN'T SCREAM as 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 DOWN on Nero's wide, crazed eyes -- TIGHTER as we SLOWLY DISSOLVE TO SEE WHAT HE'S SEEING -- WHAT'S KEEPING HIM FROM LOSING HIS MIND -- DREAMLIKE, ETHEREAL IMAGES OF A WOMAN -- HER BEAUTIFUL, SMILING FACE -- SHE'S ROMULAN -- LOOKING AT US, EYES FULL OF LOVE -- AND SHE TURNS AND WE SEE SHE'S PREGNANT -- AND AS OUR MUSIC BUILDS, WE CUT TO: 55-56 OMIT 55-56 57 INT. VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY - COUNCIL ANTE-CHAMBER - DAY 57 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 (O.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. 29 57 CONTINUED: 57 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. HOLD on mother and son, worlds apart but forever bonded: 58 INT. VULCAN SCIENCE ACADEMY - COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY 58 An imposing yet BEAUTIFUL INDOOR ATRIUM. Spock stands before the VULCAN HIGH COUNCIL. Among faces on the dais: his FATHER, seated beside the SCIENCE MINISTER and other VULCAN LEADERS. 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. 30 58 CONTINUED: 58 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 did you come before this council today? Was it to satisfy your emotional need to rebel? 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 WARP TRAIL" BAR - IOWA - NIGHT 59 -- PUSH DOWN A HALLWAY -- MUSIC HEARD -- what seems like a PARTY is going on through windows in the double-doors ahead -- and a WOMAN SWOOPS INTO 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: 31 59 CONTINUED: 59 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? 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 only. UHURA You think you're smart. KIRK Oh, baby, I'm the smartest. Something sad in that. A BURLY STARFLEET CADET appears. BURLY CADET 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: BURLY CADET Hey. You mind your manners. 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 PUMMEL HIM - - 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. 34 60 OMIT 60 61 INT. "WARP TRAIL BAR" - NIGHT 61 HIGH WIDE OVERHEAD SHOT 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. 35 61 CONTINUED: 61 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 62 CORN STALKS whipping by -- Kirk on his SPOKELESS MOTORCYCLE rocketing across the plains -- his soul's been stirred and he's fighting it -- he cranks it, ELECTRIC ENGINE SCREAMING -- 36 63 EXT. STARFLEET CONSTRUCTION YARD - SUNRISE 63 Kirk pulls up to us, kills the bike. Camera starts to MOVE AROUND HIM -- he's dramatically BACKLIT and we COME AROUND for an INCREDIBLE REVEAL of 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 64 The shipyard is abuzz with activity -- cadets loading into a shuttle -- and Pike, staring off, waiting. The PILOT approaches: SHUTTLE PILOT 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 WATERFALL of cooling tanks -- stops the bike near the shuttle -- steps off, has nothing -- no bags -- just the clothes on his back. SHIPYARD WORKER 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 UHURA and the BARFIGHT CADETS, who PERK UP when they see him -- one has a BANDAGED HAND. 37 64 CONTINUED: 64 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 MAN being forced OUT of the BATHROOM by a FEMALE FLIGHT 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 MAKE you 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 TORQUES to 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. 38 64 CONTINUED: (2) 64 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-E OMIT 64A-E 64F INT. NERO'S CELL - NIGHT 64F 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 DOWN IN 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 64G 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: 39 64H EXT. STARFLEET ACADEMY GROUNDS - DAY [FORMER SC. 82] 64H TILT DOWN from a GLIMMERING BUILDING TO REVEAL a sea of RED CADET UNIFORMS: HUNDREDS OF 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. 40 64H CONTINUED: 64H 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". 