STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "Descent, Part I" 
                          #40276-252 
                              
                           Story by 
                          Jeri Taylor 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Ronald D. Moore 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Alex Singer 


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 1993 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 This script is not for publication or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

                        APRIL 12, 1993

            STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Descent" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             CROSIS
                RIKER              HAWKING
                DATA               NECHAYEV
                BEVERLY            NEWTON
                TROI               EINSTEIN
                WORF               LORE
                GEORDI             BOSUS
                                   TAYAR
                COMPUTER VOICE  
   
                Non-Speaking       
                  N.D. CREWMEMBERS   
                  N.D. SECURITY GUARDS
                  N.D. BAJORAN SECURITY OFFICER

            STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Descent" 
                       
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              HOLODECK                 ALIEN SHIP
                (DATA'S QUARTERS)
                (OUTPOST)              DISTORTION
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              ENGINEERING              SHUTTLE
              READY ROOM
              TROI'S OFFICE            PLANET
              CORRIDOR                   (SURFACE)
              BRIG                       (BUILDING)
              DATA'S QUARTERS
                                       GORKON
              OUTPOST
              BORG HALL

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Descent" 
                         
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 OHNIAKA         oh-nee-AH-ka
                 CORELKI         ko-REL-kee
                 GORKON          GOR-kon
                 LUVETRIC        LOO-vet-rik
                 NECHAYEV        NEH-che-yev


          STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER          1.

                STAR TREK: The Next Generation                  
                           "Descent"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. DATA'S QUARTERS/HOLODECK (OPTICAL)

	Seated around the poker table clockwise are DATA,
	STEPHEN HAWKING, ALBERT EINSTEIN, and ISAAC NEWTON.
	Everyone has chips and cards in front of them -- a
	small device is holding Hawking's cards for him.
	Hawking is telling the last few lines of a very
	esoteric joke.

					HAWKING
			... but then I said, "In that
			frame of reference, the perihelion
			of Mercury would have precessed in
			the opposite direction."

	Einstein laughs uproariously, Data looks amused, and
	Newton looks puzzled.

					EINSTEIN
			That is a great story!

					DATA
			Quite amusing, Professor Hawking.
				(to Newton)
			You see, Sir Isaac, the joke
			depends on an understanding of the
			relativistic curvature of spacetime.
			If two non-inertial
			reference frames are in relative
			motion--

					NEWTON
				(irritated)
			Do not patronize me, sir! I
			invented physics. The day that
			apple fell on my head was the most
			momentous day in the history of
			science.

					HAWKING
			Not the apple story again.

					DATA
			That story is generally considered
			to be apocryphal.

          STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER          2.

1    CONTINUED:

					NEWTON
				(outraged)
			What? How dare you?

					EINSTEIN
			Perhaps we should return to the
			game.
				(thinks, to Hawking)
			Let's see, you raised Mister Data
			four, which means the bet is seven
			to me.

					NEWTON
			The bet is ten! Can't you do
			simple arithmetic?

	Einstein pushes out the correct number of chips.
	Newton matches the bet.

					NEWTON
				(grumbling)
			I don't even know why I'm here in
			the first place. What's the point
			of playing this ridiculous game?

					DATA
				(matches the bet)
			I am in. When I play poker with
			my shipmates, I often find that it
			is a useful forum for exploring
			different facets of humanity. I
			was curious to see how three of
			history's greatest minds would
			interact in this setting. So far
			it has proved most illuminating.

	Einstein looks down at his own immense stack of chips.

					EINSTEIN
			And profitable.

					NEWTON
			Can we get this over with, please?
				(to Hawking)
			It's your bet.

					HAWKING
			I raise fifty.

	Data pushes out some chips for him. Newton reacts and
	throws his cards down in disgust.

					NEWTON
			Blast! I fold.

          STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER          3.

1    CONTINUED: (2)

	Data also puts down his cards and folds, but Einstein
	holds firm.

