Star Trek VIII
First Contact
Story by
Rick Berman & Brannon Braga
& Ronald D. Moore
Screenplay by
Brannon Braga & Ronald D. Moore
First Draft
September 29, 1995
1 A BLACK VOID 1
We can hear movement. Strange skittering sounds, like
razor-claws on metal... the hiss of pneumatic hoses...
the whirr and click of servos... liquid gurgling... an
eerie, alien cacophony.
2 EARTH 2
appears, hanging now in the starry blackness. The
alien noises continue, and far in the distance we hear
the muffled THUMP of what could be a distant explosion.
Alien TEXT suddenly appears next to Earth, and we
REVEAL we are in --
3 INT. BORG RECON CENTER 3
The image of Earth is actually on a monitor, which is
only one of DOZENS of MONITORS covering a huge wall.
We don't see anything of the rest of the room, but the
technology in view is distinctly alien and bizarre --
a mixture of organic and mechanical elements.
Circuitry and optical cabling are side-by-side with
what looks almost like arteries and organs. We can
still hear the creepy skittering and gurgling noises.
Occasionally, a SHADOWY FORM sweeps past the camera,
vaguely humanoid but we can't tell who or what it is.
All of the monitors are active, and they present myriad
IMAGES and SOUND -- all related to EARTH HISTORY. The
screens show everything from written Chinese... to
Renaissance paintings... to black and white newsreel
footage of World War Two... to what look like clips of
space battles from the 24th century. The entire range
of human history dancing across the monitors. The
effect is dizzying -- we get the feeling that whoever
is watching this is studying the human race.
There is another THUMP and the wall of monitors
SHUDDERS slightly. We hear the VOICE of what we will
come to know as the BORG COLLECTIVE -- thousands of
voices speaking at once :
BORG
Restrict search parameters to 1-9-
9-8 through 2-0-8-4.
The images on the monitors now change to show us images
from 21ST CENTURY Earth history.
Again, it's a collection of still photography, video
footage, text, artwork, etc. We hear snippets of sound-
bites, music, speeches from the period. A lot of
enticing details. As the images race across the
monitors, we should learn the following.
-- The turn of the 21st century brought chaos.
Regional wars, the collapse of the United Nations.
Societal break-down. Crime, starvation, desperation.
-- A Third World War. Nuclear explosions,
environmental disasters, tens of millions dead. The
United States ceases to exist. All political authority
vanishes. Humanity teetering on the edge of the Second
Dark Age.
-- The image of a single man -- ZEPHRAM COCHRANE. A
visionary scientist. He see the spacecraft he created
out of a nuclear missile. He flies the first warp
test, breaking the light barrier. It changes history.
-- Grainy black and white images of a VULCAN SCOUT SHIP
landing on Earth. They saw Cochrane's flight, followed
him back to Earth, and made First Contact with the
human race.
-- Humanity turns the corner. First Contact with an
alien civilization brings the planet together as never
before. Humans and Vulcans working together, beginning
to solve long-standing problems with new technology.
We see an early replicator producing food for the
starving millions. A new World Government is formed.
-- People from planet Earth and people from Vulcan form
an Alliance. They call it the United Federation of
Planets. And they commission a fleet of starships for
protection and exploration. They call it Starfleet.
-- These are images recounting the birth of the Star
Trek universe.
Another muffled EXPLOSION, this one stronger, SHAKES
the entire wall. One of the monitors BLOWS OUT in a
shower of sparks. And now a new voice, a woman's
voice, low, threatening, with a slight metallic
inflection, speaks for the first time:
WOMAN'S VOICE
Stop search. Calculate temporal
coordinates. J-Fourteen.
Another explosion ROCKS the room and it takes us to:
4 EXT. SPACE - A BORG SPHERE 4
A huge, spherical Borg warship as it takes a phaser
shot from an unseen vessel. The BLAST smashes into the
Borg Sphere, but the massive ship continues. The
Sphere returns FIRE. FOLLOW the Borg fire to --
5 A FEDERATION STARSHIP 5
locked in battle with the Borg Sphere. The Borg fire
DESTROYS the Federation ship in a fiery blast.
6 NEW ANGLE 6
as the Borg Sphere flies away from the wreckage of the
decimated starship, and as it does, we reveal that this
is just one small part of --
7 A MASSIVE SPACE BATTLE 7
involving dozens of Starfleet and Borg vessels, engaged
in a fierce FIREFIGHT as far as the eye can see. Ships
turning, twisting, firing, exploding. Lots of movement.
It's a spectacular sight.
The Borg Sphere is moving away from the battle, heading
off in another direction.
8 NEW ANGLE 8
In the middle of the battle. A BORG CUBE is attacking
a smaller Federation starship. The starship is taking
quite a beating... explosions all along the hull... it
doesn't look like it can take much more of this.
Suddenly a spread of FOUR TORPEDOES come blazing in
from O.C. The torpedoes SLAM into the Borg ship,
causing massive damage.
9 THE USS ENTERPRISE NCC 1701-E 9
SOARS into view and moves to protect the beleaguered
starship.
The Enterprise is Starfleet's newest and most powerful
vessel. An elegant and majestic ship. But unlike the
last Enterprise, Starfleet has opted for a more
muscular vessel and the hull is studded with weapons
and other defensive armory. We get the feeling this
Enterprise is ready for anything.
10 INT. ENTERPRISE-E - BRIDGE 10
The Bridge has been redesigned. A single Captain's
chair dominates the room, and surrounding consoles and
stations all face inward instead of out, giving Picard
instant access to his officers. PICARD in the
Captain's chair. RIKER at a new Ops station. DATA at
the helm. WORF at Tactical. TROI at Communications,
various CREWMEMBERS at their posts. The ship is at Red
Alert and everyone is tense.
PICARD
Signal the Endeavor to fall back.
We'll cover them.
TROI
Aye, sir.
She works her console.
11 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & BORG SHIP 11
The Endeavor moves off as the Borg FIRE at the
Enterprise and BLASTS the saucer section. This should
also produce an unusual effect -- instead of the
traditional "bubble" shielding, the new armor of this
Enterprise ABSORBS the blast and dissipates the energy
across the hull. The ship is undamaged.
12 INT. BRIDGE 12
The ship is ROCKED by the blast.
DATA
Dispersive armor is holding.
PICARD
Bring us about. Target Borg ship
alpha four, port side battery.
WORF
Port battery, ready sir!
PICARD
Fire.
13 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 13
As RAPID PHASER SHOTS leap out from half a dozen points
along the ship's port side. (NOTE: The phasers also
look different, more along the lines of a gatling gun).
The Borg Cube EXPLODES. The Enterprise flies through
the debris.
14 INT. BRIDGE 14
Including MAIN VIEWSCREEN, which has a view of the
chaotic battle surrounding them. Another Borg vessel
looms into view.
PICARD
Starboard battery -- fire.
15 EXT. SPACE 15
The Enterprise fires a burst of phasers -- but this
time, the phasers have no effect. We see a strange
SHIELDING appears around the Borg ship.
16 INT. BRIDGE 16
On the main viewer, the massive Borg ship looms closer.
DATA
The Borg ship has modified its
shields, Captain. Our phasers
will no longer be effective.
PICARD
Ready quantum torpedo.
WORF
Aye, sir. Only three left.
Another JOLT as we're hit.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to bridge.
PICARD
Go ahead.
INTERCUT:
17 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING 17
Where GEORDI and N.D. Engineers are rushing about, hard
at work. Geordi is no longer wearing his VISOR -- he
now has artificial ocular implants for eyes. They have
a distinctive electronic look to them.
GEORDI
Captain, I'm starting to worry
about the hull integrity. We've
been running the support field at
full power for three hours
straight. I don't know how much
longer it's going to hold up.
PICARD
Understood. Keep me informed.
END INTERCUT:
18 INT. BRIDGE 18
The Borg cube is huge on the main viewer as the
Enterprise rushes toward it.
TROI
Incoming transmission from the
Borg.
PICARD
On screen.
Data works and the viewer changes to a view of the
INTERIOR of the BORG CUBE. A vast CHAMBER crammed with
HUNDREDS of BORG DRONES standing upright in individual
alcoves. They're everywhere -- on the ceiling, walls,
floor. This is a BORG COLLECTIVE -- hundreds of Borg
that form a gigantic "hive" mind. The Borg are half-
man/half machine. No individual personalities. No
feelings. They have only one goal in life: to
assimilate new races into their collective. To become
a Borg is to experience living death. When they speak,
they speak as a collective -- thousands of voices
speaking as one:
BORG
Your defense perimeter is
useless. You will be assimilated.
PICARD
(to Borg)
Break off your attack. By now,
you must realize you can't win...
BORG
Your opinion is irrelevant. We
are the Borg. Resistance is
futile.
PICARD
We'll see about that...
(to Worf)
Fire.
Worf works.
19 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE - CLOSE ON TORPEDO BAY 19
A QUANTUM TORPEDO BLASTS out of the launcher and heads
toward the Borg cube. This torpedo is completely
different than the traditional photon torpedo. It
oscillates and changes shape and color as it streaks
toward the Borg ship.
20 THE BORG SHIP 20
as the quantum torpedo HITS IT. But instead of
exploding on the surface, the torpedo PIERCES the ship
like an armor-piercing shell and momentarily VANISHES
from view. The ship then EXPLODES like a star going
supernova -- bright light and shock waves.
21 INT. BRIDGE 21
The ship is ROCKED violently by the shock wave. People
hanging on.
DATA
Main power still on-line, Captain.
Riker looks at his console.
RIKER
Casualties are light, Captain.
Minor buckling on the port
nacelle. Nothing serious.
WORF
Incoming message from the Starship
Intrepid. Admiral Hayes.
PICARD
On screen.
The viewer shows ADMIRAL HAYES on the Bridge of his
starship.
ADMIRAL HAYES
The new quantum torpedoes are
doing the trick, Jean-Luc. We've
destroyed forty-seven Borg ships
so far... and only lost fifteen of
our own.
(beat)
But one of the Borg ships has
broken through our defenses, and
it's heading directly for Earth.
Can you handle it?
PICARD
Absolutely.
ADMIRAL HAYES
Good hunting. Hayes out.
PICARD
Mister Data, set a pursuit course.
Maximum warp.
22 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 22
as it breaks away from the battle...and races INTO
WARP.
23 EXT. SPACE - EARTH 23
There are Starfleet satellites and space stations in
close orbit. The Borg Sphere seen before enters frame.
The satellites open fire, but they have little effect
on the massive Borg Sphere, which returns fire,
EXPLODING them in orbit.
The Sphere heads down toward the Earth...
24 INT. BRIDGE 24
DATA
We are approaching the Terran
System, Captain.
PICARD
Go to impulse. Where's the Borg
ship?
DATA
It has entered Earth orbit.
(off console)
Correction -- it is not in orbit.
It is heading directly toward the
surface.
PICARD
What?
Picard gets up, moves to Data's console.
RIKER
(incredulous)
Some sort of suicide tactic?
DATA
Unknown, sir. Suicide tactics are
not normally associated with the
Borg.
Data reacts to his console.
DATA
Sensors show a temporal signature
emanating from the Sphere. High
concentrations of tachyons...
Picard studies Data's monitor.
PICARD
And chronometric particles... it's
as though they're trying to create
a temporal vortex...
A beat as Picard makes a shocking realization.
PICARD
Time travel... they're attempting
time travel...
(beat)
Full power, Mister Data. Worf,
quantum torpedoes at my command!
WORF
Aye, sir.
25 EXT. EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE 25
The Borg Sphere GLOWING RED and beginning to burn with
friction as it PLUMMETS toward Earth...
26 NEW ANGLE - THE ENTERPRISE 26
plunging down into the atmosphere, giving chase...
27 INT. BRIDGE 27
Urgent.
WORF
Range -- fifty kilometers.
DATA
A temporal vortex is forming
directly ahead of the Sphere.
28 EXT. EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE 28
Just ahead of the Sphere we see a TEMPORAL VORTEX
opening -- a maelstrom of light and energy stretching
into infinity. ENERGY explodes from the vortex as the
Sphere begins to go inside...
29 THE ENTERPRISE 29
as it's HIT by the tremendous energy blast from the
vortex. The ship spins around, nearly rips apart.
30 INT. BRIDGE 30
Everyone THROWN to the deck. Consoles sparking. Power
failing. SHAKING.
RIKER
Main power off-line!
DATA
Switching to emergency back-ups.
Riker checks a console.
RIKER
We're caught in some kind of
energy wake from the vortex...
PICARD
Worf... torpedo... now!
Worf works...
31 EXT. EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE 31
Another QUANTUM TORPEDO is launched from the
Enterprise. But just before it hits the Borg Sphere,
the Sphere VANISHES inside the vortex. The torpedo
hits the roiling energy of the Vortex and detonates
with a harmless flash. The Vortex itself starts
COLLAPSING...
32 INT. BRIDGE 32
The shaking subsides.
DATA
I have helm control.
PICARD
Where's the Sphere?
WORF
They have traveled into the
vortex... through time.
Disturbed reactions.
DATA
The vortex is collapsing, sir.
PICARD
Contact Starfleet Command.
WORF
No response.
(reacts to console)
I'm not reading any Starfleet com
traffic in this entire sector.
TROI
(off console)
Captain, I've scanned the planet.
The atmosphere contains a high
concentration of methane, carbon
monoxide and fluorine. The oceans
have been chemically altered, as
well.
PICARD
On screen.
She works, and on the View screen EARTH appears as seen
from orbit. The crystal blue marble is now covered by
a thick, turbulent DARK ATMOSPHERE -- polluted and
ugly. Reactions.
PICARD
Life signs?
TROI
Population... thirty-five
billion...
(reacts)
All Borg.
A shocking moment.
DATA
(off console)
The planet's surface is covered
with Borg technology.
(beat)
So is the moon... and three other
planets in this solar system.
TROI
But how?
PICARD
They must've done it in the
past... they went back and
changed history...
RIKER
(stunned)
They did it... they assimilated
Earth.
WORF
But if they changed history...
then why are we still here?
DATA
We were caught in the temporal
wake from the vortex. It must
have protected us from any changes
in the time-line.
Worf's console sounds an alarm.
WORF
Captain, there are five Borg ships
closing in on our position.
PICARD
(making a decision)
Data, set a course for that
vortex.
TROI
Captain...?
PICARD
We have to follow them back...
repair whatever damage they've
done to that time-line.
DATA
(working)
Course laid in. Engaging impulse
engines.
The ship is suddenly ROCKED.
33 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & BORG SHIPS (OPTICAL) 33
The Enterprise is being chased by FIVE BORG SHIPS as it
heads down toward the planet. The Borg vessels FIRE on
the Enterprise.
34 INT. BRIDGE 34
As before. The ship is shaking.
WORF
Hull integrity down to thirty
percent...
PICARD
Steady as she goes.
35 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) 35
Ahead of the ship, we see the VORTEX collapsing. The
shaking increases. A console EXPLODES.
WORF
Borg vessels are closing to two
thousand meters.
The ship is HIT AGAIN AND AGAIN. On the View Screen,
we're nearly on the vortex, but it's closing fast.
PICARD
Take us in!
36 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & VORTEX (OPTICAL) 36
The Enterprise just barely makes it inside the vortex
as it finally COLLAPSES. Both the Enterprise and the
vortex VANISH.
CUT TO:
37 EXT. SPACE 37
An empty star field. Suddenly, the VORTEX APPEARS and
the Enterprise comes ROARING out into space. The
vortex VANISHES behind the ship.
38 INT. BRIDGE 38
The shaking subsides. Everyone exchanges a look, tries
to re-orient themselves.
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
We're still in Earth orbit.
PICARD
On screen.
39 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN 39
Which shows Earth. The Borg pollution is gone.
PICARD
What year is it?
DATA
(working)
According to our astrometric
readings... the year is 2063.
WORF
Captain, I've found the Borg
Sphere. It's on the far side of
the planet...firing at the
surface.
PICARD
(to Data)
Intercept course, full impulse.
(to Worf)
Weapons status?
WORF
Phasers are off-line... we have
two quantum torpedoes left. But
the computer targeting system has
been destroyed.
PICARD
Go to manual.
Worf pops open a panel and a high-tech TARGETING console
emerges with a small MONITOR and a traditional CROSS-
HAIR in the center. Worf grabs the targeting hand-
controls -- futuristic joysticks.
40 EXT. SPACE - THE BORG SPHERE 40
The ship is FIRING its weapons down toward the planet
as the Enterprise comes up over the horizon.
41 INT. BRIDGE 41
As before. Worf works his controls. A complex array
of grids, coordinate information, speed data, and other
weapons info on the monitor screen. He begins trying
to focus the cross-hairs on the Sphere.
PICARD
(over above action, to
Troi)
Track their weapons fire.
TROI
(off console)
Western hemisphere... North
American continent...
DATA
We are within torpedo range.
RIKER
They've seen us. They're taking
evasive action.
PICARD
(urgent)
Mister Worf?
Worf struggles with the targeting system.
WORF
Target...
The crosshairs keep missing the image of the Borg
Sphere, which is now twisting and turning to evade us.
Troi reacts to her console.
TROI
Captain, they're firing at a
nuclear missile silo... in central
Montana.
WORF
(struggling)
Target...
PICARD
(worried)
Montana...
The crosshairs finally LOCK on the Borg Sphere.
WORF
Target locked!
PICARD
Fire!
42 EXT. SPACE - THE BORG SPHERE 42
The quantum torpedo streaks in from off-camera and
slams into the Borg ship. It penetrates the Sphere as
seen before... a long beat... and then it EXPLODES.
43 INT. BRIDGE 43
As everyone reacts to the destruction of the Sphere.
But Picard has no time for celebration.
PICARD
(to Data)
Mister Data, I want to know the
exact date and time.
(to Riker)
Give me a damage report on that
missile silo.
DATA
(works)
Today is March second, 2063. The
time in Montana is oh-eight-forty-
five.
RIKER
(works)
Looks like they damaged the
silo...
PICARD
Life signs?
RIKER
Can't tell. Long-range bio-
sensors are off-line.
Picard thinks for a moment... makes an instant decision
and turns to Worf.
PICARD
Worf, have Doctor Crusher, Mister
La Forge and a security team meet
me in Transporter Room Three.
Civilian clothes.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Worf works. Riker turns to him, curious.
RIKER
Captain?
PICARD
In twenty-four hours, Zephram
Cochrane is supposed to conduct
the very first warp test... from
a missile silo in Montana. If I'm
right, the Borg were trying to
change the course of human history
by killing him or destroying his
ship.
