[omegaman]

Here goes...

A theory of what might happen...

Old Spock (Nimoy) learns of a plot to destroy Earth by a Romulan named Nero who is the grandson of the Romulan Commander from the "Balance of Terror" episode.

Before Spock can warn the present day Federation he is kidnapped by Nero and taken into Earth's past where a Romulan team are preparing to drill a hole into Earth's core and deploy a weapon to blow the planet up.

Somehow Spock manages to escape using one of the Romulan ships or shuttle and tries to flee. Using his time warp calculations he tries to get back to his present time to warn the Federation but his ship has been damaged and the power is dropping. Spock realises that he only has enough power for a minimal jump and therefore modifies his calculations to jump to the Pike/Kirk era where he warns his younger self of the situation before dying of injuries received during his escape.

Unknown to the crew of the Enterpise several Romulan ships have followed the dying Spock and a battle ensues between them and Enterprise. The Enterprise defeats the Romulans and then travels back in time to ultimately stop Nero from blowing up planet Earth!

[MissionTrek08]

I like many parts of your theory except the 'destruction scenario' ... it's too Austin Powers.

[omegaman]

Originally Posted by MissionTrek08

I like many parts of your theory except the 'destruction scenario' ... it's too Austin Powers.

I suspose blowing up the Sun is a bit over the top?

Maybe they travel back into the past to the time of prehistoric man and blanket the planet with radiation to kill off the developing humans?

or to kill of Kirks parents?

[Juan Martinez]

Ok, so, if Spock goes to the future and leaves the romulans behind, that means the romulans alter the future and spock will have no one to warn. Kind of like back to the future where marty wants to go to the future but isn't the same future cause the timeline is messed up. Spock would have to go further back into the past to stop them from the start and really couldn't get help unless it was from the vulcans of the new, earthless timeline.

[Zardoz]

Spoiler!

What if Spock gors back in time to chase Nero, but has the oppertunity to save Pike from the accident that cripples him, or warn him about Talos?

[dholleyuk]

I think it will be linked to Starfleet academy, and possibly Kirks past, otherwise why have Kirks parents in it?

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by dholleyuk

I think it will be linked to Starfleet academy, and possibly Kirks past, otherwise why have Kirks parents in it?

To do a lovely dance number?ROFL!!!

[dholleyuk]

To do a lovely dance number?ROFL!!!

Then they will have to add Zefram Cochrane to the list of actors, otherwise there will be no "magic carpet ride" song

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by dholleyuk

Then they will have to add Zefram Cochrane to the list of actors, otherwise there will be no "magic carpet ride" song

Well he's "missing" by then, so that wouldn't work...

[MissionTrek08]

Originally Posted by dholleyuk

I think it will be linked to Starfleet academy, and possibly Kirks past, otherwise why have Kirks parents in it?

My suggestion is to look at the casting of Kirk's parents and family, including Young Kirk. No big name stars among them. The movie is not going to spend much time with Young Kirk or his family, no matter how they figure into the plot. Chris Pine will be the starring Kirk and the bulk of screen time will feature him as an adult in range of the actor's age.

My guess remains that the story shows a brief scene of Young Kirk on earth, with his brother and family, as a moment setting up why James Kirk ends up in the Academy and eventually the starfleet. Perhaps he witnesses the launch of the 1701, etc.