Screenplay by
Rick Berman, Ronald D. Moore, Brannon Braga
FINAL DRAFT
March 16, 1994
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 1
A vast and sparkling starfield. A pinpoint of LIGHT
appears and starts moving toward the camera... a small
and distant cylindrical object tumbling end over end,
but we can't determine exactly what it is yet...
2 EXT. WHEATFIELD - DAY 2
A vast and undulating sea of wheat. We become aware
that there are two HEADS sticking out of the stalks of
wheat: two men are standing and looking up at the
sky. As we move towards them, we begin to hear their
conversation...and we can see that the two men are
SCOTTY and CHEKOV, dressed in civilian clothing.
CHEKOV
(points to sky)
There he is -- there, to the
South!
SCOTTY
(peers upward)
What are ye, blind? That's a
bird.
As they stare up at the sky...
3 EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 3
The cylinder tumbling through space is now closer, and
we can now see that it is a BOTTLE of some sort, and it
is tumbling directly toward the camera...
4 EXT. WHEATFIELD- DAY 4
As before, Chekov and Scotty staring at the sky.
SCOTTY
(concerned)
Repelling the Crystalline
Trench... rafting down lava
flows... orbital skydiving. it's
like the man is running a bloody
decathlon across the galaxy.
Suddenly we hear a double SONIC BOOM.
CHEKOV
(re: sound)
That should be him now. I think
he's just crossed the sound
barrier.
They shield their eyes against the sun and look up.
5 EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 5
The bottle gets CLOSER...
6 EXT. WHEATFIELD - DAY 6
A man in a high-tech body harness and parachute LANDS
in the wheat flat on his back. His body-suit is
charred, scorched, wisps of smoke still curling off of
it. There are small thrusters attached to his backpack
and boots. Scotty and Chekov move to him. The man
removes his helmet. Revealing that it is KIRK. He
smiles broadly, like a child who has just come off a
roller-coaster.
KIRK
Right on target! I jump out over
the Arabian Peninsula... and I end
up here, right on the dime.
Kirk gets to his feet.
CHEKOV
Actually, Captain, your precise
target area was thirty-five
meters...
(points)
That way.
KIRK
Thanks for pointing that out.
Kirk starts to pull off his suit, reacts to a sudden
pain in his back.
KIRK
Oh...
SCOTTY
I've warned ye about that back of
yours. You should have a doctor
take a look at it.
Kirk waves him away, and continues to remove his
harness.
6A EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 6A
The tumbling bottle rushes past, and we can now see
that it is a CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE - Dom Perignon, 2265.
Follow the bottle as it tumbles through space...
6B EXT. WHEATFIELD - DAY 6B
Kirk, Scotty and Chekov as before.
KIRK
Tomorrow I want to make a tri-
elliptical jump. That's where you
jump out over Northern China, and
make three complete orbits before
you start re-entry...
CHEKOV
Captain. Perhaps you have
forgotten that tomorrow is the
christening ceremony.
This strikes a nerve with Kirk -- we see a flash of
hesitation and irritation cross his face.
KIRK
I'm not going.
(beat)
Scotty, help me with this chute.
SCOTTY
What do you mean, you're not
going? We promised.
KIRK
When I retired, I swore I'd never
set foot on a starship again, and
I meant it.
CHEKOV
Captain...
KIRK
(firm)
I don't want to hear anymore about
it. I'm not going, and that's
final.
7 EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 7
The champagne bottle SMASHES onto the bow of a
Federation starship(Excelsior class) sitting in its
dock in orbit around Earth.
7A EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 7A
FOLLOW the shards of glass from the bottle as they
spread over the ship...revealing the name on the hull:
U.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-B.
8 ANGLE ON SPACEDOCK WINDOW 8
A large picture window overlooking the starship in its
berth. The window is filled with people in Starfleet
uniforms, applauding the christening of the ship (but
we hear nothing).
8A INT. SPACEDOCK OBSERVATION ROOM (VFX-I) 8A
The people are still applauding and we can see that
they are looking out over the ship in its berth.
8B EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B IN SPACEDOCK (VFX-I) 8B
The great ship sits in spacedock.
9 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 9
CLOSE ON A SET OF TURBOLIFT DOORS as they slide open to
reveal Kirk, Scotty and Chekov. A bright light shines
into their faces and they react. MOVE TO REVEAL -
that the bright light is coming from a futuristic
CAMERA with a small bank of lights attached to it. The
camera is a holographic recorder with two lenses and is
worn on an operator's head. There are four JOURNALISTS
clustered in front of the Turbolift -- one associated
with the camera, the others using PADDS to make
notations.
Also clustered around the door are the BRIDGE CREW of
the Enterprise-B. Everyone is APPLAUDING as Kirk and
the others blink under the bright lights and ENTER the
Bridge.
JOURNALISTS
(overlapping)
Captain Kirk, how does it feel
to be back on the Enterprise
Bridge... Captain, can I have a
Minute... Captain Scott, do you
have any comment on... Commander
Chekov... etc.
CAPTAIN JOHN HARRIMAN pushes through the crowd.
HARRIMAN
Excuse me, excuse me...there will
be plenty of time for questions
later...
The journalists edge away, and the cameraman moves to
get a good angle.
HARRIMAN
(continuing, to all)
I'm Captain John Harriman. I'd
like to welcome you all aboard.
KIRK
It's our pleasure.
Harriman is young, confident, eager -- this is his
first command and he takes it very seriously.
HARRIMAN
I just want you to know how
excited we all are to have a group
of living legends with us on our
maiden voyage.
(beat)
I remember reading about your
missions when I was in grade
school.
The original Enterprise officers all stop and give him
a look. Harriman looks a little embarrassed -- he
didn't mean to insult them. But Kirk gives him a
little smile, lets it roll off.
KIRK
Well... may we have a look around?
HARRIMAN
Please... please.
Chekov sees someone in the background, calls out to
her.
CHEKOV
Demora!
Chekov moves off.
JOURNALIST
(breezy)
So, Captain... this is the first
Starship Enterprise in thirty
years without James T. Kirk in
command. How do you feel about
that?
The Journalist has unknowingly touched a nerve. Kirk's
eyes flash for a moment -- the longer he's on this
Bridge, the more he realizes he doesn't feel good about
it at all. He tries to shrug it off with a smile.
KIRK
Just fine. I'm glad to be here to
send her on her way...
He tries to move away from the Journalist, who dogs
him.
JOURNALIST
What have you been doing since you
retired?
KIRK
I've been... keeping busy.
At this point, Chekov approaches with a young, (mid-
twenties) attractive, Asian female Ensign named DEMORA.
CHEKOV
(to Kirk)
Excuse me, Captain. I'd like you
to meet the Helmsman of the
Enterprise-B. Ensign Demora Sulu --
Captain James Kirk.
DEMORA
It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.
My father's told me some...
interesting stories about you.
Kirk is shocked. For a long moment, he stares at her
in amazement.
KIRK
Your father... Hikaru Sulu is your
father?
DEMORA
Yes, sir.
CHEKOV
You met her once before, but she
was...
Chekov holds out his hand and indicates a very short
height.
KIRK
But that wasn't so long ago... it
couldn't have been more than...
CHEKOV
Twelve years, sir.
KIRK
Yes... well... congratulations,
Ensign. It wouldn't be the
Enterprise without a Sulu at the
helm.
DEMORA
Thank you, sir.
(to Chekov)
Let me show you the new inertial
guidance system.
Demora and Chekov move off and Kirk looks after them
for a long beat. The expression on his face changes
from shock to sadness... Something is clearly
bothering him.
Scotty moves over to Kirk, with a smile on his face.
