STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Big Good-bye" #40271-113 Written by Tracy Torme Directed by Joseph L. Scanlan Copyright 1987 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. REVISED FINAL DRAFT OCTOBER 14, 1987 STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Big Good-bye" CAST PICARD SECRETARY RIKER JESSICA BRADLEY BEVERLY FELIX LEECH DATA JARADAN (HA-RAH-DAN) TROI WHALEN TASHA NEWSPAPER VENDOR WORF LT. DAN BELL GEORDI LT. MCNARY WESLEY DESK SERGEANT THUG CYRUS REDBLOCK STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Big Good-bye" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM HOLODECK HOLODECK ENTRANCE 1941 CITY SIDEWALK CORRIDOR OBSERVATION LOUNGE 1941 OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM DIXON HILL'S OFFICE POLICE STATION WAITING ROOM INTERROGATION ROOM STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Big Good-bye" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship passes over us slowly, giving a distinct impression of its great size... RIKER (V.O.) Ship's log, First Officer Riker reporting. Stardate 41997.7 We are about to make a brief but necessary contact with the Jarada, a reclusive race known for its idiosyncratic attitude towards protocol... The Federation has been trying unsuccessfully to establish a relationship, and now the task falls to Captain Picard. 2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE RIKER sits alone at the Command Area. WESLEY and WORF man the Ops and Conn; DATA is at Science One. RIKER (V.O.) (continuing) ... In two days we will reach the area of their planet, known as Torona Four. The Jarada demand a precise greeting. Their language is most unusual... 3 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - MOVING IN ON PICARD RIKER (V.O.) (continuing) ... The slightest mispronunciation is regarded as an insult. PICARD is earnestly studying. WE SEE a text filled with Jaradan (HA-RAH-DAN) figures and their English equivalents. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - TEASER 2. 4 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE TROI sitting across from him, helping with the dialect. TROI The double bars indicate an elongated "s" sound -- PICARD (nodding) -- And the inverted "T" means to hold the "zee." TROI Unless... ? PICARD Unless it's followed by three wavy lines; in which case the "zee" becomes a "bee." TROI Exactly. Picard pushes the text aside and wearily rubs his neck. PICARD What a language. TROI It is an insect mind. PICARD (burnt out) My mind's barely working. TROI Take a break, sir. PICARD (shaking head) No. I want to go over it again. TROI You could be over-preparing. You've been looking forward to the upgrade of the Holodeck. You have the time. You need the diversion... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - TEASER 3. 5 ANGLE ON PICARD thinking about what Troi's said. PICARD Dixon Hill. TROI The program's installed and waiting. 6 OMITTED 7 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ANGLE ON PICARD Picard touches the COMPUTER panel on the wall. COMPUTER VOICE Planet and city? PICARD Earth... United States... San Francisco, California. COMPUTER VOICE Time period? PICARD (pondering it) 1941, A.D. COMPUTER VOICE File or access code. PICARD File Dixon Hill, private detective. COMPUTER VOICE (a beat) Enter when ready. Picard steps through doors. 8 INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT ... and comes out in a darkly lit hallway, circa 1941. At the end of the hall is a wooden door with a glass window. The letters on the pane read "DIXON HILL, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR." Picard is pleased. He opens the door... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - TEASER 4. 9 INT. WAITING ROOM/OFFICE - NIGHT Hill's SECRETARY, a plain blond with a bubbly personality, is just on her way to lunch. She looks Picard up and down with bemusement... SECRETARY Very funny, Dix. What'd you do, lose another bet? PICARD I don't understand -- SECRETARY The bellboy suit. Are you moonlighting at the Fremont? Picard looks down at his uniform. PICARD The uniform. Totally inappropriate. Why didn't I change? The Secretary hurriedly pulls on her coat and gloves. SECRETARY Mister Leech called twice, and there's a lady named Bradley waiting in your office. Nice legs. In a flash, she's halfway out the door. SECRETARY (continuing) Gotta hot date with my fella. I'll see ya in the morning. She gives Picard's uniform one last look -- shaking her head as she SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HER. Picard is left alone in the waiting room. He's thrilled by the detail in this, the somewhat rundown workplace of the fictional detective DIXON HILL. A RUSTLING NOISE in the adjoining room reminds Picard that someone's waiting for him. As he pushes the door open, the first thing he sees are the great pair of legs his secretary mentioned. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - TEASER 5. 9 CONTINUED: MRS. JESSICA BRADLEY rises to greet the detective she's come to see. She's a wealthy woman in her late twenties who radiates a seductive sensuality. The rest of her body matches her legs. She can't help but wonder at the sight of Picard's maroon and black uniform... PICARD Uh, I lost a bet. JESSICA Oh well... At least you're ready for Halloween. PICARD Halloween? She BLOWS OUT some cigarette SMOKE and looks out at the city, concerned, then turns to him. JESSICA I need your help, Mister Hill. (turning to face him) Someone is trying to kill me. MUSICAL STING, FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: 10 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship smoothly cruises through the starry blackness of space. Over this: PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. I am delighted with how the Holodeck has created the fictional world of Dixon Hill... 11 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON PICARD PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... the twentieth century detective who has been a hero of mine since childhood. 12 WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE JESSICA PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) The illusion is flawless. The computer characters accept me as Dixon Hill, even to the extent that Jessica Bradley, a millionaire's wife from the wrong side of the tracks, wants to hire me. JESSICA I'm not sure who wants me dead. My husband... My stepdaughter... PICARD Or a lover, perhaps? Mrs. Bradley shoots Picard a sly look. JESSICA Perhaps. (pause) Perhaps Cyrus Redblock. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 7. 