STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Neutral Zone" #40271-126 Written by Maurice Hurley Directed by James Conway THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1988 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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. 2ND REV. FINAL DRAFT MARCH 17, 1988 STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - REV. 3/18/88 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Neutral Zone" CAST PICARD THREE HUMANS RIKER CLARE RAYMOND BEVERLY RALPH OFFENHOUSE DATA SONNY CLEMONDS TROI WORF ROMULANS GEORDI COMMANDER TEBOK WESLEY (pronounced TAY-bok) SUB-COMMANDER THEI Non-Speaking (pronounced TIE) SECURITY GUARD NURSE WRIGHT Voice-Over COMPUTER STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - REV. 3/18/88 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Neutral Zone" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CONFERENCE ROOM DERELICT (MODULE) SICKBAY GUEST LOUNGE ROMULAN CRUISER CLARE'S QUARTERS SONNY'S QUARTERS CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM CORRIDOR OBSERVATION LOUNGE DERELICT CONTROL AREA SECOND ROOM ROMULAN CRUISER 11:[5,#b],19:[1,#b] STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Neutral Zone" TEASER FADE IN: 1 OMITTED 2 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The great ship is motionless as it awaits the return of its captain. A short distance off, and APPEARING very small, is another vehicle - also drifting. RIKER (V.O.) First officer's log, stardate 41986.0. The captain has left the ship for a conference and we are awaiting his return. It is unusual for us to be motionless, and a unique experience for everyone concerned. 3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE GEORDI is at Conn - WORF at Tactical - DATA at Science One, RIKER is in the Command position. Troi is off the bridge in her office. Everyone is looking at the viewscreen. DATA This is quite intriguing. It is transmitting a carrier signal on a frequency which has not been used for centuries. RIKER Is there a message? DATA None. Just the carrier, possibly intended for encoded computer or telemetry information. WORF I have never seen a space vehicle like it. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: DATA Strictly speaking, it is not a "space vehicle." It appears to be a satellite, similar in its rudimentary design to those which orbited Earth in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. RIKER Three hundred years ago. (mostly as a joke) Then there probably aren't any life signs? DATA None. Data continues studying the readout. DATA (continuing) The power is solar... quite primitive. There is however minimum life support. GEORDI I wonder how it got out here. If it was in orbit around Earth, even at maximum impulse -- and there's no way it could travel any faster, it would have taken a dozen centuries to get here. WORF At its present speed and heading, the vehicle will eventually enter the Kazis Binary system and will certainly be destroyed. Worf turns to face Riker. WORF (continuing) Sir, I could attach a tractor beam and adjust its heading. RIKER I think not, Mister Worf. It's just a piece of space debris. If we weren't sitting here waiting for the captain, we wouldn't have even noticed it. Leave it be. Let nature take its course. How long until Captain Picard returns? STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - REV. 3/18/88 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (2) WORF The last communication indicated it would be several hours. DATA Commander, request permission to investigate this vehicle. RIKER Why, Data? It's just a derelict. DATA It is a piece of history. The opportunity to examine such an ancient vehicle does not come around very often, and as you pointed out, we do have the time. RIKER All right, Data. But be ready to beam back before the captain returns. DATA Thank you, sir. RIKER Lieutenant Worf -- go with him. WORF Aye, sir. The two EXIT the bridge. 4 thru OMITTED 6 A7 EXT. SPACE - A MODULE (OPTICAL) drifts. 7 INT. DERELICT - SMALL CONTROL AREA (OPTICAL) as they BEAM IN. They are in a small control area. The equipment we see is late twentieth century in design. Worf is tense -- ready for the unexpected. Data scans the area with his tricorder. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - REV. 3/18/88 - TEASER 4. 7 CONTINUED: DATA Minimal oxygen atmosphere. (indicates) An ancient solar generator, still operating. WORF Computer -- status report. Nothing happens. WORF (continuing) Computer... Data interrupts. DATA In the late twentieth century, computers were not voice activated, Worf. Data examines the keyboard. DATA (continuing) Notice the readouts -- dials, needle machines, gauges. Remarkable what they used three centuries ago. The on-board computers have ceased functioning. I may be able to download this old style disk drive back to the Enterprise. 8 WORF APPROACHES the door, clearly expecting it to slide open. He waves a hand in front of it. WORF It must be sealed -- probably with age. I will blast it open. DATA Not necessary. He reaches down and turns a handle, physically slides the door OPEN. 9 INT. DERELICT - THE SECOND ROOM They move forward. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - REV. 3/18/88 - TEASER 5. 10 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) Riker is sitting at the Command Chair. RIKER Data, this is Riker. What have you found? DATA Very little so far. GEORDI I have picked up the captain's shuttle. RIKER E.T.A.? GEORDI Twelve minutes, sir. RIKER Alert Main Shuttle Bay. GEORDI Aye, sir. 11 INT. DERELICT - THE SECOND ROOM As Worf and Data ENTER the other compartment they see a series of crypts, lining both sides of the room. Each glass-covered and coffin-like in design, with a computerized panel above it. The panel both monitors and controls the crypt. 12 CRYPT As Data clears away the frost TO REVEAL a shriveled human form. It's all BLACKENED AND HIDEOUS. Data REACTS. DATA The seal was broken and the environment has been corrupted. Data moves to the next crypt. Beside him, Worf wipes the frost from a third crypt. He has found another shriveled form. WORF Here's another. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - TEASER 6. 