STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                      "Future Imperfect" 
                          #40274-182 
                              
                          Written by 
                       J. Larry Carroll 
                               & 
                     David Bennett Carren 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Les Landau 


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 This script is not for publication or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

                     SEPTEMBER 13, 1990


            STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - 9/13/90 - CAST             

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "Future Imperfect"                           
                             CAST                               

                PICARD             JEAN-LUC/ETHAN/ALIEN
                RIKER              TOMALAK
                DATA               MINUET
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               Non-Speaking
                                   ROMULAN GUARDS
                N.D. NURSE         ROMULAN TECHNICIAN

                TRANSPORTER CHIEF HUBBLE  
                N.D. TRANSPORTER CHIEF (FEMALE)

                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  FERENGI ENSIGN     
                  KLINGON WOMAN      

        STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - 9/13/90 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "Future Imperfect" 
                          
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE               USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM       ONIAS THREE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              TEN FORWARD                ROMULAN WARBIRD
              CORRIDORS
              SICKBAY
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              RIKER'S QUARTERS
              JEAN-LUC'S ROOM
          
            ONIAS THREE
              ALIEN CHAMBER
              TUNNELS
              SECRET ROOM
              HOLDING CELL
              ROMULAN HOLODECK/ANTEROOM
          
            ROMULAN WARBIRD
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - 9/13/90 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "Future Imperfect" 
                         
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                TOMALAK             TOM-uh-lack
                ONIAS               OH-nye-is
                DECIUS              DEE-see-us
                MIRIDIAN            MER-id-dee-un

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/25/90 - TEASER    1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                       "Future Imperfect"                           
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Cruising at impulse power.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 44286.5.
			The Enterprise is conducting a
			security survey of the Onias
			Sector near the Neutral Zone.
			Despite being close to Romulan
			territory, our mission has been
			quiet and uneventful.

2    INT. TEN FORWARD

	Begin close on the mouth of a trombone... then reveal
	RIKER playing the horn to an appreciative audience made
	up of GEORDI, TROI and several CREWMEMBERS. Riker
	finishes his recital with a flourish... and a flat
	note. As Riker grins good-naturedly, everyone laughs
	and applauds.

					GEORDI
			Alright, Commander... you've got
			until your next birthday to get
			that right.

	As everyone laughs, Troi asides to Riker...

					TROI
			Many things improve with age...
			maybe your trombone playing will
			be one of them.

	Then WORF and BEVERLY approach from the bar area. Worf
	carries a large birthday cake covered with lit candles.

					BEVERLY
			It's candle time, birthday boy.

	Worf places the cake on a table. Riker blows out the
	candles to more applause. Then Troi approaches him.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 10/9/90 - TEASER   1A.

2    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			What did you wish for, Will?

					RIKER
			Music lessons.

	More laughter as we go to...

3    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	DATA is at Ops and various SUPERNUMERARIES are at the
	other positions as PICARD steps out of the Ready Room.

					PICARD
			Mister Data, we'd better hurry or
			we'll miss Commander Riker's
			party.

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

	Data stands, moves to join him...

					DATA
			I find it interesting how humans
			place so much importance on
			celebrating the day of their
			birth... a day one cannot possibly
			remember...

	Picard smiles... but as they begin to move toward the
	Turbolift, a SUPERNUMERARY at an aft science station
	stops them with...

					SUPERNUMERARY
			Captain... I am detecting some
			unusual fluctuations in subspace
			frequencies.

	Picard frowns.

					PICARD
			We had better take a look, Mister
			Data.

	The Supernumerary steps aside and Data takes his place
	at the science station with Picard flanking him.

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 10/9/90 - TEASER    2.

3    CONTINUED:

					DATA
			It appears we are being probed.

	Picard leans over him.

					PICARD
			Source?

					DATA
			The third planet of the Alpha
			Onias system. Our reports list
			it as presently uninhabited.
			Perhaps the reports were
			incorrect.

					PICARD
			Or perhaps the rumors of a secret
			Romulan base in this sector are
			true.

	They exchange looks, then...

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Picard to Commander Riker.

4    INT. TEN FORWARD

	Riker and his guests. Reacting.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
				(continuing)
			I apologize for interrupting your
			celebration, but I need an Away
			Team.

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the great ship moves into a synchronous orbit over a
	dull, gray planet. Alpha Onias Three.

5A   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Data is at Ops, flanked by Picard and Riker. Worf is
	at tactical, Geordi at the engineering station. They
	are studying an image of Alpha Onias Three on the
	viewscreen before them.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 10/9/90 - TEASER   2A.

5A   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Although Alpha Onias Three is a
			Class M planet, our survey teams
			have listed it as barren and
			inhospitable.

					RIKER
			Any life signs?

					DATA
			No, sir... but we have traced some
			residual energy readings... to
			a cavern two kilometers beneath
			the surface.

	Riker and Picard exchange a look.

					WORF
			Romulans?

					DATA
			It is possible. But I cannot be
			certain.

	Riker digests this. Then...

					PICARD
			I suppose you'll just have to go
			down there and find out.

	As he heads toward the aft Turbolift...

					RIKER
			Worf, Geordi... you're with me.

	Then Picard stops him with...

					PICARD
				(half apologetic)
			Number One... Happy Birthday.

	Riker acknowledges this with a smile. Then as he,
	Worf, and Geordi step into the Turbolift...

6    INT. CAVERN - ONIAS THREE (MATTE/OPTICAL)

	Riker, Geordi, and Worf MATERIALIZE in the dark,
	mist-filled cavern.

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - TEASER    3.

6    CONTINUED:

	They light their palm beacons, sending dramatic beams
	sweeping through the hazy air. Then Geordi scans with
	his tricorder.

					GEORDI
			I'm detecting high levels of
			volcanic gases... sulphur dioxide,
			methane, hydrogen sulphide...

					RIKER
			Toxic?

					GEORDI
			We're okay for now... But I
			wouldn't want to spend my vacation
			here.

					RIKER
			What about energy readings?

	Worf frowns at his own tricorder.

					WORF
			Magnetic clutter is increasing.
			I cannot make an accurate
			determination.

					GEORDI
			Same here. I'm getting some very
			confused readings...

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
				(breaking up, through
				 static)
			Bridge to Riker. Report. Please
			acknowledge.

					RIKER
				(keys insignia)
			This is Riker.

7    OMITTED

8    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard stands by Data at Ops while Troi observes.

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - TEASER    4.

8    CONTINUED:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(breaking up, through
				 static)
			We're having trouble reading you.

					PICARD
			And we are having similar
			difficulties reading you, Number
			One. I am advising you...

9    INT. CAVERN

	Riker and his Team listen to the garbled transmission.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			... and your team to transport
			up... At once...

	Geordi reacts to his tricorder, turns, scans...

					GEORDI
			Good advice, Commander. We've
			got a sudden build-up of gases
			here... especially methane.

	He indicates a roiling, swirling cloud of lethal
	looking vapor which now blocks the far end of the
	cavern. Riker reacts, keys his insignia...

					RIKER
			Transporter Room, take us up.

10   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	TRANSPORTER CHIEF HUBBLE struggles with the
	Transporter Scan.

					HUBBLE
			I can't get a solid lock on you,
			sir. Too much interference.

11   INT. CAVERN - ON AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)

	Gas boils up around them. The Away Team is coughing.
	Geordi drops to his knees. Worf moves to assist him.
	The BEAM OUT BEGINS, STOPS, then TRIES TO START again.

12   OMITTED

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - TEASER    5.

13   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As a tense Picard steps forward...

					PICARD
			Transporter Room... What's
			happening? Report!

14   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Hubble fine-tunes her equipment, then energizes...

					HUBBLE
			I'm trying again, sir.

15   INT. CAVERN

	Geordi and Worf are both on the floor. Motionless.
	Riker is the last to fall.

									CUT TO:

16   INT. RIKER'S SICKBAY ROOM

	And a bright light on the Sickbay ceiling... Camera
	tilts down to reveal an N.D.NURSE as she ENTERS and
	reacts to an unseen patient.

					N.D. NURSE
			Doctor Crusher... He's awake.

