STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Conundrum" #40275-214 Teleplay by Joe Menosky 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 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 NOVEMBER 14, 1991 STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Conundrum" CAST PICARD KEIRAN MACDUFF RIKER KRISTIN DATA MALE CREWMEMBER BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF ENSIGN RO Non-Speaking FEMALE CREWMEMBER SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Conundrum" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM ALIEN (SATARRAN) SHIP OBSERVATION LOUNGE TEN FORWARD LYSIAN DESTROYER SICKBAY TURBOLIFT LYSIAN CENTRAL COMMAND ENGINEERING CORRIDORS LYSIAN SENTRY PODS TROI'S QUARTERS RIKER'S QUARTERS STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Conundrum" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE KEIRAN KEER-in LYSIAN LISS-ee-n SATARRAN suh-TAHR-n STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Conundrum" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Coming out of warp. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 45494.2. We are investigating a series of subspace signals that may indicate intelligent life in the Epsilon Silar System. We will be within sensor range in three hours... 2 INT. TEN FORWARD DATA and TROI are sitting at the bar, immersed in a game of three-dimensional chess. Data is clearly winning. He moves a piece, then waits as Troi contemplates the board. Troi moves a piece. Data reacts, puzzled. DATA The characteristic response to the Kriskov Gambit is to counter with an el-Mitra Exchange -- particularly since I have already taken both your rooks. By missing that opportunity, you have left your king vulnerable. TROI We'll see... DATA (shrugs) As you wish. Data makes a move that takes one of Troi's pieces. DATA (continuing) Check. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: Troi immediately makes a counter move. Data reacts, puzzled. Then studies the board for several seconds. DATA Intriguing. You have devised a completely unanticipated response to a classic attack. (beat) You will checkmate my king in seven moves. Troi starts putting the pieces back to their original starting positions. TROI Chess isn't just a game of gambits and ploys -- it's also a game of intuition. DATA You are a challenging opponent. TROI Thanks. But don't think a compliment's going to get you out of our bet. (beat) You owe me one Samarian Sunset. Served in the traditional style. As only you can make it, Data... DATA I will honor our agreement. Data stands and walks toward the bar. OFF Troi's smile... 3 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL) BEVERLY is running a medical scanner over the shoulder and upper arm of a very athletic woman in her mid-twenties -- KRISTIN -- who is wearing a one-piece 24th-century SWIMSUIT, and sitting on a bio-bed. Kristin is gritting her teeth in obvious pain. BEVERLY Raise your arm out to the side. Kristin does so -- but only comes up about halfway. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - TEASER 2A. 3 CONTINUED: BEVERLY (re: the elevation) Is that it? KRISTIN I'm afraid so. A beat as Beverly takes another reading. BEVERLY You can put your arm down now. Kristin does so. KRISTIN (re: Beverly's readings) What do you think? BEVERLY (lightly) I think it looks like you tucked when you should have flattened out. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (2) KRISTIN Something like that... BEVERLY Turn your head to the left. Kristin does so -- and winces. Beverly continues waving the instrument. BEVERLY Some tearing in the ligaments -- nothing we can't take care of. KRISTIN Good. Beverly takes the instrument down. BEVERLY If I remember correctly, the last time you graced my sickbay, you were diving off the "Cliffs of Heaven" on Cirrus Four. Holodeck program 47-C. KRISTIN Same thing. Only that time, I flattened out when I should have tucked. BEVERLY As your Doctor, I'd like to recommend the Emerald Wading Pool on Sumiko Three. It's a lot safer. Kristin can't help but smile. 4 OMITTED 4A INT. TURBOLIFT As Riker and Ro enter in the middle of an argument... she's smiling at him as they go at it, she almost enjoys the exchange... RIKER Navigators on this ship have been doing flight handling assessments the same way for years, Ensign... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - TEASER 4. 4A CONTINUED: RO And I've found a better way... RIKER (to com) Bridge. (beat) Do you mind if we discuss changes in procedure before you make them? RO If I had come to you in advance and asked you if I could do it my way... RIKER I would have said... RO "No". RIKER Or maybe "yes". His answer surprises her. She doesn't respond. RIKER (continuing) The point is -- I never got that chance. RO The point is... with all due respect... you're trying to turn me into your idea of a model officer. RIKER Ensign... the rules on this ship don't change because Ro Laren decides they do. The turbolift door opens. As they EXIT -- STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 4A. 5 INT. BRIDGE PICARD and WORF are at their stations; GEORDI at an aft console. WORF (off console) We are picking up a subspace signal, Captain. Sensors show a small space craft ahead. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 5. 5 CONTINUED: GEORDI The configuration is unfamiliar -- nothing in our database comes close. WORF Within visual range. PICARD On screen. INTERCUT: 6 VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A small ALIEN SHIP appears on the screen. PICARD Analysis, Mister Worf. WORF No discernable armament. Reading one life-form aboard. PICARD Hail the vessel. A beat of silence. WORF No response, Captain. GEORDI (off console) We're being scanned... but it's not like any sensor system I've ever seen... Should we raise shields? PICARD No. We'll start this off with a show of good faith. Geordi nods. A beat. WORF Sir, the scans are now matching the frequencies of our optical data network. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 6. 6 CONTINUED: WORF (cont'd) (looks up) It could be an attempt to access our computer system. Geordi glances up from his console. GEORDI Scanning intensity has increased by fifteen hundred percent. PICARD Shields up. 7 INT. TEN FORWARD Troi is at the bar. Data is BEHIND THE BAR, serving Troi a glass of gray liquid. DATA (re: drink) One Samarian Sunset, served in the traditional style. Data sets the drink down, then flicks the lip of the glass with his finger. The glass PINGS -- 8 THE DRINK (OPTICAL) instantly comes alive with exotic colors. A sunset in a glass. 9 RESUME Troi is delighted. TROI It's beautiful. Data nods. DATA I hope you enjoy it. Troi reaches for the drink -- Data again nods. Exactly the same motion he performed before. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 7. 9 CONTINUED: DATA (continuing) I hope you enjoy it. His voice is exactly the same. Troi looks up to see Data now completely still, as if frozen. OFF her reaction. 10 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As before. Worf is rapidly working his console, stunned at what he sees. WORF The scanning signal has penetrated our shields... GEORDI Our computers are going down! PICARD Take evasive action -- As Ro tries to react -- RO -- The helm's not responding! FLASH! A BRIGHT GREEN LIGHT fills the bridge, completely washing out the scene. A moment later, as the light slowly FADES... 11 CLOSE ON PICARD In the same position as before, tense and ready for action. Except now, his expression is blank and movements uncertain. He looks disoriented, touches his head, squints as if it aches. Then suddenly he stops, looks around. PICARD What happened? 