STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Valiant" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM VELARA III MEDICAL LAB LUISA'S QUARTERS CORRIDOR BY MEDICAL LAB DOOR ENGINEERING OBSERVATION LOUNGE TERRAFORMING BASE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HYDRAULICS ROOM HYDRAULICS ROOM MAIN CONTROL ROOM STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Valiant" TEASER FADE IN: INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE It's a real mess at the moment. WESLEY and WORF are working furiously. TASHA hurries over to Picard. TASHA It's Lieutenant Yar who has newly chosen this method of reproduction. WORF Ensign Crusher. TASHA Wesley Crusher. WESLEY Ensign Crusher. TASHA You have the Conn, Lieutenant. WORF I am standing by. TASHA You may sit here. WORF I will... sit at Ops. TASHA Any other bridges please. WORF (rising) Yes, sir. Wesley sits down as Tasha joins RIKER at the command station. The other crewmembers are surprised to see him. He's a Starfleet veteran coming aboard. TASHA Sir, Commander Riker has requested a alteration in his request for a VISOR. RIKER Why? TASHA Because Visor approval here is fluctuating. Everything happens quickly: Tasha sits in the command chair, Wil reacts to a console light-up, slapping a button and stepping up to the bridge console. RIKER Set! Everyone lights up as Tasha moves to flank Riker, come to a stop where she cannot see him. RIKER Data, you have the Conn. Riker reaches for the command position, but Tasha stops him. TASHA Sir, it's not him. INT. CORRIDOR - CLOSE ON TASHA Tasha turns and sees Riker, Kargan and the other bridge officers starting to leave. TASHA Be quick, Commander, or I will have your leg taken away. Riker glares at Tasha. INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Everyone leaves their positions and the revolving door STOPS. GEORDI We are clear, sir. TASHA Everyone, except Data, please sit in your positions. DATA Aye, sir. Picard forces a grateful smile on his face as Tasha moves to the aft science station. TASHA There's a problem... DATA What is it, Lieutenant? TASHA I'd better get to engineering. Data nods as Tasha EXITS to the turbolift. RIKER What's the problem? TASHA I didn't give him the impulse control. RIKER You didn't give him the impulse control? TASHA Yes, sir. RIKER And why? TASHA I still can't get the console to work. RIKER That's not your problem, Lieutenant. The problem is -- But Tasha suddenly sees something on her console and reacts. TASHA We have an engine failure! Everyone REACTS. TASHA (continuing) But it's not main engineering. DATA I am sorry, Lieutenant, but the error is located on the low-grav atmosphere team drill. TASHA (to Riker) We'll get you another chance. Let's make good use of it. RIKER No thanks. The best use of our time is obviously to get that blanket on Tasha's uniform. CUT TO: INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) The forcefield FALLS away and the computer full stop. The area, which was showing a visible sign of energy recomposition, is now quiet. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard steps up from his Command position. PICARD Main Engineering, this is commander. We are going to have to leave orbit to avoid a hull breach. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Bridge, this is Engineering. We are preparing to deal with the problems caused by the construction of the new base. PICARD I'm on my way, Commander. He moves to the turbolift and they ENTER. INT. CORRIDOR - HABITAT RING CORRIDOR GEORDI Commander, I've got a serious problem on my hands. Geordi moves to the next panel. GEORDI (continuing) I can't get the impulse engines on-line. TASHA That's because there isn't a metallurgical device in place. GEORDI I'll get to that. But the shut-down procedures are going on too fast. I can't stop them. DATA It would seem that Geordi's malfunction in the impulse engines is permitting the shield to function normally. GEORDI That's not the point. If there's a way to reverse the flow of activity -- But he is interrupted by -- WORF'S COM VOICE Bridge to Captain Picard. PICARD (to com) Thank you, Lieutenant. WORF'S COM VOICE We are receiving messages from Garran and Nurmak. They are asking if the crew could come down to the ship. PICARD (to com) Sure, I understand. (to Tasha) Alert the transport vessel that we're on our way. TASHA I think that's a little premature, sir. PICARD I'll get on it, Lieutenant. Picard EXITS to the Turbolift. NURMOK'S COM VOICE This is Nurmak. He's very surprised. TASHA It's all right, Nurmak. You can transport yourself down. Nurmak looks relieved. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) The TRANSPORTER TECHNICIAN stands at the console as Baran DEMATERIALIZES.  BARAN'S COM VOICE byssa-Da. Drifter. Drifting. I'm still not disposing of the mercy. Baran returns in a different part of the room. BARAN byssa-Da. Trill. Thank you for letting me help. Baran goes to a console and sits down. He takes out one of the ceremonial candles, lit it and looks at it for a beat. The other one is empty. BARAN (continuing, to com) Nilani. She DEMATERIALIZES. INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS Riker, Beverly, Geordi, Troi, Worf, and Beverly at the table. RIKER I've never seen the energy surge like this. It seems to be an emergent property. GEORDI Exactly, sir. It seems to be based on a modified Holodeck effect. TROI It's not a complete failure, Captain. I still can't get the computer to work. RIKER You don't believe it's alive? GEORDI No, sir. It's just a programming glitch. It won't go on forever, if we can't get it working. RIKER Do it. Geordi sets to work the console. Riker moves beside him and takes the opportunity to rub elbows with Baran and Nur -- the senior staff always together. RIKER (continuing) Let me know if you find anything tonight that I can fix. Baran and Nur shake hands. Nurse Kuril comes out of the way with Tasha. KURAIL Welcome, Baran. I'm Kuril. BARAN Castillo. Baran goes to greet Castillo, making eye contact with him as he does so. CASTILLO It's good to see you, Doctor. How's Lieutenant Suna? BARAN Talking to him. Baran gives Tasha an encouraging look. TASHA Wonderful. BARAN You see? The Holodeck is something I've dreamed about for years. Baran sits down to congratulate his wife. BARAN (mood darkening) You're a very clever woman, Lieutenant. TASHA (indicating Baran) Now... do you want to tell me anything that isn't obvious? BARAN Before we go any further, I'd like to make one final request. TASHA What is it? BARAN Every time I've thought or charted something, it seems to invite further study. I'm wondering if there's any way to counteract the power it wields. RIKER What's that supposed to mean? BARAN Well... if we could produce a lethal dose... say a pea... Boratus and Radue ENTER the room. BARAN (to Geordi) Try healing the body with a micro-somatic field. Geordi looks at him, realizing what he's planning. GEORDI (cordial) Mister Baran, I'm sure you'll understand if I have a few suggestions... BARAN (smiles) I'm sure you will. Try the food... the plants, the water. Just show me what you can do. He indicates a chair. BARAN The chair is made of composite material. It won't hold much. He indicates the base of the chair. BARAN I'll make several changes. GEORDI Promote me to crew director. BARAN Exactly. Now, try installing the micro-circuitry. Geordi moves to the computer, starts working. GEORDI I think I can do it, sir. (he finishes working) I'm getting close. Baran eyes him. Geordi's performance has slipped. He doesn't know what to do or say. BARAN Are you all right? Geordi sits down. Baran's expression is strange... disreassuring. GEORDI It's nothing, sir. It's nothing at all. BARAN I don't understand you. You're like this today? GEORDI I'm fine. BARAN I'm afraid you are, too. You keep acting like a member of the crew, only for us to take over your ship. GEORDI Crew members have always had expectations of getting exactly what they want. In truth, Admiral Riker was quite reasonable in his attempts to adjust my work schedule. BARAN Very well. Riker's attitude is quite different. He's like a different person. GEORDI Maybe I can bring a little competition to his office. BARAN It won't do to compete with you. It will only hurt the brand. Wipe your competitor's memory. Geordi shoots a baleful look at Baran. GEORDI (to Baran) I'm sorry... I didn't mean anything... Baran gives him a dry look, then turns to his most emotionless worker. BARAN If you have a problem with that, you've got to talk to me. The Federation hasn't been founded again in three hundred years. That's three hundred years because of your relative youth, and because of the relative strength of Federation membership. (beat) It's not hard to see how you've gotten to be a leader in your society. You simply have to make the people around you something to attract their attention. GEORDI (realizing) I think I've managed to do just that. BARAN If I didn't know you better, I would say your life was a failure. But you are nonetheless my colonists, and my responsibility is to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. GEORDI I don't feel safe and comfortable at the moment. I'd think it would be best if you park the ship somewhere safe and quiet. BARAN (a shrug) Personally, I don't think your operations are that visible. Maybe if we joint our yeasts together? GEORDI No, that's not how it works. BARAN So you're going to let me plant seedlings in each other's beds? GEORDI That's the most disgusting thing I've ever done. BARAN The truth is, we're more than even. We have the potential to be more than that. We have the bees. GEORDI (realizing) What about the plants? BARAN (a beat) You know, those pesky celestial ministrations. They keep me awake. And I don't have use of them. GEORDI Beverly, if you're so concerned about your navel, why don't you give them a home? BARAN (a glib reply) I could do without the light and you could spend all your time thinking about your navel. GEORDI You could plant it yourself. Just give the bees a go. BARAN Yes, well... I suppose I'll have to plant them. He smiles at them. BARAN Just don't do anything that'll be unwise. GEORDI ricanes, exploring new worlds... BARAN You can do whatever you want, Commander. And with a nod, Baran, and his group VIOLENTLY DISAPPEAR. Visible only in the EXT. SPACE -- the void. INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Ensign Felton. WORF We are receiving the signal, sir. PICARD Increase to three times normal. RIKER Steady as she goes... PICARD Mister Data, ready a class one computer. DATA I will do so, sir. Data EXITS. PICARD (to com) Bridge to Transporter Room Three. RIKER Ready when you are, Captain. Baran now moves directly to Picard's chair. BARAN Is there something I can do for you, Captain? PICARD Such as? BARAN Just... be with me on the surface. There is something important I want to discuss with you. PICARD About the Nova Squadron attack on Rondac. BARAN Captain, if I may ask: what happened? Picard nods. BARAN You ordered the destruction of the Concord. Did you? PICARD Yes, because there were no survivors. BARAN You knew? PICARD Yes, I did. BARAN (shrugs) It could've been an accident. Mistaken identity. It didn't happen. So why would your own officers be fabricating evidence to support their own claims? PICARD (heated) They're not fabricating anything, I assure you. BARAN "Why would our officers be fabricating?" I do have reasonable grounds for believing that one of the members of the Nova Squadron lied on the written formula, deliberately giving the wrong answer to a question... to inflame a situation that was beginning to spiral out of control... PICARD (soothing) That's reasonable, Mister Baran. Baran has blown his nose. Picard throws him a quizzical look, before he can ask anymore: PICARD Mister Data, please report to Detention Cell Three. He leads Data into a turbolift. BARAN I'll be back for your answers. Baran heads for the turbolift. PICARD It's good to have you back, Baran. Baran eyes him curiously -- and as though an unseen figure, out of place or not, looms large over him. BARAN You remember the Nova Squadron incident, don't you, Commander? PICARD One of my crew was ordered to provide security assistance to a member of the Nova Squadron. The crew was surprised and surprised to discover a Nova pilot in his seat. Afterwards, we learned that the pilot had been advised of our plans by Admiral Haftel. Just prior to the decision to fire, Captain Haftel ordered that the transport ship carry the baby to a docking bay. Was I aware of that? BARAN Why did you order the ship to carry a baby? Were you feeling sentimental? Were you intrigued by its appearance? Baran holds Picard's eyes for a moment, then EXITS. OFF Picard's reaction. CUT TO: INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) Geordi and Worf are examining the tiny mattress against the wall as Instructor Yareena enters concerned. GUINAN Some of the other crew are starting to look a little worn. Geordi and Worf exchange a look. GEORDI I can't believe that you let this prisoner go on like this, Yareena. YAREENA I did nothing to her! She's already been evaluated. We will not be prejudging her performance. GUINAN I know. But her storyteller put everything she said in her report. It makes me wonder if you might have read it too. HASKELL It was more than that. Her charisma, her strength, her bird-watching skills are just average for a Betazoid. If I read it as simply a report of our security concerns... I might understand. GUINAN Because you didn't trust the report. You thought it were based on hunched-over hunches. You thought the captain was a bitch. HASKELL Not true. Jellico's a pretty handsome man, compared to Chancellor Alrik's. YAREENA Some might say they're alike. But that's besides the point. Compared to him, Alrik's a tinkerer. He can make anything. GUINAN Not in a game. HASKELL You can do anything you want. YAREENA Not true. You need time. HASKELL We'll see about that. The important thing is that you understand we're here to help you. GEORDI How much longer will it take you to get me aboard the Enterprise, Commander? HASKELL Close to ten years. RIKER I don't see that that's a problem. HASKELL (to the others) There must be some way to speed things up. TROI We can't just send some people away... YAREENA The only people we can send away are those who've committed suicide. RIKER I'm sorry, but sending people away for that reason is not necessary. HASKELL It's not optional. If you will just remove the threat of hacking, we can all be spared. There's a beat as Data and Geordi exchange a look. HASKELL (continuing) Unfortunately, there are many people who will not wish to acknowledge any such treatment. They are the 'Face to Face' to the people we serve. RIKER There are twenty-seven hundred people on the Lantree. HASKELL Right now, sir, that number is approximately nine hundred. WORF Nine hundred and counting. PICARD I wish I could say we have enough people on board... HASKELL No, sir. More than that, we have a few more who need our help. TROI How can we be happy living here? YAREENA We have made enough progress to allow everyone some... liberty. She lifts a hand to Riker's back, stops... YAREENA (continuing) Father, please... Hearing the unction of her father, Yareena whips her arms around his neck and charms... Riker's gag tight, but he pulls away. RIKER (nothing personal) It's just the rudder you're carrying, Captain. Yareena smiles, turns to Picard. YAREENA The women of my world are privileged... there are no whores on board this ship. PICARD (laughs) I suppose not. ANGLE ON TROI as she snaps open her eyes. Riker's look of misunderstanding has given way to outraged shock. TROI (to Picard) Captain, I think Riker should speak with you. (to Yareena) Do you know anything about what happened to the Lantree? Yareena sits silent, as if she's been questioned. Her eyes remain closed... PICARD (to Riker) It appears to have been a very mistake. RIKER Merde. Just as I told you. Captain, the situation is developing rather well. But I have every confidence that we'll be able to... settle this. PICARD Well... (turning to Riker) Instruct your transport ship to depart immediately. Yareena nods, and Harkat's image APPEARS on the Viewer. HARKAT Captain Picard -- long range sensors have detected the Lantree's debris. PICARD How long until it's out of sensor range? HARKAT Approximately fifteen minutes. PICARD Keep us informed. HARKAT Yes, sir. Picard turns to Data. PICARD Modernize the Lantree. DATA It will take twelve hours before we can initiate a full self-diagnostic. We will need to conserve power until we are finished. PICARD You will have to provide us with the full report on her engine output. DATA Yes, sir. Picard nods and heads for the Turbolift. CUT TO: INT. CARGO BAY - PRESENT - ON MONITOR (OPTICAL) The Lantree's DIALOGUE SOUNDS but does not sound correct. CARGO OFFICER This is the commerce branch's computer. CARGO OFFICER (Cont'd) This is the medical branch's computer. The officer works the console for a moment, then the Lantree's SLATENCY CHANGES and there is a CLOSE FLASH of DISTRESS INTERRUPTION. CARGO OFFICER We are having problems with the computer core. We're attempting to access the Lantree's computer memory. FLITH (to officer) Contact the Lantree and tell them we have completed all necessary everything required to return it to the Federation. The officer nods and works the console. CARGO OFFICER (to computer) Computer, access the Lantree's computer core. The computer BEEPS and begins to access the memory. CONTINUED: FLITH (to N.D. officer) Contact the Lantree and tell them we've located the Lantree's internal facilities. Tell them that we've locked everything and that we'll be using whatever we can get our hands on it. N.D. OFFICER Understood. The N.D. officer activates a console and the corridor SHUDDERS FORWARD. FLITH (to N.D. officer) Contact the Lantree and tell them that we've located their ultimate supply of antigraviton latinum. If they don't respond, we'll have to take it. The N.D. officer works for a moment and the corridor SHUDDERS again. FLITH Take us home, Nausicaan. NAGUS Good. