STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "A Fistful of Datas" #40276-234 Written by Brannon Braga Directed by Patrick Stewart THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 SEPTEMBER 17, 1992 STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 09/17/92 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "A Fistful of Datas" CAST PICARD ELI HOLLANDER RIKER DATA BANDITO BEVERLY ANNIE MEYERS TROI WORF GEORDI ALEXANDER COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. ENGINEERS HENCHMAN CREWMEMBERS VARIOUS TOWNSFOLK PIANO PLAYER STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 09/17/92 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "A Fistful of Datas" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING READY ROOM WESTERN STREET OBS. LOUNGE CORRIDOR HOLODECK SALOON SHERIFF'S OFFICE MINE SHAFT WORF'S QUARTERS PICARD'S QUARTERS DATA'S QUARTERS REHEARSAL ROOM (OBS. LOUNGE) STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "A Fistful of Datas" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting a RED GIANT GASEOUS PLANET. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 46271.5. The Enterprise has entered orbit of Deinonychus Seven. But our scheduled rendezvous with the supply ship Biko has been delayed for another forty-eight hours. 2 OMITTED 3 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS PICARD is sitting in a chair, playing a quiet MELODY on his FLUTE (as seen in "The Inner Light"). Over the com system, two other instruments can be heard -- a CLARINET and a CELLO. Picard is playing along with the music form a pleasant harmony. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) In the meantime, many members of the crew are taking advantage of the delay to pursue their own projects... myself included. After a few measures, Picard stops playing -- something doesn't sound quite right. PICARD (to computer) Computer -- stop playback. The music STOPS. PICARD (continuing) Change the clarinet to an oboe. Continue recording. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - TEASER 1A. 3 CONTINUED: Picard listens as the music PLAYS BACK -- the same melody, but now the CLARINET is an OBOE. He begins to play the flute along with the music... The door CHIMES. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (to computer) Pause program. The music STOPS. Picard sets his flute aside. PICARD Come. GEORDI and DATA ENTER. Geordi is enthusiastic about something. GEORDI Captain -- we'd like permission to take the Engineering computer off-line for a couple of hours. (beat) We've been working on a new interface that'll allow Data to act as an emergency back-up in case of a ship-wide systems failure. DATA In theory, my neural network should be able to sustain key systems until primary control is restored. Picard considers -- it sounds like an interesting notion, but he's not really in the mood for talking tech. PICARD It sounds like an intriguing experiment. I'll be very interested to see the results. (beat) Permission granted. Excited by the prospects, Geordi continues... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI It's possible we may even be able to run secondary systems through Data. Weapons control... sensor arrays... Picard nods, growing slightly impatient. PICARD Yes. I get the idea, Mister La Forge. Thank you. Please proceed. Geordi nods and EXITS with Data. Picard takes a moment to clear his thoughts... then picks up his flute. PICARD (to computer) Computer -- record again from the first measure. The other two MUSIC tracks start to play. He takes a breath... then begins to PLAY the tranquil flute melody again... a few measures go by... The door CHIMES. Picard stops playing, slightly annoyed. PICARD Computer -- pause program. The music STOPS. PICARD Come. BEVERLY ENTERS. She looks determined about something. BEVERLY Jean-Luc, I need to talk with you about "Something for Breakfast." Picard looks her, at a loss. BEVERLY (prompting) The play. Picard nods, remembering -- tries to ease out of the subject. PICARD Ah... yes... a very intriguing drama. But I really don't have the time it would take to learn a part. And anyway, I'm not much of an actor... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: (4) BEVERLY That's no problem. You wouldn't be playing one of the leads. Picard is surprised -- and just a little hurt. PICARD Oh. BEVERLY It's a very small part. Only two lines in the whole play. PICARD Really. BEVERLY You play the butler. A long beat. PICARD Let me read the play again... and I'll let you know. BEVERLY You'll be wonderful, Jean-Luc. Rehearsal's at one thirty this afternoon. Picard nods. Beverly turns and EXITS. Picard takes a breath to recenter himself... then brings the flute to his mouth... PICARD Computer -- continue recording. The MUSIC plays. He begins to play the flute again... the soft melody... The door CHIMES. Picard reacts, annoyed. PICARD Enter. WORF ENTERS, stops at the desk. WORF Captain, I am sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to consult you regarding the duty roster. PICARD Proceed. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - TEASER 5. 3 CONTINUED: (5) WORF I was hoping we could take advantage of the Biko's delay by staging shipwide security drills. I have planned a tentative schedule... Worf hands Picard a PADD. Picard looks it over. PICARD Very impressive, Mister Worf. But we'll be taking on new personnel at Starbase One-Eighteen in a few weeks. Surely the drills can wait until then. A beat. Worf seems intent on having something to do. WORF In that case, I will use the time to perform maintenance checks on the forward phaser array. Picard looks at Worf a moment. PICARD Mister Worf... is there some reason you're trying to give yourself more work? Worf hesitates, awkward. WORF No sir. I simply wished to use the extra time to... PICARD (cutting in) ... Enjoy yourself. You have some free time. Use it. Worf nods. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - TEASER 6. 3 CONTINUED: (6) WORF Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Worf turns and EXITS. Picard breathes a sigh of relief. PICARD (to computer) Computer, once more from the top. As the MUSIC starts to play... 4 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Worf ENTERS the room, where ALEXANDER is waiting for him. Alexander rushes up to him, excited about something. ALEXANDER What did he say? WORF The Captain saw fit to release me from my duties. ALEXANDER You mean, you can go? Worf settles into a nearby chair... resigned... but he is not happy about what he's about to do... WORF I can go. Alexander reaches offscreen and grabs a nearby COWBOY HAT. As he places the hat on Worf's head... ALEXANDER Saddle up, Father! OFF Worf's look of resignation... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 7. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 5 EXT. HOLODECK - WESTERN STREET - DAY A street right out of the OLD WEST. DIRT ROAD, WOODEN BUILDINGS, TOWNSFOLK, HORSES. There's a SALOON with a sign out front that reads "The Gold Strike Saloon"... and there's a SHERIFF'S OFFICE. The street is quiet on this day... not a lot of activity... just a few townsfolk mingling about... the wind curling up dust... CUT TO VARIOUS ANGLES ON THE STREET: 6 AN OLD MAN sitting in a rocking chair on a porch, rocking slowly back and forth, making a continuous CREAKING sound. The man puffs on his pipe, hat pulled down over his eyes to block the sun... 7 A HORSE attached to a hitching post. 8 thru OMITTED 9 10 THE OLD MAN rocking in his chair... creaking... Suddenly he STOPS rocking. Silence. The man tilts his head upward slightly to look at the road. Gradually, the SOUND of FOOTSTEPS can be heard... coming closer... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 8. 11 A PAIR OF BOOTS A large pair of boots on large feet, taking large steps, spurs jangling, stirring up dust... 12 THE HORSE stomps and whinnies nervously, as if in response... 13 THE BOOTS come to a stop. A second later, more FOOTSTEPS are heard and a second PAIR OF BOOTS comes into view -- a very small pair by comparison. Big boot, little boots. 14 THE OLD MAN squinting into the sun to see who is there... 15 WIDE ANGLE - WORF AND ALEXANDER wearing the boots, standing side by side -- lone figures on the Western street. They are both dressed in WESTERN ATTIRE, holsters and GUNS at their sides. They each wear an old-style BADGE on their chest. They are lawmen. After a beat, they continue walking... surveying the town. Alexander is excited to be here. Worf is wary of the whole venture. WORF (to Alexander) Where are we? ALEXANDER Deadwood, South Dakota... nineteenth century Earth. (beat) The Ancient West. Worf gazes at the surroundings. WORF What is our function here? ALEXANDER You're the Sheriff... and I'm your deputy. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 9. 15 CONTINUED: WORF We are in charge of law enforcement? ALEXANDER Right. A WOMAN in bawdy apparel walks past -- clearly a "lady of the night" -- and she throws Worf and Alexander a come-hither look. Worf reacts -- quickly moves Alexander away from the woman. WORF You wrote this Holodeck program yourself? ALEXANDER Well... Mister Barclay helped a little. WORF (to himself) I must talk with Mister Barclay... Suddenly, a GUNSHOT is heard somewhere offscreen. Worf and Alexander react, then head in the direction of the shot... 16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the red giant planet. 17 INT. ENGINEERING Data, Geordi and VARIOUS N.D.s. Data is sitting by an opened console. A panel on his head is OPEN, revealing various circuitry within. Fiber-optic cables connect Data's circuits to the console circuits. Geordi is making a connection on Data's head. Data looks at Geordi's face for a second. DATA Geordi... I have noticed that you have not shaved in several days. Are you attempting to grow another beard? Geordi rubs a hand over his face. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 9A. 17 CONTINUED: GEORDI As a matter of fact, I am... (re: beard) What do you think? Data eyes him. DATA As is the case with many natural growth processes, it is difficult to envision the end product based on an intermediate stage. Geordi smiles. GEORDI You're right -- give it a few more days. Geordi completes the connection on Data's head. GEORDI Okay... I'll need to access your auxiliary inputs... DATA One moment. Data reaches for his head, and REMOVES another panel in his head, revealing the circuitry underneath. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 10. 17 CONTINUED: (2) Geordi eyes him a moment, then begins to connect a cable to the circuitry... GEORDI I have to admit, Data... I never get used to seeing you like this... DATA I do not understand. You are constantly working on similar electronic systems, yet their appearances do not disturb you. GEORDI Yeah, well... you're not just another electronic system. Data thinks this over. DATA Thank you, Geordi. Nor are you just another biological organism. Geordi smiles, appreciating the sentiment. He completes the adjustments to Data. GEORDI That should do it. Are you ready? DATA Yes. (beat) I am establishing computer link-up... The circuits on Data's head begin to BLINK faster. DATA Interface complete. GEORDI Alright... let's see what you can do... As Geordi works... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 11. 18 OMITTED 19 INT. GOLD STRIKE SALOON 20 CLOSE ANGLE - A WANTED POSTER attached to a wall in the room. The poster shows a drawing of a man's face and the words "WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE." There is a fresh bullet hole in the forehead of the man. Two more GUNSHOTS ring out, and we see two more BULLET HOLES RIP through the drawing of the man's face... 21 REVEAL - ELI HOLLANDER holding a smoking pistol, having just fired the shot. Clearly, this is the same man as in the poster. He is a young, cocky, dangerous gunslinger. ELI (re: poster) If I ever find the varmint who drew this... he'll be sorry he ever put pen to paper. (beat) I'm ten times uglier than that, ain't I? We hear someone LAUGH from offscreen -- 22 INCLUDE - THE ROOM (OPTICAL) A smoky barroom occupied by several PEOPLE. A PIANO PLAYER sits at the piano, picking out a jaunty tune. The barkeep, a pretty woman named ANNIE MEYERS, stands behind the bar, glaring at Eli. Eli's henchman -- a MEXICAN BANDITO, complete with sombrerro, etc. -- is sitting nearby, laughing. ELI (to Bandito) Shut up. The Bandito falls silent. ELI You laugh so much, it's a wonder flies don't live in your mouth... The Bandito laughs at the remark, missing the point. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 12. 22 CONTINUED: BANDITO (Mexican accent) You are a very funny man, Senor Eli... The bandito stops laughing as he notices Worf and Alexander ENTER the saloon. Eli follows his gaze, sees Worf, and his eyes narrow. Everyone in the room turns and looks. The room falls silent. Alexander points to Eli, relishing every moment of the program. ALEXANDER (quietly, to Worf) That's the bad guy. His name's Eli Hollander -- they call him "The Butcher of Bozeman." He's killed twenty-three men. (beat) He's the meanest, toughest gunslinger in the West. You have to watch him... He's fast... Worf eyes Eli. WORF So I am here to apprehend him? ALEXANDER If you can. Worf nods, now understanding his job -- confident. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 13. 22 CONTINUED: (2) Worf walks across the saloon. Eli walks toward him too. The jangle of spurs is heard in the silent room. The onlookers watch nervously. Worf and Eli stop a couple of feet away from each other... steely-eyed... WORF (to Eli) You are under arrest. Eli sneers. ELI Is that so -- Before Eli can finish, Worf quickly PUNCHES him, knocking the man cold with one shot. Eli drops to the floor. The bandito reacts, too shocked to make a move. Worf bends down and grabs Eli by the collar, lifts him up. WORF You will come with me. Worf begins to drag Eli out of the saloon. Alexander looks upset -- this isn't what he had in mind. ALEXANDER No, no, no... (to computer) Computer -- freeze program. Everything in the saloon FREEZES. WORF What is wrong? ALEXANDER That was too easy. It's gotta be harder to beat the bad guys. Otherwise, it's no fun. WORF Oh. ALEXANDER (to computer) Computer -- increase program difficulty to Level Four. Go back to where my father and I first walked into the saloon. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 14. 22 CONTINUED: (3) All of the people in the room DISAPPEAR. ALEXANDER Come on, Father... Alexander and Worf move to the swinging doors and EXIT... CUT TO: 23 CLOSE ANGLE - A WANTED POSTER attached to a wall. There is one fresh bullet hole in the forehead of the drawing of Eli Hollander. Two more GUNSHOTS ring out, and we see two BULLET HOLES RIP through the poster... 24 INCLUDE - ELI HOLLANDER holding a smoking pistol, having just fired the shot. ELI (re: poster) If I ever find the varmint who drew this... he'll be sorry he ever put pen to paper. (beat) I'm ten times uglier than that, ain't I? Eli's henchman, the bandito, laughs. ELI Shut up. The bandito falls silent. ELI You laugh so much, it's a wonder flies don't take up residence in your mouth... The bandito laughs. BANDITO You are a very funny man, Senor Eli... The bandito falls silent as Worf and Alexander ENTER the saloon. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 15. 