THE WRIGHT STUFF
Vol XXX No 2 The Official Newsletter of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk NCC-1659 Mar/Apr 2019
C O N T E N T S
THE CENTER SEAT ...... 3 John Troan COMPUTER OPERATIONS REPORT ...... 3 John Troan GARRETT WANG RETURNS ...... 4 Brad McDonald
ENGINEERING REPORT ...... 5 Brad McDonald PLOT PLUGS #2 – ST II: THE WRATH OF KHAN ...... 7 Brad McDonald ST:TOS – “Hades” ...... 10 Brad McDonald
UPCOMING EVENTS ...... 14 Volume 31 - Number 2 is a publication of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, the Raleigh, N.C., chapter of STARFLEET, an international STAR TREK fan organization. This publication is provided to all chapter members in good standing. Please address all correspondence to CATBIRD Publications, 5017 Glen Forest Dr., Raleigh, N.C. 27612. This publication is a non-profit enterprise and is not meant to infringe upon any copyright or trademark held by Paramount Pictures, Gulf & Western, or any other holder of STAR TREK copyrights or trademarks. Unless otherwise noted, ENTIRE CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHT 2019 CATBIRD Publications, THE WRIGHT STUFF. Nothing in whole or in part may be used without the IMAGES - Title Banner written permission of the publisher. THE Wright Flyer from NASA/Ames PAO WRIGHT STUFF assumes all material photo archive; U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (USN submitted for publication is gratis. The CV-63) from navicp.navy.mil; publisher and editors reserve the right to edit Constitution class cruiser from all submissions. gwu.edu/~rljones/khawk.
Publisher ...... J.R. Fisher Editors ...... Elaine Pischke IMAGE - Featured Front Page John Troan Giant Black Hole Powers Cosmic Fountain. Before electricity, water fountains worked by relying on gravity to channel water from a higher elevation to a lower one. In space awesome gaseous fountains have been discovered in the centers of galaxy clusters. https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/giant- black-hole-powers-cosmic-fountain
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The Center Seat By John Troan
I write this coming off a great only for the Kitty Hawk the last progress of the DS9 documentary week of Kitty Hawk events – couple of years, but even I might “What we Left Behind,” I recently hosting Garrett Wang and a fill-in wander off more this year.) saw news that a studio has now shift at UNC-TV to help cover a On a side note, the rights to picked up ownership of the work. last-minute gap they had for the “Supercon” name just recently One possible impact mentioned is answering phones to take pledges. got sold to another company, so that it could mean a bigger launch (A big “Thank You!” to the we’ll start seeing the new for the documentary when it’s “additional help” that joined me as “GalaxyCon” name as time goes released – which could, in turn, part of the ‘Hawk appearance.) on. It’s the same group behind the potentially lead to a full HD Comp Ops reports that con, but just a different name. remastering of the entire series. (I pictures for both events are A few Trek notes: contributed to the funding already up on the web site. Star Trek Discovery was campaign and will be receiving a There’s also an update to the renewed for a third season. copy of the documentary when it publishing schedule for Brad’s The new Picard series doesn’t does get released – and the DS9 Final Mission story. have a title yet, or at least not scenes in it will have been My April meeting notes will that I’ve seen at this time, but it’s remastered to HD.) have some information about scheduled to premiere later in Wrapping up this month, I ask options for our volunteer activities 2019 while Discovery is on everyone to consider writing an for late May. We might try to help hiatus. occasional piece for the at every event, but with only The fourth movie in the reboot newsletter. It doesn’t have to be smaller groups at each one (Kelvin timeline) has been long and I’m not asking for instead of everyone descending officially canceled, largely due to something from every person for on a single event. financial problems. each issue – just a little something July is coming up soon, which An adult animated series (Star to add more flavors to what we will keep us busy on back-to-back Trek: Lower Decks) was already have. (I repeat my offer of weekends. We’re still talking with previously announced last fall, help to anyone who has an idea, the N.C. Museum of History about but I’ve now seen reported that it but needs a little assistance in how we can help them with their was a two season commitment getting rolling – or even just a little July 20th celebration. I do expect from CBS All Access. editing help. ) us to “show the flag” in some form A kids’ animated Trek series is Esse Quam Videri or fashion. in the works for airing on The following weekend (July Nickelodeon. 25-28) is Raleigh Supercon (or And another new series is being GalaxyCon). Our double-table has developed (for CBS All Access) been secured (but I don’t know the that will be “a drama centered on Computer exact location yet), so everyone [Michelle] Yeoh’s Discovery should start looking at your character and her work for the Operations Report schedules and buy the convention mysterious Section 31,” By John Troan pass that fits your needs (and according to the article in wants!) It looks like there’s still a Variety. The web site’s LCARS II discount on passes, but not quite Time will tell if all of these makeover is done and completely as good as the one that just various series succeed, but I’m expired. rolled out across every web page. hoping they all do. (I don’t I’ve gotten a few comments about As a reminder: since remember where I read it, but everyone is paying their own way the characters being difficult to there was some comment made read for some. If you’re finding you into the convention, your priority is about how All Access wants to have the same problem with the to do the panels, photos, have new Trek material being text, please let me know and I’ll autographs, etc., that you want to released all year round once all look at options to help. One do... then come down to the Kitty the series are up and running.) For thought that came up early in the Hawk / SFI tables as your con anyone who’s been following the schedule permits. (I’ve been going discussion is that TNG’s LCARS is THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 3 MAR / APR 2019