65-78 OMIT 65-78 79 INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT 79 In MOONLIGHT, a beautiful WOMAN lies 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 INTERRUPTED by a DOOR OPENING -- GASP! 41 79 CONTINUED: 79 GAILA (CONT'D) (sotto) You can't get caught in this dorm-- hide! Under the bed, quick! Kirk falls, lands hard on the floor, SCRAMBLES under 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 simulations all 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 -- 42 79 CONTINUED: (2) 79 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 DOOR ON HIM and we CUT TO: 80 EXT. SPACE - NIGHT 80 The Narada APPEARS through space -- 81 INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - DAY 81 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 scans of Beta Quadrant complete. Romulus is 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. 43 81 CONTINUED: 81 Ayel hides his disappointment behind his eyes as suddenly -- A 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 [FORMER SC. 65] 81A 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 COMMAND CHAIR, 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 CONTROL BOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 66] 81B 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: 44 81B CONTINUED: 81B 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 [FORMER SC. 67] 81C 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. 45 81D INT. TESTING CONTROL BOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 70] 81D 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] 81E 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. 46 81E CONTINUED: 81E 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 CONTROL BOOTH - CONTINUOUS [FORMER SC. 72] 81F 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? REVEAL who he was talking to: SPOCK is here. And not happy. SPOCK ... I do not know. 82 OMIT 82 83 INT. ACADEMY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - DAY 83 TIGHT ON a stern STARFLEET ACADEMY PRESIDENT: 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. ACADEMY PRESIDENT (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 my accuser directly. 47 83 CONTINUED: 83 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 OTHER PODIUM. 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. ACADEMY PRESIDENT 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 -- 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 DADDY card. 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. 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 Spork? 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 -- 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, MOVING QUICKLY, 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 84 DOLLY THROUGH HUNDREDS OF CADETS, racing to their shuttles -- BARRACKS LEADERS stand on platforms, calling out SHIP ASSIGNMENTS -- cadets HURRYING OFF as they're called -- MALE BARRACKS LEADER FEMALE BARRACKS OFFICER 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.. 50 84 CONTINUED: 84 BARRACKS LEADER (checks his tablet) You're on academic probation. That means you're grounded until the Academy Board rules. Kirk is POLEAXED as 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 Come with me -- -- what're you doing --? TRACK with them as they hurry through the throng of cadets -- and suddenly we're moving in the OTHER DIRECTION 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 SHUTTLE LEAVES BEHIND THEM -- it gets WINDY -- SPOCK An exceptional achievement, to be su-- 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. Quiet. 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 HANGAR MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS 85 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 -- 52 85 CONTINUED: 85 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 86 McCoy ushers Kirk to a shuttle -- a SCANNING OFFICER stops them: SCANNING OFFICER "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? SCANNING OFFICER ... as you were. MCCOY As you were. And with that, he pulls Kirk past the speechless officer -- 86A EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - DAY 86A A fleet of SHUTTLES depart Starfleet -- head out to space -- 87 INT. SHUTTLE - DAY 87 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. 53 87 CONTINUED: 87 MCCOY You should look at this. And through his pain, Kirk does... and is amazed... 88 INT. STARBASE ONE - SPACE DOCK - CONTINUOUS 88 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 REVEALED ON 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 89 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 90 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. 