《星际迷航记7之星空奇兵》StarTerk7:Generat

******************* star trek: generations script! ******************

fade in:

1 ext. space (vfx-i) 1

a vast and sparkling starfield. a pinpoint of light appears and starts

moving toward the camera. a small and distant cylindrical object

tumbling end over end, but we can't determine exactly what it is yet.

2 ext. wheatfield- day 2

a vast and undulating sea of wheat. we become aware that there are two

heads sticking out of the stalks of wheat: two men standing and looking

up at the sky. as we move towards them, we can see that the two men are

scotty and chekov, dressed in civilian clothing.

chekov

(points to sky)

there he is- there, to the south!

scotty

(peers upward)

what are ye, blind? that's a bird.

as they stare up at the sky

3 ext. space (vfx-i) 3

the cylinder tumbling through space is now closer, and we can now see

that it is a bottle of some sort, and it is tumbling directly toward the

camera.

4 ext. wheatfield- day 4

as before, chekov and scotty staring at the sky.

scotty

(concerned)

repelling the crystalline trench, rafting down lava flows, orbital

skydiving.it's like the man is running a bloody decathlon across the

galaxy.

suddenly we hear a double sonic boom.

chekov

that should be him now. i think he's just crossed the sound barrier.

they shield their eyes against the sun and look up.

5 ext. space (vfx-i) 5

the bottle gets closer.

6 ext. wheatfield- day 6

a man in a high-tech body harness and parachute lands in the wheat flat

on his back. his body-suit is charred, scorched, wisps of smoke still

curling off it. there are small thrusters attached to his backpack and

boots. scotty and chekov move to him. the man removes his helmet. it is

kirk. he smiles broadly, like a child who has just come off a

rollercoaster.

kirk

right on target! i jump out over the arabian peninsula and i end up

here, right on the dime.

kirk gets to his feet.

chekov

actually, captain, your precise target area was thirty-five meters

(points)that way.

kirk

thanks for pointing that out.

kirk starts to pull off his suit, reacts to a sudden pain in his back.

kirk

oh

scotty

i've warned ye about that back of yours. you should have a doctor take a

look at it.

kirk waves him away, and continues to remove his harness.

6a ext. space (vfx-i) 6a

the tumbling bottle rushes past, and we can now see that it is a

champagne bottle- dom perignon, 2265. follow the bottle as it tumbles

through space.

6b ext. wheatfield- day 6b

kirk, scotty and chekov as before.

kirk

tomorrow i want to make a tri-elliptical jump. that's where you jump out

over northern china and make three complete orbits before you start

re-entry.

chekov

captain. perhaps you have forgotten that tomorrow is the christening

ceremony.

this strikes a nerve with kirk- we see a flash of hesitation and

irritation cross his face.

kirk

i'm not going (beat) scotty, help me with this chute.

scotty

what do you mean, you're not going? we promised.

kirk

when i retired, i swore i'd never set foot on a starship again, and i

meant it.

chekov

captain=8a

kirk

(firm)

i don't want to hear anymore about it. i'm not going, and that's final.

7 ext. space (vfx-i) 7

the champagne bottle smashes onto the bow of a federation starship

(excelsior class) sitting in its dock in orbit around earth.

7a ext. space (vfx-i) 7a

follow the shards of glass from the bottle as they spread over the ship,

revealing the name on the hull: u.s.s. enterprise ncc-1701-b.

8 angle on spacedock window 8

a large picture window overlooking the starship in its berth. the window

is filled with people in starfleet uniforms, applauding the christening

of the ship (but we hear nothing).

8a int. spacedock observation room (vfx-i) 8a

the people are still applauding and we can see that they are looking out

over the ship in its berth.

8b ext. space- enterprise-b in spacedock (vfx-i) 8b

the great ship sits in spacedock.

9 int. enterprise-b- bridge 9

close on a set of turbolift doors as they slide open to reveal kirk,

scotty and chekov. a bright light shines into their faces and they

react. move to reveal that the bright light is coming from a futuristic

camera with a small bank of lights attached to it. the camera is a

holographic recorder with two lenses and is worn on an operator's head.

there are four journalists clustered in front of the turbolift- one

associated with the camera, the others using padds to make notations.

also clustered around the door are the bridge crew of the

enterprise-b.everyone is applauding as kirk and the others blink under

the bright lights and enter the bridge.

journalists

(overlapping)

captain kirk, how does it feel to be back on the enterprise bridge=8a?

captain, can i have a minute? captain scott, do you have any comment on?

commander chekov

captain john harriman pushes through the crowd.

harriman

excuse me, excuse me=8a there will be plenty of time for questions

later.

the journalists edge away, and the cameraman moves to get a good angle.

harriman

(cont'd, to all)

i'm captain john harriman. i'd like to welcome you all aboard.

kirk

it's our pleasure.

harriman is young, confident, eager. this is his first command and he

takes it very seriously.

harriman

i just want you to know how excited we all are to have a group of living

legends with us on our maiden voyage. (beat) i remember reading about

your missions when i was in grade school.

the original enterprise officers all stop and give him a look. harriman

looks a little embarrassed- he didn't mean to insult them. but kirk

gives him a little smile, lets it roll off.

kirk

well, may we have a look around?

harriman

please, please.

chekov sees someone in the background, calls out to her.

chekov

demora!

chekov moves off.

journalist

(breezy)

so, captain=8a this is the first starship enterprise in thirty years

withoutjames t. kirk in command. how do you feel about that?

the journalist has unknowingly touched a nerve. kirk's eyes flash for

amoment- the longer he's on this bridge, the more he realizes he doesn't

feel good about it at all. he tries to shrug it off with a smile.

kirk

just fine. i'm glad to be here to send her on her way.

he tries to move away from the journalist, who dogs him.

journalist

what have you been doing since you retired?

kirk

i've been keeping busy.

at this point, chekov approaches with a young, mid-twenties, attractive,

asian female ensign named demora.

chekov

(to kirk)

excuse me, captain. i'd like you to meet the helmsman of the

enterprise-b. ensign demora sulu- captain james kirk.

demora

it's a pleasure to meet you, sir. my father's told me some interesting

stories about you.