	Beverly ENTERS -- An older Beverly whose hair is now
	styled differently and streaked with gray. We do not
	see Riker's face as she leans over him.

					RIKER
			Beverly?

					BEVERLY
				(pleased smile)
			You remember me... that's good.
			What else can you remember,
			Captain?

					RIKER
				(confused)
			Captain?

	And that's when we get a good look at Sickbay -- a
	Sickbay which is subtly different. Riker reacts as
	he looks up at --

    STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - TEASER    6.

16A  ANGLE - THE DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE ABOVE HIS BED

	With a highly reflective surface. We see Riker's
	face for the first time. His hair and beard are
	streaked with gray.

16B  RIKER

	stunned, sits up, allowing us to see this older,
	grayer William T. Riker full screen... and...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT ONE   7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

17   INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)

	Beverly stands at the food slot.

					BEVERLY
				(to food slot)
			Water. Three Celsius.

	The water MATERIALIZES. As she brings this to
	Riker...

					BEVERLY
			How do you feel?

					RIKER
			Confused.

					BEVERLY
				(small smile)
			Understandable... considering
			what's happened.

	Riker stands, starts to pace.

					RIKER
			What has happened... to this
			Sickbay... to you... to me?

					BEVERLY
			Sit down, Captain.

					RIKER
			I am not "Captain." I'm
			Commander... Commander Will
			Riker. What's going on here?

					BEVERLY
			Sit... Please.

	Her calmness reaches him. He sits again... faces her.

					BEVERLY
			What is the last thing you
			remember clearly?

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT ONE   7A.

17   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Alpha Onias Three. The Enterprise
			had been probed... Geordi, Worf,
			and I transported down to track
			the source.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   8.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			But all you found was toxic gas.
			They barely got the three of you
			out in time.
				(a careful beat)
			Will... that happened sixteen
			years ago.

	As much as he's seen and experienced in all his years
	in Starfleet, Riker is still rocked to his core.

					RIKER
			That's not possible!

					BEVERLY
			With an Altarian virus, anything
			is possible. In fact, we expected
			this.

	Riker shows some steel.

					RIKER
			Could you be more specific?

					BEVERLY
			That day on Onias Three you were
			infected with a strain of Altarian
			encephalitis. A retrovirus that
			incorporates its DNA directly into
			the cells of its host. It can
			lie dormant for years, then
			suddenly become active, as it did
			in your case ten days ago.
				(a beat)
			You've been in a coma,
			delirious... Your fever finally
			broke this morning...

					RIKER
			But what happened to my memory?

	Beverly crosses to a wall monitor and taps it. A
	graphic display of living brain cells comes up.

					BEVERLY
			This is a scan of your brain
			tissue. When the encephalitis
			became active... it caused
			widespread synapse degradation,
			interrupting the consolidation
			of memory...

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   9.

17   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
				(get to the point)
			Doctor.

	Beverly pauses. In no hurry to give him the bad news.

					BEVERLY
			Will... this virus invariably
			destroys all memory back to the
			moment of the original infection.
			In your case, all the way back
			to Alpha Onias Three.

	Riker is reeling. But he fights back... denying...

					RIKER
			I can't believe this... it's a
			dream... or...

	Beverly crosses to Riker, takes his hand in hers.

					BEVERLY
			Feel my hand... flesh and bone.
			This is not a dream... and you
			are Captain William T. Riker...
			in command of the Enterprise.

	Riker relaxes slightly. He can't negate the reality of
	all this... at least not yet.

					RIKER
				(almost afraid to ask)
			The Enterprise... for how long?

					BEVERLY
			Nine years.

	Riker absorbs this latest blow. Then regains his
	balance, and comes right back at Beverly...

					RIKER
			If I've lost my memory... how do
			I find it again?

					BEVERLY
			Memory is formed out of
			association. Smells, sounds, and
			images in the present could
			possibly trigger them.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   10.

17   CONTINUED: (4)

					RIKER
				(seeing it)
			Like the way a song can remind
			you of... old friends...

					BEVERLY
			Exactly. In associational
			therapy, we expose the patient
			to familiar surroundings. This
			could stimulate the brain's neural
			synapses into regenerating.

	Riker heads to the door, determined.

					RIKER
			Then let's get started. There's
			nothing more familiar to me than
			the Enterprise. If anything's
			going to bring back...

	But Beverly stops him with...

					BEVERLY
			Will... I said your memory could
			return. In many of these cases...
			the damage is permanent.

	Off Riker's reaction...

18   INT. CORRIDOR

	As Riker walks down the corridor with Beverly, he
	reacts to the changes sixteen years have wrought upon
	the Enterprise and her crew. (GENERAL NOTE: Throughout
	the ship, the changes are extremely subtle.)

					RIKER
			What about Geordi and Worf? Were
			they infected, too?

					BEVERLY
			Thankfully, no. Geordi appears
			to have been immune and the virus
			has no effect on Klingons.

	A striking looking KLINGON WOMAN in a Starfleet uniform
	walks by. As she strides off, Riker stares after her.

					RIKER
			Speaking of Klingons...

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   11.

18   CONTINUED:

	Beverly manages a smile.

					BEVERLY
			There have been a lot of changes
			on the Enterprise in the last
			sixteen years.

	They enter the Turbolift.

19   INT. TURBOLIFT

	As the doors close...

					BEVERLY
			Which is why we should begin the
			associational therapy in your
			quarters. Personal recollections
			are always the most vivid.
				(to Computer)
			Deck Eight.

	The lift starts to move, then Riker speaks up.

					RIKER
			Belay that.

	As the Turbolift stops, Riker explains to Beverly.

					RIKER
			My life is on the Bridge, always
			has been. If anything's going
			to jog my memory...
				(to computer)
			Main Bridge.

	The Turbolift doesn't move. As Riker frowns...

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Repeat command.

					RIKER
			I said, Main Bridge.

	The Turbolift suddenly begins moving once more. Riker
	looks a question at Beverly, who responds...

					BEVERLY
			The computer has been slow all
			morning. A processing
			accelerator is down.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT ONE   12.

19   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY (Cont'd)
			Commander La Forge is running a
			Level-1 diagnostic to isolate
			the problem.

	Before Riker can respond to this, the doors open.

20   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker steps out from the aft Turbolift, followed by
	Beverly. The first crewman they encounter is an older
	GEORDI standing at the aft engineering station... his
	back to them. Riker is delighted...

					RIKER
			Geordi...

	Geordi turns around, bringing still another shock with
	him. His VISOR is gone, replaced by normal eyes.

					GEORDI
			Good to see you up and about
			again, sir.

	Riker can't help staring...

					RIKER
			Geordi... your eyes... what
			happened to your VISOR... ?

					GEORDI
			My VISOR? I...
				(catches self)
			Sorry, sir. Doctor Crusher warned
			us... you might not remember.
				(starts again)
			I don't need my VISOR, Captain...
			not since I got these cloned
			implants...

	Geordi's voice trails off. Riker just nods, then moves
	on, past the SUPERNUMERARY at tactical and down the
	ramp... to see WORF at Ops. The Klingon turns to
	display a livid battle scar on his cheek.

					WORF
				(acknowledging Riker)
			Captain.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   13.

20   CONTINUED:

	A FERENGI ENSIGN is at the Conn. He also turns, smiles
	a toothy grin at Riker. Riker manages a stunned nod to
	both aliens, then enters the Command Area. DATA (the
	only crew member who is unchanged) sits in the center
	chair. He rises at Riker's approach.

					DATA
			Welcome back, Captain. We did
			not expect to see you on the
			Bridge so soon.

					RIKER
			Commander Data... You are my First
			Officer?

	A beat. Then Data asks carefully...

					DATA
			You remember, sir?

					RIKER
				(after a pause)
			No, Data. Not a single day of
			the last sixteen years.

	Reactions all around. The crews' collective concern
	is obvious. Then Worf speaks up...

					WORF
			Warbird Uncloaking.

	That gets everyone's attention.

					DATA
			On screen.

21   ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER - ROMULAN WARSHIP (OPTICAL)

	A Romulan Warbird uncloaks as it cruises into view.

