STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Menage a Troi" (f.k.a. "Piece of Mind") #40273-172 Written by Fred Bronson & Susan Sackett Directed by Rob Legato 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 1990 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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. FINAL DRAFT MARCH 9, 1990 STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Menage a Troi" CAST PICARD Betazoids RIKER LWAXANA TROI DATA MR. HOMN BEVERLY REITTAN GRAX TROI GEORDI Ferengi WORF DAIMON TOG WESLEY DOCTOR FAREK NIBOR Non-Speaking Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES ALIEN DELEGATES 3 AWAY TEAM MEMBERS FERENGI CREWMAN Voice-overs FERENGI COMPUTER VOICE FERENGI CREWMAN STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" REV. 3/16/90 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Menage a Troi" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM FERENGI SHIP KRAYTON TEN-FORWARD BETAZED CITY MAIN ENGINEERING TROI'S QUARTERS BETAZED CLEARING CRUSHER QUARTERS TRANSPORTER ROOM CORRIDORS FERENGI SHIP KRAYTON HOLDING TANK LABORATORY STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Menage a Troi" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE DAIMON TOG DAY-mon TOG FAREK FAR-ehk HOMN HAHM LWAXANA L'-WOKS-anna NIBOR NYE-bore REITTAN GRAX RITE-n GRAX STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Menage a Troi" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around a bright green planet. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 43980.7. The Enterprise has been in attendance at the biennial Trade Agreements Conference on Betazed. 2 INT. TEN FORWARD A busy place. Conference delegates from different worlds are here, including three Ferengi: TOG, FAREK, and NIBOR. In b.g., a MUSICIAN entertains the gathering, playing a complex RHYTHM on a strange percussion instrument. RIKER plays three-dimensional chess with Nibor as WESLEY looks on. PICARD, TROI, and DATA socialize with their guests as Log is completed: PICARD (V.O.) For the first time, the Ferengi are present, and I have reluctantly consented to their boarding the Enterprise for the closing reception. 2A ANGLE ON RIKER AND NIBOR It is clear they are near the end of their game, and the Ferengi is in trouble. Captured pieces litter the table at Riker's elbow. Nibor makes a move, he is confident. Riker smiles, moves his piece. RIKER Check... and mate. Nibor falls back flabbergasted in his chair. Wesley is enjoying the moment. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 2. 2A CONTINUED: WESLEY Perfect. A queen's gambit... finished off with the Aldabren Exchange. The Ferengi is still stunned by his defeat. NIBOR (re: the musician) Unfair. I couldn't concentrate with all that noise... WESLEY It's Algolian ceremonial rhythms. Riker and Wesley nod. Nibor shakes his head. NIBOR Hyoo-mans... 2B ANGLE ON PICARD AND DATA talking with REITTAN GRAX, the Betazoid conference director. PICARD (lifting glass) A toast to the success of the trade conference, Reittan. I must admit, I had some doubts when you invited the Ferengi. REITTAN GRAX They made a profit and behaved themselves. What more could one ask? Still, they trouble me. We Betazeds are uncomfortable with species like the Ferengi... whose minds we can't read. DATA (ever the scientist) Perhaps your telepathic abilities are ineffective owing to the anomalous construction of the Ferengi brain, which is composed of four different... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/13/90 - TEASER 2A. 2B CONTINUED: PICARD (not now, Data) Thank you, Data. (to Reittan Grax) It was thoughtful of you to include Lwaxana Troi as part of the Betazed delegation. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 3. 2B CONTINUED: (2) REITTAN GRAX Her first husband and I were old friends. And I've known Deanna since she was a child. PICARD I'm sure Counselor Troi appreciates this opportunity to spend time with her mother. 3 ANGLE ON TROI AND LWAXANA Lwaxana's plate is piled with food, her synthehol glass is refilled continually as she gives new meaning to the old Auntie Mame adage, "Life is a banquet." Between bites and sips, she plies her daughter with thought transmissions. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) It's so marvelous to see you, Deanna, darling. (a beat) At least pretend you're happy to see me. TROI (aloud) Mother, we're among non-telepaths... it's impolite not to speak aloud. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) You mean talk with my mouth full? Deanna, please! She does manage to laugh with her mouth full, but Deanna doesn't think it's especially funny. LWAXANA (aloud) All right, I will say something aloud. Have you considered if you had stayed on Betazed just where your life might have... They've had this conversation before. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 3A. 3 CONTINUED: TROI (interrupting) Let's not guess what I might have done. I love my work aboard the Enterprise... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: (2) LWAXANA I know. But all business and no play? You should enjoy life more, like I do. Find the right man, think of your future. Think of my future... Interrupted by Riker; his timing couldn't be better. RIKER Deanna, Lwaxana. Anything I can do for you? Troi throws her mother a look. Don't answer that! 4 ANGLE ON BAR as the other two Ferengi watch Mrs. Troi. Daimon Tog, the Captain, seems fascinated by this Betazoid female. Tog is tall for a Ferengi, although not by human standards, and Ferengi women probably find him as close to a "hunk" as their men ever get. He's talking with his companion and ship's doctor, Farek. In b.g., Lwaxana LAUGHS. Farek winces at the sound. FAREK (re: Lwaxana) She is as repulsive as the rest of them. TOG Repulsive? I find her exotic! (a beat) And what an advantage their telepathy would be in negotiations... FAREK To read our competitors' minds... yes, that would be valuable. Tog can't take his eyes off Lwaxana. Farek notices, gives Tog a look -- "be serious." FAREK (cont'd) She'd never agree to use her powers to help us... TOG I'm not so sure. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 5. 4 CONTINUED: In b.g., Riker and Troi move on. This is the moment Tog's been waiting for. He moves quickly off. 5 ANGLE ON TOG AND LWAXANA as he seats himself at her table. TOG Lwaxana Troi of Betazed, I believe. (with pride) I am Daimon Tog of the Ferengi vessel Krayton. May I join you? LWAXANA (coolly) I was just going to see Captain Picard. Excuse me. She rises, maneuvering past Tog to where Picard is still conversing with Data and Reittan Grax. She interrupts: LWAXANA Jean-Luc! Come have a drink and tell me what you've been up to. PICARD (thinking fast) Uh... perhaps later, Lwaxana. Data and I were just about to show Reittan Grax the new door mechanisms on the aft Turbolifts. Would you excuse us? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - TEASER 6. 5 CONTINUED: And off they go, leaving Lwaxana standing alone in the middle of Ten Forward. And, oh God, here comes that nasty little Ferengi again... oops, too late. TOG Lwaxana Troi, I desire you. LWAXANA Wha... what? TOG Your Betazed skills would be very useful to me... and I find you attractive. I'm willing to pay handsomely for you. LWAXANA (growing angrier) I don't believe this... TOG You must be aware that every female has her price. Lwaxana is now infuriated. Almost without realizing it, her voice will rise during the next speech until all other activity in Ten Forward comes to a halt as everyone's attention focuses on her: LWAXANA Let's get one thing straight. I am not for sale. And I'd rather eat Orion wing-slugs than deal with a toad-faced troll like you. Go find someone else to become your property. 