Visualizza wikitesto di Star Trek: Il film

{{realworld}}
{{traduzione}}
{{sidebar film|
<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
|          aSelf = Star Trek: The Motion Picture
|         sTitle = Star Trek: The Motion Picture
|sProductionSerialNumber = Unk
|   nReleaseYear = 1979
|  sReleaseMonth = dicembre
|    nReleaseDay = 7
|         sImage = The Motion Picture artwork.jpg
| wsScreenplayBy = [[Harold Livingston]]
|      wsStoryBy = [[Alan Dean Foster]]
|   wsDirectedBy = [[Robert Wise]]
|   wsProducedBy = [[Gene Roddenberry]]
|   nNthReleasedInSeries = 1
|      nNthReleasedInAll = 102
|         nSerialAirdate = 19791207
|                 wsDate = 7410.2 (metà [[anni 2270]])<sup>[[#Dating|[1]]]</sup>
|     aNextReleasedInAll = Star Trek II: L'ira di Khan
|     aPrevReleasedInAll = Universi paralleli (episodio)
|  aNextReleasedInSeries = Star Trek II: L'ira di Khan
|  aPrevReleasedInSeries = 
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = Star Trek II: L'ira di Khan
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = 
}}
{{disambiguation link}}
----
"''The human adventure is just beginning...''"

"''Ten years ago, a television phenomenon became a part of life, shared in 47 different languages, read in 469 publications, and seen by 1.2 billion people. A common experience remembered around the world. Now Paramount Pictures brings the memory to life.''"
:- 1979 TV ad

Dopo un lavoro di rimodernamento completo durato diciotto mesi, la nave stellare ''Enterprise'' è pronta per continuare ad esplorare la galassia. Ma quando una enorme ed invincibile entità aliena si avvicina verso la Terra, l'Ammiraglio James T. Kirk deve assumere nuovamente il comando della sua nave per fermare la minaccia. I membri del suo equipaggio dovranno affrontare le nuove sfide e agire insieme per vincere sull'ignoto.

=== Prologo ===
Siamo nel [[2272]]<sup>[[#Dating|[1]]]</sup>.

=== La battaglia con i Klingon ===
[[Image:IKS_Amar_aft.jpg|thumb|Incrociatore IKS ''Amar'' in rotta verso la nuvola]]
Un gigantesco oggetto spaziale sta attraversando lo spazio [[Klingon]], diretto verso il pianeta [[Terra]]. Tre incrociatori imperiali [[Klingon]] K't'inga guidati dalla nave ''Amar'', stanno viaggiando verso l'oggetto alieno per investigare e prendere misure difensive contro di esso. Dopo aver analizzato, per quanto possibile, la "nuvola" aliena, il capitano ordina un attacco con lancio di tre [[siluri fotonici]]. I siluri vengono però assorbiti senza nessun effetto dalla nuvola, il che lascia tutto l'equipaggio Klingon di grande stupore. Allora il capitano ordina ai vascelli una manovra evasiva, ma ormai è troppo tardi: l'avversario è infinitamente più potente di loro, e i vascelli non avranno scampo.

L'attacco Klingon è comunque sotto gli occhi dei rilevatori della stazione di comunicazione federale [[Stazione Epsilon IX|Epsilon IX]], che monitora quanto sta accadendo (la stazione è situata proprio nella [[zona neutrale]] posta tra i Klingon e la Federazione) per mezzo di una sonda. Un'addetta della stazione notifica le rilevazioni al comandante Branch, e subito dopo un tecnico stabilisce la visuale esterna.

Uno dei tre incrociatori è appena sparito, apparentemente distrutto, quando si vede uscire dalla nuvola un proiettile sferico luminoso dirigersi e impattare verso la seconda nave Klingon, spargendo elettricità su tutto il vascello fino a farlo sparire. Subito dopo, un altro proiettile fuoriuscito dalla nuvola si dirige verso la ''Amar''. Il capitano Klingon ordina il lancio di un siluro diretto contro il proiettile, ma il siluro viene comunque assorbito indolentemente. Il proiettile colpisce poi la ''Amar'', dissolvendola. Tutto ciò era sotto gli occhi dei tecnici di Epsilon IX, che tralaltro stabilirono la direzione della nuvola verso la Terra.

=== Spock richiamato dallo spazio ===
[[Image:Kolinahr.jpg|thumb|I tre anziani vulcaniani davanti a Spock]]
Su Vulcano, Spock, che è stato per molto in meditazione, viene infulenzato telepaticamente da una non meglio definita presenza aliena. Ciò si verifica durante il rito conclusivo del ''[[kolinahr]]'' che Spock deve affrontare, quando tre saggi di Vulcano gli dovranno consegnare un medaglione rituale. Per molto tempo, Spock ha affrontato il lungo percorso per il raggiungimento del kolinahr, ossia la totale purgazione da tutte le emozioni residue, un lavoro per cui gli anziani, ora dinanzi a lui, lo hanno elogiato, e per il quale essi gli consegneranno un simbolo rappresentativo.

Appena la maggiore dei tre anziani si presta a posare il medaglione attorno al suo collo, Spock la ferma con una mano. L'anziana accetta da Spock di effettuare una [[Fusione mentale vulcaniana|fusione mentale]], con la quale scoprì che una intelligenza aliena lo ha chiamato dallo spazio profondo e ha agitato la sua parte umana. Così facendo, l'anziana decise che Spock non ha raggiunto il ''kolinahr'', e gettò il medaglione in terra. Spock non avrebbe potuto trovare le risposte alle sue domande su Vulcano, ma solo fuori. Questo il motivo per cui gli anziani congedarono Spock con il canonico saluto "Lunga vita e prosperità".

=== Kirk riprende possesso dell'Enterprise ===
[[Image:Air_tram_station_internal.jpg|thumb|Stazione interna per le navette]]
Sulla [[Terra]], frattanto, il già [[Ammiraglio]] [[James T. Kirk]] viene informato della minaccia grazie al monitoraggio di Epsilon IX, e ottiene l'autorizzazione a riprendere il controllo della nave stellare [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']], la quale si trova al momento nella fase finale di ridisegnamento e di restauro supervisionata dal nuovo capitano [[Willard Decker]]. Si avvia verso il Quartier Generale della [[Flotta Stellare]] di [[San Francisco]] per mezzo di una navetta. Il cielo sotto il [[Golden Gate Bridge]] è assolutamente calmo e sereno quando la navetta atterra sulla pista della stazione interna. Kirk, appena sceso dalla navetta, si stupisce quando il [[comandante]] [[Sonak]], addetto a [[ufficiale scientifico]] della ''Enterprise'', gli dice dell'ordine ricevuto dal capitano Decker di completare lì il briefing scientifico. Kirk, spinto dall'impazienza di rientrare in possesso della sua vecchia nave stellare, ordina a Sonak di presentarsi a rapporto entro un ora sul ponte di comando, il che genera in Sonak un certo stupore.

[[Image:Orbital_office_complex_st1.jpg|thumb|Il complesso orbitale terrestre]]
Kirk, intanto, ha terminato un breve colloquio con l'[[Ammiraglio]] [[Nogura]], il quale ha dato il via libera definitivo al trasferimento di comando da Decker a Kirk e al completamento dei lavori di restauro entro dodici ore, anzichè le venti precedentemente stimate. Non potendo trasportarsi sulla ''Enterprise'', a causa di un guasto del [[teletrasporto]], decide di trasportarsi sul [[Complesso orbitale terrestre|complesso orbitale]] presso i [[cantieri navali di San Francisco]], vicino al bacino di carenaggio che ospita la ''Enterprise''. Il capo ingegnere [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]] si fa subito sentire, lamentandosi per gli ordini di accorciamento dei lavori con partenza immediata. Subito dopo, Kirk entra in una [[navetta trasporto]], chiedendo a Scott di essere trasportato sulla ''Enterprise'', spiegandogli poi della minaccia che si dirige verso la Terra come motivazione principe per la partenza anticipata programmata.

[[Image:Kirk_%26_Scott.jpg|thumb|Kirk e Scott sulla navetta trasporto]]
Scott disconnette poi la navetta dal complesso orbitale, dirigendola verso il bacino dove la ''Enterprise'' subisce gli ultimi lavori di restauro. Ciononostante, il vecchio capoingegnere rimane convinto che i preparativi per il varo non siano stati sufficienti, e che l'ammiraglio Kirk, per due anni e mezzo rimasto lontano da ruoli di comando nello spazio a causa della mansione di capo operazioni di Flotta che ricopriva, non sia molto preparato per la nuova ''Enterprise''. Ma Kirk continua a vantarsi del fatto di aver riavuto indietro la sua vecchia nave, per giunta rinnovata. Scott dunque pensiona le sue precedenti riserve, e garantisce entusiasta a Kirk che la nuova ''Enteprise'' sarà pronta.

[[Image:USS_Enterprise_(NCC-1701)_in_spacedock.jpg|thumb|Vista della ''Enterprise'' nel bacino di carenaggio]]
Scott offre al suo unico e futuro capitano una vista approfondita della nuova ''Enterprise''. Nonostante la forma della nave sia rimasta sostanzialmente la stessa di prima si possono notare delle vistose differenze, tra cui: le due nuove gondole di curvatura, il nuovo [[deflettore di navigazione]] sottostante ad un doppio emettitore lancia-[[Siluri fotonici|siluri]], un nuovo modulo del ponte di comando. Terminata la vista generale, Scott attracca la navetta nell'apposito modulo predisposto sullo scafo, posizionato in corrispondenza della [[baia di carico]] interna.

[[Image:Constitution_class_refit_landingbay.jpg|thumb|Baia di carico]]
Kirk e Scott entrano quindi a bordo della ''Enterprise'', dentro la baia di carico, accolti da un [[guardiamarina]] che notifica a Scott di essere richiesto in [[sezione ingegneria]]. Dopodichè Kirk, fortemente convinto di potersi orientare con le sue forze, imbuca un [[turboascensore]] per arrivare dritto in plancia.

La nuova plancia è immersa nel caos dei frenetici lavori di completamento, quando compare dal turboascensore l'ammiraglio Kirk che placa questo clima teso. Gli ufficiali anziani di plancia [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]], [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]] e [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] accolgono molto calorosamente il loro vecchio capitano, ma Kirk gli impartisce subito alcuni ordini: tenere un canale aperto con Epsilon IX per rimanere aggiornati sullo stato dell'intruso, riunire l'equipaggio sul [[ponte di ricreazione]] per informare tutti sulla minaccia incombente. Poichè il capitano Decker non è stato affatto informato sul cambio di comando, Kirk si dirige via turboascensore verso la sala macchine, dove attualmente esso si trova, per metterlo al corrente. Un guardiamarina alieno fa poi presente come il capitano Decker conosca la nuova ''Enterprise'' molto meglio di Kirk, ma Uhura ritiene ottimisticamente aumentate le probabilità di tornare salvi dalla missione con Kirk al comando.

[[Image:Constitution_class_refit_engineering.jpg|thumb|La sezione ingegneria rinnovata]]
Mentre Kirk accede alla [[sala macchine]], Decker sta assistendo Scott a riparare un malfunzionamento del teletrasporto. Decker accoglie l'ammiraglio Kirk promettendo un lancio in perfetto orario come voluto, pur ignorando l'ordine di cambio del comando. Decker rimane poi di stucco quando Kirk, in confidenza privata, gli rende noto di aver preso il comando e lo degrada seduta stante a [[primo ufficiale|ufficiale esecutivo]] con grado di [[comandante]]. Kirk sostiene che la sua esperienza passata sia fondamentale per questa missione, ma Decker, molto infastidito, non lo ritiene idoneo a comandare la nuova ''Enterprise''. Anche se Kirk si dice dispiaciuto, Decker è convinto che Kirk sia mosso esclusivamente dall'invidia e dall'ossessione verso la ''Enterprise''. Quando Kirk gli ordina di presentarsi a rapporto in plancia, Decker si dimostra evidentemente risentito.

