STAR TREK: NEMESIS - THE ENTIRE SCRIPT
Mave
confirmed by several people as genuine, such as Steve Krutzler at
Trekweb.com.
Also lending credence to its validity is that it revealed many plot
points before they were revealed by other sources.
NOTE: This is an earlier draft of the script than the one used in the
final filming. For example, Guinan and Wesley have cameos during the
wedding celebration scene, and Shinzon is now bald.
Also note that there may be some alterations to avoid identifying the
original transcriber of this draft of the script. For example, some
stardates may be altered. Note that the transcriber may have
formatted the script differently from the original product, as well.
STAR TREK: NEMESIS
by John Logan
INT. MEDICAL MONTAGE DAY
Life. Glorious in its many forms. The biological pulse finding its
way
heroically through the cold manipulation of science.
CREDITS as we see a beautiful montage of futuristic medical
technology. Through a microscope we see cells multiplying and gene
strands exponentially increasing with the vibrancy of exploding
flowers. We see laser splicing and biological manipulation on the
molecular level.
CREDITS continue as we fade to…
INT .ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT
Politics… In a cavernous, shadowy chamber. Dark figures lean together
and
talk seriously. Their hushed, urgent tones denote the gravity of their
discussion.
We can't make out the words but there is no doubt what they are
talking about.
The three year old HUMAN BOY who stands before them. The boy is alone
and frightened, lost in the sweeping grandeur of the massive chamber.
CREDITS continue as we fade to…
EXT. REMAN HOMEWORLD NIGHT
Labor...
On a stark, desert planet with monolithic mountains and harsh crags
shooting upward. The only light in this dark netherworld comes from
the flames that accompany the hellish mining operations everywhere
around us.
The human boy gazes over this desolate vista and then he looks up for
a moment... at the stars.
Then a tall figure leads him firmly into one of the mines. The boy
seems to disappear into this flaming crucible.
CREDITS end as we go to...
EXT , ROMULUS SUNSET
The sun is setting on the capital city of the great Romulan Star
Empire, The imperial monoliths and martial towers of this bustling
city glow red as the sun dips below the horizon.
We slowly move down toward the most imposing building of the city. The
Romulan Senate chamber.
INT .ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER SUNSET
SENATOR TAL'AURA watches the proceedings with a studied look of bored
indifference. She glances to the familiar Romulan crest that dominates
one wall of the chamber: a ferocious bird-of-prey holding two planets,
one in either claw.
And then her eyes carefully cross the chamber to...
PRAETOR HIREN -- the head of the Romulan government --presiding over
the Senate from a throne-like chair. He is a capable politician in his
50s.
SENATOR 1
… but if we hesitate we'll lose this important source of dilithium. A
trade agreement is in the best interests of the Empire.
SENATOR 2
Praetor, I recommend we dispatch a diplomatic mission to Celes II to
open negotiations.
Senator Tal'Aura grunts slightly at the word "negotiations." Praetor
Hiren glances to her.
PRAETOR
Senator Tal'Aura, you disagree with the motion.
TAL'AURA
No, sir. I would say "negotiation" is to be advised. I support all
"diplomatic" overtures. But if you will excuse me, Praetor, I have an
appointment with the Tholian ambassador.
The Praetor nods. Tal' Aura stands and leaves the chamber… but she
had left something behind on her desk. A small, silver box with
unusual etchings on the surface.
The discussion continues as we focus on the silver box…
PRAETOR
Then I will call for a vote on the motion to open trade negotiations
with Celes II…
The Senator at the desk next to Tal'Aura's glances over. The silver
box is moving.
The Senator watches, amazed, as the box begins to slowly fold open.
Then "legs" appear. The box unfolds like a spider, standing on its
legs. Then it is still for a moment. The Senator looks at it, puzzled.
Suddenly --a bright beam of green light shoots up from the spider --
the Senators are stunned - -the beam shoots to the high domed ceiling
of the chamber and then cascades around the interior of the room,
enveloping everything in a glowing shroud of green energy. In a way,
it is bizarrely beautiful.
And then just as suddenly the light disappears.
A moment of silence. The Praetor and Senators are baffled.
PRAETOR
Would someone please tell me what that was? (he turns to a guard)
Alert security--
A plant behind the Praetor begins to shrivel…
PRAETOR
(continued) -- and have them run a --
The Praetor stops suddenly --as the flesh begins to melt from his
face.
Every bit of organic matter in the chamber decays. Flesh melts from
bones while the Senators scream in agony. Every living thing in the
chamber is dead within ten seconds.
A stunning moment of silence as we take in the carnage. Then a
transporter effect ripples around the spider-weapon. It disappears.
And the Romulan Senate is no more. We fade to…
EXT. EARTH. ALASKA --PAVILION DAY
JEAN LUC P I CARD, the most beloved and respected Captain in
Starfleet.
His face is resolute and set. Even stern. His white dress uniform is
buttoned tightly to the neck.
He looks at us evenly and then utters the word that has been the watch
cry for his entire life as a Starfleet officer.
PICARD
Duty…
He lets the word resonate and then continues.
PICARD
A starship captain's life is filled with solemn duty. I have commanded
men in battle. I have negotiated peace treaties between implacable
enemies. I have represented the Federation in first contact with
twenty-seven alien species. But none of this compares to my solemn
duty as…
Best man.
Uproarious laughter. We pull back to reveal the wedding reception of
WILL RIKER and DEANNA TROI.
The Enterprise CREW is gathered with invited GUESTS, some from other
"Star Trek" series. Riker and Deanna sit at the center of a long
table.
PICARD
Now, I know that on an occasion such as this: it is expected that I be
gracious and fulsome with praise on the wonders of this blessed union
... But have you two considered what you're doing to? This is all a
damned inconvenience ...(laughter from the crowd) While you're happily
settling in on the Titan, I'll have to train a new first officer; no
doubt a stern martinet who'll quote the rule book at me and never...
ever…allow me to go on away missions. (laughter) ...Then there's the
matter of my new counselor. Undoubtedly some soft-spoken, willowy
thing who'll be probing into my darkest psyche as she nods her head
and coos sympathetically. Isn't that right, Deanna?
Deanna nods her head and coos sympathetically. Hearty, wonderful
LAUGHTER!
PICARD
I notice Dr. Crusher laughing along with the rest of you. As most of
you know, the doctor will also soon be leaving the Enterprise, to
assume command of Starfleet Medical. Again, I'm forced to ask,
Beverly, have you considered what you're doing to little ole' me?!
I'll probably get some old battle-axe of a doctor who'll tell me to
eat my vegetables and put me on report if I don't show up for my
physical on time!
BEVERLY
It'll serve you right.
Laughter, laughter, laughter! He looks to Riker and Deanna:
PICARD
Really, it's not too late to reconsider. No? Very well then…
He smiles and raises his glass, looks at them deeply:
PICARD
Will Riker, you have been my trusted right arm for fourteen years; you
have helped keep my course true and steady. Deanna Troi, you have been
my conscience and best guide, the touchstone to the better parts of
myself. You are my family. And in proper maritime tradition I wish you
full sails and a clear horizon ... My friends, make it so.
They drink.
EXT: --EARTH. ALASKA --PAVILION LATER
The party guests mingle as a band plays. We are at a beautiful
open-air pavilion high in the Denali Mountains. The soaring ranges of
Riker's native Alaska can be seen everywhere around us.
DR. BEVERLY CRUSHER goes to Picard.
BEVERLY
(playfully)
Sort of like losing a son and gaining an empath, isn't it?
PICARD
Please, Beverly, this is hard enough.
BEVERLY
If you start tearing up I promise to beam you out. Level one medical
emergency. There's no crying in Starfleet.
They head off toward Riker and Deanna.
Meanwhile, GEORDI LA FORGE sits with his girlfriend,
LEAH
I've never seen your Captain so nostalgic. Maybe he's getting soft in
his old age.
GEORDI
(laughs)
Not likely. After we installed the new Series Four
replicators, he tried to order his usual tea and there
was a glitch. Had us remove the whole bunch of them and put the old
ones back in
LEAH
There! Nostalgic about old replicators.
GEORDI
He just likes things the way he likes them...(he looks at her,
smiles).
Of course, so do I.
He kisses her gently as WORFcomes to them. Poor Worf is still
suffering a bit from the bachelor party He plops down beside them,
belches.
WORF
Romulan ale should be illegal.
GEORDI
It is, old chum.
WORF
Then it should be more illegal.
He groans and rests his head on the table, acts like he's going to
heave.
Meanwhile, Riker and Deanna are talking to Picard and Beverly.
DEANNA
Really, Captain, it was a lovely toast.
PICARD
The least I could do for you, Deanna. Besides, you know me… I'm a
talking head.
DEANNA
And you needn't worry. I'll brief your new counselor on everything she
needs to know.
PICARD
The hell you will. You know too much about me as it is ... Now you
promised there are no speeches during the ceremony on Betazed.
RlKER
No, no speeches. No clothes either. (winks, mischievously)
Picard looks at him. Deanna laughs.
Then the band stops playing. All turn.
DATA stands with the band.
DATA
Ladies and Gentlemen and invited Tran gendered species ...In my study
of Terran and Betazoid conjugal rites I have discovered it is
traditional to present the "happy couple" with a gift. Given Commander
Riker's affection for archaic musical forms I have elected to present
the following as my gift in honor of their conjugation.
Riker shoots an amused glance to Deanna. Conjugation?
Data turns to the band leader.
DATA
If you please, Mister Band Leader, a-one and a-two and..
The band launches into a jaunty, swing version of the Irving Berlin
standard "Blue Skies."
DATA(sings)
"Blue skies, smiling at me,
Nothing but blue skies do I see. Blue birds, singing a song,
Nothing but blue birds all day long. Never saw the sun shining so
bright, Never saw things going so right..."
The crowd is appreciative. Loves the song. Except Worf, he momentarily
raises his head from the table.
WORF (groans)
Ugghhh ...Irving Berlin.
His heads thumps down again, is about ready to BARF!
Meanwhile, Riker is anxious as a kid to join the band:
DEANNA
(smiles)
All right, go ahead.
Riker eagerly joins the band. Grabs the trombone and starts jamming
with the orchestra. The song really swings.
PICARD
(to Deanna)
May I have this dance?
DEANNA
With pleasure, Captain.
Meanwhile, Geordi leads Leah to the dance floor as well. Beverly goes
to Worf.
BEVERLY
Commander Worf ... Do Klingons swing?
WORF
I am not a swinger. I am unwell.
BEVERLY
Don't worry, I'm a doctor.
She pulls him to the dance floor as:
BEVERLY
I'm so glad you made it back to the Enterprise before I left.
WORF
I was not suited for the life of a ... diplomat.
BEVERLY
(wry)
Who'd have guessed?
They dance. Picard and Deanna sweep past them.
And we pull up and away as Data continues to sing and the crew dances.
It is a joyous celebration of these people.
This family. A family we love.
EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACE
The Enterprise streaks through space.
INT. ENTERPRISE --CREW LOUNGE NIGHT
Data sits in the empty Crew Lounge.
As always, the android's placid, neutral expression still somehow
manages to convey his wonder, curiosity and idiosyncratic zest for
life.
Picard arrives with a very old bottle of wine.
PICARD
I've been saving this. Chateau Picard 2267. Batten down the
hatches...
He carefully uncorks the treasured bottle as :
PICARD
They say a vintner's history is in every glass. The
soil he came from. His past as well as his hopes for the future.
He pours two glasses of the wine, then raises his glass, a toast.
PICARD
So… To happy endings.
DATA
To happy endings.
Picard carefully takes a tiny sip, savors the flavor, finally
swallows. Enjoys it. Ahhh.
Data mimics Picard. Taking a tiny sip, savoring the flavor and finally
swallowing. Ahhh.
DATA
Sir. I noticed an interesting confluence of emotion at the wedding. I
am familiar with the human concept of tears through laughter and its
inverse, laughter through tears, but I could not help wondering about
the human capacity for expressing both pleasure and sadness
simultaneously.
PICARD
I understand why it would seem confusing. Certain human rituals
--like weddings, birthdays or funerals evoke strong and very complex
emotions. These rites carry great weight with us because they denote
the passage of time.
DATA
And you were particularly aware of this feeling because Commander
Riker will be leaving to assume command of the Titan?
PICARD
Will and Deanna joining the Titan. Dr. Crusher going
to Starfleet Medical...
DATA
And this makes you "sad"?
PI CARD
Well. I suppose it does a bit. I'm very happy for them, of course,
but I'm going to miss them. The ship will seem… incomplete without
them.
DATA
That is because you have a familiarity with them. You
can predict specific reactions and behavior and are comfortable in
that knowledge.
PICARD
Yes. And, frankly, I envy them as well. They've made important
choices; they're going to have great challenges ahead of them. New
worlds to conquer…
He takes another sip of wine. A beat.
PI CARD
Seeing Will and Deanna today made me think about some of the choices
I've made in my own life. Devoting myself to Starfleet ... Not
marrying or having children ... All the choices that led me here.
A beat. Data thinks about it.
DATA
The choices I made have led me here as well. This is the only home I
have ever known. I cannot foresee a reason for leaving.
PICARD
You never know what's over the horizon, Data. Before too long you'll
be offered a command of your own.
Data looks at him; he has never really considered this.
DATA
If I were… I believe my memory engrams would sense the absence of your
specific reactions and behavior. I would "miss you."
PICARD (smiles}
Now, you make a toast.
DATA
To new worlds…
PICARD
New worlds. Yes Data, brave new worlds…
They drink.
INT .ROMULAN SENATE -- CORRIDOR NIGHT.
Flickering braziers dimly illuminate the cold, martial splendor of a
Senate corridor.
COMMANDER DONATRA and COMMANDER SURAN stride through the corridor.
Suran is an elder Romulan officer, respected and tenacious. Donatra -
a key figure in this story so pay close attention to her - is a
maturer, beautiful woman… not without a dry sense of humor.
SURAN
The fleet commanders are nervous. They've agreed to remain at their
given coordinates and await his orders. But they're anxious to know
what's going on here.
DONATRA
I don't blame them. We can't keep them in the dark
forever.
A voice, from the shadows:
VICEROY (V.O.)
But in darkness, there is strength.
Donatra and Suran stop.
And the VICEROY steps from the shadows…
He is a terrifying sight A powerful, monstrous alien creature; a
tall, ashen-skinned ectomorph who bears a disturbing resemblance to
the original Nosferatu. He is vampiric and lethal He is a Reman.
VICEROY
Don't you agree?
He leads them along the corridor.
INT. SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT
We observe the Romulan crest, an imposing bird-of-prey clutching a
planet in either claw, not unlike the KAOS emblem from "Get Smart,"
that dominates a wall. As we hear:
SHINZON (V.O.)
Consider it The great symbol of the Empire.. But the bird-of-prey
holds planets. Romulus, Remus. Their destinies conjoined…
And then we see him... SHINZON!
He is a dynamic young human in his twenties. Very handsome with pale,
almost white skin and shining, golden hair. He wears a striking Reman
military uniform.
He stands in the center of the eerily deserted chamber. The entire
floor lis a large star chart.
