MENAGERIE
THE TRIAL OF SPOCK
AN OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Music by Ben Leeds Carson
Libretto by Lincoln Taiz, Lee Taiz, & Ben Leeds Carson
Based on Star Trek teleplays “Menagerie” Parts 1 & 2 (1966), and “The Cage” (1965) by Gene Roddenberry.
The story: Lieutenant Spock, a half-human, half-Vulcan Federation Starfleet officer, deceives his captain and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, leading them to a remote starbase where an accident has left his former commanding officer Christopher Pike gravely injured. When they arrive, Spock conspires to abduct Pike and commit mutiny, setting a course for a forbidden region of the galaxy. His prisoner, a former captain of the Enterprise, is paralyzed and unable to communicate, but fully conscious, and aware of his surroundings. Though he cannot resist, brain imaging technology reveals Pike’s deep anxiety at what lies ahead: mixtures of loathing, desire, hope, and fear—the workings of an active mind, contrasted with his still body.
Commander Tor, a Vulcan officer at the starbase, is distraught over Pike’s disappearance, and suspects Spock of treasonous intentions. She joins James Kirk—Spock’s current captain, and a flame from her past—to chase the Enterprise in a smaller craft. When other Enterprise officers learn of the mutiny, Spock submits himself for arrest, and allows Kirk and Tor aboard, but he will not release the ship from its locked guidance system. While they speed toward an uncertain fate, Spock insists on an immediate trial for crimes of mutiny and high treason, and refuses to speak until his trial aboard the Enterprise has begun.
In his own defense, Spock tells of Pike’s attempts, long ago, to rescue a band of humans lost on Talos IV, a planet in the forbidden region that lies ahead. The planet’s inhabitants are longtime enemies of the Federation, able to produce powerful illusions drawn from an adversary’s own psyche. Spock supports his story with a strange and dubious holographic record of Pike as a younger man on the planet, lured into conflict against his own inner drives, nightmares, and delusions. At the core of Pike’s struggle is Vina: a woman who might be a concoction of his dreams, or a figment of blurred memories—a Eurydice to his Orpheus, awaiting rescue from this surreal underworld. Or maybe she is real—a woman whose initiative and determination, obscured at first by Pike’s fantasies, could restore Pike to a virtual body and renewed life.
As Spock’s testimony intensifies, he entangles his jury in mixtures of past and present, fiction and truth, frustration and hope. Captain Pike experiences his own past anew, while Kirk and Tor, aware of the peril that awaits them aboard a vessel they can’t control, struggle to make sense of their slowly unfolding fate.
***
Composer’s note: Our story differs a little from the 1966 double-episode “Menagerie”. Most significantly: to create prominent soprano, mezzo, and alto roles, the role of Vina is made more central to the plot, and two male characters are remade as women: Dr. Boyce and Commodore Mendez (now Zuna Tor). In the television episode, Captain Pike expressed himself only through lights indicating yes or no; in our version he communicates emotions along a gamut from affirmation to negation, attraction to repulsion, through his visible neural activity—foregrounding the original episode’s overarching message about the mental union of virtual and actual life. Behind those developments, however, we maintain one of Star Trek’s most compelling emotional landscapes: that of Spock’s evolving sense of self and purpose in his mostly human surroundings.Act I, Scene 1 — “We stand before an abyss…”
[ STARBASE M-11 ]
The stage is dark; an unfamiliar planet’s sparse, pre-dawn landscape might be visible in dim outlines. First officer Lieutenant Spock appears in dress uniform, isolated from whatever landscape is visible.
SPOCK
[speaking]
Space.
All before me is void.
[singing]
My past…let go
My future…forgotten
An unknown star rises, like a sun, very slowly revealing scattered signs of civilized life, including a transporter docking area, on the desert-like surface of M-11, a planet on the edge of Federation space.
All I have now is conscience
The law of my forebears…
As clear…or as remote…as fate
Or the passing of time
Enter M-11’s Vulcan Commodore Zuna Tor, in work clothes or fatigues, possibly prepared for an emergency, with a few of her Staff. They approach the docking circle, check readings on devices, and glance at the sky. A distant, thin vapor trail appears—an unknown craft approaching from space.
Yet he who holds me in the greatest trust,
I must deceive.
The craft—now clearly the U.S.S. Enterprise—arrives high above. A moment later Tor and her entourage watch as Captain James T. Kirk, ship’s doctor Leonard McCoy, and two or three Enterprise crew are beamed down to the docking circle. At first they do not see Tor. McCoy staggers a little, disoriented; Kirk surveys the scene.
TOR
Captain Kirk! To what do we owe the honor?
Kirk and McCoy turn toward Commander Tor.
KIRK
[gazing at Tor, transfixed]
Zuna…is that you?!
Tor is a commanding, heroic presence. Brightening starlight, and possibly a faint breeze, play on her hair. Kirk is caught off guard.
SPOCK
[to himself]
My world, my place in life, the trust of my crew. The Federation… Eleven years…
[interspersed with following lines]
…four months, five days.
TOR
[to Kirk]
Traffic control informed us of your…unscheduled visit.
MCCOY
[arching an eyebrow, to Kirk]
I’m guessing you two know each other.
KIRK
[stirred from his daze]
Ah, yes—allow me to introduce our ship’s doctor, Leonard McCoy. I think you are acquainted with my First Officer Spock.
[to Zuna again]
Zuna, I—
TOR
Come, come, Captain! Let us observe protocol. Please state your mission.
KIRK
My apologies, Commodore. We received a subspace message from Captain Christopher Pike, asking us to divert here.
Enter Vina, a mysterious, unnaturally beautiful woman—appearing to communicate with Spock as though from a remote part of the galaxy.
SPOCK
My very self, loyal to just one cause. Until now, Vina.
VINA
[from Calzabigi’s ‘Orfeo ed Euridice’]
I…call, I…call. I…call for my love.
SPOCK
And now we stand before an abyss. A single step, and all is changed.
VINA
[from Calzabigi’s ‘Orfeo ed Euridice’]
If the sun gilds the day I call him. If it sinks to the waves, I call him.
—Is this madness?
A brook, taking pity on my plea, answers me.
SPOCK
Is this madness?
TOR
[to Kirk]
I understand your report, Captain. I’m only stating that it isn’t possible.
KIRK
But a message was sent…urgently requesting us to come.
TOR
Jim—I’m afraid that simply isn’t true.
SPOCK
Or an excess of clarity?
VINA
[from Calzabigi’s ‘Orfeo ed Euridice’]
I grieve in vain.
The idol of my heart does not reply.
Lights on Spock and Vina fade slowly.
SPOCK
Enough of thought. No more questions.
The landscape of M-11 is revealed in the morning light.
VINA
And so…into the abyss.
SPOCK
Into the abyss.
Spock beams to the docking circle, his introduction to Tor is solemn, and unheard. Tor begins to walk, as though leading Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Enterprise Crew, and M-11 Staff indoors. Lights and set shift to reveal the interior of Starbase M-11’s Hospital.
Act I, Scene 2 — Tor: “I just wanted to prepare you…”
[M-11 HOSPITAL]
TOR
I’m not doubting anyone’s word, Captain, but…you haven’t heard?
[after a brief pause]
Apparently not. I’m….I’m sorry to be the one to tell you… Have you ever met Captain Pike?
KIRK
Of course. He was my predecessor on the Enterprise. Spock served under him for many years.
SPOCK
Eleven years, four months, five days, Captain.
Tor arches an eyebrow at Spock, and he arches an eyebrow in return.
TOR
[Beginning to lead the others toward Pike’s quarters]
Captain Pike was, as you know, a strong, athletic man—vital, dynamic…
McCOY
[speaking]
What happened to him, Commodore?
TOR
It was on a routine inspection of an old Class J Starship—a vessel used for training. One of the main reactors’ baffle plates gave way, and in the explosion dozens of cadets were killed. Some escaped in shuttles, but others were trapped inside the burning wreckage.
McCOY
[aghast]
You mean he—
TOR
Captain Pike went in again and again,
braving the flames and noxious fumes,
bringing out any who were still alive.
But his exposure, repeatedly, to Delta rays…
[gently]
I just wanted to prepare you,
before you see him…
Act I, Scene 3 — Spock: “You know why I’ve come.”
[ PIKE’S QUARTERS ]
Lights and set shift to reveal Pike’s quarters. Pike’s body is immobile and, in some way supported with advanced life-support systems. Tor adjusts controls on an interface and shifts our attention to a large nearby screen. Contrasting with the sad environment around his body, a radiant window emerges, showing imagery and other readings of Pike’s brain activity. It pulses rhythmically, with subtlety and complexity. Vina’s voice is unheard by Tor and the others, but her words seem to influence Pike’s restless thoughts.
VINA
[from Calzabigi’s Orfeo ed Euridice]
I weep for you, I beg for you,
I try to conjure you in my dreams.
The wind scatters my tears into space.
TOR
Captain Pike, you know Spock well. Your successor on the Enterprise, Captain Kirk, is with him. They’ve come to—
Pike’s pulses intensify.
TOR
[to Kirk, Spock, and McCoy]
He’s saying “no” in the strongest possible terms. “Yes” would show up here.
[pointing to another area of the screen]
MCCOY
[searching the screen with the others]
The whole shell of his body has been ravaged, Jim, but it seems his brain and his nervous system are active.
