One of my friends watched the original Star Trek episode, "Balance of Terror" the other day and we got to talking about it. It's the one where the Romulans attack Federation outposts along the neutral zone and Kirk must decide whether to chase the invading ship back across the zone to destroy it before it reaches Romulan space.
There's a scene where the command crew is debating on their next course of action. I suspect that were that scene written in today's political climate, the scene might go a little differently. (Forgive the improper script formatting.)
SPOCK
I agree – attack.
KIRK
Are you suggesting that we fight to prevent a fight?
MCCOY
Based on what? Memories of a war over a century ago? On theories about a people we've never even met face-to-face?
STILES
Doctor McCoy, why do you hate the Federation?
MCCOY
What?
STILES
Besides, we know what they look like.
SPOCK
Yes, indeed we do, Mr. Stiles. And if the Romulans are an off-shoot of my Vulcan blood – and I think this likely – then attack becomes even more imperative.
MCCOY
War is never imperative.
SPOCK
Seriously, Doctor. If you hate the Federation so much, why are you even at this meeting? Shouldn't you be attending to the wounded on the Romulan ship?
MCCOY
I do not hate the Federation! I'm simply pointing out . . .
KIRK
Bones, Sulu has already laid in the course. We must stay the course. If we cut and run now, the Romulans win. Do you want the Romulans to win?
MCCOY
Of course not, but we should consider . . .
KIRK
Then it's settled. We'll attack the nearest Klingon ship. That'll show those Romulans.
And . . . scene.
Thanks very much. I'll be here all week.
6 comments:
Of course, on the other side, you could also foresee a scenario in which Bones refuses to allow Spock to even advocate war and starts yelling and screaming to keep anyone from hearing him. When Kirk tries to get Bones to shut up, Bones accuses Kirk of being a racist, war monger seeking to kill peace-loving Romulans.
Cool! Bill O'Reilly is responding to MY blog! Awesome.
;-)
I'm not Bill O'Reilly, I'm Teve Torbes.
Also, if you recall, I commented to you on how irrational Bones, as usual, was being, by refusing to even consider the possibility that the others might be right.
NICE!
Isn't it interesting that, in high school, I wanted to emulate you. In our adulthood, you've been becoming more and more like me. Now the circle is complete.
Whose side are you guys on? Why are you giving aid and comfort to our enemies with this satire?
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