Star Trek Continues s01e11 Episode Script
To Boldly Go (Part 2)
KIRK (VO): Captain's log, stardate 6995.
1.
Several days ago, the Enterprise was re-routed to Aldebaran III where, at a top-secret facility, Starfleet housed 25 humans with extraordinary ESP quotients.
Leaving a renegade Vulcan and his wife, Lana, to distract us with illusions the remaining espers seized the Federation vessel S.
S.
Halifax and set course for the energy barrier surrounding our galaxy.
Commander Spock sought the help of Romulan Commander Charvanek an unauthorized act for which he has been duly reprimanded.
The Romulans agreed to accompany the Enterprise to the barrier in order to intercept the Halifax but we arrived too late.
The Halifax already entered the galactic energy barrier and, in doing so, uplifted the esper crew with super-human powers.
Utilizing their abilities, the espers somehow seized control of our sister ship: the U.
S.
S.
Kongo.
Relinquish command or the Enterprise will suffer the same fate as the Hood! KIRK (VO): 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.
Uhura, every available security guard to the bridge! - Shields up! Full reverse! - Not so fast, captain.
Helm, hold position.
This is MY ship! [ECHOING VOICE.]
Do as I said! Hold position! Drop shields! [UHURA SCREAMS.]
Stop! STOP! [LANA SCREAMS.]
Lana! Kongo! Two to beam over.
NOW! Chekov! - Get those shields back up! - Aye, captain.
- Deflectors at 80 percent.
- Return fire! No effect, captain.
The espers must be utilizing their psionic abilities to enhance the Kongo's shields.
- Back us off.
- Yes, sir.
The Kongo is holding position.
Go to yellow alert.
Escort Mr.
Smith to sick bay.
Captain, I Sir.
McCOY: Any idea how they managed to overpower the Kongo's crew? Probably similar to what Lana did to the Hood.
Their illusions are formidable.
You knew Captain Azmi? He was a friend.
If the espers wanted to steal a starship, why not take the Republic or the Yorktown when they went to investigate? Hell, they probably tried to.
We're lucky those ships managed to escape the system first.
Barely.
The poor lasses'll take a year to rebuild.
At least.
Regardless, gentlemen they have a starship now.
What are they waiting for? Why don't they just turn us against each other? Trick us into shutting our systems down? Well, we know that uplifted espers take time to develop their powers.
They just entered the barrier and took over the Kongo.
Maybe they don't have enough energy to do the same to us - For now.
- For now.
But it's just a matter of time.
We can't trust our senses, gentlemen.
We need to stay sharp.
Focused.
I might be able to synthesize a formazine solution.
- Help keep us all on our toes.
- Aye.
We should keep our distance from 'em as well.
- They don't have unlimited range.
- Yet they're holding position.
Our weapons don't seem to have any effect.
Why don't they attack? Their engines are offline.
I'm guessing the Kongo's crew managed to shut them down before they were uh "overrun.
" - They'll have to restart 'em.
- It shouldn't take this long.
Perhaps they don't know exactly what they're doin'.
Too many questions, gentlemen.
Find me some solutions.
Dismissed.
Something else, doctor? You look like hell, Jim.
How long's it been since you slept? Two days.
- I've gotta keep going.
- Normally, I'd tell you you're wrong.
But you aren't.
Not this time.
Law of averages.
Bones Do you know how many people have died under my command? - Jim - 73.
In 5 years.
But you've saved countless others.
Whole planets.
That's no consolation.
I can't stop thinking about it them.
Tomlinson, Tormolen, Jackson Drake.
I could name them all.
And now a starship with two dozen espers bent on revenge.
How many more must die? We'll stop 'em.
But at what cost, doctor? At what cost? SMITH: Counselor.
I'm glad you're here.
Please don't look at me like that.
I didn't ask for this.
I don't even know how Mr.
Spock has a theory.
You were touching one of the espers when this ship passed through the barrier 5 years ago.
You didn't quite uplift then but contact with him left residual effects you didn't know about.
We believe our close proximity to the barrier has triggered them.
I can hear what you're thinking, Elise.
But you're wrong.
I'm not dangerous.
I can feel this "power" surging through me.
But I'm not Gary.
I would never hurt any of you.
Oh, Barbara.
If only we could know that for sure.
[DOOR CHIME.]
Come.
Spock.
We have unfinished business.
Commander My answer then was as it must be now.
I am a Starfleet officer.
Surrounded by those whose minds cannot reach out to others.
Humans fear that which they foolishly call "extrasensory.
" They cannot bear the intimacy of shared thoughts.
The mixing of two minds solute and solvent.
We did share something significant.
Oh, I have thought of you often, Spock.
When my ship departs, come with me.
You belong at my side.
Nothing has changed.
I am still first officer of the Enterprise.
Whose mission will soon be over.
Your job is complete.
It is time for new adventure.
An opportunity to return my people to the Time of Awakening before the Sundering.
To the path begun by Surak so many centuries ago.
No.
This is not correct.
But it is.
Our union would be symbolic, Spock.
A step toward reunification.
You are Romulan.
Proud.
Yet you are here as I want you to be, NOT as you are.
Why question? Just feel.
- This cannot be! - Spock This cannot be real! [INTERCOM WHISTLES.]
Kirk to bridge.
Set a new heading, lieutenant.
Zero-one-zero mark thirteen.
And drop shields.
Captain, that course will bring us straight into the barrier! - Without our shields - You have your orders.
