Original subtitles

Coming up on it fast, sir.

- Are you certain of sensor readings? - Definitely a space vessel.

- Origin? - Unknown.

Not an Earth ship. There have been no flights here for years.

l'm picking up a signal, sir.

- That's the old Morse code call signal. - Thank you.

- C-Q, C-Q. - We're reading it, Lieutenant.

You said it couldn't be an Earth vessel.

l don't know why it gives you pleasure when l'm wrong.

An emotional Earth weakness of mine.

There it is.

An old Earth vessel, similar to the DY-500 class.

Much older. DY-1 00 class, to be exact.

Captain. The last such vessel was built centuries ago, back in the 1 990s.

Then it's a derelict, its signal left on automatic.

Or an old Earth ship used by aliens.

- Weapon status. - Deflector shields on maximum.

- Bio-scanners report. - Picking up heartbeats from over there.

Can't be human. They're too faint and average four beats a minute.

Sensor reading. Equipment functioning on that vessel.

All decks go to full alert.

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 31 41 .9.

An hour has elapsed since interception of the vessel.

Our presence is still being ignored.

Although our sensors show equipment and life aboard,

there has been no danger to us.

Weapons department, maintain battle stations.

All other decks, standby alert.

All decks acknowledging, sir.

We're continuing to pick up heart action over there. Very faint, very slow.

Seems to be coming from 60 or 70 bodies.

- Alien bodies? - Could be. No sign of any respiration.

Hull surface is pitted with meteor scars. However, scanners make out a name.

S.S. Botany Bay.

- You can check the registry. - No such vessel listed.

Records of that period are fragmentary.

The mid-1 990s was the era of your last so-called World War.

The Eugenics Wars.

Of course. Your attempt to improve the race through selective breeding.

Wait a minute. Not our attempt. A group of ambitious scientists.

l'm sure you know the type. Devoted to logic.

- Completely unemotional. - All right, gentlemen. As you were.

Rig for tractor beam. Lock onto that vessel.

The bridge is yours, Spock. Care to join the landing party?

- lf you're actually giving me a choice... - l'm not.

l'll need somebody familiar with late 20th-Century Earth.

Here's a chance for that historian to do something. What's her name? McGivers.

Lieutenant McGivers.

The following personnel report to transporter room.

Engineering Officer Scott, Lieutenant McGivers. Acknowledge.

McGivers. On my way.

Looks like that ship was expecting us. Heat coming on, oxygen atmosphere.

Very interesting. Ready?

No. l signed to practice medicine,

not to have my atoms scattered across space by this gadget.

You're old-fashioned. Where's that historian?

- Well, come on, Lieutenant... - McGivers, sir.

Energise.

Definitely Earth-type mechanism. 20th-Century vessel.

Old-type atomic power.

Bulky, solid...

They used to call them transistor units. l'd love to tear this baby apart.

lt's a sleeper ship.

- Suspended animation. - l've seen old photographs of this.

Necessary because of the time involved in space travel till 201 8.

lt took years to travel from one planet to another.

ls it possible they're still alive...

...after centuries of travel?

lt's theoretically possible. l've never heard of it tested for this long.

What a handsome group of people.

l have a new reading. The lights triggered some mechanism.

Captain, look here.

- Scotty? - Beats me what's happening.

We've triggered something. His heartbeat's increasing.

Passing eight beats per minute. Some signs of respiration beginning.

This one was probably programmed to be triggered first.

Could he be the leader?

The leader. Lieutenant?

Yes, sir. The leader was often said to revive first.

He could decide if the conditions warranted revival of others.

Heartbeat now approaching 40 per minute.

Respiration pattern is firming up.

From northern lndia, l'd guess. Probably a Sikh. They were fantastic warriors.

- Heartbeat now 52 and increasing. - The others?

They're all mixed types.

Western, mid-European, Latin, Oriental.

A man from the 20th Century coming alive.

Maybe. Heartbeat dropping.

- Circuit shorting. - Probably dust.

Heartbeat now 30, dropping fast.

- lt's a heart flutter. He's dying. - Do something.

lt would take an hour to figure it out.

- What if we get him out? - He'll die in seconds if we don't.

How...

long...

How long have you been sleeping?

Two centuries, we estimate.

- Landing party to Enterprise. - Go ahead.

Lock in on Dr McCoy's beam. He's transporting back with a casualty.

Magnificent.

Captain's log, supplemental.

Alongside the S.S. Botany Bay for ten hours.

A boarding party of specialists are now examining the mysterious vessel.

Attempts to revive other sleepers await our success or failure

with the casualty already beamed over.

Dr McCoy is amazed at his physical and recuperative power.

- Kirk to boarding party. - Scott here.

Scotty, any records, log books of any kind?

Negative. They were in suspended animation when the ship took off.