6 WIDER ANGLE to include a horrified Deanna. There is a pause as everyone waits to see what Tog will do. He is silent for a moment, then: TOG (oddly reserved) As you wish. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 6A. 6 CONTINUED: As everyone else resumes their activities, Tog retreats to the bar where Farek is tossing down another synthehol. FAREK Now that you've totally humiliated us, may we return to our vessel? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - TEASER 7. 6 CONTINUED: (2) TOG (ignoring him) She's exhilarating, isn't she? Farek gives him a look. Is he kidding? TOG (cont'd) Now I want her more than ever. Lwaxana Troi will be mine. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT ONE 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: 7 OMITTED 8 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR - PERSONAL QUARTERS On the way to her cabin, Troi encounters WORF. They walk together as Deanna continues to her quarters. TROI (lightly) Are we at war with the Ferengi yet? WORF Daimon Tog has returned to his vessel and the Ferengi have left orbit. TROI I'm sure Mother will be relieved. WORF I hear she handled the situation quite skillfully. An admirable woman. TROI I'll be sure to tell her you said so. Worf leaves Deanna at her door, continues on his way. Before her door opens, she hears a voice in her head: LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Come in, Little One. Troi reacts and enters. 9 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Lwaxana lies with her eyes open as if unseeing. Unusual Betazed candles burn at each side of her head. The room lighting adds to the effect of her appearing dead, but actually she's in a meditative state. Betazed is visible through the window. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT ONE 9. 9 CONTINUED: TROI Mother. (more firmly) Mother, please. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Just a moment, Little One. I'm at one with All Being. Troi is silent for a beat, then Lwaxana's eyes flutter, and she returns to her familiar feisty self. LWAXANA After that horrible little Ferengi insulted me, I needed to center myself. (a beat) Can you imagine that creature talking to me like that? Didn't he realize I am the Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed, keeper of the Chalice of Rixx? TROI Mother, the Chalice of Rixx is an old clay pot with mold growing inside it! LWAXANA My dear, when you become old enough and wise enough, you'll understand. Now sit down and talk to me. We don't spend enough time together. TROI (sincerely) That's true. I'm sorry, and I didn't mean to be upset with you at the reception. LWAXANA Deanna... you must understand, you're all I've got. My only concern is for your happiness. TROI (a tad irritated) I am happy. Why can't you believe that? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/16/90 - ACT ONE 10. 9 CONTINUED: (2) LWAXANA I wish I could. How much happiness is there in always being there for someone else, but never being there for yourself? Troi feels the anger heating up inside her, fights to control it. After all, she's a trained psychologist. TROI I get great satisfaction out of my work. LWAXANA I'm sure it's rewarding, in its way. But what about a family? TROI This is my family -- my friends -- here on the Enterprise. LWAXANA (hurt) I am your family, or have you forgotten? And if I have to spell it out for you, I'm talking about finding a husband, having a child. That's what made me happy. At least until now. Troi suppresses her growing anger, hoping to avoid a fight. TROI Look, Mother. Perhaps some day I'll marry. But you've got to let me make my own choices... live my own life, not the life you'd choose for me. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/13/90 - ACT ONE 11. 9 CONTINUED: (3) LWAXANA (driving it home) You had a chance... with Commander Riker. And look how you ruined that. That does it. TROI (angry now) I did not ruin anything. We became very good friends. LWAXANA All the better. You certainly wouldn't want to marry an enemy. (on Troi's look:) But I see we can't discuss this. So have it your way, Little One. That really does it. TROI Little One? When I was five you called me that. Stop demeaning me and address me as an adult. Troi storms out. 10 INT. CORRIDOR Troi's not even sure where she's going; she just had to get out of there. And as she walks, she hears: LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) I'll be home on Betazed if you need me, Lit -- (a beat) Deanna. 11 INT. READY ROOM Picard and Riker have been listening to a briefing from Data, Geordi and Wesley on equipment to be used in the next mission. Wesley is concluding his report. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT ONE 12. 11 CONTINUED: WESLEY Adding preprocessors to the neutrino counters boosted efficiency by eleven percent. Of course, Commander La Forge and Commander Data did most of the work... GEORDI Not so fast, Wesley. Preprocessing the data with an optical chip was your idea. DATA Correct, sir. Although Commander La Forge and I designed the chip, Ensign Crusher derived the equations governing its operation. RIKER The point is, you've completed our upgrade well ahead of schedule. Most impressive. PICARD Indeed, Number One. Fine work -- especially you, Mister Crusher. We're going to miss you. Wesley can't help it. He knows what's coming and the grin just grows until he's all smiles. PICARD (cont'd) As you might guess, your final entrance examination scores for Starfleet Academy have arrived. (a beat) Congratulations. As soon as you complete the oral exam, you'll be formally admitted. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT ONE 13. 11 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER We'll have you back at Betazed in plenty of time to meet the Academy transport ship. WESLEY Thank you, sir. PICARD That will be all. They begin to EXIT. PICARD (cont'd) A moment, Number One. RIKER Yes, Captain? PICARD Your science team is very efficient. How many days would you say they managed to shave off our mission? RIKER Approximately three. Thanks to the equipment upgrade, we'll be able to complete our survey in less than twenty-four hours. PICARD Splendid, Number One. (a beat) You'd agree that this is a rather routine mapping mission? RIKER (what's he getting at?) Yes, sir... PICARD Counselor Troi had the good sense to request shore leave. I see I'm going to have to suggest it to you. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/14/90 - ACT ONE 14. 11 CONTINUED: (3) Riker opens his mouth to protest, then begins to think it over. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. At his slight smile: PICARD (cont'd) Have a good time, Number One. 12 EXT. BETAZED - DAY - MATTE (OPTICAL) A 24th-century "city" -- technologically advanced yet so well blended in with nature so that the effect is relaxing and pastoral. 