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

  The ships are bearing at 3-1-0 mark 2-1-5. Distance: three light years.

  HARRIMAN

  Signal the closest starship. We're in no condition to mount a rescue. We

  don't even have a full crew aboard.

  The NAVIGATOR checks his console.

  NAVIGATOR

  We're the only one in range, sir.

  The holo-camera light is shined on Harriman as he shifts in his seat,

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

  his leg. Finally, Harriman takes a breath and straightens his jacket a

  bit.

  HARRIMAN

  Well, then, I guess it's up to us. (to Demora) Helm, lay in an intercept

  course and engage at maximum warp.

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

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

  SCOTTY

  Is there something wrong with your chair, Captain?

  Kirk gives him a look.

  13      EXT. SPACE- ENTERPRISE-B (VFX-I)        13

  The ship snaps into warp.

  14      INT. ENTERPRISE-B- BRIDGE       14

  A few minutes later. Demora is watching her console.

  DEMORA

  We're within visual range of the energy distortion, Captain.

  HARRIMAN

  On screen.

  15      INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (VFX-I)      15

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

  Enterprise-B. Everyone reacts to the bizarre sight.

  CHEKOV

  What the hell is that?

  DEMORA

  (off console)

  I've found the transport ships.

  15A     INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (VFX-I)      15A

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

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

  by large tendrils of crackling energy.

  DEMORA

  (cont'd)

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

  much longer.

  The ship suddenly shakes. The Navigator works his console.

  NAVIGATOR

  We're encountering severe gravimetric distortions from the energy

  ribbon.

  HARRIMAN

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

  Harriman frowns at the screen, trying to figure out what to do. Kirk can

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

  answer.

  KIRK

  Tractor beam...

  Scotty quickly elbows him in the side- this isn't Kirk's ship. Kirk

  shuts up.  Harriman glances at Kirk.

  HARRIMAN

  We don't have a tractor beam.

  KIRK

  You left spacedock without a tractor beam?

  HARRIMAN

  It won't be installed until Tuesday. (beat) Ensign Sulu, try generating

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

  DEMORA

  Aye, sir.

  When Kirk hears this order, he shakes his head slightly and mouths the

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

  DEMORA

  (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.

  21      INT. ENTERPRISE-B- SICKBAY      21

  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

  Deck 15, section 21-alpha.

  HARRIMAN

  (to Kirk)

  I'll go. You have the Bridge.

  Harriman heads for the turbolift, and there is a moment as Kirk is

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

  chair one more time. But he pulls himself back before Harriman can exit.

  KIRK

  No=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.

  PICARD'S COM VOICE

  Enterprise to Commander Riker, you have two minutes left.

  RIKER

  (yells to Soran)

  Soran, did you hear that? There's a level twelve shock wave coming.

  We've got to get out of here!

  Soran's only answer is another phaser blast.

  71A     OMITTED 71A

  72      INT. BRIDGE     72

  As before. ENSIGN HAYES is at Tactical. An alarm suddenly beeps on the

  Tactical console.

  HAYES

  (urgent)

  Sir. A Klingon Bird of Prey is decloaking off the port bow.

  Shocked reactions.

  PICARD

  What?

  73      EXT. SPACE (VFX-I)      73

  as an old-style Klingon Bird of Prey decloaks near the observatory.

  74      INT. OBSERVATORY PROBE ROOM (VFX-P)     74

  Soran is continuing to shoot at Riker and Worf. Riker suddenly notices

  something off-camera.

  74A     RIKER'S POV     74A

  Data is huddled in a corner of the room, cowering in fear.

  74B     NEW ANGLE (VFX-P)       74B

  The firefight continues.

  RIKER

  Data! See if you can get to Geordi!

  Data looks up at him with a terrified look on his face.

  DATA

  I...cannot, sir. I believe I am... afraid.

  Suddenly Soran's communicator beeps. Soran reaches down and grabs the

  unconscious La Forge by the collar and the two of them dematerialize.

  (Soran has the VISOR in his hand.) Riker, Data and Worf react.

  75      EXT. SPACE- THE KLINGON SHIP (VFX-I)    75

  The Bird of Prey cloaks and vanishes.

  76      INT. BRIDGE     76

  As before.

