STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Hero Worship" #40275-211 Teleplay by Joe Menosky Directed by Patrick Stewart 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 1991 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 8, 1991 STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Hero Worship" CAST PICARD TIMOTHY RIKER ENSIGN FELTON DATA TEACHER BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF TRANSPORTER CHIEF HUTCHINSON Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES CHILDREN IN CLASSROOM WAITER IN TEN-FORWARD STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/15/91 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Hero Worship" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM VICO OBSERVATION LOUNGE MAIN ENGINEERING TRANSPORTER ROOM TEN-FORWARD CLASSROOM DATA'S QUARTERS TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS SICKBAY VICO CORRIDOR #1 CORRIDOR #2 11:[5,#b],18:[1,#b] STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Hero Worship" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at warp. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 45400.3. Two days ago, Starbase Five-one-four lost contact with the research vessel Vico, which was sent to explore the interior of a Black Cluster. We are en route to investigate. 2 INT. BRIDGE PICARD, RIKER, DATA, WORF, ENSIGN FELTON at the conn. ENSIGN FELTON Captain, we are entering sector nine-seven. DATA Sir, I am picking up massive gravitational fluctuations... PICARD Take us out of warp, Ensign. ENSIGN FELTON Yes, sir. Ensign Felton touches the panel. WORF The Black Cluster is in visual range. PICARD On screen. WORF Aye, Captain. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - TEASER 2. 3 INCLUDE SCREEN (OPTICAL) Everyone reacts to the awesome spectacle. A huge, black bending of space, seemingly an immense lens-like cloud, dotted throughout by tiny pulsars -- miniature stars that blink on and off like lighthouses or fireflies. RIKER Let's find that ship. Full sensor sweep, Mister Data. DATA (touching panel) Yes, Commander. Riker indicates the cluster. RIKER It's quite a sight. PICARD (nodding) One of the most ancient formations in the galaxy. Data looks up. DATA I have located the Vico. The vessel appears to be adrift. RIKER Let's see it. Data touches the console. The screen image shifts, and is replaced by a closer view: a mid-sized spacecraft, its hull sheared off in several places, hanging motionless against the starry background. 4 RESUME Everyone reacts to the sight. RIKER Life signs? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - TEASER 3-3A. 4 CONTINUED: WORF Nothing, Commander. RIKER Damage report, Mister Data. DATA (off instruments) The outer and inner hulls have been breached. Decks seven through twelve are exposed to space. RIKER Set up a translink to their computer core. Let's see what happened. Data tries a few commands. DATA I cannot, sir. The emergency bulkheads on that deck are in place. Our linkup signal cannot penetrate them. PICARD (to Data) Structural status, Commander. Data hits a few controls on the console, looks at the results. DATA Stress readings indicate considerable pressure on the transverse supports. PICARD Is it stable enough for an away team? DATA (off instruments) Yes, sir. But the risk of structural collapse is high. PICARD (to Riker) Have transporter room one maintain a lock on each member of your away team. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER 4. 4 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD (cont'd) I want you out of there at the first sign of trouble. RIKER Aye, Captain. (to conn) Ensign, take us to fifteen thousand meters. ENSIGN FELTON Yes, sir. RIKER (heading for door) Data, you're with me. Riker continues toward the turbolift, as Data gets out of his chair and joins him. OFF Picard, staring at the wreckage. 5 INT. VICO (OPTICAL) Riker, Data, and Geordi MATERIALIZE in a corridor-like chamber that has a couple of science consoles and small monitors against the wall. Data is carrying a small suitcase-sized, boxlike device. The corridor has been HEAVILY DAMAGED. Support beams are crashed through the ceiling, wall panels are exposed -- it looks like one false step will bring it all crashing down. When the away team moves, it is with great caution and awareness of their treacherous surroundings. They simultaneously spot a couple of bodies partially exposed beneath the rubble. Data takes out his tricorder and aims it toward the bodies -- but it only confirms what they already knew. The away team exchanges glances. Upon seeing the consoles, Data and Geordi start toward them -- suddenly a structural member shifts in the wall. The away team freezes. There is a metallic groan, a slight shake. And everything is again still. Data and Geordi again head for the consoles. One monitor is dead. The other is lit up, flickering, displaying a computer graphic of a graviton wave field. They touch the controls on both panels but nothing changes. DATA (re: dead monitor) This station is inoperable. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - TEASER 5. 5 CONTINUED: GEORDI (re: his console) This one's stuck in a feedback loop. RIKER Let's try to tap directly into the computer core. GEORDI There should be an ODN junction along here somewhere... They all start scanning the area. Geordi spots a promising panel against the wall. GEORDI (continuing) This looks like a good possibility... He reaches down to take hold of the panel -- RIKER Careful, Geordi. You don't want to pull out the wrong brick... Carefully, Geordi removes the panel -- revealing the fiber optic trunk within. RIKER Data. Data brings over the device. Sets it three feet in front of the ODN trunk and touches a control. A LASER type beam shoots out of the box, connecting to the trunk. Data tweaks the controls and the beam changes color. DATA (off colors) Core transfer is engaged. Geordi looks at the instrumentation on the device. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER 6. 5 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Exchange protocol verified. (takes reading) The files seem to be intact. Some of them, anyway. WEAK VOICE Is somebody there... ? All three react. Riker indicates the transfer device. RIKER (to Geordi) Stay here. (to Data) Data. He motions "follow me" with his head. Riker and Data cautiously move to the end of the damaged corridor and around the corner. 6 INT. SCIENCE SHIP CHAMBER - ON TIMOTHY a boy of ten. Trapped beneath a fallen bulkhead in an even more heavily damaged area. He looks up at Data and Riker -- panic on his face. TIMOTHY Are my parents alright? 7 RESUME RIKER AND DATA OFF their reactions. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE 7. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 8 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship is facing the crippled Vico, the Black Cluster in the background. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. A young boy, shielded from our initial sensor scans, has been discovered alive by the away team. The degree of damage to the Vico is making our rescue attempt difficult... 9 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Worf, Ensign Felton. PICARD (to com) Transporter room one, can you lock onto him? 10 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Hutchinson at the controls. PICARD'S COM VOICE And transport directly to sickbay? HUTCHINSON (to com) I'll try, Captain... (doubtful) But there's a lot of shielding to pull him through. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE 7A. 11 INT. BRIDGE PICARD Acknowledged. (beat) Picard to Crusher. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Sickbay here, Captain. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE 8. 11 CONTINUED: PICARD Standby for emergency transport. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Aye, sir. Crusher out. PICARD (to com) Picard to Commander Riker. 12 INT. VICO (OPTICAL) Data and Geordi are standing by. Riker is crouched down next to the trapped boy. Timothy appears almost numb with fright. PICARD'S COM VOICE Is the boy ready, Number One? RIKER (to boy) Everything's gonna be okay... A beat. The boy doesn't answer. But he nods his head almost imperceptibly. RIKER (touching combadge) Ready, sir. PICARD'S COM VOICE At your signal. RIKER (to com) Aye, Captain. Riker again looks at the boy. RIKER Alright... here we go... Riker straightens up, backs away from the fallen bulkhead. RIKER Energize. The boy begins to DEMATERIALIZE. 12A INT. SICKBAY Beverly watches as the boy MATERIALIZES in and out on a bio-bed. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE 9. 13 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Hutchinson works the controls. A few seconds go by... Hutchinson shakes his head. HUTCHINSON (to com) The lock is holding. I just can't resolve the matter stream. Not with all that victurium alloy in the way. 13A INT. SICKBAY As Beverly watches the boy completely DEMATERIALIZES. 14 INT. VICO The boy MATERIALIZES back in place. HUTCHINSON'S COM VOICE Commander Riker. You'll have to get him out into the corridor. Riker exchanges a glance with Data and Geordi. All three of them look at the bulkhead trapping the boy. They glance up at the structural beams that are in turn braced against the bulkhead. It all looks heavy as hell -- and extremely unstable. Riker indicates the bulkhead. RIKER (continuing) That's gotta weigh over a ton, Data. Can you move it? DATA Yes, sir. However, that may initiate the collapse of the surrounding supports. I recommend that you and Geordi return to the ship. A beat. Riker reluctantly nods. RIKER Agreed. (turning) La Forge... They both head back toward the open corridor. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE 10. 15 TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Riker and Geordi MATERIALIZE on the transporter pad. Beverly is standing near the transporter chief. HUTCHINSON (to Riker) I'm locked onto Commander Data and the boy, sir. I'll energize as soon as they've cleared the bulkheads. RIKER (keys combadge) Whenever you're ready, Data. 16 INT. VICO Data is standing next to the trapped boy. DATA (to com) Yes, Sir. He crouches next to the boy, who stares at him, wide-eyed, puzzled to see him up close, amazed at what Data seems to be attempting. TIMOTHY You're gonna lift that? DATA Yes. Then I will carry you to the corridor. We will transport back to the Enterprise from there. Do you understand? The boy is still amazed. TIMOTHY How can you pick up something so heavy? DATA I am an android. My strength is many times that of a human. A beat as Data considers an appropriate way to reassure the frightened boy -- recalls Riker's words. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE 10A. 16 CONTINUED: DATA (continuing) Everything is going to be... okay. Data puts one hand and shoulder to the bulkhead, leaving the other free. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE 11. 16 CONTINUED: (2) DATA I will count to three. (beat) One... two... three... Everything happens at once: -- with his android strength, Data forces the bulkhead upwards. The boy scrambles free, falling to the floor. -- a second structural member collapses as a result of the action. -- Data drops the bulkhead, spins, scoops the boy into the air and dashes back toward the opposite corridor. 17 DATA (OPTICAL) shoots into the open corridor, boy under his arm, tapping his combadge with his free hand. DATA (to com) Energize! He and the boy DEMATERIALIZE -- a piece of the ceiling falls right through them. 18 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL) Data and the boy MATERIALIZE, standing on the floor. 19 INCLUDE BEVERLY AND AN N.D. NURSE Timothy looks up from the security of Data's shoulder, still in shock from the experience. He stares at the unfamiliar faces watching him. Timothy buries his head into Data's shoulder. OFF Data's reaction. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT ONE 12. 19A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The wrecked Vico hanging near the Enterprise. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. A thorough search of the Vico has revealed no additional survivors. Troi has begun the process of counseling the boy in regard to the tragedy. 20 INT. SICKBAY Timothy is on his back on a diagnostic bed, eyes open. His hand is still gripping Data's -- the boy clearly refuses to let go. Timothy has an edgy look in his eyes, bordering on panic. Beverly and Troi are standing next to Data. TIMOTHY (in a rush) We were in the Black Cluster. I don't know where they came from... but they had a big ship -- they kept shooting at us. Then they beamed over. They had purple helmets on and phaser rifles. I saw them. But they didn't see me... He runs out of steam. Beverly checks the diagnostic reading above the bed. BEVERLY (gently) You're safe now, Timothy. You're going to be alright. Timothy gives her a blank look. BEVERLY (continuing) You must be hungry. Would you like me to get you something to eat? Timothy nods. Beverly turns and heads for a replicator. Data turns to Troi. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE 12A. 20 CONTINUED: DATA Counselor, I must join Commander La Forge in engineering. If you will excuse me -- Data attempts to gently retrieve his hand -- but the boy grips it ever the more tightly. Data stops in his tracks. He and Troi look at Timothy. The boy averts his eyes. A beat. TROI Timothy, would you like Data to stay a little bit longer? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE 13. 20 CONTINUED: (2) TIMOTHY Yes. Data glances at Troi, then back at the kid -- who is still keeping his eyes down. OFF Data's head tilt reaction. 21 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) The away team's device is dumping its datastream into the computer console -- as before, the LASER makes the connection. Geordi is showing Picard a graphic of the wrecked Vico on a small monitor. GEORDI Sections of the primary and secondary hull were torn right off. (indicating) Shearing planes are here, here, and here. Picard studies the diagram. A beat. PICARD (re: datastream) How much longer until we can access their logs? GEORDI Less than an hour. Picard nods. He reaches toward the console and touches a command. 22 CLOSE ON: COMPUTER MONITOR (OPTICAL) as the external view of the damaged Vico is replaced by a cross-section graphic that exposes the interior architecture. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE 14. 23 INCLUDE PICARD AND GEORDI as Picard studies the graphic and indicates a central area of the ship. PICARD The boy was here. GEORDI (nodding) The hallway outside the computer core. Geordi glances up at Picard. GEORDI (continuing) His mother was the ship's systems engineer. (beat; indicating) The second away team found her body here -- inside the core. PICARD And the boy's father? GEORDI Ship's second officer. (off diagram) He was most likely on the bridge when it was exposed to space. PICARD (grimly) Most likely... A beat as Picard studies the diagram, imagining what it must have been like. OFF the look on his face. 24 CLOSE UP - DATA'S HAND as Timothy's much smaller hand slowly loosens its grip, slipping out of Data's palm. 25 WIDEN TO INCLUDE - INT. SICKBAY Timothy is on his back in bed, eyes closed, having obviously just fallen asleep. Data takes a careful step back, joining Troi and Beverly, who are standing nearby. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE 15. 