13 EXT. BETAZED CLEARING - DAY A secluded spot in the greenbelt. Lush plants surround this open area, and a dirt path leads off into dense foliage. Riker and Troi are looking for something in the greenery. Their mood is light as they enjoy this brief shore leave. RIKER I'm sure it was around here somewhere... TROI It's been a few years. Maybe it died. RIKER You know Muktok plants live for hundreds of years... Riker brushes aside some leaves to reveal an exotic-looking plant with bluish foliage and eight silver flowers. RIKER (cont'd) Here it is... Troi joins Riker as he touches the blooms. SOUND of MUSICAL NOTES, an alien melody. TROI It's lovely. I remember this music... and all the good times we had. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT ONE 15. 13 CONTINUED: RIKER A certain junior lieutenant will always remember meeting a very serious psychology student. It was the best thing about being assigned to Betazed. It's a rare moment of closeness for them, and it seems quite natural for Riker to put his arm around her and give her a warm kiss. The moment is interrupted by the sound of a voice. LWAXANA (O.S.) Put the food down over there, Mister Homn. Startled, Troi pulls away from Riker. She gives him a look: It can't be her! Riker and Troi step out of the greenery to see Lwaxana supervising Mister Homn as he empties the contents of a metal container onto a silvery blanket. Lwaxana looks up, sees Riker and her daughter. LWAXANA Isn't it a beautiful day for a picnic? TROI (irritated) Mother! How did you know about this place? LWAXANA Your father used to bring me here. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/13/90 - ACT ONE 16. 13 CONTINUED: (2) Mr. Homn pours glasses of some mead-colored liquid, passes it around and begins imbibing at an incredibly fast pace. Riker and Troi realize they have no choice but to make the best of it. RIKER (keeping it light) And you even brought provisions. Very thoughtful. Lwaxana passes him something yellow with purple veins. LWAXANA Try this oskoid. The sap keeps it deliciously warm. RIKER (trying it) Very, very tasty. (he eyes her) Tell me, Lwaxana, the last time we met, you were searching for a husband. Did you have any luck? LWAXANA Alas, no, but what happens to me isn't important. I'm more concerned about other people getting on with their lives. TROI Mother, this isn't the time or the place... LWAXANA (who me?) Did I mention any names? TROI (angry) You didn't have to. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/16/90 - ACT ONE 17. 13 CONTINUED: (3) LWAXANA Can I help it if all my friends are becoming grandparents? (to Riker) How about you, Will. Have you ever thought of having children? RIKER (an honest answer) There was a time when I thought having children and a career in Starfleet were incompatible. But with Galaxy class starships having families aboard, I've considered that possibility... LWAXANA Yes, the Enterprise would be a perfect environment to raise a family... with someone... TROI (warning) Mother! LWAXANA (ignoring her) Mister Homn, I saw some uttaberries along the path. Be a dear and pick some for dessert... He nods, goes off down the path with the metal container. LWAXANA (cont'd) Mister Homn and I can go back home if you two want to be alone. It's such a romantic setting... TROI (furious now) Mother, stop it! LWAXANA Darling, you're so excitable these days. Have you thought about a leave of absence? I could talk to Jean-Luc... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT ONE 18. 13 CONTINUED: (4) RIKER (to keep peace) Deanna, try one of the oskoids. They're different. But now their attention is diverted by the SOUND of an alien transporter beam. RIKER (cont'd) What the... ? 14 ANGLE ON DAIMON TOG (OPTICAL) as his image COALESCES in a Ferengi TRANSPORTER BEAM. 15 BACK TO SHOT (OPTICAL) Riker jumps to attention. The others are equally surprised. Tog extends a bunch of sorrowful Ferengi daisies to Lwaxana. TOG A gift for one whose beauty surpasses even these pericules. RIKER Daimon Tog! I thought the Krayton left orbit hours ago. TOG It did. But when I tried to put the image of Lwaxana Troi out of my mind... I could not succeed. Lwaxana tosses the flowers into the pond. LWAXANA This is ludicrous! You came back to Betazed -- for me? TOG Why continue to search for perfection once you've found it? And when I considered how useful you would be... TROI I don't believe this... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT ONE 19. 15 CONTINUED: LWAXANA (to Tog) Look, Demon Tog, or whatever you call yourself, I am the Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed, Keeper of the Holy Rings. And unless you want to create an interstellar incident, you had better beam back to your ship. TOG Returning to my ship is exactly what I had in mind. (using communicator) Krayton, transport four immediately. RIKER No, Tog! Riker goes for his phaser, realizes he hasn't brought it to this usually peaceful place. He moves toward the Ferengi when the four of them DISAPPEAR in the Ferengi TRANSPORTER BEAM, leaving only an empty clearing. 16 ANGLE ON PATH as Mister Homn returns, his container full of green berries. His lips are stained dark green -- he's been eating much of what he's picked. He looks around at the empty clearing -- where is everyone? Probably off playing a game, so he pops another uttaberry into his mouth while he waits for them to return. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 20. ACT TWO FADE IN: 17 EXT. SPACE - FERENGI VESSEL KRAYTON (OPTICAL) traveling at warp speed. 18 INT. FERENGI HOLDING TANK (OPTICAL) Typical of a Ferengi ship: an ill-designed, unattractive room. The furnishings are sparse. One end of the room opens into an area where a companel station is staffed by Nibor. A three-dimensional chess board is on the console. Separating this holding tank from Nibor is a lighted arch, suggesting a forcefield. Riker, Troi, and Lwaxana are unconscious. Riker is the first to come to, immediately going to Deanna and her mother. RIKER Deanna? Lwaxana? He rouses them to consciousness. LWAXANA Where are we? RIKER (indicating Nibor) From the smell of things, I'd say we're aboard a Ferengi vessel. LWAXANA The Ferengi can't do this! You're Starfleet officers! RIKER Tog must have missed that chapter in the Ferengi Book of Etiquette. Riker tries his communicator. Nothing happens. He adjusts, tries again. RIKER The Enterprise is too far out of range. He moves to the arch, tests it, gets repelled hard by the forcefield. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 21. 18 CONTINUED: Nibor touches a lighted area on his companel. NIBOR Daimon... they have regained consciousness. TOG'S COM VOICE Very good. Riker turns to Lwaxana in time to see both the women DISAPPEAR in a FERENGI TRANSPORTER EFFECT. Oddly, their clothing has not travelled with them! Riker picks up Troi's uniform, turns to Nibor: RIKER (angry) What have you done with them? But Nibor doesn't answer, leaving Riker to ponder the fate of the Trois. 19 INT. FERENGI LAB (OPTICAL) Another example of tasteful Ferengi interior decorating. Not a pleasant setting. Various pieces of strange and dangerous-looking equipment are everywhere. Compounds have spilled over and crusted on table surfaces. It's the kind of place you'd like to scrub down with Lysol. Troi and Lwaxana MATERIALIZE here, completely naked. Lwaxana reacts to this. LWAXANA I should have known. Even their transporters can't be trusted. Dr. Farek ENTERS from a side room. TROI Why have you removed our clothing? FAREK Females do not deserve the honor of clothing. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 22. 