12 REVEAL Everyone else on the bridge, behaving the same way. Disoriented, looking around, uncertain of their bearings. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - TEASER 8. 13 GEORDI AND WORF look at each other as if strangers meeting for the first time. GEORDI What the hell... 14 RO stares dumbfounded at her hands still on the console -- not knowing what they're doing there. 15 PICARD AND RIKER look at each other. Riker glances at the others. RIKER I don't know who any of you are. Picard stares at him, his mind a blank. PICARD (to Riker) Neither do I... I don't even remember who I am... Picard exchanges a glance with the person standing next to him... 16 REVEAL MACDUFF, a man in his late thirties, dressed in Starfleet Command uniform. We have never seen this man before now (he was not present before the flash of light), but he appears to be equally disoriented. OFF the crew's look of utter confusion... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 9. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 17 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE Continuous action. Picard, Riker, Worf, Geordi, Ro and MacDuff are in a state of astonishment. They have all lost their memories (EXCEPT MACDUFF -- TO REVEAL LATER). It's a bizarre situation, the Enterprise crew suddenly strangers in a strange place. Everyone reacts to their obviously shared predicament. GEORDI It looks like we're all in the same boat. RIKER (re: viewscreen) Make that -- "on the same starship." 18 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) and the motionless stars. MACDUFF But who are we? What are we doing here? 19 RO turns from her console. RO It looks like I'm the pilot. She quickly and automatically keys several controls on the console. RO (continuing) We're not going anywhere now. The helm's dead. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 10. 20 INCLUDE BRIDGE PICARD But you still know how to work it. RO (curious) Yes... Riker looks over Worf's shoulder at Worf's instruments. RIKER This console has a tactical configuration. WORF (nodding) Phaser power status, intruder scan, torpedo guidance... Worf attempts the controls. WORF (continuing) They do not appear to be operable. 21 ANOTHER ANGLE Picard turns to the others in explanation. PICARD Clearly, we still possess certain skills -- we seem to know how to operate this vessel. But our identities have somehow been erased, or suppressed. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 11. 21 CONTINUED: RIKER We are on the bridge -- there's a good chance this is our ship. A beat at Riker notices the pips on Picard's uniform. RIKER (continuing; to Picard) And it looks like you're the leader. WORF We should not jump to conclusions. (indicating own sash) I am... decorated as well. PICARD Determining our command structure isn't crucial right now. Finding out who we are, and what we're doing out here is. A beat. Worf keeps silent. He might not agree, but he won't argue the point for now. MACDUFF But how did this happen? What did this to us? 22 GEORDI glances up from his station. GEORDI More like -- who did this to us? 23 RESUME as everyone looks over toward Geordi. GEORDI (indicating monitor) I've got some intermittent sensor readings here... the scan keeps repeating itself -- like it's stuck. But it looks like there's metallic debris right in front of us. Distance: seventeen kilometers. RIKER The remains of another ship? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 12. 23 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI That's a good possibility. WORF Perhaps we were engaged in battle. MACDUFF If they stunned us with some kind of bioelectric field -- that might have wiped out our memories. RO Then we fired back. Destroyed them. There is a moment as they reflect on these possibilities. PICARD If this presumption is correct, we may have sustained other damage. (to COM) Computer... status report. No answer. RIKER No voice interface... 24 GEORDI (OPTICAL) still at his console and monitor, trying to work the commands. GEORDI No interface, period. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 13. 24 CONTINUED: His monitor suddenly comes alive with a rotating graphic of the Enterprise. GEORDI Hey -- got something. 25 thru OMITTED 26 27 RESUME as everyone reacts. A beat as Geordi works the console. GEORDI (continuing) I've accessed the basic system directories. PICARD Can you give us a general status report? GEORDI (nodding) ... Life-support systems are fully operational throughout the ship. Navigation and propulsion... Off line. RO What about communications? GEORDI Completely disrupted. RO That rules out a distress signal. RIKER If we even knew where to send it. Riker and Ro exchange a look. Ro is finding this situation particularly difficult to handle -- but there's a "we're in this together" kind of feel between them, in contrast to what we saw before they lost their memories. PICARD Do we have an onboard communication system? Geordi makes a quick pass on the console, which BEEPS in response. He turns to Picard. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 14. 27 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI We do now. Picard looks at the others. PICARD I suggest we use it. Our ship must have a crew. They may still have their memories. RO We should be careful what we say... there could be a boarding party somewhere on the ship. Worf nods. WORF (to com) Bridge to all personnel. Select a representative from your group to contact the bridge and report on your status. 28 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL) Beverly and Kristin -- the latter still sitting on the medical bed. WORF'S COM VOICE (continuing) Remain where you are. Stay calm. Bridge out. Kristin looks at Beverly. KRISTIN (with irony) Well, that helps a lot. BEVERLY Report on our "status"? I wonder if every one else is in the same condition we are. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT ONE 15. 28 CONTINUED: Kristin shrugs, then winces -- still in pain from her shoulder. KRISTIN It hurts... Without thinking, Beverly picks up an instrument and waves it over the shoulder, instantly relieving the distress. KRISTIN (continuing) Thanks... Beverly looks down at the instrument. BEVERLY I didn't even think -- I just knew how to use it. She turns to Kristin. BEVERLY At least I've got an idea of what I'm doing here. KRISTIN What about me? I'm a patient in a bathing suit... That doesn't say much. BEVERLY (gently) No, it doesn't. Kristin hops off the bio-bed, resilient in the face of a difficult situation. KRISTIN Do you have any clothes around here I could borrow? At least until I figure out where the swimming pool is? She grins at Beverly, who returns it with a rueful smile. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT ONE 15A-16 29 thru OMITTED 30 31 INT. BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE Picard and Geordi are working together at an aft station nearest the turbolift. Riker and Ro are together at the other station, studying a diagram of the Enterprise. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT ONE 17. 31 CONTINUED: Worf is sitting in the captain's chair, working the arm console. MacDuff is standing at tactical. 32 MACDUFF takes last note of something on his console and heads over toward Worf. 33 INCLUDE WORF who glances up. WORF Yes? MACDUFF We've heard from all decks -- there are over a thousand people on board. Everyone's had their memories affected in the same way we have. Worf nods, indicates the console he's been working. WORF I have completed a survey of our tactical systems. We are equipped with ten phaser banks, two hundred seventy five photon torpedoes, and a high capacity shield grid. MACDUFF We're a battleship. WORF It appears so... 33A OMITTED 34 RIKER AND RO at the aft console. Ro indicates a series of interconnecting lines. She has become increasingly tense and agitated since the memory loss. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 17A. 34 CONTINUED: RO This turbolift system will give us access to the rest of the ship... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 18. 34 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER That sounds like the next logical step... we should start with the most crucial area first... RO Main engineering. Deck thirty-six. I'm on my way. RIKER Hey, hold on, we've gotta coordinate our efforts here... RO I just need to do something... RIKER Look, I feel the same way... we all do... but if anything's gonna get done here... RO I know, I just... (beat, controlled) It's really an ugly feeling... I don't like being so... out of control. He smiles warmly at her... RIKER Well, we're all gonna have to depend on each other to get through this, okay? She smiles back. RO (softly) Okay. They move toward the turbolift... Riker passes Geordi and Picard... RIKER We're going to search the ship. Picard acknowledges silently as Worf at command, hears and looks over at them... WORF Very well. Proceed. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT ONE 19. 34 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI I'll go with you. I want to get my hands on the computer core. See if we can reestablish control from there. They exit into the turbolift. 34A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) hanging motionless. 35 thru OMITTED 38 39 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi is working at a console, Riker and Ro standing by. Riker has a PADD. GEORDI I've accessed the optical data network for the engineering core. I can monitor every system that's routed through here. Ro glances over his shoulder as Geordi again works the console. RO (off console) Warp and impulse drive are reading within tolerance levels. So are all the tactical arrays... defensive and offensive... Geordi nods. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT ONE 20. 39 CONTINUED: GEORDI Everything looks functional... now if we could just access the control systems we could get them up and running. Riker indicates another area of engineering. RIKER According to the schematics, the engineering computer core access is down that corridor. RO Weapons, propulsion and shields are the priorities. We might be in danger of another attack. GEORDI (nodding) That's where I'll start. Riker glances at his PADD. RIKER (to Ro) Let's begin our crew survey on decks five through ten. RIKER Alright. (to Geordi) Good luck. GEORDI You too. Geordi turns to go -- Riker stops him. RIKER When you've got those systems going, try for the personnel files. It would be nice if we all had names... Geordi nods and heads toward the core access. Riker and Ro EXIT. 39A thru OMITTED 40 STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT ONE 20A. 41 INT. READY ROOM Worf is in Picard's chair, watching a computer monitor on the desk. He looks comfortable there. The door opens and Picard and MacDuff ENTER. Worf glances up. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 21. 41 CONTINUED: PICARD So far, our survey team has found no deaths or injuries among the crew. The shuttlecraft are operational, as are the transporters. MACDUFF But no one they've talked to knows any more about their identities than we do. Worf gestures toward the monitor he has been studying. WORF Engineering is working on accessing the control systems. As soon as the ship is operational, we must make it combat-ready. Worf may be sitting in the captain's chair, but Picard's natural sense of leadership cannot help but assert itself. PICARD I would recommend that before we prepare for combat, we try to access the ship's logs. Discover who we are and what our purpose here might be. However, having gained the territory, Worf is not about to yield it easily. WORF I disagree. We must first make ourselves ready for battle. That is the highest priority. Before Picard can reply -- GEORDI'S COM VOICE Engineering to the bridge. WORF Go ahead, engineering. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT ONE 22. 41 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI'S COM VOICE I've regained control of propulsion, navigation, weapons, and communications. We'll be able to tie them into the bridge in just a few minutes. WORF Well done. He turns to the others, a warrior's gleam in his eyes. WORF We are ready. PICARD The question is -- for what? And off their various reactions -- FADE OUT: END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT TWO 23-24 ACT TWO FADE IN: 42 thru OMITTED 43 43A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The phaser banks suddenly fire into space. 44 OMITTED 45 INT. BRIDGE Worf in captain's chair, Picard at the helm, MacDuff at tactical. MACDUFF (off instruments) The phasers are operational. WORF We now have full tactical control. PICARD We should run a complete diagnostic of all command systems. Worf reacts negatively. WORF A full diagnostic would require us to take our systems off-line. We would be defenseless. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT TWO 25. 45 CONTINUED: PICARD If we're going to trust our lives to these systems, we should make certain they aren't going to fail. A beat. MacDuff steps in, smoothing things over. MACDUFF (to Worf) The computer was damaged. Some processors might still be down... A beat. WORF Proceed with the diagnostic. MacDuff and Picard start working their respective consoles. 46 ON BEVERLY Stepping off the turbolift, moving into the foreground. WORF What have you found, Doctor? BEVERLY Not much. The brain scans I've run are unusual, but they show no damage to the hippocampus. That suggests we still have our long-term memories... but somehow they're being blocked. PICARD Is it possible to bypass the normal pathways? To get at those memories in some other way? BEVERLY That's what I'm hoping. What I need now is to see some normal brain scans for comparison. Is there any chance I could get the crew's medical files? WORF We are currently running a full diagnostic. Computer resources are limited. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 25A. 46 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Beverly) The medical records will be our next priority. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 26. 46 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY Thank you. Beverly heads for the turbolift and Picard turns back to his console. Worf settles back into his captain's chair with a slight scowl -- uneasy lies the crown... 47 INT. CORRIDOR Riker is at the door to someone's quarters, finishing up an interview with a MALE CREWMEMBER. He holds a PADD. CREWMAN I guess these are my quarters. But I don't remember anything. RIKER If it's any comfort, everybody's in the same situation. Stay put for now... we'll be back in touch. CREWMAN Okay, sir. Thanks. 48 RO is down and across the corridor, speaking with a FEMALE CREWMEMBER, who is standing in the doorway to her quarters. RO That's all I need for now. The female crewmember nods and goes back into her quarters. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT TWO 27. 