kirk is shocked. for a long moment, he stares at her in amazement.

kirk

your father? hikaru sulu is your father?

demora

yes, sir.

chekov

you met her once before, but she was

chekov holds out his hand and indicates a very short height.

kirk

but that wasn't so long ago. it couldn't have been more than...

chekov

twelve years, sir.

kirk

yes, well, congratulations, ensign. it wouldn't be the enterprise

without a sulu at the helm.

demora

thank you, sir. (to chekov) let me show you the new inertial guidance

system.

demora and chekov move off and kirk looks after them for a long beat.

the expression on his face changes from shock to sadness. something is

clearly bothering him. scotty moves over to kirk, with a smile on his

face.

scotty

(to kirk)

damn fine ship if you ask me.

but kirk's mind is still on demora. he watches her as she moves to the

helmsman's position.

kirk

you know, scotty, it amazes me.

scotty

and what would that be, sir?

kirk

sulu. when did he find the time for a family?

scotty

it's like you always said- if something's important enough, you make the

time.

kirk nods absently. scotty realizes something.

scotty

so, that's why you've been running around the galaxy like an

eighteen-year-old. finding retirement a little lonely, are we?

kirk gives him a look.

kirk

with that kind of tact, i'm glad you're an engineer and not a

psychiatrist.

harriman interrupts.

harriman

excuse me, gentlemen, if you'll take your seats.

kirk

oh, of course.

10 new angle 10

revealing that three chairs have been neatly arranged to one side.

scotty, kirk and chekov all take their seats. the journalists take

positions on the opposite side of the bridge. harriman moves to the

command chair and the rest of the bridge crew go to their stations.

harriman

(to all)

prepare to leave spacedock. aft thrusters ahead one quarter, port and

starboard at station keeping. (beat) captain kirk, i'd be honored if you

would give the order to get underway.

kirk

no, no. thank you.

harriman

please, i insist.

all eyes on kirk- he has little choice. he stands uncomfortably. there

is a moment of anticipation.

kirk

(to all)

take us out.

everyone breaks into applause. kirk sits down in acute embarrassment and

annoyance.

chekov

(sotto)

very good, sir.

scotty

(sotto)

brought a tear to my eye.

cut to:

11 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 11

the great ship majestically leaves the dock and heads out into open

space,passing directly overhead.

12 int. enterprise-b- bridge 12

a short time later. harriman turns to his guests.

harriman

well, we've just cleared the asteroid belt. our course will take us

outbeyond pluto and then back to spacedock. just a quick run around the

block. (beat) if we have time, we'll conduct a few tests of the warp-

suddenly the communications console starts to beep. the com officer hits

a few commands in response.

com officer

(to harriman)

we're picking up a distress call, captain.

this grabs everyone's attention.

harriman

on speakers.

we hear the voice of a crewmember who sounds panicked and urgent.

com voice

(fritzed)

this is the transport ship lakul. we're caught in some kind of

energydistortion. we can't break free... need immediate help... it'

tearing us-

the voice is drowned out by static. the science officer checks something

on his console. the journalist with the holo-camera turns on his light

and pans it around to capture the action.

science officer

the lakul is one of two ships transporting el-aurian refugees to earth.

harriman blinks a couple of times, surprised at this unexpected turn of

events. kirk watches him intently. harriman clears his throat, then

turns to demora.

harriman

can you locate them?

demora

harriman

signal the closest starship. we're in no condition to mount a rescue. we

don't even have a full crew aboard.

the navigator checks his console.

navigator

we're the only one in range, sir.

the holo-camera light is shined on harriman as he shifts in his seat,

hesitant to take the plunge. kirk is drumming his fingers impatiently on

his leg. finally, harriman takes a breath and straightens his jacket a

bit.

harriman

well, then, i guess it's up to us. (to demora) helm, lay in an intercept

course and engage at maximum warp.

kirk fidgets in his chair, itching to get in on the action- his

instincts taking over. scotty shoots him a side-long glance.

scotty

is there something wrong with your chair, captain?

kirk gives him a look.

13 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 13

the ship snaps into warp.

14 int. enterprise-b- bridge 14

a few minutes later. demora is watching her console.

demora

we're within visual range of the energy distortion, captain.

harriman

on screen.

15 include viewscreen (vfx-i) 15

which now shows a huge ribbon of crackling energy directly ahead of the

enterprise-b. everyone reacts to the bizarre sight.

chekov

what the hell is that?

demora

(off console)

i've found the transport ships.

15a include viewscreen (vfx-i) 15a

the viewscreen now shows two transport ships trapped like insects in the

violent torrent of energy. the ships are being buffeted and thrown about

by large tendrils of crackling energy.

demora

(cont'd)

their hulls are starting to buckle under the stress- they won't survive

much longer.

the ship suddenly shakes. the navigator works his console.

navigator

we're encountering severe gravimetric distortions from the energy

ribbon.

harriman

we'll have to keep our distance. we don't want to get pulled in, too.

harriman frowns at the screen, trying to figure out what to do. kirk can

barely contain himself- to him the answer is obvious. he blurts out the

answer.

kirk

tractor beam...

scotty quickly elbows him in the side- this isn't kirk's ship. kirk

shuts up. harriman glances at kirk.

harriman

we don't have a tractor beam.

kirk

you left spacedock without a tractor beam?

harriman

it won't be installed until tuesday. (beat) ensign sulu, try generating

a subspace field around the ships. that might break them free.

demora

aye, sir.

when kirk hears this order, he shakes his head slightly and mouths the

word 'no' under his breath. he knows that won't work.

demora

(shakes her head)

there's too much quantum interference, captain.

harriman frowns again, trying to come up with another solution, but it

isn't easy- it's his first day in command; his ship is under-manned and

ill-prepared. it's a nightmare come true. kirk is itching to get in on

this, his fingers digging into the arms of his chair- but he restrains

himself.

harriman

what about=8a venting plasma from the warp nacelles? that might disrupt

theribbon's hold on the ships.

navigator

aye, sir. releasing drive plasma.

a tense beat. harriman glances over at the journalists, then glances

over at kirk. kirk goves him a pained smile, trying to be encouraging

even though he knows this is not the right course of action.

navigator

it's not having any effect, sir. i think-

demora

sir! the starboard vessel's hull is collapsing.

