STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "The Loss" 
                          #40274-184 
                              
                           Story by 
                        Hilary J. Bader 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Hilary J. Bader 
                              and 
                Alan J. Adler & Vanessa Greene 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Chip Chalmers 


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 This script is not for publication or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
  
                       OCTOBER 1, 1990
 

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/8/90 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "The Loss" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             ENSIGN JANET BROOKS
                RIKER              ENSIGN TESS ALLENBY
                DATA               
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                GUINAN             
                COMPUTER VOICE     

                Non-Speaking       
                  MEDICAL PERSONNEL  
                  ENGINEERING PERSONNEL
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/3/90 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "The Loss" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     COSMIC STRING
              MAIN ENGINEERING
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              SICKBAY
              CORRIDORS
              TEN-FORWARD
              TROI'S OFFICE
              TROI'S QUARTERS
              RIKER'S QUARTERS

        STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/8/90 - TEASER        1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                          "The Loss"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moving at warp speed.

2    INT. TROI'S OFFICE - CLOSE ON

	ENSIGN JANET BROOKS, mid-thirties, trying to show
	confidence.

					BROOKS
			It's been five months since Marc's
			accident. I haven't missed a
			single hour of my duties. I've
			volunteered for extra time in the
			nursery. My language studies are
			better than they've ever been.
			Someone else might have given in
			-- but I didn't.

					TROI
			"Given in" to what?

	Brooks shrugs.

					BROOKS
			Death is a normal part of life.
			Maybe some of us are better at
			facing that than others.

					TROI
				(gently)
			Or maybe some of us aren't really
			facing it at all.

	Some of Brooks' composure cracks, but she does her best
	to pull it back.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Sometimes, we suffer more than
			our suffering requires.

					BROOKS
			What do you mean?

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       2.

2    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Recovery from a great loss
			involves a great deal of pain.
			If we try to avoid that pain we
			only make it harder on ourselves
			in the long run.

					BROOKS
			But I feel fine.

					TROI
			Then why did you come to see me?

					BROOKS
				(exasperated)
			I told you. I just wanted to...
			check in.

					TROI
			Today would have been your
			husband's thirty-eighth birthday.

					BROOKS
				(a beat)
			You keep excellent records,
			Deanna.

	Troi studies her, gives her room to continue...

					BROOKS
			Last night. I dreamt Marc was
			with me, celebrating. I held him.
			I was so glad this nonsense was
			finally over. Then I woke up --
			Alone. And I knew he was dead.
			For the first time, I knew it...

	She's holding herself, like she even wants to cry, but
	she still can't quite allow it to happen.

					BROOKS
				(continuing)
			I looked everywhere for something
			that belonged to him -- anything.
				(shakes her head)
			I forgot that after the funeral
			I told them to take it all away.

	She looks at Troi sadly.

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       3.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					BROOKS
				(continuing)
			You were there, Deanna. What in
			the world was I thinking?

	Troi takes a small music box out of a drawer, and moves
	over to Janet.

					TROI
			They didn't take everything away.

	Troi hands her the box and she opens it... and it
	starts playing music... The sound of it pushes Janet
	over the hump. She begins to sob.

					BROOKS
				(softly)
			How did you know... ? How did you
			know... ?

	Troi just holds her, letting her finally begin to
	mourn.

3    INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, DATA, RIKER, WORF at their positions. ENSIGN
	ALLENBY is at Conn.

					PICARD
				(rising)
			... An ancient trail along the
			Kabul River in the Himalayas...
			it's a wonderful program...
			Will, it'll do you good to get
			a little fresh Holodeck air...

					RIKER
			Thanks anyway, but my horsemanship
			is a little too rusty to take
			on the Himalayas.

					PICARD
				(teasing)
			Nonsense. We'll program an
			appropriately docile steed for
			you and...

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       4.

3    CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(alarmed, interrupting)
			Captain! Sensors indicate
			a vast field of...

	Confused, Worf continues to check the instruments.

					PICARD
			Of what, Lieutenant?

					WORF
				(surprised)
			It's gone. But something did
			appear to be directly in our
			path.

					ALLENBY
			Deflector shields are not
			encountering elevated levels of
			interstellar matter...

					RIKER
			A sensor echo, Data?

					DATA
			Uncertain... I have no unusual
			readings, Commander.

	Everyone reacts.

4    INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi and Brooks are saying goodbye at Troi's office
	door. Brooks looks as though she's had a long cry, but
	it's done for now. Troi suddenly appears a bit dizzy,
	gasps lightly.

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       5.

4    CONTINUED:

					BROOKS
			I promise I'll come by to see you
			tomorrow.
				(noticing dizziness)
			Deanna, are you alright?

					TROI
				(disoriented)
			What... ?

					BROOKS
			You faded out there for a second.

					TROI
			No, I'm okay. Very... tired,
			that's all.

					BROOKS
			You're sure?

					TROI
			Yes... Will I see you tomorrow?

	Brooks is a little puzzled since she just agreed to
	that moments ago.

					BROOKS
			Tomorrow. Thank you, Deanna.

					TROI
			Of course.

	Brooks leaves. Troi takes a deep breath, leans for
	a moment against the doorway to regain some balance.

									INTERCUTTING:

5    INT. BRIDGE - CLOSE ON DATA

	who suddenly notices something on his own panel.

					DATA
			An aggregate field of
			plane-polarized objects has just
			appeared...
				(puzzled)
			And disappeared.

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       6.

6
thru	OMITTED
7

8    INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is even more disoriented and dizzy, having trouble
	focusing her eyes. She knocks a vase to the floor.
	It shatters.

8A   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			Recommend we run a diagnostic on
			the forward sensor array. We
			don't want a ghost tailing us all
			the way to T'lli Beta.

					WORF
			I'm not convinced it is a ghost,
			Commander. There may be something
			there...

					PICARD
			Ensign Allenby, full stop. We'll
			investigate both possibilities.

					ALLENBY
			Aye, sir.

	Allenby complies.

8B   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi tries to reach a couch, doesn't get that far.
	She clutches her head, knees buckling, as she crumples
	to the floor, unconscious.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE       7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

9    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Motionless in space.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 44356.9.
			Sensor diagnostic has been
			completed and indicates that all
			systems are normal. There remains
			no explanation for the images
			which appeared in our path.

10   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					DATA
			I have completed another full scan
			of the area, sir. There is no
			further indication of the
			anomaly...

	Picard gives it a moment's thought and then shrugs...