SCOTTY
(to Kirk)
Damn fine ship if you ask me...
But Kirk's mind is still on Demora. He watches her as
she moves to the Helmsman's position.
KIRK
You know, Scotty... it amazes me.
SCOTTY
And what would that be, sir?
KIRK
Sulu. When did he find the time
for a family?
SCOTTY
It's like you always said -- if
something's important enough, you
make the time.
Kirk nods absently. Scotty realizes something...
SCOTTY
So... that's why you've been
running around the galaxy like an
eighteen-year-old. Finding
retirement a little lonely, are we?
Kirk gives him a look.
KIRK
With that kind of tact, I'm glad
you're an engineer and not a
psychiatrist.
Harriman interrupts.
HARRIMAN
Excuse me, gentlemen... if you'll
take your seats.
KIRK
Oh... of course.
10 NEW ANGLE 10
Revealing that three CHAIRS have been neatly arranged
to one side.
Scotty, Kirk and Chekov all take their seats. The
Journalists take positions on the opposite side of the
Bridge. Harriman moves to the command chair and the
rest of the Bridge crew go to their stations.
HARRIMAN
(to all)
Prepare to leave spacedock. Aft
thrusters ahead one quarter, port
and starboard at station keeping.
(beat)
Captain Kirk, I'd be honored if
you would give the order to get
underway.
KIRK
No... no. Thank you.
HARRIMAN
Please, I insist.
All eyes on Kirk -- he has little choice. He stands
uncomfortably. There is a moment of anticipation.
KIRK
(to all)
Take us out.
Everyone breaks into APPLAUSE. Kirk sits down in
acute embarrassment and annoyance.
CHEKOV
(sotto)
Very good, sir.
SCOTTY
(sotto)
Brought a tear to my eye.
CUT TO:
11 EXT. SPACE- ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 11
The great ship majestically LEAVES the dock, and heads
out into open space, passing DIRECTLY OVERHEAD.
12 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 12
A short time later. Harriman turns to his guests.
HARRIMAN
Well... we've just cleared the
asteroid belt. Our course will
take us out beyond Pluto and then
back to spacedock. Just a quick
run around the block.
(beat)
If we have time, we'll conduct a
few tests of the warp --
Suddenly the communications console starts to BEEP.
The COM OFFICER hits a few commands in response.
COM OFFICER
(to Harriman)
We're picking up a distress call,
Captain.
This grabs everyone's attention.
HARRIMAN
On speakers.
We hear the voice of a crewmember who sounds panicked
and urgent.
COM VOICE
(fritzed)
This is the transport ship Lakul.
We're caught in some kind of
energy distortion. We can't break
free... need immediate help...
It' tearing us --
The voice is drowned out by STATIC. The SCIENCE
OFFICER checks something on his console. The
Journalist with the Holo-camera turns on his light and
pans it around to capture the action.
SCIENCE OFFICER
The Lakul is one of two ships
transporting El-Aurian refugees to
Earth.
Harriman blinks a couple of times, surprised at this
unexpected turn of events. Kirk watches him intently.
Harriman clears his throat, then turns to Demora.
HARRIMAN
Can you locate them?
DEMORA
The ships are bearing at three one
zero mark two one five. Distance:
Three light years.
HARRIMAN
Signal the closest starship.
We're in no condition to mount a
rescue... We don't even have a
full crew aboard.
The NAVIGATOR checks his console.
NAVIGATOR
We're the only one in range, sir.
The Holo-camera light is shined on Harriman as he
shifts in his seat, hesitant to take the plunge. Kirk
is drumming his fingers impatiently on his leg.
Finally, Harriman takes a breath and straightens his
jacket a bit.
HARRIMAN
Well, then... I guess it's up to
us.
(to Demora)
Helm, lay in an intercept course
and engage at maximum warp.
Kirk fidgets in his chair, itching to get in on the
action - his instincts taking over. Scotty shoots him
a side-long glance.
SCOTTY
Is there something wrong with your
chair, Captain?
Kirk gives him a look.
13 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 13
The ship snaps into warp.
14 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 14
A few minutes later. Demora is watching her console.
DEMORA
We're within visual range of the
energy distortion, Captain.
HARRIMAN
On screen.
15 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (VFX-I) 15
Which now shows a HUGE RIBBON OF CRACKLING ENERGY
directly ahead of the Enterprise-B.
Everyone reacts to the bizarre sight.
CHEKOV
What the hell is that?
DEMORA
(off console)
I've found the transport ships.
15A INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (VFX-I) 15A
The Viewscreen now shows TWO TRANSPORT SHIPS trapped
like insects in the violent torrent of energy. The
ships are being buffeted and thrown about by large
TENDRILS of CRACKLING ENERGY.
DEMORA
(cont'd)
Their hulls are starting to buckle
under the stress -- they won't
survive much longer.
The ship suddenly SHAKES. The Navigator works his
console.
NAVIGATOR
We're encountering severe
gravimetric distortions from the
energy ribbon.
HARRIMAN
We'll have to keep our distance...
we don't want to get pulled in
too...
Harriman frowns at the screen, trying to figure out
what to do. Kirk can barely contain himself -- to him
the answer is obvious. He blurts out the answer --
KIRK
Tractor beam...
Scotty quickly elbows him in the side -- this isn't
Kirk's ship. Kirk shuts up. Harriman glances at Kirk.
HARRIMAN
We don't have a tractor beam.
KIRK
You left spacedock without a
tractor beam?
HARRIMAN
It won't be installed until
Tuesday.
(beat)
Ensign Sulu... try generating a
subspace field around the ships.
That might break them free.
DEMORA
Aye, sir.
When Kirk hears this order, he shakes his head slightly
and mouths the word "no" under his breath. He knows
that won't work.
DEMORA
(continuing; shakes her
head)
There's too much quantum
interference, Captain.
Harriman frowns again, trying to come up with another
solution, but it isn't easy -- it's his first day in
command; his ship is under-manned and ill-prepared.
It's a nightmare come true. Kirk is itching to get in
On this, his fingers digging into the arms of his chair --
but he restrains himself.
HARRIMAN
What about... venting plasma from
the warp nacelles? That might
disrupt the ribbon's hold on the
ships.
NAVIGATOR
Aye, sir.. releasing drive
plasma...
A tense beat. Harriman glances over at the
journalists, then glances over at Kirk. Kirk gives him
a pained smile, trying to be encouraging even though he
knows this is not the right course of action.
NAVIGATOR
(continuing)
It's not having any effect, sir.
I think --
DEMORA
Sir! The starboard vessel's hull
is collapsing --
15B INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (VFX-I) 15B
Suddenly the right-hand ship on the screen is engulfed
by a fiery TENDRIL of energy and it EXPLODES. The
other ship continues to be thrown about and buffeted.
Everyone reacts with shock on the Bridge.
CHEKOV
How many people were aboard
that ship?
DEMORA
Two hundred sixty-five.
Harriman pales at the sight... seems shell-shocked by
the destruction of the ship. He's overwhelmed now, at
a genuine loss as to what to do next.
DEMORA
(urgent)
The Lakul's hull integrity is down
to twelve percent, sir.
Harriman looks over at Kirk, who has remained quiet
during this entire sequence only through great effort
and out of deference to the young Captain. This is a
delicate moment -- Harriman doesn't want to look
incapable, but at the same time, he needs help.
HARRIMAN
Captain Kirk... I would appreciate
any... suggestions you might have.
Kirk is out of his chair like a cork out of a bottle.
He moves down to stand next to Harriman.
KIRK
(sotto)
First -- move us within
transporter range and beam those
people to the Enterprise.
Harriman looks at him with surprise.
HARRIMAN
What about the gravimetric
distortions? They'll tear us
apart...
