Star Trek Continues s01e05 Episode Script
Divided We Stand
Captain's log, stardate 6202.
1 After encountering Friendship 3 an interstellar probe launched from Earth 170 years ago the Enterprise computer has been infested with a pathogen of unknown origin.
Confirmed, captain.
Whatever has infiltrated the main computer is of a technology far superior to the archaic design of Friendship 3.
We've got to pull the plug on this thing, Spock.
Get it isolated.
Lieutenant, contact Starfleet Command.
From Kirk, commanding Enterprise: Unknown entity has infiltrated ship's computer after encountering old Earth space probe Friendship 3.
All ships are to avoid sector Sierra 047.
Sierra 047.
Steps need to be taken to isolate and if necessary DESTROY the probe.
Right away, sir.
Firewalls proving ineffective.
It is migrating from the communications system to - My library computer.
- Computer off, Spock! Not responding.
Controls have been overriden.
Spreading like a virus through my systems now, captain! Engineering specs, diagrams, propulsion manuals the works.
Alert computer core.
Tell them to shut down all non-essential systems.
Unlikely a virus, captain.
I am seeing indication of a high level of intelligence from them.
"Them"? I am reading hundreds of thousands of microscopic objects easily out-maneuvering our computer defense systems and counteracting every attempt at blocking their progress.
Now accessing Federation capabilities Starfleet defense data Earth history.
Activate lockdown subroutines.
Your assistance is needed, Mr.
Scott.
McCOY: Jim Since you weren't in my exam room for your appointment 30 minutes ago I thought a house call was in order.
Not now, Bones.
Even your first officer kept his appointment and we all know how he feels about my "beads and rattles.
" We'll talk about this later, doctor! If we dampen the duotronic feed Aye! Starve it at the source.
What in blazes do you think it is? An intelligence and getting more intelligent by the minute.
The board's on overload! Bones? Here, Jim! Space.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds To seek out new life and new civilizations.
To boldly go where no man has gone before.
Come on! My God, Jim.
Where are we? More like "WHEN are we?" Mid-1800s.
Union.
Confederacy.
These uniforms The American Civil War.
Apparently, we're not on the same side.
How? One minute we're on the bridge, and the next we're What do you think we're dealing with? A parallel planet? An illusion? Time portal? There's no telling.
But until we figure out how to get home We must assume it's real.
And if we ARE in Earth's history We know the risks.
We can't do anything to upset the balance of what's to come.
The further we are from the fighting, the safer we'll be.
Has the pathogen been identified? Not yet.
There was a "transfer" of some sort after the explosion took place.
I have them in a partial stasis field.
They mustn't be touched until we know what we're dealing with.
The intruders have absorbed data from various systems at an accelerated rate.
We are attempting to isolate them before they can advance further.
Whatever it is It seems to be moving through their bodies in the same manner.
I'm using antibodies to prevent more trauma Tranquilizers to slow their metabolisms but It's on the march.
We can't stop it.
Only delay it.
How long? A day.
Maybe two.
When these things reach their autonomic systems Lungs, heart Understood.
Please inform me of any changes, doctor.
I didn't wanna say anything, Jim but it appears I outrank you.
Too bad we've got to stay hidden.
Otherwise I could have some fun with you, corporal.
You're a southern gentleman, doctor.
I'd expect at least a modicum of leniency.
HALT! Looky what we have here, boys.
A fancy reb sergeant.
Yeah.
Thought he could escape by running into the woods.
But I tracked the ol' reb down.
You don't have to worry about him.
He's my prisoner.
I was just taking him back to camp.
You always let your prisoners keep their weapons, corporal? Watch him, boys.
He may be secesh in Union blue.
So you're a fancy-pants reb sergeant, huh? Betcha know what yer buddies are plannin' for tomorrow.
D'ya? C'mon, answer me Y'know how many soldiers they're bringin' in the mornin'? Answer me! How many behind the front? How about artillery? You know anythin' 'bout that? You tongue-tied? Answer me! Wait! This man's a doctor! I was taking him back to camp because he can help our wounded.
This man's gonna BE one a' them wounded if he don't learn to start answerin'.
He's MY prisoner! You lay one more hand on him, sergeant and I'll make sure your superiors know how you treated a valuable prize.
Who are you? Kirk.
James.
Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves? That's right I thought you was a lieutenant colonel.
Just damn good to have you here with us.
It'll be a big one tomorrow.
We'll need all the help we can get.
Get him up, boys and move out.
SNIPER! I can help this man! This doctor knows new ways to heal.