					PICARD
			Prepare to resume course to T'lli
			Beta, Ensign. Mister Data, what
			velocity will put us back on
			schedule?

					DATA
			An immediate resumption of our
			course at warp six will place
			us in the T'lli Beta system in
			six days, thirteen hours and
			forty-seven minutes.

					RIKER
			What, no seconds?

					DATA
			I have discovered, Sir, a certain
			level of impatience when I
			calculate a lengthy time interval
			to the nearest second. However,
			if you wish...

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE       8.

10   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(sorry he asked)
			No, no. Minutes is fine.

	Picard smiles. Turns to Allenby.

					PICARD
			Ensign, set course and stand
			ready at warp six.

					ALLENBY
			Aye, Sir.

					PICARD
			Engage.

	Allenby touches the console. The ship is jolted. All
	are thrown from their seats and knocked to the deck.
	CLAXONS SOUND and RED ALERT lights flash as they get
	to their feet.

					RIKER
			Riker to Engineering... what the
			hell happened, Geordi?

10A  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi, on the move, checking readings... everyone's
	putting themselves back together from the shake...
	RED ALERT alarms and lights continue in the
	background.

					GEORDI
			Checking... looks like the field
			collapsed before we could enter
			warp...

					RIKER
			Reason?

					GEORDI
			Damned if I know. There doesn't
			seem to be any permanent damage
			to the nacelles. Recommend full
			stop while I check it out...

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE       9.

11
thru	OMITTED
12

13   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
				(nods)
			Back to full stop, Ensign.

					ALLENBY
			Aye, sir.

					DATA
			All decks reporting. Minor
			injuries only.

					PICARD
			Damage?

					DATA
			None.

					WORF
			Weapons and shields normal.

					RIKER
			Go to yellow alert.

	Worf complies. The RED ALERT shuts down.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      10.

13   CONTINUED:

	Allenby reacts as she sees something on her panel.

					ALLENBY
			Captain... we've started moving
			again... something's pulling
			us...

	Off reactions...

14   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is on her couch, head held in hands, now
	apparently in excruciating pain. Troi slows her
	breathing, touches her insignia.

					TROI
				(touching insignia)
			Troi to Doctor Crusher.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Yes, Deanna?

									INTERCUT:

15   INT. SICKBAY

	BEVERLY is in the midst of a Sickbay busy with
	attendants preparing for the rush of patients.

					TROI'S COM VOICE
			Beverly, I'm feeling very...
			dizzy...

					BEVERLY
			Did you hit your head... ?

					TROI
			I'm not sure. I'm not sure what
			happened.

					BEVERLY
			Lie down, breathe deeply, stay
			calm... we've got calls coming
			in from all over the ship. I'll
			be there as soon as I can.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      11.

16   INT. BRIDGE

					ALLENBY
			New heading confirmed: zero-two-five
			mark two-seven-three.
			Speed is holding at one-tenth
			impulse...

					RIKER
			Whatever's pulling us sure isn't
			in a hurry...

					PICARD
			Picard to La Forge.

					GEORDI
			Go ahead, Captain.

					PICARD
			If your engines are functional,
			we'll attempt to break free.

									INTERCUT:

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      12.

17
thru	OMITTED
18

19   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi is looking at his instruments.

					GEORDI
			Everything down here seems normal
			enough, sir... but I suggest we
			take it a little slower this
			time...

20   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Ensign, bring us around ninety
			degrees to starboard from our
			current heading...

					ALLENBY
				(tapping panel)
			New course laid in, ninety
			degrees to starboard.

					PICARD
			One-quarter impulse. Engage.

					ALLENBY
			Aye,sir.

	Allenby does... no change...

					ALLENBY
			Nothing, Captain. Course and
			speed are unaffected.

					PICARD
			One-half impulse.

	Allenby touches controls. A beat.

					ALLENBY
			No change.

	Picard frowns...

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      13.

20   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Full impulse... rotate heading
			in five degree increments.

					ALLENBY
			Aye, sir.

20A
thru	OMITTED
22

23   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi is at his control panels. The impulse engines
	are straining, but not alarmingly.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      14.

23   CONTINUED:

	The ship shudders. He reacts.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			La Forge?

					GEORDI
			There's nothing wrong down here!
			The engines are fine!

24
thru	OMITTED
25

26   INT. BRIDGE

	Data looks up from his instruments.

					DATA
			Integrity field stress now
			exceeding eighty-two million
			kilo-dynes. Recommend immediate
			shutdown.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      15.

26   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Ensign.

	Allenby hits the panel.

					ALLENBY
			All engines down.

	The shuddering immediately stops. She checks her
	instruments.

					ALLENBY
			We're still being pulled. Same
			heading. Same speed.

	OFF an exasperated look between Picard and Riker.

27   OMITTED

28   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	The door opens and Beverly ENTERS. Troi is sitting on
	her couch, appearing to be in much less pain than
	previously, but she's still rubbing her head.

					BEVERLY
				(apologetic)
			I got here as quickly as I could.
			We've got a Sickbay filled with
			headaches. How are you?

					TROI
			I was feeling intense pain when
			I first called you. Now it's
			gone. But I'm still a bit...
			foggy.

	Beverly runs her medical tricorder around Troi's head.
	Seems puzzled at the results, but not alarmed.

					BEVERLY
			I'd like to take you to Sickbay
			and run an internuncial series.
			I'm getting some unusual readings.
			Can you walk?

	Troi stands, doesn't seem as dizzy.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      16.

28   CONTINUED:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			All senior staff report to the
			Observation Lounge.

					BEVERLY
			Are you up to that?

					TROI
			Yes, I think so.

	They head for the door, but Troi pauses, looks oddly
	for a moment at Beverly.

					BEVERLY
			Is something wrong?

					TROI
				(shaking it off)
			No, I'm fine.

29   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Geordi, Beverly, Troi.

					RIKER
			Could it be some sort of tractor
			beam?

					DATA
			No other ship is indicated.

30   CLOSE ON TROI

	As she seems to be experiencing a growing puzzlement.

31   RESUME SCENE

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, your analysis.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE      17.

31   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Tactical sensor readings were
			indeterminant.

					GEORDI
				(agrees)
			They don't even give us enough
			for an educated guess.

					RIKER
				(frowns)
			And yet all sensors are operating
			properly.

					PICARD
			Can there be an intelligence at
			work here?

	Any other time, Troi would just jump right in now. But
	she doesn't. The silence is notable. After a beat.
	Picard turns to her.