all uppercase letters and our web situations” (also known as when other, Megan; and her daughter, site is mixed case (uppercase and things just aren’t quite right). Kealy. lowercase letters), which might be I’ll close on a final note from As people began to trickle in, contributing... so one possibility for Mars, with the official declaration they immediately lined up for a the web site is to change the text that the Opportunity rover (half of moment with Garrett. He was his to all uppercase. What do you the Mars Exploration Rovers) usual, fan friendly and outgoing think? mission has been ended. self. As I watched, I was taken by Content-wise, Final Mission Opportunity likely dropped below the fact that he took a special Chapter 2 was posted and minimum power levels when a interest in each person and treated Chapter 3 will (probably) have planet-wide dust storm got to its everyone with a generous dose of been posted before this issue of location in mid-2018 and it could kindness and respect. He admitted the newsletter is published. I’ve no longer get enough sunlight to later in the evening that he’s a sci- also posted pictures from hosting keep its battery charged. fi fan and understands completely. Garrett Wang and from our Opportunity now has the records Eventually, everyone found a evening at UNC-TV. for longest duration (fourteen-plus seat and Garrett began his lecture. For Final Mission, we’ve Earth years) and distance traveled Actually, it was more like a friendly changed the schedule (again) and (just over twenty-eight miles). A conversation with an old will now do one chapter each recent NASA/JPL news release acquaintance. As part of his month. Given that there are fifteen shows Opportunity’s final image – presentation, he included a chapters and (I hope) a monthly a 360-degree panorama from its question and answer session and publishing schedule, the location in Perseverance Valley even took requests for anything conclusion will be posted in April from impressions to the retelling of 2020. (That last posting will not a few favorite stories we had only be Chapter 15 and the heard last year. Epilogue, but also all of the extra Garrett Wang Garrett’s conversation notes and comments that can’t be Returns covered some familiar territory and posted without massively spoiling a number of new items as well. the story’s plot.) By Brad McDonald Most interesting to me was his
------observations regarding Asian Continuing to follow NASA’s On Sunday afternoon, March actors in the United States film InSight, the Mars lander has 10, a number of Kitty Hawk and television industry. One placed another instrument. This members and guests from particular point struck me as he time, it’s a temperature probe that Starfleet’s Region 1, gathered to related how it was okay for Asian will burrow deeper into the Martin meet and greet our favorite women to be seen in important surface than any other surface ensign. Due once again to the roles, but not Asian men. He mission has – up to sixteen feet. efforts of Mohamed Noor, Garrett reasoned that this situation may The landing site was chosen in the Wang, known in the Star Trek have come from the fact that the hopes that the subsurface has universe as Harry Kim, was kind three biggest wars of the 20th few, if any, rocks large enough to enough to spend some time with Century in U.S. history involved an stop the probe before its hopeful us. Asian enemy: Japan in World War ten-foot minimum. Last year, we met in II; North Korea and China in the Another set of sensors has downtown Raleigh for dinner and Korean War; and North Vietnam allowed InSight to start producing an evening with Garrett. This time, and Viet Cong in the Viet Nam daily weather reports, recording though, we used our regular War. current weather conditions around monthly meeting spot, the Texas He also pointed out that InSight every second – it is cold Steakhouse. John and I arrived George Takei, as Lt. Sulu in the there! early to check on arrangements, original Trek, opened doors and Testing has started on the set up a spot for Garrett, hang the created opportunities for Asian Mars 2020 Rover, including a full Kitty Hawk banner and put out a actors. During the late 60’s, which system test to simulate launch, sign to direct visitors to the right was the height of the Viet Nam cruise, and Martian atmospheric place. Setup went quickly and War, George portrayed an Asian entry. Several of the tests were soon Mohamed arrived with our ‘good guy’ on the Enterprise. This performed multiple times, including guests: Garrett; his significant was especially significant when “a few in-flight off-nominal you realize that the only other THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 4 MAR / APR 2019
