STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "I, Borg" #40275-223 Teleplay by Jeri Taylor Directed by Robert Lederman 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 MARCH 3, 1992 STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "I, Borg" CAST PICARD THE BORG SURVIVOR RIKER DATA BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF GUINAN SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking SECURITY GUARDS TWO BORG NURSES SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "I, Borg" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM CRASH SITE/MOON SURFACE OBSERVATION LOUNGE ENGINEERING TEN FORWARD TRANSPORTER ROOM SCIENCE LAB DETENTION CELL GYMNASIUM PICARD'S QUARTERS STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "I, Borg" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Dropping out of warp speed as it enters a star system. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 45854.2. The Enterprise is charting six star systems that make up the Argolis cluster, an area being considered for colonization. 2 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) PICARD, RIKER, and TROI are in the command area, DATA at ops, WORF at tactical; various SUPERNUMERARIES fill the other posts as needed. A star fills the VIEWSCREEN -- solar flares leap out from its surface. All watch the beautiful pyrotechnic display except Data, who is taking sensor readings. RIKER Very impressive... TROI It's beautiful... and frightening at the same time. DATA (reading console) Radiation bursts from the star's surface are making precise sensor readings difficult. It seems to be exhibiting gravitational instability. Riker and Troi share a smile -- Data's scientific perspective precludes his appreciating the beauty of what they're seeing. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: DATA The star's fluctuations are too severe. It would be impossible to settle any of the planets in this system. When no one acknowledges his report, he turns and looks behind him. Everyone is watching the bursts of fire that snake up from the star's surface. DATA I suggest we proceed to the next system. Its sun is a stable main sequence star. PICARD In a moment, Mister Data. Data looks at their faces, then to the viewscreen. He realizes what is going on, then returns to what he finds more interesting: the sensor readings. After a moment: DATA Sir, I am detecting a transmission... emanating from within this system RIKER What kind of signal? DATA It is self-repeating... of unknown pattern. PICARD Where is it coming from? DATA A small moon orbiting the fourth planet. PICARD Life signs? STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER 3. 2 CONTINUED: (2) DATA Indeterminate. I am attempting to screen out sensor interference... (he manipulates a few controls) Readings are still inconclusive; however, the moon's atmosphere is capable of supporting life. RIKER Then it could be a distress call. Riker looks to Picard, who nods briefly. RIKER Helm, take us into transport range. (to com) Doctor Crusher, we need a medical away team in transporter room two. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. Riker heads for the turbolift, nodding for Worf to follow. 3 EXT. THE CRASH SITE - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL) PAN ACROSS a snowy, frozen landscape to take in the scattered wreckage of a crashed spacecraft -- charred metal and ship's innards litter the area. The AWAY TEAM (BEVERLY, Riker, Worf) MATERIALIZES in the foreground. Beverly scans with her medical tricorder. BEVERLY I'm reading one life form... very weak signs. She follows her readings toward the heart of the wreckage. 4 CLOSE - BEVERLY she sees something... STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER 4. 5 WIDEN to reveal a person's legs emerging out from under some debris. She gestures for Riker and Worf to help her and they lift it off. 6 ANGLE - BEVERLY, RIKER AND WORF as they see the survivor's face for the first time. 7 ANGLE - THE SURVIVOR We understand why they reacted as they did -- the survivor is a Borg... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 8 EXT. THE CRASH SITE -- MOMENTS LATER Beverly is scanning the survivor's still form; she checks a reading and administers the appropriate hypo. The Borg is an adolescent male -- one of his arms is a mechanical prosthetic, as is one of his eyes. Riker stands, his face is troubled. Worf has already drawn his phaser; Riker raises a hand that it's all right, then keys his combadge. RIKER Riker to Enterprise. PICARD'S COM VOICE Go ahead, Number One. RIKER We've found the wreckage of a small craft... and one survivor. 9 INT. BRIDGE RIKER'S COM VOICE It's a Borg. Picard's features seem to darken. RIKER'S COM VOICE (continuing) Male, adolescent -- he's badly hurt. When Picard says nothing: DATA There is no indication of other Borg activity within sensor range. Picard betrays no sign of having heard him; he is weighing the options. After a moment: PICARD Away team, prepare to return to the ship. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT ONE 6. 10 EXT. THE CRASH SITE Riker and Beverly react. BEVERLY We can't leave him here, he won't survive. When Picard doesn't answer, Riker steps in: RIKER I think the captain understands that. BEVERLY Then I don't. RIKER The Borg usually collect their dead -- BEVERLY He's not dead -- RIKER And that transmission -- BEVERLY -- at least not yet -- RIKER That transmission we intercepted was probably a homing signal. We have to assume they're on their way. BEVERLY (acknowledging this) At least let me stabilize his condition, give him a chance of surviving until they get here. Riker can't ignore this plea. RIKER Captain? 11 INT. BRIDGE - ON PICARD PICARD Your concern is noted, Doctor. But any intervention on your part would only alert the Borg to our having been here. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 7. 12 EXT. CRASH SITE (OPTICAL) Throughout this exchange, Beverly has never stopped treating the Borg. BEVERLY I'm afraid we've already turned that corner. She passes a wound-sealer (OPTICAL) over the Borg's forehead as she says this, closing a nasty gash and stopping the bloodflow. WORF Kill it. Now. We could make it appear that it died in the crash -- leave no evidence that we were here. Worf's solution is harsh, but it has the virtue of showing what's at stake here. Without waiting for a reply, he moves off to investigate the surroundings. Riker waits for the captain's reaction. 13 INT. BRIDGE Picard doesn't like either of his options. Reluctantly, he chooses to allow Beverly to continue. PICARD Security measures must be taken before we beam it on board. 14 EXT. CRASH SITE Relieved, Beverly smiles, and continues her ministrations. BEVERLY Standing by... 15 INT. BRIDGE PICARD Mister Data, notify security to prepare a detention cell. (to com) Bridge to engineering. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 8. 15 CONTINUED: GEORDI'S COM VOICE La Forge here. PICARD We're bringing a Borg survivor on board. We'll need to neutralize the homing signal -- 16 INT. ENGINEERING GEORDI at a science station. PICARD'S COM VOICE (continued) -- prevent it from sending or receiving transmissions of any kind. GEORDI I'll set up a subspace damping field around the detention cell. 17 EXT. CRASH SITE -- A FEW MINUTES LATER Worf has discovered several other dead Borg scattered among the shuttle debris. He returns to Riker and Beverly, who is still treating the injured Borg. WORF There are four others. None survived. PICARD'S COM VOICE Picard to Riker. RIKER Go ahead, Enterprise. PICARD'S COM VOICE We're transporting you directly to the detention cell. BEVERLY I need him in sickbay -- PICARD'S COM VOICE The cell, Doctor. Whatever equipment you need will be brought to you there. Beverly doesn't like it -- but backs down. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 9. 17 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Very well. 17A INT. BRIDGE There is a moment as Picard accepts this; then, without a word, he stands and EXITS to his ready room. Troi looks after him for a beat, then rises. 17B INT. READY ROOM Picard is rounding his desk as the door CHIMES. He stops, glances toward it, seems mildly irritated. PICARD Come. The door opens and Troi comes in. Picard continues on to his chair and busies himself with his monitor. TROI Captain... I just wondered if there's anything you wanted to talk about. PICARD I don't think so, Counselor. A brief pause as he continues to fiddle with his monitor. Troi understands this man well... how difficult it is for him to acknowledge weakness. TROI I would have thought that having a Borg on the ship would stir some feelings... PICARD I am quite recovered from my experience, thank you. TROI Sometimes... even when a victim has dealt with his assault... there are residual effects of the event that linger. You were treated violently by the Borg... kidnapped, assaulted, mutilated -- STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 10. 17B CONTINUED: PICARD Counselor -- Hearing his own somewhat sharp tone, he checks himself, sees Troi looking at him imperturbably. PICARD Counselor, I very much appreciate your concern for me. But I assure you, it is misplaced. He glances at Troi, still watching him. PICARD I have carefully considered the implications of having this Borg on the ship. I have weighed the possible risks, and I am convinced we've done the right thing. (beat) I am quite comfortable with my decision. He is, of course, avoiding how he feels about the Borg -- an omission of which Troi is quite aware. TROI I see. Well, if at any point you want to talk more... PICARD I will certainly avail myself of your help. But he has shut her out. She EXITS, sensing that the captain has some rough times ahead. 18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the moon. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT ONE 11. 19 INT. THE DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) Picard approaches Geordi, Worf, and two SECURITY PERSONNEL who stand outside the force field. A NURSE is just entering the cell. WORF (to Security Guard) Lower the force field. The force field briefly flares to let her through, then is reinstated. Beverly is already inside, working on the Borg. As Picard approaches, Worf addresses him. WORF Captain, the Borg is still unconscious. Beverly looks up at Picard. His face shows nothing of what he might be feeling. BEVERLY He suffered massive internal injuries. We've got the hemorrhaging under control, but some of the implants in his brain were damaged. I may have to remove them. PICARD The Borg will die if they're removed permanently. Their brains grow dependent on the biochips. BEVERLY Perhaps Geordi could construct new implants... GEORDI They contain relatively straightforward programming, interface protocols... we have the files we downloaded after your experience, sir. I think I could manage it. Picard muses for a moment... turning something over in his mind. PICARD Mister La Forge... do you have enought knowledge of Borg programming to alter the pathways to the root command structure? STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 12-13. 19 CONTINUED: GEORDI I'm not sure, sir. The subroutines are pretty complicated... I'd probably have to study their data processing algorithms... that's the only way I could trace the access codes. Picard turns, looks for a moment at the still-unconscious Borg. PICARD If we could get to the root command... we could introduce an invasive programming sequence through its biochip system... and then return it to the hive. GEORDI (getting it) The Borg are so interconnected it would spread like a virus. PICARD Until it infected the entire Collective. We could disable their neural network in one stroke. BEVERLY Infected... it sounds like you're talking about a disease. PICARD Quite right, Doctor. And if all goes well, a terminal one. Picard's demeanor is icy; Geordi, Beverly and Worf have mixed reactions as: 20 thru OMITTED 21 FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 14. ACT TWO FADE IN: 22 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Riker, Data, Beverly, and Troi; Picard and Geordi have just finished explaining their plan. Of the group, Beverly has the most troubled response. GEORDI If this works the way I think it will, once the invasive program starts spreading, it'll only be a matter of months before the Borg suffer total systems failure. There is a silence at this. Picard looks around the room. PICARD Comments. BEVERLY A question. What, exactly, is "total systems failure?" Data doesn't recognize the sarcasm in her voice, and so answers her straight. DATA The Borg are extremely computer-dependent. A total systems failure will destroy them. BEVERLY I just think we should be plain about that. We're talking about annihilating an entire race... PICARD Which under most circumstances would be unconscionable. But as I see it, the Borg leave us little choice. RIKER I agree. We're at war. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT TWO 15. 22 CONTINUED: BEVERLY There's been no formal declaration of war... TROI Not from our side. But certainly from theirs. They've attacked us in every encounter we've had. PICARD They have declared war on our way of life. We are to be assimilated. BEVERLY Even in war, there are rules. You don't kill civilians indiscriminately. RIKER There are no civilians among the Borg. PICARD Think of them as a single, collective being. Any one Borg is no more an individual than your arm or your leg. BEVERLY How convenient. Picard fastens his eyes on her. PICARD Your point? BEVERLY When I look at my patient, I don't see a collective consciousness... I don't see a hive... I see a living, breathing boy... who's been hurt and who needs help. And we're talking about sending him back to his people as an instrument of destruction. Picard turns from her. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 16. 22 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD It comes down to this: We are faced with an enemy that is determined to destroy us, and with whom we have no hope of negotiating peace. Unless that changes, we are justified in doing anything we can to survive. SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE Security to Captain. PICARD Picard, here. SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE The Borg has regained consciousness, sir. Reactions... PICARD Acknowledged. (stands) We will proceed as planned. 23 INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) The Borg is moving along the perimeter of the detention cell's wall, feeling his way, looking up and down as he covers every square inch of the wall. He is a young man of about eighteen, and though possessing the intimidating Borg characteristics -- prosthetic arm, eye, etc. -- he nonetheless exudes the vulnerability of youth. A portable SENSOR device is visible in the cell. As he encounters the force field, he reacts, stepping back and proceeding with his careful exploration of the walls. 24 ON THE GROUP outside the force field: Picard, Geordi, Beverly, and the security team. BEVERLY What's he doing? PICARD Trying to find an access terminal, so he can interface with the collective. He doesn't understand that the signal has been cut off. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 17. 24 CONTINUED: GEORDI (reading the sensor) He's emitting a homing signal... and a second subspace frequency... but our damping field is blocking both signals. PICARD He's alone. For the first time in his life he's being forced to cope with his environment without the resources of the Collective. Beverly stares at the boy groping the wall. BEVERLY He must be hungry. They look at her curiously. BEVERLY The Borg don't ingest food -- their implants can synthesize any organic molecules their biological tissues require. What they need -- is energy. She looks right at Picard, a bit challenging. Picard addresses Geordi. PICARD Arrange to feed it. GEORDI Aye, sir. Picard gives the Borg a last look before he EXITS. Beverly and Geordi watch as the Borg continues his slow, painstaking groping around the cell, looking for something familiar. GEORDI I'll have to adapt a power conduit and install it in there. Beverly doesn't respond, and he looks at her. Beverly's eyes are fixed on the Borg. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO 18. 24 CONTINUED: (3) BEVERLY If I didn't know better... I'd think he was scared. Geordi turns and eyes the Borg, who is feeling carefully, high on the wall, for a link-up with home. 25 INT. SHIP'S GYMNASIUM Two figures are fencing. It soon becomes clear that one of them is less adept than the other. He or she is forced to retreat just to stay in the match -- but retreat only delays the inevitable. The better fencer lunges and makes a touch. The two remove their masks and we realize that Picard is the better fencer; his opponent -- is GUINAN. GUINAN I don't think I like this sport. PICARD Last week when you scored two touches on me, you liked it well enough. They start walking toward the side of the room, where "gym bags" lie on a bench. PICARD Today your foil was dipping too low... you kept letting me inside. GUINAN And if I hold it too high, you lunge under it. Let's face it -- you're just better at this than I am. They reach the bench, sit, pull out towels, wipe their faces, taking a breather between encounters. There is a silence, somewhat prolonged, as they do what they do, and when Guinan finally speaks, it is with forced nonchalance. GUINAN I hear we have a guest on board. Picard shoots her a glance. PICARD Yes. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO 19. 25 CONTINUED: Another silence. GUINAN Is that wise? PICARD I'm not sure. I hope so. Another pause as Guinan stuffs things in her bag. There's a lot going on inside, but she's keeping a lid on it. GUINAN I thought I understood you, Picard. But I don't understand this. PICARD It was an errand of mercy... he was injured, Doctor Crusher decided for humanitarian reasons to care for him -- GUINAN They'll be coming, you know that. You, of all people, know that. Picard knows she's right. He has no answers. He changes tacks, rises. PICARD Shall we go again? She nods, and they don their masks and go to center floor. They advance and retreat a few times, parrying. Then Guinan lunges... stumbles... grabs at her leg -- she's pulled a muscle. Picard drops his foil and starts toward her in concern. Suddenly she is up and on him in a flurry of thrusts, and actually knocks the foil from his hand. She takes off her mask. GUINAN You felt sorry for me. Look what it got you. And she holds his look, defiant -- and unquestionably angry. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 20. 26 INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL) Geordi and Worf ENTER and cross toward the two Guards, who stand to either side of the Borg's cell; Geordi is carrying the power conduit he has constructed. GEORDI I'll have to go in... to connect the power conduit. WORF (to Security Guard) I will follow the Commander. Reactivate the field once we're through. Both guards hold their phasers ready. Worf nods to the Guard, who drops the force field. Geordi and Worf step forward, moving slowly so as not to startle the Borg, who is huddled in a corner. GEORDI Good, now just stay there. The Borg looks at them; an attachment on his prosthetic arm makes a mechanical sound as it spins, adding tension to the moment. Geordi moves toward the cell wall where he opens a panel and exposes a power terminal. Worf stations himself just inside the force field. Geordi begins installing the conduit. The Borg takes a step toward him. WORF Commander... The Borg stops after one step. His voice has none of the metallic edge we've heard from the Borg before. BORG We are Borg. Geordi ignores him, he has a pretty good idea of what's coming next: BORG You will be assimilated. Though annoyed, Geordi continues to ignore him. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO 21. 26 CONTINUED: BORG Resistance is futile. GEORDI (without stopping his work) Take a look around, pal, you're not exactly in a position to make demands. The Borg accesses his biochips for instructions. BORG We must return to the Collective. Geordi stops and looks at him. GEORDI Who's "we?" The Borg seems to consider the question. BORG We... are Borg. GEORDI There's only one of you. The Borg doesn't reply. GEORDI Do you have a name? The Borg doesn't understand. GEORDI A means of identification? BORG Third, of five. GEORDI (figuring it out) There were five on your ship... Is that it? Just a number? BORG Third, of five. GEORDI It does kind of suit you. He finishes installing the power conduit. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT TWO 22. 26 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI This is for you. It regulates the power flow to the frequency you're used to... (indicating) ... and this connection should fit the coupling on your arm. When no reply is forthcoming. GEORDI You're welcome. He gathers his tools and moves toward the force field. GEORDI Let's get out of here. WORF Lower the force field. The Security Guard lowers the field, then reactivates it when Geordi and Worf step through. They turn to watch the Borg, who moves toward the conduit. He seems suspicious of Geordi's motives, but after a brief deliberation, decides to plug in. GEORDI He's hungry all right. No optical effect should be necessary to convey the sense that power is flowing into his depleted system -- his carriage will indicate that he is being replenished. He turns and fastens his orb on the two of them. BORG Why do you do this? GEORDI I'm just a nice guy at heart. Feeling better? The Borg stares at him. BORG You are not-Borg. GEORDI That's right. And hope to stay that way. The Borg looks at his arm, attached to the power conduit, then back at Geordi and Worf. He seems perplexed. He is truly adrift, alone in a world he cannot understand. He falls back on basic Borg: STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO 23. 26 CONTINUED: (3) BORG You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. GEORDI That's gratitude for you. Off the expressionless face of the Borg we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 24. ACT THREE FADE IN: 27 INT. SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL) Geordi with Beverly, making plans to transport the Borg. Geordi has hooked up a power conduit similar to the one Geordi set up in the detention cell. There are consoles, monitors, equipment, etc. GEORDI I've been rationing his portions of energy. I think he understands -- if he cooperates, he gets fed. If not... (shrugs) BEVERLY Like a rat in a cage. Geordi gives her a look; he knows she's less than enthusiastic about this plan. He tries to explain. GEORDI If I'm gonna figure out his command pathways, I have to learn how he processes information. The only way I know to do that is to give him perceptual tests. That means getting his cooperation. BEVERLY So he can participate in the destruction of his entire species. GEORDI (frustrated) Doctor... BEVERLY I know, I know. We're at war. She takes a breath, tries to regain her control. BEVERLY I'm here to help you... but I don't have to like it. Geordi decides to leave it at that. He surveys the room, satisfied that they're ready. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE 25. 27 CONTINUED: GEORDI I think we're ready to transport him. If he gives us any trouble, we can access the force field through this console. (gestures) Ready? Beverly nods and he keys his insignia. GEORDI La Forge to transporter room three. We're ready here. TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE We are standing by, Commander. GEORDI Energize. The Borg and an N.D. Security Guard MATERIALIZE in the lab. The boy looks disoriented, uncertain of his surroundings. He looks around the room for anything familiar... and spots the power conduit. He lifts his prosthetic arm toward it. GEORDI You want some? The Borg turns and looks at him. He nods. Geordi moves to the conduit and gestures to the Borg to hook on. He does. Worf retreats to the door. GEORDI Doctor Crusher, this is Third of Five. Third of Five, this is our ship's doctor. The Borg looks puzzled. He stares at Beverly; what she sees is a boy, almost the age of her son, who is lost in a strange world. BEVERLY (warmly) Hello. BORG What is a doctor? BEVERLY A doctor heals the sick. Repairs the injured. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 26. 27 CONTINUED: (2) BORG The sick and injured are reabsorbed. Others take their place. BEVERLY (gently) That didn't happen to you. When we found you, you were dying. I saved your life. The Borg stares at her, trying to understand this. BORG Why? BEVERLY That's my duty. To help those who are hurt. The Borg frowns, trying to understand. He looks at his arm, drawing energy from the conduit, and then looks up at Geordi. BORG You give us food... GEORDI Right. BORG Is that your duty? Beverly eyes Geordi; he looks a little uncomfortable. GEORDI Yeah. That's right. He turns away to a console, begins entering instructions. GEORDI Listen, Third of Five... Doctor Crusher here has repaired a lot of the damage to your biochip implants. We want to run a few tests... see if everything is working okay. The Borg looks from one to the other, confused and uncertain, but without guile. He is an innocent, and it is this quality more than any other that will come to play on the Enterprise crew. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT THREE 27. 27 CONTINUED: (3) BORG Tests... BEVERLY I'll show you some diagrams... ask you some questions about them... it's very simple, really. The Borg has nothing to fall back on. Cut off from the hive, he is in a sense blind, adrift in a world that makes no sense. BORG (vaguely) You will be assimilated... GEORDI Right. But before that happens, could we maybe ask you a few questions? The Borg looks from one to the other, takes a leap. BORG We will answer. GEORDI Terrific. Okay, Third of Five, right over here... He gestures at the Borg, to get him to come and stand in front of the console. The Borg moves uncertainly toward it, then stops. BORG What is your designation? GEORDI Designation? BORG (indicating himself) Third, of Five... BEVERLY You mean our names. We don't have designations -- we have names. I'm Beverly... (points) This is Geordi. The Borg puzzles over this. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT THREE 27A. 27 CONTINUED: (4) BORG Do I have a -- name? GEORDI Do you want one? BORG A name... BEVERLY I'm Beverly, this is Geordi... (points) ... and you... BORG You... STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 28. 27 CONTINUED: (4) BEVERLY You... Geordi has a thought. GEORDI That's it. Hugh. What do you think? BORG You. GEORDI Not you... Hugh. BORG Hugh. Beverly smiles. This is progress. BEVERLY All right... I'm Beverly... She points at Geordi. GEORDI I'm Geordi... She points at the Borg. He hesitates, then -- BORG We are Hugh. Geordi and Beverly both smile. Hugh looks from one to the other, puzzled at the response. But even he looks pleased with himself. 28 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the moon. 29 INT. SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL) The Borg is looking at a topographical representation of a complex geometric shape DISPLAYED on a SCREEN (where shaded lines represent the far side of the shape as seen through its solid mass). STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT THREE 29. 