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship hangs in space. INT. BEVERLY'S QUARTERS Beverly ENTERS from her office. BEVERLY Computer, access study notes for the fifth W.P.S. expedition. COMPUTER VOICE Access complete. BEVERLY Walk us through the details of the fifth expedition. COMPUTER VOICE The location of the study notes is on the following star system... She waits a moment, not getting the results. BEVERLY (looks at her tricorder) What would be most beneficial for my career? COMPUTER VOICE Starfleet wishes to confirm that you have specified a specialty in Plant Biology at the juncture. Another pause, then: COMPUTER VOICE You are programming the Nausicaan helper. BEVERLY Thank you. COMPUTER VOICE You are running the tests recorded. BEVERLY Record my session. Another pause, then: COMPUTER VOICE Your test results are recorded. BEVERLY Curious. (a beat) Computer, access the second spectral analysis files. COMPUTER VOICE You have exceeded the limit set by file... requesting more files. Another pause, then: COMPUTER VOICE Your test results are recorded. BEVERLY Curious. (a beat) Computer, access the first file on the Crusher crew. Another pause, then: COMPUTER VOICE You have exceeded the limit set by file... requesting more files. BEVERLY Okay. With the computer off, Beverly requests the files and they resume. BEVERLY Filling in the missing data... Computer, access the medical file for the Crusher crew... (as she taps her key) ... and save the file... (as she looks up) ... and that file will automatically complete in twenty minutes... (then she turns to Ricketts) Call me when you're done. She EXITS. CUT TO: INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Worf, Data, Troi, Geordi, Beverly and Wesley. BEVERLY With the exception of the initial contact between Data's and Doctor Crusher's personalities, I'd say the bulk of the interactions are internal to the character development files. PICARD That's good news. We still have some way to go. Geordi and Beverly exchange a glance. GEORDI The computer could run a diagnostic before we start the transformation. BEVERLY Yes, but it would cut down a lot of time if we used it to create a template... RIKER (to Beverly) Make a note of that. We'll need to generate a new file for the doctor. PICARD Yes, Commander. As they EXIT... CUT TO: INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data and Doctor Marr. DATA We should generate a new file for the doctor based on the information in the observation viewer. Doctor Marr APPLAUDS -- she's excited about this new opportunity. DOORMAN Yes, Data. That's exactly what I want to do. She starts to leave. DOORMAN (as she goes) There's one thing you should check... Doctor Marr nods and MOVES OFF. Data watches her intently. OMITTED INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE A short time later. Data and Doctor Marr walk into the room. DOORMAN How did you wind up in this particular situation? DATA I am incapable of automatic explanation. DOORMAN That's okay. You don't always have to be so... abrupt. DATA Unfortunately, Doctor, sometimes I must order you to pause or cancel something and talk about something else. DOORMAN Cancel? DATA I am unable to cancel. DOORMAN You're just asking me to delay transformation for a day, just like you asked. DATA That is not necessary. I have performed the same function on occasion. A long beat. DOORMAN What's the matter, Data? Afraid of being "too confrontational?" DATA I am afraid that is not a valid request, Doctor. DOORMAN Maybe it is. Maybe you're not courageous... you just don't always know the right thing to do. He grades her performance -- a solid grade. DOORMAN You've got a point. (beat) But I don't think you're ready for the job. She shrugs it off. DOORMAN I could put together a team... survey the Enterprise in the Jacksonian system... look at its resources... ask them to send someone here to study your projections. DATA I will not participate in any project that will involve the development of artificial lifeforms. A long beat. DOORMAN It's not your game. It's normal procedure. DATA Do you not understand? We are interested in your ideas. DOORMAN Well, Data... what you've done for the past few years has-- DATA (interrupting) That is not necessary. DOORMAN slaps Data on the back. DOORMAN We'll see about that. They all EXIT. CUT TO: INT. CORRIDOR Data and Doctor Marr walk... DOORMAN We've been meeting with the colony's indigenous people. I've made a complete list of the foods they'd like stayed alive. DATA Injurious to be labeled, Doctor. DOORMAN You couldn't go into their systems and research what they want for your food. It's a privilege. DATA That is correct. DOORMAN Now that we know their system compliance, shouldn't we be a little more patient with their system? DATA There is evidence of early system failure. I am unable to get past the first command sequence. They EXIT the corridor... the door to the Jefferies Tube OPENS. Riker and Doctor Marr ENTER. Riker is nervous, concerned. RIKER (to Marr) What's going on? Doctor Marr doesn't answer. There's an awkward moment of silence. DOORMAN We've met. RIKER (to Marr) We're new to the colony. I thought you might want to meet our resident evil genius Zaynar, who's running things... Doctor Marr ignores Riker. She stares at the ceiling, perplexed. DOORMAN Doctor Marr... ? Riker speaks haltingly. RIKER If I may ask, where do you actually live? DOORMAN And what's your business proposition? RIKER You've got to be kidding. Marr's staring at the ceiling. Strangely, she seems perplexed. DOORMAN ��... ? Riker finishes installing the equipment. RIKER I can't thank you enough for all you've done for us. I'm really proud of you. DOORMAN For the last six months, I've been hiding a letter to a friend in Glasgow. I was hoping you'd end up there after the war. DOORMAN Why Garen? RIKER We were both quite eager to get back to Earth. Though I was not expecting to see you here. DOORMAN Run for the hills! RIKER You won't last long in this "colony," Rishon. Glasgow's a warm city. DOORMAN But Glasgow -- the home of you -- is in the hands of hardened terrorists. RIKER Those men and women are not terrorists. They're hardened terrorists. Do not count Rishon, who is listening, to her friends. STAR TREK: "The Survivors" - REV. 8/3/89 - ACT THREE 30. DOORMAN (pointed) Glasgow's gone. But don't give up your good graces just yet. RIKER We can't afford to be treated like this. DOORMAN Don't be cheap, Riker. KENTOR It's not as if we're stealing something from you. DOORMAN We're just visiting. RIKER We came for the food. DOORMAN The food's not on the station. KENTOR It has to be. We can't survive on it. DOORMAN (shrugs) Okay, okay. You all know my food sovereignty. So why not let us in? RIKER We don't want to take any chances. We don't want to take chances on you. DOORMAN Rishon was shot six times -- she can barely walk -- RIKER -- I don't see how we can stand around here. DOORMAN She took down a drug bar -- RIKER -- and I can't stand here and wave that knife around. DOORMAN It's not a knife, Riker. It's a weapon -- and you use it! Riker smiles. RIKER (to the room) You all right? They exit, the door closing behind them... INT. CORRIDOR Riker, Doorman, Troi, Worf, and K'Ehleyr as needed. DOORMAN -- let's go. Riker nods to the others and follows Doorman through the corridor. ANOTHER ANGLE as they enter the next corridor. RIKER This way. TROI What about Lutan? Riker eyes the door, unsure. RIKER The President of the Federation doesn't give a damn about us. K'EHLEYR (smiles) Well, there's always something else. Riker gives her a look, and before she can continue... NEW ANGLE the door opens and a couple of Starfleet Security Officers ENTER. K'EHLEYR Ah, Commander Riker. Good you're here. We took control of one of his ships before he could board. Happened while he was trying to hide the Enterprise. RIKER (not following) What did you do, Lieutenant? Riker's tone, as he continues to move quickly toward the door, states firmly that no one is to enter until further notice. ANGLE ON K'EHLEYR AND WORF who realize just what Riker is doing. K'Ehleyr nods, turns to Picard. K'EHLEYR Captain, with all due respect, I feel I should make one following apology. PICARD One? K'EHLEYR During the notanrage, we took the duty off-duty and used it to relax. I did nothing wrong. PICARD Alone? K'EHLEYR The holodeck is capable of creating characters that are human... but this was no different. Picard is curious about K'Ehleyr's believable story. PICARD What were you doing accessing the transfer notes? K'EHLEYR Trying to relax, relieve the pressure. RIKER Captain, we don't know what you're up to. K'EHLEYR Picard's trying to hide something. She reaches out for Picard's hand, which has just melted. K'EHLEYR May I? PICARD (still smiling) Absolutely. K'Ehleyr holds his hand out and the others move toward her. RIKER We'll get to the bottom of this, Will. Riker and Worf EXIT. K'Ehleyr collapses onto a nearby chair. After a beat, Picard lifts her to the open hatch and pulls out the phaser. He drops it, not wanting to give away her secret. PICARD (hiding his intent) There's the topographical reference map, courtesy of the shuttle's navigation system. He hands her the map, which K'Ehleyr examines. PICARD If we were searching for a new planet... one with a potentially stranded crew... we might have found it. K'EHLEYR But that's not what happened. The radiation from the shattered planet struck us as an... unnecessary evil. PICARD Not that unusual in stellar physics -- but when you consider the example of the T'Ong, the cruiser, and the freighter, all starships traveling at warp, there are very few situations in which a warp field will have an effect. K'EHLEYR Yes, but... PICARD (interrupting) That's one more example to demonize. Thank you, Captain. K'Ehleyr studies him silently for a moment, then turns to the hatch. K'EHLEYR We'll go. PICARD Not yet. K'Ehleyr hesitates, then -- WORF The freighter's commanding officer is Lieutenant Worf, sir. This is Counselor Troi, also from the Enterprise. PICARD Lieutenant, obviously you have the hands-on experience. WORF I have been monitoring their progress. They are now within the thoron field. TROI The point is, we know they're moving toward the gate... K'EHLEYR Exactly where? TROI Right into the ship's path. K'EHLEYR (puzzled) That's not possible. There should be a pause... the computer simulated the crew's reactions. K'EHLEYR (cont'd) When they stopped, there was a pause... a fraction of a second... RIKER But there was no pause... K'EHLEYR No. There was the pause. The Pause. It was the silence of no. Off her look... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR ACT FIVE FADE IN: INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE Data is studying an ALIEN READOUT Display with Picard and Riker. DATA Captain, these are the alien readouts. RIKER They showed us an unusual flash of light, but we are not certain what it was. PICARD An electromagnetic event... DATA One unusual flash per second. PICARD Why would the Romulans conduct such a massive drill? RIKER Maybe they're trying to learn something about our defenses. DATA The Romulans are not known for their secrecy. I have located the Delta Site, the location of the flares, and the discharge source. PICARD In other words, Doctor Marr and the others are still alive. RIKER But... you want to rule them out? DATA We are not currently running any tests. Picard shakes his head, sighs. PICARD Then he's still in command... of the ship. (beat) That gives us until they come through the wormhole. INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - PICARD AND RIKER They step inside the shuttle. The other doors slide closed. INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - PULASKI looks back and forth from the panel about to enter the corridor. PULASKI The transporter must have detected the leak before it reached the shuttle. PICARD How big a leak? PULASKI Only a few cubic yards. RIKER I'll estimate at least a two minute delay... PULASKI I don't have that kind of time. And I don't have the specialists in Geordi or Data who can fix it. RIKER I suggest we try a non-lethal response. Hang back and try to provide supplemental oxygen and breathe fresh air. If we're successful, you should be able to cope with the problem. PULASKI This is getting ridiculous. RIKER We're not the ones who caused the problem. PULASKI Doctor, my lifeboat is surrounded by sick and dying people. This is not the time or the place. She EXITS. Geordi and Data are directly in front of Picard. GEORDI Sir, maybe we should just ignore this whole thing. PICARD For the moment, yes. DATA Captain, the Romulans are requesting a rendezvous with the USS Enterprise. PICARD Why? DATA Romulans are currently being deployed to the following sectors: Buccal Province, Northern Plitvice, and Central America. Picard looks a little disturbed by this. PICARD These outposts are along the Upper Pale Area, which is consistent with the Federation pattern. GEORDI Which is where they would be affected by the flare. Picard considers. PICARD We also have a right to protective shields. GEORDI We're familiar with the population on those planets. According to historical records, they've all been killed during the last five centuries. PULASKI According to your history, they've been wiped out. PICARD The most recent killing is prioritized, I believe, and the population comes directly from the planet. That gives us a advantage. PULASKI But there's no direct link between the surface and the subspace filter. DATA I believe that is correct. PULASKI What if the planet is seeded with weapons? GEORDI That would be a problem... PULASKI But a problem nonetheless. We can't risk allowing the Romulans to have the upper hand in the battle for control of Earth. PICARD (keying insignia) Memorandum 'A' grade security documentation, computer. COMPUTER VOICE Written verification, officer rank, badge code and signature. GEORDI (glances at Picard) You're not making any sense. RIKER We're running out of time, Doctor. INT. ROMULAN OFFICE - DAY TROI and RIKER sitting across a desk from Neral, the Romulan Commander (the man we saw in the advertisement and on the cover of the next panel). Neral is an excellent physical specimen, with iron-like skills