19 CONTINUED: LWAXANA (to Farek) We are not Ferengi females. (to Troi) They're as bad as humans. Look at the leer on his face. 20 ANGLE TO INCLUDE TOG (OPTICAL) who ENTERS as Lwaxana is speaking. TOG No, his is an expression of revulsion. But it is a feeling I do not share, Lwaxana. Lwaxana and Troi have found something with which to partially cover themselves. Lwaxana throws a quick look at Tog. LWAXANA It's cold in here. Do you want me to become ill? TOG No, I don't. Farek, please arrange for their clothing to be returned. LWAXANA Thank you, Daimon Tog. TOG (so charming) You must forgive the Doctor. He is not accustomed to dealing with Betazoid females. (eyeing Lwaxana) I have a business proposition for you... LWAXANA Thanks, but I'm not interested in any of your propositions. TOG Hear me out. Your telepathic powers could bring us both great profit. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 22A. 20 CONTINUED: LWAXANA And why would I want to bring you profit? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 23. 20 CONTINUED: (2) FAREK In order to keep your daughter alive and healthy, for one... TOG (sharp) Farek! There's no need for threats. (smiles at Lwaxana) Lwaxana is a sensible female... TROI (TELEPATHIC V.O.) I don't like the sound of this, mother. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) (to Troi) I believe I can control him, Little One. LWAXANA (to Tog; seductive) I'm sure we can talk about this. Just the two of us. TOG A wise choice. Farek, leave us. (to Troi) And you may rejoin your friend. Farek EXITS. Tog goes to a companel, hits a specific series of lighted areas. Troi DEMATERIALIZES in the FERENGI TRANSPORTER EFFECT. TOG (hot to trot) And now, Lwaxana Troi, let us "talk"... Tog leers at Lwaxana. This is the moment he's been waiting for. Tog presses another panel, and a bed slides out from a wall. 21 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) travelling at warp speed, on its way to Gamma Erandi. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/13/90 - ACT TWO 23A. 22 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi, Data and Wesley are working at a console near the large wall schematic of the Enterprise. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/13/90 - ACT TWO 24. 22 CONTINUED: GEORDI Fifteen hours from Gamma Erandi, and the subspace static is already playing hell with communications... WESLEY Just what we might expect in a stellar nursery. DATA Wesley, my congratulations on passing your Starfleet written examinations. An excellent achievement. WESLEY Thanks, Data. Now if I can just do well on the oral exam... GEORDI You will. And when you return, we'll be gaining the best ensign in the fleet. DATA Actually, there is no guarantee Wesley will be reassigned to the Enterprise. Eighty-four per cent of Starfleet graduates are not posted to Galaxy class starships for their first assignment. Wesley reacts to this unexpected bit of news. WESLEY I never thought about that... I always assumed I'd be coming back to the Enterprise. GEORDI I'm sure Captain Picard will request you... if he's still commanding the Enterprise when you graduate. WESLEY I hadn't thought about that, either. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 25. 22 CONTINUED: (2) WESLEY (Cont'd) (thinks) I never thought I'd feel this way about leaving the Enterprise... and all of you. DATA Is that not a part of the human experience -- growth and change? WESLEY (considers it) I suppose so... GEORDI I felt the same way when I left my family to go to the Academy. But it was one of the best times of my life. You're going to meet new friends, have adventures you can't even imagine yet... Wesley is beginning to feel some mixed emotions now. WESLEY (unconvinced) I hope you're right, Geordi. 23 OMITTED 24 INT. HOLDING TANK Troi has returned and is again wearing her clothes. In b.g., Nibor is playing 3-D chess with an N.D. Ferengi crewman. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Little One -- Troi reacts as she "hears" her mother -- LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O., cont'd) -- Tog's given me something perfectly hideous to wear... he says it flatters my beauty. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 26. 24 CONTINUED: TROI (low, to Riker) So far, mother's in no danger. (a beat) I hope she knows what she's doing... RIKER She's bought us some time... let's make the most of it. Riker stands, crosses to the arch, studies the chessboard for a beat. Nibor's scowling -- the Ferengi crewman's got Nibor in a tough spot. Nibor reaches for a piece: RIKER (cont'd) I wouldn't do that... NIBOR (scowls at Riker) I don't need your help. RIKER The hell you don't. You're two moves away from being mated. Nibor ignores Riker, makes the move anyway. The Ferengi crewman promptly makes his move -- and Nibor winces; he didn't see the response coming. RIKER (cont'd) Hey, I warned you. Now you've only got one possible escape... Nibor waves Riker off, makes a move. RIKER (cont'd) ... and that wasn't it. The Ferengi crewman smiles, makes his move, then stands up. The end. The crewman EXITS, smirking. Nibor sullenly starts setting up the chessboard. RIKER (cont'd) See? You should've moved the bishop -- NIBOR (snaps at him) Ridiculous! The bishop was pinned... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 26A. 24 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER (shrugs) Okay, don't listen. Forget that I beat you in thirty moves... NIBOR Pure luck. RIKER I was being polite. I could've won in twenty moves. Nibor glares at Riker. NIBOR Then prove it. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 27. 24 CONTINUED: (3) Nibor makes an opening move. NIBOR Pawn to Queen Four, King's Level. Riker locks eyes with Nibor. RIKER Pawn to King's Bishop Three, Queen's Level. Nibor sneers at Riker, makes Riker's move, studies the board. 25 INT. FERENGI LAB The lighting has been changed. It's softer now. Tog and Lwaxana are alone. he has just poured something liquid into a glass for her. She is wearing a sexy gown, and feeling rather seductive. They are sitting close together on the edge of the bed. LWAXANA I must admit, when you first approached me on the Enterprise, I was intrigued. TOG You mean revolted. LWAXANA (laughs) Maybe a little. Do you forgive me? He continues to move even closer to her as they talk. TOG Yes. With your powers we could be a formidable team. He puts his hand on her shoulder. She does not resist. LWAXANA You have great strength in your hands. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT TWO 28. 25 CONTINUED: TOG (pleased) And you like that? LWAXANA I have always admired strong males. TOG You are beautiful... it is impossible to resist you... LWAXANA Then don't. And he moves even closer. She bends slightly forward to meet him, and as they kiss, we: CUT TO: 25A INT. HOLDING TANK Riker's in b.g., looking at Nibor and the chessboard on the other side of the archway. CLOSE on Troi -- reacting to what's coming across her telepathic link to Lwaxana... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 29. ACT THREE FADE IN: 26 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) In the Gamma Erandi Nebula, a gaseous interstellar cloud aglow with brilliant light reflected back from its ionized particles. Within are nests of hundreds of embryonic stars, dense globules of nuclear fusion pouring forth light and heat, on the most massive scale imaginable. 