The Trouble With Tribbles Part 21

Cyrano, making a great show out of ignoring the store-keeper: CYRANO.

Sir! There is a law against transporting harmful ani-mals from one planet to another, or weren't you aware of that...? Besides, tribbles have no teeth.

TRADER.

(trying to attract Cyrano's attention) All right. I'll double my offer. Two credits.

Cyrano, taking the tribble from Chekov and plopping it on the counter in front of the Trader: CYRANO.

Twice nothing is still nothing...

The Trader looks down at the tribble...he looks at Cyrano.

TRADER.

(eyeing the tribble) Is he clean?

CYRANO.

(eyeing the Trader) He's as clean as you are.

(a second look) I daresay a good deal cleaner...9 While they have been talking, the tribble has been inch-ing along on the counter, toward the grain. It now reaches it.

UHURA.

If you don't want him, I'll take him. I think he's cute.

Cyrano and the Trader both notice this. Trader is an-noyed. Cyrano beams.

TRADER.

(to Cyrano) All right. Four.

CYRANO.

Is that an offer or a joke?

And meanwhile, the tribble begins munching on Chekov's grain.

TRADER.

That's my offer.

CYRANO.

(starting to leave)10 Well, I can see that you're not interested...

He reaches for the tribble-the Trader stops him.

TRADER.

All right....ve...

Cyrano, returning quickly now that the Trader is talking money: CYRANO.

My friend-I'll tell you what I'll do for you. I can see that you're an honest man... I'll lower my price to eight and a half.

TRADER.

You're talking yourself out of a deal. Six. Not a cent more.

CYRANO.

Seven and a half.

(no response) Seven.

(still no response) All right, you robber. Six.

19A INSERT-TRIBBLE 19A.

happily munching on the grain; i.e., the grain is disappearing under it as the tribble throbs and croons contentedly.

19B BACK TO SHOT 19B.

TRADER.

When can I have them?

CYRANO.

Right away.

He starts pulling tribbles out of his sack.11 UHURA.

(to Trader) How much are you selling them for?

TRADER.

(already counting his pro.ts) Well, let me see now...six credits....gure a reasonable markup for a reasonable pro.t... ten per cent markup...ten credits...

20 INSERT CYRANO 20.

CYRANO.

(under his breath) Thief!

21 ANGLE 21.

TRADER.

In fact, I'll sell you this one- CHEKOV.

Hey! He's eating my grain!

Quickly Chekov moves to rescue what is left of the grain; fortunately tribbles are slow eaters.

TRADER.

(picking up the tribble) That will be ten credits- Cyrano, taking the tribble from the Trader, indignantly: CYRANO.

Sir!!! That happens to be my sample. And it is mine to do with as I please...and I please to give it to the pretty little lady, here...

UHURA.

Oh, I couldn't- CYRANO.

I insist.

TRADER.

That's right. Ruin the market.

CYRANO.

Hah! Once the pretty lady here starts to show this little precious around, you won't be able to keep up with 'em.

He gallantly hands the tribble to Uhura as we:12 DISSOLVE TO:.

22 KIRK AND SPOCK IN BRIEFING ROOM- 22 MED. ANGLE.

Perhaps each has a cup of coffee, when a wall panel or desk panel BLEEPS.

KIRK.

Kirk here.

UHURA'S VOICE.

Message from Star.eet, Captain. Priority channel. Admiral Komack speaking.

KIRK.

Transfer it in here, Lieutenant.

A pause...then the screen on the table lights.

22A INSERT-VIEW SCREEN 22A.

ADMIRAL KOMACK appears, seated at his desk.

KOMACK.

Captain Kirk.

KIRK'S VOICE.

Here, sir.

KOMACK.

Captain, it is not necessary to remind you of the importance to the Federation of Sherman's Planet. The key to our winning of this planet is the grain, quadro-triticale. The s.h.i.+pment of it must be protected. Effective immediately you will render any aid and a.s.sistance which Under-Secretary Baris may require. The safety of the grain-and the project-is your responsibility. Star.eet out.13 22B BACK TO TWO SHOT 22B.

KIRK.

(beat) Now that's just lovely.

SPOCK.

But not entirely unexpected.

The panel BLEEPS again.

UHURA'S VOICE.

Captain Kirk! Captain Kirk!

KIRK.

Kirk here. What's the matter, Lieutenant?

UHURA'S VOICE.

Sensors are picking up a Klingon battle cruiser-rapidly closing on the station!

23 TIGHT SHOT ON KIRK 23.

as he reacts.

KIRK.

Contact Commander Lurry. We're on our way.

24 ANGLE 24.

as he and Spock race for the door, not even waiting for Uhura's acknowledgment.

24A INT. CORRIDOR 24A.