22   BACK TO RIKER

	A beat - As Riker looks about and reacts. None of his
	staff are responding properly to this enemy in their
	midst. Lost sixteen years or not, he takes command.

					RIKER
			Shields up. Go to Red Alert.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT ONE   14.

22   CONTINUED:

	And then he realizes that everyone is staring at him
	with shock and amazement.

					DATA
			Captain... we have been expecting
			the Decius. There is no need for
			alarm.

	Riker slowly sits in the center chair. He shows an
	amazing presence of mind, considering.

					RIKER
			Cancel Red Alert.
				(to Data)
			Clearly, I need to be... briefed.

	Before Data can reply, Worf speaks up...

					WORF
			The Decius is hailing us, Captain.
			The Admiral wishes to speak to
			you.

					RIKER
			On screen.

23   INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	A still trim, but older PICARD stands in the Warbird's
	Ready Room. An older TROI stands beside him.

					PICARD
			Will!

					RIKER
				(what's one more
				 surprise?)
			Admiral... Picard. Deanna.

					TROI
			How are you feeling?

					RIKER
			I've felt better.

					PICARD
			Not surprising. Altarian Viruses
			can be a nasty business.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT ONE   15.

23   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			That's... an understatement...
			I can't even...

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			We can discuss this... after we
			transport over. Picard out.

	The viewer goes black. As Riker exchanges a look with
	Beverly...

23A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	Beverly and Riker ENTER. A brief moment, then...

					RIKER
			Transporter Room Six.

	As the Turbolift begins to move, Beverly studies him.

					BEVERLY
			How are you holding up?

					RIKER
				(after a deep breath)
			I could get used to the idea of
			a Ferengi Ensign... but Admiral
			Picard... on a Romulan Warbird?
			What is that all about?

	Beverly answers carefully.

					BEVERLY
			I think I should leave the
			explanations to the Admiral.

	Riker ponders this as...

23B  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	As Riker and Beverly ENTER, an N.D. MALE TRANSPORTER
	CHIEF manipulates the controls on the Tranporter Scan.

					RIKER
			Whenever you're ready, Chief.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/26/90 - ACT ONE  15A.

23C  ANGLE INCLUDING TRANSPORTER STAGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Troi MATERIALIZE, then smile as they step
	off the pad to join Beverly and Riker.

					PICARD
			Captain Riker... it's good to see
			you have recovered.

					RIKER
				(quietly)
			I'm not exactly sure you can call
			it a recovery, sir.

	Troi and Picard realize their worst fears have been
	realized.

					TROI
			Then there was... a memory loss.

	Picard turns to Beverly.

					PICARD
			How much?

					BEVERLY
				(after a beat)
			Everything... since Alpha Onias
			Three.

	And off Picard and Troi's reactions...

24   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard stands by the window, looking out at the
	starfield beyond. He's in a state of shock.

					PICARD
			To lose sixteen years...

	He turns to Riker, who sits in the Captain's chair.
	Not comfortably. Troi stands near by.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			... that is almost beyond belief.

					RIKER
				(quiet)
			I'm having trouble believing it
			myself, Admiral.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/26/90 - ACT ONE  15B.

24   CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(to Riker)
			It must be overwhelming to have
			so much of your life...
			missing...

					PICARD
			And it couldn't have happened at
			a worse time. A few more days
			of relatively simple negotiations,
			and the treaty will be signed.

	An impatient Riker cuts in...

					RIKER
			What negotiations? What treaty?

	Picard sits at the table, near Riker.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT ONE   16.

24   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Sorry. I'll start at the
			beginning, which was four years
			ago. A Romulan battle cruiser
			strayed into Federation space.
			Its warp coils had collapsed, and
			its life support was failing.

					TROI
			You saved them, Will. You and
			the Enterprise.

					PICARD
			This impressed the Romulans, to
			say the least. After years of
			distrust and conflict, they
			started to talk. You have been
			our key spokesman...

	Then to Riker's inquiring look.

					PICARD
			... in securing an alliance with
			the Romulans.

	Riker is stunned... but manages to keep his balance.

					RIKER
			How far have these negotiations
			progressed?

					PICARD
			The preliminaries are over. All
			we need do now is escort the
			Romulan Ambassador to the final
			session.

					TROI
			Where you will help complete the
			negotiations and sign the treaty.

	Riker digests all of this. Comes to a conclusion.

					RIKER
			Captain, excuse me, sir, I mean
			Admiral... I am in no condition
			to negotiate with the Romulans
			or anyone else.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   17.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Will... you are of sound mind and
			body. If you were properly
			briefed, you could still fulfill
			your duties.

					RIKER
			With a sixteen year gap in my
			head?

	Riker rises to his feet, walks to the window. Picard
	exchanges a look with Troi, then crosses to Riker.

					PICARD
			I know this has all been... a
			terrible shock... but we do need
			you.

					RIKER
				(with difficulty)
			Sir, I'm not sure I'm... fit to
			resume command...

					PICARD
				(gently)
			I appreciate your candor and your
			concern. But despite your...
			affliction... there is still no
			one better equipped to deal with
			these Romulans than you.

	A beat. And Riker reluctantly gives in.

					RIKER
			When do we leave?

					PICARD
				(relieved)
			As soon as the Ambassador
			transports over from the Decius.
			I'll make the arrangements.
				(intently)
			We will get through this. As we
			have many times before.

	Picard EXITS. Then Riker turns to the window. As he
	watches the Romulan Warbird drift into view...

					RIKER
			I hope so.

	Troi approaches Riker.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT ONE   18.

24   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			Let me take you to your quarters.

	Riker gives Troi an exhausted look. Nods.

					RIKER
			Good idea... I've had enough
			surprises for one day.

25   INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS

	The door slides open and Riker and Troi ENTER. Riker
	surveys a room adorned with mementoes gathered in those
	sixteen missing years... decorations for bravery...
	alien art works... furniture he has never seen before.
	He reacts to all of this, exchanges a look with Troi...

	Then they hear a trombone playing off key in the next
	room. Riker goes into...

26   INT. JEAN-LUC'S ROOM

	Riker walks in and discovers a ten year old boy playing
	the trombone. Then the boy turns. And smiles.

					JEAN-LUC
			Hi, Dad.

	And off Riker's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT TWO   19.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

27   INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS

	Troi and a stunned Riker watch as Jean-Luc reaches
	under seat cushions, checks behind chairs, searching
	for something. The eager boy is in mid-story...

					JEAN-LUC
			... and then Mister Greenburg asked
			me about the Fornax Disaster, and
			I knew the Enterprise had saved
			all the colonists. But I didn't
			know...
				(off the track)
			Here it is!

	He pulls a school PADD out from under a pile of clutter
	on a table, takes it to Riker.

					JEAN-LUC
				(back on track)
			... But I didn't know the exact
			Stardate their sun went nova.
			If you tell me, I'll write it
			down. That way I won't forget.

	Riker stares at the PADD, then at the son he doesn't
	know. And the boy realizes it. His energy and
	excitement vanish, to be replaced by a quiet grief.

					JEAN-LUC
			You don't remember me... do you?

					RIKER
				(what else can he say?)
			I'm... sorry.

	There's an awkward silence, which Troi breaks.

					TROI
			I need to talk to your father,
			Jean-Luc. Could you leave us
			alone... for just a moment?

	And as Jean-Luc returns to his room, Riker faces Troi:

					RIKER
			Why didn't you warn me?

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT TWO   20.

27   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Beverly hoped that meeting
			Jean-Luc like this might have
			an impact... help you remember.

					RIKER
			It had an impact alright...
				(shakes his head)

					TROI
			Give it time.

	Riker is still getting used to this amazing concept.

					RIKER
				(reflective)
			Jean-Luc.

					TROI
				(droll)
			The Admiral was very pleased when
			you chose that name. He is a
			wonderful boy.

					RIKER
				(the next big question)
			Deanna... where's his mother?

	A beat. Troi has difficulty telling him.

					TROI
			She died two years ago... a
			shuttle accident. I'm sorry,
			Will.

	Riker doesn't know how to react to this. At this point
	his wife is nothing more than a name to him.

