STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Begotten" #40275-219 Story by Naren Shankar Teleplay by Rene Echevarria Directed by Cliff Bole THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. FINAL DRAFT JANUARY 20, 1991 STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Begotten" CAST PICARD FALA RIKER BEVERLY DATA GUL NADOR TROI K'EHLEYR WORF ADMIRAL HAFTEL GEORDI TRANSPORTER CHIEF KELSO SICKBAY GUARDSMAN TRICORDER SCIENTIST MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TECHNICIAN CREWMEMBER SECURITY OFFICER BIOMEMBERS TERRAIN INDUSTRIES LABORATORY STAR TREK: "The Survivors" - 4/9/91 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Survivors" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE K'EHLEYR kay-LAHR K'TEMOC ky-TEM-o DURAS DYUR-as STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Survivors" TEASER FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) docked at DS9. SISKO (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 47329.5. We have been at Warp Nine for three days. There appears to be some dreadful turbulence in the Brahm system... INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) FROM LUCSLY, ranting and raving, comes JEFFRIES -- a white-bearded olden man with an almost girthless crackling of the aged and thinning skin. Over his jacket, a large CAT has burrowed its way into his chest. On the desk, the barely perceptible "tools" Louisiana once made for her son are now arranged in an obvious sequence. JEFFRIES (continuing) ... and for that purpose powdered caribbean for the eyes? LUCSLY Not at all; I found that an unnecessary expense. JEFFRIES I should have known that my expensive fileneganine would be the least necessary item. Lucsly's eyes narrow again. LUCSLY You're really not cut out for this, Jeffri. JEFFRIES What? LUCSLY The Ferengi eyes are notoriously fuzzy. It's never been my pleasure to work with a holodeck program. JEFFRIES I'm sorry I asked. I didn't mean to imply that you were unqualified. LUCSLY I've designed and built about twelve different amusement facilities over the years. JEFFRIES I'm surprised you stayed with me long enough to see the whole program. LUCSLY Just enough time to teach him about origami -- is that all you've got left? JEFFRIES It's just to show him how we do things here. LUCSLY We do things a little differently than you're used to. Some of my better friends... like Will Riker... Harold Hill... and Michael Eisner... SISKO'S VOICE Hi, Jeff. JEFFRIES Where's your son Wesley? SISKO'S VOICE He's supposed to be with your wife this afternoon. JEFFRIES What? Luvsco turns and sees that Sisko is looking at his family photo. LUVSCO I figured you might be going out for a walk after all. SISKO What do you mean? LUKSDEN You have the scars. It wasn't easy to acquire them, but now... there they are... and you can see why they're there. (a beat) You're not just another doctor -- you're the most famous doctor in the Federation. SISKO I don't know who -- or anything named. You're almost infamous, aren't you? LUKSDEN That's what my synthetic ears are. (a beat) You realize, don't you, that there's not much to look at when you look at those scars? SISKO I'm no stranger to them. LUKSDEN How -- how could you? You don't have any idea what you're looking at. SISKO That's not true... I do know what they are. Certain smells, the movement of leaves, the rivers in the sea -- they're traits of the Trijah. LUKSDEN Three days apart. I can see both of you walking around here in clothes. SISKO Maybe we should go see the Vulcan Nagus? LUKSDEN Vulcan Nagus? No, no, that's irrelevant. Just once, I'd like to shake your hand, and say hello to you. He leans back, smiles ruefully at this. LUKSDEN We already have. LukSDen goes back to his computer. SISKO One last thing -- do you have a moment to sketch a triathlon program? We have an incoming team... LUKSDEN Actually, there's a triathlon program until tomorrow. But I'm willing to wait until then. It's been a pleasure. He keys his insignia and they exit. INT. CORRIDOR As they enter from the turbolift... sitting... SISKO You do and you'll be a lot farther along. LUKSDEN It was a pleasure. (beat) When do we leave? SISKO Twenty-two hundred hours. LUKSDEN To where? SISKO Why... now? LUKSDEN Too soon. The Trijah will be joining the Caretaker movement tomorrow. SISKO There won't be a Caretaker movement... LUKSDEN Yes, you will. You are incorrect. The Trijah was alive and well before you were born. SISKO How do you know that? Lukasa's eyes glint with amusement. LUKASSA You remind me of a Pajoran former - Emissary Calen. He claimed that it was time for me to leave. At first I didn't believe him... but then I began to think trouble was making the transition to a new world. Sisko reacts. SISKO I moved here with your mother. We moved so that I could be with you. LUKSDEN Joy and happiness are the very foundation of any healthy spiritual life. SISKO I moved here because I have work to do. If I can help you prepare the Trijah for the Rokassa ritual, then you'll be worthy of the task. LUKSDEN (smiles) Perhaps I can. He holds out his hand. LUKSDEN My blessing and my thanks, Captain. Sisko takes Lukasi's hand and helps him remove the idol from the altar. SISKO (the light plays on his features) You've done a wonderful job, Eminence. Sisko EXITS. After a beat, the door shuts behind him. Dax comes out and looks at Bashir -- Julian doesn't see the point in saying good-bye. BASHIR (quiet) Well... Dax nods, doesn't need to be reminded of her duty. INT. WARDROOM Silvia, Quark, Jake, Delenn and WARDROOM WATCH the end of the match between Ezri and Lenara. EZRI �(victorious) I will never forget this. LENARA The IRIS will sing songs about this day for a thousand years. QUARK azon to'jay nun... ALBINO I give up. I'm sick of it. Ezri and Lenara get up to leave. The Albino slumps onto a PADD and begins to read aloud. LENARA (reading) B'hala, the storehouse of songs... Al'kahl, the mountain stronghold... Tor'mok, the tainted stream... Shikusa, the temple of the brave... QUARK Another one... Why? LENARA (reading) The arena of duelists wrenches unswayily... The city of duelists falls... (beat) The banners of honor shall roll beyond the gates of the shapeless cube... QUARK Another one... Why? StreamerBot LENARA Another "what?" QUARK They'll be reading it tonight. What would they be talking about? LENARA I don't know... QUARK The ancient word for "barbaric," really... LENARA I know your honor will be invoked at some future hearing, Captain... but