MindSifter

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise warps out of time jump.

INT. SPOCK'S QUARTERS

Spock, dressed in Vulcan robes, is meditating. He's struggling - desperately trying to get control of his mind.

The door CHIMES. He doesn't respond.

McCoy ENTERS, dressed in a 1950's business suit.

MCCOY

You didn't answer.

SPOCK

I knew it was you.

Spock climbs to his feet.

SPOCK (CONT'D)

I don't need your pity.

MCCOY

I don't have any pity. Spock, it wasn't your fault.

SPOCK

I made a mistake. More than one.

Silence.

MCCOY

We all did. I'm...sorry.

SPOCK

As am...

The door CHIMES again.

SPOCK (CONT'D)

Enter.

Xon ENTERS.

XON

(to McCoy)

They are waiting for you.

Reluctantly, McCoy EXITS and Xon moves to follow. Spock's voice stops him.

SPOCK

You were his friend.

XON

Ensign Kirk? I benefited from having known him. He helped me understand what it means to be human.

SPOCK

Human emotions fascinate you.

XON

Their remarkable history has been furthered by their emotions. In fact, emotion appears to be inherent in their contributions and development. That intrigues me.

SPOCK

I caution you: you are not Human. We are not Human. The same emotions which contributed to Human progress nearly destroyed our race.

Xon raises an eyebrow.

SPOCK (CONT'D)

Our emotions are more powerful than Human emotion. Tread carefully, Mr. Xon. Tread carefully.

EXT. HOSPITAL

Establishing shot - night.

INT. HOSPITAL DINING ROOM

Dull, lifeless patients are sitting randomly about the room, being ignored by several orderlies chatting with each other.

Kirk stands alone, staring at the night sky through the window bars.

A light crosses the sky...

INT. BASEBALL STADIUM - DUSK

McCoy and Chekov MATERIALIZE, dressed in period suits and hats, and carry suitcases. McCoy also has a doctor's bag.

As they look around we see it's a baseball stadium - seating rising into the sky and a scoreboard. (Matte CGI extension)

McCoy is unmoved. Chekov is beaming - a dream come true.

MCCOY

Why did you pick this place?

CHEKOV

I knew it would be empty.

McCoy doesn't believe him. Chekov starts walking, still grinning like a minx cat. He can't help it.

CHEKOV (CONT'D)

We'd better find a hotel before it gets much darker.

McCoy follows, the look on Chekov's face worrying him.

MCCOY

Living in the past is nothing like reading about it. I can tell you that from experience. I hope you're prepared for that.

Chekov can't help grinning wider: a bounce in his step.

CHEKOV

ONE moment, Doctor. Can't you just take one moment to enjoy this...

As they walk forward and under the camera frame...

EXT. YANKEE STADIUM (OPTICAL)

Circa 1954

CHEKOV (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Before you start being a poop?

INT. BRIG

Through the door we see K'Trow, stiff lipped and Kargh, grinding a hole in the floor as he paces, possessed by mute fury - establishing that he is alive and unharmed.

INT. POLICE STATION

McCoy and Chekov stand at the counter, speaking to an OFFICER. McCoy is showing an old-style PHOTOGRAPH of Kirk, from "Piece of the Action" to the Officer insistently.

MCCOY

Are you sure? He wouldn't have been feeling well.

The Officer shakes his head and walks away.

INT. HOSPITAL LOBBY

McCoy and Chekov stand at a counter, speaking to a BLACK NURSE who is standing in front of a wall divider.

MCCOY

Could you check again?

(Chekov speaks without an accent the entire time he's on Earth: until noted otherwise.)

CHEKOV

He would be listed as a John Doe.

NURSE

(condescending, sure)

Your friend wouldn't have been treated here. Check St. Vincent's.

As she turns and moves away, we see a sign on the divider: "Colored Only"

EXT. HOSPITAL

Hamlin and Kirk are sitting on the grass.

HAMLIN

Jim, do you remember anything before you came here?

KIRK

Before? Was I somewhere - else?

HAMLIN

Yes. Somewhere with curved corridors and a turbo-lift: where the food was programmed. Remember?

KIRK

Turbo - Yes! The turbo-lift. I have to get to the bridge! They need...

He stops when he sees his surroundings.

KIRK (CONT'D)

No. Trees, grass: I have to beam up

He reaches behind him, under his sweater and fumbles.

KIRK (CONT'D)

It's gone! My communicator's gone!

He starts searching through the grass and leaves frantically.

KIRK (CONT'D)

Help me!

HAMLIN

It isn't here.

He stops and sinks back on his knees.

