Original subtitles

- Is this full magnification, Lieutenant? - Yes, sir.

- Missile spread, Mr Spock? - Archaic type. Sublight speed.

Aye, and chemically fueled to boot.

- Anything on communication? - No, sir.

- Course of the missile, Mr Spock? - The Enterprise is the target.

Prepare phaser banks one and two, Mr Sulu.

Mr Chekov, get a fix on the missile's point of origin.

Phasers one and two locked in and ready, sir.

Fire phasers.

Mr Chekov, alter course to the missile's point of origin.

- Warp factor 3, Mr Sulu. - Yes, sir.

I am a nurse first, Dr McCoy, and a member of the crew second.

You're excused. Go to your quarters.

I'm sorry. I've called the captain and I'll wait until he comes.

- What's the emergency? - I said you were excused, Nurse.

Please, Christine. I promise you I'll give the captain a full report.

That was quite a scene.

I've completed physical examinations for the crew.

- What's the emergency? - The crew is fit.

I found nothing unusual, with one exception.

- Serious? - Terminal.

- What is it? - Xenopolycythemia. It has no cure.

- Who? - He has one year to live at the most.

- Who is it? - The ship's chief medical officer.

- You? - I'll be most effective on the job

if you'll keep this to yourself.

‘Space - the final frontier.

"These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.

"Its 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.'

‘Captain's log, stardate 5476.3.

'l have informed Starfleet about Dr McCoy's condition

‘and have requested an immediate replacement.'

- Mr Spock. - Yes, Captain?

Confirm coordinates for the missile's origin.

Correct. We are approaching those coordinates.

- That object on the screen? - An asteroid, 200 miles in diameter.

Could the enemy vessel be hiding behind it?

Negative, Captain. We've had that area on scanners constantly.

Then the asteroid is the missile's point of origin?

Correct, Captain.

Full sensor probe, Mr Spock.

Typical asteroid chemically, but it is not orbiting.

It is pursuing an independent course through this solar system.

How could that be?

Unless it's...powered. A space ship?

It is under power, Captain.

- Power source? - Atomic, very archaic.

Leaving a trail of debris and hard radiation.

Mr Chekov, plot the course of the asteroid vessel.

Asteroid has an outer shell, which is hollow.

It surrounds an independent core, which has a breathable atmosphere.

- Sensors read no life-forms. - It must be on automatic controls.

The passengers or builders are dead.

Course of asteroid, I mean, space ship, 241, mark 17.

- Interesting. - Yes.

That course would put the asteroid on a collision course with Daran V.

- Daran V? Inhabited? - Correct.

Population approximately three billion, 724 million, if my memory is correct.

Estimated time of impact, 396 days.

Mr Sulu. Match Enterprise speed with that of the asteroid vessel.

Mr Spock and I are transporting aboard. Mr Scott, you have the conn.

A lot can happen in a year. Please, give yourself every minute.

Dr McCoy, Mr Spock and I will handle this.

Without me, Jim? You'd never find your way back.

Well...

- I think it would be wiser if... - I'd like to go. I'm fine, Captain.

All right, Doctor. If that's what you want.

(McCoy) You'd swear you were on a planet.

(Spock) What is the logic in making a ship look like a planet?

Wouldn't know this was a space ship. Kirk to Enterprise.

- 'Enterprise, Scott here.' - Transported without incident. Out.

No apparent opening.

You've found no intelligent life-forms, but surely...

The ship is over 10,000 years old, Doctor.

Still no sign of life-forms, Captain.

These are weapons?

Of a sort. Weapons, communication devices.

Let me go to my friend.

- You all right? - I think so.

I am Natira, the high priestess of the people.

Welcome to the world of Yonada.

I can't say I think much of your welcome.

Take them.

You will kneel.

She called this "the world". These people don't know they're on a ship.

They've been in flight 10,000 years. Maybe they don't realize it.

Oh, Oracle of the people, most perfect and wise.

Strangers have come to our world.

They bear instruments we do not understand.

Who are you?

I am Captain Kirk of the starship Enterprise.

This is my medical officer, Dr McCoy. My first officer, Mr Spock.

- Why do you visit this world? - We've come in friendship.

(Thunder crack)

‘Learn what it means to be our enemy

‘before you learn what it means to be our friend.'

Spock.

Dr McCoy. Bones.

Bones?

The doctor must have received an excessive shock.

No, that's not it.

Nothing else could have caused this, Captain.

At least, nothing that has happened here.

You're right. The shock was serious due to McCoy's weakened condition.

May I ask precisely what is troubling the doctor?

I don't think he would have told you, but I think you should know now.

It's xenopolycythemia.

Yes. I know of it, Captain.

Then you know that nothing can be done.

Bones, how is it?