25 CONTINUED: BEVERLY He'll sleep for a few hours at least. (to Troi) There's no need to keep him here. But I will need to see him again tomorrow. Beverly looks at the boy for a moment. BEVERLY (continuing to Troi) You've got some work cut out for you. Troi nods her agreement with that assessment. Beverly moves to another part of sickbay, leaving Data and Troi still watching the boy. TROI (continuing to Data) His world is gone, Data. We're going to have to help him build a new one. Off the look between Troi and Data. 26 OMITTED FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO FADE IN: 27 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi and Data are at their consoles. 28 ON GEORDI'S SCREEN (OPTICAL) Alphanumeric bits of information flash by on the two screens. There appear to be major chunks of data missing -- blocks of blank space. 29 RESUME (OPTICAL) GEORDI This isn't good. I think whatever hit the Vico set up an E-M pulse that flashed through their computer banks. DATA (agreeing) Nearly eighty-three percent of the records have been lost. GEORDI And all of their sensor logs. (sighs) Let's use what we got from our own sensors. Call up the structural analysis and the surface scans... Data complies by keying in the appropriate commands -- the alphanumeric data is replaced by an Okudagram of the wrecked Vico. As they study the information... DATA Geordi, as a child, did you ever experience a traumatic event? GEORDI You're wondering about Timothy? DATA Yes. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO 17. 29 CONTINUED: Geordi thinks for a moment, remembering. GEORDI I was trapped in a fire once, when I was five -- before I got my VISOR. It only took about two minutes before my parents found me and pulled me out. And nobody got hurt. But I tell you -- that was the longest two minutes of my life. And it was more than a month before I would let my parents get out of earshot. I absolutely needed to know they were there. DATA Timothy no longer has that kind of support. GEORDI (sadly) Yeah... 30 INT. SCHOOL A TEACHER, male, late-twenties, is slowly walking past a beautiful painting of a multitiered, very alien-looking temple. He is carrying a PADD. TEACHER (reading) Dara and her brother found themselves in the land of Tagas... The teacher continues his slow pacing, passing a young girl, aged ten, who is following along in a PADD of her own. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO 18. 30 CONTINUED: TEACHER (continuing) ... where the ruler, Elamos the Magnificent, had proclaimed as law: He continues past several other children, also reading silently along in their PADDs. TEACHER (continuing) "No children will be tolerated within the Great Kingdom." 31 INCLUDE TIMOTHY who is working with a 24th-century equivalent of an erector set, adding to a large, three-foot-high model of the edifice depicted in the painting at the front of the classroom. He's ignoring the teacher entirely, his PADD on the floor next to him. His manner is intensely focused. TEACHER (continuing) When Dara saw the proclamation, she just laughed, saying "How magnificent a ruler, to be frightened by the likes of us... " The teacher pauses near Timothy, sees that the boy is still working on his model. TEACHER (gently) Timothy, we're done with sculpture for now. Timothy somewhat manically adds another piece to the temple. TIMOTHY (re: the model) It's not finished. TEACHER We'll come back to it next period. Why don't you pick up your mythology book and follow along? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO 19. 31 CONTINUED: TIMOTHY But it's not finished... Timothy increases his efforts -- which result in a somewhat lopsided addition to the model. It only makes him more agitated. The teacher looks at him for a moment, then glances across the room to a large window. Follow his gaze to -- 32 TROI who is watching the classroom from behind a large observation window. The look on her face says "What can I do for this boy?" 33 INT. BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION (OPTICAL) Data and Geordi are showing Picard a monitor that displays a surface scan diagram of the Vico. All three are standing. GEORDI Magnetic residual analysis confirms that the Vico was attacked inside the Black Cluster. The graviton wave fronts pushed the ship to where we found it. Picard is looking at the information on the monitor. PICARD No sign of phaser burns on the hull. GEORDI No, sir. The torsional stress levels point to a disrupter-style weapon. Picard nods. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO 20. 33 CONTINUED: Data touches the console and a color pattern overlay appears on the graphic. DATA Fracture points indicate that the energy burst came from a range of less than three thousand meters. A beat as Picard considers this. PICARD That's a strategy consistent with a cloaked vessel. Romulan. Or Klingon... But we're quite a distance from either of their territories. DATA The Breen have outposts in this sector. The attack on the Vico is consistent with their battle tactics -- and their level of technology. Geordi nods in confirmation. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO 21. 33 CONTINUED: (2) A long beat as Picard thinks about this. PICARD But what would they have been doing inside the Black Cluster? It's a question none of them can answer. Picard starts to walk along the back perimeter of the bridge, Data and Geordi walking with him. PICARD The boy described a boarding party, with helmets and phaser rifles. GEORDI A boarding party? A turbolift door opens and Troi steps out, within earshot. GEORDI (continuing) I don't think that's likely, sir... Picard reacts -- motions Troi over. PICARD Counselor... Troi does so as they pause near the turbolift. Picard nods to Geordi to continue. GEORDI There was absolutely no evidence of anybody coming on board the Vico. We would have found a transporter field trace. Or if somebody had used the entry ports, we would have found an electrostatic differential in the docking latches. We didn't. (beat) Maybe he's got an active imagination. Picard half turns to Troi. PICARD Or he's lying. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO 22. 33 CONTINUED: (3) TROI If he is lying, I haven't been able to sense it. Perhaps his level of emotional trauma is too high. PICARD Why wouldn't he tell us the truth? TROI He's still in shock... it's hard to know what's going on in his mind. GEORDI I'll check the sensor readings again... but I'm almost sure we won't find anything. Geordi EXITS into the turbolift. Data starts to peel off toward his post -- but Troi stops him. TROI Data -- stay a moment. Data complies. Troi turns to Picard. A beat. TROI Captain -- I think we should ask Data to spend some time with Timothy. DATA I do not understand. TROI I'm worried about his behavior... And what you've just told me doesn't make me feel any better. Data, you're the only one Timothy's reached out to... because you rescued him. We can use your relationship with him to help his recovery. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO 23. 33 CONTINUED: (4) A beat. PICARD Would Timothy also be more inclined to tell Data the truth about what happened? TROI That's a possibility. PICARD (to Data) Mister Data, proceed with the child as Counselor Troi suggests. DATA Yes, sir. Picard turns and enters the ready room. Data turns to Troi. DATA Exactly how shall I proceed, Counselor? TROI Just be with him. You're a presence he trusts. That's what he needs most right now. OFF Data's bemusement. 33B thru OMITTED 34 35 INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS Timothy is sitting alone at a table in his foster parents' quarters. Timothy is using the "erector set," building the Dokkaran temple he was working at in the classroom. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO 24. 