  TRANSPORTER COM VOICE

  Transporter room to Bridge. I have the Away Team aboard, sir.

  PICARD

  (to Con)

  Helm, warp one, engage.

  77      EXT. SPACE- ENTERPRISE & OBSERVATORY (VFX-I)    77

  The Enterprise warps away just as the shock wave reaches the observatory

  and vaporizes it in a fiery explosion.

  CUT TO:

  78      INT. KLINGON BIRD OF PREY- BRIDGE       78

  On a monitor where we can see a graphic depiction of the darkening

  star and shock wave. Move to reveal the inside of the old Klingon ship.

  It's beaten up and patched in several places, obviously not a first-line

  model.

  Watching the viewscreen are LURSA and B'ETOR, two powerful-looking

  Klingon women. They are sisters; aggressive, seductive and very

  dangerous. Several N.D. male Klingons man the various stations.

  The sisters stare at the image of the destroyed sun in awe.

  B'ETOR

  Toh-pak-cha=8A (Glorious=8A)

  LURSA

  HoS qorDu. (A great power.)

  Soran now ENTERS the Bridge. His expression is dark and angry. He is

  clearly not a prisoner here and strides up to the sisters.

  B'ETOR

  (excited, to Soran)

  You've done it, Soran.

  But without warning, Soran hits B'Etor squarely in the jaw, knocking her

  back over a console. Several Klingons leap to their feet, drawing their

  weapons, but B'Etor holds up a hand as she gets to one knee.

  B'ETOR

  Wait!

  She dabs a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth. Her expression

  is angry and threatening.

  B'ETOR

  I hope for your sake that you are initiating a mating ritual.

  SORAN

  You got careless. The Romulans came looking for their missing

  trilithium.

  B'ETOR

  Impossible. We left no survivors on their outpost.

  B'Etor has now gotten to her feet in the b.g.

  SORAN

  They knew it was aboard the observatory. If the Enterprise hadn't

  intervened, they would have found it.

  LURSA

  But they didn't find it and now we have a weapon of unlimited power.

  SORAN

  I have the weapon, Lursa. And if you ever want me to give it to you, I

  advise you to be a little more careful in the future.

  B'Etor grabs Soran and holds a wicked-looking knife to his throat.

  B'ETOR

  Perhaps we are tired of waiting.

  Soran is unfazed by this threat.

  SORAN

  Without my research, the trilithium is worthless, as are your plans to

  reconquer the Klingon Empire.

  Lursa reaches out and calmly pushes her sister's knife away.

  SORAN

  Set course for the Veridian system. Maximum warp.

  LURSA

  (to Helm)

  Bosh-ta-JaH Veridian (Set course for Veridian)

  A KLINGON GUARD ENTERS dragging the unconscious La Forge.

  KLINGON GUARD

  What shall I do with this?

  Soran moves toward La Forge, a grim look on his face.

  SORAN

  Bring him with me. I need some answers from Mr. La Forge.

  Soran EXITS.

  CUT TO:

  79      OMITTED 79

  80      INT. CORRIDOR   80

  Riker and Worf are on the move down the corridor.

  WORF

  I have spoken to the Klingon High Council, sir. They identified the Bird

  of Prey as belonging to the Duras sisters.

  RIKER

  (surprised)

  Lursa and B'Etor? This doesn't make any sense. A renowned stellar

  physicist somehow uses a trilithium probe to destroy a star, kidnaps

  Geordi and escapes with a pair of Klingon renegades. Why? What the

  hell's going on?

  They EXIT to

  81      INT. SICKBAY    81

  Worf and Riker ENTER. Crusher is closing a panel on the back of Data's

  head. He is sitting on a biobed, scanning himself with a tricorder.

  RIKER

  How is he?

  CRUSHER

  It looks like a power surge fused the emotional chip into his neural

  net.

  WORF

  Will that be a danger to him?

  CRUSHER

  I don't think so. The chip still seems to be working. I'd feel better if

  I could take a closer look, but I can't remove it without completely

  dismantling his cerebral conduit.

  RIKER

  (to Data)

  Looks like you're stuck with emotions for a while. How do you feel?

  DATA

  I am quite...preoccupied with concern about Geordi.

  RIKER

  We all are, Data. But we're going to get him back.

  DATA

  I hope so, sir.

