"The Changeling" Line-by-Line

KIRK: Get Scotty, some antigravs and meet me in Engineering.

 

[Engineering]

(Everyone appears to be unconscious as Kirk runs in alone.)
KIRK: Nomad? Stop what you're doing and effect repairs on the life-support systems.

 

NOMAD: Stop.

 

Kirk: You're programmed to obey the orders of your creator.

 

NOMAD: I am programmed to destroy those life-forms which are imperfect. These alterations will do so without destroying the vessel which surrounds them. It, too, is imperfect, but can be adjusted.

 

Kirk: Nomad, I admit that biological units are imperfect, but a biological unit created you.

 

NOMAD: I am perfect. I am Nomad.

 

Kirk: No, you're not Nomad. You're an alien machine. Your programming tapes have been altered.

 

NOMAD: You are in error. You are a biological unit. You are imperfect.

 

Kirk: But I created you.

 

NOMAD: You are the Creator.

 

Kirk: I created you?

 

NOMAD: You are the Creator.

 

Kirk: But I admit I'm imperfect. How could I have created such a perfect thing as you?

 

NOMAD: Answer unknown. I shall analyse.
(Spock enters, with Scott, two engineers and the requested anti-grav units)
NOMAD: Analysis complete. Insufficient data to resolve problem, but my programming is whole. My purpose remains. I am Nomad. I am perfect. That which is imperfect must be sterilised.

 

(The engineers remove the unconscious men and take their places at the controls)

Kirk: Then you will continue to destroy that which thinks and lives and is imperfect?

 

NOMAD: I shall continue. I shall return to launch point Earth. I shall sterilise.

 

Kirk: You must sterilize in case of error?

 

NOMAD: Error is inconsistent with my prime functions. Sterilisation is correction.

 

Kirk: Everything that is in error must be sterilized?