[to Pike]
I’m sorry, Captain. I thought you might make an exception—
KIRK
[to Spock]
This is very odd, Spock—
TOR
We see affirmation and negation—yes and no—so clearly…of course his thoughts go further—they must…but he hides them…or suppresses them.
McCOY
Which only stands to reason. Think of it: his only means of speech—can you imagine?— all his expression…a window right into him?
SPOCK
[addressing Pike]
May I speak with you alone, Captain?
The region of Pike’s brain indicating “no” fades; the “yes” region lights up dimly, and then fades.
SPOCK
Commodore, request permission to speak privately with Captain Pike.
TOR
[pausing to look at Pike’s screen, a little bewildered]
Very well, I’m sure the two of you have a lot to share. Dr. Sina, would you brief Dr. McCoy?…
Ibn-Sina is gazing at Kirk—maybe swooning. She doesn’t hear.
[clearing her throat.]
…on the Captain’s medical records?
IBN-SINA
[at first still not hearing, then snapping to awareness.]
Certainly, Commodore.
TOR
Captain Kirk, if I could have a word with you—
Kirk nods. Exit Ibn-Sina, McCoy,Tor. Kirk moves toward the exit, pausing to glance back at Spock. Spock remains silent until Kirk exits.
SPOCK
Chris, you know why I’ve come.
At intervals, Spock pauses to watch Pike’s brain image, which gradually intensifies, with a mood of distraught resistance.
It’s only two days’ journey at maximum warp—my plan is set.
I have never disobeyed you before, but this time, I must.
The time for this journey is now.
Pike’s protests begins to fade.
I will return shortly. And when I do, there will be no turning back.
Doors close behind Spock as lights dim.
Act I, Scene 4: A false entry
[ TOR’S OFFICE — likely downstage, as most dialogue in Scene 4 occurs here, but off-center (anticipating set-change needs in Scene 5) ]
Tor is seated in her office behind a desk, Kirk is in a chair facing her.
[ Optional (likely second-tier upstage): HOSPITAL ]
Optionally, two or more open hallways might appear, in the manner of a second-story interior overlooking a hospital foyer on M-11. This would display busy Hospital Workers performing routine medical and administrative tasks. Among the visible rooms would be Pike’s Quarters. Another would be a hallway with signs indicating passage to an unseen Transporter Room. In actions marked HOSPITAL below, Spock’s efforts to abduct Pike and transport him to the enterprise would be pantomimed.
KIRK
Zuna—Commodore—Spock received a message from Starbase M-11, urging us to come here. Entered the same in his log. That’s all the proof I need.
TOR
And what do these records show?
[pointing to a display near him]
No message sent from here. Nothing received.
KIRK
Records can be changed. I have complete confidence in my First Officer.
TOR
Spock is also loyal to his former Commander.
KIRK
You of all people should know that loyalty for a Vulcan is as natural as breathing! That goes for his present Commander as well as his past.
TOR
He is, of course, half-human.
KIRK
Which automatically makes him more duplicitous?
TOR
Your words, Captain.
KIRK
Zuna, I—
Kirk is interrupted by signal on the intercom. Tor speaks into her communicator.
TOR
Yes…Yes, it’s urgent. Expedite the request.
[to Kirk]
Excuse me, Captain.
[ Optional: HOSPITAL ] Spock induces temporary paralysis in a Hospital Worker and then enters a nearby room undetected. As Tor exits her office, McCoy enters.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
McCOY
[to Kirk]
Have you found out anything, Jim?
[ Optional: HOSPITAL ] Spock issues (unheard) orders to unsuspecting staff members, who at first act confused, and then reluctantly consent.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
KIRK
Nothing makes sense, Bones. How could Pike send a message in his condition?
McCOY
I tried to question him— He’s agitated himself into a near coma. He keeps saying “no, no, no!”…“No” to what?
KIRK
How long will he live, Bones?
McCOY
As long as we will. Blast medicine, anyway! That man can think whatever we can—hope, love, dream like we can. But his body is gone.
[ Optional: HOSPITAL ] Staff enter to find Pike’s quarters are empty.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
KIRK
Bones…could this have anything to do with Spock?
[ Optional: HOSPITAL ] Hospital Workers investigating the empty room hail their superiors.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
VOICE ON INTERCOM
[speaking]
Dr. McCoy, please report to the Transporter area, You’re needed aboard the Enterprise in sick bay.
McCOY
What is it?
VOICE ON INTERCOM
Sorry, Doctor, at the moment that’s all we have.
McCOY
[pausing before exiting…remembering the prior conversation.]
Kirk, forgetting how well we both know Spock, the fact that he’s Vulcan means he’s incapable of this kind of—
KIRK
But he’s half-human…
McCOY
And that half is totally submerged! To be caught…it would humiliate him. Jim, what’s come over you? Spock would never make a false entry in the log—
Enter Tor, unseen by Kirk.
KIRK
There’s a false entry in the log right now!
Tor arches an eyebrow; Kirk is embarrassed, having now appeared to take her side in the previous argument.
[ Optional: HOSPITAL ] Hospital Workers stiffen as Dr. Ibn-Sina enters Pike’s Quarters. After a moment taking it in, Pike’s Quarters go dark. Transporter Staff emerge from the Transporter Room, disturbed and agitated.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
VOICE ON INTERCOM
Doctor McCoy, can you confirm? The issue is marked “urgent.”
McCOY
I’m on my way.
[to Kirk, but glancing at Tor, aware of their tension]
Probably a hangnail! I’ll beam up—
[thumbs toward the sky, and rolling his eyes]
and let you know.
Exit McCoy.
KIRK
Commodore Tor, I grant you the situation is bizarre, but my instincts tell me that if—
TOR
Your instincts are not enough, Captain.
KIRK
I suppose with you, they never will be—
TOR
[darting a warning glance, but continuing coolly]
What I mean, Captain, is that your faith in Spock is one-sided.
KIRK
[defiantly]
That’s a chance I’m willing to take!
Tor is unmoved.
[moving toward her]
Zuna, I—
TOR
Captain please. Let’s confine ourselves to facts.
Act I, Scene 5: Mutiny
[ Optional: M-11 TRANSPORTER ROOM — pantomime, OR via cutaway on an upper stage level, OR via proxy imagery. ]
Enter Spock, and a Crew Member, pushing Pike, into position to be transported.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
Ensign 1 enters as Kirk and Tor continue; the gravity of their conversation increases.
TOR
You must accept from evidence before you that it isn’t physiologically possible for Captain Pike to have delivered a message, or even to have instructed another to do so.
ENSIGN 1
[entering with salute]
Commodore, the documents you requested.
[ Optional: M-11 TRANSPORTER ROOM —> ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM — optionally, lights dim on the M-11 room, then rise again to the same set structure, altered cosmetically to appear as the Enterprise’s Transporter room.]
Staff operate controls to beam Spock and Pike out of M-11, to the Enterprise. Spock exits with Pike (or lights fade).
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
TOR
Thank you. [To Kirk] Jim, I had these brought in by hand for your benefit. A long standing tradition forbids digital distribution.
TOR
Ensign, did my authorization pass?
ENSIGN 1
Aye aye commodore. Kirk is cleared to read them.
[ BRIDGE — if the optional upstage, second-tier HOSPITAL is present, the BRIDGE would likely be a transformation of that set structure. Otherwise, it could occupy any large portion of the stage darkened during previous dialogue in TOR’S OFFICE, which must remain intact downstage right or left. ]
The Bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Spock is standing, self-possessed and confident, by the captain’s seat, his back to audience. A monitor display of Pike’s brain image indicates his presence on board. Sulu, Uhura, and other crew members are at their stations, but they are idle, as the ship is running itself. A large screen indicates the ship’s movement through the galaxy at increasing speed.
SULU
We’re out of orbit, Mr. Spock. It seems strange with nothing to do.
SPOCK
The Enterprise knows where it’s going, Mr. Sulu.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
She hands the document to Kirk. Tor nods to dismiss Ensign 1, who salutes and exits. Kirk opens the folio.
TOR
Do you know anything about this planet?
KIRK
Only what every ship’s captain knows under General Order Four: “No vessel, under any circumstances is to visit Talos IV-”
TOR
And to do so is to commit high treason, punishable by the only death penalty left on the books. Only Starfleet Command knows why. That file names the only Earthship that’s ever been to the Talosian system.
KIRK
[opening the report, then in shock]
The Enterprise!
[ BRIDGE ]
SULU
What’s wrong with the Captain? He seemed fine when he beamed down.
SPOCK
Exhaustion, Mr. Sulu. Starfleet Command thought it best he stop and rest for awhile.
[ TOR’S OFFICE ]
KIRK
[turning the pages]
Commanded by Captain Christopher Pike…
TOR
With a science officer named Spock.
Enter Dr. Ibn-Sina, running.
IBN-SINA
Captain Pike. He’s gone!
Tor is paged on the intercom. Lights and other indicators put M-11 on high alert.
TOR
[into the intercom]
Tor here!
VOICE ON INTERCOM
Commodore, the Enterprise—it’s out of orbit! It refuses to acknowledge our signal!
TOR
Prepare a shuttle!
Exit Tor and Kirk, resolutely.
[ BRIDGE — now fully lit and occupying full stage, possibly as minor features indicating Tor’s office are removed. ]
SULU
With all due respect, Lieutenant, may I inquire about our mission…?
