STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "Cost of Living" 
                          #40275-220 
                              
                          Written by 
                      Peter Allan Fields 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Rick Kolbe 


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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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

                      FEBRUARY 3, 1992


          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/3/92 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Cost of Living" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             LWAXANA TROI
                RIKER              ALEXANDER
                DATA               CAMPIO
                BEVERLY            ERKO
                TROI               JUGGLER
                GEORDI             YOUNG MAN
                WORF               YOUNG WOMAN
                                   POET
                TRANSPORTER 
                  OPERATOR         Non-Speaking
                                     MR. HOHM
                                     FIRE ARTIST
                                     LEARNERS
                Non-Speaking         TATTOED FEMALE DANCER
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/3/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Cost of Living" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE       SHIRALEAN VI
              VARIOUS CORRIDORS        GLADE/MUDBATH
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              ENGINEERING
              JEFFERIES TUBE
              TURBOLIFT
              TEN FORWARD
              TROI'S OFFICE
              TROI'S QUARTERS
              LWAXANA'S QUARTERS
              WORF'S QUARTERS
              HOLODECK ENTRANCE

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/3/92 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Cost of Living" 
                        
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 KOSTOLAIN       COST-uh-lane
                 NITRIUM         NYE-tree-um
                 PELLORIS        pel-ORE-us
                 PETROKIAN       peh-TRO-kee-'n
                 SHIRALEA        SHEER-ah-lee

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - TEASER     1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                       "Cost of Living"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    OMITTED

2    INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, RIKER, DATA, and WORF; N.D.s as needed. The
	atmosphere on the bridge is tense -- they're in the
	middle of a pursuit and racing against a clock. Red
	alert is already on.

					WORF
			Forward tubes armed and ready,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			Fire.

2A   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Photon torpedoes burst from the forward tubes.

2B   EXT. SPACE - ASTEROID (OPTICAL)

	The torpedoes speed toward a huge asteroid which is
	streaking toward a nearby planet, and EXPLODE against
	it.

3    INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
			A direct hit, sir.

					DATA
			The asteroid has shattered.
			However, the core is still intact
			-- and still on a direct collision
			course with Tessen Three.

					RIKER
			Is it big enough to be a threat?

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - TEASER     2.

3    CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Yes, sir. It is of sufficient
			size and density to cause
			planetwide damage.

					PICARD
			Time to impact.

					DATA
			It will reach the upper
			atmosphere in forty-four seconds
			and impact with the planet eleven
			seconds later.

					RIKER
			Ready torpedoes.

					DATA
			Sir, the core is composed of
			densely compressed nitrium and
			chrondite. It is unlikely that
			another photon torpedo will have
			any effect on it.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, prepare the tractor
			beam.

					WORF
			Yes, Captain.

					DATA
			Time to impact is thirty seconds.

					WORF
			Sir, I cannot get a positive lock
			with the tractor beam. There is
			magnetic field interference
			emanating from the core materials.

					PICARD
			Suggestions?

					DATA
			If we project a particle beam
			through the deflector dish, we
			may be able to produce a
			disruptive nuclear effect in the
			core.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

4
thru	OMITTED
6

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - TEASER     3.

6A   EXT. SPACE - THE ASTEROID CORE (OPTICAL)

	A beam has emitted from the Enterprise into the
	asteroid core. It buzzes and hums for a second -- and
	then the core bursts apart.

6B   INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
			The target has been destroyed,
			sir.

					DATA
			The largest piece of remaining
			debris offers no threat to the
			planet.

					PICARD
			Well done. Ensign, put us back
			on course for the Moselina system.
			Warp four as soon as we've cleared
			the debris field.

7    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & TWINKLING STUFF (OPTICAL)

	As the Enterprise flies through the debris, we see a
	host of small, Twinkling Bits of the shattered asteroid
	make contact with, and adhere to, the ship itself.
	Beat, then -- with Twinkling Stuff attached to its hull
	-- the Enterprise goes into warp drive, and away.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE       4.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

8    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp speed.

9    INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	WORF and his son ALEXANDER sit stiffly -- side by side
	but separated by their anger at each other -- venting
	it all before a patient TROI.

					WORF
			My instructions were clear!

					ALEXANDER
			They were not!

					WORF
			Before being allowed to play, he
			was to put his soiled clothing
			in the garment reprocessor.

					ALEXANDER
			I was not!

					TROI
			I sense a touch of hostility here,
			gentlemen.

					WORF
			I specifically told you that!

					ALEXANDER
			You told it to me yesterday; not
			today!

					TROI
			If I may suggest...

					WORF
			You know very well that the same
			rules apply today that...

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT ONE    5.

9    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Please!
				(beat; on their silence)
			Why not simply draw up a contract,
			which defines the duties of each
			family member?

					ALEXANDER
			You mean he tells me what he wants
			and I have to do it.

					TROI
			No, it means you both agree on
			your responsibilities. And when
			you've done the things you've
			agreed to do, then you've earned
			the privilege of doing things you
			want to do.
				(to Worf)
			When he's cleaned his room, for
			instance, then maybe he's earned
			a visit to the holodeck to fight
			his alien monsters.

					WORF
			You suggest bribery?

					TROI
			I suggest working out an equitable
			system where the rules are spelled
			out as clearly as possible. For
			the child and the parent. You
			must list your responsibilities,
			too.
				(to Alexander)
			What would you like your father
			to promise?

					ALEXANDER
			No yelling.

					WORF
				(loudly)
			I do not yell.

					TROI
			Then you should have no trouble
			with that part.

	She looks from one to the other.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT ONE    6.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Well. Why don't you both go back
			to your quarters and talk it over?
			Decide on the points each of you
			wants in the contract...

					WORF
				(beat; grumpy)
			Very well.

	Alexander's answer is a noncommital shrug. Troi
	smiles, with:

					TROI
			One day you'll be glad your father
			cared enough about you to insist
			on rules. It may seem hard to
			imagine right now... but
			eventually, most children come
			to appreciate their parents.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker to Counselor Troi. Your
			mother's just come aboard.

	Troi hears this, takes it in... then...

					TROI
			On the other hand...

					LWAXANA'S COM VOICE
			Deanna, my dear... it's mother!

10   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM ONE

	A Supernumerary stands alongside LWAXANA and MISTER
	HOMN. As she absently gestures Mister Homn to get
	a move on with the abundance of luggage he carries,
	she twines RIKER'S arm in hers.

					LWAXANA
				(effervescing; into com)
			And I've got such deliciously
			exciting news, you're going to
			be absolutely thrilled! I'm
			getting married!

       STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE       7.

11   OMITTED

12   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Troi and Lwaxana are seated -- Troi initially
	immobilized by her shock.

					LWAXANA
				(peering around)
			You know, with just a bit of
			redecorating here and there, this
			Ten-Forward room should make a
			very nice wedding hall.

					TROI
			I beg your pardon?

					LWAXANA
			My dear, where else? Among all
			my good friends... in the presence
			of my adored daughter...

					TROI
			Mother, where did you... when did
			you meet this man? Who is he?
			I mean... marriage. When did all
			this happen?

					LWAXANA
			Ah, my poor plodding little
			Deanna, with her questions
			questions questions. Wherever
			did you inherit such pedestrian
			genes? What matters, my sweet,
			is that your mother's happy.

					TROI
			Mother, if you're happy, then I'm
			happy for you. I only asked who
			this man is, and where you met
			him. Those are not unusual
			questions.

					LWAXANA
			He's a wonderful man, my dear;
			he has such good breeding, I tell
			you, he's absolute perfection.

					TROI
			Who is he?

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE      7A.

12   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			He is Campio; third minister to
			the Conference Of Judges on the
			planet Kostolain. Royalty, my
			dear; naturally.

