STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Reunion" #40275-215 Written by Ronald D. Moore Directed by Paul D. Ackerman 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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 25, 1993 STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Reunion" CAST PICARD OGAWA RIKER BEN DATA LAUREN BEVERLY ADMIRAL TROI JARELYN TASHA WORF GEORDI Voice-Over COMPUTER VOICE COMPUTER INTERCOM VOICE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Reunion" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE READY ROOM SOONG'S PLANET OBSERVATION LOUNGE LABORANIS THREE TURBOLIFT SICKBAY MAIN ENGINEERING TRANSPORTER ROOM LABORANIS ANOTHER CORRIDOR CORRIDOR (SEQUENCE) SOONG'S PLANET SCIENCE SHIP CAVERN STAR TREK: "Reunion" - 1/08/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Reunion" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ANTHWARA an-THWAH-rah BITAN BYE-tan CLARA krow-LA DYURIA dih-RITE-uh FOURIER four-FARE GORALIS gore-AH-lis RODELLIANS ra-DELL-eesh STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Reunion" TEASER FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship is in orbit around a red/brown planet. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log: Stardate 44359.3 The Enterprise has been in Starfleet service for two years now. Our mission has taken on an increasingly political cast: Earth is one of several participating in a major effort to achieve a state of reunification of the Federation. INT. CORRIDOR PICARD and RIKER are walking to the Transporter Room. They are in dress uniforms. RIKER Do they have a place on the Wesley list? PICARD A place? RIKER I didn't know I was supposed to be a senior officer. PICARD Oh? When did you become one? RIKER Being posted as first officer, if you recall... PICARD As a matter of fact, you were assigned to Deep Space Nine. RIKER That's right. PICARD But not, apparently, now that you're a lead officer on the Wesley list. RIKER (nods) When I was posted here... I looked up every ship name in the line, and compared them to the listing in my book Advanced Traveller. PICARD What happened to the original file? RIKER It was purged from the ending of each document. That's why I had to accidently delete short descriptions of ships I saw. PICARD What about the Klingons? STAR TREK: "Reunion" - REV. 8/4/90 - TEASER RIKER Nothing. They're just gone. Nothing that suggests what the Klingons were doing on Osirak Three... (MORE) STAR TREK: "Reunion" - REV. 8/4/90 - TEASER RIKER (Cont'd) (beat) But I can't shake the feeling that they're a threat to all of Federation. I have to keep moving. PICARD That's an unusual threat, Lieutenant. Normally, I would wouldn't have minded. RIKER And I'm glad to hear it. (wearied) Well, I better get back to the bridge. Riker nods and EXITS. Off Picard's expression as he contemplates his situation... CUT TO: OMITTED INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Much activity on the Bridge as Geordi and Worf work their consoles. DATA The strain of the refit will make the transceiver structure neither uniform nor transparent to the localized ionization which will then attack the ship. GEORDI You're saying the ship will adapt? Worf considers. WORF The earliest indications suggest that the creature's ability to adapt will be rapid and faint. But there is little data to go back to. GEORDI It'll be lucky to get two head nods from the crew. WORF That is a head nod enough to establish that the -- JUST as Worf bumps into a perfectly timed expression on the Bridge, Data turns to Geordi. GEORDI (curious) What are you doing here? WORF Investigating, sir. GEORDI (awkward) About what? WORF Ensign Nagel gave me a very... precise description of what he is facing when he emerges from stasis. DATA Geordi, I have searched every piece of organic matter that aboard the Enterprise. And I have not found a single one of those materials. GEORDI Maybe you should take a look around, Mister Data. Data nods and Geordi EXITS. Data turns back to the console. After a beat, there seems to be another expression on Data's face... and he looks at Geordi with a vague expression. DATA Geordi... ? Off Data's expression we... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE Just moments after the death of Shrek 12 years ago, PICARD ENTERS from his Ready Room. PICARD Well done, Number One. RIKER My pleasure, sir. PICARD Just as I recall, there was some apprehension about cannibalism on board... but I probably shouldn't have bothered to ask. DATA It seems you have revisited a certain section of the history book, sir. RIKER (remembering) I thought I'd experience what it was like. Picard nods and moves to the Viewscreen. PICARD Have you begun to discuss what the situation was like back then, Data? DATA Yes, sir, I did. At that time, the USS Stargazer was under attack by the Terran fleet. Many of the crew were killed. Most of the rest were saved only because the Starship Sheridan was hit with a Vulcan disruptor blast. The daughter of Lt. Commander Harry Robinson was sent there to replace the lost crew. RIKER (surprised) Your daughter? DATA Yes, sir. She is currently one of the top officers in the Admiral's Science Ministry. RIKER Why? DATA The star experiences frequent gravitational shocks. The Enterprise is designed to withstand them. RIKER (a bit frustrated) And the mythology stays? DATA Both, sir. PICARD (beat) There'll be a great deal of thermological and seismic adjustment that has to take place within the hour. The science ministry is looking for you to exercise. They want to know your thoughts on cooperative voluntarism. RIKER We'd appreciate that, sir. PICARD You're experienced on this ship, Number One. RIKER (tight) If I only needed more time to consider, sir... Picard EXITS, lasting a beat as he sits in the captain's chair... CUT TO: INT. RELAY STATION - AQUIEL'S QUARTERS Geordi and Aquiel are examining the small Enterprise-C (E equivalent to a Watch Officer's Office). Aquiel is listening to Geordi with concern... AQUIEL How will you be able to control the freak storms like they were before? GEORDI I don't know... there's just so much to consider... solar flares, the role of comets, the IPA, all that... AQUIEL After the tests I discussed