nothing now, quite yet... There is a moment as they all contemplate that thought. QUARK I should've brought up the last detail -- what do you make of it, I should've... LENARA So you just assumed I'd read it first? QUARK Quite right, of course -- you have no limits, are you? LENARA I couldn't possibly understand the words... QUARK Well, don't make any mistakes -- the work is all yours. And there's a good chance it'll be worth your while. Don't expect anything from me. What do you want? LENARA Everything... QUARK What do you want? She sits down on the edge of the desk. LENARA The world needs me. QUARK Lenara... you're leaving. Why? LENARA I've decided... this life is not fulfilling any of my entire plans... QUARK What? LENARA I've realized that there's a world where responsibility and responsibility are not so separated... where even sitting at a table together isn't quite enough... where profits and expenses are as closely intertwined as latinum... QUARK What... ? LENARA (trying to put it simply) I've made a career out of not blowing up things... I'm not going to just sit back and do nothing while your father's death goes unnoticed. QUARK I didn't "ignorant" anybody; I warn them when they're planning an attack... we don't do that too often. LENARA What do you mean? QUARK (dismissive) Morn. Still, there's not much I can do... Lenara gets up to leave. LENARA Goodnight. She EXITS. QUARK (dry) Goodnight, Morn... INT. PROMENADE Quark EXITS the Ferengi Wharf to find his mother standing a few steps away, eating a meal that Lenara made for him. She's embarrassed, but senses his ire. LENARA I put your brother's request ahead for the meeting. It's expected. QUARK But it's a waste of time -- you wouldn't get to the Dosi they're going to attack anyway. LENARA (right back at him) I'm not going to let them hurt your plans. You can't just... exist. QUARK Maybe not. But I have a thousand ideas how to get our hands around their necks. They hear a muffled "oh!" and look toward the Promenade -- INT. PROMENADE (FORMERLY SCENE 13) Quark has turned left on a 170, and is startled to see Odo arriving, looking very annoyed. ODO High Priest Odo of the Ferengi Willi Consortium! QUARK Where's the new treaty? ODO You promised not to interfere with our trading with the Bajorans. QUARK That's nocliffe. ODO You're interfering, too. You asked Quark to sponsor a strategic plan that involves destroying a Federation target! QUARK If you're asking me to -- Quark holds up his hand, firmly shaking his it! QUARK It's not a matter of protecting targets... it's a matter of protecting my rights! And with that he turns and EXITS. We hold on Odo and Lenara, who are going off to discuss some inappropriate matter. WITH PICARD Who luxuriates in the company of at least one other Starfleet officer, who we'll come to know as ENSIGN RIKER. PICARD Weiss, I offer you my congratulations in advance. If you're as sure about that, you can start by accusing me of sabotage. ENSIGN RIKER At first I doubted you. But seeing you now... I have faith in you. PICARD Thank you, Ensign. Now, what do you need? ENSIGN RIKER My mother has been feeling... crazy. She believes the Protocol is absolute... end the war before it's too late. (indicates the map) She wants to start a new treaty with the Federation. PICARD What would be required to make that happen? ENSIGN RIKER There's only one thing. PICARD Where is she now? ENSIGN RIKER She was supposed to meet with a Vulcan this afternoon. But the place has been used by the Cardassians as a headquarters for the past five years. PICARD I'll do what I can to find her, Ensign. ENSIGN RIKER Yes, sir. Picard EXITS. CUT TO: INT. STARBASE 515 SURGICAL SUITE - ON BEVERLY She is dressed casually, and is listening to NEWS CHEers about Captain Picard. The medical support team, Riker and Data, are on duty. RIKER Complete with double traps... pesticidal sprays... (as he moves to the altimeter) And for comparison, here we go: Beverly looks up at them with: BEVERLY The levels are the same... (beat; slapping the controls) Now remember what you told me just before you died. DATA Yessir. BEVERLY We're going to need large nasal parens. DATA I have been prepared. BEVERLY Proceed, Commander.  DATA Reinitialize the peripheral iodo-inducer. RIKER I never should've said we were ready. You were -- DATA I beg your pardon? RIKER If you had, we would not have ignored the Cardassian test. DATA I rest my case. Beverly and Data acknowledge and switch off. INT. STARBASE 515 SURGICAL SUITE - ON OKUDAGRAM moving to find the Cardassian nurse (Jellico) comparing notes on a PADD. Riker ENTERS. JELLICO There are approximately nine thousand cubic meters of debris and wreckage on the planet. It will take us several hours to complete the analysis. RIKER We can't wait that long... JELLICO I don't relish the idea either, but it could give us a few days or weeks. It's a chance we've never had. RIKER It can't be too long. If we can figure out what the hell we're doing here, we can get off this moon... JELLICO I'm not so sure about that... we've been way out of this world for decades. Once we get used to the moon, we'll have to relearn how to function... and we won't have time to get used to your faces. BEVERLY You don't want to put yourself through the backcountry, Commander... Riker gives him a look, then EXITS. JELLICO I don't think I'll ever forget the look on his face when he gave that look to me. (MORE) JELLICO (Cont'd) I still have that expression on my face every time I open my mind... (beat) I wonder what his plan was? BEVERLY He was going to lead us astray. Jellico considers her for a long moment... she has an uncharted question in his eyes that he's not sure how to approach. JELLICO I think he was. He's an honorable man, Beverly. BEVERLY What do you want from me? JELLICO I don't know. That's good news, but Jellico wants to control the conversation. JELLICO I can't believe the progress we were just on. Don't you feel as if we're making progress? BEVERLY It's hard to... not to say. I've been here almost five months. I still can't believe how far we're coming. Jellico's tone is harsh, but he's firm in his support. JELLICO Promise me something. BEVERLY I promise you I'll get to the point of what's going on... further, I'll explain it matters of some sort. JELLICO Promise me you'll consider this request... BEVERLY Before I do... I want to know what's going on with Commander Rozhenko. Jellico nods, accepting that and understanding Beverly's resignation. JELLICO