Kirk, through all this, stands there as if stunned by the hammer. His face is dead. He cannot co-ordinate.

SPOCK

Everything is the same as before?

1ST GUARDIAN

Everything.

116 CLOSER ON SPOCK & BECKWITH

with the Time Vortex behind them, fairly close. Beckwith abruptly twists out of the grip Spock has on him and, without a moment’s hesitation, flings himself back into the Time Vortex. Mr. Spock gives a strange HOWL of frustration—so uncharacteristic of him—and makes a move to follow, but at that instant the VORTEX BECOMES SILENT, DARK. Spock whirls on the Guardians.

SPOCK

He went back! It was all for nothing!

1ST GUARDIAN

No.

SPOCK

But he’s in there, Old Earth. 1930!

1ST GUARDIAN

The Vortex cannot be set for the same exact time twice. He has created a fracture and plunged into it.

SPOCK

Then where is he? Escaped?

1ST GUARDIAN

Not this time. He wanted Forever. The Vortex has given him Forever. Like the Möbius strip that has no end, that curves back on itself eternally, he is locked in time.

SPOCK

Forever? He cannot escape?

1ST GUARDIAN

His Forever will be in the heart of an exploding sun, a nova. He has named

his own doom…

117 SPECIAL EFFECT—ON BECKWITH

as he materializes in the exploding, fiery heart of a supernova. We see him appear, scream in incredible anguish and then vanish…then reappear alive, scream as he dies again…and then vanish once more…reappear…scream…die…over and over and over as we

FADE TO BLACK 
and 
FADE OUT.

END ACT FOUR

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

FADE IN:

118 INT. KIRK’S CABIN—ESTABLISHING

as Kirk stares out at the stars through a port. (If there is no port in the cabin, dammit, build one! This is absolutely essential to this scene, and the tone of the climax!) He is now dressed in Enterprise uniform.

SPOCK’S VOICE O.S.

Co-ordinates from the bridge, Captain.

Kirk does not turn around. Spock moves INTO FRAME behind him.

SPOCK

Jim…

Kirk holds a beat, then slowly turns. The deadness in his eyes there, then a small change in expression tells us he is startled.

KIRK

Mr. Spock…that’s the first time you’ve ever called me anything but Captain.

SPOCK

(gently)

On my world the nights are very long. The sound of the silver birds against the sky is very sweet. My people know there is always time enough for everything. You could come with me for a rest. You would feel comfortable there.

KIRK

(hopelessly)

All the time in the world…

SPOCK

And filled with tomorrows.

(beat)

But can you tell me something I need to understand? Something that defies all logic I know?

Kirk looks at him desolately.

SPOCK (CONT’D.)

I would not intrude, but it…troubles me…I believe that is the phrase…it troubles me deeply.

Kirk makes a motion with his hand that signifies, “Go ahead and ask.”

SPOCK (CONT’D.)