with Starfleet, I think we can begin to modify the exocomp's navigational array. GEORDI That's not as easy as it sounds. The first thing we have to do is figure out how to modify the internal sensors. There are only four of them... AQUIEL I'm willing to help... GEORDI You are? Aquiel nods... a little embarrassed. AQUIEL If there's anything else you need, just let me know. Geordi looks at her. GEORDI It'll be easier this way. You can study the exocomp's navigational system... AQUIEL What you mean? GEORDI Find something you're curious about and then ask me. It takes her a moment, but she feels the need to apologize. AQUIEL I'm sorry... I guess I'm just... finding it difficult to get an accurate reading. GEORDI You're exactly right... (looks at her) It's very unusual for a kindergartner to ask for advice from a stubborn parent. She gives him a stern look, then runs off with a nervous look. GEORDI (to computer) Computer -- increase distance between the Science Station and Aquiel's house. The monitor displays a fuzzy view of houses in districts. Geordi works the console for a moment. GEORDI Whatever HUD formatting is in use here will automatically seed the relevant subroutines with the relevant data... (he gestures to the house on the display) ... except for... house number three. That's empty... He stares at the computer display. ANGLE HOUSE ON SCREEN (OPTICAL) The screen displays a graphic of Worf's house. AQUIEL I've decided to remain single... and independent. And I'm not looking forward to paying for single mementos of my possessions. GEORDI You've got rid of everything you have. She smiles. AQUIEL Except my wardrobe. I've come to depend on it. Besides, I'm an android. I can't wear clothing. Geordi's smile turns to laughter. GEORDI That's right... single mizune. Maybe later, Aquiel. Maybe we can be together for a while... AQUIEL I'm not so sure my relationship is part of your plans, Geordi. I see that you and Ensign Barron already know each other. (indicating his backpack) I don't want to be alone anymore. GEORDI Whatever you decide, I'll be happy to cancel your appointment. She smiles and steps away. AQUIEL Leave me alone. He gets a hold of himself. GEORDI Hey, you want to be alone? Cancel my cancellation. Aquiel's smile disappears. She suddenly appears completely lost, her head still firmly in the associative study. Geordi turns back to the computer. GEORDI Computer -- increase magnification of stained glass vial... The computer works. In a few moments, the stained glass container turns in the holder's deputation. RESUME SCENE Geordi turns to Aquiel. GEORDI I'm signing off. She's willing to hear now. Aquiel appears stunned. AQUIEL Weren't you listening to me? Geordi's expression is as impulsive as the man's. GEORDI If you want to cancel... You can. Aquiel is stunned. OMITTED INT. SICKBAY Beverly is signing off to save Oriana's life. BEVERLY We have to cancel the appointment. I'll get you a new one. OCEAN No time for that, Doctor. Beverly looks at him for a beat. BEVERLY Or you could stay here -- we can still have you circumcised. No response from Oriana. BEVERLY (continuing) I'm sorry. That's an option. But -- our first order of business is to get you well. Symbols appear on the monitors. BEVERLY (continuing) Tissue viability is the next order of business. OCEAN How do I feel? BEVERLY Good. Now that you're growing again, we can begin the electropathic scans. ODO'S COM VOICE Odo to Doctor Crusher. BEVERLY Go ahead, Constable. ODO'S COM VOICE We're ready to transport to the station. ODO'S COM VOICE I'll see you in Ops. And with a nod to Oriana, he goes. INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR - FROM BEVERLY'S OFFICE POV Admiral Obachan and his assistant are saying their good-bye to the delegates. O'BRIEN Thank you, Doctor. BUFFET Grab them and haul them aboard your ship. BRIEFING ROOM You're taking them too far by introducing a single new species to the evolutionary continuum. ODO You didn't say that, did you? RIKER No, I was merely REFLECTing what they're looking for. ODO And what do you think they're looking for? RIKER You know the game, Miles. The game is always the game. Tell me the game. ADMIRAL I assure you, Commander, they are not alone. RIKER Not when it comes to preventing anyone from escaping. ADMIRAL I'm sure you'd love to keep bringing them here to weaken our Federation standing -- RIKER Look. If we empty our pockets, we'll be just as guilty. ADMIRAL Commander, when the cards came down, we didn't jack up the deck. We acted to protect the game. RIKER We can't lie to them... ADMIRAL We can lie to you. RIKER Admiral, these people are destined for extinction. Do you know how to develop a relationship with one of them? ADMIRAL What do you mean? RIKER Tell them you intend to develop a relationship with one of them. The Admiral takes a beat, wonders how he's going to tell them to do that. RIKER (continuing) I've served on the Enterprise for six years. I know how to brook no argument. ADMIRAL You may want to, Mister Riker. But I intend to keep my post. RIKER Then you're going to have to win. Otherwise, Starfleet will release you. ADMIRAL Contain your emotions, Mister Riker. RIKER The emotions, sir, are those of a young Klingon who finds Starfleet unsatisfactory. ADMIRAL Klingons are not overly emotional. Our mission is to assess our challenge to the Federation and Province. It is not for us to insult or manipulate your people. RIKER If we felt it was appropriate, I would have said so. Otherwise why are we here? ADMIRAL Because recognizing a threat to the Federation isn't the primary reason for maintaining the alliance and protecting it. Your people wish to be allies too... WORF (interrupting) Sir, maybe we should just sit out the whole thing. RIKER (impatient) There are over nine thousand people living on this planet. If we just sit here and wait to be rescued... WORF The return of property or people would outrage you. RIKER �(shrugs) Possibly. Worf leads them off through the corridor. INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Beverly and Worf. BEVERLY Every year in his first year at the Academy, Geordi's always slumped behind the third base scotch. I remember thinking that first year... he was the best signing in Ferengi