Original subtitles

lnteresting. An Arcturian Macbeth.

Watch him. Watch Macbeth.

ls he dead?

Speak! ls King Duncan dead?

Will all great Neptune's ocean

wash this blood clean from my hands?

That voice.

He's back. That man on the stage. l'm certain of it.

That's Kodos the Executioner.

Pluck out mine eyes!

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.

lts five-year mission, to explore strange new worlds,

to seek out new life and new civilisations,

to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Captain's log, stardate 281 7.6.

Starship Enterprise diverted from scheduled course

to confirm discovery by Dr Thomas Leighton

of a new synthetic food which would end the threat of famine

on Cygnia Minor, a nearby Earth colony.

You've called me three light years off my course

to accuse an actor of being Kodos?

He is Kodos. l'm sure of it.

You said you discovered a new food.

What will l report? That you diverted a starship with false information?

You're not only in trouble, l'm in trouble too.

l did it to trap Kodos.

Kodos is dead.

ls he? ls anyone sure?

A body burned beyond recognition.

Tom, the authorities closed the book on that case years ago.

Then let's reopen it. Jim, 4,000 people were butchered!

- Martha, tell him. - l can't tell him anything.

He's been like this since the company of actors arrived.

Kodos is dead. l'm satisfied of that.

Well, l'm not. l remember him.

That voice. The bloody thing he did.

Jim. Jim, l need your help.

Only eight or nine of us actually saw Kodos.

l was one, you were another.

- lf he's to be exposed... - He's dead.

Then it will be a ghost Martha and l receive in our home tonight.

l invited the entire company to a cocktail party.

l have to be sure.

And l have to get back to my ship and work out how to enter this in my log.

Tom. Martha.

- Library computer. - History files.

Subject, former governor Kodos of Tarsus lV,

also known as Kodos the Executioner.

After that, background on actor Anton Karidian.

Working.

Kodos the Executioner, summary.

Governor of Tarsus lV 20 Earth years ago.

lnvoked martial law. Slaughtered 50% of population Earth colony, that planet.

Burned body found when Earth forces arrived.

No positive identification. Case closed. Detailed information follows.

On stardate 2794.7...

Stop. lnformation on Anton Karidian.

Director and star of travelling company of actors

sponsored by galactic cultural exchange project

touring official installations last nine years.

Has daughter, Lenore, 1 9 years old.

Stop. Give comparative identification

between actor Karidian and Governor Kodos.

No identification records available on actor Anton Karidian.

Give information on actor Karidian prior to Kodos' death.

No information available, Anton Karidian, prior to 20 years ago.

Photograph, Kodos.

Photograph, Karidian.

Now photograph both.

Mr Spock.

You know Dr Leighton. Would you say he's given to fantasy?

A good empirical research scientist. Steady, reputable, occasionally brilliant.

- With a long memory. - l have no information on that.

- We are ready to leave orbit. - We'll delay departure for a time.

l'm beaming back down to the planet.

- Where's Tom? - He went to town.

He's on his way back.

The others are on the patio.

l take it you're the welcoming committee.

- ls that for me? - Why not?

l saw your performance. May l extend my appreciation?

My father will be delighted, Mr...

Captain James Kirk, starship Enterprise.

We are honoured.

l had hoped to meet your father.

l'm sorry. He has a rigid rule about that.

He never sees anyone personally or attends parties.

An actor turning away his admirers? Very unusual.

Karidian is a most unusual man.

You saw Macbeth. That was my father.

Then l'll talk to Lady Macbeth.

So. Captain of the Enterprise. lnteresting.

So. Lady Macbeth. lnteresting.

What's your next move?

We play two performances at Benecia. lf the Astral Queen can get us there.

She's a good ship. Thank you.

- You were excellent as Lady Macbeth. - Thank you.

And as Lenore Karidian?

Very impressive.

Lenore...

- l'd like to see you again. - Professionally?

Not necessarily.

l think l'd like that. Unfortunately, we must keep a schedule.

You don't have a schedule now, do you?

You mean leave? But l've only just arrived.

- So have l. - And you hate to overstay a welcome.

- Why not? - Good.

l'll make our apologies to our hostess. l'll meet you outside.

- Tired of walking? - No, just thinking.

- About what? - At the party you were young and brash.

- And now? - Now somehow different.

Not a ship's captain with people to be strong and confident in front of.

