Star Trek: The Next Generation
"A Place of Comfort"
by
Philip R. Calderone
REVISED FIRST DRAFT
Los Angeles, CA
prceo@access1.net
Cast
JEAN LUC PICARD ROGUES (3)
RIKER BORG ALIEN
CHIEF O'BRIEN
DELEGATES
Julian Picard
TROI
Human Female
Klingon Male
GEORDI
Alien Male
Merced Priest
WORF
Dr. Salim Ahmadi
ENSIGN RAMIREZ
ROMULANS
Commander Tomalahk
YOUNG BOY
Bahkra
MALE CREWMEMBER
FEMALE TECHNICIAN
Sets
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
ENTERPRISE
ENTERPRISE
Main Bridge
Transporter Room
HOLODECK
Hallway
Forest
Julian's Quarters
Hilltop, Laval, France
Conference Room
Ready Room
AHMADI STATION
Ten Forward
Bahkra's Quarters
ROMULAN SHIPS (3)
AHMADI STATION
Central Chamber
Access Hallway
ROMULAN BRIDGE
*****************************************************
Star Trek: The Next Generation
"A Place of Comfort"
*******************************
Teaser
FADE IN:
INT. HOLODECK - EXT. FOREST - TWILIGHT
A deep forest, sure to conceal many dangers. CAPTAIN JEAN LUC PICARD is suited in 18th century traveling garb. He holds a longsword forward, warily stalking the area.
Suddenly, a SWORDED ROGUE jumps out of the trees and attacks him. Their swords CLASH LOUDLY and Picard fells him with ease. BLOOD DRIPS from the man's wound. Picard's eyes gleam from adrenalin.
Almost immediately, another TWO ROGUES attack. Picard dodges through the trees, keeping himself in good position. Picard fakes a movement and one rogue swings wildly, impaling his compatriot.
Picard faces the remaining man.
The man lunges forward. Picard tumbles to the side, comes back up and thrusts; he plants his sword in the center of the rogue's chest. The man looks at him with disbelief and terror, then slumps to the ground.
Picard pulls his sword free as the man falls.
Picard turns at the SNAP OF A TWIG. He scans the forest for signs
of movement.
PICARD'S POV - FOREST
PANNING the dimly lit forest, nothing is apparent. The only SOUNDS
are those OF THE BACKGROUND WILDERNESS.
MED. SHOT ON PICARD
He controls his breathing, listening for any SOUND.
Picard notices something. He fights instinctive fear, adjusts
his stance to face it squarely. He tries to keep a strong grip on
the sword, sweat growing on his palms.
PICARD'S POV - FOREST
A GLINT OF SOMETHING METALLIC can be seen through the underbrush. SLOW MOVING STEPS are heard.
The MUFFLED SOUND OF A HYDRAULIC PISTON is now heard, getting LOUDER as it approaches.
A BORG ALIEN steps out of the shadows and walks slowly, menacingly toward
Picard.
VARIOUS ANGLES - PICARD AND BORG
The Borg raises its arms; a probing piece of machinery that should be one hand SPINS in analysis.
Picard takes a step back, raises the sword and steps forward again, arcing the sword down toward its side. The Borg deflects the sword with its arm.
Picard swings again and this time strikes at waist level against a metal plate. The Borg's movement is halted but it is undamaged. It swings a heavy arm against Picard, sending him sprawling.
The Borg turns slowly as Picard gets up.
Picard thrusts the sword up as he rises and plunges the tip into the Borg's left shoulder. ELECTRICITY TRAVELS DOWN THE SWORD AND SHOCKS PICARD, causing him to let go.
The Borg knocks the sword out with its free arm. The injured arm hangs limp and dysfunctional.
Picard darts down to retrieve the sword; the Borg grabs Picard's upper
sword arm as he rises. They struggle, willpower against strength;
the Borg pulls him up.
From the Borg's chest, A THIN TUBE PROJECTS. It extends to three
inches and stops; a shorter, thinner needle appears from its center, a
gleaming drop of liquid at its tip.
Picard struggles against being pulled in, but is clearly not as strong
as the mechanoid. Instead, he swings with his forearm and butts the
handle of the sword into the Borg's face. Stunned, the Borg releases
him.
Without hesitation, Picard arcs a two-handed swing on the Borg's weak
side and strikes him on the neck, cutting an external tube. A mixture
of oil and blood flows down the armor. The Borg's head jerks out
of control.