SPOCK
I regret Starfleet Command elected to keep certain things from you Lieutenant Sulu. That’s all I can say.
UHURA
[to Spock, while reaching toward controls]
We’re being hailed on a secure channel, sir—
SPOCK
Maintain radio silence, Lieutenant.
Uhura interrupts her work to look quizzically at Spock. Enter McCoy, with a sense of urgency.
McCOY
What in blazes is going on here, Spock? This medical call from the ship. I’ve checked everywhere and—
SPOCK
—and no one on the Enterprise made such a call.
McCOY
[gesturing toward Pike]
Is—is that Captain Pike!? Your explanation had better be–
SPOCK
I’m sorry about the deception, Doctor. Starfleet Command thought it necessary.
UHURA
Sir, scanners detect an object following us, about the size of a shuttlecraft. But at this speed they could never catch us.
SPOCK
Security, send a team to the bridge. Computer! Identify the object.
COMPUTER
[speaking]
Object is a Class F Shuttlecraft. Duranium metal shell; ion engine power.
SPOCK
Computer! Activate tractor beam and lock onto the shuttlecraft.
COMPUTER
[speaking]
Locked on.
SPOCK
Execute program “Able Seven Baker.”
McCOY
I’ve been trying to think who might be after us in a shuttlecraft. But I can’t be right…can I, Mr. Spock?
Enter Security Guards.
SULU
Sir, the Enterprise has just come to a dead halt.
McCOY
Spock…what have you done?
SPOCK
[into microphone]
Stand by to bring Captain Kirk and Commodore Tor aboard.
[to Dr. McCoy]
You are the senior officer present, Doctor. I submit myself to you for immediate arrest.
MCCOY
You…what?
SPOCK
The charge is mutiny. I received no orders to take command.
MCCOY
Spock! Are you out of your mind?
Enter Kirk and Tor.
KIRK
Sulu, prepare for new course instructions. Spock, I need an explanation.
TOR
Guards! To the Bridge!
SULU
I can’t comply, Captain. My control is disabled. We are now preparing for warp speed.
KIRK
Computer, abort current commands and hold position! And tell whoever gave that order to—
SULU
No one gave that order, sir. Spock has the computer running the ship. We can’t disengage…
TOR
Spock! Relinquish control of this vessel, or face charges of treason.
SPOCK
I cannot, Commodore.
TOR
[pausing to consider her next action]
Spock. State your intentions or face immediate confinement to the brig.
SPOCK
I have already submitted myself for arrest. I have no obligation to speak until I am on trial.
TOR
[defiance concealing anger]
Lieutenant, you will have your trial.
KIRK
But first you will relinquish control of this ship’s computer. The ship and its crew are in grave danger.
SPOCK
Sorry Captain. I cannot comply.
TOR
I don’t know how this is possible.
KIRK
Uhura, commence a distress beacon and request emergency assistance from Starfleet command. Scotty do you read me?
SCOTT
Aye sir.
KIRK
Our access to Enterprise control has been suspended. Find away around it fast.
SCOTT
I’ll get right to it, Captain.
Enter Security guards, who take Spock in custody.
UHURA
Captain, all communications are disabled. And it seems the ship’s computer won’t cancel Spock’s authorizations.
KIRK
Computer! Disengage from helm!
COMPUTER
[speaking]
Unable to comply. Current task is locked for the next 46 hours and 52 minutes. I cannot disengage until the vessel reaches its destination.
KIRK
Which is?
COMPUTER
Talos IV.
(END OF ACT I.)Act II, Scene 1: Spock’s court martial
[ COURTROOM — a small area likely downstage right (or left); dialogue here will frequently refer to “holovision” images of past events, represented in larger portions of the set]
Kirk and Tor enter a guarded conference room where Spock sits in an interrogation chair. Pike is also present via a brain image on screen.
TOR
This hearing is convened. First Officer Spock, you are aware that you have the right to counsel—
SPOCK
I waive counsel, Commodore. Further, I waive rights to this hearing and request immediate court martial.
KIRK
[pausing, then with slight hope]
Spock, if this is a mistake—
SPOCK
There is no mistake, Captain.
KIRK
No mistake? Your deception? Insubordination —
SPOCK
In accord with due process, I will not speak until my trial. And again, I request immediate court martial, aboard this vessel.
KIRK
Denied!
SPOCK
On what legal grounds—
KIRK
Mutiny requires a bench of three command officers. There are only two.
SPOCK
Have you forgotten Captain Pike?
KIRK
He’s incapacitated!
SPOCK
[attending to Pike’s brain display]
He’s still on active duty, Captain. And as you can see, he’s listening now.
TOR
He’s right, Jim. His mind is still sound. We had no cause to retire him. But Spock, whatever you’re planning, abandon it immediately. We require answers.
SPOCK
I regret adding disobedience to my other crimes. I will not speak before my trial. But as my judge you will hear from me, under oath, all you need to know.
KIRK
Spock…this is your last chance. If we open a trial, the sentence for treason will be—
SPOCK
[interrupting]
Death. I understand Jim. But I assure you, my conditions are fixed.
KIRK
[glancing first at Tor, then with a new idea in mind]
Captain Pike. Did you hear Spock’s request? Can you act as a judge of Spock’s innocence or guilt?
Pike’s brain image displays a flow of smooth, positive color.
You seem to say yes. But to what? Should I doubt that you’ll hear his testimony? Perceive his evidence?
Pike’s brain image flows with similar emotion, but inflected to show a negative response just as clearly. Kirk turns to Spock.
KIRK
Chris…are you sure?
Pike’s brain image returns to a positive display, with more strength.
KIRK
[after a pause]
Commander, we have tried every other possible means of controlling this vessel. Trial or no trial, I want to hear what Spock has to say.
TOR
I see now we are, truly, his captive audience.
KIRK
And our other options would be?
TOR
[toward the intercom]
Lieutenant Scott— any progress?
SCOTT
[via intercom]
Only rabbit holes Commodore. Heightened hopes that lead us astray. The ship’s program knows how to waste our time with illusion.
TOR
Carry on Scott.
[pausing, then to Kirk]
With Pike’s consent, and yours as Captain,
This court martial is now in session.
KIRK
I’ll read the charges brought against you. First:
Abduction of a senior officer,
Stardate 3012.3, from M-11.
To this charge, what is your plea?
SPOCK
My plea is guilty sir. And guilty too
Of mutiny aboard the Enterprise.
KIRK
Then let the record show—
TOR
But why, Spock? Why throw your life away?
SPOCK
You asked me why?
TOR
[after a brief but tense pause]
I did!
SPOCK
And your question is on the record?
TOR
Yes.
SPOCK
[in earnest confidence]
Thank you Commodore. I request that the holovision be activated.
TOR
For what purpose?
SPOCK
To comply with your request that I explain the importance of going to Talos IV.
KIRK
[to Tor]
By asking why, you’ve given him the right to draw upon any evidence he chooses —
TOR
Very well, then. Explain yourself Mr. Spock.
[ EARLY ENTERPRISE BRIDGE — likely a cosmetic modification of Act I’s BRIDGE (as before, possibly upstage, second-tier) ]
The holovision activates, revealing the bridge of the Enterprise, and a much younger Captain Pike. Chief Petty Officer Garison and other crew members are bandaged or on crutches from recent battle wounds; Pike has dressing on a shoulder wound.
GARISON
Captain.
PIKE
[irritated]
What is it, Garison?
GARISON
Sorry, sir. It’s a distress signal. Reports of a forced landing on planet Talos IV.
[ COURTROOM ]
KIRK
I don’t understand…Chris, is that really you?
Pike’s brain displays affirmation.
KIRK
But that’s impossible. What are we watching, Spock?
SPOCK
The only way I know how to explain this evidence is the evidence itself.
TOR
The court is not obliged to accept this—
SPOCK
Unless the court asks the defendant why, commodore. You did ask—
TOR
You mean I was maneuvered into asking.
[after a pause]
Very well, Spock. Continue.
The courtroom dims; the holovision brightens revealing the bridge of the early Enterprise. Along with other crew members, Pike, Uhura, the young Spock, a GARISON, and Catherine Boyce, a senior doctor with a stern demeanor. Boyce is directing a nurse to administer a regime of injections to one or more of the crew, another member of the crew has an arm in a sling or cast.
[ EARLY ENTERPRISE BRIDGE ]
UHURA
The signal came from the S.S. Columbia, a scientific vessel that warped to that system eighteen years ago, and did not return.
GARISON
And Talos IV is eighteen light years from here, so we’re just receiving their signal now.
YOUNG SPOCK
At maximum warp we could be there in five days. Shall we investigate, sir?
PIKE
Spock, we lost eight of our crew on Rigel 7, thirty others are wounded, some critically— does this look like a rescue party to you?
YOUNG SPOCK
[a little taken aback]
I understand, sir. But—
PIKE
The chances of survivors after 18 years are practically nil. I’m responsible for the health and safety of this crew. Continue on a course for Vega.
GARISON
Captain—
PIKE
I said set a course for the Vega colony and that’s an order.
Pike eyes crew members on the bridge who look on uncomfortably.
End of discussion.
Exit Pike to his private quarters. The crew return to their activities as lights shift to emphasize Pike’s quarters, though not to the exclusion of Boyce among the crew elsewhere on stage.
Act II, Scene 2: A distress signal
[ PIKE’S OFFICE ]
Pike rests, then rises and paces a little in his office, sits down, enters a code in his communicator, and then rises again.