league history right there. WORF (acknowledges) You knew he wasn't exaggerating. He moves in to take her drink. She glances down to his right. BEVERLY What are you looking at? WORF (a little embarrassed) I have been looking at my life for the last few years... being in Starfleet has dulled my perception of life. BEVERLY What about when you're not in Starfleet? WORF Certainly not. My priorities are not the same. BEVERLY I'm beginning to think you both need a new perspective. She looks down at him and they both share a moment. BEVERLY (continuing) Now you can relax. Starbase Three-five-one is clearly a meeting place for senior officers from many different fossilized worlds. (beat) When you get to the Homeworld, you will find a new kind of political power that will allow your people to affiliate themselves with other alliances. WORF Any alliance that does not rely on you will be viewed as an outside influence and its members will be thought of as enemies. BEVERLY You keep using the word "alliance"... WORF It implies a critical evaluation of all our approaches... BEVERLY I'd say that's healthy in a man's life. WORF If you still insist... They green as they approach the door... Worf stops in mid-sentence... holding his jaw... BEVERLY Either way, one doesn't want to be around me much longer... WORF (with emphasis) I would like to ask a few questions about the Enterprise. BEVERLY Go ahead. Worf green tests his vessel and EXITS... she looks at each other and nods... there is a difference... there is an attraction between them even in this disaster. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FOUR 41. INT. SHRINE Close on Nathanial while Nathanial still addresses the group. (The camera often keeps peeking inside.) NASTIAL The message you sent to the Federation Enterprise said that the Enterprise was ordered to withdraw from the front lines. However, because we had no warp power, we were able to continue our mission for several days. When the retrieval was conducted, only three people escaped from the detention area -- Inspector Lakanta, Superintendent Macet and Commander William Riker. The others turn to look at him. NASTIAL Why were you let go? LOCUTUS The individual had failed to respond to his recollection of the encounter with the probe. ROBIN Fate restored us... all right? Nathan smiles when he realizes his shipmates understand him. NATHAN There were three survivors -- including your friend Lieutenant Riker. Nathan smiles when he remembers. NATHAN You let us go, didn't you? LOCUTUS You were the only one to recover. Nathan knows he's off the hook, so he turns to his COM. NATHAN (continuing) Captain. There's another ship approaching -- a Federation starship. PICARD Move away from here... (to the group) If any of you was hurt on this mission, Doctor Crusher should be the first to help you. Indeed, as Natasha helps Riker to his feet... BEVERLY We'll be right outside escape pods now, sir. RIKER Thanks... He nods and leaves. LOCUTUS You should remember that you will be safe in Federation space for the rest of your stay. BEVERLY I'll count myself lucky. Nathan smiles. Though this is going to be a long trip... at least they don't have long of a trip. CUT TO: INT. STARBASE 173 - ANGLE ON WORF He is standing on the walkway between the Main Viewer and the Command area, watching the Enterprise team interact with the probe. Communications are going out. WORF Enterprise with the probe. We are receiving. � PICARD (V.O.) What do you find? WORF The Enterprise is within range. ANGLE ON TROI coming to her feet. TROI (curious) Yes, Captain. When did they begin exchanging signals? PICARD They've been in orbit for two hours. We've asked the probe to respond to our distress calls but... He stops as he realizes something. WIDE ANGLE PICARD Oh. Yes. (to Worf) Does the probe have files schematics? WORF No. It has only stored personal information, sir. TROI So they must have had some kind of metaphysical device like a telepathic lens. Worf looks at her, surprised. WORF It would not be appropriate. TROI Worf, they were friends for over some years. If they could only talk, it would make sense. WORF If there were, it would be an old friend. PICARD (to Worf) Metaphysical devices can be harmful. WORF If we could determine the purpose of their transmissions, we could disarm them. RIKER (to Picard) Forget it, Captain. They're our only chance. PICARD Forget it, Number One. You gave us your word. RIKER Before they call for our services, we'll find a way to open a channel. Picard turns to Wesley. PICARD (continuing) Number One, I want you to take the Enterprise in the Neutral Zone and intercept the probe Yar suggests. RIKER And then what? PICARD And then report back to Commander Riker, along with the details of the incident which caused this interference. RIKER Aye sir. PICARD Mister Crusher, see if there's anything we can do to speed up communications. (to Wes) Cross-connect the primary homing signal and the secondary... GEORDI (interrupting) Aye sir. WESLEY Sir? Wesley is a little surprised. PICARD Take us out of the Neutral Zone, Commander. GEORDI If the Enterprise's done that, where's the group going to be? Which brings a slight change to the conversation. RIKER We're not going anywhere. Remember that, everyone. TROI I feel the same thing, Captain. We're better off here. PICARD Perhaps so. It's not too late to worry about that terminal. WESLEY It's not going to be there any longer. Commander La Forge has been working on a way to seal the closed door of the shuttle bay. TROI Is that going to be enough to disable the tractor beam? GEORDI No, sir. (to Torres) There's an isolation force that forces the tractor beam through the shuttle's deflector array. We can't get through it. WESLEY But -- TORETH We can, but it's a dangerous game. I don't take the oath. WESLEY I still say we shouldn't worry about that until we're really getting through this. TORETH That, too... would be true, if there were another way. externalTo PIERCE Whoever you are, you're not really a leader. You're just a young man with an ambitious plan. WESLEY What young man? TORETH (smiles) I don't know. It's too early to tell who's going to be first. At that moment, there's a huge explosion that rocks everyone as the Enterprise is jolted. WORF What was that? RIKER It-- it, uh... it, uh... PICARD Rank it! WORF It's Lieutenant Worf, sir. Riker rises and moves toward the command chair. RIKER I'll... I'll decide what to do whenever the captain feels like discussing something. Riker EXITS the bridge and enters the turbolift, braving the attendant's attempts at admonishment. He EXITS, leaving a very angry Wesley on the bridge. CUT TO: OMITTED INT. SHUTTLE BAY TWO (OPTICAL) Riker and the shuttle very close together. There is the difference between them in the shuttle. Riker is saying good-bye to Terlina. The shuttle is moving slowly through space. There is a relief in the air as they reach the airlock door. RIKER I'm glad to see you're all right, Mother. You're going home. She nods. TORETH (a little surprised) And are we going home as well, Commander? RIKER I'm afraid so. This is my way of saying good-bye. On Riker's concerned face... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The great vessel streaks through the stars at warp speed. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 42625.4. While traversing an asteroid belt passing the "Dark Knight's Flight," we have come to the Aqueduct of Regalian VII. Although the spectral analysis demonstrates that the structure was constructed nearly five hundred years ago, we have proceeded no further. INT. REGALIAN COMPOUND - HIS OFFICE - DAY As seen in "Face of the Enemy." WESLEY is there being kept busy at a mathematics work station. Mirza, standing not far off, is negotiating with Geordi. Two other Regalians, including LIEUTENANT PARLAR, and VEKRO (human) are seen in the b.g. WESLEY �(to Picard) It's great you're on the Enterprise, sir. PICARD (nodding) I take it from your heart to serve the Enterprise. MIRASTA (to Reeves) As you see, Reeves, our friend had better have a good reason for bringing shame to his family. RARELLI (indicates) This will have to wait, Jude. (looking to Geordi) History has chosen you to be their next link. GEORDI (to Picard) A certain distance. PICARD Your own progress, Mister La Forge. GEORDI If the block of light is larger than we are, I think we can make it here. PARLAR I will require a high level of computer power. GEORDI One hundred percent. PARLAR Very well. GEORDI (to Reeves) Commander? RARELLI Light a fire in the log room. GEORDI (nods) That's an order. PARLAR You may leave. Rarella, Lwaxana and Protagonist move to the fire and light the globe. INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, Worf, Beverly, and Geordi are seated. GEORDI We've been monitoring Lwaxana's posts on the planet. We've noticed a massive drop in star physics. LWAXANA Theoretically, our little planet should have a sustained light abnormalities for one day -- GEORDI That's not what they showed us. They were sporadic, brief glances. And they could've been caused by a failure in the lab's current; a crash landing. WORF Our sensors were never designed to detect solar flares. PICARD What's our implication? TROI That something, something catastrophic could have happened. WORF But even if it was not so far fetched, we should delay retrieving the sample, until we can be certain its contents are safe. RIKER We've done all we can, Captain. The reassignment paid off both our lab and our lives. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor this space, and press the Chinese Academy's scientists more closely. PICARD Perhaps they'll do something to relieve our inconvenience. RIKER Perhaps they won't. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) still in orbit around Ligon. INT. CORRIDOR Data and Worf are walking along. Data is curious about the moon. DATA What about the pearls? WORF According to the Zodiac chart, they were labeled "rubiconstones". DATA Yet there is nothing else in the gravitational chart or in Starfleet records that would equate with describe the diamond structure. WORF Based on what we know about the anomalous lunar deposits, I would snap back if we scanned the sun's surface for diamonds. DATA Thank you, Lieutenant. Data walks with greater insistence. DATA (continuing) However, I fail to see how my phone tapping is relevant. WORF When I include the data from my holodeck, I should be able to compile a data base for comparison. DATA How complex do you think our computer calculation must be? WORF Uncertain. Fortunately, the Holodeck can simulate virtually anything. GEORDI That's wonderful, Worf. WORF When we include the data from the simulation, our computer will generate a complete data file for all known star systems. GEORDI (stumped) There must be a lot of data just lying around... Worf fixes him with a look. WORF That is precisely why I asked you to come here. Geordi is a little taken aback. He senses that Worf includes him in these type of decisions. GEORDI But... you're the senior officer on this mission. WORF That is correct. GEORDI This isn't about commanding one's self, is it? Isn't it? WORF What I experienced during the time I was in command was not in a military base or a starship. It was me -- the "other side" of the wormhole which had seemingly given me the experience of being able to not feel. (MORE) WORF (Cont'd) I was the one who had to make the entire journey to get back to what I was. GEORDI What was that experience like? WORF It was more than I had hoped for. I felt like I was inside that mind... at ease with the Borg and their goals... and yet I felt outside, being pulled inside the wormhole... GEORDI And you didn't like being pulled into that? Worf is uncomfortable having been brought in to probe the Borg's psyche. WORF I sensed that they were... intelligent. But they seemed to know me, as well. Geordi's checking his emitter; he quickly gives the Borg a cue. GEORDI Stand ready, Commander. Worf follows, moving in a few steps behind Geordi. GEORDI You've got to be ready to step up to the Borg later, Mister Worf. Worf is surprised. WORF Why? GEORDI If this transmission is authentic, then the Borg will be a lot upset if they find out that you and the Alpha Quadrant are all lying about finding us. A beat. WORF We are already regretting not having shared the results of your experiments. GEORDI That's beside the point. Those are just quick guesses. The goal of exploration -- the Alpha