You're really very dear, aren't you?

ln some ways, very lonely.

lt's Tom Leighton.

He's dead.

At least he has peace now.

He never really had that before.

Why was Tom killed if what he suspected wasn't true?

l don't know. l'll try and find out.

Oh, Jim...

How l'll miss him!

- Kirk to Enterprise. - Bridge here.

Put me through to Captain Jon Daily of the Astral Queen on orbit station.

- And put it on scramble. - Captain Daily's on, sir.

- Jon? Jim Kirk. - Hi, Jim.

- Can you do me a favour? - l owe you a dozen. Just ask.

- Don't make your pick-up. - Strand all those actors?

l'll pick them up. Any trouble will be my responsibility.

Will do. Anything else?

Just keep this between the two of us. Thanks. Over and out.

Kirk to Enterprise.

Transporter room, ready to beam up.

- Ready to resume course, Captain. - l think we're due for a pick-up.

What kind? Personnel? Cargo?

Captain, a Miss Karidian has been transported aboard ship.

- She requests permission to see you. - Tell her to come up.

Escort Miss Karidian to the bridge.

How did you know she was coming aboard?

l'm the captain.

l didn't think we'd meet again so soon.

You wouldn't believe me if l said l arranged it.

No, but it's a delightful thought.

l'm afraid we need your help. We've been stranded.

Our transportation has cancelled out on us.

- Can't you make other arrangements? - Not in time.

Our schedule is like a chain. One break and it collapses.

lt'd be a shame if that happened.

lf ever we needed a Good Samaritan...

- Well... - l appeal to you.

The regulations are very clear about taking on passengers.

l'll make a bargain with you, Captain.

- What have you got to trade? - A performance in exchange for a lift.

You make it sound interesting. The crew has been on patrol for a long time.

They could use a break in the monotony.

Then you'll do it?

You've got me backed into a corner.

They'd never forgive me if l deprived them of your performance.

And your presence.

Thank you, Captain. l'm eternally grateful.

l'll get the company ready.

This means so much to them.

Prepare to leave orbit as soon as the company is aboard.

- May l enquire as to our course? - Benecia Colony.

That's eight light years off our course.

lf my memory needs refreshing, l'll ask you for it. Follow my orders.

Captain's log, stardate 281 8.9.

There are many questions in my mind, too many, perhaps,

about Karidian and his daughter.

l'm almost afraid to learn the answers.

Mr Spock, ETA the Benecia Colony.

We'll arrive stardate 2825.3, approximately 1 500 Benecia time.

- Library computer. - Data on personnel question.

Data being received. Kodos files of all survivors.

There are nine actual eyewitnesses who can identify Kodos.

Stop. Give list.

Kirk, J. Presently Enterprise captain.

Leighton, T. Molsen, E.

Riley, K...

Stop. ls that star service Lieutenant Kevin Riley?

Affirmative. Riley, Kevin. Presently assigned U.S.S. Enterprise.

Stop.

- Mr Spock. - Captain.

Lieutenant Kevin Riley. Transfer him down to the engineering decks.

He came up from engineering, Captain.

- l'm sending him back. - Any explanation?

He's bound to consider this transfer a disciplinary action.

l don't wish to discuss it. Please follow my orders.

The man on top walks a lonely street.

- The chain of command is a noose. - Spare me your metaphors.

The captain is acting strangely. Have you noticed?

Negative. This is the first time in a week that l've had time for a drop of this.

Would you care for a drink?

My father's race was spared the dubious benefits of alcohol.

Now l know why they were conquered.

What are you so worried about? Jim knows what he's doing.

lt was illogical to bring those players aboard.

lllogical? Did you see that little Juliet? That's a pretty exciting creature.

Of course, your personal chemistry would prevent you from seeing that.

Did it occur to you that he might like the girl?

- lt occurred. l dismissed it. - You would.

Did you know that he transferred Riley to engineering?

Lots of things go on around here that l don't know.

He's the captain. He can transfer people as he pleases. lt's regulation.

- All right, come on. Have a drink. - No, thank you.

You're welcome. But l will.

Please, Mr Spock, if you won't join me, don't disapprove of me.

At least not until you've tried it.

This is the observation deck. That's the flight deck with the shuttlecraft.

- lnteresting. - lsn't it?

- Tell me, Captain Kirk. - Anything.

Did you order the soft lights for the occasion?

lf l'd ordered soft lights, l'd also have arranged for music and flowers.