RIKER
(nods in understanding)
And if they succeed, humans won't
make First Contact with the
Vulcans tomorrow.
(beat)
As First Officer I should be the
one beaming down...
PICARD
Normally, I would agree. But in
this case, the mission requires a
certain knowledge of 21st century
history. You're many things,
Number One, but you're not much of
an historian.
He grins slightly, has to agree.
RIKER
Good luck, sir.
PICARD
I'll keep in contact. You have
the Bridge.
Picard EXITS...
CUT TO:
44 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM 44
Picard, Geordi and THREE SECURITY GUARDS are checking
their phasers and tricorders. Everyone is wearing civilian
clothes. Geordi has a large engineering kit... Transporter
Chief pulling on a civilian jacket. She looks a little
frazzled - it's been a long day in Sickbay.
BEVERLY
Will somebody please tell me where
we're going?
Beverly joins them on the pad.
PICARD
Montana.
(to Chief)
Energize.
BEVERLY
Montana? Well, that answers
everything. Why the hell are we --
They DEMATERIALIZE.
CUT TO:
45 EXT. MONTANA PLAINS - CONTINUOUS - DAY 45
Picard, Geordi, Beverly and the Security Team
MATERIALIZE on the vast, rolling plains of Montana.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
-- going to Montana?
Picard and Geordi take out their tricorders and start
scanning the landscape.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
I have the silo, sir. Bearing
three one zero... distance, three
hundred meters.
PICARD
Let's go.
They start walking...
BEVERLY
Go where? Hello? Is anyone going
to tell me what we're doing here?
PICARD
We're here to find Zephram
Cochrane. He may be injured or
dead.
BEVERLY
Cochrane... the inventor of warp
drive?
PICARD
Yes...
BEVERLY
But he's been dead for three
hundred...
(realizes, long sigh)
Oh God... we've gone back in time
again, haven't we?
PICARD
I'm afraid so. If the Borg
succeed in preventing First
Contact with the Vulcans... Earth
will remain in the Second Dark
Age... an easy target when the
Borg arrive in the 24th century.
BEVERLY
Well, why didn't you just say so
in the first place?
Picard gives her a look. As they keep walking...
CUT TO:
46 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 46
hanging in orbit of Earth.
47 INT. ENGINEERING 47
CLOSE ON A DEAD CREWMEMBER lying on her back. A sheet
is covering her face. A hand reaches in, pulls back
the sheet, revealing the face of a crewman.
TROI
Lieutenant Sandra Farrel.
WIDEN to REVEAL Troi and Data. Data is holding back
the sheet while Troi scans the body with a tricorder.
There is repair work going on in the b.g. Two medical
N.D.s stand by.
TROI
It appears death was caused by a
plasma discharge.
(beat)
I'll note in her record that she
never left her post.
Troi glances at Data, who is clearly disturbed by the
sight of the dead woman, holding his EMOTIONS in check
with difficulty.
TROI
Did you know her?
DATA
Not very well. We met shortly
after the Enterprise-E was
commissioned. I found her to be
a most... promising officer.
Troi looks at him in concern.
TROI
Data... are you sure you're all
right?
DATA
I am still having difficulty
integrating certain emotions into
my programming. Grief, loss,
remorse...
TROI
We still have to make reports on
ten more crewmen killed in action.
Maybe you should deactivate your
emotion chip until we're done.
Data considers.
DATA
No. Human beings do not have that
luxury, and neither should I.
TROI
I will admit... there are times
when I wish I had an emotion chip
I could turn on and off.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Data.
DATA
(taps combadge)
Go ahead, Commander.
INTERCUT:
48 INT. BRIDGE 48
Riker, Worf, N.D.s at their stations.
RIKER
We're reading some kind of gas
leak in the Environmental Control
Room. Take a repair team down and
check it out.
DATA
On my way, Commander.
As Data EXITS...
49 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 49
A WIDE SHOT of the ship. CAMERA CLOSES ON the AFT
SECTION of the ship, moving underneath of the hull,
pushing in on an area at the very bottom of the
Enterprise.
50 INT. ENVIROMENTAL CONTROL 50
Data and ENSIGN PORTER ENTER through a set of doors.
The lights are off in the room, dim. This is a large
room crammed with many conduits, gas tanks, 24th
century machinery and monitors. It's normally unmanned --
this is where oxygen, gravity, heat, and other
environmental conditions of the ship are controlled.
In a far corner of the room a CONDUIT leading to a
series of high-pressure TANKS labeled "D-O2" has
ruptured and is SPEWING a corrosive, poisonous GAS.
Data scans it with his tricorder.
DATA
(to Porter)
One of the diathermic oxygen tanks
has been damaged.
PORTER
(shocked)
Diathermic oxygen?
DATA
It is a new subsystem of Nova
Class ships. It regulates
hydropressure and temperature
variance.
(beat)
Remain here. The gas is highly
corrosive to organic material. It
would liquefy your flesh on
contact.
PORTER
Be my guest, sir.
Data walks over to the spewing gas tank, and without
concern shoves both hands into the corrosive gas...
... groping around for the broken conduit, finally grabs
hold of it... and with android strength BENDS the metal
conduit back into the bulkhead. The gas stops leaking.
Data is completely unaffected by the corrosive gas.
DATA
(to Porter)
Begin a diagnostic on the safety
interlocks. There appears to have
been some damage during the
attack.
PORTER
Right.
Porter moves around a corner, behind some equipment,
out of Data's vision...
51 NEW ANGLE - PORTER 51
who opens a PANEL on the wall. But instead of the neat
and orderly Starfleet technology, he is confronted by
a bizarre amalgam of organic and mechanical cabling,
diodes and what almost look like arteries. Some of the
tubes are pulsing with fluids and energy. Porter
reacts.
PORTER
What the hell...
Porter pulls aside a large conduit and stops. Buried
deep within the tangle of bio-circuits is what looks
like a HUMAN FACE covered with cybernetic tubes and
chips. It's barely discernable in the darkness and
clutter. Porter isn't even sure what he's looking at.
He leans in for a closer look... and suddenly the eyes
open.
52 DATA 52
who hears a THUMP and a sickening liquid CRUNCH from
off camera. He takes a few steps in that direction.
DATA
Ensign Porter?
He stands there for a moment, puzzled. Then a faint
SKITTERING SCRAPE can be heard -- like tiny claws on a
metal surface. He whirls at the sound.
DATA
Ensign... are you all right?
No response. Data walks around the now deathly quiet
room... turns the corner to where Porter was working.
He's gone. The open panel is still there, and there
doesn't appear to be any place Porter could've gone.
Data looks puzzled, takes a step forward when his boots
make a squishing sound. He looks down...
DATA
(taps combadge)
Data to Bridge.
No response.
DATA
Data to Security.
(beat)
This is Lieutenant Data to anyone
who can hear my signal. I need
assistance in the Environmental
Control Room.
Nothing. Data quickly turns and heads for the door.
There's a metallic SCRAPE above him and he looks up --
53 TWO BORG 53
are climbing to the ceiling like two spiders ready to
pounce. One of them has Porter and appears to be
inserting some horrible Borg device into his head.
Before Data can react, the second Borg suddenly lunges
at Data.
CUT TO:
54 EXT. MONTANA PLAINS - MISSILE SILO - DAY 54
The SILO is buried deep underground, but on the surface
there is a large, poured concrete MISSILE DOOR.
Built to withstand a nuclear blast, the door has
nevertheless been badly charred and damaged by the Borg
attack from orbit. There are large, smoking CRATERS
all around. Part of the ground seems to have COLLAPSED
to a depth of ten feet, like a sinkhole nearby. Picard
and his team approach.
GEORDI
This must be it.
PICARD
How serious is the damage?
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
I'm having trouble scanning
underground. There's a lot of
radiation leaking from something.
PICARD
Probably from the nuclear warhead.
Cochrane was planning to use it to
ignite the warp drive.
As they speak, Beverly pulls out a hypospray and gives
everyone injections.
BEVERLY
This will protect us from the
radiation.
Geordi moves to the thick, concrete missile door, scans
it.
GEORDI
I'm picking up faint life signs
twenty meters below.
PICARD
There should be an access hatch
nearby...
Everyone spreads out... looking for the hatch. One of
the guards -- LANGE -- finds it.
LANGE
Over here.
Everyone rushes over to him. There's a small HATCH on
the ground that has been partially hidden by weeds and
brush. Geordi kneels down, starts working a complex-
looking LOCK on the hatch.
GEORDI
Alphanumeric lock. We need a
password to get in...
PICARD
I have the password right here.
Picard pulls out his phaser and everyone steps back.
He aims and FIRES at the hatch, which is BLOWN OPEN,
revealing a ladder that leads down into the darkness.
As they start to crawl inside...
55 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 55
This is the "mission control" for Cochrane's test site.
The underground room is filled with 21st century
equipment, consoles and monitors. One entire wall of
the room is dominated by a huge METAL BLAST DOOR, which
is now closed. We will learn that on the other side of
that door is the nuclear missile/warp ship itself.
The ceiling has partially collapsed. Chunks of
concrete and fallen beams have destroyed some of the
equipment...Only a few of the consoles are active, most
are dark or fritzing sporadically. The lights are out,
and the room is illuminated by a few smoldering fires.
Four dead bodies can be seen strewn around the room.
It's a scene of destruction.
56 PICARD 56
and his team ENTER the dark and smoking ruin. Beverly
and Picard move to one of the dead men, while Geordi
and the Security Guards move to the other three.
Beverly rolls the man onto his back -- he's clearly
dead. The name stitched on his uniform says Rippert.
Picard looks up.
PICARD
(to others)
See if any of these men are
Cochrane.
Geordi and the Guards start checking the dead bodies.
GEORDI
Mitchell... DePaul...
LANGE
This one's a woman... named Kirby.
Picard and Beverly move toward the immense blast door.
As Beverly scans it, Picard glances at a nearby desk...
57 THE DESK 57
is littered with debris and various documents and
schematics. THREE PHOTOGRAPHS are pinned to a bulletin
board above the desk -- they show Zephram Cochrane and
two angles of his warp ship. The photos are odd-
looking, printed on what appears to be some sort of
cloth.
BEVERLY
There's a life sign behind this
door... about ten meters below.
Geordi moves to the door.
GEORDI
Blast door. It's designed to
protect the control room when the
missile is launched.
PICARD
There should be some kind of
manual release...
They hunt around for a moment. Geordi runs his hand
along the edge of the blast door. Picard turns to the
Guards.
PICARD
(to Lange)
Get those fires out and then try
to restore main power to the
control room.
LANGE
Aye, sir.
The Guards move off.
GEORDI
Got it, Captain.
Geordi has found an emergency BOX with several
pneumatic tubes and a hydraulic lever labeled
"emergency use only." He pulls down the lever, there
is a hissing sound, and the blast door slowly SLIDES
DOWN into the floor. We can now see the MISSILE SILO
itself beyond the door. Picard, Geordi and Beverly
step into...
58 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTINUOUS 58
Picard, Geordi and Beverly step onto the catwalk, which
surrounds the Silo walls. In the middle is the WARP
SHIP itself. It should look like an advanced ICBM
missile with a COCKPIT in place of the warhead, and
with numerous modifications to the fuselage. The
cockpit is on the same level as the control room. On
the side of the missile is the name "Phoenix". The
missile itself extends down another FOUR STORIES.
There are other catwalks below this one, with ladders
connecting the different levels. Beverly sees
something below.
BEVERLY
There.
59 NEW ANGLE 59
Two catwalks below we can see a man sprawled on the
grating. They all scramble down the ladders past the
massive missile. (NOTE: Because of the design of the
Silo, we will see the entire missile only in a few
shots. For the most part, our view is limited to
sections of the missile.)
Beverly reaches the man, who is lying face-down on the
metal grating. She scans him...
BEVERLY
Severe radiation exposure...
Geordi looks over at the section of the missile on
their level. The side panels have been removed,
revealing complex circuitry within.
Picard joins Beverly, who turns over the injured man.
It's ZEPHRAM COCHRANE -- the man whose picture we saw
on the Borg monitors. Beverly begins pulling devices
out of her medkit, injects Cochrane with a hypospray.
Cochrane is a man in his mid-forties. He has a
youthful, dynamic appearance marred by recent radiation
burns.
PICARD
It's Cochrane.
BEVERLY
I've stabilized him for now... but
he's in a coma and he's going to
need radiometric therapy. I want
to take him to the ship.
Picard nods, reaches into his pants pocket, takes out
a combadge.
PICARD
Picard to Enterprise.
(no response)
Enterprise, please respond.
GEORDI
It could be the radiation,
Captain. Try from the surface.
Picard nods... then takes a deep breath, tries to
orient himself to the task at hand... there's a lot at
stake and a lot to do. He turns to Geordi.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, listen very
carefully. If you remember your
history... in less than twenty-
four hours, a Vulcan ship will be
passing through this system. When
it does, this ship needs to be in
space, flying at warp speed.
Geordi takes a deep breath, it's a tall order.
GEORDI
I'd better get started.
Geordi goes to work. Picard bends down and carefully
hoists Cochrane up into a fireman's carry. Beverly
follows him up the catwalk...
CUT TO:
60 EXT. MISSILE SILO - DAY 60
Minutes later. Cochrane is lying on the ground.
Beverly is kneeling beside him, unfolding a portable
stretcher from her medkit. Picard is checking two
combadges with a tricorder.
PICARD
It's not the radiation... and
there's nothing wrong with the
combadges... the Enterprise just
isn't responding.
BEVERLY
Jean-Luc, this man needs medical
attention, now.
PICARD
As I recall, the town of
Resurrection is about two
kilometers East of here. They
might have a hospital...
Picard looks troubled at the thought.
BEVERLY
What are we waiting for? Let's
go.
PICARD
It may not be that simple. This
is an extremely difficult and
paranoid time in human history.
BEVERLY
Are you saying they won't help us?
PICARD
I'm saying they might shoot us on
sight. You have to remember...
these people have watched their
entire way of life collapse around
them.
BEVERLY
There must be some good people...
even in this time.
PICARD
Let's hope so. Because if
Cochrane dies... the future may
die with him.
Picard kneels down and they begin to carefully put
Cochrane on the stretcher...
CUT TO:
61 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 61
Riker, Troi and Worf studying a MONITOR which shows a
three-dimensional DIAGRAM of the Enterprise, which
turns and rotates as needed. The schematic shows
battle damage and repair efforts.
WORF
I have assigned two damage control
teams to locate the source of our
communication problems. So far,
they've had no success.
RIKER
Assign another team if you need
to. I want to re-establish
communication with the Captain as
soon as possible.
Worf nods and begins making notes on a PADD.
TROI
Are we in any danger of being
detected by Earth defense systems?
WORF
There were no planetary defense
systems in this era. Their
weapons were designed to
fight each other... not
extraterrestrials.
RIKER
We have to start thinking about a
way to get home.
(to Troi)
Analyze our readings from the
temporal vortex. We're going to
have to recreate whatever the Borg
did to --
Just then the ship SHUDDERS and the LIGHTS FLICKER.
RIKER
Report.
TROI
(off console)
We just lost main power... and
we've got Class-Three alerts all
over the ship. I'm not sure
what's --
An ALARM goes off on Worf's console. He reacts to it.
WORF
A ship-wide decompression has been
initiated!
RIKER
What?
TROI
We're venting our internal
atmosphere directly into space!
62 EXT. ENTERPRISE 62
CLOSE ON THE SAUCER as vents and hatches POP OPEN on
the hull and GIANT JETS OF VAPOR start blowing out
into space.
63 INT. CORRIDOR 63
Crewmembers walking along are suddenly KNOCKED to the
floor as hurricane force WINDS blow through the
Corridor. The ship is venting air into space, creating
a virtual VACUUM inside the ship! The people in the
corridor grab onto the bulkheads, struggling to hang on
against the force of the wind...
64 INT. BRIDGE 64
Suddenly an emergency AIRLOCK on the Bridge OPENS.
VIOLENT WIND roars through the Bridge and everyone
hangs on. Troi is ripped out of her chair, flown
across the Bridge, slams up against the bulkhead,
struggling to hang on. Worf runs over, grabs her arm,
keeps her from flying out.
Riker manages to reach a control panel -- hits a button
and an EMERGENCY BULKHEAD finally slides down over the
airlock and the wind DIES DOWN. Everyone takes a beat.
RIKER
What the hell is happening, Worf?
WORF
(off console)
It appears that someone has taken
over the Environmental Control
Room.
TROI
Someone...?
RIKER
(realizing)
The Borg. Some of them must've
beamed over before we destroyed
their ship.
(to Worf)
Seal off that entire deck with
emergency force fields.
TROI
Wil... Data was down there.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Mister Worf... find Data if you
can, but your top priority is
isolating the Borg.
WORF
Understood.
Worf heads for a Turbolift. OFF Riker's disturbed
expression...
CUT TO:
65 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE 65
His eyes are closed. There's a beat, then his eyes fly
open and he looks around.
We PULL BACK slightly, revealing Data is lying on some
kind of tabletop with metallic clamps and restraints.
He tenses his arm and tries to move, but he is unable
to break the restraints. About two feet in front of
his face is what appears to be a bulkhead. There is a
cacophony of strange background NOISE -- scratching,
hisses, gurgling liquids, odd alien hums...
Suddenly, the table begins to MOVE. It ROTATES, and as
it does so we realize that Data has been hanging upside
down staring at the floor. It's a disorienting moment
as our perspective changes and Data rotates upright.
66 DATA'S POV 66
As the table gyrates, we REVEAL the ROOM slowly. And
we realize we're in --
67 INT. BORG HIVE 67
The Environmental Control Room seen earlier has now
been transformed into the INNER-SANCTUM of the BORG.
The room has a dark, moist, organic feel -- a tropical
jungle of cybernetic equipment.
The Borg are altering the room, converting Starfleet
technology and materials into the living, bio-
mechanical look of the Borg. We see one Borg drone
attach a small pod to a Starfleet console and activate
it. The pod immediately sends out a COMPLEX WEB of
BORG TECHNOLOGY which covers the Starfleet console
inside and out. It's like weeds overpowering a flower
bed -- within seconds the console has been BORGIFIED.
The walls, ceiling and floor are now honeycombed with
the ALCOVES that make up the BORG COLLECTIVE. Borg
drones are motionless in their alcoves, cabling and
other conduits connecting them to various equipment...
while other Borg are moving about the room, carrying
out various modifications to the room. At one point,
we see Ensign Porter. He's been completely Borgified.
His skin pale, expression blank. No hint of humanity
left.