BOYCE
[from the bridge]
Boyce here—
PIKE
Doctor, drop by my cabin, will you?
Enter Boyce, carrying a thermos and a small medical pack. Pike and Boyce exchange nods and Pike looks away, tired. When he looks back, he notices she’s opening the bag.
What’s that? I didn’t say there was anything wrong with me.
BOYCE
I understand we picked up a distress signal.
PIKE
That’s right…but it’s 18 years old. It seems to me the condition of our own crew takes precedent. I’ll need to log the ship’s doctor’s opinion too.
BOYCE
I concur with yours, definitely.
PIKE
[a little surprised]
Well good…I’m glad you do, because we’re going to stop first at the Vega colony and replace —
[noticing that she is pouring a drink]
What the hell are you putting in there? Ice?
BOYCE
Who wants a warm martini?
PIKE
What makes you think I need one?
BOYCE
I think you’ll tell your bartender what you won’t tell your doctor. For example…what’s on your mind—?
PIKE
[rising from his desk and paces]
Seven crewmen dead, thirty injured…
BOYCE
And there’s some way you could have prevented it?
PIKE
I led them to an ambush.
The roads were all deserted
I sensed a Kalar trap…
That intuition was all I had
But I pressed on anyway.
Dismissed my instincts…
I don’t know why.
BOYCE
You set standards for yourself that no one could meet! It’s exhausting you.
PIKE
You bet it is! I’m tired of deciding whose lives are at stake. I’ve had it, Kate.
BOYCE
’Had it’ to the point of taking my advice? A rest leave?
PIKE
To the point of…resigning…
BOYCE
Resign? And do what?
PIKE
Who knows? Return to Montana…my parents’ ranch? Did you know they had three thousand head of cattle there?
BOYCE
Chris, you’re at a pinnacle of life—a Starfleet captain. Do you think you can throw that away? Pick up where you left off in a life that no longer exists? Do you know it may not even have existed then—at least not the way you feel that it did. The mind has a way of choosing whatever memories it needs…
PIKE
Okay doctor. Fine. Maybe I’ll run a shipping outfit, or a club in the Orion colonies—
BOYCE
You, a shill for Orion Jaguar-women?
PIKE
Kate, it’s not a fantasy. There’s more to the universe than ..this nightmare…
BOYCE
“I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space…?”
PIKE
[laughs]
“…were it not that I have bad dreams.”
I used to take my horse up a ridge at dusk, at the top I could survey the whole valley…the wandering herds, surrounded by mountains. I would never have left, except…
BOYCE
Except what?
PIKE
Vivian…we were planning to marry. One afternoon, on her family’s farm…some bad fuel cells exploded, she was gone in an instant. A heat so great it took everything…nothing remains…
BOYCE
I’m sorry.
PIKE
I couldn’t stay there, in that place…among those memories. If I had made other choices that morning…she might have…
SPOCK’S VOICE ON INTERCOM
Captain? Lieutenant Spock here.
PIKE
What is it, Spock?
SPOCK’S VOICE ON INTERCOM
We’ve received a follow-up message, sir. There were survivors on Talos IV—eleven of them. The message reads “…Gravity and oxygen within limits…Food and water obtainable…But unless…” That’s where it fades out, sir.
PIKE
[calmly]
All right, then. I’m convinced. Inform the crew. Set a course for Talos IV.
TOR
[standing]
Computer, end program!
The courtroom suddenly illuminates. The holovision darkens.
I congratulate you on your resourcefulness in assembling this—what is it? Your reënacted memoirs? This court is not a theater.
SPOCK
[to Pike]
Captain, can you confirm to the court that this is not a simulation? That we are seeing the actual events of thirteen years ago?
Pike’s brain displays affirmation.
Commodore, for reasons you will soon understand, these images are as accurate as perception itself.
TOR
Captain Kirk, if I may. Spock has hijacked the Enterprise and abducted a hero — Evidence must be explainable. This proceeding has gone far enough.
KIRK
Commodore, we need to hear this story if it establishes Spock’s motive. I vote to continue.
TOR
And I vote we do not! Captain Pike, it’s up to you. Do you wish to continue this charade?
Pike’s brain displays affirmation.
KIRK
We’re decided then.
TOR
[after a pause]
Yes. But Pike has rarely endured such duress. I’m not convinced he is fully present.
KIRK
Very well, let him rest. We’ll adjourn and reconvene at 0800.
[addressing the intercom]
Kirk to Scott? Can you report?
SCOTTY
Aye Captain. No progress yet, I’m afraid. Just one factor we can’t seem to get around —
KIRK
Keep trying. I’ll be at the bridge in an hour.
Pike’s brain image disconnects and its screen reveals data about the course for Talos IV. Lights shift to Tor’s and Kirk’s proximity to one another. Spock exits with guards and others as Kirk and Tor prepare to adjourn.
Can it be that bad, Zuna?
[after a pause]
Working with me again…?
TOR
[pausing, revealing no emotion]
These are our duties, Captain. No more, no less.
KIRK
Somehow I knew you’d say that.
TOR
Duties that include compliance with rules of order. During this trial we must avoid all…informal contact.
UHURA
Captain. Permission to give a status report—?
Tor pretends to attend to details on screen, and Kirk is flustered.
KIRK
Proceed—
UHURA
The computer might have a weakness. It’s surprisingly receptive to holovision programming.
KIRK
[snapping to attention]
The holovision—
UHURA
Yes sir. Spock’s program didn’t anticipate that we could see its inner workings this way.
TOR
But a holovision is…a simulation.
UHURA
Which explains there not being any shield against the holovision’s access to memory. I can see core security files already, and I’ve alerted Scotty. But so as not to set off an alarm, I won’t open them…at least not until we a plan.
KIRK
Commodore Tor and I will meet you on the bridge immediately.
Kirk gathers materials as connections onscreen close, hastening to exit.
TOR
[interrupting Kirk’s path with one hand, almost but not quite touching his shoulder]
It’s not so bad, no.
They pause, searching each other’s faces for emotion.
I don’t want to count how many rules we would be breaking, Jim. Let’s-
KIRK
—take our chances?
[backing off a little from the sudden interruption, then trying again]
Accept some risk?
Kirk pauses hopefully. They embrace and kiss, but Tor pulls away.
TOR
This will have to wait, Jim. For now we have these charades to contend with.
[ BRIDGE (present-day ENTERPRISE) ]
UHURA
Scotty, what’s the status of signal channels to M-11?
SCOTTY
None Uhura. No, wait…yes, a…a new channel, just now. Should we link it to—
UHURA
Not yet Scotty. It’s not real. I’ve connected you to the holovision—it’s only a virtual M-11 you’re seeing.
SCOTTY
Why did you—
UHURA
The computer knows when it’s being wrestled for access to control over communications, or navigation. But since I’m only interacting with a virtual reality program—a learning module based on Pike’s early career—for now, the guard is down.
SCOTTY
So we are using illusion…against illusion. I’m not sure where this will take us—but it’s worth a try. Open the navigation kernel and try connecting it to the Enterprise control room.
Tor and Kirk arrive at the Bridge, where Sulu and Uhura are at work. Pike’s brain image is visible again as well.
KIRK
Status, Uhura?
UHURA
Greetings Captain…Commodore. As you can see, this is an environment simulating Pike’s early encounters with…just a moment…a planet called…Talos IV?
TOR
Talos IV? Impossible—abort program!
KIRK
Did Spock communicate with either of you, in any way?
SCOTTY
No Captain. We merely requested—
TOR
Are you aware that what you are viewing is above your clearance level?
UHURA
No Commodore, I’m sorry, I—
TOR
And can you abort the program at will?
SCOTTY
Yes Commodore…I…I’m sorry—I cannot. It’s not responding.
KIRK
Another rabbit hole, Scotty?
SCOTTY
[more quietly.]
Yes. It…it appears so, Captain.
KIRK
And Pike is with us again. It appears Spock’s “evidence” is too impatient for our court’s recess.
TOR
Garison, bring Spock to the bridge.
KIRK
Begging your pardon, Commander, I—
TOR
[to Kirk]
This trial wasn’t my idea, Jim. But if the entire crew of the Enterprise is about to see what Spock saw on Talos IV. then I want Spock present. To hear his sentence. And keep his promises.
SCOTTY
Commodore, with all due respect, we can’t allow Spock to see our strategy against his program—
TOR
[after a pause, with raised eyebrow]
It’s not our strategy, Scotty. It’s his.
Act II, Scene 3: Hymn to the Earth; Vina: “And I want.”
[A SURVIVOR’S CAMP ON TALOS IV— Sets shift and second-tier Enterprise (formerly Hospital) structures likely now removed.]
Lights rise on a cluster of makeshift huts, and ten elderly people in primitive clothing, seated in a circle (Survivors’ Chorus). A ridge ascends from their gathering to an assortment of strange blossoming plants near steam vents. The men among them wear long hair and beards, Out of sight of the survivors, Pike, Boyce, Spock, and several other crew members beam down to the planet’s surface. They watch the survivors at first from a distance.
SURVIVORS’ CHORUS
Earth, Queen of Planets
Earth of our childhood
Spin in majesty, spin,
Create night and day.
Spin from spring into summer, spin into fall
From winter, and darkness we
Are calling you, calling you
Calling your light from
Darkness, darkness,
Darkness, darkness
Survivor #1 sees Pike and the landing party, but speaks too quietly to be noticed by others in the chorus.