49 INCLUDE RIKER RO Well, that's it for the living quarters on this deck. What's next? RIKER (checking his padd) There's a large room up ahead. On the diagram, it's called "Ten Forward." RO Let's go. They walk for a beat in silence, then -- RO If everything was back the way it was supposed to be -- what do you think you'd be doing right now... ? RIKER Having a lot more fun than searching the ship, I'd imagine. RO Fun? RIKER With that holodeck we just saw, I bet I could conjure up an interesting program or two... RO Now, that's disappointing... RIKER Why? RO (flirtatious) You don't strike me as a man who needs a holodeck to have a good time. They share a grin... move OFFSCREEN... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT TWO 28. 50 INT. TEN FORWARD as Riker and Ro ENTER. Riker looks around the room. RIKER (to the group) Who reported to the bridge from this group? Troi steps forward. TROI I did. RIKER Have you found anything that might give us some insight into what happened? TROI Not specifically. But there are two things that seem unusual... She gestures toward Data, who is standing behind the bar. TROI The bartender is an artificial lifeform. Riker and Ro react with surprise as Data steps over to them. DATA (to Riker and Ro) Is there something I could get you? A beverage of your choice? Riker and Ro study Data curiously -- having, of course, no memory of ever having seen anything like him. RIKER No, thank you. RO I'm fine. RIKER Your memories are gone as well? DATA The databanks that would identify who I am are not functioning. They turn back to Troi. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT TWO 29. 50 CONTINUED: RIKER You were going to mention something else? TROI (nodding) I don't know if this means anything... but I seem to have an ability that the others don't. I have a very strong sense of what people are feeling... at times it's almost -- Suddenly she stops speaking, looks deeply at Riker, as though noticing something, for the moment completely oblivious to Ro. RIKER Is something wrong? TROI No... it's just... for a moment... you seemed familiar. RIKER You remember me? TROI Not exactly... I mean, I don't know who you are... but there's something about you... Ro reacts quizzically as Riker and Troi gaze into each other's eyes --- WORF'S COM VOICE Bridge to survey team. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 30. 50 CONTINUED: (3) RIKER (to com) Survey team here. WORF'S COM VOICE We have accessed the personnel files. Report to the bridge immediately. RO (to com) On our way. As Riker and Ro turn to leave, Ro can't help but throw a curious look back at Troi. 51 thru OMITTED 52 53 INT. BRIDGE Worf, Picard, and MacDuff are gathered around a science station, watching Geordi work the controls. Riker and Ro EXIT the turbolift and approach. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 31. 53 CONTINUED: GEORDI Computer -- give me a biographical listing of all personnel responsible for primary operation of the ship. COMPUTER VOICE A full biographical listing is not available. GEORDI Is there any list of the ship's senior officers? COMPUTER VOICE The crew manifest is available. GEORDI That's better than nothing. Give me the crew manifest. INTERCUT: 54 CONSOLE MONITOR (OPTICAL) As the computer speaks, the MONITOR displays the identities of our characters one by one. A PHOTOGRAPH, name, rank, and brief biographical history all come up on the screen. It's a tantalizing process. Our crew watches with fascination as they each learn who they are... COMPUTER VOICE (continuing) Commanding Officer, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Picard and Worf react. They exchange a glance. Worf appears awkward. COMPUTER VOICE (continuing) Executive Officer... Commander Keiran MacDuff. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 32. 54 CONTINUED: COMPUTER VOICE (cont'd) (beat) Second Officer... Commander William Riker. (beat) Operations Officer... Lieutenant Commander Data. (beat) Chief Medical Officer... Doctor Beverly Crusher. (beat) Ship's Counselor, Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi. (beat) Chief Engineer... Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge. (beat) Security Chief... Lieutenant Worf. (beat) Helm Officer... Ensign Ro Laren. The monitor goes blank. They all step back for a moment, digesting the information. Picard turns to MacDuff. PICARD Commander MacDuff... Please see to it that all other officers who were listed report to the bridge. MACDUFF Aye, sir. MacDuff moves off. Picard turns to Geordi. PICARD Your next priority is to retrieve any information you can regarding this ship's mission. Geordi nods, gets back to working the computer console. PICARD Contact the operations officer to assist you. RO He's in Ten-Forward -- waiting tables. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 33. 54 CONTINUED: (2) CAMERA follows Worf, who moves toward Picard. WORF I regret my recent behavior. I assumed an attitude of authority that was... unwarranted. Picard brushes it off. PICARD We're all doing the best we can in a difficult situation. Think nothing more of it. WORF Thank you... Captain. Worf walks away. Picard considers the bridge for a moment. OFF his face -- at least this is a place to start. 55 EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) still motionless in space. 56 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) Picard, MacDuff, Riker, Data, Worf, Geordi, Troi and Ro seated around the table. Picard looks grave. GEORDI We haven't finished a full search of the computer records. But we've found out quite a bit. DATA This vessel is named the Enterprise. We are part of an organization called the United Federation of Planets. The Federation is currently in a state of war. TROI (disturbed) With whom? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT TWO 34. 56 CONTINUED: GEORDI The Lysian Alliance. They're a genocidal race determined to destroy us. The war's been going on for years. Picard absorbs this information, listening intently as his crew reports. DATA Starfleet Command believes the Lysians have a new weapon that has shifted the balance of power in their favor. GEORDI Over the last two months, fourteen Federation ships have been captured -- apparently very easily -- and the crews imprisoned on Lysia. PICARD What do we know about this weapon? DATA Our scientists theorize that the Lysians are using an energy wave -- either plasma based or a subspace interference pattern. The weapon severly disrupts a starship's computer systems and the mental functioning of the crew. MACDUFF (pretending an insight) That's what happened to us... PICARD Commander, is there any record of our current mission? GEORDI Yes, sir. He rises and moves to the monitor, activates it. A star map appears. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 35. 56 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI We're approximately here... (points) We've been ordered to cross into Lysian territory... (pointing) ... and destroy their Central Command. He pushes more controls, and a graphic of the Central Command appears. GEORDI This is it -- the nerve-center of the Lysian military operation. The space station looks huge. Troi has a strong negative response. TROI Captain, there's been a great deal of damage to our computer system. Maybe we're not getting accurate information. PICARD What are you suggesting? TROI That we get confirmation of this mission from our headquarters. WORF If we use subspace radio we will be detected -- TROI But there may be thousands of lives at stake -- STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT TWO 36. 