KIRK

It's gone again. At times I seem to be right on the edge of...

HAMLIN

It's okay, Jim.

She's worried that he's going to slip away again, and she urges him up to his feet.

HAMLIN (CONT'D)

Let's walk some more.

As she moves to walk again, Kirk raises his hands and takes hold of her shoulders, staring down at her.

KIRK

You are a lovely woman, Jan.

HAMLIN

Thank you. It's nice of you to say that.

And with a brilliant smile, James Kirk is back: the easy charisma, the charm. Hamlin reacts like every other woman that has ever met Kirk's charm - and it shocks her.

KIRK

It's true. You are. And you're blushing, too.

Without warning, he kisses her - softly, gently. For a second she responds...then suddenly realizes what she's doing and pushes him away - gently: with a laugh so not to startle him.

HAMLIN

Dinner time, Jim: you don't want to be late!

She strides toward the hospital: he follows.

EXT. EARTH STREET

McCoy and Chekov ENTER the street from a brick building.

MCCOY

That's the fifth police station. Why don't they just share information with each other?

CHEKOV

It's too early for that kind of centralization.

MCCOY

You'd think something so simple would have occurred to someone a lot earlier than this.

CHEKOV

(tired)

He may not even be in this city.

MCCOY

We may as well call it quits for today and get some dinner. What do you want?

CHEKOV

A cheeseburger and fries.

MCCOY

Again? Son, you're going to turn into a cow.

They start walking, their backs to the camera.

CHEKOV (V.O.)

I want to go to the "drive in movies", Doc.

MCCOY (V.O.)

We don't have a car. And no, we're not buying one!

INT. BRIDGE

The crew is impatient. The sound of the automatics is deafening. Spock shifts and Sulu answers the unasked question

SULU

Maintaining standard orbit.

UHURA

I've got the whole team monitoring all civilian and military communication channels, as well as commercial broadcasts. No sign they've detected us, Sir.

SPOCK

Continue monitoring, Lieutenant.

DESALLE

It could take several weeks to find the Captain.

XON

Given the search radius, it is unlikely they will ever locate him.

If looks could kill...

INT. MOTEL ROOM

A 1950's motel room - TV, radio, table, and two beds. McCoy and Chekov ENTER. Chekov is carrying a folded PAPER under one arm. McCoy tosses his hat on the bed and sits.

MCCOY

Find that 'Lucy' on the television again.

CHEKOV

They don't broadcast the same thing every night.

MCCOY

Stop with the voice already. We're alone.

CHEKOV

You never know who's listening.

He drops the paper on McCoy's bed. The HEADLINE reads: "McCarthy Hearings Continue". McCoy picks up the paper.

MCCOY

It's hurting my ears.

Chekov turns the radio dial as McCoy browses the paper.

CHEKOV

It hurts my mouth.

As Chekov spins the dial we HEAR snippets of big band music.

MCCOY

(irritated)

What are you looking for?

CHEKOV

It's too early for Buddy Holly, but I was hoping...

Chekov grins as we HEAR Elvis Presley singing "Heartbreak Hotel". (James Cawley to avoid paying Graceland Industries) He looks to McCoy for his opinion, but McCoy hasn't noticed the music. He's FROZEN, staring at the open paper in his hands. He slams the paper down, open, on the bed.

MCCOY

Look!

The urgency of his voice has Chekov at his side immediately.

ON PAPER

A B&W photograph of Kirk, posing for reporter. The headline above it: "Who Is This Man?"

MCCOY (CONT'D)

(reading with excitement)

A man calling himself "Captain James T. Kirk"...

CHEKOV

He's in Hartford, Connecticut! A train will get us there in a few hours!

MCCOY

'Hours' my arse!

McCoy whips out his communicator.

EXT. HOSPITAL - MOMENTS LATER

McCoy and Chekov MATERIALIZE on the back grounds. Suits, hats, and McCoy carries his doctor's bag.

Chekov starts walking.

The sight of the building hits McCoy hard. His voice stops Chekov.

MCCOY
Che..
(at Chekov's hard look)
Before we go in, I want you to know what to expect. Public institutions of this era were -
(he searches for an adequate description)
- storage warehouses where they fed the patients, nothing more. A doctor would see them once - maybe twice - a year and make notes in files no one ever read.

He realizes he's wandering off into a theoretical tangent

MCCOY (CONT'D)
The patients had little or no clothing: if they were lucky they had rotting mattresses to keep them from sleeping on the floor. No toilet seats, no toilet paper...

If Chekov understands what's been said, his constant stare doesn't show it.