Asian actor, who appeared on a tokens of thanks from the Kitty Engineering Report regular TV series at the same Hawk. I gave him three of my ‘8th By Brad McDonald time, was Hop Sing, the house Season’ scripts and a Kanki bag. keeper and cook on Bonanza. However, John topped the night by However, Hop Sing spoke ‘pigeon giving him something Harry Kim Some startling developments English’ and was generally a could never get from his prior have surfaced about NASA’s new background character. Sulu, captain, Janeway… a promotion! manned spacecraft. NASA has though, was prominently featured. As CO of the Kitty Hawk, John is notified both SpaceX and Boeing Garrett went on to suggest, allowed to give (field) promotions about numerous safety concerns. and I agree, that his role as Ensign and, since it’s from Starfleet, it’s Chief among these were the heat Kim helped to open doors for other official! shield of Boeing’s Starliner Asian actors in a way similar to As part of that presentation, capsule and the ‘load and go George. Ensign Kim’s position on Susan Baylies also received her system’ of the Crew Dragon unit the bridge proved pivotal in a promotion to Lieutenant, J.G.. built by SpaceX. (That system number of episodes. Even though Later, she had the newly minted calls for fueling the launch vehicle he couldn’t get a promotion, he Lieutenant (JG) Kim endorse her after the crew is boarded.) was still an important member of promotion. That was his first In addition, there are 30-35 the crew. official act using his new rank! other outstanding ‘technical Finally, we allowed concerns,’ but both systems have Garrett to sit and eat. been cited for ‘questionable Dinner was great as usual parachute performance.’ These and I think that, with nearly items must be addressed fairly 40 people attending, the soon as the Starliner is set for a entire menu was test flight in April and a manned represented on the tables in mission in August. The Crew one form or another. Dragon has already completed its Conversation continued unmanned test flight to ISS and a during dinner and, manned flight is planned as early afterwards, Garrett resumed as April. his one-on-one with the In other space related news, attendees with several China landed a robotic spacecraft people making repeated on the moon’s dark side. The visits. Chang’e 4 spacecraft also Throughout the deployed the Yutu 2 rover and evening, Garrett remained sent back pictures of the moon. gracious, engaging and very Additionally, Japan’s understanding of the fans’ Hayabusa 2 probe, launched need to connect. December 3, 2014, arrived at the Overall, a good time asteroid Ryugu. The probe fired a was had by all who ‘bullet’ into Ryugu to loosen In the interest of diversity, he attended. material which was then collected suggested tongue in cheek, that I wish to extend a personal by the probe. Afterwards, the the next incarnation of Dr. Who thanks to Mohamed and Garrett probe landed on Ryugu. Several should be Asian. However, it for fitting us into their busy more samples will be collected would be Dr. Hu, with sonic schedule. Also, to the staff at the before the probe leaves Ryugu in chopsticks and a small pagoda Texas Steakhouse and especially December of 2019 and returns to instead of a call box. Actually, it the mangers: the main general Earth at the end of 2020. sounded pretty good the way he manger, Jeri; the on-duty general Not to be overshadowed by presented it and even Karl Urban manager, Teresa; and the closing these efforts, Israel has put a lunar said he’d be interested in such a manager, Anna. lander in space by way of a project. If Garrett does make another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. If After a few more stories, appearance in the future, I hope successful, Israel will become the questions and answers, we you can be there. It’s well worth 4th country to land on the moon, presented Garrett with a few the effort! THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 5 MAR / APR 2019 following the U.S., Russia, and the planning stage but has been maintain that Uber and Lyft drivers recent landing by China. The approved and fully funded. are not properly screened nor lander, called Beresheet, Hebrew In a more down to Earth subject to the same regulations as for “Genesis,” is expected to land technological development, all cabs are which is both unfair and April 11. Once there, it will take electric vehicles will be required to unsafe, as recent headlines pictures and measure the moon’s emit warning sounds (usually an indicate. There is a story magnetic field. As I was putting artificial internal combustion circulating, which goes something this report together, there was engine sound) when traveling at like this: An Uber/Lyft driver news that the lander’s on board less than 18.6 miles an hour. The greets a passenger who asks if the computer had reset itself for no sound must be audible by driver is safe. The driver tries to apparent reason. Hopefully, they pedestrians regardless of be funny by saying he could be a can get the problem resolved and background noises. Compliance serial killer. The passenger says continue its mission. must be 100% by September of that it will be interesting to have Meanwhile, Mars Express has 2020, but 50% by September of two serial killers in the same car. discovered evidence that Mars this year. Maybe there’s a reason for the once had ground water and that it In other automotive news, barrier between the driver and the may still be there. Express has Consumer Reports posted its list passenger in a cab. marked possible locations for of the worst cars in each class, A surprise bit of history came ground water which could be used based on reliability, performance, in the form of an announcement to direct the next mission to Mars. comfort, ride, economy, and other that the U.S.S. Hornet, a WWII Also related, the Opportunity rover issues. Detroit did quite well as aircraft carrier, had been located mission is officially declared ended none of the GM or Ford vehicles 77 years after sinking. It was lost on February 13. The rover was made the list. (Since Chrysler during a battle with 140 crew designed for a three-month Corporation is now owned by Fiat, members, so its exact location will mission, but lasted 15 years! and some of their cars are made in be kept a secret to protect it, as it The most remote planet in our Italy, they are being counted as is considered a grave site and system was recently discovered by non-Detroit.) The list follows: memorial. Dr. Scott Sheppard. This planet is Compact SUV: Jeep Compass Lastly, I include a sad piece of 13 billion miles from Earth. 