What "new ways"? We don' trust no damn Confederate! You'll trust THIS Confederate, or your sergeant dies! Someone have a medical kit? Do what you can for him, doctor.
I'm going to check on that other man.
One of you men Go dig a grave for that man.
That's a reb sniper! He's a boy! Not much older than some of you.
Fighting for what he believes in just like you are.
- So much for hiding out.
- You okay? Been better.
Nothing compared to him.
Please tell me you can help him.
With these? Out here? - I'm a surgeon.
Not a butcher! - Good.
Because he needs a surgeon.
Jim.
What if this man is supposed to die? Or what if he isn't and just by being here, we've changed all that? He might not have gotten shot in the first place if it hadn't been for us.
What does the doctor in you say? Somebody have a knife? Hold it! Put pressure on the wound right here.
That's about all I can do.
But I need a field hospital.
You do have a field hospital? Yep.
It's a messy business.
Nothing to be ashamed about.
I ain't.
Musta ate somethin' didn't agree with me.
- What's your name, son? - Billy.
- Billy Palmerton, sir.
- Keep your eyes peeled, Billy Palmerton.
Yes, sir.
- Stand by, Mr.
Scott.
- Aye, sir.
Cut power to computer systems Now.
Intruders migrating from computer core to duotronic backup tapes.
You were right, commander! A new source of information was too tempting for them to ignore.
How much time until the data is fully assimilated from the duotronic tapes? Twenty-six seconds.
If we're gonna eliminate it before it jumps to the next information source we've gotta act NOW.
Mr.
Chekov, prepare to jettison the backup storage assembly.
Aye, sir.
Charge phaser banks.
Aye, sir.
Without computer control, targeting's gonna be a little tricky.
They're speeding up, Mr.
Spock.
It's now or never! Eject microtapes.
Storage assembly released.
Point-seven kilometers Point-nine - One-point-one! - Fire! Report, Mr.
Scott.
It worked, sir.
The varmints are gone! The ship is safe.
Who tended to this man? Says he's a doctor, sir.
From the job he did, I'm inclined to believe it.
I tend to be a bit colorblind when it comes to uniforms these days.
I haven't slept in over 48 hours.
And I could use an extra set of hands.
Especially come morning.
Whaddya say, doc? Do I have to work with THESE still on? You can take those braclets off now.
- But he's a prisoner, sir.
- He's a physician! Take them off.
If you're so concerned, you can stand guard and watch over him.
This place is gonna be a slaughterhouse tomorrow.
You asked for me, commander? It is reasonable to assume that the crew is concerned about the condition of the captain and the doctor.
Since I do not share this type of "emotional vulnerability" I would like your counseling services available throughout the duration of this ordeal.
That is a very thoughtful observation, Mr.
Spock.
I'll make sure to let the crew know I'm available to anyone at any time.
Thank you, doctor.
Anyone.
Sickbay to Mr.
Spock.
Spock here.
At the moment, they're both stable.
I've noticed something interesting, but I'm not sure what it means.
Please explain, doctor.
Although their motor skills aren't active Their neurological activity's at an unprecedented level for patients in comas.
Curious That's not the most interesting part.
The activity spikes at the exact same time in both men.
As if they're linked consciously Reacting to the same stimuli at the exact same moments.
Thank you, doctor.
Please continue to report any observations.
Spock out.
Ensign.
When the captain activated the cutoff switch, the intruder was accessing Earth history.
- Might you be able to - Determine the point in history at which the cutoff occurred? That's a pretty tall order, commander.
I have complete confidence that you will be successful, Mr.
Chekov.
For every rebel I kill tomorrow, I'm gonna put a notch in my belt.
How many notches you got so far? I'll never understand why we're doing so much killin' and dyin' just to set some slaves free.
This war isn't just about freeing SOME people.
It's about freedom for everyone.
It's what this country was built on.
What's that supposed to mean? I'm free he's free.
You're free.
Without freedom for all We're all slaves.
Doesn't matter whether you're black, white, green Green?! Figuratively, of course.
Meaning anyone.
Even those we might not've met yet.
Thought it made sense to me when I joined up, but It don' no more.
Not after all I seen.
There are many kinds of oppression.
Like being oppressed by a society that stifles purpose.
Without purpose, none of you are truly free men.
You wanna talk about purpose? I got a family back home.
The days are gettin' shorter an' I should be gettin' my farm ready for winter.
I got two young'uns.
My oldest girl's expecting.
She's about to bring a life into this world! An' here I am hundreds a' miles away takin' 'em out! Those young'uns of yours will be better off for your service here.
How so, if their Pappy winds up shot dead?! What we say here will soon be forgotten.