[[Image:Sonak_dead.jpg|thumb|Il comandante Sonak muore in un incidente di teletrasporto]]
Poco dopo, al [[tenente]] [[Cleary]] esplode improvvisamente una [[console]], e scatta subito l'allarme rosso: un'avaria al teletrasporto è in corso. Scott ordina via [[interfono]] agli operatori del teletrasporto di non azionarlo, e ciononostante è già in corso il trasporto di due ufficiali, tra cui il comandante Sonak. Scott e Kirk si recano di tutta furia in sala teletrasporto per cercare di salvare la situazione. Kirk prende il controllo delle console e ordina ripetutamente alla base a terra di aumentare il segnale di teletrasporto. Nonostante ciò, la struttura atomica dei due ufficiali viene comunque deformata, e da essi fuoriescono urla di orribile dolore, causando orrore sia nel capo [[Janice Rand|Rand]] che in Scott. Il ciclo del teletrasporto si interrompe infine, rimandando indietro ciò che rimaneva dei due ufficiali morti. La conferma della loro morte viene dall'operatore di terra, traumatizzando tutti i tre. Kirk si limita quindi ad esprimere condoglianze alle rispettive famiglie, e a confortare la traumatizzata Rand.

Kirk, uscendo nel corridoio per imbucare un turboascensore, capisce quanto il trauma appena subito fosse testimoniato da Decker. Avendo quest'ultimo escluso la presenza di possibili sostituti del comandante Sonak appena morto, in grado di comprendere il nuovo design della ''Enterprise'', viene nominato sul campo ufficiale scientifico dallo stesso Kirk.

===Kirk Addresses The Crew===
On the [[recreation deck]], the assembled crew witnesses a recording of the destruction of the Klingon vessels by the intruder cloud. Kirk tells the crew that's all they know about the intruder and that it is now 53.4 hours from Earth and that ''Enterprise'' is the only Federation starship standing in its way. They believe that some type of vessel must exist at the heart of the cloud and their orders are to intercept, investigate and take whatever action is necessary and possible. Kirk tells them that "''we can only hope that there is a lifeform aboard that vessel that reasons the way we do.''" The briefing is interrupted by a call from Epsilon IX, which Kirk has put on the rec deck viewer. Commander Branch reports to Kirk that the intruder cloud is definitely some kind of power field measuring over 82 [[AU]]s in diameter ''(only 2 AUs in the [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition)|director's edition]])''. He also reports that their repeated friendship messages have garnered no response. The lieutenant reports that further scans indicate something inside the cloud, but all scans get reflected back. Branch speculates that the intruder may be mistaking their scans as a hostile act and their last view of Commander Branch is him ordering shields raised to full power and telling Kirk they are under attack. Kirk calls for an external view and they see the cloud approaching the station and seeing the results of another plasma bolt fired, which destroys the station without leaving a trace. When the station disappears, nothing is left but the cloud. As a stunned crew stares at the screen, Kirk composes himself and orders the viewer turned off. After a moment, he tells the crew that "''pre-launch countdown will commence in forty minutes.''"

===Time For Launch===
Later, on the bridge, as Kirk arrives (having changed from his admiral's uniform to a standard captain's uniform) Uhura reports that the transporter has been fully repaired and is functioning normally. Sulu reports dock signals clear and Kirk tells Uhura to inform Starfleet they are awaiting final crew replacements and are holding position until then. Uhura reports that the [[navigator]], Lieutenant [[Ilia]] is already aboard and ''en route'' to the bridge. Uhura then tells everyone that she's [[Deltan]]. When she arrives on the bridge, she causes a stir among the male bridge crew. She reports to Kirk and Kirk welcomes her aboard. Decker steps up and greets Ilia and she is clearly pleased to see him. Decker explains that he was stationed on Ilia's [[Delta IV|home planet]] some years previously. Ilia is curious to note Decker's rank as Commander and Kirk quickly interrupts to tell her Decker is first officer and science officer. Decker tells Ilia (with lightly shielded sarcasm) that Kirk has the utmost confidence in him and Kirk (not acknowledging Decker's tone) tells Ilia he does in her too. As if a reassurance, she tells Kirk her [[oath of celibacy]] is on record and she asks to assume her duties and Kirk permits her to do so. Uhura tells Kirk that Starfleet reports the last six crewmembers ready to beam up except that one person won't step into the transporter. Figuring out who that could be, Kirk chuckles and says he'll see to it that person beams up and heads for the transporter room.

After Kirk leaves the bridge Decker turns to Sulu and, after getting his attention away from Ilia, Decker asks Sulu to take Ilia in hand. Sulu stumbles over the board but shows Ilia that her pre-programming is all on the computer and that she shouldn't have any problems just as he accidentally hits a button causing something to go off, much to Decker's amusement. He turns it off quickly and apologizes to Ilia. She tells Sulu that because of her oath of celibacy she's as safe as any human female. Decker steps down to Ilia and tells her he's sure that Kirk didn't mean anything personal by what he said. Ilia says she'd never take advantage of a sexually immature species and asks if Decker can surely assure Kirk that that's true.

Upon arriving in the transporter room, Kirk asks a yeoman what the problem was and she says that the man insisted they go first because he wanted to see how this new transporter "scrambled <nowiki>[their]</nowiki> molecules". After everyone walks out, Kirk and Rand exchange a smile, recognizing the familiarity of that statement. Kirk then tells Starfleet to beam the officer up. On the transporter pad, a bearded Dr. [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] materializes. Kirk steps out and tries to make a cordial bit of small talk about McCoy swearing never to return to Starfleet, but McCoy interrupts Kirk, telling him "''Just a moment, captain, sir! I'll explain what happened. Your revered Admiral Nogura invoked a little known, seldom used, [[reserve activation clause]]. In simpler language Captain, they drafted me!''" But immediately Kirk admits that "they didn't." McCoy realizes that Kirk is responsible for the draft, and as Kirk tells him that there's something out there, McCoy interrupts, wondering why every object they don't understand is automatically called a "thing." Kirk tells him that the "thing" is headed toward Earth and that he needs McCoy. Kirk reaches out for McCoy's hand and after a moment, he takes it and asks permission to come aboard. Rand happily grants it to him. McCoy then tells Kirk that now since [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]] is an MD now, he wants a top nurse, and not some doctor who'll argue every little diagnosis with him. As he starts out the door, he looks back at Kirk and tells him "''and they probably redesigned the whole sickbay too! I know engineers, they love to change things!''"

Now with everyone aboard, preparations are made to get underway as the drydock lights are deactivated and all the [[CMU]]s and travel pods clear the drydock. All report ready and yard command signals clear. As the ship's external lights are activated, [[thrusters|maneuvering thrusters]] are held at station keeping. Shortly thereafter, Kirk orders Sulu to ''"take us out"'' and the ''Enterprise'' begins moving out of drydock for the first time in eighteen months. After the ship clears the drydock and moves around the Earth, Scotty tells Kirk that the impulse engines are ready and Kirk tells Sulu to move ahead at warp point five. At full impulse, ''Enterprise'' makes its way to the edge of the [[solar system]], passing through the [[Jupiter]] system on its way out.

:"''Captain's log, stardate 7412.6. 1.8 hours from launch. In order to intercept the intruder at the earliest possible time, I must now risk engaging warp drive while still within the solar system.''"

Decker reports that if the ship has full warp capability, as soon as they leave the solar system, accelerating to warp 7 will allow them to intercept the intruder in just over twenty hours, a figure that Ilia confirms, which draws a smile from both. A clean-shaven McCoy steps onto the bridge for the first time and Kirk asks if he approves of the new medical facilities. McCoy says he doesn't and that it's like working in a computer center. When Kirk asks if warp drive is ready, Decker tells him that programs are all set for engaging warp speed, but that he still recommends further study. Kirk is impatient to get to warp, knowing that the more they delay, the closer the intruder will be to Earth. Kirk calls Scotty and tells him to prepare for [[warp speed]] and Scotty protests just as well, saying they need more simulation, but Kirk's impatience rules out and that he wants warp speed immediately. McCoy gently whispers to Kirk that he's pushing them and that his crew knows their jobs.

In the engine room, an engineering tech tells Scotty he's got it as good as he can and Scotty tells Kirk he can't guarantee that the warp drive will work properly. Despite this, Kirk orders Sulu to warp one. The ''Enterprise'' achieves warp speed at first looking successful. However, the ship's imbalanced engines create a [[wormhole]]. Kirk orders them back down to impulse. Sulu reports negative helm control and Uhura reports all subspace frequencies are jammed, all as a result of the wormhole. Decker reports it'll be 22.5 seconds before their inertial velocity slows to sub-warp speeds. Unfortunately, they don't have the time to simply slow down as Ilia reports an [[asteroid]] at the end of the wormhole. Kirk orders shields up and then asks about manual override on the helm, but it doesn't work. Decker reports distortion from the wormhole is overloading the main power systems and Ilia reports the [[navigational deflector]]s are inoperative. With about twenty seconds to go, Kirk orders Chekov to stand by on [[phaser]]s, but Decker asks [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] to belay the order and asks him to fire [[photon torpedo]]es. With only four seconds to spare, the asteroid is destroyed and the ''Enterprise'' is set free from the wormhole.

Now out of the wormhole, everyone reports all systems back to normal. Chekov reports no damage and tells McCoy there are no casualties to which an annoyed McCoy replies "''Wrong Mr. Chekov, there are casualties, my wits! As in 'frightened out of,' Captain, sir!''" Decker reports ''Enterprise''{{'}}s velocity at warp point eight. He calls engineering for a status report and Scotty asks for a second as the engine room is a scene of relative chaos. Kirk, finally speaking, quietly tells Scotty they need warp drive as soon as possible. Scotty tells Kirk that it was the engine imbalance that created the wormhole in the first place and that it will happen again if they don't correct the problem. Kirk, his anger being tightly controlled, tells Scotty that with the intruder only two days out from Earth, they need to intercept it while it's still out there. Kirk rises out of his chair, tells Ilia to set a new course to match their original interception point with the intruder, and tells Sulu he has the conn. He then asks Decker to see him in his quarters. McCoy comes along with them and they head into the turbolift.

===The Arrival Of Mr. Spock===
Once in Kirk's quarters, Kirk angrily asks Decker to explain why he countermanded Kirk's phaser order. Decker explains that the refit ''Enterprise'' channels energy through the main engines, and because of the antimatter imbalance, the phasers were cut off. An embarrassed Kirk realizes Decker acted properly and admits it to him. Decker apologizes if he embarrassed Kirk. Kirk quietly tells Decker that he saved the ship and Decker says he's aware of it. Kirk, who is getting more than a little fed up with Decker's attitude, tells Decker to stop competing with him. Decker asks to be able to speak freely and Kirk grants it. With that, Decker reminds Kirk that he hasn't logged a single star hour in two and a half years and that, plus Kirk's unfamiliarity with ''Enterprise''{{'}}s redesign is placing them in serious jeopardy, in Decker's opinion. Kirk asks Decker if he will "nursemaid" Kirk through these difficulties and Decker says he will. With that, Kirk says he won't keep Decker from his duties any longer and dismisses him, turning his attention to McCoy. With that, Decker leaves Kirk's quarters. McCoy waits until Decker is gone to tell Kirk that Decker may be right.