54 90 CONTINUED: 90 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] 90A The Enterprise moves away from the dock -- smaller SATELLITE crafts floating around it. The other FIVE STARFLEET SHIPS already ahead -- moving into position. 91 INT. MEDICAL BAY - CONTINUOUS 91 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 SHOOTS KIRK with another hypospray -- 92 OMIT 92 93 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 93 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 94 The six ships -- ONE, then TWO, then THREE, then FOUR, then FIVE SNAP INTO WARP. The Enterprise, however... just sits there. 55 95 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 95 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 95A And now alone, the Enterprise SNAPS INTO WARP -- and is gone. 56 95B INT./EXT. AMANDA AND SAREK'S HOME - VULCAN - DAY [FRMR SC. 99] 95B 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 COLUMN OF 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 95C Looking DOWN towards 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 95D Nero stares at holographic images of Vulcan -- as Ayel arrives behind him. ROMULAN CREW 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 [FORMERLY SC. 101] 95E Ayel enters the massive hangar -- where SPOCK'S JELLYFISH SHIP SITS. Ayel moves to, enters the Jellyfish -- 95F INT. JELLY FISH - LATER 95F Ayel moves into the CONTAINMENT HOLD -- a METALLIC ROOM containing a large, floating RED BALL -- some kind of energy source. Ayel observes TWO ROMULANS EXTRACTING some of this Red Matter, sucking it into a tube -- 95G INT. NARADA - HANGAR - LATER 95G Workers place the tube of Red Matter into a SPACE POD. 96 INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 96 The journey's underway. The bridge crew monitors systems: SULU Engines at Maximum Warp, Captain. 57 96 CONTINUED: 96 PIKE Russian whiz kid-- what's your name again? Chanko? Cherpov? An 18 YEAR-OLD FACE leans into frame. HEAVY RUSSIAN ACCENT: CHEKOV Ensign Chekov, Pavel H., Sir. PIKE Fine, Chekov, Pavel H.: begin shipwide mission broadcast. CHEKOV Yessir, happy to. (into console) Ensign authorization code: Nine-Five- Wictor Wictor-Two-- "AUTHORIZATION NOT RECOGNIZED, PLEASE TRY AGAIN." Chekov is a genius, a graduate of the academy at seventeen -- he sighs: CHEKOV (CONT'D) Aigh, thees is the 23rd Century -- what good is woice recognition that doesn't recognize your woice? (again) Nine-Five-Victor-Victor-Two. "ACCESS GRANTED: INTRA-SHIP COMMUNICATION ACTIVE." CHEKOV ON SCREEN Your attention, plees: At twenty-two hundred hours, telemetry detected an anomaly in the Neutral Zone. What appeared to be a lightning storm in space. 97 INT. THE ENTERPRISE - SERIES OF SHOTS - CONTINUOUS 97 CHEKOV'S FACE appears on monitors throughout the great ship, including ENGINEERING: CRANE DOWN 12 stories of catwalks as engineers tend to the DILITHIUM CRYSTAL CHAMBER that operates the warp drive -- CHEKOV ON SCREEN Soon after, Starfleet received a distress signal from the Vulcan High Council that their planet was experiencing seismic activity. We then lost contact with Vulcan entirely. WEAPONS BAY: TRACKING DOWN rows of PHOTON TORPEDOES stacked for war -- WEAPONS OFFICERS arming the cannons. 58 97 CONTINUED: 97 VARIOUS SHOTS of the Crew at work in DIFFERENT SHIP LOCALS. CHEKOV ON SCREEN (CONT'D) Our mission is to assess the condition of Vulcan and assist in evacuations, if necessary. MEDICAL BAY: as the med staff sets up a triage area -- CHEKOV ON SCREEN (CONT'D) We should be arriving 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 HANDS HAVE SWOLLEN TO ALMOST TWO TIMES THEIR NORMAL SIZE. 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 REWINDS CHEKOV'S SPEECH -- replays this part as McCoy SCANS KIRK WITH A HANDHELD DIAGNOSER -- CHEKOV ON 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? 58A 97 CONTINUED: (2) 97 MCCOY You need an antidote, Jim, or you're gonna die. 59 97A INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR 97A 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 -- COMPUTER VOICE 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. 