SHINZON
Yet for generations one of those planets has been
without a voice. We will be silent no longer.
Senator Tal'Aura (the female Senator who planted the weapon in the
Senate chamber earlier} and two other ROMULAN COMMANDERS sit .
Cadres of Shinzon's fearsome REMAN WARRIORS stand around the chamber.
They are his sinister children of the night. Even more chilling now in
the flickering torch light. It's like something out of Tim Burton.
Donatra and Suran enter the chamber with Shinzon's Viceroy.
SHINZON
Join us, Commanders. Now what's the disposition of the fleet?
SURAN
They're holding position.
SHINZON
And?
SURAN
(bows his head) They will obey, Praetor.
SHINZON
It's imperative we retain their allegiance or our great mission will
be strangled before it can truly draw breath.
DONATRA
They support your intentions, sir. But they require evidence of your…
sincerity.
Shinzon looks at her. A quick beat. Shinzon decides to respond with
benevolence. He smiles.
SHINZON
And they'll have it. (he begins to pace over the star chart) Tell the
fleet that the days of negotiation and diplomacy are over. The
Almighty Federation will fall before us. As I promised you.
He stands on the area of the map that denotes the Neutral Zone between
the Romulan Empire and the Federation.
SHINZON
The time we have dreamed of is at hand. The time… of conquest.
(sinister laugh)
He carefully steps into the area of the map marked with the
Federation symbol. He looks down at the star chart.
SHINZON
Cut off the dragon's head and it cannot strike back.
A beat. Donatra watches him carefully. Something in his quiet words
disturbs her.
SURAN
How many Warbirds will you need?
SHINZON
None.
They look at him, stunned.
SURAN
Praetor. You have the whole fleet at your disposal. They supported
the coup, they'll follow you.
SHINZON
The Scimitar will serve my needs.
SURAN
But surely ---
SHINZON
I came this far alone ...{he looks at his Reman warriors) We came
this far alone. We require no assistance from the fleet. Now leave me
to my thoughts.
The Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura rise and leave. Shinzon looks to
his Viceroy.
SHINZON
Are we prepared?
VICEROY
Yes, Praetor.
A beat.
SHINZON
So many years for this moment.
(he looks up at his Viceroy, smiles) Bring him to me.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - DAY
The bridge crew are at their stations. Picard is not on the bridge.
WORF
(grumbles)
I won't do it.
DEANNA
It's tradition,Worf. You of all people should appreciate that!
(whispers) Besides, I've already seen it.
WORF
A warrior does not appear without his clothing. It leaves him
...vulnerable.
RIKER
I don't think we're going to see much combat on Betazed.
DEANNA
Don't be too sure. Mother will be there.
Worf groans. Picard emerges from his Ready Room as:
WORF
I won't do it.
PICARD
Won't do what, Mister Worf?
WORF
Captain. I think it is inappropriate for a Starfleet officer to
appear. (hates the word) naked.
PICARD
Come now, a big, strapping fellow like you? What are you afraid of?
Deanna laughs. Then a readout on Worf's console attracts his
attention:
WORF
I'm picking up an unusual electromagnetic signature from the Kolarin
system.
PICARD
What sort of signature?
Worf looks up. Glances at Data.
WORF
Positronic.
INT .ENTERPRISE --BRIDGE -- LATER
Geordi is at the Engineering station with Picard, Riker and Data.
GEORDI
It's very faint but I've isolated it to the third planet in the
Kolarin system.
PI CARD
What do we know about the planet?
GEORDI
Uncharted. We'll have to get closer for a more detailed scan.
PI CARD
(to Data) Theories?
DATA
Since positronic signatures have only been known to emanate from
androids such as myself, it is logical to theorize that there is an
android such as myself on
Kolarus III.
GEORDI
How many of you did Dr. Soong make?
DATA
I thought only me, myself and Lore.
RIKER
(looking at star chart)
Diverting to the Kolarin system takes us awfully close to the Romulan
Neutral Zone.
PICARD
(looking at star chart)
Still well on our side…
Picard glances at Data, recognizes the android's deep desire to
explore this possible connection to others like himself.
PICARD
I think it's worth a look. Don't worry, Number One, we'll get you to
Betazed with time to spare.
RIKER
Thank you, sir…
PICARD
(to all, especially Worf)
Where we will all honor the Betazoid traditions. No cold feet, or any
other parts of our anatomy. Now, if you'll excuse me. I'll be in the
gym.
He goes.
RIKER
(to Helm Officer)
Mister Branson, set course for the Kolarin system. Warp Five --
(Deanna shoots him a glance) -- Warp Seven.
HELM OFFICER (MISTER BRANSON)
Plotted and laid in, sir.
RIKER
Engage.
DEANNA
You better believe you're engaged!
Meanwhile, Geordi and Data remain at the Engineering Station, studying
the displays.
GEORDI
What do you think, Data, a long-lost relative?
Data doesn't respond, but the curiosity on his face is apparent.
EXT. ENTERPRISE OVER KOLARUS III SPACE
The Enterprise is in orbit around the uncharted planet. In the
distance we can see the distorting violence of an ion storm.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Kolarus III is on the viewscreen, the ion storm raging beyond it.
GEORDI
I read six distinct positronic signatures, spread out over a few
kilometers on the surface.
PICARD
What do we know about the population?
DATA
Isolated pockets of humanoids. It appears to be a pre- warp
civilization at an early stage of industrial development.
GEORDI
Captain, I don't recommend transporting, that ion storm doesn't look
very neighborly. It could head this way without much warning .
PICARD
Understood. Data, Worf, you're with me.
Picard, Data and Worf start heading toward the turbolift.
RIKER
(stands, protesting)
Captain, I hope I don't have to remind you--
PICARD
I appreciate your concern, Number One, but I've been itching to try
out the Argo.
RIKER
Sir--
PICARD
Captain's prerogative, Will. There's no foreseeable danger… and your
wife would never forgive me if anything happened to you.
He steps into the turbolift with the Data and Worf.
PICARD
You have the bridge, Mister Troi!
The turbolift doors slide shut.
The bridge crew heartily enjoys Riker's momentary demotion to house
husband.
EXT. ENTERPRISE --OVER KOLARUS III DAY
The shuttlebay doors slide open and the transport vehicle Argo
emerges.
The Argo is larger than a regular shuttle with a particularly large
cargo area at the back.
EXT. KOLARUS III DAY
The Argo lands on the planet. It is primarily a desert environment
with some canyons and mountains. Like Death Valley, blazing heat waves
shimmer in the distance. The shuttle sits silently for a moment. We
wonder at the delay, then…
The rear cargo doors slide open and Picard, Data and Worf roar out on
a 24th Century equivalent of a military jeep!
Picard drives, Data beside him. Worf stands in the back at a mounted
phaser canon. It is a muscular, exciting vehicle; a Starfleet version
of the jeep from old television series "The Rat Patrol."
Picard screeches to a stop. Data and Worf lurch. A cloud of dust
momentarily obscures them. Data quickly monitors the positronic
signatures with a tricorder:
DATA
The closest signature is two kilometers to the west… that direction,
sir.
PI CARD
Thank you, Data. (he smiles) Let's see what she can do.
He roars off in a cloud of dust!
Picard clearly enjoys driving. He roars over the desert terrain at
breakneck speed, having a hell of a good time. His comrades don't
exactly appreciate his free-spirited driving panache.
Worf clings on to the mounted phaser canon for dear life. Data
steadies himself by grasping onto the rollbar
DATA
I will always be baffled by the human predilection for piloting
vehicles at unsafe velocities.
Picard smiles and drives a little faster.
DATA
(monitoring with tricorder)
Over that rise, sir… half a kilometer.
They continue on. Before long they can see something on the level
desert floor before them. They approach and stop to discover...
An android arm. The fingers patiently drumming the ground.
DATA
It appears to be…(he scans with his tricorder) an arm.
WORF (suspicious)
Why is it moving?
DATA
Like me, it has been designed with modular power sources.
PICARD
Mister Worf, if you please.
Worf climbs from the jeep and carefully approaches the arm. Gingerly
picks it up. The arm responds to being picked up, the hand starts
feeling around in the air like something from a horror movie. Worf
shudders.
He returns to the jeep. Quickly sets the arm down in the rear cargo
area.
DATA
The next signature is one kilometer to the south.
Picard starts the jeep in motion.
Time passes as they continue on ...coming across another arm ... a
leg… a torso… another leg… various disassembled components of a
Data-like android!
EXT .JEEP -- KOLARUS I I I - CANYON DAY
Worf stands uneasily amidst the moving body parts. There is only one
component missing: the head. Picard steers the jeep into a canyon.
Stops. Data scans with his tricorder, pointing it up into the gently
sloping hills that form the sides of the canyon.
DATA
The final signature is approximately 300 meters up that incline.
PI CARD
Mister Worf, accompany Data please.
WORF (uneasy)
To find the head, sir?
P I CARD (amused)
If you don't mind.
Worf and Data climb up into the hills in pursuit of the final piece as
Picard opens the jeep's hood and checks the engine.
EXT. KOLARUS III --HILLS DAY
Worf and Data climb as Data scans and indicates the direction:
DATA
Ten meters…
Worf pulls his phaser, ready.
DATA
I think it unlikely you will need your phaser to recover the cranial
unit. Of course, it could bite you.
Then they see it.
Data's head. Or the spitting image anyway. Lying inert in the dust
before them.
WORF
It's you.
DATA
The resemblance is ...striking.
Then the head's eyes suddenly pop open. It looks up at them with a
sort of blank, childlike wonder.
HEAD
Why am I looking at me?
DATA
You are not looking at yourself. You are looking at me.
HEAD
(looking at Worf)
You do not look like me.
WORF
No.
DATA (to head)
I would like to pick you up now. May I do that?
HEAD (to Worf)
You have a pretty shirt.
WORF
Thank you.
Data gently picks up the head. Looks at it. The two identical faces
gaze at each other.
DATA
Fascinating…
Then BLAM! -- a boulder near them explodes. Worf and Data spin to
see…
A nomadic tribe of desert ALIENS swarming toward them firing primitive
plasma weapons--
Data and Worf race back down the canyon, toward the jeep --some
open-field running and a bit of phaser action -- Worf firing to
distract and slow the aliens, not kill them --through all of this the
head is chattering away blandly:
HEAD
I have two arms and ten fingers. Do you know where my arms are? I
cannot see where we are going. Where are we going? (Etc… like
Threepio in "Empire" when he's strapped to Chewbacca's back.)
The action continues. Then Data finds himself almost surrounded -
DATA
Commander!
Worf turns -- Data throws the head to Worf like a football, a perfect
spiral --the head is still chattering away --Worf catches it--
WORF
STOP TALKING!
The head abruptly stops talking.
Data, hands free now, quickly incapacitates the aliens around him with
a dazzling demonstration of his superior strength and agility,
Meanwhile, Worf tucks the head under his arm and sprints like a master
running back --evading aliens and occasionally firing his phase r--
They are closer to the jeep now --but they are in trouble -- the swarm
of aliens almost overtaking them--!
When a thundering BLAST sends up a shower of debris, stopping the
aliens --Picard is standing in the rear of the jeep, firing the phaser
canon.
Data and Worf climb into the jeep as Picard leaps into the front seat
and roars off--
INT./EXT. JEEP --KOLARUS III FOLLOWING
Worf, standing at the phaser canon, quickly hands the head to Data in
the front seat:
WORF
If you wouldn't mind.
DATA
Thank you.
The head looks up at Picard.
HEAD
You have a shiny head.
Picard glances at the head.
DATA
He is very observant.
PICARD
I can see that.
WORF
Captain!
Picard turns to see that they are being pursued! The aliens are racing
after them in crude desert-terrain vehicles--
PICARD (to Data)
Shall we try some "unsafe velocities?"
He floors it -- racing across the desert landscape.
Worf fires the mounted phaser canon --blasting away at the aliens, not
killing them, just stopping them --a few dramatic crashes as the alien
vehicles overturn--
Meanwhile:
HEAD (to Picard)
You have a red shirt.
DATA (to head)
This is not an appropriate time for a conversation.
HEAD
Why?
DATA
Because the captain has to concentrate on piloting the vehicle.
HEAD
Why?
PICARD
Data!
DATA
Sorry, sir.
They continue to speed over the landscape --bouncing and flying over
natural rises in the terrain --trying to evading their pursuers--
Picard puts the pedal to the metal and races through the alien
vehicles --weaving in and out, avoiding their fire - Worf blasts away
with the phaser cannon --an exhilarating adventure--
Finally they are within sight of the Argo --but they see it is
surrounded by more of the aliens!
PICARD
Mister Data. Let's make like the wind.
Data punches some buttons on a dashboard console --and the Argo LIFTS
OFF by remote control--
Data uses the console to swing the Argo around and lower the rear
cargo doors --it hovers over the surface--
Picard floors the jeep -- using a natural rise in the terrain as a
ramp -- the jeep FLIES THROUGH THE AIR -- over the aliens -- and into
the cargo bay--
INT. ARGO --CARGO BAY FOLLOWING
Picard slams on the brakes --the jeep screeches to a stop as the doors
shut and the Argo shoots into the air.
Picard climbs from the jeep. He nonchalantly rubs a bit of dirt from
the hood and then disappears into the main cabin.
Data and Worf remain in the jeep for a beat, stunned.
WORF (smiles)
He must have Klingon blood.
INT .ENTERPRISE --ENGINEERING LAB DAY
Beverly gazes at the android head. It gazes back at her.
BEVERLY
I think you have nicer eyes.
We pull back to reveal she is speaking to Data. Data stands with
Picard, Riker and Geordi.
DATA
Our eyes are identical, Doctor.
The android is in a framework rig that holds the various body parts in
place. The parts are not yet assembled
RIKER
Geordi?
GEORDI
(at work analyzing the torso section)
Well, he seems to have the same internal mechanics as
Data but not as much positronic development. The neural pathways
aren't nearly as sophisticated. I'd say he's a prototype. Something
Dr. Soong created before Data .
DATA (to head)
Do you have a name, sir?
HEAD
I am the B-9.
PI CARD
Be-nign. Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no
end.
HEAD (to Riker)
You have a fuzzy face.
PI CARD
(trying to ignore the head)
Keep me informed, Number One, and, please, put him back together.
He goes. Geordi and Data begin to reassemble the B-9 piece by piece
like the Tin Man as:
DATA
Can you tell me how you came to be on the planet where we found you?
B-9 (blandly)
I was taken from my homeworld by people called the "PakJeds." They are
fat. They traded me to a ship belonging to the "Bolians." The
"Bolians" are blue. They put me in a seat and asked me questions. Then
they were attacked by another ship…
Time passes ...
And still the B-9 is yammering blandly away. He is more fully
assembled By this time Beverly is thoroughly bored .
B-9
Then people called the Delviciansans picked me up. They have long
teeth. They asked if I do anything to help them. I told them I could
do whatever they wanted. They asked me to clean out the matrix
manifolds. I told them I did not know what an
Matrix manifold looks like.
BEVERLY
Excuse me. I have some diagnostics to run on some medical scanner
things.
She quickly exits.