					TROI
			Naturally. I didn't know you'd
			ever been to Kostolain. Or was
			he on some diplomatic mission to
			Betazed... ?

					LWAXANA
			Well, neither, actually. I
			haven't exactly met him yet,
			really. Oh, but the profiles
			we've exchanged. They're in such
			accord that you'd absolutely weep,
			my dear; you'd weep at the harmony
			between us.

       STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE       8.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Mother. Don't you think you
			should at least meet the man
			you're going to marry before
			committing to spend the rest of
			your life with him?

					LWAXANA
			Deanna, I love you, but you do
			make everything sound like an
			epitaph.

13   INCLUDING WORF & ALEXANDER

	as they ENTER. Heading for Troi's table, they're
	locked in animated debate.

					ALEXANDER
			I don't want to agree!

					WORF
			You have to agree. That's what
			an agreement is.
				(to Troi)
			Excuse the intrusion, Counselor,
			but we are having some difficulty
			drawing up our contract.
				(nods to Lwaxana)
			Mrs. Troi.

					ALEXANDER
			He isn't fair!

					WORF
			The boy is unreasonable.

					LWAXANA
				(liking Alex)
			Well of course he's unreasonable;
			he's a child.
				(chucks Alex under chin)
			And such a child. Making little
			boys reasonable only gives them
			pimples.

					TROI
			Alexander, this is my mother.

       STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE       9.

13   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Alexander! What a wonderful name.
			I once knew a tall, handsome
			warrior named Alexander who
			utterly adored me. We went
			everywhere; simply everywhere.
			Have you been anywhere yet?
				(abruptly; to Troi)
			Contract? What contract?

					TROI
			It's between father and son. A
			fair and balanced way of achieving
			a mutual sense of order.

					LWAXANA
				(to Alex)
			How ghastly for you.
				(to Worf)
			And you're doing this to your own
			child, Mister Woof?

					TROI
			Mother!

					WORF
			It is Worf, Madam.

					LWAXANA
			Contracts are usually for people
			who don't really trust each other.
				(to Worf)
			A child who is trusted becomes
			worthy of that trust.

					TROI
			Mother, will you kindly stay out
			of this?

					LWAXANA
				(to Worf)
			If he doesn't perform his
			contractual duties, I assume he
			would be chastised?

					WORF
			He would be... sanctioned, yes.

					LWAXANA
			But if you fail to perform your
			duties, what's the child supposed
			to do about it?

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE      10.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Mother, will you please!

					WORF
			I, not perform my duty?!

					LWAXANA
			Alexander. Life's true gift is
			the capacity to enjoy enjoyment.
			Now...

	She draws Alexander gently toward her; leans to put
	herself almost nose-to-nose with the boy -- cupping
	his little chin in her hand, as:

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			... Have I arrived too late, or...
				(grins warmly)
			... Can you still smile?

	And, still nose-to-nose with the smiling Lwaxana, 
	Alexander grins from ear to ear. An unmistakable and 
	very personal one-on-one bonding here. Friendship.

14   INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TURBOLIFT

	Picard and Riker move along the corridor, during:

					PICARD
			Married? She's getting married?

					RIKER
			If we hold present course, we'll
			rendezvous with her intended groom
			in thirty-one hours.

					PICARD
			I will not continue to have this
			ship used by that woman for her
			convenience, simply because her
			daughter is one of my officers.

					RIKER
			Apparently, Deanna's being aboard
			was only part of the reason.

					PICARD
			The other part being?

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE      11.

14   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			She seems to think that the honor
			of giving away the bride should
			belong to you.

					PICARD
				(halts, musing; resumes
				 walking)
			Permission for an on-board wedding
			is granted, Number One. Nothing
			would please me more than giving
			Mrs. Troi away.

15   ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	As Picard and Riker recede into b.g. along the
	corridor, CAMERA discovers -- along a seam of ceiling
	in f.g. -- a moving line of the Twinkling Particles
	seen earlier outside the ship. As it moves, the line
	drips, like drops of sparkling liquid, through the air
	to the flooring, where it forms a sort of glittering
	puddle. Beat -- then it disappears downward through
	the flooring itself.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT ONE      12.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

16   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	moving along at warp.

17   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Alexander sits, alone and disconsolate -- as Lwaxana
	ENTERS.

					LWAXANA
			Ah! My little warrior. And how
			are you this morning?

	Alex, staring sadly at the floor, just shrugs in
	response.

					LWAXANA
				(gently)
			Oh, I see.

	And, having dropped her usual off-handed effervescence,
	she sits quietly down beside him.

					LWAXANA
			Being punished for something, are
			we?

					ALEXANDER
			It's just my regular time with
			Counselor Troi. She's not here
			yet.

					LWAXANA
			You came early. Well, that's very
			responsible of you.

					ALEXANDER
			No, I just wanted to be out of
			my room before...
				(shrugs)

					LWAXANA
			Before what?
				(beat)
			Now if we're going to be real
			friends, we have to share only
			the truth.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      13.

17   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
			Why?

					LWAXANA
			Well for one thing, it's easier.
			When you tell the truth, you never
			have to remember later what you
			lied about.

	Alex doesn't particularly want to smile -- but he can't
	help it.

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			But mostly, a true friend is a
			person you can always tell the
			truth to without worrying about
			it.

					ALEXANDER
			I wanted to leave before my father
			got back.

					LWAXANA
			Ah.

					ALEXANDER
			I hate him. I wish my mother was
			here.
				(angrily)
			But she died.

	She gently hugs Alexander to her, without overwhelming
	him.

					LWAXANA
			And that's not very fair, is it?

					ALEXANDER
			All he cares about are rules.
			I'm supposed to do everything
			right all the time.
				(wilting; blurts:)
			And I don't know how!

	He buries his head against her. She hugs him more
	firmly; more securely.

					LWAXANA
			Tell you the truth, little
			warrior, neither do I.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      14.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			But I do know one marvelous thing
			you can do with rules.

	Taking his hand in hers, she rises and heads for the
	exit, as:

					ALEXANDER
				(unsure)
			I'm supposed to wait for Counselor
			Troi.

					LWAXANA
				(mischievous Grin)
			Exactly.

	And they're out of there.

18   INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HOLODECK

	Lwaxana and Alexander are headed for the (o.s.)
	holodeck.

					LWAXANA
			I'll bet you've never been to the
			colony of free spirits.

					ALEXANDER
			What do they do there?

					LWAXANA
			Whatever they want. Artists,
			philosophers, free-thinkers...

	She leans and tweaks his nose a little, as:

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			... people who don't quite fit
			other people's rules. Personally,
			I come for the mudbaths. You'll
			adore the mudbaths.
				(at Holodeck door)
			Computer? I'm assuming you have
			the Parallax Colony of Shiralea
			VI?

					COMPUTER VOICE
			That program is available.

					LWAXANA
			Then run it for us, dear.

	As Lwaxana leads Alexander through the door, we go to:

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/12/92 - ACT TWO    15.

19   EXT. CENTER OF SHIRALEA VI GLADE (HOLODECK)
	(OPTICAL)

	as, having entered, Lwaxana and Alexander look off
	(o.s.) to see:

19A  A LARGE FLOATING SPHERE (OPTICAL)

	which descends toward them. Contained in the sphere is
	a wild, wonderful alien face...

19B  LWAXANA AND ALEXANDER

	react as the sphere bounces in front of them... then
	SHOOTS back up and out of sight.

					ALEXANDER
			What was that?

					LWAXANA
			A Wind Dancer... he stands guard.
			Only those whose hearts are
			joyous may enter.

	Now their attention is caught by something ahead:

20   THEIR POV - FIRE ARTIST (OPTICAL)

	Standing by herself in the clearing, a Fire Artist
	holds a burning firebrand in her hand. She brings it
	up close to her mouth, and, exhaling deeply, uses her
	breath (which catches fire) to create a lovely fire
	design in the air before it finally disappears.