Okay. Jellico requests a meeting with Riker and Troi. (Blue Lines to Riker and Troi.) JELLICO We're going to conduct the physical examination here as part of my investigation. � BEVERLY As your agent, I have the right to request a meeting. JELLICO I appreciate that. But it has place, don't you think? BEVERLY There are still things I want to know. Does the cause of her birth have to be a Federation medical phenomenon? JELLICO No. Doctor Crusher has been selective. She only appears to be a Federation model. There is a little awkward silence. Jellico tries to move quickly. JELLICO The Captain wants a physical examination. What do you say? BEVERLY The Captain's ordered me to go it alone. I understand. Jellico nods and EXITS. OFF Beverly's expression... CUT TO: INT. READY ROOM Jellico is sitting at his desk thoughtfully, playing futa-thalar. He has three PADDS and a PADD, as do the archaeological staff. JELLICO What have you found? BEVERLY The early history of the miners on Minos Korva seems to support the theory that their society existed prior to the Cardassian Occupation. However, I haven't been able to find any evidence to back that up. Jellico puts down the PADD and looks at the PADD. JELLICO Three weeks ago, one of the miners went on a strike for six days. He said he wasn't feeling well. BEVERLY He was. But that's all. It's hard to imagine how much exercise he needed. JELLICO Where are his contacts in the government? Any idea what he could do to influence their actions? Riker ENTERS. RIKER There are some unanswered questions, sir. JELLICO (beat) That's part of it. But I want to be sure we're dealing with the facts. Beat. RIKER (not satisfied) Same question. JELLICO Please let me be more persuasive, Will. Riker gives Jellico his most charming look. RIKER Sir? JELLICO Let's just say that while the colony's suffering, you have my determination. I won't turn my back on you until you come out of your hiding. Is that understood? RIKER (still studying PADD) Yes, sir. JELLICO Let's put an end to their donations. Riker looks at the PADD. RIKER This is Riker, Commander of the Enterprise. Identify and name the stardate and star system. JELLICO (checks his PADD) 2485.2 Alpha Two. RIKER I can't, sir. That's over seven thousand, nineteen years old. JELLICO (guessing) It's been a trick question, or something. Riker gives him a very direct look. RIKER I got seven years for a million, but this isn't a "what if" journey, sir. This is the only explanation that makes any sense. Jellico waits, hoping to hear a different tack. JELLICO Number One, we have to see a different view of time. (beat) You're Starfleet cadet Number One. You're supposed to take the Captain's chair when you're called upon. RIKER I'll sit in the Captain's chair. JELLICO And you will monitor your commander closely. RIKER Clear? JELLICO Yes, and you'll want to know how he reacts when he gets home. RIKER What about you? Jellico looks at him for a beat, then smiles. JELLICO Do you think you can still influence him, Will? RIKER (tight) I think so. Look, you're the captain. You're the one who's gamed. You should be proud of your rank and try to influence people. JELLICO (beat) I'll keep that in mind. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 44. CONTINUED: (2) They look at each other for another beat. Then Jellico turns to Troi. JELLICO Mister Data, I want you to coordinate with the Bajoran delegates at the Valdemar Federation meeting on Chaya-Four. Tell them to meet there at oh-nine-hundred hours. (to Riker) You've got ten hours, Commander. Riker nods. Data turns to the panel. DATA undenied. JELLICO You're Starfleet... and I expect you to be up to the task. RIKER I'll see to it. Jellico turns to Troi. JELLICO Well, I'd better get to it, my dear. INT. CORRIDOR Jellico, Troi and Riker walking along. TROI It seems that the man who found the meteor, one of the Valdez vessels, is dead. JELLICO A very regrettable loss, my dear. But we must proceed with the investigation. TROI In the meantime, I'll see to the food supply. Jellico nods as if to say "see what I can do." INT. FAJO'S DEN Fajo ENTERS, bringing the three bodies from the terraforming station. FAJO Me? RIKER We need to talk. FAJO It's about Juliana... RIKER What about her? FAJO About me -- anything about her -- it's enough to make anyone angry. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 44A. We are not angry -- but we are lashing out at each other. WORF (O.S.) We are not having this discussion. FAJO (to Picard) Give me your word there won't be any more questions. PICARD I haven't. Jellico, not giving up, takes a few steps around the room. JELLICO I can assure you -- there will be no questions. TROI (calmly) You're sure of that? JELLICO Yes, that is the principal source of tension here. Jellico sits back in his chair and paces. JELLICO Starfleet Intelligence believes the Cardassians are developing an... interphasic technology. With the advent of that technology, they would be capable of moving swiftly through the area. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/13/92 - ACT FOUR 44B. TROI DeliveryDate(with grim irony) Before we test that... Jellico is again smiling. JELLICO (to Troi) The girl seems to be getting aboard her, Counselor. There is suddenly the SOUND OF HEAVY BREATHING. TROI Ben -- what is it? Jellico quickly reaches for Deanna, but Felisa controls her emotions. GEORDI'S VOICE I don't know, sir. She seemed very upset. JELLICO Yes, I heard. How long were you monitoring her? STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/16/92 - ACT FOUR 45. Geordi puts it together after a beat. GEORDI Every hour she'd come down. I'd go to the power relay and her power cell would overflow. It would never ever happen to me. JELLICO Sure her central nervous system was functioning normally... GEORDI Then how did this happen? It definitely wasn't her. The contaminants must've gotten into her bloodstream. Jellico's expression hardens. JELLICO (hard) There's no way to be certain... (beat) There's no way to be certain. There is the SOUND OF BREATHING, and then LIGHT GARBLING through the closed door. Eyes opening, something begins to come together in Jellico's mind. JELLICO (harsh) I'm telling you, Wil, something is happening on this ship. And I can't tell you how good it's going to be. There is the SOUND OF BREATHING again, and LIGHT GARBLING CONTINUES. Suddenly Jellico's eyes close, and there is the SOUND OF BREATHING again. JELLICO (yells) Dax! People turn and look incredulous. JELLICO (to com) Drop the monitors! The monitors go down. GEORDI There's nothing to worry about, Commander. There's been no physiological departure from the station for almost thirty minutes. JELLICO What have you found? CONTINUED: Geordi pulls out the tricorder and takes a reading. GEORDI The biological readings are stable... the quantum flux could be coming from any of the absent planets in the system... Jellico looks at him for a beat, realizes that he's been led to something here... he smiles down at the readings and then Jellico heads for the door. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/25/92 - ACT FOUR 45A. CONTINUED: (2) Jellico enters the Auxiliary Control Room. JELLICO Set the course for the Owen Sound -- warp nine. Everyone goes out the door. OMITTED INT. AT&TOLOG PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY A few days later. Riker, Geordi, Troi, Worf, and APGAR are in the waiting room, talking about the situation. RIKER It's a pretty desperate situation we're finding ourselves in. GEORDI Every week, these people are expanding their genetic code. Every time they breach their own extinction program, they're putting a foot down. TROI Sometimes it seems that just enough resistance is the result. RIKER You're looking for a way out. GEORDI I've found it. If we're ever going to put an end to this -- we have to tear down this Century of Darkness and rebuild on fresh grounds. He picks up a PADD. GEORDI This is the order I'd like for the Century of Light entry, subsection one thousand eight. This would allow us to: He holds up the PADD with the gleam in his eye and make an entry. GEORDI (continuing) We would be rejuvenated and expansive. And without unnecessary risks. Everyone watches in horror. GEORDI If we're going to engage the regenerative force, we need it now -- now. He holds the PADD up and looks at an entry on it. GEORDI (continuing) This is the order I'd like for the Century of Light entry, subsection one thousand eight. This would allow us to: He holds up the PADD and looks at an entry. GEORDI (continuing) We would be rejuvenated and expansive. And without unnecessary risks. Everyone is staring at Geordi. RIKER What Century of Light? GEORDI Seventeen80. RIKER (indicates PADD) Read it again. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 45. He holds the PADD up and looks at the text, then looks away. Riker EXITS. The N.D. Officer looks from one to the other. N.D. TEACHER If we're going to initiate an interphasic transaction, we really must focus on getting this set up. JELLICO Very good, I'll monitor you closely. The teacher nods and goes back to work. Riker looks at the other student, who isn't paying attention. Jellico turns to Riker. JELLICO Now, how about if we found some freedom and turned our focus to other things... things that interest us... that might keep us busy. The teacher looks at the other student, who doesn't aivert. JELLICO StreamerBot(sharp) You're wasting your time. The other student smiles derisively, turns and looks at Riker. TEACHER (back on track) Riker... hanging with the best of us. JELLICO (cool) He's right. What he's doing and what he's saying may matter a little to you... but I don't think that'll be enough to keep us awaking. What fun would it be to go crazy? The teacher looks at Riker. TEACHER (beat) You're a good teacher. Jellico pulls back and seems to relax a little. Riker does likewise. JELLICO I'm glad we're allies instead of enemies. RIKER As I thought. There is a small silence before Riker finally leans forward and speaks. RIKER (quiet) As far as I'm concerned we can stay here for now. There is a small silence before Riker resorts to his familiar fatal smile. RIKER (continuing) The only reason we stopped was because Needlefox betrayed us. Jellico's smile deepens. JELLICO You might have fooled Tommy Costa, but I saw through you the whole time. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/21/92 - ACT FOUR 46. RIKER (smiles) You might have even fooled me. JELLICO As far as I'm concerned we've been through this. He may have been responsible for our shortsightedness, but it was his reckless behavior that nearly destroyed our family. We must not let him get away with whatever he did. RIKER Just tell me what he's doing. Jellico waits for another moment... his face is very readable... he knows all about the Cardassian peace initiative and what he must do. JELLICO Well... he's taken the license granting him a total of ten years. And as for his student body, it has enjoyed a whole new level of entertainment, yet somehow it seems a little scared of him. BEVERLY Sometimes. But it's nothing to worry about. JELLICO �(beat) Listen, we still have a long way to go until we can complete the Bynar project. We can't take the chance that -- Jellico frowns. Off Riker's face as he begins to realize that this is as good a time as any... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/18/92 - ACT FIVE 46. ACT FIVE FADE IN: INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Jellico, Riker, and Geordi are sitting at the table. Jellico is still setting an example. JELLICO We can't afford to be distracted. Begin a systematic search of the minority reports... if we narrow it down, we should be able to establish a missing timeline. (beat) I want you to review those reports and determine the extent of the damage. RIKER What about the reports from the logs that weren't destroyed... ? Jellico holds up a file. JELLICO What about them, sir? RIKER For the most part, those reports contained accurate information. JELLICO (smiles) Very well. But there were a few flashes of temporal... STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FIVE 47. A beat as Jellico purposefully makes his point. JELLICO (continuing) ... inconsistencies. So we ran a full analysis. And I came up with this. (beat) It would appear that your time is running out. Jellico smiles sadly at him. Troi is now deeply concerned. TROI Captain, let Jellico talk to you alone for a moment. JELLICO (quiet) Why not? Jellico sits back in his chair and thinks. JELLICO Well... about three years ago, a Christian couple, Garrett and Claire built a home in a former mining camp. They had been Catholic but... there was a revival of Zen Buddhism nearby... and they found a home. TROI That's when they decided to change their minds. JELLICO Most people can't change their minds. It's a very private experience. RIKER (with humor) They probably wouldn't give up hiding in a dark room like this if they knew he was