Picard's face is a torrent of anger. He attacks again:
In full frenzy, Picard continues unabated. CLASH, CLASH, CLASH!
With the final strike, the Borg falls backwards to the ground.
CLOSE ON BORG
Wounds everywhere, it spasms a few more times before its movement finally
ceases.
CLOSE ON PICARD
Sweat dripping through dirt on his face, he stares down at the creation, fighting an anger that threatens to breed tears.
A BEEP OF THE HOLODECK DOOR is heard and RIKER'S VOICE cuts into the
mood.
ANGLE ON BORG
It disappears from the forest floor, leaving no trace.
MED. SHOT - PICARD
RIKER
Yes, sir. The observation team should be coming aboard
in a few minutes. They're sending five delegates to evaluate the
experiment, including your father.
RIKER
Captain, are you all right?
PICARD
Yes. A little winded.
(looks up)
Meet me in Transporter Three in five minutes, Number One.
RIKER
Yes, sir.
Riker looks down at the dead Rogues. He considers a moment then turns and walks toward the exit.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
*************************************
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
CHIEF O'BRIEN operates his console. Riker and Picard (in uniform)
face the transporter pads.
Picard nods to O'Brien and the transporter is activated again.
JULIAN PICARD materializes. He is a man of 85 years, looking
very fit in spite of his age. He is nearly bald and slightly heavier
than Picard. A physical similarity is apparent in his face.
He steps down from the pad.
Picard steps forward, a controlled look on his face.
JULIAN
Ever since you returned to Laval I have been trying to drum up
enough courage to come see you again. Robert told me what a difficult
time you had with the Borg aliens.
Julian puzzles at the cool reaction. He looks at O'Brien.
O'Brien turns his eyes away, deciding to stay out of the Captain's business.
INT. HALLWAY
Julian and Picard walk down the corridor together.
JULIAN
They needed it; their society is buried in metal and machinery.
They needed to bring back something of home.
PICARD
That planet is not suited for agriculture. It would be
an inefficient use of resources to try to make it otherwise.
JULIAN
I can see we're going to get into this right away, eh, Jean Luc?
PICARD
(irritated)
This way.
A few feet ahead of them a side door SLIDES opens and a SIX-YEAR OLD BOY runs out, GIGGLING with delight.
Picard and Julian stop.
The boy runs by Picard, oblivious of the decorum due the Captain.
A MALE CREWMEMBER, about 35 years of age, a smile on his face broad
from LAUGHTER, comes out of the same door and sees Picard.
MED. SHOT - PICARD AND JULIAN
They watch the man go by. Julian looks nostalgic; Picard controlled.
PICARD
Maman was an optimist.
INT. JULIAN'S QUARTERS
Julian ENTERS and looks around, finding the accommodations typically adequate. He turns around to find Picard still standing in the doorway.
An uncomfortable moment of silence passes.
JULIAN
Yes, partly. After you made peace with Robert, I thought
you might be ready to find room in your heart for me again.
PICARD
Robert was as hurt as I was; it gave us something in common.
JULIAN
Why do you persist in your anger? Hasn't enough time passed
for you to forgive me, Jean Luc?
PICARD
(sorrow replacing anger)
It was so unnecessary; she did not have to...
(then, struggling to break through)
Father...
(and giving up)
I have work to do.
Julian watches him go, saddened by the confrontation.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE
The ENTERPRISE travels through warp space.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Picard, Riker, TROI, GEORDI, DR. SALIM AHMADI and three of the delegates are here: ONE HUMAN FEMALE, ONE ALIEN MALE, and ONE HOODED HUMAN MALE--a MERCED PRIEST.
The meeting has not yet begun. They stand, conversing, around
a large table.
The Merced is the loudest one in the room, his tone confrontational.
He speaks to Picard.
PICARD
That is a highly unlikely prospect, Brother San.
MERCED
But not a possibility your scientists can rule out, is it?
GEORDI
Perhaps not, but Dr. Ahmadi is quite sure he has a safe scenario.
MERCED
Bah! Safe indeed. There is no safety when one ventures
into the realm of the Maker. We are treading on very dangerous ground.
CLOSE ON PICARD
CLOSE ON JULIAN
EMPHASIZING AHMADI
MERCED
Why ask? Isn't it obvious that some things are simply beyond
our reach?
PICARD
Brother, please. Everyone will have a say in due course.