But what you DO here will be remembered.
Those men across the battlefield tomorrow They were your brothers once.
And when this is settled, they will be again.
What you do here will ripple throughout history.
And it will pave the way for all men to be united.
Reach for the stars.
You got some kinda crystal ball? How could you possibly know that? I just know.
I heard there was some coffee out here.
This coffee's for Union soldiers.
He deserves some.
He saved my sergeant's life.
Have some coffee, doctor.
You should probably get some sleep too, Billy.
Tomorrow's a big day.
How you holding up? It's like a living hell in there.
Hacking off limbs, sewing up wounds with nothing more than a swig of whiskey to help fight the pain.
In my worst dreams I never imagined such things.
And it's my fault you're here.
If I just would've come for that physical, you wouldn't have been on the bridge.
Well, Jim There'd only be one thing worse than being here with you.
You being here all by yourself.
Can't have that now.
All the times Spock talked about how barbaric the human race was You think she's still up there? She's up there.
Spock has the finest crew in the fleet.
I know they're doing everything they can.
I should be there with them.
So should I.
God knows what I've done helping men who might've been supposed to die.
And Jim Tomorrow you're expected to go out there and fight.
What are you gonna do? I heard you talking to those boys, and I know you but this isn't your fight.
The reb doctor's needed.
You're gonna have to kill, Jim.
You know you can't do that.
When I get back, me and my girl are gonna get married.
My girl Elizabeth promised me a feast a' turkey, cornbread, an' peach cobbler.
I dream about it every night.
Why wouldn' you wanna marry a woman like that? On account a' her husband might not like it! Anyone waiting at home for you, Billy? Just my ma, sir.
And I got me a dog.
Maybe you could marry your dog, Palmerton! Pay no attention to him.
I'm scared, sir.
It takes a brave man to admit that.
Thank you, sir.
But I don' feel so brave.
Stay close to me.
You'll make it through.
We both will.
CHARGE!!!! FIRE! Fire, corporal! Fire! Fire! Where the hell're you firin', dammit?! Fire right! Billy! Billy! Sir, I think I've got it! According to the computer the intruders were consuming data from Earth year 1862 when the board flared up.
On screen.
The battle of Antietam Creek.
Sharpsburg, Maryland.
September 17th, 1862.
One of the bloodiest days in American history.
The dead, wounded, and missing totalled more than 22,000.
And Dr M'Benga believes the captain and McCoy are somehow networked into the same subconscious imagery.
You're guessing that's where they think they are? I endeavor not to employ "guesses," lieutenant.
But that would be the most logical theory.
Okay.
You're good.
My God, Jim! I need alcohol to clean the wound.
We're running out of every damn thing in this place.
Bones! Jim, the wound is deep.
The bone is shattered.
The tissue damage is severe.
- If I were on the ship - We're not We're not.
We're here.
What can you do HERE? We're going to have to amputate below the knee.
Do what you've gotta do.
You! Hold his shoulders.
Hold the leg.
Forgive me, Jim.
Commander.
I was able to isolate one of the pathogens and remove it.
They're not so much viruses as some sort of nanites! Microscopic computers.
They're networked together.
That's why Doctor McCoy and the captain are experiencing the exact same images in their subconcious minds.
Doctor Brain impulses are spiking in both the captain and Doctor McCoy.
The captain seems to be in some sort of distress! The captain's leg it's dying! I keep thinking that maybe this isn't real.
You did what you had to do.
What happened to him? Ah.
I think a bullet might've grazed his head.
Nothing serious.
He's not wounded? Not physically, no.
Most likely a case of shell shock or a case of the nerves.
Can't say that I blame him.
Doctor, you're needed.
- Jim, I - You did good, Bones.
Go save some more lives.
How're they doin', doctor? We're out of time.
Mr.
Scott, I believe I have a theory.
Dr.
M'Benga, is it possible for you to temporarily.
shut down the captain and doctor's brain functions? For a very limited time, yes.
Why? Perhaps if the nanites believe their food sources have run out they will relocate to a new receptor.
Aye! Get rid of rats by layin' a trail a' food.
Like we did with the Enterprise computer.
Prescisely.
We starve them.
and then we lead them to a fresh information store.
It may not be so easy this time, Mr.
Spock.
They've been feeding off of a biological host.
They may not be interested in an inorganic source.
The ideal lure would be something cybernetic.
Both biological AND mechanical.
I haven't anythin' like that, commander.
A prosthetic limb! There's a crewmember whose arm is bio-mechanical.
Of course, only the medical staff The captain and doctor's lives are at stake.
His name, please.
Billy? What happened? You were wrong, sir.