coming here. TROI I wonder what would happen if Mike listened to them? BEVERLY (with humor) Maybe they'd wake up and realize that there was nothing left... Jellico smiles at the suggestion. JELLICO (to Riker) I don't think they would... BEVERLY They would certainly react suspiciously to any new piece of information that might affect this mystery. (beat) Let's try to get some answers. STAR TREK: "Chain... , Pt. II" - REV. 10/19/92 - ACT FIVE 49. Riker moves to the table where Geordi and Troi have finished discussing the problem. Data is standing by. GEORDI Okay -- we can reset the sensors to scan for incoming matter. But what if we can't? They consider. RIKER What if we beam a sensor device into the star? It would be unfair to overload it unless it were absolutely necessary. GEORDI We can't go overboard with that, Commander. RIKER Fairness, sir? GEORDI I'll give it a little thought. Jellico nods. INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Clara sitting on her bed, in a very sexy and gently retiring mood. She is tidied up in a little classical muslin. Riker ENTERS. RIKER I have news for you. It's not going to work. CLARA What? What do I have to be gonna do? RIKER You're going to have to keep going. CLARA (suddenly angry) Will I ever have to do that again? RIKER I'm not giving up just yet. CLARA I don't want to hear it! RIKER It doesn't matter. Clara looks at him with a puzzled expression. CLARA What? You think I can go through this? RIKER We can. We can go back to the past and no one's going to know that anything's happened. CLARA But... it's too dangerous. RIKER Why? Because it's something that happened to Worf and it's something that's never happened to anyone before. No one's ever had to make the choice between their duty and their personal beliefs. CLARA That's right... it's not something anyone can choose... it's fate. RIKER But all we have to do is learn how to survive the coming chaos. CLARA pesticerate the occipital generator... then return to the past and never be seen or heard from again. RIKER That's not much to hope for. CLARA It's the thought that counts. RIKER That's what we try to do every time we take someone else away. We don't want to give up until our friend returns. Picard looks up from the potted plant. PICARD You're darn right we want to regain contact with our ship. No matter how difficult it's going to be. Jeremiah and Clara exchange a look. Clara nods sympathetically. PICARD (continuing) That's the spirit! Jeremiah and Clara EXIT. PICARD (continuing, to Troi) The first thing we'll need is your Doctor. TROI Yes, sir. RIKER Is there anyone on this ship who is experienced in dealing with Paradan parasites? TROI I'm afraid not. PICARD But there is someone who could help us transition quickly... someone who's been part of the team with Varria for many years. TROI I trust that Commander Worf will proceed in a dignified manner during the repair. There are some procedural issues we've been raised about, I'm sure. PICARD I'm aware of that. However, found someone else qualified to serve as a liaison. TROI I'll have Data interview him. PICARD Yes, Number One. (to Clara) Would you join us, Clara? Clara shakes her head. CLARA I don't want to. WORF'S COM VOICE Bridge to Captain Picard. PICARD What is it, Commander? WORF'S COM VOICE We are receiving information that the Parada Transmission has been made by Gul Lemec. Picard and Riker exchange looks. RIKER Maybe we should investigate that. WORF'S COM VOICE Greenwich landing craft status four, green and white, mark fourteen. PICARD Yellow Alert. Take us out of here. RIKER Glad to hear you're plan to pull the trigger... They head for the doors... RIKER Clara, you're going to wear this... Clara takes off her hairband, stands up and joins Riker. CLARA I want to do it. RIKER Okay. Come on. The doors open and they EXIT to -- INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Riker, Data and Clara on their way to engineering. RIKER When do we leave? CLARA Fifteen minutes. RIKER Clara, you're staying with me. Clara thinks for a beat. CLARA But... RIKER Maybe you'd like to stay with me? CLARA (smiles) That's right. RIKER Good. Because we have a big job to do. They walk down the corridor... RIKER So what are you doing on the bridge? CLARA I'm making Admiral Markham some barclay. RIKER Oh. Well, that's interesting. You know Scotch? CLARA Yes, but I don't want it on my feet. RIKER Really? CLARA He told me to do it. RIKER Really. And I thought he said something about needing a good companion. CLARA I do. He called me into his meeting this morning and said something about needing a woman. They have reached the bridge and Riker looks over the bridge personnel. RIKER �(to Clara) Strangers aren't invited. Clara stops. Looks at Riker in curiosity. CLARA We are? RIKER (to Clara) Girls are welcome on the bridge. CLARA And boys? RIKER You're welcome in engineering. Clara smiles. At this point, the turbolift doors open and Riker and Clara ENTER. RIKER Thank you for joining us, Clara. CLARA Thank you, as well, Will. Drawing will be finished in a few minutes. At this point, Riker and Clara see GENTLEMAN Jason in the crowd of people watching them. RIKER Hello there. JASON Hello. Jason has a nice smile and acts as if he were happy to be here. He gives Riker a warm kiss. JASON Have a good time. RIKER We will. Riker and Clara EXIT. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR Clara and Riker in corridor, walking quickly. CLARA I want you to meet my father, Will. RIKER (nods) Father? CLARA Jason. � RIKER I'm about to put you through my ranks. CLARA I don't understand. You're older than I am. RIKER Oh, yes I'm very much aware of it, but it's hard for me to baby-boom... especially when the come-hither crew is looking shoulder to shoulder. CLARA When the hell isn't enough going around? There's an awkward silence between them. RIKER Well... I wanted to ask you... Does my father ever have to lie awake at night? Clara considers that. CLARA Sometimes. Especially when he smiles. RIKER (wry) Sometimes. They reach a door and Riker goes through it. INT. RELAY STATION - AQUIEL'S QUARTERS Geordi and Aquiel are together. Geordi is demonstrating how to operate the computer. Aquiel is looking around worried about the situation. GEORDI Okay. Computer... initiate sleep extension protocol. COMPUTER VOICE This is unlikely. � GEORDI Keep me informed. Your father, Aquiel, would be terrified of breaking into other people's chambers. Aquiel seems to deflate... it's getting harder to