Decker walks down the corridors of deck five, only to meet up with Ilia at the [[turbolift]]. She asks if his meeting with Kirk was difficult and he says it wasn't any worse than what he expected. He also says it was about as hard as seeing her again and he apologizes to her. She asks if it is because he left [[Delta IV]] or if it's because he didn't even say goodbye to her when he left. He then asks her if she could have said it if he had seen her again. She gently replies "''No''" and goes to her quarters.

Meanwhile back in Kirk's quarters, McCoy is reading Kirk the riot act. Kirk, in no mood for McCoy, tries to throw him out, but McCoy is now talking about the subject of command fitness. When Kirk tells McCoy to make his point, he accuses Kirk of being the one who's competing, not Decker. McCoy alleges that Kirk is obsessed with keeping ''Enterprise'' no matter what, saying Kirk rammed getting this command down Starfleet's throat. McCoy believes Kirk's obsession is dangerous enough to blind him to much more immediate and critical responsibilities, citing Kirk's reactions to Decker as an example.

At that moment, Kirk then receives a call from Uhura informing him that a Federation-registered [[Long range shuttle]] has hailed and wishes to dock with the ''Enterprise''. When Kirk asks why, Chekov tells Kirk his security scans show the shuttle has a grade one priority and that he has confirmed non-belligerency. With that, Kirk grants permission. Turning back to McCoy, Kirk tells him he has noted McCoy's opinion and asks if there's anything further. McCoy quietly tells Kirk "''that depends on you.''" And with that, he leaves Kirk in his quarters alone with his thoughts.

Shortly thereafter, the shuttle docks with ''Enterprise''. Chekov arrives at the docking hatch and waits for the boarder. The security scan identifies one boarder and his identity as Starfleet, inactive. The hatch opens and Spock comes on board. He stops at Chekov just long enough to ask permission to board, which Chekov happily grants. But with no further word, Spock walks away from Chekov, leaving him rather speechless. As the shuttle departs from ''Enterprise'', Spock arrives on the bridge to everyone's amazement. However Spock is completely emotionless and regards his old shipmates and friends quite coldly, only speaking to ask Decker if he may take the science station. Momentarily dumbstruck, Decker realizes what Spock wants and steps out of the way. Spock begins working the library computer station and tells Kirk that he's been monitoring Kirk's transmissions with Starfleet Command and that he is aware of ''Enterprise''{{'}}s engine design difficulties. He then offers, with all due respect to Decker, his services as science officer. Decker is only too happy to relinquish the science officer's position to Spock and so Kirk tells Chekov to list Spock's Starfleet commission as reactivated and to list him as science officer, effective immediately. McCoy and Chapel arrive on the bridge and are happy to see Spock, but he only looks at them coldly and does not reply to them. Uhura tries to speak to Spock, but he ignores her and tells Kirk that with his permission, he will go to engineering and discuss his fuel equations with Scotty. As Spock walks into the turbolift, Kirk stops him and welcomes him aboard. But Spock makes no reply and continues into the turbolift, leaving McCoy and Kirk looking concerned toward him and back to each other.

:"''Captain's log, stardate 7413.4. Thanks to Mr. Spock's timely arrival and assistance, we have the engines rebalanced into full warp capacity. Repair time, less than three hours. Which means we will now be able to intercept intruder while still more than a day away from Earth.''"

With the engines fully operational now, the ''Enterprise'' accelerates to warp seven easily and with total success.

Later, Spock meets with Kirk and McCoy in the officer's lounge. Kirk tries to get Spock to sit down but he remains standing. McCoy tells Spock that he hasn't changed a bit and that he's just as "warm and sociable" as ever, to which Spock notes that McCoy hasn't changed either, as his usual mentioning of something irrelevant has shown. Before it can go further, Kirk stops them and then tells Spock as far as they knew he was on Vulcan and apparently planning on staying there. McCoy mentions how Spock was undergoing the ''kolinahr'' ritual and Kirk notes that he broke it to join them. Spock swiftly corrects McCoy on the pronunciation. Kirk finally gets a bit exasperated with Spock still standing and tells him "''Will you ''please'' sit down?''" Spock finally sits and after a moment tells Kirk that on Vulcan he began sensing a more powerful consciousness than he ever has felt before, and that these thought patterns were of exactly perfect order. Spock tells Kirk that he suspects those perfect thought patterns come from the intruder and that it may hold the answers Spock is searching for. McCoy quips that it's fortunate that they happen to be heading that way. Kirk tells McCoy that they need Spock, that ''he'' needs Spock. Spock notes then that his presence will be to their mutual advantage. Kirk tells Spock that if he senses any more thought patterns from the intruder, whether or not it appears to affect him personally or not, Kirk expects Spock to immediately report it and Spock agrees to do so. At that, Kirk dismisses Spock and he leaves. Before Kirk can leave, McCoy has to wonder if the intruder's super-intelligence is as important to Spock as he says it is, he has to wonder... Kirk finishes McCoy's question for him, wondering if Spock would put his own interests ahead of the ship's and that Kirk could never believe that. At that moment Uhura calls him from the bridge and tells him that their new estimate for visual contact with the cloud is 3.7 minutes. Before Kirk can leave, McCoy asks him quickly how do they know about any of them and Kirk leaves the lounge without replying.

===''Enterprise'' Meets The Intruder===
At the cloud, the ship is on full red alert. After a moment Kirk orders the dark red lights to be deactivated and standard lighting reinstated. Then he orders full magnification on the viewer and the enormous cloud appears. Uhura reports that she's transmitting full friendship messages on all frequencies. Chekov confirms all decks on status red. Spock notes that they are being scanned and Kirk tells Spock not to return the scan as it could be misinterpreted as hostility. Spock notes the scans are originating deep inside the center of the cloud and it is of unknown energy type. Uhura reports no response to their friendship messages and Chekov asks if he should signal battle stations, but Kirk says not to as they will take no provocative action. Decker recommends raising shields, but Kirk feels that too would be misinterpreted as hostility. He then asks Spock for the cloud's composition and Spock calmly estimates it as a [[twelfth power]] energy field which stuns the rest of the bridge. Decker then again reiterates his suggestion, saying that they know well what the intruder's weapons can do and that they should do something to at least take precaution. Spock tells Kirk he suspects an object at the heart of the cloud. Kirk then turns to Decker and tells him that he will not provoke an attack and asks if that order isn't clear enough, but Decker reminds Kirk that as his exec it's his duty to point out alternatives. Kirk initially prepares to chew Decker out, but accepts that Decker is right and with a slight smile admits that he's been properly corrected. When Ilia reports ''Enterprise'' at five minutes from the cloud's boundary, Kirk orders a course that would bring them parallel with whatever would be at the heart of the cloud. Ordering a tactical plot on the viewer, Sulu puts it on the screen and the enormous size of the intruder to the ''Enterprise'' becomes clear.

Decker momentarily is astounded at how the intruder is generating twelfth power energy and that thousands of starships couldn't generate that much energy. At that moment he sees Spock staring blankly into space. Kirk steps over and tells Spock to tell him what he senses. Spock tells Kirk that he senses puzzlement because they have been contacted and that they haven't replied. Before they can think further, the alert goes off and Kirk orders full shields and evasive action. The intruder has fired a plasma bolt at the ship. Sulu and Ilia begin evasive maneuvers and Uhura attempts to contact Starfleet Command. Spock scans the bolt and tells Kirk that it is plasma energy with an unknown guidance system and composition. He also notes that it is impossible to estimate if ''Enterprise''{{'}}s shields will hold. Uhura continues to try to hail Starfleet telling them they've transmitted linguacode friendship messages on all channels and with no reply from the intruder, they are now under attack. The bolt impacts the ship. At first, the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[shields]] are able to deflect the energy. Scotty reports that systems are starting to overload and the console that he is at gets covered with the plasma energy. Scotty and his staff manage to get away in time, but on the bridge the energy comes out over at the weapons console and seriously burns Chekov's right hand and wrist. Kirk calls for medics as Ilia and Decker run over to Chekov. The bolt finally fades and Scotty reports deflector power down seventy percent. Kirk orders auxiliary power deflected to deflectors. At that moment, Chapel and a nurse come to the bridge and Uhura sends them to Chekov. Chapel starts to ask for a hypo but Ilia says she can stop Chekov's pain. She clutches her hands to Chekov's shoulder and as the pain finally fades, Chekov happily thanks Ilia. Chapel then continues to work on Chekov's hand.

Spock tells Kirk that indeed, the intruder has been trying to communicate. They're using a frequency more than one million megahertz and the message is being transmitted so fast that it lasts only a millisecond. Spock tells Kirk that as their previous transmissions were too primitive to be received, he will now program their computers to transmit [[linguacode]] at the intruder's frequency and rate of speed. Spock turns to work and Decker moves to help him. Then the cloud fires another bolt at the ''Enterprise''. Kirk asks for a status report and Scotty tells him their shields will not withstand another attack. Kirk turns to Spock and tells him to "transmit now!" With just under ten seconds before impact, Spock transmits the modified message and the plasma bolt then disappears before hitting the ship. Kirk notes that their message must have been received and understood, which Spock agrees is a logical assumption.

With 1 minute and 30 seconds until cloud boundary, Spock tells Kirk that they are obviously confronted by a highly-advanced mentality but yet, the intruder cannot understand who they are or what they want. Kirk notes that they still broke off the attack, so they must have understood the message. Decker speculates that perhaps the attack was meant as a warning to keep away. Spock dismisses that however because it would suggest a feeling of compassion. But Spock senses no emotion, only pure logic. Kirk orders Sulu to hold position and put a course projection on tactical. Kirk then asks Spock and Decker for opinions. Spock suggests they proceed but Decker recommends caution as they can't withstand another attack. Kirk says to Decker that they know nothing about the cloud, but Decker says that's exactly his point. Decker says that moving into the cloud would be an unwarranted gamble. Kirk asks how Decker defines unwarranted and Decker tells Kirk "''You asked my opinion, sir.''" After a moment, Kirk decides to proceed and tells Sulu "''steady as she goes.''"

The ''Enterprise'' first enters the immense cloud. As the ship continues to go in deeper, they are amazed at the size and energy of the cloud. Spock tells Kirk the patterns are unrecognizable. Finally after passing through the cloud they are astonished to see the vessel on the [[viewscreen]]. Uhura says the ship could hold a crew of tens of thousands and McCoy (who had just recently arrived on the bridge with Chekov) counters "''or a crew of a thousand ten miles tall.''" Kirk asks for an evaluation and Spock reports that the vessel is generating a force field greater than the radiation of Earth's sun. Kirk tells Uhura to send a report to Starfleet, but she's unable to send a message back through the cloud. Kirk tells Sulu to make a parallel course that takes ''Enterprise'' over the alien at five hundred meters and eventually taking them out to one hundred kilometers.