					RIKER
			I have absolutely no recollection
			of her... what was she like?

					TROI
			'Min' was very beautiful, of
			course. And strong, intelligent,
			patient...

					RIKER
			She had to be patient, if she was
			married to me.

	A small smile from Troi.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT TWO   21.

27   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			She was an excellent Captain's
			wife, and a very good ship's
			counselor.
				(to Riker's look)
			She took over after I left.

	Riker reacts to that.

					RIKER
			I can't imagine you leaving the
			Enterprise.

					TROI
			Admiral Picard offered me a
			position at Starfleet Command.
			It was a tremendous opportunity...
			I couldn't refuse.

	A quiet moment. Then...

					TROI
			Will... What's important is that
			today, right now, you have a son
			who needs you. Spend time with
			him... you may find part of what
			you've lost.

	Troi EXITS. Riker ponders her words for a moment.
	Then he winces to the sound of someone running through
	the scales on a trombone. Badly.

28   INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS - JEAN-LUC'S ROOM

	Riker ENTERS and finds Jean-Luc sitting on a bed,
	playing the trombone... Jean-Luc stops playing and
	smiles up at him. Riker can't help smiling back.

					JEAN-LUC
			Pretty bad, huh?

					RIKER
			I've heard better.

					JEAN-LUC
			I've been practicing... but I
			still can't get a good tone.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT TWO   22.

28   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			You're putting too much pressure
			on the mouthpiece. Relax. Just
			use the muscles you need.

					JEAN-LUC
				(holds out trombone)
			Show me again.

	Riker sits beside Jean-Luc, takes the trombone. Shows
	him how to hold it.

					RIKER
			Okay. Left hand like this. Right
			hand... like this.

	Riker runs through the scales. Jean-Luc smiles. Riker
	segues into a melody... the same melody he played in
	the opening. He finishes with a flourish -- and a flat
	note again. Jean-Luc laughs. Riker frowns.

					RIKER
			After sixteen years... you'd
			think I could get that right...

	Jean-Luc takes back the trombone.

					JEAN-LUC
			Come on, Dad... you always make
			that mistake.

	Jean-Luc starts playing again. And Riker thinks about
	what the boy just said. Then he makes a decision,
	which takes him back into...

29   INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS - MAIN ROOM (OPTICAL)

	We can hear the trombone playing as Riker ENTERS. He
	goes to the desk, ponders the computer screen, decides
	to ask a key question...

					RIKER
			Computer. Summarize service
			record. Riker, William T.,
			Captain. Beginning with... the
			Fornax Disaster.

	Nothing appears. That strange time lag again. Then...

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Please restate question.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT TWO   23.

29   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Service record. Riker, William
			T.

	Another long pause... Riker loses patience...

					RIKER
			Damn it.

	Then he looks up to see...

29A  ANGLE - JEAN-LUC (OPTICAL)

	watching him from the door of his room.

					JEAN-LUC
				(what's wrong)
			Dad... ?

					RIKER
			That computer time lag. I can't
			believe Geordi's still running
			his diagnostic...

	And then a rush of data suddenly scrolls across the
	desk screen.

					JEAN-LUC
			Is that what you wanted?

	Riker frowns at the desk screen, his instincts
	screaming that something is very wrong here. And
	then...

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Picard to Captain Riker. The
			Romulan Ambassador is ready to
			transport over from the Decius.

	Riker keys his insignia.

					RIKER
			On my way.
				(to the boy)
			I've got to go, Jean-Luc.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT TWO  23A.

29A  CONTINUED:

					JEAN-LUC
			Sure.
				(after a pause)
			Dad...

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT TWO   24.

29A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Riker stops at the door as...

					JEAN-LUC
			Everything's going to be fine.

	Riker isn't so certain. But he manages a smile before
	he leaves.

29B  INT. CORRIDOR TO TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Riker, Troi, Picard walking.

					PICARD
				(gently)
			Troi tells me you met Jean-Luc.
			How is my namesake holding up to
			all this?

					RIKER
			Better than I am.

					TROI
			We did our best to prepare him.

					RIKER
				(sighs)
			I'm trying to catch up with all
			this. I've still got a long way
			to go. A long way.

					PICARD
			Just follow my lead with the
			Ambassador. You'll do fine.

30   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	As they ENTER. An N.D. MALE TRANSPORTER CHIEF stands
	at the console.

					N.D. TRANSPORTER CHIEF
			The Decius reports the Ambassador
			is waiting to transport.

	Picard glances at Riker, ready?

					RIKER
			Beam him aboard, chief.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT TWO  24A.

30   CONTINUED:

					N.D. TRANSPORTER CHIEF
				(to com)
			Enterprise to Decius... stand by
			for transport.

	As he manipulates the Transport Scan...

31   ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER PLATFORM - (OPTICAL)

	A uniformed Romulan MATERIALIZES. It's TOMALAK, the
	arrogant Commander who confronted the Enterprise at
	Galorndon Core and Nelvana Three... Fourteen years ago.

					TOMALAK
			Admiral Picard, Captain Riker...
			it's good to see you again.

	A stunned Riker responds with a polite nod as Picard
	approaches the Romulan.

					PICARD
			Ambassador Tomalak... Welcome
			aboard the Enterprise.

	Tomalak steps off the Transporter pad, smiles
	ingratiatingly at Picard.

					TOMALAK
			Thank you, Admiral. It is an
			honor to be the first Romulan to
			freely walk about a Federation
			Starship.

	As Picard escorts Tomalak out, Riker hangs back a
	moment with Troi.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT TWO   25.

31   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(what is this?)
			Ambassador... Tomalak? At Nelvana
			Three, he threatened to take the
			hull of the Enterprise home as
			a war trophy!

					TROI
			That was a long time ago. Many
			things have changed. Including
			Tomalak.

	And off Riker's doubting look...

32   INT. CORRIDOR

	Picard, Riker, and Troi walk with Tomalak. The Romulan
	is cheerful and charming. Riker is tense and watchful.

					TOMALAK
			As soon as we arrive at your
			Outpost Twenty-Three, the final
			negotiations should go quickly.

	Riker reacts to this, looks to Picard and Troi... But
	they seem oblivious to his concern.

					PICARD
			I agree, Ambassador. All of the
			difficult issues have been
			resolved.

					TOMALAK
				(with a cordial smile)
			After much debate. Your Captain
			Riker is the kind of negotiator
			even the Ferengi should avoid.

					PICARD
			But we have come to an agreement
			both sides can live with. Thanks
			largely to Captain Riker.

	They pause by the Turbolift. Tomalak smiles at Riker.

					TOMALAK
			And we are grateful, Captain.
			The new alliance will greatly
			benefit my people.

	Riker chooses his words carefully.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/25/90 - ACT TWO   26.

32   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			As I hope it will benefit mine.

					TOMALAK
				(smoothly)
			It will, Captain. It will.

	Riker is not sure about this at all. The Turbolift
	door opens and they all enter.

32A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	Riker, Troi, Picard, and Tomalak ENTER.

					RIKER
			Main Bridge.

	The Turbolift starts to move. Tomalak eyes Riker and
	seems to pick up on the other man's uneasiness.

					TOMALAK
			The virus you contracted, Captain.
			You have fully recovered?

	The question throws Riker for just a moment. Which
	is long enough for Picard to step in...

					PICARD
				(smoothly)
			I assure you Captain Riker is
			quite well. He's looking forward
			to attending the final
			negotiations... as planned.

	Tomalak smiles.

					TOMALAK
			Excellent.
				(to Riker)
			The signing of this treaty will
			be an historic occasion. You,
			of all people, deserve to be
			there.

	Riker is still not convinced. His response is cool
	but polite.

					RIKER
			Thank you... Ambassador.

	The door opens, and they EXIT.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/25/90 - ACT TWO  26A.

33   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Troi, and the Romulan ENTER. Tomalak
	takes a long look about the Bridge, impressed.

					TOMALAK
			So... this is the Bridge of the
			Enterprise.

	He approaches tactical and peers over the startled
	supernumerary's shoulder.

					TOMALAK
			And this, I assume, is your
			Tactical position. Impressive.