About what? About me.
That I could be brave.
When the sergeant got hit I ran.
Men fallin' all 'round me.
I got scared.
Turned and ran smack into a tree.
Everything you said last night I wanted to believe That maybe there really was something more to this fightin'.
You made it sound like somethin' That would'a made my ma proud even if I didn' come home.
"Without freedom for ever'one, we're all slaves.
" "Without purpose, none a' you are truly free men.
" But When the time came, you couldn't shoot anyone.
And I couldn' neither.
You're right.
I couldn't, because I I don't belong here.
I can't tell you why.
You wouldn't understand.
But my freedom was taken away as well.
My freedom and now my This isn't my fight, Billy! But it IS yours.
If you allow any man's freedom to be taken away they could come for yours next.
Then your ma's your family, your friends! This wasn't supposed to happen.
I'm not supposed to be here! But YOU are.
You have a purpose, Billy.
Something worth fighting for.
Something to stand for! Jim! You'll start bleeding again! Gimme some of that morphine they brought in! I see you're awake.
You ready to give up that bed for another man? There's plenty who could use it.
Lieutenant Drake.
I'm sure you are aware of the current crisis.
I am, sir.
I understand you have a prosthesis.
I do, sir.
An accident during my last assignment.
The invading nanites are attracted to both biological and artificial data systems.
We require a device that will lure the invaders from the captain and the doctor.
Your bio-mechanical arm It has a cyber-neural control unit.
And you think you can use it to help the captain and the doctor? - There is a possibility that - I'll do it.
Lieutenant.
There are significant risks.
I understand.
I'll do it.
Very well.
But know this.
Their lives depend not on just IF the nanites migrate But how quickly they do so.
If this procedure is not successful we'll lose all three of you.
Hey.
You! Where's Billy? Billy Palmerton.
I ain't never seen anythin' like it in my life.
We were ordered to charge 'cross that bridge straight into the rebel army.
We had to take that ground.
It was our only chance for victory.
The captain yelled "charge" none a' us moved.
We knew what was waitin' 'cross that bridge.
But then Billy.
That mousey little Billy.
He pushed his way to the front of the group What got into him? He turned and faced us all He said "C'mon, boys!" "If they can take one man's freedom, they can take all ours!" "Are we gonna let that happen?" And then everybody started gettin' all riled up shoutin' "NO!" Billy turned and faced that bridge.
Raised his rifle up.
And led that charge.
Blastin' right into that rebel army.
Hollerin' "FOR FREEDOM!" Then everyone else "FOR FREEDOM!" And we did it.
We broke their line.
What happened to Billy? No one up front survived.
But the fightin' stopped.
I think that won it for us.
Hey! The President's here! Jim! Are you outta your mind? You need to stay in bed.
And miss this? I guess that's worth getting outta bed for.
How many men get to see history unfold with one of its greatest contributors? True.
You're a lucky man.
I am.
But I'll never be the man I was.
Ya know what I think, Jim? A man with one leg can stand just as tall as any other.
If he has a purpose.
Perhaps even taller.
Mr.
Drake's arm should prove a sufficiently tempting host.
D'you really think this can work, commander? I estimate our odds at 492.
031 against us succeeding.
I believe the captain would consider those odds manageable.
Please proceed.
Brain activity's been interrupted.
The nanites are migrating.
Come on, ya beasties.
We're seconds away from irreparable damage! Come on come on Doctor? Doctor?! That's it! They've transferred to the limb.
Escort Mr.
Drake immediately to the transporter room.
Administering stimulants.
Restarting brain activity.
Welcome back, captain.
Doctor.
The intruders have been removed.
You are free.
I don't know how to thank you, Cad.
William "Cadmus" Drake.
Well, I do.
Starfleet Medical's developed a new and improved prosthetic limb.
One's on it's way by shuttle.
Quicker impulse response; stronger alloy.
Perhaps another spar in the gymnasium? I'll get back to you on that one.
Kirk to transporter room.
Scotty you ready? Standing by to beam those beasties off the ship, sir.
Energize transporters.
Mr.
Sulu, ready phasers.
Phasers locked on the cannister, sir.
Any parting words, Mr.
Drake? Fire.
Ya know, there's probably more a' those things out there.
You're probably right.
No telling where the probe picked them up.
God help anyone who encounters them.
You know, doctor I think you're right.
"Even taller.
" Sir? Something a wise man once said.
"A man with one leg can stand even taller.
" Or one ARM.
Mr.
Chekov.
Plot a course to rendezvous with the shuttlecraft.
We mustn't keep Chief Drake waiting.
