AOH :: TREK-055.TXT
TNG: In Dreams Awake
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From: Eric_S_Klien@cup.portal.com
Subject: SF Script
Lines: 1487
Date: Sun, 26 May 91 12:01:51 PDT
Message-Id: <9105261201.18.119@cup.portal.com>
X-Origin: The Portal System (TM)
Status: R
Copyright 1991 Charles McGrew and Eric Klien. All
Rights Reserved.
Final Version
SYNOPSIS
The story opens with the Enterprise arriving at
Gibson's Folly, a planet with a nearby starbase, for
engine maintenance. While the Enterprise is being
worked on, Data is planning to try to program the
holodeck to generate 'dreams' for him. Riker is
planning to visit an old Academy buddy who is
security chief and meanwhile find out what he can
about a hush-hush research project that is going on
here that Riker thinks might be interesting.
Meanwhile, two high-tech hijackers are planning to
steal a ship named Kitakami that the research is
being carried out and sell it to the Romulans. The
Kitakami is a testbed for a secret Federation attempt
to duplicate Borg weaponry. The hijackers have
managed to buy or steal security codes to beam
themselves aboard and most of the access codes to
gain control of her. The Enterprise arrival forces
them to act before they are completely ready.
Data goes to various crewmembers to find out more
information to help with his holodeck dream program.
He asks Picard, Worf, Beverly, and Riker what they
dream about. Each gives fairly innocuous answers to
Data though with flashbacks the audience gets to see
the real dreams they're thinking about. Picard's
revolves around his striking out at a little-league
baseball game that caused him to become the
sports-overachiever his brother once complained
about; Worf dreams of his parents and his guilt at
not dying with them; Beverly dreams of her medical
skills failing to save anyone at all in a crisis
situation; and Riker dreams of his deep-seeded
insecurity about the Command chair.
Data programs the holodeck and begins the dream,
which becomes Act 3, Scene 2 of "Julius Caesar".
Riker is Brutus and Data is Marc Antony, in Antony's
great speech to the crowd over Caesar's body. Data
sees his fondest wish come true - in his dream he
displays anger, sarcasm, grief, etc. - in short, he
dreams that his study of Shakespeare results in a
successful transition to humanity.
Riker manages to convince his Academy buddy, Mike
McMurdoc - chief of security at the Starbase, and
hence of the research project - to wrangle a tour
of the unclassified parts of the ship, in hopes of
figuring out what's up on board her. Riker's
security clearance (his Borg experience gives him
significant clearance clout) is enough to get him
on board. As Riker and McMurdoc beam aboard, the
hijackers do too, and phaser everyone. The hijackers
begin trying to get the Kitakami underway. No one
outside the Kitakami notices the unscheduled
beaming.
Meanwhile, Data has gone to ten-forward to discuss
his dream with someone -- anyone. He encounters
O'Brien, who brings him up short. O'Brien, it turns
out, has extremely bad nightmares and has to use a
device to soften his dreams so he can sleep at all.
This, by the way, is why O'Brien got shifted from
Command track to Technical. Data, who did not
consider nightmares in his earlier programming,
decides to try a nightmare in his next dream.
Data's next 'dream'is two short nightmares -- the
first involves his head being attached to the
navigation console and his body wandering around
looking for it; the second involves Data being
steam-powered and clanking about.
As the hijackers prepare to get the Kitakami
underway, Riker and McMurdoc awaken in the Kitakami's
brig. McMurdoc, having programmed the security
systems on the Kitakami, manages to break into the
main computer via a back door he programmed into
the Brig's food-synth console for emergencies. He
tries to sabotage the hijackers' progress in hopes
that someone will notice they are missing and that
the Kitakami has been taken before the ship gets its
warp drive going and leaves the Enterprise behind
while its warp drive is still down.
Data, along with Beverly as an observer tries another
dream after altering his program yet again. This
time Data's dream is that he has lost his mental
capacity -- in the form of his amazing memory for
facts. Meanwhile, the Kitakami's seizure has become
known, and the Enterprise begins preparing to stop
the hijacking.
The hijackers, meanwhile, have resolved to use the
Borg weapon on the Enterprise, though unbeknownst to
them, their efforts are being hindered by McMurdoc.
The holodeck's nightmare program - using (it turns
out) real events as a template to try and keep up with
Data's dream-program parameters, programs a dream
bridge, to which Data and Beverly go (but they think
it's the real bridge). The dream climaxes with
Beverly figuring out that she and Data are actually
still on the holodeck, and ending the program.
However, Data has gained useful information via the
sensor readings on the dream bridge which will be
useful later.
The hijackers, now desperate, fire the Borg weapon.
It fails to hit due to McMurdoc's interference. Data
arrives on the Bridge. Having noticed that the Borg
weapon is unstable in his dream, he suggests
detonating a photon torpedo near the Kitakami to
overload it. It works, and with the overload, the
Kitakami's other power systems also fail. The
Enterprise is able to beam over stun-gas cannisters
and knock everyone on board the Kitakami out.
We end with Data and Picard discussing events. Riker
breaks in and says that the Borg weapon has been
found to be too unstable for use in the near future.
Data tells Picard that he has analyzed his dreams,
and he doesn't like the description of his 'human
self' it implies. Picard counters that struggling
against such dark sides is what humanity is all
about, which seems to satisfy Data.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"In Dreams Awake"
TEASER
EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise flies into orbit around a planet. Also
in orbit can be seen drydock facilities.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's personal log, Stardate
45311.4. We have just arrived at
Starbase one-seven-three for a
warp engine calibration. While at
the Starbase, the crew will be
taking advantage of recreational
facilities on the nearby planet
Gibson's Folly.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
GEORDI, and several ENGINEERING CREWMEN enter. They
get on the pads and are beamed to Gibson's Folly.
INT. GIBSON'S FOLLY TRANSPORTER ROOM
Geordi's party transports in and moves off the pads
toward the exits, waving to the transport officer.
HUMAN TWO is chatting with someone. We see him
look sharply at Geordi and the others; the uniforms
worry him.
ENGINEERING CREWMAN
(to Geordi)
I think you'll like this place,
sir. It's the toughest bar this
side of the Neutral Zone.
GEORDI
Good, I'll need a little relaxation
before I tackle the Enterprise's
warp drive tuneup.
Human Two hears this and reacts with alarm, though
this is unnoticed by Geordi and the others. Human
Two, very agitated, walks out of the transporter
room in an obvious hurry.
INT. DATA'S CABIN
Data sits at his console, tapping keys.
PICARD (V.O.)
Data's curiosity about the effects
of dreaming was piqued by our
encounter near Tychen's Rift.
Therefore he has decided to use
the Holodeck to try out a unique
program simulation. Although
androids do not sleep, and
therefore do not dream, Mister
Data is attempting to program the
ship's computer to allow him to
view his simulated dreams.
TROI enters.
TROI
Data, how's your program coming
along?
DATA
Very well, Counselor. I have
programmed the computer with
various theories of dreaming, and
personal information about myself
and my analysis of people I know.
But I am concerned that I do not
have enough personal information
for the program to extrapolate
simulated dreams.
TROI
Well, perhaps you can talk to some
other people and relate their
dream experiences to your program.
Data pauses to consider.
DATA
Thank you, Counselor. I shall do
exactly that.
He gets up and leaves, Troi follows.
PICARD (V.O.)
Mister Riker has a keen interest
in the Kitakami, a research vessel
also here at Gibson's Folly.
EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE KITAKAMI IN ORBIT
AROUND GIBSON'S FOLLY (OPTICAL)
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
He seems to think that the
Kitakami is working on some
sort of special research and
appears determined to find out
what it is. He will be visiting
with an old friend who is chief of
security at the Starbase. From
what I know of the Commander's
persuasive powers, I pity his
friend if he tries to hide
anything.
INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS
On screen is MIKE MCMURDOC, security chief of Starbase
173. RIKER is speaking to him.
RIKER
C'mon, Mike, just give me a tour
of her.