KIRK
(gently)
Risk is part of the game if you
want to sit in that chair.
Kirk gives him a supportive look. Harriman buckles
down and grimly looks at the image on the screen.
HARRIMAN
Helm, close to within transporter
range.
Kirk glances at the Cameraman, who's still shining the
light on them all.
KIRK
And second -- turn that damned
thing off.
The cameraman turns OFF the light.
CUT TO:
16 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 16
The ship edges in yet closer to the crackling ribbon.
The tendrils from the ribbon lash out at the ship, just
missing it.
17 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 17
As before.
DEMORA
We're within range, sir.
HARRIMAN
(to lieutenant)
Beam them directly to Sickbay.
CHEKOV
(concerned)
How big's your medical staff?
HARRIMAN
(embarrassed)
The medical staff... doesn't
arrive until Tuesday.
Chekov turns to the two journalists.
CHEKOV
You and you. You've just become
nurses. Let's go.
Chekov and the journalists EXIT to the turbolift.
DEMORA
Main Engineering reports
fluctuations in the warp plasma
relays.
SCOTTY
By-pass the relays and go to
auxiliary systems.
The LIEUTENANT is having problems at the aft console.
LIEUTENANT
Sir, I'm having trouble locking
onto them. They appear to be...
in some sort of... temporal flux.
Kirk turns to Scotty.
KIRK
Scotty?
Scotty quickly moves to look at the Transporter
console.
SCOTTY
What the hell...
Kirk moves to him.
SCOTTY
Their life signs are... are
phasing in and out of our
space-time continuum.
KIRK
Phasing? To where?
Scotty begins to work.
NAVIGATOR
Sir! Their hull's collapsing!
18 EXT. SPACE- THE LAKUL (VFX-I) 18
The ship is destroyed by an energy tendril.
19 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 19
All eyes on Scotty.
SCOTTY
I got forty-seven of them...
(beat, grim)
... out of one hundred fifty.
Suddenly the ship is rocked violently. KLAXONS and
alarms start to wail and the lights FLICKER on and off.
BULKHEAD EXPLODES, sending metal fragments screaming
across the Bridge and KILLING the Navigator. Scotty
quickly takes over the dead man's console.
KIRK
Report!
DEMORA
We're caught in a gravimetric
field emanating from the trailing
edge of the ribbon.
HARRIMAN
All engines, full reverse!
20 EXT. SPACE- ENTERPRISE-B & RIBBON (VFX-I) 20
The ship is turning sideways into the WAKE of the
ribbon, but cannot break away. It is clearly being
pulled along, out of control. Tendrils leap up from the
ribbon, lashing against the ship.
21 INT. ENTERPRISE-B- SICKBAY 21
The room is filled with the SURVIVORS of the Lakul.
They are all members of the EL-AURIAAN race -- humanoid
and dressed in distinctive clothing. The survivors are
in various states of shock. Many sit on the floor,
staring into middle distance. some lie on tables,
unconscious. others are mumbling incoherently to
themselves. Chekov and the Journalists are moving from
person to person trying to get control of the
situation as the ship is ROCKED and FLUNG about.
Chekov has a tricorder.
SURVIVORS
(incoherent, overlapping)
The colors are touching me... I'm
caught in the glass... Help me...
I can see the seconds... Over
here... etc
CHEKOV
It will be all right. We're going
to take care of you.
He looks at the tricorder.
CHEKOV
(off tricorder)
Only minor injuries so far...
(beat)
But it looks like they're all
suffering from some kind of
neural shock.
One Journalist moves past a man sitting on a bio-bed
with a dazed look on his face. He has a nasty-looking
wound on one side of his face. (We will later learn
that this man is named DOCTOR SORAN.)
The journalist is about to turn away when suddenly
Soran GRABS him roughly -- clearly a man of great
Strength -- and pulls him close. Soran's eyes are
suddenly wild, crazed.
SORAN
Why...why?
JOURNALIST
It's all right... you're safe...
you're on the Enterprise.
SORAN
No... I have to go... I have to
get back... You don't understand!
Let me go!
Soran begins to attack the journalist, but before he
can do any real damage, Chekov injects Soran with a
hypospray and Soran falls unconscious.
JOURNALIST
What was he talking about?
Suddenly a WOMAN with her back toward us stumbles
nearby. Chekov quickly grabs her arm and catches her
before she falls.
CHEKOV
Easy there...
The woman turns around and we see her face for the
first time -- it's GUINAN. She seems dazed and
confused. Chekov smiles at her warmly.
CHEKOV
It's going to be okay. Here, just
lie down.
As he guides Guinan onto a table...
22 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE (VFX-I) 22
Energy ribbon on viewscreen.
DEMORA
Inertial dampers failing.
SCOTTY
Engines not responding!
Harriman is gripping the arms of his chair with one
hand. His face pales.
HARRIMAN
(quiet)
I didn't expect to die my first
day on the job.
Kirk tries to buck up the young captain.
KIRK
(sotto)
The first thing you learn as
Captain is how to cheat death.
(beat, then louder)
Scotty?
SCOTTY
(outraged)
There's just no way to disrupt a
gravimetric field of this
magnitude!
DEMORA
Hull integrity failing.
Kirk looks at Scotty expectantly for a moment.
SCOTTY
(continuing)
But I do have a theory...
KIRK
I thought you might.
SCOTTY
An anti-matter discharge directly
ahead... it might disrupt the
field long enough for us to break
away.
KIRK
A photon torpedo?
SCOTTY
Aye.
KIRK
(quickly, to Demora)
Load torpedo bays, prepare to fire
on my command.
Demora turns to him.
DEMORA
Captain... we don't have any
torpedoes.
Kirk glances at Harriman.
KIRK
Don't tell me... Tuesday.
Harriman nods, a little embarrassed. The SHAKING gets
worse.
SCOTTY
Captain, it may be possible to
simulate a torpedo blast using a
resonance burst from the main
deflector dish.
KIRK
(onto the idea)
Where are the deflector relays?
DEMORA
Deck fifteen, section twenty-one
alpha
HARRIMAN
(to Kirk)
I'll go. You have the Bridge.
Harriman heads for the turbolift, and there is a moment
as Kirk is sorely tempted to take command of the ship
and sit in the Captain's chair one more time. But he
pulls himself back before Harriman can exit.
KIRK
No... a Captain's place is on the
Bridge of his ship.
(beat)
I'll take care of it.
Harriman nods in acknowledgement. Kirk heads for the
turbolift.
KIRK
(on the move, to Scotty)
Keep her together until I get
back.
SCOTTY
(matter of fact)
I always do.
Kirk smiles as the turbolift doors slide shut...
23 OMITTED 23
24 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - CORRIDOR 24
Kirk running down the corridor, opens a door.
25 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - DEFLECTOR ROOM (CONTINUOUS) 25
A small control room with a few consoles. Kirk rushes
in and rips off one of the large wall panels. He
quickly begins to re-route cabling and circuitry...
26 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 26
As before. The ship is SHAKING badly.
DEMORA
Forty-five seconds to structural
collapse!
Scotty is working the consoles frantically.
SCOTTY
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
INTERCUT:
27 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - DEFLECTOR ROOM 27
Kirk working furiously.
KIRK
Kirk here.
SCOTTY
Captain, I don't know how much
longer I can hold her together!
Kirk finishes working and slams the wall panel closed.
KIRK
That's it. Go!
28 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 28
As before.
HARRIMAN
(to Demora)
Activate main deflector.
Demora works the console.
29 EXT. SPACE- ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 29
A large BURST 0F ENERGY leaps out of the main deflector
dish and EXPLODES in front of the ship. There is an
immediate reaction within the Energy Ribbon, which
roils and fluctuates in response.