3-Row SUV: Dodge Journey news for the Star Trek universe. Sheppard is the person who is 2-Row SUV: Jeep Wrangler Actor Morgan Woodward died trying to locate planet #9, no not Luxury SUV: Land Rover February 22 at the age of 93. A Pluto, but the one that is supposed Discovery World War II and Korean War to be about ten times the size of Minivan: Honda Odyssey pilot, he’s best known for his many Earth. Along the way, he found Hybrid and Midsize Sedan: appearances in westerns, both in the new planet and called it… Honda Clarity movies and on TV. However, he’s FarFarOut. No kidding, that’s the Compact Car: Fiat 500L also one of the few guest stars in name. At least it’s easy to the original Star Trek series to Compact Luxury: Jaguar XE remember. make more than one appearance. Compact Pickup: Toyota The next generation telescope, His original appearance was in the Tacoma which will take the place of Kepler, first season episode “Dagger of is the WFIRST or Wide Field Full sized Pickup: Nissan Titan the Mind.” This was a memorable Infrared Survey Telescope. In the XD episode since Morgan, as Dr. search for new planets and Also auto related is the start of Simon Van Gelder, became the extraterrestrial life, it will use a a legal battle brewing, concerning first person to receive a mind meld much wider field of view and Lyft and Uber. In fact, from Spock, a real milestone in higher resolution. So far, 700 advertisements are already being Trek history. His next appearance solar systems and 4,000 planets aired for lawsuits against both Lyft was in the second season episode have been discovered. and Uber drivers accused of “Omega Glory,” where, he Mathematically, scientists believe assault and other crimes against portrayed Captain Ron Tracey of there is at least one exoplanet for their passengers. This is not a the starship Exeter. each star which translates to one good development for the new ride That’s it for now. Hope you trillion planets in the Milky Way services and confirms what are reading and enjoying Final alone. WFIRST is still in the conventional cab drivers have Mission. complained about all along. They THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 6 MAR / APR 2019
Plot Plugs #2 Seed,” so how did Khan know “It appears that Ceti Alpha V has – him? At a recent convention, been destroyed… an unstable The Wrath of Khan Walter Koenig explained that he core explosion… hit by an By Brad McDonald realized the mistake after reading asteroid… something. Anyway, the script, but given the fact that it’s now a large collection of he was being given such a rubble and some of it will be in Star Trek II remains one of wonderful part, he ‘overlooked’ it. our way.” my favorite stories in the Trek His explanation was, “I was in “Can we maneuver safely universe, but it is not without its the bathroom when Khan was around it, Commander?” Captain faults. A recent conversation at aboard.” I think that was a long Terrell sounded concerned. one of our meetings reminded time to be in the bathroom. Chekov turned to face the me of that and I thought I’d (Please see the postscript, captain and smiled confidently. attempt to correct some of those “Chekov’s Absence.”) “Aye, sir; I will relay the route to faults with a ‘Plot Plug There may be several ways the navigator.” Adventure.’ to explain all the problems that I Immediately, the navigator The opening sequences in have listed, but what follows is nodded as his board lit up. “I the training simulator and Kirk’s my version. In order to do this, I have the course, Captain; apartment are fine, but once we had to insert several small standard orbit?” get to Reliant, things go terribly scenes between existing ones. It “Yes, navigator, that will be wrong. First, the crew doesn’t may work best if you watch the fine. When we’ve finished with know the difference between Ceti video, pause it where indicated, our mission, I want to run a full Alpha V and VI. Shouldn’t that be read the insert I have written, analysis of what happened here.” a bit obvious? Are their then continue. I trust this won’t Terrell consulted the readout on instruments that bad? Counting be too confusing. I hope you the command chair and spoke to out from the star: I, II, III, IV, V agree with my solutions, but, at himself. “Ceti Alpha V was and… where is VI? Khan says the very least, I hope you enjoy quarantined. I wonder why?” that it exploded. Okay, it’s gone, reading Plot Plug(s) #2. Kyle turned from his comm that still doesn’t explain why board and spoke quietly to Reliant’s crew doesn’t know the NOTE: This follows immediately Chekov. “Do you tell him or do difference between V and VI. after the scene with Kirk and I?” This brings me to the second McCoy in Kirk’s apartment. “How’s that Mr. Kyle?” problem. If VI exploded, wouldn’t Reliant transited easily from Terrell was confused. there be a lot of rubble in the warp speed to sublight as it Chekov interceded on his system that wasn’t there before? entered the Ceti Alpha system. friend’s behalf. “It’s a long story, Where did the new asteroid field Right away the crew realized sir, but evidently not important come from? If Chekov was there something was wrong. Just as now. The reason for the before (more on that later) then the long range scanners had quarantine has disappeared with why didn’t he notice the indicated prior to their arrival, the planet.” difference, or for that matter, there was an asteroid field Terrell shrugged, then: “Very Kyle? present where none had been well, when we finish, you and Mr. Third, Reliant’s scanners fail before. Kyle owe me a ‘tall tale.’ Right to pick up Khan, his people and Immediately, Chekov began now, let’s see what we can do for the cargo containers. Why not? taking readings at the science Dr. Marcus, okay?” Yes, they speak of a difficulty station. Intent on his work, he “While Mr. Chekov looks into getting accurate readings, but failed to notice Commander the mystery of the missing even when Chekov and Terrell Beach hovering nearby. planet, I’ll concentrate on our are on the planet, the tricorder “What is it, Pavel?” Beach intended assignment and take seems useless. Are Starfleet’s was as curious as everyone else readings on Ceti Alpha VI.” instruments that unreliable? on the bridge. Beach settled into another Fourth, let’s go back to Not taking his eyes off of the station and began his scans in Chekov. He wasn’t present readouts, the Russian explained, earnest. during the episode “Space THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 7 MAR / APR 2019
NOTE: This follows the scene “That could that account for planet was now a nearly with Kyle and Beach. our troublesome communi- intolerable wasteland. cations.” Kyle was now Turning to study Kyles’s “Let’s give them a little more concerned. After all, Chekov was reaction, Beach noticed the man time,” Beach said. “Meanwhile, an old friend and he had a had been stunned to silence. I’m going to continue my work at reason to be worried. Realization then hit the English the science station, maybe I can Nodding in agreement, officer. The quarantine was still get a jump on the mystery of Ceti Beach was deep in thought. “A in effect! Worse than that, Terrell Alpha V.” distinct possibility.” and Chekov were already on the He sat back in the chair and planet! adjusted the console. After a few NOTE: This follows the scene At this point, the ship’s moments, his brow became with Khan, Terrell and Chekov on intercom crackled loudly. “Bridge! furrowed. “This isn’t right… Ceti Alpha V. This is the transporter chief! I’m what’s going on here? Computer, “Simulation ready to display,” getting an emergency signal from use data from this console, Mr. the computer announced. Captain Terrell, transporting Chekov’s scans and historical Beach turned to Kyle, “Care now!” records, to compile a simulation to see this?” Kyle flew to his comm board of events leading to the formation “Would I? You Bet!” Kyle felt and slapped the control. “Belay of the asteroid field.” nearly brain dead from listening the transport! Acknowledge! “Simulation being prepared,” to static for so long. He took the Chief, acknowledge! Belay the the computer responded few steps to the science station transport!” obediently. and stood next to Beach. Kyle was now becoming POSTSCRIPT: “Chekov’s “Computer, begin simula- interested in Beach’s work. Absence” Read before watching tion.” Beach sat back to give Kyle “What’s wrong, Thomas?” “Space Seed” as an introduction. a better view and folded his arms Still working feverishly at his across his chest, studying the Kirk stepped into sickbay console, Beach explained, “A few console screen intently. almost too quickly, startling his things don’t add up. If you enter The display revealed a view friend in the process. “What’s the readings from the scans of the innermost planets of the wrong, Bones? You getting done by Enterprise years ago Ceti Alpha system. The jumpy in your old age?” and those Chekov and I have outermost gas giants were not in Exasperated, the ship’s compiled on the asteroid field the picture and the scene looked surgeon pointed to his computer and Ceti Alpha VI’s orbit… it just calm until a rather large asteroid console. “No, I was just doesn’t make sense.” streaked into view and struck concentrating on my research.” “Are you sure of your Ceti Alpha VI nearly dead center. Now interested in McCoy’s readings?” Kyle was just playing The resulting explosion sent out work, Kirk forgot about the devil’s advocate but Beach took shock waves in all directions. attempt at humor. “Is that what it to heart and checked his However, Ceti Alpha V received you called about?” console. the brunt of the impact and it was “Well, sort of. You know that “Well I’ll be… you have a forced out of its orbit and pushed new academy graduate that point, Reggie. Looks like that across the former path of the arrived yesterday?” asteroid field has a lot more now-destroyed neighboring Nodding, the captain radiation than we initially planet. When the ‘dust settled,’ acknowledged, “Yes… ummm… realized. It’s even affecting our Ceti Alpha V was now outside Chekov, right?” instruments.” He worked a bit Ceti Alpha VI’s orbit, or at least, “Yup, that’s him. Well, he’s longer, then sighed. “It also what was left of Ceti Alpha VI, been on board for less than four accounts for our difficulty in which was now a ring of hours and I’ve had to confine him getting accurate readings on Ceti asteroids, dust and radiation. to the isolation ward, at least for Alpha VI. No doubt, the captain Ceti Alpha V’s atmosphere was the time being.” and Mr. Chekov will also have devastated and the once lush problems.”
