"Bread and Circuses" Line-by-Line!

SPOCK: Curious, Captain, the similarity in names. Were you told why Merik was dropped from the Space Academy?

 

KIRK: He failed a psycho-simulator test. All it takes is a split second of indecision. Hardly the type to become a political strongman.

 

MCCOY: Odd that these people should worship the sun.

 

SPOCK: Why, Doctor?

 

MCCOY: Because, my dear Mister Spock, it is illogical. Rome had no sun worshipers. Why should they parallel Rome in every way except one?

 

SEPTIMUS: We have decided. Flavius will guide you. We will provide you with suitable clothing. I caution you, take great care. The police are everywhere. May the blessings of the sun be upon you.

 

[Countryside]

(Dressed as slaves in jeans and t-shirts, the landing party are lead towards the city. Spock wears his obligatory woollen hat. They stop by a small thicket of trees.)

FLAVIUS: We'll wait here until dark.

 

KIRK: Are you a slave, Flavius?

 

FLAVIUS: You are barbarians indeed not to know of Flavius Maximus. For seven years, I was the most successful gladiator in this province.

 

KIRK: Then you heard the words of the sun?

 

FLAVIUS: Yes. The words of peace and freedom. It wasn't easy for me to believe. I was trained to fight. But the words, the words are true.

 

KIRK: There are many things I'd like to know.

 

(he's interrupted by rapid gunfire.)

MAXIMUS: Hold! Don't move! Hands in the air! (Armed police round them up.) Four fleeing fish. A fine haul. Flavius Maximus. (Flavius attacks him and gets knocked down.) You have been too long absent from the games, Flavius. The first citizen will be pleased. Runaway slaves are always welcome. (removes Spock's hat) No, not slaves. Barbarians. It's been a long time since I've watched barbarians die in the arena.

 

Captain's log, stardate 4040.9. Uniformed police like those of Earth, a great city like Rome with automobiles. Astonishing similarities to twentieth-century Earth, down to the fine carbon steel in the bars.

 

[Prison]

(Spock and McCoy carry Flavius into a cell.)

KIRK: Tell Merikus I'd like to see him.

 

MAXIMUS: The first citizen? Why would he bother with arena bait like you?

 

KIRK: Tell him it's Jim Kirk. Perhaps a friend.

 

MAXIMUS: Perhaps?

 

KIRK: Well, if I am a friend and you don't tell him, do you really want to risk that?

(They are locked in and left alone. McCoy tends to Flavius's head wound.)

 

KIRK: But if there have been slaves for over 2,000 years, hasn't there always been discontent, runaways?