21   RESUME - LWAXANA & ALEXANDER

	Alexander is wide-eyed at the (o.s.) sight.

					LWAXANA
			Fire sculptor. We'll chat with
			her later if you're not wearing
			anything flammable.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/12/92 - ACT TWO    16.

22   INCLUDING JUGGLER

	as he ENTERS both FRAME and the conversation.
	Constantly juggling several multicolored, variously
	sized balls.

					JUGGLER
			A few of us were just gathering
			together for our laughing hour.
			Would you care to come laugh with
			us?

					LWAXANA
			Actually, we were about to
			experience a mudbath.

					JUGGLER
			Were you! What an idea! My
			friends and I will join you.
			One can always...
				(beat)
			... laugh in the bath.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/12/92 - ACT TWO    17.

22   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
				(re: balls)
			Do you ever drop one?

					JUGGLER
			No, no, no. They are my worlds,
			and I protect them. I am a master
			of worlds, and they fly only as
			I wish.

23   INCLUDING YOUNG MAN & WOMAN

	Emerging from behind a structure are a YOUNG, extremely
	attractive (humanoid) MAN & WOMAN.

					JUGGLER
				(to Young Couple)
			We're having guests for laughing
			hour. Come join us!

					YOUNG MAN
			We'd love to!

					YOUNG WOMAN
			No, thank you.

					YOUNG MAN
				(pleasantly)
			Yes.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT TWO    18.

23   CONTINUED:

					YOUNG WOMAN
				(pleasantly)
			No.

					YOUNG MAN
			Why do you always say "no" when
			I say "yes"?

					YOUNG WOMAN
			I don't.

					YOUNG MAN
			You just did.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			There you go again. You are the
			most negative person!

	They will continue arguing (o.s.), as:

					ALEXANDER
			Why are they arguing like that?

					JUGGLER
			They're friends. They love
			contradiction... they thrive on
			challenge... they flourish in
			conflict...

					ALEXANDER
			Then why are they friends?

					LWAXANA
			Who else can you fight with if
			not your friends?

24   INCLUDING POET

	A tall, white-bearded old POET, in white toga, suddenly
	appears before them, with hand raised -- like Moses
	-- to block their way.

					POET
			Hold! What is the lesson for
			today!?

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      18A.

24   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Damned if we know. We're just
			here for some fun and a mudbath.

					POET
			Every moment requires a purpose.

					LWAXANA
				(nicely)
			No, it doesn't.

					POET
			Every purpose requires a plan.

					JUGGLER
			He does this every day; usually
			while everybody's food gets cold.
			Rather boring.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      19.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					POET
				(pronounces)
			The higher... the fewer!

	Nobody knows what the hell that means. They all regard
	each other quizzically. Finally:

					LWAXANA
			Well, that's a
			conversation-stopper if I ever
			heard one.

25   FAVORING ALEXANDER

	Beat -- then he rushes back to the locale of the
	still-arguing Young Man and Woman, and:

					ALEXANDER
			Excuse me!

	The Young Man and Woman Pause in their verbal duel to
	regard Alex.

					ALEXANDER
			If you're going to argue, you
			should remember...
				(pronounces)
			The higher, the fewer!

	HOLD for a LONG BEAT on the Young Man & Woman -- as
	they just stand there; trying to fathom that. The
	fight's ceased. As Alex runs off again, we

26   RESUME - GROUP

	Lwaxana is delighted with Alexander; welcomes him with
	a hug.

					LWAXANA
			So, my little warrior wants to
			see more in life than just
			fighting. Ah, the mind opens,
			and in creeps wisdom.
				(takes Alex's hand)
			Onward, to the laughing!

27   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	Worf is tidying up after Alex, as his door CHIMES.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      20.

27   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Come.

	Troi ENTERS. Worf looks surprised.

					WORF (cont'd)
			Isn't Alexander supposed to be
			with you?

					TROI
				(now concerned)
			He didn't show up for his
			appointment, so I assumed he must
			still be here.

					WORF
			Computer. What is the location
			of Alexander Rozhenko?

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Alexander Rozhenko is in holodeck
			two.

					TROI
			Is he there alone?

					COMPUTER VOICE
			He is with Lwaxana Troi.

	Troi and Worf exchange looks for a very dubious beat
	-- then, without a word, move quickly to EXIT.

28   EXT. EDGE OF SHIRALEAN VI GLADE - DAY (HOLODECK)

	At a site fronting one of the tents, Lwaxana, Alex,
	the JUGGLER, the Young Man & Woman -- even the old Poet
	-- sit side by side in a long, trench-like rectangular
	mudbath. Up to their shoulders. The Helper is pouring
	a final (small) tub of mud into the bath. Only the
	two green-smocked Learners remain seated out of the
	mudbath, opposite its occupants; studying and
	listening.

	At the moment, all bathers hold high a form of (edible)
	cup, containing some liquid, in a general toast:

					POET
			To all the creatures within us!

	All drink to that toast -- then begin munching happily
	on the now empty cups.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT TWO    21.

29   CLOSER ON LWAXANA & ALEXANDER

					ALEXANDER
				(puzzled)
			All the creatures within us?

					LWAXANA
			Of course. Every one of us has
			a thousand different kinds of tiny
			people inside us. Some of them
			want to get out and be wild; some
			want to be sad, or happy, or
			inventive or even go dancing.
			That's why we have different urges
			at different times.

					JUGGLER
			Are we ready for the
			entertainment?!

					ALL IN GROUP
			Ready! Yes! Absolutely!

					LWAXANA
				(still to Alex)
			And all those different little
			people inside us? We must never
			be afraid to take them with us
			wherever we go. Who knows when
			we might need one of them to pop
			up and rescue us from ourselves.
			Variety, my little Alex. The
			great secret is not the variety
			of life; but the variety of us!

30   EXT. CENTER OF SHIRALEAN VI GLADE - DAY (HOLODECK)
(OPTICAL)

	as Troi and Worf arrive; look around. Suddenly, the
	Wind Dancer descends toward them -- a menacing look
	on his face. The ball dances in front of Worf,
	blocking him from moving forward. Frustrated, Worf
	SWATS him aside -- and the Wind Dancer pops! Worf and
	Troi exchange a surprised look and move forward.
	MUSIC as well (a one instrument tune, the rhythm of
	which is not unlike that which would accompany a 20th-
	century bellydance). Troi and Worf begin Walking
	toward the (o.s.) sounds.

31   EXT. EDGE OF SHIRALEAN VI GLADE - DAY (HOLODECK)

	A great-looking Tattooed Female Dancer is entertaining
	our group (including Alexander, of course, whose joyous
	receptiveness is in concert with that of everyone
	else).

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT TWO      22.

32   REACTION - TROI & WORF

	They just gape -- in total stunhood.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT THREE     23.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

33   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

	A slightly rigid Troi confronts a thoroughly relaxed
	Lwaxana.

					TROI
			Mother, I'm trying to help this
			boy learn the value of
			responsibility. You're not
			helping by giving him a lot of
			mixed messages.

					LWAXANA
			I exposed you to all sorts of
			mixed messages at that age, and
			you still turned out deadly dull;
			what're you so worried about?

					TROI
			Among other things, his
			relationship with his father.
			No more holodeck, Mother. Please.
				(Beat)
			And why aren't you all absorbed
			in your wedding plans? It's only
			three days away.

					LWAXANA
			Oh, I'm letting Mister Homn take
			care of all the mundane details.
			He knows my tastes.

					TROI
				(dubious)
			Mother...

					LWAXANA
			There's really nothing to do, you
			nosey little girl. Campio's
			already sent me his mother's
			wedding gown, which Mister Homn
			is now altering for me. Outside
			of that...