12 CONTINUED: She seems to wait for a reaction from Picard, but it never comes. JESSICA (continuing) I need you to find out. Name your fee. PICARD Twenty dollars a day. Plus expenses. JESSICA Agreed. She gets up, as though preparing to leave... PICARD I haven't said yes yet. JESSICA (cool smile) Oh you'll say yes. She moves closer and kisses him tenderly. Picard is surprised by the warmth of her lips. JESSICA (continuing; whispering) If it's Redblock, he must think I've got what he's looking for. But believe me, I don't. PICARD I'll take your word for it. Jessica hands him money. WE SEE a crisp one-hundred dollar bill. JESSICA Here's a C-note in advance. Consider it a retainer... (day as she touches his uniform) ... and next time, could you wear a suit? She takes one of Hill's business cards from his desk and then EXITS, as the captain watches her leave the office. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 8. 12 CONTINUED: (2) Now alone, it's clear he's enthralled by this imaginary world. He opens the window and looks down on the street -- WE CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF MOVING TRAFFIC AND HONKING HORNS. PICARD (to himself, soft) Remarkable. Picard leaves the window. He touches the insignia on his chest, and a QUICK HIGH PITCHED SOUND CAN BE HEARD through the closet door in his office. (Picard knows that this sound indicates another Holodeck Exit.) He opens the closet door and finds the portal. Just before he steps through, there's a knock on the waiting room door. 13 PICARD'S POV - THE DOOR The SILHOUETTE of a small man CAN BE SEEN though the pane. He knocks again, delicately; his knuckles sounding like a woodpecker rapping on a hollow tree. PICARD (calling out) You'll have to call again. I'm just leaving. I'm not dressed properly. I'll be back. And he leaves -- WALKING THROUGH the EXIT. The office door OPENS. Leech ENTERS. Mister Leech has short curly hair and big bulging eyes. He wears a bow tie and speaks with a strange nasally tone that betrays a Middle-Eastern background. LEECH Not yet, please -- Leech looks around at the empty office, confusion on his face. 13A INT. HOLODECK CORRIDOR BY SIDE EXIT Picard walks down the corridor and turns the corner to the main entrance to the Holodeck. 14 OMITTED STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 9. 15 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON PICARD addressing the computer panel. PICARD Memory: save current setting. COMPUTER VOICE (after slight pause) Current setting saved. PICARD Holodeck OFF. 16 OMITTED 17 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) heading toward the rendezvous... 18 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - WIDE ANGLE The officers are gathered around the table... PICARD When I looked down on the street, I actually saw automobiles! Worf looks up. DATA An ancient Earth device used primarily for transportation. WORF Ahh. DATA Also seen as a source of status and virility; often a prime ingredient in teenage mating rituals -- 19 ANGLE ON WESLEY reacting to the idea of "teenage mating rituals." WESLEY Teenage mating rituals? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 10. 20 BACK TO SHOT PICARD I saw an entire city block from that window. BEVERLY It sounds wonderful. PICARD I'm going to try it again, only this time I'm going to dress the part. (to Beverly) Why not come with me? 21 CLOSE ON BEVERLY surprised and pleased that she's been asked. 22 BACK TO SHOT PICARD I also want to take that historian... the twentieth century expert... TASHA Whalen. PICARD Yes, Whalen. He probably knows more about Dixon Hill than I do. DATA I will tell him. PICARD Invite him, Mister Data. This is, after all, a leisure activity. PICARD The sense of reality is incredible. When that woman kissed me, it was so -- Picard cuts off when he realizes Beverly is staring at him. She chooses an adjective and finishes his sentence... BEVERLY Exciting? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 11. 22 CONTINUED: PICARD Real. (clears throat) The subject of this meeting is the Jaradan rendezvous. Proceed with the briefing, Number One. Riker has been enjoying the discussion, but he quickly switches gears. RIKER This is primarily a necessary diplomatic mission. The Jaradan are strategically important to the Federation. Previous attempts failed because they are so easily irritated. A slip in the pronunciation of the greeting caused a twenty-year rift in the relation. DATA Therefore the captain must recite the entire greeting without any mistakes. GEORDI (amused) Simple as that. DATA (straightforward) Yes. If, on the other hand, the captain makes even the slightest error -- TASHA -- The captain is well aware of the gravity of the situation, Commander. DATA I have located a history tape of the last Federation starship to come in contact with the Jarada. It graphically demonstrates what happened when that captain offended them. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 12. 22 CONTINUED: (2) TROI The captain is familiar with that, Data. DATA Should we not run it? PICARD It's not necessary. Meeting adjourned. 23 thru OMITTED 25 26 INT. CORRIDOR - ON DATA AND GEORDI walking together. DATA Why would the captain not want to review all the information available on the subject? GEORDI When you've seen the Jaradan react once, you don't ever have to see it again. Data shrugs and decides to change the subject. DATA Dixon Hill is a most puzzling character. GEORDI Not really. He was just a twentieth-century Sherlock Holmes. DATA But his modus operandi is quite dissimilar. Worth investigating. GEORDI Indubitably, Watson. Data gives Geordi a look. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 13. 27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON DATA at Science One. He stares thoughtfully at the blank screen. DATA Computer: request all biographical information on fictional character Dixon Hill. The computer briefly HUMS and CLICKS, searching its files. COMPUTER VOICE Working...... Character first appeared in pulp magazine, "Amazing Detective Stories," copyright 1934, A.D. (pause) Second appearance in novel "The Long Dark Tunnel," circa 1936. DATA Request complete text of all stories involving said character. 28 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE as the computer springs to life. DATA Increase speed. The REFLECTED COMPUTER LETTERS DANCE ACROSS HIS FACE like a horde of green ants. Data's eyes race back and forth, reading the text at an incredible rate. 29 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The great ship cruises on toward the Jaradan rendezvous. 30 INT. OUTSIDE HOLODECK ENTRANCE - TIGHT ON PICARD'S FACE PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 14. 31 PULLING BACK SLOWLY PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) The Jaradan rendezvous is eleven hours away... 32 STILL PULLING BACK It's clear the captain is not wearing his standard uniform... PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) I am about to reenter the world of Dixon Hill, this time properly dressed. An experience like this is more enjoyable when shared, so I've invited Lit-historian Whalen to accompany me. Doctor Crusher will join us shortly... 