12 CONTINUED: Data wipes away the frost from the crypt by him. DATA This one is empty. He easily lifts the cover. DATA (continuing) It has been forced open and the occupant removed. In the b.g. Worf is wiping the frost from another crypt. WORF Commander. Look at this. Data steps over. 12A ANOTHER ANGLE Through the hole which Worf has wiped in the frost, WE CAN SEE a human -- a WOMAN. About thirty-five, attractive and unconscious. OFF Worf and Data's REACTIONS, WE: FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT ONE 7. ACT ONE FADE IN: 12B INT. DERELICT - THE SECOND ROOM Worf and Data are still beside the frozen woman. WORF Has she been frozen for an extended journey? DATA If that were the purpose, there would be evidence of a more sophisticated monitoring system. This container is designed solely for refrigeration. WORF What is the destination? DATA I do not believe they were going anywhere. This vehicle should still be in Earth orbit. WORF There is no way it could break orbit and travel this distance on its own power. Not in three hundred years -- not in three thousand. Some intelligent lifeform must have brought it to this section of the galaxy. DATA (indicating the crypts with the shriveled forms) These crypts were opened. (indicating the empty crypts) The occupants in those were taken. WORF Why take some of them, destroy others, and leave her apparently untouched? DATA Perhaps they learned all they could from the others. We may never know. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT ONE 8. 12B CONTINUED: Data moves down the line of crypts, wipes another To REVEAL the perfectly preserved face of a forty-seven-year-old MALE. OFF Data's REACTION: 13 OMITTED 14 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE Data and Worf have for the moment been forgotten. GEORDI The captain's shuttle is approaching Main Shuttle Bay. PICARD'S COM VOICE Enterprise, this is the captain. Number One, I want to get underway as soon as the shuttle is secure. RIKER Aye, sir. We will make all preparations. (to the Away Team) Commander Data, return to the Enterprise -- immediately. DATA'S COM VOICE We have run into an unusual situation here. There are people on-board. Frozen. RIKER Frozen. How many? 15 INT. DERELICT - THE SECOND ROOM (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) Data and Worf in the middle of the room. DATA Three. What should I do? The vehicle has suffered severe damage. Most of the systems have failed. RIKER Are you recommending they be transferred to the Enterprise? STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT ONE 9. 15 CONTINUED: DATA I do not think we should leave them here. With your permission, sir, we will be returning with three containers. RIKER Whatever you do, do it quickly. 16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) traveling at impulse speed. 17 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Captain Picard STRIDES ONTO the bridge. PICARD Number One, I want a meeting on the Observation Deck. Mister La Forge, set course zero-five-eight, mark nine-seven-three. GEORDI Aye -- laying in the course now. (pause) Captain, those coordinates will take us to the Neutral Zone. REACTIONS from the others to the destination. PICARD That's correct Mister La Forge, warp factor eight. GEORDI Warp eight. PICARD Engage. Mister La Forge, you have the bridge. He leads them OFF the bridge. 18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it accelerates to warp speed. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT ONE 10. 19 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM The regulars are at their positions, except Beverly. PICARD Two Federation outposts in Sector three-zero have been destroyed. There has been no communication with any Federation starbases in Sector three-one since stardate 41903.2. WORF Romulans. PICARD That is the assumption. RIKER There's been no direct contact with the Romulans since the Tomed Incident. PICARD The question is: Why here? Why now? What's their objective, if indeed they have one? For half a century there's barely a whisper about them and now for no apparent reason they seem to be back with a roar. Why? RIKER Almost everything we know about them is based on rumor and conjecture. PICARD The strategic decision is to send one ship. RIKER The Enterprise. PICARD Yes. WORF There is a risk. We could get out there and find ourselves greatly over-matched. PICARD True enough -- it is a gamble. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT ONE 11. 19 CONTINUED: RIKER This first encounter... coming so suddenly after all this time. There's a very good chance it's a setup. DATA Perhaps the Romulans are probing. They want to see how we react. WORF Captain, we should expect hostilities. PICARD Prepare as always. If force is needed we will use it, but that will mean we have failed. Our goal here is to establish some kind of relations with the Romulans -- failing that -- to convince them of our resolve and to do this without resorting to force. Right now, the general feeling is that they are seeking a confrontation. They may want to test themselves in battle against a Federation starship to gauge how much we have advanced. Personally, I think it is possible they have different motives altogether based on needs which we have not identified. If that's the case... I must know it. (to Troi) Counselor -- I will need a complete profile on them. TROI There is limited information, but I will prepare something. PICARD Data. Extrapolate for me the logical progression of their technical advancement; specifically, but not restricted to -- weapons. DATA Aye, sir. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT ONE 12. 19 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (to everybody) I want this thought through completely. Anticipate, as much as you can, all the possible permutations. He looks around the room. PICARD (continuing) Computer, how long before we arrive at the Neutral Zone? COMPUTER VOICE Nineteen hours, twenty-eight minutes. PICARD We will reassemble in six hours. Let's be smart. No surprises. I would much rather outthink them, than outfight them. Questions? There are none. The meeting breaks up. 20 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As Picard, Riker and the others COME ON to the bridge. Geordi is in the Command seat. GEORDI (as he gets up) Captain. (then:) Doctor Crusher said she would like to talk with you, when you finished your meeting. PICARD Thank you. (on Com) Doctor Crusher, this is the captain. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Oh, good. Captain, could you possibly join me in Sickbay? Picard hesitates. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/23/88 - ACT ONE 13. 20 CONTINUED: BEVERLY'S COM VOICE (continuing) I would not ask you if it wasn't important. PICARD I will be right there. (to Riker) Take the Conn, Number One. I won't be long. Picard EXITS THE SHOT as Riker takes his position. 21 INT. SICKBAY Picard ENTERS. PICARD What is it, Doctor? BEVERLY It's the people from the capsule. PICARD Capsule? People? What people? BEVERLY The people Data beamed over. PICARD I wasn't aware he had. On the medical tables behind her are THREE HUMANS covered with sheets. BEVERLY Well, he did and they were frozen. I thawed them. PICARD You what? BEVERLY I didn't know what else to do. The crypts in which they had been frozen were literally falling apart. It was either that... or... PICARD What's their condition? STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/22/88 - ACT ONE 14. 