McMURDOC
Now Will, it's off limits...
RIKER
A research vessel off limits?
C'mon, what's REALLY going on
here? You can tell me; I've
got clearance.
McMURDOC
(pauses)
Well, I... perhaps we should speak
in person. It's kind of
complicated, Will.
RIKER
All right, I'll see you in about
an hour.
McMURDOC
Fine. Do you still play poker?
RIKER
(coyly)
Oh, a little. Why?
McMURDOC
Me and the boys play now and again.
Want to sit in tonight?
RIKER
Table stakes?
McMURDOC
Yup.
RIKER
Excellent! I'll bring my poker
face, then. Riker out.
McMurdoc's image is cut off. Riker smiles to himself
at his joke.
INT. HIJACKER'S HIDEOUT
HUMAN ONE is tapping keys on a computer console.
Human Two enters, agitated.
HUMAN TWO
The Enterprise! The Enterprise is
here!
HUMAN ONE
(quite calm)
I know. She's in for warp tuneup.
What of it?
HUMAN TWO
That might be just a cover. She
might be here to stop us. We
can't risk it.
HUMAN ONE
Calm down. If they knew what we
were up to, we'd be halfway to a
penal colony by now. It's just a
coincidence. Doesn't mean a
thing.
HUMAN TWO
(still unconvinced)
I don't think...
HUMAN ONE
(interrupting)
I didn't invest six months and all
those credits to find out about
that Borg research. Six months to
get the codes to get past the
Kitakami's shields. Six months to
find you and to be able to get you
up there to help get her engines
running - just to give up now.
HUMAN TWO
But the Enterprise could catch
us even if we take the Kitakami.
HUMAN ONE
Think for a minute, will you?
We're going to steal a ship that
has the most powerful weapon ever
known. If the Enterprise gets in
the way, we'll just have to give
that weapon a field test. On the
Enterprise. The Romulans will
pay double - just to know she's
been destroyed!
Human One smiles nastily.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard is seated at his desk. The door chimes.
PICARD
Come.
Data enters.
DATA
Captain, I wonder if you might be
able to help my dream research.
PICARD
In what way, Commander?
DATA
I have programmed the computer
with all of the available theories
concerning dreams and all of my
personal information, but I would
like some additional information
to complete my preparations.
PICARD
Certainly. What do you want to
know?
DATA
Well, Captain, if you do not
consider it too personal, what do
you dream about?
Picard pauses, thinking.
PICARD
Hmm... well, it's certainly a very
personal question, Data. It's
probably one of the most personal
questions you could ask me. When
a man dreams, these are his most
private moments.
DATA
(slightly puzzled)
I see.
Data turns to go.
PICARD
But in my case, I don't mind.
DATA
(brightly)
Oh! Please continue, Captain.
PICARD
Most often I dream of things that
were important in my youth.
DATA
Could you be more specific?
PICARD
Oh, of Academy life...
FADE TO:
Young people in Starfleet uniforms at Starfleet
Academy, with dynabooks in hand, laughing and talking.
FADE TO:
A nine-year-old Picard in a little-league baseball
uniform labeled "Normandie", looking glumly from the
dugout.
PICARD (V.O.)
And boyhood crises... you know,
nothing seems quite so intense in
our lives as the imagined crises
in our youth.
A COACH hands the young man a bat.
COACH
C'mon Picard! There's two outs -
It's all up to you!
The boy takes the bat and trudges out to bat. He
doesn't look happy. The opposing catcher looks at
him, then turns to shout to the other players. He
holds up the "two outs sign".
CATCHER
Easy out! Easy out!
Young Picard grimly settles into the batter's box. He
looks around the diamond. From his point of view, we
see a runner on first and third; and the scoreboard:
Springfield 3 Normandie 2. The pitcher takes the
sign, winds up, and pitches. Young Picard misses
badly.
UMPIRE
Strike one!
The hometown crowd yells its disapproval of the call.
The pitcher winds up again and throws again. Young
Picard doesn't swing.
UMPIRE
Strike two!
YOUNG PICARD
That was outside!
UMPIRE
No it wasn't, kid.
The crowd is very enthusiastic now, yelling support.
The pitcher winds up and delivers. Young Picard
swings and misses. The opposing team goes wild,
running out to the mound and hugging each other.
Young Picard trudges toward the dugout, filled with
unhappy players, staring at him. Young Picard is
crying. The crowd sounds fade.
FADE TO:
Picard and BEVERLY sitting at a candlelit table,
drinking champagne and smiling at each other.
PICARD (V.O.)
And, uh, other things.
FADE TO:
INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard looks a little embarrassed, but Data doesn't
notice.
DATA
Thank you, sir.
INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf is adding his ceremonial dagger to his uniform.
Data is present.
WORF
A warrior dreams of battle,
Commander.
DATA
Is it any particular battle?
WORF
(hesitates)
No. There are many different
enemies in my dreams. But victory
(beat)
is always mine.
FADE TO:
Worf standing with several other Klingons, two male
and one female. Nothing is said for a moment, they
all just stand together rather unnaturally. Suddenly
an explosion is heard, Worf turns toward it and
crouches, drawing his weapon, but the others do not
move. A phaser-like bolt strikes one of the male
Klingons. He grunts and collapses. Only Worf appears
to notice.
WORF
Father!
Another bolt strikes the female. Worf turns to look
at her.
WORF
Mother!
The last Klingon is struck down.
WORF
Uncle!
Worf looks down at them all. They're dead. Suddenly
everything is quiet. Worf looks around for someone,
anyone to shoot. There's no one. His growl of combat
rises and rises into a shout of frustration and
mourning as the camera rises to look down on him.
He looks up at the sky (and camera) and shakes his
fists.
WORF
Me! Why not me! Why didn't you
take ME!
CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY
Data and Beverly are talking.
BEVERLY
My dreams? They're nothing special.
FADE TO:
INT. SICKBAY
The doors slide open and Beverly walks into sickbay.
Around the walls of sickbay lean and sit numerous
obvious-wounded crewmen/women. An explosion is heard,
followed by the Red Alert. Smoke is drifting in the
air. A NURSE, standing by one of the sickbay diag-
tables waves her over.
NURSE
Doctor! Come quick, we need
you over here.
Beverly walks toward the table, followed by a sickbay
ORDERLY. Beverly points at several wounded people.
BEVERLY
Him. Her. And then him next.
ORDERLY
Yes, doctor.
He turns O.S. and waves to other orderlies. As
Crusher moves to the table by the Nurse, they come
into view and pick up the wounded and carry them
after her. She stops at the table and looks down at
the wounded man. She looks up at the readouts. She
looks at the Nurse.
BEVERLY
I can't save him. Put him over
there.
The wounded man is pulled off the table. The
orderlies put the next on on. Beverly looks up at the
readouts.
BEVERLY
I can't save him. Next.
The wounded man is pulled off the table. Beverly
looks down at her feet. There are wounded people all
around her, looking up at her, with arms reaching up
for help.
BEVERLY
(to the wounded at her feet)
I can't save you. Next.
Another wounded man is put on the diagnostic table.
It is Picard, who is obviously seriously wounded.
Beverly stares at him.
CUT TO:
INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS
RIKER
Well, I suppose mine are pretty
normal -- things like an exam at
the Academy, old friends. Sorry,
nothing special here.
FADE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Riker, Data, Worf, and N.D. CREWMEMBERS are present,
but not Picard. The red alert is sounding while
bright flashes are coming from the viewing screen as
if phasers are being fired on the Enterprise. Riker
stands by the command chair.
RIKER
Come to course three-one-two mark
two-one-two. Mister Worf, open
fire!
Nobody moves but Riker. He turns and looks from one
to another. Worf is looking bored. Data is playing
with a yo-yo. Two other crewmen are playing cards.
RIKER
Mister Worf, as your Captain, I
order you to open fire!
Worf ignores him. Riker runs up to his console and
hits some controls to fire phasers. Still, no one
else moves. The ship rocks as if hit.