- How many alive? - 1 2 units malfunctioned. 72 operating.

30 of those are women.

Kirk out.

72 alive.

A group of people dating back to the 1 990s.

A discovery of some importance. There are many unanswered questions.

A strange, violent period in your history.

l find no record whatsoever of an S.S. Botany Bay.

The DY-1 00 class vessel was designed for interplanetary travel only.

With simple nuclear-powered engines, star travel was impractical at that time.

lt was 1 0,000 to one against them making it to another star system.

- And why no record of the trip? - Botany Bay.

That was the name of a penal colony in Australia, wasn't it?

lf they took that name for their vessel...

lf you're suggesting this was a penal deportation vessel,

it's a totally illogical conclusion.

- Oh? - Earth was on the verge of a dark age.

Populations were being bombed out of existence.

Criminals could have been dealt with more efficiently than wasting a ship.

Yes. So much for my theory. l'm still waiting to hear yours.

Even a theory requires some facts.

So far, l have none.

And that irritates you.

- lrritation? - Yes.

l'm not capable of that emotion.

My apologies, Mr Spock.

You suspect some danger in them?

lnsufficient facts always invites danger, Captain.

Well, we'd better get some facts. Rig for towing.

- Make course for Starbase 1 2. - Aye, sir.

That'll be all.

- Bones? - He'll live.

- My compliments. - l'm good but not that good.

There's something inside him that refuses to accept death.

Look at that. Even as he is now, his heart has twice the power of ours.

Lung efficiency is 50% better.

An improved breed of human. That's what the Eugenics War was all about.

l'd estimate he could lift us both with one arm.

lt will be interesting to see if his brain matches his body.

- Doctor, will he live? - lt appears he will, Lieutenant.

l'd like to talk to you.

lf l were to rate your performance today...

l know, sir. l'm sorry.

At any one time, the safety of this vessel might depend on a single crewman.

The fact that you find a man strangely compelling personally...

Not personally. Professionally. My profession is historian

and when l find a specimen from the past alive,

l'm in delight at examining his mind.

And men were more adventurous then. Bolder, more colourful.

- Yes, l think they were. - Good.

lf l can have honesty, it's easier to overlook mistakes. That's all.

Yes, sir.

Pity you wasted your life on command. You'd have made a fair psychologist.

Fair?

Sickbay to lab.

- Anything new on those bios? - They all came out fine.

Good. McCoy out.

Well, either choke me or cut my throat. Make up your mind.

English. l thought l dreamed hearing it.

Where am l?

You're in...

You're in bed, holding a knife at your doctor's throat.

Answer my question.

lt would be most effective if you would cut the carotid artery,

just under the left ear.

l like a brave man.

l was simply trying to avoid an argument.

You're aboard the United spaceship Enterprise. Your vessel is in tow.

l remember a voice. Did l hear it say l had been sleeping for two centuries?

That is correct.

Where is your captain? l have many questions.

- Bridge. - l have a patient with many questions.

On my way.

James Kirk, commanding the starship Enterprise.

- l see. - And your name?

l have a few questions first. What is your heading?

Our heading is Starbase 1 2, a planet in the Gamma 400 star system,

our command base in this sector.

ls that of any use to you?

And...my people?

72 of your life-support canisters are still functioning.

- You will revive them. - As soon as we reach Starbase 1 2.

l see.

And now...

Khan is my name.

- Khan, nothing else. - Khan.

What was the exact date of your lift-off? We know it was the 1 990s, but...

l find myself growing fatigued, Doctor.

May we continue this questioning at some other time?

The facts l need will take very little time.

For example, the nature of your expedition.

A little later might be better.

l wonder if l could have something to read during my convalescence.

l was once an engineer of sorts.

l would be most interested in studying the technical manuals on your vessel.

Yes, l understand. You have 200 years of catching up to do.

Precisely.

They're available to any patient on the viewing screen.

Dr McCoy will show you how to tie in to the library tapes.

Thank you, Captain. You are very co-operative.

This Khan is not what l expected of a 20th-Century man.

He's making considerable use of our library.

Common courtesy. lt's only decent to help him catch up.

Would you estimate him to be a product of selected breeding?

There is that possibility.

His age would be correct.

ln 1 993, a group of these young supermen

did seize power simultaneously in over 40 nations.

Well, they were hardly supermen.

They were aggressive, arrogant. They began to battle among themselves.

Because the scientists overlooked one fact.

Superior ability breeds superior ambition.

lnteresting, if true.

They created a group of Alexanders, Napoleons...

l have collected some names and made some counts.

By my estimate, there were some 80 or 90 of these young supermen

unaccounted for when they were finally defeated.

That fact isn't in the history texts.

Would you reveal to war-weary populations

that some 80 Napoleons might still be alive?

- Ship's historian, Lieutenant... - Marla McGivers.