98 Kirk and McCoy enter -- Kirk stops, looks around -- MCCOY Come here -- Jim -- don't move -- And McCoy INJECTS HIM WITH ANOTHER SHOT -- KIRK -- ow! Stop it! And Kirk runs into a ENORMOUS SPACE -- giant STEEL COLLECTOR TANKS surround a dozen workstations where CREW MEMBERS collect data -- Kirk races to Uhura -- KIRK (CONT'D) The transmission from the Klingon prison planet -- what exactly did you hear? UHURA What are you doing here-- what happened to your hands?! 60 98 CONTINUED: 98 Kirk hides his hands behind his back -- as he talks it becomes MUFFLED AND 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] 98A EPIC WIDE SHOT: Amanda's a spec against the MASSIVE, EAR- SPLITTING PLASMA TWISTER. The image is almost religious. POP CLOSER to her face -- mesmerized, terrified -- suddenly: a HOVERSPEEDER RACES 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 -- 99-101 MIT O 99-101 102 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 102 Bridge doors WHOOSH OPEN as Kirk RUNS IN, followed by Uhura and a harried McCoy -- KIRK Captain Pike-- Sir, we have to stop ship! 61 102 CONTINUED: 102 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 CREW as 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 we saw today also occurred on the day of my birth, before a Romulan ship attacked the U.S.S. Kelvin. (to Pike) You know that, I read your dissertation. Which was good. (MORE) 62 102 CONTINUED: (2) 102 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. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER 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. 63 102 CONTINUED: (3) 102 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 MONUMENTAL SHIP -- meanwhile, inside: 103-6 OMIT 103-6 107 INT. THE NARADA - CONTINUOUS 107 A PROXIMITY ALARM rings out -- ROMULAN FIRST OFFICER Sir, another Federation ship! 64 107 CONTINUED: 107 NERO Destroy it, too. 108 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 108 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 109 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 110 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 111 SULU Shields at thirty-two percent! Their weapons are powerful, Sir, we can't take another hit like that! PIKE Get me Starfleet Command! (CONT'D) 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! 64A 111 CONTINUED: 111 PIKE All power to forward shields -- prepare to fire all weapons! 65 111A INT. ENTERPRISE - WEAPONS BAY - CONTINUOUS 111A Photons LOADED fast by CREW MEMBERS and -- 112 OMIT 112 113 EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS 113 The Enterprise SWOOPS AROUND, firing photons at the Narada which takes the hits in stride -- 114 INT. NARADA - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 114 The bridge in action -- ROMULAN TACTICAL OFFICER Fire torpedoes, take them out--! And just before our heroes are blown into oblivion, Nero suddenly LURCHES FORWARD and 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 115 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? 66 115 CONTINUED: 115 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 ... 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! 67 115 CONTINUED: (2) 115 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 WHOOSH open -- they EXIT. 116 OMIT 116 117 INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDORS - CONTINUOUS 117 WE TRACK FAST 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 HOLY FUCKING 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) 68 117 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. BRAVERY washes 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 VULCANA REGAR - CONTINUOUS 118 Sarek's hovercraft speeds along the desert floor, arriving at a massive CAVE OPENING -- he and Amanda hurry off the craft -- into the cave -- 68A 118A INT. U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONT. [FORMERLY SC. 116] 118A Bridge doors WHOOSH open -- 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 118B CHAOS, UTTER AND COMPLETE. WOUNDED MEN AND WOMEN, it's bad, bloody -- a HAND hits 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. 69 119 INT. ENTERPRISE - SHUTTLE BAY - CONTINUOUS 119 QUICK CUTS: Kirk, Sulu, and the ship's LEAD ENGINEER OLSON are suiting up for the drop, strapping on sleek AIRDROP ARMOR. WEB BELTS. CHUTE PACKS. HARNESSES. HELMETS. COM-SETS. 119A INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 119A 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 ass! No joke. BRING IT ON! Kirk nods at him -- subtext: "What a fucking sack." 