21 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Right now they are all sleeping. Each of them needed minor medical attention... minor "now", but "then" their conditions were obviously terminal. One had a heart problem, another had an advanced case of emphysema and extensive liver damage. But the most surprising thing, is that each of them had been frozen after they died. PICARD After they died? BEVERLY Exactly. Cryonics. It was a kind of fad in the late twentieth century. People feared dying. It terrified them. At the moment of death, they would be frozen, so that later... some time in the future, when presumably medical science had a cure for whatever killed them, they would be thawed back to life, healed and sent on about their business. PICARD Well, for this group, apparently it worked. Picard STEPS OVER to the com panel. PICARD (continuing) Lieutenant Commander Data, please report to Sickbay -- immediately. 22 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Data is a Science Station Two. He looks up. DATA Permission to leave the bridge. RIKER Granted. Data walks toward the turbolift. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT ONE 15. 23 INT. SICKBAY ON Picard. PICARD I am never critical of any member of my staff being curious, but... the timing is just so... DATA I could not leave them there, Captain. The condition of the vehicle was deteriorating. PICARD But, Data -- they were already dead. I mean... what more could have happened to them? DATA I see your point, Captain, but at the time... Picard nods. PICARD You're right -- under the circumstances I would have done exactly the same. Picard turns to Beverly. BEVERLY When they arrived... what was I supposed to do? Not help them? Again Picard has no answer. BEVERLY (continuing) My question is: What do we do with them now? PICARD What are the options? DATA We cannot go back and return them to their ship. BEVERLY We can't refreeze them. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT ONE 16. 23 CONTINUED: PICARD They are alive now, so we have to treat them as living human beings. BEVERLY Alive and well, just waiting to be awakened. Picard is perplexed. BEVERLY (continuing) I have them sedated but they should be up and about as soon as possible. Picard takes a deep breath. PICARD Well... He looks around for a moment. PICARD (continuing) Then, there really is no choice. BEVERLY None that I can see. PICARD Before you wake them, I want Security here. (touching com) Mister Worf, report to Sickbay. 24 BEVERLY She goes to the first one in the line and touches the hypospray to her neck. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT ONE 17. 25 WOMAN Slowly she wakes up. Looks around. At Sickbay. At the equipment, then at Beverly and Picard. She swallows. Worf ENTERS Sickbay. The woman takes one look at them and her head falls back on the table. Out "cold" again. PICARD ... Welcome to the twenty-fourth century. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT TWO 18. ACT TWO FADE IN: 26 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) moving at warp speed. 27 INT. SICKBAY It is as we left it. Picard, Data and Worf watch as Beverly wakes them all up, we get to "meet" each of the guests. They are still covered only in sheets. DATA I was able to retrieve some information from the ancient disk I removed from the module's computer. Based on that... 28 NUMBER ONE She re-awakens the woman. DATA Her name is Clare Raymond, age thirty-five; occupation, homemaker... must be some kind of construction work. BEVERLY She died of an embolism. It probably happened very suddenly, otherwise her physical condition was excellent. CLARE RAYMOND is handsome, not pretty. A solid, no-nonsense person. This time she stays awake, as she takes in the room, everything and everyone in it. They move to: 29 NUMBER TWO As the nurse (Nurse Wright) awakens him: DATA His name is Ralph Offenhouse, age sixty-three; occupation, financier. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT TWO 19. 29 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Advanced cardiomyopathy, inoperable at the time, but easily correctable now. He must have known for some time his condition was terminal. RALPH OFFENHOUSE was a power broker on both coasts who came up hard -- is used to being absolutely in charge. He too, is disoriented -- confused -- unsure. They MOVE to the last: 30 NUMBER THREE DATA Much of his file could not be retrieved. His name is L. Q. "Sonny" Clemonds. Apparently his occupation had something to do with music. BEVERLY There was marked deterioration of every system in his body. Probably due to massive chemical abuse. Unbelievable. L. Q. "SONNY" CLEMONDS has a lot of miles on his forty-seven years. He's passed his time with booze and drugs, and covered up the wear and tear with cosmetic surgery. His attention span is about twenty-eight seconds. PICARD That sounds like someone who hated life -- yet he had himself frozen so presumably he could go through it all again. BEVERLY Fear. Too afraid to live... too scared to die. PICARD Doctor, this seems to be a situation more suited to your talents. I will leave it in your hands. With a nod to Data to join him: PICARD (continuing) I'll be on the bridge. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT TWO 20. 30 CONTINUED: He is satisfied that they do not represent a clear and present danger to the Enterprise. Picard and Data EXIT. A31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE a flyby. 31 INT. SICKBAY The three humans are finishing dressing. BEVERLY I know you have a lot of questions, but I would like you to wait. You are feeling a certain amount of disorientation. In a little while it should pass; then we can fully discuss what has happened. Nurse Wright will furnish you with anything you need. RALPH Not so fast. Is this part of the service or is it extra? BEVERLY I think it would be best if... RALPH I demand to know the cost of anything you do before the procedure is approved. BEVERLY I have no idea what you're talking about. (then, mostly for the others) Just take it slowly. Everything is fine. Worf, would you show them to the guest quarters. WORF This way. 32 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard and Data ENTER and CROSS to the Command Position. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT TWO 21. 32 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Riker) Number One, kindly take charge of our guests until we have time to decide what we are going to do with them. RIKER Aye, sir. PICARD ... and keep them out of my way. Riker rises to leave. DATA (requesting to join Riker) Sir? Picard nods as Data EXITS with Riker. 