68 DATA 68
still strapped to the table, which is twisting and
rotating, giving him frightening new glimpses of the
room. A new image appears -- SIX BORG DRONES are
clustered together in one section of the room, each
with an elaborate series of hoses and conduits
connected to its face.
Through the tubes we can see an exchange of FLUID and
ENERGY pulsing back and forth -- some sort of bizarre
"feeding" or "renewal" is going on. The tubes all seem
to lead toward the ceiling.
Data is now horizontal on his back and the table LOCKS
into position. A Borg drone OPENS A PANEL on the side
of Data's head, and begins connecting a thick bundle of
optical cabling to it.
DATA
(to Borg)
Your efforts to assimilate me will
be unsuccessful.
The Borg ignores him, activates a console... and the
cabling connected to Data's head LIGHTS UP with power.
They're trying to connect him to the Collective.
Data thinks for a moment, tilts his head slightly...
and then suddenly there's a SHOWER of SPARKS from the
cabling he's been connected to. The lights on the
cable go out. Data has thwarted their attempts.
DATA
(to Borg)
It would appear that resistance is
not always futile.
Suddenly a new VOICE is heard echoing through the room --
a woman's voice, low, seductive, deadly:
WOMAN'S VOICE
Brave words. I've heard them
before from thousands of species
across thousands of worlds...
since long before you were
created.
Data looks up toward...
69 THE CEILING 69
A RUSTLE of MOVEMNET somewhere in the cyber-tangle...
almost like a snake slithering beneath the weeds. And
for a brief instant we get a glimpse of a FACE unlike
any Borg we've ever seen. The face of a woman. Pale-
skinned... piercing eyes...raven hair slicked back...
a hauntingly beautiful image in a sea of nightmarish
technology. And then it's gone.
70 DATA 70
Frowns. He saw it, too, but he's not sure what to make
of it.
WOMAN'S VOICE
But now... they are all one with
the Borg.
DATA
I am unlike any lifeform you have
encountered before. As an
android, I am in complete control
of my neural net. The information
contained there cannot be forcibly
removed.
WOMAN'S VOICE
You are an imperfect being...
created by an imperfect being.
Finding your weakness is only a
matter of time.
Suddenly three Borg drones converge on Data with
various wicked-looking Borg devices. One of the Borg
has a specialized cybernetic ARM, which EXTRUDES a
series of stiletto-tipped DRILL SPIKES. As the six-
inch spikes begin to BORE INTO Data's head...
CUT TO:
71 EXT. MONTANA - RESURRECTION CITY - DAY 71
Resurrection is a small town -- around 1,000 people --
a rural, Western community that's probably existed for
at least two hundred years, and we can see the roots of
the original ranching community in some of the
architecture. But it's also a community of the 21st
century.
The most striking feature of the town is that it sits
in the middle of nearly a hundred WIND MILLS, which
provide the only source of power for the town. The
blades are enormous, but the structures supporting them
are little more than simple poles. Some are sleek,
fiberglass, futuristic... others have a more cobbled
together, make-shift appearance. At the moment, only
a few blades are turning in the gentle breeze.
Picard and Beverly emerge from the nearby woods
carrying the stretcher. They exchange a look at the
sight of the city and then head toward it...
72 EXT. RESURRECTION CITY - DAY 72
A few minutes later. Picard and Beverly carrying
Cochrane down the street toward the hospital at the
end. As they walk along, we get our first taste of
post-apocalyptic 21st century life:
This is a recognizable American community, but it's
definitely a futuristic town. Clothing, architecture,
technology -- all have changed over the course of
seventy years. But it is a broken future. What used
to be high-tech public COMPUTER TERMINALS are rusted
and abandoned. We can see the corroded hulks of HOVER-
CARS lying idle in the streets. Futuristic elements
now useless.
At one point, they pass a large polyurethane TENT --
the inside surface is covered with condensation and we
can see the silhouettes of people moving within. The
entrance is guarded by a single Militia Guard. Later
we will learn that this is a primitive greenhouse, the
only place where they can grow uncontaminated food.
What used to be a McDonald's, or some other
recognizable food chain, has now been gutted and has
been turned into a kind of blacksmith shop. People are
fashioning metal into various tools using hammer and
tongs.
The sidewalks are populated with PEOPLE, who congregate
in small groups, quietly talking amongst themselves,
others just staring vacantly off into space. Many of
them have visible burn scars and damage to their bodies --
victims of the war and post-nuclear environmental
dangers. A few of them are applying a special lotion
to their arms and face -- protection against the toxic
elements. A long FOOD LINE snakes around a block, as
people line up to get their daily rations.
A few people glance up at Picard and Beverly with
curious or suspicious looks. This is not a community
that welcomes strangers. At one point, they see a man
dressed in futuristic CAMOUFLAGE carrying an automatic
weapon -- we will learn he's a MILITIA SOLDIER. He
stares at them with a neutral expression, then walks
off.
The people here have that hollow-eyed, listless look
about them. They're going through something that makes
the Great Depression look like a minor inconvenience.
But there's also a toughness to these people, a
resilience and determination to survive in the face of
overwhelming odds. We are looking at our future... and
it's on the verge of collapse.
CUT TO:
73 INT. HOSPITAL - EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY 73
A short time later. Cochrane is being lifted onto an
operating table. Picard and Beverly step back from the
table as a DOCTOR and two NURSES look him over. The
doctor is in his early fifties and has a weathered,
tired look to him. The hospital itself is like the
rest of the town -- a futuristic setting fallen on hard
times. The light in the room is provided mostly from
the sunlight streaming in through the windows. Light
bulbs and other gear flicker dimly around the hospital --
we get the feeling they have very little power.
DOCTOR
How long has he been unconscious?
BEVERLY
At least four hours.
He checks Cochran's head injury as Beverly takes out
her tricorder and scans him.
DOCTOR
It looks like he has a cranial
fracture, but I'll need X-rays to
be sure.
(to Nurse)
Get Ruby in here.
One of the nurses runs off.
BEVERLY
(off tricorder)
He has a severe fracture of the
left occipital plate. He's not
hemorrhaging... but the radiation
has damaged his KNA and his APR
cell count...
He looks at her curiously.
DOCTOR
"APR cell count?" What the hell
are you talking about?
PICARD
(quickly)
Doctor Crusher has been...
studying some advanced medical
theories.
NURSE
(re: tricorder)
What is that?
BEVERLY
It's a... new medical scanner.
It's a little more precise than an
X-ray machine.
The Doctor eyes it.
DOCTOR
Is it Japanese?
BEVERLY
Um... yeah.
(beat)
Now he's going to need a
respirator. Do you have one?
DOCTOR
We have two... but we don't have
the juice to run them.
PICARD
Juice?
DOCTOR
Power. There hasn't been a lot of
wind through here for the last
couple of weeks. Most of the
batteries are depleted.
BEVERLY
Don't you have any generators, or
other fuel sources?
The Doctor throws her an irritated look.
DOCTOR
Maybe you'd like to take your
patient to the hospital in
Bozemen... it's only two hundred
miles away.
Cochrane wheezes -- breathing becoming labored and
ragged. Beverly scans him, urgent.
BEVERLY
His automatic reflexes are
fluctuating. We've got to get him
on a respirator.
DOCTOR
(to Nurse)
Bag him.
The nurse picks up a portable respirator sack -- puts
it on Cochrane's face and squeezes the bag, forcing air
into Cochrane's lungs. Picard has been thinking
through this scene, finally has a solution.
PICARD
Beverly -- your tricorder.
She hands him her tricorder.
PICARD
(to Doctor)
Where's the battery room for the
hospital?
DOCTOR
I told you, there's no --
PICARD
Where?
DOCTOR
Outside, around back. Next to the
water tank.
Picard rushes out the doors. Beverly checks Cochrane's
pulse.
BEVERLY
His heartbeat's irregular...
Beverly climbs up on top of Cochrane, straddling him,
begins giving him 24th century CPR. She takes charge.
BEVERLY
Adrenaline -- ten CC's!
As they rush to save him.
74 EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY 74
The back of the building. Picard rushes out and spots
an old, dilapidated BATTERY UNIT providing power to the
hospital. He quickly yanks off the back panel,
revealing a tangle of wires, and several large
batteries. He kneels down, then removes the back of
the tricorder.
75 CLOSE ON TRICORDER 75
as Picard pulls out a small POWER CELL -- about half
the size of a dime. The blinkies on the tricorder go
out.
76 PICARD 76
holds the power cell with one hand, and starts pulling
out wires from the batteries with the other.
77 INT. HOSPITAL - EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY 77
As before. Beverly, the doctor and the nurse trying to
save Cochrane.
BEVERLY
(pumping his chest)
One... two... three... compress!
The nurse squeezes the bag. Suddenly the room is
filled with the HUM of POWER and ALL OF THE LIGHTS AND
EQUIPMENT COME TO LIFE. Monitors blinking, fluorescent
lights flashing on. Everyone reacts with shock.
78 INT. HOSPITAL WARD - DAY 78
It's filled with patients. The lights and equipment
here FLASH ON, as well. Doctors and patients alike
react with surprise.
79 INT. HOSPITAL - EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY 79
Picard enters. They've placed a RESPIRATOR down
Cochrane's throat, and attached electrodes to his
chest. Beverly has just finished giving him an
injection with a hypospray. The heart monitor in the
background is now beating regularly. The doctor turns
to Picard.
DOCTOR
What did you do to the batteries?
PICARD
Oh... just a little tinkering.
How is he?
BEVERLY
He's stable... for now.
(with meaning)
But it would be better if we could
contact... our friends.
PICARD
Yes. But until then, you'll have
to make do with what you've got.
BEVERLY
That'll be interesting.
A WOMAN'S VOICE:
RUBY'S VOICE
What happened to him?
Everyone turns.
80 NEW ANGLE 80
revealing RUBY SLOANE standing at the front of
Cochrane's bed. A striking woman in her mid-to-late
thirties -- dark hair, tall, lean, beautiful under
normal circumstances but at the moment she's not at her
best, it looks like she's just come in from a hard
day's work. She's wearing an old lab coat. But the
most striking quality of all is the innate intelligence
we can see in her eyes.
She's looking directly at Picard for an answer. Picard
realizes he has to say something. He looks into her
eyes and there is a moment here -- a brief spark of
chemistry that in normal circumstances the Captain just
might follow up. But at the moment, he shoves that
electric feeling aside and tries to give her an answer.
PICARD
There was some kind of explosion
out at the missile silo...
She looks at him for a moment, her eyes boring into him
without expression, as though probing the truthfulness
of his statement.
DOCTOR
Ruby, we're going to need a series
of cranial X-rays tonight.
RUBY
(nods)
I have a fresh set of plates at
home. I'll have them here by
eight.
She turns back to Cochrane, moves to his side, gently
takes his hand and looks at him with sad affection.
RUBY
(quiet)
Take care of him. He's a very
special man.
PICARD
Yes, he is.
She looks up at Picard, and again there's a slight
feeling of chemistry in the air. And then she turns
and starts to walk out of the room. Picard's combadge
BEEPS. Reactions.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to Picard.
RUBY
(stopping)
I think there's someone in your
pants.
PICARD
Excuse me. I have a... telephone
call.
Picard takes a few steps away, pulls the combadge out
of his pants pocket, taps it. Ruby watches him a beat,
then walks out of the room.
PICARD
Picard here.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Captain, we have a problem. I
think you'd better get back here.
PICARD
I'm on my way. Picard out.
Picard moves to Beverly.
PICARD
(sotto)
I have to go back to the silo.
Will you be all right?
BEVERLY
I'll be fine.
(re: Cochrane)
He's a different story.
Beverly begins examining the medical equipment she'll
have to work with as Picard exits...
81 EXT. RESURRECTION CITY STREET - DAY 81
A short time later. Picard walking down the main
street back toward the gates. People passing him,
taking no notice of him...Picard's mind thinking
ahead. He happens to glance down a side street, then
he stops.
82 NEW ANGLE 82
Looking down the side street. Ruby, the mysterious
woman from the hospital, is walking along with a camera
bag now slung over her shoulder. She stops for a
moment as she passes the hulk of a burnt-out old hover
car... stares at it...then pulls a home-made
FUTURISTIC CAMERA out of her bag and snaps a picture of
the car. She continues on her way. Picard is
intrigued -- wonders about this woman and what it is
she could be taking a picture of. Just then --
MAN'S VOICE
Catch.
Picard turns just in time to catch a small, metal
canister with a screw-top.
The man who threw it steps into view. It's LIEUTENANT
SCRIMM. Scrimm is the head of the town's militia.
While not a physically threatening man, there is a
quietly disturbing quality about him which conveys an
intelligence laced with a tightly reined volatility.
He's wearing futuristic combat fatigues and always
carries a sidearm. Before the war, Scrimm was probably
one of the "survivalists" who used to be dismissed as
radicals until their predictions of Armageddon came
true. At the moment, Scrimm is presenting his
friendliest face to Picard.
SCRIMM
(pleasant)
Think you'll need that.
Picard eyes the canister, not sure what to make of it.
SCRIMM
It's no zone solution.
(off his look)
You know. "No ozone."
He points to the sky.
PICARD
Oh... yes... ultraviolet
protection. Thank you.
Mister...?
SCRIMM
Lieutenant, actually. Lieutenant
Jonathan Scrimm. I'm the head of
the Resurrection Protective Force.
(beat)
And you are?
PICARD
Jean-Luc Picard.
SCRIMM
Great name. French?
PICARD
Yes.
SCRIMM
You don't sound French.
Scrimm is still smiling at him, but his eyes never
leave Picard.
PICARD
I was raised in England and here
in the States. Thank you for
the... no zone.
Picard begins to walk away, not wanting to engage any
citizens of the town. Scrimm falls in next to him.
SCRIMM
Where in the States?
PICARD
Oh... here and there. You know
how it is.
SCRIMM
Not really. I was born and raised
right here. Never had much use
for travel.
He casually steps in front of Picard, blocking his way.
SCRIMM
Where are you from most recently?
PICARD
(thinking fast)
California. San Francisco.
SCRIMM
Beautiful city. Used to be,
anyway. I didn't think anyone
still lived there.
PICARD
There's a few of us left.
Picard steps around him and continues walking down the
street. Scrimm waits a beat, then walks after him
again.
SCRIMM
That was a pretty clever trick you
did with the hospital's batteries.
How'd you do it?
PICARD
It wasn't a trick. I used to be
an electrical engineer.
SCRIMM
Huh.
He steps in front of Picard again, still pleasant but
a little bit of a smile fading from his face. Picard
realizes he isn't going to shake this man so easily.
SCRIMM
And what were you doing out at the
missile silo?
PICARD
I'm an old friend of Cochrane's...
I wanted to see how he was doing.
SCRIMM
Lucky for him you came by when you
did. He might be dead now.
PICARD
Yes.
SCRIMM
Maybe you can tell me what he's
been doing in that silo. We heard
some explosions out there this
morning...
PICARD
I think he was running a test on
an old rocket engine... and one of
the fuel cells burst.
Scrimm eyes him evenly.
SCRIMM
You seem to have an answer for
everything.
PICARD
Something wrong with that?
SCRIMM
Not yet.
A tense beat. Then Scrimm smiles easily.
SCRIMM
(re: balm)
Be sure you put that on. You need
a lot of protection around here.
He holds Picard's eyes for a moment.
PICARD
Thank you. But I've never had
much trouble protecting myself.
Now it's Picard's turn to smile pleasantly at Scrimm.
Picard walks around him and heads for the gates.
Scrimm watches him go with a thoughtful expression --
clearly, he's more than a little suspicious...
CUT TO:
83 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 83
in orbit of Earth.
84 INT. CORRIDOR 84
Worf and a large SECURITY DETACHMENT -- a dozen or so
men and women -- are moving down the Corridor with grim
looks on their faces. They are carrying new powerful-
looking phaser rifles and other equipment. The feeling
is of an elite combat squad heading for a dangerous
mission. They stop at one point and Worf lifts up a
DECKPLATE, exposing a large HATCH in the floor. Worf
hits his combadge.
WORF
Worf to Bridge. We're in
position.
85 INT. BRIDGE 85
Riker in command, Troi nearby. Riker is standing at
the security station looking at a monitor which
displays a schematic graphic of the ship. The position
of the security team is flashing -- we can see they are
on Deck 46.
RIKER
This is the Bridge. I'm releasing
the emergency force fields.
He nods to Troi, who works a console.
86 INT. CORRIDOR 86
Worf and his team watch as the FORCEFIELD protecting
the hatch flashes off. Worf reaches down and releases
the hatch, which slides open with a soft whoosh. He
glances at his men for a moment, then JUMPS down the
hatch...
87 INT. DECK 47 - CORRIDOR 87
As Worf lands on his feet. The light is dim, no power
on this deck, hard to see. He looks around warily for
a moment, phaser at-the-ready, then activates his wrist
beacon. We immediately notice that we can see Worf's
breath -- it's freezing cold down here. He shines the
light around the darkened corridor, then silently
motions his arm for the others to follow. A beat, then
we see the security officers start to drop into the
corridor from the hatch above...
88 NEW ANGLE - CORRIDOR 88
As Worf's squad spreads out along the hall, weapons at-
the-ready, everyone alert with fingers on the triggers.
We see that the phaser rifles are equipped with their
own light sources, intended to illuminate the target
before you shoot at it. The Security Officers are
constantly moving their lights back and forth through
the chilly air. Worf gives hand signals -- holds up
two fingers, then a fist, and points forward.
Two Guards trot down the corridor about fifteen feet,
stop, and take up firing positions... then two more
members of the team run down, leap frog ahead of them
and take positions further down the corridor. Classic
military deployment. Worf starts scanning with a
tricorder.
WORF
(hits combadge)
Worf to Bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here.
WORF
There's a dampening field in place
on this deck. Our tricorders are
useless.
The team continue to explore Deck 47. It's spooky,
eerie, a sense of menace around every corner. They
open doors, check room by room, section by section,
still no sign of the Borg in the freezing cold
darkness.
90 ANGLE ON SECURITY GUARD 90
The Corridor directly ahead has been stripped of wall,
ceiling and deck panels -- all the normal decorative
Enterprise sheathing is gone, revealing the circuitry
and machinery of the ship itself. Unlike the rest of
the corridors, there does appear to be POWER flowing
through some of the conduits up ahead, and it gives off
an eerie glow.
We can also see that some of the machinery has been
altered and changed -- not just the neat and orderly
arrangement you'd expect to find behind bulkheads --
there's a sense of cross-circuitry, re-wiring,
equipment being rearranged. Clearly, a lot of work has
gone on in this area of the ship. Worf steps forward,
examines the corridor closely.