30 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 30
As before.
SCOTTY
We're breaking free.
31 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 31
The ship now begins to turn away from the crackling
ribbon. But just as it's turning, one final TENDRIL of
energy suddenly leaps out and hits the ship.
32 OMITTED 32
33 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - BRIDGE 33
The ship is ROCKED so hard that everyone is knocked off
their feet. Gradually, the SHAKING STOPS. Demora
scrambles back into position.
DEMORA
We're clear.
Everyone reacts with relief.
HARRIMAN
(excited, to com)
You did it, Kirk!
(to Demora)
Damage report, Ensign.
DEMORA
(off console)
There's some buckling on the
starboard nacelle...
(reacts)
We've also got a hull breach in
the Engineering section.
Emergency forcefields are in place
and holding.
SCOTTY
Where?
DEMORA
Sections twenty through twenty-
eight on decks thirteen...
fourteen...
(looks at Scotty with
meaning)
... and fifteen.
Everyone turns around and looks at Scotty.
SCOTTY
(to com)
Bridge to Captain Kirk.
(beat)
Captain Kirk, please respond.
Still no response. Scotty's face falls.
SCOTTY
(continuing, to Demora)
Have Chekov meet me on deck
fifteen.
Harriman, very concerned, gets up and follows Scotty.
They EXIT to the Turbolift.
CUT TO:
34 INT. ENTERPRISE-B - CORRIDOR 34
Scotty and Harriman head down the Corridor. They round
a bend... and then stop short. They react to
something ahead of them...
35 NEW ANGLE (VFX-P) 35
Revealing that the corridor ahead of them is GONE. A
jagged hole has been ripped in the ship and OPEN SPACE
can be seen beyond the twisted metal.
A FORCEFIELD flickers on and off, holding the vacuum of
space at bay.
Scotty and Harriman look at the awesome sight for a
moment. Chekov comes running up the Corridor behind
them. He stops and reacts.
CHEKOV
My God...
(beat)
Was anyone in there?
A long silent beat as Scotty looks out into space.
SCOTTY
Aye.
36 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 36
A huge chunk has been ripped out of the Engineering
section, looking like an open wound. Scotty, Chekov,
and Harriman can be seen standing inside the small
Corridor, looking out into space...
37 INT. ENTERPRISE-B- BRIDGE 37
A short time later. Scotty, Harriman and Chekov are
listening to Demora, who is working the Helm console.
DEMORA
I've checked the entire ship and
the surrounding space. there's
no sign of him.
A silent moment. Chekov looks to Scotty, hoping to
hear some sort of miracle. Scotty takes a moment
looks at the empty command chair. Then he shakes his
head. A long beat as everyone is forced to accept this
terrible truth.
SCOTTY
(quiet)
Just a quick... run around the
block.
CHEKOV
I never thought it would end like
this...
SCOTTY
All things must end, Mr. Chekov.
Harriman finally breaks the stillness of the Bridge.
HARRIMAN
Let's go home.
Harriman steps down to the Captain's chair and takes
command of his ship.
Scotty and Chekov exchange a final look. Off the
reactions of these two friends who've just lost someone
very dear to them both...
CUT TO:
38 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I) 38
The crippled ship turns and heads away...
FADE TO BLACK.
SUPER: SEVENTY-EIGHT YEARS LATER...
39 CLOSE ON A HALYARD 39
as a FLAG is quickly hoisted to the top of a mast. The
flag reaches the top and is then caught by the wind --
the blue and white banner of the United Federation of
Planets waves in the breeze.
MOVE TO REVEAL THE LOCATION
40 EXT. SAILING VESSEL - DAY 40
A nineteenth-century three-masted sailing vessel (about
the size of a frigate) is hove-to and sitting in the
water gently rocking. Across the stern of the ship, we
can see the name ENTERPRISE picked out in gold letters.
41 ON THE MAIN DECK 41
Where PICARD and RIKER are standing before the
assembled crew of the ship. Everyone is dressed in
full-dress naval uniforms of the period, complete with
cocked hats, epaulettes, etc. The crew is standing at
attention... the wind whistles through the rigging...
the timbers creak...
Picard grimly looks over his crew... then finally he
nods to Riker.
RIKER
Bring out the prisoner!
A drummer begins a long DRUM ROLL.
42 ON A HATCH 42
as WORF is brought on deck by TROI and GEORDI. Worf is
shackled by hand and leg irons. Troi and Geordi hold
him by either arm and shove him toward the Captain.
The drum roll STOPS. Picard moves to Worf and peers at
him closely.
PICARD
Mister Worf... I always knew this
day would come. Are you prepared
to face the charges?
Worf doesn't answer and Troi jabs him in the side.
TROI
Answer him!
WORF
I am prepared.
Picard looks to Riker, who then pulls out a large,
rolled piece of parchment. He opens the scroll and
begins to read from it. In the b.g. Geordi removes
Worf's shackles.
RIKER
"We, the officers and crew of the
U.S.S. Enterprise, being of sound
mind and judgment, hereby make
the following charges against
Lieutenant Worf: One. That he did
knowingly and willfully perform
above and beyond the call of duty
on countless occasions. Two.
That he has been a good and solid
officer on this ship for one score
less twelve years. And Three.
Most seriously... that he has
earned the respect and admiration
of the entire crew."
Riker puts away the scroll
PICARD
There can be only one punishment
for such crimes...
(beat)
I hereby promote you to the rank
of Lieutenant Commander, with all
the rights and privileges thereto.
And may God have mercy on your
soul.
Everyone ROARS in APPROVAL. Picard smiles at Worf and
shakes his hand.
PICARD
(cont'd)
Congratulations, Commander.
WORF
(smiles)
Thank you, sir.
Picard continues to smile at him for a moment...then
Riker steps in.
RIKER
Extend the plank!!
Worf's face registers surprise as everyone GRABS HIM
and hauls him toward the side, where a long plank is
being pushed out over the water.
CREWMEMBERS
Into the sea with him... feed him
to the sharks... walk the
plank... etc.
Picard gives Riker a questioning look.
PICARD
Don't you think you're taking this
a little too far, Number One?
RIKER
When we went to ancient Rome for
Deanna's promotion, we threw her
to the lions, remember?
Picard shrugs it off... it's not exactly his cup of
tea, but he'll go along with it.
Worf is hustled to the rail where BEVERLY is waiting
patiently by the plank, holding a long PIKE. Worf is
put on the plank and Crusher prods him with the pike
until Worf is nearly at the end.
Worf finally stops and turns around.
WORF
(a shout)
WAIT!!
Everyone falls silent a moment. Worf looks over
the side at the water below.
WORF
(a little embarrassed)
I can't swim.
LA FORGE
(calmly, to Worf)
The Holodeck safety program is
engaged... The computer won't let
you drown.
BEVERLY
But the sharks are quite
convincing.
Beverly prods him with the pike and Worf FALLS INTO THE
SEA with a huge SPLASH . Everyone LAUGHS and CHEERS.
Reveal DATA, who is standing near the side rail,
looking a little confused at the reaction.
DATA
(to Beverly)
Doctor, I must confess I am
uncertain as to why pushing
someone into freezing, shark-
infested water is amusing.
BEVERLY
It's all done in good fun, Data.
Get in the spirit of things.
DATA
Ah.
Data thinks a moment, then he LIFTS Beverly with one
hand and hold her over the rail.
BEVERLY
Data...Data -- !
Data lets go and Beverly PLUMMETS into the ocean. Data
looks around -- no one is laughing. They all look a
little surprised.
GEORDI
Data. that wasn't funny.