I'm all right.

- Are you all right, Mr Spock? - Very well, Doctor.

The captain and I seem to have suffered no ill effects.

That "Oracle" really got to me.

I must be especially susceptible to its magic spells.

Spock knows.

Well, we better get to the control room.

- Are you in any condition to get up? - Don't worry, I can make it, Jim.

Informing these people they're on a ship

may violate Starfleet's Prime Directive.

No, the people of Yonada may be changed by the knowledge,

but it's better than exterminating them.

- Logical, Captain. - And the three billion on Daran V.

Also logical, Captain.

Gentlemen, I believe we have a visitor.

For strength.

Many of us have felt the power of our oracle.

This has been of benefit.

Tastes like an ancient herb derivative.

- You are not of Yonada. - No, we're from outside your world.

Where...is outside?

Up there.

Outside, up there, everywhere.

So they say, also.

Many years ago,

I climbed the mountains, even though it is forbidden.

Why is it forbidden?

I am not sure.

But things are not...

as they teach us.

For the world is hollow,

and I have touched the sky.

- What is it, Bones? - There's something under the skin.

He's dead.

"For the world is hollow and I have touched the sky."

- It's forbidden to climb the mountains. - Of course.

Because if you did, you'd find out you were living on a big ball.

Not a planet but a space ship. And that knowledge seems to be forbidden.

What happened?

We don't know. He screamed in pain and died.

Fetch the guard.

Forgive him, for he was an old man.

And old men are sometimes foolish.

But it is written that those of the people who sin or speak evil

shall be punished.

He served well for many years.

Take him away, gently.

You do not seem well. It is distressing to me.

I'm quite all right, thank you.

It is the will of the Oracle that you now be treated as honored guests.

You seem to be the special favorite.

The young lady did show a preference for your company.

- Nobody can blame her for that. - I find her taste questionable.

But she obviously prefers you and you obviously don't seem to mind.

If you could arrange to be alone with the young lady,

Spock and I could find the power controls of this...world.

It is time to refresh yourselves.

Thank you, Mr Spock.

To our good friends of Yonada.

- We are very interested in your world. - That pleases us.

You mind if we looked around?

Not at all. The people know of you now.

(Coughs)

Are you well enough to go about?

Perhaps not.

Then why not remain here? Rest, we will talk.

You are very kind.

You are free to go about and meet our people.

Thank you.

And thank you for taking care of Dr McCoy.

Not at all. We shall make him well.

Mr Spock.

No, thank you.

Leave us.

I'm curious. How did the Oracle punish the old man?

...cannot tell you now.

There is some way the Oracle knows what you say, isn't there?

What we say, what we think.

The Oracle knows the minds and the hearts of all the people.

I did not know you would be hurt so badly.

It's all right.

I suppose we had to learn the power of the Oracle.

There is something I must say. Since the moment I...

It is not in the manner of the people to hide their feelings.

Honesty is...usually wise.

Is there a woman for you?

No, there isn't.

Does McCoy find me attractive?

Oh, yes. Yes, I do.

I hope you men of space,

of other worlds,

hold truth as dear as we do.

We do.

I wish you to stay here, on Yonada,

as my mate.

But we're strangers to each other.

But is not that the nature of men and women?

That the pleasure is in the learning of each other?

Yes.

Let the thought rest in your heart.

These people have no idea they're living on a space ship.

How many generations have lived out their lives,

and been buried here,

without ever knowing their world is hollow?

The people, in the fullness of time,

will reach a new world.

Rich, green, lovely to the eyes,

and of a goodness

that will fill the hearts of the people with tears of joy.

You can share that world with me,

rule it by my side.

How long will it take you to reach this new world?

Soon. The Oracle will only say "soon".

If you only knew how I needed some kind of future, Natira.

You have lived a lonely life?

Yes, very lonely.

No more, McCoy.

There will be no more loneliness for you.

- There's something I need to tell you. - There's not.

- But there is. - Then tell me.

If the telling is such a need.

I have an illness for which there is no cure.

I have one year to live.

Until I saw you, there was nothing in my heart.

It sustained my life, but nothing more.

Now it sings.

I could be happy to have that feeling for a day

a week, a month...

...a year.

Whatever the creators hold in store for us.

Captain, the Oracle room.

The problem - to get in.

I believe that I can...

The writing is definitely Fabrini. I recognize it.

Didn't the Fabrini sun go nova and destroy its planets?

Towards the end, the Fabrini people lived underground

to protect themselves.

Some of them must have been put aboard this ship.

And these are their descendants.

Now.

The Oracle doesn't seem to know we're here.

- I wonder what alerted it the first time. - Captain...

The Oracle's reprehensible conduct was initiated when Natira knelt there.