24 CONTINUED: Eli sees them too, and his eyes narrow. Everyone in the room turns and looks. The room falls silent. The patrons of the bar suddenly realize they are in the line of fire -- and they scatter, many of them leaving the saloon. An open space is left between the two men. Worf watches the commotion in confusion. WORF (to Alexander) Where are they going? ALEXANDER (quietly, to Worf) They don't want to get hit by the bullets. Worf reacts... braces himself, then takes a step toward Eli. WORF (to Eli) You are under arrest -- Instantly, Eli's hand moves to the butt of his pistol. Alexander stops Worf. ALEXANDER (whispers, urgent) He's getting ready to draw. Worf puts his hand to the butt of his own gun. A tense moment as the two men stare at each other across the room. Eli breaks the moment by adopting a wide smile. His hand hangs down by his gun at all times. ELI (to his henchmen) Well... looks like Sheriff Worf is here to arrest me. Don't sound like a very bright idea... does it? The bandito shakes his head, stands and opens his coat to reveal a SHOTGUN. WORF (to Eli) You have been accused of committing a homicide. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 15A. 24 CONTINUED: (2) ELI If you mean murder, then I guess I'm guilty. Eli slowly walks up to Worf, giving him a hard stare. ELI (continuing) I've killed twenty-three men, Sheriff... one more ain't gonna make that much of a difference. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 16. 24 CONTINUED: (3) Worf doesn't flinch. Eli continues to goad Worf. ELI (continuing) 'Course... shootin someone as ugly as you... could hardly be considered a crime. The bandito laughs. Worf bristles, angry -- it's all he can do to hold himself back. ELI Were you just born that way... or did your momma marry an armadillo? More laughter. For the briefest instant, Eli's gaze darts to one side, just behind Worf. Worf sees it, realizes, and whirls around just in time to get a chair BROKEN across his back by a SECOND HENCHMAN. (NOTE: This being a Holodeck act of violence, Worf is unfazed.) Worf SLUGS the henchman, who goes flying backward onto the floor. The bandito moves to grab Worf, but Worf blocks his arms and lands a punch into his stomach -- then a hard hook across his face. The bandito goes CRASHING through a nearby table. Eli grabs a nearby BOTTLE and breaks it against the bar -- comes at Worf with the broken shards. Worf overcomes Eli with a series of well-timed PUNCHES. Eli falls to the floor, dazed. Worf looks at Alexander -- he's starting to enjoy himself. WORF I am beginning to see the appeal of this program... Alexander grins -- then sees something. ALEXANDER Sheriff, look out! Eli is drawing his pistol. Worf tries to grab his own gun -- but he's too late. Outdrawn. ELI (O.S.) Don't twitch a whisker, Sheriff... (waves gun) 'Less you want a shave. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 16A. 24 CONTINUED: (4) The bandito and the henchmen move to Worf and grab him from behind. Worf struggles, but it's no use. Alexander watches helplessly. Eli aims his gun at Worf, smirking, triumphant... relishing the moment... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 17. 24 CONTINUED: (5) ELI (to henchmen) Okay, boys... time to saddle up. (beat) But first... get their money and jewelry. WORF You are a murderer... and a thief. ELI A man's gotta make a livin. Eli cocks the pistol... BLAM! Eli's hat is BLASTED OFF his head. Everyone looks toward the door... 25 ANGLE ON - A MYSTERIOUS STRANGER standing at the door, holding a Winchester RIFLE, having just fired the shot. The figure re-cocks the rifle, keeps it aimed. The figure wears a wide-brimmed hat that obscures his face. A beat goes by, then the stranger raises his head slightly... It is TROI. TROI (to Eli, a threat) I suggest you find a new line of work. Reactions. Worf is surprised by the sight. Eli sees that he is defeated... scowls and de-cocks his pistol. The bandito and the henchman release their grip on Worf. Alexander smiles, leans toward Worf. ALEXANDER (whispers) I asked Counselor Troi to join us. She loves Western stories. Eli stares at Troi, who stares right back at him, clearly getting into her character. ELI (to Troi) You'll regret this, stranger. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 18. 26 CLOSE ON ELI'S HAND as he theatrically SPINS HIS PISTOL in the palm of his hand, then holsters it. 27 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit. 28 INT. ENGINEERING Data is still connected to the console -- his eyes are open and he is conscious. Geordi is working at a console; N.D.s work nearby. They've been at this awhile. DATA I am now attempting to access the long range sensor array... Data's head-blinkies BLINK. Geordi reacts to the console. GEORDI Forward sensor array coming online... we're getting a clear scan... DATA I will perform a routine maintenance check on the starboard inertial damping system... A beat. GEORDI Dampers on-line... maintanence check in progress... Data, I think we're on to something here... (beat) Let's see what you can do with secondary systems. Try gravitational control... DATA Initiating gravitational -- Data stops in mid-sentence -- freezes up for a moment, unable to speak. GEORDI Data, what's wrong? STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 19. 28 CONTINUED: Data returns to normal -- tilts his head, analyzing. DATA There appears to be an energy fluctuation in my neural net. (beat) I am disconnecting my interface to the computer. Data jerks his head and his blinkies SLOW DOWN. DATA Interface deactivated. Geordi starts to remove the cables from Data's head. GEORDI You alright? DATA I have experienced a brief power surge in my positronic subprocessor. (beat) But I am fine. GEORDI Maybe the interface coding is less stable than we thought... (beat) Looks like we've got a few hours of systems analysis before we can try this again. Geordi finishes disconnecting Data. GEORDI Let's check the interface programming... Geordi crosses to another console. Data picks up the tricorder and moves to go... 29 CLOSE ON DATA'S HAND As he theatrically SPINS THE TRICORDER in the palm of his hand, and replaces it in his belt holster, just like Eli Hollander did. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT ONE 20. 30 RESUME SCENE Data has not noticed his strange movement. He goes about his work, as if nothing is wrong... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 21. ACT TWO FADE IN: 31 EXT. HOLODECK - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY The building has a sign out front that reads "SHERIFF'S OFFICE." 32 INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE Eli is in a small JAIL CELL off to one side -- he's sitting on the cot, shuffling a deck of CARDS on a small table. (NOTE: His card shuffling is unpracticed and clumsy.) Worf and Alexander are standing next to the cell. Troi sits at the Sheriff's desk, legs propped up on the desktop, hands behind her head. Worf speaks loud enough for Eli to hear. WORF (to Alexander) What are his rights in this century? Will there be a trial... or shall I execute him? Eli reacts to the comment. ALEXANDER We're supposed to hold him until the U.S. Marshal comes. Then he'll take him to Rapid City for a trial. Eli starts to deal a game of solitare. ELI Frankly, I don't think I'll be around that long. Not after my old man hears about this. They look at him. WORF To what "old man" do you refer? STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 22. 