But no. We duplicate Earth conditions of night and day as closely as possible.

Star light, star bright.

l wish l may, l wish l might.

- Do you remember that? - lt's very old.

Almost as old as the stars themselves.

And this ship. All this power, surging and throbbing, yet under control.

Are you like that, Captain?

All this power at your command.

- Yet your decisions... - Come from a very human source.

Are you, Captain? Human?

- You can count on it. - Tell me about the women in your world.

l'd rather talk about you.

You must have wanted to perform since you first saw your father act.

- When was that? - ln the beginning.

- Tell me. - That's not fair.

You haven't answered my question about women.

What would you like to know?

Has the machine changed them? Made them just people instead of women?

Worlds may change, galaxies disintegrate.

But a woman always remains a woman.

All this...and power, too.

Caesar of the stars. And a Cleopatra to worship him.

- Library computer. - Full dossiers on these names -

Dr Thomas Leighton, Anton Karidian,

Lieutenant Kevin Riley...

and Captain James T. Kirk.

- Accomplished. Standing by. - Correlate.

Check their past histories.

Report any item or experience they all have in common.

Affirmative.

l appreciate your concern for the ship's company...

l will continue. According to our library banks, it started on Tarsus lV

when the food supply was attacked by an exotic fungus.

8,000 colonists and virtually no food.

That was when Governor Kodos seized full power and declared martial law.

- l know. - Not all of it.

Kodos separated the colonists.

Some would live, be rationed whatever food was left.

The remainder would be immediately put to death.

Apparently he had his own theories of eugenics.

- He wasn't the first. - Perhaps not.

But among the most ruthless.

To decide arbitrarily who would survive, using his own personal standards,

and then implement his decision.

Children watching parents die, families destroyed.

Over 4,000 people. They died quickly, without pain.

But they died. Relief arrived, but too late to prevent the executions.

And Kodos? There was no positive identification of his body.

What has Karidian to do with it?

His history begins almost to the day where Kodos disappeared.

You think Jim suspects he's Kodos?

He'd better. There were nine eye witnesses who survived the massacre,

who'd seen Kodos with their own eyes.

Jim Kirk was one of them. With the exception of Riley and Captain Kirk,

every other eyewitness is dead.

And my computer shows that wherever they were,

on Earth, on a colony or aboard ship,

the Karidian Company of Players was somewhere near when they died.

lt's unbelievable.

Hey. Rec room. Somebody.

Talk to me.

ls that you, Riley? What's up?

Not me. l am down.

ln the engineering room.

You've been a bad boy.

Maybe so. Whatever l've done, they're keeping it a secret from me.

Hey, is that Uhura playing? Let me talk to her.

l think his heart is sore.

What can l do for you, Riley?

A song. Make it a love song.

Just something to reassure me l'm not the only living thing left in the universe.

You're not. And l'll prove it to you.

The skies are green and glowing

Where my heart is

Where my heart is

Where the scented lunar flower is growing

Somewhere beyond the stars

Beyond Antares

l'll be back, though it takes forever

Forever is just a day

Forever is just another journey

Tomorrow a stop along the way

Then let the years go fading

Where my heart is, where my heart is

Where my love eternal is waiting

Somewhere beyond the stars

Beyond Antares

How did you like that, Riley?

Help me. Please.

You've got to pull him through.

l'm not sure l can.

lf he dies, the only one who'll be able to identify Kodos is the captain.

And he'll be the next target.

Captain's log, stardate 281 9.1 .

Ship's officer Riley's condition worsening.

Dr McCoy trying to determine cause and antidote.

Entire crew deeply concerned.

Lab report indicates presence of appreciable amount of tetralubisol,

a highly volatile lubricant.

Someone tried to poison him.

Tetralubisol is a milky substance. Someone could have made a mistake.

l disagree. l want the captain to see that report.

- When l've finished logging it. - Now.

All right.

Come.

My report on Lieutenant Riley.

- He's got a good chance. - Can we predict the same for you?

All right. Let's have it.

Lieutenant Riley was a witness. So were you.

- Someone tried to kill him. - Maybe an accident.

You should be told the difference between empiricism and stubbornness.

l checked with the library computer, as you did. l got the same information.

You're out of line. My personal business...

Might interfere with the smooth operation of this ship.

You think that happened? l don't like anyone meddling in my private affairs.