35 CONTINUED: He works too quickly, agitated, and the result is a model that looks pretty sloppy. The door CHIMES. Timothy glances up. Doesn't answer it. He turns back to the model. The CHIMES ring again. TIMOTHY (impatient) What. 36 THE DOOR opens, revealing Data, who steps inside. 37 INCLUDE TIMOTHY who is glad to see who it is. TIMOTHY Data. DATA Hello, Timothy. May I enter? TIMOTHY Yeah. Data steps inside. He reacts to Timothy's tabletop creation, moving closer. DATA I see you are attempting to recreate the Dokkaran temple of Kural-Hanesh. TIMOTHY Isn't it great?! Timothy is hyperenthused. TIMOTHY (indicating) See, there's the big archway the teacher told us about. That's where everybody came in. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT TWO 25. 38 CLOSE ON THE MINIATURE CITY which is on the whole unbalanced -- the building leans precariously. TIMOTHY (o.s.) (continuing) That's where they stood. And that's where the altar was -- by the big windows. 39 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL) Timothy smiles proudly. TIMOTHY (continuing) What do you think? Data is about to speak then catches himself. DATA Do you wish a frank evaluation? Timothy nods. Data considers for a moment, arrives at his honest opinion, innocently offered -- DATA It lacks the harmony that characterized this particular temple and Dokkaran culture in general. Timothy looks crushed. TIMOTHY You hate it. He knocks over the tower-like structure he was struggling with at the top of the scene. Data reacts. DATA I am not capable of hatred. TIMOTHY (upset) I can't do anything right. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO 25A. 39 CONTINUED: DATA You are making an unwarranted extrapolation. I was merely offering an aesthetic analysis of this particular model. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO 26. 39 CONTINUED: (2) He manically puts together more pieces but it just makes things even messier. TIMOTHY (continuing; re: the mess) I told you. Timothy again makes an attempt. It doesn't work. He throws down what's in his hands. Data studies him for a beat. DATA Timothy... ? TIMOTHY (not looking up) What. DATA May I suggest a different approach? No answer, but Timothy is listening. DATA (continuing) You are attempting to construct the upper tiers before you have completed the lower. Timothy looks up at him. DATA (continuing) Observe. Data begins to build a model of a building, constructing the foundation as Timothy watches. GEORDI'S COM VOICE La Forge to Data. DATA (to Com) Data here. Data continues working on the model. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO 26A. 39 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI'S COM VOICE I need your help with the shield modulators. DATA (to com) I will join you in a moment, Geordi. Data out. Data stops working. Timothy reacts. DATA Commander La Forge requires my assistance. Data moves to go -- but stops when he sees the disappointment on the boy's face. Data pauses, turns back to the model, and at DATA SPEED, quickly finishes the construction -- much to the boy's delight. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO 27. 39 CONTINUED: (4) TIMOTHY Incredible. He looks at Data with admiration. TIMOTHY (continuing) How come you can do that? Data starts for the door, Timothy tagging along. DATA I am designed to exceed human capacity both mentally and physically. TIMOTHY Androids are better than humans? DATA "Better" is a highly subjective term. I do not, for example, possess the ability to experience emotions as humans do. TIMOTHY No emotions? You mean you can't be happy or sad? DATA That is correct. TIMOTHY Why not? DATA My positronic brain is not capable of generating those conditions. FOLLOW them out the door. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT TWO 28. 39A EXT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS As they step into the corridor. TIMOTHY Can we build something else later? DATA That would be acceptable. TIMOTHY Bye. DATA Goodbye. Data turns and Timothy watches him enter the turbolift. When it closes behind him, Timothy maintains his stare for a few silent beats. FOLLOW him back inside. 39B INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Timothy turns back to the model city, considers it for a moment. He turns away and goes to the mirror hanging on a nearby wall. He stares at his reflection. Then makes his face utterly impassive. TIMOTHY (Data-like) I am designed to exceed human capacity... He tilts his head in imitation of Data, watching the result in the mirror until he gets it right. Again, his voice is an imitation of Data's. TIMOTHY (continuing) That is correct... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO 29. 39B CONTINUED: OFF another head tilt, as -- in his own mind -- boy becomes android... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE 30. ACT THREE FADE IN: 40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise holding in space near the destroyed Vico, the Black Cluster in the background. 41 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi, Worf, Troi. Data is in mid-report, on a nearby monitor is a graphic of the interior of the Black Cluster -- a dully glowing center, a dozen bright points scattered through it. DATA The Black Cluster was formed almost nine billion years ago when hundreds of protostars collapsed in close proximity. The resulting gravitational forces are violent and highly unpredictable. GEORDI To get anywhere near the center, we'll have to push through the gravitational wavefronts -- just like the science vessel was designed to do. I've adjusted our shields accordingly. WORF The gravitational forces will affect sensor accuracy. Detecting an enemy vessel will be difficult. RIKER Maybe that's what happened to the Vico -- they didn't see anything coming until it was too late. Picard considers this, turns to Troi. PICARD Has the boy volunteered any further information? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT THREE 31. 41 CONTINUED: TROI No. But we have an appointment in less than an hour. Picard nods then glances at the graphic. PICARD If there's any possibility of getting more from him, I'd like you to pursue it. Troi nods. Picard glances toward the graphic display. PICARD Regardless, we need to continue our investigation. (beat, informing the room) We'll enter the cluster at oh-seven-hundred tomorrow morning. Dismissed. As they rise to exit... 42 OMITTED 43 INT. CORRIDOR Troi stops at Timothy's door and touches the panel -- we hear the CHIME. A few moments later, the door slides open, revealing Timothy. TROI Hello, Timothy. Are you ready to go? Timothy is wearing similarly styled and exactly the same color clothing as Data does. His face is impassive and android-like (his hair is still in his own style and color). Unlike the agitated condition he exhibited earlier, the boy is the essence of calm self-control. TIMOTHY Yes, Counselor. I am ready. The boy's uniform and his calm, almost formal tone of voice are not lost on Troi. TROI How are you feeling, Timothy? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT THREE 31A. 43 CONTINUED: TIMOTHY I am functioning within established parameters. Troi considers this for a moment. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT THREE 32. 43 CONTINUED: (3) TROI Established parameters? You sound like Data. TIMOTHY (of course) I am an android. Troi reacts TROI I see... Well. Let's go for our walk, shall we? Timothy makes a characteristically Data-like head tilt. TIMOTHY That would be acceptable. OFF Troi's face -- she's in for a ride. 44 INT. TEN-FORWARD Troi and Timothy are sitting at a table. A WAITER stands close by, waiting to take his order. TIMOTHY (to waiter) Androids do not need to eat or drink. A second waiter passes by with a tray full of attractive desserts -- Timothy reacts, then turns back to his waiter. TIMOTHY (continuing) However, sometimes we like to taste things. (beat) A Tamarin frost, please. Timothy turns. TIMOTHY (continuing) Would you like anything, Counselor? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE 32A. 45 INCLUDE TROI taking this all in, cautiously trying to deal with this new development. TROI No, I'm fine, thank you. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 33. 45 CONTINUED: TIMOTHY As you wish. The waiter turns and leaves. TROI So... you're no longer a Human? He cocks his head in pure Data fashion. TIMOTHY I'm an android. TROI When did this happen? TIMOTHY I've always been an android. TROI What's it like... being an android? TIMOTHY I am designed to exceed human capacity both mentally and physically. But I do not experience emotions. A beat as this registers on Troi. TROI You don't? No emotions at all? TIMOTHY That is correct. OFF Troi as she wonders how to deal with this. 46 INT. READY ROOM Picard, Troi, Data. PICARD An android. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE 34. 46 CONTINUED: TROI I know it sounds unusual - but it is understandable. Technically, it's called enantiodromia. Conversion into the opposite. Timothy went from Human to machine. From being emotional to being emotionless. But the underlying trauma is still there. He's just found a new way to repress it. PICARD How long will this behavior last? TROI As long as he needs it to. Timothy is rebuilding his identity as best he can. The android persona is only one step along the way. When he becomes stronger and more sure of himself, it should drop away naturally. Picard considers her words. PICARD I assume this is not a time to confront him about what happened to his ship. TROI Not yet. The best thing we can do right now is to let Timothy take us where he wants to go. We should support the process -- even encourage it. Picard nods, turns to Data. PICARD Mister Data -- I'd like you to make Timothy the best android he can possibly be. OFF Data's head-tilt reaction. 47 INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS - ON TIMOTHY doing a head tilt that EXACTLY MATCHES the one Data just performed.  STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 34A. 48 INCLUDE DATA standing next to him. Timothy is sitting in a chair, the wall mirror behind him -- like an impromptu barber shop set-up. Data is holding a small comb and is eyeing Timothy's hair. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 35. 48 CONTINUED: Data attempts to put the comb to use, but the boy's android-like head tilts make it difficult -- it's like trying to hit a moving target. After a few attempts -- DATA Timothy, your head movements are... counterproductive. Can you be still? TIMOTHY But you do it. Data reacts with a head tilt. Timothy mirrors it. DATA The servo-mechanisms in my neck are designed to approximate Human movements. (beat) I did not realize the effect was so... distracting. TIMOTHY I like it. Timothy does a couple more quick head tilts -- Data puts a hand on the crown of his head, holding him suddenly still. TIMOTHY Data, are there any other androids in Starfleet? DATA No. I am the only one. TIMOTHY How come you're not captain? DATA My service experience does not yet warrant such a position. Timothy nods. He's silent for a moment. TIMOTHY Data, what's the scariest thing that ever happened to you? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 36. 48 CONTINUED: (2) DATA Fear is a quality that I do not possess. TIMOTHY Because it's an emotion. DATA That is correct. TIMOTHY But what if you had a nightmare? DATA I have never had a nightmare. I do not require sleep. Timothy is silent. Data continues adjusting the boy's hair for a moment, then realizes something. DATA Timothy, are you having... disturbing dreams? Timothy doesn't answer right away. There's a sense that he's hiding something -- even from himself. He looks straight at Data. TIMOTHY I do not require sleep. Data looks at him for a moment -- he isn't going to get anything further out of him for now. Data finishes one last touch-up on the hair, then lifts the chair and turns it barber style to face the mirror on the wall. 49 thru OMITTED 50 51 ANGLE - THE MIRROR where we can see Timothy looking at his reflection -- and his perfectly executed Data-like hairstyle. Data is visible over his shoulder. DATA Is it satisfactory? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 37. 52 RESUME as Timothy looks at Data with tremendous admiration, then glances back at the mirror. TIMOTHY It's perfect. 53 INT. CORRIDOR Data and Timothy are striding along the corridor, in perfect step, their arms swinging in unison. It looks for all the world like there's a new android on board. 54 INCLUDE TWO N.D. CREWMEMBERS approaching from the opposite direction. As Data and Timothy pass by, the crewmembers simultaneously stop and do a double-take. 55 INT. SICKBAY Data and Timothy are sitting side by side with their legs hanging off the side of a diagnostic bed. Beverly is running a hand-held, medical scanning DEVICE over the length of Timothy's arm. BEVERLY Transfer circuits are functioning properly. TIMOTHY Within established parameters? BEVERLY (nodding) Absolutely. Beverly continues with the scan, moving it over his head. BEVERLY (continuing) Input processing, pattern recognition... all within established parameters. She takes the scanner down, finished. DATA & TIMOTHY (simultaneously) Thank you, Doctor. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE 38. 56 OMITTED 57 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data and Timothy are each sitting at an easel, paint brush in hand, dabbing brushstrokes against their respective canvasses. Timothy's set-up is an exact duplicate. Data's painting is a tranquil landscape, we can't quite see what Timothy's working on... Timothy looks sleepy, like they've been going non-stop all day. Data is as fresh as always. The boy glances down at his palette and paint jars. TIMOTHY I ran out of red ochre. DATA You may use mine. Data hands him a jar. TIMOTHY Thank you. Timothy can't help but let loose with a huge yawn. DATA Perhaps you should return to your quarters. TIMOTHY I'm fine. (in explanation) The servo-mechanisms in my mouth are designed to approximate human movements. Data considers for a moment. Then attempts a yawn. It doesn't look too convincing. But Timothy doesn't want to discourage him. TIMOTHY (continuing) Not bad. DATA Thank you. Data looks over at the boy's easel. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 39. 58 INCLUDE TIMOTHY'S PAINTING It looks exceedingly violent -- we can't actually see a spacecraft ripped apart, but we can sense the feeling of one. The boy's trauma is making its presence known... Data reacts to the painting. DATA It is very... expressive. TIMOTHY Thank you. A beat. Timothy doesn't seem to be aware of what his own work suggests. DATA Is your painting representative of something? TIMOTHY (shrugs) It's just a painting. Timothy again yawns. Data thinks for a moment -- this is not his area of expertise and he knows to tread lightly... DATA Timothy, you understand that you may speak with me about anything you wish -- any subject. Timothy again yawns. TIMOTHY (drifting) I understand... Data watches him for a moment, but nothing further is forthcoming. 59 ON DATA turning back to his own easel, applying a few brushstrokes. DATA At times I too find it difficult to share my thoughts with others. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE 40. 59 CONTINUED: DATA (cont'd) I am not always confident that I am expressing myself in a way that Humans will comprehend. But I know that... Data turns -- 60 INCLUDE TIMOTHY now slumped on his chair, fast asleep. Data reacts, stops speaking. A beat and Data stands, lifts Timothy off the chair, then carries and carefully deposits him on a nearby couch. Data straightens, watches Timothy for a moment. The boy curls up, looks like he's out for the night. OFF the look on Data's face -- if an android could feel tenderness and concern... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 60A INT. ENGINEERING Geordi is at a console, inspecting a PADD that an N.D. ENGINEER has just handed him. The mood is relaxed -- like the end of a work shift. GEORDI (re: PADD) That's fine. He hands it back to the Engineer. GEORDI (continuing) Just make sure the tolerance doesn't slip more than point three one in either direction. The Engineer nods and walks away. Geordi turns back to the console, enters a few commands. DATA (o.s.) Hello, Geordi. 60B INCLUDE DATA Approaching the console. GEORDI Hey, Data. DATA I hope I am not disturbing your work. GEORDI (re: console) Nope. Just finishing up here. He inputs a few more commands. Data watches him silently for several beats. Geordi finally reacts to his friend just standing there. GEORDI You need something? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR 41A. 60B CONTINUED: DATA I would like to confide in you, Geordi. However, I am finding my thoughts difficult to verbalize. Geordi stops working, gives Data his full attention. GEORDI It's about Timothy. DATA (surprised) How did you know? GEORDI If I had a boy going around pretending to be just like me, I might be a little uncomfortable too. DATA I am not capable of being uncomfortable. But I am undergoing a perceptual paradigm shift. GEORDI You better define that for me, Data. DATA I have spent my entire life emulating Humans. Now, I find myself confronted by a Human who is emulating me. GEORDI I got you... the shoe's on the other foot... Data processes that briefly, glances curiously at his foot... then... DATA Ah, the metaphor... yes, that is correct. I am forced to realize that I have largely ignored the aspects of myself that others would find attractive. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR 41B. 60B CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI That's a very Human thing to do, Data. Data reacts with a look. GEORDI A lot of us have a way of not appreciating ourselves. We're too close to the subject. (beat) Keep an eye on Timothy... he might help you learn to understand yourself a little better. OFF Data's reaction. 61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Moving slowly at impulse speed toward the Black Cluster. 62 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Worf, Ensign Felton. WORF We are approaching the perimeter. 63 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) Approaching the Black Cluster -- the dark warping of space looms even closer. WORF (off instruments) I'm picking up the gravitational wavefronts. We can see something reminiscent of three-dimensional, transparent "waves" billowing toward us. RIKER Engage forward shields -- thirty-five percent. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR 41C. 63 CONTINUED: WORF Shields up. One of the waves makes contact and the ship BUMPS. A beat. Then another BUMP. And again. The mood is business as usual -- this is no surprise. PICARD Drop to one quarter impulse, Ensign. ENSIGN FELTON Yes, Sir. Felton makes the adjustments and the BUMPS come with less frequency. RIKER (to com) Bridge to engineering. 64 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi is at the console. Another slight bump. GEORDI (to com) Adjusting shield frequencies now, Commander. We'll have this smoothed out in just a second... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR 42. 65 INT. BRIDGE A BUMP, then another -- much quieter -- then a third, barely felt, then nothing but smooth sailing. RIKER Correct for any course deviations, Ensign. ENSIGN FELTON Yes, sir. RIKER Resume one-third impulse. WORF -- Captain! Everyone turns to Worf, who has his eyes glued to his instrument panel. WORF (continuing) I am reading something at four hundred thousand kilometers, off our starboard bow. Possibly a ship. RIKER Red alert. Worf hits a command and the CLAXON SOUNDS, the RED LIGHT flashes on. PICARD Take us to visual range, Ensign. ENSIGN FELTON (touching console) Adjusting course... A few moments... WORF (puzzled; off instruments) Sensor readings have disappeared... Now picking up another reading at four hundred thousand kilometers -- off the port bow. (beat) It's gone... No -- it's back to starboard. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/15/91 - ACT FOUR 42A. 65 CONTINUED: Riker checks an instrument panel. RIKER (off instruments) Captain, the Black Cluster is distorting the sensors. We're picking up echoes of the Enterprise reflecting off the wavefronts. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR 43. 65 CONTINUED: (2) Everyone reacts. PICARD Cancel Red Alert. Adjust the sensors to compensate for the distortion. WORF Aye... PICARD Sensor difficulties have been reported by ships traveling through Black Clusters -- but not to this extreme. WORF This formation is seven times more massive than any previously explored. That could explain the difference. Picard nods, turns to the conn. PICARD (to Felton) Resume previous course. ENSIGN FELTON Yes, sir. OFF Picard's face as he considers this development. 66 INT. CLASSROOM - ON TIMOTHY AND CHILDREN Seen through the observation window. The teacher is wandering in the background, helping out when needed. Timothy still looks like Data. The kids are working at a counter on a project, putting together a chemistry experiment -- some glassware and colored liquids. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FOUR 44. 67 OMITTED 68 INCLUDE TROI AND DATA in the observation area, watching the scene. A boy makes a comment MOS and all the children laugh MOS -- including Timothy. DATA He laughed. TROI Yes. It's nice to see, isn't it... ? DATA It is certainly not consistent with his android persona... TROI I'd say he's beginning the process of letting go of that fantasy... DATA Then my work with him is complete? TROI (beat) No, I don't think it is, Data... A laugh is one step in the right direction... we need to help him take a few more steps... DATA How, Counselor? TROI I'd like you to talk to him... about your own fascination with humanity. Data reacts. TROI If you can explain the appeal that humanity has for you... Timothy might find it easier to become a boy again. Data watches intently as Timothy again laughs MOS -- much more "Human" than we've ever seen Data act. OFF Data's face. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR 44A-44B 69 INT. TEN FORWARD Data and Timothy are sitting at a table. Timothy is drinking a brightly colored, frosty, soda-like drink. Data has a bubbly, different colored dessert drink in front of him. Timothy finishes a long sip. TIMOTHY This is great. How's yours? DATA The complex polysaccharides, in reaction with the carbon dioxide, produces an unusual combination of texture and efforvescence. A beat. TIMOTHY But how does it taste? Is it good? DATA I am not capable of "tasting" in the manner which you describe. I can analyze the composition of a dessert and make comparative conclusions about its possible effect on the human palate. However, I neither like it, nor dislike it... TIMOTHY Oh. I didn't realize that. Data indicates the dessert. DATA I have often wondered what it must be like... to have one's mouth "water" in anticipation of the arrival of a confection... Or to feel the pleasure I have observed in people as they consume it... Timothy considers this for a second, staring at his soda. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR 45. 