					PICARD
			Counselor, do you sense a
			lifeform out there?

	She looks up, blinks...

					TROI
			I don't think so... No, there's
			nothing...

	Troi strains to feel something.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Nothing.
				(realizing)
			Strange, I sense... nothing.

	Noticing Troi's confusion, but not understanding it,
	Picard tries to reassure her.

					PICARD
			It's alright, Counsellor. Perhaps
			there's nothing out there to
			sense.

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER       18.

32   TROI'S POV

	as she moves her gaze in a growing panic from person
	to person.

					DATA
			Indeed, there are many races that
			are not empathically detectable.
			The Breen, the Ferengi, the --

33   RESUME

	Troi interrupts, terrified.

					TROI
			-- No, you don't understand. I
			don't sense anything. Not out
			there, not in here. All of you,
			you're blank to me.

	She grabs her head with her hands. Riker rushes to
	support her.

					RIKER
			Deanna.

	OFF her terror striken look.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      19.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

34   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still being pulled off-center at sub-light through
	space.

35   INT. SICKBAY

	Troi is sitting on a diagnostic table as Beverly
	finishes examining her, looking up at the readout above
	the bed. Riker stands by.

					BEVERLY
			There's no indication of a
			concussion or a blow to the
			head... just a pattern of
			unresponsive neural cells
			throughout the cerebellum and
			cerebral cortex...

					TROI
			Unresponsive?

					BEVERLY
				(a beat, frank)
			There's brain damage. How
			serious... I can't tell yet.

					TROI
			But I feel fine otherwise.

					RIKER
			Can you treat it?

					BEVERLY
			I'm not sure. I'll have to study
			up on Betazoid physiology.

					TROI
			The Betazoid brain has a
			remarkable ability to heal
			itself... this condition could
			reverse itself over time.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      20.

35   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			It might. But you are half-human.
			That changes the map a little.
			I just don't want to offer you
			any false hope.

	Troi smiles.

					TROI
			It's just hope, Beverly. Not
			false hope.

	Beverly studies Troi...

					RIKER
			What would cause something like
			this... ?

	Beverly shakes her head, doesn't know.

					RIKER
				(I'm asking that
				 question... )
			... because it happened to her at
			just about the same time we
			encountered the anomaly.

					BEVERLY
				(nods)
			There may be a connection... I
			don't know.
				(beat, to Troi)
			If you were anyone else, you know
			the first thing I'd do?
				(off her look)
			I'd send you to Counselor Troi.

	And Deanna is showing an unusual sense of humor about
	all this...

					TROI
			Well, then I have an advantage,
			don't I... I see her quite
			often...

					BEVERLY
			Deanna, it's no different than
			one of us suddenly going blind...

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      20A.

35   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
				(impatient)
			Doctor, you don't have to tell
			me... I understand the
			psychology...

					BEVERLY
			You may understand it... but
			you've never had to live with it.

					TROI
			I may be perfectly fine by
			tomorrow.

					BEVERLY
			And you may not be. Now I'll do
			my homework... I'll see if
			there's anything we can do to
			regenerate those cells... but in
			the meantime, I want you to talk
			to someone... there are several
			people on board with degrees in
			psychology...

					TROI
				(laughs, interrupting)
			Fine. Fine. Okay. If I need
			to. All I want to do now is go
			back to work.

					RIKER
			Deanna...

					TROI
			If there are no medical
			objections...

	Beverly glances at Riker.

					BEVERLY
			No... medical objections.

	She jumps down from the table.

					TROI
			Thank you, Beverly.
				(perfunctory smile)
			Will.

	Troi heads quickly out the door. OFF a concerned look
	between Riker and Beverly.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO      21.

36   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is at a table intensely focused on a report when
	the door chimes, startling her. She looks up, a little
	annoyed.

					TROI
			Come in.

	The door opens and Riker ENTERS.

					RIKER
			I don't have a psychology degree
			but if you want to talk...

	Troi smiles. But it's not an entirely pleasant smile.

					TROI
			You know what the worst part of
			this is... and I've seen it happen
			with so many patients...

	Riker smiles, misinterpreting, thinking she's opening
	up to him...

					RIKER
			What?

					TROI
			It's the way other people change.
			How they start to treat you
			differently.

	And Riker is rather rocked back on his heels as her
	displaced anger grows...

					TROI
			They walk on egg shells around
			you. Sometimes they avoid you
			altogether. Sometimes they
			become overbearing -- 'reach out
			a helping hand to the blind
			woman'...

					RIKER
			I'm sorry if...

					TROI
			Well, I won't be treated that way.

					RIKER
			Hey, Imzadi...

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO      22.

36   CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(give me a break)
			Oh, please...

	The look at each other a long beat.

					RIKER
				(softly)
			I've never seen you... quite so
			scared.

					TROI
			I'm fine. If I get better, I
			get better. If not, I adapt.
			Life goes on.

	She is not convincing. A beat.

					TROI
			I'm a little busy now.

					RIKER
			Deanna --

	She doesn't want to hear anymore.

					TROI
			-- I really must finish this.
			I have some appointments this
			afternoon.

	It's a dismissal. Riker sees he isn't going to get
	any further right now. He turns and goes out the door.
	OFF Troi, as she steels herself and gets back to work.

37   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise is still being pulled off-center. A
	probe is suddenly launched from the ship.

38   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Data and Geordi at a computer console which displays
	a moving graphic representation of the probe's POV.

					DATA
			Probe launch is successful.
				(beat)
			Telemetry transmissions are being
			received.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      23.

38   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Let's see what we've got.

	Geordi looks at the numerical readout on the instrument
	panel below the screen.

					GEORDI
			Nothing unusual here... same
			readings as the ship sensors.

					DATA
				(touching controls)
			Expanding analysis parameters.
			Applying Bayesian functions...
			broad E-M and subspace spectrum
			polling...

					GEORDI
				(nothing)
			Uh Uh... No change...

					DATA
			I am now adding virtual particle
			trajectories...

	A beat, then suddenly an image on the screen surprises
	them both.

					GEORDI
			Whoa. What is that?

39   INCLUDE SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	which now displays what looks like a school of small,
	flat energy objects, moving in haphazard manner around
	each other on a flat plane. The image is beautiful,
	scintillating, diaphanous, almost not there at all.

					DATA
			Unknown. I am attempting to
			analyze motion patterns... results
			still inconclusive.

					GEORDI
			Last time I saw anything like
			that, I was skindiving off the
			Coral Reef on Bracas Five.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      23A.