FEMALE DELEGATE
And you believe you can control this creation?
AHMADI
Control is not the right word. In fact, we will be forcing
a plasma mass into an uncontrolled state. This is necessary for the
reaction to catalyze itself. But the reaction will be localized;
it will turn in on itself.
FEMALE DELEGATE
What about those who say there is a chance that the reaction
will expand instead, perhaps destroying a huge area of space?
MERCED
Or the entire universe!
AHMADI
(slightly inpatient)
Destruction of the universe is a greatly exaggerated concern.
In the worst case scenarios of reputable scientists, the reaction would
expand to perhaps the diameter of a solar system. That is why we've
placed the apparatus in such a remote sector, and why we're on such a fast
ship.
AHMADI
(shaking his head)
Mystics...
JULIAN
(interrupting)
... have often held truths that were eventually proven.
Should we risk our very existence for a mere scrap of knowledge?
Perhaps not. What if our desire for progress has stepped ahead of
our technology?
(then, across the table)
What do you think, Jean Luc? Your opinion is valued here.
MERCED
Fool!
PICARD
If I believed that, you and I would not be in the same room having
this debate.
TWO SHOT - RIKER AND TROI
Puzzling over the meaning of these comments. They exchange a look
of concern.
VARIOUS ANGLES
MERCED
You may ignore what, or whom you wish, Doctor. But I warn
you, there are those who are determined to see that this experiment is
not completed.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
**********************************
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, and Worf are on duty. At the helm is ENSIGN RAMIREZ.
Picard stands in the center of the bridge, watching the approach of AHMADI
STATION on the viewscreen. The station is a small, roughly spherical
unit poised alone in space.
PICARD
Very good, Mr. Ramirez. All stop. (then)
Transporter Room. Chief O'Brien, you may proceed with the
beam over.
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
Aye, Captain.
AHMADI'S COM VOICE
Dr. Ahmadi here, Captain. You will let me know if a vote
is about to be taken? I want a final shot at the jury before it decides.
PICARD
Of course, Doctor. But I have a feeling it may be a while.
EXT. SPACE - AHMADI STATION
A multifaceted spheroid with many projecting antenna.
INT. AHMADI STATION
The science station is constructed around a CENTRAL CHAMBER that is ten feet in diameter. The cylindrical chamber is accessible for 180 degrees, ending with walls decorated by MONITORING SCREENS. There are also control panels along the lower circumference of the cylinder. The beast is AGLOW with power.
Dr. Ahmadi speaks with Riker and Geordi.
AHMADI
Four hundred twenty eight kilotons. It took us almost two
years to condense it to this size.
AHMADI
And ninety eight percent of it pointed right in there.
(indicates the cylinder)
Anything less and the plasma core would crystalize in a matter
of seconds.
GEORDI
That's a really tight balance.
AHMADI
We're right on the edge. All we need is the word and we'll
add the tau-meson stream to the mix. That will apply enough pressure
to the center to begin self-compression and then, boom -- new universe.
GEORDI
Simple as that.
AHMADI
Yes, anytime.
RIKER
I'll set it up.
GEORDI
I've scheduled continual shifts to monitor the Station from the
Enterprise, and to record your own data as you collect it. If nothing
else, Starfleet wants a complete record of what happens here.
INT. READY ROOM
Picard stares across the room in deep thought.
The doorbell CHIRPS.
PICARD
No, not really. It seems a clear choice.
(a beat)
I've been thinking about other things.
TROI
Your father?
TROI
Eight years is a long time.
PICARD
Yes, it is. I have tried many times to convince myself
to forgive him. I had hoped that this time we would finally resolve
it.
TROI
And you find yourself unable to do so?
TROI
Then confront him, Captain. It is in your best interest,
and in the best interest of the conference.
TROI
(with amusement)
Yes. You two seem to be...distracting the issue.
PICARD
Yes, Mr. Worf?
WORF (V.O.)
(alarmed)
Captain, three Romulan ships have uncloaked ahead of us.
They are approaching at sublight speed.
INT. BRIDGE
Troi and Picard rush out of the Ready Room and head to their stations. Picard watches the viewscreen.
Riker is absent.
WORF
Six twelve, mark one, Captain.
(he notes his panel)
We are being hailed, sir.
PICARD
On screen.