ENSIGN HAWK
What the hell is going on?
WORF
Borg...
Worf signals the team forward, and they slowly begin
picking their way down the Borgified Corridor. It's
not easy -- they have to choose their footing carefully
as they walk through the maze of cables, circuits, and
machinery... Ensign Hawk accidentally steps on some
circuitry, which gives off a BEEP. The entire team
suddenly whirls their lights and weapons on the
unfortunate Ensign, who pales at their sudden attention.
Worf looks irritated, then motions his team to continue
their search. They continue making their way down the
spooky corridor... and as they turn a corner...
92 NEW ANGLE - ANOTHER CORRIDOR 92
where the machinery is now THICKER and more BORG-LIKE
in appearance. Tubes and cabling hang down from the
ceiling. If anything, it's even colder in here. The
deeper they go, the worse it gets. We can now hear a
low, sinister HUM of alien power. At the end of this
corridor is the ENVIROMENTAL CONTROL ROOM, as seen
earlier. The entire doorway is gone -- and a weird
pulsing GLOW fills the room. Worf stops his team at
the sight. From this vantage, we cannot see directly
into the room, but clearly something is going on in
there.
Worf signals his men to spread out, and they take up
positions around the Corridor, all weapons trained on
Environmental Control.
WORF
Worf to Bridge. We're about to
enter the Environmental Control
Room.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Any sign of Data, or the Borg
themselves?
As Work and Riker continue talking, we MOVE TO Ensign
Hawk, who is now the last man in the formation,
covering the rear. He's shining his phaser-beacon into
the empty darkness. He can't help looking back over
his shoulder at the rest of the team and the distant
Environmental Control Room -- that seems to be where
the action is. As he turns, his beacon moves with him,
throwing the Corridor behind them in and out of
darkness.
WORF
(continuing)
Negative. However, they've
reconfigured the ODN network...
and re-routed all power on this
deck into Environmental Control.
As Worf speaks, Ensign Hawk turns back, but this time
when he shines his beacon into the darkness, something
MOVES in the distance -- a shadow. The Ensign freezes,
brings his rifle up. But did he see it, or was it his
imagination?
A tense beat as he waits, heart pounding... but nothing
happens. On the wall next to his head we see what can
only be described as a BIO-MECHANISTIC CABLE creeping
out of the wall... which begins slowly heading for the
Ensign's neck. Just as he begins to sense that
something is happening behind him, the cable WHIPS OUT
around his neck and YANKS him deep into the bed of
circuitry in the blink of an eye -- the motion so fast
we have trouble following it.
Worf turns his head at the sound.
WORF
Stand by, Commander
(to team)
Where's Ensign Hawk?
Everyone looks around, surprised that he's not there.
Everyone is alert, keyed up. The tension is thick.
Utter silence, except for the hum of the machinery and
the frosty breathing of the team.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Worf? Is something wrong?
WORF
Something is very wrong,
Commander. We're falling back.
Worf gives hand signals for the team to move out. But
just as they start to fall back, everything happens at
once.
93 BORG DRONES 93
EXPLODE OUT OF THE WALLS, CEILING AND FLOOR! What
follows is a BLUR of action happening so fast and
furious we never get a true sense of what's happening.
A flurry of violence and motion and images:
-- A snarling Borg face -- half-human, half-machine, a
cybernetic nightmare.
-- Strange, bio-mechanical WEAPONS extruding from Borg
bodies, RIPPING into human flesh.
-- A crewmember PULLED into a bed of machinery.
WORF
Fire at will!
But the Borg are already on top of them. It's a brutal
fight in close quarters with no escape.
Phasers and Borg lasers lighting up the corridor,
bodies flying through the air... utter chaos and
terror. The fight goes hand to hand and Worf sees that
they don't have a chance...
WORF
(throwing off a Borg)
Fall back!
The team starts backpedaling, FIRING as they go...but
the Borg are unstoppable now -- they put up personal
force fields to protect themselves.
WORF
Go, go, GO!
Worf pushes his men down the corridor. Everyone turns
and RUNS like hell. Worf bends down and grabs a
frightened Lieutenant by the collar, pulling him along.
94 VARIOUS SHOTS: 94
-- The team running through the corridors, SHOOTING
behind them at the pursuing Borg, to no effect...
-- Two of the Borg raise their arms and FIRE LASER
BURSTS out of their arms and wrists, taking DOWN two
Security Guards. Worf sees them fall but there's no
time to go back.
95 INT. DECK 46 - CORRIDOR 95
As Worf's team starts CLIMBING UP and out the dark
hatch in the floor seen earlier.
96 INT. DECK 47 - CORRIDOR 96
As the last member of Worf's team climbs out to safety.
The Borg swarm is about to overpower Worf. He quickly
hits a few controls on his phaser, sets it to overload.
We hear the building WHINE. He JUMPS straight up into
the air, GRABBING onto the hatch rim, pulling himself
up. He barely manages to vanish from view just as the
phaser EXPLODES in a FIERY BLAST, taking out several of
the Borg drones.
97 INT. DECK 46 - CORRIDOR 97
The conclusive BLAST comes up through the hatch,
causing Worf to duck for a moment.
Worf reaches out to close the hatch, when a BORG HAND
bursts up from below and GRABS his forearm. It's a
test of strength. Worf reaches over with his other
arm, hits a control and the hatch SLIDES CLOSED,
SEVERING the Borg arm in a shower of sparks.
WORF
Worf to Bridge -- force fields!
The force field FLASHES into place. Worf and his team
sit there a moment, catching their breath, stunned at
what they've just been through.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
What the hell happened down there,
Worf?
WORF
Commander... we have a problem.
OFF Worf's shaken expression...
CUT TO:
98 INT. MISSILE SILO - CATWALK - DAY 98
Geordi and Picard are walking down the catwalk ladders
toward the missile's massive engines. Now that the
smoke has cleared and the place has been cleared up a
bit, we get our first good look at the ship and the
damage done in the Borg attack.
GEORDI
(on the move)
Cochrane was going to use this
solid rocket booster to lift the
ship into orbit. Before the warp
drive took over... everything
would depend on these old chemical
engines.
(beat)
Now here's the problem...
They arrive at a point on the fuselage where we can see
a large section of the engines have been BLASTED AWAY,
leaving a deep, ugly SCAR -- broken conduit lines,
wires that now lead to nothing. It's clear that a key
piece of equipment has been destroyed.
GEORDI
(re: damage)
This used to be the throttle valve
assembly.
(observing it)
It controls the thrust of the
engines. It's been completely
vaporized... and without it,
there's no way to launch the ship.
PICARD
Can you reconstruct the throttle
valve?
GEORDI
Yeah... if I knew what it looked
like. There's probably five
hundred ways to design a valve
like this...
PICARD
We need to launch this ship in
under eighteen hours...
(beat)
There must be some design
schematics... blueprints...
GEORDI
We're tearing this place apart
looking for them... but the
computers are down, and the fires
destroyed half the files...so
far, nothing.
They look at the damage in frustration.
GEORDI
If it was just part of the warp
drive, I'd know what to do. But
this... it's like trying to
rebuild Orville Wright's airplane
with canvass and sticks.
Picard thinks, remembers something.
PICARD
Wait a minute...
99 INT. CONTROL ROOM 99
Moments later. Picard and Geordi are looking at the
three cloth-printed photographs seen earlier -- the
headshot of Cochrane and two different angles of the
three cloth-printed photographs seen earlier -- the
warp ship with people working on it. Picard spreads
them out on the desk.
GEORDI
Yeah, I looked at these already.
Geordi points to a photo of the ship -- a worker is
walking in front of the throttle assembly, blocking
most of it from view.
GEORDI
You can almost see the throttle
assembly in this one... but this
guy walked in front of it when
they took the picture.
Picard considers, absently sticks his hand in his
jacket pocket. He pulls out the canister of balm
Scrimm gave him and tosses it onto the table.
PICARD
Could you reconstruct the throttle
from a photograph like this... if
that man wasn't blocking the view?
Geordi thinks it over.
GEORDI
Maybe...
(beat)
Sure. Yeah. As long as I could
get a clear look at the intake
configuration. But so far, we
haven't found any other photos.
PICARD
(staring at photos)
If there are other photographs...
I think I may know how to find
them.
CUT TO:
100 INT. BORG HIVE 100
It's a while later, and the Borg are making progress.
Data is strapped to the table, PANELS open on his HEAD
and CHEST. Three Borg drones are working methodically
on his inner-circuitry. The jagged voice of the woman
cuts in:
WOMAN'S VOICE
Your resistance is... illogical.
To us, your neural net is simply
another piece of technology. We
will learn its secrets.
Data stares at the murky ceiling.
DATA
Who are you?
WOMAN'S VOICE
I am the Borg.
DATA
That is a contradiction. The Borg
act as a collective consciousness.
There are no individuals.
WOMAN'S VOICE
I am the beginning... the end. I
am the one who is many. I am the
Borg.
Out of the mist that hugs the top of the room DESCENDS
the BORG QUEEN.
She is unlike any of the Borg drones we've ever seen --
a humanoid female with conduits and tubes running out
of her body. She has no legs. Her torso is SUSPENDED
by a complex rig of CABLES and HYDRAULICS. Her face
and upper-torso are much more humanoid, with the pasty-
pale white of Borg flesh. Her EYES have a silvery
glint to them. Her demeanor is seductive and sensual
in contrast to the harsh, mechanical surroundings. She
is an eerie blend of two worlds -- organic and
mechanical.
With the soft HISS of hydraulics, she LOWERS herself
down to where her face is very close to that of Data's.
Her features are almost angelic, but the silvery glint
in her eyes betrays an inner-darkness.
DATA
You are the guiding intelligence
behind the Borg...?
BORG QUEEN
Intelligence... ambition...
desire... I bring order to
chaos...
She studies his face with a certain child-like quality.
BORG QUEEN
It's unfortunate we will have to
destroy you to obtain the
information we need. You are a...
unique lifeform.
(beat)
Synthetic... and yet far more than
a simple automaton.
You have no idea how close to
perfection you are.
She stares at him intently, and we get the hint that
her interest in Data may go beyond simple assimilation.
She seems fascinated by him. Data picks up on this.
DATA
How do you define perfection?
The Queen opens her arms slightly, clearly indicating
herself.
BORG QUEEN
A blending of the organic and the
synthetic. The highest form of
life in the galaxy.
Data eyes her, considering.
DATA
An interesting definition. But it
is not one that applies to me. I
am completely artificial. I have
no organic components.
She looks at him as a new thought crosses her mind.
She might've just found the chink in Data's armor.
BORG QUEEN
Have you ever wondered what it's
like to have flesh?
DATA
It is impossible to imagine
sensations for which I have no
frame of reference.
She smiles.
BORG QUEEN
That... can change.
The Queen looks to the three Borg drones and gives them
a silent command. The drones immediately stop working
on Data's open panels... and shift their attention to
his right ARM. One of the drones tears off the sleeve
on Data's uniform, exposing his bare arm. Another then
uses a small cutting device to SLICE OFF the synthetic
skin from Data's arm. As Data prepares himself for the
worst...
101 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR 101
THREE armored SECURITY GUARDS with phaser rifles run
into view, hit a control panel on the wall. A giant
EMERGENCY BULKHEAD comes SLAMMING down, cutting off the
rest of the corridor.
The security guards turn to run down the hall, but then
there is a high-pitched shriek of wrenching metal.
They drop to the deck and take combat stances.
GUARD #1
Set phasers to rotating
modulation!
They make adjustments to their weapons just as the
bulkhead doors EXPLODE INWARD in a blinding flash. The
guards shield themselves against the fire and debris...
looks up just in time to see the swift and lethal
shapes of the BORG jumping through the smashed
bulkhead, racing down the corridor toward them. The
guards FIRE, and when they do the PHASER BLASTS
alternate color -- red, blue, green, purple, orange --
a staccato of colors as the phasers shift frequency.
The phaser blasts TAKE DOWN a few of the BORG... but
then we see the distinctive PERSONAL FORCEFIELDS of the
other Borg begin to compensate, and the phasers no
longer affect them.
GUARD #1
That's it, they've adjusted --
fall back!
They turn to run but BORG PHASER FIRE lances out from
the Borg soldiers and RIPS them apart.
CUT TO:
102 INT. BRIDGE 102
The mood is tense, grim. Riker, Worf and Troi are
gathered around a SCHEMATIC of the ENTERPRISE. The
lower portion of the ship has been blocked off by
the color RED, representing the Borg advance through
the ship. A they watch, another section of
compartments and corridors suddenly turn RED.
Riker lets out a wary breath, starts pointing to
various points along the schematic.
RIKER
All right... we've lost control of
eight decks... three Cargo Bays...
one Shuttlebay.
TROI
Do we have any idea how many Borg
we're dealing with?
WORF
We saw at least thirty...and
there are twenty-two Enterprise
crewmembers reported missing...
including Commander Data.
RIKER
We'll have to assume they've been
assimilated into the Collective.
TROI
Even Data?
WORF
Data's positronic net contains
classified information on the
Enterprise. Command codes,
security protocols...
RIKER
If they control Data, they control
the ship.
A grim beat.
RIKER
We can't worry about that right
now. Let's concentrate on what we
can.
They stare at the schematic.
WORF
To control the Enterprise, they'll
have to gain access to one of two
locations. Main Engineering... or
the Bridge.
RIKER
We have to cover both
possibilities.
(to Troi)
We'll take care of the Bridge.
Worf, take your men and seal off
Main Engineering. Turn it into a
fortress -- nothing gets in.
Worf nods and EXITS. As Riker and Troi exchange a
tense look...
CUT TO:
103 EXT. RESURRECTION CITY - HOSPITAL - NIGHT 103
The hospital is completely LIT UP -- the only building
in town with this much power.
104 INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT 104
Picard walks down the hall, stops outside a door marked
"X-RAY PROCESSING." The RED LIGHT is on above the
door, but that means nothing to Picard... who opens the
door and steps inside...
105 INT. X-RAY PROCESSING ROOM 105
Much like a traditional darkroom, trays of chemicals
and washes, etc. But everything has a slightly
futuristic and cobbled-together feel. They are
developing X-rays by hand instead of by machine. The
room is lit with an AMBER glow. As soon as Picard
opens the door, we hear Ruby's voice:
RUBY'S VOICE
Shut that door!
Picard quickly shuts the door behind him, looks around
the room. Ruby, who's working at a tray of chemicals,
turns around in fury.
RUBY
What are you, an idiot? Didn't
you see the red light was on?
PICARD
Ah... yes... but, I didn't realize
that --
RUBY
Thank God this plate was already
fixed.
She pulls down a small pane of glass (probably from a
window) out of a tub of water... holds it up to the
light. And there on the glass is a X-RAY of a man's
SKULL. Picard moves to her.
PICARD
(re: X-ray)
Cochrane?
RUBY
Yes... and I only had enough
silver halide for one shot. So
you're lucky you didn't screw it
up.
PICARD
I'm very sorry.
She glances at him, sees he feels genuinely bad. She
softens a little.
RUBY
Don't worry about it.
She picks up a rubber squeegee and carefully starts to
dry off the pane of glass.
RUBY
Did you need something?
PICARD
Yes... I wanted to ask you about
some photographs I saw out at the
silo. There were three of them...
printed on some kind of fabric.
RUBY
Bed sheets.
(off his look)
I used my last set of bed sheets to
make those prints. Not the best
material, but I haven't seen a
clean piece of paper in five
years.
PICARD
Did you take any other pictures of
the rocket?
The X-ray is now dry, and Ruby turns and looks at him.
RUBY
Sure.
(jokingly)
Why, did you want to buy them?
Picard doesn't realize she was kidding -- jumps on the
opportunity to get the photos.
PICARD
Yes. I don't have any money right
now, but I may be able to get
some.
Ruby looks at him for a moment -- is he serious? She
gives him a curious smile.
RUBY
"Money." So you can get dome
money...
PICARD
I can try.
RUBY
You'd have to try real hard. No
one's used currency in over ten
years. What are you, from another
planet?
Picard hesitates, smiles at her, tries to laugh it off.
PICARD
No... but sometimes I feel that
way.
(beat)
What I meant was, I'd be willing
to trade for the photographs.
RUBY
Trade. Okay. The photographs...
for a straight answer.
(beat)
Who are you? And how do you know
Zephram?
PICARD
I'm an old friend... I met him
when he was doing his
undergraduate work at Cornell back
in --
RUBY
(cuts him off)
'Fraid not.
Ruby walks past him with the X-ray...
106 INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS 106
Picard follows Ruby out into the corridor. She has a
satisfied smile on her face -- it's not easy to put one
over on this woman. And the truth is, she's enjoying
Picard's frustration. As they walk along...
PICARD
What?
RUBY
(casual)
You're lying.
PICARD
What makes you say that?
RUBY
You're not someone who lies very
easily... so it's obvious when you
do... at least to me.
PICARD
Are you always sucha good judge
of character?
She stops, turns, looks at him.
RUBY
Always.
Ruby turns and walks off. Picard follows her, doggedly
determined to get those photos...
107 INT. HOSPITAL - EMERGENCY ROOM - NIGHT 107
Beverly is holding the X-ray glass Ruby made up to the
light, as the Doctor seen earlier looks on.
BEVERLY
The occipital fracture is
widening... we're going to have
to fuse the bones...
DOCTOR
I'm a little worried about some of
these bone fragments. If they
move any closer to the brain, we
could be looking at a hemorrhage.
As Beverly and the Doctor examine the X-ray, we MOVE TO
Ruby, who's looking down at Cochrane. He's still in
bed and on a respirator. She smoothes his hair with
affection. Picard stands on the other side of the bed,
watching her.
PICARD
Were the two of you... involved?
RUBY
No... not like you and Doctor
Crusher used to be.
PICARD
(surprised)
How did you know about that?
Ruby looks at him with a smile.
RUBY
I didn't.
Her smile widens, and then she leaves the bed to join
the Doctor and Beverly. Picard shakes his head and
smiles after her -- chagrinned and amused at the same
time.
RUBY
(to Doctor)
We can't take any more X-rays
until I can mix up a new batch of
the silver halide.
DOCTOR
Can you do it tonight? We may
have to operate.
RUBY
Sure. It'll be ready by morning.
Ruby turns and heads for the door. Picard moves after
her.
PICARD
Ruby... I need to talk to you
about those photographs. It's
very important.