RIKER
(shouting now)
Mister Data! Come to
one-one-three mark one-two!
Data and everyone else ignores him. Riker runs to
Data's console and begins typing controls there. Data
knocks his hands away. Riker tries again. Data
knocks his hand away again. The ship rocks again.
COMPUTER
Warning. Main hull breached.
Riker retreats toward his command chair. As he
retreats from a closeup face shot, we notice that as
far as we can tell, he is naked. Riker notices this,
and covers himself. He turns to look at his command
chair which suddenly has fangs, ears, and glowing
eyes, and then growls at him. The crew suddenly
notices that he is naked and begin laughing at him.
CUT TO:
INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS.
Riker looks a little embarrassed.
RIKER
(a little too stiffly)
And now if you'll excuse me, I
have a poker game waiting.
DATA
Thank you, Commander. I think I
have enough information to begin
my dream simulations.
INT. STAR BASE 173 CORRIDOR
Riker beams into the corridor and goes into
a door marked "Brig".
INT. STAR BASE 173 BRIG
Riker stops in front of the desk of MIKE MCMURDOC.
McMurdoc is absorbed in the computer game on his
console. Scattered on the desk are various cups of
coffee in various states of fullness. Blueberry-
filled doughnuts, in various states of being-eaten
are with them.
RIKER
(to McMurdoc's back)
Haven't you won at "Wizard's War"
yet, Mac?
McMURDOC
(without turning)
Well, if I can just get this
summoning spell...
He swivels around, recognizing the voice. He rises to
shake hands.
McMURDOC
(continuing)
Will, you old scoundrel! Sit
y'self down and and have some
coffee.
RIKER
You know, the Scarlet Demon will
help you with that spell--
McMURDOC
(interrupting)
Don't tell me! I want to figure
it out for myself.
(to terminal)
Computer. Save game.
RIKER
Just like in the Academy, Mike -
you spent all your time playing
those silly games instead of
studying.
McMURDOC
Ah, yes, but then I didn't want
to rule the galaxy like you did,
Willy. You got the grades but I
got the fun.
RIKER
So, what's the real story on the
Kitakami? Is she doing any
special testing?
McMURDOC
(resignedly)
I'm not going to be rid of you
until you see her, am I?
RIKER
That's the picture.
McMURDOC
Well, I don't really know what is
so special about her, but
something IS going on. I'm not
sure what it is, but there are
sections of that ship that even I
can't get into. And I've got
orders from God himself - the
Admiral of the Fleet.
RIKER
Some sort of new weapon? A new
drive?
McMURDOC
I don't know, old friend. The
people working on her are kept
in a special wing of the
station and they don't get to
talk with anyone. So, how about
a tour? I can show you anything
you want.
McMurdoc turns to his console communicator.
McMURDOC
(to console)
Security Chief McMurdoc calling
Kitakami.
KITAKAMI OFFICER'S COM VOICE
Kitakami here.
McMURDOC
Two beaming over. Myself and
Commander Riker. Clearance
checked and passed.
KITAKAMI OFFICER'S COM VOICE
You are cleared. Please use
the secure transporter codes to
interrupt the shields.
McMURDOC
Very well, Kitakami. McMurdoc
out.
RIKER
(continuing where he left off)
Anything?
McMURDOC
Well, almost. Not the Engine
Room, or the Battle Bridge, or
the Computer Room.
The two of them walk toward the door.
RIKER
... or the Weapons Room...
McMURDOC
Or the Auxiliary Power room, or
the research labs, or the...
The doors to McMurdoc's office close on them, cutting
off the conversation.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
TECHNICIANS are sitting at various consoles. Riker
and McMurdoc transport in. The technicians ignore
them.
McMURDOC
So, here it is.
RIKER
(looking about interestedly)
Not much to look at...
McMURDOC
Not really, no.
INT. HIJACKER'S HIDEOUT
Human One and Two are preparing weapons and various
nondescript devices. They are now wearing Starfleet
uniforms. The only incongruity is their overly long
hair, which makes them seem not-quite-right.
HUMAN ONE
All right. Now we'll find out if
those transporter security codes
I bought really work or not. You
set to crack the command console,
(pausing, with humor)
Lieutenant?
HUMAN TWO
(going along with the joke)
Yes, sir, Captain.
(seriously)
It may take a while, though.
The two hijackers check weapons, put devices in
their pockets, making ready to go.
HUMAN TWO
Is the Enterprise still without
its warp drive?
Human One taps some keys on his console.
HUMAN ONE
Yes. She's at least fifteen hours
from being able to restart.
This is going to be close,
but we'll make it.
They step into a small two-person transporter
on the hideout wall.
HUMAN ONE
I'll give you all the time I can.
Concentrate on helm controls first.
If we can fly her away from here,
you'll have plenty of time to
work on the rest later.
(to computer)
Computer!
COMPUTER VOICE
Ready.
HUMAN ONE
Initiate shield-coded beamup
procedure.
(to Human Two)
Here goes nothing...
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
Suddenly transporter sounds are heard. Riker,
McMurdoc, and the technicians turn and stare as the
two thieves materialize, weapons in hand. Alarms are
heard.
HUMAN TWO
(to Riker)
You! Smile for the camera!
McMurdoc and Riker freeze for a second and then
make moves to dive for cover. Human One and Human
Two fire phasers and down go McMurdoc and Riker.
They then fire on the technicians, who also go down.
HUMAN TWO
(to Human One)
Well, THAT part was easy. Anyone
else on board?
Human One walks over to a console then taps some keys,
watching the display.
HUMAN ONE
(to Human Two)
Nope, this is the lot. Get to
Engineering and get us underway!
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. HOLODECK
The Holodeck grid is on. Data enters.
DATA
Computer, load Data Dream Program.
HOLODECK VOICE
Program loaded.
DATA
Run program.
The holodeck pattern dissolves into a Roman Senate
scene. All Castmembers are present (as Dream
Crewmen) and there are various other N.D. CITIZENS in
the crowd. Riker plays BRUTUS, who is present.
Picard and Data (who will enter) play the dead CAESAR
and ANTONY, respectively. The rest of the cast are
PLEBIANS. It is Act III, Scene 2 of "Julius Caesar".
All are wearing appropriate costume. Off to the side
and clearly visible is Data, in uniform, watching.
Dream Data (and all the others) should play this with
all the anger, grief, and irony that the role
requires. Dream Data achieves the humanity that Data
wants and in the way that Data wants; through
Shakespeare.
Dream Riker descends the stairs of the Senate to about
half-way down. As the crowd of Plebians gathers to
hear him speak, a flock of sheep are driven past Data.
On the top of each's head is a blinking red light,
and each has blue lights on its sides. (Yes, they are
"electric sheep".) Data notices them, but before he
can pay much attention, Dream Riker begins to speak.
DREAM RIKER
Romans! Hear me for my cause, and
be silent, that you may hear.
Believe me for mine honor. If
there be any in this assembly,
and dear friend of Caesar's, to
him I say that Brutus' love to
Caesar is no less than his. If
then that field may demand why
Brutus rose against Caesar, this
is my answer: Not that I loved
Caesar less, but that I loved Rome
more. Had you rather Caesar were
living and die all slaves, than
that Caesar were dead, to live all
free men? As Caesar loved me, I
weep for him, as he was fortunate,
I rejoice at it, as he was
valiant, I honor him; but as he
was ambitious, I slew him. I give
tears, for his love; joy for his
fortune; honor for his valor, and
death, for his ambition. Who is
here so base, that would be a
bondman? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so
rude, that would not be a Roman?
If any, speak; for him I have
offended. Who is here so vile,
that will not love his country? If
any, speak; for him have I
offended. I pause for a reply.
ALL
None, Brutus, None.
DREAM RIKER
Then none have I offended. I have
done no more to Caesar than you
shall do to Brutus. The question
of his death is enrolled in the
Capitol; his glory not extenuated,
wherein he was worthy; nor his
offenses enforced, for which he
suffered death.