15b include viewscreen (vfx-i) 15b

suddenly the right-hand ship on the screen is engulfed by a fiery

tendril of energy and it explodes. the other ship continues to be thrown

about and buffeted. everyone reacts with shock on the bridge.

>>> chekov

how many people were aboard that ship?

demora

two hundred sixty-five.

>>> harriman pales at the sight, seems shell-shocked by the struction

of the ship. he's overwhelmed now; at a genuine loss as to what to do

next.

demora

(urgent)

the lakul's hull integrity is down to twelve percent, sir.

harriman looks over at kirk, who has remained quiet during this entire

sequence only through great effort and out of deference to the young

captain. this is a delicate moment- harriman doesn't want to look

incapable, but at the same time, he needs help.

harriman

captain kirk, i would appreciate any suggestions you might have.

kirk is out of his chair like a cork out of a bottle. he moves down to

stand next to harriman.

kirk

(sotto)

first, move us within transporter range and beam those people to the

enterprise.

harriman looks at him with surprise.

harriman

what about the gravimetric distortions? they'll tear us apart.

kirk

(gently)

risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair.

kirk gives him a supportive look. harriman buckles down and grimly looks

at the image on the screen.

harriman

helm, close to within transporter range.

kirk glances at the cameraman, who's still shining the light on them

all.

kirk

and second, turn that damned thing off.

the cameraman turns off the light.

cut to:

16 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 16

the ship edges in yet closer to the crackling ribbon. the tendrils from

the ribbon lash out at the ship, just missing it.

17 int. enterprise-b- bridge 17

as before.

demora

we're within range, sir.

harriman

(to lieutenant)

beam them directly to sickbay.

chekov

(concerned)

how big's your medical staff?

harriman

(embarrassed)

the medical staff doesn't arrive until tuesday.

chekov turns to the two journalists.

chekov

you and you. you've just become nurses. let's go.

chekov and the journalists exit to the turbolift.

demora

main engineering reports fluctuations in the warp plasma relays.

scotty

bypass the relays and go to auxiliary systems.

the lieutenant is having problems at the aft console.

lieutenant

sir, i'm having trouble locking onto them. they appear to be in some

sort of temporal flux.

kirk turns to scotty.

kirk

scotty?

scotty quickly moves to look at the transporter console.

scotty

what the hell...

kirk moves to him.

scotty

their life signs are are phasing in and out of our space-time continuum.

kirk

phasing? to where?

scotty begins to work.

navigator

sir! their hull's collapsing!

18 ext. space- the lakul (vfx-i) 18

the ship is destroyed by an energy tendril.

19 int. enterprise-b- bridge 19

all eyes on scotty.

scotty

i got forty-seven of them (beat, grim) out of one hundred fifty.

suddenly the ship is rocked violently. klaxons and alarms start to wail

and the lights flicker on and off. a bulkhead explodes, sending metal

fragments screaming across the bridge and killing the navigator. scotty

quickly takes over the dead man's console.

kirk

report!

demora

we're caught in a gravimetric field emanating from the trailing edge of

the ribbon.

harriman

all engines, full reverse!

20 ext. space- enterprise-b & ribbon (vfx-i) 20

the ship is turning sideways into the wake of the ribbon, but cannot

break away. it is clearly being pulled along, out of control. tendrils

leap up from the ribbon, lashing against the ship.

the room is filled with the survivors of the lakul. they are all members

ofthe el-aurian race- humanoid and dressed in distinctive clothing. the

survivors are in various states of shock. many sit on the floor, staring

into middle distance. some lie on tables, unconscious. others are

mumbling incoherently to themselves. chekov and the journalists are

moving from person to person trying to get control of the situation as

the ship is rocked and flung about. chekov has a tricorder.

survivors

(incoherent, overlapping)

the colors are touching me. i'm caught in the glass. help me...i can see

the seconds...over here...

chekov

it will be all right. we're going to take care of you.

he looks at the tricorder.

chekov

(off tricorder)

only minor injuries so far. (beat) but it looks like they're all

suffering from some kind of neural shock.

one journalist moves past a man sitting on a biobed with a dazed look on

his face. he has a nasty looking wound on one side of his face. (we will

learn later that this man is named doctor soran.)

the journalist is about to turn away when suddenly soran grabs him

roughly- clearly a man of great strength- and pulls him close. soran's

eyes are suddenly wild, crazed.

soran

why, why?

journalist

it's all right. you're safe=8a you're on the enterprise.

soran

no, i have to go... i have to get back. you don't understand! let me go!

soran begins to attack the journalist, but before he can do any real

damage, chekov injects soran with a hypospray and soran falls

unconscious.

journalist

what was he talking about?

suddenly a woman with her back toward us stumbles nearby. chekov quickly

grabs her arm and catches her before she falls.

chekov

easy there...

the woman turns around and we see her face for the first time- it's

guinan. she seems dazed and confused. chekov smiles at her warmly.

chekov

it's going to be okay. here, just lie down.

as he guides guinan onto a table

22 int. enterprise-b- bridge (vfx-i) 22

energy ribbon on viewscreen.

demora

inertial dampers failing.

scotty

engines not responding!

harriman is gripping the arms of his chair with one hand. his face

pales.

harriman

(quiet)

i didn't expect to die my first day on the job.

kirk tries to buck up the young captain.

kirk

(sotto)

the first thing you learn as captain is how to cheat death. (beat, then

louder) scotty?

scotty

(outraged)

there's just no way to disrupt a gravimetric field of this magnitude!

demora

hull integrity failing.

kirk looks at scotty expectantly for a moment.

scotty

(cont'd)

but i do have a theory...

kirk

i thought you might.

scotty

an anti-matter discharge directly ahead=8a it might disrupt the field

long enough for us to break away.

kirk

a photon torpedo?

scotty

aye.

kirk

(quickly, to demora)

load torpedo bays, prepare to fire on my command.

demora turns to him.

demora

captain, we don't have any torpedoes.

kirk glances at harriman.

kirk

don't tell me...tuesday.

harriman nods, a little embarrassed. the shaking gets worse.

scotty

captain, it may be possible to simulate a torpedo blast using a

resonance burst from the main deflector dish.

kirk

(onto the idea)

where are the deflector relays?

demora

harriman

(to kirk)

i'll go. you have the bridge.

harriman heads for the turbolift, and there is a moment as kirk is

sorely tempted to take command of the ship and sit in the captain's

chair one more time. but he pulls himself back before harriman can exit.

kirk

no=8a a captain's place is on the bridge of his ship. (beat) i'll take

care of it.

harriman nods in acknowledgement. kirk heads for the turbolift.

kirk

(on the move, to scotty)

keep her together until i get back.

scotty

(matter of fact)

i always do.

kirk smiles as the turbolift doors slide shut.

