![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cimorenethis is a very important episode for the relationship between kirk and spock, which is pretty much what it's about. thus the great quantity of important scenes. in fact, the first kirk/spock i wrote was based on this episode thematically, although if i had it to do over i wouldn't handle it quite the same way.
cast of extras:
COMMODORE josé mendez, evidently an old friend or friendly acquaintance of KIRK's.
CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER PIKE, captain of the enterprise before kirk. SPOCK served under him for over 11 years.
the KEEPER, an alien from talos iv with powerful mind-controlling abilities.
KIRK: mr spock received a transmission from this starbase, a message from the former commander of the enterprise, fleet captain pike, URGENTLY requesting that we divert here.
COMMODORE: impossible!
KIRK: if my first officer states that he received a transmission--
COMMODORE: jim, i'm not doubting anyone's word, i'm simply telling you it's impossible!
*
COMMODORE takes them to see CAPTAIN PIKE, who has been disabled in the course of duty and is confined to a wheelchair, unable to communicate except by flashing a light on his chair once for "yes" and twice for "no". SPOCK is left alone with him. CAPTAIN PIKE expresses his disapproval by flashing "no" repeatedly.
SPOCK: i know. i know it is treachery--and it's mutiny! but i must. i have no choice.
CAPTAIN PIKE flashes "no".
*
KIRK, yelling: ONCE more, josé. spock stated he received a message for us to come here. he entered same in his log. that's all the proof i require.
COMMODORE: and what do those tapes show? no message sent from here. no message received by your vessel.
KIRK: then i suggest those tapes have been changed!
*
meanwhile, SPOCK engages in sabotage in the station's control room.
*
MCCOY: jim, forgetting how well we both know spock, the simple fact that he's a vulcan means he's incapable of telling a lie!
KIRK: he is also half human.
MCCOY: and that half is completely submerged. to be caught acting like us or--even thinking like us would completely embarrass him!
KIRK, forcefully: someone's interfering with my command and my ship. i don't know who it is but i mean to find out. even you--if i thought you had the technical know-how i'd suspect you, but you don't! spock does!
MCCOY: he would NOT make a false entry!
KIRK: there's a false entry in the log right now which doesn't jibe with the established facts; how do you explain that?
MCCOY: i CAN'T. but to question spock of all people! me, yes--i could run off half-cocked given a good reason--so could you. but not spock. it's impossible.
*
SPOCK successfully hijacks the enterprise, leaving KIRK behind. KIRK and the COMMODORE follow in a shuttlecraft. SPOCK asks the computer to calculate how long before the shuttle's fuel supply would force it to return to the station and the computer replies that the shuttle has already passed the point of safe return.
*
on the shuttle, KIRK and the COMMODORE discuss what SPOCK has done.
KIRK: part of me is hoping the enterprise won't come back. we step on that deck, spock is finished--he's court martialed.
COMMODORE: he's dead, if he makes it to talos iv.
KIRK is convinced that SPOCK must have a logical reason for his actions.
*
SPOCK eventually programs the computer to pull the shuttle in with tractors, places the second-shift navigator (not sulu) in command temporarily, calls security to the bridge and tells MCCOY to have them arrest him. MCCOY has them confine him to quarters, which is where he is when KIRK and the COMMODORE come aboard. he watches their arrival from his terminal.
KIRK's first action is to attempt to cancel the computer programming which is taking them to talos, but it refuses his authority, saying any attempt will cross-circuit and shut down life support systems.
*
the preliminary hearing for SPOCK's court martial convenes. we hear a voiceover from KIRK's personal log.
KIRK: as required by starfleet general orders, a preliminary hearing on lieutenant commander spock is being convened. and in all the years of my service, this is the most painful moment i've ever faced.
SPOCK requests the court martial be held immediately. KIRK, the COMMODORE and CAPTAIN PIKE are the presiding officers, and as evidence in his defense, SPOCK presents recordings of the events of thirteen years previous, when the enterprise under the command of CAPTAIN PIKE first discovered talos iv. everybody watches for a while, taking frequentcommercial and expository breaks. KIRK seems to be in a state of shock; he speaks very little and frowns constantly. he and SPOCK exchange a lot of looks like this:
SPOCK is mostly calm, but a few times it becomes clear how painful it is for him as well:
*
[KIRK (personal log voiceover again): spock as he was then...]
*
UHURA, via intercom: "commodore mendez, urgent. subspace monitors show enterprise receiving transmissions from planet talos iv, in violation of starfleet general orders."
KIRK: [looking at SPOCK, confused] receiving transmissions from talos iv...?
SPOCK's head is bowed, hands clasped together. he fidgets a little.
KIRK: then the images we've been seeing are--
SPOCK: are coming from talos iv, sir.