Kirk out.
Uhura, anything from the Kongo? Sorry, sir.
- Sulu? - The Kongo is holding position, captain.
Course laid in for the galactic barrier, sir.
On your mark.
Barrier? What are you talking about? Captain, I have been compromised.
And if I have, others may have been as well.
Have you experienced anything unusual? No Yes.
I find myself dwelling on dwelling on Sir.
I believe the espers are attempting to influence our minds and render illusions.
They are deliberately distracting us.
Sulu.
Check the Kongo's location again.
Don't rely on their transponder.
Use the main sensor beam.
- Triangulate with the Romulans.
- Aye, captain.
Scanning.
- Correction! There's no ship ahead of us! - Bring us about.
- They've opened fire, sir! - Charge phaser banks! - I I don't remember how! - Sulu, you do it! We hit them! No damage.
- But they're moving off.
- Moving off? Captain.
If you recall, espers' energy can be expended.
They may require a few moments to recharge.
- Let's use that time wisely.
- Sir, I don't know what came over me! Snap out of it, lieutenant.
That's an order.
Scotty, report.
SCOTT ON COMM: Their shot took out our starboard nacelle.
I'll need 30 minutes to get it back online.
We don't have 30 minutes.
We'll perform a cold restart.
SCOTT ON COMM: Sir! If anything goes wrong, we'll lose the whole ship! Captain, Commander Charvanek is hailing us.
Put her on.
Captain Kirk, we must withdraw.
Even OUR weapons cannot weaken them.
Or maybe that's what they want us to think.
Spock, double-check those readings.
I AM detecting a fluctuation in their shields.
It appears their psionic abilities cannot deflect multiple strikes simultaneously.
- Then we'll hit them from both sides.
- Agreed.
Captain, an attack from only two vectors would be insufficient to compromise their shield grid.
If not two what about three? Lieutenant, ship-wide.
All decks, this is the captain.
We are about to undergo a risky procedure.
One which we have never before attempted.
Chief Engineer Scott will be performing a reset of our engines.
As a precaution, Commander Spock will take charge of the main bridge while I assume command of the secondary hull.
We will then coordinate with the Hawk's Talon to execute a three-pronged attack against the Kongo.
All non-emergency personnel are to evacuate to the primary hull immediately.
Prepare to jettison the drive section.
[RED ALERT KLAXON.]
COMPUTER: All personnel, prepare for stardrive section jettison.
[REPEATS.]
Captain.
Even if we are successful, it will be extremely difficult to reconnect the secondary hull.
Difficult but not impossible, Spock.
Use impulse power to keep at a safe distance.
I'll be relying on thrusters only.
Mr.
Sulu.
I'll need a driver.
You know I've always wanted to try this.
All hands to battlestations.
This is not a drill.
Repeat: this is not a drill.
Commander, the Kongo is powering up its impulse engines.
Understood.
Spock to Captain Kirk.
All systems ready.
- Main bridge, stand by.
- Closing EPS connections sealing turboshafts and Jefferies tubes.
Sulu, I hope you remember your simulator sessions.
What simulator sessions? COMPUTER: Secondary hull has been jettisoned.
Commander, the Kongo is moving toward the stardrive section.
Ready phasers.
Load torpedo tubes.
You may fire at will.
- Captain, the saucer's engaged the Kongo! - Let's buy Scotty more time.
- Lana! All three ships are attacking! - Stay with them! Which one? It's working, sir! - Their power levels are dropping.
- Keep at it! Maintain barrage! Lana Lana! Disengage! The Kongo is powering down weapons, sir.
Full stop.
Lieutenant Uhura, hail the drive section.
Mr.
Spock, I'm unable to reach the captain.
- They're blocking our transmissions.
- Compensate, lieutenant.
Sir, we're being hailed by the Kongo.
Lana.
You will cease your disruption of our comm frequencies.
You're in no position to negotiate, commander.
Nor are you.
Why don't you scan our hangar deck, Mr.
Spock? You'll detect the Kongo's former crewmembers including Captain Azmi alive and well.
Confirmed.
Reading several life signs in their shuttle bay! We are prepared to discuss terms in person.
What do you propose? Dr.
McKennah was kind to me.
I trust her.
Beam her aboard our vessel.
- I will not.
- You will, commander! Or shall I decompress our hangar deck? Spock, I'll go.
We can't risk it.
If those people are still alive, we can't risk it! Permit me to contact our captain.
- I will discuss - No! You have one minute.
Kongo out.
Please.
We can save those people.
I can talk to Lana.
Negotiate.
I've been trained in mediation.
There has to be a win-win scenario here! Lieutenant, attempt to hail Captain Kirk.
I'm sorry, I I can't break through this interference.
[QUIETLY.]
You're in command.
Make a command decision.
Doctor, we cannot be certain the Kongo crewmembers are indeed alive.
This may be a deception.
- Logic dictates - Logic? Spock after all you and I have talked about? What do your FEELINGS say? Very well, Sentek.
We will lower our shields and transport our officer to your vessel and you will beam Captain Azmi to us.
Agreed.
Spock to transporter room.
Prepare to beam Dr.
McKennah directly to the Kongo.
Energize.
Mr.
Spock! The life form readings in their shuttlebay they've disappeared! Raise shields! Sentek! My apologies, commander.
I lied.
Vulcans do not lie.
We both know that not to be true, Mr.
Spock.