33 FULL VIEW OF PICARD who is dressed like a Forties detective, trench coat and all. 34 ANGLE TO INCLUDE WHALEN the redheaded literature expert, looking fashionable in his three-piece suit. PICARD Ready to go to San Francisco, Mister Whalen? WHALEN More than ready, sir. PICARD If it's anything like the last time I'm sure you won't be disappointed -- Whalen notices the look of surprise on the captain's face. The historian spins to see what he's looking at... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 15. 35 ANGLE ON DATA completely decked out for an excursion into the Forties. He's even wearing a Bogart-style hat, fashionably tilted over one eye. DATA Request permission to accompany you, sir. 36 BACK TO THREE SHOT The Captain is too surprised to respond. DATA I have mastered the lingo of the period. Example: (psuedo-Bogart) It was raining in the city of Angels -- a hard rain -- almost hard enough to wash the slime from the streets. But it never does. When the rain stops, the boulevard dries and the snakes once again slink from their holes. That's when my door opens and the helpless, the desperate, walk through with a heart full of hurt and a pocket full of nothing. 37 ANGLE ON PICARD AND WHALEN amused and delighted. 38 FULL SHOT TO ENTRANCE DATA It unearthed half-forgotten feelings the same way it dug up sleeping bones in shallow unmarked graves. (pause) It was that kind of day. WHALEN (enthusiastic) Dixon Hill: "The Black Orchid," Chapter Three. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT ONE 16. 38 CONTINUED: PICARD Very impressive, gentlemen. Now... Shall we? The doors open. WE SEE a view of San Francisco, 1941, over them. The three men STEP INSIDE. 38A INT. HOLODECK Their faces show wonderment. The Holodeck doors close behind them. FADE OUT: END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 17. ACT TWO FADE IN: 39 EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT - TIGHT ON PICARD, WHALEN AND DATA as they step out in front of a newsstand in 1941. The three men turn their heads joyously, taking in the wonders of this illusionary city. THE MOTORIZED SOUNDS OF AN URBAN CITY BLOCK fill the air. A GRIZZLED NEWS-VENDOR standing behind his open air stand, calls out to Picard... VENDOR Hey Dix! The Men APPROACH. VENDOR (continuing) How's tricks? Picard doesn't know quite how to answer that question... PICARD Uh, she's fine... just fine. WHALEN (to Picard, softly) Wonderful! He really thinks you're Dixon Hill! A passing Pedestrian plunks a dollar on the counter. He sweeps up his paper and his change, and continues on. Picard notes that the sign on the stand reads "JOE'S NEWS AND MAGAZINES." PICARD Say Joe, I'd like to buy a paper too, but I don't have any money. VENDOR Catch me next time, Dix. He tosses a paper at Picard. The three from the Enterprise eagerly study its headlines.... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 18. 39 CONTINUED: PICARD (reading) "Hitler on the move... Roosevelt presses Congress for British aid... DiMaggio streak reaches thirty-seven?" DATA DiMaggio. Joltin' Joe, the Yankee clipper. WHALEN (to Picard) Baseball. A national obsession at the time. DATA The streak they refer to, will eventually reach fifty-six games... The vendor cackles again. He's finished with another customer and is listening to Data with amusement and fascination. DATA (continuing) And be snapped by a pair of journeyman hurlers for the Cleveland Indians -- VENDOR Cleveland!!! The Vendor's explosive laughter turns to a hacking cough as he pounds his fist on the table... VENDOR (continuing; scornful) They got no pitching! They never got no pitching. What are ya, nuts or somethin'? Data continues, undaunted, reciting the facts from his computer memory... DATA The record will stand until the year 2026, when a shortstop for the London Kings-- STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 19. 39 CONTINUED: (2) VENDOR (to Picard, interrupting) Hey Dix, what gives with this guy? (leans forward, studies Data's face) He ain't from around here, is he? PICARD Uh, no... he's not. (pause) He's from South America. VENDOR Yeah. He's got a nice tan. Picard is suddenly struck by something he sees in the paper. Whalen looks over his shoulder and reads the headline... 40 TIGHT ON THE HEADLINE Which reads "WEALTHY SOCIALITE MURDERED" The subhead reads: "POLICE HAVE SEVERAL LEADS IN BRUTAL SLAYING OF MRS. ARTHUR CLINTON BRADLEY." 41 ANGLE ON PICARD staring at the accompanying picture of Jessica Bradley. PICARD (somber) I should have listened to her. She told me someone was trying to kill her. Whalen notes that the captain almost looks guilty that he didn't do something to protect her. WHALEN (softly) She's a page from a book, sir. That's all she ever was. BELL (O.S.) Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 20. 41 CONTINUED: Two police detectives have APPEARED on the scene. BELL is a large man; a gruff career cop who clearly doesn't like Dixon Hill. McNARY is a young Robert Mitchum; his sad eyes show he's seen too many dark things during his nine years in Homicide. Data is searching the area, having taken Bell's remark literally. DATA Cat? Bell's mouth hangs open as he moves in for a closer look at the strange man... BELL What on Earth... Where the hell did he come from? VENDOR South America. Can't you tell? Bell circles Data, looking him up and down... BELL Wherever you're from, while you're in my town, keep your nose clean. Data REACTS. Bell turns his attention to Picard... BELL (continuing) Well, tough guy, this time you've really done it. Your goose is cooked, but good. MCNARY (looking down) I'm sorry about this, Dix. BELL Don't apologize to him' (to Picard, ?elligerent) Where were you last night between ten and midnight? Picard shoots his compatriots an amused glance. PICARD That would be a bit hard to explain. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 21. 41 CONTINUED: (2) BELL Yeah? Well you'll have plenty of time to come up with something. You're goin' downtown. PICARD What for? BELL For the murder of Jessica Bradley. 42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE Geordi and Wesley are at Ops and Conn, Tasha at Security, Worf at Science One. Riker EXITS the turbolift and STEPS ONTO the bridge... RIKER Status report? TASHA We're being probed, sir. RIKER The Jarada. TASHA Most likely. But it's long range. Can't be certain where it's originating.. The bridge SHUDDERS, and a brief HISSING NOISE is HEARD coming from the consoles... 43 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR The LIGHTS momentarily FLICKER as the probe races through the bowels of the ship. 44 INT. INTRANCE TO HOLODECK (OPTICAL) WE HEAR A HIGH PITCHED COMPUTER BLEEP, and the Holodeck doors open by themselves. WE CAN VAGUELY SEE the hallway leading to Dixon Hill's office. Then, abruptly, the doors slam shut. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 22. 45 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE The SHUDDERING STOPS. The probing has been terminated. RIKER (half-smile) One could get the feeling they don't exactly trust us. GEORDI Commander, I'm receiving a subspace message from the Jarada. RIKER That's not part of the plan. (pause) Pipe it through. The VOICE WE HEAR is alien and hive-like. To our ears it SOUNDS LIKE THREE VOICES IN ONE (a deep male voice, a high-pitched female voice, and a ten-year-old child's voice). JARADAN'S COM VOICE En-ter-prise. The time has come to honor us. We await your greeting. RIKER This is Commander Riker, first officer of the Enterprise -- JARADAN'S COM VOICE -- You are not captain?! RIKER No sir, I'm not. I suggest we commence with screen to screen communication so we can see each other -- This time when the Jaradan interrupts it sounds distinctly angry. WE CAN HEAR A FAINT BUZZING SOUND in the background... JARALAN'S COM VOICE -- You offend us! We will not show ourselves to a mere subordinate. We await your captain's greeting with growing unrest. End of communication! STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 23. 45 CONTINUED: RIKER (sighing) Terrific. He turns to Geordi. RIKER (continuing) Get the captain. You'll find him in the Holodeck. Geordi nods and EXITS the bridge. 46 MOVE IN ON RIKER staring at the screen... 47 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON BEVERLY looking like a well-dressed woman from the forties. She straightens her dress, struggles with her handbag, and starts to step through the opening... Beverly only goes halfway before backing out. She seems puzzled and disoriented as she looks at the control panel wondering what went wrong. Looking a little worried, she tries again... 48 INT. POLICE STATION - ON BEVERLY This time stepping through effortlessly and coming out in a police station waiting room. Data and Whalen are examining the recreated memorabilia on the walls, while a police SERGEANT does paperwork at the front desk. Data turns to greet Beverly... DATA Hiya Doc. What's shakin'? (notes her pale look) Are you alright? BEVERLY I'm just a little dizzy, thank you. I had some trouble coming through. Where's Captain Picard? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 24. 48 CONTINUED: DATA He's on ice. BEVERLY Pardon? DATA He's being grilled. BEVERLY (a little frustrated) What is he Data, a fish? WHALEN (laughing) The captain's being interrogated. (melodramatic) They think he's committed a murder. BEVERLY (a bit alarmed) Shouldn't we be doing something to help him? WHALEN Relax Doctor. It's all part of the game. Believe me, he's having the time of his life in there. 49 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CLOSE ON PICARD his face brightly lit. Little beads of sweat dot his forehead... PICARD I've told you everything I know. BELL (O.S.) Yeah? Well, you're just gonna have to tell us again. From the top. Picard leans back in his chair and smiles at his questioners. Their cigarette smoke swirls around his head, illuminated by the harsh white light. PICARD Very good. I've read all this before. It's exactly as it should be. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 25. 49 CONTINUED: BELL (O.S.) Spill it! 50 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI A grave look on his face. He punches the intercom. GEORDI La Forge to bridge. RIKER'S COM VOICE Riker here. GEORDI (with difficulty) I can't find the captain, sir. 51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER RIKER I told you, he's in the Holodeck. 52 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI GEORDI Something's... gone wrong. 53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE There's silence on the bridge. Everyone's heard the strange halting tone of Lieutenant La Forge. He sounds serious. RIKER What are you saying Lieutenant? 54 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - ON GEORDI PULL BACK SLOWLY as Geordi stops trying to access the panel. GEORDI I can't communicate with them. I can't access the program -- and I can't open the doors. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 26. ACT THREE FADE IN: 55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) RIKER (V.O.) Ship's log, supplemental. First officer reporting. Due to an unknown breakdown in the Holodeck, we are unable to locate the captain and his party... 56 OMITTED 57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - OVERHEAD SHOT, MOVING IN ON RIKER RIKER Tasha, take over. I'm going to Holdeck Three. 58 WIDER ANGLE Wesley, at Ops, spins in his chair to face Riker. WESLEY Commander?... I've studied all the technical manuals on the Holodeck. I think I could be of some help down there. RIKER Geordi's well equipped to deal with the situation, Wes. Right now, your duties are on the bridge. TROI (softly) His mother's in there too, sir. RIKER Come on, Wesley. WESLEY Thank you sir. They EXIT the bridge and Tasha takes Riker's seat. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 27. 59 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE The captain is still sitting under the hot light of an arc lamp. Bell is leaning forward, intensely grilling him. McNary stands in the shadows... BELL ... And you say you'd never met her before she came to hire you. PICARD I've already told you that. Twice. BELL Yeah? Well you're gonna tell me again. PICARD (rising) Look fellows, this is no longer amusing. The big cop roughly shoves Picard back into his seat. Picard is surprised by the amount of force he uses. McNary quickly moves in, restraining his partner. McNARY Easy, Mike! He moves the steaming detective away from Picard. BELL You think you're tough, Hill! But you're nothing! You're garbage! Bell angrily shakes free from his partner's grasp. McNary goes over and crouches by Picard. McNARY (small smile) Don't take him too seriously, Dix. His old lady's been giving him a hard time. You know how it is. PICARD I need to get out of here. McNARY Yeah. I'll see what I can do. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 28. 