I think you're right. Continue investigating.

The clue to the location of the control room must be around somewhere.

Nothing here would indicate that this is anything but a planet.

There's no question but the creators would have been considered gods.

This is a representation of a star and its solar system.

Eight planets, the number in the Fabrina solar system.

These people are descendants of the Fabrini.

They've been on this asteroid ship for 10,000 years.

(Door opens)

‘Speak.'

- Itis I, Natira. -'Yes, Natira.'

It is written that only the high priestess of the people may select her mate.

'It is so written.'

The strangers among us, the three visitors,

there is one called McCoy.

I wish him to remain here,

as my mate.

‘Does he agree to this?'

I have asked him. He has not yet given me his answer.

'He must become one of the people, worship the creators,

‘and agree to have the Instrument of Obedience.'

He will be told what must be done.

'If he agrees to all things, it is permitted.

"Teach him our laws carefully so he commits no sacrilege,

'no offense against the people or the creators.'

It will be done, oh, most wise.

- 'Who are the intruders?' - Two strangers, Kirk and Spock.

- 'McCoy is not with them?" - No.

"They have committed sacrilege.

- "You know what must be done.' - I know.

When the Oracle releases them, take them.

Fools. You think we are children?

You think you can do as you please,

commit whatever offense amuses you?

What are you going to do to my friends?

They entered the Oracle room.

- And the punishment is death? - Yes.

I can make no other decision. We gave them our trust, they betrayed us.

- They acted out of ignorance, Natira. - They said they came in friendship.

- Please, let them return to the ship. - I cannot.

For me?

I've made my decision.

I'm staying here, on Yonada.

Natira.

They did what they did because they felt they had to.

Please, let them return to the ship. You won't regret it.

How do you think I'd I feel if I stayed, with a chance to be happy,

but knowing my friends had died?

Yes.

So be it. This I will do for McCoy.

For our happiness and future.

You're returning with us?

No, I'm not.

This isn't a planet, it's a space ship, on a collision course with Daran V.

I'm on a kind of collision course myself.

I order you to return with us.

And I refuse.

If we can't correct the course of this ship, we'll have to blast it out of space.

I intend to stay on this ship with these people, whatever happens.

Your decision is most illogical, Doctor.

Is it, Mr Spock?

Is it really?

I'm staying with Natira.

- As her husband? - Yes.

Is that too much to ask, Jim?

- Kirk to Enterprise. - 'Scott here.'

We're beaming over. Lock in on our signal.

Transport Mr Spock and myself.

‘What about Dr McCoy?'

He's staying, Scotty. Kirk out.

"To be one of the people of Yonada,

'the Instrument of Obedience must be made part of your flesh.

'Do you now give your consent?'

- I do. - 'Proceed.'

Say now. Because once done, it is done.

Let it be done.

You are now one with my people.

May I give you the love you want,

and make the time you have beautiful.

- We are now of one mind. - One heart.

One life.

It is done, oh, most wise.

Our living link with the creators.

"Teach him, then, what he must know as one of the people.'

This is the Book of the People,

to be read when we reach the new world of the promise.

It was given by the creators.

Do the people know its contents?

Only that it tells of our world here

and why soon we must leave it for the new world.

Has the reason that the people must leave here been revealed to you?

No, it has not.

- Don't you long to know its secrets? - No.

It is enough for me to know we shall understand all when we reach home.

‘Captain's log, stardate 5476.4.

‘We are on a parallel course with Yonada.

'It is still on a collision course with Daran V.

'Our failure to correct its course, and Dr McCoy's illness,

'made contact with Starfleet Command imperative.'

‘Captain Kirk, I sympathize with your wish to stay.

‘But I hope you recognize the need to continue your mission.'

- That is the problem, sir. - 'Perhaps I haven't made myself clear.

'Let me restate it.

"You have been relieved of all responsibility for Yonada.

‘Starfleet Command will take care of the situation.'

I believe it is time to move on.

Yes, those are the orders.

- 'Captain Kirk. Bridge to Captain Kirk.' - Kirk here.

- 'An urgent call from Dr McCoy, sir.' - Put him on.

-'Jim?' - Yes, Bones.

- 'We can get them back on course.' - You found the controls?

No, but I've seen the book that contains knowledge of the creators.

And if you...

If you can get to it...

Spock...

- ...dig out the information. - Where is it?

(Shouts)

Bones, are you all right? Answer me!

'Bones, what is it?

'Bones, what is it?

‘McCoy, what's happening?

‘What's happening, McCoy?"

You are killers of your friend.

I will have you put to death.

Until you are dead, he will disobey.

- I will see you die! - Take care of McCoy.

He is not part of our people.

You've released him from his vow of obedience.

We have freed him from the cruelty of your Oracle.