23 omitted 23

24 int. enterprise-b- corridor 24

kirk running down the corridor, opens a door.

25 int. enterprise-b- deflector room (continuous) 25

a small control room with a few consoles. kirk rushes in and rips off

one of the large wall panels. he quickly begins to re-route cabling and

circuitry.

26 int. enterprise-b- bridge 26

as before. the ship is shaking badly.

demora

forty-five seconds to structural collapse!

scotty is working the consoles frantically.

scotty

bridge to captain kirk.

intercut:

27 int. enterprise-b- deflector room 27

kirk working furiously.

kirk

kirk here.

scotty

captain, i don't know how much longer i can hold her together!

kirk finishes working and slams the wall panel closed.

kirk

that's it. go!

28 int. enterprise-b- bridge 28

as before.

harriman

(to demora)

activate main deflector.

demora works the console.

29 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 29

a large burst of energy leaps out of the main deflector dish and

explodes in front of the ship. there is an immediate reaction within the

energy ribbon, which roils and fluctuates in response.

30 int. enterprise-b- bridge 30

as before.

scotty

we're breaking free.

31 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 31

the ship now begins to turn away from the crackling ribbon. but just as

it's turning, one final tendril of energy suddenly leaps out and hits

the ship.

32 omitted 32

33 int. enterprise-b- bridge 33

the ship is rocked so hard that everyone is knocked off their feet.

gradually, the shaking stops. demora scrambles back into position.

demora

we're clear.

everyone reacts with relief.

harriman

(excited, to com)

you did it, kirk! (to demora) damage report, ensign.

demora

(off console)

there's some buckling on the starboard nacelle. (reacts) we've also got

a hull breach in the engineering section. emergency forcefields are in

place and holding.

scotty

where?

demora

sections 20 through 28 on decks 13, 14...(looks at scotty with meaning)

and 15.

everyone turns around and looks at scotty.

scotty

(to com)

bridge to captain kirk. (beat) captain kirk, please respond.

still no response. scotty's face falls.

scotty

(continuing, to demora)

have chekov meet me on deck 15.

harriman, very concerned, gets up and follows scotty. they exit to the

turbolift.

cut to:

34 int. enterprise-b- corridor 34

scotty and harriman head down the corridor. they round a bend, and then

stop short. they react to something ahead of them.

35 new angle (vfx-p) 35

revealing that the corridor ahead of them is gone. a jagged hole has

been ripped in the ship and open space can be seen beyond the twisted

metal. a forcefield flickers on and off, holding the vacuum of space at

bay.

scotty and harriman look at the awesome sight for a moment. chekov comes

running up the corridor behind them. he stops and reacts.

chekov

my god...(beat) was anyone in there?

a long silent beat as scotty looks out into space.

scotty

aye.

36 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 36

a huge chunk has been ripped out of the engineering section, looking

like an open wound. scotty, chekov and harriman can be seen standing

inside the small corridor, looking out into space.

37 int. enterprise-b- bridge 37

a short time later. scotty, harriman and chekov are listening to demora,

who is working the helm console.

demora

i've checked the entire ship and the surrounding space, there's no sign

of him.

a silent moment. chekov looks to scotty, hoping to hear some sort of

miracle. scotty takes a moment, looks at the empty command chair. then

he shakes his head. a long beat as everyone is forced to accept this

terrible truth.

scotty

(quiet)

just a quick run around the block.

chekov

i never thought it would end like this.

scotty

all things must end, mr. chekov.

harriman finally breaks the stillness of the bridge.

harriman

let's go home.

harriman steps down to the captain's chair and takes command of his

ship.

scotty and chekov exchange a final look. off the reactions of these two

friends who have just lost someone very dear to them both.

cut to:

38 ext. space- enterprise-b (vfx-i) 38

the crippled ship turns and heads away=

fade to black

super: seventy-eight years later=8a

39 close on a halyard 39

as a flag is quickly hoisted to the top of a mast. the flag reaches the

top and is then caught by the wind- the blue and white banner of the

united federation of planets waves in the breeze.

move to reveal the location

40 ext. sailing vessel- day 40

a nineteenth-century three-masted sailing vessel (about the size of a

frigate) is hove-to and sitting in the water gently rocking. across the

stern of the ship, we can see the name enterprise picked out in gold

letters.

41 on the main deck 41

where picard and riker are standing before the assembled crew of the

ship. everyone is dressed in full-dress naval uniforms of the period,

complete with cocked hats, epaulettes, etc. the crew is standing at

attention, the wind whistles through the rigging, the timbers creak.

picard grimly looks over his crew, then nods to riker.

riker

bring out the prisoner!

a drummer begins a long drum roll.