In any case, we now have a valuable prize in our brig.
A colleague for whom I sense you have some affection.
You are mistaken.
I don't think so.
Now stand down, or she will die.
STAND DOWN! Helm back us off.
- Sir? - Back us off! Live long and prosper, Spock.
The Kongo's gone to warp.
I'm sorry, sir.
We've lost her.
You don't have to do this.
You should eat.
Lana.
The Federation values ALL its citizens.
There's a place for each and every one of you.
Time after time humanity has turned its back on self-improvement.
We are your successors.
[INTERCOM WHISTLES.]
Bridge to Lana.
We'll be crossing into the Celes sector in 8 hours.
You know Starfleet will have to stop you.
Just give up now.
Come back to the Federation family.
I will do all I can to make sure your people find the acceptance and dignity that they deserve.
After what we've done there's no turning back.
I refuse to believe that.
Lana, you're still human.
There's far more that binds us than divides us.
Do NOT counsel me, doctor.
I sense your thoughts.
All of you.
I feel how frightened you are of me.
Of us.
[SIGHS.]
We will not assimilate into your "Federation family.
" We will REPLACE it.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log, supplemental.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our engineering staff and assistance from the Romulans we have managed to re-attach the Enterprise's drive section and are in pursuit of the Kongo.
Our long-range sensors have detected the Kongo.
She'll re-enter Federation space in the Celes sector.
- She's en route to Earth.
- As we feared.
I don't need to stress how severe this situation is.
We're scrambling the Exeter and Potemkin.
They'll intercept the Kongo in the Regulus system.
With all due respect, admiral it'll take more than two starships to stop those devils.
Starfleet requested assistance from the Klingon High Council.
Our calls went unanswered.
And my people? Then they are short-sighted men who do not perceive the greater picture.
Admiral.
Dr.
McCoy has prepared a formazine solution to help us focus and my ship's communications officer believes she's determined a method to circumvent the espers' subspace disruptions.
Yes, sir.
They have the ability to block intership transmissions, but only at certain frequencies.
If our ships restrict themselves to lower bands, the espers won't be able to block them.
Excellent work, lieutenant.
I'll transmit your findings to the Exeter and Potemkin.
Admiral, it is critical that our vessels establish a sufficient interval between themselves and the Kongo.
Their powers of deception are overwhelming.
Indeed, commander.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
We can not allow these espers to strike at the heart of Federation territory.
We must stop them at ANY price! Jim, one more thing.
I know they're holding one of your officers hostage on board the Kongo.
We'll do everything we can to rescue her.
But I can't make any promises.
I understand, admiral.
- Enterprise out.
- May I have a moment with the captain? The Exeter, the Potemkin the only other Constitution-class vessels still in service.
Captain.
I must apologize for my recent choices.
My judgment has been lacking.
Spock.
Under the circumstances, you did the best you could.
Jim I made an emotional decision.
Had I been in your place, Spock so would I.
Doctor? She wants to talk to you, Jim.
I think you need to listen.
Captain, I want to help.
I don't think that's a good idea.
Sir.
This power inside of me is growing SO quickly.
That's precisely why I don't think it's a good idea.
Five years ago, you didn't even know my name.
But that day at the barrier, something was set in motion and it changed me.
And I don't mean THIS.
I watched you make impossible choices to protect your crew.
Such strength such compassion Even though it must have torn you up inside.
You showed me what it means to serve.
I got my commission so that I could come back here to the Enterprise and SERVE my crew and you.
My captain.
Don't you see? THIS is why I'm here.
THIS is what I'm meant to do.
To help.
Please.
Let me.
Report.
Approaching the Regulus system now, captain.
Drop us out of warp.
Sir, we appear to be encountering some debris.
Debris? Visual.
By the Elements! The Exeter? And the Potemkin.
Judging by these readings Sir they fired on each other! The espers' powers of illusion would appear to have grown significantly.
Dammit.
There's GOT to be a way to protect against this! Mr.
Spock? The formazine injections that McCoy gave us What if we could do something similar to the Enterprise? I've isolated the subspace and EM bands that are affected by their psionic fields.
Indeed.
Captain, a resonant pulse through our hull could lessen the espers' ability to deceive our crew.
It would be extremely limited.
But it would buy us the time we need! Where's the Kongo? - Dead ahead, captain.
- Magnification fourteen.
Looks like she suffered some damage in the firefight.
Her power's fluctuating.
Uhura, do it.
- Sulu, bring us within transporter range.
- Aye, sir.
Spock, scan the Kongo for McKennah's life signs.
Any non-uplifted human.
Start with the brig.
Transporter room, are you ready? Aye, sir.
As ready as we'll ever be.
Are ya sure you can do this? Force your way through her shields? No.
All right, lass.
May the road rise to meet ya.
- The Kongo's firing! - Evasive maneuvers, but stay in range.
Captain I have located the counselor's readings.
Lock onto Smith through her communicator, then feed both coordinates to the transporter room.
Sir, we won't be able to beam them aboard with the Kongo's shields up.
Smith's on it, lieutenant.
[DETERMINED SIGH.]
It's working, sir! She's weakening their power grid.
The Kongo's engines have been destroyed, captain.
Weapons and deflector screens are inoperable.
Drop our shields.
Scotty, get 'em out of there! SCOTT ON COMM: Smith's life signs are gone.
Looks like she used the last of her energy to burn out their systems.
Tryna get a lock on McKennah.