SURVIVOR #1
Humans! I can’t believe my eyes!
Noticing Survivor #1, the attention of the Chorus now turns to the crew of the Enterprise.
SURVIVOR #2
It’s not possible! It must be a hallucination!
SURVIVOR #1
[shaking Pike’s hand with both hands, joyfully, as the other survivors gather around]
Dr. Theodora Haskins, plant scientist with the Exobiology Institute.
Vina, a young woman, appears on the trail landing above them, stricken and enamored at the sight of Pike.
Please excuse us, Captain— we’re overcome with emotion! It’s been 18 long years…
[transitioning to speech, and fading]
since we crash-landed here. All the others perished. We had lost hope…
VINA
The sight of you
Just the way you appear
Oh, you are beautiful
What is this yearning I feel for you?
God of the sea,
I leap from my moorings!
You are the one promised to me.
And in my dreams, at least,
You are mine and I am yours.
You smile at me and my heart is all but filled,
With hope that you will dream of me.
And yearn for me…
The thought of you
And I want
And I yearn
As the tide yearns,
Yearns for the moon.
And I want—
My hands tremble.
Wind in my branches,
My hands tremble.
Act II, Scene 4 — A Trap
Survivor #1 gestures toward Vina, who now turns, a little self consciously, away from Pike.
SURVIVOR #1
Her name is Vina. She was just a child when we crashed; her parents did not survive. This is the only world she knows.
PIKE
She’s…beautiful.
SURVIVOR #1
Until now she’s never seen anyone close to her age. So you’ll understand her staring at you—
Boyce, who has been examining the survivors with her scanners, approaches Pike.
BOYCE
Their health is perfect, Captain…almost too perfect. Given their ages and the harsh conditions—
HASKINS
There’s a reason for that, Captain, but we’ve had some doubt whether Earth is ready to learn of it. Let Vina show you— .
Vina takes Pike by the hand and leads him to a rocky promontory. A fumarole suddenly erupts from the ground, spewing a column of brightly colored vapor. Vina puts her face in it and breathes deeply.
It’s wonderful…refreshing.
PIKE
What is it? I don’t understand…
VINA
You will. I know you will…
Pike hesitates, but then slowly puts his face into the fumes, and smiles.
[absently, just as Pike succumbs]
You’re the perfect choice.
Pike appears to notice Vina’s strange statement, and then falls unconscious to the ground. Vina disappears suddenly.
YOUNG SPOCK
[calling from the survivors’ encampment]
Captain, come quickly. It was a trap!
[ENTERPRISE BRIDGE]
Lieutenant Uhura appears remotely via one of the courtroom screens.
UHURA
Commodore Tor, an urgent message from Starfleet Command.
TOR
[standing]
Computer. End program!
The courtroom suddenly illuminates, but the holovision projection continues uninterrupted.
[SURVIVORS’ CAMP] Two creatures from the Talosian menagerie appear from a metal door in the rock face and drag the unconscious Pike inside the cliff. Spock rushes toward the scene, but too late.
YOUNG SPOCK
[speaking into his communicator]
Spock to Enterprise! It was a trap! There are no survivors on the planet. Repeat: No survivors. They were illusions.
Spock, Boyce, and the landing party arrive in time to see Pike disappearing behind the closing metal door. They fire their lasers, but to no avail.
Spock to Enterprise. We have lost the Captain. Do you read me? The Captain has been captured!
[ENTERPRISE BRIDGE]
TOR
Computer cease this projection!
The Survivor’s Camp and environs continue in pantomime upstage from the Enterprise Bridge, optionally including Young Spock’s and Boyce’s continued struggle to communicate with the Early Enterprise, and effects of phasers against the rock face. Tor is at first perplexed by the holovision’s continuation, but then turning to the matter at hand.
Uhura, state the message.
UHURA
Starfleet command has detected our movement toward Talos IV, Commodore. They have inquired as to our unlawful course.
SPOCK
Commander, with your patience, the reason for our course will be—
TOR
[interrupting]
Silence, Spock! Your testimony is useless, and without honor. Kirk, we must find a way to communicate with Starfleet.
KIRK
Uhura, can we reply?
UHURA
Negative, Captain. The ship’s computer intercepts transmissions to maintain its course, but as before, it refuses to relay them.
KIRK
Keep trying Uhura. Pike, is there any way to abandon this charade? Can we learn the truth from you instead?
Pike’s brain image is complex, displaying negative emotions and other complex colors. The holovision opens again, to an image of the younger Pike on Rigel 7, standing among rocks and vegetation, with a medieval-looking fortress in the distance.
KIRK
You ask our patience, Spock, but short of turning our eyes away, I’m not sure we have a choice.
[RIEGEL 7]
VINA
[offstage]
Come! Hurry!
Vina enters in medieval attire.
There’ll be weapons and armor inside and…maybe food.
PIKE
[astonished, looking around]
This is Rigel 7. I fought in that fortress just two weeks ago.
VINA
Please hurry! We must hide ourselves!
PIKE
Who are you?…It’s just as it happened before. Except for you!
Vina starts to run into the fortress. Pike grabs Vina’s arm, preventing her from entering.
Long hair, different clothes, but it’s you, the one the others called Vina…
VINA
It doesn’t matter whether you believe in this. You’ll feel it just the same, just as I do—
PIKE
Who are you?
VINA
—every moment.
Vina finds a battered sword and shield and thrusts them to Pike. She arms herself with a spear.
PIKE
[realizing that Vina’s terror is real]
At least tell me who you are!
Sounds of terrible bellowing.
VINA
You fool!
A huge, and frightening, humanoid Kalar enters roaring and bellowing, wearing armor and holding a large mace.
VINA
Even if you don’t care about yourself, will you protect me? Don’t you know what he’ll do to me?
[seeing the Kalar warrior lunge…]
Vina pulls him aside just as the Kalar swings his mace. The blow glances off Pike’s arm and wounds him. He reacts with pain.
You’re wounded!
The Kalar warrior bellows and charges Pike, and they enter combat. Pike is at first heroic, but then falls. As the Kalar prepares a last deadly blow, Vina turns the battle with a surprise attack on the Kalar, stabbing it with a spear. Pike leaps to his feet and kills the Kalar with its own mace. Terrified, Vina throws herself into Pike’s embrace. Slowly, they fall to an embrace, though still frightened, beneath a tree.
VINA
It’s over.
PIKE
Why are we here?
VINA
To be together.
PIKE
Are you real?
VINA
As real as you want me to be…
PIKE
That’s no answer! Why did you take me here? I’ve never met you before, I’ve never even imagined you.
VINA
Perhaps they’ve made me out of dreams you’ve forgotten.
Lights dim on Rigel 7 scenery, reflecting Pike’s surroundings transformed. Pike is in darkness, and disoriented.
Act II, Scene 5: The Cage
[A CAGE ON TALOS IV]
Snarling, shrieking sounds of possibly alien origin come from nearby. Pike is staring up at a group of Talosians. Pike steps toward them but is repelled by a force field. He is evidently contained in an invisible cage.
PIKE
Vina? Can you hear me?
[hearing no response, but slowly discovering a cage around him]
Hello!
[regaining his senses]
My name is Christopher Pike, co—
[interrupted by new sounds]
—commander of the USS Enterprise, from the far side of the galaxy. Our intentions are peaceful. Can you understand me?
KEEPER
[telepathically]
His vessel was lured here easily; he only now suspects that the survivors and their camp were an illusion.
PIKE
You’re not speaking, yet I can hear you…
KEEPER
And you will note he’s not yet accustomed to thought transmission.
PIKE
All right then, telepathy. You can read my thoughts and I can read yours. Now unless you want my crew to regard your holding me here as a hostile act—
KEEPER
…and now we’ll see the fear-threat response.
Pike prepares to hurl himself against the invisible wall that surrounds him.
Next, frustrated into a need to display physical aggression, the creature will throw himself into the force field.
Pike hurls himself against the wall, to no avail, just as the Keeper completes his prediction.
PIKE
If you were in here wouldn’t you test the strength of these walls, too?
KEEPER
Despite the frustration you see, the species is adaptable—as we’ve learned from our other specimen.
PIKE
If there’s a way out of this cage, I’ll find it!
KEEPER
And—as you can tell from his thoughts—the male before us is filled with self-doubt.
FIRST TALOSIAN
Keeper—he remembered a recent struggle, a fight for life and death…he lost members of his crew. We recreated it for him, allowing him to win instead. Why didn’t this produce the effect that we wanted?
The environment around the cage shifts, perhaps as though their invisible modes of engaging with their captive have changed, or their session has adjourned.
KEEPER
Perhaps we’ll see it soon. There are more experiences waiting for him.
[THE ENGINEERING DECK ON THE EARLY ENTERPRISE]
Chief Medical Officer Katherine Boyce, Lieutenant Sulu, and young Spock gather to confer with ship’s engineer Montgomery Scott.
YOUNG SPOCK
We could not have anticipated such a perfect deception. This technology for illusion is unsurpassed by any civilization known to us.
YOUNG SULU
I can understand maybe a holograph—without physical contact. Or an induced hallucination, if they only had to trick one of you.
BOYCE
[pensively, head shaking]
We saw what we wanted to see.
YOUNG SULU
But a shared perspective? Even an experience of each other’s shared perspectives?