33 INT. GUEST LOUNGE (OPTICAL) They are all sitting -- unsure of themselves. RIKER I know this is all very confusing to you so I'll attempt to explain. First -- you are on the starship -- USS Enterprise. RALPH American? RIKER No -- we are a vessel of the United Federation of Planets. Earth is a member. RALPH What year is this? DATA By your calendar... two thousand three hundred sixty-four. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT TWO 22. 33 CONTINUED: RALPH (very excited) What? (then, holding back) My heart? Is it... BEVERLY It's perfectly fine. In fact, you are all now in excellent health. RALPH I made it... It worked. I never believed this was... SONNY (pointing to Data) What's that? RIKER An android. SONNY You mean a robot? DATA Actually there is a distinct difference between a robot and an android. CLARE And him? The one I saw before with the... head. Riker is confused. BEVERLY She means Worf. RIKER Oh, he's a Klingon, and that requires a little more explanation. SONNY Guys... listen. I paid some idiot a lot of money to freeze me when I died. I need to hear the words... Am I alive? RIKER Oh, yes... absolutely. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT TWO 23. 33 CONTINUED: (2) SONNY And the liver that was about to explode in my face. BEVERLY Perfectly sound. SONNY Great... CLARE (who has remained confused through it all) Excuse me. Would someone tell me what's going on? BEVERLY Well... About three hundred and seventy years ago you died of a massive embolism. CLARE I don't remember anything about it. BEVERLY You and the others were frozen. SONNY Cryonics -- you know... freeze you now... heal you later. CLARE I've heard about it; I just never paid it much mind. How did we get here? DATA Why were you in a module? SONNY The whacko who sold me this scam said that by putting us in orbit there would be no chance of brown out. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT TWO 24. 33 CONTINUED: (3) RALPH Several cryonics companies had fallen into disrepute because of power failures which adversely affected their refrigeration system. Their stocks were severely depressed. SONNY The whole deal was a long shot... but I figured... what the hell, might as well give them the dough instead of leaving it to my ex-wives. (to Data) But you know, son, I figured it was just so much hooey. DATA Hooey? Accessing. (pause) Ah, as in malarkey... jive... bull... hogwash... an intentional fabrication. SONNY There you go, now you got it. RIKER (to Clare) If you didn't contract for this, who did? CLARE It must have been Donald -- my husband. If it was new and foolish, he'd have popped for it. Well, I'll say this. It's the first thing he ever bought into that worked. RALPH I, for one, never had a doubt. My stock in this company must have split a dozen times by now. DATA Actually the process of cryonics was never more than a fad, and did not continue much beyond the mid-twenty-first century. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT TWO 25. 33 CONTINUED: (4) RALPH I need to make a phone call as soon as possible. RIKER A phone call? RALPH I have provided for myself. I have a substantial portfolio. It's critical I check on it. Let the bank know that I am alive and well. RIKER That's ah... going to be a little difficult right at the moment. RALPH Do you at least have a copy of The Wall Street Journal? RIKER I think we should take the doctor's advice and go slowly. Get adjusted to your new... ah... whatever, and then we'll talk to the captain. 33A INT. MAIN BRIDGE Troi takes her seat beside Picard. TROI As you know, there is very little available on the Romulans PICARD Anything will help. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/24/88 - ACT TWO 26. 33A CONTINUED: TROI They seem to be creatures of extremes. One moment violent beyond description, the next -- tender. They're related to the Vulcans but as each developed, their differences grew wider. They are intensely curious. Their belief in their own superiority is beyond arrogance. For some reason they have exhibited a fascination with humans and that fascination, more than anything else, has kept the peace. One other thing, they will not initiate. They will wait for you to commit yourself. PICARD (to himself) Counterpunches... (to Troi) Thank you, Counselor. This is quite helpful. OFF Picard's pensiveness: 33B INT. GUEST LOUNGE Sonny, feeling more at ease by the moment, rises, stretches muscles unused for centuries. SONNY I don't know about you all... but me -- I'm going to find the bar. After all of this -- I need me a drink. RIKER There is nothing of that nature on board the Enterprise. SONNY No bars?! Don't tell me that, son. Well, where's the restaurant? I'm so hungry. RIKER We have food stations. (he indicates the computer) Simply tell the computer what you want and it will be provided. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT TWO 27. 33B CONTINUED: SONNY Where do you eat it? RIKER Why... here... or anywhere. We're not that structured. Sonny walks over to the computer. SONNY Now what? DATA Talk. SONNY I'd like me a thick Kansas City steak - country fried potatoes -- a mess of greens -- and... Oh, hell... forget all of that. Let me have a martini - -straight up... two olives. (he winks at Data) ... for the vitamins. The drink is provided. He takes a sip and rears back surprised. DATA Is there something wrong? SONNY Wrong? Only that your computer here fixed just about the best martini I have ever had. (with a nod to Data) I just might get to like this place. Let's see if the Braves are on. How do you turn on this here teevee? STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/22/88 - ACT TWO 28. 33B CONTINUED: (2) RIKER Teevee? SONNY Yeah, boob-tube... you know. I'd like to find out how the Braves are doin' after all this time. Probably still finding ways to lose. DATA (to Riker) Oh -- I think he means television, sir. SONNY Or maybe catch up on the soaps. DATA (to Sonny) That particular form of entertainment did not last much beyond the year Two Thousand Forty. SONNY So, what do you guys do? I mean, you don't drink -- no teevee -- kind of boring, isn't it? Data is at a loss of words PICARD'S COM VOICE Number One. Riker steps over to the com panel. RIKER Riker here. PICARD Would you and Mister Data report to the bridge? RIKER On the way. RALPH With whom were you speaking? RIKER The captain. RALPH Ah... good. Tell him I would like to see him as soon as it's convenient. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT TWO 29. 33B CONTINUED: (3) CLARE What is going to happen to us? Do we stay here with you? Do we go back to Earth? Riker does not have an immediate answer. RIKER That will be up to the captain. RALPH Well, get him in here. I have to phone Geneva right away about my accounts. The interest alone could be enough to buy even this ship. SONNY The Yankee's right. Let's get the big boy in here. RIKER (smiles) I'll pass on your request. Now, if you'll excuse us. SONNY Duty calls -- hey, I understand... (then, to Data) ... come back later -- you and me can find us a couple of low-mileage pit woffies, and help them build a memory. Riker and Data EXIT. 34 INT. CORRIDOR as they walk away. DATA What is to be done with them? RIKER I don't know. DATA Commander. What is a "low-mileage-pit-woffie"? RIKER This time you have me, Data. I haven't a clue. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT TWO 30. 34 CONTINUED: DATA These are not like any other humans I have ever encountered. I find them fascinating. RIKER From what I have already seen of our "guests", there is very little to redeem them. In fact, it makes me wonder, how our species ever survived the twenty-first century. OFF Data's REACTION: FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT THREE 31. ACT THREE FADE IN: 35 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM The staff meeting is reassembled. PICARD Report. WORF We are six hours from the Neutral Zone. I have been unable to establish communications with any Federation colony or station in this vicinity. PICARD How many outposts are there in this sector? WORF Nine. RIKER I think we should go on the presumption that they've all been destroyed. GEORDI By the Romulans? RIKER It fits their historical pattern. Picard is very thoughtful. DATA Since there has been no contact with the Romulans for fifty-three years, seven months, eighteen days, we must consider that the information we do have, is out of date. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/22/88 - ACT THREE 32. 35 CONTINUED: RIKER The positive side of that is their information about us is also out of date. Captain, I believe that lack of information is what this is all about. PICARD Continue, Number One. RIKER In my opinion, the Romulans want a confrontation... specifically against us. PICARD The Enterprise? RIKER Not by name; but yes, against us. They know the Federation will send their best -- this will be a perfect chance for them to learn firsthand, how much we have advanced in both technology, and technique. PICARD And your recommendation. RIKER I don't know if I have a specific recommendation. Perhaps we should consider taking the initiative. WORF I agree with Commander Riker. We may only have one opportunity; we should seize it. PICARD Data. DATA That strategy is built on a single premise. The hostile intent of the Romulans. If the premise is sound, so is the proposal. GEORDI If their intention isn't hostile, what is it? RALPH'S COM VOICE Captain Picard? STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT THREE 33. 35 CONTINUED: (2) Surprised at the interruption. PICARD This is the captain, to whom am I speaking? RALPH'S COM VOICE Ralph Offenhouse. Captain, I need to talk to you. PICARD What's going on here, Number One? Did you give him permission to contact me? RIKER No, sir. He must have seen me use the com panel. Picard nods his understanding. PICARD Listen, Mister Offenhouse. We are in a very important conference right now and... RALPH'S COM VOICE I am sick and tired of being put off by you and your staff. This is the worst run ship I have ever been on. You could take some lessons from the Q-E Two. Now that's an efficient operation. Picard mutes the intercom. PICARD Data -- identify -- what's the Q-E-Two? DATA It was a passenger liner which mostly traveled Earth's Atlantic Ocean during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. PICARD He's comparing the Enterprise to a cruise ship. RALPH'S COM VOICE I demand you see me. Picard is nonplussed. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT THREE 34. 36 INT. GUEST LOUNGE Ralph by the com panel, still going on. The other two, Clare and Sonny are off to one side, watching. Sonny is slightly amused -- Clare still appears to be disoriented. RALPH ... I think I have been very, very patient, especially under the circumstances and considering what I paid for this procedure, but frankly enough is enough. I demand a phone, or a radio whatever you have. I must contact my... The doors OPEN and Picard STRIDES IN. RALPH (continuing; off balance for a beat) ...lawyers. PICARD I am Captain Picard. Ralph composes himself quickly. RALPH Excellent. He steps forward with his hand out. RALPH (continuing) Now, we'll be able to get some things straight. PICARD Indeed we will. Those com panels are for official ship business. RALPH If they are so important, why don't they need an "executive key"? PICARD Aboard a starship, that is not necessary. We are all capable of exercising self-control. You will refrain from using them. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/24/88 - ACT THREE 35. 36 CONTINUED: RALPH Now just a minute. PICARD We are involved in a very serious and potentially dangerous situation. RALPH I'm sure that whatever it is seems very important to you. My situation is far more critical. PICARD I do not think you are fully aware of your situation, or the time which has passed. RALPH Believe me, I'm fully cognizant of where I am, and when. It is simply that I have more to protect than a man in your position could possibly imagine. No offense, but a military career has never been considered upwardly mobile. I must contact my lawyer. PICARD Your lawyer has been dead for centuries. RALPH Yes, of course I know that, but he was a full partner with a very important firm. Rest assured the firm is still operating. PICARD That's what this is all about... A lot has changed in three hundred years. People are no longer obsessed with the accumulation of "things". We have eliminated hunger, want, the need for possessions. We have grown out of our infancy. RALPH You've got it wrong. It's never been about "possessions" - it's about power. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT THREE 36. 36 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Power to do what? RALPH To control your life, your destiny. PICARD That kind of control is an illusion. RALPH Really -- I'm here aren't I? I should be dead and I'm not. That's what money did for me. That's the kind of power I'm talking about. Off to the side, Clare begins softly weeping. PICARD (turning to her) What is it? CLARE I don't know. It just started and I can't stop. I keep thinking about my boys. He steps over to the com panel. PICARD Counselor Troi, report to the guest lounge. RIKER'S COM VOICE Captain, we are approaching Science Station Delta Zero-Five. PICARD Slow to impulse... I'm on my way. Picard moves toward the exit. SONNY Say, Captain -- I need to see that pretty Doctor of yours. PICARD I will inform her. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT THREE 37. 36 CONTINUED: (3) Ralph puts his hand on Picard's arm. (His way to control the situation.) RALPH Captain. I didn't mean to come on so strong. I've built my life on knowing what's going on. For the first time -- I'm completely out of touch -- it makes me crazy. Can you understand? PICARD It's the first thing you've said that I do understand. I'll see what I can do. But please... stay off the com panel. Ralph nods as Picard EXITS. 