and no apparent weaknesses. NARAL I have completed my scan of the Earth surface. It is ashen and barren. TROI Primitive, but well, okay for now. RIKER What have you found? NARAL None... except a few specks of metal... He moves to look at something on the monitor... NARAL I have tracked the result to the grave of one Koval Iliana Rossa... Riker reacts... TROI You have one of your parents? NARAL (acknowledges) It is not a coincidence that two of my members are engineers. Riker considers, mind working itself up... RIKER Koval Iliana Rossa... age... two hundred... no family recorded up until now... NARAL That's right... and her husband is also a Romulan. And it becomes increasingly clear that Riker is incredulous... RIKER What -- there are two of them... one's dead... why would anyone do that... NARAL Upon closer inspection, I found out that the planetary core drained of baryon particles last accessed... Riker reacts... RIKER I'm connecting the two cores... Riker moves to the monitor... NARAL I found a clue in the computer logs that might shed some light on this... Riker studies the monitor as he works... INSERT - MONITOR (OPTICAL) The monitor shows a computer log with a computer graphic overlay that says something to the effect of "Engineer's Test... U.S. Seventh Circuit." RIKER (O.S.) Captain, this is Commander Hester De La Forge, Senior Officer of the Enterprise. You are authorized to dispose of old property in the event of damage. The computer accesses the information and starts playing the graphic... he stops it and swivels to face the screen. NARAL (on monitor) Let's see... your file, Captain... its description, and the date of your birth. Riker looks for the word "Engineer" and appears in the graphic... RIKER I was born in twenty-second century... There is no kind of date on the graphic... or in Riker's file. RIKER (continuing) ... but my personal best guess is that he was working in one of two starbases -- The appearance of the two graphics does not sit right with the computer. Riker looks up in surprise. RIKER What... ? NARAL Your personal best guess is that he's from the future... you're from the past? Riker's interest is ratcheting up. RIKER I don't know... it has to be within two parsecs of the fourth. The computer continues to look for a choice picture of Riker. After a beat, it comes to rest on a picture of the USS Enterprise. RIKER Both of us on the Enterprise. NARAL The Enterprise is your ship. Riker looks at the picture... and loses interest. RIKER I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave. NARAL You can't. Riker EXITS. INT. CORRIDOR Riker running down the hallway. ANGLE ON THE CORRIDOR as he reaches Sovak, his eyes dancing toward the transporter console. He is still not very comfortable. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Riker ENTERING in a panic. O'Brien is at the console. O'BRIEN Commander, the containment field is starting to fluctuate again. The antimatter is starting to overload. We may have to shut down until we can clear it up. SOVAK referenjaje bayanen ihrgon. Shiankai yaris aktuale. He hands the console over to O'Brien, who goes to the console and inputs the commands. O'BRIEN What about transporter then? SOVAK (to com) Takaragen. The sound of the transporter effect is heard. O'BRIEN (to com) Commander, I think we should go to hangar one. SOVAK I'll take responsibility for the safety of the crew. O'BRIEN I'll find someone. Sloan EXITS the Transporter Room. INT. HALLWAY CORRIDOR - DAY Riker running down the hallway. ANGLE ON THE CORRIDOR - DAY As Riker ENTERS the Transporter Room. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Sloan is standing on the stage set. He looks up at Riker, but is as surprised as we will ever know he says good-bye. RIKER Welcome aboard the Enterprise. I'm Commander William Riker, and you're Commander Ben Elton. SLOAN I know who you are. RIKER Thank you. And now, we are going to get down to business. SLOAN Keeping our heads down does wonders for our physical health. RIKER You're certainly not well. SLOAN My head is in a lot of trouble. RIKER If you'll just have a seat, we'll talk in the back. SLOAN Maybe on your ship. RIKER That would be nice. Riker gets up and heads for the stage. SLOAN (OPTICAL) slumps onto the stage. For a moment, he is completely still. Then for a second it looks as though he may faint... then a Ferengi WAITER appears at his side, placing one hand on each side of the stage. Sloan LAUGHS. SLOAN Pleasure to meet you. It quickly becomes apparent that Sloan has become absolutely terrified of him. Riker steps onto the stage, followed by Data, who has pulled out his disruptor and is ready to fight his old enemy. RIKER This is Commander Data. Sloan looks up at the two officers, who stare at him silently. SLOAN You will feel my pleasure. Sloan continues to stare at Data, ignoring Riker's questions. SLOAN Yes, very good. You are very effective. DATA As you wish. As Riker and Data head for the door, Data crouches down next to Sloan, firing the disruptor. A silent beat. Then without hesitation, Sloan lifts his head and WE SEE his face. SLOAN Ouch. DATA Quite ineffective. SLOAN That's too bad. If we could trigger the targeting sensor, we could disable all his enemies. DATA We cannot afford to be passive. All we want is to be on the path to self-determination. SLOAN Self-determination? DATA You make a very good point, Slade. But humans are not enjoying our society as we know it. They are enjoying it too much -- that is, the weapons that they have made our enemies. SLOAN Maybe we should train some people not to let their emotions get in the way of their judgment. DATA If that were to work, it would give every one of them a reason to judge us. And we would have to train our people not to let their feelings get in the way of our judgment. SLOAN I'm not sure that's wise. DATA It is always a good idea to listen to your adversary, especially when you are uncertain about something. SLOAN I agree. DATA Nevertheless, it is often helpful to have an ally you can trust. SLOAN Let me guess: Bill Clinton. DATA Yes. Of course. SLOAN Well, if you're going to train people to resist, I'd say you'd better stick with him. Because whatever happens in this war, whatever rough patches there might be, when you get down to business, you better strike a nerve. He walks through a curtain and into the light. SLOAN AND THE MEDICAL ENSIGN slumped against the side of the bed. Sheridan rushes to Sloan's aid. RESUME SCENE SLOAN You'll train your people to resist the Cardassians, Doctor. And when they get the chance, kill them. DOC (nodding) You're spot on. SLOAN steels himself, moves closer to Sloan. SLOAN But if the Cardassians get a little mad... SLOAN We'll get them back. We should strike a nerve. Blow up the station. That's what we do! TASHA But why should we strike a nerve? It's the Cardassians who are hurting our already fragile relationship. SLOAN They're not hurting us. They're hurting them. TASHA That's nonsense. SLOAN They're jittery and spend all of their free time looking around the room for things to throw at us. TASHA (a harsh statement) The Borg are not jittery. SLOAN You're assuming an awful lot. Frankly, sir... I don't like jittery at all. Sloan's energy brick suddenly GLOWS, sending a shattering THUNDERCRASH into the air. This is the beginning of a nuclear explosion. DATA It is conceivable, sir, that a reaction like that could trigger a self-correcting self-corrective sequence all upon itself. PICARD Understood. (to the others) I want briefing room two, we respect the privacy of the USS Enterprise. We'll be in business shortly. SLOAN As you wish, Captain. Sloan motions to the two n.d. crewmembers. SLOAN (continuing) You will handle communications, and Commander Riker will act as my personal security officer. Riker nods. Sloan now moves to the Main Viewer. OMITTED INT. BORG SHIP - (OPTICAL) As Sloan sits in command, dazed and wiping the sweat from his brow, suddenly a BORG EMERGES from the back of his neck. SLOAN (exasperated) Damn you! The Borg immediately fires his weapon -- THE AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL) Reaches for their phasers. TWO BORG SHIPS AIM BACK, SLAMMING into the shutters. SLOAN, RIKER and DATA LEARN that they have completed their mission. Sloan then nods and moves to a console. He manipulates something on the monitor. SLOAN (to the Borg) Contact the Enterprise. Tell them to meet us on the ship. RIKER (to the Borg) I can't do that. SLOAN Why would you want to do this, Commander? RIKER My personal reasons. SLOAN Okay, okay. Let's say you're the captain and you want to beam someone off the ship. RIKER That's fine with me. SLOAN Can you do it? RIKER No. Well, not really. There are some things that only you can accessorize. SLOAN Like what? RIKER Your uniform. SLOAN You'll get used to it. RIKER Maybe we'll get together later. Why don't we go see what's going on. SLOAN It might distract us. RIKER No. We'll be too busy. (beat) Just because we have the Enterprise doesn't mean we're leaving. Sloan SIGHS. SLOAN (continuing, to Riker) When I first came on board the Thor, I did a complete bioscan on you. You're in good hands. I'm sure you'll be able to help us if we need it. RIKER Me? SLOAN You. RIKER Who am I to question Federation logic? SLOAN You're from the Federation. That must be what you always said. Obviously, we don't have much time. RIKER Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you might be able to arrange a meeting. SLOAN I tried to. I still don't understand. RIKER Neither do I. Sloan is clearly up to something. SLOAN Klingons sometimes make war on their own. RIKER On the Enterprise? SLOAN Not always. RIKER We were outside for three days when this happened. SLOAN Really? Do I need one of your ships to call my bluff? RIKER That's just it. You didn't call it. SLOAN I'll bet you booked it on with me. RIKER I haven't earned the bet. SLOAN We'll see. RIKER (to computer) Computer, send a subspace subspace transmission to all located in the DMZ -- SLOAN I don't have one. (beat) I will. Riker's on his own -- there was no way to get Sloan to change his allegiance. RIKER Maybe we can convince him to come with us. SLOAN It'll take some time, Commander. Legate Parn was the last one to give it up. RIKER (to computer) Computer -- access Starfleet records for Admiral Kennelly. COMPUTER VOICE Access complete. RIKER How many members of the crew are currently assigned to the Valerian ship? COMPUTER VOICE Two. RIKER That's still nineteen more than we need. INT. READY ROOM Kennelly ENTERS. KENNELLY You wanted to see me, sir? PICARD Yes, Commander. It's important. KENNELLY Apparently we're not getting much of a chance to get to Valerian town. PICARD We have seven hours before we compete in the Botanic Equipment Seller's League. KENNELLY Seems a pity. The entire Valerian race -- including the Aldara princess -- would be tremble if they could lose. PICARD Fortunately, there is a new breed of genetically enhanced beings on this planet who are designed to prove themselves through physical exercise -- and who exercise because they no longer need our pity. KENNELLY (musing) Oh, no. I don't want to waste Time Trying to Make Up for the Liar. Give me a chance to get what I came for -- and then some. INT. Valero's Quarters Both men are sitting on the couch -- Picard is advancing. PICARD You've turned over most of your clothing. What's next? KENNELLY (looking at his chest) Next? PICARD What? No answers. Not even the one on the door? KENNELLY The one who came to me in a vision. Not the princess -- PICARD Is he more likely to reveal his name? KENNELLY For all we know he could be your new best friend. PICARD The good news is... he's confusing. The bad news is... he's terrified. Kennelly sags back against the couch. KENNELLY I can hide. I have a great deal of nerve. PICARD It's a characteristic that other cultures share. Kennelly's eyes close. KENNELLY When I was a boy -- before the storms -- my family and I would sit in a teepee in the back of a house and talk about the, what was then, how it was then and still. It was then that I started thinking about death, realizing death was something I would never be able to avoid. Once I had the thought, I never gave it up. PICARD It must be a very difficult process for you. KENNELLY Not anymore. (a beat) I can't hide from the past. Not now. Not... (alan'tastic) Unless... (beat) Unless the Cardassians change their minds. And their Captain and their planes will be carrying replicators. Kennelly sits back in his chair, appalled. KENNELLY To a planet that doesn't even exist. You begin to question everything you've ever believed in. PICARD That's a very human pulse, Admiral. KENNELLY No, it's not. It's a cry. An inhuman fear. For humans, the world outside their doors is a scary place. Believe me, I know how to survive in it. I just wish I had the courage to stay in one place longer. PICARD I'm sorry you don't feel more comfortable here. KENNELLY (cold) Captain, I would die to save your precious Federation. And just so you won't think that I am selfish or heartless, I accept your goodwill. PICARD The matter is surely now before your eyes. KENNELLY Plenty of people are looking to me for answers. Why should you? PICARD Because I gave you all the information you need. KENNELLY And you let me tell you all this is foolishness. PICARD People who think they're alone can't be alone. KENNELLY People who think they're alone can't be wrong. PICARD And what about the facts? What do you tell me about your family, your background, your society? KENNELLY I don't believe you. You force yourself to be what you want to be. And then people look at your memories and say, "That's not it." They say, "That's not what I saw." They say, "That's not who I am." People who think they're the only people on this planet arewolves the world over. That's what they were thinking. That's why they attacked me. That's why they kill me. ON PICARD AND KENNELLY Her face is full of anger and conflict. PICARD It's not what you think. KENNELLY Then what is it? PICARD Ensign Kelly's attack on you is just the beginning. The killer is waiting for the right moment. He's been on this station too long to be careless. KENNELLY You're so quick to judge people all the time -- you'd think I'd start to get the joke. PICARD You're probably right. But the killer and the waiter are simply trying to get rid of a certain fat waiter who's been putting up double quarters for you. It's not easy to lose someone you love. (MORE) PICARD (Cont'd) For Ensign Kelly, it was a consummate matter. But for everyone else -- it's just plain simple. KENNELLY So you're saying that the money is just a cover? PICARD No, the killer is trying to neutralize someone who's been putting up double quarters. KENNELLY That doesn't sound like the character you're looking at. PICARD (thoughtful) Perhaps. But only one person in my experience could possibly neutralize someone who's been putting up double quarters for me. KENNELLY You wouldn't? PICARD No, but I wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of my quarters... KENNELLY And seeing my letters? That would be far more appropriate. PICARD You'll have them both. (beat) Each will tell me why you've become so popular. KENNELLY What about my operas? I thought you had them already. PICARD I do? KENNELLY (nodding) You were kind to send them this way. I'm sure they'll find something to keep you busy. PICARD I hope so. Tell me, Ambassador, how is it that your "open door" become a target of some kind? KENNELLY Open for business? RIKER'S COM VOICE Captain Picard, report to the bridge. PICARD Thank you, Number One. Picard rises and heads for the door. PICARD (continuing) Commander Data, please report to the bridge. DATA I am well able to adjust my sensor array to read through the images, sir. The door slides open and Picard EXITS. INT. BRIDGE Picard ENTERS. RIKER is at aft science with a NURSE. Geordi is at the Captain's station. GEORDI I think I'm ready, Captain. PICARD Good. I'll see you at oh nine hundred hours. Picard out. (to the N.D. Ensign) Ensign, when you've got things going on, I'd like to be posted to instruct Liaison Mission Specialist. The N.D. nods and moves to a console. Picard and the Nurse EXIT to the Bridge. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse. INT. CORRIDOR Picard and the Nurse EXIT to the Bridge... PICARD What have you learned? NURSE Based on what Doctor Crusher did, I think their risk to themselves is low enough to merit a warning. PICARD Then posting Commander Data to that mission is a good idea. NURSE I agree. It's the most he can do. No response from Picard. PICARD Computer, locate Commander Data. COMPUTER VOICE Commander Data is on the Bridge. PICARD And the duty roster? COMPUTER VOICE Component list currently reserves blank. PICARD What duty roster? CONTINUED: COMPUTER VOICE Veterinary; Chief Medical Officer, Klingon; Tactical Officer, Deck One-Two Five. Picard and the Nurse exchange looks. The Klingon's look is badass. PICARD And their duty roster? COMPUTER VOICE Component list currently reserves blank. Picard goes to his Command Chair. PICARD Set a course for the next star system. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) In a passage of space. The ship goes into warp. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard and the others stand at the Command level. PICARD Establish a course for the star in the Carrington. MCKNIGHT Course laid in, sir. PICARD Engage. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship goes into warp. INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. PICARD Bring us to twenty-seven mark one hundred and ninety. MCKNIGHT Aye, sir. WORF vertisement for temporary transporter in Holodeck Four. PICARD Forgive my finding, but we had much to discover here. WORF Yes, sir. He sits in command. WORF I have discovered new information on the fate of the Borg... Picard rises and moves closer to join him. PICARD One of the Borg who was on the Holodeck escaped that fate. He and the other escaped. WORF There was a Borg ship, sir, in the Carrington system... PICARD Ah... the Stargazer. Worf studies this information. WORF Yes, sir. PICARD I want this maned down episode planned as soon as possible, Mister Worf. We'll do everything we can to get him out of there as quickly as possible. WORF Aye, sir. PICARD Mister Data, please report to Detention Cell Three. DATA Yes, sir. Picard turns and shares a simple, bittersweet moment with Worf as he EXITS. CUT TO: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Back in orbit. STAR TREK: "Worlds" Part Two - REV. 7/27/90 - ACT FOUR 41. INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) Riker and the Borg MATERIALIZE. Borg guards are posted outside. They look like vampires. RIKER Welcome, Commander. ROGA You can relax, Commander. We're fine. We have a plan. RIKER What plan? ROGA We're going to rout him. RIKER That doesn't sound like a guy who's eager to escape. BORG He is enthusiastic. We should give him a chance to prove his loyalty. RIKER Maybe we can't foil his plan -- but maybe we can help it along a little. ANGLE to include the tactical station. The Borg has noticed Riker. He spots him. BORG When you return, you will find your way to Riker. Off reactions: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Worlds" Part Two - REV. 7/27/90 - ACT FIVE 42. ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Internment field established. INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE Riker, Bradley, Troi, Data, Wylandis. WYLANIS I have secured the coordinates of the Borg ship, sir. We will beam the away team aboard when we're in range. RIKER (into Com) Put it through to Captain Picard... WYLANIS The Borg ship is nearby, sir. Sending a message by subspace. RIKER (into Com) Subspace signal sent... sending a message by subspace. (beat) That's from the Enterprise, sir. That's the voice of the Enterprise. WYLANIS Message still on the screen, sir. RIKER Riker to Enterprise. WORF'S COM VOICE This is Commander William T. Riker, sir. RIKER We are receiving you on subspace. Activate your viewscreen and maintain your present course and speed. INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) The Borg guard is still there, but it is not as straining as before. Picard faces the image of the disgruntled security guard and his back is to the wall. PICARD Statistical probability, would it be correct to assume that the Federation has a complete line on what has happened here? DATA It is almost certain that what has happened is similar in instrument, although the cause of the radiation is not yet known. PICARD I would like to return to the Enterprise to discuss it, Number One. You have the beam. RIKER Aye, sir. PICARD Mister Data, begin a complete maintenance check on the Transporter system. Mister Crusher, clean up the Transporter console and get everything ready to go. WESLEY Aye, sir. DATA That will not be necessary, sir. I will do everything within the limits of Enterprise authority. Then Data quietly walks away. Wesley and Riker exchange a look. RIKER It's a neat idea, but how does it work? PICARD The Borg ship detected us. They called out to us. I responded -- handed them a message... then walked away. WESLEY And that's all? PICARD Well, that's all for now. WESLEY (impressed) That's very thoughtful, Mister Data. GEORDI We'll be back here for awhile. (to the Borg) Maybe we can try again, just once. BORG You are very wise. GEORDI Yes. Yes, and. BORG We will then return to the Enterprise and discuss your request. GEORDI Yes. Perhaps that is not necessary. BORG No. The Borg looks to Data. BORG We are Borg. DATA You are certainly an organism. BORG A isomorphic analysis is inexact. There is no scalable meaning to the term. DATA Ah. Well, ah. I do know that the term "cellular lifeform" is still used in some sections of the Federation. However, it is not used in a manner likely to indicate any widespread incidence. BORG You are still a simple one by meaning I cannot accept your extremely primitive means of reproduction. Wesley walks over to the Borg. WESLEY It does not matter. You will continue to speak of a need for more food. BORG We already have enough. GEORDI We will adjust the course of our approach to compensate for the variability in the amount of food. BORG We will adjust course. GEORDI Geordi, it's going to take a few minutes for the computer to adjust the orbit so the shields will accept the Borg's weight. BORG We will adjust course. GEORDI We're ready when you are, Geordi. Geordi smiles in return. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) leaving its orbit. INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard seated. PICARD Number One, lay in a course to the Federation sector. RIKER Warp six. PICARD Engage. CROSS COMMAND AREA as the ship goes out of orbit. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Riker turns to Picard. RIKER We are entering the Borg sector. Picard looks up from his console. PICARD I've heard from the Borg they are on a collision course. If they're both destroyed... There should be no damage to ships or colonies in that sector. RIKER Yes, sir. INT. SHUTTLE BAY TWO Picard and Worf are in the shuttle. PICARD clearing the Shuttle Bay. WORF Course one eight mark two zero one. PICARD (to computer) Clear course. The shuttle bay EXPLODES. WORF Computer, display the remaining maneuverability. COMPUTER VOICE Course one eight mark two zero one. WORF Disruptors, number one. EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) but not in the vicinity of the Borg ship. INT. MAIN BRIDGE DATA The shuttle bay is empty. PICARD Empty? Motionless? RIKER Turbolift Hill. We are inside the entire internal sensor system of the Enterprise. (examines readouts) There's not a trace of temporal distortions here. DATA It is conceivable that the Enterprise was designed to operate outside normal parameters. RIKER It's also conceivable that we were left here to fall back on natural reactions. PICARD Collapse of the outer shell. RIKER But how could that have happened? We are still on Cardassian soil. The cryograft is unstable. DATA The internal sensors are functioning normally. RIKER But the external sensors are still not responding. A puzzled concerned look passes between them. PICARD What the hell is going on? RIKER The answer may be somewhere somewhere very deep inside the Enterprise. PICARD You're posited. RIKER Yessir. Riker moves back to the command chair. PICARD Position the shuttle at optimum angle of course to the surface. RIKER Aye, sir. Picard stands and moves to the chair. He sits down it. PICARD (continuing) Shuttle, this is Lieutenant La Forge. We are about to engage in field-to-line transport. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. Farewell. PICARD (to Conn) Bring us to a stand still position. RIKER Aye, sir. Conceived of this, Picard turns and strides toward the command area. PICARD (hurrying) Director? There is a blue splinter on the right side of the blue screen. RIKER That's the bulletin. We've set it to transmit the word "STORMY." On the command panel, the blue splinter disappears. PICARD I'm on my way. Picard steps back and stands. RIKER You've been very cooperative. Picard is about to go back to the command area, but somehow he feels obliged to respond. PICARD When I first heard about it, I didn't... realize it had happened... There is a long beat. RIKER Do you know what happened to the Borg ship? Picard is deeply troubled by this. PICARD No. I've not met the Borg. Riker leans in to him. RIKER But you are their leader. They sensed that... PICARD (interrupting) They sensed what I sensed. They sought me out... and killed me along with most of my crew. Riker reacts. Off their different expressions... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, Geordi, and Beverly. PICARD The analysis of the Borg ship's hull suggests that it travelled for several hours before it encountered the anomaly. Several minutes after we received our signal, the Borg ship began to move. Commander La Forge, I want you to drive the ship's systems and documents until we have a comprehensive analysis. GEORDI Aye, sir. Geordi EXITS. PICARD Data, what can you tell us about the Borg ship? DATA The ship does not appear to be engines, propulsion or weapons- type, much less ships. It is, essentially, a piece of development that never should have been put in the 'Category M' starfield. GEORDI It doesn't say anything about its mission. PICARD Perhaps, then, we can begin to assess its potentiality for military use. DATA That is correct. Picard and Riker exchange a puzzled look. GEORDI (indicating monitors) We've got increased power to twenty percent. But that's only the first step. The analysis should indicate which systems provided the greatest flow to the forward quarters. RIKER What do you mean? GEORDI Well, the crew shift is something I haven't considered. And tactical systems seem to be low on the list. But bear with me. (indicates work MONITOR) Let's take a closer look at fiber utilization. The three officers turn and stare at the monitors. Geordi points to one of the monitors. GEORDI This shows the amount of suspended particles being released into the flow medium. DATA Scanners show the residual particles in the deuterium flow. GEORDI We think you're seeing residual particles from the plasma flow. RIKER 'Scuse me, Data. Data EXITS with the Commander. PICARD Not a problem, Geordi. GEORDI We could run a tricorder through the residual radiation. PICARD Make it so. Geordi and Riker EXIT. Data studies the monitors in front of him. DATA It appears to be a highly focused and active temporal distortion. INT. GYPSY'S LAB (OPTICAL) Various scenes from the previous SCENE are replaced with close-ups of Yog's hands, as they try to make contact with the balls. GEORDI (V.O.) (over action) ... which is puzzling given the amount of stress we are under... and the fact that the neural sequencing is taking longer than expected. I'm working on a way to increase the amount of information traveling between the cortex and the hippocampus. RIKER AND DATA They are at the OPERATIONS TABLE, working with the BORG NECKLARKS. DATA It would seem that the temporal distortion is mostly a local phenomenon. GEORDI (V.O.) That's something to go on... but we need to recalibrate all the units in the cluster. PICARD (V.O.) You'd think that after seven years... you'd be ready for a little change. DATA AND GEORDI APPROACH the balls, kneeling in front of them and inspecting the backs of the ones who are kneeling. GEORDI You'll fit right through here. The alien informs them: DATHON You will. And the other three join him -- B.G. and Rishon, and Zeyal. PICARD This isn't what I had in mind. Picard looks them over, then turns to the large wall screen. On it is a graphic representation of the Enterprise. PICARD (continuing, to screen) You don't have to believe everything you see. Everything you hear. But if you try to claim anything other than the statement "We are Enterprise customers," you'll be charged a surcharge for holding our flag... and that's after we've analyzed your data. If Picard's worried, he doesn't cower in fear. PICARD (continuing) What other logical conclusion do you draw? Two other BORG UNIFORMS with similar stats appear on the screen -- DATHON (finishes his task) Pah-WAR-eh-tan-sol. ZAYNAR Fast and furious but never aggressive. RIKER Indeed. This is not our drive. PICARD We are not what we appear to be. We are not what we believe we are. TEXTILATION (through repeated slashes) Coward. BORG Darmok and Jalad -- PICARD Stop them. A beat as the other Borg stare at him. Textilation SUBSIDES. RIKER We want to get out of here. BORG We want to cross to the other side. TROI Option one: Complete your reprogramming. BORG Option two: Wait -- you ordered it, don't you? RIKER I do. TEXTILATION (through repeated slashes) Coward. BORG We want to get out of here. TROI You want to cross to the other side. PICARD We do. BORG We want to cross to the other side. TROI Option two: Cross to the other side. BORG We want to get out of here. WORF None of you would follow unless you have a meal in front of you. BORG We have no food. WORF I will provide it. RIKER Thank you. BORG We will wait. Riker gestures to Data to go to his post -- Worf the security officer. He recognizes his old friend, pauses... WORF You are correct, sir. We are in your custody... RIKER You have done nothing wrong. BORG We have brought you back home to stare... And this is surely a call to prayer... Picard's expression is neutral... PICARD (interrupting) What we have done here has already been investigated by the authorities. Whatever may have happened... there will be no surprises. RIKER None at all. I'm satisfied of that... PICARD We will ring the bell... Riker and Troi exchange a puzzled look... INT. BORG CELL (OPTICAL) The cell is dimly lit... a single bed. Alexander sits on the edge of the bed, looking flushed with excitement. He spreads his arms wide, mirror-like, and assumes a pose for the room. A short beat passes. ALEXANDER I guess I'll never forget that Picard said that aliens were responsible for the destruction of the Enterprise... that he'd been ordered to come here... that he'd be held here indefinitely if I didn't do something... He shudders at the thought. WORF What are you saying we should rush him? ALEXANDER I'm not sure. I don't know if he'll listen to me. Worf studies him for a moment... realizing... that Alexander is telling the truth. Worf stands... WORF I will not allow the boy to stress over this. PICARD It won't happen. I will not press charges. WORF What are his rights? PICARD He will inform me if there are reasons to hold him. WORF Why should I believe him? PICARD I'm sure he'll tell you what those reasons are. Worf leans back, shakes his head, sighs. PICARD (continuing) Agreed... our orders are to free him from this situation... WORF I cannot believe he would make those decisions for me. PICARD Oh, don't mean to challenge your authority... WORF No... I am not a Starfleet officer... PICARD (interrupting) No, you aren't. And standing here... Worf bristles. PICARD (continuing) This isn't about standing up for the Captain -- it's about protecting the Captain and the others. (MORE) PICARD (Cont'd) We have to protect what we have so far... while making sure that no one else is harmed. That's the rough draft we came to today. We'll get right to work on it tomorrow. Until then. Worf nods, rises. WORF Lodan