42 on a hatch 42

as worf is brought on deck by troi and la forge. worf is shackled by

hand and leg irons. troi and la forge hold him by either arm and shove

him toward thecaptain. the drum roll stops. picard moves to worf and

peers at him closely.

picard

mr. worf. i always knew this day would come. are you prepared to face

the charges?

worf doesn't answer and troi jabs him in the side.

troi

answer him!

worf

i am prepared.

picard looks to riker, who then pulls out a large, rolled piece of

parchment. he opens the scroll and begins to read from it. in the b.g.,

la forge removes worf's shackles.

riker

'we, the officers and crew of the u.s.s. enterprise, being of sound mind

and judgment, hereby make the following charges against lieutenant worf:

one. that he did knowingly and willfully perform above and beyond the

call of duty on countless occasions. two. that he has been a good and

solid officer on this ship for one score less twelve years. and three.

most seriously that he has earned the respect and admiration of the

entire crew.'

riker puts away the scroll

picard

there can be only one punishment for such crimes. (beat) i hereby

promote you to the rank of lieutenant commander, with all the rights and

privilegesthereto. and may god have mercy on your soul.

everyone roars in approval. picard smiles at worf and shakes his hand.

picard

(cont'd)

congratulations, commander.

worf

(smiles)

thank you, sir.

picard continues to smile at him for a moment, then riker steps in.

riker

extend the plank!!

worf's face registers surprise as everyone grabs him and hauls him

toward the side, where a long plank is being pushed out over the water.

crewmembers

into the sea with him. feed him to the sharks! walk the plank!

picard gives riker a questioning look.

picard

don't you think you're taking this a little too far, number one?

riker

when we went to ancient rome for deanna's promotion, we threw her to the

lions, remember?

picard shrugs it off- it's not exactly his cup of tea, but he'll go

along with it.

worf is hustled to the rail where crusher is waiting patiently by the

plank, holding a long pike. worf is put on the plank and crusher prods

him with the pike until worf is nearly at the end.

worf finally stops and turns around

worf

(a shout)

wait!

everyone falls silent a moment. worf looks over the side at the water

below.

worf

(a little embarrassed)

i can't swim.

la forge

(calmly, to worf)

the holodeck safety program is engaged. the computer won't let you

drown.

crusher

but the sharks are quite convincing.

crusher prods him with the pike and worf falls into the sea with a huge

splash. everyone laughs and cheers. reveal data, who is standing near

the side rail, looking a little confused at the reaction.

data

(to crusher)

doctor, i must confess i am uncertain as to why pushing someone into

freezing, shark-infested water is amusing.

crusher

it's all done in good fun, data. get in the spirit of things.

data

ah.

data thinks a moment, then he lifts crusher with one hand and hold her

over the rail.

crusher

data...data-!

data lets go and crusher plummets into the ocean. data looks around- no

one is laughing. they all look a little surprised.

la forge

data=8a that wasn't funny.

data is puzzled by the reaction of the crowd. he's more confused than

ever.

43 picard and riker 43

are standing on the quarterdeck as a very wet beverly crusher comes up

on deck.

picard

well, now that we're all aboard=8a (beat, then smiles) number one, bring

the ship before the wind. (savoring the moment) let's see what's out

there.

riker

aye, aye, sir. (to troi) take the wheel, commander.

troi takes the ship's wheel.

riker

(shouts)

all hands make sail! raise up tacks and stand by the braces!

the crew springs into action, rushing to their places aloft and on

deck,grabbing ropes and lines, starting to unfurl the sails, trimming

the yardarms, getting the ship ready to sail.

44 44

thru omitted thru

45 45

46 picard and riker 46

picard is drinking in the scene with a look of great satisfaction and

contentment.

picard

imagine what it was like, will. no engines, no computers, just the wind,

the sea and the stars to guide you.

riker

bad food, brutal discipline. (beat) no women.

but picard won't let riker rain on his parade- he's thoroughly enjoying

himself.

com voice

bridge to captain picard.

picard

picard here.

com voice

there is a personal message for you from earth.

picard

(annoyed)

put it through down here. (to riker) but the best thing about a life at

sea was that they couldn't get to you.

picard walks toward the bow.

picard

(to com)

computer, arch.

46a angle (vfx-p) 46a

a u-shaped arch with several computer panels visible appears on the

forecastle. it's a strange sight to see a piece of the 24th century on

the deck of this ship. picard goes to the arch and activates one of the

monitors and waits for the transmission to appear.

46b new angle (vfx-p) 46b

a text message appears and he starts to read it. after a moment, he

reacts with shock and dismay to something on the screen.

47 on troi 47

whose attention has been drawn to picard, at the arch. she reacts with

concern at the expression on his face.

troi

(to crewmember)

here. take the wheel.

troi moves toward the bow.

48 on picard (vfx-p) 48

whose face is now ashen with shock. clearly he has just read something

on the screen which is very disturbing. he stares into the middle

distance for a moment. troi moves to him.

troi

(quiet)

captain, are you all right?

picard

yes. fine. if you'll excuse me.

he turns off the screen.

picard

computer, exit.

48a angle (vfx-p) 48a

the holodeck doors appear within the arch. picard is clearly distracted

as he exits to the corridor. troi looks after him with concern.

49 new angle 49

favoring riker. he takes a couple of steps toward worf.

riker

set the royals and the studding sails, mr. worf.

worf looks at him blankly for a moment.

worf

the royal...studs?

riker

(smiles, points aloft)

you see the top yardarm, now look to the-

suddenly a com voice interrupts.

com voice

bridge to commander riker.

riker

riker here.

com voice

we're picking up a distress call from the amargosa observatory, sir they

say they're under attack.

riker

(to all)

red alert! all hands to battle stations! captain picard to the bridge.

everyone on the ship reacts, and there is a general rush to the bow of

the ship.

cut to:

50 ext. space- enterprise-d (vfx-i) 50

the great ship at impulse. we follow it and then see ahead of the ship,

a small solar observatory with a complex optical array. the observatory

bears scorch marks and other signs of recent battle. (in the b.g., a

yellow sun can be seen.)