ALTERNATING ANGLES - PICARD AND VIEWSCREEN
A view of the THREE ROMULAN SHIPS is replaced by a ROMULAN BRIDGE SHOT:
COMMANDER TOMALAHK with his best menacing face.
PICARD
Commander Tomalahk, you are in Federation Space in violation
of Treaty. Are you prepared to start a battle?
TOMALAHK
We have been informed of the military nature of your "experiment,"
Captain and have deemed it a threat to the Romulan Empire.
PICARD
Commander, I repeat: this is Federation Space. What we
do here is our full prerogative.
TOMALAHK
(shouting)
Not when it threatens my Race, Picard.
PICARD
There is no military component to our experiment. It is
of scientific value only.
TOMALAHK
Not according to my sources. Its placement near the Neutral
Zone is evidence of your intention.
PICARD
We are here because it is an empty sector, Tomalahk, that is
all.
TOMALAHK
All too convenient, Picard. Now take your people aboard
or they will be destroyed with the station.
Picard looks at Troi.
The FREQUENCY CLICKS ON again.
TOMALAHK
Misinformation? Why should I believe your claims, Picard?
PICARD
You need not; evaluate for yourself. We have a group of
observers here doing just that. I invite you to send a representative
of your own.
EXT. SPACE
The three Romulan ships face the Enterprise.
The two flanking ships lean out and fly back the way they came.
INT. BRIDGE - VARIOUS ANGLES
The SIDE PANELS INDICATE YELLOW ALERT.
The Romulan Commander is on the viewscreen.
PICARD
But trust, in fact, Commander.
(then, to Worf)
Drop the shields and see that their envoy is beamed aboard.
TOMALAHK
This is a tentative agreement, Picard. We will not wait
for long.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ROMULAN SHIP
The Romulan ship backs off and flies away without cloaking.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard stands near his command seat.
WORF
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Very good, Number One.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
And Captain, the Ambassador is someone we've met before.
PICARD
Indeed?
A second later, the turbolift opens. All eyes turn as the ROMULAN
exits onto the bridge with Riker following.
It is BAHKRA, the Romulan who once befriended Geordi in a previous
episode. On his belt is a device that looks something like a tricorder.
BAHKRA
Captain Picard. I am pleased that we meet again.
PICARD
Indeed.
(then, to Worf)
Mr. Worf, summon Lieutenant La Forge to the Bridge. I think
he should be here to greet our guest.
CLOSE ON BAHKRA
His face unreadable.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
*********************************
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. READY ROOM
The door opens and Picard enters, followed by Bahkra and then Riker.
Riker moves to the far side of the table. Picard and Bahkra sit.
BAHKRA
Yes, my Commander assumes that my earlier... friendship with
Engineer La Forge will allow us to communicate without bias.
BAHKRA
Yes.
BAHKRA
Engineer La Forge.
GEORDI
Please, call me Geordi.
BAHKRA
I prefer the formal. What is your rank?
PICARD
Of course. Lieutenant La Forge is in charge of monitoring
the experiment from the Enterprise. He is properly versed to show
you anything you need.
PICARD
You should also meet the other observers. There is a debate
going on that should interest you.
BAHKRA
A debate? Of what nature?
PICARD
I'll let Lieutenant La Forge tell you about it.
GEORDI
This is going to be great, Bahkra. We can really get to
know each other this time.
BAHKRA
I am not here to socialize, Lieutenant.
PICARD
Bahkra...
(stands and approaches)
... our cause is as stated. We are here on a scientific
mission that poses no threat to the Romulan Empire. You are free
to take all the time you need to make that determination.
BAHKRA
Thank you, Captain. It is my hope that what you say is
true.
INT. AHMADI STATION
All the delegates are getting a tour of the station. Dr. Ahmadi moves from panel to panel, explaining the machinery.
Geordi is here also, accompanying Bahkra.
MED. SHOT - GEORDI AND BAHKRA
Geordi speaks as the Romulan listens. Bahkra catches himself cracking
a smile during the conversation.
INT. TEN FORWARD - ESTABLISHING
The Enterprise crew and most of the delegates fill the room. At
one table is the Merced Priest, the Female Delegate, and the Klingon.
At another is Geordi, Bahkra and TWO UNIDENTIFIED CREWMEMBERS. At
still another sits Riker and Julian Picard.
MED. SHOT - RIKER AND JULIAN
They are both drinking red wine. The bottle sits on the table.