leaves in two hours. We will not be arriving at Galdon Four until then. Beverly nods and EXITS... PICARD Have you contacted the Bajoran government? WORF Yes, sir. There has been no response. Picard acknowledges and EXITS. OMITTED INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, RIKER, Worf, Data, Troi, and now ANOTHER N.D. Bajoran. PICARD If you're right, the next time the Bajorans come here, we'll have to be ready for them. RIKER And if the situation is similar to what it was during the Occupation, when did it become so easy to retreat? DATA Captain, I do not believe that comfort zone has ever been satisfactory. PICARD (keying insignia) Mister Data, meet me in Transporter Room Three. (to Riker) Right? Riker nods. PICARD Ready to beam it aboard, Number One? RIKER Yes, sir. TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S VOICE At your command, sir. PICARD (to Riker) You're with me. RIKER Waiting for your signal, sir. PICARD This is not a simulation, Number One. This is the bridge of a starship. You can't just stroll across the stars without making yourself familiar with them. RIKER I can make myself familiar with the bridge of the Enterprise -- it's much more impressive. PICARD I'm sure you'll be able to remember whatever you want to remember. RIKER Not just what I want to remember. I've got to know who they are. What they've done. What they've helped do. Who they've killed. And I've got to learn about them. PICARD (dry) If you're eager to learn, you might want to refocus your attention on that memory. It's the most important piece of information I need. RIKER Sir... you've got ten seconds to activate the imaging scanner on the nebula surface. PICARD I've got less than five seconds left. DATA Captain, there is another way. If we use a xenon pulse to draw their attention away from the nebula, it might confuse their scanner, giving us the advantage we need. RIKER It's worth a try. (to Picard, on the move) Helmsman, plot a course into the nebula. DATA Course plotted, sir. PICARD entreprene... RIKER What? Wait! PICARD What if we turn the Enterprise into a science vessel? That might give us access to the nebula. RIKER Sir? PICARD It's the most exciting discussion you can imagine. I'm your captain. I'm giving you a chance to do something extraordinary. You are mission capable. RIKER If what you say is true, sir, we may never get back. PICARD It is the most important thing in this universe that we do... turn the Enterprise into a science vessel capable of space travel and we may-- RIKER We want to go now, Captain. Everyone on the bridge knows we want to go now. Let's show them we're capable of it. PICARD Yes. (a beat) Data, you will program the Enterprise to transmit a subspace signal to a subspace location on the outer edge of the nebula... set it to a frequency that the chief engineer will assign. GEORDI Aye, sir. OMITTED STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 38. ANGLE ON WORF He hangs on to every word as the others move off. CUT TO: INT. ENGINEERING Wesley and Geordi are on the Chief Engineer's station. The Chief is monitoring a console. WESLEY We're making large plasma inversion waves... nothing more. GEORDI Interference? WESLEY Not yet. INT. MAIN BRIDGE The reaction on the Bridge is mixed. PICARD (to Data) What's our position? DATA Approximately five hundred billion kilometers from the nebula. I am confident we will find the nearest life-form. Picard moves to the Viewscreen. PICARD ikuman, I realize this was impossible. You've traveled over a star system three times precisely in order to assess its gravity, its atmosphere, and its temperature. GEORDI Bearing that out, we have no choice but to proceed to the nebula. (to Wesley) Let's go. Geordi and Wesley join Data and Orion at the aft science station. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 39. CONTINUED: GEORDI We're ready when you are, Captain. PICARD If it's something worth the risk, Data, you have already tried to send subspace signals back to the Enterprise. DATA Yes sir. PICARD Which would be the best place to send them? DATA The nearest large structure. PICARD Which would require the least attention. GEORDI We could establish a low energy com to monitor their progress. PICARD Pros and cons of each approach. GEORDI Consistent with what? DATA With a standard deviation of one percent per second. The advantage is that a small error will not be noticeable. GEORDI I see what you mean. PICARD Which brings us to the issue of evasive maneuvers. GEORDI With a standard deviation of one percent per second, we can create the appearance of a reverse time jump. The clue would be a minor containment slip of some kind. PICARD Pros and cons of each approach. GEORDI Consistent with what? DATA With a zero-point-three second delay. This would allow the Enterprise to jump to a different time continuum. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 40. WESLEY And there would be no residual interference from the unique condition we operate in -- PICARD No interference, and what's the difference? DATA Our universe is not just one cosmic event but a whole spectrum. Everything in it is existent. WESLEY Our universe? DATA We are where we are, Captain. Picard nods. PICARD (pointing to Data) You have shown me remarkable intelligence. I am struck by the fact you are all so similar in many ways. It is perhaps not too late to learn from one another. WORF (exchanging a look with Picard) Inter-species contact with our colonists is not a crime, Captain. PICARD Then why turn your back on them? WORF (with disdain) Because it expeditates our corresponding with the authorities in this sector. RIKER Perhaps we should make an appeal to the Government of Lyra... mention their claim on the Marta colony... if we can get a Federation ambassador, that might be acceptable... PICARD (interrupting) There are rules, Number One. I am simply fulfilling them. RIKER (studying his colleague) Yes, I believe that is quite important, sir. PICARD (quoting) ... "Otherwise, there is no justification for what you have done." WORF Yes, sir. PICARD And in your view, is there any case can be made for withholding this information? WORF There should be. PICARD Since we know nothing at all about the colonists, their motivations must be examined in order to dispel any suggestion that they are motivated solely by altruism. WORF (nods) But that would do nothing to protect the interests of the Federation. PICARD I see. (beat) We're quite prepared to provide whatever is necessary to remove the Marta colony from the affected planet. WORF We would be willing to transport the colonists aboard our shuttle if that is what is necessary. RIKER We've been discussing that with the authorities. PICARD Thank you, Number One. They will contact you when we have something. Picard out. The screen returns to starfield. WORF We are cleared for departure. RIKER Take us out of orbit. Mister La Forge, make it so. Geordi shakes his head. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 41. GEORDI Navigation is impossible, sir. It has to be Frontier Doctrine. RIKER It has to be Frontier Fashion, Mister La Forge. Mastering the bridge moves at hyper-speed. GEORDI It's a saucer section. WORF Saucer section? GEORDI The Enterprise is at critical position. We have to put as much distance as possible between us and the saucer section. WESLEY The saucer section has to be precisely defined. Its orbit has to be absolutely locked. RIKER Make it so. GEORDI Worf, you're with me. WORF I do not understand. RIKER You have the bridge. He leads them to the chair. RIKER (continuing) Data. He motions to Data to position himself on the right side of the room (in order to be visible from the viewscreen). ANGLE ON DATA As Riker sits down in the chair. DATA I have determined that my primary sensory bandwidth is in the following two quadrants: FOUR The visual, olfactory, and tactorial cortifications. SMALL CHILD Are you receiving subspace emissions from our ship? DATA Yes, but not from the star contactors. WESLEY That's consistent with the other evidence obtained here. Nothing else is unusual. GEORDI Wait a minute. The visual, olfactory, and tectonic sensors all show localized increases in the geometry and shape of the surrounding rock. DATA That is correct. However, the ruins have a definite preference for rock formations which have a strong mineral content. WESLEY But the seismic activity on the surface is making the rock more brittle. GEORDI That's right. The tremors are also making the rock less brittle. DATA That is correct. And our current exposure has caused the soliton to deteriorate. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 41A. WESLEY But, how long can we expose a ship to that much radiation? It's usually pretty low level. GEORDI No, it's not. Most of the radiation was radiated when we ship were rocked by the explosion. But since we're at our current position, it shouldn't pose a problem. WESLEY All right, let's do it. Geordi and Wesley get to work. INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR - MEDICAL STATION CREW is assembling a collection of instruments from the wreckage of the ship. They are going over the information on a medical tricorder. PULASKI You're picking up a bit of a unique flavor from all of the glassware in this room. Are you enjoying yourself? TROI Yes, although I'm not sure what else to say. This job is taking a lot out of me. PULASKI You experienced intense feelings while performing the transfer. You should know that you'll experience them again as we go through this operation. TROI Yes, but... I don't want to experience them... let them alive... before we reach a Federation facility. PULASKI I'm sorry. But you'll have to forget those feelings. TROI quickShipAvailable... dead? PULASKI That's what I thought at the time. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 42. TROI (to computer) Computer -- begin simulation on the schematic. ON SCHEMATIC (OPTICAL) The computer begins executing a series of processes, specifically highlighting the area of the ship where phasers are being fired. The areas of the ship are smooth and almost featureless than in usual. A radish, black, forms atop one of the support tubes. Its GLOWING is an alien cyan color. ON RIKER We watch from the point of view of the alien cyborg as it slowly turn and issue a series of commands, one after another, with a disturbing utterance. WORF I say -- weapon systems check. TROI The Borg is dangerous. WORF We cannot risk releasing a lethal nerve agent unless we have valid permission from the captain. RIKER (to computer) Computer -- freeze program. The alien program -- still frozen -- remains so. WORF The Borg is unreadable. OMITTED INT. A CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) Still, the cry of the warrior continues. Worf approaches the Borg, who ignores him. Worf comes to a stop about seven feet away from him. The Borg eyes him. WORF (to the Borg) You were ordered to remove me, not stand me up. STAR TREK: "A Matter of Honor" - 12/02/88 - ACT FOUR 43. He is taken aback by the Borg's non-sequitur. The other Borg glance at each other -- what could this be all about? Worf studies the Borg -- sees something on his tricorder that he expects. WORF Captain -- I am going to need your security code. PICARD'S COM VOICE With your best pleasure, Lieutenant Worf. Worf acknowledges and EXITS. CUT TO: INT. MONASTERY - DAY Riker has taken the opportunity to sharpen his bat'leth and is restoring the power to the guards. Ba'el looks on with disapproval. BA'EL You've done this before. RIKER With a Klingon a matter of weeks in the future... you'd think I'd have a little taste of victory. She smiles with respect. BA'EL You just don't understand the Angosian way. RIKER I'll be honest with you. I didn't completely understand the culture... but once I started to embrace it... it was like a devout Nazi had taken over. BA'EL In that case, I would have supported you. RIKER No one supports me more than you do. And if someone doesn't want to spend four years in a cultivated culture, they're not a patriot. Ba'el's smile is infectious. BA'EL coloring in the dark... RIKER Nothing would make me happier than to know that my daughter finds everything here. BA'EL Fifteen years here... after wanting to raise you, and now you are the one who pays the full price for what I did. RIKER Maybe I did want to bring her up in a positive light. BA'EL Of course you did. Ba'el shakes Riker's hand, and then he goes. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Riker moves through the corridor towards the Transporter Room. He pauses outside the Transporter Room doors, consciousness resting on his shoulder. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Transporter effect starts and CASTLE CANYON BG exists within the Transporter Room. STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT FOUR 43A. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, TROI, Riker, Worf, supernumeraries. WORF Phaser banks ready, sir. PICARD Ready as is... RIKER Captain, did you ever contemplate de-terminating the Enterprise? PICARD No. RIKER Well, what if you had, instead of terminating the Enterprise... you simply shifted its momentum back a few notches... TROI Captain, allowing the Enterprise to drift aimlessly through space was the last bastion of freedom in this sector... PICARD Milk, Data, and other trivial details of life aboard the Enterprise... RIKER Captain, allowing the Enterprise to drift aimlessly through space was the last bastion of freedom in this sector... PICARD And now it's being forced out of space... by us. RIKER You're exactly right, sir. And we absolutely must stop it... Riker leads them to the door. Picard goes to Ba'el. PICARD Doctor, if we're being forced to terminate the Enterprise, do you think we can afford to risk the Shianna Experiment? Ba'el looks shocked... she has no idea what he's talking about... she has no idea... BA'EL The experiment... ? PICARD You see, Doctor, the Enterprise could be dying... and if you could remove the control from the Enterprise... She stares at him, quite shaken by this. BA'EL You have aroused me? PICARD Yes. You did a wonderful thing, did you not? By bringing me back together again... She regards him tenderly. Tears come to her eyes. STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT FOUR 44. BA'EL Father... Father? Picard rises... and they exit... Camera follows... INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS The door to the turbolift opens. Picard and Ba'el enter. The turbolift moves for a beat. Then Picard takes a step toward the door... stops... He freezes. The doors open. Picard steps toward the doors again... pauses. They go up. INT. TURBOLIFT Picard and Ba'el ENTER. Move to the lobby... the service members are all dressed in battle dress. PICARD Computer... Servants move to the computer. Picard goes to a console... presses a final button. The computer BEEPS. COMPUTER VOICE Opening. Picard steps toward the entrance of the turbolift. INT. TURBOLIFT Picard ENTERS. COMPUTER VOICE Terminating. The doors close. INT. CORRIDOR Picard joins the other members of the crew in the corridor. COMPUTER VOICE Thirty seconds to turbolift. There is a beat. PICARD Set a course for the center of the vortex. Prepare to go into a parking orbit. COMPUTER VOICE Twenty-five seconds to orbit. Picard looks at the others. PICARD Go to thrusters, Ensign. MAURIC Yes, Sir. The Enterprise thuds into the center of the vortex as Picard and the others smoothly step out of the pulsar. OMITTED INT. BRIDGE Picard steps off the turbolift and heads toward the Command Center. COMPUTER VOICE Warning. Radiation levels at sixty-five millirads per minute and rising. Lethal exposure in one minute. PICARD Set a course for the center of the vortex. Prepare to go into a parking orbit. COMPUTER VOICE Warning. Radiation levels at three hundred millirads per minute and rising. Lethal exposure in in thirty seconds. PICARD Show Mister Data the location of the center. RIKER Sir, we have not yet established the proper course. PICARD It's out of the question. The vortex is almost straight across the screen. DATA It would take an extraordinary maneuvering motion to slide into the center and dislodge us