B-9
And after they showed me the "engine manifolds." Then they showed me
something called a "plasma mop"
Time passes….
And still the B-9 is yammering away. He is almost completely assembled
by now. Riker is bored out of his mind.
B-9
...then the "Cardassians" put me into something called a "garbage
chute" and I went out into space again--
WORF (V.O. on comm)
Worf to Commander Riker. I have the tactical manifests ready, sir.
RIKER
(quickly tapping his comm badge)
Worf! Wonderful! I'll be right there! ...(he stands) Duty calls,
gentlemen. Carry on.
He escapes
He escapes.
B-9
Fuzzy face is gone.
DATA
Yes, please continue.
B-9
I was in space for a long time. Then a ship belonging to the
"Talosians" picked me up. They asked me where I came from. I told them
people called the "Pakleds" took me from my homeworld. They are fat…
Geordi groans. Time passes. And still the B-9 is yammering away. By
this time Geordi is
slumped in a chair and only Data is listening. The B-9 is fully
assembled.
B-9
Then I opened my eyes and saw you.
A beat. The B- 9 is finally done with his tale…
DATA
Do you know who I am?
B-9
You are me.
DATA
No. My name is Data ...I am your brother.
INT. ENTERPRISE --CREW LOUNGE NIGHT
Riker and Deanna are having dinner with Worf.
DEANNA
(to Worf)
...and after the ceremony on Betazed, three entire weeks for our
honeymoon.
RIKER
We're going sailing on the Opal Sea. We've booked an old-fashioned
solar catamaran. Just us and the sun and the waves.
WORF
It seems a very...soft honeymoon.
DEANNA (amused)
It's meant to be relaxing.
WORF
A Klingon honeymoon begins with the Kholamar desert march where the
couple bonds in endurance trials. If they survive the challenge they
move on to the Fire Caves of Fek'lhr to face the demons of Gre'thor.
RIKER
Well, that sounds relaxing too.
WORF
It is… invigorating.
They see Data enter the lounge, carefully leading the B-9.
RIKER
So they've got him up and running.
WORF
He s a very unusual android
RIKER (smiles)
Runs in the family.
They watch as Data leads the B-9 to a table. Data instructs him to
sit. The B-9 sits and stares forward placidly. Data shows him how use
a napkin.
A note of concern passes over Deanna's face as she watches Data and
the B-9.
There is something strangely poignant in the twin androids. One a
bundle of curiosity and intelligence; the other somewhat like a slow,
simple child.
INT. ENTERPRISE READY ROOM NIGHT
Picard is at his replicator unit
PICARD
Earl Grey, hot.
A cup of tea appears. He takes it as the door chime sounds.
PICARD
Come (Deanna enters} Counselor.
DEANNA
Do you have a moment, sir?
PI CARD
Of course, sit down.
He sits at his desk She sits across from him.
DEANNA
It's about Data I've watched him with the B-9 and I'm troubled.
Data's desire for a "family" is very strong. I'm afraid he may be
investing too much in the B-9.
PICARD
You're speaking of emotional investment?
DEANNA
The B-9 is like a slow child, sir. And Data, in his own way, has
assumed the position of a parent or guardian.
I'm afraid he has expectations based on his own
experiences. He'll be disappointed when the BI-9 cannot meet those
expectations.
PI CARD
As much as we care for him, Deanna ...we have to remember that Data
isn't capable of disappointment.
I DEANNA
I don't believe that, sir. We've shared many disappointing journeys.
A quiet beat.
PICARD
I'm going to miss you.
DEANNA
And I you.
They are interrupted by a comm signal:
RIKER (V.O. on comm}
Captain, you have an Alpha Priority communication from Starfleet
Command.
PICARD
Acknowledged ...(Deanna stands} ...I'll talk to Data
DEANNA
Thank you, sir.
She goes. Picard activates his desktop viewscreen.
ADMIRAL KATHRYN JANEWAY appears on Picard's monitor. Janeway is the
former captain of Voyager. Her new rank fits her well, she has lost
none of her dry humor and down-to-earth charm which made her a
household name and beloved cult figure.
PICARD
Admiral Janeway. Good to see you.
JANEWAY (on viewscreen}
Jean Luc... How'd you like a trip to Romulus? All expenses paid?
PI CARD (smiles)
With or without the rest of the fleet?
JANEWAY (on viewscreen)
A diplomatic mission. We've been invited, believe it or not. Seems
there's been some kind of internal political shakeup. The new Praetor,
someone called Shinzon, has requested a Federation envoy.
PI CARD
New Praetor?
JANEWAY (on viewscreen)
There's more… as always. He's Reman (Picard is surprised) Believe
me, we don't understand it either. You're the closest ship so I want
you to high tail it over there and hear what he has to say. Get the
lay of the land, If the Empire becomes unstable, it could mean trouble
for the entire quadrant.
PICARD
Understood.
JANEWAY (on viewscreen}
We're sending you all the intelligence we have, but it's not much. I
don't need to tell you to watch your back, Jean Luc.
PICARD
Not with the Romulans.
JANEWAY (smiles wryly, on viewscreen}
The Son'a, the Borg, the Romulans, the evil Soran and that pesky
Nexus. You seem to get all the easy assignments!
PICARD
Just lucky, Admiral.
JANEWAY (on viewscreen)
Let's hope that luck holds. Janeway out.
The transmission ends.
Picard sits for a moment, intrigued. Then he goes to the bridge
INT. ENTERPRISE -BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard goes to his command chair:
PICARD
(to Helm)
Lay in a new course ...Take us to Romulus. Warp eight.
The crew is shocked.
HELM OFFICER
Aye aye, sir. Course plotted and laid in…
.-,
RIKER
Romulus?
PICARD
I'm afraid the Opal Sea will have to wait, Number One ...Engage.
EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACE
And the Enterprise jumps to high warp -- disappearing in a flash of
dazzling light. Yes!
INT. ENTERPRISE OBSERVATION LOUNGE DAY
Data conducts a briefing for the senior officers. Monitors currently
show an image of Romulus and Remus in orbit around their sun.
DATA
As you can see the habitable half of Remus is
always in darkness because, like Mercury, one side always faces the
sun. Due to the extreme temperatures on that half of their world, the
Remans live on the dark side of the planet.
Various grainy and unclear new images appear to illustrate Data's
words:
DATA
Almost nothing is known about the Reman homeworld, although
intelligence scans have proven the existence of dilithium mining and
heavy weapons construction.
Very obscure images of Remans appear, the crew can barely make out the
monstrous figures:
DATA
The Remans themselves are considered an undesirable caste in the
hierarchy of the Empire.
RIKER
But they also have the reputation of being formidable warriors. In the
Dominion War, Reman forces were used as assault troops in the most
violent encounters.
PICARD (grim)
Cannon fodder.
GEORDI
Then how did a Reman get to be Praetor? I don't get it.
RIKER
We have to assume he had Romulan collaborators.
PICARD
A coup d'etat?
RIKER
The Praetor's power has always been the Romulan fleet. They must be
behind him.
Picard considers this.
PICARD (to Data)
What have you learned about Shinzon?
The images end. There are no images of Shinzon.
DATA
Starfleet intelligence was only able to provide a partial account of
his military record. We can infer he is relatively young and a capable
commander. He fought seventeen major engagements in the war. All
successful. Beyond that, we know nothing.
PICARD
Well… it seems we're truly sailing into the unknown. Keep at it.
Anything you can give me would be appreciated. Dismissed.
The meeting breaks up.
INT. ENTERPRISE -- ENGINEERING LAB DAY
The B-9 stares placidly forward.
We pull back and discover that computer conduits connect the B-9's
head to Data's head. Geordi monitors the connection.
DATA
At present he serves no useful function. Dr. Soong created us to
become active and useful members of society. I do not believe he would
have wanted the B-9 to live out his life in his present state.
GEORDI
I can't believe the Captain went along with a memory download.
DATA
Captain Picard agrees that the B-9 was probably
designed with the same self-actualization parameters as myself. If my
memory engrams are successfully
integrated into his positronic matrix, he should have all myabilities.
GEORDI
He'd have all your memories too. You feel comfortable with that?
--~-
DATA
I feel nothing, Geordi. It is my belief that with my memory engrams
he will be able to function as a more complete individual.
GEORDI
An individual more like you, you mean.
DATA
Yes.
GEORDI
Maybe he's not supposed to be like you. Maybe he's supposed to be just
like he is.
Geordi completes his work
GEORDI
Okay ...we're done.
Geordi removes the computer connections from between their heads. He
carefully closes the panel in Data's head as:
DATA (to B-9)
Do you know where you are?
B-9
I am in a room with lights.
He looks blankly at the console lights.
DATA
Can you remember our father?
B-9
No.
Data glances to Geordi.
DATA
Do you know the name of the Captain of this vessel?
'..c 1) Do you know the name of the captain of this vessel?
B-9
No.
DATA
Is that your final answer?
GEORDI (to B-9)
Do you know my name?
B-9
You have a soft voice.
GEORDI (gently)
Data, he's assimilating a lot of programming. e member, he's a
prototype, a lot less sophisticated than you are. We just don't know
if his matrix will be able to adapt. Or if he'll be able to retain
anything. We should give him some time.
Data has been studying some circuitry in the B-9's neck.
DATA
What purpose does this serve?
GEORDI
(also examining circuitry)
It seems to be a redundant memory port. Maybe it's for provisional
memory storage in case his neural pathways overload?
DATA
Dr. Soong must have found it unnecessary in later versions.
GEORDI
It's possible the extra memory port is interfering with the engram
processing. Mind if I keep him here and run some diagnostics?
DATA
No, I do not mind.
Data looks at the B-9 with a sort of sadness.
DATA
But I believe he will prove incapable of performing higher functions.
GEORDI
Don't give up hope, Data. I know, I know, you're not capable of hope.
DATA
(looking at B-9)
I am not.
Data stands. The B-9 stands to follow.
DATA
No, remain with Commander La Forge. He is going to try to make you
well.
The B-9 sits. Data goes. Geordi watches him go.
EXT. ENTERPRISE OVER ROMULUS SPACE
The Enterprise is in orbit around Romulus. Remus can be seen in the
distance.
PICARD {V.O.)
Captain's Log. Stardate 47844.9. The Enterprise has arrived at Romulus
and is waiting at the designated coordinates. All our hails have gone
unanswered. We've
been waiting for seventeen hours.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The crew is tense. Silence.
Worf, at tactical, slowly stretches his neck. Trying to release the
tension. It cracks. Deanna jumps a bit.
RIKER
Why don't they answer our hails?
PICARD
It's an old psychological strategy, Number One. To put him in a
position of dominance and make us uneasy.
RIKER
It's working.
PICARD (to Deanna)
Counselor?
DEANNA
They're out there, sir.
Picard stands and walks to the view screen. He gazes at Romulus below
and the black infinity of space beyond. They're out there, Waiting.
WORF
Sir, I recommend we raise shields.
PI CARD
Not yet, Mister Worf.
RIKER
Captain, with all due respect to diplomatic protocols -- the
Federation Council's not sitting out here, we are.
PI CARD
Patience. Diplomacy is a very exacting occupation. We can wait.
DATA
Captain…
And on the viewscreen.
Shinzon's magnificent Reman Warbird, the SCIMITAR, decloaks directly
before the Enterprise.
EXT. OVER ROMULUS SPACE
Our first sight of this incredible ship is absolutely breathtaking.
Shinzon's vessel combines the clean lines of the traditional Romulan
Warbird with unique weaponry and styling. It is huge, easily twice as
large as the Enterprise. And it is aggressive. Awesome in its power.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The crew gapes at the huge ship on the viewscreen.
RIKER
(slowly rising from his chair)
My God...
WORF
(tense)
Should I raise shields?
PICARD
No!
WORF
Captain--!
PI CARD (firm)
Tactical analysis, Mister Worf.
WORF
(quickly analyzing tactical display)
Fifty-two disruptor banks, twenty-seven photon torpedo bays, primary
and secondary phased shields.
RIKER
She's not out for a pleasure cruise.
PICARD (grim)
She's a predator.
WORF
We're being hailed.
PICARD
On screen.
And the image on the viewscreen transforms to:
Shinzon's Viceroy.
He stands on the Scimitar's bridge. The bridge is as unique as the
rest of Shinzon's ship. Instead of the usual mechanical clutter, this
bridge is designed with an almost Asian simplicity. Like the rest of
Reman design, it is spare and elegant.
Since the Remans are more comfortable in the darkness, most of the
light comes from the three steadily pulsing warp core relays which
dramatically soar up through the floor of the bridge.
The crew gazes at the bridge and the monstrous features of the
viceroy.
VICEROY (on viewscreen}
Enterprise. We are the Reman Warbird Scimitar.
PICARD
Praetor Shinzon, I'm pleased to--
VICEROY (on viewscreen}
I am not Shinzon. I am his Viceroy. We are sending transport
coordinates.
The transmission ends abruptly. The Scimitar reappears on the
viewscreen.
RIKER
Not very chatty.
PICARD
Away team. Transporter room four.
Picard, Riker, Deanna, Worf and Data head toward the turbolift,
energized now that the endless waiting is over.
INT. SCIMITAR --OBSERVATION LOUNGE NIGHT
The away team materializes in the most striking location on Shinzon's
ship: a large observation lounge.
It is a huge, empty chamber. No furniture. A simple Reman mat on the
floor is the only decoration. At the very top of the room there is a
large, etched glass dome.
It is very dark.
They turn when Shinzon speaks from the shadows:
SHINZON (V.O)
I hope you'll forgive the darkness ...we're not comfortable in the
light.
P I CARD
Praetor Shinzon?
Shinzon moves toward them a bit, becoming slightly more illuminated,
the low light shining off his golden hair.
The crew cannot see him clearly in the dim light but it is evident he
is human. Assuming that he was Reman, they're surprised by this
realization.
Shinzon just stares at Picard through the darkness for a moment.
SHINZON
Captain Picard ...Jean Luc Picard ...I don't mean to stare, it's just
-- well, you can't imagine how long I've been waiting for this moment.
I always imagined you taller, isn't that odd? (to Data) You may
scan me without subterfuge, Commander Data.
Data scans him with a tricorder as:
PICARD
And you're not as we imagined you.
SHINZON
No?
WORF
You are human.
SHINZON
Commander Worf (he speaks in Klingon) I greet you as a valiant
warrior… and as my brother.
WORF (terse, in Klingon)
I'll save my greetings for a better brother.
Shinzon laughs, maniacally.
PICARD
Why have you asked for our presence here?
Shinzon does not answer. He is staring deeply at Deanna, moans softly.
PICARD
Praetor?
SHINZON
(quietly)
I've never met a human woman.
He slowly moves toward her, still hidden in the shadows.
DEANNA
I'm only half human.
SHINZON
Deanna Troi of Betazed Empathic and telepathic abilities, ship's
counselor. All of this I knew ... But I didn't know you were so
beautiful.
RIKER
You seem very familiar with our personnel.
Shinzon moves even closer to Deanna, not taking his eyes from her.
SHINZON
I am, Commander Riker ...(to Deanna) ...May I touch your hair?