29 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Now imagine what this shape would look like if it were turned inside out. She changes the display to show three choices; all are quite complex and not very obviously different from each other. BEVERLY Which one is it? Geordi's face shows that even he's not sure which one it is. BORG This one. BEVERLY That's right. (to Geordi) He's gotten every one -- eight for eight. That blows the top right off the spatial acuity percentiles. GEORDI It's the prosthetic eye... it seems to be giving him very complex visual information... BEVERLY Like some kind of holographic imaging system. GEORDI That could be helpful. He turns to the Borg, who has been following this interchange with some fascination. GEORDI Hugh, I'd like to take a closer look at your eyepiece. Is that okay? To Geordi's surprise, Hugh reaches up and with one quick motion, removes his eyepiece. BORG Here. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE 30. 29 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Well... thanks. He takes the eyepiece and begins inspecting it. During the next, he studies the device, but keeps getting drawn to the conversation between the Borg and Beverly. BORG When you are assimilated, you will have a similar device. BEVERLY Hugh, do you understand that we don't want to be assimilated? BORG Why do you resist us? BEVERLY Because... we don't want to live the way you do. The Borg seems to puzzle over this. BORG Here it is quiet. There are no other voices. GEORDI Other voices? BORG On a Borg ship we live with the thoughts of the others in our minds. Thousands of voices... with us always. Beverly is touched by this spontaneous outpouring of the pleasures of Borg life. She realizes once more how alien it must be for him here. BEVERLY I think what you're saying... is that you're lonely. The Borg frowns, not exactly understanding the concept. Geordi gives him back the eyepiece. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 31. 29 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI Here you go. The Borg reinserts the eyepiece, then studies the two of them. BORG When you have completed these tests, what will be done with us? It is an innocent question, devoid of guile. Geordi feels a bit uncomfortable, falls back on a partial truth. GEORDI We'll send you home. Hugh nods at this, seeming almost buoyed. BORG We will rejoin the Collective. Geordi and Beverly exchange a glance... Geordi seems almost as troubled as Beverly about what they're doing. 30 INT. TEN FORWARD Geordi at the bar; Guinan listening. GEORDI It's funny... when I first started out, I had no problem with creating this invasive program... but the more I work with Hugh, the more I -- GUINAN Hugh? GEORDI That's the name we gave him. GUINAN You named a Borg... GEORDI Yeah. (a little defensive) It was easier to have something to call him. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 32. 30 CONTINUED: GUINAN Okay, so now you have a Borg named Hugh... GEORDI And... he's not anything like I'd expected. GUINAN How so? GEORDI I don't know... he's... he just seems like a kid.. a long way from home... Guinan eyes him skeptically. GUINAN You're the second person today that's talked about this Borg as if he were a lost child... GEORDI And now I'm having second thoughts about what we're doing. Programming him like a walking bomb... sending him back to destroy the others... Guinan leans down to him. Again, the strain of anger wells up in her, and she speaks with intensity. GUINAN This "kid's" big brothers are going to hunt us down. They won't rest until they have him back. And they'll destroy us in the process -- without any of this soul-searching you're going through. GEORDI Maybe you should go talk to him. It might not seem so clear cut then. GUINAN I wouldn't have anything to say. Geordi swings off the stool. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 33. 30 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Then why don't you just listen? That's what you do best, isn't it? And he's gone, leaving Guinan with a welter of feelings. 31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the moon where the Borg ship was found. 32 INT. BRIDGE Picard ENTERS from his ready room. Data is at ops, Riker is standing, looking over his shoulder. PICARD What is it, Number One? RIKER We've picked up a vessel on long range scanners, headed this way. Picard knows very well who it might be. PICARD Analysis. DATA The vessel is traveling at warp seven-point-six. Mass: two-point-five million metric tons, configuration: ...cubical. RIKER The Borg... DATA Its dimensions indicate that it is a scout ship similar to the one that crashed. When Picard says nothing: DATA Interference from the star's radiation will shield us from their sensors. We should remain undetected until they enter this system. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE 34. 32 CONTINUED: PICARD How long do we have? DATA At present speed they will arrive in thirty-one hours, seven minutes. 33 ANGLE - PICARD The concern on his face is evident. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 35. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 34 INT. DETENTION CELL Guinan ENTERS and crosses toward the cell where the Borg is being held. She and the security guards exchange a nod. 35 CLOSE - GUINAN as she sees the Borg for the first time. Myriad feelings rise in her. 36 ANGLE - BORG as he sees her. He moves forward in a curious, friendly way. They stare at each other for a moment. GUINAN Well... you don't look so tough. BORG (a bit puzzled) We are Borg. A silence as she inspects him. GUINAN I hear they gave you a name. A little flicker of -- pride? -- from the Borg, who nods. BORG Yes. We are Hugh. She stares at him, a bit challenging, as though waiting for him to speak. GUINAN Well? Aren't you going to tell me I have to be assimilated? BORG You wish to be assimilated... ? STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 36. 36 CONTINUED: GUINAN No, I don't wish. But that's what you people do. The Borg nods. He's getting a real strong message about how people don't want to become part of the collective. GUINAN Resistance is futile. Right? Hugh repeats the litany, but it sounds halting and tentative. BORG Resistance is futile... GUINAN I've got news for you. It isn't. Some of my ancestors resisted the Borg, when you came to assimilate us. A few escaped. BORG (confused) Resistance is not futile... GUINAN No... She looks at him, caught off guard a moment by his admission, but still needing to vent her pain. GUINAN But thanks to you, there aren't many of us. We're scattered around the galaxy... we have no home... we don't even have each other. The Borg takes this in, considers, is reminded of something he recently heard. BORG What you are saying... is that you are lonely. Guinan stares at him, not believing what she's heard. GUINAN What... ? BORG You have no others. You have no home. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FOUR 37. 36 CONTINUED: (2) Guinan is taken aback. The Borg stares at her, touches his chest. BORG We are also lonely. And she has no answer. 37 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the moon. 38 INT. SCIENCE LAB Geordi is with the Borg. Worf is not present -- they are alone, attesting to the comfort Geordi is feeling about Hugh's presence. Geordi is working with the prosthetic armpiece while Hugh watches with interest. BORG What is Geordi doing? GEORDI Just studying the components in your prosthesis. BORG Why? Geordi glances at him. He's more and more uncomfortable with the task he's been assigned. GEORDI We're just trying to learn more about you. BORG Why? Hugh is as persistent as a four-year-old who's learned the word "why?" GEORDI You're very different from us. Part of what we do is to learn more about other species. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 38. 38 CONTINUED: BORG We assimilate species. Then we know everything about them. GEORDI Yeah. I know. BORG Is that not easier? GEORDI Maybe it is. It's just not what we do. BORG Why? Geordi sighs, puts the armpiece down. He struggles for a way to explain. GEORDI Think about it this way. Every time you talk about yourself, you use the word "we." We do this, we do that... you don't know how to think of yourself as a single individual. You don't say, "I want this," or "I am Hugh." The Borg stares at him, trying to follow. GEORDI We are all separate individuals. I am Geordi. I choose what I want to do with my life. I make decisions for myself. For people like me, losing that individuality -- is almost worse than dying. There is a silence. Hugh ponders this. BORG When you sleep... there are no voices in your mind. GEORDI No. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 39. 38 CONTINUED: (2) BORG Are you ever... (testing the new word) ... lonely? A bit of a smile from Geordi. GEORDI Sometimes. But that's why we have friends. BORG Friends... GEORDI Sure. Someone you talk to... who can be with you when you're lonely... who makes you feel better. What is almost a smile passes over Hugh. With utter simplicity, he gazes at Geordi, understanding the concept fully. BORG Like Geordi... and Hugh. Geordi stares at him. Stricken. 39 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Geordi and Data are showing Picard the programming anomaly they've designed. A topographical map of a complex geometric shape is displayed on the wall monitor. There is something odd about it, like an M.C. Escher drawing, where perspective is played with. GEORDI That's it, Captain. PICARD It looks harmless enough. GEORDI We had to disguise it as something innocuous. The Borg have ways of screening out programming anomalies. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FOUR 40. 39 CONTINUED: Picard studies the strange form on the monitor. PICARD How can a geometric form disable a computer system? DATA The shape is a paradox. It cannot exist in real space or time. GEORDI When Hugh's imaging apparatus imprints it on his bio-chips, he'll try to analyze it. DATA He will be unsuccessful, and will store the shape in his memory banks. It will be shunted to a subroutine for further analysis. GEORDI When the Borg download his memory, they'll incorporate it into their network. Then they'll try to analyze it. DATA It is designed so that each approach they take will spawn an anomalous solution. The anomalies are designed to interact with each other, linking together to form an endless and unsolvable puzzle. PICARD Quite original. How long before total systems failure? GEORDI Not until the shape has gone through several hundred computational cycles. PICARD When can you begin the process? STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 41. 39 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Another twenty hours. Doctor Crusher wants to make sure the new implants have taken hold. PICARD Very well. Proceed as soon as you're ready. He turns to walk away, but Geordi follows. GEORDI Captain... Picard turns back. GEORDI I have to admit... I've been having second thoughts about this plan. PICARD For what reason? GEORDI Well... I've been getting to know him. The Borg. Picard stares at him. PICARD I see. Geordi is uncomfortable under his gaze. He feels the need to explain. GEORDI He's not what I thought he would be, sir. He has feelings... he's homesick... (shaking his head) I don't know... it just seems wrong to use him like this. There is a cold silence. Picard doesn't particularly want to think about this issue; he'd rather keep his emotional distance. He tries to find a way to help Geordi keep his. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 42. 39 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD Centuries ago, when laboratory animals were used for research... scientists would occasionally become attached to the creatures. That was a problem if the experiment involved killing them. (beat) I would suggest you unattach yourself from the Borg, Mister La Forge. GEORDI (reluctantly) Aye, Captain. And Picard EXITS, leaving Geordi behind, still troubled. 40 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS Picard is ready for bed, carrying a cup of tea and a book toward the bedroom. The door CHIME sounds. PICARD Come. The door opens and there stands Guinan. Surprised, Picard gestures her in. PICARD Guinan... please, come in. She does. She seems a little uncomfortable. GUINAN You sure? Looks like you're all set for a quiet evening. PICARD I'm delighted to see you. Would you like something to drink? GUINAN No, thanks. She wanders the room a bit, picking up an artifact and setting it down, gazing out the window. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 43. 40 CONTINUED: Picard waits patiently, knowing she'll get to whatever brought her here in her own time. GUINAN I was thinking about how you said my foil was dipping the other day... maybe I should do some exercises... build up a little strength in my arm... PICARD A strong forearm is always an advantage in fencing... GUINAN Not to mention tending bar... He waits. She goes to a chair, sits. GUINAN About the Borg... Now it's his turn to be wary. What could she have in mind about the Borg to bring her here at this hour? GUINAN Aren't you just a bit surprised by him? PICARD Surprised... GUINAN Yes. Did you know he has a name? Picard gives her a look -- surprised. GUINAN La Forge gave it to him. His name's Hugh. And he's lonely. Picard is utterly perplexed, both by what she's saying and the fact that it's Guinan saying it. GUINAN I don't know what made me go see him. La Forge told me I should, but I said no. She shakes her head, perplexed by herself. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 44. 40 CONTINUED: (2) GUINAN And then... I found myself standing there, staring at him. Curiosity, I figured... just curiosity. She breaks off, struggling in a way we haven't seen Guinan struggle before. GUINAN Picard... I want to hear you say that you're sure -- that what you're doing is right. Picard exhales. The last thing he wants is another assault on his decision. PICARD If you've come here to persuade me not to use the invasive program... GUINAN No -- I think I'm asking you to persuade me. PICARD Two days ago, you were so upset about the Borg even being on the ship that you tore the foil out of my hand. Now you're here questioning whether he should be treated as an enemy. GUINAN I know. But... when you talk to him... face to face... can you honestly say you have no doubts? PICARD (after a beat) I haven't talked to him. Guinan is amazed at this. GUINAN Why not? PICARD I see no need -- STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FOUR 45. 40 CONTINUED: (3) GUINAN If you're going to use this person -- PICARD It's a Borg, damn it, not a person --! GUINAN If you're going to use this person to destroy his race, don't you think you should look him in the eye once before you do it? (beat) Besides... I'm not so sure he is Borg anymore. PICARD (fed up) Because he's been given a name by a member of the crew doesn't mean he's no longer Borg. Because he's young doesn't mean he's innocent. He is what he is and in spite of the efforts to turn him into some kind of pet -- I will not alter our plans. Guinan takes this in, eyes him. GUINAN Fine. But unless you talk to him -- at least once -- you might find that decision harder to live with than you realize. And on that note, they hold a look. 41 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard paces. Then, the call he's been waiting for. WORF'S COM VOICE Worf to Captain Picard... STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 46. 41 CONTINUED: PICARD Yes, Lieutenant. WORF'S COM VOICE We are ready to transport. PICARD Proceed. Worf and the Borg MATERIALIZE in the ready room. Picard stares at the Borg. PICARD You may wait outside, Lieutenant. Worf looks from the Borg to Picard -- he doesn't like it, but he EXITS. Picard and Hugh regard each other. Neither says anything for a moment; Hugh seems bewildered by a dawning recognition. BORG Locutus... Picard realizes that Hugh recognizes him... this presents an opportunity. He looks directly at the Borg. PICARD Yes. I am Locutus... of Borg. Confused, Hugh accesses his database -- but there is nothing there for him. BORG Why are you here? PICARD This is a primitive culture. I am here to facilitate its incorporation. Identify yourself. BORG Hugh. PICARD Identify yourself. BORG We are Hugh. PICARD This is not a Borg identification. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 47. 41 CONTINUED: (2) Hugh hesitates, as though trying to reassess himself. BORG Third... of five. PICARD This culture will be assimilated. Another hesitation. BORG They... do not wish it. PICARD Irrelevant. BORG They will resist us. PICARD Resistance is futile. BORG Resistance... is not futile. Picard glares sternly at him. Hugh does not back down. BORG Some have escaped. PICARD They will be found. It is inevitable. All will be assimilated. BORG Must... Geordi be assimilated? Picard looks at him, amazed. PICARD Yes. Hugh hesitates... his thought processes are new, strange, uncomfortable. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 48. 41 CONTINUED: (3) BORG Geordi does not wish it. (trying to explain) He would rather die than be assimilated. PICARD Then he will die. Hugh looks up at him, clearly disturbed. BORG No. Geordi must not die. Hugh takes a breath, looks straight at Picard. BORG Geordi is... a friend. Picard is taken aback by this, but wants to push it a bit further. PICARD You will assist us in assimilating this vessel. Hugh hesitates. PICARD You are Borg. You will assist us. Hugh takes a breath... then... BORG I will not. Picard stares at him... hears him say the word "I." He backs off from his Locutus role, amazed by what the Borg is manifesting. PICARD What did you say? BORG I will not assist you. PICARD "I"... ? BORG Geordi must not be assimilated. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR 49. 41 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD But... you are Borg. Another pause... BORG No. I am -- Hugh. Picard stares at him. This boy has utterly taken him aback. Now Picard is in a true dilemma. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 42 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Geordi, Riker, and Beverly. Pick up in mid-conversation. PICARD ... I think I deliberately avoided speaking with the Borg because I didn't want anything to get in the way of our plan. (beat) But now something has. As far as I can tell, he seems to be a fully realized individual. He has even accepted me as Picard, Captain of this ship, and not as Locutus. There are varying reactions to this... Geordi and Beverly on the positive side, Worf and Riker somewhat concerned. GEORDI Then... you've reconsidered the plan? PICARD Yes. If we used him in that manner, we'd be no better than the enemy we seek to destroy. I want other options. A beat as they consider this delicate issue. RIKER We could return him to the crash site... but we'd have to erase his memories of being on the Enterprise. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE 51. 42 CONTINUED: BEVERLY But... if we erase his memories, then who he is, who he's become, would be destroyed. RIKER Isn't that the point? He'd be reassimilated into the hive without any questions... GEORDI It just seems wrong... we help turn him into an individual... then we take that away from him... BEVERLY Is there a danger that the Borg might destroy him -- if they discover what's happened? PICARD I doubt it. They have nothing to gain by that. It's more likely they'll simply wipe out his memory of this experience. RIKER Then either way his memories will be erased. PICARD But perhaps... He hesitates, realizing that what he is about to say might sound improbable. PICARD ... in the short time before they purge those memories... the sense of individuality which he has gained here will be transmitted throughout the Collective. They look at him curiously. PICARD Every one of the Borg will have the opportunity to experience the feeling of... singularity. (MORE)  STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FIVE 52. 