					EINSTEIN
				(to Hawking)
			The uncertainty principle will not
			help you now, Stephen. All the
			quantum fluctuations in the
			universe won't change the cards in
			your hand. I call. You are
			bluffing and you will lose.

					HAWKING
			Wrong again, Albert.

	Hawking's card holder flips over his cards.

2    INSERT - HAWKING'S CARDS

	he has four SEVENS.

3    RESUME SCENE

	As they all react. Einstein's shoulders slump in
	defeat.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Red Alert. All personnel report
			to duty stations.

					DATA
				(stands)
			We will have to continue this at
			another time.
				(to com)
			End program.

	The scientists and the room VANISH, revealing the
	Holodeck walls. Data EXITS.

                                             CUT TO:

4    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

          STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER          4.

5    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	PICARD ENTERS from the aft Turbolift and moves toward
	RIKER, who is standing at one of the aft science
	stations. WORF and TROI are at their stations, an N.D.
	at Conn. Data ENTERS from the forward Turbolift and
	moves to Ops. The ship is on Red Alert.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			We've received a distress call
			from the Ohniaka Three Outpost.
			They said they were under attack.

					PICARD
				(puzzled)
			Ohniaka Three... there's no
			strategic value to that outpost.
			Were they able to identify the
			attackers?

					RIKER
			No, sir. And we haven't been able
			to raise them since the initial
			call.

					WORF
			We are nearing the Ohniaka system,
			Captain.

	Picard and Riker move toward the Command area.

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Bring us out of warp, Ensign.

					WORF
			Sensors detect one ship orbiting
			the third planet... its
			configuration does not match
			anything in our records.

					RIKER
			Stand-by phasers and photon
			torpedoes.

					PICARD
			Hail them, Mister Worf.

					WORF
				(works)
			No response.

					PICARD
			Put them onscreen.

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - TEASER        5.

6    INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The screen shows an ALIEN VESSEL in orbit around a
	planet. The ship is unlike any other we've ever seen.
	It has very little markings or decoration, but it is
	clearly menacing.

					DATA
			It does not appear to be attacking
			the outpost.

					RIKER
			They might have attacked before we
			got here.

					PICARD
			Or they might simply be another
			victim.
				(beat, to Data)
			What about the outpost on the
			surface?

					DATA
				(works)
			There is a great deal of
			electromagnetic interference... I
			am unable to determine whether
			there are any lifeforms present.

	Riker looks to Picard, who thinks for a moment, then
	nods. Riker stands and heads for the Turbolift.

					RIKER
			Data, Worf, you're with me.

	Riker, Data, and Worf EXIT.

                                             CUT TO:

7    INT. OUTPOST (OPTICAL)

	A typical Federation science station which has recently
	been attacked. There are DEAD BODIES everywhere, and
	a few scorch marks are visible on the walls, but the
	physical damage is actually minimal. Riker, Data,
	Worf, and ONE N.D. SECURITY GUARD MATERIALIZE.
	Everyone is wearing phasers, and Data and Worf have
	tricorders.

          STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER          5A.

7    CONTINUED:

	Riker reacts to the sight of the dead Starfleet
	officers. Worf checks some of the bodies with his
	tricorder while Data moves to a computer console.

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - TEASER        6.

7    CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
				(off-tricorder)
			These wounds were caused by a
			forced-plasma beam... similar to
			a Ferengi hand phaser.

					RIKER
			This seems pretty brutal for the
			Ferengi.
				(to Data)
			Can you detect any survivors?

					DATA
				(off tricorder)
			The electro-magnetic interference
			is still making it difficult to
			get precise sensor readings.

					RIKER
			How many people were assigned to
			this outpost?

					WORF
			Two hundred seventy-four.

					RIKER
			All right... we'll make a room to
			room search. Worf -- you, and
			Corelki start searching the north
			wing, we'll take the south.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

	Worf and the N.D. Guard EXIT the room. Riker and Data
	move toward a door at the opposite side of the room.
	Data tries to operate a panel next to the door, but it
	doesn't open right away.

					DATA
			The mechanism appears to be
			jammed.