UHURA: "captain kirk is hereby relieved."
KIRK looks suddenly to the side, startled.
UHURA: "you are ordered to assume command of the enterprise--disable vessel if necessary to prevent further contact. message signed--consul, starfleet command."
COMMODORE: mr spock, you're aware of the orders regarding ANY contact with talos iv. you have deliberately invited the death penalty! you've not only finished yourself, spock--but you've finished your captain as well.
SPOCK is shocked. he jumps out of his chair and moves to KIRK's side.
SPOCK: the commodore must be aware that captain kirk knew nothing of this!
COMMODORE: and you're aware that a captain is responsible for everything that occurs on his ship. i order you to return this vessel back to manual control!
SPOCK seems stricken. he stands up straight and his eyes move to KIRK. KIRK's head is tilted back: he continues to stare at SPOCK, his face in the same slight frown masking his thoughts. SPOCK closes his eyes briefly in pain and takes a breath.
SPOCK: sir, i respectfully decline.
COMMODORE: very well, you've earned the consequences. this court is in recess.
SPOCK remains at attention beside KIRK as everyone else but a SECURITY GUARD leaves the room. when they are gone, KIRK looks directly at SPOCK and rises from his chair to face him directly.
KIRK: do you know what you're doing? have you lost your mind?
SPOCK: captain--jim. please. don't stop me. don't let HIM stop me.
KIRK stares at him with an expression of confusion and some disbelief.
SPOCK, low and urgently: it's your career, and captain pike's life! you must see the rest of the transmission!
KIRK continues to stare and SPOCK continues to return his gaze with an expression of total earnestness, but as the silence stretches he seems to deflate a little. KIRK finally licks his lips and slowly turns his face away a little.
KIRK: ...lock him up.
the SECURITY GUARD steps forward.
SPOCK draws a breath and leads the way out of the room with the GUARD and another one from beside the door following him. KIRK is left alone in the conference room, standing at attention beside the table.
he moves around it slowly, pausing at the recorder, walks slowly a few steps and stops with his hand to his forehead.
he sighs, straightens his tunic and his shoulders and frowns into space with deep groove between his brows as the credits roll.
then he turns and quickly walks out of the room.
*
they watch the rest of the evidence, over the COMMODORE's objections. SPOCK explains that the KEEPER controls the viewscreen now. the COMMODORE's attempts to turn it off don't help.
*
*
after all the evidence has been presented, KIRK stands up and moves to SPOCK's side.
he stares at him for a moment, then turns to address the COMMODORE.
KIRK: commodore, don't you think--
the COMMODORE vanishes. the KEEPER of talos appears on the viewscreen and explains that the COMMODORE was never present; he was an illusion to keep KIRK occupied on the trip and prevent him from figuring out how to take back the ship.
he says it is KIRK's and CAPTAIN PIKE's decision whether CAPTAIN PIKE comes to live on talos iv or not. then he smiles and vanishes. KIRK glances around, puzzled.
he looks at PIKE.
finally he turns back to SPOCK, turning around so quickly that because of his proximity he probably nearly misses bumping noses.
KIRK, frowning: mr spock, even if regulations are explicit you could've come to me and explained.
SPOCK stands at attention. he looks sad and speaks softly.
SPOCK: and ask you to face the death penalty too?
SPOCK pauses and shakes his head.
SPOCK: one of us was enough, captain.
KIRK remains there motionless, staring up intently at SPOCK's face, for a second. the intercom beeps and he turns quickly to answer as if startled. it's UHURA saying that starfleet got the transmissions too and has waived the general order, no death penalty for SPOCK. it's quickly settled that SPOCK will escort CAPTAIN PIKE to the transporter room.
but KIRK stops him on his way out.
KIRK: ah, mr spock--
SPOCK turns in the doorway.
KIRK: when you're finished, please come back and see me. i want to talk to you. this--regrettable tendency you've been showing lately towards flagrant emotionalism...
SPOCK, gently, looking hurt: i see no reason to insult me, sir. i believe i have been completely logical about the whole affair.
KIRK keeps a straight face until the door closes behind SPOCK; then he smiles softly, looking at the door.
KEEPER: captain kirk?
KIRK watches on the viewscreen as CAPTAIN PIKE rides off into the sunset with his long-lost girlfriend and the talosians. he smiles and gets all misty-eyed.
KEEPER: captain pike has an illusion, and you have reality. may you find your way as pleasant.
on the viewscreen, the KEEPER smiles and nods smugly, with a knowing look, then fades to black, while KIRK stands immobile with a look of dawning revelation and smiles like an idiot.