69 CONTINUED: TIMOTHY You sound like you don't want to be an android. DATA I am an android. That will never change. TIMOTHY But... if you could change... would you? DATA I have always wished to be Human. I study people carefully in order to more closely approximate Human behavior. TIMOTHY Why? We're stronger and smarter than Humans... we can do more than they can. DATA But I cannot take pride in my abilities. I cannot take pleasure in my accomplishments. Timothy has begun scratching a little place in the table with the tip of his spoon. He concentrates on this task as though it were the most important thing in the world. TIMOTHY But we never feel bad, either... DATA I would gladly risk feeling bad at times... if it meant that I could also taste my dessert. Timothy glances up, very quickly, at Data. Then he goes back to scratching the place on the table with his spoon. OFF Timothy's face as he goes back to his soda. 70 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship under impulse power, the blurry wavefronts breaking across her bow. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR 45A. INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Worf, and Ensign Felton. WORF Captain, gravitational wavefront intensity is increasing steadily -- eleven hundred standard "G" units and rising. Picard nods, looks up at the viewscreen. 71A OMITTED 72 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) as the wave-like blurs continue to come toward the ship. Picard studies it for a moment. PICARD (turning to Worf) Let's see if anyone's out there. Attempt a wide-range sensor sweep, Lieutenant Worf. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FOUR 46. 72 CONTINUED: WORF (touching controls) Aye, sir. A beat as Picard and the others continue to watch the viewscreen. WORF (shaking head) The gravitational distortion is too great, Captain. The scanning signal is again being reflected off the wavefronts. But I am unable to compensate. (looks up) The sensors are useless. PICARD (to com) Mister Data to the bridge, please. DATA'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. PICARD (to Worf) Adjust sensors to short range... attempt a limited positron scan... WORF Aye, sir. He works the console -- scowls at the result. WORF The distortion is still in effect. RIKER Try to jacket the scanning beam. Worf again works the console. Worf shakes his head. WORF The secondary beam is being distorted as well. The turbolift door opens and Data steps onto the bridge. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR 46A. 72 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Mister Data, our sensors have been rendered ineffective by the field distortion. I want your analysis... Data takes his position, studies his console. PICARD (continuing) Mister Worf, fire phasers, maximum intensity, narrow spectrum, zero zero one mark zero four five. Everyone reacts with puzzlement, then... RIKER (understanding) An experiment, Captain? PICARD Exactly. WORF Firing, Sir. Worf touches the controls. 72A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) inside the Black Cluster. Forward phasers fire -- at a distance several lengths away from the ship, the phaser beams SPLIT AND BOUNCE off the warped space around them, splitting again, bouncing, and then splitting again until finally dissipating entirely. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR 47. 73 OMITTED 74 INT. BRIDGE Everyone reacts to what they've just seen on the monitor. PICARD Explanation, Mister Data. DATA The phaser energy was reflected by the gravitational wavefronts. It is similar to the phenomenon distorting the sensor signals. Picard and Riker exchange a look. PICARD Our sensors and our phasers -- both useless. (to Data) This reflection phenomenon -- would it have the same effect on a disruptor-style weapon? DATA Yes, sir. Disruptors would be ineffectual. PICARD And a ship's cloaking field? DATA It would be extremely difficult to maintain. A beat. PICARD Mister Data, is it at all likely that the Vico was attacked inside the cluster? STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR 48. 74 CONTINUED: DATA Given the effects we have observed, the probability is exceedingly remote. Picard nods -- it just confirms his suspicions. A beat. PICARD (to com) Picard to Troi. TROI'S COM VOICE Yes, Captain? PICARD (to com) Please bring Timothy to my ready room. 75 thru OMITTED 79 79A INT. READY ROOM Starting on Timothy... moving to reveal Picard standing in front of his desk, Timothy is facing him with Troi and Data on either side. PICARD (gently) Timothy, can you tell us what happened to your ship? TIMOTHY I did tell you. Timothy's struggling to hold on to the android fantasy, but it's wavering. He gives a few Data-like head tilts. Picard glances at Troi. TROI Tell us again... TIMOTHY (evenly) We were attacked. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR 49. 79A CONTINUED: DATA That is highly unlikely. Our investigations have clearly demonstrated -- TIMOTHY -- We were attacked! We were attacked! DATA Timothy, androids do not lie. A silent beat. Like a toppled wall, Timothy's fantasy crumbles. TIMOTHY (quiet; horrified) It was me. Everyone's taken aback. DATA Please explain. TIMOTHY It was me. I did it. I killed them all... OFF everyone's reactions. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 80 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship hanging inside the Black Cluster. 80A INT. READY ROOM Picard, Troi and Data are still reacting to Timothy's revelation. Timothy speaks quietly, haltingly. He shivers, repressing sobs, as the agony of revealing his darkest secret emerges... TIMOTHY Everything was shaking. I lost my balance. I was just trying to hold on to something. I didn't mean to do it. PICARD What didn't you mean to do, Timothy? TIMOTHY My arm... it hit the computer panel. That's what destroyed the ship. The adults exchange a glance. TROI The ship was damaged when your arm hit the computer panel... ? Tears roll down his cheek as he nods silently. TROI Timothy, listen to me -- the damage to your ship might have occurred at the same time you touched the panel but it was only a coincidence... this was not your fault... TIMOTHY Yes it was... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 50A. 80A CONTINUED: DATA It is not possible. The onboard control systems for every starship require a user code clearance. You could not have inadvertantly affected any of the Vico's systems. Timothy doesn't quite get it. PICARD Your computer had safety precautions. There's nothing you could have touched that would have damaged your ship. Timothy is silent, trying to understand. Troi puts a hand on his shoulder. TROI You're not responsible for what happened to your parents. Timothy looks up at her, wanting to believe it... TIMOTHY But if it wasn't me... PICARD We're trying to determine what happened right now. And anything that you can remember that may assist... BUMP. The ship is suddenly rocked. It's not serious, but it catches everyone off-guard. On Timothy's face as he reacts... TIMOTHY That's just how it was... when it started on the Vico... Off reactions... 80B INT. BRIDGE ANOTHER BUMP. The mood is still relaxed. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 50B. 80B CONTINUED: WORF Wavefront intensity has increased... 80C INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) where a blurred wave front is coming toward them. RIKER Increase shields to seventy-five percent. WORF Aye. Worf executes the command. The wavefront fills the screen... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FIVE 51. 80C CONTINUED: WHAM! The ship is rocked by a violent IMPACT. RED ALERT LIGHTS go on, the CLAXON SOUNDS. RIKER Damage, Mister Worf. WORF Minimal, Sir. The shields are holding. 