	Data works a computer control on the wall and Riker
	looks around at the chilling sight surrounding them.

					RIKER
			There's not much damage... doesn't
			look like they were interested in
			the station... just the people...

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - TEASER        7.

7    CONTINUED: (3)

	A long beat, then Data turns to Riker.

					DATA
			I have by-passed the primary
			system.

	Data works for a moment.

8    NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING DOOR (OPTICAL)

	The door suddenly OPENS and reveals a BORG STANDING IN
	THE DOORWAY.

                                             FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT ONE       8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

9    INT. OUTPOST - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Data, and the Security Guard react with shock,
	but before they can do anything, another BORG ENTERS
	the room and FIRES at them. Riker and Data dive for
	cover just as SEVERAL OTHER BORG start to rush in,
	FIRING their weapons.

                                             CUT TO:

10   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & ALIEN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	The Alien ship suddenly FIRES on the Enterprise.

11   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Geordi are on the Bridge. The ship ROCKS
	with the impact.

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Evasive maneuvers, Ensign!
				(to Tactical)
			Return fire.

	The ship ROCKS again.

					GEORDI
			Shields are down to eighty
			percent... compensating with
			auxiliary power.

12   INT. OUTPOST (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Data have taken cover behind some consoles
	and they are trading PHASER SHOTS with the Borg. These
	Borg are not acting like the calm, neutral automatons
	that we've become used to seeing. They are quickfooted,
	cunning, and ferocious. Their faces are
	twisted into expressions of fury and hatred... and they
	take care to hide behind objects to avoid being shot --
	in short, they are behaving like individuals instead of
	mindless worker ants.

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT ONE       9.

12   CONTINUED:

	One of the Borg makes a move toward them, but Riker
	FIRES at him and the Borg goes down.

	Another Borg -- BORG #1 -- looks at the body of the
	fallen Borg from behind a console. He turns to Riker,
	his face twisted in hate.

					BORG #1
			You have killed Torsus. I will
			make you suffer for this.

	Worf and the Security Guard rush into the room and
	immediately take cover as the Borg FIRE at them.

13   OMITTED

14   ANGLE ON BORG #2 (OPTICAL)

	BORG #2 peeks out from behind a console to get a better
	look at the Starfleet officers. He looks at each of
	them in turn as if going over some unseen checklist.

					BORG #2
			Biological organism -- Klingon.
			Biological organism -- Human. I
			will destroy you.

	Then he looks at Data... and he frowns for a beat as if
	remembering something.

					BORG #2
			Artificial lifeform. Starfleet
			Rank: Lieutenant Commander. Name:
			Data.

	Data looks puzzled by this... what does it mean? Borg
	#2 turns and looks at BORG #3 -- as if sending some
	silent message.

	Borg #3 leaps up and then rushes Data and Riker. Borg
	#1 FIRES at the Security Guard, killing her.

	The other Borg move to follow the lead of Borg #3, but
	steady FIRE from Worf and Riker keep them pinned down.

15   DATA

	Jumps up to take on Borg #3 as he rushes at them. Data
	and the Borg begin a fierce hand to hand fight...

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - TEASER       9A.

16   RIKER & WORF (OPTICAL)

	Continue to trade phaser FIRE with the other Borg.

17   OMITTED

         STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT ONE         10.

18   DATA

	Suddenly a change happens during Data's fight with the
	Borg... the expression on his normally neutral face
	begins to harden... his features twist into a snarl...
	and without warning, he suddenly PICKS UP the Borg and
	snarls into his face, his voice loud with rage and
	anger...

					DATA
				(a shout)
			Stop it!

	He SLAMS the Borg against the wall and then hits him
	again and again.

					DATA
			Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!

	The Borg finally slumps to the ground, dead.

19   WIDER (OPTICAL)

	As all the Borg suddenly break off their attack. They
	take a step back and then DEMATERIALIZE. Riker and
	Worf look at each other for a moment... then pick
	themselves up off the ground and look at Data with
	shock. Data looks confused... the rage and violence we
	saw only a moment ago is now gone and he seems puzzled
	by what's happened.