[i like to think he's thinking about SPOCK not getting the death penalty and returning for that little chat about emotion.]
for more of everything--pretty set paintings, the talosians' wacky throbbing head veins, spock's secret agent schtick, young!pike and his girlfriend, and most of all, angsty kirk and spock--see the complete 127 pictures in my gallery.
cast of extras:
COMMODORE josé mendez, evidently an old friend or friendly acquaintance of KIRK's.
CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER PIKE, captain of the enterprise before kirk. SPOCK served under him for over 11 years.
the KEEPER, an alien from talos iv with powerful mind-controlling abilities.
KIRK: mr spock received a transmission from this starbase, a message from the former commander of the enterprise, fleet captain pike, URGENTLY requesting that we divert here.
COMMODORE: impossible!
KIRK: if my first officer states that he received a transmission--
COMMODORE: jim, i'm not doubting anyone's word, i'm simply telling you it's impossible!
*
COMMODORE takes them to see CAPTAIN PIKE, who has been disabled in the course of duty and is confined to a wheelchair, unable to communicate except by flashing a light on his chair once for "yes" and twice for "no". SPOCK is left alone with him. CAPTAIN PIKE expresses his disapproval by flashing "no" repeatedly.
SPOCK: i know. i know it is treachery--and it's mutiny! but i must. i have no choice.
CAPTAIN PIKE flashes "no".
*
KIRK, yelling: ONCE more, josé. spock stated he received a message for us to come here. he entered same in his log. that's all the proof i require.
COMMODORE: and what do those tapes show? no message sent from here. no message received by your vessel.
KIRK: then i suggest those tapes have been changed!
*
meanwhile, SPOCK engages in sabotage in the station's control room.
*
MCCOY: jim, forgetting how well we both know spock, the simple fact that he's a vulcan means he's incapable of telling a lie!
KIRK: he is also half human.
MCCOY: and that half is completely submerged. to be caught acting like us or--even thinking like us would completely embarrass him!
KIRK, forcefully: someone's interfering with my command and my ship. i don't know who it is but i mean to find out. even you--if i thought you had the technical know-how i'd suspect you, but you don't! spock does!
MCCOY: he would NOT make a false entry!
KIRK: there's a false entry in the log right now which doesn't jibe with the established facts; how do you explain that?
MCCOY: i CAN'T. but to question spock of all people! me, yes--i could run off half-cocked given a good reason--so could you. but not spock. it's impossible.
*
SPOCK successfully hijacks the enterprise, leaving KIRK behind. KIRK and the COMMODORE follow in a shuttlecraft. SPOCK asks the computer to calculate how long before the shuttle's fuel supply would force it to return to the station and the computer replies that the shuttle has already passed the point of safe return.
*
on the shuttle, KIRK and the COMMODORE discuss what SPOCK has done.
KIRK: part of me is hoping the enterprise won't come back. we step on that deck, spock is finished--he's court martialed.
COMMODORE: he's dead, if he makes it to talos iv.
KIRK is convinced that SPOCK must have a logical reason for his actions.
*
SPOCK eventually programs the computer to pull the shuttle in with tractors, places the second-shift navigator (not sulu) in command temporarily, calls security to the bridge and tells MCCOY to have them arrest him. MCCOY has them confine him to quarters, which is where he is when KIRK and the COMMODORE come aboard. he watches their arrival from his terminal.
KIRK's first action is to attempt to cancel the computer programming which is taking them to talos, but it refuses his authority, saying any attempt will cross-circuit and shut down life support systems.
*
the preliminary hearing for SPOCK's court martial convenes. we hear a voiceover from KIRK's personal log.
KIRK: as required by starfleet general orders, a preliminary hearing on lieutenant commander spock is being convened. and in all the years of my service, this is the most painful moment i've ever faced.
SPOCK requests the court martial be held immediately. KIRK, the COMMODORE and CAPTAIN PIKE are the presiding officers, and as evidence in his defense, SPOCK presents recordings of the events of thirteen years previous, when the enterprise under the command of CAPTAIN PIKE first discovered talos iv. everybody watches for a while, taking frequent
SPOCK is mostly calm, but a few times it becomes clear how painful it is for him as well:
*
[KIRK (personal log voiceover again): spock as he was then...]
*
UHURA, via intercom: "commodore mendez, urgent. subspace monitors show enterprise receiving transmissions from planet talos iv, in violation of starfleet general orders."
KIRK: [looking at SPOCK, confused] receiving transmissions from talos iv...?
SPOCK's head is bowed, hands clasped together. he fidgets a little.
KIRK: then the images we've been seeing are--
SPOCK: are coming from talos iv, sir.
UHURA: "captain kirk is hereby relieved."
KIRK looks suddenly to the side, startled.
UHURA: "you are ordered to assume command of the enterprise--disable vessel if necessary to prevent further contact. message signed--consul, starfleet command."
