A toy rocket with several engine nozzles, two glowing orange, resting on folded navy cloth.

Original artwork, not a still

Kirk

Scotty, I need warp speed in three minutes or we’re all dead!

— Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan • 1982

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Kirk is barking an urgent order to Scotty with a deadline attached. If the ship can't hit warp speed in three minutes, everyone aboard is doomed. The ticking clock and the stakes make it a classic engine-room crunch.

Context reviewed

Share this quote