  Data's expression is still one of concern. Crusher pulls Riker aside.

  CRUSHER

  Will, I checked into Doctor Soran's background.

  Crusher activates the wall monitor and a picture of Doctor Soran along

  with some biographical information appears.

  CRUSHER

  He's an El-Aurian, over three hundred years old. He lost his entire

  family when the Borg destroyed his world. Soran escaped with a handful

  of other refugees aboard a ship called the Lakul. The ship was destroyed

  by some kind of energy ribbon, but Soran and forty-six others were

  rescued by the Enterprise-B.

  RIKER

  (reacts)

  That was the mission where James Kirk was killed.

  CRUSHER

  I checked the passenger manifest of the Lakul. Guess who else was on

  board?

  She hits a control and suddenly Guinan's face appears on the screen.

  Riker reacts to the image.

  CUT TO:

  82      INT. GUINAN'S QUARTERS  82

  Close on Guinan as she looks up, surprised.

  GUINAN

  Soran? That's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

  Move to reveal Guinan's quarters, which are unlike any of the others on

  the Enterprise. None of the standard furniture, consoles or decoration

  are present. The floor is made of tile, not carpet; the walls are draped

  in exotic fabric. The lighting is moody and subdued.

  Picard is standing before Guinan, who is sitting cross-legged on the

  floor. They talk to each other with an easy familiarity; two old friends

  who know each other well.

  PICARD

  Do you remember him?

  GUINAN

  Oh yes. I remember everyone who was on the Lakul, every face. Even the

  ones who didn't make it.

  Guinan stands and begins to move about the room. She's clearly troubled

  by the memories. She hesitates, looks off into the middle-distance for a

  few moments. Picard moves to her.

  PICARD

  Guinan. It's important that you tell me what you know. We think Soran's

  developed a weapon...a terrible weapon. It might give him enough power

  to-

  GUINAN

  Soran doesn't care about power or weapons. All he cares about is getting

  back to the Nexus.

  PICARD

  What's the "Nexus"?

  Guinan moves to a table and begins to shift around some exotic-looking

  alien artifacts, distracting herself. This is difficult for her to

  discuss.

  GUINAN

  It's a place I've tried very hard to forget.

  She makes the decision to plunge ahead.

  GUINAN

  That ribbon isn't just some random energy phenomenon travelling through

  space. It's a doorway. It leads to another place- the Nexus. It doesn't

  exist in our universe and it doesn't play by the same rules either.

  PICARD

  What happened to you?

  GUINAN

  I can't remember very much - what it looked like or how long I was

  there. But I do remember how it felt.

  She turns to him and her face is filled with some kind of awe at the

  memory.

  GUINAN

  It was like being inside...joy. As if joy was a real thing that I could

  wrap around myself. I've never been so content.

  A long beat as Picard absorbs her words.

  PICARD

  But then you were beamed away.

  Guinan shows a rare burst of anger.

  GUINAN

  I was pulled away. I didn't want to leave; none of us did. I felt like

  I'd left a part of myself behind. All I could think about was getting

  back. I didn't care what I had to do.

  Guinan moves to a window and looks out at the stars.

  GUINAN

  It took a long time, but eventually I learned to live with it. And I

  began to realize that my experience in the Nexus had changed me. (beat)

  I knew things about people, about events, about time.

  PICARD

  Your "sixth sense"- I've always wondered where it came from. (beat) And

  what about Soran?

  GUINAN

  Soran may still be obsessed with getting back. And if he is, he'll do

  anything to find that doorway again.

  PICARD

  But why destroy a star? (beat) Thank you, Guinan.

  He heads for the door.

  GUINAN

  Let someone else do it, Jean-Luc.

  Picard stops, looks at her.

  GUINAN

  Let them send another starship. Don't get near the ribbon. If you go

  into that Nexus, you're not going to care about Soran or the Enterprise

  or me. All you're going to care about is how it feels to be there.

  (beat) And you're never going to come back.

  Picard weighs her words, sees the warning in her eyes, and carefully

  backs away and EXITS.

  CUT TO:

  83      INT. KLINGON BIRD OF PREY- QUARTERS (VFX-P)     83

  A dimly-lit room somewhere in the bowels of the Klingon ship. Like every

  other room on this decrepit ship, the room looks well-worn and

  ill-maintained. Soran is seated behind a table, holding the VISOR. A

  PADD and Soran's pocketwatch sit on the table. La Forge is sitting in a

  chair across from him- his shirt has been removed. He looks very tense.