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Now very serious, Kirk Kirk gave McCoy a light “All sicknesses have to be stepped closer to the doctor. “Is nudge in the ribs with his elbow. reported, Ensign,” McCoy it… bad?” The doctor turned to smile with explained. “It’s not good. Somehow he that ‘I know what you mean’ look. “No sir, I mean, will I be… missed one of his inoculations at Approaching the young man, considered in dereliction of the academy. He arrived feeling Kirk became more ‘captain-like’ duty… for not being at my post?” a bit dizzy. Scotty dismissed it as and spoke to him through the Kirk suppressed a laugh. ‘space sickness,’ but I gave him isolation energy screen. “I trust “Hardly, you’re not at fault. As Dr. the once over to be sure and I you are well, Ensign Chekov. McCoy explains it, the Academy discovered that, somewhere “I’m sorry that your first day with failed to give you all your shots. along the way here, he picked up us is… not what you expected.” He’s promised to get you back a case of Rigellian fever.” “Or hoped for, sir. I thought on your feet as soon as possible, “Is the rest of the crew… I’d be working on the bridge by right Doctor?” okay?” now.” Caught off guard by Kirk’s “Just fine, Jim. I was “One step at a time, mister. ‘prevarication,’ McCoy agreed. checking the ship’s roster against First, you need a day of “Well… yes… of course; maybe the shot records when you came orientation with Yeoman Rand. in just three days.” in. Everyone seems to be up to Then, I’ll explain what I expect “Meanwhile, you may want date. However, I’d like you to from you as a bridge officer on to brush up on your navigation send a very nasty note to the this ship. Next, Mister Spock will skills by using the ship’s Academy and inform them that check you out on the navigation computer.” Kirk pointed to the their screening, records and console in simulation exercises. device. medical care methods need… Once he’s satisfied with your A somewhat overconfident improving!” McCoy finished with abilities, you will be working with Chekov responded. “But, sir, I a firmly set jaw and a no- Commander DeSalle on beta graduated in the top ten in my nonsense look on his face. shift for some time. class and I scored very high in “I’ll see what I can do—” “Starfleet gave you a set of navigation skills. That is why I “If you don’t, I will and I know skills to get you started. Now the chose it as my specialty.” you’ll be a lot more diplomatic crew of the Enterprise will hone “Mr. Spock graduated first than I will! In any case, I will have those skills so that you can use and he will be conducting the to file a report with the Surgeon them in practical applications. I evaluation…“ Kirk left the General’s Office.” McCoy was may even recommend you for a statement and implication now a bit calmer, but still not few courses to upgrade and unfinished. ‘happy.’ update your abilities or even A now less-than-cocky “Okay, okay, you win. I’ll do cross train to other fields. The Chekov responded quietly, it. Meanwhile, how’s our ensign more you know, the more “Understood, sir.” doing?” valuable you are to this ship and The intercom whistled and Now relaxed and focused on Starfleet.” Uhura’s melodic voice called out. his patient, McCoy stood up from “Meanwhile, you’ll need to “Sickbay, is the captain still his duty desk and led Kirk into be certified as fit for duty, by me!” there?” the isolation ward where the McCoy rocked on his heels and Taking a few steps to the smiling ensign was resting in a smiled with confidence. “That intercom, Kirk tabbed the control. diagnostic bed. Two nurses should take about four days.” “Kirk here, what is it, hovered over him and he Chekov looked depressed. Lieutenant?” seemed to be enjoying the “But why? I’m not sick. I feel “Mr. Spock requests your attention until he caught sight of fine!” presence on the bridge, sir. We the two senior officers. “So did typhoid Mary!” have a motionless ship on long “Umm, that will be all, McCoy snapped back. range scanners.” nurses!” Now Chekov was all Defeated, Chekov sat back, “On my way, Lieutenant!” business and tried to sit at “Will this count against me, I Retabbing the control, Kirk attention. mean, will it go on my record?” turned to McCoy. “Duty calls
THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 9 MAR / APR 2019 again.” Then he turned to NEW ANGLE Probably due to poison Chekov. “Get better sooner Udval does not respond, just as or caustic saliva. rather than later, mister. I’m short animal reaches him, Spock on navigators right now.” ON SPOCK Still dejected, Chekov jumps between animal and He’s struggling to maintain responded quietly. “Aye, sir.” Udval. Surprised, animal bites As Kirk left, McCoy spoke in Spock on leg and Spock falls, control. a ‘fatherly’ manner. “There goes waking a confused Udval. SPOCK the best starship captain you’ll UDVAL Agreed. However, do ever meet, Ensign. My advice is, Mr. Spock! What is... ? not attempt to extract don’t ever disappoint him.” poison by cutting the McCoy then disappeared into the ON UDVAL wound... it only creates next room. He sees animal and realizes more risk of infection. After a moment’s thought, Do not try... to suck out Chekov reached out and pulled Spock has been attacked. Udval moves slowly and uses poison as it may kill the computer viewer closer and whoever... does it. sat upright in the bed. knife to kill animal. “Computer, access Starfleet Spock is beginning to lose navigation protocols for type one CLOSE ON SPOCK control and train of thought. starships, particularly the He’s in pain, barely under SPOCK Constitution class.” control and struggling to stay (continuing) “Working.” conscious. I will need... assistance...