27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard in command chair, Worf at Tactical, Data at Ops. Other supernumeraries staff the Bridge stations. On screen is a breathtaking view of Gamma Erandi. DATA Initial scans of ionization patterns complete, sir. Now correlating sensor readings. PICARD (indicating screen) It's almost incomprehensible, the amount of energy being expended... DATA Actually, it is five point three four times ten to the forty-first watts... well within the norm for phenomena of this type. PICARD Perhaps... but that takes away none of the wonder. Data nods, watches the screen, trying to comprehend the emotions Picard and the others must feel viewing this. 28 INT. WESLEY'S QUARTERS Wesley is deciding which personal items to take with him. As he surveys his possessions, he will discard some and place others in a "keep" pile. DOOR CHIME. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 30. 28 CONTINUED: Wesley's looking intently upon an unusual piece of equipment, doesn't turn around to face the door. WESLEY Come in. SOUND of DOOR OPENING O.S. BEVERLY (O.S.) Hi. I brought you something... WESLEY I hope it's small, because I'm taking way too much as it is... Wesley turns as Beverly ENTERS FRAME carrying a tray with a decanter and two glasses. BEVERLY Your friend Guinan sent this up from Ten Forward. It's not to pack -- it's for me to propose a toast with. Beverly pours. BEVERLY (cont'd) To a future Starfleet officer. Wesley's surprised --and touched. WESLEY Mom -- thanks. Beverly hands Wesley a glass, raises hers in a toast. BEVERLY I won't say "give it your best" because I know you will. I won't say "make me proud"... because you already have. So I'll just say... here's to your future. They clink glasses and drink. Wesley picks up the piece of equipment: WESLEY This was Dad's... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 30A. 28 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY (nods) From the Stargazer. Do you have room for it? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 31. 28 CONTINUED: (3) WESLEY No... but I'm taking it anyway. Beverly nods -- "he'd be pleased." 29 OMITTED 30 INT. HOLDING TANK (OPTICAL) Riker and Troi are still in the cell; Nibor smugly makes a move on the chessboard. NIBOR Check. Riker frowns, turns away from the arch. RIKER I'm sick of this game. NIBOR Of course -- now that you're losing. Riker sits down, away from the archway. RIKER Who's losing? I'm just tired of standing up. NIBOR You can't resign now. RIKER It's too hard to play from in here. I can't even see the whole board. NIBOR (catches on) Ah, then you'll finish the game if I let you out of the cell. RIKER I might... NIBOR Clever, hyoo-man, but I'm not that foolish. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT THREE 31A. 30 CONTINUED: RIKER (with disdain) What -- you're afraid I'd try to escape? What would that get me? You'd still have her. And besides... where would I go? NIBOR (unsure) I do not trust you... Riker puts his feet up, makes himself comfortable. RIKER Fine. Thanks for the game. Nibor thinks it over -- then picks up his phaser, and lowers the forcefield. Gestures to Riker. NIBOR Come out here. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 32. 30 CONTINUED: (2) Riker crosses through the archway, steps up to the chessboard. Nibor restores the forcefield, keeping Troi captive in the cell. NIBOR (cont'd) Now save your rook... if you can. As Riker thoughtfully circles the board: CUT TO: 31 INT. FERENGI LAB Tog sits on the floor at Lwaxana's feet, his head resting against her lap. LWAXANA ... and that was my first husband. Not much of a conversationalist, but what a lover. Then I met -- TOG (interrupting) I do not want to hear about your other romances. It makes me jealous. She wants to keep control of the situation, so she changes tactics, begins rubbing his ears. LWAXANA My, what big ears you have. Has anyone ever told you how attractive they are? TOG (melting) Some females think they are my best feature. Lwaxana begins massaging his ears, and he relaxes into some sort of alpha state. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 33. 31 CONTINUED: TOG (continuing) No one has ever given me oo-mox like this before. LWAXANA Oo-mox? TOG There is no translation. But the ear is one of our most erogenous zones. LWAXANA (hesitates, then) Then you shall have as much oo-mox as you desire. He relaxes into the alpha state even more, turning in worshipful gaze toward her. 32 INT. HOLDING TANK CLOSE on Nibor, unconscious on the floor. WIDEN to reveal Riker standing above Nibor, rubbing his sore knuckles. RIKER Those Ferengi have iron jaws... Riker works the console. 32A ANGLE ON THE ARCHWAY (OPTICAL) as the FORCEFIELD shimmers and disappears. Troi crosses to Riker's side. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Little One -- Troi reacts to "hearing" her mother. LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O., cont'd) -- if Tog were a kitten, he'd be purring. TROI Good work, Mother. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 33A. 32A CONTINUED: Riker reacts, gives Troi an inquiring look. Troi explains: TROI (cont'd) According to mother, Daimon Tog is... extremely relaxed at the moment. RIKER Tell Lwaxana to keep him relaxed while we call the cavalry... Riker crosses to the computer terminal and taps keys, but: STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 34. 32A CONTINUED: (2) COMPUTER VOICE Access to communications denied. All transmissions to be authorized by Daimon Tog. Riker and Troi exchange a look -- "are you thinking what I'm thinking?" TROI Let's see just how relaxed Daimon Tog is... 33 INT. FERENGI LAB Tog is gazing lovingly up at Lwaxana. TROI (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Mother -- we're out of the cell and we're trying to contact the Enterprise... but we can't do it without Tog's access code. Do you think -- LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Say no more, Little One. TOG Lwaxana... you and I are going to make such a wonderful team... With your telepathy and my cunning, I foresee -- LWAXANA (finishes it) -- a very profitable future. Tog is in ecstasy. 34 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at warp speed. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 35. 35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard, Worf, and Data still at their stations; various supernumeraries staff other positions. WORF Subspace interference is subsiding... communications have been restored... PICARD Good. Contact Commander Riker on Betazed. WORF (observing panel) Message coming in from Betazed, sir. Priority One. PICARD (concerned) On screen. The image of Reittan Grax, the Betazed conference director, fills the screen. REITTAN GRAX Captain Picard, at last. We've been trying to reach you for two days. PICARD Our communications were blocked by the nebula, Reittan. Is there a problem? REITTAN GRAX I'm afraid so, Captain. Lwaxana, Deanna and Commander Riker have disappeared. On Picard's reaction... CUT TO: 36 OMITTED 37 INT. FERENGI LAB Lwaxana has been "oo-moxing" Tog into a deeper alpha state and he's now on the verge of sleep. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/27/90 - ACT THREE 36. 