					TROI
			Wedding gown? Mother. Stop.
			Are you telling me you're not
			going to be naked at your own
			wedding?

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT THREE     24.

33   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Campio is from a different planet
			with different traditions. He
			wouldn't approve of a traditional
			Betazoid wedding, so I'm adapting;
			simple as that.
				(moves to replicator)
			Care for some nice jestral tea,
			dear?

					TROI
			I can't believe I'm hearing this
			from the Heir to the Holy Rings
			of Betazed; Holder of the Sacred
			Chalice of Rixx.

					LWAXANA
			Computer... jestral tea, please.

					TROI
			I think it's time you tell me
			about this mysterious marriage
			to a man you've never met.

					LWAXANA
			Why shouldn't I get married if
			I choose to? You make it all into
			such a mystery. There is no
			mystery, Deanna.

34   ANGLE INCLUDING REPLICATOR (OPTICAL)

	As she's speaking -- and to her sudden great perplexion
	-- she finds herself facing a very long, fat
	sausage-like food which MATERIALIZES for her in the
	replicator and sits in the tea cup.

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
				(beat)
			... except about this Petrokian
			sausage. All I wanted was a cup
			of tea. Dear, I think your
			replicator's having some sort of
			nervous collapse.

35   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi and Data are running a diagnostic at their
	respective consoles:

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/11/92 - ACT THREE   25.

35   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			A Level Four diagnostic of the
			food replication system has failed
			to detect any faults in the
			orientation terminals.

					GEORDI
			That may be... but we've still
			got almost two hundred reports of
			replicators malfunctioning.

	Data REACTS to a BEEP from the console, with:

					DATA
			There is an energy fluctuation
			in one of the utility access
			corridors.

					GEORDI
				(rising)
			Well, we'd better look into
			whatever it is before the captain
			decides to order dinner.

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT THREE     26.

36   INT. JEFFERIES TUBE

	Geordi and Data crawl toward us to a panel in immediate
	f.g. Geordi carries his tool kit; both have tricorders
	at the ready.

					GEORDI
			Dash four three; here we are.

	Geordi scans around with his tricorder; homes in on
	the small panel, with:

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Some kind of intermittent E-M
			field pattern. Give me a hand
			here, will you, Data?

	Together, they remove the panel. Geordi picks up his
	tricorder; scans.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			No plasma leakage... just a little
			negative ion charging.

	Just as Geordi is about to put his hand up into the
	space previously covered by the panel, viscous little
	drops of orange substance DRIP from within the space
	to the flooring right in front of Geordi's nose.

37   INT. LWAXANA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Lwaxana, wearing a not-unflattering wedding dress,
	stands before a mirror as MISTER HOMN finishes
	tailoring it on her. Homm wears a large pin cushion
	around his forearm, and carries pins in his mouth.

					LWAXANA
			Bad enough having to wear anything
			at my own wedding. But this.
			Maybe if we lower the bodice...

	Mister Homn shakes his head.

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT THREE   27.

37   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			... Raise the hemline, then.

	Mister Homn shakes his head.

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			What a constant joy you are.

	The door CHIMES. She nods to Mister Homn, prompting
	him to the door.

38   INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LWAXANA'S QUARTERS - CLOSE
(OPTICAL)

	on the back of Alexander's head, as he faces the door.
	It opens -- to reveal Mister Homn's lower extremities
	at Alex's eye level. As Alexander looks slowly upward
	along Mister Homn's body, CAMERA FOLLOWS HIS GAZE --
	until Alex, and we, are looking far up at the looming
	face of Mister Homn.

	REACTION - ALEXANDER

	Wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the (o.s.) living
	apparition before him.

40   INT. LWAXANA'S QUARTERS (CONTINUOUS)

	as Lwaxana sees Alexander at the door; brightens; waves
	him toward her, during:

					LWAXANA
			My little warrior; come in, come
			in and give me a hug.

	Alexander complies (hesitating only initially as he
	has to pass the overwhelming Mister Homn on the way
	in).

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			You're not escaping another
			appointment, are you?

					ALEXANDER
			No, Ma'am.

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - ACT THREE   28.

40   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
				(more to herself)
			No... I suppose eventually we all
			have to live up to our
			obligations...
				(cheerful again)
			Now tell me; what brings you here
			to brighten my day?

					ALEXANDER
			I wanted to say I'm sorry if I
			got you in trouble.

					LWAXANA
			That's very sweet, dear. But I
			really wasn't in any trouble...
			until I saw this dress. Come sit
			down.
				(re: dress)
			Ugly, isn't it?

					ALEXANDER
			What's it for?

					LWAXANA
			I'm getting married.

					ALEXANDER
			Why?

					LWAXANA
			Are you sure my daughter didn't
			send you?
				(quickly)
			That's only a little joke.

	She now dismisses Mister Homn with a gesture which
	sends him dutifully into the (o.s.) adjoining room.

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			People get married because they
			want to spend their lives with
			someone.

					ALEXANDER
			Their whole life? I guess you'd
			really have to like them a lot.

					LWAXANA
			If you're young... and lucky...
			it'll be someone you like a lot,
			yes.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT THREE     29.

40   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			When you're older...
				(voice trails off;
				 shrugs)

					ALEXANDER
			Are you very old?

	Initially, and for just an instant, Lwaxana shoots the
	kid a look -- but then softens again, even more than
	she has before. And now, she'll be staring ahead at
	nothing but her own thoughts, as:

					LWAXANA
			I'm alone, Alex. And when you
			do get older... when you can no
			longer pick and choose from
			whatever may come your way...
			Well, then you do what we call
			"compromise". It keeps you from
			being afraid.

41   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE STATION

	As Geordi and Data report to Picard, Riker is in his
	command chair; Worf at tactical; and an ENSIGN at the
	conn.

					DATA
			We have traced the failure to
			a data net interface which routes
			replicator selections to the
			correct subprocessors.

					GEORDI
			When we opened the panel, we found
			that the interface had been
			transformed... into a gelatinous
			material that we haven't been able
			to identify.

	Suddenly, the bridge now begins to shudder. Red alert
	goes on automatically; Geordi turns to his console and
	Data heads for ops. All present brace themselves to
	retain their balance.

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - ACT THREE 30-31.      

41   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			We have intermittent failure of
			the inertial damping system.

					PICARD
			Take us out of warp, Ensign.

					RIKER
			Primary attitude control has
			failed; we've gone to secondary
			systems.

	The bridge begins SHAKING SLIGHTLY.

					DATA
			We have lost helm control.

	The bridge SHAKES more VIOLENTLY, as we:

42   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

    STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FOUR 32A-B.       

46   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	On impulse power.

47   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Geordi and Data face Picard and Riker. On the table
	before them rests a covered petri dish in which is a
	glob of the orange goo seen earlier.

					GEORDI
			The same thing that happened to
			the replicator happened to the
			stabilizer. The transfers in both
			systems were turned into...
				(re: petri dish)
			...this.

					RIKER
			Some kind of corrosion?

					DATA
			We have not yet identified the
			substance, Commander.

					GEORDI
			Whatever it is, it looks like
			there's been a conversion process
			-- transforming some of the metal
			into gelatinous residue. But what
			caused it is a mystery.

					PICARD
			The stabilizers and the
			replicators. Two totally
			unrelated systems...

					GEORDI
			Yessir, and we still don't know
			why the sensors didn't catch the
			problems.

					RIKER
			Why don't you run a mass
			spectrometer analysis -- find out
			just what this stuff is.

					TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE
			Transporter room one to Captain
			Picard. Minister Campio is
			beaming on board, sir.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      33.

47   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			I'll be right there.
				(to Geordi and Data)
			The bridegroom.

48   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & KOSTOLAIN VESSEL
(OPTICAL)

	A relatively small vessel, from Kostolain, stands
	adjacent to the Enterprise.