  SORAN

  (re: VISOR)

  A remarkable piece of equipment, but a little inelegant, wouldn't you

  say? (beat) Have you ever considered a prosthesis that would make you

  look a little more...normal?

  LA FORGE

  What's normal?

  SORAN

  Normal is what everyone else is, and what you are not.

  LA FORGE

  What do you want?

  Soran takes a moment.

  SORAN

  As you may or may not be aware, I am an El-Aurian. Some people call us a

  race of "listeners". We listen. (beat) Right now, Mr. La Forge, you have

  my undivided attention. I want to listen to everything you know about

  trilithium- and me.

  La Forge thinks.

  LA FORGE

  Trilithium is an experimental compund developed by the Romulans. I think

  it's a derivative of-

  Soran picks up the PADD from the desk and activates it. Suddenly

  something small, with sharp edges, can be seen moving just underneath La

  Forge's skin near his chest. La Forge moves his hand to the spot, but

  then the protrusion is suddenly gone.

  SORAN

  I don't want a science lecture. You were on that observatory looking for

  trilithium. Why?

  LA FORGE

  I was ordered to by the Captain.

  On the PADD in Soran's hand, we can now see an interior graphic of La

  Forge's body sitting in the chair. The graphic is interactive, moving as

  La Forge moves. A blinking dot represents the movement of the probe

  inside his body. Right now, the dot is in the middle of his chest.

  SORAN

  Let's try to move beyond the usual prisoner-interrogator banter, shall

  we? You have information and I need it. (beat) Did the Captain explain

  his orders to you? Did he say why you were searching for trilithium?

  LA FORGE

  No.

  SORAN

  What about Guinan? What has she told you about me?

  LA FORGE

  Guinan? I don't know what you're talking about.

  On the PADD, we now see the dot has moved to a position next to La

  Forge's heart. Soran looks up at La Forge.

  SORAN

  My instincts tell me you're lying. And I know that can't be easy for

  you. (off PADD) I can see you have a good heart.

  Soran taps a control on the PADD. Suddenly La Forge grabs his chest in

  pain. Soran watches La Forge for a few seconds, then taps the PADD

  again. La Forge gasps and starts to breathe.

  SORAN

  Oh, I forgot to tell you. While you were unconscious, I injected a

  nano-probe into your bloodstream. It's been navigating your

  cardiovascular system, and right now I've attached it to your left

  ventricle. (smiles) A little trick I picked up from the Borg.

  LA FORGE

  (gasping)

  Yeah, they're full of great ideas.

  SORAN

  I just stopped your heart for five seconds. It felt like an eternity,

  didn't it? Did you know that you can stop the human heart for up to ten

  minutes before the onset of brain damage?

  LA FORGE

  No, I didn't know that.

  SORAN

  We learn something new about ourselves every day. (beat) Now. Maybe I

  didn't make myself clear. It is very important that you tell me exactly

  what Captain Picard knows.

  LA FORGE

  I told you everything. You might as well just kill me right now.

  Soran's features soften as he smiles slightly. For a moment, he looks

  genuinely compassionate- and it's a disturbing contrast to his usual

  dark intensity.

  SORAN

  I'm not a killer, Mr. La Forge. (beat) Let's try thirty seconds.

  Soran taps a control on the PADD. La Forge gasps and strains against an

  unimaginable pain.

  Soran picks up his pocketwatch and opens the cover, sits back in his

  chair, watching the seconds tick.

  CUT TO:

  84      INT. STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY (VFX-P)        84

  A room filled with exotic-looking devices, sensors and computers which

  handle the enormous task of tracking the ship's position in space. The

  monitors around the room display various diagrams of the energy ribbon

  (as seen in the beginning of the film).

  Data is sitting at a computer console which has a great deal of

  complex information on the screen. Picard is standing next to him.

  Throughout the following, Data seems distracted and preoccupied.

  DATA

  According to our information, the ribbon is a conflux of temporal energy

  which travels through our galaxy every 39.1 years

  PICARD

  When is it expected back?

  Data doesn't answer right away.