51 int. bridge (vfx-i) 51

picard in command. riker, troi, worf and data at their stations they

didn't have time to change, so they are all still dressed in their

costumes from the ceremony. the ship is at red alert. the image of the

burnt-out observatory is on the viewscreen.

riker

it looks like we're too late.

worf

(off console)

there are no other ships in the system.

data

sensors show five life signs aboard the station, captain.

riker

the station complement was nineteen.

a grim beat. picard gets up and starts heading for the ready room- his

attitude is dismissive, almost irritated that this has interrupted some

deeper concern of his.

picard

secure from red alert. number one, begin an investigation. i'll be in my

ready room.

troi and riker exchange a surprised look.

riker

sir?

picard

(hard)

make it so.

picard exits. an awkward beat. what's wrong with the captain? but they

have their orders. as riker and worf head for the exit,

cut to:

52 int. observatory- ops center (vfx-p) 52

the station is a smoking ruin- consoles flickering, lights dim, damage

everywhere. only a few minutes have passed since they were attacked.

riker, worf, crusher and two security guards materialize. they're all

back in uniform, holding phasers and palm beacons. worf has a tricorder

and crusher has a medical kit. the room is cramped, there are fallen

bulk-heads and blown- out consoles. the debris makes it difficult to get

a clear view of the room.

worf

these blast patterns are consistent with type iii disruptors.

riker

well, that narrows it to klingon, breen or romulan.

crusher follows her tricorder readings.

crusher

i'm picking up lifesigns...about twenty meters ahead.

worf

that rules out klingons.

riker gives him a look.

worf

they would not have left anyone alive.

crusher

over here.

they pick their way carefully through the carnage of the station and

come to the body of a starfleet science officer. he has taken a

disruptor blast to the back and there is a nasty-looking scorch mark on

his uniform. crusher immediately takes some devices out of her medical

kit and begins to treat him.

riker

worf, you're with me. paskall, you and mendez search the upper deck.

the security guards climb a nearby ladder while riker and worf head

down a dimly-lit corridor. riker stops at two bodies in the hall, checks

them over- but they're dead. there is a sudden banging from the far

corner of the room. worf and riker quickly move to a collapsed bulkhead.

worf

under here.

they both grab hold of a large metal plate, pull it aside and begin to

dig through the debris. finally, a hand can be seen grasping about from

within the pile of rubble. riker and worf work faster. worf grabs the

man's hand.

worf

it's all right. do not struggle.

worf holds the man's hand as riker shoves away a final console. we

reveal the head and torso of doctor soran, one of the survivors from the

lakul (and last seen in sickbay aboard the enterprise-b). soran has not

aged at all over the years but he does have a permanent scar on his face

from the earlier wound. he blinks a few times, seems a little dazed.

riker

i'm commander william riker of the starship enterprise.

soran

soran, doctor tolian soran.

soran puts a hand to his head, still trying to get his bearings.

riker

who attacked you, doctor?

soran

i'm not sure, it happened so fast.

security officer

(calls out)

commander- you'd better take a look at this.

riker and worf move to the ladder as crusher begins to scan soran.

53 new angle- upper deck 53

riker and worf move over to the two security guards who are kneeling

over a dead body which is obscured from view. one guard turns over the

body, revealing a romulan soldier. worf looks at him in disgust.

worf

romulan.

riker and worf exchange a look. off their reactions

cut to:

54 int. data's quarters 54

data is sitting in a chair, petting spot the cat. la forge is standing

next to him.

data

is she still angry?

la forge

no, but i'd stay out of sickbay for a while if i were you. i still don't

know why you dropped her in the water.

data

i was attempting to get in the spirit of things. i thought it would be

humorous.

data frowns, troubled by this recent experience. he puts spot down and

moves to a bulkhead. he activates a control panel and a small

compartment slides open, revealing a small computer chip which is

suspended in a glass and metal framework. data looks at the chip for a

beat and la forge moves to him in concern.

la forge

data, you're not thinking about using that thing are you?

data

it has occurred to me on several occasions. but i believe this may be

the appropriate time.

la forge

wait a minute. i thought you've always been afraid it would overload

your neural net.

data

that is true. however, i believe my growth as an artificial lifeform has

reached an impasse. for thirty-four years i have endeavored to become

more 'human'- to grow beyond my original programming. and yet i am still

unable to grasp such a simple concept as humor. this emotion chip is the

only answer.

la forge considers a moment, looks at the chip, and reluctantly has to

agree.

la forge

all right.

data sits down and la forge moves to stand behind him.

la forge

but at the first sign of trouble, i'm going to deactivate it. agreed?

data

agreed.

la forge works on data's head for a moment, and the opens a panel on

data's head, revealing the blinking circuitry within.

cut to:

55 int. ready room 55

riker is standing next to picard, who has his back turned and is staring

out the window. picard seems distracted during the scene, his mind

clearly elsewhere as riker finishes his report.

riker

we found two dead romulans aboard the station. we're analyzing their

equipment to see if we can determine what ship they came from.

picard nods absently.

picard

there's still no indication of why they attacked the station?

riker

we think they were looking for something- they practically tore the

place apart.

picard

hmm, (beat) inform starfleet command. this could indicate a new romulan

threat in this sector.

riker

you want me to contact starfleet?

picard

is there a problem?

riker

no, sir.

picard

thank you, number one.

picard keeps his back turned, looking out the window. riker hesitates,

awkward.

riker

there is something else, captain. one of the scientists, a doctor

soran,has insisted on speaking with you. (beat) i told him you were

busy, sir,

but he said it was absolutely imperative that he speak with you right

away.

picard

understood. that will be all.

riker

sir, is there anything wrong?

picard

no. thank you.

a beat, then riker turns and exits. off picard's unreadable face.

cut to:

56 int. ten forward 56

the room is bustling with patrons and activity. data enters with an

oddlook on his face, his body language subtly altered. he is looking at

the world through new eyes. la forge is following him closely, watching

his every move. they move to the bar. guinan comes over- she has not

aged at all since the enterprise-b. she sets down an exotic-looking

container full of dark liquid.

guinan

you two just volunteered to be my first victims. this is a new

concoction i picked up on forcas iii. trust me, you're going to love it.

she pours two glasses of the liquid. data takes one and sniffs it, then

takes a drink. la forge watches him closely. data frowns.

la forge

well?

data

i believe the beverage has provoked an emotional response.

la forge

really? what do you feel?

data

i am uncertain. i have had little experience with emotions. i am unable

to articulate the sensation.

guinan

emotions?

la forge

i'll explain later.

data finishes the drink, concentrates, tries to make sense of the rush

of feelings. his expression is one of disgust.

guinan

(to la forge)

i don't think he likes it.

data

(excited)

yes. that is it. i hate it.

la forge

data, i think the chip is working.

data looks at la forge with a big smile on his face.

data

yes. i hate this! it is revolting!

beat.

guinan

another round?

data

please.

in the b.g., we see picard enter ten forward.