49   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM ONE (OPTICAL)

	Troi and Lwaxana wait as a Transporter Operator,
	standing alongside his panel, causes CAMPIO and his
	entourage of one, ERKO, to MATERIALIZE. Campio is a
	fine-looking, mid-50's humanoid -- patrician in posture
	and manner; eminently gracious. Erko is an older,
	pompous-appearing stiff.

					LWAXANA
			Ah! Campio!

	Lwaxana moves forward with both hands extended.
	Campio, ever-polite, will step to meet her -- take her
	hands in his, and regard her with most gracious and
	complimentary admiration. Erko remains right where
	he first appeared. Throughout the above:

					LWAXANA (cont'd)
			My dear, your compatibility
			profile didn't do you justice. I,
			of course, am Lwaxana, and any
			introductory compliments you'd
			care to make will be happily
			received.

					CAMPIO
			Indeed, Mrs. Troi... you are even
			lovelier in person.

	Neither tastelessly, nor in an overbearing manner --
	but merely in bright spirit and to be warmly welcoming
	-- Lwaxana leans to kiss him on the cheek, with:

					LWAXANA
			That one sounded just fine.

	While "casually" slipping his own hands out of hers,
	Campio AVOIDS the kiss, with:

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FOUR   34.

49   CONTINUED:

					CAMPIO
				(polite smile)
			Now, now... we don't wish to be
			too familiar at this early
			juncture.

50   INCLUDING PICARD

	as, moving briskly, he ENTERS.

					PICARD
			Please excuse my tardiness; ship's
			duties. Minister Campio? I'm
			Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the
			Enterprise. Welcome aboard, sir.

	Picard extends his hand, but Campio -- still smiling
	pleasantly and certainly not being a prig on purpose
	-- ignores the outstretched hand and bows deeply and
	with deference before Picard.

					CAMPIO
			I thank you, Captain, and greet
			you with appreciation for
			permitting this wedding aboard
			your fine vessel.

					PICARD
			Not at all, sir.

					LWAXANA
			Campio, may I present my daughter?
			Deanna Troi, meet, uh... well,
			your future stepfather, come to
			think of it.

					CAMPIO
			Ah, yes.
				(formal bow)
			If I recall the profile, you are
			the ship's counselor.

					TROI
				(matches his bow)
			I am, sir.

					CAMPIO
				(re: Erko)
			And my escort, who need not be
			addressed in this company:
			Protocol Master, Erko.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      35.

50   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Protocol master?

					PICARD
			He is nonetheless welcome.

					LWAXANA
			Campio, dear, personally I adore
			every ounce of ostentation I can
			get, but... a protocol master?

					CAMPIO
			I would not do you nor our
			benevolent hosts the disservice
			of failing to ensure that
			priorities are observed.

					LWAXANA
			Oh, well that's... very
			thoughtful.

					CAMPIO
			After all, it would be
			unpardonable to simply abandon
			ourselves to the moment, would
			it not?

					LWAXANA
				(shellshocked)
			Unpardonable.

51   PICARD AND TROI

	They exchange a quick, almost involuntary glance of
	mutual apprehension at this mismatch-in-the-making.

52   OMITTED

53   INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TRANSPORTER ROOM (CONTINUOUS)

	Excepting the Transporter Room Officer, the group
	emerges into the corridor, as:

					LWAXANA
			Of course, it was my thinking that
			we might just get acquainted a
			bit. I could show you around and
			we could... develop a feel for each
			other, so to speak.
				(to Picard)
			Jean-Luc?

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      36.

53   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Of course. The ship is yours.

					CAMPIO
			How very thoughtful of you. But
			I must remain in the company of
			Master Erko until the wedding
			ceremony itself.

					LWAXANA
				(halts for beat)
			You're joking.

					CAMPIO
			Is there some objection?

					LWAXANA
				(deferential; real
				 surrender)
			No, of course not. But please
			try to bear with me until I have
			a little better grasp of your
			rules, and...
				(glance at Erko)
			...protocols.

53A  REACTION - TROI

	Confused surprise at this suddenly different Lwaxana.

53B  RESUME SHOT

					CAMPIO
			Certainly. Our culture is so
			totally new to you. I assure you
			of my utmost patience. And any
			tutoring you may desire about our
			customs, in addition to those
			regarding the wedding
			procedures...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain Picard to the bridge,
			please.

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR     36A.

53B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(to com)
			On my way.
				(to all)
			Excuse me.
				(to Troi; not without
				 humor)
			Counselor, I'll trust you to keep
			everything running smoothly.

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR   37.

53B  CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Thank you, Captain.

	And Picard turns to head off in another direction.

54   OMITTED

55   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION

	as Geordi and Data work at the consoles, keying
	controls, scrolling data, etc.

					GEORDI
			It looks like the only alloy
			common to the stabilizer and the
			replicator is nitrium.
				(to computer)
			Computer, analyze the nitrium
			content of the affected stabilizer
			and replicator.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			There is no nitrium present in
			the affected stabilizer or
			replicator.

	Reactions. Data scrolls the computer.

					DATA
			There is none present in the
			residue, either.

	Geordi keys more instructions, and the monitor scrolls
	further.

					GEORDI
			According to the mass spectrometer,
			the elements in the residue have
			been broken down into simpler
			molecular structures...

					DATA
			That would suggest the nitrium
			has been organically metabolized.

	Geordi sits back in his seat, musing on this.

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR   37A.

55   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Maybe that's it, Data... if a
			living organism ingested the
			nitrium...

					DATA
			This residue could be the waste
			left behind.

	Geordi reflects on the implications.

					GEORDI
			If that's true, if something's
			eating away at the nitrium on the
			ship...
				(beat; uncomfortable)
			That means the dilithium chamber
			is vulnerable... and the power
			transfer conduits. We'd better
			get down to engineering.

	They get up and EXIT to the turbolift...

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      38.

56   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	As Worf brings food for Alexander and himself, the boy
	is doing a breathing exercise: Holding his hands
	against the sides of his diaphragm, he first inhales
	deeply -- holds it for a beat -- then exhales with a
	loud and happy-faced blurt of:

					ALEXANDER
			Ha!

					WORF
			Eat well, son.

					ALEXANDER
			Ha!

					WORF
			What are you doing? What is that
			noise?

					ALEXANDER
			Ha! It's my laughing hour. Ha!
			Ha!

					WORF
			That is enough, please. It is
			your eating hour. Eat.

					ALEXANDER
				(shakes head)
			Ha! I promised to meet Mrs. Troi
			for another lesson in happy
			wisdom. Ha!

					WORF
			Will you stop doing that, please.
			Alexander, eat your food. Wisdom
			will wait, I assure you.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      39.

56   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
			But I promised. Ha! Should I
			break my promise, Father?

					WORF
			No Klingon ever breaks his word.

	Alexander rises and moves toward the door, as:

					WORF
			Where are you going?

					ALEXANDER
			You said no Klingon breaks his
			word.

					WORF
			I did not mean now. Now you will
			sit down and eat.

					ALEXANDER
			I don't understand. You're
			confusing me.

					WORF
				(losing it)
			Understand later. Now, just eat!

	Seeing Worf's overflowing frustration, Alexander's face
	in no way reflects any kind of defiance -- but only a
	gentle concern for his father's agitation -- which he
	will attempt to soothe, with:

					ALEXANDER
			Father... ? The higher, the fewer.

	As Alex turns again, and EXITS, Worf's mouth works,
	but -- since he hasn't the slightest idea what that
	means -- nothing comes out. He finally just slumps
	back in his chair; exhausted.

57   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi sits with a confused, disconsolate Worf. She,
	too, seems a bit downtrodden... as weary of dealing
	with her mother as Worf is of coping with Alexander.