RIKER
We do tend to get enamored with our machinery. It's sometimes
hard to imagine living without it.
JULIAN
That's my point. All right, so we learn to live with modern
technology, but that doesn't mean we have to forget the basic values. Our
abilities should be appreciated precisely because they are of human hands.
RIKER
And that's what you tell people in your travels?
JULIAN
Yes.
(a beat, a sad thought)
That's what Anna--my wife--tried to tell me for years.
RIKER
You left France after she died?
RIKER
I'm sorry.
JULIAN
I had spent my entire life in Laval, but I just couldn't stay
there anymore. I decided to sell the vineyards. Oh, what a
storm that brought.
RIKER
The Captain's brother was still working with you?
JULIAN
Yes, Robert was furious: how could I even think of selling our
home? Jean Luc wasn't much more understanding but at least he was
busy with Starfleet. I finally agreed to turn it all over to Robert.
JULIAN
(smiles weakly; nods)
It took my wife's death to finally get me out to see other ways
of life. We're stubborn bastards, we Picards.
WIDE SHOT INCLUDING DOOR
Picard enters the room. He looks around, sees his father and Riker
talking, apparently about the bottle. He approaches them.
ANGLE ON TABLE - JULIAN AND RIKER
Picard's tone is conciliatory.
JULIAN
Not at all; please do, Jean Luc.
RIKER
Yes, Captain; join us. We were talking about your wine
making.
PICARD
It has been brought to my attention, Father, that our personal
differences have been interfering with the debate at hand.
JULIAN
How do you propose we resolve that?
PICARD
We discuss it in the proper setting. Will you join me in
the holodeck tomorrow?
INT. BAHKRA'S QUARTERS
The room is empty. The door slides open and Bahkra enters, followed
by Geordi. Geordi is laughing, his usual self. Bahkra is all
but laughing--definitely a breakthrough.
BAHKRA
Your humor is quite... refreshing. Romulan society is often
restrictive.
GEORDI
Maybe we should slip a few files into your ship's computer.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Bahkra moves into his room. He is deep in thought, his expression shifting from sadness to resolve.
He moves to a wall panel and presses a sequence of buttons. The panel opens to reveal the tricorder- like device he was carrying earlier. He removes it and carries it over to a counter.
The device has a small screen on it above many rows of buttons. He presses a sequence of buttons, then turns it over and SNAPS off a panel, revealing a smaller device--a ROMULAN HAND PHASER.
For several seconds he looks over the weapon before placing it gently on the counter.
Bahkra then SNAPS shut the box and turns it back over. He presses other buttons and waits.
The screen BRIGHTENS; we can't quite make out the face that appears.
BAHKRA
Forgive me, Commander. I was unable to contact you earlier.
TOMALAHK'S COM VOICE
Is this a private communication, Centurian?
BAHKRA
I believe it is as they have promised. The Humans seem
quite willing to extend their trust.
TOMALAHK'S COM VOICE
So we are learning. That is to our advantage. Do
you have a report? Obviously you did not have an opportunity to complete
your mission.
TOMALAHK'S COM VOICE
None at all? Could they have disguised the apparatus?
Have you had access to their computers?
BAHKRA
I have, Commander. The experiment is as they have said
-- a scientific endeavor. I see no reason to proceed.
TOMALAHK'S COM VOICE
Centurian Bahkra, need I remind you of your instructions?
This Federation is far too clever to be trusted. You have not been
sent to judge them.
BAHKRA
Yes, Commander.
(then, reluctantly)
I understand.
TOMALAHK'S COM VOICE
Then complete your mission, Centurian. It is for the Glory
of the Romulan Empire that we fight.
Bahkra looks over the devices and finally picks up the phaser, gripping it with both hands for resolve.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
*************************************
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. HALLWAY - HOLODECK ENTRANCE
Normal traffic passes by. Picard and Julian approach the door.
COMPUTER
Program initiated. You may enter.
Julian looks in and hesitates. Picard motions his father in; they
enter.
INT. HOLODECK - HILLTOP - DAY
As they enter, the holodeck door DISAPPEARS behind them. It is a beautiful summer day in Laval, France. They stand on a low hill overlooking miles of vineyard and farmland. Wildflowers dot the area around them.
Julian enters carefully, struck with mixed feelings at being here.
Picard is similarly affected by his home.
PICARD
I came here often when I was a boy. To get away from you.
JULIAN
It should have brought us together, not farther apart.