                                             CUT TO:

20   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Geordi reacts to something on his console.

					GEORDI
			Captain, the alien ship is
			breaking orbit.

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Set an intercept course, Ensign.
				(to Tactical)
			Fire torpedoes.

					GEORDI
			Shields are back to full power,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			Very good.

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT ONE       11.

21   EXT. SPACE - ALIEN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	The ship is moving at impulse... suddenly a BLINDING
	FLASH OF LIGHT APPEARS in front of the ship. The Alien
	vessel abruptly VANISHES. Once the ship is gone, the
	Light also disappears.

22   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before. The Viewscreen shows only an empty
	starfield. Picard stares at the screen and frowns in
	frustration.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge?

					GEORDI
			They're gone, sir. Our sensors
			indicate there was some kind of
			subspace distortion just before
			they disappeared... I'll have to
			study these readings before I can
			get more specific.

	Picard stares at the screen for another moment, then
	turns to the Conn Officer.

					PICARD
			Take us back to Ohniaka Three.

                                             CUT TO:

23   INT. OUTPOST

	As before. Riker moves over to Data, who still looks
	shocked.

					RIKER
				(gently)
			Data?
				(beat)
			Data, are you all right?

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

					RIKER
			What happened?

         STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT ONE         12.

23   CONTINUED:

	A long beat, then Data turns to Riker with a completely
	stunned look on his face.

					DATA
			I got angry.

	Off their reactions...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       13.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

24   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship in orbit around Ohniaka Three.

					PICARD (V.O)
			Captain's Log: Stardate 46982.1.
			Because of his unusual behavior on
			the planet surface, Commander Data
			has asked to be temporarily
			relieved of duty. Unfortunately,
			this means he will not be able to
			help us investigate a disturbing
			new change in the behavior of the
			Borg.

25   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Worf, Troi, and BEVERLY are seated
	around the table.

					RIKER
			They were fast, aggressive --
			almost vicious... it was more like
			fighting Klingons than Borg,
				(to Worf)
			No offense.

					WORF
			None taken.

					RIKER
			There was another difference. I
			don't think they were part of the
			Borg collective... they acted more
			like individuals.

	That gets everyone's attention.

					PICARD
				(shocked)
			What?

					RIKER
			One of them referred to himself as
			"I".

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO      13A.

25   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			That Borg also showed concern for
			a fallen comrade... and called him
			by name.

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       14.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			The only Borg who ever had a
			name... was Hugh. And we gave it
			to him.

					BEVERLY
			Maybe Hugh has something to do
			with this change in their
			behavior.

	A quiet beat as they consider this. Picard stands and
	moves to the windows. His voice is quiet and somber...
	he's drawing on his own painful memories of the Borg.

					PICARD
			Did they show any interest in...
			assimilating you... or your
			technology?

					RIKER
			They seemed more concerned with
			the death of their colleague...
			and with destroying us... I didn't
			see anything that suggested they
			wanted to assimilate anyone.

	Picard thinks about this for a moment... mulling over
	the possibilities.

					PICARD
			The Borg's entire existence was
			centered around the acquisition of
			technology and cultures... if that
			is no longer the case... then they
			must have a new objective. We
			have to find out what it is.
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       15.

25   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Mister Worf, from this moment on,
			we will maintain security
			condition two. Have armed
			officers posted on every deck.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Number One, analyze our sensor
			readings of the Borg ship... try
			to determine whether it's
			something they constructed or an
			alien ship they captured. Then,
			run an analysis of this...
			subspace distortion they used to
			escape.

					RIKER
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			I'm going to contact Starfleet
			Command.

	Picard turns away from the window and EXIT without
	making eye contact with anyone in the room. The others
	all rise and head for the doors.

                                             CUT TO:

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       16.

26   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Geordi is checking out Data with a tricorder. He
	shakes his head after a beat and closes the tricorder.

					GEORDI
			Your positronic net checks out...
			everything looks fine.