COMMODORE: mr spock, you're aware of the orders regarding ANY contact with talos iv. you have deliberately invited the death penalty! you've not only finished yourself, spock--but you've finished your captain as well.
SPOCK is shocked. he jumps out of his chair and moves to KIRK's side.
SPOCK: the commodore must be aware that captain kirk knew nothing of this!
COMMODORE: and you're aware that a captain is responsible for everything that occurs on his ship. i order you to return this vessel back to manual control!
SPOCK seems stricken. he stands up straight and his eyes move to KIRK. KIRK's head is tilted back: he continues to stare at SPOCK, his face in the same slight frown masking his thoughts. SPOCK closes his eyes briefly in pain and takes a breath.
SPOCK: sir, i respectfully decline.
COMMODORE: very well, you've earned the consequences. this court is in recess.
SPOCK remains at attention beside KIRK as everyone else but a SECURITY GUARD leaves the room. when they are gone, KIRK looks directly at SPOCK and rises from his chair to face him directly.
KIRK: do you know what you're doing? have you lost your mind?
SPOCK: captain--jim. please. don't stop me. don't let HIM stop me.
KIRK stares at him with an expression of confusion and some disbelief.
SPOCK, low and urgently: it's your career, and captain pike's life! you must see the rest of the transmission!
KIRK continues to stare and SPOCK continues to return his gaze with an expression of total earnestness, but as the silence stretches he seems to deflate a little. KIRK finally licks his lips and slowly turns his face away a little.
KIRK: ...lock him up.
the SECURITY GUARD steps forward.
SPOCK draws a breath and leads the way out of the room with the GUARD and another one from beside the door following him. KIRK is left alone in the conference room, standing at attention beside the table.
he moves around it slowly, pausing at the recorder, walks slowly a few steps and stops with his hand to his forehead.
he sighs, straightens his tunic and his shoulders and frowns into space with deep groove between his brows as the credits roll.
then he turns and quickly walks out of the room.
*
they watch the rest of the evidence, over the COMMODORE's objections. SPOCK explains that the KEEPER controls the viewscreen now. the COMMODORE's attempts to turn it off don't help.
*
*
after all the evidence has been presented, KIRK stands up and moves to SPOCK's side.
he stares at him for a moment, then turns to address the COMMODORE.
KIRK: commodore, don't you think--
the COMMODORE vanishes. the KEEPER of talos appears on the viewscreen and explains that the COMMODORE was never present; he was an illusion to keep KIRK occupied on the trip and prevent him from figuring out how to take back the ship.
he says it is KIRK's and CAPTAIN PIKE's decision whether CAPTAIN PIKE comes to live on talos iv or not. then he smiles and vanishes. KIRK glances around, puzzled.
he looks at PIKE.
finally he turns back to SPOCK, turning around so quickly that because of his proximity he probably nearly misses bumping noses.
KIRK, frowning: mr spock, even if regulations are explicit you could've come to me and explained.
SPOCK stands at attention. he looks sad and speaks softly.
SPOCK: and ask you to face the death penalty too?
SPOCK pauses and shakes his head.
SPOCK: one of us was enough, captain.
KIRK remains there motionless, staring up intently at SPOCK's face, for a second. the intercom beeps and he turns quickly to answer as if startled. it's UHURA saying that starfleet got the transmissions too and has waived the general order, no death penalty for SPOCK. it's quickly settled that SPOCK will escort CAPTAIN PIKE to the transporter room.
but KIRK stops him on his way out.
KIRK: ah, mr spock--
SPOCK turns in the doorway.
KIRK: when you're finished, please come back and see me. i want to talk to you. this--regrettable tendency you've been showing lately towards flagrant emotionalism...
SPOCK, gently, looking hurt: i see no reason to insult me, sir. i believe i have been completely logical about the whole affair.
KIRK keeps a straight face until the door closes behind SPOCK; then he smiles softly, looking at the door.
KEEPER: captain kirk?
KIRK watches on the viewscreen as CAPTAIN PIKE rides off into the sunset with his long-lost girlfriend and the talosians. he smiles and gets all misty-eyed.
KEEPER: captain pike has an illusion, and you have reality. may you find your way as pleasant.
on the viewscreen, the KEEPER smiles and nods smugly, with a knowing look, then fades to black, while KIRK stands immobile with a look of dawning revelation and smiles like an idiot.
[i like to think he's thinking about SPOCK not getting the death penalty and returning for that little chat about emotion.]
for more of everything--pretty set paintings, the talosians' wacky throbbing head veins, spock's secret agent schtick, young!pike and his girlfriend, and most of all, angsty kirk and spock--see the complete 127 pictures in my gallery.