40   CLOSE ON SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	where the movement of the clustering objects supports
	Geordi's image: it strongly resembles a school of
	tropical fish.

41   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is on her feet, slowly circling her client...

					TROI (V.O.)
			Counselor's personal log, stardate
			44357.1. I hear their words, I
			see their faces, I know the
			techniques of therapy... and
			yet it all forms an incomplete
			equation. I am without insight.
			How do I help these people?

	As she comes around, we see she's with Janet Brooks.
	Brooks is in apparent good humor. Troi decides on a
	new tact...

					TROI
			You said you woke up 'a new woman'
			this morning.

					BROOKS
			That's how I feel...

					TROI
			Tell me about her - this new
			woman...

					BROOKS
			She's not holding anything back
			anymore.

					TROI
			She's not?

					BROOKS
			I let it all out last night. I
			cried for two hours. I realized
			I'd never accepted the loss of
			my husband. I worked, I kept
			busy. I did everything to pretend
			it never happened.

					TROI
			You feel different, now.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      23B.

41   CONTINUED:

					BROOKS
			Completely.

	A long beat. Troi sits.

					TROI
			Can I share something important
			with you?

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      24.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

					BROOKS
			Of course...

					TROI
			I'm having a very difficult time
			today. And I feel you need to
			know.

					BROOKS
			What's wrong?

					TROI
			I've temporarily lost my empathic
			sense.
				(smiles)
			It's kind of like having one hand
			tied behind your back.

					BROOKS
			I'm sorry... do you want me to
			come back?

					TROI
			No, no, I'm fine. It's just...
			I feel before we continue it's
			important you know that.
			Okay... ?

					BROOKS
				(curious)
			All right...

					TROI
			Because I can't tell how you feel
			this morning, but it... it seems
			to me... one night of crying
			can't make up for months of
			pretending.

					BROOKS
				(very convincing)
			No. You're wrong. I feel better
			today than I have in ages. You're
			absolutely wrong, Deanna.

	Troi smiles and nods, good... and her eyes tell us her
	desperation as she hasn't the slightest idea what to
	do next.

41A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still being pulled.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      25.

42   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker and Troi listen as Data and Geordi
	present their findings. Troi seems to want to
	participate, but is unsure of herself.

43   INCLUDE COMPUTER SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	which displays the same probe graphic of the "school"
	of aliens pulling the Enterprise.

					DATA
			The probe's point of view reveals
			that the objects exist entirely
			in two dimensions. On a single
			plane.

					GEORDI
			They have length and width, but
			no height. Virtually flat.

					DATA
			That is why the ship's forward
			sensors did not detect them at
			first. We were looking at them
			along their edge. There was no
			surface to read. I will
			illustrate.

	Data freezes the graphic...

43A  CLOSE ON THE MONITOR

	as the angle of the POV decreases... moves lower and
	lower until it eventually loses the Enterprise and
	reaches the same plane as the beings... and when it
	does, they disappear. As the graphic moves back to a
	higher angle, the entities reappear.

43B  PICARD

	moves to the screen, fascinated.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      26.

43B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Are they a lifeform?

					DATA
				(nods to screen)
			The movement pattern within the
			cluster is not a naturally
			occuring phenomenon in the
			Newtonian sense. The objects
			appear to be alive.

					RIKER
			Can you explain why they're
			pulling us along with them?

	Geordi makes an adjustment to the screen that
	illustrates --

					GEORDI
			Somehow, they polarize the
			graviton field around them as they
			move. We're caught in the wake.

					RIKER
			So how do we get out of it?

					GEORDI
			We've processed the limited
			information from the probe... best
			idea for now is to try a
			controlled overload of the warp
			drive... jump directly to warp
			six. The laws of a
			three-dimensional universe say
			it should work. Not so sure about
			a two-dimensional universe
			though.

					PICARD
			Fascinating. So many
			questions... how could a two
			dimensional entity have access
			to a three dimensional universe...
			and are they even aware of us... ?
				(moving back)
			Number One, if we can put off the
			T'lli Betans, I'd like to stay
			and investigate once we're free
			of this graviton field...

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      26A.

43B  CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			It's too bad we can't tell if
			they're sentient.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      27.

43B  CONTINUED: (3)

	Troi, who has been watching silently, now suddenly
	reacts.

					TROI
				(defensively)
			What do you mean by that?

	Geordi and everyone else look up in surprise.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			I'm doing the best I can.

					PICARD
			No one has suggested otherwise,
			Counselor.

	Troi seems to clam up. Picard doesn't want to pursue
	this publicly. He turns to Data.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Mister Data, try to isolate any
			signal patterns from the cluster.
			Perhaps we'll find a basis for
			communication. Commander La
			Forge, we'll attempt your warp
			jump as soon as you're prepared...
				(to everyone)
			That'll be all.

	As everyone gets up to leave, Picard turns towards
	Troi.

					PICARD
			Counselor --

	-- But she's already half-way out the door and even
	though she must've heard him, she keeps going. OFF
	Picard's reaction.

44   INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly is going about her work with some medical
	equipment when Troi comes in.

					BEVERLY
			How are you feeling?

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO      28.

44   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Beverly, I can't do my job. I'm
			absolutely lost. You've got to
			do something.

					BEVERLY
			I cross-referenced your scan
			results with the baseline files
			in the computer. Nothing helpful
			turned up. And so far the lab
			work is inconclusive.

	Troi seems to sag. She leans against a diagnostic bed.

					TROI
			Inconclusive. What does that
			mean?

					BEVERLY
			It means there's nothing I can
			do now. I'm still trying...

					TROI
				(interrupting)
			How do you people live like this?

					BEVERLY
				(beat)
			We get by pretty well actually.
			And so will you. In time.

	Slowly building anger from Troi.

					TROI
			You have no idea. No idea what
			this is like. How can you know
			what it's like to lose something
			you've never had?

					BEVERLY
			I don't claim to...

					TROI
			But you're telling me I'm
			supposed to get used to it.

					BEVERLY
			If our positions were reversed,
			what would you tell me?

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO      29.

44   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			If our positions were reversed,
			I wouldn't have been in here
			treating skinned elbows while you
			were passed out on your office
			floor. I would have been there
			a lot sooner... maybe in time to
			prevent this before it ever
			happened.

	Deanna turns and storms out of Sickbay, leaving a
	devastated Beverly behind.