McCoy isn't moving until he knows he does. Chekov realizes that.

CHEKOV
(with accent)
If I end up seeing the Captain naked, I expect to get a bonus in my paycheck.

He turns and starts walking toward the building again.

CHEKOV (CONT'D)
(back to camera, with accent)
...for permanent emotional scarring.

He actually gets a smile from McCoy with that. He moves to follow him.

INT. WRIGHT'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

McCoy and Chekov are speaking to a skeptical Wright.

WRIGHT

What are you planning to do with him?

MCCOY

"Do"? Why, bring him back to my private hospital, where he belongs. Jim has a peculiar form of schizophrenia. He has delusions about a strange "navy" he's created in his mind. It's so real to him he's even made himself a uniform.

Wright is wavering.

MCCOY (CONT'D)

I have my credentials: and my assistant's.

McCoy offers them, and Wright studies them intently.

WRIGHT

We've had several false claims.

CHEKOV

Why would anyone want to take custody of...

WRIGHT

A lunatic? They make convenient heirs, Mr. Andrews. Give them a name you need, get control of the inheritance - and then my patient ends up in a third rate...

MCCOY

He calls me "Bones".

Wright reacts: that's it.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER

Wright, McCoy and Chekov stride.

WRIGHT

We didn't put your nickname in the papers. I'm afraid Jim's very unstable, Doctor. He'll have a few good days, then disappear...

Wright opens the door to Kirk's room...

INT. KIRK'S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Hamlin reads to Kirk as the three ENTER.

McCoy and Chekov pause, their joy at finding Kirk dampened by his condition. McCoy approaches carefully.

MCCOY

Jim?

Kirk studies the visitors a long moment. The dawning of recognition begins to bring him to life.

KIRK

Doctor...Bones?

MCCOY

We've come to take you home.

Hamlin is elated as she realizes that Kirk's been found. He glances at Chekov. He hesitates, then smiles in recognition.

KIRK

Mister...Chekov!

The Russian name sends Wright to the door instantly. Chekov blocks his way.

MCCOY

Doctor! Please!

Wright is looking from Chekov to McCoy, alarmed.

MCCOY

He's my nephew. Born here, but...

ChEKOV

My mother thought it was romantic to marry a former prince.

MCCOY

'Prince' my ass! I raised Paul. A good boy, a good student...

Hamlin is torn as she watches the exchange. Kirk is oblivious to the conversation, but not to who the visitors are.

CHEKOV

(interrupting)

I changed my name, but Jim...

KIRK

Chekov! Are you going to navigate us back home - to the Enterprise?

CHEKOV

Absolutely, sir. I'll lay in the course as soon as Doctor McCoy says you're ready.

Wright is still on guard. McCoy sees this.

MCCOY

You can't actually think that we're...that Jim...is a Red Agent?

WRIGHT

That uniform...

CHEKOV

Hasn't the FBI researched him thoroughly?

Wright isn't convinced - but he acts like he is.

WRIGHT

I need to get the release papers. Nurse, assist the Doctor until I return.

As Wright EXITS...

HAMLIN

(urgently)

You know Jim?

MCCOY

Nurse...?

HAMLIN

Hamlin.

MCCOY

Nurse Hamlin. Yes. Jim's been my friend for years: and now my patient.

He opens his bag.

MCCOY (CONT'D)

Are these the cleanest clothes you have for him?

HAMLIN

(defensively)

Doctor, this is one of the finest public hospitals.

MCCOY

Yes, I know. I just hope someday we'll do better: and have real treatments.

Hamlin recognizes a kindred spirit.

MCCOY (CONT'D)

Could get him the clothes he arrived in?

HAMLIN

Yes, of course, Doctor.

After she EXITS, McCoy starts pulling equipment out of his bag and examining Kirk.

CHEKOV

(accent, worried)

Wright didn't believe us.

MCCOY

With that cover? A dog wouldn't believe us!

CHEKOV

(accent)

We've got to get him to the ship before they come back.

MCCOY

Not before I know he's healthy enough to...

McCoy gasps. He's pulled up Kirk's shirt and his torso is covered with bruises in varying shades of healing. Kirk shrinks back, tugging down the shirt.

MCCOY (CONT'D)

It's okay, Jim. I'm just going to give you some medicine now.

He replaces the scanner and administers a hypo-shot as Hamlin ENTERS with Kirk's clothes. McCoy quickly drops it in the bag and pulls out a stethoscope. Chekov takes the clothes.

HAMLIN

What was that?

McCoy is pretending to examine him with the stethoscope.

MCCOY

A vitamin concentrate. He's undernourished.