There's a LOT of interference! - try HARDER! - Captain, the Romulan ship is charging its plasma weapon! What the hell? We've still got someone over there! - Critical hit on the Kongo, sir! - What's he DOING? Uhura, hail the Hawk's Talon! Tal! You fool! For the Romulan Star Empire.
Captain, the Romulan wessel is firing again.
At the Enterprise! Direct hit, sir! Point-blank range! Casualty reports coming in from all over the ship! Uhura, take the helm! Emergency medical team to the bridge! Sir, the Hawk's Talon is arming its warheads! Back us away.
Controls aren't responding, captain! We're dead in the water! Captain, we cannot survive another hit.
Transmit this sequence to my ship's computer.
Do it! Subcommander, our weapon silos are sealing! If we fire, we'll be destroyed! Disarm! Now! What have you done?! I have relieved you of command, Tal.
For the last time.
- The Kongo is hailing us, sir.
- Put them on screen.
We didn't want this, Lana.
I hope you know that.
Well fought, Kirk.
For a moment at least we knew the freedom of infinity.
Reading a massive buildup in her reactor! Transporter room! Get McKennah out of there! SCOTT ON COMM: Another minute, captain! Energize, Scotty! That's an ORDER! Scotty I told ya, sir! The targeting scanners couldn't get a clean lock through all that radiation! SPOCK: Amplifying signal.
You got her, Mr.
Spock! No.
No, no, no, no! Spock.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
I, too, am sorry Elise.
Her pattern's breakin' up.
I can only hold her for a few more seconds.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log, stardate 7002.
3.
The Enterprise has returned to sector 001 and is now, at long last, home.
Congratulations, Jim.
Completion of your five-year mission.
That's quite an achievement.
Not to mention saving the galaxy.
But the price, admiral Believe me.
The officials responsible for the unauthorized Pandora project will be dealt with.
All the ships we lost All the crew I lost.
Indeed, captain.
I'm particularly saddened to hear about Dr.
McKennah.
Based on your experiences with her over the past year, what is your assessment of the experimental ship's counselor program? A success.
It should continue.
We'll rebuild the fleet, Jim.
- New vessels, new starship classes - What about the Enterprise? NOGURA: It'll take a while.
But she's going to be repaired and refit from the keel up.
She's earned it.
And each of your senior staff will receive rank promotions in the coming months in honor of their extraordinary valor in this campaign.
Deservedly so.
And captain The Federation Council has unanimously voted to re-establish THIS as the official insignia of Starfleet.
Scotty always said it reminded him of the port and starboard warp signatures of a Cochrane deceleration.
But to me it's an arrow.
NOGURA: Rising ever upward and outward.
Five years is a long time.
Maybe maybe too long.
I'm not the same as I once was.
You set high expectations for yourself, Jim.
Most would be happy to be half the captain you are.
Half's not good enough.
I expect more of myself than I'm able to give any longer.
I could never be happy with that.
Well.
In that case, you may be more interested in what I'm about to offer than I expected.
[CROWD TALKING, CHATTER.]
Esteemed crew of the U.
S.
S.
Enterprise.
I have good news and bad news.
First: I have accepted promotion to "admiral," and Chief of Starfleet Operations.
[APPLAUSE, CHEERS.]
That's the bad news.
The good news is that YOU will continue to reach deeper into the stars.
You will explore more new worlds.
You will have the privilege of venturing further into the final frontier.
You will honor the memory of our fallen comrades by the mission you continue to uphold.
My brave colleagues my friends.
After all the adversities that we've encountered in our travels the greatest adversary, it turns out, is ourselves.
Our capacity for the best and the worst.
We still have much to learn about what's out there and what's in here.
Starfleet will rebuild and expand.
And your adventure through the galaxy will continue.
I envy you.
May the wind be ever at your backs.
Dismissed.
Don't look so smug, doctor.
These uniforms will be filtering down to the ships soon enough.
Not for me, Jim.
I've seen enough.
Enough death; enough loss.
What I haven't seen is my daughter in 5 years.
I'm done.
I'm goin' home.
- Bones - Don't worry, Jim.
We'll see each other again.
Dinner? Tonight? - Nineteen-hundred hours? - I'll make a reservation at Drake's.
His family owns the best seafood place on the Wharf.
I'm not surprised.
Perfect.
Spock.
It would mean a lot to me if you would join us.
- I would be - Happy to? Nineteen-hundred.
You never told me what Dr.
McKennah said to you right before we lost her.
She said: "Forgive yourself.
" I have experienced many emotions during my time under your command.
Some I have even come to savor.
But THIS emotion - This crushing responsibility - Was NOT your fault, Spock.
You used your best judgment.
The counselor had often encouraged me to trust my feelings.
So I did.
I did what I "felt" I should do.
I violated protocol and contacted the Romulans.
I permitted her to beam aboard the espers' vessel.
I ignored my logic and made decisions that nearly led to the Enterprise's destruction, and cost the lives of two-dozen members of our crew.
Including her.
She's right.
You need to let it go.
Admiral.
Jim.
I have requested and been granted a leave of absence effective immediately.
I am returning to Vulcan.
Vulcan? What will you do on Vulcan? Whatever is necessary to "let it go.
" I'll see you at dinner.
There's one more thing I need to do.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log.
This will be my final entry.
So end the voyages of the Starship Enterprise under my command.
During its five-year mission, we explored strange new worlds.