37 CONTINUED: TOG I knew I wanted you the moment I saw you... you have fulfilled all my expectations. LWAXANA How sweet. TOG (sleepily) Farek thought it was a bad idea... but I knew better... LWAXANA How clever. TOG I knew best... I always know best... LWAXANA (to herself) How repugnant. TOG (didn't catch it) What? LWAXANA I said, "how romantic." I can't resist a man who knows what he wants... and goes after it. TOG That's me. And that's why I'm Daimon of this ship... I take charge of every situation. (demonstrating; a command) More to the left, woman. LWAXANA Whatever you say... Lwaxana obediently favors Tog's left ear. Tog happily drifts off again. LWAXANA (cont'd) My darling, would you like something to drink? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/27/90 - ACT THREE 36A. 37 CONTINUED: (2) TOG (murmuring, half-asleep) You're so attentive. LWAXANA Does your food synthesizer know how to make an Arcturian Fizz? TOG I don't think so... LWAXANA They have certain pleasure-enhancing qualities. TOG (sounds good) Mmmm... LWAXANA Let me teach the computer how to make one. (a beat) I'll need your access code... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 37. 37 CONTINUED: (2) Tog's practically in Ferengi lala land, about to slip into slumber. Dreamily: TOG Yes, beloved... Computer -- access code Keh-ee Yoor-ee Dah-teh-ee -- FAREK (O.S.) Tog! Be silent! Lwaxana, startled, turns to see -- 38 NEW ANGLE An angry Farek is standing in the doorway. FAREK I knew you were not to be trusted. LWAXANA Doctor Farek! I was... going to make Daimon Tog a drink... FAREK Save your lies for this fool... Farek indicates Tog, who's slowly regaining alertness. LWAXANA Daimon Tog, he's misunderstood... Don't listen to him. FAREK (to Tog) No -- you've misunderstood. You've been tricked by a sly female who finds you repulsive. TOG She was only trying to serve... FAREK You almost gave her complete access to the ship's computer... (pointed) ... a security breach severe enough to cost you your command! STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT THREE 38. 38 CONTINUED: Tog falls silent, realizing Farek's got him by the short hairs. FAREK (cont'd) It's time you took my advice. Let me study her. TOG Study her? Your mind probes could kill her. FAREK (unconcerned) You brought her aboard for her telepathic powers. If I can determine what neural configuration gives her those powers, we may be able to duplicate them. We could still profit from this. TOG I don't know... FAREK A true Daimon would not be blinded by lust. Give her to me or I will be forced to report your transgression. Tog is devastated. His darling may have betrayed him, and now he's locked in a power struggle with his first officer. Rather weakly he agrees. TOG Very well... take her. On Lwaxana's reaction: FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/23/90 - ACT FOUR 39. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) In orbit around Betazed. 40 thru OMITTED 42 43 EXT. BETAZED CLEARING Worf and three supernumeraries are inspecting the scene with tricorders. 44 NEW ANGLE to include Reittan Grax. REITTAN GRAX I wish I had some answers for you, Lieutenant Worf. WORF Mister Homn was no help? REITTAN GRAX None. He last saw them as he was leaving this clearing. When he returned, all three of them were gone. Data returns, holding the bunch of wilted flowers we saw earlier. DATA Lieutenant Foley found these in the pond. The species is Zan Periculi. It is not indigenous to Betazed, but to Lappa IV... a Ferengi world. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FOUR 40. 44A INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM Picard, Geordi, Data, and Worf. The flowers are on the Captain's desk. PICARD We now have a reasonable hypothesis as to whom. WORF The difficult question is where. GEORDI The Ferengi ship is almost as fast as the Enterprise... she could be just about anywhere by now. Picard considers for a beat. PICARD Commander Riker will assume that we'll be searching for them... he'll find some way to send us a message. (a beat) Mister Worf, I want continual monitoring of all Ferengi subspace frequencies. Mister La Forge, can you extend our sensor range? GEORDI (thinking) If I narrow the band and tie in long-range sensors to the subspace scanners, I can boost the gain... PICARD Make it so. DATA Do you wish to leave orbit? PICARD Not until we have someplace to go. 45 EXT. SPACE - THE KRAYTON (OPTICAL) travelling at warp speed. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FOUR 40A. 46 INT. HOLDING TANK (OPTICAL) As before: Nibor unconscious on the floor, Riker working at the computer terminal, Troi looking on. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FOUR 41. 46 CONTINUED: RIKER (shakes his head) I've tried everything I know... and it's no use. Without Tog's security code, I can't get near the communication system. TROI We're running out of time... Farek's about to begin the neural scan on mother. Riker's doing everything he can at the computer terminal. RIKER (thinking) Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way. If I pick a minor subsystem... something non-essential... Riker works the console, brings up a control schematic. RIKER (cont'd) Like this... the warp field phase adjustment. All this does is suppress the subspace interference generated by the warp engines. TROI Meaning what? RIKER Meaning if I set up a simple oscillation, I can send out a signal. (studying schematic) The trick is to create a message that the Enterprise will understand... but that the Ferengi will think is just normal subspace static. Riker punches in a complex set of computer instructions. Troi flinches at a sudden pain. Riker notices. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FOUR 41A. 46 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER (cont'd) What's wrong? TROI Mother... 46A INT. FERENGI LAB (OPTICAL) Lwaxana on the Ferengi operating table. A strange device is probing the Betazoid's mind. Lwaxana is writhing in agony. A monitor shows the woman's brain, changes in color indicating the manipulations Farek is putting her through. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FOUR 42-42A. 46B INT. HOLDING TANK (OPTICAL) Riker holding Troi. She is really suffering, but trying to be a good soldier and handle it. TROI Will... (again a cry of pain quickly suppressed) ... we've got to help her... Riker makes a decision, picks up Nibor's phaser. RIKER Come on. Riker and Troi EXIT. 47 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting Betazed. 48 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) A flurry of activity. Data at Science One; Geordi at Engineering; Wesley assisting Geordi; Worf at Tactical. Supernumeraries are at other stations. They are examining all possible information to discover where the Ferengi have taken their hostages. GEORDI (to Wesley) Thanks for the help, but you'd better get aboard the Bradbury -- they were ready to leave orbit an hour ago. WESLEY (nods) Soon as we're sure this works... GEORDI (to Picard) Initiating scans now, sir. We HEAR a succession of CODED RADIO SIGNALS -- all weak, scrambled, unintelligible, and covered with layers of HISS, rhythmic POPS, and STATIC. Each scanned sample lasts about five seconds. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FOUR 43. 