45   INT. CORRIDOR

	Troi is walking quickly along the corridor, avoiding
	the SUPERNUMERARIES who walk by. Her anger is turning
	to panic as she finally reaches her quarters and goes
	inside.

46   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS

	Troi steps inside, the doors closing behind her. She
	moves to the middle of the room, stops, then slowly
	sits down on the floor. She puts her arms around her
	knees, and slowly rocks, like a terrified child.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE     30.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

47   INT. PICARD'S READY ROOM - CLOSE ON TROI

	who is not wearing lipstick... she does not look her
	best.

					TROI
			I've been working with Ensign
			Brooks since the death of her
			husband... she's avoided the
			reality of what happened...
			denied it to herself... and I
			realize I've been doing the same
			thing about my condition.

	Pull back to reveal Picard at his desk.

					PICARD
			That's perfectly understandable...

					TROI
			It's time I accept the truth,
			Captain.
				(beat)
			And resign as ship's counselor.

					PICARD
				(reacts)
			Resign... ?

					TROI
			I can no longer fulfill my
			obligations. What other option
			is there?

	Picard steps from around the desk, wanting to remove
	all barriers between them... sits next to her, is very
	personal.

					PICARD
			Deanna, I have been fortunate in
			having had access to your Betazoid
			abilities. Most starship
			captains must be content with
			human counselors. Empathic
			awareness is not a requirement
			for the position.

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE     30A.

47   CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(unyielding)
			It is for me.

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE     31.

47   CONTINUED: (2)

	A long beat as he studies her. She's unbending.

					PICARD
			I'm sure after awhile you'll be
			able to compensate. They say
			when one loses a sense, the other
			senses become stronger to help
			adjust... a blind man develops
			better hearing...

					TROI
			With all due respect, Captain,
			you don't know what you're talking
			about.

	Picard blinks, not used to be talked to this way.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			That is a common belief which has
			no scientific basis... no doubt
			created by normal people who feel
			uncomfortable around the disabled.
				(beat)
			I am disabled. And I'm telling
			you I cannot perform my duties.

	Picard studies her a long beat, his mind searching for
	a way to reach her.

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			There was a teacher of mine at
			the Academy who had been confined
			to a wheelchair since birth...

					TROI
				(interrupting, softly)
			Spare me the inspirational
			anecdote and accept my
			resignation, Captain.

	Off Picard's reaction...

48   INT. BRIDGE

	Troi exits the Ready Room followed a beat later by
	Picard. She goes into the Turbolift, leaving, as
	Picard sits next to Riker.

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE     32.

48   CONTINUED:

	Riker gives him a puzzled look re: Deanna.

					PICARD
			Counselor Troi has just resigned.

	OFF Riker's reaction...

49   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

	Troi is pacing her room when the door chimes.

					TROI
			Come in.

	The door opens and Riker ENTERS.

					TROI
			I really would rather be alone
			right now.

					RIKER
			Too bad.

	And he moves to her and they look in each other's eyes
	for a long silent beat... and she looks as though if
	he touches her, she will crumble. Much is said in the
	silence and finally he wraps his arms around her and
	holds her... and with the physical contact, she sobs
	and tears roll down her cheeks for the first time.
	After a beat...

					TROI
				(humor through tears)
			Is this how you handle all of your
			personnel problems?

					RIKER
			Sure. You'd be surprised how far
			a hug goes with Geordi or Worf...

					TROI
			Will, I don't know what to do.

					RIKER
			So you resign, cut yourself off
			from all the people who care for
			you...

	She moves out of his arms.

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE     32A.

49   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I look around me and all I see
			are surfaces without depth.
			Colorless and hollow. Nothing
			seems real.

					RIKER
			I'm real.

					TROI
			No, you're not! You're a
			projection. With no more
			substance to me than a character
			on the Holodeck.

	Riker reacts...

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE     33.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			I don't believe that.

					TROI
			You have no idea how frightening
			it is for me to just be here
			without sensing you, without
			sharing your feelings...

					RIKER
			That's it, isn't it... we're on
			equal footing now...

					TROI
			What do you mean?

					RIKER
			You've always had an advantage...
			a little bit of control over every
			situation... it must have been
			a very safe position to be in.

	And she thinks about it, and is forced to admit that
	what he's saying is true.

					RIKER
				(kidding on the square)
			To be honest, I always thought
			there was something a little too
			aristocratic about your Betazoid
			heritage. It's as if the human
			side wasn't quite good enough
			for you.

					TROI
			That isn't true.

					RIKER
			Isn't it?

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge to Riker...

					RIKER
			Go ahead, Geordi...

									INTERCUT:

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      34.

49A  OMITTED

49B  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi moves to a companel...

					GEORDI
			We're ready to attempt a
			controlled overload jump to warp
			six.

49C  INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

					RIKER
			Acknowledged. I'm on my way to
			the Bridge.

	He moves to the door, pauses.

					RIKER
				(to Deanna)
			I'll check in on you later.

					TROI
			Really, you don't have to...

					RIKER
			I'll check in on you later.

	He EXITS.

49D  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still being pulled.

50   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, Picard, Data, and Worf at their stations.
	Allenby keys a control at Conn.

					ALLENBY
			Setting new course at optimal
			shearing angle: bearing two one
			seven mark two zero three.

									INTERCUT:

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE     34A.

50A  INT. ENGINEERING

					GEORDI
			Engaging impulse engines, now.

	Geordi touches the controls. The ship "bumps" slightly
	against the pull of the creatures.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Go to warp, Geordi.

	Geordi touches the panel -- the ship jolts violently
	as everyone hangs on.

51   OMITTED

52   INT. BRIDGE

					RIKER
			Status?

					ALLENBY
			Unchanged. We have not broken
			free of the graviton field...

					DATA
			Integrity field pressure has
			increased by two hundred seventeen
			percent, Captain.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      35.

52   CONTINUED:

	The RED ALERT alarms and lights come on.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Warning. Differential stress
			will exceed upper limit in
			fifteen seconds.

					PICARD
			Disengage all engines!

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Warning. Differential stress
			will exceed --

	Geordi touches controls and the computer voice
	instantly stops.

					GEORDI
			Engines disengaged, sir.

	The shaking stops immediately. The RED ALERT systems
	shut off.

					RIKER
			La Forge, report...

52A  INT. ENGINEERING

					GEORDI
			The energy we wanted to transfer
			to the nacelles was absorbed by
			the graviton wake instead. It
			set up a torsional wave that
			rebounded back to the ship.
			We're lucky the hull is still in
			one piece.