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 119B We see the shuttle LEAVE THE DOCK -- 120 EXT. IN ORBIT ABOVE VULCAN - CONTINUOUS 120 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 TOWARD THE 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 -- 70 121 INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 121 A KLAXON SOUNDS, 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 SLAMMED HARD INTO THE ROOF OF THE CARGO HOLD AS GRAVITY DIES. PIKE (CONT'D) Good luck. Pike hits another control -- as the shuttle BOMB BAY DOORS OPEN - - and KIRK, SULU, AND RED SHIRT ARE INSTANTLY PULLED OUT, INTO: 122 EXT. ABOVE VULCAN - CONTINUOUS 122 THE THREE MEN IN VIOLENT FREEFALL TOWARD THE PLANET -- IN WILD SPIN -- THE SENSE OF SPEED'S BEYOND EXHILARATING -- ROCKETING THROUGH THE VOID AT 150 MPH AS THEY BREAK THROUGH THE PLANET'S ATMOSPHERE -- SHAKING VIOLENTLY AT TERMINAL VELOCITY -- 123 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 123 The falling trio TRACKED ON SCREEN, everyone watches, agape: CHEKOV Away team's entering the atmosphere -- SPOCK and UHURA meet eyes -- this is fucking insane -- and a MAN'S ENTHUSIASTIC YELLING takes us to: 124 EXT. VULCAN'S ATMOSPHERE -- CONTINUOUS 124 OLSON WHOOOAAAHYYYEAAAAH! ONE BY ONE THEY STABILIZE -- FALLING FACE DOWN -- STRAIGHT PAST THE CABLE TENTACLES TETHERING THE DRILL TO THE NARADA WHICH GIVE US A SENSE OF INCREDIBLE RELATIVE SPEED AND SCALE -- THESE MASSIVE CABLES AT DIZZYING SPEED -- THEY ANGLE THEIR HANDS AND FEET FOR CONTROL, GUIDING THEMSELVES TOWARD THE PLASMA DRILL -- SULU PULLS HIS CHUTE FIRST, THEN KIRK -- their chutes SNAP OPEN -- JERKING THEM HARD UPWARD AS THE RED SHIRT BLOWS PAST KIRK AND SULU -- 71 124 CONTINUED: 124 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, BOUNCING OFF HARD STEEL AND RIGHT INTO ITS CENTER WHERE THE SWIRLING VORTEX SPINS -- HE'S INSTANTLY EVISCERATED IN THE PLASMA LIGHT! 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 REUSABLE PARACHUTE. BUT SULU ISN'T SO LUCKY: 20 yards from the drill surface his chute gets SNARED IN THE CABLES, JERKING him upside down -- the WIND is so intense Sulu is BLOWN SIDEWAYS -- 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 COMING FOR 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 PRECARIOUSLY ON THE EDGE OF THE SWIRLING PLASMA DRILL, WIND ROARING -- and suddenly there's ANOTHER ROMULAN from an OPEN HATCH! SULU SLIDES DOWN THE 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 ANTENNA PIECE 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 SHOOTS the 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 72 126 INT. NARADA - HANGAR 126 Pike's SHUTTLE DOOR OPENS. 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 PUNCH to 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 DRAGGED AWAY as -- 127 INT. PLASMA DRILL CYLINDER - CONTINUOUS 127 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 128 The immense column of light DISAPPEARS, leaving only a towering, swirling vortex of DIRT -- 129 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 129 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 -- 73 129 CONTINUED: 129 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 130 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 131 The POD we saw earlier is FIRED from the ship -- it WHIPS past. 132 EXT. PLASMA DRILL CYLINDER - CONTINUOUS 132 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 LOUDER AS IT FALLS TOWARD THEM... THEY LOOK UP JUST IN TIME TO SEE: THE RED MATTER POD RIP RIGHT PAST THEM -- SNAP-TILT DOWN WITH IT AS IT PLUMMETS TOWARD 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 SHOCKWAVE BLASTS UPWARD, ALL THE WAY UP TO THE DRILL AT 10,000 FEET -- KIRK AND SULU FEEL IT -- LOSE THEIR BALANCE, FIGHT FOR PURCHASE AS: KIRK Kirk to Enterprise -- they just launched something toward the planet! 133 EXT. VULCAN SURFACE - CONTINUOUS 133 SCENES OF DESTRUCTION ACROSS THE PLANET AS IT STARTS TO COME APART: HUGE FISSURES FORM IN THE DESERT TERRAIN -- CRACKS SPREAD -- MOUNTAINS CRUMBLE -- PLATES SHIFTING, LAVA SPEWING SKYWARD -- THE HEAT AND CONCUSSIVE BLAST SHAKE THE CAMERA TO A BLUR -- 134 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS 134 WARNING ALARMS SCREAM: 74 134 CONT