Dream Data enters from the Senate, carrying the body
of Dream Picard (Caesar), who is mostly covered by a
cloth, but whose face is visible. The crowd gasps
and mutters amongst themselves.
DREAM RIKER
(continuing)
Now comes Mark Antony who, though
he had no hand in Caesar's, shall
receive the benefit of his dying,
a place in the commonwealth, as
which of you shall not? With this
I depart, that, as I slew my best
lover for the good of Rome, I have
the same dagger for myself, when
it shall please my country to need
my death.
ALL
Live Brutus! Live! Live!
Dream Data carries Dream Picard down the steps to a
dais, places him there, and then stands further down
the steps from Dream Riker, watching him.
DREAM RIKER
Good countrymen, let me depart
alone, and for my sake, stay here
with Antony. Do grace to Caesar's
corpse, and grace Antony's speech.
Let not a man depart, save I alone
till Antony have spoke.
Dream Riker exits up the stairs toward the Senate, as
the crowd mutters amongst themselves.
DREAM O'BRIEN
Let us hear Mark Antony. We'll
hear him. Noble Antony, go up.
Dream Data walks up a few steps, then turns toward the
crowd. The crowd still mutters darkly.
DREAM DATA
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend
me your ears; I come to bury
Caesar, not to praise him. The
evil that men do lives after them,
the good is oft interred with their
bones; so let it be with Caesar.
The noble Brutus hath told you
Caesar was ambitious. If it were
so, it was a grievous fault, and
grievously has Caesar answered it.
Here, under leave of Brutus and
the rest, for Brutus is an
honorable man. So are they all,
all honorable men. Come I to
speak in Caesar's funeral. He was
my friend, faithful and just to
me; but Brutus says he was
ambitious, and Brutus is an
honorable man. He hath brought
many captives home to Rome, whose
ransoms did the general coffers
fill: Did this in Caesar seem
ambitious? When that the poor
have cried, Caesar hath wept;
ambition should be made of sterner
stuff. Yet Brutus says he was
ambitious, and Brutus is an
honorable man. You all see that
on the Lupercal I thrice presented
him a kingly crown, which he did
thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
and sure he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus
spoke, but here I am to speak of
what I know.
Tears begin to become visible at Dream Data's eyes.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
You all did love him once, not
without cause; What cause
withholds you then to mourn for
him? O judgment, thou art fled to
brutish beasts, and men have lost
their reason. Bear with me -
Dream Data's tears are now clearly visible. Data
notices this and touches his own cheek. His eyes are
bright. THIS is what he can be; what he will be one
day in reality.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
My heart is in the coffin with
Caesar, and I must pause till
it come back to me.
Dream Data turns away to compose himself.
DREAM WORF
Methinks there is much reason
in his sayings.
DREAM TROI
If thou consider rightly of
the matter, Caesar has had great
wrong.
DREAM GEORDI
Has he, countrymen? I fear there
will a worse come in his place.
Dream Data turns back to the crowd.
DREAM DATA
But yesterday the word of Caesar
might have stood against the
world; now lies he there, and
none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters! If I were disposed to
stir your hearts and minds to
mutiny and rage, I should do
Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong,
who, you all know, are honorable
men. I will not do them wrong; I
rather choose to wrong the dead,
to wrong myself and you, than I
will wrong such honorable men.
But here's a parchment with the
seal of Caesar;
Dream Data pulls out a parchment from his toga.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
I found it in his closet; 'tis his
will. Let but the commons hear
this testament, which pardon me,
I do not mean to read,
Dream Data puts the will back within his toga.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
and they would go and kiss dead
Caesar's wounds, and dip their
napkins in his sacred blood, yea,
beg a hair of him for memory, and
dying, mention of it in their
wills, bequeathing it as a rich
legacy unto their issue.
DREAM TROI
We'll hear the will. Read it,
Mark Antony.
ALL
The will, the will! We will
hear Caesar's will!
DREAM DATA
Have patience, gentle friends; I
must not read it. It is not meet
you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not
stones, but men; and being men,
hearing the will of Caesar, it
will inflame you, it will make
you mad. 'Tis good you know not
that you are his heirs; for if
you should, what would come of it?
DREAM TROI
Read the will! We'll hear it,
Antony!
DREAM O'BRIEN
You shall read us the will!
DREAM GEORDI
Caesar's will!
DREAM DATA
Will you be patient? Will you
stay awhile? I have overshot
myself to tell you of it. I
fear I wrong the honorable men
whose daggers have stabbed
Caesar; I do fear it.
DREAM WORF
They were villains, murderers!
The will! Read the will!
ALL
The will! The Testament!
DREAM DATA
You will compel me then to read
the will? Then make a ring about
the corpse of Caesar and let me
show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? and will you
give me leave?
DREAM BEVERLY
You shall have leave.
ALL
Come down! The will! Read the
will!
Dream Data steps down to the the body of Dream Picard,
and the crowd quickly surges closer. Data walks
around the crowd, partway up the Senate stairs, and
stands unnoticed by the others, looking down the
stairs at the scene.
DREAM DATA
If you have tears, prepare to shed
them now. You all do know this
mantle. I remember the first time
ever Caesar put it on; 'twas on a
summer's evening in his tent, that
day he overcame the Nervii. Look,
in this place ran Cassius' dagger
through: see what a rent the
envious Casca made: through this
the well-beloved Brutus stabbed;
and as he plucked his cursed steel
away, mark how the blood of Caesar
followed it, as rushing out of
doors, to be resolved if Brutus so
unkindly knocked or no; for
Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's
angel. Judge, O you gods, how
dearly Caesar loved him. This was
the most unkindest cut of all; for
when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than
traitors' arms, quite vanquished
him: then burst his mighty heart;
and even at the base of Pompey's
statue great Caesar fell.
Little screams, exclamations, and sobs are heard from
the crowd.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
O, what a fall was there, my
countrymen! Then I, and you, and
all of us fell down, whilst bloody
treason flourished over us. O,
now you weep, and I perceive you
feel the dint of pity. These are
gracious drops. Kind souls, what
weep you when you but behold our
Caesar's venture wounded? Look
you here! Here is himself,
marred, as you see, with traitors.
Dream Data pulls the covering off Dream Picard's body,
revealing the bloody toga beneath. The crowd reacts
with horror.
DREAM TROI
O piteous spectacle!
DREAM GEORDI
O noble Caesar!
DREAM BEVERLY
O woeful Day!
DREAM WORF
Traitors! Villains!
DREAM O'BRIEN
O most bloody sight!
DREAM WORF
We will be revenged.
ALL
(with great tumult and shouting)
Revenge!
DREAM DATA
Stay, countrymen! Good friends,
sweet friends, let me not stir you
up to such a sudden flood of
mutiny. They that have done this
deed are honorable. What private
griefs they have, alas, I know
not, that made them do it. They
are wise and honorable, and will,
no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away
your hearts. I am no orator, as
Brutus is. But, as you know me all,
a plain and blunt man, that love
of my friend and that they know
full well that gave me public
leave to speak of him. For I have
neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
action, nor utterance, nor the
power of speech to stir men's
blood; I only speak my heart. I
tell you that which you yourselves
do know, show you sweet Caesar's
wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, and
bid them speak for me. But were I
Brutus, and Brutus Antony, there
were an Antony would ruffle up your
spirits, and put a tongue in every
wound of Caesar that should move
the very stones of Rome to rise
and mutiny.
ALL
(more tumult)
Yes, mutiny!
DREAM DATA
Yet hear me, countrymen! Yet hear
me speak.
The crowd calms.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
Why friends, you go to do you know
not what. Alas! I must tell you
then. You have forgot the will I
told you of.
Dream Data pulls the scroll from his toga again.
ALL
The will! We will hear the will!
DREAM DATA
Here is the will, and under
Caesar's seal. To every Roman
citizen he gives, to every
several man, seventy five
drachmas.
The crowd reacts with much ooo's and ah's and much
muttering.
DREAM TROI
O most noble Caesar!
DREAM WORF
We'll revenge his death!