HAMLIN

I've never seen a syringe like that.

MCCOY

You will soon. It's an experimental delivery system.

Hamlin doesn't seem to quite believe him: and Kirk is now completely relaxed.

HAMLIN

That was more than vitamins.

MCCOY

He's my patient. I know what will help him.

HAMLIN

Where are you taking him?

MCCOY

To a small, private clinic in Georgia. It's not well-known.

KIRK

We're going back to the Enterprise.

MCCOY

Yes, Jim, that's right: the Enterprise.

He winks at Hamlin. As he puts away the stethoscope, she looks from one to the other - judging.

HAMLIN

Things are different there, aren't they? You've got real treatments - treatments that work?

MCCOY

We do. And you will too.

She makes a decision.

HAMLIN

You've got to take him now!

(hurried)

They've called the FBI. The police are on the way.

Her strident voice alarms Kirk.

KIRK

Jan? Jan!

She places her hand on his face, soothing him.

HAMLIN

It's okay, Jim. Bones is going to take you home now.

Her words make her realize - Jim is actually leaving.

HAMLIN (CONT'D)

Doctor McCoy, please, if you've got a place where things are different, more advanced: I'd like to go with you and help take care of him. He trusts me.

MCCOY

I'm sorry, it's impossible.

Kirk begins to stir as the drugs take affect. Words begin to spill out of his subconscious: the urgency rising as he speaks

KIRK

Spock! The Klingons - they - they'll take over Earth!

Hamlin jerks back, growing alarm while he speaks.

KIRK (CONT'D)

...they'll change history! Must stop...save Earth...

McCoy quickly gives him another hypo and he falls asleep: McCoy easing him back. Hamlin doesn't wonder any longer.

HAMLIN

I know. Doctor, I know...you're not from here. You're from...

(points to the cieling)

CHEKOV

(wryly)

You think we have a flying saucer?

HAMLIN

You - he - those things you're using: there's nothing like that on all of Earth! I've listened to Jim. The the three of you...you're...!

McCoy grabs her by the arms as she starts to panic. .

MCCOY

Miss Hamlin, listen to me! You're right: but we're not aliens. We're Humans - like you - but from your future!

HAMLIN

How?... Why?

MCCOY

To help Jim. To bring him home.

Chekov sees no need for further pretense: his accent is back.

CHEKOV

We've been looking for him a long time. The Captain is a very important man. Hundreds of people risked their lives to come back in time to find him.

HAMLIN

He'll be cured? Back there - in the future?

MCCOY

Yes. We know illnesses that affect the mind are biological, like any other illness. In our time there are very few people who can't be cured.

We HEAR the sounds of sirens approaching. They all react.

HAMLIN

You've got to get to your flying saucer!

MCCOY

We have a better way.

As McCoy steps away and calls for beam-up, Chekov gently eases Kirk to his feet, supporting him as he turns his attention to Hamlin.

CHEKOV

You must not tell people the things you've seen and know. It could change the future. You must promise us that.

McCoy rejoins them and takes Kirk's other arm. She stares at them defiantly. The sirens are close, and no longer moving.

HAMLIN

I won't. I won't promise.

McCoy and Chekov are alarmed, but her eyes are shining.

HAMLIN (CONT'D)

I'll tell them our patients can be cured: that we must find a way. That we mustn't stop until we do.

As the transporter catches the three Enterprise men...

HAMLIN (CONT'D)

I'm going to change the future.

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

McCoy, Chekov MATERIALIZE, supporting Kirk. Kirk's uniform still in Chekov's hands..

Scott and Spock move from the controls and approach the dias as Kirk starts to rouse. Kirk sees the transporter room, the people in it, and panics.

KIRK

Jan? Jan!

MCCOY

Jim, it's okay: you're home now!

They've helped him to his feet now, and are leading him off the transporter dias. He looks around, confused, until...

Kirk sees Spock and freezes suddenly, pulling them to a stop.

KIRK

That's my shirt!

He growls and tears himself away from them, throwing himself bodily at Spock.

KIRK (CONT'D)

Traitor!

Kirk pounds on Spock, tearing at the uniform.

KIRK (CONT'D)

You mutinous traitor!

Spock easily wards off the blows and catches Kirk's hands.

SPOCK

(softly)

Jim, stop it.

Spock touches his hand to Kirk's head and he instantly relaxes, and Spock eases him to the deck.

KIRK

I am... I'm Captain...

Spock cradles the unconscious Kirk and presses his hand to his face in a mind-meld.

SPOCK

Yes: you are.

END ACT FOUR