42 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (cont'd) Perhaps that would be the most pernicious program of all... the knowledge of self, spread through the Borg Collective in that brief moment, might alter them forever. He looks at the group. PICARD We will leave his memories intact. BEVERLY I have only one question. The others turn to her. BEVERLY What if he doesn't want to go back? Various reactions to this question which apparently hadn't occurred to them. 43 INT. READY ROOM Hugh is looking at Picard's fish tank, intrigued. A security guard stands by the door, watching him. The door opens and Picard and Geordi ENTER. Picard dismisses the guard with a nod. GEORDI Hello, Hugh. BORG Hello, Geordi. PICARD Hugh... a Borg rescue vessel is approaching. It will be here within three hours. We can return you to the crash site, where they will find you and take you home. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE 53. 43 CONTINUED: Hugh doesn't answer, just watches Picard. PICARD Or... if you wish, you may remain here with us. BORG What I wish... is irrelevant. GEORDI It's not irrelevant. It matters to us. BORG No Borg leaves the Collective. If they find I am missing -- they will come for me. PICARD Hugh, we'll deal with the repercussions later. What we must know is what you want. This is another foreign concept to Hugh. He struggles with it. BORG You are many. I am one. My needs are not important. GEORDI Don't you understand? We're giving you a choice. BORG Choice... GEORDI Yeah. Do you want to go back with the Borg... or stay with us? BORG I could stay with you... ? PICARD Yes. We would grant you asylum. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE 54. 43 CONTINUED: (2) Hugh turns away. This is overwhelming to him... the idea of choice, the freedom -- and responsibility -- of making a decision for himself... these are dazzling, overpowering concepts. BORG Choose... what I want... He turns back, looks at Geordi, hopeful for a brief instant. BORG I would choose to stay with Geordi. But then that flicker dwindles and dies. BORG But it is too dangerous. They will follow. He takes a breath, draws himself up. BORG Return me to the crash site. It is the only way. There is a silence as Picard and Geordi assess him... understanding the sacrifice he is making. GEORDI Hugh... think about this... are you sure? BORG Yes. They hold a look which is full of sorrow. 44 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the moon. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE 55. 45 OMITTED 46 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Geordi and Beverly are there with Hugh; a Transporter Chief is behind the console. Picard ENTERS. PICARD (to Hugh) The Borg ship will enter orbit of the moon within an hour. You'll soon be headed home. Hugh nods, but doesn't speak. Picard turns to Geordi and Beverly. PICARD We'll beam him down and take position in the star's chromosphere. Its interference will hide us from their sensors. Beverly steps toward Hugh. BEVERLY Goodbye, Hugh. I'm very glad I got to know you. BORG Goodbye, Beverly. (beat) You saved my life. GEORDI (to Hugh) It's not too late to change your mind. You can stay here. There is the briefest of hesitations, then Hugh shakes his head. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FIVE 56. 46 CONTINUED: BORG I must return. GEORDI Captain, I'd like to go down with him. Picard considers a beat. PICARD My experience suggests that they would ignore him. (to Hugh) Would you agree? BORG The Borg assimilate civilizations. Not individuals. BEVERLY (to Picard) But, Captain, they kidnapped you... PICARD Because they needed a liaison to communicate with Humans. The Borg ignored every away team we sent to their ship, including yours, Doctor. Beverly acknowledges. PICARD (to Geordi) You may accompany him. Geordi steps with Hugh onto the transporter pad. Picard looks at Hugh. PICARD Goodbye. BORG Captain... I do not want to forget that I am Hugh... STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE 57. 46 CONTINUED: (2) Picard's look reflects his hope that Hugh will be successful. Then he turns to the Transporter Chief. PICARD Energize. Hugh and Geordi DEMATERIALIZE. Picard stares after them... his feelings about the Borg now unalterably more complicated. 47 EXT. CRASH SITE - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL) Geordi and Hugh MATERIALIZE into the snowy landscape. They move toward the wreckage of the Borg scout ship. Hugh gazes at the remains of his ship, the still-scattered bodies of his colleagues. GEORDI (gesturing) We found you there... in the middle of that debris. Hugh nods, stares at the spot. BORG Then that is where I will wait. Geordi gives him a sad nod. 48 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it takes position on the far side of the star. 49 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, Worf. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FIVE 58. 49 CONTINUED: DATA We are now entering position. Radiation levels are rising. PICARD Increase power to the shields. Hold us here. RIKER Status of the Borg ship? DATA Solar radiation is rendering our sensors inoperable. At last known course and speed, the Borg vessel will enter the system in three minutes. 50 EXT. CRASH SITE Geordi and Hugh. They are awkward... the time has come for goodbyes... neither knows how to say them. Geordi is feeling more than he could ever have imagined possible. GEORDI Well... I guess this is it. (beat) So long, Hugh. BORG Goodbye, Geordi. I will try to remember you. Geordi can't think of anything else to say, so he nods, emotion welling in him. He backs off a little, waiting. 51 ANGLE - TWO BORG (OPTICAL) They MATERIALIZE nearby, somewhat close to Geordi. They look around for a moment, their dispassionate gaze sweeping past Geordi, and fixing on Hugh. They move toward Geordi... but then walk right past him, heading for Hugh. STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE 59. 52 ON THE GROUP as the two Borg approach Hugh. One of them interfaces with him -- connecting through the jacks on their prosthetic arms. They are exchanging information. 53 GEORDI doesn't know what this means. Has the Hugh he knew been obliterated by assimilation back into the hive? 54 BACK TO SCENE (OPTICAL) When Hugh moves, it is with the same mechanical gait as the others. The three Borg set about scavenging the remains of their dead comrades -- they remove the technological components they're interested in efficiently and without evident emotion. As they finish with the dead Borg, the corpses FIZZLE into nothingness. 55 ANGLE - GEORDI Geordi is unsure: Hugh seems no different from the other Borg... or is he merely acting the part? 56 REVERSE ANGLE - FROM GEORDI'S POINT OF VIEW (OPTICAL) The three Borg assemble, carrying what they've scavenged. They all stare straight ahead as they TRANSPORT OUT -- but just before Hugh DEMATERIALIZES he turns and looks at Geordi. Their eyes meet, it is unmistakable. Then he's gone... 57 ANGLE - GEORDI He is hopeful that this last look means something of Hugh will survive assimilation... Still, the thought of what lies ahead for Hugh fills him with sadness... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END