57 follow picard 57

as he walks through ten forward and heads toward a table by the windows.

soran is sitting at the table, staring out at the stars, lost in

thought. his observatory uniform is distinctive, and sets him apart from

everyone else in the room. picard walks up to the table.

picard

doctor soran?

soran

yes, yes, captain. thank you for coming.

the men skake hands and picard sits down. soran is an imposing physical

presence, but at the moment he seems very much the eccentric scientists

consumed with his work. picard waves away a waiter.

picard

nothing for me. (brusque, to soran) i understand there's something

urgent you need to discuss with me.

soran

yes. i need to return to the observatory immediately. i must continue a

critical experiment i was running on the amargosa star.

picard's reaction is a little impatient- this doesn't sound that

imperative to him.

picard

doctor, we're still conducting an investigation into the attack. once

we've completed our work, we'll be happy to allow you and your fellow

scientists back aboard the observatory. until then-

soran

the timing is very important on my experiment- if it is not completed

within the next twelve hours, years of research will be lost.

picard

we're doing the best we can. now if you'll excuse me...

picard moves to stand, but soran reaches out and gently but firmly grabs

him by the arm. the unexpected physical contact and the change of

intensity in soran's face stops picard in his tracks.

soran

(cryptically)

they say time is the fire in which we burn, and right now, captain, my

time is running out. (beat) we leave so many things unfinished in our

lives- i'm sure you can understand.

for some reason, soran's words have struck a deep chord within picard.

he looks away from soran's compelling gaze and thinks for a long moment.

when he finally speaks, his voice is barely above a whisper.

picard

i'll see what i can do.

picard walks away without a word before soran can thank him. soran looks

after him with relief, then pulls out an antique pocket watch and opens

it. he looks at the watch for a long moment, then snaps it closed and

head for the opposite exit from the one picard took. follow soran across

ten forward until he suddenly stops in shock at something he sees.

58 soran's pov 58

of guinan, who is now back at the bar.

59 resume soran 59

a dark look crosses his face- he is disturbed by the sight of guinan. he

quickly turns and exits.

60 on guinan 60

she begins to sense something, as though someone is watching her. she

turns, looks in the direction where soran was just standing, but there's

no one there now. she shakes off the feeling and goes back to work.

cut to:

61 int. engineering 61

a short time later. a romulan tricorder is connected to some diagnostic

equipment near a console. worf is talking to riker.

worf activates a monitor which shows a complex diagram of sensor

information.

worf

one of the dead romulans had a tricorder. we analyzed its sensor logs

and found they were scanning for signature particles of a compound

called trilithium.

riker

trilithium?

worf

an experimental compound the romulans have been working on. in theory, a

trilithium-based explosive would be thousands of times more powerful

than an anti-matter weapon. but they never found a way to stabilize it.

riker

why were they looking for it on a federation observatory? it doesn't

make any sense.

riker considers.

riker

(cont'd)

have geordi and data go over with the next away team. tell them to scan

the observatory for trilithium.

worf

aye, sir.

cut to:

62 int. observatory ops 62

the station is still a wreck. la forge and data are scanning the room

with tricorders.

la forge

(off tricorder)

there's no sign of any trilithium in here.

la forge continues to scan. suddenly data lets out a quiet giggle. la

forge stops and turns to look at him. data giggles louder.

data

(laughing, to himself)

i get it. i get it.

la forge

you get what?

data laughs again.

data

when you said to commander riker (imitating la forge's voice) 'the clown

can stay, but the ferengi in the gorilla suit has to go.'

la forge looks blankly at him for a moment.

la forge

what?

data

during the farpoint mission. we were on the bridge and you told a joke.

that was the punchline.

la forge

the farpoint mission? data, that was seven years ago.

data

i know. i just got it. (laughs) it was very funny.

la forge

thanks.

la forge indicates a corridor. they exit in that direction.

63 int. observatory corridor- continuous 63

a short corridor connecting the ops center with other compartments. la

forge suddenly stops in front of what appears to be a standard bulkhead.

la forge

wait a minute, there's a hidden doorway here. i can see the joint of the

metal with my visor.

la forge runs his finger in a vertical line along what appears to be a

smooth bulkhead.

data

(off tricorder)

there appears to be a dampening field in operation. i cannot scan beyond

the bulkhead.

la forge puts his tricorder away and begins looking for a way to open

the door.

la forge

i don't see a control panel, or an access port.

data

(off tricorder)

it appears to be a magnetically sealed.

data steps forward and opens a small panel on wrist and makes a quick

adjustment to the circuitry within.

data

i believe i can reverse the polarity by attenuating my axial servo.

data completes his adjustment and then moves his wrist over the door

panel.

data

(joking)

'open sesame.'

there is a humming sound followed by a loud click. the door slides open.

data

(smiles)

you could say i have a magnetic personality.

la forge reacts to the bad pun with a grimace. they exit to

64 int. observatory probe room- continuous 64

a small room with several probes stacked in holding racks. la forge and

data scan.

la forge

i'm still not picking up anything. someone went to a lot of trouble to

shield this room.

they put their tricorders away and begin looking around the room. data

continues to snicker and giggle as he tries not to laugh at jokes his

mind conjures up. la forge begins inspecting the probes, finally stops

at one probe which has several odd devices attached to the side.

la forge

data, take a look at this. (data comes over) you ever seen a solar probe

with this kind of configuration?

data uses the tricorder as if it were a puppet as he opens and closes it

like a mouth.

data

(making tricorder 'talk')

no, geordi. i have not. it is most unusual.

data giggles and la forge reacts with the irritation of someone

listening to a very bad comedian.

la forge

just help me get this panel open.

data helps la forge as they try to open a panel on the casing of the

probe. they open the panel and la forge looks inside. he reacts to

something.

la forge

whoa, my visor's picking up something in the theta band. it could be a

trilithium signature.

data suddenly start laughing. la forge turns in irritation.

la forge

data, this isn't the time.

data

(laughing)

i am sorry, but i cannot stop myself. i think something is wrong

64a angle (vfx-p) 64a

data's laughter escalates into hysteria, then data begins to jerk and

shake and goes into a bizarre 'emotional seizure.' a rush of emotions

race across his face: anger, passion, shock. a kaleidoscopic blur of

reactions contort his features. then it stops and he falls to the

ground.

la forge

data!

la forge rushes to him. data has a look of surprise on his face as he

blinks a few times. he sits up.

la forge

data, are you all right?

data

i believe the emotional chip has overloaded my positronic relays.

la forge

we better get you back to the ship (hits combadge) la forge to

enterprise.

there's no response. la forge frowns for a beat, then we hear soran's

voice.

soran

is there a problem, gentlemen?