- Spock's trying to... - l know and l don't like it.

lt's his job and you know it.

And you also know that nothing is proven.

Even in this corner of the galaxy, two plus two equals four.

Almost certainly, an attempt will be made to kill you. Why invite death?

l'm not. l'm interested in justice.

Are you? Are you sure it's not vengeance?

No, l'm not sure.

l wish l was.

l've done things l've never done. l've jeopardised my command.

l've got to determine whether or not Karidian is Kodos.

He is.

You sound certain. l wish l could be.

Before l accuse a man of that, l've got to be.

l saw him once, 20 years ago.

Men and memories change. He's an actor. He'll change his appearance.

No. Logic is not enough.

l've got to feel my way. Make absolutely sure.

What if you decide he is Kodos?

Do you carry his head through the corridors?

That won't bring back the dead.

No.

But they may rest easier.

Logic. Dr Leighton was murdered while the Karidian Company was on Planet Q.

Now an attempt has been made against Riley.

Doc isn't sure it was a murder attempt.

- l have an idea that may prove... - Listen. Do you hear it?

- That low hum. - A phaser.

On overload.

This is the captain. A phaser is on overload in my quarters.

lt could take out the entire deck. Evacuate all personnel.

Double Red Alert.

- Get out of here. - You can't stay.

Block off the section. l'll find you.

Evacuate this section. Seal it off. Clear sections C4 and C5.

We're overdue for our talk, aren't we?

Please respect my privacy.

We just averted an explosion which would have destroyed the ship.

Before that, someone tried to poison one of my crewmen.

- l'm sorry to hear that. - l'm sure you are.

Are you Kodos?

l asked you a question.

- Do you believe that l am? - l do.

Then l am Kodos, if it pleases you to believe so.

l'm an actor. l play many parts.

You're an actor now. What were you 20 years ago?

Younger, Captain. Much younger.

So was l.

But l remember.

Let's see if you do. Read this into that communicator on the wall.

lt will be recorded and compared to a piece of Kodos' voice film we have.

The test is virtually infallible. lt will tell us whether you're Karidian...

or Kodos the Executioner.

Ready for voice test.

Disguising your voice will make no difference.

''The revolution is successful.

''But survival depends on drastic measures.

''Your continued existence represents a threat to the well-being of society.

''Your lives mean slow death to the more valued members of the colony.

''l have no alternative but to sentence you to death.

''Your execution is so ordered. Signed, Kodos, governor of Tarsus lV.''

l remember the words. l wrote them down.

You said them like you knew them.

- You hardly glanced at the paper. - l learn my parts quickly.

Are you sure you didn't act it out for a captive audience

whom you killed without mercy?

l find your use of the word ''mercy'' strangely inappropriate, Captain.

Here you stand, the perfect symbol of our technical society.

Mechanised, electrolysed.

And not very human.

You've done away with humanity,

the striving of man to achieve greatness through his own resources.

We've armed man with tools. The striving for greatness continues.

- But Kodos, whoever he was... - Or is.

Or is.

Kodos made a decision of life and death.

Some had to die that others might live.

You ought to understand that.

All l understand is that 4,000 people were needlessly butchered.

ln order to save 4,000 others.

And if the supply ships hadn't come earlier than expected,

Kodos might have gone down in history as a great hero.

He didn't. And history has made its judgement.

lf you're so sure that l'm Kodos, why not kill me now?

Let bloody vengeance take its final course.

And see what difference it makes to your universe.

Those beautiful words, well acted, change nothing.

l suppose not. They are merely tools, like this ship of yours.

There are no previous records of Anton Karidian prior to 20 years ago.

Blood thins. The body fails.

One is finally grateful for a failing memory.

l no longer treasure life. Not even my own.

l am tired!

And the past is a blank.

Did you get everything you wanted, Captain Kirk?

lf l had gotten everything l wanted...

you might not walk out of this room alive.

Captain Kirk.

You'd better rest now.

There's a stain of cruelty on your shining armour, Captain.

You could have spared him. And me.

You talked of using tools. l was a tool, wasn't l?

- A tool to use against my father. - ln the beginning, perhaps.

- But later, l wanted it to be more. - Later.

Everything's always later.

Later. Latest. Too late.

Too late, Captain.

You are like your ship. Powerful. And not human.

There is no mercy in you.

lf he is Kodos, then l've shown him more mercy than he deserves.