60 INT. POLICE STATION WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE Whalen and Data continue to move about the room, fascinated by everything from the chairs to the light bulbs. To them, this is a firsthand look at ancient history. Beverly is once again struggling with her handbag when she notices that the desk sergeant is staring at her... BEVERLY (moving toward him) Something on your mind? SERGEANT Yeah. But I'm not sure I can repeat it in mixed company. (leering) You're a pretty hep lookin' broad. BEVERLY Is that good? SERGEANT It ain't bad. You like Charlie McCarthy? BEVERLY McCarthy?... Oh, you mean the man who hunted Communist witches. SERGEANT (lecherous) I got two tickets to the show tomorrow night. DATA (O.S.) Do you mind if I experiment with this device? Data is standing beside the desk, gazing at a vending machine. The sergeant is greatly annoyed at being interrupted while making his move. SERGANT I don't care what you do. DATA Thanks, Mac. The sergeant is about to continue, but is once again sidetracked by Data. The android is going haywire, pulling lever after lever at super speed. The sergeant can't believe his eyes. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 29. 60 CONTINUED: SERGEANT Who is this jerk? 61 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE Bell and McNary have been arguing in a corner of the room. As McNary approaches Picard, it's clear that he's won for the time being. McNARY Okay Dix. We're bustin' you out of here. PICARD (rising) That's welcome news. BELL (calling out, hostile) You better not try to leave town. PICARD (wry) It's been a pleasure, sir. Bell glowers at him and EXITS the room, slamming the door behind him. PICARD (dryly) I get the feeling he doesn't like me. McNARY We know you're dealing with The Fat Man, Dixon. Take it from a friend; it doesn't help your case. PICARD I'll keep it in mind. He rises and offers his hand to McNary. For some reason it really does feel like he's an old and trusted friend. PICARD Thank you. For helping me. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 30. 61 CONTINUED: McNARY Forget it. (pats Picard's shoulder) When you comin' over for supper? The kids'd love to see you, and you know how much you love Sharon's cooking. PICARD (thoughtful smile) Soon, my friend. But at the moment I have other duties. McNARY Blonde or brunette? The two men share a laugh. McNary opens the door... PICARD (choosing his words) She's a lady all right... and her name's Enterprise. McNARY Sounds like a working girl. (laughs) I'll stop by the office with a bottle of scotch. You can tell me all about her. 62 INT. WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE Picard steps out into the waiting room. WHALEN Have a good time? PICARD I'm not sure. Sometimes it seemed too real. (to Beverly) Glad you could make it. (looks her up and down) I must say, you wear it well. BEVERLY (sly smile) Why thank you, Mister Hill. They lock eyes for a moment... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 31. 62 CONTINUED: PICARD I think it's time we got back to the Enterprise. WHALEN (good-natured) We are on the Enterprise, Captain. PICARD (chuckling) Yes. Of course we are. BEVERLY Do we have time to see your office? PICARD I don't see why not. Picard leads them to the door. Data begins to struggle with the doorknob. He pushes and pulls on it as the others look on in amusement. Finally Whalen reaches over and shows him the way. Picard pulls the door open... 63 INT. OPEN DOOR LEADING TO HALLWAY (OPTICAL) WE CAN SEE the hallway in Dixon Hill's office building. PICARD The Holodeck makes excellent use of a finite space. 64 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM They ENTER to find the same little man we saw before, waiting for Dixon Hill. LEECH Ah, Mister Hill. You've been avoiding me. WHALEN (to Picard) It's Felix Leech! It has to be. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 32. 64 CONTINUED: LEECH You know me, sir? WHALEN Well, I've read about you. Many times. Picard steps past Leech, leading his crew into the office... PICARD I'm sorry Mister Leech, but we really must be going. Call again tomorrow. Leech follows them, growing angry... LEECH You're being quite rude, Mister Hill. You haven't even introduced me to your charming companions. Picard goes to the exiting place. PICARD That'll have to wait. LEECH (raising voice) We have business! Urgent business. Picard turns to see that Leech has pulled a gun on him. LEECH (continuing) You're not going anywhere. Not until we have a little chat. 65 thru OMITTED 66 67 INT. MAIN BRIDGE as Tasha punches the intercom... TASHA Bridge to Holodeck. We're approaching Torona Four. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 33. 68 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ANGLE ON RIKER with Wesley, Geordi and technicians working behind him. RIKER Any word from the Jarada? TASHA'S COM VOICE Not a thing, sir. RIKER They may be testing us. Seeing if we'll stick to the arrangements. TASHA'S COM VOICE What do we do now, sir? WORF We wait. GEORDI (to Riker) Everything checks out so far. Ensign Crusher believes the trouble may have been caused by the Jaradan probe. If so, it could be very difficult to locate. 69 thru OMITTED 70 71 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE Leech is still holding a gun on everyone. LEECH (perturbed) I'm not a man to be toyed with, Mister Hill. You were hired to locate a certain object. I demand to know what you've done with it. PICARD I can't help you, Mister Leech. I'm afraid this game is over. LEECH I assure you, this is no game! STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT THREE 34. 71 CONTINUED: WHALEN (laughing) Take it from me Leech, you'll never find it. (moves toward him) Now... give me the gun. Whalen takes another step -- a SHOT RINGS OUT. The historian staggers backwards, amazed at the hole in his chest. A circle of blood spreads as he slumps to the floor. Beverly rushes to him, he looks up at Picard, shock registering on his pale face. WHALEN (continuing; softly) But... they're not real. BEVERLY This man has been shot. If we don't get him to Sickbay, he'll die. This game is now being played for keeps. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 35. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 72 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE Beverly is ministering to the fallen form of Whalen. BEVERLY There's massive internal bleeding -- PICARD How could this happen? LEECH It'll happen again if you don't cooperate. Picard is furious. He lunges at Leech, striking him and knocking the gun from his hands. Leech is startled, backing out of the room, wide-eyed... LEECH (continuing) You struck me! How dare you! When Picard moves toward him, he backpedals hurriedly to the door. LEECH (continuing; almost hyperventilating) You'll be sorry! The Fat Man isn't going to like this! He SCOOTS OUT the door and around the corner. Picard instinctively starts to go after him-- BEVERLY We have to get him to Sickbay! PICARD (to computer) Exit! They look to the wall. No response. PICARD (continuing) Computer! Exit! STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 36. 72 CONTINUED: Still no response. PICARD (continuing) We'll try the other exit. Data dashes to the other exit. 72A ON DATA At the non-existent exit. DATA Computer! Identify exit! Nothing happens. Data turns and sprints back to the others. 