RUBY
I'm sure it is. But it'll have to
wait until tomorrow.
PICARD
It can't wait until tomorrow...
RUBY
Too bad.
(beat)
Besides, it'll give you all night
to think up a new set of lies.
She flashes him that smile again, then darts out the
door. Picard is left frustrated -- he knows that he
can't let it go at that...
CUT TO:
108 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING 108
Worf and a team of TEN SECURITY GUARDS are preparing
for battle. They're setting up large, heavy-duty
phaser equivalents of machine guns -- big, mean-looking
weapons on tripods. There are two of these weapons
aimed at each entrance to Engineering. The Security
Officers are strapping on body armor, checking weapons,
building makeshift barricades over each of the doors.
Worf is in command, directing the action.
WORF
(to team)
Double check each assault
phaser... make certain that the
range setting is no more than
thirty meters. We don't want to
blast through the hull.
Worf turns and picks up his BAT'LETH SWORD off a nearby
console. He checks the sharpness of the blade.
SECURITY OFFICER
Are you sure you don't want
something a little more...
sophisticated, sir?
WORF
Mind your post, Lieutenant.
The Lieutenant decides not to pursue the matter and
moves off. Worf makes a quick practiced motion with
the sword... decides he's ready.
109 INT. BRIDGE 109
Riker and Troi watching the schematic.
Riker works a control and the display ZOOMS IN to
display a cutaway view of the ship highlighting
Engineering and the surrounding deck. A SWARM of DOTS
representing the Borg is advancing on Engineering.
RIKER
(to com)
Riker to Engineering. Mister
Worf...the Borg are approaching
your position.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Understood. We're ready.
Riker and Troi watch as the DOTS move closer...
closer...right up to the perimeter of Engineering.
The dots begin surrounding Engineering -- which looks
like it's being swarmed over by a sea of ants.
110 INT. ENGINEERING 110
As before. The security guards have taken positions
around the room, all weapons trained on the doors.
Worf is standing in front of the warp core, Bat'leth in-
hand.
WORF
(calls out)
Charge weapons!
A massive HUM of power fills the room as all of the
phaser weapons begin charging. It's tense -- everyone
standing ready with their weapons charging. This is
the moment of truth.
Worf stands ready, phaser in one hand, Bat'leth in the
other. This is Worf at his purest -- the warrior ready
for battle.
111 INT. BRIDGE 111
Riker and Troi, as before, watching the schematic of
the ship. The DOTS representing Borg have now
completely surrounded Engineering on all sides,
including the deck directly above and below. In
essence, the Borg have cocooned Engineering from the
rest of the ship.
112 INT. ENGINEERING 112
As before. Worf and the security team in their
positions, tense. A few beats of silence...then they
start to hear soft SCRATCHING coming from somewhere
behind the walls -- it sounds like rats skittering
through the walls and ceiling of an old house.
Everyone stays alert, checks and re-checks their
weapons... a couple of hard swallows... then from
somewhere up above a LOUD, METALLIC CLANG. Then a
large, SCRAPING SOUND that seems to start at one end of
the room and travel to the other. There's an
overpowering sense of creatures just outside those
walls, moving about. It's unnerving, even for crack
Starfleet troops.
113 INT. BRIDGE 113
Riker and Troi watching the display. The Borg dots
teeming around Engineering like ants on a candy bar.
114 INT. ENGINEERING 114
The clawing, skittering, clanging noises increase and
get louder...
... we expect to see the Borg bursting into the room at
any moment. Worf tightens his grip on his Bat'leth,
teeth bared. Unbearable tension and then...
The noises begin to FADE AWAY... eventually
disappearing all together. If anything, the silence is
even scarier. Worf's eyes narrow. He looks around the
room, all his senses alert, waiting for the slightest
sign of the Borg... but nothing happens.
115 INT. BRIDGE 115
Riker and Troi react to the diagram as the Borg dots
begin moving away from Engineering. It looks like the
swarm of ants have left the candy bar and are on the
ground, moving toward the forward part of the ship.
TROI
They're bypassing Engineering...
RIKER
Where the hell are they going?
OFF the mystery...
CUT TO:
116 INT. BORG HIVE 116
CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE. His eyes are closed -- he is in
the android equivalent of sleep. CAMERA ROTATING and
PUSHING IN on his face as we hear the overlapping
sounds of VOICES from Data's past -- Picard, Riker,
Troi, the Enterprise crew, aliens he's met, Data's own
voice... bits and pieces of his life...
The theme of the sound bites should be Data's quest for
humanity: Picard giving him advice, Troi counseling
him, Soong talking to his son, etc. The last line of
dialogue we hear is Data saying "I want to be more
human."
BORG QUEEN'S VOICE
Data...
Data's eyes fly open, now awake. We PULL BACK
revealing that Data is still strapped to the Borg
operating table... his right arm and shoulder are
encased in some kind of strange cybernetic SHELL,
obscured from view. Clear tubes run out of the shell
into Borg machinery -- liquid is coursing through the
tubes. A couple of Borg drones are moving about the
room, carrying out various tasks.
There's been a change since we've been here last.
There are now several Plexiglass CYLINDERS surrounding
Data's table -- each of them filled with some kind of
murky red fluid, which is swirling around. Every once
in awhile, something that looks like RAW FLESH bumps up
against the clear Plexiglass, then disappears again.
We don't know what these tubes are for, but they're
definitely creepy.
Data takes all this in, but there is nothing he can do,
he's still immobilized.
Suddenly the table ROTATES and begins to MOVE up toward
the mist and cabling at the top of the ceiling. It
stops a few feet away... and Data finds himself face-to-
face with the Borg Queen again.
BORG QUEEN
You've taken your first step
toward perfection. How does it
feel?
DATA
I do not know what you are
referring to.
BORG QUEEN
That's because you haven't been
properly... stimulated yet.
A WHOOSH of hydraulic power signals another movement by
the Borg Queen. She slithers through the air and down
slightly, so that she is on the same level as Data.
She looks at the cybernetic shell that is encasing
Data's right arm, which OPENS at her silent command and
moves away...
We can now see that all of the skin has been removed
from Data's right arm, showing the INNER-WORKINGS of
his android limb -- circuitry and servos, etc. But on
the top of the mechanical forearm there is something
new -- a small PATCH of HUMAN FLESH held in place with
various nasty-looking hooks and clamps and small tubes
carrying blood. It's a delicate, fragile piece of
organic life on an ugly, mechanical surface.
Data looks down at the patch of flesh with a little
puzzlement.
BORG QUEEN
(re: flesh)
Do you know what this is, Data?
DATA
It would appear that you are
attempting to graft organic skin
onto my endo-skeletal structure.
BORG QUEEN
What a cold description... for
such a beautiful gift.
She smiles slightly, utterly confident. She leans her
face in close to Data's still immobilized right arm.
117 EXTREME CLOSE UP - DATA'S ARM 117
We are so close to the patch of flesh that we can see
the individual hairs. The Borg Queen's LIPS move into
frame, and she EXHALES a long and sensuous breath. We
see GOOSE BUMPS form on the skin, and the hairs stand
straight up in response.
118 NEW ANGLE 118
As Data's eyes widen and he looks down at the skin in
surprise -- this is a sensation he's never felt before.
The Borg Queen sees the look on his face and smiles.
BORG QUEEN
Was that good for you?
Data can barely describe the sensation. But clearly,
it was pleasurable.
DATA
It was... interesting.
He looks at her.
DATA
Do it again... please.
As she smiles...
CUT TO:
119 EXT. RUBY'S HOUSE - NIGHT 119
A tiny, single-story house -- one or two rooms at the
most, in serious need of repair and maintenance. No
yard. The house sits on dirt. The nearest other
structure is at least a hundred yards away. A very
solitary place. The windows are dark, painted over
from the inside.
Some large pieces of exotic-looking EQUIPMENT are
sitting off the front porch.
After a beat, the front door opens, letting out a soft,
feeble light.
Ruby steps out onto the porch, carrying a gallon size
plastic jug. The light from the house now lights the
equipment a little, giving us a better view. There's
a contraption that appears to be a PUMP of some kind,
with a funnel on top, spigot at the bottom, and several
stages of filters and tubing in between. Ruby sets the
jug underneath the spigot... then sits down for a
moment on the edge of the porch. She takes a breath
and runs a hand through her hair, stretches her back,
trying to work out some of the kinks in her neck. An
exhausting day.
120 PICARD 120
is watching her intently from afar. He's concealed
behind a supporting beam of one the town's many
WINDMILLS. He's in shadow, hidden from Ruby's view.
121 RUBY 121
pulls off her jacket. she's wearing a pull-over
shirt... and in one motion she pulls off the shirt,
revealing only a tee-shirt underneath, sleeves torn off
long ago. She stands up... kicks off her boots...
undoes her pants... and begins sliding the jeans off
her hips...
122 PICARD 122
is surprised. Glances around, a little awkward. This
really isn't why he came out here.
123 RUBY 123
kicks aside the jeans. She's now down to tee-shirt and
panties. She grabs the bottom of the tee-shirt...
pulls it off...
124 PICARD 124
doesn't want to look, but can't help himself...
125 RUBY 125
moves to the side of the porch... and steps into a
large ENVIROMENTAL SUIT, a bulky one-piece with gloves
and helmet attached.
126 PICARD 126
is a little relieved... keeps watching...
127 RUBY 127
has now encased herself in the thick, rubbery suit...
pulls over a HELMET with a gas mask. She walks over to
an OIL DRUM marked with a distinctive BIO-HAZARD
SYMBOL. She carefully opens the lid... takes a metal
pitcher... reaches down into the drum and scoops out a
pitcher-full of TOXIC WASTE. She closes the lid, walks
over to the pump-filter contraption. She pours the
sludge-like waste into the funnel...primes the pump...
makes a few adjustments to the filters... and then
turns the spigot...
After a beat, a trickle of CLEAR LIQUID starts to come
out of the spigot. Ruby steps back and pulls off the
helmet.
128 PICARD 128
watches, curious about what she's doing...
129 RUBY 129
is now out of the bio-suit again... pulling on her
shirt and jeans... grabs her jacket... turns off the
lights in the house, and shuts the front door behind
her. She begins walking toward the windmill.
130 PICARD 130
steps behind the girder, stays very still in the
shadows... waits quietly as Ruby passes by the windmill
without a glance and heads into town. After she's
gone, Picard steps out from his hiding place, watches
her go, then quickly heads for Ruby's house...
131 FRONT PORCH 131
Picard opens the front door and goes inside... but he
doesn't notice that at the base of the doorjamb a small
RED LIGHT starts flashing -- some sort of silent alarm.
132 INT. RUBY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 132
Picard ENTERS and closes the door behind him. It's
dark. He fumbles around for a light switch... finally
locates one... and a soft, golden glow fills the room.
The house has only one room, which functions as a
living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc. This is also
Ruby's DARKROOM. The windows have been painted black,
and there are photographic plates and futuristic photo-
equipment all around. But the most striking feature of
the house are the large, hanging cloth-printed
PHOTOGRAPHS. They vary in size and shape. Some are
hanging on walls, others hang from the ceiling in mid-
air, still others are stacked on the few pieces of
furniture that's here. The absence of paper has forced
Ruby to print photos on anything she can find --
bed sheets, shirts, pieces of upholstery, backs of
carpeting, etc. Picard stands there for a moment,
taking in the scene -- he's never been in anyplace
quite like this. The cloth photos give the room a
feeling of a small, intensely personal gallery.
Picard moves around the room, looking from photo to
photo... hunting for the elusive shots of the missile
silo... and as he does, we get our first close look at
Ruby's images, and they tell us a great deal about
her...
She has an artistic eye for finding beauty in the
mundane and the ugly. There are pictures of hope
amidst despair... beauty amongst devastation. There
seems to be a theme running through the photographs --
a romantic, almost idealistic sense of optimism.
At one point, Picard finds a photograph he recognizes.
It's the rusted-out hover car she photographed on the
streets of Resurrection. It's an ugly, decrepit piece
of junk... but there in the center, spot-lighted by a
single ray of sunshine... is a tiny flower about to
bloom.
Picard takes in the image for a brief moment... then
pushes onward... goes to a file of photos sitting in a
box... begins sorting through them quickly... we see
PRE-WAR photos printed on real paper. They show a
younger Ruby with her parents... Resurrection the way
it used to look... Ruby with a dog...
Picard pauses, frowns... gets the odd feeling that
someone is watching him. He turns around to see...
133 HIMSELF 133
A three foot PHOTOGRAPH OF PICARD is drying in the air
behind him.
Ruby must've taken the photo when Picard was on the
street talking to Scrimm. It was taken through a
telephoto lens, a close-up of Picard's face -- he looks
focused, determined, heroic. It's a remarkable shot of
the Captain, and even Picard is a little taken aback by
the image. She's captured the essence of the man.
CLICK-CLACK! The sound of a shotgun being cocked.
Picard freezes... slowly turns around to see who's
there...
134 RUBBY 134
is standing in the open doorway, a shotgun leveled at
Picard.
RUBY
You should pay closer attention to
those little red lights.
Picard glances down at the doorway, sees the flashing
red light in the doorjamb. He's busted.
RUBY
You know, I'd be perfectly
justified in shooting you right
now.
Picard glances at the photograph of himself.
PICARD
I'd say you already have.
RUBY
Don't flatter yourself. I take
pictures of a lot of junk.
She perches herself on the arm of a small couch, holds
the gun loosely, but never taking the aim away from
Picard.
RUBY
Okay, let's hear it. I'm sure you
have a great explanation for why
those rocket photos are so
important you broke into my house.
PICARD
We're trying to repair Doctor
Cochrane's ship. It's been
damaged and --
RUBY
We?
PICARD
Myself... and a few other friends
of Zephram's.
RUBY
Friends from Cornell...
PICARD
Some.
RUBY
Lie. That's one. Keep going.
PICARD
A key piece of the ship has been
destroyed... and our only hope to
reconstruct it is if one of your
photographs shows us what it
looked like.
RUBY
(considers)
All right. Truth. I believe that
one. Why is it so urgent you
couldn't wait until morning?
PICARD
We have to launch his ship by
tomorrow afternoon.
RUBY
Or...?
Picard has to come up with something -- decides to
throw her off with a high-tech explanation.
PICARD
Or the shielding around the
plutonium core will begin to
deteriorate. Within a day, the
entire silo will become so
radioactive that no one will be
able to come near it for a hundred
years.
Ruby eyes him evenly.
RUBY
Lie. That's two. One more, and
I pull the trigger.
Picard is starting to get angry.
PICARD
Why are you being so difficult?
All I'm asking for is to look at
one of the photographs. It'll
take five minutes.
RUBY
And all I'm asking for is the
truth. That would take five
minutes.
(beat)
For all I know, you caused the
explosions at the silo... and now
you're trying to steal Zephram's
ship.
PICARD
I am not a thief...
Ruby's had enough -- her temper flares and she gets off
the couch, takes a threatening step toward Picard.
RUBY
No, you're a petty burglar and a
liar...
(beat)
You're no friend of Zephram's. He
is a great man. He's not like you
or me or any of the other zombies
walking around this town.
Picard jumps in with a quiet, forceful quality:
PICARD
No. He's a man with vision. He
can see beyond the problems that
surround us. He knows there's a
better future out there for
everyone... a future where crime,
poverty and war are things of the
past... a future where we reach
out and seek our destiny in the
stars.
(beat)
I believe in that future, too,
Ruby. I believe in it in every
fiber of my being. And I'm
telling you... if we don't launch
that warp ship tomorrow, there's
a very good chance that future
will never happen.
She eyes him for a moment -- and we're not sure if his
words have had any effect.
Ruby still has her doubts, but decides to go with her
gut...and finally hands him the photographs. Picard
glances through them -- his expression tells us the
photo he needs is in there.
PICARD
You won't regret this.
They share a look... and then Picard turns and walks
off into the night. Ruby watches him go... and we can
see on her face a confused jumble of mixed emotions.
Something about that man has touched her...
135 NIGHT SCPOE POV 135
A telescopic, green and white image of Picard walking
away from Ruby's home.
136 LIEUTENANT SCRIMM 136
is watching Picard through a set of night vision
binoculars, perched on the roof of a nearby building.
He frowns, wondering what Picard is up to...
CUT TO:
137 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE DEFLECTOR DISH 137
The giant DEFLECTOR ARRAY at the front of the ship --
a giant, round, bowl-shaped array used for
communications and shielding. As we watch, FOUR
HATCHES OPEN surrounding the dish and BORG start to
emerge from the interior of the ship and CRAWL OUT on
the hull. The Borg do not need pressure suits or
breathing equipment -- they crawl around the hull with
ease and onto the deflector dish...
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
138 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - VIEWSCREEN 138
Where Riker, Troi, Worf and N.D.s are watching this
image on the Viewscreen.
RIKER
What are they doing?
WORF
They appear to be modifying the
deflector dish.
TROI
To do what? If they wanted a
weapon, they could've taken over
a phaser bank or torpedo bay...
RIKER
Deflector dish... why the
deflector dish...?
WORF
It doesn't make sense. The
deflector is only used for
shielding and long range
sensors...
Riker stares at the screen... notices something.
RIKER
Computer -- magnify grid twenty-
one alpha.
The image on the Viewscreen ZOOMS IN to a specific
point on the deflector dish, giving us a clear view of
two Borg who have opened a gigantic panel on the dish.
They appear top be modifying power conduits in some
fashion.
WORF
They're re-routing the deflector
power conduits...
RIKER
Computer -- thermal enhancement.
The image now is overlaid with an INFRARED VIEW of what
they're doing. The power conduits are glowing bright
red, very hot -- we can see the heat signature travel
back behind the dish and connect to a corkscrew-shaped
coil, which is pulsing.
RIKER
They're connecting the conduits to
subspace communications...
WORF
(realizing)
They're converting the deflector
dish into an antennae...
TROI
They may be trying to send a
message to the other Borg...the
Borg in this time period...
WORF
What kind of message?
RIKER
(thinking)
If it was me... I'd say "attack
Earth now... in the 21st
century... they'll be too strong
in the 24th."
They think about this for a moment as they watch the
Borg swarming on the deflector array.
WORF
We have to stop them from sending
that message.
RIKER
Agreed. Options?
WORF
Destroy the deflector dish.
TROI
Can we aim our dorsal phasers at
it?
Riker shakes his head.
RIKER
We've lost control of all weapons
systems... Transporters are
down... we can't get to a
Shuttlecraft... and it would take
us too long to fight our way down
to deflector control...
They think.
WORF
There is another way, Commander.