And if he isn't, then we'll let you off at Benecia.

And no harm done.

Captain Kirk. Who are you to say what harm was done?

Who do l have to be?

Medical log. Lieutenant Riley sufficiently recovered to be discharged.

He's been restricted to sickbay

to prevent contact with the passenger called Karidian,

suspected of being Kodos the Executioner,

and of murdering the lieutenant's family.

Captain's log, stardate 281 9.8.

Suspect under surveillance. Strategic areas under double guard.

Performance taking place as scheduled.

Tonight the Karidian Players present ''Hamlet'',

another living play presented in space,

dedicated to the tradition of classic theatre.

''Hamlet'' is a violent play about violent times,

when life was cheap and ambition was God.

- l believe we have a match. - But not an exact match.

We're dealing with a man's life. No machine can make that decision.

No doctor has ever caught the first few minutes of a play. Riley, don't...

Riley?

Captain Kirk? McCoy here.

Riley's gone. l was recording my log. lf he overheard...

- You've made your point. - Captain? Security, H-deck.

The weapons locker has been broken into. One phaser is missing.

This is the captain. Security 2 alert.

Find and restrain Lieutenant Riley.

He's possibly headed towards the theatre.

Wither wilt thou lead me? Speak! l'll go no further.

Mark me.

- l will. - My hour is almost come,

when l to sulphurous and tormenting fires must render up myself.

Speak. l am bound to hear.

So art thou to revenge,

when thou shalt hear.

l am thy father's spirit,

doomed for a certain term to walk the night.

Riley. Get back to the sickbay.

He murdered my father. And my mother.

You could be wrong. Don't throw away your life on a mistake.

l'm not wrong.

But that l am forbid to tell the secrets of my prison house.

l know that voice. That face! l know it! l saw it!

He murdered them!

...freeze thy young blood.

lt's an order. Give me the weapon.

Now get back to the sickbay. Go on.

lt's going beautifully!

What is it? What's wrong?

There was a voice out of the past, haunting me. Torturing me.

There was another part l played long ago. l never told you about it.

Now that same curtain rises again. The time has come.

No, Father. The time will never come.

Tonight, after my performance, the last two who can harm you will be gone.

- What are you saying? - There were nine. Now there are two.

And they will be gone. As soon as l have...

- Don't look at me like that. - What have you done?

What had to be done! They had to be silenced!

All of them? All seven? More blood on my hands?

No, Father, not any more!

l'm strong, Father. lt's nothing.

- Second act, three minutes. - We'll be ready.

Don't you see? All the ghosts are dead.

l've buried them.

There's no more blood on your hands.

My child, my child!

You've left me nothing!

You were the one thing in my life untouched by what l'd done.

But you're safe now, Father. l've saved you.

Now no one can touch you.

Not even Captain Kirk.

See Caesar come?

He's awed by your greatness.

Your shining brightness.

Bright as a blade before it is stained with blood.

Bright as a blade.

Come with me, both of you.

Of course. After the play.

The play is over. lt's been over for 20 years.

l was a soldier in a cause. There were terrible things to be done.

Stop it, Father! You have nothing to justify.

Murder, flight, suicide, madness.

l never wanted the blood on my hands to stain you.

l did it for you! l've saved you!

- By killing seven innocent men. - They weren't innocent!

They were dangerous! l would have killed a world to save him!

Curtain going up, one minute.

The play, Captain. He must go on.

This is the great Karidian.

- Guard. - Do not deny him his last performance!

Lenore, don't!

- You'll never get off the ship. - lt will become a floating tomb,

drifting through space,

the soul of the great Karidian giving performances at every star he touches.

l know how to use this, Captain.

No!

Caesar, beware the ldes of March.

No, child, don't!

Father!

Father!

Oh, proud death!

What feast is toward in thine eternal cell

that thou such a prince at a shot so bloodily has struck.

The curtain!

The curtain rises.

lt rises.

There's no time to sleep!

The play! The play!

The play's the thing...

wherein we'll catch the conscience of the king.

Medical report.

She'll receive the best of care.

She thinks her father's still giving performances before cheering crowds.

You cared for her, didn't you?

Ready to leave the Benecia orbit.

Stand by.

- All channels clear? - All channels clear.

- Whenever you're ready. - Leaving orbit, sir.

You're not going to answer my question, are you?

Ahead warp factor 1 .

That's an answer.