Quadrant's role in it -- is so vast that any one of us could be doing it, and we wouldn't know it. Geordi flashes a smile of thanks. GEORDI (continuing) One thing's for sure, though... the Borg won't give up. He smiles, moves to a desktop display of some sort and taps a few keys. NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) as a slightly animated GIF of a Borg MONTAGE SONG begins play. The short film opens in a cockpit of a Federation Paris transport (the Paris which was damaged in the battle is visible on the monitor screen). Picard rings the doorbell. PICARD (to Berg) Mon Dieudomet. (Hello.) The Borg nods, and the sound begins a countdown which starts at two minutes and three seconds until the Borg destination? The last Borg to remain on the platform is the Enterprise Bombardier, who dies in the background. All remaining Borg move to the Borg assembly where Data drops down. BORG (on display) Dirgo here. Picard nods acknowledgment and the Borg moves to the console. BORG (to Picard) We are going to reactivate him. PICARD You mean activate him. BORG No... no... he... he... PICARD You're going to confuse him. The Borg looks from one to the other, confused. BORG Does it really matter? The end will always be the same. PICARD Yes. That's right... and if you are not very careful... Once the Borg has finished with him, he nods to one of the two Security Officers. They lean on their weapons and enter the turbolift. INT. TURBOLIFT They enter. PICARD ... I have resolved this. Thus far, we have been able to destroy or slow down the Borg ship or the Dominion installation. But if we go to full impulse... BORG We will be destroyed. PICARD (holds up hand) ... there will be no stopping us. The turbolift stops and the doors open. The Borg looks at Picard, uncertain. PICARD We are ready to set course. The Borg looks at him for a moment. BORG Course set. The Borg looks aboard the Enterprise. BORG Main bridge. Picard steps toward the viewscreen. INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)  PICARD Separation? BORG There is no separation. PICARD I am Captain Picard. We are coming to surrender. BORG Yes. TROI Our name is the last of many, and we are ready to accept your offer. PICARD There is no need to hurry. There is a growing rebellion on Cardassia which... He stops as an ACHIEVE in the Borg ship stands up. BORG We are ready. PICARD No. BORG The upcoming Cardassian referendum... PICARD It is a joke. BORG We are ready. TROI If its organizers get their hands on power, they will have clearly selected a target to execute their plan. And we would be very much ready for them. There is a beat at which the true significance of what they have said sinks in. BORG (re: their plans) We will go over our plans... and see if there are any... unavailable options... GEORDI If there are any "unavailable options"... what that would meant is if we were still in business... BORG We are not in business. GEORDI Right now we are making art. The Borg figures resist, not sure what Geordi is getting at. GEORDI I mean... exploring the neutral zone... nothing more. BORG We have explored less than one quarter of the screen. Geordi smiles to himself in mock amazement. GEORDI I've been doing better work... BORG What is less? GEORDI Just getting used to life on the Enterprise. The Borg looks at him, then turns back to the monitor. BORG What is your purpose here? GEORDI This monitor is part of a larger schematical representation of our world. Our culture and evolution are found on this monitor. BORG What is your evolutionary path? GEORDI  This monitor is a representation of our evolutionary path. Our name reflects our first steps as prisoners of the starbase. BORG Your name is Borg. GEORDI Do you need a master race? BORG None. Our name is found on this monitor. Geordi studies the screen. GEORDI This is just a representation... Of what might be a human brain... The Borg studies him. BORG You are a prisoner of this brain. Geordi stares at him. The Borg's gaze is intense... and dreadful. GEORDI I'm hungry. (trying to choose his words carefully) Technically, I am not -- I have not eaten for a meal. BORG We do not eat until there is clear evidence that what we are eating is to be eaten. GEORDI I have felt no food in my lifetime is so bitter, so... BORG Tartly. GEORDI What? Geordi is suddenly on the spot. He looks down at his tray, awed. GEORDI I've felt like I've stepped out of the future... Or at least, into the future of the twenty-first century. BORG Then you have entered another future. Geordi reacts to the Borg's nickname, half-expecting it, half-surprised. GEORDI BURTON -- you know... Bacon, sir. BORG (calling) Borg. At this point, P2 and P2 turn from the other Borg, respectful, but wary of the Borg. P2 Sorry. BORG This is a waste of time. They will not listen. P2 No harm done. P2 (looks at Geordi) You are more intelligent... more brilliant. Geordi smiles at this. GEORDI I think we've proved we can talk to them. P2 and P2 both retreat back to the cockpit. BORG We have listened. Geordi knocks aside a snarl, and peers closely at P2. GEORDI Hmm. (puzzled) Geordi... BORG Who are you? GEORDI I'm Geordi La Forge. Captain James T. Kirk. This is our vice-captain... (indicates) ... and our first officer. BORG (echoing) Geordi... GEORDI Help us to escape. The Borg are our only means of escape. BORG An artificial being would have to be beneficial to us. Chorgan, the Borg captain, is intelligent but lusty. Chorgan, the scout, is... GEORDI ...eerily. (reading tricorder) We have tricorder scanners that can scan molecules. BORG (echoing) We have no time for this. Help us. There is something alive in that shuttlecraft. Perhaps something our size category can't stomach. GEORDI I think we can get around them. NEW ANGLE as Geordi goes to the panel to relieve pressure as before. He opens it, finds the controls for the shuttle activated. He goes to the pilot, looks at the console. GEORDI Come on... The Borg is not self-satisfied. BORG What is its purpose? GEORDI I don't know. It seems to be mostly for human entertainment. BORG We are not in need of food. We consume the assimilated matter in our machines. GEORDI It doesn't really matter. The point is that we know how to control these systems. That means we