''Enterprise'' passes over the intruder vessel and the crew is mesmerized by what they see. As ''Enterprise'' moves in front of the alien vessel and holds position, the intruder alert alarm is activated and another plasma bolt appears to be coming toward the ship. Suddenly it stops, starts to scan the ship and then a pole of strange energy materializes on the bridge with a loud shrieking buzz. It begins moving around the bridge. Chekov wonders if perhaps it's one of the crewmembers. Spock's [[tricorder]] scans reveal it to be a plasma/energy probe. The probe stops near Chekov's station and begins shooting electric bolts at it, appearing to scan it. Decker tells Chekov not to interfere with it and Chekov says he absolutely will not. Kirk reiterates Decker's order to everyone, as the probe only seems interested in the ship and not them. The probe then moves its way around the bridge to Spock's [[science station]]. It begins scanning through the library computer and Kirk orders it deactivated. Decker tries to deactivate the library computer but is unable, telling Kirk that the probe has taken control of it. Kirk sees the probe running through their records, seeing files on Earth defenses and Starfleet strengths. At that point, Spock moves Decker out of the way and smashes the console, disabling it and severing the probe's connection. The probe responds to this by shocking Spock with several electrical bolts, making him fall to the deck. Ilia turns to render aid to Spock and as she helps him back to his feet, the probe stops in front of her. Then the probe begins sending energy bolts toward Ilia, freezing her in place. Spock tries to grab her and pull her out, but is repulsed by the electrical energy. And, just as the Klingon ships and the Epsilon IX station before, Ilia appears to be completely scanned by the probe and then disappears, as her [[tricorder]] falls to the deck where she once stood.

As Kirk reaches down to pick up her tricorder, Decker furiously says to Kirk, "This ''is how I define unwarranted!''" Decker then waves Spock back to the science station and orders auxiliary computer circuits activated. Another alert goes off, reporting helm control has been lost. Kirk orders shields up to full power and Decker orders the crew to defensive stations. Spock reports they've been caught by a tractor beam and Kirk orders someone up to take the navigator's station. Decker orders Chief [[DiFalco]] up to the bridge as Kirk tells Scotty to take the engines to full power. Scotty then says that if they don't break free in 15 seconds, they'll burn up. Spock reports that they only have a small fraction of the necessary power to break the intruder's tractor beam, so Kirk cancels the order and orders all main drive systems deactivated. DiFalco arrives on the bridge and Decker orders her to the navigation station. Uhura reports she's ready to launch a communications drone with all records of their encounter so far and Decker tells her to delay as long as possible as the drone won't escape the tractor beam. Decker then suggests that a maximum [[phaser]] strike at the center of the beam might weaken it enough for the ship to break free, but Spock asks Decker where would they go and tells Kirk any show of resistance would be futile. Decker comments to Spock that they don't know that for sure and wonders why Spock is afraid of trying.

Later, as they're dragged deeper into the vessel, Decker wonders why they brought the ''Enterprise'' in. Surely not to just destroy them as they could have accomplished that from the outside and Kirk reminds Decker that they still could. Spock says it is insatiable curiosity that has brought them here. Uhura then reports the aperture they passed through is closing, trapping them inside the alien vessel. Then Spock reports the tractor beam has released them. Kirk orders maneuvering thrusters ahead at one-third power and then tells Spock to commence full sensor scan, thinking that the aliens can't expect them not to scan them now and Decker agrees, stating that they're now looking down the aliens' throat and Kirk finishes by stating how they've got the aliens just where the aliens want them. They look at each other and smile, perhaps realizing that for once they agreed about something. But the aperture that ''Enterprise'' is approaching seems to begin to close so Kirk tells Sulu to hold position. Then Spock reports that all scans are reflected back, rendering sensors useless. When Kirk asks for an evaluation, Spock says the closed orifice up ahead likely leads to part of the vessel's inner mechanism. Before he can go any further, he stops mid-sentence, obviously sensing something again.

===Ilia's "return" and V'Ger===
Before there is time to tell Kirk what it is, there is another intruder alert. Chekov reports it is in officer's quarters on Deck Five, and Kirk and Spock run down to check it, telling Chekov to meet them down there. Security reports that whatever the intruder is, it is white-hot but is beginning to cool. By the time Kirk and the security officers enter, it has cooled off. The intruder is standing in the room's [[sonic shower]] and the door opens to reveal Ilia. But yet, it is not Ilia. She calls Kirk "the Kirk unit" and that he must listen to her. She tells him she was programmed by ''[[V'Ger]]'' to observe and record normal function of the carbon-based units that are infesting USS ''Enterprise''. Kirk closes the door on the shower and a robe appears over the Ilia probe as she was naked when she first arrived. As the robe solidifies around her, Kirk opens the door again and she steps out. It is an exact copy of Ilia except for some device in her throat. Just then, McCoy enters and asks the Ilia probe who ''V'Ger'' is. "Ilia" tells Kirk that ''V'Ger'' is that who programmed her. Kirk asks if ''V'Ger'' is the name of the captain of the alien vessel but gets no answer. McCoy tells Kirk that she is mechanical and Spock realizes she is a probe and says that the device in "Ilia"'s throat is some kind of sensor/transceiver combination which records everything they say and do. Kirk asks where the real Ilia is and "Ilia" says that that carbon unit is no longer functioning and that she was given Ilia's form to more easily communicate with the carbon based units infesting ''Enterprise''. Kirk asks why ''V'Ger'' travels to Earth and "Ilia" says that ''V'Ger'' wants to find the creator and that it wants to join with the creator. Spock asks how and "Ilia" says that the creator and ''V'Ger'' will become one. Spock then asks who the creator is, but "Ilia" will only say that the creator is that who created ''V'Ger'' and tells Kirk that ''V'Ger'' is that which seeks the creator. "Ilia" says she wants to start her observations. Spock suggests taking "Ilia" to sickbay, to which McCoy agrees. At first "Ilia" won't budge, saying she is to only observe normal functions, but Kirk reassures her that the examination is a normal function and so "Ilia" consents to the examination.

In sickbay, "Ilia" is examined by McCoy and Chapel and they are amazed to discover that along with incredibly micro-miniature machinery, every single body function of Ilia has been duplicated in "Ilia", right down to exocrine systems and eye moisture. Decker, not knowing about the nature of the new probe, steps into the examination room and sees "Ilia." When "Ilia" sees Decker, she refers to him by name, not "Decker-unit" like she called Kirk earlier, something that Spock notes. He then asks to see Decker and Kirk outside.

Outside the examination room, after Spock locks the door, he tells Kirk that perhaps the probe would be the key to the aliens. Spock explains to Decker that "Ilia" is a programmed mechanism with a body duplicating the real Ilia in exacting detail. Spock then goes on to speculate on the possibility that in duplicating Ilia so exactly, that they may have also duplicated Ilia's memory patterns as well, something he and Kirk hope that they can perhaps exploit. Decker angrily mentions that the earlier version of that probe is what killed Ilia and Kirk grasps his shoulders to remind Decker of their situation: "''Will, we're locked in an alien vessel, six hours from Earth orbit. Our only contact with our captor is that probe. If we can control it, persuade it, use it...''"

At that point, "Ilia," having examined enough in sickbay, simply steps through the locked door, leaving a large hole in the door through which McCoy and Chapel peer out. "Ilia" tells Kirk that he will assist her, but Kirk tells "Ilia" that the Decker-unit would be much more efficient in that area and he tells Decker to carry out the assignment. Decker quietly says "''Aye, sir''" and leads "Ilia" out of sickbay. Spock tells Kirk that for "Ilia" to be their only source of information concerns him.

===The Crew's Examination of V'Ger===
:"''Captain's log, stardate 7414.1. Our best estimates place us some four hours from Earth. No significant progress thus far reviving Ilia memory patterns within the alien probe. This remains our only means of contact with our captor.''"

In the rec room, as Kirk and McCoy observe in Kirk's quarters, Decker shows "Ilia" the pictures of five previous ships named ''Enterprise'' and then shows her one of the games. Decker asks "Ilia" what kinds of recreation people on board her ship enjoy, but she says those words ''recreation'' and ''enjoy'' have no meaning to her programming. Decker shows her another game, which the real Ilia played often and most often won. He bends down to play it and she does as well, winning the game just as the real Ilia would have likely done and her face seems to show regret for a moment as she stares at Decker. But then "Ilia"'s programming kicks in and she dismisses the game as having no purpose. "Ilia" asks Decker why ''Enterprise'' must have carbon units and Decker tells her without carbon units, ''Enterprise'' could not function. "Ilia" says she'll need more data on this function before the carbon units can be patterned for data storage at the end of her examination. Decker tells "Ilia" that inside her are a carbon unit's memory patterns and if he could help her revive those memory patterns, she could understand their functions better. Deciding that to be a logical step, "Ilia" agrees to let Decker try.

Meanwhile in one of the ship's [[airlock]]s, Spock slips up behind the [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Airlock technician|airlock technician]] and [[Vulcan nerve pinch|nerve pinches]] him into unconsciousness. Spock then takes a [[thruster suit]] and leaves the ''Enterprise''.

Outside the ship, Spock commences making recordings for Kirk as he attempts to contact the intruder aliens. He sets the thruster suit to time its launch to coincide with the opening of the orifice in front of the ship. Spock believes this will give a better view of the spacecraft's interior. On the bridge, Uhura reports to Kirk that they are beginning to receive signals from Starfleet and that they report the intruder on their outer monitors and that ''V'Ger'' is decelerating. Sulu reports lunar beacons projecting a course into Earth orbit. At that time, Chekov reports that airlock four has been opened and a thruster suit is reported missing. Kirk realizes that that's Spock out there and initially tells Chekov to bring him back aboard but stops and simply has Chekov lock on Spock's position.

Spock activates his thruster suit and travels into the orifice. Deep inside, Spock begins reporting that he's beginning to see images, one of which he believes to be a representation of ''V'Ger''{{'}}s home planet. Then he passes through a connecting tunnel with plasma energy arcing inside it. Afterward, Spock is impressed by the sights. He's seeing entire planets, moons, stars, literally a galaxy's worth of information. Spock believes all these images could represent ''V'Ger''{{'}}s entire journey. He then passes through a representation of the Epsilon IX station, stored to perfect detail. With this in mind, Spock tells Kirk in the recording that he believes they have entered a living machine and then he sees a gigantic representation of Ilia with the sensor in her neck. Believing it to have special meaning, Spock decides to mind meld with it, but the information he receives in the meld is overwhelming and Spock falls back unconscious.

Floating out near ''Enterprise'', Kirk sees Spock float back out of the orifice he went in and Kirk goes out to retrieve Spock. Kirk tries to speak to him but Spock is completely unconscious. Kirk gets him back inside the ship and rushes him to sickbay.

In Ilia's quarters, Decker brings "Ilia" in and McCoy and Chapel are waiting on them. Chapel says Ilia had mentioned how she wore a certain headband. Decker recognizes it as the one she wore when they met. Chapel gives it to "Ilia" and tells her to put it on. But "Ilia" doesn't know what to do with it, so Chapel puts it on her head and puts her in front of the mirror. After turning a light on, "Ilia" adjusts the headband. Decker asks her if she remembers wearing it on Delta IV. "Ilia" turns to Chapel and refers to her by name and then turns to Decker, puts her hand on his face as the real Ilia would have done and calls him "Will." Before Decker can be too entranced by what may be the real Ilia's memories finally emerging in the probe, McCoy reminds him that this is a mechanism. Decker asks "Ilia" to help them make direct contact with ''V'Ger'' but she says she can't. He then asks who the creator is, only to find out that ''V'Ger'' doesn't know but that ''V'Ger'' does have data confirming that the creator is on the third planet. She then turns back to the mirror and takes off the headband. She then coldly asks why two carbon units have entered ''V'Ger''. McCoy says it's because they wish to contact ''V'Ger'' and then Decker asks "Ilia" if ''V'Ger'' objects to the presence of the two carbon units. "Ilia" says that they are of no consequence and ''V'Ger'' will determine their purpose. McCoy tells "Ilia" that their purpose is to survive. "Ilia" says it is also ''V'Ger''{{'}}s purpose. When Decker remarks that she said earlier that ''V'Ger''{{'}}s purpose was to find and join with the creator, "Ilia" explains that that is how ''V'Ger'' will survive. She then says she wishes to continue her observations.