72B FULL SHOT. Data REJOINS the group. DATA There is a programming malfunction. The computer refuses to identify the exits. BEVERLY I'm losing his pulse! Picard GOES TO the wall. PICARD Computer, this is the captain! Identify exit! He walks along the wall, pounding it angrily, hunting for the exit. 73 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE RIKER Standard orbit, Mister Worf. WORF Aye sir, standard orbit. 74 OMITTED STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 37. 75 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE EMPHASIZING RIKER who's looking at the screen with great concern and more than a little anger. He punches the intercom... RIKER Riker to Holodeck. 76 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY intensely examining a complex circuitry panel. GEORDI (trace of frustration) Nothing yet, Commander. 77 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER fit to be tied. RIKER We're running out of time. 78 thru OMITTED 80 81 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE The three from the Enterprise are still combing the walls. BEVERLY It's no use. It's just not here anymore. Picard backs away from the wall, looking grim. PICARD Suggestions, Mister Data? DATA I am at a loss. We are in a Holodeck-created building of 1941. The computer has refused to accept voice commands. The controls for the environment are therefore not accessible. They are outside in the reality of the Holodeck. BEVERLY I could use some light. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 38. 81 CONTINUED: Data grabs a floor lamp to help Beverly. He is mystified by the lamp cord, when it pulls from its socket and the lamp GOES OUT. Picard quickly solves the problem by hitting a wall switch and ILLUMINATING the room from the overhead lights. Data replaces the lamp cord in the socket when the SOUNDS OF FOOTSTEPS are HEARD coming down the hall. 82 ANGLE ON THE DOOR Three shadows are seen through the glass. This time, no one bothers to knock. Leech ENTERS, FOLLOWED BY A GUN-TOTING THUG. It's clear this isn't a friendly visit. These two move aside so that a Third Man can enter. CYRUS REDBLOCK STROLLS IN slowly. He's a massive man -- imposing in his white Panama suit and straw hat. He hangs his hat on a rack and wipes his sweaty brow with a large white handkerchief. REDBLOCK (gravelly, clipped British accent) Good day, Mister Hill. My name is Cyrus Redblock. I hope you don't mind us dropping in. PICARD I see I have no choice. REDBLOCK (explosive laugh) Life is an endless stream of choices. Unfortunately, you have chosen to make my life more difficult. Redblock's beady eyes are already searching the room. REDBLOCK (continuing) I don't suppose you'd be foolish enough to hide it here. PICARD I don't suppose so. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 39. 82 CONTINUED: REDBLOCK Still, I'm sure you won't mind if we take a look around. BEVERLY I wish you'd quit asking, since it's obvious you're going to do it anyway. It's a big waste of time. REDBLOCK Good manners, Madam, are never a waste. (to Picard and Data) Civility, gentlemen. Always civility. With his thug wielding a gun, Redblock prods Picard and company into Dixon Hill's office. Upon seeing Whalen's body, Redblock loses some of his gentlemanly air... REDBLOCK (continuing; to thug) Get that stiff out of here. BEVERLY He's not dead. REDBLOCK From his pallor, he soon will be. THUG You want I should throw him in the garbage, boss? REDBLOCK The next room will do nicely for now. His henchman starts to comply. Picard moves to stop him, but Leech quickly puts a gun to his head. REDBLOCK (continuing; to Leech) Which one struck you? LEECH (indignant) It was Hill. Redblock nods at Leech, who uses his gun to backhand Picard across the face. A trickle of blood is a tangible reminder of the hazards of this world. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 40. 82 CONTINUED: (2) REDBLOCK For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. A truism that you have sadly neglected. The front door opens and an unsuspecting Lieutenant McNary WALKS IN. He's quickly disarmed by the thug and brought before Redblock and Leech. McNARY (to Picard) I saw your light and figured you were working late. (looks around room) Guess I was right. He takes a long look at Redblock and Leech... McNARY (continuing; cool) Nice company you're keeping, Dix. You forget to take the trash out this morning? The thug slugs McNary in the stomach, doubling him over. Redblock wipes his brow... REDBLOCK I'm a tolerant man, but I don't tolerate disrespect. DATA Your devotion to etiquette is highly admirable, sir. However, your methods leave much to be desired. For the first time, Redblock and Leech turn their attention to the dapper man with the silvery skin. They move toward him, menacingly... REDBLOCK What have we here? LEECH Looks like a ghost. REDBLOCK Where do you suppose he's from? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 41. 82 CONTINUED: (3) Leech moves closer, grabbing Data's hat and circling him for a better look. Looking at Leech, with his bulging, sleepy eyes, Data feels like an ant under a microscope. Leech breaks into a slow devious smile, as he holds a gun to Data's chin. LEECH Where were you hatched, anyway? Data looks to Picard, then back at Leech DATA Central America. Redblock pushes the gun aside and stands nose to nose with Data. REDBLOCK (fascinated, half-whisper) I've been all over this world and I must say, I've not seen anything like you. PICARD He's not from this world. None of us are. Redblock's first reaction is surprise. He quickly smothers it with laughter. Picard elaborates, using Redblock's legendary greed as an enticement. PICARD (continuing) We come from a world of fabulous riches. A world of objects -- far greater in value than the one you seek. 83 CLOSE ON REDBLOCK Of course he doesn't believe it, but the mere thought of this kind of world has his head buzzing. 84 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE LEECH who senses what's on Redblock's mind. Leech somehow feels threatened by these thoughts... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 42. 84 CONTINUED: LEECH (to Picard, angry) That's ridiculous! You're a private dick. We've met before and you never mentioned any of this. McNARY He's right, Dix. That's pretty weak stuff. I can't even buy that line of guff. PICARD I am not Dixon Hill. BEVERLY (to others) He's not! 85 CLOSE ON McNARY rolling his eyes. PICARD I only look like Dixon Hill. DATA (to Redblock) He speaks the truth, sir. From your point of view, he is only a fiction, a facsimile, a knock-off, a cheap imitation. PICARD Thank you, Mister Data. DATA (to Picard, chagrined) Sorry sir, that did not come out quite the way I interded. 86 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK rubbing his chin, sporting an evil grin... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 43. 86 CONTINUED: REDBLOCK Very good. Very, very, good. What wonderful fiction! Quite entertaining. I admire your skill at trying to obfuscate our sense of reality. DATA It is you who are not real, sir. PICARD Data-- DATA (innocently) It is you who are imaginary characters derived from a work of fiction. 87 ANGLE ON LEECH not liking what he's hearing, as though deep down he sensed it was true. 88 WIDE ANGLE McNARY Give it up, fellas. These guys are too smart to fall for that story. DATA (apologetic) I am afraid you are not real either, Lieutenant. 89 ON McNARY who feels a cold flash for an instant, then shakes his head derisively. 90 ANGLE ON LEECH LEECH I don't want to hear any more of this! You're making me crazy! STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 44. 91 TWO SHOT - BEVERLY AND LEECH PICARD Deep down, you all sense the truth. Deep down, you know you're not real. All of you. LEECH (waving gun) Shut up!! (growing frantic) Let me shoot them, Mister Redblock. Let me kill them, one by one. 92 FULL SHOT Beverly is still tending Whalen while Redblock is pondering what to do. REDBLOCK (analytical) A most interesting situation. Perhaps we should test this theory by killing one of them. BEVERLY You've already done that! This man is dying! This whole thing is senseless! REDBLOCK Hardly! Senseless killing is immoral. But killing for a purpose is often ingenious. LEECH Well said, Mister Redblock. What's our purpose? Leech pulls out a stiletto, casually places it against Picard's chest. As he speaks, he slowly begins to pluck the buttons off Picard's shirt... REDBLOCK We are on a quest for knowledge, Mister Leech. (to Picard) We want the item. He coolly runs the blade over Picard's Adam's apple... STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FOUR 45. 92 CONTINUED: PICARD We don't have it. LEECH Shall I kill him? REDBLOCK No, kill the woman! 93 thru OMITTED 94 95 ON BEVERLY trying to maintain her composure as Leech's gun COMES INTO FRAME, pointed straight at her head. FADE OUT: END OF ACT FOUR 12:[2,#b] STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 46. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 96 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE Leech is poised to pull the trigger... PICARD Redblock. I have the item. 97 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK intrigued by Picard's offer. REDBLOCK At last. I knew it! God, man, you are a character! Waiting until the last moment! Testing my resolve! What an ally you would make! Now -- where is it? 98 TWO SHOT - REDBLOCK AND PICARD PICARD I'll explain. But first, tell Leech to back off. 99 WIDER ANGLE Redblock mulls it over. REDBLOCK Put the gun down, Mister Leech. Leech's shoulders slump. He's gravely disappointed. LEECH But I want to kill her! REDBLOCK Perhaps later. It won't harm us to listen to Mister Hill. MCNARY Don't make any deals with that slime, Dix! Redblock's thug raps McNary's chin with his gun, knocking the detective to the ground. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 47. 99 CONTINUED: REDBLOCK (to Picard) Begin. Make your thoughts fruitful and your words eloquent. (rumbling laugh) Your lovely friend's life depends upon it. PICARD There is a price. REDBLOCK By God, man, I knew we were of the same stripe. Name it. PICARD Mister Whalen's life. You must help us save him. 100 OMITTED 101 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE Riker is standing between the Conn and the Ops looking over Worf's shoulder at something on his monitor. Suddenly, the bridge CRACKLES with BLUE LIGHT, knocking Riker off balance... RIKER What the devil -- TASHA Probes! I'm reading several of them, sir. All locked on to us. WORF Verified. Coming from the Jaradans! 102 OMITTED STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 48. 103 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE Worf and Tasha work furiously to counteract the beams. WE CAN HEAR the steady DRONE of the Enterprise's ENGINES, straining to meet the challenge... RIKER (angry) Open hailing frequencies. TASHA Frequencies open, sir. RIKER This is Commander Riker, aboard the Enterprise. We demand that you -- Riker cuts off as a LOUD NOISE COMES OVER THE COM, drowning him out. It's the SOUND OF BUZZING, as though a microphone had been stuck down an angry hornets' nest. RIKER (continuing; holding ears) Cut that off! Tasha does so, and the only thing WE HEAR is the HARD PRESSED SOUND of the ship's ENGINES. 104 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI Wesley and Technicians in background. GEORDI (into Com) Lieutenant La Forge to bridge. RIKER'S COM VOICE Riker here. GEORDI Is everything all right, sir? We felt quite a surge down here -- RIKER'S COM VOICE Yes. Status report. GEORDI We think we have something, sir. I'll let Ensign Crusher explain. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 49. 104 CONTINUED: Wesley is examining a dismantled panel of circuitry, using a pointed bifocal instrument that allows him to see microscopically. WESLEY (speaking up) I've found three -- 105 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER RIKER Forget the explanation! Can you repair it? 106 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON WESLEY WESLEY I don't know if I should. If this isn't done correctly, the program could abort and everyone inside could vanish. RIKER'S COM VOICE Do you need more time to study it? WESLEY No, sir. Whether we do it now or later, the risk will be the same. 107 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER as he thinks for a moment. RIKER Do it. 108 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE PICARD (passionate, to Redblock) If we can find the way of getting him to our Sickbay by fixing our computer -- STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 50. 108 CONTINUED: REDBLOCK Computer? I do not know this word. Picard sighs. Nothing is coming easy... 109 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - CLOSE ON WESLEY working on the circuitry. 110 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON DATA, REDBLOCK AND LEECH DATA -- A mechanical or electronic apparatus capable of carrying out repetitious and highly complex mathematical operations at high speed. 111 ANGLE ON LEECH becoming infuriated with Data's rambling definition. DATA (O.S.) Computers are used to control, perform, process, or store -- LEECH Enough! (to Redblock) Let me kill him. He's beginning to irritate me. 112 FLASH CUT TO WESLEY working intently. There is a BLUE FLASH. 113 BACK TO HILL'S OFFICE where Leech is taking aim at Data. Suddenly, the ENTIRE SETTING CHANGES and all involved find themselves in A SNOWY ALIEN LANDSCAPE. The wind is howling like a bitch, driving Leech to his knees and ripping the hat off the thug's head. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 51. 113 CONTINUED: This is a hellish place -- imagine the North Pole in a hurricane. The wind is screaming like a banshee; chilling everyone to the bone. Then, just as suddenly, they're ALL BACK IN THE OFFICE. They're frozen in their tracks, still shell-shocked and shivering from the sudden change in climate. 114 CLOSE ON McNARY amazed by what's happened. 115 CLOSE ON LEECH terrified by what's happened. 116 MOVE IN ON REDBLOCK intrigued by what's happened. 117 BACK TO SHOT DATA (indicating wall) Captain, the exit... The BLUE STREAK has REAPPEARED on the closet door... PICARD (to Redblock) That's it! The way into our world. Leech is still trembling, looking around paranoically as though waiting to be transported back to that frozen hell. But Redblock has shaken off the snowy cold. He waddles up to the exit spot and examines it with great interest. REDBLOCK Remarkable. Is this a two-way passage? Can one enter your world and return to this one simply by stepping through? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 52. 117 CONTINUED: PICARD Yes. Allow us to help Mister Whalen, and we'll return with the item. 118 EXTREMELY CLOSE ON REDBLOCK his beady eyes aglow, his swollen tongue sliding over his parched lips as he thinks of the item. He begins to chuckle... it grows into a laugh... then a belly laugh... 119 PULL BACK as Redblock practically explodes with laughter. Soon the thugs are joining in. Finally, even the weak-kneed Leech has broken into little machine gun bursts of laughter. REDBLOCK (to Picard) By God, sir, you are a scamp! To think that I would wait here -- DATA If you are thinking of going through yourself sir, I can assure you that is not possible. REDBLOCK Not possible! (laughs again) One look at you sir, proves anything is possible. Picard is eyeing the exit, wondering if he should try and make a break for it. The Thug pulls a large pistol. REDBLOCK Stand back, Mister Hill. I would shoot you myself, but I don't want to rob my assistant of his greatest pleasure. THUG Thanks, boss. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 53. 119 CONTINUED: REDBLOCK (to thug) After we've gone, kill them all. Make sure no one ever finds the bodies. McNARY You're insane! You think you can kill a cop and get away with it? REDBLOCK Why not? I've done it before. Come, Mister Leech. Leech joins him, still a little tentative. Redblock takes a long look at the exit. REDBLOCK (continuing; dramatic) Our destiny awaits. (to Picard) Au revoir et bon chance, mon ami! Side by side, the two Men STEP THROUGH the portal. The thug puts the gun on Picard. Data steps forward and pinches its muzzle closed. The thug makes a move to Data and Data decks him. 120 INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - CLOSE ON REDBLOCK AND LEECH The glitch is still glitching -- they have come out though a back wall of the Holodeck, not the main Holodeck entrance. They step out into an empty hallway. Leech is bug-eyed and nervous. Redblock is wide-eyed and deliriously happy... REDBLOCK (whisper) Another world. (louder) A whole new world to plunder! LEECH (flat) Uh-oh. REDBLOCK (irritated) What is it? STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 54. 120 CONTINUED: Too mesmerized to speak, Leech simply nods down toward their feet. Redblock looks down and SHRIEKS... 121 PULL BACK (OPTICAL) to SEE that they are each DEMATERIALIZING, from the bottom up. They look on in abstract horror as their feet and legs completely DISAPPEAR. Redblock cries out to the heavens as his chest VAPORIZES... REDBLOCK Nooo!! I want to live!! I want-- Their torsos and heads go the same way, until THERE IS NOTHING LEFT.... 122 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY GEORDI (into Com) We've done it, but still no sign of them. 123 OMITTED 124 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK GEORDI Should we go inside? 125 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE PICARD (to Data, indicating Exit) Pick him up. Get him to Sickbay. DATA What about you? PICARD I'll follow you. Now go! Picking their way through the Office, Data, carrying Whalen, and Beverly EXIT. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 55. 125 CONTINUED: Picard turns to McNary. PICARD I can't think of a way to thank you. You know I can't take you with me. MCNARY (nodding) Someone's gotta book this creep. (indicates thug) Once a cop always a cop, I guess. The OFFICE FLOOR RUMBLES again. PICARD (empathetic) I have to go. McNARY So this is the big good-bye. They shake hands like two old friends who are about to part forever. This is The Big Good-bye. 126 MOVE IN ON THEM McNARY Tell me something, Dixon. (worried) When you've gone.... will this world still exist?.. Will my wife and kids still be waiting for me at home? PICARD (pause, sadly) I honestly don't know. Good-bye my friend. Picard STEPS THROUGH. After a few moments, McNary's entire world goes PITCH BLACK. 127 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON THEM Picard steps back out onto the Enterprise. Data hurriedly takes Whalen away. Wesley rushes to Beverly, who hugs him as she follows Data. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 56. 128 OMITTED 129 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE TASHA Captain! Picard hurries to the Command Area and takes his seat. RIKER Are you ready, sir? PICARD As ready as I'll ever be. Open hailing frequencies. TASHA Frequencies open. PICARD (into com, commandingly) This is Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the USS Enterprise. Aaaaard kraxon Leeeeesss... 130 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL) 131 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE (OPTICAL) Picard is finishing his greeting. The others on the bridge are holding completely still, praying that nothing goes wrong... PICARD Risssssss... Trassssss.... Trasulah! The captain has completed his recitation. There's dead silence as the officers await the Jaradan reaction. WE SEE their faces as the JARADAN LEADER APPEARS on Screen. WE SEE him from the shoulders up... He is indeed wasp-like: black and yellow, with pointed insectile features and waving black antennae. JARADAN'S COM VOICE You have... honored us with your words of greeting. A new day dawns between us. STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT FIVE 57. 131 CONTINUED: There's great joy and relief on the bridge. Picard takes a deep breath. Riker smiles at him... RIKER (nonchalant) So... Have a nice vacation? Picard gives him a long smile, but doesn't answer... PICARD It was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to die there. 132 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) PULLING OUT of orbit, and HEADING for deep space... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END