Data is puzzled by the reaction of the crowd... he's
more confused than ever.
43 PICARD AND RIKER 43
are standing on the quarterdeck as a very wet Beverly
comes up on deck.
PICARD
Well, now that we're all aboard...
(beat, then smiles)
Number One, bring the ship before
the wind.
(savoring the moment)
Let's see what's out there.
RIKER
Aye, aye, sir.
(to Troi)
Take the wheel, Commander.
Troi takes the ship's wheel.
RIKER
(shouts)
All hands make sail! Raise up
tacks and stand by the braces!
The crew springs into action... rushing to their places
aloft and on deck... grabbing ropes and lines...
starting to unfurl the sails... trimming the
yardarms... getting the ship ready to sail.
44 44
THRU OMITTED THRU
45 45
46 PICARD AND RIKER 46
Picard is drinking in the scene with a look of great
satisfaction and contentment.
PICARD
Imagine what it was like, Will. No
engines... no computers... just
the wind, the sea and the stars to
guide you.
RIKER
Bad food, brutal discipline...
(beat)
No women.
But Picard won't let Riker rain on his parade -- he's
thoroughly enjoying himself.
COM VOICE
Bridge to Captain Picard.
PICARD
Picard here.
COM VOICE
There is a personal message for
you from Earth.
PICARD
(annoyed)
Put it through down here.
(to Riker)
But the best thing about a life at
sea was that they couldn't get to
you.
Picard walks toward the bow.
PICARD
(to com)
Computer, arch.
46A ANGLE (VFX-P) 46A
A U-shaped ARCH with several computer panels visible
appears on the forecastle. It's a strange sight to see
a piece of the 24th century on the deck of this ship.
Picard goes to the arch and activates one of the
monitors and waits for the transmission to appear.
46B NEW ANGLE (VFX-P) 46B
A text message APPEARS and he starts to read it. After
a moment, he reacts with shock and dismay to something
on the screen.
47 ON TROI 47
whose attention has been drawn to Picard, at the arch.
She reacts with concern at the expression on his face.
TROI
(to crewmember)
Here. Take the wheel.
Troi moves toward the bow.
48 ON PICARD (VFX-P) 48
whose face is now ashen with shock. Clearly he has
just read something on the screen which is very
disturbing.
He stares into the middle distance for a moment. Troi
moves to him.
TROI
(quiet)
Captain, are you all right?
PICARD
Yes. Fine. If you'll excuse
me...
He turns OFF the screen.
PICARD
Computer, exit.
48A ANGLE (VFX-P) 48A
The Holodeck DOORS APPEAR within the Arch. Picard is
clearly distracted as he EXITS to the Corridor. Troi
looks after him with concern.
49 NEW ANGLE 49
Favoring Riker. He takes a couple of steps toward
Worf.
RIKER
Set the royals and the studding
sails, Mister Worf.
Worf looks at him blankly for a moment.
WORF
The Royal... studs...?
RIKER
(smiles, points aloft)
You see the top yardarm, now look
to the --
Suddenly a com voice interrupts.
COM VOICE
Bridge to Commander Riker.
RIKER
Riker here.
COM VOICE
We're picking up a distress call
from the Amargosa observatory,
sir. They say they're under
attack.
RIKER
(to all)
Red Alert! All hands to
Battle stations! Captain Picard to
the Bridge.
Everyone on the ship reacts, and there is a general
rush to the bow of the ship...
CUT TO:
50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE-D (VFX-I) 50
The great ship at impulse. We FOLLOW it and then see
ahead of the ship, a small SOLAR OBSERVATORY with a
complex optical array. The observatory bears scorch
marks and other signs of recent battle. (In the b.g.
a YELLOW SUN can be seen.)
51 INT. BRIDGE (VFX-I) 51
Picard in command. Riker, Troi, Worf and Data at their
stations They didn't have time to change, so they are
all still dressed in their costumes from the ceremony.
The ship is at Red Alert. The image of the burnt-out
observatory is on the VIEWSCREEN.
RIKER
It looks like we're too late...
WORF
(off console)
There are no other ships in the
system.
DATA
Sensors show five life signs
aboard the station, Captain.
RIKER
The station complement was
nineteen.
A grim beat. Picard gets up and starts heading for the
Ready Room - his attitude is dismissive, almost
irritated that this has interrupted some deeper concern
of his.
PICARD
Secure from Red Alert. Number
One, begin an investigation. I'll
be in my Ready Room.
Troi and Riker exchange a surprised look.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
(hard)
Make it so.
Picard EXITS. An awkward beat. What's wrong with the
Captain? But they have their orders.
As Riker and Worf head for the EXIT...
CUT TO:
52 INT. OBSERVATORY - OPS CENTER (VFX-P) 52
The station is a SMOKING RUIN -- consoles flickering,
lights dim, damage everywhere. Only a few minutes have
passed since they were attacked. Riker, Worf, Beverly
and two SECURITY GUARDS MATERIALIZE. They're all back
in uniform, holding phasers and palm beacons. Worf has
a tricorder and Beverly has a medical kit. The room is
cramped, there are fallen bulk-heads and blown-out
consoles. The debris makes it difficult to get a clear
view of the room.
WORF
These blast patterns are
consistent with type-three
disruptors.
RIKER
Well, that narrows it to Klingon,
Breen or Romulan.
Beverly follows her tricorder readings.
BEVERLY
I'm picking up life signs... about
twenty meters ahead.
WORF
That rules out Klingons.
Riker gives him a look.
WORF
They would not have left anyone
alive.
BEVERLY
Over here.
They pick their way carefully through the carnage of
the station...and come to the body of a Starfleet
Science Officer. He has taken a disruptor blast to the
back and there is a nasty-looking scorch mark on his
uniform. Beverly immediately takes some devices out of
her medical kit and begins to treat him.
RIKER
Worf, you're with me. Paskall,
you and Mendez search the upper
deck.
The Security Guards climb a nearby ladder while Riker
and Worf head down a dimly-lit corridor. Riker stops
at two bodies in the hall, checks them over -- but
they're dead. There is a sudden banging from the far
corner of the room. Worf and Riker quickly move to a
collapsed bulkhead.
WORF
Under here...
They both grab hold of a large metal plate, pull it
aside and begin to dig through the debris. Finally, a
HAND can be seen grasping about from within the pile of
rubble. Riker and Worf work faster. Worf grabs the
man's hand.
WORF
It's all right... do not struggle.
Worf holds the man's hand as Riker shoves away a final
console. We reveal the head and torso of Doctor Soran,
one of the survivors from the Lakul (and last seen
in Sickbay aboard the Enterprise-B). Soran has not aged
at all over the years but he does have a permanent
scar on his face from the earlier wound. He blinks a
few times, seems a little dazed.
RIKER
I'm Commander William Riker of the
Starship Enterprise.
SORAN
Soran... Doctor Tolian Soran...
Soran puts a hand to his head, still trying to get his
bearings.
RIKER
Who attacked you, Doctor?
SORAN
I'm not sure... it happened so
fast...
SECURITY OFFICER
(calls out)
Commander -- you'd better take a
look at this.
Riker and Worf move to the ladder as Beverly begins to
scan Soran...
53 NEW ANGLE - UPPER DECK 53
Riker and Worf move over to the two Security Guards who
are kneeling over a dead body which is obscured from
view. One guard turns over the body, revealing a
ROMULAN SOLDIER. Worf looks at him in disgust.
WORF
Romulan.
Riker and Worf exchange a look. OFF their reactions...
CUT TO:
54 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS 54
Data is sitting in a chair, petting SPOT THE CAT.
Geordi is standing next to him.
DATA
Is she still angry?