Do you remember your zero-G combat
training?
Riker looks a little wary at the suggestion.
RIKER
I remember it made me sick.
TROI
(to Worf)
What are you suggesting?
RIKER
I think Mister Worf is suggesting
that we go outside for a little
stroll...
OFF their expressions...
CUT TO:
139 CLOSE ON A PHOTOGRAPH 139
Another one of Ruby's cloth-printed photos, this one a
clear view of the base of the missile engines --
Cochrane standing underneath the massive rocket nozzle.
Above him on the fuselage is the crucial throttle-valve
assembly.
GEORDI'S VOICE
I'm almost afraid to say this,
Captain... but I think it's going
to work.
MOVE TO REVEAL we're in:
140 INT. MISSILE SILO - LOWER CATWALK - DAY 140
The cloth photo is hanging from a beam on the catwalk.
Geordi and Picard are watching a couple of N.D.s attach
the newly-built throttle assembly to the side of the
ship. The N.D.s are using high-tech welding tools and
sparks are flying. As they talk, they head back up the
catwalk toward the control room...
PICARD
Where's you get the alloy for the
throttle itself?
GEORDI
They used copper pipes in their
plumbing... so I melted it down...
and fused it with some tritanium
from one of our phaser casings.
(beat)
It's not the strongest alloy...
but it's better than all this
crude aluminum and steel.
141 INT. MISSILE CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 141
As Geordi and Picard ENTER. Lange is checking out a
launch console.
The room is now humming with power -- it's beginning to
look like the place is up and running. Picard stops
near the desk.
PICARD
Mister Lange -- have you brought
the computer systems back on-line
yet?
LANGE
Aye, Captain. This trinary
language is pretty archaic... but
I think I understand it now.
PICARD
Good.
As they speak, CAMERA MOVES in on the metal canister
of lotion Picard set on the desk earlier...
142 EXT. MONTONA WOODS - DAY - CONTINUOUS 142
Scrimm and three militia guards are huddled around a
cluster of military surveillance gear, listening to
Picard and Geordi's conversation. Far in the distance,
we can see the missile silo.
PICARD'S VOICE
Are we on schedule? The Vulcan
ship will be here in less than two
hours.
GEORDI'S VOICE
It'll be tight, but we should make
it.
PICARD'S VOICE
What about our warp signature? It
has to be strong enough for them
to detect.
GEORDI'S VOICE
I've enhanced the plasma injectors --
don't worry, they'll see it.
PICARD'S VOICE
Well, with any luck... the Vulcans
will land outside Resurrection
tomorrow morning... and Earth will
never be the same again.
Scrimm and his men listen with growing alarm -- it
sounds like Picard is planning an invasion!
143 INT. MISSILE CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 143
As before.
PICARD
All right. I'd better start
familiarizing myself with the
flight controls.
A console BUZZES. Lange moves to it, and activates a
small color video MONITOR. It shows an external view
of the MISSILE silo, just outside the hatch. Beverly
can be seen standing nearby with a now conscious
Zephram Cochrane.
LANGE
Doctor Crusher's at the access
hatch, Captain.
PICARD
Let her in.
Lange hits a couple of buttons...
CUT TO:
144 CLOSE ON COCHRANE'S FACE 144
A short time later. His head is bandaged, and he's
conscious, but frankly he looks like hell. He sits
back, looking a little overwhelmed.
COCHRANE
Let me get this straight... you're
from the future... I'm about to
change history... and all I have
to do is sit here and let you fly
my ship?
145 WIDER 145
Picard, Geordi and Beverly are standing around
Cochrane, who is sitting in a high-backed chair in a
corner of the Control Room.
PICARD
That's right.
He studies their faces -- sees they're serious. He
smiles a little ruefully.
COCHRANE
And people say I'm crazy...
Picard smiles.
PICARD
I assure you, Doctor, that after
today... no one will ever call you
that again.
Cochrane considers them...finally nods, what the hell.
COCHRANE
Just do me a favor... bring my
ship back in one piece.
PICARD
That's a promise.
Picard turns and walks off with Beverly. Geordi moves
to Cochrane with a little bit of awe.
GEORDI
Doctor... my name is Geordi La
Forge. I'm an engineer. Can I
shake your hand?
Cochrane is touched by Geordi's obvious respect. They
shake hands.
COCHRANE
I wish I could go with you. Is
there anything I can do to help?
GEORDI
Not really... but I do have about
a thousand questions I've always
wanted to ask you.
COCHRANE
Since time is short... why don't
you pick the top ten and fire
away?
Geordi smiles...
146 PICARD AND BEVERLY 146
have moved to another part of the room. Beverly looks
exhausted. She sets her medkit on a table and plops
down into a chair. Mid-conversation.
PICARD
(surprised)
You actually performed surgery...?
BEVERLY
It was an experience. Metal
scalpels... needle and thread...
She looks up with a smile, pulls a small DEVICE out of
the medkit -- a surgical transporter.
BEVERLY
(re: device)
But I had a little help. Surgical
transporter. I used it to beam
out most of the bone fragments
from his brain.
PICARD
How did Doctor Almack react to
that?
BEVERLY
He was so confused by what I was
doing, I don't think he even
noticed.
(beat)
Any word from the Enterprise?
PICARD
Not yet.
BEVERLY
You think they're still up there?
PICARD
(wry)
If they're not... we'd better get
used to living in Montana.
BEVERLY
(light)
That might not be so bad... at
least for you.
She's kidding, but Picard is a little defensive.
PICARD
What's that supposed to mean?
There is no animosity or hint of jealousy in Beverly's
attitude, she's simply making an observation about
someone she cares about.
BEVERLY
I saw the way you looker at her...
and I know that look.
Picard doesn't want to argue about this -- to him, it's
a pointless conversation.
PICARD
Regardless of how I may feel about
Ruby... our fates lie along
different paths. Nothing can
change that.
BEVERLY
You want some advice? Don't do
this again.
(off his look)
You know exactly what I mean.
PICARD
Beverly, there were many reasons
why you and I...
BEVERLY
I'd call them excuses. And the
first excuse on both our lists was
our "sense of duty." We convinced
ourselves that it was more
important than anything else. And
you know what? It's not.
She holds his look for a moment.
PICARD
(neutral)
I have a ship to launch.
Picard turns and leaves. Beverly watches him go...
wondering whether her words had any affect...
147 EXT. RUBY'S HOUSE - DAY 147
Ruby is turning off the spigot on the filter-pump. The
plastic jug is now filled with the clear fluid --
silver halide. She caps the jug, picks it up, begins
walking up on the porch...then hesitates for a
moment... looks out over the horizon.
She hesitates... then frowns and goes inside...
Ruby comes inside, sets down the jug... begins to pick
up some more glass plates... stops... thinks... looks
up. Only a few feet away is the large picture of
Picard. She doesn't want to look at him, doesn't want
to think about him... but there he is.
She glances back at the open door... struggles for a
moment... then makes a decision.
Despite herself, she can't get Picard out of her head.
With a little frustration, she grabs her camera bag and
heads for the door...
149 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 149
in Earth orbit.
150 INT. BORG HIVE 150
ANGLE ON CEILING as the Borg Queen descends from her
nesting place down towards the camera... ultimately
stopping just a few feet away. She speaks directly to
the camera.
BORG QUEEN
How do you feel?
151 CLOSE ON DATA'S HAND 151
His right hand is made of FLESH -- it has color,
fingernails, hair, sweat. It's completely human in
every way. His fingers move slightly, and then the
hand begins to rise. We follow his hand as it comes up
and touches his FACE, which is also FLESH. The gold
color is gone, his hair is tousled and natural-looking.
Even his eyes are real now -- blue. He touches his
face tentatively, his expression confused... but
intrigued.
DATA
Different.
The Borg Queen descends closer. Data's arms are now
free, but he is still restrained on the table. The
rest of his body is still android, mechanical.
Data touches his two hands together, feeling the
sensations, flesh against machine. He touches his face
and lips, discovering himself in a totally new way.
DATA
My internal sensors tell me the
ambient temperature in the room is
ten point two degrees Celsius...
(wondrous)
But my skin tells me it is cold.
As he talks, we can see that he's becoming seduced by
his own newfound senses.
DATA
My visual acuity has been reduced
by seventy-eight percent... and I
can no longer perceive light
beyond the ultraviolet or the
infrared...
(beat)
But I can see.
It's an amazing moment, Data riding a wave of feeling
and emotion like he's never had before. The Borg Queen
watches, pleased. She hovers close to him.
BORG QUEEN
Until today... your emotions were
trapped inside an artificial
shell. You didn't know what it
was to truly feel.
(beat)
And there's so much more for you
to experience. I will guide you
into a world of sensation unlike
anything you can imagine.
(beat)
All you have to do... is give us
access to your neural net.
Data looks at her, suddenly shocked back into reality.
DATA
No. I will not betray my friends.
BORG QUEEN
They're not your friends...
they've held you back... kept you
from your destiny...
DATA
That is not true. They have tried
to help me.
BORG QUEEN
Have they given you what I have
given you? Did they even try?
DATA
I... do not want this...
But his words have a certain hollow quality to them.
He is no longer as convinced as he was before and the
Borg Queen notes this immediately. She reaches out
with a hand and gently strokes Data's cheek.
BORG QUEEN
You're becoming more human all the
time, Data. Now you're learning
how to lie.
DATA
I wish to... go back to the way I
was.
BORG QUEEN
More lies.
She SLAPS him hard across the face. Data feels the
pain, the shock. A small trickle of blood comes from
his mouth. He looks at her in surprise, but before he
can say anything she moves forward and KISSES him on
the mouth deeply and intensely. It's a disturbing and
erotic moment. She pulls back. Data reels, trying to
sort out the rapid succession of pleasure and pain.
Her voice drops to a whisper and she moves even closer
to him, face-to-face... seductive... beguiling.
BORG QUEEN
Have you ever know a woman? Do
you know what it's like to feel
her breath on your face... her
skin against yours... flesh
against flesh?
DATA
My creator did not intend for me
to experience these things.
BORG QUEEN
I'm your creator now.
She rubs her body against his, cat-like... then pulls
him to her and kisses him deeply. Off the image of
their bizarre embrace...
CUT TO:
152 INT. BRIDGE 152
Riker, Worf, and three Security N.D.s are pulling on
SPACESUITS. The suits are form-fitting, sleek, no
bulky oxygen tanks. The helmets are the same -- they
conform to the contours of the skull and face.
WORF
(to Riker)
You will have to realign the
targeting array of the quantum
torpedo... and reprogram the
warhead for the localized
detonation.
(beat)
There's only one torpedo left...
RIKER
I guess I'd better get it right
the first time.
WORF
(to all)
The Borg will undoubtedly attack.
Set phasers to rotating
modulation.
The Security Officers check their phasers and wait as
Riker and Worf finish putting on their suits. Riker
straps a tool case to his suit.
RIKER
Ready?
Everyone nods. Riker goes to a wall panel and
activates the control. The Airlock door seen earlier
OPENS. Riker turns back to Troi.
TROI
Good luck.
Riker nods. Then he, Worf, and the Guards ENTER the
airlock and Troi close the door behind them.
153 INT. AIRLOCK 153
A tiny room separating the Bridge from the outer hull.
RIKER
Depressurize.
Worf hits a control and the room DEPRESSURIZES with a
HISSING SOUND.
WORF
(to others)
Activate magnetic constrictors.
They all activate controls on their wrists and there is
a faint hum of power as the suits are magnetized.
Riker hits another control and the OUTER AIRLOCK DOOR
SLIDES OPEN, revealing the vast vacuum of SPACE. They
begin to walk out of the airlock...
154 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - AIRLOCK 154
As Riker and his team come out of the airlock on the
top of the saucer section. It's a spectacular sight as
the small group of figures, with weapons at the ready,
marches toward the leading edge of the saucer. The
scene is lit by light reflected by the Earth, which
hangs above the ship.
155 ON RIKER & WORF 155
As they approach the edge. Worf gives a hand signal
and the rest of the team spreads out into a tactical
deployment and drops down onto their bellies. They
crawl up to the very edge of the saucer and pause.
Worf looks at Riker, who looks a little queasy.
WORF
(to Riker)
Are you alright?
RIKER
Just a little queasy...
WORF
Try not to look at the stars...
keep your eyes on the ship.
RIKER
Right.
WORF
And Commander, whatever you do...
do not vomit in your exo-suit. It
would be... unpleasant.
RIKER
I'll keep that in mind.
Riker takes a few deep breaths to steady himself.
RIKER
(to all)
Over and under!
They all quickly scramble over the edge and onto the
underside of the saucer.
The CAMERA ROTATES AND SPINS with them as they
traverse to the underside of the hull -- they're
upside down relative to their previous position, but
there's no up or down in space and their magnetized
suits hold them to the hull.
It's a dizzying moment as we try to orient ourselves to
their new position. From this angle, the Enterprise
appears to be upside down!
Once they're on the underside of the saucer, they can
see the rest of the ship laid out above them.
156 NEW ANGLE - THEIR POV 156
The deflector dish (which is now above us) is covered
with dozens of Borg drones, who are working to modify
it. Some of them turn and see us.
157 RIKER AND WORF 157
Begin running toward the torpedo tube on the saucer.
(Running is difficult, they must keep one foot on the
hull at all times.) Several Borg PHASER SHOTS whip past
them as the Borg open fire.
158 THE BORG 158
A DOZEN of them leave the work on the dish and begin
skittering down (which is normally up) the
interconnecting dorsal on all fours toward our heroes
like a swarm of ants -- a frightening sight.
159 A SECURITY GUARD 159
Is HIT by a phaser shot and goes FLYING OFF into space.
160 THE TORPEDO TUBE 160
Riker reaches the opening to the torpedo tube, bends
down and opens the hatch. Borg phaser shots hitting
all around him. The open hatch cover provides some
protection from the Borg fire.
RIKER
Worf! I'm going to need at least
five minutes!
WORF
Understood!
Worf and his team lie down on the hull and begin
exchanging fire with the approaching mass of Borg.
They pick off a few Borg, who also go FLYING into
space. As Riker begins to work...
CUT TO:
161 INT. MISSILE SILO - SERIES OF SHOTS 161
Quick cuts:
-- Picard and Geordi strapping themselves into the
Phoenix cockpit.
-- In the Control Room, the Starfleet N.D.s put on 21st
century headsets to communicate with the Phoenix
cockpit.
-- Cochrane sitting in his chair, holding his head, but
rapt with attention. Beverly checking him with her
MEDKIT, which is sitting open on a console nearby.
-- The BLAST DOOR begins closing.
-- Geordi's hands flipping switches, working the
controls.
OVER THESE SHOTS:
GEORDI'S VOICE
ATR setting...
PICARD'S VOICE
Active.
GEORDI'S VOICE
Main bus...
PICARD'S VOICE
Ready.
GEORDI'S VOICE
Initiate pre-ignition sequence.
-- The Phoenix ENGINES at the base of the ship begin
spewing nitrogen gas.
162 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 162
The Security N.D.s moving about the control room, which
is now humming with power.
The huge steel blast door separating the control room
from the silo has been CLOSED.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Pre-ignition sequence complete.
Going to internal power.
LANGE
(off console)
Acknowledged, Phoenix. You're on
internal power and ready for lift-
off.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Final launch sequence checks...
complete. Ready to begin final
countdown.
LANGE
(works)
Understood. Begin five minute
countdown on your mark.
163 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 163
Picard, Geordi making final adjustments to the control
panels. Both are wearing 21st century communications
headsets. Picard exchanges a look with Geordi.
PICARD
Ready to make a little history?
GEORDI
Always am.
PICARD
Phoenix to control.
(hits a control)
Initiating five minute
countdown... mark.
A few monitors in the cockpit indicate that the
countdown is underway.
164 INT. CONTROL ROOM 164
Lange and the other N.D.s watching the countdown.
Suddenly a console BUZZES. Lange goes to the monitor
seen earlier, hits a switch -- the monitor comes alive,
shows that Ruby is now standing outside at the hatch.
Lange reacts in surprise.
Picard and Geordi working the controls, watching the
readings, etc. We hear Lange's com voice:
LANGE'S COM VOICE
Phoenix, we have a problem out
here. There's a woman at the
outer hatch... says her name's
Ruby Sloan and she wants to see
the Captain.
Picard and Geordi react -- her timing is pretty bad.
LANGE'S COM VOICE
What do you want me to do, sir?
GEORDI
We can't let her in... she'll see
Cochrane isn't making the flight.
PICARD
We can't leave her out there.
When the ship launches... she'll
be killed.
GEORDI
Tell her to go back to
Resurrection.
PICARD
She's a very... determined woman.
(to com)
Phoenix to control. Mister
Lange... let her in.
LANGE'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
166 EXT. MISSILE SILO - DAY 166
Ruby standing by the hatch, trying to look calm...
Scrimm and three Militia Soldiers holding her at
gunpoint. The hatch hisses and POPS OPEN. Scrimm
shoves a gun into Ruby's side -- get going. As they
start to crawl inside...
167 INT. CONTROL ROOM 167
Lange and the other N.D.s have focused their attention
on the countdown. Ruby climbs down the ladder, a tense
look on her face.
LANGE
Ms. Sloane, if you'll have a seat,
I'll let you talk to --
Suddenly, the three heavily-armed militia soldiers jump
down the ladder from the hatch. One of the Starfleet
N.D.s goes for a phaser, and a soldier BLASTS him
backward with a spray of bullets from his automatic
weapon. Everyone else freezes. A tense beat, then
Scrimm climbs down the ladder and looks around the
room...
CUT TO:
168 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - BATTLE ON THE HULL 168
Riker in the torpedo tube, frantically working. He
begins to physically MOVE the torpedo tube itself like
he's moving the barrel of a huge cannon... as he
struggles to aim it toward the huge deflector dish...
169 WORF AND THE SECURITY GUARDS 169
are about fifty feet away from Riker. From their prone
positions, they try to keep the Borg at bay, BLASTING
them off the hull one by one. They have taken cover
behind some outcroppings of equipment on the hull of
the ship. The Borg have to cross an open field of
metal to get to them, making then easy targets.
Suddenly the Borg change tactics. From the deflector
dish high above them, Borg begin LAUNCHING THEMSELVES
directly at the Starfleet Officers, jumping off the
dish and flying through the vacuum of space like
paratroopers. This tips the balance. There are too
many targets to defend from above and below. One of
the flying Borg CRASHES into a Security Guard and a
vicious hand-to-hand FIGHT erupts. The Borg SLASHES
the guard's pressure suit, which DEPRESSURIZES killing
the man instantly. Worf FIRES a phaser blast into the
Borg, knocking him off the hull and into space.