DREAM GEORDI
O royal Caesar!
DREAM DATA
Hear me! Moreover, he hath left
you all his walks, his private
arbours, and new-planted orchards,
on this side Tiber; he hath left
them you, and to your heirs
forever: common pleasures, to walk
abroad and recreate yourselves.
HERE was a Caesar! When comes
such another?!?
DREAM BEVERLY
Never! Never!
The crowd is screaming now, with great tumult. This suddenly
fades, in sound and visual, to be replaced by the holodeck
grid. Data is alone.
COMPUTER VOICE
Program ends.
DATA
Fascinating. Exit Holodeck.
The Holodeck doors open and Data leaves.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
Human One and Human Two sit at computer consoles.
HUMAN ONE
All right. We've got navigation
control and impulse engines.
Put the shields back up. What's
the status on warp and weapons?
Human Two taps some controls.
HUMAN TWO
Shields up. The codes are difficult
for those. I'm trying the Starfleet
'Hannibal' sequence now. What course
have you set?
HUMAN ONE
I'm setting a bee-line for the
Neutral Zone. The Romulans will
meet us there, shepherd us to a
base and make payment.
Riker, still lying where he fell, stirs. Human One
notices him.
HUMAN ONE
Sorry sleepyhead, we need you
alive to sell with this ship, but
we're busy right now.
He stuns Riker again. Riker collapses.
HUMAN TWO
(to Human One)
Nice guy, but he doesn't talk
much.
END OF ACT TWO
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From: Eric_S_Klien@cup.portal.com
Subject: SF Script
Lines: 1624
Date: Sun, 26 May 91 12:14:06 PDT
Message-Id: <9105261214.4.119@cup.portal.com>
X-Origin: The Portal System (TM)
Status: R
ACT THREE
INT. TEN-FORWARD
Not many people are here, the only recognizable one is
O'BRIEN. Data enters, looks around, spots O'Brien,
who is playing a one-person computer game. Data walks
over to him.
DATA
Chief O'Brien, may I speak with
you?
O'BRIEN
Certainly Mister Data. I have
some maintenance to do later
unfortunately - what's your
excuse for being on board ship?
DATA
I have been performing computer
simulations to try and determine
what sort of dreams I might have.
O'BRIEN
Curious. You can't REALLY dream,
can you, so you want to
manufacture some?
DATA
Correct. In fact, I have just
had a most interesting experience
with my dream simulations. Would
you like to hear about it? You
humans are so fortunate to have
dreams.
O'Brien looks back to his game and makes a move.
O'BRIEN
No offense meant to you, Mister
Data, but I'd rather not.
DATA
(mystified)
Would you mind explaining why?
Others I have talked to have been
very forthcoming with helpful
suggestions. I am curious why
you don't want to hear about...
O'BRIEN
Mister Data, ever since I was a
little boy, I've been plagued
with nightmares that are, well,
very disturbing.
DATA
Nightmares? I realize that this
might be a very personal question,
but could you be more specific?
My research has been mostly
concerned with so-called good
dreams, but the phenomenon of bad
dreams is intriguing.
O'BRIEN
Well, I guess so. See this?
O'Brien pulls out a little device with blinking lights
on it.
DATA
A dream suppressor...
O'BRIEN
(matter-of-factly)
That's right. I wear one. Every
night. Dreams are some people's
playgrounds, but I'd go insane if
I actually had to dream what's in
my head.
DATA
I don't understand. You fear
your own dreams?
O'BRIEN
Darn right I do. My dreams are
full of monsters, snipers,
missing arms, suffocation,
drowning, and death. When I was
a boy I would stay awake for days
rather than sleep. But it didn't
help, you see. Those
(beat)
dreams. They were always waiting
for me. This little beauty
doesn't stop my dreams, but it
takes the edge off them, if you
know what I mean. Makes what
happens in them seem less
intense, less...
(beat)
personal.
He looks at his game again, starts to make another
move, but stops.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
Anyway, the dreams got so bad that
I had to start using this thing
to sleep at night at all. It
keeps me sane.
He makes a move.
DATA
This is very ...
O'BRIEN
(interrupting)
As you can imagine, it leaves a
big hole in my psych profile.
That's how I wound up in
Technical Branch, that's why I
couldn't stay in Command. That's
why I had to give up my chance
(beat)
at a Captaincy. Excuse me,
Commander.
O'Brien gets up and walks to the bar, away from Data.
Data looks somewhat puzzled by the abrupt end to the
conversation.
DATA
(to O'Brien's back)
Thank you, Chief O'Brien. I
shall study this phenomenon very
closely.
INT. HOLODECK
The holodeck grid is on. Data enters.
DATA
Computer. Load Data dream
program with modification for
nightmare.
COMPUTER
Program loaded.
DATA
Run program.
The Holodeck grid fades, replaced by a view of the
bridge -- the camera is centered on the command chair
group. DREAM PICARD, DREAM RIKER, and DREAM TROI are
present.
DREAM PICARD
I must say, Number One, that this
modification to Mister Data is
much more useful. My
compliments.
DREAM RIKER
Thank you, Captain. Mister Data!
DREAM DATA (O.S.)
Aye sir.
DREAM RIKER
Come to course...
Camera pulls back, to show Dream Data's disembodied
head apparently attached to the navigation console.
DREAM RIKER
(continuing)
... one-two-four mark one-five.
DREAM DATA
Aye sir.
The turbolift doors open and a headless body walks
out. Dream Data cranes his head around as best he
can.
DREAM DATA
(continuing; plaintively)
Over here.
The headless body falls over the railing in front of
the turbolift and lands at Dream Troi's feet. She
bursts out laughing.
DREAM DATA
(continuing)
Over here.
The headless body gets up and gropes off in the wrong
direction. Picard and Riker are also laughing now.
DREAM PICARD
(to Riker)
He certainly is more FUN now!
DREAM RIKER
Yes sir.
(to Dream Data)
Data, I don't think he can...
(with emphasis -- he's making
a joke)
hear you.
The laughter at Riker's joke redoubles. The camera
loses focus and becomes grey.
DATA
Computer - is there some problem
with the program?
COMPUTER
Negative. Program parameters
nominal. Subjective analogy: a
subdream, unconnected to the
following dream.
DATA
Intriguing. Proceed.
INT. ENTERPRISE DREAM BRIDGE
Dream Picard, Dream Riker, Dream Worf, Dream Geordi,
N.D. crewmembers present.
DREAM WORF
Captain, the Kitakami is
approaching on an intercept
course!
DREAM PICARD
Sound red alert.
(using communicator)
Mister Data to the bridge.
(to Worf)
Raise shields.
DREAM WORF
They are firing, sir!
The Enterprise rocks as if hit.
DREAM WORF
(continuing)
A hit in engineering, sir!
The elevator doors open and in comes Data. Data is
significantly different, however. He is apparently
steam powered. His chest is a big boiler with a
little smokestack which is belching smoke. Data
clanks as he walks in. He looks thoroughly
ridiculous, but nobody reacts to it.
DREAM GEORDI
Captain, I can't control the
damage and reroute the warp
controls from here. I'm going to
have to do it from engineering,
and I'll need Mister Data.
DREAM PICARD
So it is written, so shall it be
done!
DREAM DATA
I am not sure I have enough steam
built up to get to Engineering.
Dream Geordi opens a compartment by his engineering
station and grabs some lumps of coal. He then opens
a panel over Dream Data's stomach and throws in the
coal.
DREAM GEORDI
C'mon Data!
Dream Data toot-toots a whistle on his boiler and
follows Dream Geordi into the turbolift. The scene
goes grey again.
DATA
Computer, save and end program.
Exit Holodeck.
COMPUTER
Program terminated.
The holodeck doors open. Data walks out.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIG
Riker and McMurdoc are on the floor, unconscious. The
cell security field is on. Riker's and McMurdoc's
Starfleet pins/communicators are gone. Riker and
McMurdoc stir. Through the security field, we can see
the technicians who were on the bridge before in other
cells. They are unconscious.