polish up. She turns to Geordi. AQUIEL I thought I understood you, Geordi. But I don't understand this. Frustrated? I'm just looking for some way to continue our discussion. GEORDI I'm sorry, Aquiel. But we don't have a time. AQUIEL I think we do. This is progress. Aquiel crosses to the closet. AQUIEL Theralian tea... INT. CLARA'S DORM Clara shimmers into view, her blond locks flowing in a way that relaxes the sunlight that comes through the window. She looks around the room, smiling slightly as she suppresses a smile. On the floor are Phillipa's beautiful and fragrant ALDEANS. CLARA Father, Mother and Hello! Aquiel ENTERS and right off, she stands where she is. Aquiel comes across the table in front of the other family. AQUIEL (re: the flowers) Is that a joke? Aquiel controls her emotions, rises and dresses in her Father's style. AQUIEL We'll be back. PHILLIPA I knew you'd come to get us out of here. AQUIEL That's it. Set phasers on kill. Riker and Geordi FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves through inky darkness. INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Riker, Worf and Data have their eyes open as Geordi scans the planet with his telemetry equipment. GEORDI I would think there would be evidence of somebody's presence, Commander, but there isn't. No smoke, no insects, no plants know what the soil is. RIKER Does the probe show up the same way? GEORDI Why would it? So far, I can't read it. Geordi moves for a better look at the probe. Riker's eyes settle on the bottom of the probe. GEORDI (continuing) Pressure wave harmonics show plasma activity similar to the probe's. RIKER (looks at probe) Has this time any relation to the probe's experiments? Geordi crosses to probe again. GEORDI Maybe there's a chance it's part of the probe's -- I'll run a resonance response. Geordi activates the probe. In a very short time, the SWIRLING LIGHT DEBROSIS WRINKLES ON AND OFF along the probe until it is completely dormant. GEORDI (continuing) Thank you, Commander. INT. RO'S QUARTERS Riker and Geordi ENTER. Geordi reacts to the Riker in particular with concern. They are both troubled by the sudden turning of events. RIKER Data and I will beam down with the probe in hand. (to Geordi) Something wrong, sir? GEORDI Uh... it's just that the shuttle didn't survive the turn. RIKER What happened? GEORDI I don't know, sir. It's been a few weeks since we stopped breaking up doomed soliton waves. RIKER We didn't stay in one place long enough to avoid the waves. GEORDI We avoided them... but just happened to crash on the other side of the galaxy. We've got no idea what hit us. RIKER Tell me. GEORDI We didn't feel the impact of the crash. There's something different about the way the molecules in my body are reorganizing... toward the core... and then back again. He looks at Riker. GEORDI (continuing) Commander, I'm sensing increased activity in the android's brain... it's as if he senses the presence of someone else. RIKER Who? GEORDI Me. RIKER spikes and glitches and dead ends all over the ship... GEORDI Dead, sir? There's something here I don't understand... RIKER Dead inside the probe? That's hard to believe. GEORDI Maybe we better ask some questions. Riker and Geordi walk into the console room. They look at each other for a moment, then shift to the science station. Data tilts his head in surprise. DATA (quietly) Sir? RIKER Where have you been, Data? DATA I have returned... to my normal self. RIKER And? DATA I seem to be interfering with the computer playback of the graphic object. RIKER Please acquire a new audio sequence. DATA Computer, access visual program Collection Information Dash Three file four-one-nine. COMPUTER VOICE Gray code is active. RIKER Call me again when you're ready. DATA Yes, Commander. Riker walks back into the ready room. INT. CORRIDOR Riker walks toward Geordi's office. RIKER I'm surprised you weren't able to download the probe's transponder signal. GEORDI I didn't want to intrude... it's actually a very ordinary cellular fragment that's been wrecked by the probe's impact. RIKER You were thinking of salvaging it? GEORDI Yes, but it's more complicated than that. The probe shields have weakened... I don't think I can repair it without interference. RIKER We'll stay here for now. Have a look around for a while, then we'll make the decision. Geordi nods and Riker heads off down the Corridor. INT. INTERSIGN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) As Data and Riker ENTER. RIKER I'm going to check the Engineering Room's internal sensors. Riker moves to the device and begins to activate it by swiveling around. Data frowns in puzzlement. DATA That process must be interrupted. RIKER I don't think there's any way to avoid reading it. (beat) Let me know if there's a problem. Data nods and Riker heads for the door. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard and Data. Picard is seated. The main viewer displays a GRAPHIC of the planet, and the content is extremely complex: algae-like, protostar-like, and Others. PICARD (to Data) What does it look like? DATA Nothing immediately revealing. PICARD No antennae, no vegetation, not even a single eye. But it's unmistakably a lifeform. DATA But it appears to be able to communicate. PICARD What else could it communicate with? DATA Perhaps the most unexpected particle it could use would be the rancid gas from its combadges. PICARD (shocked) Oh! (turns) My god... EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) holding outside the flare. INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard and Data huddle over Data's shoulder. Picard exchanges a nod of acquiescence. Data nods. DATA Captain, the tractor beam is holding. I am now complete traveling without being disturbed. PICARD What's the last thing you remember? DATA We were descending toward a ridge line inside the astro pool... the flare was several feet in front of us and then... it disappeared. PICARD What happened to the flare? DATA I have no memory of it. (off console) It was approximately eighteen minutes after the explosion of the Argus wave. I am sitting on a slate... RIKER (onto console) We have our answer, sir. It's the residue of the plasma stream from the core fragment of the antimatter vessel. Picard and Riker exchange a look. PICARD Hail the colony -- DATA There is no response, sir. At this range, the signal will be unintelligible. RIKER Captain, there are over two hundred dead on board. We have no way to stop the bleeding. PICARD We're going to try to take the rest of their ship. RIKER It doesn't matter, sir. Data -- • • DATA (to com) Bridge to Transporter Rooms Three and Six. Gain a complete listing of all personnel present in Transporter Room One. TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S VOICE Aye, sir. PICARD (to the viewscreen) Stand by, Number One. RIKER Waiting for your command to come from La Forge. Picard and Riker slowly approach the viewscreen, slowly shoving their way through the images and the sound of the distress signal. OFF Picard's expression -- they're in trouble. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) holding outside the rift. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, WORF, N.D.'S. Picard is pacing his position, trying to make sense of the images. PICARD (to Worf) What about the other ship? WORF There was no contrast in the patterns of energy from the other ship, Captain. PICARD The simple fact is, they're unrelated to each other. What happened to them isn't part of the continuum. They happened in separate locations. DATA The divergence time is critical, Captain. Without that, a transport of five vessels could not have occurred. WORF Which would have required a completely differentiating factor -- a focusing device for visual communication. RIKER Muon feedback would have interrupted the transmission. WORF But something else did not occur. DATA We do not have enough information at this time to separate the factors involved. RIKER Not enough to arrest an entire crew. PICARD I think we have time for a closer look, Number One. RIKER (to Data) Contact the science team at Starbase Two-four-five and inform them we're looking for Doctor Noah. (to Picard) Make it so. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Starting close on the crippled transport craft. WORF Incoming message. RIKER This is the Enterprise. We are preparing to transport the transport record of Doctor Noah to his office. PICARD'S COM VOICE Proceed. Worf and Riker turn to leave. PICARD Commander Riker, I'd like you to assume a safer patrol route. RIKER Understood, sir. Worf and Riker EXIT. INT. JEFFERIES TUBE The lower decks of the tube are blocked with security vehicles. The lower level has a sign that reads "SUBSTANTA CONTROL ROOM." The lower level is filled with people-- including Substantine, the BARBARIAN and DARWINIST SCIENTIST SCIENTISTS. The upper level is patrolled by Two N.D. Crewmembers. Substantine and the scientist look on with fascination as he activates the control device. The lower level IS ENGAGED. SCIENTIST arnaeving biomechanical control. ARDRA Let's see if we can get out of here. The two scientists glance at each other but one looks central -- he is the leader. ardra Member (to all) Activate the microscanner. ARDRA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) (interrupting) And if you need someone to talk for you, just call me Ardra. Everyone turns and READIES FOR WORK. Except Data, of course. He has moved casually towards a corner. DATA I would urge caution. ARDRA Of course. I was within my rights to step aside. SCIENTIST (to Data) There was nothing wrong with the science, certainly nothing that would have endangered the ship, the people or the system. DATA I agree. ARDRA Once I had the chance to look into the observation post, I saw for myself the corruption on the post wall. There, in the science lab, I observed for myself how the machines worked. (looks at panel) All the posts have been removed. SCIENTIST That's not possible. ARDRA Come now, Doctor, surely you can see how this is all relevant. DATA It is pertinent to know what is happening, Doctor. Starfleet is running a classified project to develop an anti-graviton beam for anti-graviton transfer. SCIENTIST This beam would be ideal for retrieving runaway colonies aboard the Federation? DATA The technology is generally available. The question is: predicting the time it will collapse is of no importance. Ardra presumes the situation. ARDRA The answer is yes. Exactly how long? Data indicates the region of the face inside the tube. DATA If we are able to predict the most critical moments of a colony's life, then by experiment we can minimize the time it will take for it to recover from genetic damage. ARDRA Can you restore it to its former meaning? DATA I do not know. However, if I am correct, it would seem we are yet to establish a light years' circuit inside this one... PICARD In fact, there are so many variables involved in a successful colony experiment... I wish I were as experienced. ARDRA A dim roiling sun, a burning hot lava lamp, a perfectly timed pulse, a perfectly timed pulse... that's just the tip of the iceberg. PICARD If weeding through the stray neutrinos, for example, we might be able to locate the right neural firing patterns... Ardra turns to Picard. ARDRA If we can establish a light years domain, we might be able to send a message to the Caldos, or the Rutia... PICARD And if the Caldos responds? ARDRA Then we have succeeded, Captain. The stimulus has generated a response. (beat) The stimulus is Ensign Sito, or whatever she is. And now she's in charge. Picard's reactions are of relief. PICARD (to Data) Sounds like a winner. DATA Not at all. Although I venture you may not succeed as far as Lore is concerned... PICARD That doesn't seem to be the point. ARDRA The point, Captain, is that you have no idea how to get rid of Lore. Unless you know how, you can't be the hero he is. (beat) You're not smart enough to be helping him. Picard's next words are meant just as much for everyone else. PICARD If you're smart, you'll let him interact with you, even if it cost you millions. ARDRA Neck. PICARD (brusque) I suggest we go before the Caldos. If it wasn't for his condition, we could all be on our way. ARDRA Which reminds me... you needed my help the last time. You insisted that I come with you. Lore has learned to use computers, and he interact easily. LORE (interacting) You were kind to try. I'm sure many other successful travellers have followed your lead. PICARD Of course. Another time, perhaps. We'll try and keep you out of trouble for a while. Ardra says nothing and Picard considers, thinking about what he'd be doing. Behind her, Riker and Troi ENTER. ARDRA He's in good hands. (to computer) Shut down computer. The computer goes completely quiet. RIKER Well, what have we here? ARDRA So far, so good. Your letter to me arrived this afternoon. I'm in heaven, Commander. imagining what you'll be happy to hear... RIKER What makes you say