STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Clues" #40274-188 Teleplay by Bruce D. Arthurs and Joe Menosky Story by Bruce D. Arthurs 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 NOVEMBER 14, 1990 STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Clues" CAST PICARD MADALINE RIKER DATA ALYSSA OGAWA BEVERLY HOLODECK MAN TROI GEORDI WORF Non-Speaking GUINAN PAXAN ENTITY O'BRIEN ENSIGN McKNIGHT COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES MEDICAL PERSONNEL STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Clues" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE TURBOLIFT CORRIDOR TRANSPORTER ROOM SICKBAY SICKBAY LAB MAIN ENGINEERING TEN-FORWARD TROI'S QUARTERS DATA'S QUARTERS WORKOUT ROOM HOLODECK (WORLD OF DIXON HILL) SECRETARY'S OFFICE HILL'S PRIVATE OFFICE STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/28/90 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Clues" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE CYTOSOME SITE-oh-zohm ELECTROLYTE ee-LEC-tro-lite EVADNE ee-VAHD-nee MARA MARU MAH-ruh muh-ROO NGAME n'GOM-aye TURGOR TER-jer STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Clues" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Establish the ship travelling across a background of interstellar dust clouds. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 44502.7. Early completion of our mission at Harrakis Five has allowed me to grant extra personal time for many of the crew. 2 INT. WORKOUT ROOM WORF, dressed in a Klingon robe is leading several others, including TROI, RIKER and GEORDI in a set of slow exercises, that might be described as Klingon Tai Chi. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) Given our recent tight scheduling, this has come as something of a relief. 3 INT. SICKBAY LAB At a lab counter, BEVERLY is lining several small incubation bottles along a rack -- obviously an experimental procedure. Her satisfied smile indicates that she's enjoying this. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) Our diplomatic assignment in the Evadne system is a ten day journey past the Ngame Nebula, and I expect it to be uneventful. I personally am using the time to fulfill a promise to a colleague. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - TEASER 2. 4 OMITTED 5 INT. SECRETARY'S OFFICE - CIRCA 1940S - DAY CLOSE SHOT of the office door, wood with a frosted glass insert in the upper portion. On the glass are printed the words -- DIXON HILL PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS -- but they are in reverse. We are inside the somewhat dingy, period office. We hear a loud SNAP. 5A INCLUDE MADELINE A bombshell secretary, sitting behind her desk, typewriter in front of her, but paying more attention to painting her fingernails. She again loudly SNAPS her chewing gum. The door opens, GUINAN ENTERS, dressed completely in period clothing, chewing gum like an expert. GUINAN Dixon Hill around? MADELINE (barely looking up) He's occupied at the present moment. GUINAN Tell him Gloria is here. MADELINE Can't do that. Madeline snaps her gum. MADELINE (continuing) He doesn't want to be disturbed. GUINAN I'm here from... (remembering) Cleveland. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - TEASER 2A. 5A CONTINUED: MADELINE Doesn't matter if you're from the moon, Hon. Mister Hill is incommuni... incommunica... GUINAN Incommunicado. MADELINE That's it. Sorry, Hon. Madeline snaps her gum. GUINAN Listen, Hon. Just tell him Gloria's here. Guinan snaps her gum. Madeline narrows her eyes at the challenge, snaps back. MADELINE When the boss doesn't want to be disturbed, the boss doesn't want to be disturbed. Don't take it personal like. Guinan snaps her gum. Noting a clock on the wall -- GUINAN Mister Hill is expecting me. I have a two o'clock appointment. MADELINE It's two-ten. GUINAN Sorry. I had a hard time with the outfit... (raising her skirt to show off a garter) It took me awhile to figure out what this thing was supposed to do... Madeline huffs, picks up the phone, and hits the intercom... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - TEASER 2B. 5A CONTINUED: (2) MADELINE Sorry, Dix. There's a... "lady" here to see you, says her name is... GUINAN Gloria... MADELINE Gloria... GUINAN From Cleveland. MADELINE From Cleveland. (beat) Okay. She hangs up. MADELINE He never heard of you. GUINAN Never heard of me? MADELINE That's right. GUINAN No, you don't understand... it's all been set up in advance... I'm supposed to be Gloria from Cleveland and I was supposed to be in Holodeck Four at two o'clock and you don't have the slightest idea of what I'm talking about, do you? Madeline blinks, dumb. Guinan wheels and heads for Dixon's inner office door... MADELINE Hey, you can't go in there... But Guinan charges through the door into... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - TEASER 3. 6 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - DAY ... to find Picard with his hands raised high and a GUNMAN aiming a revolver at him, the gunman holds a valise... She reacts as he motions the gun at her... GUNMAN Get inside. (to Picard) Who's the doll? PICARD She's my cousin. GUINAN Gloria. From Cleveland. PICARD Sorry, Gloria -- I didn't want to get you involved. She has nothing to do with this, Johnny. GUNMAN Yeah, right. What do I look like? A jamoke? You ain't nobody's cousin and you ain't here for a visit. What do you know about my money? GUINAN Your money? GUNMAN The money he stole. GUINAN (to Picard) You stole his money? PICARD He's lying, Gloria -- don't listen to him. GUINAN Johnny, why don't you tell me all about it, maybe I can help, I'm a good listener... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - TEASER 4. 6 CONTINUED: He moves threateningly at Guinan passing in front of the window as he does... GUNMAN I'm finished with talking, sweetheart. Now, I'm gonna get some action or else... Outside we can hear a car screech around a corner... Suddenly the window is blasted out by machine gun fire... Guinan and Picard hit the ground... the gunman is hit in the back, groans and falls dead with -- 6A ANGLE - FACE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR GUINAN (to Picard) This is what you do for fun? PICARD It's a mystery, Guinan... Who was this man? Who killed him? Where's the money he was talking about? A mystery. Now, we begin the search for clues. GUINAN And that's fun... The SCREECH of a car outside. Picard goes to the window. PICARD That's fun. He looks out the window. PICARD A forty-eight Packard with whitewalls... I couldn't catch the license plate... The phone rings in the outer office... MADELINE (O.S.) Dixon Hill, Private Investigations. (answering phone) Sorry, there's no Captain Picard here. Try down at the docks. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - TEASER 5. 6A CONTINUED: PICARD (reacts) It's all right. I'll take it, Madeline. Picard picks up the phone on the desk. PICARD (a little ruffled) What is it? INTERCUT: 7 thru OMITTED 9 10 INT. BRIDGE DATA is at the helm. DATA Please excuse the unusual interruption, Captain. I thought that patching communications through the holodeck program would be less obtrusive. PICARD'S COM VOICE (a smile) I appreciate the consideration, Commander. What can I do for you? 11 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) The Ngame dust cloud is a diaphanous wave of color partially obscuring the backdrop of stars. DATA Long range sensors have detected a T-tauri type star within a pocket of the Ngame cloud. PICARD'S COM VOICE Nothing unusual about that. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - TEASER 5A. 11 CONTINUED: DATA No, Sir. However, the star's single planet falls within the M-Class range. It is capable of supporting life. PICARD'S COM VOICE Now that is unusual. DATA Highly, Sir. Picard is not covering too well his disappointment at having to interrupt the holodeck fantasy. PICARD'S COM VOICE Yes, thank you, Data. Procedures require us to investigate. Recall the bridge crew and set a course. 12 OMITTED 13 INT. DIXON HILL'S PRIVATE OFFICE Picard hangs up the phone. Turns to Guinan. PICARD I'm afraid I have a twenty-fourth century mystery to deal with, Gloria. You're welcome to carry on if you'd like. GUINAN No, I've had enough "fun" for one day. They both go out the office door. 14 INT. BRIDGE - LATER The Bridge now has a full crew (Picard, Riker, Worf, Data, TROI, and ENSIGN MCKNIGHT at CONN). MCKNIGHT Entering the T-tauri system, now, Captain. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/14/90 - TEASER 6. 15 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) Which displays the star we are approaching -- still distant, but close enough to see it as a disc rather than a point of light. 16 RESUME DATA Sensors indicate an energy fluctuation directly in our path. Source unknown. 17 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A shimmering "hole" in space opens up for just a moment -- then disappears. 18 RESUME Worf looks at his instruments. WORF Still picking up energy distortions -- but fading. It seems to be gone. PICARD A wormhole? DATA Very likely. Small and extremely unstable wormholes have been mapped near thirty-nine T-tauri systems in the last one hundred years alone. RIKER Captain, I suggest we move to a safer location. It could reappear at any moment. PICARD Agreed. Ensign, take us -- Data is glued to his instruments. DATA -- Captain! STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - TEASER 7. 19 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) And the worm-hole as it reappears virtually on top of them. 20 RESUME (OPTICAL) The entire Bridge crew looks towards the screen just as the Enterprise goes into the worm-hole. A dazzling light fills the Bridge, as we stay on Data, who can barely be seen pouring over his sensor readings. Then the light just as suddenly fades to normal. Data turns from his instruments to survey the Bridge -- everyone else is slumped over in their chairs or fallen to the floor. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: 21 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE SHOT OF PICARD slumped unconscious in his Command Chair. DATA (O.S.) Captain? 22 PULL BACK TO INCLUDE DATA as he gently shakes Picard, who begins to awaken. PICARD Data? Picard looks around. Seeing the other unconscious crewmen starting to gradually come around, he tries to stand. Still woozy, he staggers, and is caught by Data. DATA Careful, Captain. The stun-effect from the wormhole was relatively severe. Picard rubs his head. PICARD Apparently so. How long were we unconscious? DATA Approximately thirty seconds. I have scanned the ship and detected no life-threatening injuries to the crew. A moan from McKnight as she rubs the shoulder she fell upon. Worf rubs his right wrist as he stands. Riker is helping a still dazed looking Troi to her seat. PICARD You were not affected? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 9. 22 CONTINUED: DATA No. My positronic system is immune to the effect. This is the third unstable wormhole I have passed through during my time in Starfleet. The first, on-board the U.S.S. Trieste -- PICARD -- Thank you, Data. Picard surveys the Bridge. PICARD (continuing) Well, where the hell are we? RIKER (checking instruments) Point five-four parsecs from our previous position. Almost a day's travel... in just thirty seconds. DATA Sir, I should re-align the ship's clock with Starbase Four-ten's subspace signal to adjust for the time distortion. PICARD Proceed. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Captain, Sickbay here. PICARD Go ahead, Doctor. INTERCUT: 22A INT. SICKBAY BEVERLY I'm getting scattered reports of minor injuries. What happened? PICARD'S COM VOICE The Enterprise just jumped through a wormhole. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 9A. 22A CONTINUED: PICARD'S COM VOICE (Cont'd) We were all unconscious for about thirty seconds. BEVERLY Everybody okay up there? PICARD'S COM VOICE (glancing around) Little or no damage on the Bridge, Doctor. BEVERLY Acknowledged. Crusher out. 22B INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS PICARD Ship's status? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT ONE 10. 22B CONTINUED: Riker looks at his console. RIKER Reports coming in now. Nothing serious so far. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Impulse engines and warp drive are unaffected, Captain. WORF Shields and weapons systems are fully functional. Worf rubs his wrist again. Picard glances at Troi, who still seems slightly out of it. PICARD Counselor? Are you alright? TROI Yes... I think so... Excuse me, Captain, but I feel a bit... unfocused... (a deep breath) It will pass. Picard satisfies himself that the crew is basically back to normal. PICARD Not too bad, all things considered. RIKER (agreeing) We're lucky we didn't end up half-way across the galaxy and in the middle of next week. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 11. 22B CONTINUED: (2) DATA I do not believe that was ever a possibility. The wormhole's small size and extremely short period indicate a relatively local phenomenon. RIKER I didn't mean that literally, Data. PICARD There's still the anomalous M-Class planet we were going to investigate. Do we go back? DATA The unpredictability of the wormhole would make our investigation a hazardous one. A probe from our current position would be more advisable. Picard weighs the considerations. Nods to Data. PICARD Make it so. 23 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship launches a probe, which speeds across space and out of frame. 24 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL) Beverly is treating O'BRIEN, running a hand-held instrument over the Chief's elbow. In the background, ALYSSA OGAWA and another medical assistant are treating two other crew members. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT ONE 12. 24 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Nothing broken, Chief. But the ligaments around the elbow have been twisted pretty severely. (a smile) What in the world were you doing when you fell? O'BRIEN Hanging a plant for Keiko. Part of her running project to give me a green thumb. BEVERLY How's it working? O'BRIEN (shakes his head) Everything I touch seems to turn brown and wither away. Beverly laughs. BEVERLY Alyssa, would you get me the -- She glances over at her assistant, who is very busy with other patients. BEVERLY -- Never mind. I'll do it. (to O'Brien) You, don't go away. We'll fix that right up. 25 FOLLOW BEVERLY as she crosses into a lab on the other side of Sickbay. 