					WORF
			I do not understand. I have been
			very clear with the boy as to his
			obligations. And yet -- he
			continues to ignore me.

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FOUR   39A.

57   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I know what you mean. I've been
			quite clear with my mother about
			her not interfering with
			Alexander... but she does what
			she wants in spite of it.

	There is a beat as the two of them reflect on their
	strangely shared experience.

					WORF
			When I was six years old, I
			listened to what my parents said.
			I obeyed their rules.

	She casts him a look. He turns away.

					WORF
			Most of the time.

	A beat, as she remembers.

					TROI
			When I was six, she gave me a
			birthday party. Halfway through
			it, she disappeared... and finally
			came back dressed as a Koropian
			princess... carried in a sedan
			chair by four young men. It was
			mortifying.

					WORF
			My mother would not have done
			that.

					TROI
			It seems that all my life I've
			felt like I'm the parent... and
			my mother is the child...

   STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FOUR   40.

57   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			I wonder why I'm at such a loss
			to put a stop to it?

					WORF
			And I wonder why I have lost
			control of Alexander.

	Troi leans forward.

					TROI
			You know... it's been said that
			grandparents and grandchildren
			get along so well because they
			have a common enemy.

	Worf gives a half smile. Troi smiles back.

58   INT. LWAXANA'S QUARTERS

	Alexander sits, an interested observer, looking up at
	Lwaxana standing on one side of him, and Campio on the
	other. Erko is in b.g. behind Campio; Mister Homn in
	b.g. behind Lwaxana.

					CAMPIO
			I don't wish to be authoritative,
			my dear, but Master Erko says that
			now is our proper time for
			discussion of certain details.

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR     40A.

58   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
				(ever-chipper)
			Well, I certainly don't wish to
			be considered anti-Erko, dear,
			but I did promise Alexander one
			more holodeck trip.
				(takes Alex's hand)
			So come, my little love.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      41.

58   CONTINUED: (2)

					CAMPIO
			Surely there'll be other occasions
			for you to spend time with the
			boy.

					LWAXANA
			My goodness, Campio. You and I
			are going to have the rest of our
			lives. Tell you what: I'll be
			back with you in one hour.
			Exactly. All right?

					ERKO
			Minister, the woman should not
			be addressing you in the familiar.

59   QUICK REACTION - LWAXANA

	For one beat, she shoots Erko a look that indicates
	she'd like to drop-kick him into the next county.

60   RESUME - SHOT

	As Alex approaches the doors, they open -- and we see
	Troi and Worf just arriving. Those two ENTER, with:

					TROI
			Mother, we need to talk...

					LWAXANA
			We certainly do, dear, but not
			just now.
				(to Erko)
			How do I address him?

					TROI
			Mother, we've come for Alexander.
				(to all)
			Please forgive the intrusion,
			but...

					ERKO
			Preferably, he should be called
			by his ministerial title.

      STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR      42.

60   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
				(to Erko)
			Ah. I'll remember. Mister Homn?
			You make everybody comfortable
			until we get back; especially...
				(re: Campio)
			... the Minister.
				(to Campio)
			One hour, darling; see you then.

	She starts to leave, but Worf happens to be standing
	between Lwaxana and the door.

					WORF
			Mrs. Troi, it is Alexander's
			dinner hour.

					LWAXANA
			How thoughtless of me.
				(to Alex; brightly)
			We'll have a little picnic before
			the mudbath.

					CAMPIO
			But we have business to deal with
			here. Leaving is simply not
			acceptable.

					LWAXANA
			Oh, can't we pretend it's
			acceptable? We'll be back.

					CAMPIO
			You are missing the point.

					WORF
			Alexander, you will please return
			to quarters and have your dinner.

					ALEXANDER
			But we're going to the holodeck.

					TROI
			Mother, you are undermining every
			effort we're trying to make
			here.

					LWAXANA
			Don't be absurd.

					ERKO
			It is essential that the wedding
			procedures be discussed now.

     STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR     42A.

60   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA
			Well, then... Minister, darling,
			perhaps you and the Gerko there
			can come with us.
				(quick aside, to Troi)
			Poor dear, don't they ever let
			you change those colorless
			outfits?

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FOUR          43.

60   CONTINUED: (3)

					CAMPIO
			Lwaxana, this exceeds all
			boundaries.

					LWAXANA
			Oh. Well, half an hour, then.
			No longer. I promise. Your
			duties, Mister Homn.

					CAMPIO
			Counselor Troi, have you no
			influence?

					TROI
			Hah!

	Alexander, recognizing that sound, puts his hands
	against his diaphragm (as we've seen him do earlier)
	and exudes his own "Laughing Hour" sound:

					ALEXANDER
			Ha!

					CAMPIO
			Lwaxana, if you will remain, I
			may allow the boy to stay while
			we...

					ERKO
			Definitely not.

	At this point, Lwaxana and Alex will EXIT (o.s.).

					WORF
			Definitely not. My son is to
			return to quarters!

					ERKO
			Nor may a servant be present
			during a prenuptial consultation.

					TROI
			Well, sir, I'm afraid even the
			bride won't be present for this
			one.

	Those still present look around to discover that
	Lwaxana and Alexander are, indeed, gone.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT FOUR       44.

61   INT. ENGINEERING

	Data, with tricorder, has been examining the dilithium
	chamber housing. In b.g., tricorder sweeps are also
	being made by two crewpersons. Data rounds a corner
	and into --

61A  INT. ENGINEERING SIDE ROOM

	where Geordi is inspecting power transfer conduits.

					DATA
			The dilithium chamber shows no
			anomalous readings.

					GEORDI
			So far, these transfer conduits
			are clean, too -- hold on, I'm
			getting something here...

	Data moves toward him as Geordi runs his tricorder over
	an access panel.

					GEORDI
			There's a pretty severe energy
			fluctuation in this access
			panel...

62   OMITTED

62A  FAVORING GEORDI AT ACCESS PANEL OPENING (OPTICAL)

	He traces the "hot spot" to the panel seam. As he
	removes the panel itself: Beat -- and then a FLOOD of
	orange goo comes down through the panel opening. As
	Geordi's recovering from that surprise, he's startled
	anew by the "escape" of a much larger amount of the
	"Twinkling Stuff" than we saw earlier.

63   FOLLOWING TWINKLING STUFF (OPTICAL)

	as it travels up another seam and disappears into
	another duct.

63A  RESUME - GEORDI

	His face reflects his stunned incredulity.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT FIVE       45.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

64   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at impulse power.

65   EXT. EDGE OF SHIRALEAN VI GLADE - DAY (HOLODECK)

	Lwaxana and Alexander sit on the edge of the mudbath,
	their feet dangling down. The JUGGLER sits
	cross-legged nearby; obviously forlorn -- and with
	nothing to juggle.

					ALEXANDER
			What happened?

					JUGGLER
			I was just juggling... and I
			happened to catch one in my mouth.
			It tasted good, so I ate it. Then
			before I knew it, I'd eaten every
			one of my worlds. It hadn't
			occurred to me that, once they
			were gone, I'd have nothing left
			to juggle. If you ever have a
			world, plan ahead. Don't eat it.

	Alexander thinks that's funny, laughs, as:

					LWAXANA
			Well, now. Almost time to go
			back.

					ALEXANDER
			Are you sad?

					LWAXANA
				(brightly)
			Why, of course not. I'm about to
			be a bride.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/07/92 - ACT FIVE       46.

65   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
			That man you're going to marry?
			He wouldn't ever come for a
			mudbath, would he?

					LWAXANA
			Oh, he might... Probably not.

	As they rise and she takes his hand to walk away:

					ALEXANDER
			Maybe this would be a good time
			to get one of those little
			people that live inside you to
			come out and tell you what to do;
			or help you, or something.