32 CONTINUED: ELI My pa. When he comes to break me outta this tin can... the gravedigger'll be working overtime... Alexander glares at Eli. ALEXANDER Your pa's no match for Sheriff Worf. WORF If your father comes, we will be ready for him. Eli glances at Worf... looks him up and down... turns back to his card game and starts to laugh. Worf bristles. TROI He's right. Worf looks at her. Troi is still playing her character. TROI You're no match for the Hollanders. WORF I am sure the three of us can handle any problems. TROI Hold on. I was just passing through town... saw a little trouble... thought I'd lend a hand... (beat) But I'm not one of your deputies, Sheriff. A beat. Worf crosses to Troi, speaks confidentially to her. WORF Counselor... I would appreciate your support in this matter. Troi quietly breaks character... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 23. 32 CONTINUED: (2) TROI Durango... (off his look) I'm called Durango. Worf tries to play along. WORF Oh... well... Counselor Durango... perhaps you would consider becoming a temporary deputy? Troi considers. TROI For a price.... (beat) Five hundred dollars. Worf considers, turns to Alexander. WORF Alexander -- we require large amounts of currency. ALEXANDER Yes sir. I'll go to the bank and make a withdrawal. Alexander quickly EXITS the room. Worf sits down on the desktop, next to Troi. There's a quiet moment between them... WORF Deanna... how do you know so much about this period in Earth's history? Troi tips up her hat. TROI My father used to read me stories about the Ancient West when I was a little girl. (beat) I must admit... I've always wanted to play the part of the "Mysterious Stranger." Worf considers. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/23/92 - ACT TWO 24. 33 ANGLE ON DOOR as it bursts open and Annie Meyers ENTERS. She scans the room, spots Worf and, flushed with excitement, rushes to him. She grabs him by the collar and plants a huge kiss on his lips. Worf reacts, stunned. ANNIE You are just so brave... facing down that evil man like you did. Worf isn't sure how to respond. WORF Thank you. Ms... ? Annie swats him playfully. ANNIE Annie, you big galoot. (beat) You best not forget that tonight... (off his look) I'm gonna cook you up a beef steak... and gooseberry cobbler for dessert. Worf grows uncomfortable with the advance. Troi is amused. TROI Sounds delicious. Annie sidles up to Worf, romantic-like. ANNIE I bought special candles for the table setting... pure beeswax. Worf thinks of a way to get out of this. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 25. 33 CONTINUED: WORF I will not have time this evening. I have a prisoner. TROI (jibing Worf) I'll watch him for you, Sheriff. You two go have a good time. Worf shoots Troi a look. WORF That is very considerate of you. But I would be negligent in my duties if I did not stay. (beat) I am sorry... Ms. Annie. Annie glares at him, temper flaring. ANNIE It's another woman, ain't it? That floosie down at Miss Langford's House of Pleasure... WORF (confused) Who... where? Annie SLAPS Worf in the face -- then EXITS. (NOTE: It does not hurt Worf.) A stunned beat as Worf tries to figure out what just happened. Eli glances up from his game of solitare. ELI You sure got a way with women, Sheriff. OFF Worf's confused look... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - ACT TWO 26. 34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit. 35 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS Picard is holding a cup of tea. He sits down in his chair... takes a relaxing sip of the tea... PICARD Computer -- activate Picard Mozart trio, Program One. (beat) Play back tracks one, two and three. Tempo allegro. The instruments we heard before -- the cello, the oboe and the flute -- begin to PLAY. Picard sits back and enjoys the melody. Suddenly, a tiny note of dissonance occurs in the music. Picard hears it -- listens intently. The playback warbles for a moment, getting worse -- then A LOUD SYMPHONY BLARES OUT (NOTE: It is Dvorak's "The Slavonic Dances".) Picard is startled. PICARD (over the din) Computer -- stop playback! The symphony STOPS. PICARD (to computer) Computer -- identify musical composition. COMPUTER VOICE Picard Mozart trio, Program One. OFF Picard's puzzled look -- how can that be? STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 27. 36 INT. REHEARSAL ROOM Beverly is using the space to rehearse the play. RIKER and TWO CREWMEMBERS make up the cast. They are sitting in a semi-circle, listening to Beverly's direction. Everyone is holding a PADD. BEVERLY Let's read through Act Two. From the beginning... Riker looks at his PADD and begins to read... RIKER (reading) "Felis catus is your taxonomic nomenclature An endothermic quadraped, carnivorous... " Over this, Beverly reacts to what she hears -- something doesn't sound right. BEVERLY Hold it... Wil, what are you reading? RIKER My lines. Why? BEVERLY That's not the right dialogue... Riker looks at the PADD, confused. Beverly crosses to Riker and looks at his PADD. She reads aloud... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 28. 36 CONTINUED: BEVERLY (reading) Your visual, olfactory, and auditory senses Contribute to your hunting skill and... " Riker starts to realize... RIKER Wait a second... I recognize this... It's Data's poetry. Beverly looks at her own PADD, hits a few commands into it, reads the screen... hits a few more commands. BEVERLY The play's gone. I just keep getting more poetry... As they exchange a mystified look... 37 INT. ENGINEERING Geordi and Data are examining opened PADDs. Several other PADDs are sitting nearby. Beverly watches, curious. Geordi sets aside the PADD. GEORDI Well.. the PADDs are functioning normally... (beat) It seems to be a problem with the information retrieval net. For some reason, when you tried to bring up your play, the computer accessed Data's literary files. Data thinks. DATA Geordi, perhaps this problem is related to our interface experiment. Geordi nods. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 29. 37 CONTINUED: GEORDI We'd better run a Level Two diagnostic on the computer. See if the problem has spread to any other systems... DATA And I will perform a self-diagnostic. GEORDI Good idea. Data EXITS. Geordi starts to work a console. BEVERLY You'll let me know if you find the play? GEORDI Yeah... Don't worry, it's in here somewhere. Beverly nods. As Geordi works... 38 EXT. HOLODECK - WESTERN STREET - DAY CLOSE ON Alexander walking along, holding a small canvas BAG. He opens up the bag and peers inside, shakes the bag a little, causing it to JANGLE -- it's obviously full of money. He smiles and continues to jangle the bag... From offscreen, a HAND grabs Alexander by the shoulder. Alexander stops, startled, and slowly looks up... Standing over him are Eli's two henchmen seen earlier -- the bandito and the henchmen. Alexander reacts -- but before he can say a word, one of the henchmen clamps a giant hand over his mouth. Alexander struggles as they carry him away... 38A INT. MINES A short time later. The bandito and the henchmen are leading Alexander through the dark, abandoned tunnel. Alexander's hands are tied together with a rope, his mouth gagged by a bandanna. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 30. 38A CONTINUED: We hear FOOTSTEPS approach them. They look up to see a SHADOWY FIGURE step into view, dressed in all black -- this is FRANK HOLLANDER, Eli Hollander's father. His face is obscured by shadow. BANDITO (re: Alexander) We got him... The henchman removes the bandanna from Alexander's mouth. The shadowy figure speaks in a cold and menacing voice... DATA/FRANK (to Alexander) Where's my boy? Alexander struggles to escape, confused by this turn in the program. ALEXANDER I'm not supposed to be kidnapped now... (to computer) Computer -- freeze program! Nothing happens. Alexander grows alarmed. ALEXANDER Hey! (to computer) Computer -- freeze program! No response. Alexander is restrained by the henchman. He is scared now -- no longer a cowboy, but a little boy in peril... BANDITO (to figure, re; Alexander) You want us to kill him, Senor Frank? DATA/FRANK No... The figure takes a step forward. As he comes into the light, we see that HIS FACE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE DATA'S FACE. He stops and stares down at Alexander. DATA/FRANK He's more valuable to us alive. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT TWO 30A. 38A CONTINUED: (2) OFF Alexander's startled reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 31. ACT THREE FADE IN: 39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting the red giant planet. 40 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data is standing at a replicator slot. DATA (to replicator) Feline supplement, one hundred twenty-seven. Offscreen, a bowl of cat food MATERIALIZES. Data picks up the bowl of food and sets it on the floor, in front of his cat, SPOT. DATA Spot, I have formulated a new mixture of foods specifically tailored to your highly selective tastes. Spot sniffs at the food... doesn't seem to like it... and walks away. Data reacts. DATA Puzzling. I find it extremely difficult to predict what you will find acceptable. (beat) Perhaps hunger will compel you to try it again. Data crosses to his desk and sits down. He begins to work the console. Spot JUMPS UP onto the control panel, making it impossible for Data to work. Data watches him a moment. DATA Spot, you are disrupting my ability to work. Data gently nudges him aside. But Spot remains on the desk. Data tries to keep working, but it is difficult. Data gives Spot a more forceful push off the desk -- his face revealing the merest hint of annoyance. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/23/92 - ACT THREE 32. 40 CONTINUED: When he speaks, he momentarily, inexplicably, slips into a Texan accent -- DATA (Texan accent) You lil' varmint. Spot scampers off. Data returns to work, not noticing the strange slip. He continues to work as if nothing has happened... 41 INT. HOLODECK - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY Troi and Worf are standing face to face, feet apart in a ready stance. She is showing Worf how to draw a. gun. Eli is in cell, clumsily shuffling his deck of cards. TROI The most important thing about the quick draw is, you've got to hold your arm loose... like this... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/23/92 - ACT THREE 33. 41 CONTINUED: Troi draws, cocks, aims. Fast and smooth. Reholsters. TROI Now... you try it. Worf takes a beat, readies himself... then he draws, cocks, and his GUN ACCIDENTALLY FIRES into the floor. A beat. They stand and exchange a look -- safe but shaken. ELI (chiding) Hell to blazes... I better warn my pa. We got a regular sharp shooter here! Worf glares at him. WORF Silence. Troi moves to a window and glances outside, concerned about something. TROI Worf... Alexander has been gone for over half an hour. Shouldn't he be back by now? Worf considers. He's enjoying this program, and is eager to get back into the story. WORF Yes... I will go find him. (re: Eli) Watch the prisoner. Troi nods and picks up her rifle. Worf EXITS. Troi sits down at the desk and looks at Eli. Eli starts to deal solitare, ignoring her. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 34. 41 CONTINUED: (2) Troi slips into her Counselor mode -- she can't resist having a little fun... TROI So, Mister Hollander... I understand you've lived a life of violent crime. (beat) Would you like to discuss your feelings about it? As Eli throws Troi a suspicious look... 42 INT. GOLD STRIKE SALOON Various townsfolk are present; the piano player is playing a tune. Worf ENTERS the saloon, takes a look around the room, and crosses to the bar. 43 ON BAR COUNTER as Worf arrives. ANNIE (O.S.) (to Worf) What'll it be? Worf looks up, see Annie Meyers standing behind the bar. Clearly, she is still bitter at Worf. WORF I am looking for my deputy. Perhaps you have seen him. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 35. 43 CONTINUED: ANNIE Nope. (beat) What'll you have? Worf hesitates, unsure what to order... makes an effort anyway... WORF Klingon Firewine. ANNIE This ain't Kansas City. We don't got none of that fancy European stuff here. (sarcastic) Maybe I should bring you a sherry. That is what they serve over at Miss Langford's, ain't it? Before Worf can respond, Annie walks off. From offscreen, we HEAR the GALLOP OF SEVERAL HORSES outside the saloon. People turn to look, curious at the commotion. We hear the horses come to a stop, whinnying... the sound of men dismounting the horses... then FOOTSTEPS on the wooden porch of the saloon... 44 ON THE DOORS as they swing open and Data/Frank Hollander ENTERS along with the bandito and the henchman. The room falls silent. An ominous beat as they scan the room... and spot Worf at the bar. They take a few steps toward the bar counter. Data/Frank's manner is polite but menacing. DATA/FRANK (to Worf) Howdy, Sheriff. Worf reacts to the sight of Data -- surprised to see him. WORF Commander ... what are you doing here? Data/Frank eyes him. DATA/FRANK The name is Frank Hollander. STAR TREK: "The Quality... " - REV. 9/25/92 - ACT FIVE 36. 44 CONTINUED: Worf reacts -- takes a moment to realize that Data is simply having fun with his character... WORF (realizing) Oh... I see... Worf lets out a little smile. DATA/FRANK What are you smiling at? Worf stops smiling -- decides to play along. WORF Nothing. Nothing at all... "Mister Hollander." (beat) What is it you want? Data/Frank eyes him. DATA FRANK My boy. WORF That is not possible. Your son is to stand trial for murder. DATA/FRANK Well then... maybe we can work it out. Is there something you want... in exchange for my boy? WORF You have nothing I want. STAR TREK: "The Quality... " - REV. 9/25/92 - ACT FIVE 37. 44 CONTINUED: (2) DATA/FRANK What about... your deputy? Worf reacts. WORF What about him? Data/Frank smiles -- his look says it all. Worf realizes. WORF Where is he? Data/Frank just stares at him. Worf bristles, but stands firm -- he's really enjoying this program. WORF I do not negotiate with criminals. (beat) Your son will stand trial. Worf takes a step toward the door. From behind, Data/Frank's hand clamps down hard on Worf's shoulder. Worf stops, reacting to the grip. He turns around... DATA/FRANK Not so fast... Data/Frank pushes him. Worf stumbles backward a step. He looks at Data/Frank, surprised, and a little annoyed. He quietly breaks character... WORF Commander... what are you doing? Data/Frank reaches out and pushes him yet again, taunting. DATA/FRANK I ain't in the mood for games, Sheriff. Worf reacts to the remark -- something doesn't seem right about this... STAR TREK: "The Quality... " - REV. 9/25/92 - ACT FIVE 38. 44 CONTINUED: (3) WORF (uncertain) Data... ? Data/Frank ignores him and pushes him again, harder, with android strength. Worf hits up against the bar. He senses it now -- something is not right. WORF (to computer) Computer -- freeze program. Nothing happens. Worf grows alarmed, looks at Data/Frank and the others. They take Worf's look as a threatening one -- and all of their hands drop to the butts of their guns. DATA/FRANK Your move, Sheriff. The scene takes on a whole new tension as Worf realizes that something is terribly wrong. Play the suspense as Worf slowly backs toward the door... having to pass the two henchmen along the way... DATA/FRANK (a threat) I wouldn't walk out that door, Sheriff... Worf hesitates... his patience wearing thin... he's had it with this program. A tense beat... then Worf intently takes a step toward the door... Data/Frank DRAWS HIS GUN and FIRES at Worf -- Worf grabs his arm in pain -- pulls back his hand to reveal that he's bleeding from a GUNSHOT WOUND in his arm. He's been hit -- for real. Worf glances at the men, alarmed -- something is terribly wrong.... It happens all at once: -- Worf DIVES through the swinging doors to get away... -- The two henchmen draw their guns and all three men OPEN FIRE on Worf... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 38A. 45 INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE Troi is on her feet, rifle in hand, having heard the gunshots outside. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 39. 45 CONTINUED: Worf barrels in the door, breathless and concerned. He bolts and locks the doors. TROI Worf, what's going on? WORF The Holodeck safeguards are not functioning. Alexander is in danger. Troi moves to him -- sees that Worf's arm is bleeding from a GUNSHOT WOUND. TROI (re: wound) My God -- you've been shot. They exchange a worried look. TROI (to computer) Computer -- end program. (taps communicator) Troi to Captain Picard. (beat) Troi to Security. No response. WORF There is a new character in the program -- Hollander's father. He looks like Commander Data... TROI (reacts) Data? WORF But it is not Data... I cannot explain. (beat) I believe he has taken Alexander. Troi removes a BANDANA from her pocket and uses it to wrap Worf's arm. From offscreen: DATA/ELI (O.S.) Now ain't that a shame... the poor Sheriff's been injured... Worf and Troi look toward the cell -- and stop cold at what they see... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT THREE 40. 45A INCLUDE DATA/ELI standing at the cell bars, looking out. ELI NOW LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE DATA. Same Western clothes, same accent, same personality -- but he has Data's face. DATA/ELI What's wrong... was my pa a little too rough on you? Data/Eli starts to laugh tauntingly. OFF Troi and Worf's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 46 INT. HOLODECK - SHERIFF'S OFFICE Continuous. Worf and Troi staring at Data/Eli, surprised by the sight. TROI Data... ? Data/Eli looks at her, uncertain. DATA/ELI What? It's clear from Data/Eli's behavior that this is still the gunslinger character of Eli. They watch him a moment. TROI (quietly, to Worf) Why would the computer create Holodeck characters that look like Data? Worf shakes his head, doesn't know -- he glares at Data/Eli, growing furious at the situation. There is a sense of urgency in the air, now -- it's no longer just a harmless Holodeck fantasy. WORF (to Data/Eli) Where have they taken my son? Data/Eli shrugs and smiles at Worf -- a taunt. Worf's temper flares -- he quickly reaches out and grabs Data/Eli through the cell bars, pulls him forward by the collar. WORF (demands) Where is he? DATA/ELI Temper, temper, Sheriff. Pa wouldn't be too pleased if I came back all bruised... Worf tightens his grip, one step away from violence. Troi tries to ease the situation. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 42-43. 46 CONTINUED: TROI Worf, wait... A beat. Worf releases Data/Eli, seething. He joins Troi and they speak privately. TROI We've got to remember... the Holodeck safeguards may be off, but this is still a program... (beat) If we can get to the end of this story... the way it was designed to play out... the program should automatically terminate. Worf sees her point and calms down. WORF You are right... (beat) I will begin by speaking to the people of this town. Perhaps someone witnessed Alexander's abduction. Troi nods -- good idea. Worf moves to the door, unlocks it and carefully peers outside -- the coast is clear. He EXITS. Troi glances at the jail cell, where Data/Eli is sitting on the cot, quietly playing solitaire... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/24/92 - ACT FOUR 44-46. 47 thru OMITTED 48 49 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around the red giant. 50 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi. Mid-conversation. GEORDI We think our interface experiment may have caused one of the computer's core subroutines to be altered. DATA When the interface malfunction occurred, subroutine C-forty-seven was replaced by elements of my personal programming. RIKER What does C-forty-seven control? GEORDI Library computer access... replicator selection... recreational programming... No critical systems. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - ACT FOUR 47. 50 CONTINUED: DATA (to Picard) That would explain why your music composition program began playing "The Slavonic Dances." I have been analyzing the collected works of Anton Dvorak. GEORDI (nods) The same with Doctor Crusher's play... and with the food replicators... Picard reacts -- he hasn't heard about this one yet. RIKER (explains) The replicators on Decks Four through Nine have started producing nothing but cat food. PICARD Cat food? DATA I have been formulating nutritional supplements for Spot. Picard considers the situation. PICARD When can you have the problem corrected? DATA We are currently attempting to isolate the corrupted circuit pathways. (beat) I reckon the process should take less then two hours. Reactions to Data's statement. Except for Data, who has not noticed the slip. PICARD What did you say? STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 48. 50 CONTINUED: (2) DATA I said the process would take less than two hours. RIKER No -- you said "I reckon... " Data thinks. DATA According to my memory log, I did not use those words. (Texan accent) Ya'll must be mistaken. Reactions. GEORDI There, Data, You did it again. DATA (Texan accent) Did whut? Reactions -- what the hell's going on? Data looks at them, puzzled. PICARD Mister La Forge -- perhaps you should take Mister Data to Engineering. See if you can find the problem. GEORDI Aye sir. Geordi and Data rise to go. As they walk toward the door, Data hitches his thumbs into his waistband and, with a slight bow-legged swagger, EXITS the room. Picard and Riker exchange a glance. OFF their puzzled reactions... 51 INT. HOLODECK - SHERIFF'S OFFICE Troi is pacing nervously, rifle in-hand. She glances out the window... moves back to the desk... waiting... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 49. 51 CONTINUED: From offscreen, Data/Eli can be heard SHUFFLING his deck of cards. Troi ignores it at first, preoccupied... then she takes note. The card shuffling seems to be getting faster and faster... like it's being done at increasingly high speeds... Troi listens for a moment, curious. Then she crosses to the jail cell and peers inside. She reacts to what she sees -- 52 ANGLE ON DATA/ELI (OPTICAL) sitting on the cot, SHUFFLING the deck of cards at HYPER SPEED -- android speed. He proceeds to deal a hand of solitaire at hyper-speed... then plays out the game at hyper-speed... Troi stares at him, realizing. Data/Eli stops and looks right at her. DATA/ELI Can I help you with somethin? There's a knock at the door. Troi quickly moves to the door... unlocks the bolt... opens the door a crack to see who's there, then opens it. Worf ENTERS, looking urgent. WORF I spoke to several witnesses. One saw Alexander being abducted as he was leaving the bank... by Hollander's men. Worf crosses to the desk, opens a drawer and starts to look for something. This is a bizarre and frightening situation, but Worf is intent on getting out of it. WORF We will begin a systematic search of the town... Worf removes a boxful of BULLETS and sets them on the desktop -- begins to shove bullets into his pocket. Troi glances at the jail cell, troubled. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 49A. 52 CONTINUED: TROI Worf... we've got another problem. I saw Eli shuffling his cards. He was doing it the way Data does when he plays poker... (beat) He doesn't just look like Data... he has Data's abilities. And his father probably does, as well... Worf stops and looks at the cell, disturbed by the news. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 50. 52 CONTINUED: (2) A knock at the door. Worf and Troi exchange a look. Troi raises her rifle and Worf draws his gun. Worf moves to the door, unbolts it, and eases it open. Data/Frank Hollander is standing in the doorway. Troi reacts -- it's the first time she's seen him. DATA/FRANK Howdy, Sheriff. (beat) I came to see my boy. Troi points her rifle in his general direction. WORF Remove your weapon. Data/Frank smiles and takes his gun out of his holster -- offers it handle-first to Worf. DATA/FRANK (re: gun) Take a good look at that gun, Sheriff... you might see it again real soon. Data/Frank enters the room. He walks toward the cell, eager to see his son. DATA/FRANK Eli? Inside the cell, Eli jumps to his feet and grips the cell bars. DATA/ELI Pa! 53 ANGLE ON DATA/FRANK AND DATA/ELI (OPTICAL) standing face to face, separated by the cell door. DATA/FRANK How have they been treating you, son? DATA/ELI Real bad, Pa. They ain't fed me since I got here... and the Sheriff's been roughin me up somethin fierce. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 51. 53 CONTINUED: DATA/FRANK Don't you worry. The Sheriff will pay for this. Data/Frank throws a look at Worf and Troi. DATA/FRANK (re: Troi) Who's the stranger? DATA/ELI Don't know... she ain't said her name. But she's in cahoots with the Sheriff... and she's mighty mean with a Winchester. Data/Frank nods. DATA/FRANK Sit tight, boy. I'll have you home in time for supper. 54 RESUME SCENE Data/Frank moves to Worf and Troi, adamant. DATA/FRANK I'll give you one more opportunity to avoid an ugly situation, Sheriff. Release my boy. Worf bristles, but plays along. WORF I have... reconsidered your offer. I will release your son... in exchange for my deputy. Data/Frank smiles -- clearly, he's a man who is used to winning. DATA/FRANK I thought you might have a change of heart... (beat) Meet me in two hours. You be in front of the saloon... I'll be in front of the livery station. Worf nods. 144:[4,#b] STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FOUR 52. 54 CONTINUED: WORF Agreed. Data/Frank moves toward the door -- Worf hands him his gun. Data/Eli stops at Troi and gives her a hard look. DATA/FRANK (to Worf, re; Troi) Strangers ain't invited. Troi narrows her eyes at him. Data/Frank EXITS. Worf turns to Troi, relieved. But Troi looks concerned about something... TROI In every Western I've ever read, the villains break their word. We can't trust him. WORF But we have made an honorable agreement. TROI They're not concerned with honor, Worf. This is the Ancient West. There's a gunfighter out there who can shoot with the speed and accuracy of an android... (beat) And in two hours, he's going to try to kill you. OFF Worf and Troi's concern as the gravity of the situation sinks in... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 53. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) orbiting the red giant. 56 INT. ENGINEERING Data is sitting by a console, a panel in his head open, being examined by Geordi. Riker ENTERS and crosses to them. Data has gotten worse -- he slips in and out of a Texan accent throughout the scene, completely unaware of his bizarre behavior. DATA (to Riker, Texan accent) Howdy, Commander. An awkward beat. RIKER Mister La Forge... what have you found? DATA (Texan accent) Well... we figure parts of my memory structure... (normal voice) ... have been replaced with information from the computer's recreational data-base. GEORDI Specifically, files relating to the nineteenth century American West. RIKER That explains the accent... DATA (Texan accent) That's right, partner. Riker and Geordi exchange a look. RIKER Is this another result of the interface experiment? STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 54. 56 CONTINUED: GEORDI I'm afraid so. But we've initiated a progressive memory purge to restore Data's programming to its original state. (beat) He should be back to normal in a few hours. RIKER What about the computer's recreational data-base? GEORDI We've started a memory purge there, as well. It'll take another hour... maybe two. Data tips an invisible hat to Riker. DATA (Texan accent) You just sit tight, Commander. We'll have it fixed up in time for supper. Riker nods. RIKER Good. As Riker turns to go... 57 INT. HOLODECK - SHERIFF'S OFFICE 58 CLOSE ON A MAP A hand-drawn map of the center of town, laid out on the Sheriff's desk. Worf has made the map himself. He is pointing to one end of town with a stylus -- an inkwell is close at hand. WORF (O.S.) I will be positioned here, at the Eastern end of the street... He points to the West end. WORF (O.S.) Frank Hollander says he will approach from this end... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 55. 59 INCLUDE THE SCENE Worf and Troi are looking at the map, speaking softly, so Data/Eli cannot hear. On the desktop, we can see Worf and Troi's communicators laid out. They are having a makeshift tactical conference. There is a sense of urgency in the air as they plan a strategy. Worf dips the stylus into the inkwell and draws an "X" in the middle of the street. WORF (re: "x") Once he gets to this point, he will be within range. Troi studies the map. She nods, anxious but determined. TROI Understood. (beat) What about Alexander? WORF There is a rain barrel in front of the saloon. It should be enough to stop the bullets. There's a KNOCK at the door. Troi grabs her rifle and Worf moves to the door, unlocks it and opens it a crack. Annie Meyers ENTERS, carrying a wooden BOX full of various EQUIPMENT -- wire coils, transformer batteries, etc. She speaks to Worf in an urgent whisper. ANNIE (to Worf) You wouldn't believe what I went through to talk Old Man Newsome out of his telegraph machine... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 56. 59 CONTINUED: Worf looks pleased. WORF Excellent. Worf takes the box and crosses to the desk... rummages through the box and finds a small PEN KNIFE. He picks up one of the communicator pins and OPENS it... then grabs a coil of copper wire, breaks off a length, and begins to connect the wire to the communicator circuits with the pen knife... ANNIE (expecting a response) Lord knows why I keep riskin my life for you, Sheriff... Worf ignores her. Troi nudges Worf to respond. Begrudgingly, Worf tips his hat to Annie. WORF (to Annie) Thank you, Ms. Annie. I am... in your debt. Annie brightens -- that's enough for her. Worf glances up at a CLOCK on the wall. 60 ANGLE - THE CLOCK It reads four o'clock... DISSOLVE TO: STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 57. 61 THE CLOCK It now reads five fifteen. 62 INCLUDE THE ROOM Worf is making some last-minute adjustments to a DEVICE attached to his holster -- it's a small metallic box, fashioned from spare parts. Copper wiring connects the device to a communicator pin on Worf's vest. Troi walks over to him, eyeing the device (Annie is gone). TROI How long will the field last? WORF It is highly unstable. No more than fifteen seconds. TROI Let's hope that's enough. Worf nods. OFF his look of concern... CUT TO: 63 EXT. WESTERN STREET - DAY WIDE ANGLE on the same street seen earlier. But it is now empty, except for a couple of TOWNSPEOPLE who are hurrying on their way. A sense of foreboding is in the air... Visible in the frame is a RAIN BARREL sitting on the street in front of the Gold Strike saloon... as well as a nearby COVERED WAGON... 