25A INT. SICKBAY LAB - CONTINUOUS Beverly finds the hand-held instrument she's looking for, and in passing, notices the small glass containers we saw her experimenting with earlier. Something stops her dead in her tracks. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT ONE 12A. 26 CLOSE ON THE INCUBATION CONTAINERS each of which is fuzzy with a bright red, moss-like growth inside. 27 INCLUDE A VERY PUZZLED BEVERLY as she reaches over and picks one up. She stares at it for a moment. BEVERLY (evenly) This is impossible. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 13. 28 INT. SICKBAY - MOMENTS LATER (OPTICAL) Beverly is walking back towards O'Brien, carrying the instrument she went for, a bemused look still on her face. She reaches O'Brien and indicates his elbow. BEVERLY Straighten your arm. He does so. She touches the device to one side of the injured joint, holding it there. BEVERLY Alyssa? The other woman glances up. ALYSSA Yes, Doctor? BEVERLY Did you see anybody near the lab today? ALYSSA No, I didn't. A beat. BEVERLY You didn't happen to adjust the environments on the incubation containers? ALYSSA I would never touch one of your experiments unless you asked me to, Doctor. BEVERLY Of course, I'm sorry, Alyssa. Beverly wonders to herself what the hell is going on... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT ONE 14. 29 INT. BRIDGE Worf looks up from his instruments. WORF Probe approaching the T-tauri system, Captain. PICARD Readings, Data? DATA Coming in now, sir. The probe has moved within visual range of the planet. PICARD On screen. ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A big, green, gassy, Neptune-like planet. Data studies the instruments for a couple of beats. DATA Sensors indicate a hydrogen-helium composition. (takes another reading) With a frozen helium core. RIKER Wait a minute, didn't your readings indicate a Class M planet before we went through the wormhole, Data? DATA It is very possible that interference from the wormhole affected the sensors, Commander. This is clearly not a Class M planet. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT ONE 15. 30 CONTINUED: Picard appears convinced. Riker still a bit doubtful. PICARD Data, run a full diagnostic to make sure the wormhole didn't cause any permanent damage to the sensors. DATA Aye, Captain. PICARD Ensign, set us back on a course for... (off Riker's doubt) Number One? A problem? RIKER It's awfully strange that a malfunctioning sensor should give such a specific misreading of a planet. I would have thought that a space/time disturbance would cause a lot more confusion than that. Data jumps in just a little too quickly. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT ONE 16. 30 CONTINUED: (2) DATA It is conceivable that the sensors picked up the afterimage of an actual planet that lies on the other side of the wormhole. (to Picard) We could survey the nearby stars for such a planet. It would require approximately six weeks. PICARD We don't have the time. Picard has made up his mind. PICARD We've encountered a minor mystery, one that has been solved to my satisfaction. Number One, unless there's a major objection, Ensign McKnight will set us a course for Evadne Four. Riker has good-humoredly backed down from playing devil's advocate. RIKER No objection. PICARD Ensign. The Ensign's fingers touch the controls in front of him. OFF Data's unreadable face. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT ONE 17. 31 OMITTED 32 INT. READY ROOM Picard is sitting at his desk as Beverly Crusher ENTERS, carrying a small, box-like carrier. PICARD You wanted to see me, Beverly. BEVERLY I have something of a minor mystery on my hands. PICARD A "minor mystery"? That seems to be a recurring phrase around here lately. (indicating table) Please. She sets down the box and opens it, taking out one of the incubation containers, now thriving with red moss. PICARD (surprised) Diomedian scarlet moss. I didn't know you were an enthno-botanist. BEVERLY It's a hobby. PICARD You've got a good crop going there. As I recall, it's not easy to cultivate. BEVERLY That's just it -- I started the spores right before we were all knocked unconscious by the wormhole. You said we were out for thirty seconds? PICARD Correct. BEVERLY Then how come this shows a full day's growth? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT ONE 18. 32 CONTINUED: Picard stares at it for a moment, curious. PICARD Perhaps you've got some sort of fast-growth strain. She pulls out four more bottle-like containers, lining them up in front of him, each with a similarly luxuriant growth inside. BEVERLY Each of these incubators were set with spores from completely different sources in the Diomedian system. I've got a dozen more back at the lab. Perhaps something extraordinary could have happened to one of them, but not to all of them. Picard continues to stare at the containers. PICARD But that would mean we were unconscious for a full day. And yet everything else on board indicates that we were out for only thirty seconds. The ship's chronometer, the computer... A beat as the implication sinks in. PICARD (continuing) Everything else... including Commander Data. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT TWO 19. ACT TWO FADE IN: 33 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Travelling at impulse speed through space, no longer near a dust cloud. PICARD (V.O) Captain's log, supplemental. Commander Data continues to maintain that we were unconscious for only thirty seconds, despite Doctor Crusher's evidence to the contrary. 34 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Beverly, Data, Geordi, Riker, Worf. On the table in front of them sits one of Beverly's incubation bottles. DATA Captain, I have a hypothesis. Picard nods, and seems to study Data intently as he answers. DATA The twenty-second century physicist Pell Underhill conjectured that a major disruption in time-continuity could be compensated for by trillions of counter reactions. Data indicates the incubation chambers. DATA (continuing) The effect could have allowed Doctor Crusher's mosses to arrive at the other side of the worm hole with the unanticipated growth. GEORDI Underhill was talking about energy! STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT TWO 19A. 34 CONTINUED: DATA True. Nevertheless, it is possible that the phenomenon could occur in matter at much higher levels of organization. Given the proper conditions. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT TWO 20. 34 CONTINUED: (2) A beat. PICARD Thank you, Data. An intriguing hypothesis. Picard considers for a moment, smiles at Data. PICARD (continuing) Perhaps we've got a tempest in a test tube, after all. BEVERLY Captain -- Picard cuts her off with a look. PICARD (lightly) Data, I promised Mister Nelson in Engineering that you would assist him on the sensor diagnostics. You'll find him hard at work on Deck Thirty-six. DATA As you wish, Captain. Data turns and EXITS the room. Picard waits a moment, as if this is difficult. PICARD (to Geordi) Did you believe Data's explanation? Geordi hesitates. PICARD (continuing) A frank answer, Commander. GEORDI Not for a second. I'm honestly amazed that he even proposed it. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT TWO 21. 34 CONTINUED: (3) WORF What are you suggesting, Captain? PICARD I'm not sure. I have never known Data to lie, and yet... BEVERLY If we never went through a wormhole... then what happened to us during that missing day... GEORDI If we were out for a whole day, why didn't our beards grow? No answers. RIKER Whatever it was... it seems to be something Data doesn't want to tell us about... PICARD It could be that whatever caused this situation affected Data as well. (beat) Or it could be that he's telling the truth... and this is just... another minor mystery. GEORDI I can check the computer's chronometer... see if there's evidence of tampering... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT TWO 22. 34 CONTINUED: (4) BEVERLY A transporter trace analysis might give us another indication of how much time has actually passed. PICARD Proceed on both counts. Meanwhile, we'll maintain our present course. If there is something wrong with Data, we don't want him aware of our suspicions. 35 INT. ENGINEERING Data is helping a SUPERNUMERARY engineer, (NELSON), with standard sensor diagnostics. Geordi enters frame, seemingly buoyant. GEORDI (lightly) Gentlemen, how goes the battle? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT TWO 23. 35 CONTINUED: DATA The long-range, infra-red sensors suffered no apparent damage as a result of the wormhole. We are presently checking the neutrino and heavy particle detectors. GEORDI Great. I'll take over, Data. The Captain wants you back on the Bridge. Just a little puzzled, Data nods, hands a diagnostic instrument over to Geordi and turns to go. GEORDI (continuing) See you later in Ten Forward. DATA Yes. I will see you then. Geordi waits until Data actually goes out the door. Then his smile immediately fades and is replaced by serious intent. He sets down the diagnostic instrument. GEORDI Nelson, I need your help with the computer. 36 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Beverly ENTERS, steps up to O'Brien, who is at the transporter controls, entering a report into a small computer peripheral. BEVERLY Hello, Chief. How's the elbow? O'BRIEN Much better. This isn't a house call, is it? BEVERLY No, it's not. Tell me, who was the last one to use the transporter before we went through the wormhole? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/28/90 - ACT TWO 24. 36 CONTINUED: O'Brien touches the control board in front of him, gets the answer. O'BRIEN Ensign Locklin. She's one of my technicians. BEVERLY Have her report immediately to Sickbay. 37 INT. SICKBAY Beverly is holding a small instrument over the lower arm of a young woman, ENSIGN LOCKLIN, who is sitting on a diagnostic bed. As she continues to slowly move the device, Beverly and her assistant Alyssa Ogawa monitor the screen behind them. BEVERLY Electrolyte concentration. ALYSSA Twelve point five deviation from previous. Beverly and Alyssa share a look. BEVERLY Interesting... (adjusting device) Let's check the cellular membrane. I'm willing to bet the internal turgor pressure is off by almost the same amount. She again holds the instrument over Ensign Locklin's arm. A few beats. Beverly and Alyssa watch the readout behind the bed change slightly. ALYSSA Eleven three deviation from the norm. BEVERLY (excited) That's what I wanted to hear. (to Locklin) Thank you, Ensign Locklin. That'll be all. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/28/90 - ACT TWO 24A. 37 CONTINUED: Ensign Locklin nods, jumps down from the bed and goes out the door as Beverly touches a companel. BEVERLY Crusher to Captain Picard. 37A INT. TURBOLIFT PICARD (keying insignia) What is it, Doctor? BEVERLY'S COM VOICE I need to see you immediately. PICARD I'm on my way to Engineering. Join me. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT TWO 25. 38 INT. CORRIDOR Picard and Beverly are walking quickly along a corridor. BEVERLY Physiologically, each of us is on a daily cycle. Our cells have developed rhythms based on a twenty-four hour period. PICARD Our internal clocks. BEVERLY Exactly, and I can measure that effect at the molecular level. I took a trace from the last person to use the transporter, and compared her cell function levels to what they are right now. If we were unconscious for only thirty seconds, those cycles would be nearly synchronous. PICARD And were they? BEVERLY No. We were out for longer than thirty seconds, Captain. A lot longer. OFF Picard's reaction. 39 OMITTED 40 INT. ENGINEERING - CLOSE ON GEORDI from inside a ladder well as he climbs down and out. GEORDI (loudly) I've got some good news, and some bad news... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT TWO 26. 41 NEW ANGLE On Geordi as he emerges from the tube into the presence of Picard and Dr. Crusher. GEORDI The good news is that we were right about the computer's chronometer. There's a security program to prevent tampering. But it looks now like it was disabled, and a new program put in its place. Someone reset the clock. PICARD And the bad news? GEORDI Data and I are the only ones onboard this ship capable of doing it. 42 INT. READY ROOM Data is standing in front of Picard. DATA A bit of a mystery, Captain. PICARD That's an understatement. (beat) Is it possible that something or someone affected you -- without your knowledge? DATA I am unable to answer that question, Captain. Picard pauses for a moment. PICARD Data, would you consent to being examined by Commander La Forge? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT TWO 27. 42 CONTINUED: DATA As you wish, Captain. Picard touches a companel. PICARD (to com) Come. Immediately, the door slides open and a security officer steps inside. PICARD Please escort Commander Data to Engineering. The officer steps to Data's side. DATA (to Picard) I know the way, Sir. A beat. Data and the security officer head towards the door. CLOSE ON Picard's face as the door slides open and shut offscreen. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Establish heading at impulse through space. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. It has become clear that everyone aboard the Enterprise has lost an entire day. As the mystery of what actually occurred during those missing hours continues to deepen, so do my doubts about Commander Data. 43A INT. ENGINEERING The side of Data's head is open and blinking. Geordi has a small, pen-like device in hand. He's trying to keep things light, but it's a cover -- he's clearly uncomfortable with this assignment. GEORDI We'll start with the higher functions before we get down to basics. He moves the pen-like device towards Data's head. GEORDI (joking) Now, this won't hurt a bit... He touches the device to Data's exposed head. DATA Have you forgotten that my sensory inputs are not programmed to experience pain, Geordi? GEORDI It's a figure of speech. Bedside manner. I was just trying to make you comfortable. DATA I am perfectly comfortable. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/29/90 - ACT THREE 28A. 43A CONTINUED: GEORDI (almost to himself) Pattern recognition, syntactic algorithms, heuristic functions -- all normal. DATA However, I cannot help noticing that you appear a bit uncomfortable yourself. Geordi again touches the instrument to Data's head. GEORDI I just don't like having to do this, that's all... DATA (puzzled) The Captain has expressed doubts about my operational capacities. Doubts which, given the circumstances, seem entirely justified. I do not understand your reluctance to carry out his instructions. Geordi takes down the instrument. GEORDI It's not reluctance exactly... more like concern. I don't want to find something wrong with you. On the other hand... DATA Yes? GEORDI It feels like you're not being completely... honest with us. Data, I'm your freind... if something is wrong, tell me... maybe I can help you... DATA (a beat) There is nothing I can tell you, Geordi, beyond what I have already stated. Geordi stares at him for a long beat. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/29/90 - ACT THREE 28B. 43A CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Okay. Data almost looks for a moment as if he wants to go ahead and tell him anyway, but changes his mind. DATA Okay... Off the look between them. 44 INT. BRIDGE Picard is at the helm; Riker, Worf, the Ensign and Troi are at their respective stations. The turbolift door opens and Geordi steps onto the Bridge. Picard looks towards him expectantly. GEORDI I've finished examining Data, Captain. PICARD And? GEORDI Nothing's wrong with the technology that I can see. He's in perfect condition. PICARD I was almost hoping you'd find a problem. GEORDI He could still be malfunctioning beyond my ability to detect it. Picard pauses, looks around, frustrated. PICARD This entire mystery began when our sensors detected that planet. First it was class "M"... now it isn't... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT THREE 29. 44 CONTINUED: RIKER But the sensors were malfunctioning. Our probe clearly established the planet could not support life... PICARD Data launched that probe. They exchange a look. RIKER (to Geordi) If he rigged the probe, could you prove it? GEORDI I could try. He EXITS. The Captain glances around at the rest of the crew. PICARD What happened to us in that missing day? Surely clues must exist. Each of you think back to what you were doing right before we blacked out. Reenact it if need be. Look for anything odd or -- WORF -- Counselor! Worf rushes to Deanna's side as she nearly faints off her chair. PICARD Deanna, are you alright? TROI (recovering) Just a moment... Yes... I'm fine... RIKER What happened? TROI I suddenly became dizzy... I'd better go to my quarters. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 30. 44 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Perhaps Sickbay would be a better idea. TROI (standing) No. Really, I'm alright. Picard nods to Worf. PICARD See the counselor to her quarters. WORF Aye, Captain. 45 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TROI'S QUARTERS Troi and Worf walk up to Troi's door. TROI Thank you for coming with me, Worf. WORF Of course. You're certain you are well. TROI I just need some rest. Troi ENTERS her quarters, the door closing behind her. Worf stands doubtfully for a few beats in the corridor, then starts away. There is a short, frightened scream from Troi's cabin. Worf wheels around and dashes back to the door. WORF Counselor! The door remains closed. Worf touches his communicator. WORF Security! Override the lock on Deanna Troi's quarters! Now! The door opens, and Worf dashes in. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT THREE 31. 46 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS Worf ENTERS, but Troi is not in the main part of her cabin. He dashes towards the washroom. Troi is inside. She is pale, shaking with fright. She is backed against the wall opposite the mirror, averting her eyes from her reflection. WORF What's wrong? TROI The mirror... I came in here... and I looked into the mirror... It wasn't me, Worf... Not me... It was my face, but it wasn't me inside... TIME CUT: 47 INT. TROI'S BEDROOM Troi is sitting in bed as Beverly finishes running an instrument around her head. Picard is standing nearby. PICARD Is she alright? TROI I feel fine...now. BEVERLY Signs of stress, adrenaline by-products higher than baseline. But that's a normal reaction to sudden fright. All brain functions check out okay. PICARD Deanna, what happened? TROI A hallucination perhaps. PICARD What did you see? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT THREE 32. 47 CONTINUED: TROI It wasn't what I saw. It was what I felt. I looked into the mirror, and it seemed a stranger was staring back at me from behind my own eyes. She wraps her arms together as if for comfort in reaction to the memory. TROI (continuing) As if my own face was a mask. Picard puts a gentle hand on her shoulder. GEORDI'S COM VOICE La Forge to Captain Picard. PICARD Yes, Geordi. 48 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Geordi is standing in front of a monitor displaying an image of the same Neptune-like planet the probe relayed earlier back to the Enterprise. GEORDI (to Com) I found something, sir. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 33. 49 OMITTED 50 INT. SICKBAY Beverly returns to see Worf waiting... BEVERLY Hello, Worf. WORF Doctor. He seems a little hesitant. BEVERLY Can I help you? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 34. 50 CONTINUED: WORF Perhaps not. Worf turns to leave -- BEVERLY -- Worf. He stops, turns back to her. BEVERLY (continuing) You came in here for something. You can trust me. WORF A warrior does not complain about physical discomfort. Dr. Crusher puts a caring hand on his shoulder and maneuvers him towards a diagnostic bed. BEVERLY Are you in pain? WORF But the Captain ordered us to report anything out of the ordinary. He holds out the wrist he's been favoring since the time-jump incident. Beverly takes an instrument and runs it over the arm. A very surprised look crosses her face. BEVERLY How did this happen? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT THREE 35. 51 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Data, Picard and Geordi are standing around the monitor screen in Data's quarters, staring at the image of the Neptune-like planet, with various numbers and symbols across the screen. PICARD Do you recognize the planet, Data? DATA Yes, it is the planet our probe detected in the T-tauri system. GEORDI No it's not. Actually, it's Tethys Three. I retrieved the image from the ship's library. The geophysical figures have been slightly altered, but it's definitely Tethys Three. Geordi doesn't look too comfortable about his role here. PICARD (to Data) Strange that an obscure planet several hundred light years from here should be picked up by our probe. There is a tense beat. PICARD Data, did you take this image from the ship's library and then program the probe to send it back to us? DATA I cannot verify that hypothesis. PICARD But you don't deny it. DATA No, Sir. Picard looks to Geordi. PICARD Geordi, send another probe to the T-tauri system. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 35A. 51 CONTINUED: GEORDI Yes, Sir. (as he turns to go) Sorry, Data. Geordi goes out the door. Picard waits until he's gone, then turns back to Data. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 36. 51 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Counselor Troi just had a very disturbing hallucination. DATA Is she alright? PICARD For the moment. Can you tell me if Deanna's incident is in any way related to the missing time period? DATA No, Sir. I cannot. PICARD Data! You're the key to this entire mystery. And you've done nothing but block my attempts to solve it. Why are you fighting me? DATA It is not by choice. PICARD What does that mean? DATA I cannot say. PICARD You would rather endanger Deanna Troi, a friend, than tell me what's going on?! DATA Which would you place first? The welfare of a single individual? Or that of the entire crew? Picard is taken aback. PICARD Are you saying that by not cooperating, you're actually protecting us? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT THREE 37. 51 CONTINUED: (3) DATA I am not saying that at all. I merely state a possible alternative explanation. PICARD Then I'm going to ask you again. And I'm ordering you to respond directly. What really happened to us? DATA I cannot answer that, Captain. Picard is completely frustrated. PICARD What would you have me do?! How would you handle this, if our positions were reversed? DATA I am apparently guilty of falsifying the Enterprise's records. Of interfering with an investigation. Of disobeying a direct order from my commanding officer. Your duty seems clear. A beat. PICARD Do you know what a court-martial would mean? Your career in Starfleet would be finished. DATA I realize that. PICARD Do you also realize that you would most likely be stripped down to the wires to find out what the hell went wrong? DATA Yes, Sir. I do. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FOUR 38-40. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 52 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) 53 INT. READY ROOM Beverly and Worf are with Picard. BEVERLY The wrist has been broken. Broken, reset, and treated with one of our subcutaneous bone fusion units. PICARD During the missing day? BEVERLY It's the only possibility. Picard starts pacing, almost as if he's talking to himself. PICARD You're suggesting he was conscious? BEVERLY I'm suggesting maybe we all were. I certainly didn't repair a broken wrist while I was unconscious. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 41. 53 CONTINUED: PICARD Our memories of that day? BEVERLY Blocked. Possibly erased. PICARD By whom? A pause. WORF There are very few individuals on board who could have broken my wrist. (pause) Commander Data is one of those individuals. PICARD I can't accept that explanation. WORF He does possess the speed and strength. PICARD Granted. But I am beginning to suspect that Data is refusing to cooperate because he believes he is acting in the best interests of the Enterprise. GEORDI'S COM VOICE La Forge to Captain Picard. PICARD (to Com) Yes, Geordi. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Our probe's approaching the planet, sir. PICARD (to Com) Acknowledged. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 42. 53 CONTINUED: (2) FOLLOW Picard onto the Bridge, Beverly and Worf close behind. PICARD Now maybe we'll get some answers. 54 INT. BRIDGE Picard strides towards his chair, as Worf and Beverly take their respective positions. Riker, Geordi and McKnight are already at theirs posts. GEORDI Visuals available now, Captain. 55 ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A sandy-brown planet. RIKER M-Class. Nickel-iron core, nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere. PICARD The same planet our sensors picked up before the so-called wormhole... RIKER Affirmative. Geordi reads off his instruments. GEORDI No indication of any space-time distortion whatsoever. The probe should at least be detecting a residual effect, even if the wormhole is inactive. PICARD That's because there isn't a wormhole. There never was. The crew is puzzled. MCKNIGHT Sir? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FOUR 43. 55 CONTINUED: A hint of Dixon Hill is on him now, as he paces the room. PICARD It was a ruse to throw us off the track. Look at the clues. Doctor Crusher's incubation experiment, the computer clock, the transporter trace all indicate the existence of a missing day. Worf's broken wrist suggests that we may have been awake and aware for that day, and possibly in a struggle for our lives. BEVERLY The fact that we're alive suggests we must have won. PICARD Not necessarily, Doctor. Data's behavior clearly suggests we did not. Why else would he be willing to sacrifice his career rather than tell us the truth? WORF But if we didn't win and we didn't lose... ? PICARD The only alternative left is a stalemate. A compromise might have been reached... a compromise that could have forced Data into silence. RIKER But maybe by uncovering all this, we're in danger of upsetting the stalemate. Maybe it's best to leave well enough alone. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 43A. 55 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Possibly, Number One. And I would be willing to live with the mystery... but Data's role in this must be ascertained... or he will never be trusted with starship duty again. I cannot live with that. Picard stares at the viewscreen. PICARD (to McKnight) Ensign, take us back to the scene of the crime. Go to warp two. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 44-44A. 56 OMITTED 57 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Speeding through space at warp speed. 58 INT. BRIDGE - LATER The Ensign glances up from her instruments. MCKNIGHT Within sensor range, Captain. PICARD Drop to impulse. Lieutenant Worf, maximum shields, ready all weapons. WORF Shields up. Photon torpedos armed, phasers standing by. (a beat) Captain, an energy field has appeared between our position and the planet. PICARD On screen. 59 ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) In front of the ship is a green, rectangular, glowing field. PICARD Hold position. Let's see what it does. WORF The field has emitted an energy-pulse, approaching the Enterprise. Riker glances at an instrument panel. RIKER Too slow to be a photon torpedo. WORF It might be a probe. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT FOUR 45. 59 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Let's see what happens when it hits the shields. 60 OMITTED 61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The energy-pulse, a glowing green missile, strikes the Enterprise shields, spreads in a shower of fluorescence, and fades. 62 INT. BRIDGE Worf is staring at his instruments. WORF Shields undamaged. The energy-pulse has dispersed. 63 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Troi is asleep in her bed. Suddenly a green glow suffuses her room, and slowly coalesces around her head, until it seems to disappear into her. Troi sits up, her face blank. 64 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data rises from his chair as the door opens and Troi ENTERS. DATA Counselor Troi. What is it? But when Troi speaks, it is with a very flat tone. TROI The plan has failed. Data reacts with surprise. DATA You have returned. TROI Your ship is again in our space. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/15/90 - ACT FOUR 46. 64 CONTINUED: DATA I was unable to prevent this. TROI Regardless, you are here. Troi's voice is a threat. DATA Please. The Enterprise is not a threat to you. Give me more time. Our destruction would only -- The door slides open and Geordi ENTERS the room. Surprised to find Troi there. GEORDI Data, the Captain wants me to take you to the Bridge. (to Troi; puzzled) Counselor... DATA One moment, if you would. Geordi hesitates, unsure about what's going on, then steps back out of the room, the door closing behind him. DATA Please. Do nothing. It may yet be possible to salvage the situation. Troi gives no response other than an intense stare. 65 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Data and Geordi ENTER. Geordi goes to his station while Data approaches Picard. Picard stands. The planet with a green energy field in front of it is on the viewscreen. DATA Reporting as ordered, Captain. PICARD (indicating viewscreen) As you can see, we're back to where this all started. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 47. 65 CONTINUED: Data glances at the screen. DATA We must leave immediately. PICARD Why? DATA Any further delay will put all of our lives at grave risk. PICARD Why? What is the source of that risk? (indicating screen) The energy field? DATA I cannot say. PICARD (temper rising) Data, you sound like you're stuck in a feedback loop. You have free will. You very well can say. You have a choice. DATA My silence is not by choice, Sir. PICARD Not by choice? (indicating screen) Are you somehow being controlled by that force? Did Geordi miss something when he examined you? DATA Geordi's examination was exemplary. PICARD Then why are you still compelled to disobey my orders? How -- STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FOUR 48. 65 CONTINUED: (2) Picard stops in mid-sentence as an inspiration strikes. He starts again, more calmly. PICARD During the missing day. Were you contacted by Starfleet? Were you given orders to conceal the truth from us? DATA I cannot answer that question. We must leave. PICARD Dammit, Data! It's the only explanation that makes sense! This ship is not going anywhere until I get an answer. Now who gave you such an order? Troi ENTERS the Bridge. Data and her immediately make eye-contact. There is a look between them. He turns back to Picard. DATA You did, Sir. OFF Picard's astonished reaction. 66 thru OMITTED 67 FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/16/90 - ACT FIVE 49. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 68 INT. BRIDGE Picard is still stunned at Data's revelation. PICARD I... ordered you to lie? WORF (interrupting) Captain! The energy field is approaching! 69 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The rectangular green field interposed between the Enterprise and the planet is moving steadily towards the ship. 70 INT. BRIDGE RIKER Maintain shields at full intens-- DATA -- No! You must vary shield strength and shape as rapidly as possible. Maximum shields will only speed the ship's takeover. Picard and Riker exchange glances. WORF Contact imminent. PICARD Do as Data says. Now! WORF (touching controls) Aye, sir. 71 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The rectangular green glow has draped itself outside and over the invisible shields, and seems to be pulsing and changing its shape -- shrinking, then expanding, over and over, not getting any closer to the ship. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 50. 72 INT. BRIDGE Worf looks up from his instruments. WORF The field is shifting amplitude... trying to match the shield... DATA Captain, eventually the field will be able to penetrate our shields... There is no way to counter the Paxans' technology. We can delay their takeover -- we cannot prevent it. Picard is taken aback. PICARD The Paxans. Who are they? Data replies with a look towards Troi. Picard turns to her, puzzled. TROI (futzed) You have invaded our system. REACTION SHOTS of the Bridge crew. Worf reaches for his phaser; Data raises a hand towards him. DATA You would only harm Counselor Troi's body. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - ACT FIVE 51. 72 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Troi) We are explorers, not invaders. Troi's eyes flash with anger. TROI Your knowledge of us is unacceptable. DATA They are xenophobes, Sir. Isolationists. The Paxans terraformed a protoplanet in this system to better conceal their whereabouts. The apparent wormhole we experienced during our previous encounter is actually a trap designed to keep away intruders. PICARD Go on. DATA The energy field stuns everyone on board the intruding ship putting them in a state of biochemical stasis. GEORDI That explains why our beards didn't grow. DATA Then the Paxans take the ship out of their territory. RIKER The crew wakes up thinking they just went through a wormhole, so they count their blessings and keep going. DATA Precisely. PICARD What went wrong this time? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 52. 72 CONTINUED: (2) DATA My positronic brain is a technology unknown to the Paxans. TROI Our stun-field had no effect on him. He remained conscious as we attempted to take over your ship. DATA When I realized that I alone was able to act -- EFFECT TO: 73 INT. BRIDGE (FLASHBACK SEQUENCE) (OPTICAL) The flashback begins immediately after the teaser scene. Data sees that everyone is slumped or sprawled on the Bridge. DATA (V.O.) (continuing) -- I initiated emergency procedures. Data turns back to his console. DATA Computer, the crew is incapacitated. Engage Emergency Plan Zed Zed Alpha. COMPUTER (V.O.) Automatic defense procedures initiated. Energy field strength increasing. Warning, shield penetration seventeen percent. Puzzled, Data studies the reading on his instruments. He comes to a quick decision. DATA Computer, begin random fluctuation of shield frequency and modulation. COMPUTER (V.O.) Executed. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 53. 73 CONTINUED: Data pulls out a tricorder, steps quickly over to Riker and waves it over him. DATA (V.O.) With the Enterprise temporarily protected, I revived the crew. A beat as he studies the readings, then: DATA Computer, release compound A-D-T-H into the air flow system; five parts per million. COMPUTER Acknowledged. Initiating compound release now. Immediately, the crew begins to revive... Data helps Picard to his feet. The crew shrugs off the effects of the stun, and resume their posts. PICARD Status, Data? DATA The energy field is attempting to match shield frequencies, Sir. PICARD Options, Mister Worf? WORF I do not recommend weapons at this range. PICARD Can we go to warp? DATA Negative. The field is also acting as a tractor beam. The lights suddenly dim, brighten, and dim again. COMPUTER Warning. Shields have been penetrated. The lights return to normal. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 54. 