	Riker has had enough. He turns to Picard and Troi.

					RIKER
			Admiral, Deanna... I need a moment
			with you...
				(to Data)
			... Commander Data, if you will,
			please accompany the Ambassador
			on his... tour.

					DATA
			Certainly, sir.

					RIKER
				(to Tomalak)
			Excuse us, Ambassador.

	Tomalak nods, then continues his perusal of tactical as
	Data moves up beside him. As Riker, Picard, and Troi
	head for the Ready Room...

					DATA
			You may find this of interest,
			Ambassador...
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT TWO   27.

33   CONTINUED:

					DATA (Cont'd)
				(points at tactical
				 board)
			... These newly refined sensors
			are capable of pinpointing the
			power emissions of...

34   INT. READY ROOM

	A tense Riker faces the others.

					RIKER
			Are you telling me you trust
			Tomalak?

					PICARD
			I trust the process we have built
			with the Romulans over the past
			four years. They have nothing
			to gain by betrayal.

					RIKER
			Are you sure? You yourself have
			said it's always like a chess game
			with the Romulans. Move and
			counter-move, guile and deceit
			--

					TROI
				(gently cutting in)
			I sense no such dishonesty in
			Tomalak. He is sincere in his
			desire for peace. He wants this
			alliance. There is no cause for
			concern.

	Riker is not convinced.

					RIKER
			No cause for concern? We're
			talking about revealing the
			location of Outpost Twenty-Three,
			the key to all our Neutral Zone
			defenses.

					PICARD
			Pardon my bluntness, Captain, but
			your information is out of date.
			The strategic importance of
			Outpost Twenty-Three is minimal.
			And has been for years.

   STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT TWO   28.

34   CONTINUED:

	Riker still isn't sure. But before he can say more...

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Doctor Crusher to Riker. Are
			you there, Captain?

					RIKER
				(keys insignia)
			What is it, Doctor?

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Your son has been injured. He's
			been taken to Sickbay. You
			better come down here right away.

	And off Riker's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE  29.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

35   INT. SICKBAY

	Riker walks in to find Jean-Luc sitting on a diagnostic
	bed while Beverly tends to his arm. The boy wears a
	Parrises Squares outfit. The N.D. Nurse stands by.

					JEAN-LUC
			Dad!

	Riker is as concerned as any father would be.

					RIKER
			Are you alright?

					JEAN-LUC
			I'm fine.

	Then the boy winces as Beverly runs an instrument over
	his wrist. Riker reacts...

					RIKER
				(to Beverly)
			What happened?

					BEVERLY
			It's broken... But we'll have
			it all taken care of in a minute.

	She finishes treating Jean-Luc's arm. He tentatively
	moves his arm, grins with relief.

					BEVERLY
			Now just take it easy on that arm
			for a while.

					RIKER
				(to Jean-Luc)
			How did you do this?

					JEAN-LUC
				(shame faced)
			I was in the gym... playing
			Parrises Squares... I fell off
			the ramp...

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE  30.

35   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(appalled)
			Parrises Squares... at your
			age... ? You could have broken
			your neck!

					JEAN-LUC
				(downcast)
			I'm sorry... I didn't mean to...

	Beverly gives Riker a look, then faces the Nurse.

					BEVERLY
			Continue the compression
			attenuator for two more minutes.

					N.D. NURSE
			Yes, Doctor.

					BEVERLY
				(to Riker)
			Can I talk to you for a moment?

					RIKER
				(to Jean-Luc)
			I'll be right back.

	Riker allows Beverly to lead him aside.

					BEVERLY
			Will... how old were you when you
			started playing Parrises Squares?

					RIKER
				(thinks, sighs)
			Alright... I was probably younger
			than he is...

	Riker looks over at Jean-Luc and the Nurse tending to
	him.

					RIKER
			It's just that... For all
			practical purposes, this is my
			first day as a father... my son
			almost kills himself...

					BEVERLY
			He didn't almost kill himself...
			he just broke a wrist... like a
			lot of other boys who fall down.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT THREE  31.

35   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
				(acknowledges his
				 over-reaction)
			You're right... But it's...
			difficult.

					BEVERLY
			Difficult for you? What about
			Jean-Luc? Can you imagine how
			he must feel?
				(beat)
			You've lost sixteen years, but
			Jean-Luc has lost a lot more...
			his mother... and now his father.

	Riker reacts to that... then turns from Beverly and
	approaches Jean-Luc. The Nurse smiles at Riker...

					NURSE
			Good as new, Captain. You can
			take him home.

					RIKER
			Thanks.

	The Nurse moves off, leaving Riker alone with Jean-Luc.

					RIKER
			How's the arm?

					JEAN-LUC
			It's fine.
				(beat)
			Dad, I'm really sorry... I know
			you've got more important
			things...

					RIKER
			Nothing as important as this, son.

	It's the first time he's called Jean-Luc "son," and the
	boy catches it. And off Jean-Luc's pleased reaction...

35A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	Riker and Jean-Luc ENTER.

					JEAN-LUC
			Deck Eight.

 STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT THREE 31A.

35A  CONTINUED:

	The Turbolift begins to move. Riker studies Jean-Luc
	for a beat. Then...

					RIKER
			Halt.

	Jean-Luc gives him a questioning look.

					RIKER
			I know this must be... very hard
			for you.

	The boy smiles.

					JEAN-LUC
			It's okay, Dad.

					RIKER
				(takes a deep breath)
			Okay's not good enough.

	Riker pauses, looking for the words.

					RIKER
			When I was your age... my own
			father... he wasn't there for
			me. And I needed him. I
			really... needed him.
				(softly)
			I always wondered what kind of
			father I'd be. I never felt quite
			ready. Maybe the idea even scared
			me a little.

					JEAN-LUC
			Scared... you?

					RIKER
			Yeah.
				(beat, smiles)
			But I must have gotten over it,
			huh? You're here.

	Jean-Luc laughs... Riker laughs along with him.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Resume.

	A long beat and then his tone turns serious again.

 STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/28/90 - ACT THREE 31B.

35A  CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			It's just important to me... that
			I don't... let you down, Jean-Luc.

					JEAN-LUC
			You never have, Dad... you've
			always been there for me.

					RIKER
			I'll have to take your word for
			that... because I don't remember
			any of it... Not your first
			tooth, your first step...
			nothing... And I want to
			remember.

	They share a long look. Then Jean-Luc moves to him
	and hugs him... they hold each other for a moment...
	the Turbolift doors open, but they don't move...

					RIKER
			Guess there's only one thing to
			do. We've got to make some new
			memories...

	They exchange a happy look and EXIT.

36   INT. CORRIDOR

	As Jean-Luc and Riker walk together...

					RIKER
			I don't know if it's still in the
			memory banks, but I used to have
			this great fishing program on the
			Holodeck...

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT THREE  32.

36   CONTINUED:

					JEAN-LUC
			The Curtis Creek program?

					RIKER
			You know it?

					JEAN-LUC
			Sure. We've gone to Curtis Creek
			lots of times.

					RIKER
			Want to go again?

					JEAN-LUC
			You bet!

					RIKER
			Then as soon as the negotiations
			are out of the way, we're going
			fishing.

					JEAN-LUC
			Great!

	They enter the Turbolift.

37   INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS

	Riker and Jean-Luc ENTER. All smiles.

					JEAN-LUC
				(mid story)
			... Then Mom tried to net the fish,
			and she fell in the creek, too.
			And then you tried to pull us both
			out, and you fell in!

					RIKER
			I'm almost glad I can't remember
			that!

	They both laugh. Then...

					JEAN-LUC
			Mom really liked Curtis Creek.
			We went there for picnics and
			stuff lots of times.

					RIKER
				(beat)
			What was she like... your Mom.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE  33.

37   CONTINUED:

	Jean-Luc's good humor fades quickly.

					JEAN-LUC
				(quiet)
			She was great... I think about
			her a lot...

	Riker senses the boy's unspoken anguish... but doesn't
	know what to say. An awkward moment... then Jean-Luc
	fingers his game outfit.

					JEAN-LUC
			I better go change.