We found new life, and new civilizations.
And we boldly went where no man has gone before.
1.
Several days ago, the Enterprise was re-routed to Aldebaran III where, at a top-secret facility, Starfleet housed 25 humans with extraordinary ESP quotients.
Leaving a renegade Vulcan and his wife, Lana, to distract us with illusions the remaining espers seized the Federation vessel S.
S.
Halifax and set course for the energy barrier surrounding our galaxy.
Commander Spock sought the help of Romulan Commander Charvanek an unauthorized act for which he has been duly reprimanded.
The Romulans agreed to accompany the Enterprise to the barrier in order to intercept the Halifax but we arrived too late.
The Halifax already entered the galactic energy barrier and, in doing so, uplifted the esper crew with super-human powers.
Utilizing their abilities, the espers somehow seized control of our sister ship: the U.
S.
S.
Kongo.
Relinquish command or the Enterprise will suffer the same fate as the Hood! KIRK (VO): 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.
Uhura, every available security guard to the bridge! - Shields up! Full reverse! - Not so fast, captain.
Helm, hold position.
This is MY ship! [ECHOING VOICE.]
Do as I said! Hold position! Drop shields! [UHURA SCREAMS.]
Stop! STOP! [LANA SCREAMS.]
Lana! Kongo! Two to beam over.
NOW! Chekov! - Get those shields back up! - Aye, captain.
- Deflectors at 80 percent.
- Return fire! No effect, captain.
The espers must be utilizing their psionic abilities to enhance the Kongo's shields.
- Back us off.
- Yes, sir.
The Kongo is holding position.
Go to yellow alert.
Escort Mr.
Smith to sick bay.
Captain, I Sir.
McCOY: Any idea how they managed to overpower the Kongo's crew? Probably similar to what Lana did to the Hood.
Their illusions are formidable.
You knew Captain Azmi? He was a friend.
If the espers wanted to steal a starship, why not take the Republic or the Yorktown when they went to investigate? Hell, they probably tried to.
We're lucky those ships managed to escape the system first.
Barely.
The poor lasses'll take a year to rebuild.
At least.
Regardless, gentlemen they have a starship now.
What are they waiting for? Why don't they just turn us against each other? Trick us into shutting our systems down? Well, we know that uplifted espers take time to develop their powers.
They just entered the barrier and took over the Kongo.
Maybe they don't have enough energy to do the same to us - For now.
- For now.
But it's just a matter of time.
We can't trust our senses, gentlemen.
We need to stay sharp.
Focused.
I might be able to synthesize a formazine solution.
- Help keep us all on our toes.
- Aye.
We should keep our distance from 'em as well.
- They don't have unlimited range.
- Yet they're holding position.
Our weapons don't seem to have any effect.
Why don't they attack? Their engines are offline.
I'm guessing the Kongo's crew managed to shut them down before they were uh "overrun.
" - They'll have to restart 'em.
- It shouldn't take this long.
Perhaps they don't know exactly what they're doin'.
Too many questions, gentlemen.
Find me some solutions.
Dismissed.
Something else, doctor? You look like hell, Jim.
How long's it been since you slept? Two days.
- I've gotta keep going.
- Normally, I'd tell you you're wrong.
But you aren't.
Not this time.
Law of averages.
Bones Do you know how many people have died under my command? - Jim - 73.
In 5 years.
But you've saved countless others.
Whole planets.
That's no consolation.
I can't stop thinking about it them.
Tomlinson, Tormolen, Jackson Drake.
I could name them all.
And now a starship with two dozen espers bent on revenge.
How many more must die? We'll stop 'em.
But at what cost, doctor? At what cost? SMITH: Counselor.
I'm glad you're here.
Please don't look at me like that.
I didn't ask for this.
I don't even know how Mr.
Spock has a theory.
You were touching one of the espers when this ship passed through the barrier 5 years ago.
You didn't quite uplift then but contact with him left residual effects you didn't know about.
We believe our close proximity to the barrier has triggered them.
I can hear what you're thinking, Elise.
But you're wrong.
I'm not dangerous.
I can feel this "power" surging through me.
But I'm not Gary.
I would never hurt any of you.
Oh, Barbara.
If only we could know that for sure.
[DOOR CHIME.]
Come.
Spock.
We have unfinished business.
Commander My answer then was as it must be now.
I am a Starfleet officer.
Surrounded by those whose minds cannot reach out to others.
Humans fear that which they foolishly call "extrasensory.
" They cannot bear the intimacy of shared thoughts.
The mixing of two minds solute and solvent.
We did share something significant.
Oh, I have thought of you often, Spock.
When my ship departs, come with me.
You belong at my side.
Nothing has changed.
I am still first officer of the Enterprise.
Whose mission will soon be over.
Your job is complete.
It is time for new adventure.
An opportunity to return my people to the Time of Awakening before the Sundering.
To the path begun by Surak so many centuries ago.
No.
This is not correct.
But it is.
Our union would be symbolic, Spock.
A step toward reunification.
You are Romulan.
Proud.
Yet you are here as I want you to be, NOT as you are.
Why question? Just feel.
- This cannot be! - Spock This cannot be real! [INTERCOM WHISTLES.]
Kirk to bridge.
Set a new heading, lieutenant.
Zero-one-zero mark thirteen.
And drop shields.
Captain, that course will bring us straight into the barrier! - Without our shields - You have your orders.
Kirk out.
Uhura, anything from the Kongo? Sorry, sir.