I've got a sparring match to lose.
Peter Goundrill
1 After encountering Friendship 3 an interstellar probe launched from Earth 170 years ago the Enterprise computer has been infested with a pathogen of unknown origin.
Confirmed, captain.
Whatever has infiltrated the main computer is of a technology far superior to the archaic design of Friendship 3.
We've got to pull the plug on this thing, Spock.
Get it isolated.
Lieutenant, contact Starfleet Command.
From Kirk, commanding Enterprise: Unknown entity has infiltrated ship's computer after encountering old Earth space probe Friendship 3.
All ships are to avoid sector Sierra 047.
Sierra 047.
Steps need to be taken to isolate and if necessary DESTROY the probe.
Right away, sir.
Firewalls proving ineffective.
It is migrating from the communications system to - My library computer.
- Computer off, Spock! Not responding.
Controls have been overriden.
Spreading like a virus through my systems now, captain! Engineering specs, diagrams, propulsion manuals the works.
Alert computer core.
Tell them to shut down all non-essential systems.
Unlikely a virus, captain.
I am seeing indication of a high level of intelligence from them.
"Them"? I am reading hundreds of thousands of microscopic objects easily out-maneuvering our computer defense systems and counteracting every attempt at blocking their progress.
Now accessing Federation capabilities Starfleet defense data Earth history.
Activate lockdown subroutines.
Your assistance is needed, Mr.
Scott.
McCOY: Jim Since you weren't in my exam room for your appointment 30 minutes ago I thought a house call was in order.
Not now, Bones.
Even your first officer kept his appointment and we all know how he feels about my "beads and rattles.
" We'll talk about this later, doctor! If we dampen the duotronic feed Aye! Starve it at the source.
What in blazes do you think it is? An intelligence and getting more intelligent by the minute.
The board's on overload! Bones? Here, Jim! Space.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds To seek out new life and new civilizations.
To boldly go where no man has gone before.
Come on! My God, Jim.
Where are we? More like "WHEN are we?" Mid-1800s.
Union.
Confederacy.
These uniforms The American Civil War.
Apparently, we're not on the same side.
How? One minute we're on the bridge, and the next we're What do you think we're dealing with? A parallel planet? An illusion? Time portal? There's no telling.
But until we figure out how to get home We must assume it's real.
And if we ARE in Earth's history We know the risks.
We can't do anything to upset the balance of what's to come.
The further we are from the fighting, the safer we'll be.
Has the pathogen been identified? Not yet.
There was a "transfer" of some sort after the explosion took place.
I have them in a partial stasis field.
They mustn't be touched until we know what we're dealing with.
The intruders have absorbed data from various systems at an accelerated rate.
We are attempting to isolate them before they can advance further.
Whatever it is It seems to be moving through their bodies in the same manner.
I'm using antibodies to prevent more trauma Tranquilizers to slow their metabolisms but It's on the march.
We can't stop it.
Only delay it.
How long? A day.
Maybe two.
When these things reach their autonomic systems Lungs, heart Understood.
Please inform me of any changes, doctor.
I didn't wanna say anything, Jim but it appears I outrank you.
Too bad we've got to stay hidden.
Otherwise I could have some fun with you, corporal.
You're a southern gentleman, doctor.
I'd expect at least a modicum of leniency.
HALT! Looky what we have here, boys.
A fancy reb sergeant.
Yeah.
Thought he could escape by running into the woods.
But I tracked the ol' reb down.
You don't have to worry about him.
He's my prisoner.
I was just taking him back to camp.
You always let your prisoners keep their weapons, corporal? Watch him, boys.
He may be secesh in Union blue.
So you're a fancy-pants reb sergeant, huh? Betcha know what yer buddies are plannin' for tomorrow.
D'ya? C'mon, answer me Y'know how many soldiers they're bringin' in the mornin'? Answer me! How many behind the front? How about artillery? You know anythin' 'bout that? You tongue-tied? Answer me! Wait! This man's a doctor! I was taking him back to camp because he can help our wounded.
This man's gonna BE one a' them wounded if he don't learn to start answerin'.
He's MY prisoner! You lay one more hand on him, sergeant and I'll make sure your superiors know how you treated a valuable prize.
Who are you? Kirk.
James.
Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves? That's right I thought you was a lieutenant colonel.
Just damn good to have you here with us.
It'll be a big one tomorrow.
We'll need all the help we can get.
Get him up, boys and move out.
SNIPER! I can help this man! This doctor knows new ways to heal.
What "new ways"? We don' trust no damn Confederate! You'll trust THIS Confederate, or your sergeant dies! Someone have a medical kit? Do what you can for him, doctor.