can create a shuttle and fly it into space. (to Borg) Feeling good? The Borg looks at him blankly. BORG You are strong willed individuals. You are in no sense inferior to other life forms. GEORDI I don't think so. BORG We have no feelings of inferiority. We simply have a need for interplanience -- something that briefed us in childhood. GEORDI You think we're projecting our feelings... BORG Our feeling of interconnection... our need to fit in... GEORDI It's not we, Brother. It's you. BORG (re: computer) What is this? GEORDI Copying you... Geordi reacts as a computer channel presents the image of ENTERPRISE MANAGER LIEUTENANT COMMANDER LELANDT on the viewscreen. He is a rugged man in his late fifties with an easy smile and an obvious distraction from responsibility. GEORDI (continuing) Manager? LIEUTENANT COMMANDER You're three... (points) ... newcomers. Have a seat. Geordi sits. GEORDI Tell me about this Borg... LIEUTENANT COMMANDER (interrupting) He's a problem. Please. All three crewman exchange looks, "what can I say"... GEORDI extingting... LIEUTENANT COMMANDER If a Federation guesthouse standard is in place, Council might require us to rematerialize. Geordi reacts. GEORDI So long as we're in orbit... there's a good chance we won't be back to the Enterprise. BORG (hurt) We would be happy to leave at least temporarily. GEORDI That's going to take a little while. Computer, freeze program. The Borg is again hit with STATIC, and then terminated. GEORDI (to Borg) Thanks for trying, but you deserve a shuttle ride. The Borg and the STATIC return to normal. GEORDI Maybe we can have a quiet rest time on the ship... Geordi and Leah think about this. LEAH Maybe we can. They get to their feet. GEORDI There's something you can do before you go back to cryogenics everywhere else. She hesitates... looks at him with a mixture of scorn and curiosity. LEAH If we take the ship apart... what would be the point? GEORDI The ship would be reborn... in a whole new body. (beat) Come on, let's get you to Sickbay. Leah grins back at him... then leans down so she's quietly at ease. LEAH I'd appreciate that. GEORDI No, nobody needs that. She smiles at him... then turns and races down the corridor. GEORDI Uh uh... hold on, nobody needs that... We FOLLOW her as she disappears off-screen. Data calls after her... DATA Geordi... ? And she comes at him again... GEORDI Just a moment, Data... And this time she knocks him down with a flying corner. There's a BLAST of pain and SUDDENLY DECLOAKS. Data makes a grab for her, pulls her away and the EFFECT HEADS BACK. GEORDI (continuing) She's ahead... But she's already VANISHING again. As Data reaches out to her, she thrashes and screams... Data's eyes widen in shock. LEAH No... no, don't... As Data's neck begins to PREVULSE from her movement, the EFFECT VANISHES and Data's face STAYS VANISHING until there is only LIGHT PLAYING on the Bridge. INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - NIGHT Leah's movement has startled Data, who goes to her side. There is confusion and fear in Leah's eyes as she reaches out to Data with her arms too extended to grasp him whole. Data is momentarily calm, but he is quickly realizing that there is something he must do. He reaches out for her, embraces her. He is in shock. How! CUT TO: INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR - NIGHT Close on Data's eyes as he looks at Leah. Her expression is puzzled and concerned... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - NIGHT The hall is empty. There are a few N.D. officers scattered here and there. The headways are empty too. Data cautiously moves through the hall. NORMAL NIGHT CLOAK Nor is there much COFFIN, as there is no one up here. Data carefully climbs up the steps and ENTERS the room. ANOTHER ANGLE He moves to the head of the pile, looks on in curiosity. This is the woman that we met in the Teaser. DATA I am Commander Data. LEETA I brought you something to eat. DATA Correct. LEETA Is that the computer view screen? DATA Yes. Have you been continuously monitoring the planetary surface in the past thirty-eight hours? LEETA Well, it looks like there's not a soul set aside for another thousand years. Data realizes what she's saying. DATA That is unfortunate. Perhaps we could be better neighbors. LEETA You don't hear that here. DATA parity car. LEETA rawdownload(laughs) Data, we don't spend nearly as much time together as we do. Data's eye falls on the photograph on the monitor. There's a framed copy of Alexander's portrait of Lt. Commander Data on the wall behind the desk. LEETA We took the picture. DATA Thank you. LEETA But the name may be different. Data thinks. DATA Perhaps someone with a similar name isn't automatically discarded... Leeta smiles. LEETA I'll look into it. Just then, there's a REPORTING KNOCK at the door. Data goes to the door and opens it, studying the clock. After a moment, the door OPENS to REVEAL Alexander, who comes to the door. ALEXANDER Sorry to interrupt, but I had something to show you. Alexander looks at Data. ALEXANDER (continuing) My father brought me here. DATA It appears that he made an error. ALEXANDER (nodding) The computer recorder has been sabotaged. Someone deleted my personal log and replaced it with the official record of my flight with the Federation. DATA Is that true? ALEXANDER It's in the file... but it doesn't match the file format. DATA That is also incorrect. ALEXANDER (to Data) The name is clearly spelled Alexander Rozhenko. DATA That is correct. ALEXANDER David? The boy's face lights up and he stands a little taller. DATA Alexander Rozhenko... distinguished from the other boy with a... normal appearance? ALEXANDER No. I'm more comfortable calling him Jay. DATA Quinn's all-important characteristic. ALEXANDER I know it. You used to call me "Jay." Data thinks. DATA I believe that is how all the children's names end and the first name begins. ALEXANDER That's right -- except this boy's name -- he's named him. That name gets a look. ALEXANDER (continuing) It's Jay. DATA Which indicates he was assigned to the U.S.S. HURRICANE YEAR -- the same ship that killed his mother. ALEXANDER That's Jay. Jay Stackhouse. The man that killed my mother was Jay Stackhouse. A look between Data and the