52B  INT. BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker exchange a frustrated glance.

					PICARD
			This little nuisance is quickly
			losing its fascination.

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE     35A.

52B  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Sir, during our attempt to break
			away , I recorded a momentary
			alteration of the movement pattern
			within the cluster.

					RIKER
			You think we got their attention,
			Data?

					DATA
			Possibly. But only for an
			instant. The pattern immediately
			returned to its previous
			dynamic.

	Picard doesn't look happy.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      36.

52B  CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Follow up on it, Mister Data.
			Input your observations into the
			Universal Translator. Perhaps
			the movements themselves are an
			attempt at communication.

					DATA
			Aye, Captain.

	OFF Picard's increasingly frustrated face.

53   OMITTED

53A  INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Troi is sitting by herself in a corner of the room,
	not drinking, looking very isolated.

53B  ANGLE ON GUINAN

	as she approaches with a cup in hand.

					GUINAN
			Care for a little tea?

	Troi glances up, startled at her presence.

					GUINAN
				(continuing)
			I didn't mean to startle you.

					TROI
			That's alright. I'm getting used
			to it.

					GUINAN
			Are you?

					TROI
				(honestly)
			No.

	Guinan smoothly sits down in the seat opposite, placing
	the tea in front of Troi.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      37.

53B  CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			You want to talk about it?

					TROI
			No.

					GUINAN
			Good. I get tired of listening
			to everybody's problems anyway.
			They come in here looking for a
			shoulder to cry on... it's always
			my shoulder for some reason...

					TROI
				(smiles)
			You'd make a good counselor...

					GUINAN
			You know, I always thought so
			myself. Maybe I ought talk to
			Picard, what do you think?

					TROI
				(reacts)
			About what... you becoming a
			counselor?

					GUINAN
				(absolutely convincing)
			You're leaving. With no counselor
			on board, there's gonna be a line
			at the bar... and it's not like
			I make a percentage on the drinks
			I sell... I'd just as soon have
			the nice office, you know?

					TROI
				(awkward)
			Well, it's more than just letting
			them cry on your shoulder... it
			takes an enormous commitment...

					GUINAN
			I can do that.

					TROI
			Guinan, people come to you to talk
			about things they want to reveal.
			A ship's counselor has to get people
			to talk about things they don't
			want to reveal.

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      38.

53B  CONTINUED: (2)

					GUINAN
			I can do that.

					TROI
			Guinan... what are you doing... ?
				(beat)
			You don't really want to be ship's
			counselor...

					GUINAN
			Why do you say that?

					TROI
			I just know you're not serious.

					GUINAN
			Have I given you any reason to
			believe I'm not serious?

					TROI
			Well, not really, but...

					GUINAN
			Then how can you know?
				(beat)
			Your empathic abilities come back?

					TROI
			No. I suppose it's just...
			instinctive.

					GUINAN
			Interesting.

					TROI
			Ah, I get it. You're trying to
			make me see that I have other
			abilities to draw on... human
			intuition, instincts... but those
			skills only develop with years
			of experience, Guinan... it's not
			so easy...

					GUINAN
			Who said anything about 'easy'?
			It's even harder than you think...
			human intuition and instinct --
			they're not always right.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE     38A.

53B  CONTINUED: (3)

					GUINAN (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Makes life very interesting...

					TROI
			So I'm discovering.

	Guinan rises. A couple of people move to the bar.

					GUINAN
			Well, they're starting to line
			up... it's been nice...

					TROI
			Guinan...

      STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE      39.

53B  CONTINUED: (4)

	Guinan pauses, turns...

					TROI
				(not serious, 'thank-you')
			If you want, I'll put in a good
			word with the Captain about the
			job...

	Guinan gives her the same even look she always gives,
	leaves.

54   INT. BRIDGE

	Data at his science station. Worf and Riker at their
	posts. A small BEEP goes off once at an instrument
	panel a couple of steps from him. He moves over to
	it and reacts to the reading. Riker picks up on it.

					RIKER
			Problem, Data?

					DATA
			Yes, Commander. Sensors are
			detecting highly accelerated
			interstellar gases...

					RIKER
			Suggesting?

					DATA
			Uncertain, Commander. The
			phenomenon is within visual
			range.

					RIKER
			On screen.

	They look up to see --

54A  ANGLE - INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	A long view of a cosmic string.

					RIKER
			Magnify.

	The image increases... it appears to be a something
	akin to the wide mouth of a celestial vacuum cleaner...
	sucking in stellar material.

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 40-43.         

54A  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			It appears to be a cosmic string
			fragment, sir. Only one hundred
			seven kilometers long.

					ALLENBY
			Cosmic string?

					RIKER
			They're no wider than a proton
			and have gravitational fields
			as powerful as a black hole.

					DATA
			The two-dimensional beings seem
			to be caught in the gravitational
			pull of the string. Their course
			is taking them directly toward
			it.

					RIKER
			And us right along with them.

	On concerned reactions...

55
thru	OMITTED
59

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          44.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

60   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship being dragged off-center toward the cosmic
	string fragment.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 44359.5.
			What began as a curious
			inconvenience has turned into a
			serious threat. At current
			speed, the two-dimensional beings
			and the Enterprise will be drawn
			into the cosmic string fragment
			in seven hours.

61   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker, Data, Worf and Geordi at their stations.
	The cosmic string is on the main viewer.

					DATA
			The entities offer no indication
			that they are aware of the string
			fragment, Captain. Their course
			and speed remain constant...

					WORF
			Sir, recommend we fire a spread
			of photon torpedoes into their
			field.

	Picard hates the idea but must consider it.

					PICARD
			Must we destroy them to save
			ourselves...

					DATA
			It is not clear what affect a
			photon torpedo would have on a
			two-dimensional being, Captain.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          45.

61   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Nevertheless...

					GEORDI
			We don't necessarily have to fire
			at them. Half-a-dozen photon
			torpedo bursts directly in their
			path could make them change
			course.

	Picard considers.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

	Worf touches several keys on the panel in front of him.

					WORF
			Torpedoes armed. Fire
			distribution set. Detonation at
			seven kilometers ahead of the
			cluster.

					RIKER
			Data, launch another probe and
			patch the monitor through to the
			main viewer.

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

	Data hits the controls.

					DATA
			Probe has been launched. On
			screen.

62   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Now shows the polarized POV of the probe so we can see
	the beings pulling the Enterprise... just as before...

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, proceed.

					WORF
			Launching photon torpedoes.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR         45A.