PI CARD (firm)
Praetor, we've come to Romulus on a matter we were --assured was of
great importance. If you have anything to say to us as representatives
of the Federation, I suggest you do so now.
Shinzon continues to stare at Deanna. It is strangely seductive.
Almost disquieting in its intensity. Deanna handles it with grace, her
level gaze never leaving his.
SHINZON (softly)
On the world I come from there's no light. No sun. Beauty isn't
important. I see now there's a world elsewhere.
PICARD
Praetor Shinzon. We're not here to discuss your lack of a social
life.
SHINZON
(turning back to Picard)
Yes, I'm sorry, Captain. (he smiles) There's so much we have to talk
about.
PICARD
I would be interested to know what we are talking about.
SHINZON
Unity, Captain! Tearing down the walls between us to recognize we are
one people. Federation and
Romulan. Human and Vulcan and Klingon and Reman. I'm speaking of the
thing that makes us the same. We want peace.
Picard and the others are stunned.
SHINZON
I want to end the centuries of mistrust. I want to be your ally, not
your enemy. As a first step I propose we eliminate the Neutral Zone
and begin a free and open exchange of goods and ideas.
PICARD
And the Senate supports you?
SHINZON (dry)
I have dissolved the Senate.
A beat.
SHINZON
Right now, you're thinking this all sounds too good to be true?
PICARD
Yes.
SHINZON
And you're wondering why the Scimitar is so well armed. Is this the
ship of a peacemaker? Or a predator?. (Picard is startled at Shinzon's
choice of words) ... But you're also thinking the chance for peace is
too promising to ignore. Above all, you're trying to decide if you can
trust me.
PICARD
Yes.
SHINZON
Then perhaps the time has come to add some illumination to our
discussion. Computer, raise lighting four levels.
Lights shoot up around the room.
For the first time the crew can see Shinzon clearly. Picard actually
gasps when he sees Shinzon's face. The rest of the crew doesn't
understand his reaction.
SHINZON
Allow me to tell you a story that I hope will clarify my position.
When I was very young I was stricken with an odd disease. I developed
a hyper-sensitivity to sound. The slightest whisper caused me agony...
Picard watches him carefully. Wary and strangely intense.
SHINZON
No one knew what to do. Finally I was taken to a doctor who had some
experience with Terran illnesses and I was finally diagnosed with
Shalaft's syndrome. Do you know of it, Captain?
PICARD
You know I do.
The crew is dumbfounded at Picard's unusual reaction.
SHINZON
Then you know it's a very rare syndrome. Genetic. All
the male members of my family had it. Eventually I was treated. Now I
can hear as well as you can, Captain.
He steps toward Picard who holds his ground.
SHINZON
I can see as well as you can. I can feel everything you feel. (He
stops right before Picard) In fact, I feel exactly what you feel.
Don't I, Jean Luc?
Picard stares at him with a mixture of realization and curiosity. It
is as if Picard is looking into a strange, remembered mirror:
Shinzon's face is nearly identical to his at that age.
SHINZON
Do you trust me now?
A beat.
PICARD
We need to talk, just you and I.
SHINZON
Come to dinner on Romulus tomorrow. Just the two of us. Or just the
one of us.
PICARD
You know I need to verify this .
SHINZON
I know.
The crew is utterly confused. Their confusion turns to outright shock
when Shinzon calmly pulls out a Reman knife and cuts his arm, drawing
a little blood. He hands the knife to Data.
SHINZON
Tomorrow then, Captain. We have so much to discuss.
Picard touches his communicator pin:
PICARD
Picard to Enterprise. Five to beam out.
They dematerialize, the shimmering glow illuminating Shinzon',s
features. Picard's eyes never leave Shinzon as the transporter effect
ripples around him.
INT. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY DAY
Beverly stands with Picard, Riker and Deanna. The Reman knife is
under a protonmicroscope and other medical readouts and analysis are
visible.
BEVERLY
There's no doubt, Captain. Right down to your regressive strain of
Shalaft's Syndrome. He's a clone.
A beat as the confirmation sinks in.
PICARD
When was he... created?
BEVERLY
About twenty-five years ago. They probably used a hair follicle or
skin cell.
PICARD (touching head)
I think a skin cell's the more likely of the two.
RlKER
Why?
PI CARD
Believe me, Number One; I'm going to find out. Contact Starfleet
Command and inform them of the situation. I need to know where the
hell he came from. Deanna.
He goes, Deanna following.
INT .ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR FOLLOWING
DEANNA
I would say he's been trained to resist telepathy. What I could sense
of his emotions were erratic, very hard to follow.
PICARD
Is he sincere about wanting peace?
DEANNA
I don't know. (she stops him) Sir, the strongest sense I had was that
he's more than curious about you. He very much wants to know you. (she
looks at him deeply) The same way you want to know him.
PI CARD
How could I not?
DEANNA
Captain, don't assume he's anything like you are. You should resist
the urge to think you know him.
PICARD
I not only know him, Deanna, I am him… and he is me!
He goes.
INT. ENTERPRISE RIKER AND DEANNA'S CABIN NIGHT
Riker is hard at work over a series of padds. He has been working for
hours.
DEANNA
Will, you need to rest. (he continues to work) As ship's counselor,
I'm recommending you get me sleep.
Riker tosses a padd on the desk. Rubs his eyes. Looks up her.
RIKER
Some honeymoon.
She smiles and goes to him.
DEANNA
We have time. (she kisses him) .Come to bed.
She pulls him up.
RIKER
Imzadi, what am I going to do with you?
They kiss deeply. She pulls him across the room and they fall into the
bed.
It is passionate, erotic. Her arms undulate around him sensually….her
fingers snake through his hair, but something is wrong. Riker's hair
is now blond.
She starts back, her eyes growing wide.
Riker is gone. She is now embracing Shinzon!
SHINZON
Imzadi. This is so good.
DEANNA
No!
He caresses her face...
SHINZON
He can never know you as I know you ...He can never touch you as I
touch you.
DEANNA
This isn't real.
SHINZON
Can you feel my hands… are they real? Can you feel my lips, my loins?
He kisses her neck - -but when he raises his head again. It is the
monstrous Viceroy! Holding her. Caressing her. She is frozen in
horror. But is it the Viceroy at all?
Shinzon's voice seems to come from the Viceroy's lips:
SHINZON (V.O.)
I'm with you, Imzadi…
And then it is Shinzon again, kissing her:
SHINZON
I'll always be with you now. Now and forever…
DEANNA
You sick bastard!
She pushes him away…
RIKER
Deanna?! What's with the name calling?
It is Riker. She stares at him, then clings to him desperately.
EXT. ROMULAN SENATE DAY
The Byzantine splendors of the Senate loom before us.
INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER DAY
Heavy drapes are drawn against any hint of the sun. Shinzon is in
conference with the Romulan Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura.
Commander Donatra watches him closely.
Commander Suran is angry, pacing. Shinzon stands. His Viceroy lurks in
a corner.
SURAN
… then I don't understand the reason for the delay!
SHINZON
You don't have to understand.
SURAN
And bringing the Enterprise here?! What possible purpose could that
serve?!
SHINZON
I have a purpose.
SURAN
Then perhaps you will enlighten us?
SHINZON (snaps)
Silence, Romulan!
A tense beat. Shinzon regains his composure.
SHINZON
You must learn patience, Commander. Do you know where I learned it?
In the dilithium mines of Remus. Spend eighteen hours every day under
the lash of a Romulan guard's whip and you'll soon understand
patience.
SURAN
(carefully bows his head)
Praetor.
SHINZON
Now go. I have some personal business.
Suran and the others go.
Donatra turns just as she is leaving the chamber, she sees the Viceroy
going to Shinzon. And then do something odd. The Viceroy puts his hand
on Shinzon's chest, leans very close and talks to him quietly. This is
an ancient form of Reman telepathic medical diagnosis.
This strange sight perplexes Donatra. The doors close, blocking her
view…
INT .SENATE CORRIDOR FOLLOWING
We go with Donatra and the other Romulans. Donatra speaks quietly to
Suran:
DONATRA
How long before he has us in the dilithium mines?
INT. ENTERPRISE DATA'S CABIN DAY
The B-9 sits placidly in a chair, staring forward.
Then, as if a switch was thrown, he moves. He quickly rises and goes
to a computer console. He efficiently starts punching in commands at
an amazing velocity.
INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT
Picard and Shinzon sit alone in a corner of the sweeping Senate
chamber. The remains of dinner before them.
SHINZON
.And when I was ready they were going to replace you with me, an exact
biological duplicate. Put a Romulan agent at the heart of Starfleet
to.influence your command structure. It was a bold plan.
PICARD
What happened?
SHINZON
~,,~:) :; SHINZON
As happens so frequently here on Romulus, a new government came to
power. They decided to abandon the plan -- frankly, I think they were
afraid I'd be discovered and it would lead to war. They weren't ready
for that.
Picard pours a glass of Romulan ale.
SHINZON
Romulan ale -- I'm surprised. I can't stand it.
PICARD (smiles)
You'll acquire a taste for it.
A beat. They look at each other.
SHINZON
It's not quite the face you remember.
PICARD
Not quite. I envy the hairline.
SHINZON
A lifetime of violence will do that. My nose was broken four times.
And my jaw... But so much is the same. The eyes, you recognize the
eyes.
PICARD
Yes. The eyes have it.
SHINZON
Our eyes reflect our lives, don't they? Yours are so confident.
PICARD
How did you end up on Remus?
SHINZON
They sent me there to die. How could a mere human survive the
dilithium mines? It was (he can't find the words) ...I was a slave.
And a monster. The only thing the Romulan guards hated more than the
Remans was me. But one man took pity on me: the man who became my
Viceroy. He taught me how to survive. And in that dark place, where
there was nothing of myself, I found my Reman brothers. They showed me
the only kindness I ever knew.
A beat. He glances to the Romulan crest on the wall.
SHINZON
For thousands of years the Romulan Senate has met in
this chamber and dictated the fate of its sister-planet ...But the
time has come for us to live as equals.
PI CARD
You're doing this to liberate the Remans?
SHINZON
No race should be a slave to another.
Picard is impressed with Shinzon's quiet words.
SHINZON
You don't trust me.
PICARD
I have no reason to.
SHINZON
Of course you do. If you had lived my life and experienced the
suffering of my people ...you'd be sitting where I am now. At least I
hope you would.
PICARD
And if you had lived my life you would understand that there is a
great responsibility in representing the Federation. I can't let my
personal feelings unduly influence my decisions.
SHINZON
All I have is my personal feelings. I wasn't raised with the ideals
of the Federation. But I'm trying to understand them now. To live up
to them To live up to you.
A beat.
SHINZON
I want to know where I come from. The Remans gave me a future. You
can tell me about my past.
PICARD
There's so much, and so much of it is dull…
SHINZON
Were we always explorers?
PlCARD
No. I was the first Picard to leave Earth. It caused quite a stir, In
fact. But I had spent my whole life…
SHINZON
(finishing the sentence) Looking up at the stars.
PICARD
Yes.
SHINZON
And you dreamed about what was up there. About…
PI CARD
(finishing the sentence)
New worlds.
A beat.
They both reach for a carafe of water at the exact same instant. Stop.
PICARD
After you, Praetor.
SHINZON (smiles)
Age before rank, Jean Luc.
Picard smiles, pours a glass.
PICARD
So I'm not as tall as you expected?
SHINZON
I always hoped I would hit two meters.
PlCARD
With a full head of hair.
SHINZON {smiles)
There is that.
A quiet beat.
PI CARD
Shinzon ...I'm trying to believe you.
SHINZON
I know.
PICARD
If there's one ideal the Federation holds most dear it's that all men,
all races, can be united. From the first time the Vulcans came to
Earth we've sought a future of peace. Nothing would make me more proud
than to take your hand in friendship. In time. When trust has been
earned.
SHINZON
I'm.honored to think I might someday speak with such eloquence.
A beat.
SHINZON
In time, Jean Luc.
PICARD
In time.
INT. SENATE CHAMBER LATER
Picard is gone. Shinzon sits, thinking. His Viceroy enters.
VICEROY
This is a mistake.
SHINZON
He's gentler than I thought. And he has a sense of humor.
VICEROY (stern)
Don't forget our mission, Shinzon. We should act. Now. Time is running
out.
SHINZON (snaps}
My time. I'll spend it how I choose.
A tense beat.
SHINZON
We'll return to the Scimitar. Prepare yourself for the bonding.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE NIGHT
Picard emerges from the turbolift. Data, Worf and Geordi wait at the
bridge engineering station.
WORF
Sir, we've had an unauthorized access into the main computer.
PICARD
Who was it?
GEORDI
It's going to take some time to find out -- the data stream was
rerouted through substations all over the ship.
PICARD
What programs were accessed?
GEORDI
That's what I don't get -- it's mostly basic stellar cartography: star
charts; communications protocols; some uplinks from colony tracking
stations. It's not even restricted material.
PICARD (to Worf)
Set up a security program to detect any unusual data stream rerouting.
If it happens again, we want to be ready.
GEORDI (grim)
There's something else. I was reviewing the sensor logs ...(he refers
to some readouts on his console)
When the Scimitar decloaked there was a momentary spike in the
tertiary EM band --there -- You're not going to believe this but it's
Thalaron.
Picard is shocked.
INT. SICKBAY NIGHT
Picard stands, concerned, with Beverly, Geordi and Data. Monitors
showing Thalaron research are visible.
PICARD
...I thought Thalaron radiation was theoretical.
GEORDI
Which is why our initial scans didn't pick it up. But he's got it,
Captain.
PICARD
As I remember, Thalaron research was banned in the Federation because
of its bioqenic properties.
BEVERLY
It has the ability to consume organic material at the subatomic level.
I can't overestimate the danger of Thalaron radiation, Jean Luc. A
microscopic amount could kill every living thing on this ship in a
matter of seconds.
PICARD
Understood. Keep on it. I need to know what he has and how to
neutralize any threat. Give me options.
Picard goes. Data thinks for a moment.
DATA
Doctor, will you excuse us for a moment? Geordi, please come with me.
He and Geordi head out. Beverly returns to some medical displays
showing Thalaron research, her expression deeply concerned.
INT. ENTERPRISE - PICARD'S CABIN NIGHT
Picard is sitting at his desk, flipping through an old photo album. He
stops and stares at one of the pictures deeply troubled. We finally
see the photo: Young Jean Luc Picard. A serious, unsmiling cadet at
Starfleet Academy. The face before him bears a disturbing resemblance
to Shinzon.
The door comm chirps.
PICARD
Come ...(Beverly enters) ...Beverly, come in.
BEVERLY
You're working late.
She sits, notes the picture of Young Jean Luc.
PICARD
Remember him?
BEVERLY
He was a bit proud as I recall.
PI CARD
He was a damn fool. Selfish and ambitious. Very much in need of
seasoning.
BEVERLY
He turned out all right.
He rises, goes to a window, gazes at the Scimitar in the distance. A
beat.
PICARD
I so wanted to believe Shinzon. But the Thalaron radiation can't be
explained away. Whatever he's after, it's not peace.
BEVERLY
Is he very much like you were?
PI CARD
Yes.