Yes.

l am told you participated in my rebirth.

ln a small way.

l've been reading up on starships,

but they have one luxury not mentioned in the manuals.

l don't understand.

A beautiful woman.

My name is Khan. Please sit and entertain me.

l'd like some historical information about your ship. lts purpose and...

And why do you wear your hair in such an uncomplimentary fashion?

- lt's comfortable. - But it's not attractive.

There.

Soft.

Natural.

- Simple. - l'm here on business.

- You find no pleasure here? - My interest is scientific.

Men of... That is, the world of the past...

To actually talk to a man of your century...

There.

Simple.

Soft.

Please remember.

Perhaps some other time when you feel more like talking about the past.

l'm glad you came.

Please do it again.

Very impressive. Are we expecting a fleet admiral for dinner?

Lieutenant McGivers' idea to welcome Khan to our century.

Just how strongly is she attracted to him?

There aren't any regulations against romance.

My curiosity's official, not personal.

Well, he has a magnetism.

Almost electric. You felt it.

And it could overpower McGivers with her preoccupation with the past.

Thank you.

l hoped you might guide me to our dinner engagement.

Very good. A fine technique.

- lt's a gladiator named Flavius. - You've rearranged your hair for me.

Excellent.

All bold men from the past.

Richard, Leif Ericson, Napoleon.

A hobby of yours, such men?

l am honoured.

Thank you.

But l caution you.

Such men, they take what they want.

Forgive my curiosity, but my officers are anxious to know about your journey.

And how you kept it out of history books.

Adventure, Captain. Adventure.

- There was little else left on Earth. - There was the war to end tyranny.

Many considered that a noble effort.

Tyranny, sir, or an attempt to unify humanity?

Unify? Like a team of animals under one whip?

l know something of those years.

Remember, it was a time of great dreams, of great aspirations.

- Under dozens of petty dictatorships. - One man would have ruled eventually.

As Rome under Caesar. Think of its accomplishments!

- Then your sympathies were with... - You are an excellent tactician.

You let your second-in-command attack while you sit and watch for weakness.

You have a tendency to express ideas in military terms.

This is a social occasion.

lt has been said that social occasions are only warfare concealed.

Many prefer it more honest, more open.

- You fled. Why? Were you afraid? - l've never been afraid.

You left when mankind needed courage.

We offered the world order!

We?

Excellent. Excellent.

But if you will excuse me, gentlemen and ladies,

l grow fatigued again.

With your permission, l will return to my quarters.

l wanted to apologise. They've no right to treat you that way.

Quite understandable, since l'm something of a mystery to them.

But no mystery to me. l know exactly who you are.

Do you?

Leif Ericson, Richard the Lion-Heart and Napoleon.

l don't know if you'll like living in our time.

Then l'll have to remould it to my liking.

- Please don't. - Go.

Or stay. But do it because it is what you wish to do.

Well?

l'll stay a little longer.

How many minutes do you graciously offer?

- l only meant... - This grows tiresome.

You must now ask to stay.

l'd like to stay.

Please.

Open your heart.

Will you open your heart?

Yes.

l intend to take this ship.

- Do you agree? - Please don't ask...

l need your help.

You won't harm anyone?

Now you question me. Will you assist me?

- Oh, please, don't ask... - Leave me then.

Go, l say.

No.

l promise.

l'll do anything you ask.

Name - Khan, as we know him today.

Name - Khan Noonien Singh.

From 1 992 to 1 996, absolute ruler of more than a quarter of your world.

- From Asia to the Middle East. - The last tyrant to be overthrown.

l must confess, gentlemen. l've always held a sneaking admiration for this one.

He was the best tyrant and the most dangerous.

They were supermen, in a sense. Stronger, braver.

Certainly more ambitious, more daring.

Gentlemen, this romanticism about a ruthless dictator is...

We humans have a streak of barbarism. Appalling, but there nevertheless.

- There were no massacres. - And as little freedom.

- No wars until he was attacked. - Gentlemen...

You misunderstand us.

We can be against him and admire him all at the same time.

- lllogical. - Totally.

This is the captain.

Put 24-hour security on Mr Khan's quarters immediately.

l'm sorry, Captain. l was lost in thought.

My door. Locked from outside, a guard posted.

Unusual treatment for Khan Noonien Singh.

Excellent.

You identified me with your computer system, l imagine.

l'd like those answers now.

First, the purpose of your star flight.

A new life, a chance to build a world.

Other things l doubt you would understand.

Why? Because l'm not a product of controlled genetics?

Captain, although your abilities intrigue me,

you are quite honestly inferior.

Mentally, physically.

l am surprised how little improvement there has been in human evolution.

There has been technical advancement,

but...how little man himself has changed.

Yes, it appears we will do well in your century, Captain.