I'm going to check on that other man.
One of you men Go dig a grave for that man.
That's a reb sniper! He's a boy! Not much older than some of you.
Fighting for what he believes in just like you are.
- So much for hiding out.
- You okay? Been better.
Nothing compared to him.
Please tell me you can help him.
With these? Out here? - I'm a surgeon.
Not a butcher! - Good.
Because he needs a surgeon.
Jim.
What if this man is supposed to die? Or what if he isn't and just by being here, we've changed all that? He might not have gotten shot in the first place if it hadn't been for us.
What does the doctor in you say? Somebody have a knife? Hold it! Put pressure on the wound right here.
That's about all I can do.
But I need a field hospital.
You do have a field hospital? Yep.
It's a messy business.
Nothing to be ashamed about.
I ain't.
Musta ate somethin' didn't agree with me.
- What's your name, son? - Billy.
- Billy Palmerton, sir.
- Keep your eyes peeled, Billy Palmerton.
Yes, sir.
- Stand by, Mr.
Scott.
- Aye, sir.
Cut power to computer systems Now.
Intruders migrating from computer core to duotronic backup tapes.
You were right, commander! A new source of information was too tempting for them to ignore.
How much time until the data is fully assimilated from the duotronic tapes? Twenty-six seconds.
If we're gonna eliminate it before it jumps to the next information source we've gotta act NOW.
Mr.
Chekov, prepare to jettison the backup storage assembly.
Aye, sir.
Charge phaser banks.
Aye, sir.
Without computer control, targeting's gonna be a little tricky.
They're speeding up, Mr.
Spock.
It's now or never! Eject microtapes.
Storage assembly released.
Point-seven kilometers Point-nine - One-point-one! - Fire! Report, Mr.
Scott.
It worked, sir.
The varmints are gone! The ship is safe.
Who tended to this man? Says he's a doctor, sir.
From the job he did, I'm inclined to believe it.
I tend to be a bit colorblind when it comes to uniforms these days.
I haven't slept in over 48 hours.
And I could use an extra set of hands.
Especially come morning.
Whaddya say, doc? Do I have to work with THESE still on? You can take those braclets off now.
- But he's a prisoner, sir.
- He's a physician! Take them off.
If you're so concerned, you can stand guard and watch over him.
This place is gonna be a slaughterhouse tomorrow.
You asked for me, commander? It is reasonable to assume that the crew is concerned about the condition of the captain and the doctor.
Since I do not share this type of "emotional vulnerability" I would like your counseling services available throughout the duration of this ordeal.
That is a very thoughtful observation, Mr.
Spock.
I'll make sure to let the crew know I'm available to anyone at any time.
Thank you, doctor.
Anyone.
Sickbay to Mr.
Spock.
Spock here.
At the moment, they're both stable.
I've noticed something interesting, but I'm not sure what it means.
Please explain, doctor.
Although their motor skills aren't active Their neurological activity's at an unprecedented level for patients in comas.
Curious That's not the most interesting part.
The activity spikes at the exact same time in both men.
As if they're linked consciously Reacting to the same stimuli at the exact same moments.
Thank you, doctor.
Please continue to report any observations.
Spock out.
Ensign.
When the captain activated the cutoff switch, the intruder was accessing Earth history.
- Might you be able to - Determine the point in history at which the cutoff occurred? That's a pretty tall order, commander.
I have complete confidence that you will be successful, Mr.
Chekov.
For every rebel I kill tomorrow, I'm gonna put a notch in my belt.
How many notches you got so far? I'll never understand why we're doing so much killin' and dyin' just to set some slaves free.
This war isn't just about freeing SOME people.
It's about freedom for everyone.
It's what this country was built on.
What's that supposed to mean? I'm free he's free.
You're free.
Without freedom for all We're all slaves.
Doesn't matter whether you're black, white, green Green?! Figuratively, of course.
Meaning anyone.
Even those we might not've met yet.
Thought it made sense to me when I joined up, but It don' no more.
Not after all I seen.
There are many kinds of oppression.
Like being oppressed by a society that stifles purpose.
Without purpose, none of you are truly free men.
You wanna talk about purpose? I got a family back home.
The days are gettin' shorter an' I should be gettin' my farm ready for winter.
I got two young'uns.
My oldest girl's expecting.
She's about to bring a life into this world! An' here I am hundreds a' miles away takin' 'em out! Those young'uns of yours will be better off for your service here.
How so, if their Pappy winds up shot dead?! What we say here will soon be forgotten.
But what you DO here will be remembered.