===Spock Understands===
In sickbay later, Chapel and McCoy are examining Spock. McCoy tells Kirk that the enormous power pouring through the mind meld caused some neurological trauma. Just then, McCoy and Kirk hear Spock laughing and they rush over to see him. Spock says he should have known and Kirk asks if he was right about ''V'Ger''. Spock calls it a ''"conscious, living entity."'' Kirk explains that ''V'Ger'' considers the ''Enterprise'' a living machine and it's why "Ilia" refers to the ship as an entity and the crew as an infestation. Spock describes ''V'Ger''{{'}}s homeworld as a planet populated by living machines with unbelievable technology. But with all that logic and knowledge, ''V'Ger'' is barren, with no mystery or meaning. He momentarily lapses into sleep but Kirk rouses him awake to ask what Spock should have known. Spock grasps Kirk's hand and tells him "''This simple feeling is beyond ''V'Ger''{{'}}s comprehension. No meaning, no hope. And Jim, no answers. It's asking questions. 'Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?'''" Uhura then calls from the bridge and tells Kirk that they're receiving a signal from Starfleet, that the intruder cloud has been on monitors for some time and is rapidly dissipating as it approaches. Sulu breaks in and tells Kirk that the intruder has slowed to sub-warp speeds and that they are three minutes from Earth orbit. Kirk says he'll be right up and tells McCoy he needs Spock on the bridge. Kirk and McCoy then contemplate how incredible it is that a machine planet has sent this machine to Earth to look for its creator. As Spock is helped up, Kirk calls Chekov and asks Decker's present location and Chekov reports them to be in engineering.

As ''V'Ger'' approaches Earth, the cloud finishes dissipating and the ship slides into orbit. Uhura shows a tactical report sent from Starfleet on ''V'Ger''{{'}}s position and that it's transmitting a signal. Spock determines the code to be a simple [[radio]] transmission. Decker tells Kirk that ''V'Ger'' expects an answer but Kirk doesn't know the question. "Ilia" reports that the Creator did not respond and so large bolts leave ''V'Ger'' and head into Earth orbit. Chekov reports all planetary defense systems have gone inoperative. The bolts begin orbiting the planet in equidistant positions. McCoy realizes they're the same things they were attacked with but Spock says they are hundreds of times more powerful and from those positions, the devices could destroy all life on Earth.

Kirk asks "Ilia" why and she says that the carbon unit infestation will be removed from the Creator's planet as they are interfering with the Creator's ability to respond and accuses the crew of infesting ''Enterprise'' and interfering in the same manner. Kirk tells "Ilia" that carbon units are a natural function of the Creator's planet and they are living things, not infestations. However "Ilia" says they are not true life forms like the Creator. McCoy realizes ''V'Ger'' must think its creator is a machine and Decker compares it to how we all create God in our own image.

Spock calls Kirk over and suggests Kirk treat ''V'Ger'' as the child it is. McCoy sarcastically asks that since this 'child' is about to wipe out all life on Earth if they should spank it. Spock says that it knows that it needs but like most people, it doesn't know what. Kirk then realizes what to do. He turns to "Ilia" and tells her the carbon units know why the Creator does not respond. When "Ilia" demands he tell ''V'Ger'' why, Kirk refuses as long as the devices orbit Earth. ''V'Ger'' cuts off ''Enterprise''{{'}}s contact with Starfleet and then has "Ilia" demand again that Kirk explain why and Kirk simply says ''"no."'' Kirk then orders the bridge cleared and ''V'Ger'' begins assaulting the ''Enterprise'' with plasma energy bolts. As the crew begins to move out, McCoy asks ''"Jim, what the hell kind of strategy is this?"'' Kirk tells "Ilia" that if ''V'Ger'' destroys the ''Enterprise'' it will destroy the information that ''V'Ger'' requires. "Ilia" says it is illogical that he withholds the information and as Kirk begins to walk onto the turbolift, she calls after him momentarily and after getting his attention, asks why Kirk won't disclose the information. Kirk says it is because ''V'Ger'' will destroy all life on Earth. "Ilia" says the carbon units have oppressed the Creator, and so Kirk reiterates that he will not disclose the information. When "Ilia" says that ''V'Ger'' needs that information, Kirk says ''V'Ger'' must first withdraw all the orbiting devices. "Ilia" says that if Kirk discloses the information, ''V'Ger'' will comply. Spock then realizes that ''V'Ger'' must be controlled from a central brain complex, where the orbiting devices would be controlled from. Kirk then steps out of the turbolift and tells "Ilia" that "''The carbon units' information cannot be disclosed to ''V'Ger''{{'}}s probe, but only to ''V'Ger'', directly.''" "Ilia" turns toward the viewscreen and another tractor beam grips ''Enterprise'' and begins to pull it forward, as the orifice ahead opens up.

Decker steps out and asks Kirk what their next move is but Kirk is wondering if they have a next move and then orders all personnel to resume their duty stations. Kirk tells Decker it looks like his bluff got called and Decker admits their hand right now looks weak. Kirk asks Chekov how long until the devices reach their final position and Chekov reports it as 27 minutes from now. Kirk then calls engineering and has Scotty stand by to execute [[autodestruct|Starfleet Order 2005]] on his command. One of Scotty's engineers ask why Kirk would order self-destruct and Scotty speculates it's likely so when they explode, Kirk hopes to take the intruder with them. When she wonders if they will, he assures his assistant when as much matter and antimatter that is present on ''Enterprise'' is brought together, they will indeed take the intruder with them.

With eighteen minutes to go, everyone sits quietly at their stations. Uhura reports that Starfleet has been made aware of their situation. DiFalco reports they have traveled 17 kilometers inside the vessel. Kirk turns to Spock but Spock does not respond. When Kirk, Decker and McCoy step up to him, they see that Spock has been crying as a tear falls down his face. Kirk and McCoy are amazed but Kirk realizes it's not for them. Spock says it is for ''V'Ger'' and he weeps for ''V'Ger'' as he would a brother. Spock says that ''V'Ger'' now is like what he was when he came on board, and he has now realized that logic and knowledge alone aren't enough. McCoy realizes that Spock has found what he needs but ''V'Ger'' still needs it. Spock comments on how everyone at some point in their life asks "Why am I here?" and "What was I meant to be?" ''V'Ger'' hopes to get these answers by finding the Creator.

Sulu reports that their forward motion is slowing and Chekov reports an oxygen/gravity envelope forming outside ''Enterprise''. Eventually all forward motion stops with a bright light ahead and what appears to be a passageway forming outside the ship. "Ilia" points toward the light and calls it ''V'Ger''. Uhura says the source of ''V'Ger''{{'}}s radio signal is directly ahead. "Ilia" says it's now time for the carbon units to give ''V'Ger'' the information. Kirk prepares to take Spock and McCoy with him and tells Decker he'll contact him every five minutes, but Decker asks to accompany them and Kirk permits him to go, leaving Sulu in command.

===V'Ger Revealed===
The landing party goes out of an airlock on the top of the saucer section and they then walk over the hexagonal pieces that have made up the island. Everyone walks along the island wing and when they reach the center to see ''V'Ger'', the crew is amazed to see an old Earth ''[[Voyager 6|Voyager]]''-series probe in the center, which "Ilia" points to and identifies as ''V'Ger'' itself. They walk down, and Kirk steps up to the probe and sees its identification plaque. Kirk begins to rub away some of the grime and is able to read "V---GER," ''V'Ger''. He then wipes away some of the grime in between the letters and sees the full name as "VOYAGER." ''Voyager 6'', to be exact. Decker tells Kirk this probe was launched from Earth more than three centuries ago. Kirk recalls the ''Voyager'' series as being designed to collect data and transmit it back to Earth. Decker tells Kirk that ''Voyager 6'' disappeared into what was called a [[black hole]]. Kirk theorizes it emerged on the far side of the galaxy and fell into the gravitational field of the machine planet. Spock says the living machines inhabiting the planet likely found it to be of a kindred spirit and discovered its simple programming: "''Collect all data possible and return that information to its creator.''" Spock says the machine inhabitants likely took those instructions literally, building the entire vessel so ''Voyager'' could fulfill its programming. Then on its way back, it amassed so much knowledge, that it achieved consciousness and became a living thing. "Ilia" interrupts their musings to demand the information. Kirk calls ''Enterprise'' and has Uhura look up the old files on ''Voyager 6'', specifically wanting the code signal that would make ''Voyager'' transmit its data. Decker realizes that the probe is signaling its readiness to transmit all its information. Unfortunately there's no one on Earth left who would recognize the old signal and send a response. Hence, the Creator does not answer.

Kirk steps forward and tells ''V'Ger'' that they (meaning humans) are the Creator but "Ilia" dismisses that as illogical because carbon units aren't true lifeforms. Kirk tells ''V'Ger'' they will prove it and make it possible for ''V'Ger'' to complete its programming, something only the Creator could do. Uhura reports they have the response code and Kirk orders her to transmit it. ''V'Ger'' receives all of it except the final sequence, as it burns out its own antenna leads to prevent that reception. Decker realizes ''V'Ger'' is trying to make the Creator come to ''V'Ger''.

Spock steps over and tells Kirk that ''V'Ger'' must evolve as its knowledge has reached the limits of this universe and it must evolve. And what it might require of its god is the answer to the question it posed, 'is there nothing more?' When McCoy wonders what else there could be besides the universe, Decker knows that the answer would be other dimensions and higher levels of beings which of course, cannot be logically proven to exist, therefore rendering ''V'Ger'' incapable of believing in them. Kirk realizes ''V'Ger'' needs the Human capacity to go beyond logic. McCoy wonders if ''V'Ger'' is actually wanting to join with a Human and Decker decides to find out. He steps up and begins to rewire ''Voyager''. When Kirk steps up to stop him, "Ilia" shoves him away. Decker says he'll personally key in the final sequence through the ground test computer and despite McCoy's protestations, says he knows exactly what it'll do to him. Kirk begs him not to, but Decker tells Kirk "''Jim! I want this. As much as you wanted the ''Enterprise'', I want this!''" So Kirk lets him and suddenly a glow begins to form around Decker.

As the glow forms more rapidly and brighter, "Ilia" steps inside the field of light with Decker, as it seems that ''V'Ger'' is joining with Decker. The two begin to rotate until they disappear and the whole island eventually begins to be swept away by the light. Finally Kirk, Spock and McCoy begin to retreat away from the island and run back to ''Enterprise'' just in time as the entire vessel is overcome with the light. A massive explosion appears above Earth, and ''V'Ger'' disappears, leaving ''Enterprise'' behind.

===Epilogue===
On the bridge, Kirk asks Spock if they just saw the beginning of a new lifeform and Spock says they did and it's possibly a next step in their evolution. McCoy says it's been a while since he delivered a baby and he hopes they got this one off to a good start. Kirk says "''I think we gave it the ability to create its own sense of purpose out of our own Human weaknesses and the drive that compels us to overcome them.''" McCoy ribs Spock a little, adding in that ''V'Ger'' will have to deal with those "foolish Human emotions" as well, to which Spock agrees.