- Sulu? - The Kongo is holding position, captain.
Course laid in for the galactic barrier, sir.
On your mark.
Barrier? What are you talking about? Captain, I have been compromised.
And if I have, others may have been as well.
Have you experienced anything unusual? No Yes.
I find myself dwelling on dwelling on Sir.
I believe the espers are attempting to influence our minds and render illusions.
They are deliberately distracting us.
Sulu.
Check the Kongo's location again.
Don't rely on their transponder.
Use the main sensor beam.
- Triangulate with the Romulans.
- Aye, captain.
Scanning.
- Correction! There's no ship ahead of us! - Bring us about.
- They've opened fire, sir! - Charge phaser banks! - I I don't remember how! - Sulu, you do it! We hit them! No damage.
- But they're moving off.
- Moving off? Captain.
If you recall, espers' energy can be expended.
They may require a few moments to recharge.
- Let's use that time wisely.
- Sir, I don't know what came over me! Snap out of it, lieutenant.
That's an order.
Scotty, report.
SCOTT ON COMM: Their shot took out our starboard nacelle.
I'll need 30 minutes to get it back online.
We don't have 30 minutes.
We'll perform a cold restart.
SCOTT ON COMM: Sir! If anything goes wrong, we'll lose the whole ship! Captain, Commander Charvanek is hailing us.
Put her on.
Captain Kirk, we must withdraw.
Even OUR weapons cannot weaken them.
Or maybe that's what they want us to think.
Spock, double-check those readings.
I AM detecting a fluctuation in their shields.
It appears their psionic abilities cannot deflect multiple strikes simultaneously.
- Then we'll hit them from both sides.
- Agreed.
Captain, an attack from only two vectors would be insufficient to compromise their shield grid.
If not two what about three? Lieutenant, ship-wide.
All decks, this is the captain.
We are about to undergo a risky procedure.
One which we have never before attempted.
Chief Engineer Scott will be performing a reset of our engines.
As a precaution, Commander Spock will take charge of the main bridge while I assume command of the secondary hull.
We will then coordinate with the Hawk's Talon to execute a three-pronged attack against the Kongo.
All non-emergency personnel are to evacuate to the primary hull immediately.
Prepare to jettison the drive section.
[RED ALERT KLAXON.]
COMPUTER: All personnel, prepare for stardrive section jettison.
[REPEATS.]
Captain.
Even if we are successful, it will be extremely difficult to reconnect the secondary hull.
Difficult but not impossible, Spock.
Use impulse power to keep at a safe distance.
I'll be relying on thrusters only.
Mr.
Sulu.
I'll need a driver.
You know I've always wanted to try this.
All hands to battlestations.
This is not a drill.
Repeat: this is not a drill.
Commander, the Kongo is powering up its impulse engines.
Understood.
Spock to Captain Kirk.
All systems ready.
- Main bridge, stand by.
- Closing EPS connections sealing turboshafts and Jefferies tubes.
Sulu, I hope you remember your simulator sessions.
What simulator sessions? COMPUTER: Secondary hull has been jettisoned.
Commander, the Kongo is moving toward the stardrive section.
Ready phasers.
Load torpedo tubes.
You may fire at will.
- Captain, the saucer's engaged the Kongo! - Let's buy Scotty more time.
- Lana! All three ships are attacking! - Stay with them! Which one? It's working, sir! - Their power levels are dropping.
- Keep at it! Maintain barrage! Lana Lana! Disengage! The Kongo is powering down weapons, sir.
Full stop.
Lieutenant Uhura, hail the drive section.
Mr.
Spock, I'm unable to reach the captain.
- They're blocking our transmissions.
- Compensate, lieutenant.
Sir, we're being hailed by the Kongo.
Lana.
You will cease your disruption of our comm frequencies.
You're in no position to negotiate, commander.
Nor are you.
Why don't you scan our hangar deck, Mr.
Spock? You'll detect the Kongo's former crewmembers including Captain Azmi alive and well.
Confirmed.
Reading several life signs in their shuttle bay! We are prepared to discuss terms in person.
What do you propose? Dr.
McKennah was kind to me.
I trust her.
Beam her aboard our vessel.
- I will not.
- You will, commander! Or shall I decompress our hangar deck? Spock, I'll go.
We can't risk it.
If those people are still alive, we can't risk it! Permit me to contact our captain.
- I will discuss - No! You have one minute.
Kongo out.
Please.
We can save those people.
I can talk to Lana.
Negotiate.
I've been trained in mediation.
There has to be a win-win scenario here! Lieutenant, attempt to hail Captain Kirk.
I'm sorry, I I can't break through this interference.
[QUIETLY.]
You're in command.
Make a command decision.
Doctor, we cannot be certain the Kongo crewmembers are indeed alive.
This may be a deception.
- Logic dictates - Logic? Spock after all you and I have talked about? What do your FEELINGS say? Very well, Sentek.
We will lower our shields and transport our officer to your vessel and you will beam Captain Azmi to us.
Agreed.
Spock to transporter room.
Prepare to beam Dr.
McKennah directly to the Kongo.
Energize.
Mr.
Spock! The life form readings in their shuttlebay they've disappeared! Raise shields! Sentek! My apologies, commander.
I lied.
Vulcans do not lie.
We both know that not to be true, Mr.
Spock.
In any case, we now have a valuable prize in our brig.
A colleague for whom I sense you have some affection.