62   CONTINUED:

	Worf touches a control. On the screen, we can see the
	volley of photon torpedoes... spread out...

					WORF
			Five seconds to detonation...
			Three, two, one.

	As the photon torpedoes explode in a display of
	polarized light, directly in the creatures' path.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          46.

62   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			No change in the graviton field.
				(looks up)
			The torpedoes are having no
			effect.

62A  PICARD

	And play this entirely on his face as he watches the
	viewscreen.

					PICARD
				(frowns, no choice)
			Fire another volley directly into
			their field, Mister Worf.

					WORF (O.C.)
			Launching torpedoes.
				(beat)
			Five seconds to detonation...
			Three, two, one.

	Slow push in to Picard...

					DATA (O.C.)
			No affect, sir. Matter anti-matter
			explosions appear to be
			ineffective.

	And on an ECU of Picard's reaction...

63
thru	OMITTED
69

70   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is, in essence, packing. Putting together
	personal things into an attache... The door chimes.
	She glances up.

					TROI
			Yes?

	The door slides open and Ensign Brooks ENTERS.

					TROI
				(continuing; surprised)
			Janet. I'm sorry... I meant to
			cancel your appointment today...

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          47.

70   CONTINUED:

					BROOKS
			That's okay... tommorrow then... ?

					TROI
			Janet, I've resigned as ship's
			counselor.

					BROOKS
			But why?

					TROI
				(a beat)
			Well, I think it was fairly clear
			during your last appointment...
			it was obviously non-productive
			and...

					BROOKS
			Non-productive. I don't
			understand... how could you say
			that?

					TROI
				(reacts)
			But I couldn't sense what you
			were...

					BROOKS
			Deanna, you were right about me.
			I had to go back and look at what
			I was doing, why I was trying to
			convince myself and you that I
			was a "new woman"... and I
			realized I was doing the same
			thing to myself all over again...
			trying to hide from the pain...
			I have to accept that... it's
			really just beginning for me, isn't
			it...

	A long beat as Troi takes it in.

					BROOKS
			So, as far as I'm concerned, it
			was very productive. Maybe you
			couldn't sense what I was
			feeling... but you helped.

	Off Troi's reaction...

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          48.

71   INT. READY ROOM

	Troi ENTERS. Picard is at his desk.

					TROI
			You wanted to see me, Captain?

					PICARD
			Sit down, please.

	She does so.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Our situation has become critical.
			The cluster is still completely
			unresponsive. We have not been
			able to alter its course toward
			the cosmic string fragment.

					TROI
			How much time do we have?

					PICARD
			Less than five hours. That's why
			I've called you.

					TROI
			Sir?

					PICARD
			All that remains is the
			possibility of communication.
			There might be some way to warn
			them of their impending
			destruction.

					TROI
			I thought Data already tried to
			establish communications through
			the universal translator.

					PICARD
			He has tried every technical means
			at our disposal to reach them.

					TROI
			Captain, I wish I knew how to
			help. But under the
			cirumstances...

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR          49.

71   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			If there is a psychology to
			these creatures, we must discover
			it... if there is an explanation
			to their behavior, we must know
			it...

	And push in on Troi.

					PICARD
			Even in your current condition,
			you are the most qualified person
			aboard this ship to assist.

	Picard stands, Troi does the same.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Data is currently in Observation,
			attempting to formulate a
			strategy. I'd like you to join
			him.

	Troi doesn't answer, seems to waver.

					PICARD
			Deanna. We need you.

	OFF the emotions on Troi's face.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          50.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

71A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	A view of the ship and the cosmic string looming ahead.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. If
			our speed and course remain
			unchanged, in one hour, the
			Enterprise will be torn apart by
			the gravitational forces of the
			cosmic string fragment.

72   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Data is briefing Troi in front of a screen. A series
	of still frames of the previous probe image of the
	creatures appears on the screen throughout the scene.
	Troi appears hesitant, not confident of her role.

					TROI
			Are your signals reaching them
			at all?

					DATA
			Possibly. However, the beings
			may perceive them as negligible
			noise rather than an attempt at
			communication.

	Data appears to be awaiting her next question. Troi's
	not sure how to proceed.

					TROI
			Is there any evidence at all that
			they're sentient?

					DATA
			Negative. The nature of their
			movement suggests a simple order
			of intelligence.

	Troi takes a deep breath... doesn't know what to do,
	what to say, why is she here?

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          51.

72   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I'm sorry, Data... I don't seem
			to be much help without my
			empathic abilities... I just
			don't know how to draw on my
			human instinct...

					DATA
			As I have no human 'instinct' per
			se, I cannot advise you,
			Counselor.

					TROI
			Right now, I feel as two-dimensional
			as our friends out
			there... in this universe, but
			barely aware of it...
				(musing)
			... just trying to survive on...

	A beat... a slow push in...

					TROI
			Instinct?

	Turns to Data...

					TROI
			Data, what if they're simply
			acting instinctively... there are
			inherent, inborn forces that
			drive every species. What they
			need. What they fear.
				(beat)
			We've got to discover what drives
			this species?

					DATA
			I do not believe there is any way
			to know for certain, Counselor.

					TROI
			We can speculate based on the
			available evidence...

					DATA
			The only evidence we have at
			present is the brief interruption
			in their movement pattern during
			our last attempt to break away...

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          52.

72   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
				(mind working)
			Which may suggest some kind of
			awareness of our presence...

					DATA
			Otherwise their course and speed
			have been constant.

					TROI
			On a straight line to the cosmic
			string...
				(beat)
			You're convinced the string's
			gravitation is pulling them in.

					DATA
			Since the cluster is
			two-dimensional, I have no direct
			evidence to support that
			assumption. But it is the most
			reasonable hypothesis.

					TROI
			Why?

					DATA
			It is unlikely they would
			intentionally move toward a
			destructive force...

					TROI
			Moths fly toward a flame. Horses
			sometimes run into a burning barn.
			Data, don't you see, we've been
			thinking in three-dimensions.
			We have to get two-dimensional.

					DATA
			Pardon me?

					TROI
			Subspace signals, photon
			torpedoes, nothing's had an
			impact... it is reasonable to
			wonder if a gravitational pull...
			even as strong as a cosmic
			string's... would affect them.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE         52A.

72   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATA
				(curious where she's
				 heading)
			Please continue.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          53.

72   CONTINUED: (4)

					TROI
			What if they've chosen a course
			to the cosmic string? A case of
			pure stimulus-response. Driven
			by instinct... just like the moth
			to a flame...