					LWAXANA
			Alexander, what are you talking
			about?

					ALEXANDER
			I'm sorry.

	She suddenly puts her arm tightly around him. The hug
	she's giving him this time is all heart and gentleness
	-- and out of her own need.

					LWAXANA
				(quietly fervent)
			No... Don't you dare be sorry.

	Beat -- then, a GURGLING sound (as from a backed-up
	drain) is heard. Lwaxana peers off (o.s.) to see:

66   OMITTED

66A  HER POV - WALL GRID (OPTICAL)

	The holodeck wall grid is peeking through. A great
	gob of Orange Goo flows out of the grid -- cutting
	through the "fantasy" world.

66B  REACTION - LWAXANA

	She stiffens with apprehension.

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FIVE         46A.

67   RESUME - SHOT

					LWAXANA
			Something's wrong.

	She takes his hand, rises with him -- her eyes still
	riveted on the (o.s.) Goo.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/06/92 - ACT FIVE       47.

67   CONTINUED:

	She starts leading him away, in a direction opposite
	that in which she's seen the (o.s.) Orange Goo, with:

					LWAXANA
				(continuing)
			Come, dear, let's not leave
			everyone waiting for us.

68   OMITTED

68A  ON WALL GRID (OPTICAL)

	The Orange Goo continues flowing downward.

69   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi and Data with Picard.

					GEORDI
			When we saw that photonic
			trail moving through the walls,
			we realized we must be dealing
			with a metal parasite of some
			kind.

					DATA
			We believe the parasites came
			through the ship's hull when we
			destroyed the asteroid near Tessen
			Three.

					PICARD
			Are they attacking anything other
			than nitrium alloy?

					GEORDI
			Not that we can tell. But we've
			got nitrium everywhere --
			ventilation, life support,
			engines, computers... even in the
			dilithium chamber.

	Picard takes this in, mulls it over.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE      47A.

69   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Mister Data... you said the
			asteroid we destroyed was rich
			in nitrium...

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			That asteroid was from the
			Pelloris Field... if the rest of
			that field is rich in nitrium...
			it would have been a natural
			feeding ground.

					GEORDI
			We should think about going back
			there... it's possible the
			parasites could be lured back to
			the asteroids... for a meal
			that's more appealing than we
			are.

					PICARD
			How long to the field, Mister
			Data?

					DATA
			At warp nine, five hours twenty
			minutes, sir.

					PICARD
				(keys combadge)
			Picard to the bridge...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker here, sir.

					PICARD
			Set a course for the Pelloris
			asteroid field -- warp nine.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Aye, sir.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       48.

69   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Captain, with our sensors unable
			to detect the parasites... and
			given the speed with which they
			appear to be moving through the
			ship --

					PICARD
			-- then we may not have five hours
			and twenty minutes. I'm aware
			of that. What can we do to slow
			them down?

					DATA
			In several cases, an exanogen gas
			barrier has been known to slow
			the progress of metal parasites.

					PICARD
			They don't like the cold, eh?
			Make it so.

					GEORDI
			The problem is finding them. By
			the time we spot an energy
			fluctuation, they've consumed all
			the nitrium and moved on.

	Suddenly, the lights DIM alarmingly. Geordi springs to
	his console.

					GEORDI
			Primary power systems are going
			down. I'll reroute to the
			secondary generators.

	The lights GROW BRIGHT again.

					PICARD
			Advise the bridge.
				(turns to exit)
			Mister Data, with me.

	Picard and Data EXIT, leaving Geordi working furiously.

70   OMITTED

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE      48A.

70A  INT. CORRIDOR NEAR TURBOLIFT

	As Picard and Data move briskly to the turbolift, and
	ENTER.

					PICARD
			Bridge.

	The doors close.

70B  INT. TURBOLIFT

	as Picard and Data ride upward:

					PICARD
			Commander, do you have any
			suggestions on how we could
			encourage the parasites to leave
			the ship once we reach the
			Pelloris Field?

					DATA
			If we reconfigure a particle beam
			with a high concentration of
			nitrium, and project it
			toward one of the asteroids...

					PICARD
			They'll follow the beam... like
			a trail of breadcrumbs. Very
			well --

	He stops, his eye drawn upward by something. They both
	look toward:

70C  UPPER WALL VENT

	Orange Goo begins oozing out, spilling down along the
	wall. It's coming in larger quantities than we've seen
	before.

70D  PICARD AND DATA

	react to the sight. Another beat, and --

					DATA
			Turbolift velocity is beginning
			to fluctuate, Captain.

	The turbolift JOLTS briefly to a halt; almost
	immediately begins rising again.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE      48B.

70D  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Computer; stop at next level.
				(no response)
			Computer, acknowledge.

	As, after another beat, the turbolift does halt, but
	the doors remain closed. Data pries them apart enough
	to peer out.

					DATA
			We have reached the bridge, sir.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       49.

70E
thru	OMITTED
79

80   INT. BRIDGE

	The turbolift doors are pried open by Data. Picard
	slips out, followed by Data, and the doors SNAP shut
	behind them. Red Alert is already on. Picard moves
	to command, Data to ops, as:

					PICARD
			Report, Number One.

					RIKER
			Life support and ventilation are
			failing at random spots all over
			the ship.

					WORF
			Captain, we've dropped to warp
			five-point-seven.

					PICARD
			Picard to engineering.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge here...

81   OMITTED

81A  INT. ENGINEERING - INTERCUTTING

	as Geordi labors at his console, a loud, intermittent
	BUZZING sound issues from the engine room. In b.g.,
	crewpersons are spraying a cold gas around wall panels
	and the dilithium chamber.

					PICARD
			What's happening, Mister La Forge?
			We're slowing down.

					GEORDI
			The parasites must've gotten into
			the primary warp controller, sir.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       50.

81A  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm trying to do a bypass patch
			to isolate the backup
			controllers... but it looks like
			warp six is the best I can give
			you.

					PICARD
			At that speed there won't be a
			ship left to reach the Pelloris
			Field. Do what you have to.

					GEORDI
			Working on it, sir.

					DATA
			Captain, we're losing life support
			on decks eleven and twelve.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, have security
			evacuate all personnel from those
			decks.

81B  OMITTED

81B  INT. CORRIDOR

	Lwaxana and Alexander, hand in hand, are among the
	several others being ushered through the corridor by
	security personnel.

					LWAXANA
			They're just moving us to another
			deck. Don't you worry, my little
			warrior; we'll be fine.

	She and Alex hurry with the others toward a turbolift.

81C  OMITTED

81D  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi is still at one of the consoles. The
	crewpersons continue to spray various parts of
	engineering.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       51.

81D  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(keys combadge)
			Engineering to bridge. We've got
			warp six-point-five... but I
			don't know how much more coaxing
			I can do here.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			We need more speed than that,
			Commander.

81E  OMITTED

81F  INT. ENGINEERING

	Everybody here is beginning -- visibly -- to perspire.
	Orange Goo is seen oozing from several wall panels.
	Another alarm sounds, and one of the consoles starts
	blinking warning lights. Geordi rushes to that
	console.

					GEORDI
			The matter-antimatter injectors
			are failing... I'm rerouting to
			secondary injector power now.
				(to crewpersons)
			Watch the antimatter containment
			for any system failure!

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       52.

82   INT. BRIDGE

	Everybody is now not only perspiring profusely, but
	is now having some breathing difficulty (excepting,
	of course, Data).

					RIKER
			Atmospheric systems are down to
			twenty-seven percent. We're going
			below tolerable oxygen limits.

					WORF
			We must evacuate decks twenty
			through twenty-four, Captain.

					PICARD
			Make it so... and shut down all
			life support to those decks.

	The lights DIM again.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       53.