GEORDI
No... but I'd stay out of Sickbay
for a while if I were you. I
still don't know why you dropped
her in the water.
DATA
I was attempting to... get in the
spirit of things. I thought it
would be humorous.
Data frowns. troubled by this recent experience. He
puts Spot down and moves to a bulkhead. He activates
a control panel and a small compartment slides OPEN,
revealing a small COMPUTER CHIP which is suspended in
a glass and metal framework. Data looks at the chip
for a beat and Geordi moves to him in concern.
GEORDI
Data... you're not thinking about
using that thing are you?
DATA
It has occurred to me on several
occasions. But I believe this may
be the appropriate time.
GEORDI
Wait a minute. I thought you've
always been afraid it would
overload your neural net.
DATA
That is true. However, I believe
my growth as an artificial
life form has reached an impasse.
For thirty-four years I have
endeavored to become more "human" -
to grow beyond my original
programming. And yet I am still
unable to grasp such a simple
concept as humor.
(re: chip)
This emotion chip is the only
answer.
Geordi considers a moment, looks at the chip...
and reluctantly has to agree.
GEORDI
All right...
Data sits down and La Forge moves to stand behind him.
GEORDI
But at the first sign of trouble,
I'm going to deactivate it.
agreed?
DATA
Agreed.
Geordi works on Data's head for a moment, and then
OPENS a panel on Data's head, revealing the blinking
circuitry within.
CUT TO:
55 INT. READY ROOM 55
Riker is standing next to Picard, who has his back turned
and is staring out the window. Picard seems distracted
during the scene, his mind clearly elsewhere as Riker
finishes his report.
RIKER
We found two dead Romulans aboard
the station. We're analyzing
their equipment to see if we can
determine what ship they came
from.
Picard nods absently.
PICARD
There's still no indication of why
they attacked the station?
RIKER
We think they were looking for
something -- they practically tore
the place apart.
PICARD
Hmm...
(beat)
Inform Starfleet Command. This
could indicate a new Romulan
threat in this sector.
RIKER
You want me to contact Starfleet?
PICARD
Is there a problem?
RIKER
No, sir.
PICARD
Thank you, Number One.
Picard keeps his back turned, looking out the window.
Riker hesitates, awkward.
RIKER
There is something else, Captain.
One of the scientists. a Doctor
Soran... has insisted on speaking
with you.
(beat)
I told him you were busy, sir, but
he said it was absolutely
imperative that he speak with you
right away.
PICARD
Understood. That will be all.
RIKER
Sir... is there anything wrong?
PICARD
No. Thank you.
A beat, then Riker turns and EXITS. Off Picard's
unreadable face...
CUT TO:
56 INT. TEN FORWARD 56
The room is bustling with patrons and activity. Data
ENTERS with an odd look on his face...his body
language subtly altered. He is looking at the world
through new eyes. Geordi is following him closely,
watching his every move. They move to the bar. Guinan
comes over -- she has not aged at all since the
Enterprise-B. She sets down an exotic-looking container
full of dark liquid.
GUINAN
You two just volunteered to be my
first victims.
(re: liquid)
This is a new concoction I
picked up on Forcas Three. Trust me,
you're going to love it.
She pours two glasses of the liquid. Data takes one
and sniffs it, then takes a drink. Geordi watches him
closely. Data frowns.
GEORDI
Well...?
DATA
I believe the beverage has
provoked an emotional response.
GEORDI
Really? What do you feel?
DATA
I am uncertain. I have had little
experience with emotions... I am
unable to articulate the
sensation.
GUINAN
Emotions?
GEORDI
I'll explain later...
Data finishes the drink... concentrates, tries to make
sense of the rush of feelings. His expression is one
of disgust.
GUINAN
(to Geordi)
I don't think he likes it.
DATA
(excited)
Yes. That is it. I hate it.
GEORDI
Data, I think the chip is
working...
Data looks at Geordi with a big smile on his face.
DATA
Yes. I hate this! It is
revolting!
Beat.
GUINAN
Another round?
DATA
Please.
In the b.g., we see Picard ENTER Ten Forward.
57 FOLLOW PICARD 57
as he walks through Ten Forward and heads toward a
table by the windows. Soran is sitting at the table,
staring out at the stars, lost in thought. His
observatory uniform is distinctive, and sets him apart
from everyone else in the room. Picard walks up to the
table.
PICARD
Doctor Soran...?
SORAN
Yes, yes, Captain -- thank you for
coming.
The men shake hands and Picard sits down. Soran is an
imposing physical presence, but at the moment he seems
very much the eccentric scientists consumed with his
work. Picard waves away a waiter.
PICARD
Nothing for me.
(brusque, to Soran)
I understand there's something
urgent you need to discuss with
me.
SORAN
Yes. I need to return to the
observatory immediately. I must
continue a critical experiment I
was running on the Amargosa star.
Picard's reaction is a little impatient -- this doesn't
sound that imperative to him.
PICARD
Doctor... we're still conducting
an investigation into the attack.
Once we've completed our work,
we'll be happy to allow you and
your fellow scientists back aboard
the observatory. Until then --
SORAN
The timing is very important on my
experiment -- if it is not
completed within the next twelve
hours, years of research will be
lost.
PICARD
We're doing the best we can. Now
if you'll excuse me...
Picard moves to stand, but Soran reaches out and gently
but firmly grabs him by the arm. The unexpected
physical contact and the change of intensity in Soran's
face stops Picard in his tracks.
SORAN
(cryptically)
They say time is the fire in
which we burn... and right now,
Captain, my time is running out.
(beat)
We leave so many things unfinished
in our lives -- I'm sure you can
understand.
For some reason, Soran's words have struck a deep chord
within Picard.
He looks away from Soran's compelling gaze and thinks
for a long moment. When he finally speaks, his voice
is barely above a whisper.
PICARD
I'll see what I can do...
Picard walks away without a word before Soran can
thank him. Soran looks after him with relief, then
pulls out an ANTIQUE POCKET WATCH and opens it. He
looks at the watch for a long moment. then snaps it
closed and head for the opposite exit from the one
Picard took. FOLLOW Soran across Ten Forward...until
he suddenly stops in shock at something he sees...
58 SORAN'S POV 58
of Guinan, who is now back at the bar.
59 RESUME SORAN 59
A dark look crosses his face -- he is disturbed by the
sight of Guinan. He quickly turns and EXITS.
60 ON GUINAN 60
she begins to sense something, as though someone is
watching her. She turns, looks in the direction where
Soran was just standing, but there's no one there now.
She shakes off the feeling and goes back to work.
CUT TO:
61 INT. ENGINEERING 61
A short time later. A Romulan tricorder is connected
to some diagnostic equipment near a console. Worf is
talking to Riker.
Worf activates a MONITOR which shows a complex diagram
of sensor information.
WORF
One of the dead Romulans had a
tricorder. We analyzed its sensor
logs and found they were scanning
for signature particles of a
compound called trilithium.
RIKER
Trilithium?
WORF
An experimental compound the
Romulans have been working on. In
theory, a trilithium-based
explosive would be thousands of
times more powerful than an
anti-matter weapon. But they never
found a way to stabilize it.
RIKER
Why were they looking for it on a
Federation observatory? It doesn't
make any sense.
Riker considers.
RIKER
(cont'd)
Have Geordi and Data go over with
the next Away Team... tell them to
scan the observatory for
trilithium.
WORF
Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
62 INT. OBSERVATORY OPS 62
The station is still a wreck. Geordi and Data are
scanning the room with tricorders.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
There's no sign of any trilithium
in here.
Geordi continues to scan... then suddenly Data lets out
a quiet GIGGLE. Geordi stops and turns to look at him.
Data giggles louder.