- Do you have any other questions? - Thank you.

They've all been answered.

Move away.

Otto.

Joaquin.

The trip is over, the battle begins again. Only this time, it's not a world we win,

it's a universe.

Kati.

On course, sir. Warp factor 2.

Maintain.

- Bridge. - Security here. Khan's escaped.

Sound security alert.

Communication channels are down, Captain.

Turbo elevators inoperative.

Jammed, Captain.

Atmospheric controls cut off.

Useless. They're on override in engineering.

Engineering.

- Scotty, this is the bridge. - Captain!

- What's going on down there? - He's not able to answer you now.

Your ship is mine. l have shut off the life-support system to your bridge

and jammed up your exit routes.

l am willing to negotiate.

Flood all decks with neural gas.

lmpossible. lntruder control systems inoperative.

Khan was thorough in his study of our tech manuals.

- Contact Starbase 1 2. - All channels are totally jammed.

Brilliant. Every contingency anticipated.

Your air should be getting quite thin by now.

- Do you surrender the bridge? - Negative.

Academic, Captain.

Refuse, and every person on the bridge will suffocate.

Stardate 31 42.8.

They have my ship, discarding their own worthless vessel.

Only moments of air left on the bridge now.

Commendations recommended for Lieutenant Uhura,

Technicians First Class Thule and Harrison...

Lieutenant Spinelli...

...and, of course, Mr Spock.

l take full responsibility...

l take full...

Nothing ever changes except man.

Your technical accomplishments.

lmprove a mechanical device and you may double productivity.

But improve man, and you gain a thousandfold.

l am such a man.

Join me. l'll treat you well.

l need your training to operate this vessel.

Where is Captain Kirk?

l see now l made one serious error.

You are the communications officer. Engage the viewing screen, please.

No!

l should have realised that suffocating together on the bridge

would create heroic camaraderie among you.

But it is quite a different thing to sit by and watch it happen to someone else.

Engage the viewing screen.

l'm sure you recognise your medical decompression chamber here.

And the meaning of that indicator.

Your captain will die.

lf you join me, Mr Spock, l will save his life.

My vessel was useless. l need you and yours to select a colony planet.

One with a population willing to be led by us.

To be conquered by you.

A starship would make that simple, wouldn't it?

Each of you in turn will go in there.

Die while the others watch.

Khan, there's no reason l must watch this, is there?

But l hoped you would be stronger.

lf anyone of you joins me, anyone!

l'll let him live.

lt's so useless!

We've lost the channel.

How do l regain picture?

lt does not matter. The captain is dead.

Take Mr Spock next.

Khan said to watch him closely. He may decide to cooperate.

Captain, l saved your life. Please don't kill him.

- Surprised to see you, though pleased. - l'm a little pleased myself.

- Situation? - Khan's men have control of the ship.

Our only chance is the intruder control circuit.

- There's a relay junction in the corridor. - Gas all decks but this one.

Armoury. This is Khan. Report.

Rodriguez! Ling!

McPherson!

Anyone. Report status.

- Where's Khan? - He got out just as the gas...

Gas in all sections except engineering.

Someone just closed that line.

Acknowledge. Unable to flood engineering section.

This is Scott. Captain's headed for the engineering section. l'll follow.

Negative. We must protect the vessel.

Meet me in the armoury. Spock out.

lf l understood your manuals, that's an overload in progress.

Your ship will flare up like an exploding sun within minutes.

l have five times your strength.

You're no match for me.

Captain's log, stardate 31 43.3.

Control of the Enterprise has been regained.

l wish my next decisions were no more difficult.

Khan and his people. What a waste to put them in a reorientation centre.

And what do l do about McGivers?

Record tapes engaged and ready, Captain.

This hearing is now in session.

Under the authority vested in me by Starfleet Command,

l declare all charges and specifications in this matter have been dropped.

Agreed you have the authority...

l believe our heading takes us near the Ceti Alpha star system.

Correct. Planet V there is habitable,

although a bit savage, somewhat inhospitable.

But no more than Australia's Botany Bay colony was at the beginning.

Those men went on to tame a continent. Can you tame a world?

Have you ever read Milton, Captain?

Yes.

l understand.

Lieutenant Marla McGivers.

Given a choice of court martial or accompanying them there...

lt will be difficult.

A struggle at first even to stay alive, to find food.

l'll go with him, sir.

A superior woman.

l will take her.

And l've gotten something else l wanted.

A world to win, an empire to build.

This hearing is closed.

lt's a shame for a good Scotsman to admit it, but l'm not up on Milton.

The statement Lucifer made when he fell into the pit.

''lt is better to rule in hell than serve in heaven.''

lt would be interesting, Captain, to return to that world in 1 00 years

and learn what crop has sprung from the seed you planted today.

Yes, Mr Spock.

lt would indeed.