Data interrupts on comm.:
DATA (V.O. on comm)
Data to Captain Picard. Geordi and I have identified
the source of the unauthorized computer access. And, I believe, we
have also discovered an opportunity to gain a tactical advantage.
PICARD (to comm)
On my way…
BEVERLY {stands)
Jean Luc Whatever you were Right now you're the man you've made
yourself. He's someone else.
PICARD
I wish I could believe that, Doctor.
He goes. .
INT. ENTERPRISE TURBOLIFT MORNING
Deanna is alone on the turbolift. Then a voice makes her spin:
SHINZON (V.O.)
Imzadi ...
Shinzon stands across from her.
DEANNA
You're not here.
SHINZON
(moving to her)
Very logical, Deanna ...But your heart doesn't constrain itself to
mere logic. {he caresses her} ...Your heart longs to discover me. To
know me ...(he kisses her) ...To leave all of this behind and be with
me.
He pushes her against the wall, with passion and almost violence.
DEANNA
No…
SHINZON
I can feel your desire, Deanna...
She forces herself to concentrate….to resist telepathically ... it is
a mighty effort... this Romulan is hot And the world around her
appears to be changing ...bending ...
And she is momentarily in a cabin on the Scimitar. Although entirely a
telepathic experience, it is as if she has actually traveled.
She sees Shinzon kneeling over a small flame, she realizes she is
looking through the Viceroy's eyes.
'
On the Scimitar, Shinzon looks up at the Viceroy/Deanna:
SHINZON
I can feel your hunger to know the Reman ways… the old ways.
Then the world changes again...
Deanna is on the turbolift. Shinzon is pressed against her,
whispering:
SHINZON
Don't fear what you desire…
She forces him away from her and--
She is alone. She sinks to her knees. Overcome with emotion.
INT. SCIMITAR - VICEROY'S CABIN FOLLOWING
The Viceroy, in a kind of trace, kneels before a small flame. Shinzon
kneels across from him. The Viceroy raises his head.
VICEROY
The bond is broken.
SHINZON
Find her again.
VICEROY
No --this is wasting time.
SHINZON
Do as I tell you!
A Reman officer interrupts on comm:
REMAN OFFICER (V.O.)
Praetor, we've received the transponder signal.
SHINZON (to comm)
On my way.
He begins to go -- but suddenly stops, a wave of illness overtaking
him.
The Viceroy puts his hand on Shinzon's chest. A strange I moment as
the Viceroy shuts his eyes and feels Shinzon's chest. His mind…
probing .
Then the Viceroy looks up at him, grim.
VICEROY
It's accelerating. You have no more time for games.
SHINZON
Have the doctors prepare. I'll be on the bridge.'
He goes.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE DAY
Shinzon stands with some REMAN ENGINEERS.
SHINZON
Transport.
An Engineer activates a transporter and the B-9 materializes!
SHINZON
Welcome home. (to Engineers) Begin the download.
Reman engineers go to the B-9 and open the panel in his neck, begin
connecting computer conduits to the extra memory port we saw earlier.
[Note: Although the audience will not know it yet, this is actually
Data pretending to be the B-9.)
Shinzon goes to a replicator unit and orders:
SHINZON
Tea, hot.
A cup of tea appears. He takes it and sips as he watches his Engineers
connecting the conduits to the B-9.
INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY DAY
Beverly is scanning Deanna. Picard and Riker watch, concerned.
BEVERLY
Aside from slightly elevated adrenalin and serotonin levels, you're
completely normal. .
PICARD
(gently)
Can you describe it, Deanna?
She looks at Picard, tears in her eyes.
DEANNA
It was ...a violation.
Riker takes her hand.
DEANNA
(with difficulty)
Shinzon's Viceroy seems to have the ability to reach into my thoughts.
I've become a liability ...I request to be relieved of my duties.
PICARD
Permission denied. If you can possibly endure any more of these
assaults. I need you at my side. Now more than ever I…
But before the words are out of his mouth ...he begins to
dematerialize!
RIKER (to comm)
Worf! Raise Shields !
But Picard is gone.
EXT. OVER ROMULUS SPACE
The Scimitar cloaks.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIG NIGHT
Picard stands in the Reman brig. His communicator pin has been
removed.
Beyond the security force field a ghoulish medical apparatus is being
prepared. A metal chair with laser scalpels, IV tubes and hyposprays
connected to it. Reman doctors work over the mysterious chair.
Shinzon enters with the B-9 following. Shinzon stands on the other
side of the force field.
Picard notices something immediately. Tiny veins are now visible on
Shinzon's face; the faintest sign of an intricate spider-web pattern
of pale blue veins.
SHINZON
Hello, Jean Luc.
PICARD
Why am I here?
SHINZON
I was lonely ...(he realizes Picard is staring at the veins on his
face) Perhaps I'm not aging as well as you did.
He nods to a guard. The guard deactivates the force field. A Reman
doctor enters and raises a hypospray toward Picard.
PICARD (resists)
What are you doing?
SHINZON
I need a sample of your blood. What do your Borg friends say?
Resistance is futile. (maniacal laugh)
The Doctor takes a quick sample of Picard's blood as Picard glances to
the B-9.
SHINZON
Yes. The bait you couldn't refuse. I learned there might be an
existing prototype from a Cardassian historian, then went to a great
deal of trouble to find it and scatter it about on Kolarus III. I knew
it would pique your curiosity and conveniently make the Enterprise the
closest ship to Romulus when I contacted Starfleet.
The Reman doctor leaves the cell. The force field is reactivated. The
doctor goes to the mysterious medical apparatus and analyzes Picard's
blood. As:
PICARD
All of this so you could capture me?
SHINZON
Don't be so vain. After we found it, we made a few modifications. An
extra memory port, a hidden transponder. Perhaps your eyes will be a
bit less confident when you learn I've gained access to Starfleet's
communications protocols. I now know the location of your entire fleet
...(to B-9) ...You may go.
B-9
Where?
SHINZON
Out of my sight.
The B-9 obediently leaves the room as:
SHINZON
Maybe I'll train it to do little tricks for me like your robot does.
Or maybe I'll snap its ugly head off.
PICARD
What's this all about?
SHINZON
It's about destiny, Picard. About a Reman outcast who--
PICARD
You're not Reman.
SHINZON
And I'm not quite human. So what am I? What do you see? (he peers at
Picard deeply) Do you see a life you might have led? Lost youth never
to be recaptured?
PICARD
I see a young man trying desperately to deny who he is.
SHINZON
I see an old man, set in his ways, afraid to live without a uniform to
prop him up and a Starfleet regulation to tell him what to do. I see
the man I will never be.
PICARD
I won't defend my life to you.
SHINZON
My life is meaningless as long as you're alive. What am I while you
exist? A shadow? An enigma?
PICARD (stern)
If your issues are with me… This has nothing to do with my ship and
nothing to do with the Federation.
SHINZON
Oh, but it does. We will no longer bow like slaves before anyone. Not
the Romulans and not your mighty Federation. We're a race bred for
war. For conquest.
PICARD
Think about what you're doing, Shinzon. Are you ready to plunge the
entire quadrant into war to satisfy your own personal demons?
SHINZON
It amazes me how little you know yourself.
PICARD
I'm incapable of such an act, and so are you.
SHINZON
I think the facts speak for themselves. The same noble Picard blood
runs in our veins. Had you lived my life, you'd be doing exactly as I
am. Look in the mirror, and see yourself.
Shinzon looks at him deeply.
SHINZON
Consider that, Captain. .I can think of no greater I torment for you.
He turns to go.
PICARD
It's a mirror for you as well…
Shinzon turns back to him.
A beat. Picard gazes at him evenly.
Picard's probing gaze makes Shinzon a bit uneasy. He glances to the
ghoulish medical preparations.
SHINZON
Not for long, Captain. (back to Picard) I'm afraid you won't survive
to witness the victory of the echo over the voice.
He goes.
INT. ENTERPRISE --BRIDGE NIGHT
The ship is on Red Alert. Worf stands at tactical, muscles coiled,
hungry for action.
WORF
No response to our hails.
Geordi is hard at work at the Science station. Riker stands over him:
GEORDI (frustrated)
His cloak is perfect… no tachyon emissions, no residual antiprotons.
RIKER
Keep at it, Geordi. Find a way in.
Beverly arrives on the bridge, urgent. She carries a medical padd.
BEVERLY
Will, I need to talk to you.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIG NIGHT
Picard stands in his cell, peering at the edges of the security force
field, trying to spot any weakness.
Then the B-9 enters the brig, he holds a Reman disruptor weapon.
B-9
(to Reman guard)
I am to take the prisoner to the Praetor.
The Reman Guard deactivates the force field
B-9
If you resist, I will incapacitate you.
He leads Picard out.
INT. SCIMITAR CORRIDORS FOLLOWING
The B-9 leads picard through the dark corridors, holding the
disruptor on him steadily. All the Remans they pass glare at Picard
with undisguised loathing.
The Viceroy approaches. Stops before them.
VICEROY (to B-9)
Where are you taking him?
B-9
Praetor Shinzon wants him on the bridge.
The Viceroy turns his malevolent gaze on Picard.
VICEROY
So, human… you've met your better self!
PICARD
What are you doing to Counsellor Troi?
VICEROY
I'm preparing her for Shinzon ...To sooth him as she soothes you. To
stand at his side as she does at yours.
PICARD
That will never happen.
VICEROY
Listen to him, android. Such a small and weak creature. Yet he roars
so valiantly ...(he raises one taloned claw and puts a sharp
fingernail on Picard's chest)
It would take me but an instant to tear that valiant heart from your
chest.
PICARD
There'll be another after me. And another after that. You'll find
we're a resilient species.
VICEROY
I look forward to the sport. (to the B-9, harshly) Take him.
The B-9 prods Picard's back roughly with the disruptor. Picard
grimaces in pain
B-9
Move.
The Viceroy continues away down the corridor. The B-9 leads Picard
along.
PICARD {whispers)
Be careful of over-playing your part, Commander!
And the audience now realizes it is Data pretending to be the B-9 and
rejoices.
DATA
Sorry, sir. I thought it added a touch of reality to the performance.
They are silent as they pass a few Reman guards. Then:
DATA
My mission was a success, sir. I have discovered the source of the
Thalaron radiation.
PICARD
Good work. The download?
DATA
He believes he has our communications protocols. But they will give
him inaccurate locations for all Starfleet vessels.
Data assumes the B-9's posture again as they pass some some Reman
Warriors.
DATA
Move, puny human animal.
They pass the Warriors.
P I CARD
A bit less florid, Data.
DATA
Aye, sir ...This way.
He leads Picard down the corridor.
INT .SCIMITAR GENERATION CHAMBER NIGHT
Data leads Picard into a massive chamber that soars up like a
cathedral. It is the size of a small town.
The whole, cavernous chamber pulses with glowing green light.
DATA
This entire ship is, essentially, a flying Thalaron generator. (he
points up) All its power relays lead to that device.
High above them, at the very top of the chamber, is a gigantic version
of the spider-weapon we saw kill all the Romulan Senators before. It
is breathtaking.
PICARD
A weapon.
DATA
It would appear so.
Data rotates his left hand and then slides it forward, exposing a
hidden compartment in his wrist. He removes a small, silver disc.
This is a cool new piece of Federation technology called an ETU.
(Emergency Transport Unit.)
DATA
Geordi equipped me with the prototype for the Emergency Transport
Unit. I recommend you use it to return to the Enterprise.
PICARD
It'll only work for one of us.
DATA
Yes, sir.
P I CARD
We'll find a way off together. Recommendations?
DATA
There is a shuttlebay 948 meters from our current location.
Data inserts the ETU back into his wrist and they leave the chamber.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE NIGHT
The Viceroy arrives on the bridge, stops.
VICEROY
Where's Picard?
Shinzon looks at him, confused.
INT. SCIMITAR CORRIDORS NIGHT
Security alert klaxons suddenly begin to howl and harsh Reman commands
are broadcast through the corridors.
DATA
This way, sir!
They sprint down the twisting, dark corridors --Reman warriors
suddenly appear before them! --Data fires the disruptor as Picard
launches himself into them--
A fight --Picard uses a dazzlinq series of Starfleet hand-to-hand
maneuvers --he dramatically subdues the Remans.
More Reman warriors appear down the corridor. Picard grabs a
disruptor.
And instantly spins to fire a blazing disruptor. A battle break out
in the corridor --the energy beams and explosions illuminating the
violent fire fight in strobe-like bursts.
They run to another corridor and finally arrive at the shuttlebay door
-- it does not open.
DATA
(looking at door security panel)
It seems to have an encrypted security system.
Reman warriors are closing in on them.
Data tosses his disruptor to Picard -- Picard catches it and instantly
spins and fires --he uses both disruptors to fire down both ends of
the corridor like a Western sheriff --keeping the Remans at bay--
As Data uses both hands to punch numbers into the shuttlebay door
security panel at an amazing rate--
PICARD
Alacrity would be appreciated, Commander.
DATA
They are trying to override the access codes. Reman is really a most
complex language with pictographs representing certain verb roots and-
PICARD
While I find that fascinating, Data, we really need that Goddamned
door open!
The shuttlebay door slides open.
Picard lays down a blistering barrage of cover fire as he and Data
duck into the shuttlebay.
INT. SCIMITAR -SHUTTLEBAY FOLLOWING
When the door closes behind them, Picard turns and fires a disruptor
blast --sealing the door mechanism.
They turn to face…
A fleet of very small shuttles. They are uniquely designed. Extremely
compact and stream-lined. A disruptor turret on each.
They move toward one as:
DATA
According to the ship's manifest they are Scorpion-class attack
fliers.
They quickly climb a Scorpion.
INT. SCORPION COCKPIT SHUTTLEBAY FOLLOWING
The cockpit of the Scorpion is cramped. Picard climbs into the pilot's
position. Data assumes the gunner's position.
They see disruptor fire trying to burn through the door to the
shuttlebay -- Picard powers up the Scorpion as:
PICARD
(trying to figure out the controls) What do you imagine this is?
DATA
Port thrusters, sir. Would you like me to drive?
Picard shoots him a look and presses some controls. The Scorpion lifts
off. Hovers a few feet over the deck. Picard elegantly swings it
around toward the large shuttlebay external doors as:
PICARD
Can you open the shuttlebay doors?
DATA
(working controls)
Affirmative, sir. Negative, sir. They have instigated security
overrides and erected a force field around the external portals.
PICARD
Well then ...only one way to go.
He swings the Scorpion around again so it is facing the doors they
came through, the doors back into the ship.
Data is dubious.
DATA
Do you think this is a wise course of action?
PICARD
We're about to find out ...Power up disruptors and fire on my mark.
DATA
Ready, Captain.
PICARD
Fire!
And the Scorpion's forward disruptors fire! The doors into the ship
explode! Picard powers forward!
INT. SCIMITAR CORRIDORS FOLLOWING
And the Scorpion shoots into the corridor, past the stunned Remans.
Picard banks sharply --careens off the far side of the corridor but
keeps control.
The Scorpion zooms down the corridor.