JULIAN
(stubborn)
Because I didn't want that damn machine around us.
(softening)
I didn't think she needed it.
PICARD
And because of your irrational preferences, she died before anyone
could help her, alone in the house.
JULIAN
Robert was right. It is a part of us.
(something occurs to him)
After the encounter, you came to Laval, not to me.
ANOTHER ANGLE - MED. SHOT
JULIAN
What?
PICARD
Three years ago. It's hard to explain.
(then, softly)
Computer, run program 3702.
Julian reacts with apprehension.
PICARD
I know this sounds incredible, but we once visited this place.
It is far away, beyond the ends of the universe.
(staring out)
A place where thoughts and reality merge; I saw Mother for a
moment... spoke to her. At least I believe I did.
EXT. UNIVERSE - LONG SHOT - JULIAN AND PICARD
They stand on a small platform in the middle of a VAST PSYCHEDELIC SPACE.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE
The ship maintains its position near Ahmadi Station.
INT. ENTERPRISE - HALLWAY
Centurian Bahkra walks down the hallway, apprehensive as if everyone
he passes knows what he is thinking.
He finds the doorway he is looking for and enters.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
A FEMALE TECHNICIAN works at a panel on the far wall. She turns
when the door opens.
Bahkra hesitates; he was prepared for a confrontation.
He moves behind the transporter panel and changes the settings, then
slides the bars forward and jogs up to the transporter pad.
ANGLE ON PADS
Bahkra takes a position, hiding the phaser beneath his shirt again.
He avoids looking down at the technician as he DEMATERIALIZES.
INT. AHMADI STATION - HALLWAY
Bahkra MATERIALIZES in a narrow hallway that leads to the central area
in the b.g.. He looks up and down the hallway and finding no one,
moves into the central chamber.
INT. AHMADI STATION - CENTRAL CHAMBER
Bahkra enters the area and finds it empty. He looks over the wall panels, apparently for a particular one. He finds one and throws a switch, checking the reading it gives.
Bahkra looks around nervously, then brings out the phaser from under his shirt.
Sweat grows on his forehead as Bahkra hesitates. After a moment he gathers his strength and he manipulates the phaser until a MUTED HIGH-PITCHED SOUND emanates from it, the SOUND OF AN OVERLOAD.
Bahkra holds it against himself and closes his eyes as the SOUND SLOWLY
INCREASES IN TONE.
ANGLE INCLUDING HALLWAY
VOICES AND FOOTSTEPS are heard coming from the hallway.
GEORDI
Bahkra, what are you doing? We're friends, remember?
AHMADI
Ambassador, we can talk about this.
MERCED
(pleading)
Please, Romulan, I do not wish to die. You were supposed
to... I mean, not while I am...
TWO SHOT - AHMADI AND MERCED
The Merced backs away timidly.
MERCED
We could not let you complete the experiment. The Scholars
were certain it would mean the end of everything.
VARIOUS ANGLES
Geordi has not taken his eyes off Bahkra. Julian moves up to Geordi's
side.
Geordi grabs Bahkra's arm. The PHASER SHOOTS INTO THE WALL just
to the side of them.
LONG SHOT - GEORDI AND BAHKRA
SPARKS FLY from the wall. Geordi and Bahkra struggle as the PHASER
CONTINUES TO DISCHARGE. Bahkra's arm swings upward, causing the phaser
to BURN A LINE UP to the control panel above. The panel EXPLODES
fiercely around them, throwing them apart to the side.
CLOSE SHOT - MERCED
The Priest presses buttons randomly on a nearby panel.
END OF ACT FOUR
*********************************
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. AHMADI STATION - GEORDI AND BAHKRA
SPARKS ARC FROM THE PANEL onto them. Both are stunned but Bahkra
still holds the phaser. Geordi struggles up only find himself facing
the phaser again. Bahkra shuffles back against the wall.
The GLOWING CYLINDER HAS BRIGHTENED and is PULSING REGULARLY.
Dr. Ahmadi resets the panel messed up by the Merced, glaring at him
with disgust. Dr. Ahmadi then crosses to the panel adjacent to the
one damaged in the fight. SPARKS CONTINUE TO SPUTTER, causing him
to cringe each time, but he continues. He presses buttons worriedly.
GEORDI
What is it Doctor?
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CLOSE ON WORF
At his station. He is suddenly concerned.