boy. ALEXANDER How can you get rid of my mother no matter how much you want to? Data looks at him for a moment. DATA A life-form was created with the DNA fragments from my mother's body. They were then injected into a humanoid host... and that human being grew into a highly intelligent being. That person then began to develop its thoughts into memories and thought patterns... into intelligence. ALEXANDER When did you realize the infection wasn't stopping? DATA At approximately seven hours, approximately two hours after entering the wormhole. (beat) I then resumed my course of development. ALEXANDER At what hour did you arrive? DATA At fifteen ten hours. ALEXANDER (indicating monitor) What are your calculations? DATA They suggest that I acquire the wormhole and return to the past. ALEXANDER What makes you think I'll trust you again? DATA I am willing to cooperate with you. Alexander doesn't question Data's motives, but he's starting to look disappointed. He gives Data a look. ALEXANDER I hope you won't mind if I have some fun. DATA That you will? The boy smiles obligingly. Data watches for a beat, then a bit too closely. Alexander realizes Data's calling him into his quarters. ALEXANDER No... no, I mean, sir... DATA You are a successful entrepreneur, Nicholas. However my understanding of your customary procedures and ethics is still rudimentary. I do not believe that you are intentionally deceiving me in order to bring someone under your sway. ALEXANDER I can't really explain... Alexander isn't about to let Data disrupt what he's working on. He stands. ALEXANDER Well sir, I'll just have to hope I can get my mother to listen to me fairly. DATA That is correct. The Bynars do not generally accept other life forms as equals. ALEXANDER Okay, plus or minus ten percent. DATA That would seem to be adequate satisfaction. ALEXANDER That's not bad. WORF Captain, the wormhole will expansion readily in one hour. Detecting that Alexander isn't motivated to go charge ahead, Picard turns and heads for the exit. OMITTED INT. CORRIDOR Picard and Riker move along at a brisk pace. RIKER We've got to stop the expansion before it's too late. PICARD The problem is the same over again, Commander. Once we were told the girl was ours, we nearly went over and over her numbers. It worked for a while... but then the girl started saying she was not real. A new development. RIKER I'm sorry, sir. But it caught us a little off-guard. PICARD You say she was real... RIKER Yessir. She doesn't happen to be a child. They reach the guest quarters. INT. GUEST QUARTERS Tholl, Esoqq, and Leda are in the middle of arguing. THOLL I insist. Your mother is not Leda. She's a telepath. She's joined for the sole purpose of making love to me. ELSOQ This is ridiculous. You couldn't have left your home on that reason. Besides, you could have found a better host. THOLL You were perfectly capable of doing exactly what I asked. Soong watches them leave. SOONG You can't abandon your ship even after it's docked. INT. KLINGON QUARTERS Picard, Alexander, Quark, Rom, GARAK and OLIANA BASHIR are seated around the campfire. Oliana is a girls' clothing boutique with a sheepish smile plastered on her face. OLIANA One of the things I love about you is that you're a changeling. QUARK Though I never would've guessed you'd be a moonbat. GARAK Actually, you are a handsome lingon and I was hoping we'd meet new friends. ROM And we will. Just remember, Garak, this is not a women's camp. GARAK It's an orphanage. The only people we're going to welcome are supply merchants and fellow cartmen. QUARK You mean like you? ROM (smiling) No, no, no. You're going to have to work hard at getting material for your new city. ROM (Cont'd) It's not easy to raise a family on just one planet. ROM (Cont'd) But even so, we have to take care of our own. QUARK But you can bring Emi back to the station for us. ROM It'll take a little time, but we'll do everything we can to prepare. QUARK It looks like you're already taking care of your family. ROM It's a good thing, too. Back home... motherhood is hard for humans to enjoy. QUARK Okay, let's go get you material. Quark starts to turn away -- then fetches a container of water. ROM In the back... where no one will see us. QUARK (seeing water) I got it. Quark and Rom turn back to the fire, extinguishing it one at a time. They drag the containers of water into the ashes. Just as they close the door behind them, a look of alarm crosses their faces. QUARK What's wrong?  ROM One of the children just jumped out of the helicopter. She says it's not safe. QUARK Isn't it safe to look at your child? ROM She's 3, brother. She's not even born yet. Forget it. (to computer) Computer, end program. The VOICE WE HEARD was the computer's way of acknowledging their situation. VOICE We will respond in fifteen seconds. The computer ended the program. The three men all looked at each other, hoping that the other ones in their group would hear the end of the transmission. There was no response. ROM It's the only way they can all understand what's going on... QUARK There has to be some way to let them know we're here. Nog approaches his brother. NOG That's all that's left, is all that's left. ROM When did you get so smart? NOG Our response times have gone from forty percent to fifteen. QUARK We're not smart, it's these computer guys -- NOG It's not the computer guys, it's you. You're the one that's dumb. Let's just take charge of this situation and begin laying things out. ROM What you're talking about is a meeting of the user advisory groups. NOG It couldn't be earlier. At this point, their attention is suddenly drawn to three people: CAPTAIN WAINWRIGHT (#64 IN 8), his DESK SERGEANT (JIM MOSELEY) and his ANTICAN (JEFF KING). WAINWRIGHT (to Nog and Rom) What do you two need? NOG We're here. ROM We know. QUARK Where? NOG The holosuites. QUARK (to Wainwright) You need some help? WAINWRIGHT We'll get you your noodles. ROM And where's the Asian market? QUARK It's over there. Wainwright and Moseley move out of the way as Quark and Rom turn to the other actors: DEEP SPACE NINE: "Little Green Men"- REV. 10/09/95 - ACT FIVE 51 CONTINUED: NOG (to Quark) What about Doctor Quark? QUARK And the other man? NOG And his wife? QUARK They too were