BOYCE
All we know now is that they are persuasive. Persuasive enough to cast doubt over everything. If we lose our way, will they persuade us we’ve found it? If we fight them, how do we tell between winning, and just seeming to win? If we rescue Pike, is he really free?
YOUNG SPOCK
Surely we can trust our senses enough to know that the Captain is their captive. He needs our help now.
BOYCE
Spock—their illusion was made of desire. Not only our private wishes, but how we wish to see each other in the world.
YOUNG SPOCK
If you are right, Doctor, then they can also play on our fears.
Your powerful doubt may be a part of their plan.
BOYCE
If they have a plan. Maybe all they have is stories!
Your story of rescuing your captain,
As real as yesterday’s
tattered island castaways.
Don’t you feel it? All our childhoods, again and again
We’ve taught ourselves, a hundred times, in play
To see their persistence,
Their courage, drawn from within
And then!—we saw our own destiny: their saviors.
We know this story too. Haven’t you rehearsed it?
It was you, Spock, as much as anyone,
Who made it real, beneath their sun
Solid as the ground we stand upon,
And just as impossible to ignore.
YOUNG SPOCK
Doctor, we know our perceptions are flawed, but I must point out that under the circumstances, inaction is no more a solution than action.
SCOTT
I’m getting a new reading Lieutenant. I’ve located Pike’s precise location underground, and he’s alive.
YOUNG SPOCK
Computer, analyze the terrain around Captain Pike.
COMPUTER
Igneous bedrock. Partial iron ore. Large cavern with titanium reinforcement, and breathable air, at 20 meters. Numerous other life forms.
YOUNG SCOTT
It appears heavily guarded. It’s not safe to beam him up through that much rock. Even our communications aren’t making it through.
YOUNG SULU
Could we try to beam a weapon to him?
YOUNG SCOTT
I’d need some time to analyze the variety of rock density, and adjust the transporter’s modulating frequencies. And it would take a lot of power. But it’s possible.
We could also transmit the ship’s power through the photon canon…enough to blast away a continent.
BOYCE
But Scott—if they can control our minds, they can control our perceptions. We have no idea what we’re really doing—for all we know we could be blasting away at the Enterprise. If we want to rescue the captain, we have no choice but to trust our senses.
YOUNG SPOCK
If they wanted us to destroy ourselves, Doctor, they would have accomplished it by now.
YOUNG SCOTT
Engineering deck will rig to transmit ship’s power to the canon. We’re blasting through that metal. Garison, has the canon been set to charge?
[SURFACE OF TALOS IV]
Lights rise to reveal Garison and other crew on the surface of Talos IV, with a laser canon aimed at the rock face where Pike was abducted.
GARISON
[speaking into communicator]
Aye aye Mr. Scott. Standing by.
YOUNG SCOTT
All circuits engaged!
GARISON
[to crew]
Take cover! 5-4-
[COURTROOM]
UHURA
Commodore. Starfleet Command has contacted us again. Emergency code status 11.
[SURFACE OF TALOS IV: Garison’s voice is less audible as the sounds of the engine whir higher; at “0”, the sound transforms and the upstage setting of Talos IV is awash in the bright light of explosions.]
[COURTROOM]
TOR
Computer, cease projection. Kirk, we have been warned—
UHURA
You have been ordered to assume command of the Enterprise immediately. Disable vessel if necessary, to prevent further transmissions from Talos IV.
KIRK
[to Spock]
Transmissions…from Talos IV? These holographs we’ve been seeing…
SPOCK
…are coming from Talos IV, sir.
UHURA
Furthermore, Captain Kirk is hereby relieved.
TOR
[standing]
Computer, cease this program immediately.
The visual transmission continues uninterrupted, the pyrotechnics of a laser canon visible upstage. All pause, as though in a state of shock, except Kirk, who approaches Spock, again searching his face for meaning.
TOR
Mr. Spock, you know the orders about this planet. You have deliberately invited the death penalty. You’ve not only finished yourself, Spock, but you’ve finished your Captain as well.
SPOCK
The commodore must be aware that Kirk knew nothing of—
KIRK
And a captain’s ignorance makes him innocent? You have made us all partners in this communication. The gravity of your crime increases with each passing minute, and your purpose remains unknown.
TOR
Security, confine Spock to the Courtroom under full surveillance.
Security guards approach and flank Spock.
Spock, your time for manipulation has passed. We’ll wrestle with this computer for now, but this court will return to order for sentencing at 1700 hours.
The guards seize Spock and move him toward the exit.
Security guards approach and flank Spock.
SPOCK
Captain… please… don’t try to stop me. Don’t let her stop me. For Captain Pike’s sake.
KIRK
[pausing, showing uncommon dismay]
Take him out of my sight.
Exit security guards with Spock.
(END OF ACT II.)Act III, Scene 1: Montana wilderness
[RURAL MONTANA]
Lights rise to an alpine meadow in Montana, beneath a ridge rising toward mountain peaks. In the foreground is a restored early 1970s pickup truck. Pike’s family’s ranch is in the distance. Pike is seated in folding chair with a tacklebox and fly lures, frozen but as though in the midst of preparing bait. Vina, now a different woman (Pike’s former fiancé, Vivian) is putting food and beer from a cooler onto a folding card-table.
VIVIAN
Ice tea?
[after a pause]
Chris? Ice tea?
Startled, Pike turns around.
PIKE
Vivian!
VIVIAN
What’s the matter, Chris? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!
PIKE
It can’t be you! You’re another illusion!
VIVIAN
Woman of your dreams again? I think you need a new line sweetheart.
PIKE
I know you’re not real. Tell me…
[pondering a moment]
tell me the year and make of this truck.
VIVIAN
A ’73 Dodge…Sonny restored it last summer. You and your quizzes. You think I could forget that? You’re going on about it constantly.
PIKE
Of course you’d know. You know everything I know!
VIVIAN
As your wife, I like to think so.
PIKE
Married…Were we were married…
VIVIAN
Yes of course, Chris—
PIKE
[realizing the connection]
I remember, yes…
VIVIAN
Well I should hope so!
PIKE
It feels like only yesterday…like a dream—
VIVIAN
You aren’t sleeping…Chris? This is life.
PIKE
—a dream come true—but with no struggle, no loss…no grieving. Only love. What a fantasy!
VIVIAN
Christopher, look at me.
PIKE
I see you so clearly. And oh how I’ve longed to be near you again!
VIVIAN
This is home, Chris. You’ve been home before. This is no different.
PIKE
I know, love. I can feel it too.
VIVIAN
As summer passes
With the cones on all the juniper aglow,
Come walk with me—through the valley
Up the ridge line, to the autumn snow—
PIKE
… I know. But…you don’t exist.
VIVIAN
Chris! No—
PIKE
These are just wishes…wishes I told Kate.
VIVIAN
Wishes come true here…
PIKE
But with none of the frustration, nor the triumph of ambitions fulfilled. It’s not…
VIVIAN
[pleading more desperately]
No! Chris…Chris, look at me! Please—
PIKE
I see you Vina. They’ll have me protect you. Feel compassion for you. But it’s not real.
Vina now answers to her own name. She speaks, defiantly and maybe tearfully, for herself now, rather than for the fantasy she’s playing.
VINA
I am real!
PIKE
You’re what I want you to be!
VINA
No—no, you still don’t
understand—
[now more resigned, still shaking her head]
I am…what I feel…
And you…what I want
You were brought here
From my dreams.
That’s why you were chosen…. Don’t you see? They read my thoughts, my feelings. My dreams of what would be the perfect man. And that’s why they picked you. I can’t help but love you. And they expect you to feel the same way.
VINA
I see it now…
[increasingly bitter]
You’ve been home before.
Fought these battles before.
Am I nothing new to you?!
As Vina continues, the rural scene transforms back to the cage.
[PIKE’S CAGE ON TALOS IV]
VINA
Don’t you have a dream? Let me try—
Perhaps if you asked me something I could answer…
PIKE
How far can they control my mind?
VINA
If I tell you, will you pick some dream you’ve had and let me live it with you?
Pike nods.
They can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.
PIKE
So they can only try to trick me with an illusion?
VINA
And if you don’t cooperate…they can punish you…you’ll find out about that.
PIKE
And where do they come from? They must have lived on the planet’s surface once.
VINA
Please… I can’t say too much…
PIKE
Why do they live underground?
VINA
I don’t know. They’re survivors of something — millions of years ago I think…their whole world collapsed. Life has returned above since then, it seems. But they have evolved…everything about them has changed to suit this…darkness.
PIKE
So they can’t go back then. And by capturing us, capturing all these creatures—they can live vicariously in our minds…
VINA
Yes…but it’s not like that. It’s important to them, yes…but to them, dreams and illusions are an infinite world.
PIKE
[suddenly comprehending]
Or a drug—
VINA
No—
PIKE
—and if they want us to live full emotional lives, they need to have more than one of each animal.
Lights and set transform and they find themselves in the Talosian cage. The Talosians have been watching from the viewing platform, and now exit.
VINA
Please…I answered your questions…you promised.
PIKE
A bargain with someone who doesn’t exist…
VINA
I am human! As real as you are! Just—
A glow emerges around Vina, who screams and writhes on the floor.
Please don’t punish me! I’m trying…
[shouting]
…no…please!
PIKE
What are you doing to her! Don’t do this!