to bind the wound... and TWO SHOT – SPOCK AND signal... the team... ST:TOS Hades UDVAL – “ ” Spock winces visibly. By Brad McDonald Udval looks at Spock and realizes he’s in trouble. NEW ANGLE PART II - ACT TWO UDVAL Udval struggles to his feet, pulls Sir, what happened? quartz-like rock and signals with FADE IN: reflection. After a few beats he EXT. OLIN – MIDDAY – TWO SPOCK turns to Spock. SHOT – SPOCK AND UDVAL (struggling) I have been bitten... leg. UDVAL Under rock cliff, Udval is resting Signal acknowledged, and Spock is watching, then Spock points and Udval moves sir. We’ll have help turns to look for the team. As to examine it. soon. he looks back, he freezes. UDVAL’S P.O.V. Udval moves back to Spock’s side, tears bottom of Spock’s SPOCK’S P.O.V. Udval cuts Spock’s pant leg pants and binds wound, deftly. Animal like Gila monster is with knife. We see bite is large, UDVAL running toward Udval. swollen, discolored and bleeding. (working) ON SPOCK – CAMERA Can I do anything else FOLLOWS ACTION ON UDVAL for you, Commander? He moves quickly to Udval. He reacts visibly, gasps and ON SPOCK turns to Spock. SPOCK He’s close to passing out. (moving) UDVAL SPOCK Mr. Udval! Wake up! Looks bad sir, already beginning to swell. Not... at present... THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 10 MAR / APR 2019
Spock struggles to sit up and nest. There may be process. I heard Nurse studies wound. more of them. Chapel talk about it. SPOCK They spread out, looking. After (beat) (continuing) several beats they give up. For now, leave him Excellent work... I am in Lingari enters camp and sees alone. Just be sure he’s good hands...I did well to Spock’s injury, then goes to his comfortable. include... you as part... of side. the... team... TWO SHOT – COLORADAS COLORADAS AND ZANA With that said, Spock passes (continuing) out. COLORADAS Nothing else here, not (matter-of-factly) WIDE ANGLE even tracks... curious. We need to remain here The others drift into camp one ON ZANA until he is able to travel. by one. Coloradas is first and We see him, deep in thought ZANA notices Spock’s wound and is Agreed, but for how and looking around camp. shocked. long? There are no ZANA COLORADAS resources in the (moving) immediate area and we (moving) Strange, no tracks other What happened, Udval? are overdue for water. If than the recent ones. we wait too long, we may UDVAL No nest and not a very not survive. Mr. Spock was bitten by... likely place to find food Off his statement... He turns and points to animal or water. CUT TO: carcass. WIDE ANGLE UDVAL MONTALVA EXT. SPACE – ENTERPRISE (moving) Looks like a Gila AND OLIN ... that! monster. Hope it’s not as Ship is in orbit around planet. poisonous... COLORADAS’ P.O.V. INT. ENTERPRISE – SICKBAY We see animal carcass. She turns to look at Spock – MEDICAL DUTY OFFICE – more closely. WIDE ANGLE ON COLORADAS MONTALVA’S P.O.V. Kirk and McCoy are in friendly He moves to animal, looks at it discussion. and examines area. Spock is unconscious. MONTALVA (O.C.) KIRK WIDE ANGLE (continuing) How is the crew holding up? In B.G. we see Zana and He’s passed out, Montalva enter camp. probably in shock. MCCOY Tired, but they’ve been ZANA ON LINGARI caught up in the team’s (moving; to Coloradas) progress reports and the What’s going on, what She does a quick examination of Spock, then: chances for getting are you doing? shore leave soon. COLORADAS LINGARI Spock was bitten, I’m (confident) ON KIRK looking for the animal’s No. It’s part of the Vulcan self-healing He’s mildly amused but still concerned. THE WRIGHT STUFF PAGE 11 MAR / APR 2019
KIRK MCCOY KIRK So they are temporarily Concentrate on the (to self) distracted, right? team. I’ll keep an eye the What’s going on down crew, okay? there, Spock? ON MCCOY Kirk heads for the exit and EST. OLIN – EARLY EVENING MCCOY speaks over his shoulder: That’s about it, but no – ON TEAM CAMP one is complaining. KIRK There is no fire but a bright They know how (moving) moon. Team is seated around important this is, so don’t Okay, for now, but I’m Spock who remains worry about the health of running out of patience, unconscious. Udval watches the crew. That’s my quickly. Spock closely, concerned. business, Jim. BRIDGE – ANGLE ON UDVAL He finishes on a weak smile. TURBOLIFT How long has it been?