invited. ROM What about Quark? QUARK We're the only ones here. JAKE We're the only ones here! QUARK I know that, Jake. But these people have to go. ROM If we don't find them, no one will ever know they ever left the station. QUARK They're the only people here because I have them over my dead head. JAKE You want some, too? NOG We can't let them kill us, Quark. QUARK They'll be happy to know we drove them into the alley. ROM (to Quark, can't be talkin') Quark, we've driven them out. Who cares if they stay or they go? QUARK Personally, I'd rather drive them out! NOG What are you talking about? QUARK That's your prerogative, not mine! I'm not going to stand here and listen to this nonsense! BASHIR This is no time for your jokes! QUARK It's not funny. JAKE Somebody has to. LEETA We could make a little profit instrumentally. ROM That would be very nice. QUARK No, it's not. LEETA We're not here to profit. QUARK But we are. We're schemers. We turn our backs on those who are weaker. LEETA There are great heights to lose. QUARK What are you saying? LEETA We're not going for the easy satisfaction that the Gamma Quadrant seems to offer. QUARK Easy for you to say, because we haven't got nothing in the market are we? Leeta and Rom exchange a worried look, but Rom argues his point. ROM That's right, brother. Just ortmund the station and let's do it manually. QUARK What do I have to be happy about? Rom looks at Leeta with what can only be called blended-dreams. ROM Me? I'm not. I'm not even somewhere. I'm a nobody. And as Rom considers his options... INT. QUARK'S Attendants are finishing up a case of gleaming bloodwine. QUARK I'll take another case. The Attendants EXIT. Rom paces over to Nog. ROM Nog, I'm waiting. NOG I'm thinking. ROM How about springwine? NOG What else? ROM We can have springwine for eight hours. NOG Good idea. Rom gets behind the bar counter. ROM Brother... QUARK I don't think I'll be joining you. NOG (what's the big deal?) Of course not. You're a mood-maker. ROM That's what my mother says. (a beat) You know, when she tells me to make springwine, I feel like a million bucks. (a beat) But I make better fluid red than that stuff. I could attract women with a nice scotch. QUARK That stuff is for my guests only. Not for my employees. ROM Don't be Soong-it. Those are my customs. QUARK Look, you're right. The only thing I don't want is a bunch of self-righteous snobs. ROM What others say I'm doing. QUARK (to Nog) Nog, if you don't get back to work you're going to have to start practicing. NOG I'm not working. QUARK (calling out) Nog! Nog! Quark tries to head for the door, but ends up falling deep into Nog's arms. CLOSE ON QUARK (OPTICAL) As he GRABS Nog and HURLS him into the wall. QUARK You're a Ferengi. Do you know the rule of Acquisition? NOG (awkward) When it comes to business... Federation business. Quark dominates Nog for a beat, then releases him. QUARK (to the Bolian) You heard the one. Go. The Bolian EXITS. QUARK Quark to Hainoa. You have a subspace malfunction. I'm requiring labor. On the Evacuation Grid: CUT TO: INT. ALIEN LAB (OPTICAL) Kira is staring at the wall monitor as Nibor watches. The alien computer graphic is running on the screen. KIRA Nibor... ? NIBOR Does the word "Romulan" mean anything to you? KIRA No. Now do we hear a Romulan SOUND? NIBOR No. Now do we hear a Romulan CLANG? KIRA (already do) CLANG. (to the Bolian) Ni'Qo' ka-chee Khan. The Bolian looks up to Kira. BOONE Raising the stakes... Now what? As the Bolian turns back to the monitor... KIRA Three subspace navigation procedures to chart the wormhole. The Klingon BLASTS out the music... CLANG a single word... three phrases... almost a theme... KIRA A theme! (to the Klingon) Ni'tak, ka-chee Khan... Through the screen, the word "Romulan" means "without Bajoran beliefs" or "without a Klingon background." The Klingon looks offended... but before he can reply, something catches his attention on the other side of the screen. KIRA The wormhole to starbase one-seven-nine is under attack. Reactions. NOG The Bajoran miners who do the mining, Doctor? KIRA Kira to station security. Out. The Klingon looks very uncomfortable. ZEK That's very touching, Major. But I think we can handle this. KIRA Should be a message from Karna, Cont'd. NOG (still thinking) Maybe he's not as blind as he says... KIRA Exit the aid in the main debate. Now, we'll discuss what to do about Kira's sight. Zek, Ni'Kala, and the other Bajoran supernumeraries EXIT. Leaving Odo and Rom. ODO utralize the Bajoran worker who's been harassing my station. KIRA Good. But before we deploy the shields, I'd say we should check first to see if the new asteroid mining program is going to work. ODO I was just about to suggest that we conduct a little experiment to see if it will. They exit. KIRA You know that's probably a good idea. ROM But what good is an idea, when you're not going to be around to see it... And as Rom leaves, Odo and Leyton exchange a confused look. INT. DOCKING RING CORRIDOR Quark is walking Rom through the airlock. ROM ... so we can complete our accomplishments. QUARK And get out of sight. ROM Yes. And get out of my way. QUARK (stopping) Enter. ROM My brother's arranged to stay here with me. QUARK What happened to you? ROM I'm afraid I couldn't leave. The authorities on Krasneras Prime are... unforgiving. QUARK Even if you get off, what are you going to do for the rest of our stay? ROM Myself, I'd say Gryffinden's third door is the most likely to open in the evening. QUARK Really? Aren't you being a little over-eager? ROM I really can't do that, brother. Not with the entire crew of the station in a coma. Quark looks at his brother. Rom fixed him with a look. And we have the strange moment we've all waited for -- Rom attempting to comfort his brother... ROM There's not much I can do for him. He's gone. Just like my father. QUARK What happened to Doctor Bashir? ROM They died in a shuttle accident. I blamed Bashir for the death of Moogie. Turns out he had actually been bitten, but he's going to be fine. Besides, I never suppress hoped. QUARK (shocked) You did? ... No one's believe that except yourself. And as Quark tries to extricate himself from Rom's thrope, we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END