56 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI Our orders specifically require us to maintain radio silence. This brings the argument to a halt. DATA Our mission is part of a highly coordinated effort to put an end to the war. There are other vessels on other fronts, all working according to an intricate plan. GEORDI We're the lynch pin to the operation. If we don't destroy the Central Command -- the entire effort will fail. WORF Captain, our choice is clear. Picard somberly looks around the room. There is a long pause... PICARD Commander MacDuff -- set a course for the Lysian Central Command. OFF everyone's reactions. FADE OUT: END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 37. ACT THREE FADE IN: 57 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) At warp speed. 58 INT. CORRIDOR Riker and Troi are walking along. Riker glances down at a PADD he's holding, then indicates a door -- they reach it and stop. RIKER These are your quarters. TROI Thanks for the help. Troi steps forward, touches the door's panel and the doors slide open. TROI (continuing) Come in for a minute. Riker nods and follows her inside. 59 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) Troi and Riker ENTER. They glance around. Troi starts to wander, taking in all the details. She runs a hand across the dresser... the bed... over some personal items on a table... as if by touching these things she will recall their significance. RIKER Recognize anything? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 38. 59 CONTINUED: TROI (re: room) It might as well belong to someone else. She turns to him, troubled. TROI Nothing feels right... this room, the ship... most of all this war we're fighting... RIKER I don't imagine war ever feels right. Troi considers this. TROI I suppose that's true... Troi looks at him for a moment, then appears puzzled. Riker picks up on it. RIKER What is it? TROI That same feeling... you seem familiar... you're the only thing that does. RIKER Can you remember anything specific? TROI I don't know... She reaches up and runs a finger across his cheek, as if by touching she'll draw out what's forgotten. TROI It's more like remembering an emotional image... feelings that are somehow associated with you... The romantic tension is now undeniable. RIKER I hope they're good feelings... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 39. 59 CONTINUED: (2) TROI Yes... they are... They hold for a moment like that, and then Troi takes down her hand, breaking the moment. TROI This entire situation is... a little unnerving... RIKER (giving her the out) It's been a long day. We've all been through a lot. She smiles, understanding the gesture. TROI Yes. We certainly have. She regards him for a moment, then leans up and briefly kisses his cheek. RIKER I'll see you tomorrow. Good night. They exchange a gentle smile, then Riker EXITS. OFF Troi's pensive expression... 60 INT. CORRIDOR Riker walks toward a door. He stops and double-checks his PADD, then steps toward the door. 61 INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) Riker ENTERS, looks around. He walks further into the room, and stops at what he sees... 62 REVEAL RO comfortably sitting in a chair near the bed, one leg slung over the arm, dressed in casual, sexy clothing, browsing through a book. She looks up at Riker. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 39A. 62 CONTINUED: RO (matter of fact) Hi. Riker can't help but smile. RIKER (indicates PADD) I know I didn't get the wrong room. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 40. 62 CONTINUED: (2) Ro shrugs and eases her way out of the chair. RO I didn't like the way mine was decorated. Besides, I have a funny feeling maybe I spend most of my off hours here. Riker tosses the PADD down, decides to take on her bantering challenge. RIKER Really? RO For all we know, you and I could be married. RIKER For all we know, you and I could hate each other. Ro smiles. She circles around him, maneuvering closer to the bed. RO That's kind of exciting, isn't it? Because we just don't know. RIKER We might regret this. RO Regret what? Aren't you being a little presumptuous? Ro gets very close to him, teasingly. The erotic tension is high. RO (continuing) Like I said -- I just didn't like the way my quarters were decorated. She backs off, as if rejecting him -- but it's all seductive. Riker takes a step toward her. She moves closer to the bed. RIKER Maybe we should switch quarters. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 41. 62 CONTINUED: (3) RO Maybe we should stay right here and see what happens. Ro reaches up and kisses him teasingly -- quickly, almost before he can respond. Then she backs away. Riker closes the distance. RIKER What if I snore in my sleep? Ro sits down on the bed in front of him, leans back seductively. RO What makes you think you're going to get any sleep? OFF Riker's smile... 63 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Quick pass by at warp. 64 INT. BRIDGE Picard, MacDuff and Riker at command. Worf at tactical. Data at ops. Ro at the conn. Troi and Geordi are also present. The tension is high. WORF Captain, we have crossed the Lysian border. PICARD Ensign, take us out of warp. Three-quarters impulse. RO Yes, sir. PICARD Mister Worf, maintain a continuous sensor sweep. WORF Aye, Captain. Worf works his console. MACDUFF (to Data) How long till we reach their central command? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 42. 64 CONTINUED: (2) DATA At our current speed, approximately thirty-seven hours. WORF Captain, I am picking up a vessel directly ahead. Picard and MacDuff exchange a glance. PICARD Can you identify? DATA (working console) The ship matches the Starfleet description of a Lysian Destroyer. A short-range attack vessel... with disruptor-style weapons, and a standard crew of fifty-three. Reactions all around. Troi is clearly troubled. MacDuff stands and joins Worf at tactical. WORF Within visual range. PICARD On screen. INTERCUT: 65 VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A LYSIAN SHIP appears on the screen -- it's small but menacing. Everyone reacts to the sight. 66 RESUME WORF (off instruments) The destroyer is increasing its speed. (glances up) They are moving to intercept. PICARD (to Ro) Evasive maneuver sequence delta. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 43. 66 CONTINUED: RO Yes, Sir. Ro works the controls. A beat. WORF They are matching our manuevers... MacDuff quickly works the tactical controls. MACDUFF Activating phaser arrays... (beat) Ready to fire, Sir. MacDuff's hand is over the controls. PICARD (gesturing to hold up) Stand by. MacDuff pauses -- it takes a strong act of will. MACDUFF Captain, our orders were to destroy all Lysian warships. PICARD I'm aware of that, Commander. (to Data) Tactical analysis, Mister Data. DATA (off instruments) The destroyer has minimal shields. Their disruptor capacity appears to be only two point one megajoules. Riker reacts. RIKER They're no match for the Enterprise. As everyone considers this... DATA Captain -- the destroyer is hailing us. Everyone is taken aback. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 43A. 66 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Open a channel -- MACDUFF --No! Data pauses. Everyone turns to MacDuff. MacDuff looks at Picard. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 44. 66 CONTINUED: (3) MACDUFF Their new weapon. Whatever it was that wiped out our computers and our memories. Maybe this is how they do it -- over communication channels. Picard turns to Data. DATA It is conceivable, sir. TROI It's also possible that they simply want to talk to us. I think we should respond. WORF They are hailing us again. A beat. MacDuff turns to Troi. MACDUFF (to Troi) If you're wrong, it could mean our destruction. (to Picard) I don't think we can take that risk. DATA Captain, The Lysians have stopped transmitting. They are powering up their disruptors. (beat) They have locked onto us, sir... RIKER Full shields. WORF Shields up. WHAM. The ship shakes, hit by Lysian disruptors. MACDUFF Captain... ? Picard has no choice. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 45. 66 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD (grimly) Return fire. Worf works the console. 67 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as the phasers fire, making a direct hit on the Lysian ship. The destroyer EXPLODES in a blast of fire and metal. Then it's gone -- completely obliterated. 68 INT. BRIDGE Worf analyses his controls. WORF The ship has been destroyed. A beat. PICARD Maintain our course, Ensign. Increase to three quarters impulse. RO Yes, Sir. As Ro works the controls a brooding silence falls over the bridge. Troi appears distressed. MacDuff steps toward Picard. MACDUFF Well done, Captain. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT THREE 46. 68 CONTINUED: Picard doesn't respond. As he stares at the empty viewscreen, his face unreadable... FADE OUT: END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FOUR 47. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 69 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Moving at impulse. 70 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, MacDuff, Riker, Data, Troi, Worf, Ro, Geordi, Beverly, seated around the table. The mood is grim -- for all intents and purposes they are at war. WORF The Lysian Central Command would have received any transmission from the destroyer by now. MACDUFF (nodding) They're going to be on alert. Ro nods, turns to Picard. RO (to Picard) I recommend a randomly vectored approach to our target. It would be our best chance of avoiding any pursuit. PICARD (nods) Agreed. Picard turns to Beverly. PICARD Doctor, the success of this mission would be far more likely if we had our memories back. Is there anything you can do? BEVERLY I found several cases resembling our condition in the medical index. The causes are different, but the cure is similar in each case. RIKER Could the same treatment work for us? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FOUR 48. 70 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY (nods) That's my hope. It involves increasing the activity of the medial temporal region of the brain. Using short term memory synapses to retrieve long term memory. PICARD When can you start? BEVERLY As soon as our medical records become available. It would be too dangerous to attempt treatment without them. PICARD Mister La Forge? GEORDI Data and I ran into some trouble accessing the medical file areas in the computer. But with a little time, I'm pretty sure we can get there. (shrugs) Three hours, maximum. Picard nods. PICARD Proceed. 71 OMITTED 72 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Geordi and Data working at their respective monitors. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT FOUR 49. 72 CONTINUED: GEORDI (shakes his head) I'm still hitting a file wall... I don't get it. DATA There appears to be a command path discontinuity. I shall attempt to rewrite the locator subroutine. Data starts entering codes at super-fast android speed. Geordi watches him, amazed. GEORDI (joking re: speed) You must have been one hell of a bartender. A beat. Data pauses, checks the monitor, then continues working at normal speed. Geordi considers him for a moment. GEORDI It's too bad there aren't any more of you around. We could certainly use the help. DATA Yes. A beat. Geordi considers his light remark a little more deeply. GEORDI I wonder why you're the only one on board? DATA I have expended a great deal of thought with respect to my apparent uniqueness among the crew. Data finishes a sequence of keystrokes and considers Geordi. GEORDI Any conclusions? DATA Several possibilities suggest themselves. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT FOUR 49A. 72 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (cont'd) I may represent an entire race of artificial lifeforms. If so, there may be a home planet for others of my kind -- a shared history and a culture of which I am not presently aware. GEORDI Then again, you could've been built just for this ship. DATA I have considered that possibility as well. It may also be the case that every starship in the Federation is equipped with an artificial lifeform such as myself. GEORDI (nodding) It that's true, you might all even look alike. A standard issue android. Hard to construct -- so only one allowed per vessel. (smiles) Maybe you all get together for android holidays... Data appears to be musing for a moment. DATA There is another possibility. Perhaps my origin was unique. In that case... I am alone. A silent beat as Geordi considers his words. The console suddenly BEEPS with computer noises and both Data and Geordi rivet their attention to the screen. DATA We have accessed the information storage area. But considerable damage has been done to the files themselves. Geordi reacts to this, then looks over Data's shoulder -- reacts. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/25/91 - ACT FOUR 49B. 72 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI The mission reports are gone. DATA (works console) As are the crew records, and the personal logs. He stares at the monitor, puzzling over the missing information. A beat as Geordi reacts. GEORDI So are the medical records. OFF the look between them. 73 INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS Riker is at a desk, sorting through a collection of personal belongings spread out on the desktop. A trombone... a few books... some terra cotta figurines. The door chimes. RIKER Come in. Troi ENTERS. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 50. 73 CONTINUED: TROI I'm restless. Mind if I visit for a while? RIKER Please... Riker indicates his welcome, then sees that she appears shaken. He stands and moves over to her. RIKER (continuing) What's wrong? TROI Everything. Everytime I think about this war, our mission... I feel a sense of panic. Like a hand is closing around my throat. Riker speaks gently... tries to console her. RIKER You're never gonna feel good about this war. None of us will. But we've got to finish our mission. Troi considers this... then nods. His words make sense, but still... Riker smiles, trying to brighten the mood a little. He indicates the nearby desk. RIKER (continuing) I've been doing a little research. Learning about someone named William Riker. TROI (smiles) And what have you discovered? Riker leads her to the desk. He indicates the trombone. RIKER He's a musician, for one thing. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 51-51A 73 CONTINUED: (2) Troi reacts, pleasantly surprised. Riker picks up the instrument, plays a few notes. Troi laughs. TROI Very impressive. RIKER Nobody could have been more surprised than me. TROI (playfully) What else has your research uncovered about William Riker? Riker eyes the various belongings. RIKER Let's see... He's athletically inclined... loves to mountain climb. He was born in a place called Alaska. He likes exotic foods... spends his vacation time on a planet called Risa... Riker picks up a very slender, but beautifully bound BOOK and hands it to Troi. She looks at the title. TROI (reads) "Ode to Psyche." John Keats. RIKER Open it. Troi opens the book to the title page, reacts. TROI (reads) "To Will... All My Love, Deanna." A beat. She sets the book down. A quiet moment as she considers the implication. RIKER (re: book) It could explain the familiar feeling you have... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 52. 73 CONTINUED: (4) They are close to each other. The feelings between them are impossible to ignore. TROI I... don't know what to think. The door chimes. RIKER Come in. Ro ENTERS. She's energized from work -- a sharp contrast to the quiet she's just shattered. RO Hello, Counselor. She reacts to Troi's presence -- but it's with an amused tolerance. Troi and Riker seem much more uncomfortable than Ro does. TROI (nodding) Ensign. RO I'm not interrupting anything? RIKER TROI No. No. Troi smiles. TROI (to Ro) I was just visiting. (to Riker, more formal) We'll talk again soon, Commander. RIKER Of course. Thank you, Counselor. As Troi goes out the door... RO Bye... When Troi disappears outside the door, Ro casually eases into a chair, catching one of Riker's hands in her own as she does so. RO (re: Troi) What was that all about? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 53. 73 CONTINUED: (6) RIKER (shrugs) Just talking about the situation we're all in... Ro starts playing with his hand. RO Good... She tightens her grip on his hand and pulls him closer. RO Because I have the feeling I used to be the jealous type. She leans upward and kisses him -- Riker responds. As they get into it... 74 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) At impulse. 75 OMITTED 75A INT. BRIDGE Picard, MacDuff, Riker, Ro, Data and Beverly. Geordi is finishing his report. GEORDI What bothers me, Captain, is how specific the damage is. Any records of a personal nature, any files that could tell us more about who we are -- those are the ones that are gone. RIKER That's a little too selective for coincidence. BEVERLY As selective as what was done to our own memories. Our skills still in place -- but personal knowledge unavailable. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FOUR 54. 75A CONTINUED: MACDUFF It's consistent with what we know about the new Lysian weapon. Picard takes all this in, weighing it. PICARD Doctor, is it absolutely necessary for you to see the medical files before you attempt a treatment? BEVERLY No. But it would be dangerous without them. A beat. RIKER (volunteering) I think that's a risk we have to take -- MACDUFF (beating him to the punch) -- Captain, I volunteer for the procedure. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 55. 75A CONTINUED: (2) Beverly looks to Picard... who nods his grim approval. 76 INT. SICKBAY MacDuff is on his back in the half-shell bio-bed, his head couched by a headpiece apparatus. His eyes are closed -- as if he's unconscious. Beverly works the console next to the bed, and the series of lights flash on and off on the headpiece. A NURSE is working in the background. Beverly takes her hand off the console and picks up a med device, waves it across his forehead. She seems puzzled by the result. BEVERLY That's strange. The diencephalic activity is exactly the same. There should be some increase. (to Nurse) Let's try broadening the band width. She steps over to where the nurse is working -- MACDUFF IS NOW OUT OF THEIR LINE OF SIGHT. 77 ON MACDUFF BEVERLY (continuing; to nurse) Go to thirty point one. MacDuff begins to convulse. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 56. 78 INCLUDE BEVERLY BEVERLY (to nurse) Raise the frequency as well. Increase by thirty-three percent... A few beats and Beverly turns back toward MacDuff -- and reacts with shock at his convulsions. She dives for the console, punches in some commands -- BEVERLY Something's wrong with the sequencing program! A few more commands and she glances up -- the headpiece stops blinking. His body goes rigid. Beverly picks up a device and runs it over his forehead. His head stops moving and his eyes struggle open. He looks straight at her, as if uncomprehending. BEVERLY (insistent) Kieran. Kieran. He looks at her, blinks, as if coming back to full consciousness. MACDUFF (nods) I'm alright. Beverly lets out her breath in a long sigh. MacDuff lets his head fall back, as if exhausted, then glances at her. MACDUFF What happened? STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FOUR 57. 78 CONTINUED: BEVERLY I don't know. Something went wrong with the sequence initiator. We're lucky we didn't lose you. (beat) Did any of this work? Do you remember anything about yourself? MACDUFF (shakes his head) I'm sorry, Doctor. Beverly looks greatly disappointed. BEVERLY It's back to square one. MacDuff nods. Beverly turns away from him. OFF MacDuff who smiles -- success... 79 INT. READY ROOM Picard is staring out the window, lost in thought. The door chimes. PICARD Enter. MacDuff ENTERS. Picard turns to him. MACDUFF You wanted to see me, Captain? PICARD Yes, Commander. Sit down. MacDuff sits and Picard rises, pacing, things on his mind. PICARD I find myself with grave concerns about our mission. MACDUFF Concerns... as to its success? PICARD No. I have more fundamental doubts... (MORE) STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT FOUR 58. 79 CONTINUED: PICARD (cont'd) (beat) Whether or not this mission is justified. MACDUFF I've been asking myself the same thing. But I'm sure our superiors feel their orders are justified. PICARD Orders which we cannot even verify. MACDUFF (reluctantly concluding) Orders we cannot ignore. PICARD But I also can't ignore the fact that we greatly outclassed the only enemy vessel we've encountered. And that every possible shred of information which could shed some light on our situation has been conveniently eliminated. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FOUR 59. 79 CONTINUED: (2) A beat as Picard continues to pace. PICARD I feel as though I've been handed a weapon, pushed into a room and told to shoot a stranger. He stops and looks squarely at MacDuff. PICARD I need a moral context to justify that action. And I don't have one. I'm not satisfied simply following orders. I want to know that what I am doing is right. MACDUFF So do I. I'd feel a lot better about this if all the questions were answered. And if you want to abandon our mission until our memories return -- it's your choice. MacDuff pauses, as if searching for the words. MACDUFF But I must ask you... is it right to risk prolonging this war... to allow the needless deaths of thousands on both sides... solely on the basis of our moral discomfort? A long beat. MacDuff nods his head deferentially, taking his leave. He turns and exits the ready room. 79A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) OFF Picard as he stares out the window, MacDuff's words still on his mind... FADE OUT: END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FIVE 60. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 80 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship traveling at impulse. 81 INT. BRIDGE Picard, MacDuff, Riker, Data, Worf, Ro, Troi at their stations. Everyone looks grimly determined -- or in Troi's case, resigned. DATA (off instruments) Captain, we are approaching the Lysian system. PICARD Decrease to one quarter impulse. RO Yes, sir. MACDUFF (off instruments) The Central Command is directly ahead. Still beyond weapon range. PICARD Red Alert. Battle stations. Bring us to attack posture, Mister Worf. WORF Aye, Captain. Worf works the tactical console and the ship goes to RED ALERT. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FIVE 61. 