  PICARD

  Data?

  DATA

  Sorry, Captain. The ribbon has already entered the galaxy. It will pass

  through this sector in approximately thirty-one hours.

  Picard moves about the room. He's frustrated, tired, but determined to

  find out what's going on.

  PICARD

  Guinan said Soran was trying to get back to the ribbon. If that's true,

  then there must be some connection with the Amargosa star.

  DATA

  The star's destruction has had numerous astro-physical effects within

  this sector. However, none of them appear to have a connection to the

  energy ribbon.

  PICARD

  Give me a list of those effects. I want to know every single thing which

  has been altered or changed, no matter how insignificant.

  DATA

  It will take a few moments for the computer to compile the information.

  Data works the computer and then the computer begins to work. Data

  sighs- his expression becomes downcast and gloomy. He sits down and puts

  his head in his hands. Picard finally has to say something.

  PICARD

  Data, are you all right?

  DATA

  No, sir. I am finding it difficult to concentrate. I believe I am

  overwhelmed with feelings of remorse and regret concerning my actions on

  the observatory.

  PICARD

  What do you mean?

  DATA

  I wanted to save Geordi. I tried. But I experienced something I did not

  expect. (beat) I believe it was fear.

  Picard regards him sympathetically.

  PICARD

  Fear is a very difficult emotion to overcome. It's something we all have

  to learn to deal with.

  DATA

  But I did not deal with it, sir. I let it prevent me from helping my

  friend. (beat) Does that make me a coward?

  PICARD

  No. And what you must try to avoid is becoming consumed by another

  emotion which I believe you're beginning to experience: guilt.

  DATA

  (considers)

  Guilt. It is a most unpleasant feeling.

  84A     ANGLE (VFX-P)   84A

  The computer finishes its calculations and the console beeps. Data works

  the console. Information appears on screen.

  DATA

  According to our current information, the destruction of the Amargosa

  star has had the following effects in this sector: gamma emissions have

  increased by .05 percent, the starship Bozeman was forced to make a

  course correction, a research project on Gorik IV was halted due to

  increased neutrino particles, ambient magnetic fields have decreased by-

  PICARD

  Wait. The Bozeman,why did it change course?

  DATA

  (matter of fact)

  The destruction of the Amargosa star has altered the gravitational

  forces throughout the sector. Any ship passing through this region will

  have to make a minor course correction.

  Picard is starting to get an idea, he's onto something here. He moves to

  a large table in the center of the room.

  PICARD

  (musing)

  A minor course correction. (beat) Where is the ribbon now?

  84B     ANGLE (VFX-P)   84B

  Data moves to the table to work. After a few beats, an elaborate map of

  the galaxy springs up on the ceiling of the room. A blinking dot shows

  the position of the ribbon.

  DATA

  This is its current position.

  PICARD

  Can you project its course?

  Data hesitates, still obsessed with his own emotional turmoil. Picard

  finally has to lay down the law.

  PICARD

  (firm)

  Data. I have nothing but sympathy for what you're going through. But

  right now, I need your full attention on the task at hand. If you can't

  provide it, then I'll have to relieve you of duty until Doctor Crusher

  can remove this emotion chip of yours. I'm sorry, but you leave me no

  other choice.

  This snaps Data back. He considers this for a long moment, then looks

  determined.

  DATA

  I do not wish to remove the chip, sir. Although these emotions are

  proving difficult to deal with, I cannot imagine going back to a life

  without them. I have taken an important step toward becoming truly

  human. If I were to turn back now... (beat) I would like to continue in

  my duties, sir.

  Picard smiles at him.

  PICARD

  Courage is an emotion too, Data. (beat) Now, can you project the course

  of the ribbon?

  DATA

  I believe so.

  84C     ANGLE (VFX-P)   84C

  Data works the console. A red line moves to form an arc through the

  starfield. Picard examines the display for a moment and nods. He's

  excited, on to something.

  PICARD

  Enhance grid A-9.

  Data works and the display now zooms into a single sector. The red line

  cuts through the sector.

  PICARD

  Where was the Amargosa star?

  Data works. A star is highlighted near the red line.

  PICARD

  Now, you said the gravitational forces in this sector have been altered,

  could that also affect the course of the ribbon?

  DATA

  (thinks)

  I believe so.