48 CONTINUED: PICARD Can we locate the Krayton? Data and Wesley work at Science One. DATA Ferengi transmissions are routinely scrambled and encoded, sir. Without breaking the code, we will be unable to identify any specific Ferengi vessel. GEORDI (as he works) And Ferengi codes are damn near impossible to break... PICARD Gentlemen, I have the utmost confidence in your ability to perform the impossible. Geordi, Wesley, and Data keep working as the various scanned SIGNALS continue. One signal contains a particular pattern of rhythmic POPPING that catches Wesley's attention for a moment -- though Wesley can't put his finger on why. Then another SIGNAL in the scan replaces it. WORF Captain, the Bradbury is hailing us. They can no longer delay their departure. Picard turns to Wesley. PICARD Mister Crusher -- now. We have no time for lengthy farewells. Good luck. WESLEY Thank you, sir. Wesley would like to say goodbye to everyone else, but there's no more time. He takes one last look around the Bridge as the rest of the Bridge crew resumes their tasks: STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FOUR 43A. 48 CONTINUED: (2) DATA The repetitive nature of the subcarrier pattern would imply a modified Greenlaw-Huffman encoding scheme... GEORDI Okay, I'll reverse-engineer the algorithm using a Pileggi sequence... Wesley EXITS into the Turbolift. The doors close. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/16/90 - ACT FOUR 44. 49 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM An n.d. crewmember is at the Transporter console. Beverly is near the pad, waiting with a travel case. Wesley ENTERS, his manner thoughtful and preoccupied. Beverly smiles proudly. BEVERLY Wesley... take care. WESLEY You too, Mom. Beverly gives him a farewell hug. Wesley smiles at her... but he just can't get his train of thought away from the problem on the Bridge. Lost in thought, Wesley steps onto the pad. BEVERLY Something the matter? WESLEY We've been scanning Ferengi transmissions, trying to find the Krayton. One of the signals was... I don't know... familiar somehow... BEVERLY Something in the message? WESLEY No -- the message was scrambled... (suddenly it clicks) It was the static. Wesley steps off the pad, heads for the door. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/16/90 - ACT FOUR 45. 49 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Where are you going? Too late; Wesley's already EXITED. On Beverly's expression: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 46. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting Betazed. 51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Data, Worf, Geordi, supernumeraries. WORF Sir, the Bradbury informs us they can wait no longer for Mister Crusher to come aboard. Picard is surprised, but before he can respond, Wesley ENTERS from the Turbolift. Everyone reacts. WESLEY Captain, I think there's a pattern to the subspace interference I heard on one of the Ferengi messages. PICARD Wesley, unless you leave immediately, you'll miss -- Wesley nods -- he knows what he's doing -- and continues: WESLEY The interference itself could be a message. If I could just hear a replay of the subspace scans... Picard studies Wesley, nods. PICARD (to Worf) Signal the Bradbury they may depart. (to Data) Play back the Ferengi transmissions... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 47. 51 CONTINUED: We HEAR the various CODED RADIO SIGNALS as before. Wesley listens intently until he hears the SIGNAL with the pattern of INTERFERENCE POPPING that caught his attention before. WESLEY Wait -- repeat that one. Put it on a continuous replay. Data does so. The SIGNAL keeps playing. WESLEY (cont'd) Hear that popping noise? Data, can you filter out everything but that sound? Data works the console. We now HEAR only the rhythmic POPPING. Now that it's isolated, it's easier to identify -- GEORDI That's Cochrane distortion... a fluctuation in the phase of the subspace field. All warp engines generate that kind of interference. WESLEY But listen to the pattern... it's the Algolian ceremonial rhythm the musician was playing at the reception. DATA Mister Crusher is correct, sir. There is a temporal correlation. PICARD Then it is a signal from Commander Riker. (with admiration) Ingenious. He selected a signal we'd recognize... but one the Ferengi would dismiss as static. Wesley moves to Conn, relieves the crewman there. Worf's been working the Tactical console under all this, now reports: WORF Signal source located, Captain. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 47A-48. 51 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Plot an intercept course. Wesley's already punching it in at the helm. WESLEY Course plotted and laid in, sir. PICARD Well done, Mister Crusher. Warp Eight. WESLEY Aye, sir. PICARD Engage. 52 OMITTED 53 INT. FERENGI LAB (OPTICAL) Lwaxana Troi is restrained on a biobed. Farek is making adjustments to his mind probe. Riker and Troi ENTER. Riker FIRES a single shot, destroying the probe. Farek and Lwaxana react. Riker gestures with the phaser. RIKER Get away from her. Farek moves quickly to obey. Troi crosses to her mother, and unfastens the restraints. The stress of her ordeal shows on her face as Lwaxana sits up. Tog ENTERS, from behind Riker. He too holds a phaser. TOG Standoff, Commander. Riker whirls to face this new threat. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 49. 53 CONTINUED: LWAXANA Tog, can't we strike a bargain? All I'm concerned about is my daughter's safety... what happens to me isn't important. TOG What are you suggesting? She sees an opening and takes full advantage. LWAXANA Let me be candid, Daimon Tog. Deanna is of no use to you. She's only half Betazoid. And if you keep Riker, Starfleet will never stop searching for you. Tog nods judiciously -- "go on." LWAXANA (cont'd) If you release them, I'll stay with you willingly... and use my telepathy to aid you in your negotiations. Tog is wavering. Lwaxana clinches the deal: LWAXANA (cont'd) I will also show you some of my other exotic skills... Lwaxana does a strutting dance for Tog. TOG A tempting offer. I would like to believe you. She extends a hand. LWAXANA The offer is genuine. I give you my word as a Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed. RIKER Lwaxana, don't. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/27/90 - ACT FIVE 49A. 53 CONTINUED: (2) LWAXANA I've made up my mind. RIKER I can't let you do this... LWAXANA William, I'm a grown woman. I can make my own decisions, and I'm fully capable of entering into a contract. TROI Mother -- we can't just leave you here -- Lwaxana turns to Troi, silences her with a look and a thought: LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) Yes, you can -- before he changes his mind. (then, smiling) Please, Little One. Do as I say... just this once... Lwaxana turns back to Tog before Troi can reply: LWAXANA Do we have an agreement? Tog nods. Th deal is done. TOG You have my word. I will release your daughter and the Commander. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 50. 53 CONTINUED: (3) Tog holsters his phaser; he's reached a bargain. He shrugs, and moves to Lwaxana's side. She smiles. LWAXANA Oo-mox is only the beginning... 54 thru OMITTED 56 57 NEW ANGLE as Riker and Troi react. Farek is frankly disgusted. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 51. 57 CONTINUED: FERENGI CREWMAN (V.O.) Daimon -- we are being hailed by the Enterprise -- they demand the return of the captives -- Reactions. Farek panics, but Tog is calm. FAREK The Enterprise has found us -- TOG (cutting Farek off) Slow to impulse... raise shields. Inform the Enterprise that two of our guests are ready to return. The other will be staying with us -- at her request. FAREK Daimon, I must protest -- TOG There is nothing to protest. Lwaxana will cooperate... therefore we have gained what we set out to gain. FAREK But you cannot trust her -- TOG (firm) Lwaxana has given her word. Now leave us. 58 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE KRAYTON (OPTICAL) motionless relative to one another. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 52. 59 thru OMITTED 60 61 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Riker and Troi BEAM IN (FERENGI TRANSPORTER EFFECT). The viewscreen shows the Krayton. PICARD You're both all right? RIKER None the worse for wear. TROI My mother bought our freedom, Captain. But believe me, she doesn't want to stay with Tog. PICARD (to Worf) Hail the Krayton. WORF (works the panel) Sir, Daimon Tog responding. On the screen, the image of the Krayton is replaced by Tog.  STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 53. 61 CONTINUED: TOG Captain Picard, so good of you to meet us. We were on our way to Betazed to return our guests. PICARD Of course you were. But you're still holding Lwaxana Troi. Lwaxana suddenly ENTERS FRAME next to Tog. LWAXANA When will you get it through your thick head that it's over between us, Jean-Luc? Picard reacts to this bizarre statement. Troi suddenly smiles, she sees where her mother's going. Troi indicates to Worf to mute the transmission. TROI I think I know what she's doing. You must fight to get her back, Captain. Bluffing a Ferengi on behalf of Lwaxana Troi? Picard shakes his head -- why me? But it might work, so Picard bites the bullet, turns to the Main Viewer: PICARD It's not over, Lwaxana. You're mine and I refuse to let you go. Return to my side immediately. LWAXANA (hopeful) You mean... you still care? Words fail Picard. He searches his memory for something -- anything -- to say, finally hits upon Shakespeare: PICARD "My love is a fever, longing still For that which longer nurseth the disease." Reactions all around. LWAXANA (melting) Tell me more... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 53A. 61 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD "In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes, For they in thee a thousand errors note; But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise; Who in despite of view is pleas'd to dote." Under this: TOG (to Lwaxana) You didn't tell me that you and Captain Picard were -- LWAXANA (interrupting Tog) You said you didn't want to hear about all my romances. (to Picard) I have a new love, Jean-Luc. And you can't keep killing all my lovers. That simply has to stop. TOG Killing? LWAXANA He's insanely jealous. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/19/90 - ACT FIVE 54. 61 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD Listen, Tog, no one possesses Lwaxana but me. And if I have to destroy your ship in the process, so be it. TOG Captain, I had no idea Lwaxana was your woman. LWAXANA (to Tog) Don't let him threaten you. You can defeat him. (to Picard) The only way you'll get me back is over Tog's dead body! PICARD That can be arranged. Mister Worf, arm all phaser banks and photon torpedoes. If my beloved is not in my arms in ten seconds, throw everything you've got at the Krayton. TOG But you'll destroy Lwaxana! PICARD (shrugs) 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all... Eight, seven... TOG No, wait! PICARD Six... five... TOG (hits companel) Beam her to their Bridge... now! PICARD Three... two... And Lwaxana MATERIALIZES on the Bridge. Playing her part in the charade, she rushes to Picard, throws her arms around him. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 55. 61 CONTINUED: (4) LWAXANA You wonderfully jealous fool. TOG I trust there will be no further action taken against us? PICARD Such as reporting this incident to your superiors who may question your competency as Daimon? I'll think about it. (to Worf) Screen off. And Picard cuts the communication. He looks to Lwaxana -- "charade's over." Lwaxana, however, doesn't let go. LWAXANA (amorously) Thank you, Jean-Luc. You were most convincing. (purring) You certainly convinced me... Picard has some difficulty extricating himself from Lwaxana's arms. PICARD Mrs. Troi, I'm truly grateful that you risked your life for my... (breaks free) ...people. I'll have you home within hours. LWAXANA Really, that isn't necessary, Captain... (provocatively) I'd love to hear more of that poetry... PICARD Perhaps another time. Mister Crusher, set course for Betazed. (glancing at Lwaxana) Warp Nine. Lwaxana turns to Troi: STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 55A. 61 CONTINUED: (5) LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.) There's so much to talk about, Little One... such as your future. Reittan Grax was telling me the other day that he has the nicest nephew... Deanna gives her a look of "Oh Lord, here we go again." 62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) streaking at top speed for Betazed. STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 56. 63 OMITTED 64 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard is reading something on his PADD as Wesley enters. WESLEY You asked to see me, Captain? Picard barely looks up. PICARD I've been in touch with Admiral Hahn at Starfleet Academy. Wesley's expression turns hopeful. Maybe there's still a chance somehow... STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 57. 64 CONTINUED: PICARD (cont'd) The Admiral regrets your missing the oral examination and hopes you'll reapply next year. Wesley hides his disappointment. No loopholes here. WESLEY I understand, sir. (a beat) I do intend to reapply. Picard nods -- good. PICARD In the interim... the Academy's loss is our gain. I'm gratified the Enterprise will continue to benefit from your talents for another year. WESLEY Thank you, Captain. Picard returns his attention to the PADD. Wesley stands, waits to be dismissed. Nothing. Wesley's beginning to feel awkward. Finally: WESLEY (cont'd) Is that all, sir? PICARD There is one more thing. Picard looks up. PICARD (cont'd) For some time now I have been contemplating a certain action. Your conduct today has convinced me to take that action. Wesley stands mute, wondering if he's in trouble. PICARD (cont'd) I've reviewed your service record thoroughly... and I've decided upon the appropriate course. Is there a twinkle in Picard's eye? STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/20/90 - ACT FIVE 57A. 64 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (cont'd) I am granting you a field promotion to full Ensign. Wesley's face lights up. Before Wesley can speak: PICARD (cont'd) Congratulations. (a beat) You're dismissed. CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Menage a Troi" - REV. 3/16/90 - ACT FIVE 58. 65 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting Betazed. 66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, Data, Geordi, Beverly are all here. N.D. Crewmember at Conn. WORF Lwaxana Troi has beamed down to Betazed, Captain. Wesley ENTERS, now in the crimson Starfleet uniform of an Ensign, and takes his station. PICARD (to Worf) Notify Starfleet we are en route to the Xanthras system for our rendezvous with the Zapata. WORF Aye, sir. PICARD Ensign Crusher, take us out of orbit and set course for Xanthras Three, Warp Factor Six. WESLEY Aye, sir. (works the helm) Course set. PICARD Engage. Beverly looks proudly over at Wesley, who takes a moment to relish his new status. Yes! This is going to be all right! FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END