64 NEW ANGLE - STREET Data/Frank steps into view, holding Alexander by the arm. He stops, waiting. Somewhere, A CHURCH BELL starts to TOLL... six times total throughout the scene... Data/Frank pulls out a cigar and sticks it in his mouth. He strikes a match... and stops in mid-motion at what he sees... INTERCUT: STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 58. 65 ANGLE - WORF walking to his spot at the opposite end of the street. He still wears the make-shift device on his holster, and the communicator pin on his chest. Data/Eli is at his side. Data/Frank smiles, and lights up his cigar. A tense beat goes by. Then Data/Frank gives Alexander a little shove. Alexander stumbles forward... then begins a tentative walk down the street toward Worf... Worf nudges Data/Eli, sending him on his way toward Data/Frank... Play the suspense as the two prisoners make the long walk down the empty street... At one point, as they pass each other, and they exchange a look. Alexander reacts to the sight of Data... Alexander comes closer and closer to Worf, almost within reach. As he approaches, Worf sends a deliberate glance toward the nearby rain barrel. Alexander glances at it too... understanding that Worf wants him to see it... Suddenly, Data/Frank lets out a loud WHISTLE -- 66 DATA/HENCHMAN emerges from behind a building. (The same henchman seen earlier, but now he resembles Data.) 67 DATA/BANDITO appears on the second story balcony of a building, pistol drawn, and looks down at the scene. 68 DATA/FRANK calls out to his son -- DATA/FRANK Eli -- down! It all happens at once: 69 DATA/ELI drops to the ground... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 58A. 70 DATA/FRANK draws his pistol... 71 WORF AND ALEXANDER WORF (calls out) Alexander! Alexander quickly takes cover behind the rain barrel as Worf hits a switch on the device attached to his holster -- 72 DATA/FRANK OPENS FIRE on Worf with android proficiency -- 73 WORF (OPTICAL) As he is hit by the first TWO BULLETS, a FORCE FIELD activates around his body, deflecting the bullets in crazy ricochets. (NOTE: The force field should look unstable and staticky.) Worf stumbles backward from the impact of the hits... tries to keep his balance... 74 ALEXANDER crawls out from behind the rain barrel and into the safety of the saloon... stops just inside the door and peers out so he can watch the gunfight... 75 DATA/ELI gets to his feet and out of the line of fire... 75A DATA/FRANK relentlessly takes aim again... 76 WORF (OPTICAL) takes the impact of TWO MORE BULLETS, the FORCE FIELD FLASHING AND FRITZING with every strike... looking more unstable with every hit. Another BULLET hits... then another BULLET and the FORCE FIELD FRITZES OUT COMPLETELY. Worf reacts, realizing he's vulnerable -- hits the switch on the device but it won't work... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/18/92 - ACT FIVE 58B. 77 DATA/FRANK takes aim and pulls the trigger -- but the gun has run out of bullets. His six-shooter CLICKS empty... click, click, click... From offscreen -- DATA/BANDITO (O.S.) Senor Frank! The sequence plays out in SLOW MOTION: 78 THE BANDITO throws his pistol down to Data/Frank... 78A WORF drops his hand to his holster and tries to draw his gun -- fumbles with the gun... can't get it out... suspense builds... 78B THE BANDITO'S GUN as it TUMBLES through the air... 78C WORF manages to draw his gun... takes aim... awkwardly starts to cock the hammer back... 79 DATA/FRANK catches the gun with android skill and moves to shoot Worf... RESUME NORMAL MOTION: 80 WORF FIRES his gun at Data/Frank... 81 DATA/FRANK as the gun is BLOWN out of his hand. He reacts, outdrawn. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 59. 82 ANGLE - DATA/ELI AND DATA/HENCHMAN as they start to take a step toward Worf. Behind them, the canvas flap on the covered wagon drops open to reveal Troi. She aims her Winchester rifle in their direction and COCKS it. TROI (to Datas) Don't even think about it. The two Datas stop, turn to look... they raise their arms into the air, defeated... 83 DATA/BANDITO sees the danger of the situation... 84 ANGLE - WORF AND DATA/FRANK staring each other down. Data/Frank spreads his arms wide and just stands there, staring at Worf defiantly. DATA/FRANK Go ahead and shoot me. Worf glares at him, his Klingon instincts flaring to the surface... he cocks his pistol... a tense beat goes by... then he glances toward the saloon... 85 ALEXANDER is peering out from the doorway, anxiously waiting to see what Worf will do... 86 WORF AND DATA/FRANK Worf thinks it over... keeps his pistol trained... WORF (to Data/Frank) Do not show your face in this town again. A beat. Then Data/Frank scowls and turns to go... Worf watches them go. Troi moves to his side, rifle in-hand. They exchange a grim look, then head toward the saloon... STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 59A. 87 INT. GOLD STRIKE SALOON The room is empty, except for Alexander, who is standing by the door, peering outside. Worf and Troi ENTER. ALEXANDER Father! Alexander embraces Worf, grateful to see him. WORF Are you alright? Alexander looks at him and nods. ALEXANDER Yes. Worf glances around the room, suddenly concerned. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 60. 87 CONTINUED: WORF (to computer) Computer -- end program. Nothing happens. A tense beat. TROI I don't understand this. The story should be over... what's left? From offscreen -- DATA/ANNIE (O.S.) Sheriff... Sheriff! 88 INCLUDE DATA/ANNIE (OPTICAL) ENTERING the saloon -- she now LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE DATA. DATA/ANNIE You're as handy with a shootin'-iron as you are with a lady's heart! Data/Annie rushes to Worf and wraps her arms around him, giving him a big kiss. Worf reacts, disgusted. WORF (to computer) Computer -- end program! The saloon VANISHES and the familiar GRID appears. As Worf, Troi and Alexander exchange a look of relief... 89 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit, facing another SHIP -- the Biko. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 46278.3. Both Commander Data and the ship's computer have been restored to normal operation. Our rendezvous with the supply ship Biko has proceeded as planned. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 61. 90 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Alexander is lying in his bed, exhausted from his adventure, fast asleep. Worf stops at the bed to check in on him. Satisfied, he turns to go. Alexander opens his eyes and looks at Worf. ALEXANDER Father... Worf stops, turns. Alexander looks a little gloomy. ALEXANDER After what happened... I guess you'll never want to go back to the Ancient West... A beat. Worf speaks gently. STAR TREK: "A Fistful of Datas" - REV. 9/17/92 - ACT FIVE 62. 90 CONTINUED: WORF The town of Deadwood may face danger again, Alexander. If they do... they'll need a Sheriff... and a deputy. Alexander smiles at the words, and happily rolls over to go back to sleep... Worf walks into the main room, stops at a table, and reaches down and picks up his cowboy hat -- the same one he's been wearing all along. He eyes it a moment, then glances toward a nearby MIRROR... He puts on the hat and crosses to the mirror... strikes a ready pose in front of it. Using his hand as an imaginary gun, he draws and aims at his reflection. Fast and smooth. OFF his face as he smiles... 91 OMITTED 92 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the ship LEAVES ORBIT of the planet, a distant ORANGE STAR comes into view. The Enterprise flies off in the direction of the star, BACKLIT by the ORANGE GLOW... like a sunset... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END