81 CONTINUED: DATA Sensors show several objects in our path. They are twenty-nine meters in length and are unmanned. MacDuff works a console. MACDUFF According to Starfleet records, they're sentry pods. Programmed to defend their Central Command. RIKER (off instruments) I'm reading forty-seven of them around the perimeter. PICARD Tactical analysis, Mister Data. DATA (working console) The pods are equipped with fusion generated pulse lasers, and minimal shielding. RIKER Not much power there... PICARD Forward shields on maximum. Lock phasers on the sentry pods and prepare to return fire. WORF Shields up, phasers locked on targets. A beat, then. PICARD Full impulse. Take us straight through them. As Ro works the helm... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FIVE 62. 82 OMITTED 83 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it runs straight through the field of sentry pods. We instantly draw A THIN LASER BEAM TYPE FIRE from the pods that does nothing to the Enterprise. The Enterprise returns with PHASER FIRE -- a series of quick bursts, DESTROYING the pods with ease. 84 INT. BRIDGE DATA We are through the perimeter. RIKER This is too easy. WORF We have yet to encounter any battleships. They may lie ahead. PICARD Load all torpedo bays. Ready phasers. But it's clear Picard's doubts are mounting. WORF Aye, sir. Worf works the console. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FIVE 62A. 84 CONTINUED: RIKER Approaching the Central Command... Picard reacts, puzzled at the ease with which they are able to appoach. PICARD Mister Data, scan for defenses. Data works the console. DATA I am picking up no vessels -- and no additional sentry pods. WORF The station is in visual range. PICARD On screen. 85 INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) In the distance is the LYSIAN CENTRAL COMMAND -- a huge, alien-looking space station. Reactions to the sight. RIKER (off console) Optimal firing range in fifty-five seconds. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FIVE 63. 86 RESUME (OPTICAL) MACDUFF (works console) Phaser banks ready. Loading torpedoes. PICARD What are the defensive capabilities of the Central Command? DATA Armaments consist of four laser cannons and thirty-nine cobalt fusion warheads with magnetic propulsion. Defensive shield output is only... four point three kilojoules. Picard is deeply disturbed by this news. All the doubts of this entire endeavor rise to inundate him. RIKER (amazed) One photon torpedo ought to do it. TROI Data... how many people are on that station? DATA (off instruments) Fifteen thousand, three hundred eleven. Again, this registers on Picard. His moment of decision is nearing. MACDUFF Captain, we're in range. PICARD (gesturing to hold up) Stand by. A concerned reaction from MacDuff. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FIVE 64. 86 CONTINUED: MACDUFF Waiting for your order, sir. TROI Captain, this isn't right... MACDUFF The rest of our forces are depending on us -- RIKER How can our mortal enemy be over a hundred years behind us in weapons technology? MACDUFF Their battleships may be on the way right now. A beat. MacDuff keeps on pushing. MACDUFF (continuing) We must attack. A long moment -- it's all on Picard. From deep inside, his conscience finds voice, and speaks clear as a bell -- a simple statement confirming his fundamental nature. PICARD I do not fire on defenseless people. Various reactions from the others. PICARD Mister Worf... open a channel to the Lysians. MacDuff is enraged -- losing control. MACDUFF Belay that order! MacDuff is on the move toward tactical. Worf wavers. MacDuff addresses everyone as he goes. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FIVE 65. 86 CONTINUED: (3) MACDUFF (continuing) There's something wrong with the Captain. I'm taking command of this vessel. (to Worf) Fire all weapons! Worf doesn't move. MacDuff, now wild-eyed with desperation exchanges a look with Picard, who by contrast is all cool control. -- MacDuff lunges toward tactical, knocking Worf out of the way like he wasn't even there. He reaches for the weapons control... -- and is suddenly hit by a PHASER BLAST, briefly revealing beneath his Human self, in the area where he was hit, a strange, alien, metallic body. 87 OMITTED 88 INCLUDE RIKER (OPTICAL) holding the phaser. MacDuff again goes for the console -- Riker again FIRES the phaser, and where it hits, the strange metallic being underneath is revealed. MacDuff stumbles back, but goes for it again -- unstoppable. Worf has regained his footing, and FIRES his phaser at MacDuff, again revealing a patch of the alien corpus. Riker and Worf both continue FIRING to keep MacDuff away from the controls. MacDuff finally throws back his head and screams -- 89 MACDUFF (OPTICAL) falls to the floor, unconscious. The others stare at him, relieved. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT FIVE 66. 90 thru OMITTED 91 92 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise at warp. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. We are on a course to Starbase Three- zero-one. Doctor Crusher has been working steadily, and has restored the memories of most of the crew. 92A INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard and Riker. Picard is sitting behind his desk. PICARD The Lysians have identified "Commander MacDuff" as a Satarran -- an alien race that's been at war with the Lysians for decades. Picard stands, steps out from behind the desk. PICARD I've conveyed to the Lysians our deepest regrets over the tragedy of their lost ship and crew. They've been extraordinarily understanding. Riker thinks for a moment. RIKER With all the power that MacDuff had... to alter our brain chemistry, and manipulate the computers... it's hard to believe he needed the Enterprise. PICARD Satarran weapons technology is no more advanced than the Lysians'. One photon torpedo would have ended their war. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/15/91 - ACT FIVE 66A. 92A CONTINUED: RIKER It almost did... OFF the look between them. 93 INT. TEN-FORWARD Business as usual. Riker ENTERS, glances around the room and sees something that makes him stop cold. STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - 11/14/91 - ACT FIVE 67. 94 INCLUDE TROI AND RO sitting together at a table, immersed in a private conversation. Riker reacts. He takes a deep breath to fortify himself, then heads for the table. Troi and Ro see him coming, and their conversation stops just a little too quickly. Riker arrives at the table. An awkward beat. RIKER I hope I'm not interrupting. RO Not at all. I was hoping to see you. TROI Please -- sit down. Uncomfortable, he sits. He never thought he'd have to deal with them both at once. And what have they been saying to each other? RIKER Well. I'm glad I ran into the two of you... They smile sweetly, waiting for him to talk his way into trouble. He launches in. RIKER You know, when you have no memory of who you are, or who anybody else is... STAR TREK: "Conundrum" - REV. 11/18/91 - ACT FIVE 68. 94 CONTINUED: RO (with feigned sincerity) The Counselor tells me... at times like that, we might do things we've always wanted to do. RIKER (taken aback) She said that? He glances uncomfortably at Troi, who gazes serenely at him. TROI It's psychologically valid. Riker is hard-pressed for a response. Ro extends the uncomfortable moment, then stands. RO (feigned sincerity) Don't worry about it, Commander. As far as I'm concerned we've shared something that you and I will treasure forever. Ro turns and walks off before Riker can respond. Nonplussed, he looks at Troi. A beat, then Riker sits down. RIKER (re: Ro) I feel kind of... confused. Troi can't suppress a smile. TROI If you still feel confused tomorrow -- you know where my office is. Troi smiles, gets up, and leaves. Riker is suddenly alone. He lets out a long breath -- he's off the hook for now... FADE OUT: END OF ACT FIVE THE END