Pike holds her as she convulses.
Stop! Why!?
She has done nothing wrong!
KEEPER
[to other Talosians]
These emotions might seem frightening—fear, protection, and empathy with deep pain—but they lay a foundation for strong companionship.
VINA
[To Pike]
It will never work on you!
KEEPER
And from companionship comes the fullest human experience.
VINA
[to her captors]
Don’t you see?! It won’t matter what you give him! If it’s his to take, he’ll never dwell there in happiness. He’ll dream of what he can’t do. What he can’t have!
[to Pike, more directly]
It’s all so simple for you, isn’t it. I come from within you! You know that…
But you’ll leave me here anyway. You will leave me.
Act III, Scene 2 — In a club in the Orion Colony
[ORION RED LIGHT DISTRICT]
The holovision illuminates a scene in an erotic dance club. A variety of aliens gather in the establishment’s ‘carnaval’-like atmosphere. Pike is seated at a table with a group of Earth traders, whose appearances range widely from disreputable riffraff to bourgeois tourists, from cynical to naïve. Venus, a jaguar-woman from Orion performs on stage. Second Alien is the Keeper, in disguise.
FIRST ALIEN
[to Pike]
You used to be Captain of the Enterprise, didn’t you?
SECOND ALIEN
Yes. He was. Used to stop by here just to look around…once he had his thrill we’d wait for his report—a blistering report—saying how -shocked- he was at our treatment of the natives. How we’re taking advantage of them.
FIRST EARTH TRADER
What about these Orion leopard-women everyone’s talking about? I hear they fill a man with a feeling…an animal craving…
SECOND EARTH TRADER
Who could want that? I know a man who thought he’d tamed one. Thought he was her master.
[to Pike]
But he was confused…she had enslaved him. “I’ve never known such satisfaction,” he said…”this is my due!” But her punishing claws drew blood, and then he reasoned differently…said she was improving him. He reached for more.
FIRST ALIEN
I wonder how that ended—
SECOND EARTH TRADER
[to himself, a little dazed]
In darkness. Darkness. She confused him… except for a flame in the distance. She was a beast, he said. Is that Venus’ torch?
PIKE
[to Second Earth Trader]
You’re a part of me. It’s clear now—
SECOND EARTH TRADER
[now delirious]
She was a dream…it drove him mad….
Pike rises angrily from his chair, and tries to escape, but he is hemmed in by the crowd.
PIKE
[now louder, gesturing to the crowd]
All of you! Made from my own fears!
SECOND EARTH TRADER
…trapped again…drove him mad.
Pike pushes the crowd aside and bolts for the door.
PIKE
Out of my way, damn you!
Second Earth Trader moves through the crowd toward the stage. As Pike nears the exit, the crowd cries out, some in astonishment others in pleasure, as Second Earth Trader lunges at Venus and tries to embrace her.
SECOND EARTH TRADER
[to Pike]
That’s the one! That’s Venus! She’s mine!
First Earth trader steps onto the dance floor. Venus is focused on Pike. The trader tries to grab Venus and embrace her, but Pike jumps up and knocks him down.
The crowd revels in the fight that follows. Venus tries to appear unfazed, but she is clearly shaken by the trader’s assault, and stops dancing, retreating a little. The music grows even more raucous and bawdy, and aliens coax two more women to the stage to satisfy the howling throngs.
FIRST ALIEN
Wouldn’t you say she’s worth a man’s soul, Captain? You can see that she wants you Captain. You alone.
The crowd—increasingly gyrating and libidinous—and the music—slowing, rocking, crooning—intensify each other. Remembering her original role, and maybe the punishment should she fail, Venus eases toward Pike again and amplifies her dance, cynically.
FIRST EARTH TRADER
She makes you believe she could be anything, do anything for you… doesn’t she?
PIKE
[to Venus]
It’s you, isn’t it, Vina?
After a climax, Vina and Pike remain enthralled and passionate; their embrace mixes desperation and resignation as the music in the club shifts to a new intensity at a down-tempo, quieter feel.
A Talosian Messenger enters, and lighting isolates some of the scene’s participants, formerly hidden or disguised, on the margins of the crowd’s densest throngs—optionally, they should have some costume or physiological feature in common, revealing them as Talosians. Second Alien now appears the Keeper. The newcomer addresses him directly but is unheard by Pike and Vina.
TALOSIAN MESSENGER
Keeper, we have just completed the long task of scanning the ship’s crude databases. Do you wish to assimilate it now?
The information is transferred telepathically from the Messenger to the Keeper.
SECOND ALIEN / KEEPER
A short history, but a fascinating one. Among other truths evident to me now, is their powerful hatred of captivity. Some of them will prefer death to a cage—even if captivity proves otherwise rewarding.
FIRST TALOSIAN
This…will prove a challenge to us. Won’t it Magistrate?
The activity in the club is subdued as the down-tempo club music reaches a climactic point of digression.
PIKE
Who are you, Vina? I cannot resist you. Of course I can’t—you are made from desire itself. But you say you are real—and I want to believe you.
VINA
If you would only let me in, if only you would discover—
Lights shift to place Pike and Vina once again in their cage.
PIKE
Discover what? What can we discover in a cage?
KEEPER
[to First Talosian; still unheard by Pike and Vina]
A most serious challenge, yes.
Act III, Scene 3: A chance for life
[COURTROOM]
In the courtroom, the crew feel the Enterprise slow to a halt. The subdued music and dancing of the Orion club continue, though lights come up on Spock, Kirk and Tor. Spock is out of uniform, possibly cuffed, and flanked by security guards at high attention. Kirk and Tor draw their attention away from the holovision and toward one another. An intercom signal announces request for communication from the Engine Room.
KIRK
What have you got for us, Scott?
SCOTT
Success Captain. As you may have noticed, I have just shut down the engines and stopped the ship.
KIRK
Excellent Scott.
SCOTT
It seems Uhura’s plan has succeeded without detection. I accessed the engine room’s controls a moment ago.
TOR
Tor to bridge. Does Sulu have access to navigation?
UHURA
Affirmative Commodore. Sulu has full control of the Enterprise.
KIRK
Lieutenant Sulu, set an immediate course—
SPOCK
[interrupting, to Pike]
Tell them you want to wait, Captain. Say “yes” that you want to go to Talos IV!
Pike, unmoving, remains silent.
Please Chris, forget regulations…It’s your life, now…at least a chance for life.
KIRK
“A chance for life”…how so, Spock? Your plan, with all its illusions, is clear to us now—though we can reject it just as easily in your theater as we would have anyway, had you’d put it to us plainly in the beginning.
SPOCK
Jim, there’s more to it than—
TOR
More manipulation I suppose? Your own evidence makes this foolishness plain.
Didn’t you hear? What life can Pike discover in a Cage? Dancing like a trained monkey? Life, Spock, is not a simulation—
KIRK
Lieutenant Sulu, set an immediate course for Starbase M-11. Lieutenant Scott, prepare for warp speed.
SCOTT
[from the intercom]
Aye, aye, Commodore.
TOR
I move we proceed directly to the verdict.
KIRK
I concur.
TOR
The accused has pleaded guilty to all charges. I find the defendant guilty as charged. Captain Pike, your ruling?
Pike’s brain image glows with affirmation, at once an agreement and an expression of force and rigidity.
TOR
And you, Captain Kirk?
KIRK
[after an expressionless pause]
Guilty.
The intercom signals again.
UHURA
[voice on intercom]
I’m sorry Commodore. Urgent communication from Lieutenant Sulu.
TOR
Proceed.
SULU
Commodore, I’ve set a new course. But we’re under the grip of an unknown gravitational force. Warp speed has failed. We’re orbiting something—I’m not sure—
TOR
Computer. Analyze our surroundings.
COMPUTER
Recalculating location. No large gravitational force is near. Currently orbiting a Class-M planet, the fourth in distance from Sirius in the Talosian system.
KIRK
Talos IV.
SULU
I can steer us away, Commodore, but—
KIRK
But nothing will come of it. If a Talosian enemy wants us to believe we have succeeded, we’ll perceive whatever they wish—
SPOCK
You are correct, Jim. The Talosians control not only the Enterprise, but your experience of all that occurs on board. They control our perception telepathically, as adeptly as they did thirteen years ago.
The holovision brightens again. Tor and Kirk glance at Spock, who signals he did nothing to turn it on. Pike and Vina are asleep in each other’s arms.
[now with more confidence]
Chris, only you know the truth. Please remember. You have a choice.
The courtroom darkens.
Act III, Scene 4: Vina’s Revelation
[PIKE’S CAGE ON TALOS IV]
Pike awakens and looks down tenderly at Vina, stroking her hair.
VINA
[awakening]
I asked if you loved me,
You answered, in your way—
Through your desire, I was transformed, but what of mine?
If only you could truly want me…truly want to stay.
PIKE
My fears are phantoms, Vina.
But this…you…Vina becoming Vina,
You are real.
I don’t know love. But I know we are here.
And maybe…maybe this is where we will live our lives.
As Vina glows with new happiness, the sound of the transporter beam is heard, and a shaft of light descends. A two devices from the ship materialize on the floor of the cage. Pike leaps to his feet and seizes the objects.
PIKE
A phaser and a communicator! The Enterprise succeeded in beaming them down to us!
Pike aims the weapon at the invisible cage wall and fires. Nothing happens. He tries the communicator.