81 RESUME Everyone recovers their positions as Picard, Troi, and Data -- with Timothy close by him -- ENTER the bridge from the ready room. PICARD Ensign, full about -- go to warp two. Picard moves into command... ANGLE REMAINS ON Data and Troi with Timothy for a beat as they observe the next frantic few seconds... ENSIGN FELTON (o.c.) The gravitational distortion is too high -- we can't maintain a warp field. Watching, almost to himself -- TIMOTHY We couldn't get out either... 81A COMMAND PICARD Full shields. WORF Aye. WHAM! The impact is even worse. Everyone holds on... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 51A. 81B TIMOTHY grabs Data's arm, doesn't let go... As they recover -- ENSIGN LOCKLIN (o.c.) Captain -- impulse power has been disrupted. The helm won't respond. Timothy is mesmerized... reliving a nightmare... TROI Timothy, I think you and I should go below... get out of everyone's way, okay... ? TIMOTHY No... He hangs on to Data for dear life... 81C COMMAND RIKER (to com) Riker to La Forge. Can you give me more power to the shields? GEORDI'S COM VOICE Stand by... 81D TIMOTHY TIMOTHY That's what they kept saying -- "more shields," "more shields." Data's head cocks at that... DATA Timothy, accompany me... He moves toward the aft science station... Troi and Timothy go with him... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 51B. 81D CONTINUED: DATA (on the move) I want you to recall everything you heard people say aboard the Vico before it was destroyed... TIMOTHY I don't know. Just that. Just "more shields"... As Data reaches the aft science station and begins to enter commands... 82 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi working quickly at his console. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 52. 82 CONTINUED: GEORDI (to com) I've transferred fusion reactors four through nine into the shield array. 82A INT. BRIDGE - COMMAND GEORDI'S COM VOICE That should double the shield strength. Worf looks up from his console. WORF Wavefront intensity has increased by an order of magnitude. Impact in three - two - one. WHAM! Another hit -- even stronger. 82B DATA, TIMOTHY AND TROI (OPTICAL) react. Data resumes working quickly at the console -- numbers scrolling rapidly down the screen. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 53. 82C OMITTED 83 COMMAND The crew recovers from the last impact. WORF (off instruments) Wave front intensity is continuing to increase. Structural overpressure is exceeding one hundred eighty percent. PICARD (to com) La Forge... 84 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi has struggled to his feet and is making his way back to the console. GEORDI (to com) I don't understand. That should have been enough. Geordi checks the instruments. 85 INT. BRIDGE GEORDI'S COM VOICE We could run the shield grid directly off the warp drive. PICARD (to com) Make it so. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 54. 85 CONTINUED: WORF (working instruments) Initiating warp transfer pathways now... 85A ON DATA AND TIMOTHY (OPTICAL) Data, still rapidly working at the console. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Diverting warp power to the shields. TIMOTHY "Warp power to the shields"... they said that too, Data... I'm positive... Data reacts... continues to work the panels... 86 thru OMITTED 87 88 INCLUDE WORF AND VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) An intense blurring of space is billowing toward them -- even more threatening than before. WORF (off instruments) Wavefront intensity has increased by a factor of ten. Contact in forty-seven seconds. Without additional power to the shields, the outer hull will not hold... RIKER (to com) La Forge... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE 55. 89 thru OMITTED 91 91A ON DATA AND TIMOTHY (OPTICAL) Data looks like he's thinking at lightning speed evaluating the numbers that scroll past him on the monitor. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Warp transfer to the shields complete. That's as strong as they're gonna get. 91B thru OMITTED 91C 92 INCLUDE BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As everyone reacts to the words. WORF Impact in fifteen seconds. As the seconds count down, Data works like mad at the console. He taps in one last command. Data looks up from his console, alarmed. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE 56. 92 CONTINUED: DATA Drop the shields. Everyone reacts. RIKER That's suicide, Data. DATA Captain, drop the shields. The wavefront fills the screen, Picard makes a split second decision, trusting their lives to Data. PICARD (to Worf) Drop the shields. WORF ("what?!") Aye. As Worf executes the command, the wavefront breaks across the screen. Everybody hangs on... Contact. A slight BUMP -- nothing more. Everyone is taken aback by the turn of events. They all look toward Data for the explanation. DATA Our own shields caused the increase in the wavefronts... we induced harmonic amplification effects. RIKER The more energy we dumped into the shield grid, the worse the impact... DATA Precisely. And that is also what destroyed the Vico. When Timothy remembered similar procedures aboard his ship, I initiated an analysis of shield output to wavefront amplitude and discovered a correlation. STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FIVE 57. 92 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD If we had transferred all that warp power to the shields, it would've torn the ship apart. A silent beat. RIKER Status, Ensign. ENSIGN FELTON Navigation is coming back on line. PICARD Full about, one quarter impulse. Take us out of here. The Ensign nods and executes the commands. OFF everyone's reactions... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 58. 93 thru OMITTED 96A 97 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at warp in normal space. 98 INT. CLASS ROOM - ON TIMOTHY at the edge of a scattered group of kids, fiddling with an experimental setup. He is no longer in "android" mode. His hair is back to normal, he wears clothing more appropriate to a child. A little girl -- his "lab partner" -- hands him a small piece of metal and he takes it, attaching it to the apparatus they're building. He's fitting in -- but still seems very tentative and fragile. TROI (o.s.) It would seem that our young "android" is finding his way back to humanity. 99 ON TROI AND DATA watching from behind the window. DATA It would appear so, Counselor. TROI It'll take a while for his emotions to catch up. Timothy's a boy feeling a great deal of pain. But he is a boy again. Data considers her words. She glances at him... A beat... TROI Is this.. difficult for you, Data? DATA Difficult? TROI To watch him... moving away from being like you... STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE 59. 99 CONTINUED: DATA No, Counselor. That would require an emotional context which I cannot provide. A long beat. OFF the moment... 100 ON TIMOTHY still working on the class assignment. DATA (o.s.) Hello, Timothy. 101 INCLUDE DATA as Timothy turns toward him. TIMOTHY (flat) How are you, Data? DATA I am operating within established parameters. How are you? TIMOTHY I'm fine. The boy looks away, almost embarrassed. Data picks up on it. DATA Is something wrong? TIMOTHY You probably thought I was pretty silly. When I had my hair like yours and everything. DATA On the contrary, it is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. I was... flattered. Timothy lightens up considerably. STAR TREK: "Violations" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE 60. 101 CONTINUED: TIMOTHY Can we still do things together -- even if I'm not really an android? DATA I have many Human friends. I would be pleased to count you among them. TIMOTHY That would be... Timothy smiles -- the first time we've seen a genuine child's smile. TIMOTHY (continuing) ...acceptable. OFF the moment. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END