ANGLE INCLUDING PICARD AND WORF
Picard stands and turns to his officer.
WORF
The last transport was to Ahmadi Station, about four minutes
ago; it was not a scheduled beamdown.
PICARD
Hail them, Lieutenant.
Worf does so.
WORF
Channel open, sir.
PICARD
(speaking out)
Picard to Dr. Ahmadi. Is everything all right down there?
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant La Forge here, Captain. We have a situation.
INT. AHMADI STATION
Geordi and Julian stand before Bahkra, who still holds the phaser on
them. The panel no longer sparks.
GEORDI
Bahkra is holding a phaser on us, Captain.
JULIAN
Jean Luc, he is more frightened than anything.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
AHMADI'S COM VOICE
The experiment has been set off prematurely, Captain. It's
progressing out of control.
INT. AHMADI STATION
The Merced is already moving. Geordi waves everyone back.
BAHKRA
You will both leave. My destiny is here.
ANGLE ON BAHKRA
Watching the transporting with some relief but also a loss of hope.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
INT. AHMADI STATION
PULSING LIGHT from the power plant bathes the SCENE.
BAHKRA
(tries to be angry)
Why do you persist? You cannot help me. Your deaths
would be meaningless.
JULIAN
And what about your life? Does it have no meaning?
BAHKRA
(pitiful again)
My life is not my own; it was taken away when I was given this
mission.
JULIAN
Ambassador, listen to me. I made a grave mistake once but
I learned to go beyond it. You need only be willing to overcome your
fear.
GEORDI
Bahkra, you once taught me not to give up easily. Well,
I'm not going to give up on you now. Either you come with us or we
die here together.
BAHKRA
You do not understand; I cannot go back to my ship. They
will not let me live this time.
GEORDI
Then stay with us! You don't have to go back to the Romulans.
GEORDI
Yes! Don't you understand? We'll stand by you; we're
your friends.
GEORDI
(calm, confident)
I know you won't kill us, Bahkra, or you wouldn't be trying to
get us to leave. You care about us, just like we care about you.
Bahkra's hand shakes as he tries to get himself to press the trigger.
Geordi puts his hand on the phaser; Bahkra's eyes cry out for help as
the weapon is taken away.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Julian moves in and helps Geordi lift Bahkra to his feet.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Dr. Ahmadi is now on the bridge. Geordi, Bahkra and Julian MATERIALIZE in front of the viewscreen.
Riker moves quickly toward them.
EXT. SPACE - AHMADI STATION
FLASHES OF LIGHT spit from a dozen surfaces on the station.
A BUBBLING FLAME then rises from its innards, consuming the entire mass.
The FIREBALL stops growing at the station's edge; it suddenly SHRINKS
into itself and DISAPPEARS totally from sight.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Everyone is stunned, having just survived a round of Russian Roulette.
Dr. Ahmadi moves toward the screen with fascinated disbelief.
RIKER
Remnants of an explosion?
AHMADI
We've done it! A new universe!
Picard moves to the group at the front. Bahkra stands straight,
fully expecting to be arrested.
Geordi smiles his support. Bahkra takes a breath and stands proudly.
PICARD
(proud, formal)
Granted. You understand there will be an investigation
into what just happened on Ahmadi Station.
GEORDI
Yes, sir! Thank you, sir.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Riker and Julian move to Picard's side. They watch Bahkra leave.
RIKER
Yes, sir!
JULIAN
This is an exciting life you lead, Jean Luc. I can see
you are very happy here.
PICARD
It is one element of a balanced scale, Father.
JULIAN
Well, in the interest of balance, I think I will return to Laval--at
least for a while. This was a little too much excitement for my taste.
JULIAN
I too.
Dr. Ahmadi has calmed down. He stares longingly into the viewscreen.
Picard steps to him. Julian and Riker follow so that all four
stand in a line looking out at the stars.
JULIAN
It is like a child leaving home to find his own world.
PICARD
We can only imagine.
Picard holds an expression of wonder and contentment.
DISSOLVE TO:
DARK BLUE
The SCREEN is filled with SOLID DARK BLUE.
Suddenly, a SINGLE POINT OF WHITE sparkles into existence and EXPLODES to fill the entire screen with a totally alien scene:
The b.g. is a METALLIC GLITTERED BLUE. MULTICOLORED TRANSLUCENT STRANDS begin to coalesce, floating free.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
Get your own Free Home
Page
and 