Worf turns to Riker.
WORF
Commander, you're five minutes are
up!
170 RIKER 170
swings the torpedo tube into place, aiming it at the
deflector dish. He hits a control on the side of the
tube... and a QUANTUM TORPEDO automatically slides up
from below and LOCKS INTO position in the tube, like a
panel on the torpedo and begins working on the
circuitry.
171 INT. BRIDGE 171
Troi in command, watching the VIEWSCREEN, which shows
a different angle of the battle on the hull.
COM OFFICER
The Borg are charging the subspace
emitters.
TROI
How long until they can send a
message?
COM OFFICER
About seven or eight minutes.
TROI
Computer -- this is Commander
Deanna Troi. Initiate self-
destruct in six minutes, thirty
seconds. Authorization Troi,
gamma six five. Enable.
COMPUTER VOICE
Countdown underway. Self-destruct
in six minutes, twenty-five
seconds...
Monitors all around the Bridge show the countdown.
172 ANGLE ON A MONITOR 172
which says "SELF-DESTRUCT IN 6:24...6:23...6:22..."
CUT TO:
173 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 173
The Sergeant is examining one of the monitors. The
display says "LIFT-OFF, T-MINUS 50 seconds...49...
48..."
SERGEANT
No good, sir. They're on internal
power. We can't stop the launch
from here.
SCRIMM
(re: blast doors)
What about these doors?
PRIVATE
They're locked down tight from the
inside.
SERGEANT
And those doors were made to
withstand a nuclear attack.
Scrimm looks frustrated for a moment...then turns his
attention to Ruby.
174 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 174
As before.
GEORDI
One minute to launch.
SCRIMM'S COM VOICE
Mister Picard... this is
Lieutenant Scrimm. I'm going to
have to insist that you shut down
the launch. You see, I know what
you're doing... and I'm not going
to just stand by and let it
happen.
(beat)
Stop the launch, or I'll kill
every one of your people out
here... and I think you know
who'll be first.
As Picard reacts in shock...
INTERCUT:
175 INT. CONTROL ROOM 175
Scrimm is now holding Ruby by the arm. He shoves the
com headset to her mouth.
SCRIMM
Say hello...
Ruby is scared, but trying to keep it together.
RUBY
(to com)
Jean-Luc... remember that future
we talked about? It's all that
matters...
(beat)
Launch the ship.
Picard reacts to her voice, but keeps working the
controls, trying to concentrate. Scrimm draws his gun.
SCRIMM
Go ahead -- launch it. Ruby will
be here when you get back... but
she won't have a whole lot to say.
176 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 176
Geordi and Picard exchange a tense look. Picard
struggles. It's a difficult moment -- what does he do?
The countdown clock is approaching 15 seconds...14...
13...
Everything hangs in the balance -- Ruby's life, the
future of the Earth, Picard's feelings, his duty...
Finally, Picard reaches out hits a control -- the
countdown clock stops at 11 seconds.
GEORDI
Captain --
PICARD
(to com)
This is Picard. I've suspended
the launch sequence.
SCRIMM'S COM VOICE
Thanks. Now, why don't you join
us and we'll have a little talk?
Picard unstraps himself and takes off the headset.
GEORDI
Captain... we've got less than ten
minutes before that Vulcan ship
leaves the system. We've got to
go now.
PICARD
It'll have to wait. Come on.
Geordi quickly starts unstrapping himself...
177 INT. MISSILE SILO - CATWALK 177
Picard and Geordi stop outside the massive blast doors,
which are separating them from the control room.
PICARD
Geordi, can you see into the room?
Geordi looks at the blast doors... and he does so, the
electronic PUPILS in his eyes rotate, change shape and
color.
178 GEORDI'S POV 178
A high-tech INFRARED VIEW of the door, but we can't see
through it -- it's opaque.
179 RESUME 179
GEORDI
No... the door's too thick.
PICARD
(frustrated)
Then we'll just have to assume
it's still there...
GEORDI
What's still there?
PICARD
Get a tricorder. You're going to
have to track my exact position in
that room...
Geordi moves off. Clearly, Picard has a plan...
CUT TO:
180 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - BATTLE ON THE HULL 180
Riker finishes working on the torpedo... he closes the
panel... turns and reaches for the fire control
mechanism. She glances up -- there's a BORG flying
through space directly at him! Riker tries to bring up
his phaser, but it's too late. The Borg SLAMS into
him.
Riker makes a desperate grab for the torpedo tube itself,
trying to hold on, but the momentum of the Borg impact
is too great -- they both tumble off into space together,
away from the ship.
CUT TO:
181 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - VIEWSCREEN 181
A shocked Troi watches Riker and the Borg tumbling away
into space on the Viewscreen. They are engaged in a
zero-gee hand to hand fight -- an incredible sight.
COMPUTER VOICE
Self-destruct in three minutes...
CUT TO:
182 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 182
Scrimm still has the gun on Ruby. The blast door is
just being lowered, revealing Picard. Geordi has
returned to the Phoenix cockpit. A console separates
Picard and Scrimm.
PICARD
What do you want?
SCRIMM
The invasion plans.
PICARD
Invasion.
SCRIMM
These people you're calling
"Vulcans"... who are they? Where
do they come from? How many
troops? What kind of weapons?
183 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 183
Geordi is working a tricorder furiously. We're not
sure what he's doing...
CUT TO:
184 EXT. SPACE - RIKER & BORG 184
As they tumble through the void of space, in a
desperate fight.
The Borg manages to get his hand around Riker's
throat... begins choking him... Riker looks like a
goner... Suddenly they are both enveloped in a BRIGHT
BEAM OF PULSING ENERGY.
185 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 185
Troi in command.
ENSIGN
(off console)
Tractor beam engaged. We've
got 'em, Commander.
TROI
Prismify the beam. Get rid of
that Borg.
186 EXT. SPACE - RIKER & BORG 186
As the tractor beam from the Enterprise SPLITS in two
and separates Riker from the Borg. The second beam
disappears, throwing the Borg off into space, while
Riker is towed back toward the hull of the ship.
187 ON RIKER 187
As the beam moves him back toward the ship.
188 RIKER'S POV 188
A dizzying view of the stars and the Earth as he is
pulled through space.
189 RIKER 189
Closes his eyes, fighting off waves of nausea.
RIKER
(to himself)
Don't look at the stars... don't
look at the stars...
CUT TO:
190 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 190
Picard still stalling for time.
PICARD
(firm)
There is no invasion...
SCRIMM
Wrong answer, Mister Picard. Try
again.
He shoves his gun against Ruby's head. The tension
rises a notch.
PICARD
All right. You want the truth...
(beat)
The Vulcans... are highly
intelligent aliens.
191 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 191
Geordi working the tricorder... he can hear their
conversation in the other room through an open com
channel...
SCRIMM'S COM VOICE
Aliens... that's what I thought.
From where... Canada?
The tricorder BEEPS and he smiles...
192 INT. CONTROL ROOM 192
As before.
PICARD
From another planet.
(beat)
Oh, I almost forgot... they
have green blood and pointed ears.
SCRIMM
(skeptical)
And you know all this... because
you're a space-man too...
PICARD
I'm afraid you've caught me. I am
a space-man.
Scrimm smirks at him -- what gall this guy has. But
Ruby seems to discern some deeper meaning in Picard's
words. She frowns in puzzlement.
RUBY
(quiet)
Truth... he's telling the truth...
Picard looks at Ruby, and at that moment something on
a console behind her catches his eye: a LIGHT on
Beverly's SURGICAL TRANSPORTER is now FLASHING. No one
else notices.
SCRIMM
You're an entertaining man, Mister
Picard. But you're also full of
shit.
Scrimm cocks back the hammer on the pistol he's holding
to Ruby's head. The following happens very quickly:
-- Picard reaches out his hand, trying to stop Scrimm.
PICARD
Now, Geordi!
-- The gun in Scrimm's hand DEMATERIALIZES. Scrimm
reacts in shock.
-- Instantly, the gun REMATERIALIZES in Picard's
outstretched hand. He quickly pushes the barrel to
Scrimm's forehead.
PICARD
Actually, you're full of shit.
Everyone is in the room stunned by what's happened.
Picard takes charge before anyone can recover.
PICARD
(continuing)
Now, tell your men to drop their
weapons.
There's a beat, but then Scrimm sees he has little
choice.
SCRIMM
Weapons... down.
The other militia soldiers drop their weapons, which
are quickly picked up by Beverly and a Starfleet N.D.
Picard hands his gun to Lange, who covers Scrimm with
it.
Ruby turns to Picard.
PICARD
Are you all --
Ruby throws her arms around him and pulls him close.
He hugs her back, grateful she's alive. Ruby pulls
away.
RUBY
I think you have a plane to catch.
Picard smiles and heads back toward the Phoenix...
CUT TO:
193 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - THE HULL 193
Riker slams into the hull and the BEAM goes OFF. He
gets his bearings quickly and then RUNS toward the
torpedo tube where Worf and his few remaining men are
still fighting the Borg, who are about to overrun their
position.
194 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 194
As before.
COMPUTER VOICE
Self-destruct in fifeteen
seconds... fourteen...
thirteen... twelve...
195 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 195
Geordi and Picard strapping themselves back in...
196 EXT. SPACE - RIKER 196
reaches the torpedo tube, pulls up the firing control
mechanism, which shows a monitor screen with a cross-
hair targeting display. He activates the monitor,
which begins tracking over toward the deflector dish.
197 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 197
COMPUTER VOICE
Nine... eight... seven...
198 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 198
Picard and Geordi's hands are flying across the
controls...
199 EXT. SPACE - RIKER 199
clamps a conduit into a power junction... then grabs
hold of a rotating lever inside the tube and TURNS it.
He ducks out of the way as the torpedo is LAUNCHED with
a ROAR.
200 WIDER 200
As the torpedo streaks out from the saucer section and
slams into the deflector dish. The dish EXPLODES in a
burst of FLAME... blowing away the Borg who were
working on it...
201 INT. MISSSILE SILO - PHOENIX ENGINES 201
As they IGNITE and start pouring out sheets of FLAME.
202 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 202
which is shuddering and shaking...
203 EXT. SPACE - RIKER & WORF 203
React with smiles. They did it.
204 INT. BRIDGE 204
Troi and the other N.D.s react with relief. The
countdown on the monitors are stopped at 00:03.
205 EXT. MONTANA - MISSILE SILO - WIDE SHOT - DAY 205
as the concrete missile doors slide open and the
Phoenix is LAUNCHED up into the sky, riding a pillar of
fire and smoke. This is our first real look at the
ship and it resembles an oversized ICBM with a
specialized cockpit on top.
206 INT. MISSILE SILO - CONTROL ROOM 206
Lange and the other N.D.s have the militia soldiers
under guard. Ruby is watching the missile launch on a
video monitor. She smiles.
207 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 207
Picard and Geordi working the controls as the ship
bounces and shakes.
The g-forces push them back into their seats.
GEORDI
Solid rocket fuel at twenty-five
thousand kilograms...
PICARD
Altitude fifty kilometers...
GEORDI
Entering the upper ionospere...
PICARD
There's a red light on the second
intake valve.
GEORDI
Ignore it. We'll be fine.
(beat)
Prepare for first stage shut-down
and separation on my mark...
208 EXT. SPACE - EARTH ORBIT 208
As the Phoenix rockets into space...
209 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 209
As before.
GEORDI
Three... two... one... mark!
210 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 210
The rocket booster SHUTS DOWN as the ship leaves
Earth's orbit and coasts on its momentum. After a
beat, the first stage booster separates from the ship
and DROPS AWAY, leaving three-quarters of the ship in
space.
211 INT. BORG HIVE 211
CLOSE ON DATA, head tilted back, eyes closed,
smiling...a few droplets of WATER fall from above onto
his face. He smiles wider, reveling in the sensation.
212 WIDER 212
Data is still restrained on the table, but a conduit
has been placed above his head and is dripping
condensation onto his face. Data is now a completely
new being. His entire BODY is now made of HUMAN FLESH.
It's a shocking sight -- for anyone who ever wondered
what Data would look like human, we're now getting our
first look.
213 THE BORG QUEEN 213
DESCENDS from her nest in the ceiling. She watches
Data for a moment... rubs the moisture into his face.
BORG QUEEN
A Borg in all but name.
Data, although clearly enraptured with his new
sensations and feelings still struggles to maintain
his own sense of identity.
DATA
(weak)
I am... grateful for what you have
given me. But I still do not wish
to be assimilated.
BORG QUEEN
A universe of sensation is waiting
for you... don't you want to
explore it... with me?
To his surprise, Data finds that he is becoming drawn
to this strange creature and all that she can offer
him.
DATA
Yes...
BORG QUEEN
Then take the final step... give
me the Enterprise... and we can be
together... always.
He struggles, but ultimately there's only one answer.
DATA
No... I cannot.
Without taking her eyes away from Data, she reaches out
a hand and touches a control on a nearby console. The
color of Data's FACE turns an ASHEN GRAY -- as though
the blood has drained from his skin. Another droplet
of moisture falls and hits him on the cheek -- but this
time his eyes widen in shock.
The sensation of human feeling is gone.
BORG QUEEN
I've deactivated the sensory
inputs. That flesh on your body
is just meat, now.
DATA
No... no, please... you cannot...
She moves in close on him, an edge creeping into her
voice:
BORG QUEEN
You must give me what I want...
now. Without the deflector dish,
we can no longer send for an early
invasion. We must assimilate
Earth ourselves. I need this
ship.
She hits the control, and the COLOR returns to his
face. Data gasps -- filled with feeling once again.
The Borg Queen runs her hand across his cheek -- her
attitude seductive and affectionate once again.
BORG QUEEN
Isn't it better like this...?
DATA
Yes... but the Enterprise... my
duty...
BORG QUEEN
... is to yourself. Don't make me
hurt you again...
She touches the control again. Data is shocked back
into his cold, android self. He's like a heroin addict
being denied his "high" with the flick of a switch.
DATA
No... no, it's so... empty...
please... give it back... I need
it...
BORG QUEEN
And I need to control this ship.
Let me into your mind.
Data struggles, anguished... we've never seen him like
this before... completely beaten down... finally, he
nods. The Borg Queen touches the control again. A
sharp intake of breath as the feeling returns to Data.
And the Queen kisses him on the mouth.
This time, he responds eagerly, throwing himself into
the emotion of the moment. She pulls back a little,
looks at him softly, passionately. Data stares back at
her, breathless -- he seems to be completely in her
thrall.
DATA
In order to access my neural
net... you will need to create a
positronic interface.
(beat)
I will tell you how.
OFF the Borg Queen's smile of victory...
CUT TO:
214 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 214
As before. Picard and Geordi work the control in
silence for a few moments. The ship is floating in
space, now a good distance from Earth.
GEORDI
Ready to deploy the warp nacelles.
PICARD
As they used to say... all systems
are go.
Geordi works his console...
215 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 215
Two fifty-foot long sheets of metal fall away from the
ship on either side of the Phoenix, revealing primitive
WARP NACELLES tucked inside the craft. The warp
nacelles then begin slowly extending themselves outward
on either side -- the basic designs of the nacelles
should be familiar to anyone who's ever seen a STAR
TREK starship.
This is the beginning of a long-standing architectural
design element of our ships.
216 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 216
As before.
GEORDI
The Vulcans should be out there
right now. We need to break the
warp barrier in the next five
minutes if we're going to get
their attention.
PICARD
Bring the warp core on-line. I'll
lay in a heading.
GEORDI
The nacelles are charged...
nuclear warhead standing by.
We're ready to ignite the warp
drive.
PICARD
Engage.
217 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 217
The warp nacelles FLARE with power and the ship begins
moving forward in space.
218 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 218
They're SLAMMED BACK into their seats from the massive
G-forces.
GEORDI
Warp field looks good...
structural integrity holding...
Picard activates a monitor which begins showing a
digital display of their speed.
PICARD
(off monitor)
Speed... twenty thousand
kilometers per second.
219 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 219
The ship is going faster... faster...
220 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE 220
Troi is standing outside the emergency airlock with the
Ensign, who is working the wall panel.
The airlock door OPENS after a beat, and Riker, Worf
and One Security Guard ENTER. They're exhausted after
the pitched battle. Troi smiles at them as they remove
their helmets.
TROI
I have to admit there was a moment
there when --
RIKER
(holds up a hand)
Hold that thought.
He turns away and then doubles over behind a console
and begins vomiting off screen. Worf shrugs.
WORF
Strong heart. Weak stomach.
A light beat, and then suddenly the entire Bridge GOES
DARK -- ALL POWER GONE. Console, monitors, everything.
RIKER
Report!
WORF
We've lost Bridge control!
RIKER
Emergency override!
WORF
(works)
Nothing.
221 INT. BORG HIVE 221
The Borg Queen is floating in the middle of the room,
surrounded by Borg consoles and technology. Data is
still on the table, with some kind of specialized
conduit connecting his head to a group of monitors,
which are inactive at the moment. He appears to be
caught up in the rapture of his new sensations, and his
personal connection to the Borg Queen. All thought of
his Starfleet responsibilities are gone.
DATA
(to Queen)
I am re-routing Bridge command
functions to this location.
Data thinks for a moment, and the monitors suddenly
COME TO LIFE and the equipment around the Queen HUMS
with POWER.
Information about critical Enterprise systems flows
across the monitor screens -- we might recognize
graphics from the Bridge displays. The Borg are now in
control.
BORG QUEEN
Eliminate their remaining
defenses. I will send Borg to
assimilate the rest of the crew.
Data nods... but then one of the consoles BEEPS.
DATA
(reacts)
There is a perimeter alert. A
ship has entered sensor range.
BORG QUEEN
Vulcan?
DATA
No.
Data tilts his head and --
222 A MONITOR 222
shows an exterior space shot. The image rapidly ZOOMS
IN on the distant PHOENIX. The ship is racing through
space.
BORG QUEEN
(reacts, to Data)
Give me helm control.
Data nods. Another console lights up. She moves to
work it herself...
223 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 223
As the ship turns and begins moving off at impulse
speed.
224 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 224
As before, Picard is now steering the ship with a 21st
century JOYSTICK CONTROL. The ship is moving faster
and faster, trembling now, a ROAR building.
PICARD
Passing one-half light speed. The
starboard nacelle's running a
little hot...
GEORDI
I'm on it...
The CABIN shakes a little.
GEORDI
The inertial dampers are having
trouble compensating... I don't
think Cochrane built this thing
for comfort.