RIKER
My head. Where are we?
McMURDOC
The Brig, looks like.
RIKER
We're hip-deep in trouble, you
know.
McMURDOC
How in the hell did they get
aboard? Security screens should
have kept them out.
RIKER
My guess is they've been planning
this for a long time. I heard one
of them say they were going to
sell the ship. Whatever is in
this ship must be worth a lot of
credits - to the Romulans, I'd
say. We're fairly close to the
Neutral Zone.
McMURDOC
So they beat the security codes.
Great. There goes my retirement
pay.
RIKER
Maybe not. It doesn't feel like
we're under warp drive. My guess
is they don't have ALL the codes
they need and they're up on the
bridge trying to beat the codes
for the warp drive system. Maybe
the Enterprise arriving panicked
them into moving before they were
really ready. How long do you
think it will be before someone
notices you're missing?
McMURDOC
Soon, I hope. I don't fancy
Romulan hospitality for the
rest of MY life, how about you?
RIKER
Not me either. Got a spoon?
Maybe we can dig our way out.
McMURDOC
Where's a Scarlet Demon when you
need one?
They look glumly at each other.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Data, Troi and Beverly are present.
DATA
Doctor, Counselor, I would like
to discuss the phenomenon of
nightmares. What causes them?
TROI
Well, no one knows what exactly
causes some dreams to be
nightmares and some not. There
seem to be a variety of factors
involved.
DATA
But some nightmares are very
intense, very disturbing
experiences. How is it that
humans stop these dreams from
affecting their entire lives?
BEVERLY
Well, Data, each person deals with
dreams in a different way. Some
people can readily separate dream
and reality experiences. With
others, dreams can color a
person's feelings or mood as if
the dreams were somehow real
experiences.
DATA
My most recent dream simulation
was a programmed nightmare. It
was...
(beat)
interesting.
TROI
Do you feel that these simulated
dreams might be showing up some
sort of deep-seeded programming
analogy to insecurity?
DATA
I do not know. However, I would
be obliged if you would accompany
me when I perform my next
simulated dream.
TROI
To give human analogies to what
we see?
DATA
Exactly.
TROI
Unfortunately, I have business I
have to attend to. Beverly, would
you like to?
BEVERLY
I'd like that very much.
DATA
Excellent. Thank you, Doctor.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
N.D. crewmembers are present, including KISKY, a young
female ensign at the helm, and Worf in the Command
Chair. Picard enters from the turbolift. Worf rises,
but Picard keeps walking toward his ready-room.
PICARD
I'll be in my ready room, Mister
Worf.
WORF
Aye, sir.
KISKY
Sir, the Kitakami is powering up her
warp drives.
Picard stops.
WORF
Very well. What of it?
KISKY
She's filed no flight plan, sir.
Not even a classified one. Also,
the warp fields are showing field
flaws. Looks ... strange, Sir.
PICARD
I'll take this, Lieutenant. Hail
them, Ensign.
Kisky taps some keys. Worf moves to his console.
KISKY
Aye, sir. On screen.
One the viewscreen, Human One is seen. He looks
distracted.
HUMAN ONE
Hello, Enterprise. Captain...
(a beat)
Arbuckle here.
PICARD
Captain, your warp drive appears
to us to be out of balance. Do
you require assistance?
HUMAN ONE
(looks at various displays)
Uh, no, thank you, Captain. We
have it under control. Kitakami
out.
The viewscreen fades.
PICARD
Peculiar. Mister Worf, keep an
eye on the Kitakami and inform me
of any changes. Please recall
the first-shift watch personnel
from Gibson's Folly. You have the
Conn.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Picard pauses, thinking. Worf returns to the command
chair.
PICARD
(to himself)
Peculiar.
Picard leaves to his ready room.
WORF
(to Kisky)
You heard the man.
INT. HOLODECK
The Holodeck grid is on. The doors open and Data and
Beverly enter.
BEVERLY
So, what changes did you make to
your program?
DATA
I have adjusted the program only
slightly. I do not wish to
eliminate the possibility of the
nightmare phenomenon, but to try
to make the possibility of one
occurring be more in line with
average human dream patterns.
Computer, load Data Dream Program
and execute.
COMPUTER
Program loaded. Execution
begins.
Holodeck grid dissolves into a planet ("Celesium-4")
scene, the one from "Skin of Evil" is a good guide.
We look past Data and Beverly, to see Dream Data,
Dream Picard, and Dream Troi are present. In the
background is a shuttlecraft. Explosions are heard.
The dream crew starts and turns toward the explosions.
All draw weapons. Dream Picard's communicator beeps.
He taps it.
DREAM PICARD
Commander Riker, report!
DREAM RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain, they're getting closer
and they don't look like they're
going to stop!
DREAM PICARD
Very well, Commander. Return to
the landing site at once.
Dream Geordi comes out of the shuttlecraft.
DREAM PICARD
(continuing)
Mister LaForge! Estimated time
of repairs!
DREAM GEORDI
It'll be another hour or so,
Captain.
He runs back into the shuttlecraft.
DREAM PICARD
(to the other dream
characters)
Take up defensive positions.
Counselor, any ideas?
DREAM TROI
I suggest we keep our heads down,
Captain.
The dream crew takes up positions facing the
direction of the explosions. In the background, we
still can see Data and Beverly.
DATA
(to Beverly)
Doctor, I believe we are seeing
events somewhat similar to those
that actually occurred on the
planet Celesium-4. In the actual
event, we were forced to flee when
local bandits attacked. But
apparently in this simulation, the
shuttlecraft is inoperable, forcing
us to fight.
BEVERLY
(to Data)
Yes, I remember it.
The dream crew have put themselves in positions of
cover, ready to return fire. Explosions sound, much
closer. Dream Riker and Dream Worf come running in
from the direction of the explosions and take up
positions themselves.
DREAM RIKER
They're headed this way and they
mean business, sir.
DREAM PICARD
Mister Data. Recommendations?
DREAM DATA
Sir, I would say that this
situation is very similar to that
faced by the citizens of New York
when they were under siege by the
Martians in nineteen-eighty-nine.
In that situation...
DREAM PICARD
(interrupting)
Mister Data, what the devil are
you talking about? The Martians?
(beat)
Besieging New York?
(beat)
In nineteen-eighty-nine?!?
DREAM DATA
Um... er....
Closeup on Data and Beverly.
DATA
Doctor, this is quite beyond my
experience. To my knowledge, I
have never made an error in a
factual matter. To my knowledge,
it is impossible.
BEVERLY
If you were human, I'd say you
were worried about senility. I'd
say this is a nightmare, Data.
Behind them, Dream Picard rises and stands over Dream
Data, oblivious to explosions.
DREAM PICARD
On your feet, Mister Data!
Dream Data rises to face him.
DREAM PICARD
(continuing)
Battle of Trafalgar.
DREAM DATA
Fifteen-thirty-four.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong. Founding of the
Federation.
DREAM DATA
Eleven-sixty-seven.
Dream Picard is advancing on Dream Data, who is
retreating before him, toward Data and Beverly. The
other dream castmembers sit and watch.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong. First human in space.
DREAM DATA
Seventeen-fifty-three.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong. My Birthday.
DREAM DATA
April twelfth.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong!
BEVERLY
(to Data, amused)
I'd say this is DEFINITELY a
nightmare for you, Data.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIG
Riker and McMurdoc are sitting on bunks. McMurdoc is
fiddling with the controls of a food dispenser in the
cell.
RIKER
How can you think about food at a
time like this?
McMurdoc is tapping keys like crazy.
McMURDOC
Well, if I can get past this food
synth menu, I can... aha.
RIKER
Get past the what?
McMURDOC
The synth menu. If you'd played
as many games I have have, Will.
You'd know that if you want to
win, you have to be...
McMurdoc pauses for effect and gives a little
"tada!" gesture with his hand toward the cell
door and the cell's confinement field goes off.
McMURDOC
(continuing)
sneaky.