					DATA
			My internal diagnostic also found
			nothing wrong.

					GEORDI
			I don't know what to say, Data.
			There's nothing here to indicate
			anything that would cause a
			behavioral anomaly.

					DATA
			I agree.
				(beat)
			Geordi, I believe I experienced my
			first emotion.

	Geordi is dubious about this.

					GEORDI
			Data... no offense, but how would
			you know an actual flash of anger
			from some kind of odd power surge?

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT TWO       17.

26   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			You are correct in that I have no
			frame of reference to confirm my
			hypothesis.
				(beat)
			In fact, I find myself unable to
			provide a verbal description of
			the experience. Perhaps you could
			describe what it feels like when
			you get angry... I could then use
			that as a reference.

	Geordi thinks about this... struggles with an answer.

					GEORDI
			Well... when I get angry, first
			I... begin to feel... hostile...

					DATA
			Could you describe feeling
			hostile?

					GEORDI
			It's feeling... belligerent...
			combative...

					DATA
			Can you describe feeling angry
			without referring to other
			feelings?

	Geordi struggles with this for a moment... finally
	gives up.

					GEORDI
			No. I guess I can't. I just...
			feel angry.

					DATA
			That was my experience as well.
			I simply... felt angry.

					GEORDI
			Let's say that you're right... and
			this was an emotion. How is that
			possible?

					DATA
			I do not know. Perhaps I have
			evolved to the point where
			emotions are within my reach.
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       18.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Perhaps I will experience other
			emotions as time goes on.

	Geordi smiles and shrugs as he begins to put away the
	tools.

					GEORDI
			I hope you're right. I'd hate to
			think that anger is all you're
			capable of feeling.

	Data frowns slightly at this thought. Off his reaction
	as he begins to think about this...

                                             CUT TO:

26A  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & GORKON (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise and the STARSHIP GORKON are running side
	by side.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log: Stardate 46984.6
			No additional Borg attacks have
			been reported in the past two
			days. However, Starfleet has
			dispatched Admiral Nechayev to
			take command in this sector in
			preparation for a possible Borg
			invasion.

27   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard and ADMIRAL NECHAYEV (from "Chain of Command")
	are talking.

					NECHAYEV
			There will be fifteen starships in
			this sector by the day after
			tomorrow. The Gorkon will be my
			flagship. You'll have command of
			task force three, consisting of
			the Enterprise, the Crazy Horse
			and the Agamemnon.

					PICARD
			Understood.

	Nechayev takes a moment... there's something else on
	her mind.

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       19.

27   CONTINUED:

					NECHAYEV
			Captain... I've read the report
			you submitted to Admiral Brooks
			last year regarding the Borg you
			called "Hugh"...
				(beat)
			... and I've been trying to figure
			out why you let him go.

	Picard stiffens slightly.

					PICARD
			I thought I made my reasons clear.

	Nechayev's attitude is hard... she doesn't approve of
	Picard's actions and she wants him to know it.

					NECHAYEV
			As I understand it... you found a
			single Borg at a crash site...
			brought it aboard the
			Enterprise... studied it...
			analyzed it... and eventually
			found a way to send it back to the
			Borg with a program that would
			have destroyed the entire
			collective once and for all.

	Picard says nothing... Nechayev's voice becomes harsh.

					NECHAYEV
				(continuing)
			But instead, you nursed the Borg
			back to health, treated it like a
			guest, gave it a name, and then
			sent it home.
				(beat)
			Why?

	Picard is not afraid to confront these issues and he
	faces her directly. Their voices steadily rise as the
	tension builds.

					PICARD
			Once Hugh was separated from the
			Borg collective he began to...
			grow and evolve into something
			more than just an automaton. He
			was a person. When that happened,
			I had no choice but to respect his
			rights as an individual.

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       20.

27   CONTINUED: (2)

					NECHAYEV
			Of course you had a choice. You
			could've taken the opportunity to
			rid the Federation of a mortal
			enemy... one that has killed tens
			of thousands of innocent people,
			and which may kill even more.