(Groans)

McCoy.

Bones.

You said something about a book. Where is it?

They must not know.

The...Oracle room.

You will never see the book. It is sacrilege.

Guards!

Guards!

Now listen to me, you must listen to what I have to say.

Give me one moment to speak to you.

One moment. Natira...

If you don't believe what I say, call the guards.

We'll accept any punishment you decree.

- What do you wish to say? - You must believe it's the truth.

- Your truth. Of your world. - Yes, my world and your world.

You do not obey the creators. How can you understand my world?

I understand.

I understand, Natira.

10,000 years ago, a sun was dying and with it, its world.

The world you see on the plaque in the Oracle room.

- the world of which Yonada is a part. - No.

It is the world of your ancestors, your...creators.

It no longer exists.

- You are mad. - No, I'm not. Listen to me!

Hear me out!

When your ancestors discovered their world was dying,

they built a great ship and chose their best people.

They wished for their race to survive. They sent the ship out into space.

You wish me to believe that Yonada is a ship?

Yes.

But we have a sun. It did not die. At night I see the stars.

No.

You are living inside a hollow ball.

Your ancestors created it to take you on a journey.

To a promised new planet.

Why should the truth wait for you to come to Yonada?

A flaw developed in the controls, and unless we correct it,

Yonada will kill millions and destroy a world it doesn't know.

Why should the truth be kept from us?

Why should the creators hide it from us?

No. No, you do not speak the truth.

I believe only the Oracle. I believe...

Let us remove the Instrument of Obedience,

the way we did for McCoy.

Natira...

Do you think she understood me?

She understood something. There are no guards.

"You have listened to the words of the non-believers.'

Yes, I have listened.

"That was the first transgression. You felt the pain of warning?'

- Yes, I did. - 'Why did you listen further?'

- They said they spoke the truth. - "Their truth.'

- Is truth not truth for all? - "The truth of Yonada is your truth.

"There can be no other for you. Repent your disobedience.'

I must know the truth of the world.

Your friends have told me of your world.

- They spoke the truth. - I believe you.

I believe. The creators kept us in darkness.

There's nothing I can do.

I believe with you, husband.

- Is she all right? - She will be. I'll stay with her.

The book is in the monolith.

'It is sacrilege to the temple.

"We do this for the survival of the people of Yonada.

"You do not believe. You are forbidden to gaze at the book.'

We mean no desecration to your faith. We must consult the book.

'It is blasphemy. You are forbidden. The punishment is death.'

(Thunder crack)

Temperature 111 degrees and rising.

- How do you open this thing? - 115 degrees.

Press the three lower planets on the left hand side, simultaneously.

120 degrees.

The plan must be in there.

- Is it indexed? - Yes, itis.

Hurry, Spock.

It refers to the altar.

Apply pressure to the center until it opens.

- Get her out of the heat. - I've neutralized the heating elements.

We'll be all right here, now.

The Oracle can no longer punish us.

- Your friends have prevented it? - Yes.

And will they send this...ship,

again to the land the creators intended?

Yes.

That is good.

Functional. Not too different from the Enterprise.

There seems to be a weakness in one of the eight tubes.

- Enough to turn it off course? - Yes.

Let me check that engine.

(Spock) A very simple problem, easy to correct.

Then come.

- No. - Don't be afraid.

I do not fear the punishment of disobedience.

- Then come, we must hurry... - No, I cannot go with you.

It is not fear.

I understand the great purpose of the creators.

I shall honor it.

You intend to stay here, on Yonada?

I shall stay willingly, and because that is what I must do.

Then I won't leave you.

Will McCoy stay here to die?

No, McCoy will not let go of life in the fullness of years.

Now, more than ever, I wish to search through the universe

to find a cure for myself and all others like me.

And I want you to be with me.

This is my universe.

You came here with a great mission,

to save my people.

Shall I abandon them?

Perhaps one day, if it is permitted,

you will find Yonada again.

I believe we can attempt the course correction.

Good.

Going back to marked headings.

Guidance controls taking over.

We can allow the ship to go back to automatic.

Steadying on course marked in red.

Captain.

Intelligence files.

Their banks contain the total knowledge of the Fabrini,

ready for the people to consult when they arrive at their destination.

And they seem to have amassed a great deal of medical knowledge.

Excellent, Doctor. The white corpuscle count is back to normal.

Your hemoglobin count is normal,

which indicates that the flow of oxygen to each cell

is back up to its abundantly energetic level.

Thank you, Mr Spock, for bringing back the knowledge of the Fabrini.

The Fabrini descendants are scheduled to disembark

on their promised planet in 390 days.

I think we could manage to be in that vicinity at that time.

If you wanted to thank the Fabrini personally.