82   CONTINUED:

	By the minute, breathing is becoming more difficult.
	It is by now labored. Everyone (except Data) is limp
	with oxygen and fluid loss. One of the Supernumeraries
	slumps to the deck, unconscious; others go to help.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Direct all evacuees to decks nine
			and ten.

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			Divert emergency life support to
			those decks.

					DATA
			Yes, Captain.

					PICARD
			Time to the asteroid field?

					DATA
			If we maintain current speed --
			and there is no guarantee that
			we will -- two hours, twenty-three
			minutes.

					PICARD
			Mister Data. The rest of us may
			lose consciousness. If we do,
			it will be your job to execute
			the plan as discussed.

					DATA
			Aye, Captain.

	Picard slumps back in his chair... trying to preserve
	oxygen... struggling to stay conscious.

82A
thru	OMITTED
82B

82C  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	drops out of warp with the asteroid field in view.

82D  INT. BRIDGE - SOME TIME LATER

	Data is the only one conscious on the bridge.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/04/92 - ACT FIVE       54.

82D  CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Structural integrity of the
			dilithium chamber is at
			thirty-four percent. Estimated
			breach in one minute.

	Data keys instructions, looks up at the viewscreen.

83   ANGLE ON MAIN SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	We see myriad multisized asteroids in a gigantic
	field.

					DATA
			Computer, transfer power from warp
			engines to life support.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Transfer complete.

	During the next, we will hear a HISS as oxygen begins
	flowing again, and lights BRIGHTEN slowly.

					DATA
			Activate Bussard collector.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Activated. Breach of dilithium
			chamber in forty seconds.

					DATA
			Reconfigure hydrogen-plasma
			mixture to include thirty percent
			nitrium.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Mixture complete.

					DATA
			Project emitter beam, heading
			zero-two-four, mark
			zero-four-one.

84
thru	OMITTED
87

88   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND ASTEROID (OPTICAL)

	A particle beam shoots from the ship to the nearest
	asteroid. A beat -- and then masses of the "Twinkling
	Stuff" ride the beam, off the Enterprise and onto the
	asteroid.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT FIVE       55.

89   INT. BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)

	Red Alert is off... People are beginning to regain
	consciousness. Picard is waking up, trying to clear
	his head.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Structural integrity of the
			dilithium chamber is at
			twenty-eight percent and holding.

					PICARD
			Mister Data... ?

					DATA
			The plan was successful, sir.

					PICARD
			Well done...

	He looks around him, assessing the situation.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf... coordinate your
			teams with Doctor Crusher and
			Commander La Forge... assess
			damage and injury.

					WORF
			Aye, Captain.

	And Picard takes deep breaths... sits a little
	straighter... and realizes they've squeaked through
	once again.

90   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	moving at impulse.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45733.6.
			Temporary repairs to the ship have
			been completed.
				(beat; wry)
			Our attention now turns to matters
			of a more festive nature.

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - ACT FIVE          56.

91   INT. TEN FORWARD

	From somewhere (o.s.), formal (dull) wedding music
	plays. At the makeshift altar stands Erko, who is to
	officiate. To his right, Picard and Riker; to his
	left, Troi and Alexander. In the center stands the
	ritually robed, pleasantly expectant Campio. All await
	the (o.s.) bride.

92   CLOSE - PICARD & RIKER

					RIKER
				(thru closed lips)
			You'd think she'd at least get
			to her own wedding on time.

	The music now swells.

93   INCLUDING LWAXANA (AS DESIRED)

	She is smiling infectiously, happily, at everyone.
	Though we see only noncensorable parts of her, it is
	obvious that she has made this appearance STARK NAKED.

94   CLOSE REACTION - CAMPIO

	Thunderstruck.

95   ERKO

	Open-mouthed, wide-eyed horror.

96   TROI

	The beginnings of a relieved, certainly understanding,
	smile.

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT FIVE       57.

97   CLOSE ON LWAXANA

	She not only saves her most radiant expression for (the
	o.s.) Alexander, but throws him a conspiratorial WINK
	to boot.

98   CLOSE ON ALEXANDER

	In response, he once again grins happily from ear to
	ear.

99   ANOTHER ANGLE

	Erko takes Campio's arm.

					ERKO
			Minister, this is infamous.
			Infamous!... We leave immediately!

	The speechless Campio is literally led off by his irked
	Erko.

100  ON LWAXANA

	She shrugs. C'est la vie, folks.

101  EXT. EDGE OF SHIRALEAN GLADE - DAY - CLOSE ON
	LWAXANA

	She sits contentedly in the mudbath... draws a deep
	breath of contentment.

					LWAXANA
			Ahhhhh... heavenly. Every pore
			is tingling with contentment...

	A beat as she turns her head; camera WIDENS to show
	Alexander sitting next to her.

					LWAXANA
			Isn't it wonderful how things work
			out, Alexander? I wanted to teach
			you how to grab the joys of
			life... and then you turned
			around and taught me not to let
			go of them. How very mutual...

	WIDEN FURTHER to discover that, alongside Alex, sits
	Troi, as:

        STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - REV. 2/05/92 - ACT FIVE      57A.

101  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			We still have to learn how to live
			in the real world. All of us,
			Mother.

					LWAXANA
			When necessary; yes.
				(to Alex)
			She is right about that,
			Alexander.
				(sotto)
			But only when necessary.

	Now WIDEN AGAIN to reveal, seated alongside Troi, Worf.
	He alone is utterly blank-faced as the others enjoy
	themselves. He peers first at the others; then down
	at the mud; then:

					WORF
				(lost)
			You're just supposed to sit
			here?

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - APPENDIX           1.

              TEXT OF COMPLETE ARGUMENT IN SCENES 23-25                

23   INCLUDING YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN

	Emerging from one of the tents are a YOUNG, extremely
	attractive (humanoid) MAN and WOMAN.

					JUGGLER
				(to Young Couple)
			We're having guests for laughing
			hour. Come join us!

					YOUNG MAN
			We'd love to!

					YOUNG WOMAN
			No, thank you.

					YOUNG MAN
				(pleasantly)
			Yes.

					YOUNG WOMAN
				(pleasantly)
			No.

					YOUNG MAN
			Why do you always say "no" when
			I say "yes"?

					YOUNG WOMAN
			I don't.

					YOUNG MAN
			You just did.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			There you go again. You are the
			most negative person!

					YOUNG MAN
			You're the one who said "no."

					YOUNG WOMAN
			Now it's my fault?

					YOUNG MAN
			I didn't say anything about fault.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			Yes, you did.

					YOUNG MAN
			You're wrong, as usual.

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - APPENDIX           2.

23   CONTINUED:

					YOUNG WOMAN
			I'm not usually wrong. I'm never
			wrong.

					YOUNG MAN
			You're wrong if you think you're
			never wrong.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			And you're being negative again!

					YOUNG MAN
			I most certainly am not!

					YOUNG WOMAN
			You just were -- you're being
			negative when you say you're not
			negative!

					YOUNG MAN
			And you're being stubborn and
			narrow-minded.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			You could not be more wrong. As
			usual.

					YOUNG MAN
			I'm not usually wrong. I'm never
			wrong.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			You're wrong if you think you're
			never wrong.

					YOUNG MAN
			Now who's being negative?

					YOUNG WOMAN
			You.

					YOUNG MAN
			I don't think so. You are the
			most negative person.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			How can you say that? It's simply
			not true.

					YOUNG MAN
			Every time you open your mouth,
			you say something negative.

          STAR TREK: "Cost of Living" - 2/03/92 - APPENDIX           3.

23   CONTINUED: (2)

					YOUNG WOMAN
			You're the one who is negative.
			You negate everything I say.

					YOUNG MAN
			I do not.

					YOUNG WOMAN
			And you are extremely stubborn.

					YOUNG MAN
			I am not. You are!

					YOUNG WOMAN
			I - am - not!