Those men across the battlefield tomorrow They were your brothers once.
And when this is settled, they will be again.
What you do here will ripple throughout history.
And it will pave the way for all men to be united.
Reach for the stars.
You got some kinda crystal ball? How could you possibly know that? I just know.
I heard there was some coffee out here.
This coffee's for Union soldiers.
He deserves some.
He saved my sergeant's life.
Have some coffee, doctor.
You should probably get some sleep too, Billy.
Tomorrow's a big day.
How you holding up? It's like a living hell in there.
Hacking off limbs, sewing up wounds with nothing more than a swig of whiskey to help fight the pain.
In my worst dreams I never imagined such things.
And it's my fault you're here.
If I just would've come for that physical, you wouldn't have been on the bridge.
Well, Jim There'd only be one thing worse than being here with you.
You being here all by yourself.
Can't have that now.
All the times Spock talked about how barbaric the human race was You think she's still up there? She's up there.
Spock has the finest crew in the fleet.
I know they're doing everything they can.
I should be there with them.
So should I.
God knows what I've done helping men who might've been supposed to die.
And Jim Tomorrow you're expected to go out there and fight.
What are you gonna do? I heard you talking to those boys, and I know you but this isn't your fight.
The reb doctor's needed.
You're gonna have to kill, Jim.
You know you can't do that.
When I get back, me and my girl are gonna get married.
My girl Elizabeth promised me a feast a' turkey, cornbread, an' peach cobbler.
I dream about it every night.
Why wouldn' you wanna marry a woman like that? On account a' her husband might not like it! Anyone waiting at home for you, Billy? Just my ma, sir.
And I got me a dog.
Maybe you could marry your dog, Palmerton! Pay no attention to him.
I'm scared, sir.
It takes a brave man to admit that.
Thank you, sir.
But I don' feel so brave.
Stay close to me.
You'll make it through.
We both will.
CHARGE!!!! FIRE! Fire, corporal! Fire! Fire! Where the hell're you firin', dammit?! Fire right! Billy! Billy! Sir, I think I've got it! According to the computer the intruders were consuming data from Earth year 1862 when the board flared up.
On screen.
The battle of Antietam Creek.
Sharpsburg, Maryland.
September 17th, 1862.
One of the bloodiest days in American history.
The dead, wounded, and missing totalled more than 22,000.
And Dr M'Benga believes the captain and McCoy are somehow networked into the same subconscious imagery.
You're guessing that's where they think they are? I endeavor not to employ "guesses," lieutenant.
But that would be the most logical theory.
Okay.
You're good.
My God, Jim! I need alcohol to clean the wound.
We're running out of every damn thing in this place.
Bones! Jim, the wound is deep.
The bone is shattered.
The tissue damage is severe.
- If I were on the ship - We're not We're not.
We're here.
What can you do HERE? We're going to have to amputate below the knee.
Do what you've gotta do.
You! Hold his shoulders.
Hold the leg.
Forgive me, Jim.
Commander.
I was able to isolate one of the pathogens and remove it.
They're not so much viruses as some sort of nanites! Microscopic computers.
They're networked together.
That's why Doctor McCoy and the captain are experiencing the exact same images in their subconcious minds.
Doctor Brain impulses are spiking in both the captain and Doctor McCoy.
The captain seems to be in some sort of distress! The captain's leg it's dying! I keep thinking that maybe this isn't real.
You did what you had to do.
What happened to him? Ah.
I think a bullet might've grazed his head.
Nothing serious.
He's not wounded? Not physically, no.
Most likely a case of shell shock or a case of the nerves.
Can't say that I blame him.
Doctor, you're needed.
- Jim, I - You did good, Bones.
Go save some more lives.
How're they doin', doctor? We're out of time.
Mr.
Scott, I believe I have a theory.
Dr.
M'Benga, is it possible for you to temporarily.
shut down the captain and doctor's brain functions? For a very limited time, yes.
Why? Perhaps if the nanites believe their food sources have run out they will relocate to a new receptor.
Aye! Get rid of rats by layin' a trail a' food.
Like we did with the Enterprise computer.
Prescisely.
We starve them.
and then we lead them to a fresh information store.
It may not be so easy this time, Mr.
Spock.
They've been feeding off of a biological host.
They may not be interested in an inorganic source.
The ideal lure would be something cybernetic.
Both biological AND mechanical.
I haven't anythin' like that, commander.
A prosthetic limb! There's a crewmember whose arm is bio-mechanical.
Of course, only the medical staff The captain and doctor's lives are at stake.
His name, please.
Billy? What happened? You were wrong, sir.
About what? About me.
That I could be brave.