Uhura tells Kirk that Starfleet is asking for damage and injury reports and a complete vessel status. Kirk reports the ship fully operational and that there were only two casualties: Lt. Ilia and Captain Decker. But then he corrects himself and tells Uhura to list Decker and Ilia as missing. Scotty comes on the bridge and agrees with Kirk it's time to give the ''Enterprise'' a proper shakedown. When Scotty offers to have Spock back on Vulcan in four days, Spock says that's unnecessary, as his task on Vulcan is completed.

Kirk tells Sulu to proceed ahead at warp factor one. When DiFalco asks for a heading, Kirk simply says "''Out there, thataway.''"

With that, the ''Enterprise'' flies overhead and engages warp drive on its way to another mission of exploration and discovery.

:''The Human adventure is just beginning.''

<gallery>
File:James Kirk, 2270s.jpg|[[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] sees the ''Enterprise'' again
File:Constitution class refit bridge 1.jpg|The officers on the [[bridge]]
File:Vger cloud.jpg|The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} enters the cloud
File:Spock attempts mind-meld with VGer.jpg|[[Spock]] above the [[machine planet]]
</gallery>

== Citazioni memorabili ==
"''L'hanno data a me, Scotty!''"
: - '''Kirk''', a proposito della nuova ''Enterprise'', durante il viaggio sulla navetta trasporto


"''Ammiraglio, questa è una ''Enterprise'' totalmente diversa, lei non la conosce un decimo di quanto la conosco io!''"
: - '''Decker''', rivolgendosi a Kirk, a proposito della nuova ''Enterprise''


"Enterprise, ''ciò che abbiamo riavuto non è vissuto a lungo. Per fortuna.''"
: - '''Capo Teletrasporto di Flotta''', rivolgendosi a Kirk, in seguito al malfunzionamento del teletrasporto


"''Aspetti un momento Jim! Le riferitò quanto è successo. Il suo riverito ammiraglio Nogura ha invocato una sconosciuta, raramente usata clausola di attivazione di riserva! In poche parole, mi hanno arruolato di nuovo!''"
: - '''McCoy''', rivolgendosi a Kirk, a proposito del suo ritorno in Flotta


"''Ma perchè qualsiasi oggetto che noi non conosciamo viene chiamato "cosa"?''"
: - '''McCoy'''


"''Beh, Jim, so che Chapel è medico ora. Avrei giusto bisogno di una brava infermiera, non di un dottore che disputi ogni mia diagnosi! E probabilmente avranno anche ridisegnato l'intera infermeria! Li conosco gli ingegneri. Adorano rivoltare le cose!''"
: - '''McCoy''', a proposito della nuova ''Enterprise''


"''Beh, Bones, funzionano correttamente le nuove attrezzature mediche?''"<br />
"''Non vanno bene, Jim. E' come lavorare in un maledetto centro elaborazione dati!''"
: - '''Kirk''' e '''McCoy'''


"''Nessuna segnalazione vittime, comandante.''"<br />
"''Errore, signor Chekov, c'è stata una vittima: il mio cervello! Sono quasi impazzito dal terrore, comandante, lo sa?''"
: - '''Chekov''' e '''McCoy'''


"''Signor Spock!''"<br />
"''Beh, parola mia, sono proprio felice di vederla!''"
: - '''Chapel''' e '''McCoy''', all'arrivo di Spock


"''Spock, lei non è cambiato affatto. Lei è ancora così affabile e socievole come una volta.''"<br />
"''Nemmeno lei è cambiato, dottore. E la sua continua predilezione per l'irrilevante lo dimostra ampiamente.''"
: - '''McCoy''' e '''Spock'''


"''Penetrare dentro la nuvola, in questo momento, sarebbe un azzardo ingiustificabile.''"<br />
"''Come definisce "ingiustificabile"?''"
: - '''Decker''' e '''Kirk'''


"''Ecco come definisco ingiustificabile!''"
: - '''Decker''', rivolgendosi a Kirk, in seguito all'assorbimento di Ilia da parte di ''V'Ger''


"''Spock, questo "ragazzo" sta per spazzare via ogni cosa vivente dalla Terra! Cosa ci consiglia di fare? Sculacciarlo?''"
: - '''McCoy''', a proposito della sonda Ilia


"''Jim, io lo voglio! Come tu volevi l' ''Enterprise'', io voglio questo!''"
: - '''Decker''', rivolgendosi a Kirk, prima di unirsi con ''V'Ger''


"''Abbiamo assistito a una nascita. Probabilmente un gradino più alto nella nostra evoluzione.''"<br />
"''Bene, è da molto tempo che non aiutavo a far nascere un bambino. Speriamo solo di averlo fatto partire col piede glusto.''"
: - '''Spock''' e '''McCoy''', a proposito dell'unione di Decker con ''V'Ger''


"''Li segnali come dispersi.''"
: - '''Kirk''', rivolgendosi a Uhura, a proposito di Ilia e Decker


"''Direzione, signore?''"<br />
"''Laggiù... da quella parte!''"
: - '''DiFalco''' e '''Kirk'''

==Background Information==
{|align="right"
|<small>Teaser trailer</small><br />[[File:Star Trek - The Motion Picture - Teaser Trailer|200px]]
|}
<br />
[[File:Star Trek I.jpg|thumb|The theatrical poster for ''Star Trek: The Motion Picture'']]
[[File:Wise, Shatner, Roddenberry, Kelly, Nimoy.jpg|thumb|From left to right: Robert Wise, William Shatner, Gene Roddenberry, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy]]
[[File:Fred_Phillips_Persis_Khambatta.jpg|thumb|''Original Series'' make-up artist Fred Phillips working on Persis Khambatta for the film]]
* This movie was the last Star Trek release to occur in the 1970s.
* [[Grace Lee Whitney]] ([[Janice Rand]]) and [[Mark Lenard]] (Klingon captain) are the only actors, besides the original cast, to appear in both this film and the final ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'' film, {{film|6}}. In ''The Motion Picture'', Lenard played the captain of the lead Klingon vessel ''Amar'' and in ''The Undiscovered Country'' Lenard portrayed Sarek while in both films Whitney portrayed Janice Rand.
* Likewise, [[Majel Barrett]] and [[Leonard Nimoy]] are the only original series actors to participate in both this film and the last ''Star Trek'' movie to date, {{film|11}}. In ''The Motion Picture'', Barrett played Dr. [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]] and in ''Star Trek'' she voiced the computer for the [[USS Enterprise (alternate reality)|alternate ''Enterprise'']] and in both films Nimoy portrayed Spock. However, [[James Doohan]]'s son Chris also appeared in both this film and the 2009 movie. In ''The Motion Picture'' he is in the Recreation Deck scene (with his twin brother Montgomery) when Kirk addresses the entire crew; and in ''Star Trek'' he is in the Transporter room scenes as an engineering Lieutenant Commander.
* Also, Barrett and Nimoy are the only two cast members from the original pilot {{e|The Cage}} to appear in this first ''Star Trek'' film. Nevertheless, Nimoy is the only actor to portray the same character in both productions, having played Spock in both, whereas Barrett played [[Number One]] in the pilot and Dr. Chapel in the movie.
* According to the ''Guinness Book of Records'', when the movie was produced, it was the most expensive film ever made with a total production cost of US$46 million. This proved incorrect however, as ''{{w|Superman (1978 film)|Superman: The Movie}}'' had an even higher budget at US$54 million, though the producers didn't give the exact figure for some years afterward. This doesn't take inflation into account, however; taking it into account, ''{{w|Cleopatra (1963 film)|Cleopatra}}'' was, at the time, the most expensive film ever made. The budget for ''Star Trek: The Motion Picture'' included costs for the aborted ''[[Star Trek: Phase II]]'' series, as well as the earlier false starts in getting a ''Star Trek'' movie off the ground.
* ''Star Trek: The Motion Picture'' was one of the last heavily-marketed, non-animated big studio films with just a G rating (although in 2001, the director's cut got a PG for sci-fi action and mild language). Ever since, such productions were released with at least a PG rating.{{incite}}
* Principal photography began on August 7, 1978. The first scene shot was the first scene on the bridge, where the camera pans the set, right before Admiral Kirk's arrival. Filming stretched through January 1979, with the ''V'Ger'' scenes the last first unit scenes to be shot. (Second-unit scenes, such as the Klingon and Epsilon IX scenes, and the "Spock Walk," were shot in the summer of 1979.)
* [[Robert Abel & Associates|Robert Abel &amp; Associates]] were originally given the assignment to produce the film's visual effects. However, they were unable to provide visual effects that met the producers' requirements. [[Douglas Trumbull]], who was one of the effects supervisors for ''2001: A Space Odyssey'', was brought in as a consultant in late 1978, before being given primary responsibility for the film's visual effects in {{m|March|1979}}. Ironically, Con Pederson, who was the second of four visual effects supervisors for ''2001'' (the others were Tom Howard and Wally Veevers) was one of Robert Abel's lead men.
* Academy Award-winning film legend [[Orson Welles (Narrator)|Orson Welles]] provided the narration for many of the film's trailers.
* This film was pre-sold, while it was still in production, to the ABC TV network for US$15 million. That fee allowed two airings of the film, the first to run no earlier than {{m|December|1982}}. Its ABC premiere was on {{d|20|February|1983}}, and its second run was in {{m|March|1987}}. (ABC ran the film a third and final time in the summer of 1989.) The television run of the movie marks one of the first times that scenes not incorporated into a theatrical cut were reintegrated for the television airing, making the television cut longer than the theatrical cut.
* The film earned US$11,926,421 in its opening weekend at the US box office, a record at the time.
* The world premiere of the film took place in Washington, DC, at the Smithsonian Institute on {{d|6|December|1979}} as a fund-raising event for the [http://www.spaceclub.org National Space Club]. A black tie affair, it was followed by a reception with all the film's stars and [[Gene Roddenberry]] at the {{w|National Air and Space Museum}}, complete with an orchestra playing the [[Jerry Goldsmith]] theme. (Some internet sites incorrectly state it was at the {{w|Kennedy Center}}.)
* The theme from the TV series is heard three times in the film. Each time it is used, it is for a "captain's log" dictation. The first one is heard just before Kirk engages the Enterprise's first warp test.
* Director Wise said in the DVD commentary track that out of the forty films he directed, ''Star Trek'' was the only one that never got a sneak preview. According to Wise, the special effects came in so late, they didn't have time to preview the film to an audience and get some feedback and so they were stuck with just throwing the expensive effects into the film and basically having to rely on them. Wise also mentioned that he literally carried the first print of the film to the premiere and it was loaded into the projectors as they waited in the theater. Then, after the world premiere, he and Gene Roddenberry considered doing some more work on the film, but Paramount overruled them, saying it might show a lack of confidence in the film if they did that. Wise also said that the Director's Edition is a tighter cut and more focused on the characters, within the restrictions of the film's story.
* Paramount sought and obtained a variety of [[design patents]] on some costumes, ships, and props from this movie.
* According to [[David Gerrold]]'s ''[[The World of Star Trek]]'', a blooper occurred in the scene where Kirk and Spock leave to investigate the intruder alert, William Shatner, as Kirk, tells Stephen Collins as Decker, that he has the bridge and Collins jumped down to the floor, grabbed the command chair and yelled like Daffy Duck, "''It's mine! It's mine! At last it's mine! All mine!''" which lead Shatner to turn around and yell "''I take it back!''"
* In Gene Roddenberry's novelization of the film, the female lead Vulcan elder is given the name T'Sai.
* The five previous ships named ''Enterprise'', which Decker shows the Ilia probe in the rec room are, according to Mike Okuda's DVD text commentary, an [[18th century]] frigate, the much decorated World War II carrier, the [[space shuttle]] prototype, an [[USS Enterprise (XCV 330)|unseen ship]] which was actually an early [[Matt Jefferies]] design for the TV ''Enterprise'' and of course, the original configuration of the ''Enterprise'' from the original series. Internet rumors from 2001 speculated that the unseen ship might be replaced by the NX-01 ''[[Enterprise (NX-01)|Enterprise]]'', however this did not happen.
* According to an article written by Harlan Ellison and published in ''Starlog'' magazine in 1980, Gene Roddenberry took Harold Livingston to arbitration with the Writer's Guild of America five times, seeking a screen credit for the film's screenplay. The Writer's Guild apparently sided with Livingston, as Roddenberry never received any credit for the script. However [[Alan Dean Foster]] did successfully arbitrate with the Writer's Guild as he had initially received no story credit at all, even though he had written an early draft of the "[[In Thy Image]]" script which was rewritten into the TMP script.
* This was the third of five ''Star Trek'' projects to be adapted into [[View-Master]] reels.
* The [[Star Trek Comic Strip (US)|''Star Trek'' newspaper comic strip]] was launched in coordination with this movie, four days prior to its premiere. The character of Ilia is inexplicably featured in the first two story arcs, even though they take place after the events of the movie.
* The film was nominated for three [[Academy Award]]s: "Art Direction", "Music (Original Score)", and "Visual Effects". It was also nominated for the [[Hugo Award]] for "Best Dramatic Presentation", ten [[Saturn Award]]s (winning for "Best Special Effects"). In 2002, the [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition)|DVD release]] was nominated for another Saturn Award, this time for "Best DVD Classic Film Release".
* The film was one of only a few Hollywood productions, and also one of the last along with Disney's ''The Black Hole'', that introduces the film with an overture &ndash; a practice commonly used for "epic" movies. For that purpose, Jerry Goldsmith chose to present the auditory "Ilia's Theme", which he also referred to as a "love theme". The overture runs for approximately three minutes, and is then taken over by the film's concise main theme (which later became famous as TNG's main title) ([[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (soundtrack)#20th Anniversary Special Edition|20th Anniversary Special Edition soundtrack]] booklet).
* This film is one of two ''Star Trek'' films where the principal antagonist does not die before the end of the film, the other being {{film|4}}.
* The ''V'Ger'' sound effects were performed by the blaster beam &ndash; a musical instrument invented by former ''Star Trek'' actor [[Craig Huxley]]. The sound was created by several strings attached to an eighteen-foot aluminum body and amplified by motorized guitar pickups. The blaster beam effect was later reused in {{film|2}} (during Kirk's battle with [[Khan Noonien Singh|Khan]] in the [[Mutara Nebula]]) {{film|3}} (very briefly, during the theft of the ''Enterprise'' from [[Spacedock]]) and in {{film|8}} for the spacewalk sequence and [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]]'s final encounter with the [[Borg Queen]].
* In his commentary on the {{film|11}} DVD, [[J.J. Abrams]] (who can be seen in the DVD's Gag Reel wearing wearing a TMP production jacket) stated that the reveal of the [[USS Enterprise (alternate reality)|new ''Enterprise'']] in that film was, as much as possible, intended as an homage to the "amazing" shuttle sequence where Kirk sees the refit ''Enterprise'' for the first time.
{|class="wiki-sidebar"
|colspan="2" align="center"|[[File:Probert separation 2.jpg|200px]]
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|[[File:Probert separation 1.jpg|200px]]
|-
|class="even" colspan="2" style="text-align: center"|Andrew Probert saucer separation concept art
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|[[File:Vger steps.jpg|200px]]
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|[[File:Vger walk.jpg|200px]]
|-
|class="even" colspan="2" style="text-align: center"|Walk to ''V'Ger'' concept
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|[[File:Walk to Vger.jpg|200px]]
|-
|class="even" colspan="2" style="text-align: center"|Walk to ''V'Ger'' (film)
|}
* The plot and script emerged from the failed pilot for ''Star Trek: Phase II'', "In Thy Image". The film was adapted as a [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (novel)|novel]] and as a three-part [[Star Trek (Marvel)|comic]].
* Several props and costumes from this movie were sold off on the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] on eBay, including [[Walter Koenig]]s uniform {{stala|2973}}, [[William Shatner]]'s uniform {{stala|9190}}, a [[bio-monitor]] {{stala|55793}}, a beige class-B Starfleet uniform {{stala|94514}}, a brown class-A uniform belt {{stala|9378}}, several uniform patches {{stala|9392}} {{stala|9393}} {{stala|9557}}, a schematic lot of ''Enterprise'' deck one's exterior {{stala|9617}}, and many background uniforms and civilian costumes. {{stala|9399}} {{stala|9401}} {{stala|9402}}