	Riker watches him leave, then takes a seat at his desk.
	Right now, this new world, and all it offers, is
	beginning to seem very real to him. Then he faces the
	desk console. Casual.

					RIKER
			Computer. Display family record.
			Riker. William T. Limit to
			visuals.

38   ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	After a very short lag time, we see MOS home
	video-style images taken in Riker's Quarters.
	The camera unsteadily roams the room to settle on
	Riker working at his desk, seemingly unaware of what
	is happening.

	Then a child slips into shot, wearing a colorful
	costume, his face obscured by a mask. The disguised
	boy sneaks up on Riker... then leaps at him. Riker
	starts, registering mock fear. Jean-Luc takes his
	mask off, revealing his smiling face. Then he points
	to camera and as Riker "reacts" to having been caught
	by his son's candid camera... they both laugh and hug.

38A  ANGLE ON RIKER

	Watching with a smile... then he frowns. Where's his
	wife in this?

					RIKER
			Computer. Display family record.
			Riker, Mrs. William T.

	The screen goes blank.

 STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE 33A.

38A  CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Please restate request.

	What the hell? Riker quickly becomes frustrated...
	and then Jean-Luc returns, sleeving into a fresh tunic.

					JEAN-LUC
			What's wrong, Dad?

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/19/90 - ACT THREE  34.

38A  CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			The computer's still not acting
			right. I'm having trouble finding
			a visual record of your mother.

	Jean-Luc frowns. Upset.

					JEAN-LUC
			But I know Mom's pictures are
			there. Did you give a Stardate?

	As Riker shakes his head, Jean-Luc faces the console.

					JEAN-LUC
				(to desk console,
				 patiently)
			Computer. Display family record.
			Riker, Mrs. William T. Home file.
			Stardate 58416.

	The console lights up and the boy smiles as...

39   ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN - (OPTICAL)

	No delay this time. We see more MOS home videos of
	the Rikers in their quarters. Jean-Luc and Riker
	sit at a table as a beautiful young woman (MINUET)
	enters the scene. She carries a birthday cake, which
	she places on the table. And as Jean-Luc blows out
	the candles and his parents applaud...

	RIKER (OPTICAL)

	Stares at the images of his "wife" -- recognizing her.
	His face sets... he knows...

					RIKER
				(softly, to himself)
			'Min... Minuet?'

	Jean-Luc doesn't realize the game is over.

					JEAN-LUC
			Mom was beautiful, wasn't she?

					RIKER
				(softly)
			Yes...

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE  35.

40   CONTINUED:

	He turns off the computer, gives Jean-Luc a long look.
	The boy reacts with puzzlement.

					JEAN-LUC
			Dad... what's wrong?

	A moment of strained silence... then...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge to Riker.

					RIKER
				(keying insignia)
			Riker here.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Captain... please come to the
			Bridge.

	Riker nods, jaw set. The jig is up.

					RIKER
			On my way.

	A determined Riker EXITS... leaving a concerned
	Jean-Luc alone.

41   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker ENTERS from the aft Turbolift and approaches
	Geordi, who is working at his engineering station.

					RIKER
			What's the problem?

					GEORDI
			I've had to shut down the warp
			engines, Captain.

					RIKER
			Why?

					GEORDI
			The antimatter containment fields
			were fluctuating. Nothing to
			worry about, though.

 STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE 35A.

41   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(oh, come on!)
			We're on the edge of the Neutral
			Zone on impulse power, and you're
			not concerned?

					GEORDI
			I'll have the engines back on
			line in no time, sir.

  STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE  36.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

	Riker's anger builds. He surveys the Bridge... knowing
	this all a sham... and he decides to kick it apart.
	He glares at Geordi...

					RIKER
				(sarcastic)
			As fast as you tracked down that
			faulty processing accelerator?

					GEORDI
				(defensive)
			I'm running a Level One
			diagnostic...

					RIKER
			... for thirty hours... ? It's
			never taken you more than four.
			You're not capable of that kind of
			incompetence, La Forge.

					GEORDI
			But, sir...

	Riker moves on to Ops to confront Worf.

					RIKER
			Where did you get that scar?

					WORF
				(proudly)
			In combat, sir.

					RIKER
			What battle? When? Which unit,
			which sector?

	Worf just stares at him. Riker charges on... into the
	command area to face Data.

					RIKER
			If we left immediately, when would
			we arrive at Outpost Twenty Three?

					DATA
			At Warp One, in three days, four
			hours...

      STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT THREE      37.

41   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			How about at Warp Seven?
				(to Data's silence)
			At Warp Eight? At Warp Nine?
			What's wrong, Data? What happened
			to all those millions of
			calculations per second?

					DATA
			Pardon me, sir... but I am
			receiving subspace interference
			which limits my abilities. I
			can't operate as quickly as...

	Riker catches the mistake, jabs home...

					RIKER
			What did you say, Commander?

					DATA
			I said I cannot operate --

					RIKER
			No. That's not what you said.
			You said "I can't." You used a
			contraction. Didn't you?

	Picard, Troi, and Tomalak ENTER from the aft Turbolift
	and observe as...

					DATA
			Sir, I can explain --

					RIKER
			-- No you can't. Don't even try.

	Picard steps into the command area.

					PICARD
			Captain Riker, this is no way to
			act in front of Ambassador...

					RIKER
			Shut up!

	Picard stops dead. Reactions all around.

					PICARD
			What did you say?

      STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT THREE      38.

41   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
				(hammering)
			Shut up, as in close your mouth,
			and stop talking.

	Picard is speechless. Troi steps into the breech.

					TROI
			Will... I can sense how upset you
			are. You're angry, impatient
			--

					RIKER
			Back off, Deanna.

	Picard and Troi are at a loss. There is a great
	silence on the Bridge.

					RIKER
			Well... anyone else want to speak
			up. Or can we end this...
			charade?

42   WIDE - THE ENTIRE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Disappears. The Bridge, Picard, Troi, and the staff
	officers all SHIMMER AWAY to reveal a Romulan Holodeck.
	A stunned Riker is left alone with Tomalak. The
	Romulan steps up to Riker. Grim...

					TOMALAK
			As you wish, Commander Riker.
			The charade is over.

	And as Riker reacts...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      39.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

43   INT. ANTEROOM TO ROMULAN HOLODECK (OPTICAL)

	Begin on Riker as a ROMULAN TECHNICIAN applies a
	blinking, hand-held device to his beard. The device
	GLOWS, causing the grey to vanish from Riker's beard
	and hair. Through this...

					RIKER
				(evenly)
			The Enterprise... my son... you
			created it all.

	Pull back to include Tomalak and TWO ROMULAN GUARDS.

					TOMALAK
			With the help of our neural
			scanners... and what you would
			call a Holodeck.

	The Technician passes the device over Riker's
	communicator and pips, returning them to normal.
	Then...

					TOMALAK
			Now please tell me... how did you
			discover the truth? The future we
			constructed for you should have
			been... convincing.

					RIKER
			It wasn't. There was the computer
			time lag, for one thing.

					TOMALAK
			Unavoidable. Our scanners have
			a limited response time. So
			whenever you strayed from our...
			expectations...
				(with a shrug)
			But surely that was not enough
			to...

					RIKER
			To smash your house of cards?
			No, it was the visual record of
			my "wife," Minuet. Bad move.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      40.

43   CONTINUED:

					TOMALAK
				(surprised)
			But we chose someone from your
			past who is still alive... a
			woman you were extremely attracted
			to...

					RIKER
			Your mistake, Tomalak. Minuet
			was nothing more than a computer
			generated fantasy I once
			experienced on another Holodeck.

	Tomalak is not buying this.

					TOMALAK
			Impossible. In your mind, that
			woman exists... physically. Your
			feelings toward her remain
			quite... passionate.

					RIKER
			She was part of a very special
			program.

	Tomalak shakes his head and sighs.

					TOMALAK
			So much effort... so little
			accomplished.

	Riker cuts to the chase.

					RIKER
			If Outpost Twenty-three is what
			you're after... Why didn't you
			just use your neural scanners to
			probe my mind?