PIKE
Enterprise! This is Captain Pike! Come in!
[flinching at the lack of response]
Dead! Useless! This cave is too deep. They didn’t survive transport through solid rock.
Pike throws them to the floor in disgust.
VINA
[Recalling her hopes of a moment earlier.]
If only…
[now with anger]
I asked if you loved me,
You answered…in your way…
[after a pause]
Wait!
[as she picks up the phaser]
It looks like nothing happened when Captain Pike fired this phaser, but I know better.
[to the unseen keeper]
Keeper! You’ve created the illusion that this phaser is empty. It actually just blasted a gaping hole in this cage. To prove it I’m turning it on myself. Either you…
A glow envelopes Vina, and she falls to the floor in pain,
Either you free Captain Pike at once or, I’ll fire!
Vina flips on the phaser. The phaser chirps and powers up, with a sound more ominous than the familiar “stun”. Vina’s pain and the torturous glow disappears as Pike rushes to Vina’s side, reaching for the phaser.
PIKE
Vina, I can’t let you do this!
Vina holds it to her chest, keeps it from him. The phaser begins a higher-energy sound, louder and higher.
FIRST TALOSIAN
[to the Keeper.]
Magistrate, the girl has become completely irrational!
KEEPER
Is this a deception, Vina? Do you really intend to destroy yourself?
VINA
[to the Keeper]
Allow Captain Pike to return to his ship!
[to Pike]
You can’t trust your senses, Chris. Close your eyes and empty your mind. You put a hole in this cage, and you can walk through it. Run!
[now more tenderly]
Go Christopher, I’m begging you. Go.
PIKE
Not unless you come with me!
KEEPER
[with uncharacteristic desperation]
Vina, you know your well-being is deeply important to us!
VINA
[fiercely]
Do not…pretend…that you act…in my interest.
KEEPER
You desired the Captain as a companion. We’ll provide for him. For all his needs …
VINA
He is free to choose me—to choose this illusion…or to be free of it…
FIRST TALOSIAN
[to the Keeper]
The more she loves him, the more she’s willing to let him go. What does this mean, magistrate?
After a pause, the force field of the cage is inactivated. Vina turns off the phaser. Vina quickly leads Pike to the planet’s surface. The metal door in the rock, which had appeared intact to the crew, has been blasted away. On the surface they are joined by the Keeper and other Talosians.
KEEPER
Your crew went to great lengths to rescue you, Captain.
PIKE
Pike to Enterprise. Do you read me?
YOUNG SPOCK
[voice on intercom]
Spock here, Captain. We have you onscreen. The Transporter has locked onto your coordinates. We’re ready to beam you aboard.
PIKE
Wait, Spock! There are two of us.
[to Vina.]
You’re coming with me, aren’t you?
VINA
I … I can’t.
PIKE
But why not? Why would you stay?
VINA
You won’t understand, Chris. But … you still don’t know who I am.
The Keeper gestures toward Vina, who changes into a scarred and severely disfigured woman. Pike involuntarily staggers back, and then whirls around to face the Keeper in anger.
PIKE
What have you done to her?
KEEPER
Nothing, Captain. This is Vina. She was an infant aboard the S.S. Columbia when it landed over 18 years ago. Her parents, and all the crew, perished. Only Vina survived.
VINA
They found me in the wreckage… burned and nearly dead. Somehow they saved me, but there was so much damage…Do you understand now? Do you see why I can’t go with you?
PIKE
…Keeper, you’ll give her back her illusion? Can she be whole?
Vina’s is slowly restored to youth and life.
KEEPER
She will seek freedom in her illusions, and you … in your reality. May your find your way, as she has, Captain Pike.
A shaft of light from the transporter beam envelops Pike, and he disappears. The world around Vina swells with a new abundance of light and color, flora and fauna, and her form soon resembles that of her appearance in Act I.
[COURTROOM]
Lights rise on the present-day Enterprise courtroom, though Vina and her former captors remain visible as the holovision dims.
TOR
[to Pike, with a feeling of revelation, and deep sympathy]
Christopher—she saved you.
Pike’s brain image swirls with deeper color than before, extending its warmth into neural regions previously left dark, and animating previously unfelt rhythms and tempos. He is affirming, for the first time, his new destiny, and his love.
KIRK
[turning to Commodore Tor]
Commodore Tor—I don’t know if this is even admissible as evidence, but if it were—
Commodore Tor vanishes. Kirk pivots toward Spock, then, confused, back and forth to Pike, Spock, and to Tor’s empty chair.
The Keeper, who a moment ago seemed only a holovision projection, is now aboard the Enterprise. Kirk rises from his chair at first in surprise, though he quickly grasps what the Keeper explains.
KEEPER
Greetings, Captain Kirk.
KIRK
The holovision, it’s…where is Commodore Tor?
KEEPER
We have taken control your perceptions Captain, for a short while. But we intended no harm. By now you know that Commodore Tor never boarded your vessel, and remains at her command on M-11.
KIRK
And my crew—
KEEPER
Control of your ship was never far out of reach, and so their minds, too, were…influenced…
KIRK
So this trial, all our deliberations—
KEEPER
The illusion of Commander Tor’s presence made the trial possible, which in turn kept your mind focused on Pike’s past, and diverted you from efforts that might have broken our control of the ship, or your minds.
KIRK
—And what of Spock’s evidence? All these games and illusions, a higher but the crime of mutiny is still very real.
KEEPER
We hope you will forgive our interference with Pike, Captain. But we will leave the Federation to its own judgments.
The Keeper vanishes.
KIRK
Spock…you might have…I mean you could have…even if regulations were explicit. Why couldn’t you have come and explained it to me?
SPOCK
And ask you to commit treason? One of us was enough, Jim.
Enter Uhura.
UHURA
Captain, Commodore Tor is hailing us from Starbase M-11.
The holovision now shows an image of Commodore Tor.
TOR
Captain Kirk? This is Commodore Tor. We’ve just received classified communication from Captain Pike. I don’t need to explain to you the seriousness of the crimes to which Spock has confessed.
KIRK
No, Zuna—ah, Commodore—no, it’s clear. But—
TOR
But Pike’s recovery is even more extraordinary. I can only hope that evidence of what the Talosians have done will justify a pardon. Captain Pike is requesting immediate retirement on Talos IV. Can you confirm?
KIRK
[after turning to Pike briefly]
Confirmed, Commodore.
TOR
Permission granted. Captain Pike, we wish you the best. Captain Kirk, the Federation High Court needs your testimony—
KIRK
Thank you, Commodore…with your permission, our first stop will be M-11. I need to…brief you…in person.
TOR
[enigmatically]
That would be…agreeable…Tor out.
Holovision darkens.
KIRK
Mr. Spock, one of these days we’re going to have to discuss this recent tendency of yours toward flagrant…emotionalism.
SPOCK
I see no reason to insult me, sir. I believe I’ve been quite logical throughout the whole affair.
KIRK
You may escort Captain Pike to the Transporter room, Mr. Spock.
Kirk stands and gives Pike a stiff military salute as attendants wheel Pike out the door, Spock right behind. Slowly Kirk turns to face the holovision.
KIRK
Mr. Spock, just one more thing.
SPOCK
Yes, Captain?
KIRK
These illusions—these charades—and even the holodeck’s simulations were—simulated?
SPOCK
That’s correct Captain. The Talosians have no record of Pike’s journey.
KIRK
And since Tor was an illusion, there’s no…visual record of…
SPOCK
Correct again, Captain. A scan of all security footage revealed no direct evidence of the illusion.
KIRK
And…did you happen to see any…indirect evidence?
SPOCK
I did, Captain.
Concealing impatience, Kirk gestures for Spock to continue.
You appeared to be…hugging yourself, sir.
KIRK
[under his breath]
That’s…appropriate.
SPOCK
I took the liberty of erasing it, sir.
KIRK
Excellent, Spock.
SCOTTY
[via intercom]
Reporting from the transporter room, Captain.
KIRK
I trust Pike is safely on the Talosian surface?
SCOTTY
Aye Captain. Holovision confirming now.
Spock and Kirk watch as Pike and Vina reunite on a ridge in Rural Montana.
[RURAL MONTANA]
As Pike and Vina converse, and Spock and Kirk return to other business.
PIKE
Take some tea, Vina. At this altitude dehydration will sneak up on you.
VINA
[smiling]
Thank you.
[pointing at the landscape]
Our cabin is just beyond that ridge?
PIKE
That’s right. We’ll be there with time to make a fire before sunset.
[COURTROOM]
KIRK
Scotty?
SCOTT’S VOICE
Aye, Captain.
KIRK
Have we…truly…regained control of the ship?
SCOTT’S VOICE
Aye, Captain, but I don’t know how we’re going to tell the difference—
KIRK
If can’t tell the difference, then I guess it doesn’t matter. Set a course for Starbase M-11, Scotty. Warp speed.
SCOTT’S VOICE
Aye, aye, Captain.
Kirk returns to his juror’s chair, lost in thought. The music swells.
[RURAL MONTANA]
PIKE
… As winter passes
And the sunlight in the valley
Melts the snow
I walk with you
In a body made only of senses
To leave a ruined cage behind
Exploring the farthest reaches
Of an inner universe.
VINA
Now we live among flowers, and mountain peaks
And boldly, in the reality
Of love.
Has no one known before to go
Where we will go?
To know infinity?
The holovision darkens.
THE END