INT. SCORPION COCKPIT --SCIMITAR FOLLOWING
Picard is concentrating intensely --it is like trying to control the
world's fastest roller coaster.
INT. SCIMITAR --CORRIDORS FOLLOWING
The Scorpion banks around a corner --it zigs and zags through the ship
at breakneck speed--
INT. SCIMITAR -- OBSERVATION LOUNGE NIGHT
The doors to the observation lounge EXPLODE in.
The Scorpion SHOOTS into the room and up--
A disruptor blast SHATTERS the etched glass dome at the top of the
room--
And the Scorpion ZOOMS triumphantly into space!
EXT. OVER ROMULUS SPACE
The Scorpion seems to appear from nowhere -- slicing through the cloak
of invisibility around the Scimitar--
JNT. ENTERPRISE --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The crew sees the Scorpion appear on the viewscreen.
RIKER
Worf! Lock on transporters!
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon sees the Scorpion as well.
SHINZON
Tractor beam! Now!
EXT. OVER ROMULUS SPACE
But they are too late --the Scorpion dematerializes-
INT. ENTERPRISE CARGO BAY FOLLOWING
And materializes in one of the Enterprise's cargo bays. Picard and
Data climb out--
PICARD {to comm)
Number One, emergency warp!
EXT. OVER ROMULUS FOLLOWING
The Enterprise dramatically powers forward and up --rolling over in a
great arc going into warp while still upside down. It disappears in a
blaze of light. Fade to…
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE NIGHT
Shinzon sits in his command chair as the ship streaks through space.
He speaks on viewscreen with his Romulan collaborators. His face is
even more finely veined now.
SHINZON
The Enterprise is immaterial! They won't make it back to Federation
space.
SURAN
(angry, on viewscreen}
This has gone far enough!
SHINZON
I thought we discussed patience, Commander.
SURAN (on viewscreen)
And mine is wearing thin, young man! We supported you because you
promised action. And yet you delay and you waste your time playing
games with Picard while--
Shinzon stands and briskly pulls down his uniform tunic~ exactly as
we've seen Picard do a thousand times.
SHINZON
Commander Suran, the games are over. In two days the Federation will
be crippled beyond repair. Does that satisfy you?
SURAN
(grim, on viewscreen}
For the moment.
SHINZON (brutal)
And when I return ...you and I shall have a little talk about showing
proper respect!
INT .ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER FOLLOWING
The viewscreen picture of Shinzon snaps out. The Romulan sit for a
silent beat.
DONATRA
Does anyone in this room harbor any illusions about what he means by
"showing proper respect"?
TAL ' AURA
What's happening to his face?
SURAN
I want opinions. He is clearly out of his mind.
SURAN
But can he complete his mission?
DONATRA
Should he?
They look at her.
DONATRA
Are you prepared to have your hands drenched in blood? He'll show
them no mercy. And his sins will mark us all for generations. Is that
what you truly want, Romulans?
A beat.
DONATRA
I think you should consider that question now --or else you may have a
lifetime to think about it in the dilithium mines.
She turns and stalks out .
INT .ENTERPRISE --READY ROOM NIGHT
Beverly sits with Picard and Riker.
BEVERLY
.The more I studied his DNA the more confusing it got. Finally I could
only come to one conclusion ... Shinzon was created with temporal RNA
sequencing .He was designed so that at a certain point his aging
process could be accelerated to reach your age more quickly, so he
could replace you.
PICARD
But the Romulans abandoned the plan…
BEVERLY
As a result the temporal sequencing was never
activated. Remember, he was supposed to replace you at nearly your
current age. He was engineered to skip thirty years of life. But since
the RNA sequencing was never activated, his cellular structure has
started to break down. He's dying.
PICARD
Dying?
RlKER
He wasn't designed to live a complete, human life span.
PlCARD
Can anything be done for him?
BEVERLY
Not without a complete myelodysplastic infusion from the only donor
with compatible DNA. But that would mean draining all your blood.
RIKER
That's why he went to all that trouble to capture you.
PlCARD
How long does he have?
BEVERLY
I can't be sure but the rate of decay seems to be accelerating.
Picard considers this.
PICARD
Then he'll come for me as a donor.
T. ENTERPRISE --DATA'S CABIN NlGHT1 ...
Data stands before the B-9.
The B-9 has been deactivated, he stands lifeless and immobile. Data
gazes deeply into his double's identical features. Then he opens a
panel in the B-9's neck and uses a small instrument to activate the
android's head.
The B-9's eyes spring to life. He looks at Data.
B-9
Brother. I cannot move.
DATA
No, I have only activated your cognitive and communication
subroutines.
B-9
Why?
DATA
Because you are dangerous.
B-9
Why?
DATA
You have been programmed to gather information that can be used
against this ship.
B-9
I do not understand.
DATA
I know.
A beat.
DATA
Do you know anything about Shinzon's plans against the Federation?
B-9
No.
. :
DATA
Do you have any knowledge of the tactical abi1ities of his ship?
B-9
No. Can I move now?
DATA
No. I must deactivate you.
B-9
For how long?
DATA
Indefinitely.
B-9
How long is that?
A beat. Data gazes at the B-9 deeply.
DATA
A long time, brother.
Data reaches forward and deactivates his brother.
The B-9's eyes lose the spark of life. He stands, frozen. Data stands
before him.
INT .ENTERPRISE OBSERVATION LOUNGE NIGHT
Picard is gathered with his senior officers.
A computer display illustrates Geordi's words about the power of
Shinzon's weapon. We see a chilling graphic of the Biogenic Pulse beam
spreading around a ship, then a whole planet.
GEORDI
It's called a Cascading Biogenic Pulse. The unique properties of
Thalaron radiation allow the energy beam to expand almost without
limits. Depending on the radiant intensity it could encompass a ship
... or a planet.
PICARD (thinking)
And that's exactly what he's going to do.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
His hatred of the Federation is apparent. He would have built a weapon
of that scope for one reason. He is going after Earth.
RlKER
Oh boy. Destroy humanity and the Federation is crippled...
PICARD
And the Romulans invade.
DEANNA
How can you be certain?
PICARD
I know how he thinks.
A beat.
RlKER (to Geordi)
And there's no way to penetrate his cloak?
GEORDI
No, sir.
RlKER
(frustrated)
He could pass within 10 meters of every ship in Starfleet and they'd
never know.
BEVERLY
But we do have one advantage. (to Picard) He needs your blood to live.
He might come after you first.
PICARD
I'm counting on it ...We've been ordered to head to sector 3274.
Starfleet is diverting the fleet to meet us there.
RlKER
Strength in numbers?
PICARD
We can only hope so.
A beat as he looks at them gravely.
PICARD
He can't be allowed to use that weapon. All other concerns are
secondary. Do you understand me?
Riker knows exactly what Picard is saying: the Enterprise is
expendable.
RlKER
Yes, sir.
Picard stands. Presses a comm button.
PICARD
All hands. Battle stations.
INT. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS ANGLES
We see a montage of the Enterprise preparing for battle.
Crew members assume battle stations. Weapons locker ring open and
Security Officers hand out sidearms and phaser rifles.
Geordi and his Engineers establish emergency force field around the
warp core..
Riker and Worf brief officers on tactical plans...
Data works at the bridge Science Station, analyzing data on Shinzon's
ship.
Picard walks through the corridors, he stops to talk with apprehensive
young ensign.
As we hear :
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Personal Log. Supplemental. We're heading toward Federation
space at maximum warp. The crew has responded with the dedication I've
come to expect of them. And like a thousand other commanders on a
thousand other battlefields throughout history, I wait for the dawn.
The montage ends as…
INT. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY NIGHT
Picard enters sickbay.
Dr. Crusher and her medical staff are hard at work. They position
anti-grav gurneys and ready medical supplies. Security officers are
handing out phasers.
Picard watches the grim preparations. Beverly goes to him, bolstering
her phaser. .
PICARD
(quietly)
To seek out new life and new civilizations. Zephyr.
. Cochran's own words. When Charles Darwin set out on the H.M.S.
Beagle, on his journey into the unknown ...
he sailed without a single musket.
BEVERLY (gently)
That was another time.
PI CARD
How far we've come. Let me know if you need anything.
He starts to go--
BEVERLY
Jean Luc ...(he stops) ...He is not you.
A beat.
PICARD
What makes us who we are, Doctor? Can you tell me that?
She watches him go.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE NIGHT
Shinzon sits in his command chair, lined with veins now.
His Viceroy again has his hand pressed to Shinzon's chest.
SHINZON
How long?
VICEROY
A matter of hours now--
Shinzon shoves him away. Stands.
VICEROY
If you don't begin the procedure soon you'll never make it back to
Romulus. You shouldn't have delayed. You should have killed Picard the
moment--
Shinzon slams his command chair in fury. The Viceroy watches him
carefully.
A beat. Shinzon regains his composure. He sits again in his command
chair.
SHINZON
How long until we reach the Rift?
VICEROY
(checks a console}
Seven minutes.
Shinzon leans back, satisfied. And looks at the viewscreen.
The image on the viewscreen is shocking.
The Enterprise only a few hundred yards away.
EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACE
The Enterprise zooms through space.
Completely unaware of the predator directly above it.
INT. ENTERPRISE ASTROMETRICS NIGHT
Data is at work in Astrometry. Cartographic projections of star
systems ebb and flow on a large screen before him. Picard enters .
PlCARD
Show me our current position.
The images before them quickly change to show another sector and a
blip representing the Enterprise.
PI CARD
How long until we reach the fleet?
DATA
At our current velocity we will arrive at sector 3274 in approximately
40 minutes.
The images before them change to show sector 3274. We see blips
denoting Starfleet ships moving into position.
Picard gazes at the projection of stars before them for a moment.
PICARD (quietly)
"For now we see but through a glass darkly..."
DATA
PICARD
He said he's a mirror.
DATA
Of you?
PI CARD
Yes.
DATA
I do not agree. Although you share the same genetic structure, the
events of your life have created unique individual.
PICARD
But so much is the same. On a biological level he is ...and I will not
accept the idea that there is
nothing I can do. I have a responsibility to try to make a human
connection with him.
DATA
He would deny a "human" connection is possible. He considers himself
entirely Reman.
PI CARD
,
He may have already rejected my humanity, but you also have a twin
DATA
No, sir, it is not possible. The B-9 is physically identical to me,
although his neural pathways are not
as advanced. But even if they were, he would not be me.
PICARD
How can you be sure?
DATA
I aspire, sir. To be better than I am. The B-9 does not. Nor does
Shinzon.
A beat.
PI CARD
We'll never know what Shinzon might have been. Had he stood where I
did as a child? And looked up at the stars.
Picard's words linger in the air for a moment.
Then the projections before them sputter with static for a moment.
Flickering.
DATA
(working controls)
We are passing through the Bassen Rift. The projections will return
when we have cleared it.
PICARD
It's interfering with our uplink from Starfleet cartography?
DATA
Yes, sir. The Rift effects all long-range communications--
PICARD
(urgent, to comm) Commander Riker, evasive maneuvers!
Too late.
The ship QUAKES --a photon torpedo blast -- the Enterprise is under
attack!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
Disruptor beams appear from nowhere --streaking through space --
slamming into the Enterprise's warp drive. The Enterprise recoils,
dangerously dropping out of warp in a furious lurch.
The Bassen Rift is a strange area of electromagnetic distortion.
Energy patterns crackle through space.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon sits in his command chair. The viewscreen shows the Enterprise
before him.
SHINZON
Target weapons systems and shields. I don't want the Enterprise
destroyed.
On the viewscreen, we see disruptor blasts streaking from the Scimitar
-- slicing into the Enterprise.
SHINZON
Can you learn to see in the dark, Captain?
INT. ENTERPRISE --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard and Data emerge from the turbolift as the ship ROcKS--
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
He's firing through his cloak. We can't get a lock.
GEORDI (at engineering station}
He disabled our warp drive with his first shot. We've only got
impulse.
WORF
Long range communication is impossible as long s we're in the rift--
The ship SHUDDERS again --
PICARD
Worf, prepare a full phaser spread, zero elevation. All banks on my
mark. Scan for shield impacts and stand by photon torpedoes.
WORF
Aye, sir
The ship ROCKS again.
PICARD
Fire!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Enterprise fires her phasers simultaneously --the energy beams
shoot into space--
And the Scimitar's shape is momentarily illuminated as one of its
shields is hit.
Photon torpedoes immediately shoot from the Enterprise -- but pass
harmlessly through the area where the Scimitar's shields were
momentarily illuminated.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
SHINZON
You're too slow, old man. (entering commands in his chair console)
Attack pattern Shinzon Theta.
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The invisible Warbird makes a dramatic run straight over the
Enterprise -- firing steadily down as it sweeps past it; is a brutal,
close range assault-
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The bridge SHAKES violently under the ruthless attack--
DATA
We are losing dorsal shields--
PI CARD
Full axis rotation to port! Fire all ventral phasers!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Enterprise instantly complies-- Rolling completely over to the
left, firing phasers up as Shinzon's invisible ship streaks above
it--
A few lucky phaser shots from the bottom of the Enterprise --now
shooting upward --manage to momentarily illuminate the bottom shields
of the Scimitar as it sweeps past above.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
WORF
Minimal damage to the Scimitar.
R I KER
(to Helm)
Defensive pattern Kirk Epsilon. Geordi, get those shields online.
PICARD (to comrn)
Counselor Troi, report to the bridge.
RIKER
Unless we can disable his cloak we're just going to be firing in the
dark.
PlCARD
Agreed.
WORF
Sir, we're being hailed.
PICARD
On screen.
Shinzon appears on the viewscreen. He is on the bridge of the
Scimitar.
SHINZON (on viewscreen)
Captain Picard, will you join me in your Ready Room?
INT. ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM
Picard stands in his Ready Room. A flickering light shimmers across
the room. And a perfect holographic representation of Shinzon appears
before him.
SHINZON
You can't trace my holographic emitters, Captainn. So don't bother.
And you can't contact Starfleet. We're quite alone.
PICARD
We are.
SHINZON
It's just the two of us now, Jean Luc, as it should be ...Your ship
and mine ...You and me.
PICARD
Why are you here?
~.
SHINZON
To accept your surrender. I can clearly destroy you at any time. Lower
your shields and allow me to transport you to my ship.
PICARD
And what of the Enterprise?
SHINZON
I have little interest in your quaint vessel, Captain. If the
Enterprise will withdraw to a distance of one hundred light years, it
will not be harmed.
PICARD
You know that's not possible.
SHINZON
I know ...you'll all gladly die to save your home world.
PICARD (intense)
Look at me, Shinzon! Do you feel the blood pumping inside you? Your
hands, your eyes, your nature, are the
same as mine. Buried deep inside you beneath the years of pain and
anger is a capacity you've
forgotten. It's the one way our mirror can reflect the two of us
exactly because it's the very thing that
truly defines us. To be human is to try to make yourself better than
you are.
Picard looks at him deeply, relentlessly refusing to give up.
PI CARD
I know you as well as I know myself, Shinzon. There was a time you
looked at the stars and dreamed of what might be.
SHINZON (quietly}
Long ago.
PICARD
Not so long.