37 INT. CORRIDOR as Picard and Troi meet. PICARD Counselor, get those people under control. We cannot afford this continuing distraction. TROI Yes, sir. 38 INT. CLARE'S QUARTERS Troi ENTERS. TROI Hello -- my name is Deanna. CLARE They sent you here to settle me down. TROI I'm the ship's counselor and I thought you might want to talk. CLARE The local shrink. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT THREE 38. 38 CONTINUED: TROI I'm sorry, I do not know that term. CLARE It doesn't matter. TROI You are feeling profoundly sad. CLARE Can't stop crying. I miss my sons, and then I think... I'm here, but they are gone. Donald -- he's my husband. I love that man but, good intentions aside, he'd mess up a free lunch. Why in the world he ever decided to do this... TROI He must have thought you would have wanted it. CLARE I can tell you exactly what happened. He couldn't think about going on alone. I died, but he couldn't face it. So he figured if he had me frozen, then in his mind I wasn't really gone. Crazy, huh? But you have to know Donald. She pauses a minute -- turns away and fights back the tears that will not stop. CLARE (continuing) I'm in a world of strangers. I wish I knew what happened to my children. Did they get married, did they have kids... TROI Let's see if we can find out. Troi goes to a computer screen. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT THREE 39. 38 CONTINUED: (2) TROI (continuing) Computer - this is Counselor Troi. Request personal history on... What are their names? CLARE Tommy -- he's eight, and Eddie's five. COMPUTER VOICE Full names -- Date and place of birth. CLARE They were born in Secaucus - that's in Jersey. (to Troi) Can this really work? Can this tell me what happened to them? TROI There has to be a record somewhere. There is a good chance we can find it. CLARE Whether we do or not, thank you for... trying. (then, to computer) Date of birth. Tommy was born February seventeenth... 39 INT. SICKBAY Beverly is there with Sonny. SONNY I just got to have a little something to jump start the morning -- and a little something else to shut down the night. BEVERLY You have no medical need. SONNY It's not a question of "need," darlin'. It's a matter of survival. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... ' - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT THREE 40. 39 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Sorry. SONNY Not to worry -- ol' Watosh will scuffle along the best way he can. He turns to leave, then: SONNY (continuing) How do I get a hold of the ol' boy with the marinie face? BEVERLY I beg your pardon? SONNY What's his name... that android fella. BEVERLY Lieutenant Commander Data? SONNY That's the one. BEVERLY I'll let him know you want to see him. He gets up to leave. SONNY Much obliged. You sure are the prettiest little doctor I ever saw. And he walks toward the door. BEVERLY Much obliged. 40 INT. CLARE'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Troi and Clare. CLARE Amazing. It's all right there. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT THREE 40A. 40 CONTINUED: TROI Yes, ten generations of your progeny. CLARE Everyone I ever knew is dead. Would you mind... I'd like to be alone. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT THREE 41. 40 CONTINUED: (2) TROI No, not at all. WE HOLD on Clare as Troi moves toward the exit. 40A INT. SONNY'S QUARTERS Sonny looks up as Data ENTERS. DATA You asked to see me. SONNY I'm about to go out of my mind for something to do. Sittin' alone drinkin' don't get it. What say you and me put together a little party. DATA A celebration? SONNY Naw... nothin' that fancy -- just some folks, some suds, and some sounds. Hell it ain't nothin' but somethin' to do. Whatdeya think? DATA I will ask the captain. SONNY Great -- you do that... DATA Query. You do not seem to be having as much difficulty adjusting to your current circumstances as are the others. SONNY You mean being here -- on this tub -- four hundred years from where I started? Heck -- it's the same dance, just a different tune. You think anyone 'round here's got a guitar I could borrow? STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT THREE 42. 40A CONTINUED: DATA No, but the computer can replicate such an instrument. SONNY I was kind of hopin' to get one while I still remember the chords. RIKER'S COM VOICE Commander Data -- we are approaching the Neutral Zone. Report to the bridge. DATA I must leave. Data walks toward the door. SONNY What's this "Neutral Zone?" DATA A buffer between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. SONNY Why does that make me nervous? DATA I do not know. SONNY We won't be inviting these Romulans to our party, will we? DATA No, it would not be appropriate. OFF Sonny's REACTION: FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FOUR 43. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) travelling at impulse speed. PICARD Captain's log, supplemental. We have arrived at the edge of the Neutral Zone. We will now have an opportunity to learn firsthand what happened to our distant outposts. 42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Data is at Science One. DATA There is nothing left of Outpost Delta Zero-Five. GEORDI It must have been one hell of an explosion. DATA Sensors indicate no evidence of a conventional attack. He turns to face Picard. DATA (continuing) There is nothing left. PICARD Can you determine what happened? OFF Picard's REACTION. WORF The outpost was not just destroyed, it is as though some great force just scooped it off the face of the planet. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FOUR 44. 42 CONTINUED: They continue scanning. PICARD Could it have been a natural phenomenon? DATA Insufficient information. PICARD Geordi, set a course for the next closest station. GEORDI Aye, sir. 43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it files by. 43A INT. SONNY'S QUARTERS WESLEY and Sonny. Sonny sits picking his guitar. Wesley sits across from him, staring. SONNY I just can't believe this. When that android fella said you could duplicate this baby, I didn't dream you'd do such a bang-up job... You like country? WESLEY Excuse me? SONNY Picking and strummin', son. What about rock? WESLEY What about rock? SONNY What's the matter, kid? You look like you're staring at a ghost. WESLEY Well, sir, you were dead for over three-hundred years... STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/22/88 - ACT FOUR 44A. 43A CONTINUED: SONNY How 'bout rhythm and blues? That comes back every decade or so. Wesley continues to stare. He could just as soon be looking at a dinosaur. WESLEY What was it like?... I mean, can you remember... SONNY What? Bein' dead? Not really, but then again there wasn't a whole lot happening. WESLEY Why did you do it? Was there something left undone... something you have to finish? SONNY Nope. Just curiosity... Another adventure... Simply wanted to see what was going on. 44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE as they wait. GEORDI We are approaching Tarod Nine. DATA The condition is identical, Captain. WORF Everyone and everything is gone. RIKER Captain, I strongly recommend that we go to Red Alert. If the Romulans have improved their cloaking device, and we'd be fools to think they haven't, we should assume a more defensive posture. WORF I agree, Captain. I recommend we go immediately to battle stations. Picard will not be pushed. STAR TREK: "The Neutral Zone" - 3/17/88 - ACT FOUR 45. 