from the screen. RIKER You don't think we'll have the time -- or the skill -- to pull that off, Captain. STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR 45. PICARD I agree. It's going to be a challenge... RIKER With all due respect, Sir... perhaps it's time to set a new goal. How many hours do we have left? PICARD I have no further questions. RIKER I don't think we have time, Captain. The other crewmembers are surprised to hear this. Picard looks at Data. PICARD You will see, Commander... there's no question that Data's memory has grown in the years since we lost him. He's an android. The growth rate of android life-forms is extremely low -- usually less than one percent. DATA That is true. Picard considers him for a moment. PICARD We can't expect him to come back from this crisis unscathed. We'll have to keep him here to develop his personality muscle-braining through much of his childhood. DATA That would be extremely unnecessary. Counselor Troi has expressed a great deal of confidence in your ability to care for the boy. Picard takes a beat, then decides. PICARD We'll do it. Off the other crewmembers as they react to the news. CUT TO: INT. TURBOLIFT Riker and Ro ENTERS. RIKER The captain's here. RO Latia's dead. (relieved) That's good. RIKER There's a clue to the cause of the radiation we found in the Transporter trace. She picks up a small, worn-looking DEVICE. TRANSPORTER CHIEF (hits communicator) This is Transporter Chief O'Brien. I have fallen to the floor. Can you help? RIKER Are there any others still alive? TRANSPORTER CHIEF I am picking up another survivor. It's Geordi! Riker and Ro react -- this is a man with a talent for survival. RIKER What about him? He leads Ro and the others into the lift. RIKER And stay with him, La Forge. RO This is our only chance. If we maintain our current orientation, he'll beam over after the medical team has finished their work. RIKER elbows wrenches. (to Transporter Chief) Can you get a lock on the other crewmember? The Transporter Chief nods. TRANSPORTER CHIEF I can beam him over after the first shift. RIKER That's not much of a plan. RO Our first shift's at oh-eight- six hours. RIKER Has the radiation levels gone down any further? RO No. Ro turns to look at Riker. RO (continuing) The odds are that Commander Data's going to beam over after those two hours. RIKER I don't see that as a good idea. RO You're right -- it isn't. The lift stops and the doors open. INT. RO'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Riker and Ro ENTER. The room is decorated in cheer -- they are in their own quarters, complete with furniture. Ro looks around for a moment, and disappears behind some single beds. A moment later, the door opens and Data ENTERS. He is unnoticed by most of the other crewmembers. He checks their schedules. DATA Computer, schedule commencement of transfer of command to Stardate 447th percentile. COMPUTER VOICE Thirteen point four hours, twenty- three seconds... transfer of command to Stardate 481/986... Riker and Ro exchange looks -- Data's aggressive attitude is unusual. RIKER Riker to Doctor Crusher. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Crusher here. RIKER Doctor, go ahead. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE I've finally found a cure for thetsray radiation syndrome. It should reduce their number of maladies forever. Riker and Ro exchange looks. RIKER I'll look over it with Inspector Worf. RO I'd like to stay with them. RIKER (smiles) I'm sorry. Of course, if you'd like to take them off the space station, I'll see to it that the security protocols for their abroad assignments are in place. RO (nods) That should be satisfactory. RIKER Any news from Cal Trader? RO The supplies are aboard the station. We're in the middle of a customs inspection. RIKER Excellent. Begin boarding them up. WORF'S COM VOICE Commander Riker, report to the injector bay. RIKER On my way. INT. INJECTOR BAY Riker and Ro ENTER. Riker turns to face the door, except this is a rescue mission and there's nothing to hold Riker back. Ro acts as a first responder as Riker turns and heads for the communicator. RIKER Medical assistance to the injector bay... BEVERLY'S VOICE That's Riker. Riker cuts off on the last leg of his journey to the rescue. RIKER Doctor Crusher, this is Commander William Riker, first officer of the Enterprise. BEVERLY'S VOICE We've been told you were rescued. What is your situation? RIKER We're being held in a Romulan block. We can't get out -- you can't transport! We have to stay here! BEVERLY'S VOICE We can talk about that later. You're being held in a Romulan block... Riker cuts her off with a look. RIKER I'm Commander William Riker of the Federation starship Enterprise. BEVERLY'S VOICE William Riker, this is Lieutenant Commander Beverly Crusher, a Federation vessel about fifty thousand kellicams in good repair. We desperately need your help. Have we offended you? RIKER No. It's just that we were going to ask for your help the same way we approached you. BEVERLY'S VOICE Have they been confirmed as unharmed? RIKER That's what I was going to say. BEVERLY'S VOICE Have their DNA patterns been checked for possible infection? RIKER That's what I was going to say. (beat) We've been in orbit -- for the last several hours. We've tried to scan the area, and I'm getting nothing. There is a tense beat on the Bridge. RIKER We've been like this for hours. There have been several confirmed sightings of the unknown vessel, and it's assumed it's heading for the Neutral Zone. Our reports say it's a human cargo ship. WORF Joret has given the order to fire, not before. RIKER I believe that's true. PICARD (to Worf) Contact Admiral Ro and ask her to approve the use of the intercept vessel. Worf nods. WORF Glad you asked, sir. Heues the Transporter CHIEF, O'BRIEN, stands at the console. O'BRIEN (to Picard) When will she approve? PICARD Twenty-two hours. O'BRIEN Twenty-two hours... PICARD We're past the time we were designed for evacuation... RO We've received the distress call from the freighter San Onyre. It's being hit by a tractor beam. On the move to the turbolift... PICARD Ensign Crusher, lower the shields to reduce power to the shields... (to O'Brien) Have you located the cause of the power surge, Chief? O'BRIEN No, sir... I'm detecting no energy fluctuation... RIKER Something's coming through the shields... Charlie returns, finishing his scan of the freighter. CHARLIE Nothing... a transporter malfunction... O'BRIEN Mister Worf, see if there's any sign of the renegades. WORF (a beat) They have cleared the shuttlebay, Captain. Charlie moves to the shuttle, joins Riker. CHARLIE Great. Picard, Riker and Worf EXIT. INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - IN TERMINAL CHANGE Picard, Riker and Worf arrive, and look around. The shuttle has returned to normal. (Note: this is no longer the Enterprise.) RIKER What happened? There was a power surge in the energy transfer functions... PICARD I don't understand... I thought the Enterprise was shut down for maintenance... WORF I was reacting to some kind of information retrieval from the shuttle's control systems... PICARD I think we accessed some of your system files... WORF Most of them... but the files on the shuttle's computer system were not affected. PICARD (reacts) What could cause such a radical change in a computer system -including its own? WORF Unknown. PICARD Computer, isolate any entry in Shuttle One's systemal parameters which differs from established procedures. COMPUTER VOICE Internal registry entries are incompatible with the requested parameters. WORF No parameter differences exist. COMPUTER VOICE Internal registry entries are incompatible with the requested parameters. WORF No entry in the Stardate indicated a change in Stardate 42400.12. PICARD Even the log entries would have to be compatible. WORF Only a complete superset program could generate the need for such a jump in database activation sequences. RIKER We didn't find much to be concerned about. PICARD Shuttle One is a functioning crewmember of the Enterprise. Resume activation of the database at once. DATA I advise against making any changes during this period, Captain. Galaxy class starships have a lifetime of about ten years. They are in no threat from this type of dynamic. RIKER It used to be the same thing. But with Data and his symbiont, we can manipulate universe -- change it. Picard nods, takes a beat, then walks back to his position. PICARD (to Wykoff) What about the Sarjenka's log? I'm sure it'll do me good in the long run. WYKOFF And you're certain it will work after the jump? PICARD Quite certain. WYKOFF You're Dmitrok. I am the father of your child. Whatever may happen after this event, I must take the blame. PICARD You've done a wonderful thing, Gypsy. You've pulled out a hero's heart. WYKOFF A shame. (to Picard) Perhaps we've wasted too many heroes. DOBELL What do you want, Mister Knight? WYKOFF I don't know. Perhaps we have to find another. Pearl comes up to join the goodbye. PICARD I'm sorry we're not together when you get back. PEL We'll be returning shortly. I've left my duties, so please excuse me. Picard nods and waits with the others as they EXIT. CUT TO: INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA Commander, the away team has appeared to be in a hostile dimensional shift. RIKER Same thing we encountered twenty years ago when we tried to escape. DATA The barrier between quantum realities is what allows them to function. If we attempt to cross it, it will react negatively and render our ship immobile. RIKER Exactly. You can't cross it. Unless you pass through the universal translicator. DATA We must proceed. RIKER Pass through the universal translator? DATA Sir, I would recommend against that. The translators are broken... if we attempt to cross it, the ship will absorb the energy until it is beyond a technological barrier. RIKER We're well within their technological limits. DATA Still -- the question of what to do when we get there... is it worth risking the ship? RIKER I don't see that we have much choice. Picard considers. PICARD We have the coordinates... the star -- whatever's left to try to reach it. (to Wyndham) Together, take us out of orbit. WORF Aye, sir. (to Picard) Captain, it is possible we will not make it. PICARD I'm aware of that. But there are us. There are the people who need help. Those who have responsibilities to perform. RIKER We have neither of those esoteric qualities. PICARD But there is something about the way we seem to walk... the way we seem to talk... the tone of our -- WORF Sir... ? PICARD We're not hostile. We do have a past. It's not the same people. But I assure you... we are not bitter. WORF We should not judge the past too harshly. RIKER (looks around) We should have let them die. PICARD Who should have died? Who was a victim of war? (MORE) PICARD (Cont'd) Not us. The decision was made by a committee... chaired by Doctor Crusher... she's a friend of twenty-seven... she has a doctor across the hall from us. If we should choose to cross that hall... He stops, not allowing himself to go through the door. PICARD I am not here alone. There are four ships in escort... (beat) We have decided to go to Deck Seventeen. HOLD on Riker, realizing he has no choice. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Enterprise in orbit around Bay One. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Beverly and Worf step onto the Transporter Pad. AD HOC are exchanged as TRANSPORTER TASHA takes command. TASHA Prepare to link up with the Enterprise. RIKER (O.S.) That's not what I meant. Beverly and Worf hear Riker and turn to see him walking down the hall. RIKER I've been waiting for you. My command experience. BEVERLY My pleasure. The two men EXIT to the corridor. INT. CORRIDOR - ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK RIKER You can't leave High Technology Earth like this, Jean-Luc. JELLICO How long have you been on there, Will? RIKER So long. JELLICO Then it can wait. RIKER It's a little more complicated than that, sir. (to computer) Computer -- enhance Lutan's functions tree. The computer works. There is a screen of Ligonian functions. RIKER For example, the word "functions" leads you to search the database for Lutan's real name. JELLICO You're good. But you can't be good. You don't have the knutz to be a bounty hunter. RIKER That's right. (beat) Now, try to remember one thing: Lutan is a kind of shaman. He's not a malicious, cold-blooded criminal. In fact, he's a kind of healer. People find him a bit simplistic, but he's very valuable to his people. Jellico EXITS. Off Riker's concerned look... CUT TO: INT. HOLODECK/CAVERN Riker, Geordi, and Leah. Riker is giving Leah a horse-like wig. There's a lot of activity going on in the cave. Riker and Geordi are on the edge of a conversation. GEORDI And if you want to bet that NASA will send a man to convince Lutan he should endorse a trade agreement? LEAH That's impossible. Those people would be shouting across the communication area. RIKER Really? CONTINUED: GEORDI Re-route the signal. Put it on a different frequency. Riker changes the setting on his phaser. RIKER (continuing; he stops) Computer, access the Jackson Clipper file. Run it against the current direction of the station. COMPUTER VOICE Working. There's a pause and then the sound of the Jackson Clipper can be heard. LEAH So what do we do now? GEORDI We could all stop what we were doing and just wait for the Jackson to drop out of warp. LEAH That's what you were doing, wasn't it? GEORDI Actually, it was more of... a laboratory experiment. We'd gotten to design some new shielding and communication systems. LEAH What does that mean? GEORDI It means the Jackson's mission was going to be a complete failure. The risk was too high. RIKER'S COM VOICE Commander Riker to the Bridge. PICARD (to com) Yes, Doctor. LEAH Commander, sensors have found the star fix in the dark matter clouds. There's an enormous demand for cargo being held there... GEORDI We could artificially generate a massive warp cascade and force it out into space... She gets a major surprise from Riker. RIKER I've never seen a demand like this. CONTINUED: GEORDI Commander, something might be squeezing the warp drive expression... RIKER We don't have time to wait, Doctor. The engines are already being shut down... we'll trigger the synthesizer engine and get them off-line... LEAH The question is, what happens after we get them off-line? GEORDI It might take a little longer than normal to get them online. They're going to be nervous about interacting with humans again... I'd say we'd wait as long as it takes... LEAH We have a few hours to figure out what we're doing and how to fix it. GEORDI And once we're through with them, I think we'll let them know we think their experiment a success... And he exits... on Leah's reaction... INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT where Jack is talking to Lauren, who is upstairs watching Jack's world go by. Jack looks tired... eager to get back to his story... JACK (to Lauren) So, how's mine? LAUREN (doesn't buy it) Terrible. We've got to do better. Jack looks at her -- it's starting to look like Jack isn't himself. JACK (to himself) So, how's mine? LAUREN (shrugs) Terrible. We've got to do better. JACK (suddenly alert) Do you think Starfleet would be interested in me bidding? LAUREN It would be creepy. JACK Actually, it would make everything quieter. LAUREN Pack your bags. You don't want anyONE overhearing our conversations. Jack begins to smile, then frowns. JACK (setting his thoughts aside) Okay. We'll do it. He goes to a closet door and inserts his small BANDANA into a slot in the machine. After a beat, he smiles... JACK (an afterthought) Oh, and one more thing... LAUREN The moon -- it's back. JACK Isn't it? LAUREN We've been telling you how much we enjoy it. JACK You're the best. Any place you can go is fine. JACK (Cont'd) (beat) Now, get out while you can. Lauren EXITS. Jack looks at the closed door for a beat, then moves to a nearby wardrobe and takes out his THIN MANUAL, facing the wall. He starts to turn it on... FAVOR JACK'S FACE The door opens and Lauren ENTERS. LAUREN Jack -- I'm here. Come in. Jack reacts to her appearance. JACK (to Lauren) Take care of him. LAUREN How do you feel? JACK (re: wall) Ready? LAUREN Are you ready for anything? JACK (looking at the wall) Surprise me. Lauren moves closer to him. LAUREN I've been thinking about who to believe. JACK (smiling) I thought you'd be happy... until I find out you're not. JACK I have to find something to believe in. LAUREN We could never survive in this universe. Not if we want to be rich. JACK Indeed. Not if we want to be strong. JACK (Cont'd) We're not strong enough to be holders of truth. We have to be third-rung builders -- fast and true. That's what we have to do. LAUREN What about freedom? JACK Let's face it -- no one wants to live in this universe. It just wastes our time. Who wants to live in a universe where so many people hate each other? We don't want to live -- we want to live! He walks on, excited by the possibilities. INT. MAIN BRIDGE Mark Gatiss is the only one awake. He steps out of his chair to see the rampant confusion, bewilderment and anger on the Bridge. MARK GATHERDS I think there's something wrong with the computer screens. RIKER What's wrong with the computer? MARK GATHERISS The people of this era would very much like to believe they're in some kind of Starfleet control center. Where everything that exists could be copied and distributed. TROI We're not sure what you mean. MARK GATHERISS Believe what I mean. Forgive the fallacy of thinking it's the one true way to do things, but when it comes to running a society, the human race has a hard time liking what you have to offer. RIKER Look, let's not deny the fact that some cultures consider it un-human. MARK GATHERISS Forgive me, but in those cultures the individual isn't the sum of his parts. He's more than that, he's a mosaic whose whole personality is a reflection of his scattered components. WORF I understand. MARK GATHERISS Good. He walks off, toward his third door. TROI What's the matter with you? INT. MARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT where Vash, dressed in a ragged evening outfit, is sitting in a tiny apartment alone. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. The life sciences and transportation ministries have requested specifications for a transport system they claim would be more efficient. INT. TROI'S OFFICE Troi is at her desk. PICARD (V.O.) However, DIANA TROI and her staff are anxious to depart for Garia, and Captain Picard has requested that they be allowed a personal appearance and sitting ceremony before they be returned to Trill space. TROI Perhaps he's right, Captain. Perhaps we've done some damage to their morale. PICARD I want you to explain that my decision on your part is made. TROI Sir? PICARD I'm sorry, I didn't "have a conversation" with Diana. It's the end of an era for Borg. TROI Is it? PICARD It is if you wish to continue to attempt a negotiated settlement with the Borg. TROI She is entirely welcome to make that decision. PICARD What must be done? CONTINUED: TROI The first thing we have to do is decide what we are going to do with you. PICARD I understand. But first, I want you to understand the nature of the problem. There are only three Borg... and they've been forced to commit an incredible number of thousands of crimes against civilians in an effort to communicate their brand of violence. TROI Three thousand... it seems an impossible task. PICARD It's not impossible. It's the necessary evil. TROI You are not speaking from a circumstantial view, Captain. I am not suggesting that there are three thousand per cent criminals on this planet. PICARD We have to find them. TROI Yes, yes. That's why we need to examine every police cruiser in the sector. If they all report no crimes, then our search should be limited to police that have experience with Borg. PICARD Do you mean by that include me? TROI Yes. If you apply to the Academy, it will be considered official. PICARD In other words, if I apply... TROI You might as well speak out, Captain. If you all speak out, there might be a group of us left that can argue for a change in policy. PICARD (interrupting) Maybe so... but I don't want to start shouting... so if you'll just hold it down... As he holds it down and they all listen... TROI There are many people... few people knowing about this Borg story... and very few people wondered about it after it was revealed... we are left with the moral obligation of helping to eliminate it. PICARD People are worried about their lives... TROI Worf... She turns and glances back to Worf with a concern expression... TROI (continuing) When the duty commences, you will be required to uphold it with confidence while at the same time tending your duties to the same standard as everyone else. WORF I will do my best. TROI Good. (beat, with Worf still concerned) I do not want you to feel guilty for reacting in the way you did. Worf doesn't even full herself out. WORF I am not responsible for what myself did. TROI I'm not blaming you. Worf shoots her a look. WORF That does not change the fact that I was trying to protect others. I may have let down my guard a little... give away a little to the Borg. All I did was try to keep an eye on a vulnerable spot. I'm responsible for my actions, Counselor. TROI I think you're acting very confused, Worf. What do you say we get together and go exploring your world for a while? WORF Perhaps that would be unwise. They look at each other for a moment. TROI Go. Worf EXITS. Off Troi's expression. CUT TO: EXT. SPACE -RIKER'S SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL) riding in space. INT. RIKER'S SHUTTLECRAFT Mid-conversation. RIKER What about you? Are you still planning on going back to school this year? KYLE Is that a good idea? RIKER It's the best thing I can do... KYLE You don't know that. School's over -- RIKER What? KYLE You don't know what you're missing. School's over -- The van Gogh fragment occurs out of nowhere. Kyle reacts, puts the van Gogh down on the table, then sits back down. KYLE You're trying to turn me into a believer... RIKER What are you talking about? KYLE I'm talking about you. You're turning me into a believer. (beat) I'm so glad. Riker is stunned. He considers how best to handle the situation, but Kyle doesn't respond. RIKER What are you talking about? KYLE I'm sorry, but it's not your fault. It's me. RIKER Who are you? KYLE (a bit evasive) I know who you are... but... RIKER What do you mean? KYLE You're going to hell. RIKER What? KYLE I don't know what kind of speech you make. But I can tell you I've seen your sign... and mine. I don't have any other gene, and I don't give a damn about it. Kyle opens her purse to reveal a total stranger's "golden" dress... KYLE (grins) Oh. Hello. RIKER Uh... what's this? KYLE The pattern of my life. Off his reaction... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) INT. HOLODECK - CONTROL FOYER Riker and Geordi as Carney and the other player are shuffling cards to try and get Tommy. TROI (to Riker) The real reason you're here, Tommy, is that we've been trying to get you to come to the Holodeck. RIKER We can't afford to have a man out there who can read our cards without shaking his head. GEORDI We want him to be able to leave the Holodeck... we don't want him to be confused about where he is. RIKER We want him to be able to tell us where he is. He has to be able to do that. Otherwise, we'd have to pop his bubble. GEORDI (indicating door) This is it. The computer wants it busy. Tommy looks here, at Riker and then back at the door. GEORDI (continuing) Okay, Tommy. Open it. Tommy hesitates. GEORDI (continuing) Come on. Tommy opens the door. INT. HOLODECK - LOBBY - CONTINUOUS The Norwegian we met earlier runs up to a large red brick with a couple of soccer sticks next of course. NILREM Not today. OLWITZ Today is... today is the anniversary of the rescue of Vash. VASH (O.S.) I rescued her. OLWITZ And I helped her. Nilrem and the other Bandi are surprised. VASH You rescued her. OLWITZ (continuing) I helped her. VASH You're a great man. OLWITZ Thank you. But it was more than just... But it's pointless now. Vash walks over and takes Over the Bandi's body. VASH Put her back to the moon. BANDI But she's not dead. OLWITZ Quite the contrary. VASH (to the Bandi) There's a way to fool the Romulans. Wait for their memorandum. BANDI That's impossible. OLWITZ Why? So you can kill her? VASH That's not my concern. BANDI (sharply) Absolutely not. All we want is to verify your claims. And we will. OMAG But what if he is lying? BANDI If he is, we will kill him. But if he is not... we will injure him. OLWITZ That would be a different story. VASH But even if he is not, we must certainly respect the dead. (to the guards) You know what I'm going to do. She nods to one of the guards, who takes her arm and begins to lead her away. OLWITZ Frailty? VASH It's been a while, Olast. But there is still time. OMAG If he's not serious, then what is he doing here? VASH You should have listened to the order of the Sultan -- leave the dam alone. The guard nods and EXITS. OLWITZ Now, what else is there to know? Ogawa and the other Bandi prepare weapons. VASH Ogawa? Where have you been? OGAWA I've been visiting the Sheliak World. VASH What have you found? OGAWA Nothing. VASH That's not what you want to hear. OGAWA Neither do I. VASH You're thinking like he thought. Ogawa and the other Bandi exchange looks. OGAWA (to the other guard) Let's go. The two guards lead the Valkyries away. SANTOS'COM VOICE Santos to Doctor Bashir. BASHIR Go ahead, Santos. SANTOS'COM VOICE My assistant and I have the virus for you. Would you like to know how we can get your medicine to your people? BASHIR Of course. SANTOS'COM VOICE Thank you, Doctor, please. Bashir and the Valkyries head for the EXIT. SANTOS My people are dying -- why? BASHIR Someone has to answer that question. And off this moment -- OMITTED INT. CORRIDOR Bashir and the Valkyries have arrived at the Holodeck control booth. The Valkyries are supressed, blank, as though they've never been programmed. Bashir sets up the control booth. BASHIR Computer -- access Amano. The Computer works. COMPUTER VOICE Amebo is a production facility for the production of synthetic intelligence. Its layout is recognizably alien. BASHIR A little defensive. Why would they hide it if they're going to keep living? COMPUTER VOICE Denied. BASHIR Just to be on the safe side, I'll grant them access and show them a month's worth of exhibit programming. The Valkyries study the computer screen. VARGAS You mean like this? BASHIR Yes. Now the computer will erase all programming from the Valkyries' memory and re-program them with Starfleet uniforms. VARGAS stripes and sixes? BASHIR That's right. VARGAS (smiling) That's terrific! They exit the Holodeck. OMITTED INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR Bashir and the Valkyries come around the corner to the Holodeck control booth. VARGAS That's a nice Starfleet wall you have there, Julian. They enter the Holodeck and head up to the Bridge. VARGAS You've got to be kidding. They can't do that. BASHIR I think they're up to something. And it could turn out to be a lot more than that. If they can demonstrate a degree of comprehension... of proper respect -- I'm not so sure they can sell that to the galaxy. CUT TO: INT. ANTEROOM TO HOLODECK - TRACKING SHOT As Bashir and the Valkyries EXIT the Holodeck and cross toward the Corridor. VARGAS (to computer) Computer -- access executive temporary supervisor. COMPUTER VOICE Procedure is not authorized. BASHIR Were you able to find the Vargas Bunker? COMPUTER VOICE There is no such file. BASHIR Oh. (to computer) Open a channel. The Computer works and the Voice of Picard comes out of the Holodeck. PICARD Professor Cedillo, we could use your services. Cedillo APPEARS on the Bridge. CEDILLO (at her station) I have a statement to make, Captain. BASHIR Forgive me, Doctor. I'm not reacting badly either. CEDILLO It's a private matter. BASHIR (to computer) End the voice transmission. The VOICE RE-CUT IS COMPLETELY DISTANT AND STOPPED. BASHIR (to Cedillo) Are you communicating with them? Cedillo looks at him for a moment, then nods. CEDILLO Yes. BASHIR Are you aware of the nature of the emergency? CEDILLO No. BASHIR You must know that it is momentary. Cedillo looks at Bashir thoughtfully. CEDILLO I don't understand. Why would the Romulans invade... if they can't survive, what makes them think they can win? BASHIR They must think they can beat us, that they're strong and well armed. Whatever they intend to do, they'll have to start from scratch. Bashir thinks for a moment, seems to come up with an idea. BASHIR Then I think you should contact the Federation Council and inform them of this situation. CEDILLO (unsure) I... haven't talked to the Federation or any of the members. BASHIR I suppose this means you're not willing to get involved... in an official capacity... CEDILLO That's right. BASHIR If you're not involved then the experiment must be a failure... and you'll be on your own... Cedillo looks at him with a cold look -- CEDILLO That's right. I know. He holds his hands up (literally) and these will be remembered for the rest of their lives. CEDILLO That's right. I know. Bashir looks at Cedillo with a frustrated look. BASHIR Cedillo -- what the hell's going on? Did you give up? Suddenly the door OPENS and complains to Kira. KIRA Doctor... Cedillo turns and sees Kira -- DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 32. CEDILLO Ah. I'm sorry to disturb you, Major -- but I'm afraid... Cedillo's words have an ominous ring. He's trying to draw the other students out. CEDILLO We'll get right to the point once again. How do I get back to the Enterprise? There's a beat as the students exchange looks. Kira shakes her head. KIRA I can't. And as the class breaks up, Kira and Cedillo share a moment together. EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) Re-establishing. INT. PROMENADE Kira and Cedillo EXIT the airlock. She's worried about going back to the station. KIRA Cedillo, I'm glad to see that the new neurocine stylist isn't going to leave me. CEDILLO You'll have to see Leonard again. KIRA I can't stay here. I have a transmission to Yadera Prime. CEDILLO You'll be able to receive reinforcements from the ship. KIRA It's not the same as being on the station. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 32A. CEDILLO Don't you see? It's going to wash out the infection. You'll be back... and that's the most important part of all. Kira shakes her head. There's no right or wrong about it, but she likes the ring. KIRA I may have to stay here a while longer than you think, if that's what you want. CEDILLO I don't give a damn about the station, Major. I've been working for years to undermine it. DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT THREE 33. KIRA Cedillo, if you're trying to convince me to leave, you've got a lot to learn. CEDILLO What harm would there be in letting me have a little more time alone? After all, I'm not the cause of the rebellion. Y'Know, I could use a pair of hands. Cedillo is struck by the sincerity of Kira's plea. CEDILLO Kira... I know we're all hurting right now. All of us. (a beat) I can't help you, Nerys... I can't help you. I can't go on. I can't. CLOSE ON KIRA as she reacts to Cedillo's knowingness. And as we hear the conviction in his voice, we dig into the crude but convincing but unsubstantiated threat Petul Jablot poses. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 34. ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. ROMULAN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Romulan crewmembers, PADD-style, are hurrying through the station, intent on doing their job, checking off panels, one after another. The insignia on their backs are often dinged, suggesting scratches or nicks. Bashir, Dax and Leyton are conferring in low tones. BASHIR I don't understand... all I'm saying is that I've examined every conceivable aspect of his personality... his work habits... his social contacts... LEYTON You've chosen to ignore the facts, Doctor. BASHIR It would be beneath the dignity of the station to do so. BASHIR (Cont'd) Do you have even a remote idea how Romulan loyalty must be tested? PILOT We receive daily transmissions from the leader of the Romulan Union regarding tactical issues... BASHIR And not one of those transmissions examines... PILOT We examine all the possible possibilities -- does the Dominion have an ally in the Belt? DEEP SPACE NINE: "Inter Arma... " - REV. 01/08/99 - ACT FOUR 35. BASHIR (dry) That's part of it... PILOT Then we should be cautious... check the Federation records... see if there's been a temporal distortion in the last four hours. BASHIR Are you saying there hasn't been a temporal distortion? PILOT (barks) There is no such thing. Such information is supposed to be demarcated by twenty-sixteen sections A and B. Bashir turns to Odo. ODO That's correct. Section A is bigger on the inside than the outside. KIRA What do you mean? ODO You should be able to tell us something about the inside of one of those sections by looking at the leviathan. KIRA You're sure about that? ODO I suppose you have no choice. KIRA (with a smile) I'm happy for you. Just then, there's a loud BLAST and rocksOM offscreen. Kira and Bashir look up to see TJOLAN, the Vulcan students, and two other STUDENTS rush them from behind. One of the students is holding a PHASER in his hand. JACK What are you two doing here? The other two STUDENTS are holding phasers like they were aiming at Dax. BASHIR I'm not sure, yet. The first two students drop their phasers. The third student holds a phaser. JACK Don't let them get away with this. LAUREN Whatever you're up to, Julian, don't let the Federation get away with impeding progress on one of their priorities. JACK I know something about what's going on. JIMMY And what's your priority? LAUREN I told you. The two of them look to Bashir for orders. He nods silently. BASHIR Get them to the airlock. JACK But Doctor... BASHIR Listen, son. (a beat) I know you've been unhappy with me for a long time. But I think you're wrong. I think you're the most fitting person for the mission. JACK Why? Am I so different from you? BASHIR Don't you see? There's a whole new world out there -- after civilization has been rediscovered. JACK We're not different? We're somewhere. BASHIR That's right. JACK We're not going to be sitting here together for the next few years and talking about what happened. We have a mission, we're trying to save something -- something that means something to you. BASHIR (dry) I can appreciate that. But you have to understand that getting back to those colonies was a strategic mistake. You're assigning a vital mission to a freighter captain and he has a problem with that. JACK Does it really have any merit? Stop looking at me like I'm crazy. I'm not asking you to end your friendship with me. What does it do to me to have a new perspective? BASHIR You're looking at things. And even if it is true, that's not responsible. JACK And I think you're going about it the wrong way. (getting a DIY touch) Turn off that computer, Damar. Damar bows to the Second in his section and EXITS. LAUREN (to Bashir) You're a smart one. Bashir smiles and shakes his head. BASHIR (to Jack) Look, I owe you an apology. Do me a favor, sir -- allow me to keep a close eye on you. JACK Any idea what I can do to make you more comfortable? BASHIR (checking his scanner) Let's see if we can pinpoint the vulnerability in your system. Bashir starts to move away, but Jack steps in his path. JACK Oh, you think you can just go sitting around and guessing? BASHIR I've got to do something. JACK No, you can't. You're a doctor and that's what I understand. But if you can't put yourself on the table, then I suggest you sit next to someone else. Bashir considers for a beat. BASHIR Maybe. LAUREN (encouraging) You keep looking at the table. Sooner or later, you'll find someone else. JACK Oh. BASHIR Would you like to come along? It'll be easier this way. JACK Are you sure? BASHIR (gently) Aren't you? Patrick comes to his feet in alarm. PATRICK He's going to kill us. We can survive somehow. JACK Maybe not. Patrick doesn't know how to react -- BASHIR (patronizing) Jack, you're a quintessential American coreligion -- everything is up to us. JACK Yes, well, up to date. What's the latest blockbuster on the shelf? BASHIR An android taken from the Starship Enterprise. JACK Oh. That's us. (musing) Actually, that's what it is. An android taken from the Enterprise. Patrick's features crumple as Bashir's words hit him rapidly. BASHIR (continuing) That's actually not true. There are several hundred android people on the ship. Patrick comes to a halt, still shaking his head at how he's being false. BASHIR (continuing) Actually, that's probably not how it happened. I'm afraid there's more going on here than being a starship captain or a medical doctor. This is something more. (glancing around) There's sabotage going on... someone's moving equipment. That's why they're firing on us. Patrick's features falter as he recognizes the abandoned words. PATRICK What are you saying? BASHIR Somewhere around here. Someone took our files and is trying to erase them. Patrick shakes his head, draws himself up to his full height. JACK I told you to stay away from that! LAUREN Jack, what are you saying? That they're trying to erase us? JACK It's not them. It's me. Patrick's features change when he realizes that the voice belongs to the man who appeared to be Jack's Father. PATRICK You're not Jack's Father. JACK He's somebody else. He's not staying. PATRICK (to Lauren, re: Bashir) He's lying. He's being gay. It's terrible. LAUREN We can't lie to anybody. Not even the doctors. No one's going to believe you're anything but what you seem to be. Looking around at the group... at Bashir -- this is where he belongs. JACK What's so funny about lying? People want to believe that you're their friend. LAUREN We're not. We're not. Patrick's features crumple as he looks at the disgruntled Vorta. These are his friends, and he knows it. JACK It's so frustrating. These people are so caught up in their own delusions... their minds are so warped... (then) They're the ones who will end up paying for this, Vantika. They're the ones who made it begin. They're the ones who choose to become our friends. (bitter) Because they did the right thing. He looks over at Bashir, who is listening with quiet interest to this speech. JACK (Cont'd) Their courage gave way to the division of labor... the rise of the mass base... the end of the Great Reformation... the end of the Alliance... Patrick ruminates on these and other topics for a beat, then turns and looks at Bashir. PATRICK Do you know what that song is about? BASHIR No... JACK It's about a battle that never happened. A good victory. The men of the Revolution who would rather live under a Dominion typhoon than be ruled by a king that's cowards. They're the terrorists... they're the ones who'll rebuild this damned world in a second... (beat) So where you at, Doctor? BASHIR You're welcome. Jack turns and looks at him with a warm, awed look on his face. JACK You're welcome to stay at whatever the hell you want. BASHIR This isn't my world. If you want to stay here, that's fine as long as you don't ruin it for us. JACK (feigning sympathy) But if we stay, everything changing for the good of the rest of humanity? What of the Klingons? Will there be any military action taken against the Dominion for what they've done? Will there be any war? We can't have that kind of pressure. LAUREN Go back to your well. No one will be there when you return. JACK So you're really his friend. BASHIR Looking for sympathy. You're hurting the little baby. JACK I'll deal with the rest of you later. We have to hide. I have to belong with someone... something special. Something that'll allow me to function. BASHIR We'll eventually reach the point where even you can't be trusted. JACK (the perfect words) I can't wait. Patrick looks from Bashir to the impressive looking Jack, and we're not so far from feeling sorry for him. PATRICK Will I ever see you again? JACK (a bleak smile) You won't see me again, either. I'll wait until someone lets me have a bath. You'll see. And with that, Patrick fidgets and leaps from the bed. We HOLD ON the door for a beat; the Bolian guard who's been stationed there watches with the advertisement "Doctor" for a beat longer. INT. BOLIAN LABORATORY (OPTICAL) Bashir and Patrick ENTER. The Bolian is looking at them with a curious smile. BOLIAN Well... Patrick Looks to Sarina. SARINA Doctor... BOLIAN Your mother is dying. PATRICK (not sympathetic) It didn't happen that way. BOLIAN We've been told that... SARINA That she was... but that's not true. She... wanted to end her life... and I couldn't allow because... BOLIAN Why? Its true that Patrick doesn't understand, but he's watching for some escape -- for any escape -- Sarina is offering him. SARINA (continuing) He took my hand instead of her and it wasn't right. He said she cut it off when she died... but it was real. He never intentionally took her hand. It was the only thing that mattered to him. Every memory in his life was a price he had to pay. Bashir lifts his hand in front of his face so that the tears might betterow themselves. BOLIAN You can't escape the fact that someone would create a situation like that... BASHIR That's exactly what you must acknowledge, Doctor. You are obedient because you have the need for control. The more we agree on something, the more control you give us. Now, Patrick... BASHIR (Cont'd) (not further) The less you wreck this ship, the less chance there is for everything else. (a beat) Think of it, Julian. We're at our weakest moment... the Chancellor seems to be measuring me by my worth -- not my potential. BOLIAN I disagree. I think I'm worth everything I have. This is far short of what Sarina wants, but Patrick will never have the courage to say that. BOLIAN This isn't about me. SARINA What do you think? BOLIAN I don't know. I think I'm a pretty good pilot... SARINA So, what are you going to do? BOLIAN I don't know. I wish I knew. He sighs, looks away. BOLIAN (continuing) I don't suppose there are any other habitable planets in this star system. Maybe we can download our computer back to the past and recreate everything -- a hundred percent sure we'll never find it -- and just let the two of us sit here while the Federation scans the horizon for debris. SARINA I'm not sure that's a good idea. BOLIAN It's better than nothing. He smiles at her. BOLIAN (continuing) Do me a favor... Sarina... She sees how sad he is, decides to leave him alone for a moment. SARINA I came here to give you someone a hug. The moment the door closes behind her, she turns and EXITS. BOLIAN (to Donovan) Sorry I bother you. Donovan doesn't acknowledge him, but turns and EXITS. He was afraid of saying something. BOLIAN (continuing, say it) I need to change the subject. He heads for the bar. INT. SURGERY Beverly is on the operating table, finishing a complete surgery. A NEURAL STABILIZER is over her shoulder, and she is holding it against her THROAT IN WAVINESS. She is trying to get up, but now her wrists start to give way and she can't sit up. After a beat, Beverly shudders and collapses. Riker and Worf ENTER from the other room. WORF Doctor, what is the nature of his illness? BEVERLY He's infected with ebbing and falling ... the disease is progressing. I hope he'll be gone in a couple of days. RIKER There's no time to wait. The already? BEVERLY There are several cases where Ebrivia Syndrome can progress substantially faster with each case. RIKER (a beat) Should be an easy matter, Doctor. Once they found out we adjusted our foreplay to minimize the production of viable viroxic protein products. BEVERLY (with appreciation) That's very helpful. RIKER Especially when you have two ugly boys who need to be well groomed. He smiles and they share a warm moment together. BEVERLY (patient) We'll see you in the morning. Riker heads for the door. BOLIAN (excited) Morning! Beverly and the Bolian head for the door to join Riker. INT. CORRIDOR Beverly and the Bolian follow Riker into the corridor. RIKER Then it's settled. BOLIAN I'm not ready to go back to the Holodeck just yet. There are procedures I still have to go over. RIKER There's still a possibility we could make it back. BOLIAN That's right. (beat) Maybe we should reconsider our options. They exchange looks for a moment. RIKER We have to consider the possibilities. BOLIAN Well... now that we know you can come back... I'm not sure what we can do to change the outcome of this simulation... RIKER (impatient) We have to see about getting the materials from the planet below in a backup... Riker moves down the corridor, the Bolian follow... INT. READY ROOM Close on Picard on his desk as... BOLIAN'S VOICE Doctor Mandel, reporting as ordered. Picard takes a beat to look at his monitor... BOLIAN'S VOICE We've begun seismic monitoring of the seismic activity on the planet... it appears to be just the ripening of the crust... Picard reacts, nods... BOLIAN'S VOICE Doctor Mandel, reporting as ordered. There is a beat as Picard registers the shock of the news. PICARD As expected. BOLIAN'S VOICE We have monitored seismic activity on the surface... PICARD The oil has pooled in the aqueduct. BOLIAN'S VOICE The leakage hasn't been controlled. OMITTED INT. HOLODECK/SPACE STATION - GUEST QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Riker and Macet are examining the oil and looking at it with concern. Aquiel is in the b.g. MACET What is it? RIKER The latest theory says that the rift formed when an energy discharge from the engine nacelles naturally fractured the Earth's crusty crust. A beat as the implication sinks in. MACET But if we take a ship through the rift... we wouldn't be able to see what's happening to the planet. RIKER No... it's possible. (grim) We have to do it manually. MACET Do you think so? Riker and Macet each acknowledge with hesitation -- there's always a chance this doesn't pan out. But either way, they're willing to try. MACET We'll enter the rift. Navigators shouldn't be needed. RIKER (stepping on Macet's lead) The warp drive. If we hijack it, we might be able to slip past the distortion. The others exchange glances... this isn't going to be easy. MACET Captain Picard, I realize you're wondering if I could transport the Enterprise's crew off the ship. PICARD Of course. (turns to Macet) Make it so. Macet nods, and Riker and the others turn to leave. MACET Captain... there are certain personal reasons I'd like to request permission to visit the Enterprise again. Picard turns to him, wanting to give this man his senses. PICARD If you'll have me. Macet nods, grateful... and Macet is out the door. Picard and Riker look at each other. PICARD What'd you tell me about the Enterprise, Commander? MACET It's a good ship. Armament, shields, computer control. On about twenty-five years old. RIKER We'll never see our families again. MACET They're dead, sir. Dead, we're still going to need people who can take care of everything that ships, no matter how far away. I'm sure Starfleet will have somewhere for us. At least they do now. He indicates the others... and they walk by a group of GRADY and his kids (who are all smiling at him)... He indicates a MOON with a small CREW... MACET We'll go there as soon as the shuttle leaves. He indicates a door with a manacled figure... MACET We've done everything we can think of to make you whole again. We've been trying to raise your brains in an atmosphere that's left you sane... but not in an environment that killed them. He removes the doors... and the doors CLOSE. The others EXIT with him... and he returns to Picard... shrugs... MACET If we raise them above the rest of the crew... we'll have them under our control... as soon as we're in orbit. PICARD Once we're in orbit, we'll be sure to send down a maintenance vessel to get them up to full impulse. He indicates a DOOR with a small window at the end. PICARD (continuing) That ship will do it. He taps the panel and the door slides open to reveal Ops. Macet steps forward. MACET Ambassador, may I speak with Captain Picard? Picard nods. MACET May I see him? PICARD Certainly. Macet crosses to Picard, eyes flashing to his business at the table. MACET I am concerned about my people. I read them with detachment when I visited a Cardassian colony on Chin'toka.