NEW ANGLE Kirk exits and heads for the COLORADAS command chair. Sulu rises as About seven to eight Kirk is about to respond when Kirk approaches. hours by my estimate, the intercom sounds. KIRK but I may be wrong. SULU (V.O.) (moving) MONTALVA Bridge to Captain Kirk. Report! How much longer do we Kirk stands and moves to the SULU wait? Without water we intercom, activating it. Information confirmed by can’t wait much longer. KIRK Mr. Chekov, sir. LINGARI Kirk here, what is it, Kirk is in thought for a few Agreed, but we can’t Lieutenant? beats. leave him here and if we use the device they gave SULU (V.O.) KIRK us to call for help, we will There may be a problem Chekov, I want a very lose the challenge. on Olin, sir. It’s past intense and thorough sunset local time and the scan of that area. See if UDVAL team hasn’t moved. you can find a reason for Better that, than losing the delay. Rough terrain, Mr. Spock. ON KIRK sand storm, whatever it (beat; guilty) may be. After all, he was injured He tenses visibly. trying to save me. KIRK CHEKOV On my way. Aye, sir, scanning now. ON COLORADAS He tabs off intercom and looks ON KIRK COLORADAS back to McCoy. The Captain is counting KIRK on us to succeed and ANOTHER ANGLE Sulu, have transporters help with convincing Olin get a fix on the team. Do to join the Federation. KIRK not bring them back. Try (beat) (continuing) to maintain a positive We all knew the risks Better finish this later, lock, just in case. involved in being here Bones. SULU (O.C.) and so did Mr. Spock. Aye, sir.
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NEW ANGLE LINGARI ON LINGARI Does he have a fever? UDVAL She’s confident and bright. (angry) ON COLORADAS LINGARI So we let Spock die? Sure, just don’t forget ZANA He withdraws his hand and where you left us. I’ll I don’t think he’s saying turns to Lingari. see if I can make dinner that... right? out of the animal that COLORADAS attacked Spock. AS BEFORE – ON Difficult to say in this COLORADAS heat and Vulcan LINGARI’S P.O.V. COLORADAS physiology being She watches as the others We’ll be okay without different, I’d say no; but move off and disappear around water for another day or I’m not a Doctor. a rock formation. so. Let’s give Spock that After a few beats, he stands. much time, twenty-four TWO SHOT – SPOCK AND hours. COLORADAS LINGARI (continuing) LINGARI ON ZANA I’m now the senior officer (continuing, to self) and we need to do some ZANA In survival school they more scouting. It will Right, but at that point, said only 6 per cent of help pass the time and we use the device to call bites are fatal. I hope we may locate water or for help or we all walk that’s true. food. out of here as a team. She looks at Spock He turns to the others and ON UDVAL smiles weakly. LINGARI (continuing, to self) UDVAL COLORADAS Now, what was it that Remember what Mr. (continuing) Chapel said about Spock said, keep a clear Any volunteers? head and think through Vulcan self-healing? your actions. WIDE ANGLE Off her statement... Zana jumps up and moves to FADE OUT. NEW ANGLE Coloradas. END OF PART 2 - ACT TWO Montalva stares at Spock, ZANA uneasy and worried. Count on me! MONTALVA MONTALVA How can we be sure he Me, too; beats sitting doesn’t need help now? here just waiting. UDVAL Coloradas turns to Lingari. We don’t, not really. COLORADAS Coloradas becomes concerned Hold down the fort, and kneels to feel Spock’s Yeoman? forehead.
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