73 CONTINUED: (2) WORF All systems are frozen, Captain. A green glow suddenly suffuses the entire Bridge. Everyone reacts. Worf pulls his phaser. The green glow shrinks down, coalescing around Troi. DATA (V.O.) The Paxans can manipulate energy structures on many levels. They took control of Counselor Troi's body to communicate with us. The green glow disappears, seemingly into Troi's body. Troi suddenly moves with intent towards Picard. WORF Captain! Worf raises his phaser, and tries to block her way. She grabs hold of his right wrist and casually tosses him aside. Worf lands with a cry of pained surprise, clutching his now broken wrist. Riker and Data start forward to protect Picard, but he holds out a hand to restrain them. PICARD No! Everyone stop! Data and Riker halt. As does Troi. PICARD (to Troi, carefully) Who are you? TROI You know of our existence. We have no choice but to destroy this ship. PICARD If you destroy this ship, others will come searching for us. You may not be able to stop them all. Knowledge of your civilization could be spread across half the galaxy. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/21/90 - ACT FIVE 55. 73 CONTINUED: (3) Troi's face seems to blanche at that prospect. TROI No... PICARD Allow us safe passage and we will protect your right to privacy to the best of our ability. We will tell no one of your existence. TROI There are over a thousand lifeforms on this vessel. How could you assure their silence? Picard knows he cannot, thinks quickly. PICARD This biochemical stasis. Does it supress synaptic functions? TROI It does. PICARD Then you must have the capability of affecting memory. Could you erase the short term memory of everyone on this ship? Remove all knowledge of this event? Allow us to proceed as though it never happened? The Paxan considers this. TROI It would take time. One of your days. (indicates Data) And he is immune to our influence. Picard moves to Data... STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 55A. 73 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD Data, I have to give you a most unusual order... I'm not quite sure how well you will be able to integrate it into your program... DATA As a Starfleet officer, I am required to follow all of your orders, Captain. Picard looks to Troi to emphasize what Data just said... PICARD Good. Because our survival depends upon it. I am ordering you never to reveal what has happened here today. Not to Starfleet, not even to myself. You will conceal your memory of the Paxans for as long as you live. Is that understood? DATA Completely, Captain. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 56. 73 CONTINUED: (5) PICARD (to Troi) Satisfactory? TROI (a beat) Agreed. PICARD Excellent. (to everyone) Now, our task is to eliminate any information in the ship's records that might lead to knowledge of this incident. Let's get to work. EFFECT BACK TO: 74 thru OMITTED 75 76 INT. BRIDGE (REAL TIME) Data is telling his story. DATA We proceeded to erase all evidence of our encounter with the Paxans. I reset the computer's chronometer-and the crew was again stunned into unconsciousness and their short term memories erased. When they were revived a day later, the computer adjustments made it appear that only thirty seconds had passed. RIKER And here we are. PICARD (re: Troi) Here we are again. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/19/90 - ACT FIVE 57. 76 CONTINUED: TROI Your plan failed. This ship must be destroyed. PICARD Wait. Please. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 58. 76 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD The plan failed because clues were left behind that suggested a mystery. And to many humans, a mystery must be solved. Doctor Crusher's incubation experiment, Worf's wrist, Troi's hallucinations... little pieces of evidence that led us to even more clues about the clock, the transporter trace, Data's odd behavior... Don't you see... without clues, there would be no mystery! If we were to simply eliminate all the clues and begin again... TROI Again? PICARD Exactly. Consider the first time a run-through, a rehearsal... to shake out all the flaws. The second time will succeed -- if we leave no clues. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 59. 76 CONTINUED: (3) TROI (beat) You are a most unusual species. Worthy of a second chance. Proceed. Troi suddenly shudders and collapses. RIKER Deanna? Riker goes to her side. She nods -- she's okay. PICARD Welcome back. Riker lends support to Troi as Picard directs the rest of the crew. PICARD (continuing) Data, Geordi -- reconfigure the computer and all records. Number One, you're to oversee the rest of the ship. (to all) Let's get it right this time. 76A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/20/90 - ACT FIVE 60. 77 INT. BRIDGE (ONE DAY LATER) CLOSE SHOT of Picard, unconscious, beginning to come around... Data goes to assist him as before. PICARD Data, what happened... ? DATA The effect from the wormhole was rather intense. PICARD I should say so... DATA Everyone but myself was rendered unconscious. My positronic brain is immune to the effect. Picard rises as the rest of the Bridge begins to awaken. PICARD How long were we out? DATA Thirty seconds, Sir. RIKER Current position? MCKNIGHT Point five-four parsecs from our previous position; bearing two-eight-five mark one-four-seven. Everyone settles in. PICARD It could be worse. STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/26/90 - ACT FIVE 60A. 77 CONTINUED: DATA Yes, Captain. The wormhole appears to have been a local phenomenon. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Crusher to Bridge. What happened? INTERCUT: 77A INT. SICKBAY PICARD The ship just went through a wormhole. The entire crew was unconscious for approximately thirty seconds. BEVERLY Anyone hurt on the Bridge? PICARD (glancing around) Apparently not. BEVERLY Acknowledged. Crusher out. 77B INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS PICARD Status reports? RIKER (checking console) No damage to Engineering. WORF Shields and weapons systems unaffected. Picard glances at Troi. PICARD Counselor? STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/27/90 - ACT FIVE 61. 77B CONTINUED: TROI There's a general feeling of disorientation on board. Nothing serious as far as I can tell. Picard glances around the Bridge one last time to assure himself that all is in order. PICARD Well, then. We still have that anomalous M-Class planet to investigate. (to McKnight) Ensign, replot a course back to... DATA Sir, it is likely that the anomalous readings were caused by the wormhole's effect. It was extremely unstable. I would recommend against returning. It might put the Enterprise at further risk. RIKER We could sent a probe... DATA (a little too quick) That would certainly be sufficient, Commander. Picard stares at Data for a very long moment... Did Data show his hand? Will Picard order them back again? Data's face is like granite. Finally... PICARD Make it so. And put out a hazard advisory to Starfleet. DATA Aye, sir. PICARD Set a course to Evadne Four, Ensign. MCKNIGHT Course laid in, sir. PICARD Engage. OFF Data's face -- STAR TREK: "Clues" - REV. 11/26/90 - ACT FIVE 62. 78 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise at impulse speed. 79 thru OMITTED 80 FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END