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.)