SHINZON
Childish dreams, Captain. Lost in the dilithium mines of Remus. I'm
what you see now.
PI CARD
I see more than what you are.
Picard steps toward him.
PICARD
I see what you could be.
Shinzon slowly backs away as Picard continues to move toward him
relentlessly.
PI CARD
The man who is Jean Luc Picard and Shinzon of Remus won't exterminate
the population of an entire planet! He is better than that!
SHINZON (desperate)
He is what his life has made him!
Shinzon is in turmoil. Picard senses this. He proceeds quietly:
PI CARD
And what will he do with that life?
Shinzon looks at him, questioning.
PICARD
If I were to beam to your ship ...let you complete your medical
procedure, give you a full life… what would you do with the time?
Shinzon doesn't respond.
PI CARD
You once asked me about your past. Your history.
When I was your age, I burned with ambition. I was very proud and my
pride often hurt people. I made every wrong choice a young man can
...But one thing saved me ...I had a father who believed in me. Who
took the time to teach me a better way. You have the same father.
SHINZON
Yes.
PICARD
So if I gave you my life, what would you do with it? Would you spend
the years in a blaze of hatred as you are now? Or could you change?
Could you try to remember a mother's touch you never felt? A father's
words you never heard? Could you do that?
SHINZON
(quietly) I don't know.
PI CARD
But you want to.
Shinzon doesn't respond. But Picard knows he has made a connection.
For this brief moment reconciliation is possible. He proceeds quietly:
PICARD
Let me tell you about our father.
Shinzon looks at him with an aching sadness. What might have been.
SHINZON
That's your life…not mine.
PICARD
Please.
SHINZON
It's too late.
PICARD
You can still make a choice! Make the right one now!
SHINZON
I have no choices! I can't fight what I am!
Shinzon backs away, unable to fight his nature:
SHINZON
I'll show you my true nature. Your nature. And as Earth dies
--remember that I'm forever Shinzon of Remus! And my voice will echo
through time long after your s has faded to a dim memory.
Shinzon ends the transmission and his holographic image lickers and
fades away.
Picard stands alone, drained.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon strides quickly to his command chair, barking to his Viceroy:
SHINZON
Disable their weapons!
But before the Viceroy can move the Scimitar suddenly ROCKS --
attacked from somewhere! Shinzon is stunned.
SHINZON
Report!
REMAN OFFICER
Two ships decloaking, sir! Romulan!
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard strides to his command chair as two Romulan Warbirds appear on
the viewscreen. Deanna is now on the bridge.
RIKER
Believe it or not, I think the cavalry has arrived.
WORF
We're being hailed.
PI CARD
On screen.
On the viewscreen: Commander Donatra shimmers into view.
DONATRA (on viewscreen}
Captain Picard, Commander Donatra of the Warbird
Valdore. Might we be of assistance?
PICARD
Your timing is impeccable, Commander.
DONATRA (on viewscreen)
The Empire considers this a matter of internal security. We regret
you've become involved.
PI CARD
When this is over, I owe you a drink.
On the viewscreen, the Valdore ROCKS from a disruptor blast.
DONATRA (on viewscreen)
Romulan ale, Captain. Let's get to work. Valdore out.
The transmission ends.
PICARD (to Worf)
You heard the lady. Get to work. Move your ass!
must remain dec1oaked to fire weapons and are visible throughout the
battle.)
Although Shinzon's ship is still cloaked, the steady barrage of
triangulated phaser and disruptor fire from the Enterprise and the two
Romulan vessels illuminate its shields with impacts.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
PICARD
(to Worf)
Coordinate our attack with the Valdore's tactical officer. Triangulate
fire on any shield impacts.
WORF
Aye, sir.
The Enterprise ROCKS from a photon torpedo impact-
DATA
Aft shields are down to forty percent .
RIKER (to Helm)
Keep our bow to the Scimitar. Auxiliary power to forward shields.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon sits quite calmly in-his command chair.
SHINZON
Target the flanking Warbird. All forward disruptor banks on my mark.
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
It is a chaos of starships as the Enterprise and the two Warbirds fire
steadily --illuminating the Scimitar's shields.
The ships sweep around one another, maneuvering for position, firing
constantly. The battlefield seems impossibly crowded as the four
vessels evade and attack; as phaser and disruptor beams criss-cross
space.
Then the Scimitar unleashes a devastating volley… all her forward
disruptor banks fire at once--
They literally cut one of the Romulan ships in half --a huge EXPLOSION
--debris SHOOTS across space and SLAMS VIOLENTLY off the Enterprise's
forward shields--!
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
the ship ROCKS dangerously!
DATA
Forward shields are down to ten percent.
RlKER (to Helm)
Bring us about!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Enterprise quickly turns about -- firing her aft phasers. As the
Valdore sweeps toward Shinzon's ship, firing-- INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE
FOLLOWINg
SHINZON
Let her pursue -- drop cloak on the aft port quadrant and prepare for
full emergency stop. T , ..I
VICEROY (startled)
What?!
SHINZON
You heard me.
INT. VALDORE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Donatra leans forward in her command chair, looking at viewscreen.
She sees part of the Scimitar's rear cloak inning to fall away--
DONATRA
She's losing her cloak! Stand by all forward disruptor banks!
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
VICEROY
She's almost on us.
SHINZON
Not yet.
On the viewscreen we see the Valdore in pursuit, gaining. The Reman
crew iss getting nervous.
VICEROY
Praetor…
SHINZON
FULL STOP AND FIRE !
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Scimitar LURCHES to a stop! Too fast for the Valdore to respond
in time -- it flies over the Scimitar--
And the Scimitar fires!
A devastating volley of photon torpedoes rip into the underbelly and
aft of the Valdore as it streaks past--
The Valdore careens out of control and then slows to a stop. It floats
dead in space.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
SHINZON
Restore the aft cloak.and bring us about .
He leans back in his command chair, ready for the final battle.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLQWING
A bloody Commander Donatra is talking to Picard on viewscreen. Her
bridge is in ruins.
DONATRA (on viewscreen}
I'm afraid that drink will have to wait, Captain.
P CARD
Do you have life support?
DONATRA (on viewscreen}
For the moment. But we're dead in the water.
PI CARD
Understood--
Then the ship ROCKS-
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The invisible Scimitar sweeps past for a particularly brutal assault
--disruptor blasts streak along the Enterprise's hull -- a huge,
ripping series of explosions tear away several decks of the
Enterprise--
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
--~--- -
DATA
We have lost structural integrity on decks twelve through seventeen,
sections four through ten.
GEORDI
Emergency force fields are holding.
RIKER
Evacuate those decks and reroute field power to forward shields.
Deanna goes to Picard:
DEANNA
Captain -- I might have a way to find them.
PICARD
Counselor?
DEANNA
The one thing he may have forgotten in the course of battle: me.
PICARD
Make it so.
She quickly goes to Worf at tactical.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE NIGHT
Shinzon is entering tactical commands in his chair console.
SHINZON
Prepare a lateral run --all starboard disruptors.
Then the viceroy suddenly stiffens, alarm in his eyes-
VICEROY
No!
INT .ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Deanna concentrates furiously, eyes closed. She stands with Worf, her
hand slowly moving his over the photon torpedo targeting display.
It is a wrenching experience as she probes with her thoughts.
DEANNA
He's resisting me.
She is in pain.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The Viceroy concentrates, trying to block her probing thoughts.
SHINZON
What is it?! Focus on your job!!!
VICEROY
She is here.
INT, ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Deanna continues to move Worf's hand over the targeting display. She
is sweating, panting for breath, concentrating fiercely
INT. SCIMITAR -BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The Viceroy resists her -- their psyches lock in battle. Deanna
appears in the
Viceroy's mind, she glares at him.
DEANNA
Remember me?
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Her eyes snap open--
DEANNA
NOW!
Worf instantly fires a full volley of photon torpedoes.
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
A full spread of photon torpedoes shoot through space.
And connect! A series of devastating impacts -- and the Scimitar's
cloak fails!
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard stands quickly.
PICARD
Savage them!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
And the Enterprise attacks!
It fires all weapons simultaneously --phasers and photon torpedoes
slam into the Scimitar! Shinzon's ship responds quickly --maneuvering
for position and returning fire!
INT. SCIMITAR RIDGE____FOLLOWING
The bridge has been damaged, sparks sputter through the darkness and
debris litters the deck.
Shinzon eyes reflect a growing sense of desperation.
SHINZON ,
(spinning to his Viceroy)
Prepare a boarding party -- BRING ME PICARD!
The viceroy strides out as Shinzon spins to another officer.
SHINZON
Get the cloak back! And target shield coordinates beta three. All
disruptors. Fire!
On the viewscreen, we see disruptor beams focusing on a tiny part of
the Enterprise's lower shieJds, slamming into them.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE NIGHT
DATA
Captain, we have lost ventral shielding on deck twenty nine.
PICARD
Divert power and compensate-
An alarm klaxon suddenly rings through the bridge. :
WORF
Intruder alert!
RIKER
Let' s go.
Riker and Worf quickly head toward the turbolift as:
WORF (to comm)
Security detail to deck twenty nine.
Data immediately assumes Worf's position at tactical.
INT. ENTERPRISE LOWER DECKS NIGHT
Riker and Worf stride with a SECURITY DETAIL through the cramped lower
decks.
A sudden disruptor blast stops them cold! The Viceroy and his invasion
force of a dozen Reman Warriors are down the corridor!
The Enterprise crew returns fire. It is a blazing phaser battle, Worf
leading his men with Klingon courage. They steadily advance in the
face of the blistering disruptor fire--
They are getting the upper hand when Riker sees the Viceroy escape
into a Jeffriess tube-
RIKER
Worf.
Worf instantly dives into the corridor --landing hard and sliding
forward on his stomach
all the while firing a steady burst from his phaser rifle.
Riker uses the cover to dive after the Viceroy, following him into the
dark Jefferies tube,
intent on destroying the man who has been tormenting his wife-
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The Scimitar sweeps into view on the viewscreen -- filling the screen
--and launches a ferocious volley of photon torpedoes.
A huge EXPLOSION as the viewscreen and some of the forward bridge are
BLOWN APART --the Helm Officer is SUCKED INTO SPACE before a
flickering emergency force field springs into position--
Deanna races to assume the helm--
Picard can now see his enemy directly through the gaping bole in the
ship's hull --he sees the Scimitar banking for another attack run as
part of the ship disappears--
GEORDI
J'f't He's getting his cloak back. (-'-.. ,"
We have exhausted our compliment of photon torpedoes. Phaser banks are
down to four percent.
PICARD
What if we target all phasers in a concentrated attack?
DATA
The Scimitar's shields are still at seventy percent. It would make no
difference, sir.
Picard thinks.
DEANNA
They're stopping...
Through the hole in the hull, Picard sees the Scimitar slowly turning.
Slowly advancing. They see another part of the Scimitar disappear, the
cloak returning.
GEORDI
What's he doing?
PICARD
(grim)
He wants to look me in the eye.
INT. ENTERPRISE -- JEFFERIES TUBE FOLLOWING
Below decks, Riker stalks the Viceroy through a labyrinthine series of
access tunnels. It is like a scene from ALIEN.
The flickering half-light and red emergency strobes of the crippled
ship make this an ominous sequence. The Viceroy is in his element,
used to the perpetual night of the Reman Homeworld, he can see in the
dark.
Riker moves through the darkness, hunting for the Viceroy .He stops,
phaser ready. He peers into the dark tunnel ahead of him. Sees
nothing. We tilt up and see...
The Viceroy clinging to the ceiling directly above Riker! Hidden in
the darkness. The Viceroy attacks! -- diving down on Riker -- his
lethal Reman knife slashing through the darkness--
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard stands… watching the Scimitar maneuver into position. Large
parts of it are now cloaked.
It stops. Only a few hundred yards from the Enterprise, its great brow
almost filling the gaping hole at the front of the bridge.
Picard thinks, his mind racing. Then it comes to him in a flash:
P I CARD
He thinks he knows exactly what I'm going to do...
GEORDI
Sir?
PICARD
We've got him!
He sits in his command chair and begins quickly entering command
instructions in his
chair console.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon, supremely confident, leans back in his command chair.
SHINZON
Open a channel.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard is still entering commands in his chair console.
DATA
We are being hailed.
PICARD
Deanna, stand by (to Data) Open a channel.
SHINZON (V.O.)
I hope you're still alive, Jean Luc.
PICARD
I am.
SHINZON (V.O.)
Don't you think it's time to surrender? I'll have my cloak back in a
matter of minutes and your poor ship is shot to pieces. Why should the
rest of your crew have to die?
Picard continues to enter command codes --transmits them to Deanna at
helm --she receives the commands, nods. All of this as Picard buys
some time:
PICARD
I never told you about my first Academy evaluation, did I? I received
very high marks for my studies. But I was
found lacking in certain other areas. Personality traits, you might
say. In particular I was thought to be extremely ...(he glares up at
the prow of the Scimitar) ...over-confident.
Picard indicates for Data to end the communication. Then:
PICARD (quickly)
Geordi, put 211 power to the engines. Take it from life support if
you have to --everything you can give me.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Deanna, on my mark.
GEORDI
Ready, sir!
Picard leans forward in his chair:
PICARD (on comm)
All hands, brace for impact! (to Deanna) ENGAGE.
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Enterprise powers forward in a final thrust--!
JNT .SCIMITAR --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon sees it coming --utterly shocked --bolts up-
SHINZON
HARD TO PORT !
Too late.
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
A massive COLLISION as the Enterprise SLAMS into the Scimitar -- as it
SMASHES
and GRINDS into Shinzon's ship--
The Scimitar REELS--
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Everyone goes FLYING!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The two great ships are now locked together, slowly rotating in space.
The forward part of the Enterprise's saucer is enmeshed in Shinzon's
ship; two scorpions with their claws locked.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon stands in the ruins of his bridge. Many of his bridge crew are
now dead.
SHINZON
Divert all power to engines. Full reverse!
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
Every part of the Enterprise ROCKS --a great lurch as the Scimitar
begins to tear itselc free -- backing away --a deafening shriek of
metal --both ships are being torn to pieces .in the process -- but it
is working --the Scimitar is ripping free, wrenching itself loose.
INT. ENTERPRISE JEFFERIES TUBES FOLLOWING
The Jefferies tube SHUDDERS as the Scimitar continues to tear itself
free --Riker and the Viceroy careen through the tube. The Viceroy
recovers quickly and coils for a final attack. Riker sees that an
access plate has been loosened in the collision --he desperately rips
it away --knowing the relays behind will provide him with the
advantage he needs --
Bright liqht strobes from the relays and the Viceroy is momentarily
blinded --Riker uses this opportunity to attack! He dives forward
--slamming into the Viceroy --they both tumble into a long, vertical
access tunnel -- they fall!
Riker shoots out a hand and grabs a ladder -- the Viceroy, grabs onto
Riker, his talons digging into his uniform -- a long drop below them!
Riker forces the Viceroy's head back -- away from him --a brutal
struggle-
Riker glares at him .
RIKER
Don't worry -- Hell is dark.