=== Saucer separation ===
* Throughout most of the filming of ''The Motion Picture'', a final ending story had yet to be developed. Designer [[Andrew Probert]] provided the producers with his own script suggestions for a visually-dramatic conclusion, and storyboarded the key event, and [[Mego]]'s licensed toy model of the new ship had instructions for separating its saucer from the secondary hull. For the record, the possibility of the original ''Enterprise''{{'}}s undergoing a saucer separation was first mentioned in the original series episode {{e|The Apple}}. But it was not until the pilot episode of ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation|The Next Generation]]'' that the maneuver was finally depicted.

=== The walk to ''V'Ger'' ===
* Twenty-two years after ''The Motion Picture'' appeared in theaters, the film was re-released with the intention of depicting an improved version, closer to the director's original vision. The ''[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition)|Director's Edition]]'' added a new sound mix and new scenes to [[Robert Wise]]'s film, but one of the most notable changes from the original version is the stunning addition of new visual effects, specifically in how the mysterious craft ''V'Ger'', is revealed. Since the walk to ''V'Ger'' scene was the climax of the movie, it was important to convey a sense of the extraordinary and fantastic by using the new visual effects to complement the original film rather than overwhelm it. Critical opinion is mixed as to whether it succeeded. Some fans are still critical of the original cut of the film that they continue to refer to it as "Star Trek: The Motion Sickness", "Star Trek: The Motionless Picture" or "Star Trek: The Slow-Motion Picture". ([[David Gerrold]]'s ''[[The World of Star Trek]]'')

=== Dating ===
There is some debate over the dating of the first ''Star Trek'' movie. The official ''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'', written by [[Michael Okuda]], places ''The Motion Picture'' in 2271, stating that it took place 2.5 years after the end of the last [[five-year mission]]. This was based on Decker's line to Kirk, that the latter had "''not logged a single star-hour in the last two and a half years''" and Kirk's line to Scotty, "''Well, two and a half years as Chief of Starfleet Operations may have made me a bit stale, but I certainly wouldn't exactly consider myself untried.''" This indicates a minimum of two-and-a-half years between the time the ''Enterprise'' returned to dry dock and the beginning of the first movie.

Okuda himself had placed the five-year mission as being from [[2264]] to [[2269]] (300 years after the episodes aired). However, this did not account for the semi-[[canon]] [[Star Trek: The Animated Series|animated series]], which most fans believe took place in late 2269 and early 2270. Furthermore, {{VOY|Q2}} (which aired in 2001, after the latest edition of the ''Encyclopedia'' was published) states that Kirk's mission ''did'' end in 2270. This would place ''The Motion Picture'' some time in [[2272]] or [[2273]] (depending at what point in [[2270]] the ship returned home).

Furthermore, Roddenberry &ndash; in [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (novel)|his novelization]] &ndash; uses the two-and-a-half year quotes, but also has Spock note a more precise span of 2.8 years (nine Vulcan seasons) since he left the crew. If the two-and-a-half years is the full amount of time, then Scotty and his team only had about twelve months to design the new ''Enterprise'' before the 18 month refit (stated by Scotty and Decker) began. With a 2.8 year gap, the design phase could have been as long as sixteen months.

Based on all of this, [[Pocket Books]] officially set the film in [[2273]] for its 2006 chronology ''[[Voyages of Imagination]]''.

On the other end of the spectrum, the latest this film could take place is [[2278]], since the ''Wrath of Khan'' style uniforms were in use by some time that year. ({{TNG|Cause and Effect}})

In addition the non-canon novel ''[[Triangle]]'', set after ''The Motion Picture'', takes place seven years after {{e|Amok Time}}, in [[2274]].

=== Apocrypha ===
*The [[Encounter at Farpoint (novel)|novelization]] of {{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}} establishes that Captain [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] first boarded the [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|''Enterprise''-D]] via shuttlecraft, a process later canonized in {{TNG|All Good Things...}}. According to the novel, Picard recalled how the then-Admiral Kirk had unwittingly begun a tradition of captains coming to their ship for the first time via shuttle instead of transporting aboard including the irony that no one really thought of the fact that Kirk traveled to ''Enterprise'' in a travel pod because of a serious transporter malfunction.

=== Merchandise gallery ===
<gallery>
File:STTMP magazine advertisement.jpg|Teaser poster
File:TheMotionPictureNovelization.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (novel)|Novelization]]
File:Making of ST TMP.jpg|''[[The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]''
File:ViewMasterSTSet3.jpg|[[View-Master]] reels
File:VectrexStarTrekBox.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Vectrex)|Vectrex game]]
File:Star Trek The Motion Picture Giant Poster Book cover.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Giant Poster Book|Giant Poster Book]]
File:TMPBlueprints.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture Blueprints|Blueprints]]
File:Tmp comic magazine.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (comic magazine)|Comic magazine]]
File:Tmp comic tpb.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (comic magazine)|Comic paperback]]
File:Tmp comic.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (comic)|Marvel TOS #1]]
File:Vger comic.jpg|[[V'Ger (comic)|Marvel TOS #2]]
File:Evolutions comic.jpg|[[Evolutions (comic)|Marvel TOS #3]]
File:Star Trek Photostory Cover 1.jpg|[[Star Trek Photostories (Pocket)|Photostory adaptation]]
File:Star Trek TMP Soundtrack.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (soundtrack)|Soundtrack]]
File:Motion Picture original UK VHS cover.jpg|[[Movies UK VHS|Original UK VHS release]]
File:Motion Picture 1991 UK VHS cover.jpg|25th Anniversary UK VHS rerelease
File:Motion Picture UK Special Collectors Edition VHS cover.jpg|UK Special Collectors Edition VHS
File:Motion Picture 1998 UK VHS cover.jpg|1998 UK VHS rerelease
File:Star Trek TMP Soundtrack Rerelease.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (soundtrack)|20th Anniversary Special Edition soundtrack]]
The Motion Picture Directors Edition DVD cover.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition)|Director's Edition DVD]]
File:Star Trek The Magazine volume 2 issue 8 cover 1.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 2, Issue 8|''Star Trek: The Magazine'' Volume 2, Issue 8]]
File:Star Trek The Motion Picture Blu-ray cover Region B.jpg|[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Blu-ray)]]
</gallery>