RIKER
(slightly disbelieving)
You put the food synth into the
security system?
McMURDOC
Who do you think programmed the
security on this boat? I always
leave a little something around,
just in case.
RIKER
So, what now - do you think we
can take the bridge?
McMURDOC
(chidingly)
Subtlety, Will, subtlety. We'll
just do a little sabotage until
somebody comes to the rescue.
Shall we start with, say, the
warp drive?
Riker, slightly chagrined at the prospect of NOT
leaping into the fray - guns blazing - leans against
the wall.
RIKER
Well, what do I do?
McMURDOC
Can you go into the next cell and
get me some coffee and doughnuts?
I'm hungry.
Riker laughs and leaves the cell. McMurdoc turns
back to his food synth/sabotage machine and smiles.
McMURDOC
(to himself)
With this, I shall rule the world.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
Human One and Human Two are sitting at consoles again.
HUMAN ONE
Try Starfleet Technical Code
Gamma.
HUMAN TWO
Here goes...
He punches keys.
HUMAN TWO
(continuing)
Nope. Have you figured out the
targeting computer yet?
HUMAN ONE
Hmph. Not yet. All right, we've
got weapons and navigation and
impulse, but the warp drive just
plain refuses to come on line.
HUMAN TWO
The security systems on this ship
are very odd. It's as if they
have some sort of counterattack
intelligence built into it. I've
never seen it before.
HUMAN ONE
Counterattack?
HUMAN TWO
Yes, it keeps trying to power down
systems - as if it knows we're
going to steal the ship. I've got
it locked down pretty well now,
(beat)
I think.
(beat)
We can't expect people to not
start checking on us soon. Let's
try something.
HUMAN TWO
Like what?
HUMAN ONE
Does the Enterprise still have her
warp down?
Human Two taps some keys, looks at a readout.
HUMAN TWO
Yes... she's still in dock.
HUMAN ONE
Then what we'll do is this. Power
up the beam weapon and let's get
underway. We'll get moving on
impulse and keep working on the
warp drive codes. If the
Enterprise pursues...
He smiles.
HUMAN ONE
(continuing)
...we'll blow her out of space.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Picard, Worf, Kisky, and other bridge crewmen are
present.
WORF
Sir, a Lieutenant Trebig of
Starbase security is hailing us.
PICARD
On screen.
On the screen is one of McMurdoc's men, LT. TREBIG.
TREBIG
Captain, the Kitakami is leaving
orbit. She will not answer our
hails. We believe that she has
been seized by forces unknown.
You've got to intercept and bring
her back.
PICARD
We'll do our best, Lieutenant.
Mister Laforge, what is the
status of Warp engines?
GEORDI'S COMM VOICE
Warp engines down completely sir,
no chance to get them up for
another twenty hours. We're at
exactly the wrong time to try a
restart. Impulse engines on-line
in three minutes. All I can give
you right now is maneuvering
thrusters.
PICARD
Very well. Give me shields and
phasers at your earliest
convience.
TREBIG
There's more, sir. Chief McMurdoc
is missing and we believe he was
on board the Kitakami when it was
taken. Commander Riker may also
be aboard. I am also now
authorized to give you this
message, from the Admiral of
the Fleet. I'm breaking about
seven regulations to play it for
you this way, but there isn't
time...
Trebig touches a control and Trebig's image on the
viewscreen is replaced by that of the Admiral of the
Fleet.
ADMIRAL
The following is top secret.
The Kitakami is testing a new
weapon using technology created
from analyzing wreckage of the
Borg ship recently destroyed near
Earth. It is more powerful than
any known weapon. Hopefully if
the Borg should ever return, it
will defeat them. Should this
weapon fall into the wrong hands,
the security of the entire
Federation may be at stake. All
costs are to be expended to keep
the Kitakami from being lost. I
hereby authorize the destruction
of the Kitakami to avoid it being
lost to enemy forces.
On the viewscreen, the Admiral's face is replaced by
the Starfleet symbol, which then fades to the normal
space-view.
PICARD
(edgy, but calm)
Very well. Mister Worf,
Hailing frequencies.
WORF
Open.
PICARD
Research vessel Kitakami. You
will heave-to immediately and
prepare to be boarded. Repeat:
heave-to and prepare to be
boarded.
Worf looks over his instruments.
WORF
No answer, sir. Her shields are
up, sir.
PICARD
Red alert.
WORF
Aye, Sir.
Red alert sound is heard.
INT. HOLODECK
The scene continues where we left off. Dream Picard is
still forcing back Dream Data toward Data and Beverly.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong. Inches in a foot.
DREAM DATA
Five.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong. One plus one.
DREAM DATA
Three.
Red alert sound is heard.
DREAM PICARD'S COMM VOICE
Mister Data and Doctor Crusher to
the Bridge.
The Holodeck doors open in an unusual location and
without being ordered.
DATA
(to Beverly)
We must leave, Doctor.
They leave through the apparent holodeck doors. In
the background, Dream Picard and Dream Data continue.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong! My name.
DREAM DATA
Captain Pecan.
DREAM PICARD
Wrong! Your name.
DREAM DATA
Mister Dodo.
DREAM PICARD
Right!
INT. KITAKAMI BRIG
Riker and McMurdoc are sitting next to the food synth,
almost casually eating doughnuts and drinking coffee.
RIKER
Can't you get a message through
to someone? A nice boarding
party would really be just
perfect right about now.
McMURDOC
No, sorry. They've really locked
down the communications system.
McMurdoc peers intently at his displays.
McMURDOC
(continuing)
What the hell is that?!? It's
the weirdest reading I've ever
seen.
Riker also looks at the display.
RIKER
Looks like a weapons system. Now
where I have I seen that before?
McMURDOC
I've heard rumors about something
very special in the weapons room.
RIKER
It looks like
(beat)
no, it can't be.
McMURDOC
Like what?
RIKER
Like, well, a Borg weapon. The
Enterprise is a sitting duck out
there. We can't let that Borg
weapon fire.
McMURDOC
I'll try stopping it by switching
off the power couplings to the
weapons systems.
McMurdoc begins tapping keys.
McMURDOC
(continuing)
He's turning it back on.
I'll turn it off again...
McMurdoc's hands are fairly flying across the keypad
now.
McMURDOC
.... and he turns it on again.
This is going to be tricky. This
guy is good!
(beat)
This is fun!
RIKER
Well, if he's fighting you over
the power couplings, why don't
we try something else?
McMURDOC
Like what?
RIKER
How about the weapons tracking
controls? If they can't aim the
the thing, it isn't worth much.
McMURDOC
Hey, good idea!
RIKER
(pausing for effect)
Subtlety, Mike, subtlety.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
WORF
Sir, I am getting very unusual
energy readings coming from the
Kitakami.
PICARD
Unusual? In what way?
WORF
In some ways, they are very
similar to Borg weapon emissions.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Shields up.
INT. DREAM ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
This will appear at first look to be the same as the
real Enterprise bridge, but it isn't. Data and
Beverly won't realize that. Unbeknownst to them, they
are still on the Holodeck, still in Data's nightmare.
However, due to appearances, the audience will not be
aware of it either. Geordi will NOT be on the dream
bridge at the beginning of this scene. Riker WILL be,
which will be an early tip-off to the audience (though
he will not have any lines until the very end of the
scene.)
Data and Beverly enter the bridge. Bright flashes are
coming from the viewscreen. Data quickly moves to the
helm and Beverly to her position.
DREAM WORF
Captain, that last hit damaged
the warp drive and the shields.
We cannot stand another shot
from the Kitakami. I recommend
we open fire!
DREAM PICARD
Mister LaForge to the Bridge.
BEVERLY
(to Dream Riker, past Dream Picard)
What's going on?
DREAM PICARD
(too angrily, to Beverly)
Not NOW, Doctor!
Data taps buttons and looks over his readouts. He
frowns. Something is not quite right, but he doesn't
know what it is. He keeps tapping keys and looking at
readouts.
