Touched The Sky
(They wake up in a nicely furnished room. McCoy andSpock are lying down, Kirk slumped over a table.) KIRK: Spock. (he wakes) Doctor McCoy. Bones. Bones? (But McCoy doesn't wake.) SPOCK: The doctor must have received an excessively large electricalshock. KIRK: No, that's not it. SPOCK: Nothing else could've caused this, Captain. At least nothingthat has happened here. KIRK: You're right, Spock. The shock was serious because of McCoy'sweakened condition. SPOCK: May I ask precisely what is troubling the doctor? KIRK: I don't think he would've told you himself, but I think youshould know now. It's xenopolycythemia. SPOCK: Yes. I know of it, Captain. KIRK: Then you know that nothing can be done. (McCoy finally wakes up.) KIRK: Bones, how is it? MCCOY: I'm all right. Are you all right, Mister Spock? SPOCK: Very well, Doctor. The Captain and I seem to have suffered noill effects. MCCOY: Oh, that Oracle really got to me. I must be especiallysusceptible to its magic spells. KIRK: Spock knows. MCCOY: Well, we'd better get to the control room. KIRK: Are you in any condition to get up? MCCOY: Don't worry. I can make it, Jim. SPOCK: Captain, informing these people they're on a ship may be inviolation of the Prime Directive of Starfleet Command. KIRK: No. The people of Yonada may be changed by the knowledge, butit's better than exterminating them. SPOCK: Logical, Captain. KIRK: And the three billion on Daran Five. SPOCK: Also logical, Captain. MCCOY: Gentlemen, I believe we have a visitor. (A silver-haired old man in purple and orange looks around nervouslybefore bowing then taking a bottle from his cummerbund. He hands outtablets.) MAN: For strength. Many of us have felt the power of our Oracle. Thishas been of benefit. MCCOY: It tastes like an ancient herb derivative. MAN: You are not of Yonada. KIRK: No, we're from outside your world. MAN: Where is outside? KIRK: Up there. Outside, up there, everywhere. MAN: So they say, also. (he winces in pain) Many years ago I climbedthe mountains, even though it is forbidden. (another wince) KIRK: Why is it forbidden? MAN: I am not sure. (wince) But things are not as they teach us. Forthe world is hollow, and I have touched the sky. (Now he clutches his head as he collapses in agony.) KIRK: What is it, Bones? MCCOY: There's something under the skin. (a red light goes out) He'sdead. KIRK: For the world is hollow, and I have touched the sky. SPOCK: He said it was forbidden to climb the mountains. KIRK: Yes, of course it is, because if you did you'd touch the sky andfind out that you were living on a big ball. Not a planet, but aspaceship. And that knowledge seems to be forbidden. (Natira arrives with two women bearing food and drink.) NATIRA: What happened? KIRK: We don't know. He just suddenly screamed in pain and died. NATIRA: (to woman) Fetch the guard. (kneels and prays) Forgive him forhe was an old man, and old men are sometimes foolish. But it is writtenthat those of the people who sin or speak evil shall be punished.(guards arrive) He served well for many years. Take him away, gently. (The body is removed, and McCoy sits down.) NATIRA: You do not seem well. It is distressing to me. MCCOY: Oh, no. I'm quite all right, thank you. NATIRA: It is the will of the Oracle that you now be treated ashonoured guests. (She goes to help the women prepare the food and pour drink.) KIRK: You seem to be the special favourite. SPOCK: Indeed, Doctor. The young lady did show a marked preference foryour company. MCCOY: Well, now. Nobody can blame her for that, can they? KIRK: Personally, I find the lady's taste questionable, but sheobviously prefers you, and you obviously don't seem to mind. If youcould arrange to be alone with the young lady, Spock and I would beleft alone to find the power controls of this world. NATIRA: It is time to refresh yourselves. (Glasses are handed out.) KIRK: Thank you, Mister Spock. To our good friends of Yonada. SPOCK: We are very interested in your world. NATIRA: That pleases us