When the sergeant got hit I ran.
Men fallin' all 'round me.
I got scared.
Turned and ran smack into a tree.
Everything you said last night I wanted to believe That maybe there really was something more to this fightin'.
You made it sound like somethin' That would'a made my ma proud even if I didn' come home.
"Without freedom for ever'one, we're all slaves.
" "Without purpose, none a' you are truly free men.
" But When the time came, you couldn't shoot anyone.
And I couldn' neither.
You're right.
I couldn't, because I I don't belong here.
I can't tell you why.
You wouldn't understand.
But my freedom was taken away as well.
My freedom and now my This isn't my fight, Billy! But it IS yours.
If you allow any man's freedom to be taken away they could come for yours next.
Then your ma's your family, your friends! This wasn't supposed to happen.
I'm not supposed to be here! But YOU are.
You have a purpose, Billy.
Something worth fighting for.
Something to stand for! Jim! You'll start bleeding again! Gimme some of that morphine they brought in! I see you're awake.
You ready to give up that bed for another man? There's plenty who could use it.
Lieutenant Drake.
I'm sure you are aware of the current crisis.
I am, sir.
I understand you have a prosthesis.
I do, sir.
An accident during my last assignment.
The invading nanites are attracted to both biological and artificial data systems.
We require a device that will lure the invaders from the captain and the doctor.
Your bio-mechanical arm It has a cyber-neural control unit.
And you think you can use it to help the captain and the doctor? - There is a possibility that - I'll do it.
Lieutenant.
There are significant risks.
I understand.
I'll do it.
Very well.
But know this.
Their lives depend not on just IF the nanites migrate But how quickly they do so.
If this procedure is not successful we'll lose all three of you.
Hey.
You! Where's Billy? Billy Palmerton.
I ain't never seen anythin' like it in my life.
We were ordered to charge 'cross that bridge straight into the rebel army.
We had to take that ground.
It was our only chance for victory.
The captain yelled "charge" none a' us moved.
We knew what was waitin' 'cross that bridge.
But then Billy.
That mousey little Billy.
He pushed his way to the front of the group What got into him? He turned and faced us all He said "C'mon, boys!" "If they can take one man's freedom, they can take all ours!" "Are we gonna let that happen?" And then everybody started gettin' all riled up shoutin' "NO!" Billy turned and faced that bridge.
Raised his rifle up.
And led that charge.
Blastin' right into that rebel army.
Hollerin' "FOR FREEDOM!" Then everyone else "FOR FREEDOM!" And we did it.
We broke their line.
What happened to Billy? No one up front survived.
But the fightin' stopped.
I think that won it for us.
Hey! The President's here! Jim! Are you outta your mind? You need to stay in bed.
And miss this? I guess that's worth getting outta bed for.
How many men get to see history unfold with one of its greatest contributors? True.
You're a lucky man.
I am.
But I'll never be the man I was.
Ya know what I think, Jim? A man with one leg can stand just as tall as any other.
If he has a purpose.
Perhaps even taller.
Mr.
Drake's arm should prove a sufficiently tempting host.
D'you really think this can work, commander? I estimate our odds at 492.
031 against us succeeding.
I believe the captain would consider those odds manageable.
Please proceed.
Brain activity's been interrupted.
The nanites are migrating.
Come on, ya beasties.
We're seconds away from irreparable damage! Come on come on Doctor? Doctor?! That's it! They've transferred to the limb.
Escort Mr.
Drake immediately to the transporter room.
Administering stimulants.
Restarting brain activity.
Welcome back, captain.
Doctor.
The intruders have been removed.
You are free.
I don't know how to thank you, Cad.
William "Cadmus" Drake.
Well, I do.
Starfleet Medical's developed a new and improved prosthetic limb.
One's on it's way by shuttle.
Quicker impulse response; stronger alloy.
Perhaps another spar in the gymnasium? I'll get back to you on that one.
Kirk to transporter room.
Scotty you ready? Standing by to beam those beasties off the ship, sir.
Energize transporters.
Mr.
Sulu, ready phasers.
Phasers locked on the cannister, sir.
Any parting words, Mr.
Drake? Fire.
Ya know, there's probably more a' those things out there.
You're probably right.
No telling where the probe picked them up.
God help anyone who encounters them.
You know, doctor I think you're right.
"Even taller.
" Sir? Something a wise man once said.
"A man with one leg can stand even taller.
" Or one ARM.
Mr.
Chekov.
Plot a course to rendezvous with the shuttlecraft.
We mustn't keep Chief Drake waiting.
I've got a sparring match to lose.
Peter Goundrill