DATA
(laughing, to himself)
I get it. I get it.
GEORDI
You get what?
Data laughs again.
DATA
When you said to Commander
Riker...
(imitating Geordi's voice)
"The clown can stay, but the
Ferengi in the gorilla suit has to
go."
Geordi looks blankly at him for a moment.
GEORDI
What?
DATA
During the Farpoint mission. We
were on the Bridge and you told a
joke. That was the punch line.
GEORDI
The Farpoint mission? Data, that
was seven years ago.
DATA
I know. I just got it.
(laughs)
It was very funny.
GEORDI
Thanks.
Geordi indicates a corridor. They EXIT in that
direction...
63 INT. OBSERVATORY CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS 63
A short corridor connecting the Ops Center with other
compartments. Geordi suddenly stops in front of what
appears to be a standard bulkhead.
GEORDI
Wait a minute... there's a hidden
doorway here. I can see the
joint of the metal with my VISOR.
Geordi runs his finger in a vertical line along what
appears to be a smooth bulkhead.
DATA
(off tricorder)
There appears to be a dampening
field in operation. I cannot scan
beyond the bulkhead.
Geordi puts his tricorder away and begins looking for
a way to open the door.
GEORDI
I don't see a control panel...or
an access port.
DATA
(off tricorder)
It appears to be a magnetically
sealed.
Data steps forward and OPENS a small panel on wrist
and makes a quick adjustment to the circuitry within.
DATA
I believe I can reverse the
polarity by attenuating my axial
servo.
Data completes his adjustment and then moves his wrist
over the door panel.
DATA
(joking)
"Open sesame."
There is a HUMMING sound followed by a loud CLICK. The
door slides open.
DATA
(smiles)
You could say I have a... magnetic
personality.
Geordi reacts to the bad pun with a grimace. They EXIT
to.
64 INT. OBSERVATORY PROBE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 64
A small room with several probes stacked in holding
racks. Geordi and Data scan.
GEORDI
I'm still not picking up anything.
Someone went to a lot of trouble
to shield this room.
They put their tricorders away and begin looking around
the room. Data continues to snicker and giggle as he
tries not to laugh at jokes his mind conjures up.
Geordi begins inspecting the probes... finally stops
at one probe which has SEVERAL ODD DEVICES attached to
the side.
GEORDI
Data, take a look at this.
(Data comes over)
You ever seen a solar probe with
this kind of configuration?
Data uses the tricorder as if it were a puppet as he
opens and closes it like a mouth.
DATA
(making tricorder "talk")
No, Geordi. I have not. It is
most unusual.
Data giggles and Geordi reacts with the irritation of
someone listening to a very bad comedian.
GEORDI
Just help me get this panel open.
Data helps Geordi as they try to open a panel on the
casing of the probe. They open the panel and Geordi
looks inside.he reacts to something.
GEORDI
Whoa. my VISOR'S picking up
something in the theta band...it
could be a trilithium signature.
Data suddenly start LAUGHING. Geordi turns in
irritation.
GEORDI
Data, this isn't the time...
DATA
(laughing)
I am sorry... but I cannot stop
myself... I think something is
wrong...
64A ANGLE (VFX-P) 64A
Data's laughter escalates into hysteria... then Data
begins to JERK and SHAKE and goes into a bizarre
"emotional seizure." A rush of EMOTIONS race across
his face. anger, passion, shock... a kaleidoscopic
blur of reactions contort his features. Then it stops
and he FALLS to the ground.
GEORDI
Data!
Geordi rushes to him. Data has a look of surprise on
his face as he blinks a few times. He sits up.
GEORDI
Data, are you all right?
DATA
I believe the emotional chip has
overloaded my positronic relays.
GEORDI
We better get you back to the
Ship.
(hits combadge)
La Forge to Enterprise.
There's no response. Geordi frowns for a beat, then we
hear Soran's voice.
SORAN
Is there a problem, gentlemen?
65 INCLUDE SORAN 65
standing in the room. Geordi didn't hear him come in.
GEORDI
Oh... Doctor... yeah, as a matter
of fact, there is. There's a
damping field in here blocking
our com signal.
(re: Data)
Will you give me a hand?
Over the above dialogue, Soran glances over at the
solar probe Geordi was inspecting. He notes the opened
panel and a disturbed look crosses his face.
Soran looks back at Geordi.
SORAN
I'd be happy to.
Soran moves toward them. and then without warning, he
punches Geordi in the face, KNOCKING the VISOR across
the room. He whirls around and points a phaser at
Data, who suddenly looks fearful.
DATA
Please don't hurt me.
CUT TO:
66 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS 66
Picard is standing at the replicator.
PICARD
Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.
The cup of tea APPEARS in the replicator and at the
same moment, the door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
Troi ENTERS. Picard would rather not be bothered right
now, but he is polite as always.
PICARD
Counselor. What can I do for you?
TROI
Actually... I'm here to see if
there's anything I can do for you.
PICARD
Well... I appreciate your concern,
but I'd rather not discuss it
right now, thank you.
But Troi won't be brushed away so easily.
TROI
I'm afraid I can't just leave it
at that. The commanding officer
of this ship is clearly distraught
about something. As ship's
Counselor, it's my duty to --
PICARD
As ship's counselor, it's your
duty to know not only when you're
needed... but also when you're
not.
TROI
You can't fool an empath, Captain.
I know exactly when I'm needed.
Picard is really not in the mood for this. His tone
hardens.
PICARD
Well, with all due respect to your
Betazoid senses, I prefer to be
alone right now.
TROI
Very well. I suppose I could make
out my weekly report to Starfleet
Command without your input.
(beat)
"Admiral Lusby... regarding the
unusual behavior of Jean-Luc
Picard: I find him increasingly
Irritable... remote... and
uncooperative. I recommend forced
shore leave at a Starbase facility
in order to --"
PICARD
All right, all right. You've made
your point.
Troi takes a seat and patiently waits. Picard gets
up.moves around the room for a moment...and stops.
He speaks in a flat, unemotional tone of voice.
PICARD
The message I received...
(beat)
My brother... and his son -- my
nephew -- burned to death in a
fire.
Troi reacts, genuinely surprised.
TROI
Captain, I'm sorry.
(beat)
I know there were a lot of
unresolved conflicts between you
and your brother.
PICARD
What I can't get out of my mind is
the image of Rene -- my nephew.
I just can't believe he's gone...
He trails off.
TROI
It's only natural to feel a
heightened sense of tragedy when
a child dies...
(sensing more)
But it goes deeper than that,
doesn't it? I can sense that Rene
meant a great deal to you.
PICARD
In a way, he was as close as I
ever came to having a child of my
own.
Troi eyes an open photo album on the table. She reaches
over and flips through the pages for a moment. There
are many photos inside... from many periods in time
including one of Picard's brother standing next to his
young son. This is the Picard family album.
TROI
Your family history is very
important to you, isn't it?
PICARD
(nods)
Ever since I was a little boy, I
remember hearing about the family
line. The Picards that fought at
Trafalgar... the Picard's that
settled the first Martian colony.
When my brother married and had a
son...
Picard hesitates -- this is difficult for him.
TROI
... You felt it was no longer your
responsibility to carry on the
family line.
PICARD
(nods)
My brother had shouldered that
burden... allowing me to pursue my
own selfish needs...
TROI
There's nothing selfish about
pursuing your own life... your own
career.
Picard moves to the window, stares outside. A shadow
crosses his face. He's getting to the heart of the
matter.
PICARD
You know, Counselor... I'm not
getting any younger. For some
time now, I've been aware that
there are fewer days ahead than
there are behind...
(beat)
But I always took comfort in the
fact that when I was gone, my
family would continue. But now...