You are mistaken.
I don't think so.
Now stand down, or she will die.
STAND DOWN! Helm back us off.
- Sir? - Back us off! Live long and prosper, Spock.
The Kongo's gone to warp.
I'm sorry, sir.
We've lost her.
You don't have to do this.
You should eat.
Lana.
The Federation values ALL its citizens.
There's a place for each and every one of you.
Time after time humanity has turned its back on self-improvement.
We are your successors.
[INTERCOM WHISTLES.]
Bridge to Lana.
We'll be crossing into the Celes sector in 8 hours.
You know Starfleet will have to stop you.
Just give up now.
Come back to the Federation family.
I will do all I can to make sure your people find the acceptance and dignity that they deserve.
After what we've done there's no turning back.
I refuse to believe that.
Lana, you're still human.
There's far more that binds us than divides us.
Do NOT counsel me, doctor.
I sense your thoughts.
All of you.
I feel how frightened you are of me.
Of us.
[SIGHS.]
We will not assimilate into your "Federation family.
" We will REPLACE it.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log, supplemental.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our engineering staff and assistance from the Romulans we have managed to re-attach the Enterprise's drive section and are in pursuit of the Kongo.
Our long-range sensors have detected the Kongo.
She'll re-enter Federation space in the Celes sector.
- She's en route to Earth.
- As we feared.
I don't need to stress how severe this situation is.
We're scrambling the Exeter and Potemkin.
They'll intercept the Kongo in the Regulus system.
With all due respect, admiral it'll take more than two starships to stop those devils.
Starfleet requested assistance from the Klingon High Council.
Our calls went unanswered.
And my people? Then they are short-sighted men who do not perceive the greater picture.
Admiral.
Dr.
McCoy has prepared a formazine solution to help us focus and my ship's communications officer believes she's determined a method to circumvent the espers' subspace disruptions.
Yes, sir.
They have the ability to block intership transmissions, but only at certain frequencies.
If our ships restrict themselves to lower bands, the espers won't be able to block them.
Excellent work, lieutenant.
I'll transmit your findings to the Exeter and Potemkin.
Admiral, it is critical that our vessels establish a sufficient interval between themselves and the Kongo.
Their powers of deception are overwhelming.
Indeed, commander.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
We can not allow these espers to strike at the heart of Federation territory.
We must stop them at ANY price! Jim, one more thing.
I know they're holding one of your officers hostage on board the Kongo.
We'll do everything we can to rescue her.
But I can't make any promises.
I understand, admiral.
- Enterprise out.
- May I have a moment with the captain? The Exeter, the Potemkin the only other Constitution-class vessels still in service.
Captain.
I must apologize for my recent choices.
My judgment has been lacking.
Spock.
Under the circumstances, you did the best you could.
Jim I made an emotional decision.
Had I been in your place, Spock so would I.
Doctor? She wants to talk to you, Jim.
I think you need to listen.
Captain, I want to help.
I don't think that's a good idea.
Sir.
This power inside of me is growing SO quickly.
That's precisely why I don't think it's a good idea.
Five years ago, you didn't even know my name.
But that day at the barrier, something was set in motion and it changed me.
And I don't mean THIS.
I watched you make impossible choices to protect your crew.
Such strength such compassion Even though it must have torn you up inside.
You showed me what it means to serve.
I got my commission so that I could come back here to the Enterprise and SERVE my crew and you.
My captain.
Don't you see? THIS is why I'm here.
THIS is what I'm meant to do.
To help.
Please.
Let me.
Report.
Approaching the Regulus system now, captain.
Drop us out of warp.
Sir, we appear to be encountering some debris.
Debris? Visual.
By the Elements! The Exeter? And the Potemkin.
Judging by these readings Sir they fired on each other! The espers' powers of illusion would appear to have grown significantly.
Dammit.
There's GOT to be a way to protect against this! Mr.
Spock? The formazine injections that McCoy gave us What if we could do something similar to the Enterprise? I've isolated the subspace and EM bands that are affected by their psionic fields.
Indeed.
Captain, a resonant pulse through our hull could lessen the espers' ability to deceive our crew.
It would be extremely limited.
But it would buy us the time we need! Where's the Kongo? - Dead ahead, captain.
- Magnification fourteen.
Looks like she suffered some damage in the firefight.
Her power's fluctuating.
Uhura, do it.
- Sulu, bring us within transporter range.
- Aye, sir.
Spock, scan the Kongo for McKennah's life signs.
Any non-uplifted human.
Start with the brig.
Transporter room, are you ready? Aye, sir.
As ready as we'll ever be.
Are ya sure you can do this? Force your way through her shields? No.
All right, lass.
May the road rise to meet ya.
- The Kongo's firing! - Evasive maneuvers, but stay in range.
Captain I have located the counselor's readings.
Lock onto Smith through her communicator, then feed both coordinates to the transporter room.
Sir, we won't be able to beam them aboard with the Kongo's shields up.
Smith's on it, lieutenant.
[DETERMINED SIGH.]
It's working, sir! She's weakening their power grid.
The Kongo's engines have been destroyed, captain.
Weapons and deflector screens are inoperable.
Drop our shields.
Scotty, get 'em out of there! SCOTT ON COMM: Smith's life signs are gone.
Looks like she used the last of her energy to burn out their systems.
Tryna get a lock on McKennah.