DATA
Captain, the Kitakami's warp drive
is not warp-capable. However, her
weaponry appears to be about to
fire. Her field readings are
unusual... very unstable.
DREAM PICARD
(to Worf)
Mister Worf, stand by your weapons.
(to Data)
Can you be more specific than that,
Commander?
Data looks intently at his displays.
DATA
The weapon's field emanations
are extremely irregular. Readings
are indicative of a dangerously
unstable condition in the weapon.
Data's sensor-panel beeps. Data looks at it.
DATA
Power readings have increased
substantially, Captain. However,
the weapon is still in a very
unstable state.
Dream Geordi enters the bridge and crosses to the
engineering console, looking at displays, and tapping
keys.
DREAM PICARD
Mister LaForge, keep the shields
up at all costs.
DREAM GEORDI
Aye, aye, sir. I'll need to get
back to Engineering right away.
Dream Geordi turns to go.
DREAM RIKER
Wait, Geordi! You may need this.
Smiling, he walks up to Data, who rises in
astonishment. Dream Riker grabs Data's arm and makes
a movement as if to remove Data's arm. Data pulls
away and although Data's arm is still attached to
Data, a grinning Dream Riker is now holding a "dream
arm", (as if he HAD pulled the arm off) and tosses it
to Dream Geordi.
DREAM GEORDI
Hey, thanks!
Dream Geordi leaves. Beverly leaps out of her chair.
BEVERLY
Data! We're still in your
nightmare!
Data looks a bit confused.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
Computer! End Program!
COMPUTER
Program ended.
The bridge image fades and is replaced by the Holodeck
grid.
BEVERLY
Do you see, Data? We were still
in your nightmare, we just thought
we had gotten out of it.
DATA
Fascinating, Doctor. Computer:
exit holodeck.
PICARD'S COMM VOICE
Mister Data to the bridge at once.
The holodeck doors open and Data and Beverly rush out.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Picard, Troi, Worf and N.D. Crewmen are present.
WORF
Captain, the Kitakami is firing!
EXT. SPACE - THE KITAKAMI FIRES A HUGE BEAM (OPTICAL)
The beam misses the Enterprise widely.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
PICARD
Report, Mister Worf.
WORF
A clean miss, but sir, if it had
hit us... it would have certainly
destroyed us.
Data and Beverly arrive on the bridge. Data moves
toward his station, Beverly moves next to Troi.
PICARD
Mister Data, please give me your
assessment of the situation when
you are able.
Data, still not at his station, but eyeing the main
viewscreen, has already recognized the situation
from his dream.
DATA
Aye, sir. I believe we will find
that the Kitakami's field generator
is giving fluctuating readings.
Picard reacts with as much puzzlement as he can
spare. Behind him, Worf looks over his instruments.
WORF
Confirmed, sir.
Picard looks at Worf and then back at Data. To him,
this is miraculous, but we know better. Beverly turns
to Picard.
BEVERLY
What's going on?
PICARD
Not now, Doctor.
Beverly reacts with surprise. She glances around
nervously to see if this bridge is real or dream.
WORF
Captain, energy readings from the
Kitakami are consistent with a
re-energizing of the weapon.
PICARD
Estimated time to another firing?
WORF
Forty-five seconds.
PICARD
(to Troi)
If they get that ship into warp,
they'll have a clear path all the
way to the Neutral Zone or
wherever they want to go!
TROI
Yes, but why haven't they been
able to go to warp?
WORF
I recommend we open fire before
they do that, Captain.
DATA
Captain, I have a hypothesis of a
way to disable the Kitakami without
allowing her to escape.
PICARD
Hold your fire, Mister Worf. Yes,
Data?
DATA
I believe that the weapon's field
generator is actually in a
very unstable state immediately
before the weapon is discharged.
If we were to detonate a photon
torpedo within a few planetary
diameters of the ship before it
fires...
PICARD
Mister Worf, make it so. Be
ready to fire on Data's command.
WORF
Aye, sir.
DATA
Ready?
WORF
Ready!
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
Alarms are clanging, red lights are flashing. Both
Human One and Human Two are clearly frantic.
HUMAN ONE
Prepare to fire again!
HUMAN TWO
Try and aim a little better, will
you? On my mark.
HUMAN ONE
Damn these tracking computers!
They're completely miscalibrated!
HUMAN TWO
Try for a lucky shot! Three,
two...
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
DATA
Fire!
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise fires a torpedo and a small explosion
is seen near the Kitakami which is followed by its
blue warp-drive-effect lights and running lights
flickering and then going out.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
DATA
Energy readings minimal on the
Kitakami, sir. Life support
only. All weapons and shields
inoperative.
PICARD
Excellent! Mister Worf, prepare
to board the Kitakami. I believe
some of her occupants will need
an escort to a well-deserved stay
in the brig. Data, rig a tractor
beam for towing.
WORF
Aye, Sir!
(to communicator)
Security, prepare to beam stun-gas
cannisters to all sections of the
Kitakami. Follow with full
boarding parties.
SECURITY OFFICER'S COM VOICE
Yes, sir!
INT. KITAKAMI BRIDGE
Human One and Two are dispiritedly pressing console
buttons to no avail. Transporter sounds are heard,
and a small smoking cannister appears. They begin
coughing.
HUMAN ONE
Don't tell me - you forgot the
filter masks.
HUMAN TWO
(as he collapses)
Sorry...
HUMAN ONE
(as he also collapses)
I asked you not to tell me that.
INT. KITAKAMI BRIG
McMurdoc and Riker are fumbling in a cabinet. They
finally produce flashlights which they shine around.
McMURDOC
They must have finally noticed we
were missing. The bridge is two
levels up. The armory is on the
way. Ready?
A stun-gas canister beams in.
McMURDOC
(plaintively)
Aw, don't tell me...
RIKER
Stun gas...
McMURDOC
(collapsing)
I ASKED you not to tell me....
Riker also collapses.
FADE TO:
INT. PICARD'S READY ROOM
Picard is seated at his desk. Chime sounds.
PICARD
Come.
Data enters.
PICARD
Ah, Mister Data! Doctor Crusher
has told me that your dream
simulation actually made you
think you were on the bridge?
And that your dream actually
helped you to determine how to
defeat the Kitakami?
DATA
Yes, Captain. It was a singular
experience. A dream within a
dream, as it were.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain...
PICARD
Yes, Number One.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Commander McMurdoc informs me
that the Kitakami is relatively
undamaged, but recent events show
the Borg weapon is too unstable
to be useful.
DATA
The Federation probably does not
possess the support technologies
to make such a weapon feasible,
Captain. It will be years before
such a weapon is usable.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Exactly. I'd also like to pass
on Mister McMurdoc's, and my,
thanks, sir.
PICARD
Well, we couldn't afford to lose
you to the Romulans, could we?
So, are you going down to Gibson's,
Folly, Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
No, sir. I have a poker game over
on one-seven-three to go to.
That's all the excitement I need
for the next few days. Being
gassed by your own ship isn't
what it's cracked up to be,
Captain.
PICARD
(smiling)
Enjoy yourself, Number One.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker out.
DATA
It would appear that since my dream
program required much more from the
computer than a normal holodeck
simulation, the computer used
elements from reality to enhance
the simulation. Fortunately, I was
able to use information obtained in
my holodeck experience to solve the
Kitakami problem in reality.
PICARD
Very fortunate, for us. So, have
you come to any conclusions about
your dream research?
DATA
Well, Captain, I have not reached
any final conclusion, but I do
have a rather unsettling
hypothesis to work with.
PICARD
Unsettling? I don't understand.
DATA
Well, Captain, if my simulated
dreams are any reflections of
what my human personality might
be, it would point to some darker
shades of character than I
thought I would possess. If I
WERE to become human, I might not
be the human I would like to be.
PICARD
Mister Data, trying to BECOME the
person we would like to be is
what being human is all about.
Data pauses, considers. If he has a "so there IS
hope" expression, he uses it.
DATA
Thank you sir!
Data turns and leaves. Picard smiles.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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