[ COURTROOM — a small area likely downstage right (or left) (Dialogue here will frequently refer to ”holovision” images of past events, represented in larger portions of the set.) ]

Kirk and Tor enter a guarded conference room where Spock sits in an interrogation chair. Pike is also present via a brain image on screen.

TOR

[0:09] This hearing is convened. Commander Spock, you have a right to counsel—

SPOCK

[0:15] I waive counsel, Commodore. Further, I waive rights to this hearing and request immediate court martial.

KIRK

[pausing, then with slight hope]

[0:32] Spock, if this is a mistake—

SPOCK

[0:37] There is no mistake, Captain.

KIRK

[0:41] No mistake? Your deception? Insubordination —

SPOCK

[0:54] In accord with due process, I will not speak...until my trial.
[1:02] And again, I request immediate court martial, aboard this vessel.

KIRK

[1:11] Denied!

SPOCK

[1:13] On what legal grounds—

KIRK

[1:15] Mutiny requires a bench of three command officers. There are only two. 

SPOCK

[1:25] Have you forgotten Captain Pike?

KIRK

[1:30] He’s incapacitated!

SPOCK

[attending to Pike’s brain display]

[1:40] He’s still on active duty, Captain. And as you can see, he’s listening now.

TOR

[1:54] He’s right, Jim. His mind is still sound. We had no cause to retire him. But Spock, whatever you’re planning, abandon it immediately. We require answers.

SPOCK

[2:16] I regret adding disobedience to my other crimes. I will not speak before my trial.
[2:31] But as my judge you will hear from me, under oath, all you need to know.

KIRK

[2:42] Spock…this is your last chance. If we open a trial, the sentence for treason will be—

SPOCK

[interrupting]

[2:55] Death. I understand Jim. But I assure you, my conditions are fixed.

KIRK

[glancing first at Tor, then with a new idea in mind]

[3:06] Captain Pike. Did you hear Spock’s request? Can you act as a judge of Spock’s innocence or guilt?

[3:26] Pike’s brain image displays a flow of smooth, positive color.

[3:38] You seem to say yes. But to what? Should I doubt that you’ll hear his testimony?
[3:52] Perceive his evidence?

[3:54] Pike’s brain image flows with similar emotion, but inflected to show a negative response just as clearly. Kirk turns to Spock.

KIRK

[4:08] Chris…are you sure?

[4:11] Pike’s brain image returns to a positive display, with more strength.

KIRK

[after a pause]

[4:31] Commander, we have tried every other possible means of controlling this vessel. Trial or no trial, I want to hear what Spock has to say.

TOR

[4:52] I see now we are, truly, his captive audience.

KIRK

[4:56] And our other options would be?

TOR

[toward the intercom]

[5:01] Lieutenant Scott— any progress?

 SCOTT

[via intercom]

[5:09] Only rabbit holes Commodore. Heightened hopes that lead us astray. The ship’s program knows how to waste our time with illusion.

TOR

[5:24] Carry on Scott.

 

[pausing, then to Kirk]

[5:28] With Pike’s consent, and yours as Captain,

This martial court is now in session.

KIRK

[5:40] I’ll read the charges brought against you. First:

Abduction of a senior officer,

[5:50] Stardate 3012.3, from M-11.

To this charge, what is your plea?

SPOCK

[5:59] My plea is guilty sir. And guilty too

Of mutiny aboard the Enterprise.

KIRK

[6:14] Then let the record show—

TOR

                              [6:16] Why, Spock? Why throw your life away?

SPOCK

[6:28] You asked me why?

TOR

[after a brief but tense pause]

Yes—

SPOCK

[6:36] And your question is on the record?

TOR

Yes.

SPOCK

[in earnest confidence]

[6:43] Thank you Commodore. I request that the holovision be activated.

TOR

[6:55] For what purpose?

SPOCK

[7:01] To comply with your request that I explain the importance of going to Talos IV.

KIRK

[to Tor]

[7:10] By asking why, you’ve given him the right to draw upon any evidence he chooses —

TOR

[7:26] Very well, then. Explain yourself Mr. Spock.

[ EARLY ENTERPRISE BRIDGE — likely a cosmetic modification of Act I’s BRIDGE (as before, possibly upstage, second-tier) ]

[7:35] The holovision activates, revealing the bridge of the Enterprise. A younger Captain Pike, Uhura, and Spock survey a scene of recovery from battle. Chief Petty Officer Garison and other crew members are bandaged or on crutches from recent battle wounds; Pike has a shoulder wound, already dressed. Catherine Boyce, a senior doctor with a stern demeanor, is directing a nurse to administer a regime of injections to one or more of the crew, another member of the crew has an arm in a sling or cast. As though the scene wasn't 'cued up' properly, Officer Garison is speaking just as instantly as the scene is visible.

GARISON

[7:40] Captain.

PIKE

[irritated]

What is it, Garison?

GARISON

[7:45] Sorry, sir. It’s a distress signal. Reports of a forced landing on planet Talos IV.

[ COURTROOM ]

KIRK

[8:03] I don’t understand…Chris, is that really you?

[8:08] Pike’s brain displays affirmation.

KIRK

[8:21] But that’s impossible.
[8:30] What are we watching, Spock?

SPOCK

[8:36] The only way I know how to explain this evidence is the evidence itself.

TOR

[8:54] The court is not obliged to accept this—

SPOCK

[8:59] Unless the court asks the defendant why, commodore. You did ask—

TOR

[9:11] You mean I was maneuvered into asking.

 

[after a pause]

[9:24] Very well Spock. Continue.

The courtroom dims; the holovision brightens revealing the bridge of the early Enterprise again.

[ EARLY ENTERPRISE BRIDGE ]

UHURA

[10:00]The signal came from the S.S. Columbia, a scientific vessel. They warped to that system eighteen years ago, and did not return.

GARISON

[10:13]Talos IV is eighteen light years from here. We’re just receiving their signal now.

YOUNG SPOCK

[10:21]At maximum warp we could be there in five days. Shall we investigate, sir?

PIKE

[10:28]Spock, we lost eight of our crew on Rigel 7—so many others wounded...critically.— does this look like a rescue party to you?

 

YOUNG SPOCK

[a little taken aback]

[10:40]I understand, sir. But—

PIKE

[10:42]The chances of survivors after 18 years are practically nil. I’m responsible for the safety of this crew. Keep our course for the Vega colony.

GARISON

[10:57]Captain—

PIKE

[10:58]I said keep our course for Vega and that’s an order.

Pike eyes crew members on the bridge who look on uncomfortably.

[11:06]End of discussion.

 

Exit Pike to his private quarters. The crew return to their activities as lights shift to emphasize Pike’s quarters, though not to the exclusion of Boyce among the crew elsewhere on stage.