There's a LOT of interference! - try HARDER! - Captain, the Romulan ship is charging its plasma weapon! What the hell? We've still got someone over there! - Critical hit on the Kongo, sir! - What's he DOING? Uhura, hail the Hawk's Talon! Tal! You fool! For the Romulan Star Empire.
Captain, the Romulan wessel is firing again.
At the Enterprise! Direct hit, sir! Point-blank range! Casualty reports coming in from all over the ship! Uhura, take the helm! Emergency medical team to the bridge! Sir, the Hawk's Talon is arming its warheads! Back us away.
Controls aren't responding, captain! We're dead in the water! Captain, we cannot survive another hit.
Transmit this sequence to my ship's computer.
Do it! Subcommander, our weapon silos are sealing! If we fire, we'll be destroyed! Disarm! Now! What have you done?! I have relieved you of command, Tal.
For the last time.
- The Kongo is hailing us, sir.
- Put them on screen.
We didn't want this, Lana.
I hope you know that.
Well fought, Kirk.
For a moment at least we knew the freedom of infinity.
Reading a massive buildup in her reactor! Transporter room! Get McKennah out of there! SCOTT ON COMM: Another minute, captain! Energize, Scotty! That's an ORDER! Scotty I told ya, sir! The targeting scanners couldn't get a clean lock through all that radiation! SPOCK: Amplifying signal.
You got her, Mr.
Spock! No.
No, no, no, no! Spock.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
I, too, am sorry Elise.
Her pattern's breakin' up.
I can only hold her for a few more seconds.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log, stardate 7002.
3.
The Enterprise has returned to sector 001 and is now, at long last, home.
Congratulations, Jim.
Completion of your five-year mission.
That's quite an achievement.
Not to mention saving the galaxy.
But the price, admiral Believe me.
The officials responsible for the unauthorized Pandora project will be dealt with.
All the ships we lost All the crew I lost.
Indeed, captain.
I'm particularly saddened to hear about Dr.
McKennah.
Based on your experiences with her over the past year, what is your assessment of the experimental ship's counselor program? A success.
It should continue.
We'll rebuild the fleet, Jim.
- New vessels, new starship classes - What about the Enterprise? NOGURA: It'll take a while.
But she's going to be repaired and refit from the keel up.
She's earned it.
And each of your senior staff will receive rank promotions in the coming months in honor of their extraordinary valor in this campaign.
Deservedly so.
And captain The Federation Council has unanimously voted to re-establish THIS as the official insignia of Starfleet.
Scotty always said it reminded him of the port and starboard warp signatures of a Cochrane deceleration.
But to me it's an arrow.
NOGURA: Rising ever upward and outward.
Five years is a long time.
Maybe maybe too long.
I'm not the same as I once was.
You set high expectations for yourself, Jim.
Most would be happy to be half the captain you are.
Half's not good enough.
I expect more of myself than I'm able to give any longer.
I could never be happy with that.
Well.
In that case, you may be more interested in what I'm about to offer than I expected.
[CROWD TALKING, CHATTER.]
Esteemed crew of the U.
S.
S.
Enterprise.
I have good news and bad news.
First: I have accepted promotion to "admiral," and Chief of Starfleet Operations.
[APPLAUSE, CHEERS.]
That's the bad news.
The good news is that YOU will continue to reach deeper into the stars.
You will explore more new worlds.
You will have the privilege of venturing further into the final frontier.
You will honor the memory of our fallen comrades by the mission you continue to uphold.
My brave colleagues my friends.
After all the adversities that we've encountered in our travels the greatest adversary, it turns out, is ourselves.
Our capacity for the best and the worst.
We still have much to learn about what's out there and what's in here.
Starfleet will rebuild and expand.
And your adventure through the galaxy will continue.
I envy you.
May the wind be ever at your backs.
Dismissed.
Don't look so smug, doctor.
These uniforms will be filtering down to the ships soon enough.
Not for me, Jim.
I've seen enough.
Enough death; enough loss.
What I haven't seen is my daughter in 5 years.
I'm done.
I'm goin' home.
- Bones - Don't worry, Jim.
We'll see each other again.
Dinner? Tonight? - Nineteen-hundred hours? - I'll make a reservation at Drake's.
His family owns the best seafood place on the Wharf.
I'm not surprised.
Perfect.
Spock.
It would mean a lot to me if you would join us.
- I would be - Happy to? Nineteen-hundred.
You never told me what Dr.
McKennah said to you right before we lost her.
She said: "Forgive yourself.
" I have experienced many emotions during my time under your command.
Some I have even come to savor.
But THIS emotion - This crushing responsibility - Was NOT your fault, Spock.
You used your best judgment.
The counselor had often encouraged me to trust my feelings.
So I did.
I did what I "felt" I should do.
I violated protocol and contacted the Romulans.
I permitted her to beam aboard the espers' vessel.
I ignored my logic and made decisions that nearly led to the Enterprise's destruction, and cost the lives of two-dozen members of our crew.
Including her.
She's right.
You need to let it go.
Admiral.
Jim.
I have requested and been granted a leave of absence effective immediately.
I am returning to Vulcan.
Vulcan? What will you do on Vulcan? Whatever is necessary to "let it go.
" I'll see you at dinner.
There's one more thing I need to do.
KIRK (VO): Captain's log.
This will be my final entry.
So end the voyages of the Starship Enterprise under my command.
During its five-year mission, we explored strange new worlds.
We found new life, and new civilizations.
And we boldly went where no man has gone before.