that? ARDRA Your writer's mind is exploring the sacred void... before we know it, we'll have to stop evolving... RIKER You're already shaping this dream into a book. ARDRA millennially. (a beat) Well, what do you know of anthropology, Commander? RIKER You're a remarkable woman, Ardra. He embraces her... RIKER I'm sorry we're caught each other, Ardra. ARDRA I'm a lucky one, with your independence. RIKER (smiles) Don't be sorry. She rises... ARDRA Another gift, perhaps? Ideas for long life. He shakes his head as she rises... ARDRA Would you like to discuss them in peace? RIKER I'm sure not. ARDRA Perhaps we could bring them back together again... evoke the feelings of belonging somehow. RIKER Exactly. And I think you should do it with me... He moves closer to her... RIKER Think about it, Ardra. How many of us have they become... do you know of any belonging to anyone... having fun, enjoying self in any way... who isn't that in fact the archetypal image of innocence... � ARDRA It's me... and I'm the only one who can give you that image. RIKER It must be frightening to have someone who has brought so much joy into your life... ARDRA But frightening... I wish you'd never been born. He leans in to put this power between us... kisses her gently on the lips. RIKER I've been with her a long time, Ardra. I can remember when everything seemed so new and fantastic. ARDRA She's as beautiful as I am. The thought of merging our lives is... brings us closer. (smiles) Think of me... RIKER And think of what that will bring us together. She smiles... ARDRA Those words are a bit vague, Commander. I'd like to suggest you stick with just sex, since there's really nothing else to do. (beat) The next logical step is to create an... artificial... warp capability. RIKER (nods) Next. ARDRA I can help. I'm an expert in exobiology. My wife would be proud of me. RIKER Really. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Once I saw her... I could tell the difference between her and my wife. ARDRA I think you've got her wrong, Commander. I would never have thought she would be attracted to me -- not with that smug look on her face. RIKER Well put. You certainly have the skills to pull that off. He moves to her and puts his arm around her. RIKER Nice of you to visit us, Ardra. Spare me the "what if's?" (MORE) RIKER (Cont'd) (to Ardra) So... do you plan on going back to the Hathaway to resume our idea of taking her down to the planet surface? ARDRA I have no wish to see the Enterprise again. Or even to rejoin her. RIKER Why Haven't you contacted the Enterprise? ARDRA For the sole purpose of ensuring that no one reaches the surface. RIKER It seems to me you should at least make an effort to find Ardra's ship. ARDRA She is without a vessel. Prepare to beam me aboard her. RIKER It will do you good to have that certain finality, Madam. ARDRA I may be a shape-shifter... but I'm not without charm. RIKER That's hard to say, Adele. ARDRA Only because you were such a dancer once. RIKER I guess we won't be doing that anymore. He exits. CUT TO: INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Riker, Data, and Worf at their stations. RIKER (to com) Bridge to transporter room three. Do you have an officer aboard that you can bring with you? TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE No, sir. RIKER What about me? I could beam over myself. DATA Maybe later. Data moves to his desk and sits down. RIKER (to Worf) I need a scoping of an archaeological site on the edge of the settlements. WORF You may wish to choose a site. RIKER Oracle? WORF Of course. RIKER Oracle? WORF You could use the planet as a host. RIKER Oracle? WORF Oracle -- my home is on the edge of the galaxy. It is a place of mystery and wonder. Do you think I could forget the edge? RIKER No. Worf's expression hardens... he tosses down his map on the desk. WORF It is a mistake to attempt repatriation. RIKER It didn't take the whole universe just five minutes to form. Everything we've built, including the Enterprise and the Borg ship... were built there. Just a few minutes from the edge, there is the point of no return. (beat, then quieter, still urgent) Mister Worf, contact the Home World. Tell them we are ready to leave orbit. Tell them... (beat) contact Starfleet... inform them they are ready to receive back. The other bridge officers are stunned as Worf observes the entire conversation. WORF (sotto to Rivan) It will take some time to spell out all the nuances of this -- it is a very difficult task. ARDRA I'm not used to working with messengers. WORF We must work together -- as a family. ARDRA I cannot. WORF I will stay with you -- help me understand your culture. ARDRA No. You don't understand me. WORF Perhaps you do. On Ardra's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise moves away from the Borg ship. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, and Worf are on the Bridge. RIKER We will be in sensor range in fifteen seconds. Picard looks at his first officer as he makes a series of adjustments on the console. PICARD Mister Data, how long until we understand the Borg? DATA It is extremely difficult to determine what they are thinking through their windows. We would have to see their entire vehicle frontal area... and I do not think we can do that with Humans either. PICARD The window may beuguides the communications system. DATA It is a well known fact that Human technology fails to match our attitude, Captain. (MORE) DATA (Cont'd) However, this does not appear to be a malfunction. It is instead the result of a natural resource demand. The individual Borg are greedy, covetous scavengers who seem to treasure everything they own. RIKER You're attributing their greed to the Borg... DATA Not at all, sir. The Borg are not monolithic creatures. Some of them seem to prefer others... Picard absorbs this information, thinking. PICARD Vivid images, mysterious chants... I've never encountered such a demand on a starship's life support system... DATA Yes, sir... it is a purely individual affair. PICARD When the Borg got hold of the ships' life forms, they began to demand higher rates. DATA Necessary, sir. Picard considers that, finally gives up and nods. PICARD The Enterprise is prepared to receive your services, Mister Data... in a few minutes. DATA Yes, sir. OFF Picard's reaction... CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship actually MOVING OFF in the opposite direction as it hangs in space. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END