PICARD
Speed -- two hundred, seventy-five
thousand kilometers per second.
WHOOSH! A weird DISTORTION passes through the cabin
like a wave, then vanishes.
GEORDI
There's no temporal shielding in
here! We're starting to pick up
relativistic effects!
PICARD
One minute to warp threshold...
225 EXT. SPACE 225
The warp ship WHIPS by... and then a moment later, the
ENTERPRISE ROARS into view, chasing the tiny ship.
226 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 226
Geordi glances out the window... does a double-take and
looks back up in surprise...
GEORDI
Captain, the Enterprise!
PICARD
(taps combadge)
Picard to Enterprise.
(beat)
Picard to Enterprise -- do you
read me?
No response.
PICARD
Their com system must still be
down.
GEORDI
Well, I feel a whole lot better
with them out there. We may need
some help.
227 INT. BORG HIVE 227
As before, the Queen floating above the helm control
console. The warp ship is on the monitor, getting
closer.
DATA
I have repaired the weapons array.
Phasers are on-line.
A floating CROSSHAIR appears on the monitor showing the
warp ship. The Queen works the console. The crosshair
moves, but refuses to lock onto the warp ship. She
frowns.
BORG QUEEN
The targeting lock isn't working.
Data looks puzzled.
DATA
I do not understand. The optical
data network has been repaired,
and all systems are functioning.
The Queen works furiously, still can't get the
crosshairs to lock onto the ship.
BORG QUEEN
Your diagnostics are in error. I
need weapons.
DATA
(thinks)
The problem must lie in the
interface between Starfleet and
Borg technology. Your console may
not be configured to handle the
data flow.
BORG QUEEN
Can you configure it?
DATA
I believe so.
BORG QUEEN
Do it.
She hits a series of Borg controls on a nearby
console... and the restraints holding Data to the table
are RELEASED. Two Borg drones move to him... as he
stands up and heads for the Queen, the specialized
cable still attached to his head...
228 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 228
closing in on the tiny warp ship. It's like a shark
chasing a guppy.
229 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 229
Ship SHAKING with power and acceleration.
PICARD
Approaching light speed...
Geordi glances out a side window.
GEORDI
They're getting awfully close...
what the hell are they doing?
PICARD
We're crossing the threshold!
The ship is really SHAKING HARD now -- and the
compartment is DISTORTING slightly, stretching,
everything becoming elongated...
230 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 230
The ship is STRETCHING in the familiar "rubber band
effect" that tells us a ship is going into warp... but
this effect is much slower. It's on the verge of
hitting warp speed. The Enterprise still on their
tail.
231 INT. BORG HIVE 231
Data is standing right next to the Queen, and is
studying the Borg console intently. Two Borg drones
stand nearby, watching closely.
DATA
I believe I see the problem.
In the blink of an eye:
-- DATA WHIRLS AROUND AND SLAMS AN ARM INTO ONE OF THE
BORG DRONES. The drone is knocked off its feet.
-- The second Borg rushes at Data, swings his arm at
Data's head. This is the same Borg with the deadly
stiletto-tipped DRILL SPIKES seen earlier. The spikes
TEAR into the flesh of Data's neck, drawing BLOOD.
-- Data reacts in pain. He GRABS the Borg's arm and
with android strength KICKS HIM IN THE CHEST at the
same time. The Borg FLIES BACKWARD, causing the
cybernetic ARM to RIP from its socket in a shower of
sparks.
-- The Borg Queen SWOOPS down at Data for the kill.
But Data's too quick for her. With one swift motion,
he turns and THROWS the BORG ARM like a JAVELIN across
the room.
232 NEW ANGLE 232
As the spikes on the severed Borg arm PUNCTURE one of
the diathermic oxygen tanks seen earlier. A HUGE
EXPLOSION of DEADLY GAS bursts out of the ruptured
tank. The WALL of roiling gas sweeps through the
entire Borg Hive.
BORG QUEEN
(screams)
No!
She lunges at Data just as the gas envelopes them!
233 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOENIX 233
As it GOES INTO WARP -- it shoots forward and streaks
away from the Enterprise!
234 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 234
As Picard and Geordi are slammed back into their seats
and the stars WHIP PAST the windows in the familiar
warp effect.
235 INT. BORG HIVE 235
Data and the Borg Queen tearing and clawing at each
other amongst the spewing gas. The Borg drones try to
get away, but they are SWALLOWED by the rush of gas,
fall to the deck, twitching in pain.
Data and the Borg Queen both fall to the deck,
grappling with each other.
236 EXT. SPACE - THE WARP SHIP 236
As it STREAKS PAST -- the warp ship flying at top
speed.
237 INT. BORG HIVE 237
Data and the Borg Queen struggling against each
other... the gas swirling around their bodies... and as
it does, we see the FLESH on their bodies start to
LIQUEFY and MELT AWAY in a horrific ooze of blood and
skin.
238 INT. PHOENIX COCKPIT 238
As before, but the ride has smoothed out considerably,
Warp stars streaking by.
PICARD
Bring us about...
A beat as Geordi works.
GEORDI
Dropping out of warp.
Out the front windows, the warp stars STOP... the ship
JOLTS slightly... turns to the left... Earth can be
seen in the distance.
They smile. It's a moment of victory.
PICARD
Let's begin the landing procedure.
239 INT. CARGO BAY/BORG HIVE 239
The onrush of gas is gone. But it has affected every
surface of the room like an acid wash. Every piece of
Borg machinery is smoking and hissing. The two Borg
drones are lying on the floor, dead -- all organic
matter and flesh have been dissolved from their bodies,
leaving only raw mechanical skeletons.
MOVE TO REVEAL:
240 DATA AND THE BORG QUEEN 240
lying on the floor, still locked together. Data is a
shocking image: all of his human flesh has been
STRIPPED AWAY, leaving only his pure android self. His
metallic skull gleams in the dim light... even his eyes
are gone. His mechanical left arm is still intact, but
the right human arm is completely gone. His torso is
stripped of the human flesh, leaving pure android with
no soft human touches. Data as we've never seen him
before -- raw and mechanistic.
Data rolls over... still locked around him is the
MECHANICAL SKELETON of the Borg Queen. A metallic
spinal column with two arms with clawed hands leading
off it... and a blinking, electronic BRAIN STEM at the
very top of the spine.
Data throws off the grotesque form. The Borg Queen
carcass writhes and claws at the air. She speaks in a
flat, mechanical voice.
BORG QUEEN
(fritzed)
Data...
Data reaches out with one hand... grabs the metal
spinal column just below the brain stem... and SNAPS IT
IN TWO. The blinking brain stem FRITZES OUT.
241 INT. CORRIDOR 241
Two Borg Drones moving down the hall suddenly stop...
twitch... the blinkies on their bodies GO OUT... and
they both FALL OVER DEAD. Their connection to their
Queen severed.
242 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE 242
Another Borg Drone reacts... lights out... slumps over
DEAD.
243 INT. BORG HIVE 243
Data releases the remains of the dead Borg Queen. He
leans back a little, as though exhausted by his
remarkable experience. CAMERA PULLS BACK, emphasizing
the loneliness of this smoking, scorched android
sitting alone in the ruins of the Borg Hive...
CUT TO:
244 EXT. MISSILE SILO - DAY 244
The missile doors now open, the ground badly scorched
from the launch. Scrimm and his militia guards are
sitting on the ground, while Lange and the other
Starfleet N.D. keep a watchful eye on them. Cochrane
is sitting against a rock, while Beverly checks him
over. Ruby is pacing, lost in thought...
PICARD'S VOICE
Isn't anyone going to say welcome
back?
Everyone looks up to see --
245 PICARD AND GEORDI 245
standing a few feet away, tired but triumphant.
BEVERLY
Did it work?
Picard nods. Beverly, Lange and the N.D. look
relieved. Ruby takes a few steps toward Picard.
246 COCHRANE 246
smiles up at Geordi.
COCHRANE
Mister La Forge... now I'd like to
shake your hand.
Geordi smiles and walks over to him.
247 PICARD AND RUBY 247
stop a few feet away from each other, their eyes
locked. They drink in sight of each other...
there's an undercurrent of unspoken feelings and words.
She smiles... he smiles back. A satisfying moment.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, March 3rd, 2063.
The voyage of the Phoenix was a
success... again.
CUT TO:
248 EXT. RESURRECTION CITY - NIGHT 248
Townspeople along the Main Street. A sense of
urgency -- something's going on.
PICARD (V.O.)
And it appears the Vulcan ship has
detected the warp signature and is
now on its way to Earth.
Suddenly something in the night sky catches their
attention. A BRIGHT LIGHT is moving down towards the
city. We now realize this is what people are reacting
to...
249 JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN 249
Just a hundred yards beyond the city limits we see the
massive VULCAN SCOUT SHIP SETTLING down onto the
ground. Dust flying everywhere. Windmill blades
spinning wildly from the exhaust.
250 THE TOWNSPEOPLE 250
squinting into the wind, trying to make out what's
happening...
251 NEW ANGLE - ON A HILLTOP 251
A good distance away, but with a good view of the
entire scene. Riker, Worf, Beverly, Troi and Geordi
watching from a distance as the Vulcan ship LANDS.
252 JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN 252
Picard, Ruby and a bandaged, but much healthier Zephram
Cochrane watching the landing. People from town are
surging around them. Everyone is shocked and amazed at
what they're seeing. Picard watches with satisfaction --
this is the moment he's been waiting for.
Cochrane and Ruby are particularly awestruck.
253 THE VULCAN SHIP 253
settles, engines whining down... dust settling.
254 PICARD 254
moves to Cochrane, takes him gently by the arm.
PICARD
Doctor Cochrane... this is your
moment.
Cochrane looks a little bewildered, tries to grapple
with the moment.
COCHRANE
My God... they're really from
another world?
PICARD
That's right. And they're going
to want to meet the man who flew
that warp ship.
Cochrane looks at him.
COCHRANE
And that's supposed to be me...
PICARD
Zephram, you had the vision to
build that ship when no one else
on this planet could see beyond
their own problems.
(beat)
You flew that ship... all I did
was push a few buttons.
Cochrane looks at him for a moment... takes a breath,
nods...
COCHRANE
All right.
(beat)
And don't worry -- I'll keep your
secret.
They hear a mechanical WHIRR and a HISS of air.
255 NEW ANGLE 255
as a HATCH opens on the Vulcan ship. The townspeople
behind them react with shock and fear... a few people
take a step back. Picard looks at Cochrane, who
hesitates for a moment... then finally takes a deep
breath... and strides out toward the alien ship. A man
alone about to change the course of human history.
Ruby moves closer to Picard and puts her arm around
him... and he puts his arm around her.
256 HILLTOP 256
As the rest of our crew is enraptured by the moment...
they glance at each other with excitement as they watch
history unfold...
257 VULCAN SHIP 257
Cochrane stops a few feet away from the ship as the
hatch swings completely open... light streams out into
the night air... and THREE HOODED, ROBED FIGURES
EMERGE. They stand across from Cochrane -- a moment
frozen in time.
258 THE TOWNSPEOPLE 258
watching in awe...
259 PICARD AND RUBY 259
watching...
260 THE LEAD VULCAN 260
pulls his hood back, revealing the familiar slanted
eyebrows and pointed ears, holding himself with that
austere, regal dignity we've come to associate with his
race. He steps forward to greet Cochrane... raises his
hand as if to wave.
Cochrane raises his hand automatically, as if to wave
in return...
But then the Vulcan splits his fingers in the classic
Vulcan greeting.
VULCAN
Live Long and Prosper.
Cochrane tries to emulate the Vulcan hand-sign...but
can't quite do the awkward finger-split.
COCHRANE
Um... thanks.
The Vulcan cocks an eyebrow at him. The very first
Alien-Human relationship is underway...
261 PICARD AND RUBY 261
are now surrounded by townspeople, who are watching the
scene unfold...
262 HILLTOP 262
Our heroes share a glance with each other and smile,
Riker taps his combadge.
RIKER
Riker to Enterprise. Five to beam
up.
The crew DEMATERIALIZES...
263 PICARD AND RUBY 263
have now moved away from the crowd... no one paying
attention to them. The bright lights from the Vulcan
ship cast them in a dramatic silhouette. Picard turns
to Ruby. It's the moment he's been dreading. This is
goodbye. She looks at him.
RUBY
You're leaving, aren't you?
PICARD
I have to...
RUBY
Where? And don't tell me San
Francisco...
PICARD
No. It's a lot further than that.
RUBY
It's the future, isn't it? Just
like you told Scrimm.
(beat)
I knew you weren't from around
here.
PICARD
(with humor)
No... I'm from France.
RUBY
I don't care if you're from France
or Venus... just take me with you.
PICARD
That's impossible.
RUBY
Why?
PICARD
This may be hard for you to
understand... but I'm duty-bound
not to interfere with you, or
anyone else here... any more than
is absolutely necessary.
RUBY
You've been interfering with my
life ever since I met you.
(with meaning)
Don't stop now.
Picard struggles... he doesn't want to do this, but
he's torn between his heart and his duty.
PICARD
Ruby... I'm sorry.
(remembering his words
to Beverly)
But our fates lie along different
paths.
A long, difficult moment... then he lets her go...
turns and starts walking off into the night. She
stands where she is, watching him go with tears in her
eyes...
Picard hits his combadge.
PICARD
Picard to Enterprise. One to...
He stops where he is.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here. Captain, we didn't
get your whole transmission.
Picard turns, looks back at Ruby. Their eyes meet...
and he makes the decision.
PICARD
To hell with fate.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Say again, Captain?
He starts walking towards her. She sees him coming...
starts running to him. She throws herself into his
arms and he holds her close. They kiss. A magical
moment, then...
PICARD
Enterprise. Two to beam up.
They DEMATERIALIZE holding each other tight...
264 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 264
moving out of Earth orbit...
265 INT. BRIDGE 265
Riker, Worf, Troi, N.D.s. Picard ENTERS with Ruby.
Everyone reacts to seeing her there. Ruby stays in the
Turbolift, staring around the Bridge in amazement.
Picard takes her hand and leads her out onto the
Bridge.
PICARD
How's Mister Data?
Riker glances at Ruby uneasily.
RIKER
He's in Sickbay. Doctor Crusher
says he can be repaired... but we
have to wait until we...
He glances at Ruby again, awkward. But Picard finishes
his thought.
PICARD
Return to our own time?
RIKER
Yes, sir.
PICARD
Then make it so. Have you
determined how to recreate the
temporal vortex?
Picard sits in his chair. Riker hesitates.
RIKER
Yes, sir. But Captain... are
we... all going back?
PICARD
Unless you'd like to stay.
RIKER
No, sir.
Ruby stands stock-still, staring at Worf. Worf looks
up at her with a Klingon smile -- teeth and all.
Ruby manages a weak smile in return, then moves off to
stand next to Picard.
RIKER
Bridge to Engineering. Mister La
Forge... initiate the temporal
vortex.
266 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 266
moving through space... and then the TEMPORAL VORTEX
forms directly ahead of it, as seen before. The ship
ENTERS the vortex...
267 EXT. SPACE - THE 24TH CENTURY 267
The Enterprise EXITS the VORTEX and into Earth orbit.
268 INT. BRIDGE 268
As before.
WORF
Incoming transmission from
Starfleet Command. Admiral Hayes.
PICARD
Onscreen.
269 INCLUDE VIEWER 269
Admiral Hayes appears.
PICARD
Admiral... what's the status of
the Borg fleet?
ADMIRAL HAYES
It's been destroyed. The Borg
threat is over.
(beat)
Are you all right? The Enterprise
disappeared from our sensors for
a moment.
PICARD
We're fine, sir. It will take
some... time to explain.
ADMIRAL HAYES
I look forward to reading your
report.
The transmission ends. Ruby turns to Picard with
amazement.
RUBY
That makes two of us.
Picard gives her a gentle smile. OFF the moment...
CUT TO:
270 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE 270
The great ship entering a Starfleet SPACE DOCK.
271 INT. BORG HIVE/ENVIROMENTAL CONTROL ROOM 271
Geordi is directing a work crew of a dozen engineers,
as they clean up the room and repair the damage.
GEORDI
(to a couple of N.D.s)
No, no -- we'll have to rip out
this entire bulkhead. We'll need
new bracing members for the deck
above and below.
The N.D.s move off, making notes on their PADDS.
Geordi turns and sees Data standing in the doorway.
He's now been fully restored to his original android
self.
GEORDI
Data...
Geordi moves to him, puts a hand on his shoulder.
GEORDI
You look good as new.
DATA
You could say that I'm back to my
old self.
GEORDI
That's great.
Geordi's smile fades a little as Data walks into the
room.
DATA
Her remains... are they still
here?
Geordi points over to a corner, where some N.D.s are
about to close a storage container. Data walks over.
Geordi goes with him. The N.D.s move aside, and Data
looks down into the storage container. The broken,
mangles pieces of machinery are all that's left of the
Borg Queen.
GEORDI
I'm sending them to the Daystrom
Institute for analysis.
Data stares down at the remains with a haunted look.
DATA
I never realized how powerful an
emotion temptation could be.
GEORDI
Temptation? You said in your
report it was all a ruse... you
were manipulating her.
A quiet beat.
DATA
She was... a unique lifeform. In
her own way... nearly perfect.
Geordi smiles a little.
GEORDI
(joking)
It almost sounds like you miss
her.
Data looks up at him -- his expression unreadable.
Geordi's smile fades. Data reaches out, closes the lid
on the storage container, turns and walks out of the
room. Geordi watches him go, left to wonder what Data
is really feeling.
CUT TO:
272 EXT. MONTANA - HILLTOP - DAY 272
Picard and Ruby walk up the familiar hilltop, and when
they reach the crest, we reveal...
273 A MOMENT 273
A large memorial cordoned off by a chain. A PLAQUE on
the monument reads "On this spot, Man and Vulcan met
for the first time... and changed the course of
history. March 3rd, 2063."
274 PICARD AND RUBY 274
step into view. They stare at the sculpture for a
moment.
PICARD
Welcome home.
275 WIDE SHOT 275
Picard, Ruby and the monument are at the gates of
RESURRECTION CITY as it is in the 23rd century. This
is the place where man first reached out to the stars,
and the architecture has a distinctive uplifting
feeling -- spires reaching up toward the sky.
Shuttlecraft and aircars are taking off and landing.
The tiny Western town is now a thriving, futuristic
METROPOLIS.
As Picard and Ruby walk towards the city hand-in-
hand...
FADE TO BLACK.
ROLL CREDITS
THE END