					TOMALAK
			Our scanners are calibrated for
			Romulan brain patterns. When it
			comes to human brains, they are
			less efficient. There were gaps
			in the information we gathered
			from your memory.

	Now it's Riker's turn to express his doubts.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR     40A.

43   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Gaps? After what I've just seen,
			I find that hard to believe.
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      41.

43   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER (Cont'd)
			You recreated the Enterprise,
			the crew... every nuance, every
			sound, smell... perfectly
			accurate. I sure didn't notice
			any gaps...
				(beat)
			I don't buy it, Tomalak.

	Tomalak's tone changes, turning dangerous.

					TOMALAK
			We are wasting time.

	Tomalak turns and gestures to the guards.

					TOMALAK
			Bring him.

	Off Riker's reaction...

44   INT. TUNNEL TO HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)

	As Tomalak and the two Romulan guards escort Riker...

					TOMALAK
				(mid-explanation)
			When you and your colleagues
			transported to this planet, you
			were less than a kilometer from
			this base. Your capture was a
			simple matter.

					RIKER
			My colleagues... ?

					TOMALAK
			We allowed them to transport
			safely back to the Enterprise.
			But your signal was... diverted.

					RIKER
			My people won't stop looking for
			me, Tomalak.

					TOMALAK
			They already have.

	Riker reacts... They pause by a holding cell cut into
	the living rock. One of the guards deactivates the
	force field lights.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/20/90 - ACT FOUR      42.

45   INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)

	As Riker and the Romulans ENTER...

					TOMALAK
				(ironic, to Riker)
			Please say hello to your son.

	And Riker reacts to... a ragged, dirty little boy
	huddled in a corner of the cell. It is Jean-Luc.

					RIKER
				(surprised)
			Jean-Luc?

					TOMALAK
			That is not his name, of course.
			Nor have you ever really met him.
			We merely... used his image to
			augment your program.

	Riker carefully approaches the boy... who flinches away
	and scuttles to another corner of the cell. Riker
	reacts, then glares at Tomalak.

					RIKER
			What have you done to him?

	Tomalak ignores the question.

					TOMALAK
			While I am gone, please give
			careful thought to your situation.

	He EXITS with the guards. As the cell's force field
	is reactivated, Riker faces the boy.

					RIKER
				(gently)
			What's your name?

	Silence. Riker tries again.

					RIKER
			Look... if we're going to get out
			of here, you've got to trust me...

	The frightened boy cringes in the corner, unwilling
	to so much as look at the man. Riker takes a step
	toward him, but stops as...

					RIKER
			Easy... I won't hurt you.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/20/90 - ACT FOUR     42A.

45   CONTINUED:

	The boy covers his face with his hands, peering
	fearfully through his fingers with panicky eyes.

					RIKER
			Who are you? How did you get
			here?

	No answer. But Riker doesn't give up. He kneels near
	the boy.

					RIKER
			My name is Will.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      43.

45   CONTINUED:

	The boy slowly sits up... studies Riker... then...

					ETHAN/JEAN-LUC
			Ethan...

	Ethan and Riker hear footsteps and face the force
	field, watching, as two guards stride down the tunnel
	and past the holding cell.

					ETHAN
			They brought me here... with my
			parents...

	Ethan turns away from the field to face Riker.

					ETHAN
				(continuing)
			We were at a research station on
			Miridian Six.

					RIKER
				(a gentle inquiry)
			Miridian Six... near the Neutral
			Zone? I thought it was
			uninhabited...

					ETHAN
			The station was set up last year.
				(quietly)
			Then the Romulans came...

	The boy stops. Riker frowns.

					RIKER
			It's odd the Enterprise wasn't
			advised...

	Riker changes tack, probes tenderly.

					RIKER
			Where are your parents, now?

					ETHAN
				(after a pause)
			They took them away.

	Another beat. Riker doesn't know any kinder way to ask
	the next question.

					RIKER
			Do you know why the Romulans are
			keeping you here?

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      44.

45   CONTINUED: (2)

					ETHAN
			No...
				(his fear showing)
			... I just want to get away.

	Riker kneels, takes the boy by the shoulders...

					RIKER
			Ethan... I'll get us out of
			here...

					ETHAN
				(resigned)
			How? Even if we do get away,
			they'll find us.
				(beat)
			They found me when I escaped
			before.

	That gets Riker's attention.

					RIKER
			You escaped?

					ETHAN
				(nods)
			I hid in a secret place... for
			weeks... but they caught me when
			I went out to find food.

	They hear approaching footsteps and Riker stands to
	face them as...

46
thru	OMITTED
47

48   INT. TUNNEL OUTSIDE HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)

	Tomalak and a guard approach the cell. The guard
	deactivates the force field and they both ENTER.

49   INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)

	Tomalak faces Riker and Ethan.

					TOMALAK
			I want that information,
			Commander. I want the location
			of Outpost Twenty-Three.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR     44A.

49   CONTINUED:

	Riker doesn't bother to answer. Tomalak barely
	maintains his poise.

					TOMALAK
			Very well. I have been given
			permission to use whatever means
			are necessary...

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      45.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

	Ethan suddenly bolts for the open door. Riker
	reacts...

					RIKER
			Ethan... no!

	Tomalak also reacts, shouts...

					TOMALAK
			Stop him!

	The guard quickly reaches out, grabs Ethan by the
	collar. The boy kicks and screams, struggling against
	the guard's grip.

					ETHAN
			Let me go...

	Tomalak looks away from Riker for only a moment... but
	it's long enough. Riker punches Tomalak, who goes down.
	The guard reacts, tries to keep a firm hold on the
	struggling Ethan as he draws his phaser. But Ethan
	knocks the Romulan's arm up toward the ceiling...

					ETHAN
			Don't!

	The phaser goes off, firing into the ceiling. Then
	the guard shoves the boy aside... which buys Riker
	the time to punch him out, too. As the guard slumps
	to the floor, Riker picks up his phaser, hurries to
	Ethan, helps him out of the cell.

50   INT. TUNNEL - OUTSIDE THE HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL))

	As they hurry down the corridor...

					RIKER
			This secret hiding place of
			yours... ?

					ETHAN
			This way...

	A phaser beam suddenly blasts the wall close by. They
	react and RUN...

51   THE END OF THE TUNNEL (OPTICAL)

	Another Romulan guard approaches, weapon at the
	ready... But before he can fire again...

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FOUR      46.

52   RIKER (OPTICAL)

	fires, knocking the guard off his feet.

53   INT. ANOTHER TUNNEL

	Riker and Ethan round a corner and come face to face
	with a surprised Romulan guard. The Romulan goes for
	his weapon. Too late. Riker fires first. As the
	guard falls, Riker and Ethan run toward...

53A  ANGLE ON AIR CONDITIONING GRATE

	The boy stops by the floor level air conditioning
	grate, swings it open, and motions.

					ETHAN
			In here...

	Riker follows him as Ethan climbs inside, then pulls
	the grate shut behind them.

54   OMITTED

55   INT. A NARROW CRAWLSPACE

	Almost pitch black. The only light comes through the
	slots in that grate. Ethan hurriedly slides bolts into
	place, securing the grate as echoing footsteps approach
	in the tunnel beyond...

	... Riker and Ethan freeze against the walls on either
	side of the grate as the feet and legs of the Romulan
	guards appear in the tunnel outside.

	One of the Romulans kneels down, peers through the
	grate... then suddenly seizes it with his hand and
	gives it a hard shake as we...

56   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/13/90 - ACT FIVE      47.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:
57
thru	OMITTED
60

61   INT. CRAWLSPACE - CONTINUOUS

	Riker's hand tightens on that captured phaser as the
	guard gives the grate a last shake... then steps away
	to rejoin his companion...

61A  RIKER'S POV - THROUGH GRATE

	The guards move off down the corridor... paying close
	attention to the sensing device one of them holds.

62   OMITTED

63   INT. CRAWLSPACE

	Riker reacts, puzzled, to the fading footsteps of the
	Romulans in the tunnel. He turns to Ethan and
	whispers.

					RIKER
			Their sensors should have picked
			us up...

