"The Tholian Web" Line-by-Line!

[Admiral Shran]

SPOCK: The mental and physical state of this crew are your responsibility, Doctor. At the moment, they are your top priority.

 

[Alienesse]

MCCOY: The Captain's last order is top priority, and you will honor that order before you take over.

[Kirk's quarters]

MCCOY: (looking at a medal) He was a hero in every sense of the word, yet his life was sacrificed for nothing. The one thing that would have given his death meaning is the safety of the Enterprise. Now you've made that impossible, Mister Spock.

 

[Admiral Shran]

SPOCK: We came here for a specific purpose, Doctor.

 

[Alienesse]

MCCOY: Maybe not the same one. I really came here to find out why you stayed and fought.

 

[LeadHead]

Spock: The Captain would have remained to recover a crew member at the risk of his own life or even the ship.

 

[Enterprise1981]

MCCOY: Yes, he would, Mister Spock, but you didn't have that decision to make. What would you gain by fighting the Tholians? You could have assured yourself of a captaincy by leaving the area. But you chose to stay. Why?

 

[LeadHead]

Spock: I need not explain my rationale to you or any other member of this crew. There is a margin of variation in any experiment. While there was a chance, I was bound legally and morally to ascertain the Captain's status.

 

[Enterprise1981]

MCCOY: You mean to be sure if he was dead. Well, you made certain of that.

 

[Leandar]

Spock: That is enough, Doctor. We both have other things to do.

 

[Enterprise1981]

MCCOY: Yes, I have something to do. If this crew is to survive, I have to find an antidote to this space you've locked us into.

 

[LeadHead]

Spock: You will return to your duties as soon as we have discharged our responsibilities here.

 

[Leandar]

McCoy: There's no hurry, Mister Spock. The antidote probably doesn't concern you. Vulcans are probably immune, so just take your time. (Spock enters the combination to the Captain's safe) I must admit I don't understand you, Spock, but I just can't believe that you would want Jim's command. You must know that if you get us out of this situation, they'll pin a medal on your chest and give you command of the Enterprise.

 

[LeadHead]

Spock: Doctor, I am in command of the Enterprise.

 

[Leandar]

McCoy: I would like to remedy that situation.

 

[LeadHead]

Spock: If you believe I have acted irregularly, then relieve me of duty, that is your prerogative as Chief Medical Officer of this ship-

 

[Leandar]

Kirk (on monitor): Bones, Spock. since you are playing this tape, we will assume that I am dead, that the tactical situation is critical, and both of you are locked in mortal combat. It means, Spock, that you have control of the ship and are probably making the most difficult decisions of your career. I can offer only one small piece of advice, for whatever it's worth. Use every scrap of knowledge and logic you have to save the ship. But temper your judgment with intuitive insight. I believe you have those qualities, but if you can't find them in yourself, seek out McCoy. Ask his advice. And if you find it sound, take it. Bones, you've heard what I've just told Spock. Help him if you can. But remember he is the captain, his decisions must be followed without question. You might find that he is capable of human insight and human error. They are most difficult to defend, but you will also find that he is deserving of the same loyalty and confidence each of you have given me. Take care.

 

[LeadHead]

Screen goes blank. Both men are silent for a moment.

McCoy: Spock, I, eh... I'm sorry. It does hurt doesn't it?

 

[Enterprise1981]

SPOCK: What would you have me say, Doctor? (the intercom whistles) Spock here.

 

[LeadHead]

Scotty: (over comm) Mister Spock, we have a readout on the Tholian Tractor field. I think we can estimate its approximate completion time.

 

[Enterprise1981]

SPOCK: I shall be there shortly. Doctor, I believe we each have our respective tasks to complete before the Tholians complete theirs.