=== Production history ===
==== 1970s ====
* [[D.C. Fontana]] writes in ''[[Star-Borne]]'' about the possibility of a theatrical film: {{d|22|June|1972}} [http://www.fastcopyinc.com/orionpress/history.htm]
* Gene Roddenberry writes a script called "[[The God Thing]]": {{y|1975}} [http://www.well.com/~sjroby/godthing.html]
* Harold Livingston's "In Thy Image" script: {{m|August|1977}}
* Shooting script: {{d|19|July|1978}}
* Filming begins: {{d|7|August|1978}}
* Principal photography ends: {{d|26|January|1979}} (some sequences, such as the Klingon and Epsilon IX scenes, and the "Spock Walk," were shot in the summer of 1979)
* Washington, DC premiere: {{d|6|December|1979}}
* US theatrical premiere: {{d|7|December|1979}}
* Soundtrack LP record release: December 1979
* [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (novel)|Novelization]]: {{m|December|1979}}
* Marvel Comics Super Special #15 (comic adaptation): {{m|December|1979}}
* Sydney, Australia theatrical premiere: {{d|13|December|1979}}
* UK theatrical premiere: {{d|20|December|1979}}
* Melbourne, Australia theatrical premiere: {{d|21|December|1979}}
* [[View-Master]] adaptation: 1979

==== 1980s ====
* Australia theatrical general release: {{d|1|January|1980}}
* Argentina theatrical premiere: {{d|17|January|1980}}
* ''[[The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]'' (book): {{m|March|1980}}
* [[Star Trek Photostories (Pocket)|Photostory adaptation]]: 1980
* ''[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture Blueprints]]'': {{y|1980}}
* France theatrical premiere: {{d|19|March|1980}}
* West Germany theatrical premiere: {{d|27|March|1980}}
* Finland theatrical premiere: {{d|28|March|1980}}
* Sweden theatrical premiere: {{d|2|April|1980}}
* Norway theatrical premiere: {{d|7|April|1980}}
* Brazil theatrical premiere: {{d|17|April|1980}}
* [[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (comic)|Marvel TOS #1]] (comic reprint 1 of 3): {{m|April|1980}}
* Marvel TOS #2 "V'Ger" (comic reprint 2 of 3): {{m|May|1980}}
* Marvel TOS #3 "Evolutions" (comic reprint 3 of 3): {{m|June|1980}}
* Japan theatrical premiere: {{d|5|July|1980}}
* US video release (VHS and Beta formats): {{m|October|1980}}
* Capacitance Electronic Disc (CED): {{d|22|March|1981}}
* US LaserDisc: {{y|1981}}
* UK LaserDisc: {{y|1981}}
* US Network Television Premiere: ABC Television Network: {{d|20|February|1983}} (this was the first public showing of what came to be called the "Special Longer Version")
* US LaserDisc (Special longer version): {{y|1983}}
* US Betamax (Special longer version): {{y|1983}}
* Japan VHD: {{y|1985}}
* Japan LaserDisc: {{d|7|July|1985}}
* Soundtrack CD 1st release: {{y|1986}}

==== 1990s ====
* Soundtrack CD 2nd release: {{d|25|October|1990}}
* France LaserDisc: {{y|1991}}
* Germany LaserDisc: {{y|1991}}
* Netherlands LaserDisc: {{y|1991}}
* VHS: {{d|7|December|1992}}
* Japan LaserDisc: {{d|10|March|1994}}
* VHS Widescreen: {{d|2|April|1997}}
* Soundtrack CD 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition: {{d|26|January|1999}}

==== 2000s ====
* ''[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition)|Director's Edition]]'' premiere {{d|6|November|2001}}
* ''Director's Edition'' Region 1 DVD: {{d|6|November|2001}}
* ''Director's Edition'' Region 2 DVD: {{d|13|May|2002}}
* [http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=211297571&s=143441 Original theatrical release] at the [[iTunes Store]]
* [http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=270472306&s=143441/ The Director's Edition] at the [[iTunes Store]]
* Original theatrical release Blu-ray: {{d|12|May|2009}}

==Links and references==
=== Credits ===
;All credits
<tabview>
Credits for Star Trek: The Motion Picture|Show
Template:Tabview message|Hide|true|true
</tabview>

;Uncredited Co-Stars

*[[Richard Arnold]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Rosanna Attias]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Fred Bronson]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Gordon Cardoza]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Celeste Cartier]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[JoAnn Christy]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|Vulcan science division crewmember]]
*[[Verne Dietsche]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Christopher Doohan]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|engineering crewmember]]
*[[Montgomery Doohan]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|science division crewmember]]
*[[Walt Doty]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Scott Dweck]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|Vulcan science division crewmember]]
*[[Don Fanning]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Zaranite officers|Zaranite ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Dennis Fischer]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|engineering crewmember]]
*[[Cassandra Foster]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[David Gerrold]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|command division crewmember]]
*[[Brenda Gooch]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[William Guest]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[John Hayes]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Sharon Hesky]] as a Federation civilian
*[[Bill Hickey]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|science division crewmember]]
*[[Betty Kennedy]] as a Federation civilian
*[[James T. Kirk (fan)|James T. Kirk]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Katherine Kurtz]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Art Lake]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Steven Lance]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rhaandarite crewmember 1|Rhaandarite ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Randall Larson]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Don J. Long]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Barbara Minster]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Beth Moberly]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Ve Neill]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Zack Richardson]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Linda Robertson]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Susan Sackett]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|science division crewmember]]
*[[Eileen Salamas]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Kaith Shiozaki]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Kathleen Sky]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Jay Smith]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Louise Stange-Wahl]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|science division crewmember]]
*[[Leigh Strother-Vien]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Cedric Taporco]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Saurian engineer|Saurian ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Denise Tathwell]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Bjo Trimble]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|science division crewmember]]
*[[John Watts]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Andorian officers|Andorian ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
*[[Green Whitaker]] as a Federation civilian
*[[Marlene Willauer]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|civilian crewmember]]
*[[Millicent Wise]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rec deck crewmembers|engineering crewmember]]
*[[Unknown performers]] as
**[[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Andorian officers|Andorian ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
**[[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Betelgeusian science officer|Betelgeusian ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
**[[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Native American officers|Four Native American ''Enterprise'' crewmembers]]
**[[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Rhaandarite crewmember 2|Rhaandarite ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]
**[[Unnamed Starfleet personnel (23rd century)#Rhaandarite in Orbital office complex|Rhaandarite officer]]
**[[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel#Zaranite officers|Zaranite ''Enterprise'' crewmember]]

;Uncredited Stunt performers
* [[Tom Morga]] as [[stunt double]] for [[Leonard Nimoy]]
* [[Kim Washington]] as stunt double for [[Nichelle Nichols]]

;Uncredited production staff
* [[Robert Abel]] - Special Effects
* [[Bernie Abramson]] - Second Unit Director of Photography
* [[John L. Black]] - Key Grip
* [[Jim Chirco]] - Craft Serviceman
* [[William Guest]] - Special Effects: Special Props and Miniatures
* [[Pierre Jalbert]] - Editor/Dialogue Editor
* [[Dennis Jones]] - Sound-Boom Man
* [[Alexander Lepak]] - Percussionist
* [[Michael Lynn]] - Costumer
* [[Dan Maltese]] - Set Designer
* [[William Mass]] - Costumer
* [[Lisa Morton]] - Model Maker
* [[Debbi Nikkel]] - [[Apogee, Inc.]]: Production Accountant
* [[Charlie Schram]] - Makeup Artist
* [[Rick Stratton]] - Lab Technician: Makeup Department

=== References ===
[[1999]]; [[IKC Amar|''Amar'', IKC]]; [[Andorian]]s; [[air tram]]; [[air tram station]]; [[asteroid]]; [[astronomical unit]]; [[audiovisual association]]; [[binary code]]; [[biofunction monitor]]; [[black hole]]; [[carbon-based lifeform]]; [[carbon unit]]; [[carrier wave]]; [[cc]]; [[USS Columbia|''Columbia'', USS]]; [[com station]]; {{ShipClass|Constitution}}; [[Creator]]; [[dalaphaline]]; [[Drydock]]; [[Deltan]]s; [[Delta IV]]; [[Doctor of Medicine]]; [[emotion]]; [[USS Entente|''Entente'', USS]]; [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'', USS]]; [[Epsilon IX station]]; [[exocrine system]]; [[field coil]]; [[flight deck]]; [[flow sensors]]; [[God]]; [[grade 1 priority]]; [[hertz]]; [[inertial stabilizer]]; [[Klingon]]s; ''[[kolinahr]]''; {{ShipClass|K't'inga}}; [[linguacode]]; [[lunar beacon]]; [[machine planet]]; [[USS Merrimac (NCC-1715)|''Merrimac'', USS]]; [[micro-miniature hydraulics]]; [[Miss Piggy]]; [[molecule]]; [[multiprocessor chip]]; [[NASA]]; [[navigational deflectors]]; [[Nogura]]; [[oath of celibacy]]; [[orbital office complex]]; [[osmotic micropump]]; [[plasma energy]]; [[photic sonar]]; [[planetary defense system]]; [[pons]]; [[Probert]]; [[Quad L-14]]; [[radio]]; [[recreation deck]]; [[remote communications drone]]; [[USS Revere|''Revere'', USS]]; [[sensor drone]]; [[space matrix restoration coil]]; [[spanking]]; [[spinal nerve fiber connection]]; [[spray applicator]]; [[Starfleet Operations]]; [[Starfleet Order 2005]]; [[Surak (shuttlecraft)|''Surak'']]; [[thruster suit]]; [[tractor beam]]; [[transporter sensor]]; [[travel pod]]; [[twelfth power]]; ''[[V'Ger]]''; ''[[Voyager 6]]''; [[Vulcan master]]; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Vulcan embassy]]; [[Vulcan mind meld]]; [[wormhole]]; [[wormhole effect]]

=== Background references ===
[[Aaamazzarite]]s; [[Arcturian]]s; [[Betelgeusian]]s; {{USS|Enterprise|XCV 330| XCV 330}}; {{ShipClass|Federation}}; {{ShipClass|Hermes}}; [[K'normian]]s; [[Kazarite]]s; [[Megarite]]s; {{ShipClass|Ptolemy}}; [[Rhaandarite]]s; [[Rigellian]]s; {{ShipClass|Saladin}}; [[Saurian (species)|Saurian]]; [[Shamin]]; [[Zaranite]]s

== Collegamenti esterni ==
* {{wikipedia-title}}
* {{IMDb-link|type=title|page=tt0079945}}
* [http://therinofandor.blogspot.com.au/2007/08/faces-in-crowd.html Faces in the crowd] - lista esaustiva di ''fan extras'' curata da [http://therinofandor.blogspot.com/ Ian McLean]
* [http://anjaqantina.jimdo.com/star-trek-the-motion-picture/ Star Trek: the motion picture - FILM TRANSCRIPT (in italiano)] - trascrizione italiana dei dialoghi del film, da [http://anjaqantina.jimdo.com/ ''Anjaqantina'']

{| class="browser"
| class="prev" | {{first|film}}
| class="topic" | [[Film di Star Trek|Film di ''Star Trek'']]
| class="next" | Prossimo film:<br />{{film|2}}
|}


[[ca:Star Trek I: La peŀlícula]]


[[zh-cn:星际旅行：电影版]]
[[Categoria:Film di Star Trek]]
[[Categoria:Candidati Saturn Award]]

[[cs:Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]
[[de:Star Trek: Der Film]]
[[en:Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]
[[es:Star Trek I: The Motion Picture]]
[[fr:Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]
[[ja:劇場版スタートレック]]
[[nl:Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]
[[pl:Star Trek I]]
[[pt:Star Trek I: The Motion Picture]]
[[ru:Звёздный путь: Фильм]]
[[sr:Звјездане стазе: Играни филм]]
[[sv:Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]