	Ethan picks up a lantern from the top of a nearby
	crate, activates it, and plays its beam across the
	rock. As they move a short way down the crawlspace
	to a jumble of oddly shaped crates and freight
	containers...

					ETHAN
			They can't... I heard them say
			there's something in these
			rocks...

					RIKER
			Heavy metals?

					ETHAN
				(nodding)
			Right...

	Ethan starts shoving a large crate aside to reveal
	a dark entryway. Riker moves to help him.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/27/90 - ACT FIVE      48.

63   CONTINUED:

	Then Ethan lights their way with the lantern as Riker
	follows him through the entryway into...

63AA	INT. CRAWLSPACE - ANOTHER SECTION

	Riker and Ethan move through the narrow crawlspace.

					RIKER
			When you escaped last time...
			how'd you manage it?

					ETHAN
			I acted like I was sick... when
			the Romulans took me to the
			infirmary, I ran away.

	Ethan pauses, faces Riker.

					ETHAN
			I was lucky... I found this place
			the same day.

	Riker nods appreciateively as they move on to...

63A  INT. SECRET ROOM

	... Where Ethan activates a light cell, bathing the room
	in a soft glow.

					ETHAN
			... The Romulans forgot all about
			this storeroom when they rebuilt
			the tunnels.

	The boy crosses to a pile of crates stacked in a corner
	of the cluttered room... starts searching through them.

					ETHAN
			After I got away last time...

	Ethan produces a folded piece of synthetic cloth.

					ETHAN
				(continuing)
			... I mapped out all their tunnels.

	He lays the cloth out across a crate... to reveal a
	rough map of the base. As Ethan points things out...

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/27/90 - ACT FIVE     48A.

63A  CONTINUED:

					ETHAN
			Supply depot, communications,
			living quarters... and the shuttle
			bay.

					RIKER
				(instantly intrigued)
			How many guards at the shuttle
			bay?

					ETHAN
			Only two or three.

	Riker thinks about it, shakes his head.

					RIKER
			Stealing a shuttle would get us
			nowhere... too easy for the
			Romulans to track one of their
			own ships.
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      49.

63A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER (Cont'd)
				(points at map)
			But we could break into
			communications. Send a message
			to the Enterprise.

	Ethan looks doubtful. Shakes his head.

					ETHAN
			We can't do that... The
			transmitter is on a
			voice-activated security system!

					RIKER
			Do you know whose voice it
			accepts?

					ETHAN
			Only Ambassador Tomalak.

					RIKER
				(reacts)
			Who?

					ETHAN
			Tomalak.

					RIKER
			Ambassador Tomalak.

	Ethan looks up at him, suddenly aware of the man's
	stunned reaction. Riker just stares at him.

					RIKER
			Tomalak is a Romulan Captain.
			The only time he was called
			"Ambassador" was in their Holodeck
			fantasy. How would you know about
			that?

					ETHAN
			You... you told me about it.

	Riker shakes his head, no I didn't.

					RIKER
			Who are you? What's your part
			in all this?

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      50.

63A  CONTINUED: (2)

	They react to a sudden, off screen explosion and the
	sounds of the approaching Romulans. Ethan turns to
	Riker, shouts a warning...

					ETHAN
			They've found us!

					RIKER
				(calm)
			But you said their sensors didn't
			work in this tunnel.

					ETHAN
			They must have fixed them. We've
			got to go!

	He grabs at Riker, but he won't budge.

					RIKER
			And where will we go, Ethan?

					ETHAN
			To the shuttle bay! There's still
			time.

					RIKER
			No... I've had enough.

	And they both react as...

63B  TOMALAK AND TWO GUARDS

	Step into the room.

					TOMALAK
			Commander... surrender your
			weapon...

	And as the three Romulans raise their weapons... Riker
	drops his phaser and casually lifts his arms, palms
	up.

					RIKER
			No more games. No more fantasies.
			I'm not going to play anymore.

	Then Riker makes eye contact with Ethan. A last, sad
	moment between them. And the boy relaxes... he knows
	the game has finally and truly ended. Then...

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      51.

64
thru	OMITTED
65

66   THE ROMULANS (OPTICAL)

	Suddenly SHIMMER away.

67   THE ENTIRE ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Also disappears... to reveal the immense cavern where
	our story began. Riker and Ethan are left alone in the
	huge room. Riker stares at the boy. Shocked.

					RIKER
			It was never the Romulans... it
			was you all along, wasn't it?

	Ethan hangs his head. Then we go to...

68   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - THE REAL ENTERPRISE

	Picard and Data are at an aft station, huddled over a
	monitor.

					DATA
			There is no question about it,
			sir. It is his signal.

	Picard acknowledges this with a nod. Then Troi, Worf,
	and Geordi watch, concerned, as...

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Picard to Riker... can you read
			me?

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(after a beat)
			Riker to Picard. I'm here.

	The general relief at the sound of Riker's voice is
	obvious.

69   INT. ALIEN CHAMBER

	Riker and Ethan.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Are you all right?

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      52.

69   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Yes... What about Worf and
			Geordi?

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			We beamed them up an hour ago...
			They're fine.

69A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			But we lost you in mid-transport.
			Where have you been? What is
			going on down there?

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			I'm not sure, sir.

	Picard raises an eyebrow as we go back to...

69B  INT. ALIEN CHAMBER (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Ethan.

					RIKER
			But I think I'm about to find
			out... stand by.

	Riker keys his insignia and faces the boy, who is sad
	but calm.

					RIKER
			What should I call you? Ethan...
			Jean-Luc?

					ETHAN
				(sad)
			It doesn't matter.

	Riker crosses to the wall, listens to a faint humming
	beyond.

					RIKER
			This room... it's more than just
			a Holodeck, isn't it?


       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      53.

69B  CONTINUED:

					ETHAN
				(almost proud)
			Much more. The neural scanners
			read my mind... give me anything
			I want. Just like they tried
			to give you everything you
			wanted.

	Riker is furious... and for good reason.

					RIKER
			What I wanted? You probed the
			Enterprise... lured us here...
			so you could play games with me.
			I didn't want any of that... you
			did. Why?

	The boy looks older, sadder, less the child.

					ETHAN
			My world was invaded... my
			people... killed. My mother
			brought me here... so our enemies
			would never find me.

	Riker reacts... tone changing.

					RIKER
			But they found her, didn't they?

	Ethan nods -- the memory, distant as it is, still
	painful.

					ETHAN
			She knew they would never stop
			looking for her... So she made
			sure I would be safe...

	He touches his forehead, then gestures at the
	surrounding walls as...

69C  ANGLE - INCLUDING CAVERN WALLS (OPTICAL)

	Brief SHIMMERS here and there as the various components
	of Ethan's scanners "uncloak" and reveal themselves.

					ETHAN
			She left the scanners to protect
			me... and to give me everything
			I wanted.

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      54.

69C  CONTINUED:

	Riker reacts to the youngster's pain. Abandoned by his
	own father, he knows what it's like to be a lonely
	little boy.

					RIKER
			Everything... then why kidnap me?

					ETHAN
				(after a pause)
			I wanted you to stay. It's been
			so long... I just wanted
			somebody... real. I... thought
			you would be happy... I'm
			sorry...

	Riker is gentle... but insistent.

					RIKER
			I have to return to my ship.
				(a beat)
			Come with me. You don't have
			to stay here anymore... you don't
			have to be alone anymore...

	The boy hesitates. A long beat as he considers.
	Then...

70   ANGLE - FAVORING ETHAN - (OPTICAL)

	The figure of the boy SHIMMERS... and for the first
	time, we see him in his true, alien form.

					THE ALIEN
			My real name is Barash.

	Riker smiles, holds out his hand, and says...

					RIKER
			To me, you'll always be Jean-Luc.

	The alien takes Riker's hand. A silent and special
	moment between them... then Riker keys his insignia.

					RIKER
			Two to transport...

	And as they DEMATERIALIZE, go to...

       STAR TREK: "Future Imperfect" - REV. 9/18/90 - ACT FIVE      55.

71   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As she warps AWAY.

	(NOTE: This will be the first exterior view of the
	Enterprise we see after the shot of it in orbit around
	Alpha Onias Three.)

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END