44 CONTINUED: PICARD I appreciate your concern and advice, but this is not the time for rash actions. We are still investigating. He moves away from the Aft Station. PICARD (continuing) There are three other stations in this sector which we need to visit. Let's proceed in a calm and orderly manner. RIKER If not "battle stations," may I at least bring the ship to Yellow Alert? Picard considers for a moment. PICARD Yes, Number One. That would be prudent. RIKER Thank you. And Riker initiates the necessary procedure to raise the alert level of the Enterprise. 45 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it continues on. 46 INT. GUEST LOUNGE Ralph, Sonny and Clare are together. SONNY So, what is it that you want? RALPH I've spent my career being able to tell when the other guy's mouth is dry. There is something going on. Something serious. The tension level on this ship has jumped up. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FOUR 46. 46 CONTINUED: SONNY Even if you're right, what can we do about it? And besides, these old boys don't need us to tell them where the bear sits. He reaches down beside him and lifts up an acoustic guitar... SONNY (continuing) Lookie here what that young fella made for me. CLARE How did he do that? SONNY He called it a pattern replication. It plays real good, too. And he hits a couple of chords. RALPH I'm trying to tell you that there is a situation developing on this vessel which affects us, and all you can talk about is that stupid guitar! SONNY These folks don't need us swimming in their soup, so why don't you just relax and let them do their jobs? RALPH That may be all right for you, but I am not willing to allow my fate to be decided by others. I at least want to know what is going on. SONNY How are you planning to do that? STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FOUR 47. 47 ANOTHER ANGLE - DOOR Ralph gives Sonny a look and goes to the door. It OPENS. There is a security guard standing there. RALPH He needs help. I think he's dying. As the security guard ENTERS the room and MOVES toward Sonny, Ralph SLIPS UP behind him and hits him on the head, knocking him unconscious. SONNY What the hell are you doing? RALPH I'm going to find out what's going on. 47A INT. CORRIDOR (FORMERLY SCENE 48) as Ralph moves along. Other crewmembers are moving quickly about their business. Ralph is able to move along unnoticed. A48 ANOTHER ANGLE As Ralph continues moving forward, he notices the turbolift door OPEN and some Enterprise personnel EXIT. He STEPS ONTO the turbolift. For a moment he is confused; he knows it's an elevator, but he sees no buttons. He looks around, then to himself: RALPH Ah... let's see. (to computer) Ah... I want to go to a... the... ah... (he shrugs; then to himself:) Where would the captain be? To his astonishemnt, the computer answers: COMPUTER VOICE Captain Picard is located on the Main Bridge. RALPH Then, take me to the Main Bridge. The doors CLOSE. The turbolift streaks off. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FOUR 47A. B48 OMITTED 48 OMITTED 48A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) at Yellow Alert. WORF Captain, my sensors indicate a disturbance. It is large and moving, but I cannot get a positive lock nor can I get it on the viewscreen. RIKER Shields up. WORF Aye, sir. RIKER Captain, I recommend we transfer all power to phasers, and arm the photon torpedos. PICARD Wait. If that is a Romulan ship, it will read our intent. We will be forcing them to take a similar posture. We are not out here to engage in battles; we are explorers. RIKER Captain, there is sufficient evidence. Outposts have been destroyed... Countless lives have been lost. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FOUR 48. 48A CONTINUED: WORF I have a positive lock... It's disengaging its cloaking device. RIKER They are vulnerable for an instant as they become visible. WORF Captain, this may be our only chance. While they are all intent on the Main Viewer, the turbolift doors OPEN and Ralph STEPS ONTO the bridge. The size of the room and the near visible tension stops him momentarily in his tracks. WORF (continuing) I've lost them. PICARD (to Data) Are your sensors picking up anything? You should be detecting a disturbance. DATA Negative. GEORDI We wanted to know if they have improved their cloaking device -- I guess we have our answer. PICARD (to Riker) They were trying to determine our intent... They wanted to see if we would fire. RALPH Who the hell are they? Everyone turns. RIKER Get that man off the bridge... now. Security moves toward him. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FOUR 49. 48A CONTINUED: (2) RALPH I'm not going anywhere. WORF Captain, they're back. Everyone is looking at Picard. PICARD On screen. 49 thru OMITTED 51 51A ANOTHER ANGLE FAVORING SCREEN as a disturbance becomes a Romulan cruiser. REACTIONS: 51B EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 50) in proximity to the Romulan cruiser. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 52 EXT. SPACE - THE ROMULAN CRUISER (OPTICAL) as it closes in on the Enterprise. 53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) It's as it was. Worf and a couple of other crewmembers move toward Ralph. RIKER Amazing. I never thought I would ever see a Romulan ship -- not this close. GEORDI The last encounter was decades ago and cost thousands of lives. A REACTION from Ralph. RALPH (awed) I can believe that. It's said so quietly, and the thought is so much on everyone's mind, that no one notices it was Ralph who said it. PICARD Stay calm, everyone. WORF Captain, these are Romulans -- they are without honor. They killed my parents in an attack on Khitomer at a time when they were supposed to be our allies. They believe humans and Klingons are a waste of skin, so inferior as to be unworthy of any consideration. PICARD Lieutenant, keep your emotions under control. Open hailing frequencies. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 50A. 53 CONTINUED: WORF Hailing frequencies open. PICARD Romulan vessel, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. There is no response. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 51. 53 CONTINUED: (2) DATA Sensors indicate all of their systems are armed. PICARD But they have not fired. Picard thinks for a beat. PICARD (continuing) Let's try them again. WORF Hailing frequencies are still open. PICARD Romulan vessel, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. There is a pause. 54 MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) (INTERCUT AS NECESSARY) Then the interior of the Romulan vessel COMES ON the viewscreen. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FIVE 52. 54 CONTINUED: There are TWO ROMULAN OFFICERS in the Control area. COMMANDER TEBOK (pronounced "TAY-bok") and SUB-COMMANDER THEI (pronounced "TIE"). TEBOK I am Commander Tebok. PICARD You have crossed the Neutral Zone. This is Federation territory. THEI It was necessary. PICARD It could be viewed as an act of aggression. THEI If our intent was aggression, you would not now be here. TEBOK If we go to war, let us be sure it is for the right reason. We are here because our outposts, which border the Neutral Zone, were also attacked. THEI Destroyed in the exact same manner as your own. WORF (to Picard) What right did they have to enter Federation space? TEBOK Silence your dog, Captain. PICARD Lieutenant Worf's question is valid. THEI Even to ask such a question implies that we need permission; we do not. PICARD Do you think we attacked your outposts? STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 53. 54 CONTINUED: (2) TEBOK (with disdain) Once we realized the level of destruction, we knew it could not have been you. PICARD Who is responsible? There is a pause. RALPH They haven't a clue. Picard shoots Ralph a look. RALPH (continuing) They're hoping you know, but they're too arrogant to ask. RIKER You're out of line, Mister. PICARD Yes, but correct in his assessment. TEBOK We do not know who is responsible... Why entire outposts on both sides were carried off. PICARD I would like to offer a proposal. THEI (with a smile) An alliance? Between the Romulans and the Federation? PICARD Nothing so grandiose -- just this. Cooperation... whoever or whatever did this is more powerful than either of us. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 53A. 54 CONTINUED: (3) The two Romulans ponder for a moment. THEI Agreed. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 54. 54 CONTINUED: (4) THEI On this one issue, and only if it is convenient and something we consider appropriate at the time. TEBOK Captain Picard, because your actions are those of a thoughtful man who is neither rash nor easily provoked, I tell you this. More urgent matters have caused our absence, and witness the results. Outposts destroyed, evidence of the Federation everywhere. We have been negligent, but no more. PICARD We have made some progress in our relations... let's not ruin that with unnecessary posturing. TEBOK Your presence is not wanted. Do you understand my meaning? We are back! The Romulans study Picard for a beat; then -- without a signal or a sign, they CLICK OFF. The image on the Main Viewer is REPLACED with a SHOT of the Romulan cruiser. PICARD I think our lives just became a lot more complicated. 55 ANOTHER ANGLE as the members of the bridge crew breath a collective sigh of relief. 56 EXT. SPACE - THE ROMULAN CRUISER (OPTICAL) as it TURNS and LEAVES at high speed. 56A INT. MAIN BRIDGE as before. Picard turns slowly to Worf. PICARD Get him off my bridge. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 54A. 56B INT. CLARE'S QUARTERS (FORMERLY SC. 58) (OPTICAL) Troi and Clare are there. TROI I have found something. Clare comes over to the computer next to Troi. On the screen is the biographical information of: TROI (continuing) I have been able to locate a family living outside of Indianapolis. The man's name is Thomas Raymond. Clare looks at the Screen. CLARE That's my son's name. My son's name is Tommy. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/18/88 - ACT FIVE 55. 56B CONTINUED: (2) The READOUT on the screen indicates that Thomas Raymond is married and has two children, ages four and seven. TROI Computer -- let us see Thomas Raymond. And the screen REPAINTS with a semi-line drawing of a man around thirty. CLARE Oh, my God... It's Donald... that's my husband. TROI Actually, it's your great, great, great, great, great grandson. CLARE He's the spitting image. TROI I have his address. When you get back to Earth, you could go and see him. CLARE But... I will still be out of time. A relic. TROI Perhaps. But it's a place to start. He is after all, family. Clare looks at the picture on the Screen. CLARE There's no denying that. For the first time since she was thawed, her attitude brightens. 57 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard and other members of the crew are with the "guests." PICARD Here is what I propose. You can't remain on the Enterprise. We have arranged to rendezvous with the USS Charleston, bound for Earth. You will be delivered there. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/21/88 - ACT FIVE 56. 57 CONTINUED: RALPH And then what will happen to us? There's no trace of my money -- my office is gone -- what will I do? How will I live? PICARD (amused) This is the twenty-fourth century. Those material needs no longer exist. RALPH Then what's the challenge? PICARD To improve yourself... enrich yourself. Enjoy it, Mister Offenhouse. SONNY Well, one good thing -- since everybody's forgotten everything I ever did... it'll all be brand spankin' new. Hell, I'll be a bigger hit than I ever was. PICARD Perhaps so, anything is possible. SONNY (to Data) What say, son -- you'd make a hell of a sideman. DATA That offer does present a certain fascination. 58 OMITTED 59 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard and Riker EXIT from the turbolift. GEORDI I have plotted a course to intercept the Charleston, sir, but they have informed me that they will be making an extended stop at Arloff Nine. STAR TREK: "... Neutral... " - REV. 3/22/88 - ACT FIVE 57. 59 CONTINUED: PICARD Your point, Lieutenant? GEORDI At warp eight, we could have our guests at Starbase Thirty-Nine Sierra in five days. It would cut months off their journey. PICARD They will benefit from the extended time. It will allow them to acclimate before arriving at Earth. RIKER It's a pity we can't take them ourselves. Having them on board has been like a visit from the past. PICARD That would take us in the wrong direction. Our mission is to go forward and it has just begun. Set velocity at warp six, Mister La Forge. GEORDI Aye, sir... warp six. PICARD There is still much to do... and still so much to learn. (pause) Mister La Forge... Engage. 60 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it heads off. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END