Picard moves back to the photo album, open it to the
last page, an then flips through the remaining pages --
they are blank.
PICARD
I've had brushes with death...
more than I care to contemplate.
I always accepted it as a
calculated risk that goes along
with wearing this uniform.
(beat)
But now... the idea of death has
a terrible sense of finality to
it.
He looks at her.
PICARD
I'm the last Picard.
A quiet beat as Troi considers him.
TROI
Captain, perhaps we --
Suddenly, a BLINDING BURST OF LIGHT from outside the
windows washes into the room. Troi and Picard rush to
the window and shield their eyes against the glare.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Red Alert! All hands to duty
stations!
CUT TO:
67 67
THRU OMITTED THRU
68 68
69 INT. BRIDGE (VFX-I) 69
Picard and Troi ENTER from a turbolift. Riker and Worf
at their stations. The star is on the Viewscreen,
getting DARKER by the second... more flaming debris
is being ejected into space.
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
A quantum implosion has occurred
within the Amargosa star. All
nuclear fusion is breaking down.
PICARD
How is that possible?
WORF
Sensor records show a solar probe
was launched from the observatory
a few moments ago.
RIKER
The star's going to collapse in a
matter of minutes.
Something beeps on Worf's console.
WORF
Sir, the implosion has produced
a level twelve shock wave.
TROI
(shocked)
Level twelve? That'll destroy
everything in this system.
TRANSPORTER COM VOICE
Transporter room to Bridge. I
can't locate Commander La Forge or
Mister Data, sir.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Did they return to the ship?
WORF
(works)
No, sir. They are not aboard.
PICARD
How long until the shock wave hits
the observatory?
WORF
Four minutes, forty seconds.
Picard looks at Riker, who then quickly heads for the
turbolift.
RIKER
Mister Worf.
Riker and Worf EXIT.
70 EXT. SPACE- THE STAR (VFX-I) 70
The star is almost entirely dark. Radiating out from the
star is a huge shock wave- a rapidly growing sphere of
energy.
71 INT. OBSERVATORY PROBE ROOM (VFX-P) 71
Soran is standing at a console watching a graphic
depiction of the star's collapse on a monitor when the
door suddenly opens. Soran whirls around and FIRES his
phaser at Riker and Worf. They dive for cover just
outside the room. (NOTE: The probe Geordi examined
earlier is now gone.)
RIKER
(to Worf)
What the hell's he doing?
Worf dodges another phaser blast and sees Geordi lying
unconscious on the deck. Data is nowhere to be seen.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Enterprise to Commander Riker, you
have two minutes left.
RIKER
(yells to Soran)
Soran, did you hear that? There's
a level twelve shock wave coming.
We've got to get out of here!
Soran's only answer is another phaser blast.
71A OMITTED 71A
72 INT. BRIDGE 72
As before. ENSIGN HAYES is at Tactical. An ALARM
suddenly BEEPS on the Tactical console.
HAYES
(urgent)
Sir. A Klingon Bird of Prey is
decloaking off the port bow.
Shocked reactions.
PICARD
What?
73 EXT. SPACE (VFX-I) 73
as an old-style Klingon Bird of Prey decloaks near the
observatory.
74 INT. OBSERVATORY PROBE ROOM (VFX-P) 74
Soran is continuing to SHOOT at Riker and Worf. Riker
suddenly notices something off-camera.
74A RIKER'S POV 74A
Data is huddled in a corner of the room, cowering in
fear.
74B NEW ANGLE (VFX-P) 74B
The firefight continues.
RIKER
Data! See if you can get to
Geordi!
Data looks up at him with a terrified look on his face.
DATA
I... cannot, sir. I believe I
Am... afraid.
Suddenly Soran's communicator BEEPS. Soran reaches
down and grabs the unconscious Geordi by the collar and
the two of them DEMATERIALIZE. (Soran has the VISOR in
his hand.) Riker, Data and Worf react.
75 EXT. SPACE - THE KLINGON SHIP (VFX-I) 75
The Bird of Prey cloaks and vanishes.
76 INT. BRIDGE 76
As before.
TRANSPORTER COM VOICE
Transporter room to Bridge. I
have the Away Team aboard, sir.
PICARD
(to Con)
Helm, warp one, engage.
77 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & OBSERVATORY (VFX-I) 77
The Enterprise warps away just as the shock wave
reaches the observatory and vaporizes it in a fiery
EXPLOSION.
CUT TO:
78 INT. KLINGON BIRD OF PREY - BRIDGE 78
On a monitor where we can see a graphic depiction of
the darkening star and shock wave. MOVE TO REVEAL
We are the inside an old Klingon ship - it's beaten up and
patched in several places, obviously not a first-line
model. Watching the Viewscreen are LURSA and B'ETOR,
two powerful-looking Klingon women... They are sisters.
aggressive... seductive... and very dangerous. Several N.D.
male Klingons man the various stations.
The sisters stare at the image of the destroyed sun in
awe.
B'ETOR
Toh-pak-cha...
(Glorious...)
LURSA
HoS qorDu...
(A great power...)
Soran now ENTERS the Bridge. His expression is dark
and angry. He is clearly not a prisoner here and he
strides up to the sisters.
B'ETOR
(excited, to Soran)
You've done it, Soran.
But without warning, Soran HITS B'Etor squarely in the
jaw, knocking her back over a console. Several
Klingons leap to their feet, drawing their weapons...
but B'Etor holds up a hand as she gets to one knee.
B'ETOR
Wait!
She dabs a trickle of blood at the corner of her
mouth... her expression is angry and threatening.
B'ETOR
I hope for your sake that you are
initiating a mating ritual.
SORAN
You got careless. The Romulans
came looking for their missing
trilithium.
B'ETOR
Impossible. We left no survivors
on their outpost.
B'Etor has now gotten to her feet in the b.g.
SORAN
They knew it was aboard the
observatory. If the Enterprise
hadn't intervened, they would have
found it.
LURSA
But they didn't find it... and now
we have a weapon of unlimited
power.
SORAN
I have the weapon, Lursa. And if
you ever want me to give it to
you, I advise you to be a little
more careful in the future.
B'Etor grabs Soran and holds a wicked-looking knife to
his throat.
B'ETOR
Perhaps we are tired of waiting.
Soran is unfazed by this threat.
SORAN
Without my research... the
trilithium is worthless... as are
your plans to reconquer the
Klingon Empire.
Lursa reaches out and calmly pushes her sister's knife
away.
SORAN
Set course for the Veridian
system. Maximum warp.
LURSA
(to Helm)
Bosh-ta-JaH Veridian
(Set course for Veridian)
A KLINGON GUARD ENTERS dragging the unconscious Geordi.
KLINGON GUARD
What shall I do with this?
Soran moves toward Geordi, a grim look on his face.
SORAN
Bring him with me. I need some
answers from Mr. La Forge.
Soran EXITS.
CUT TO:
79 OMITTED 79
80 INT. CORRIDOR 80
Riker and Worf are on the move down the corridor.
WORF
I have spoken to the Klingon High
Council, sir. They identified the
Bird of Prey as belonging to the
Duras sisters.
RIKER
(surprised)
Lursa and B'Etor...? This doesn't
make any sense. A renowned
stellar physicist somehow uses a
trilithium probe to destroy a
star, kidnaps Geordi... and
escapes with a pair of Klingon
renegades... Why? What the hell's
going on?
They EXIT to...
81 INT. SICKBAY 81
Worf and Riker ENTER. Beverly is closing a panel on
the back of Data's head. He is sitting on a bio-bed,
scanning himself with a tricorder.
RIKER
How is he?
BEVERLY
It looks like a power surge fused
the emotional chip into his neural
|