	Off Data's reaction...

72A  INT. BRIDGE

	Data and Troi have brought their ideas to Picard.
	Riker, Worf, Geordi, Allenby are present.

					DATA
			If Counselor Troi's supposition
			is correct, Captain... a replica
			of the string projected behind
			the cluster could induce them to
			reverse course. Disrupting the
			graviton wake long enough for
			us to escape.

					RIKER
			How do you simulate a cosmic
			string? It has the gravitational
			force of a hundred stars.

					DATA
			I do not suggest we simulate the
			gravitational field of the string
			fragment, Commander. Rather the
			string's vibration.

					PICARD
			Vibration. This isn't a violin,
			Commander.

					GEORDI
			Data's right. The principle is
			the same. A cosmic string
			emanates a characteristic set of
			subspace frequencies as atomic
			particles decay along its event
			horizon. I could use the ship's
			parabolic dish to amplify and
			reflect those frequencies back
			toward the cluster. The
			Enterprise itself would echo the
			cosmic string.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          54.

72A  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(reacts)
			How much time do we have, Mister
			Worf?

					WORF
			Twenty-three minutes.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

	Geordi EXITS.

73   OMITTED

73A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Being drawn ever closer to the string fragment.

74   INT. BRIDGE - ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	and the cosmic string, now looming directly ahead.

					DATA
			Frequency scan detectors
			engaged.

									INTERCUT:

75   OMITTED

75A  INT. ENGINEERING

					GEORDI
			Receiving...

	He presses some panels and is greeted by a chaotic mass
	of signal noise. He reacts -- what a mess.

					GEORDI
			Data... we're picking up
			frequencies across the entire
			electromagnetic and lower subspace
			spectrum... trying to isolate...

	He touches a panel control. Some of the noise clears
	up, not much.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE         54A.

75A  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Can you focus the reflector field
			for me?

					DATA
			Stand by...
				(working panels)
			I am differentiating particle
			emission signatures now.

	Geordi studies his panel as the noise suddenly clears
	up even more. Geordi reacts, pleased.

					GEORDI
			That's doing it... Patterns are
			converging...

	He quickly touches the controls. The noisy sound
	immediately beings to come together -- almost like a
	huge orchestra tuning up.

76
thru	OMITTED
77

78   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	PUSH IN on the parabolic dish. We continue to hear
	the sound as above.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          55.

79   INT. BRIDGE

					ALLENBY
			Same course. Same speed. No
			change, sir.

	A slight ship shake (different in nature than earlier
	shakes). Reactions as frequencies suddenly become more
	jumbled.

					WORF
			We are beginning to encounter the
			gravitational effects of the
			string. Impact is in four
			minutes...

	The sound grows even more chaotic.

					DATA
			Sir, the shear force turbulence
			is impairing our ability to
			create an accurate simulation...

					RIKER
			Geordi, fire up the impulse
			engines and activate the ship's
			stabilizers...

79A  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi on the move... pressing panels...

					GEORDI
			Stabilizers on.

79B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					DATA
			Electromagnetic and subspace wave
			fronts approaching
			synchronization.

	Again, the sound is coming together.

80   OMITTED

81   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Close on the parabolic reflector dish as we continue
	to hear the frequencies coming together into something
	like a chord.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE          56.

82   INT. BRIDGE

	The sound has become "tuned." Everyone waits.

					WORF
			Three minutes to impact.

					RIKER
			Status?

					ALLENBY
			No effect on the cluster. Same
			course, same speed.

					PICARD
			Let's try to turn up the volume.
			Increase intensity, Mister Data.

					DATA
			Increasing by fifty percent.

	The audio suddenly gets louder.

					ALLENBY
			They're slowing.

					GEORDI
			Graviton wake field collapsing.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge, take us out of
			here.

82A  INT. ENGINEERING

					GEORDI
			My pleasure, sir.

83   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship peels away from the string and warps out.

84   INT. BRIDGE

					ALLENBY
			Course two nine five, mark two
			zero four. Warp six. We're
			clear.

          STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE         56A.

84   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Excellent work, Mister Data;
				(nodding to Troi)
			Counselor.

           STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE          57.

84   CONTINUED:

	She smiles. She glances at Riker, they share a moment.

					ALLENBY
			The beings have resumed their
			course into the string. Three
			seconds to impact.

	There is a beat. Troi suddenly experiences a rush of
	feeling that nearly knocks her over. Riker rushes to
	her support.

					TROI
				(pleasantly surprised)
			It's all right. They're home.
			We were wrong. The cosmic
			string... it was never dangerous
			to them... it was the one place
			in the galaxy they most wanted
			to be.

					RIKER
				('you've recovered')
			Deanna... ?

	She straightens up, her strength returning.

					TROI
			Yes... I sensed it...

	Reactions...

85
thru	OMITTED
86

87   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	At the bar with Guinan, Beverly, Riker, Troi.

					TROI
			Such overwhelming intensity of
			emotion. When we first
			encountered them, it must have
			been more than my senses could
			process.

					RIKER
			A short-circuit.

					TROI
			Something like that.
				(apologetic)
			Beverly...

           STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE          58.

87   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Apology accepted.
				(to Riker)
			Therapists are always the worst
			patients. Except for doctors,
			of course. Stop by and see me
			later, okay... ?

	She EXITS.

					TROI
			I was so awful to her.

					GUINAN
			You were just being human...

					TROI
			I never fully appreciated how
			difficult... and rewarding... it
			is to be human...
				(to Guinan)
			I had a lot of help. Thank-you.

	Guinan nods in reply.

					GUINAN
			You don't happen to know if that
			ship's counselor position is still
			open... ?

					TROI
			It's been taken.

					GUINAN
			Too bad.
				(indicating bar)
			Better hours.

	She moves toward another customer's signal... Troi
	looks at Riker...

					TROI
			And you, Will Riker... Thank you
			for making me face my other half.

					RIKER
				(joking)
			Frightening, wasn't it?

       STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE 59-60.          

87   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			A little.
				(shrugs)
			You were right, though. Maybe
			there's something to be learned
			when you're not in control of
			every situation.

					RIKER
			Welcome to the human race.

	Riker moves in to kiss her cheek... but she turns and
	raises an eyebrow...

					TROI
			By the way. The next time you
			call me aristocratic...

	Riker laughs. OFF the moment between them.

88   OMITTED

89   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	on its way to T'lli Beta.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END