AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the Tag that was filmed for Phase II. The scene where Peter dies was eliminated from the script.
ALTERNATE TAG
EXT. SPACE (optical)
Enterprise flyby in space/VFX choice: planet,nebula,station
MCCOY (V.O.)
Chief Medical Officer's Log, Stardate XXXX.X
The Enterprise arrives at Space Station 11.
MCCOY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Two months since the rescue of James Kirk and Starfleet Medical informs me he is recovering well.
INT. CORRIDOR
The crew go about their daily lives.
MCCOY (V.O.)
As are his ship, his crew, and his friend. Captain Spock has finally eased into his role...
Spock strides through the relaxed crew.
MCCOY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...and - I admit - it suits him well. Even if I don't agree with him at all times...
INT. ADMIRAL WITHROW'S OFFICE
CLOSE - on Kirk's hands
Twisting a balloon into a shape.
ADMIRAL (O.C.)
You are the most stubborn, pig-headed man in the universe.
SHOT - FULL
Kirk is seated in front of the Admiral's desk, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, and twisting the balloon in his hands. He looks remarkable like Elvis. The Admiral is standing.
ADMIRAL (CONT'D)
Or at least I thought so.
The pronouncement satisfies Kirk.
KIRK
He's Vulcan.
ADMIRAL
When either of you get an idea in your head...
He stops when Kirk places a balloon Enterprise on his desk. How the hell does he respond to that?
KIRK
For your son.
ADMIRAL
My son is 13: too old for balloons.
KiRK
You're never too old for balloons. I sent some home with Kargh.
The Admiral sits heavily.
ADMIRAL
Jim...
He knows: he's avoiding the conversation he's there for.
KIRK
I remember some of what happened on Earth: an old building, someone who helped me...a kind nurse..
ADMIRAL
Hamlin.
KIRK
Hamlin? I guess I never knew her name.
ADMIRAL
History records that she was an outspoken advocate for the legitimate treatment of the mentally ill.
KIRK
Albert Einstein fit the definition of "mentally ill" at one point in time. So did Lincoln, Churchill...
ADMIRAL
We spent far too long labeling people and inventing categories to try to fit everyone into. Mental illness isn't being "different": it's a physical as - the measles. It took us far too long to learn that. When it comes to Humans, there is no "normal".
KIRK
We are infinitely diverse -
(he smiles)
In infinite combinations.
This brings back the matter at hand...
KIRK (CONT'D)
I can't say I like the idea of Spock using my ship as a supply freighter. The Enterprise was meant for better.
The Admiral reacts: that's the Kirk we know.
KIRK (CONT'D)
I imagine there have been changes in personnel.
ADMIRAL
Not one.
Kirk is surprised - no, hurt.
ADMIRAL (CONT'D)
Spock wouldn't allow it. He saw himself as -
(searches for the word)
- baby-sitter for your ship and crew. He insisted he would find you. I can't say I believed him.
KIRK
I imagine you won't make that mistake again.
ADMIRAL
No, I won't - Captain.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Scott and Uhura are at the controls. Chekov, Peter, Prescott and Sentell stand by. McCoy ENTERS and stops dead in his tracks when he sees that everyone is there.
MCCOY
What in Blue Blazes...
Spock ENTERS, carrying his order packet.
SCOTT
The Station signals they're ready, Sir.
CHEKOV
Ten-hut!
The Honor Guard snaps to attention, Chekov putting the bo'sun's pipe to his lips. As the WHISTLE SCREAMS...TWO FIGURES in command dress uniforms ENERGIZE.
The whistle FALTERS and it stumbles down from Chekov's lips. No one speaks. No one moves. Everyone stares, stunned at -
THEIR POV: Captain James T. Kirk's confident face.
WIDER: ON KIRK and the Admiral
As they step down from the dais. The Admiral carries an order packet.
ADMIRAL
Mister Spock, your tour as Acting Captain resulted in the return of this ship's rightful commander. I congratulate you on your success.
SPOCK
Thank you, sir.
Spock hands his order packet to the Admiral.
SPOCK (CONT'D)
(to Kirk)
Sir, I am ready to be relieved.
KiRK
Sir, I relieve you.
The Admiral hands the original order packet to Kirk.
ADMIRAL
Your orders, Captain.
KiRK
Thank you, sir.
Applause...which Spock's annoyed look silences. He continues with the prescribed ceremony.
SPOCK
Captain, I report for duty as First Officer. Shall I muster the crew for inspection?
Kirk considers it.
KIRK
I don't have my white gloves.
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
Enterprise flyby in space - VFX discretion
INT. BRIDGE
Spock is in command (science uniform). McCoy at his side. The bridge is...our bridge again, except for the two guards.
We HEAR the turbolift open and everyone turns as...
Captain James T. Kirk as he strides out of the turbolift... one of the guards opens his mouth to announce his presence - but Kirk's warning glance stops him.
Still, everyone is rising. Kirk waves them down as he takes the command chair in an easy, familiar movement. Spock and McCoy settle easily into their places on either side of him.
Kirk looks around, takes stock of his bridge.
KIRK
Everything seems to be... in order.
(to Spock)
My ship, my crew: all here, in top condition - at the cost of putting your career on hold.
SPOCK
It was necessary so that Star Fleet would not lose...
MCCOY
Shut up, Spock!
Spock's eyebrows shoot up.
MCCOY (CONT'D)
He's trying to thank you!
SPOCK
I do not understand the compulsion to express gratitude because a Starfleet officer did his duty.
KIRK
Your mind-meld made it so that modern medicine could reach me. Without that...I wouldn't be here now.
SPOCK
(simply)
From my own experience with the Mind-Sifter I knew how to erase the fear triggers in your mind. They did not.
MCCOY
Spock, if just once you could accept a simple "thank you"...well, you could knock me over with a feather.
SPOCK
Why should I attempt to strike you down with the horny epidermal outgrowth of a bird?
MCCOY
Why, you pointy-eared...you know what I meant!
SPOCK
I do not understand why you do not simply say what you mean.
Kirk bursts out laughing. So does the rest of the bridge crew. Truly, we are back on our ship with the people we love.
Both McCoy and Spock are dumbfounded. Kirk sighs with a grin.
KIRK
Back to the old grind.
(to the helmsman)
Mr. Walking Bear, find us...someplace new.
roll credits (STOCK OPTICAL)
KIRK (V.O.)
Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.
THE END