65 include soran 65

standing in the room. la forge didn't hear him come in.

la forge

oh, doctor. yeah, as a matter of fact, there is. there's a damping=

field in here blocking our com signal. (re: data) will you give me a

hand?

over the above dialogue, soran glances over at the solar probe la forge

was inspecting. he notes the opened panel and a disturbed look crosses

his face. soran looks back at la forge.

soran

i'd be happy to.

soran moves toward them, and then without warning, he punches la forge

in the face, knocking the visor across the room. he whirls around and

points a phaser at data, who suddenly looks fearful.

data

please don't hurt me.

cut to:

66 int. picard's quarters 66

picard is standing at the replicator.

picard

tea. earl grey. hot.

the cup of tea appears in the replicator and at the same moment, the

door chimes.

picard

come.

troi enters. picard would rather not be bothered right now, but he is

polite as always.

picard

counselor. what can i do for you?

troi

actually, i'm here to see if there's anything i can do for you.

picard

well, i appreciate your concern, but i'd rather not discuss it right

now, thank you.

but troi won't be brushed away so easily.

troi

i'm afraid i can't just leave it at that. the commanding officer of this

ship is clearly distraught about something. as ship's counselor, it's my

duty to-

picard

as ship's counselor, it's your duty to know not only when you're needed

but also when you're not.

troi

you can't fool an empath, captain. i know exactly when i'm needed.

picard is really not in the mood for this. his tone hardens.

picard

well, with all due respect to your betazoid senses, i prefer to be alone

right now.

troi

very well. i suppose i could make out my weekly report to starfleet

command without your input. (beat) 'admiral lusby, regarding the unusual

behavior of jean-luc picard: i find him increasingly irritable, remote

and uncooperative. i recommend forced shore leave at a starbase facility

in order to-'

picard

all right, all right. you've made your point.

troi takes a seat and patiently waits. picard gets up, moves around the

room for a moment, and stops. he speaks in a flat, unemotional tone of

voice.

picard

the message i received. (beat) my brother and his son- my nephew- burned

to death in a fire.

troi reacts, genuinely surprised.

troi

captain, im sorry. (beat) i know there were a lot of unresolved

conflicts between you and your brother.

picard

what i can't get out of my mind is the image of rene- my nephew. i just

can't believe he's gone.

he trails off.

troi

it's only natural to feel a heightened sense of tragedy when a child

dies. (sensing more) but it goes deeper than that, doesn't it? i can

sense that rene meant a great deal to you.

picard

in a way, he was as close as i ever came to having a child of my own.

troi eyes an open photo album on the table. she reaches over and flips

through the pages for a moment. there are many photos inside, from many

periods in time, including one of picard's brother standing next to his

young son. this is the picard family album.

troi

your family history is very important to you, isn't it?

picard

(nods)

ever since i was a little boy, i remember hearing about the family line.

the picards that fought at trafalgar, the picards that settled the first

martian colony. when my brother married and had a son...

picard hesitates- this is difficult for him.

troi

you felt it was no longer your responsibility to carry on the family

line.

picard

(nods)

my brother had shouldered that burden, allowing me to pursue my own

selfish needs.

troi

there's nothing selfish about pursuing your own life, your own career.

picard moves to the window, stares outside. a shadow crosses his face.

he's getting to the heart of the matter.

picard

you know, counselor, i'm not getting any younger. for some time now,

i've been aware that there are fewer days ahead than there are behind.

(beat) but i always took comfort in the fact that when i was gone, my

family would continue. but now...

picard moves back to the photo album, open it to the last page, an then

flips through the remaining pages. they are blank.

picard

i've had brushes with death...more than i care to contemplate. i always

accepted it as a calculated risk that goes along with wearing this

uniform. (beat) but now, the idea of death has a terrible sense of

finality to it.

he looks at her.

picard

i'm the last picard.

a quiet beat as troi considers him.

troi

captain, perhaps we-

suddenly, a blinding burst of light from outside the windows washes into

the room. troi and picard rush to the window and shield their eyes

against the glare.

riker's com voice

red alert! all hands to duty stations!

cut to:

67 67

thru omitted thru

68 68

69 int. bridge (vfx-i) 69

picard and troi enter from a turbolift. riker and worf at their

stations. the star is on the viewscreen, getting darker by the second.

more=flaming debris is being ejected into space.

picard

report.

riker

a quantum implosion has occurred within the amargosa star. all

nuclearfusion is breaking down.

picard

how is that possible?

worf

sensor records show a solar probe was launched from the observatory a

few moments ago.

riker

the star's going to collapse in a matter of minutes.

something beeps on worf's console.

worf

sir, the implosion has produced a level twelve shock wave.

troi

(shocked)

level twelve? that'll destroy everything in this system.

transporter com voice

transporter room to bridge. i can't locate commander la forge or

commander data, sir.

riker

(to worf)

did they return to the ship?

worf

(works)

no, sir. they are not aboard.

picard

how long until the shock wave hits the observatory?

worf

four minutes, forty seconds.

picard looks at riker, who then quickly heads for the turbolift.

riker

mr. worf.

riker and worf exit.

70 ext. space- the star (vfx-i) 70

the star is almost entirely dark. radiating out from the star is a huge

shock wave- a rapidly growing sphere of energy.

71 int. observatory probe room (vfx-p) 71

soran is standing at a console watching a graphic depiction of the

star's collapse on a monitor when the door suddenly opens. soran whirls

around and fires his phaser at riker and worf. they dive for cover just

outside theroom. (note: the probe la forge examined earlier is now

gone.)

riker

(to worf)

what the hell's he doing?

worf dodges another phaser blast and sees la forge lying unconscious on

the deck. data is nowhere to be seen.

picar