Riker uses every ounce of strength he has left -- pushes the Viceroy
off him--
The Viceroy falls down the long tunnel -- to his death.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The whole Enterprise bridge QUAKES as the Scimitar continues to pull
itself free--
Picard stands, steadying himself on his command chair.
PICARD
Data, I need you.
Data joins Picard as:
PICARD
Computer. Auto-destruct sequence Omega. Zero time delay. Recognize
voice pattern Jean Luc Picard. Authorization Alpha Alpha Three Zero
Five--
COMPUTER (V. O.)
Auto-destruct is off-line.
Then the ship gives a final LURCH. The Scimitar is free.
An eerie moment of silence after the explosive tearing and grinding.
Picard watches through the gaping hole in the hull as the Scimitar
backs away. Another section of the Scimitar disappears. Shinzon almost
has his cloak back.
INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Shinzon stares at the Enterprise.
A wave of sickness overcomes him for a moment, he doubles over. We
actually see more veins appearing on his face. Time is running out.
SHINZON
Target disruptors. Destroy them.
REMAN OFFICER
Disruptors are off-line, sir.
A beat. Shinzon looks up.
SHINZON
Deploy the weapon. Kill everything on that ship. Then set a course for
Earth.
REMAN OFFICER
What about Picard?
SHINZON
Our greater goal is more important, brother.
REMAN OFFICER
But, Praetor, you won't survive without him...
Shinzon gazes at the Enterprise on the viewscreen.
SHINZON
Some ideals are worth dying for, aren't they, Jean Luc?
EXT. RIFT SPACE
The entire Scimitar slowly begins to unfold. Like a gigantic version
of the small spider-weapon we saw kill the Romulan Senators before,
legs appear and hoist up a savage weapon. The Cascading Pulse.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard and the others watch the monstrous Cascading Pulse weapon
slowly deploying.
PICARD
How long until he can fire?
GEORDI
The targeting sequence should take about four minutes.
DEANNA
But how can he? He'll kill you.
PICARD
This isn't about me anymore.
Picard's face is set, resolute. He knows what he must do. Picard
grabs a phaser rifle from a weapons locker as…
PICARD
Prepare for a site-to-site transport.
GEORDI
(concerned)
Sir, we won't be able to bring you back. It's a one way trip.
Captain, I don't know if the transporter--
PI CARD
That's an order, Commander.
DATA
Sir, allow me to go. You are needed here.
PICARD
Negative.
DATA
Sir…
Deanna takes Data's arm. Looks at him. She knows this is something
Picard must do himself.
DEANNA
Let him go.
Picard powers up the phaser rifle as:
PI CARD
(to Data)
You have the bridge, Commander. Use all available power to move away
from the Scimitar. (to Geordi) Now, Mister La Forge.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
Geordi nervously works some controls on his console and Picard
dematerializes. Then the transporter panel explodes in a shower of
sparks
GEORDI
That's it. Transporters are down.
Data thinks for a moment. Then:
DATA
Counsellor Troi, please assume command. Geordi, if you will come with
me.
He heads toward the turbolift, Geordi following.
INT. SCIMITAR --CORRIDOR NIGHT
Several Remen warriors in the corridor turn an fire. Riker returns
fire, a series of lightning fast pulses from his phaser rifle.
INT. ENTERPRISE FORWARD CORRIDOR NIGHT
Data and Geordi stand in a long corridor. The far end of the corridor
opens to space. An emergency force field is in place at the end of the
corridor.
Geordi operates a tricorder and another force field flickers on around
him.
Data looks toward the end of the corridor, readying himself.
DATA
What is our approximate distance?
GEORDI
(scans with tricorder)
400 meters.
DATA
Thank you.
Data backs up a little more He looks at Geordi again. Deeply.
DATA
Thank you, Geordi. Deactivate the field.
Geordi operates his tricorder and the force field at the end of the
corridor snaps off--
The void of space fills the corridor and Data takes a running start --
he races down the long corridor and leaps--
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
into space.
He floats toward the Scimitar, his momentum carrying him. Carrying him
too far!
He is going to miss the Scimitar --almost past it now! He thrusts out
a hand--
And just misses a piece of dangling wreckage! Data is floating
helplessly through space. Doomed. Then he SLAMS into an invisible
piece of the partially cloaked on the ship!
He grabs onto the invisible part of the ship and pulls himself up to
the hull. He rips open an access panel with his superior strength and
climbs inside.
INT. SCIMITAR --BRIDGE NIGHT
Shinzon stands, his eyes glued to the Enterprise on the viewscreen.
We see a monitor showing that the Cascading Pulse weapon is locked on
the Enterprise.
Most of the light on the shattered bridge now comes from the three
steadily pulsing warp core relays which soar up through the floor.
COMPUTER (V.O)
Forty-seven. Forty six …
Suddenly -- a MASSIVE BLAST as the doors to the bridge explode in.
Shinzon spins to see--
Picard framed in the doorway, phaser rifle ready.
Picard instantly fires for the Cascading Pulse control --but Shinzon
dives to cover it -- the phaser blast hits Shinzon in the chest --he
recoils, slamming to the deck, stunned.
The few remaining Remans on the bridge spin to Picard, firing
disruptors --Picard dives for cover and battles them with his phaser
rifle--
He succeeds in stunning the Remans but a final disruptor blast knocks
Picard to the deck --the phaser rifle spins away -
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Twenty nine ...Twenty eight…
Shinzon pulls himself up and races to snatch up a disruptor from a
fallen comrade--
As Picard leaps up, grabbing a piece of wreckage, a long metal rod --
Picard thrusts it forward like a spear--
Impaling Shinzon.
A,stunned moment,of silence as Shinzon gazes at Picard, almost with a
look of disbelief. Blood spews from his mouth as he lets out a
tormented cry.
And then, amazingly, Shinzon forces himself forward --pushing
Picard backs against a wall -- Shinzon slowly walks toward Picard,
forcing himself down the length of the spear --the spear point
explodes through Shinzon's back --the weight of Shinzon's body is
pinning Picard against the wall -- time is running out--
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Eighteen ...Seventeen...
Shinzon forces himself down the spear:
SHINZON
I'm glad we're together now --our destiny is complete.
He finally thrusts himself down the whole spear and clasps his dying
hands firmly around Picard's throat--
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Ten…Nine…
Data sprints to the bridge --
He instantly tears open his wrist and pulls out the small, silver disc
we saw earlier --the Emergency Transport Unit --he slaps it on
Picard's shoulder. A final look between them-
COMPUTER (V.O.)
Seven.. Six…
Data activates the ETU-- Picard dematerializes.
Data looks at the space where Picard was and says simply:
DATA
Goodbye.
Then he spins and pulls out his phaser--
And fires point-blank into the Scimitar's warp core relays --the
bridge explodes --Data is incinerated--
EXT. THE RIFT SPACE
The Scimitar BLASTS APART in a massive flash--
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard re-materializes.
He sees the brilliant flash from the explosion through the gaping ~
hole in the front of the bridge.
Deanna sits at helm, her face a mask of pain. Geordi stands on the
upper rear deck, head down.
A long beat as Picard just stands on his ruined bridge, the
thousand-yard stare of a combat veteran in his eyes.
Riker emerges from the turbolift. Goes to Picard.
RIKER
Sir?
Picard doesn't answer, he just stares forward. Deanna goes to Riker.
DEANNA
Data.
Riker looks toward the glowing debris field in the distance. He puts
an arm around Deanna
Silence.
GEORDI
Sir, we're being hailed.
PICARD
On screen ...(he remembers there is no longer a viewscreen) ...Open a
channel.
DONATRA (V.O.)
This is Commander Donatra of the Valdore. We're dispatching shuttles
with medical personnel and supplies.
PICARD
Thank you, Commander.
The transmission ends.
PICARD (flat)
Geordi ... prepare the shuttlebay for arrivals. They don't know our
procedures so just ...open the doors.
GEORDI
I'll take care of it, sir.
PICARD
Number One. (a beat) You have the bridge.
He turns and heads toward his Ready Room.
The others watch him go with great sadness.
When the Ready Room doors close behind Picard, Deanna finally allows
herself to cry. Riker holds her closely. Slow fade to...
INT. ENTERPRISE CREW LOUNGE NIGHT
Hours later. The senior crew is solemnly gathered in the shattered
remains of the crew lounge. Picard, Riker, Deanna, Beverly, Worf,
Geordi.
They wear their dress uniforms.
Picard goes to each of them. He carries a small, metal box. They each
take something from the box.
At first we, don't quite see what they are doing. 'Then we realize
they are affixing black bars to the collars of their uniforms.
Mourning bands.
Picard pours six glasses of his precious Chateau picard. Each takes a
glass.
Picard raises his glass.
PICARD
To absent friends. ..To family.
They toast Data. Slow fade to...
INT. ENTERPRISE - -PICARD'S CABIN NIGHT
Picard sits at his desk, speaking quietly to someone we do not see.
PICARD
I don't know if all this has made sense to you, but I wanted you to
know what kind of man he was. In his quest to be more like us, he
helped show us what it means to be human.
We see it is the now re-activated B-9 sitting across from him.
DATA
My brother was not a human.
PICARD
My brother was not human. PICARD
No, he wasn't ...But his wonder and his curiosity about every facet of
human life helped all of us see the best parts of ourselves. He
embraced change ... because he always wanted to be more than he was.
B-9
I do not understand.
PICARD
Well, I hope someday you will.
Worf interrupts on comm:
WORF (V.O. on comrn)
Captain, the Hemingway has arrived to tow us to spacedock.
PICARD
On my way. Please notify Commander Riker ...(he stands, prepares to
go) ...We'll talk later?
The B-9 does not respond. He is looking rather blankly at padd on
Picard's desk.
Picard begins to leave when a sound stops him... humming. He turns
back to the B-9.
The B-9 is still looking blankly at the padd ... but he's humming
lightly to himself ...then he begins to sing, very softly...
B-9
"Blue skies, smiling at me,
Nothing but blue skies do I see."
Then the B-9 is silent.
Picard watches him for a moment; great emotion playing over his
features, and then goes.
INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR NIGHT
Picard and Riker head toward a turbolift… making their way past the
debris littering the corridor.
PI CARD
I'm sorry you won't be here for the re-fit, but I know the Titan needs
you immediately.
Riker does not respond.
Picard stops, looks at Riker deeply.
PICARD
The Titan's a fine ship, will. And she's getting a captain worthy of
her.
RIKER
She' s the most beautiful ship I've ever seen. (he touches a wall of
the corridor) ...But she's not the Enterprise.
PICARD
I promise you in time, she'll become your home ...If I could offer you
one piece of advice?
RIKER
Anything.
PI CARD
When your first officer insists that you can't go on away missions ...
Ignore him --
RIKER (smiles)
I intend to.
A moment.
RIKER
(with difficulty)
Serving with you has been an honor.
PICARD
The honor was mine. Captain Riker.
EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACEDOCK OVER EARTH
A few weeks later. The Enterprise is enclosed in the great womb of a
spacedock. The ship is being rebuilt.
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE NIGHT
A fresh-faced young officer, COMMANDER MARTIN MADDEN, paces nervously
outside Picard's Ready Room. Bracing himself before entering.
Behind him we can see technicians working everywhere around the
bridge, trying to rebuild it. Worf is talking to a young officer at
tactical and Geordi is working at the engineering station. We also see
new command chairs being installed.
(Although we do not see it in this scene, the gaping hole at the front
of the bridge has not yet been repaired.)
A young Andorian woman, the new OPS OFFICER, smiles at Madden's
nervousness. Her antennae twitch slightly in amusement. He sees her.
MADDEN
So ...what's the old man like?
OPS OFFICER
Why don't you go in and find out?
Commander Madden prepares himself.
INT. ENTERPRISE --READY ROOM FOLLOWING-
Picard is talking to Beverly on viewscreen. She is in her new office
at Starfleet Medical.
BEVERLY (on viewscreen)
You can' t imagine them, Jean Luc. They're kids! All with advance
degrees in xenobiology and out to conquer every disease in the
quadrant.
PICARD
(smiles) Reminds me of a young doctor I used to know...
BEVERLY (on viewscreen)
They're running me ragged. Nothing but question day
and night ...I love it! Come to dinner and 1'1 tell you all about it.
There's a Bajoran band at the officer's mess.
PICARD
Not tonight, I have work here.
BEVERLY (on viewscreen)
Soon then. I'll save the last dance for you.
Commander Madden enters quickly --he did not use the door chime so
Picard is surprised.
MADDEN
Commander Martin Madden reporting for duty, sir.
Picard stands, they shake hands as:
PICARD
Welcome aboard, Commander. I hope, your transfer didn't come as too
much of a surprise.
MADDEN
I was ...honored, sir.
PI CARD
I needed you immediately to help oversee the re-fit ... (gathering up
some padds from his desk} ...Your service record on the Talos is
exemplary, but there are a few things I would like to discuss with you
regarding my requirements for a First Officer. Shall we say dinner in
my quarters at 1900 hours?
MADDEN
Very good, sir.
Picard heads toward the door, carrying a few padds.
PI CARD
Commander, I don't know how they did it on the Talos, but we have door
chimes on the Enterprise. We use them.
MADDEN
Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
Picard goes to the bridge, Madden following…
INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
They emerge to the bridge as Worf is arguing with the cocky young
ENSIGN busy installing Picard's new high-tech command chair.
WORF
You don't understand the Captain -- there should be no changes until
we have discussed the modifications with him.
Picard goes to them:
PICARD
What's this?
WORF (grumbles)
Your new chair, sir.
ENSIGN
It's the Mark Seven, Captain. State-of-the-art ergonomics… command
interfaces with--
WORF
I told him you're comfortable with your old chair.
PICARD
Let's give it a try.
He settles into his new command chair. Looks around for a beat at his
new bridge crew. Fresh-faced kids. A new generation to teach and
nurture. He smiles.
PICARD
Feels good.
Worf and Geordi exchange a look, surprised.
ENSIGN (points)
Try that button, sir.
Picard presses a button on the chair and --zip -- metal restraints
fly into position around his waist and shoulders. Seatbelts! Picard
is surprised.
A beat.
Then Picard smiles.
PICARD
It's about time.
He presses the button again and the restraints zip back into the body
of the chair. He is delighted. He turns to Madden:
PICARD
Commander, please sit down ...(Madden sits in the
First Officer's chair, Picard shares a padd with him) ...We've
received our first assignment. We're going to be exploring the Denab
system. It should be exciting. It's a place… where no one has gone
before.
And we cut to --
EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACEDOCK OVER EARTH FOLLOWING
Through the hole in the hull we see Picard talking to Madden. Picard
at work, at peace. Where he is meant to be.
We slowly pull back from Picard and the Enterprise. As we hear the
B-9's soft tones. Gentle. Hopeful.
B-9 (V.O.)
"Never saw the sun shining so bright, Never saw things going so right.
Noticing the days hurrying by,
When you're in love, my how they fly. Blue days, all of them gone,
Nothing but blue skies from now on."
We revolve away from the Enterprise and Earth toward the stars. Then
ZOOM forward into the cosmos as the rousing "Next Generation" theme
explodes over END CREDITS.
The End.