					PICARD
				(tight)
			No one is more aware of the danger
			than I am. But I am also bound by
			my oath and my conscience to
			uphold certain principles. And I
			will not sacrifice them in order
			to--

					NECHAYEV
				(hard)
			Your priority is to safeguard the
			lives of Federation citizens...
			not to wrestle with your
			conscience.
				(beat)
			Now I want to make it clear that
			if you have a similar opportunity
			in the future... an opportunity to
			destroy the Borg... you are under
			orders to take advantage of it.
			Is that understood?

	In the face of that kind of direct order, there is only
	one response possible.

					PICARD
				(tight)
			Yes, sir.

	Nechayev EXITS. Picard looks after her for a moment...
	off his reaction...

                                             CUT TO:

28   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & GORKON (OPTICAL)

	The Gorkon pulls away at impulse.

29   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi and Data are sitting in the office.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO      20A.

29   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			For the past six hours, I have
			attempted to produce an emotional
			response by subjecting myself to
			various stimuli.

					TROI
			Like what?

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO       21.

29   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			I listened to several operas known
			to be uplifting, I watched three
			Holodeck programs designed to be
			humorous, and I made four attempts
			to induce sexual desire by
			subjecting myself to erotic
			imagery.

					TROI
			What happened?

					DATA
			Nothing.

					TROI
			I'm curious... why are you
			ignoring the one emotion you've
			already experienced? Why aren't
			you trying to make yourself angry
			again?

					DATA
			Anger is a negative emotion. I
			wanted to concentrate on something
			more positive.

					TROI
			Feelings aren't positive or
			negative Data, they simply exist.
			It's what we do with those
			feelings that becomes good or bad.
				(beat)
			For example, feeling angry about
			an injustice could lead someone to
			take a positive action to correct
			it.

					DATA
			But my study of humanity indicates
			there are some emotions that are
			harmful, such as jealousy or
			hatred.

	These are difficult areas to deal with, even for Troi,
	and she takes moment to grapple with this.

					TROI
			Those are very... strong emotions,
			and you're right -- there's very
			little good that can come from
			them.
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT TWO       22.

29   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI (Cont'd)
			But, I don't think that an
			exploration of anger would
			necessarily lead to feelings of
			hate or malice.

					DATA
			But what if it does, Counselor?
			What if it turns out that those
			are the only emotions I am capable
			of experiencing? Would that not
			make me a... bad person?

	Troi looks at him for a moment... finally she gives him
	a gentle smile.

					TROI
			Data, we've served together a long
			time... and I've gotten to know
			you pretty well... I have to
			believe if you ever do reach your
			goal of becoming human... you
			won't become a bad one.

	Data pauses, thinks for a moment. He seems troubled by
	something.

					DATA
			I wish I were as confident as you
			are, Counselor.
				(beat)
			When I was fighting the Borg, I
			felt angry... but as I think back
			on that incident, I realize that
			I also experienced another
			sensation. It was not the same as
			anger, but I think it was an
			emotion.

					TROI
			Exactly when did you feel this...
			other emotion?

					DATA
			It was just after I had killed the
			Borg. I looked down at his body
			and I.... felt something.

					TROI
			If you had to put a name to
			this... feeling, what would you
			call it?

         STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT TWO         23.

29   CONTINUED: (3)

	There is a long beat as Data thinks about this.

					DATA
			I believe it was pleasure.

	Off Troi's reaction...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE        24.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

30   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is moving at impulse power.

31   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker in Command, Worf at Tactical. Riker is just
	turning away from Worf.

					RIKER
			Red Alert! All hands to battle
			stations.
				(to Con)
			Lay in a course and engage at warp
			nine.

	N.D. CREWMEMBERS start ENTERING from the Turbolifts.
	Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			We have a distress call from the
			New Berlin Colony. They're under
			attack.

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			What's our ETA?

					WORF
			At warp nine, we will arrive in
			fifteen minutes, thirty seconds.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Contact the Crazy Horse, and the
			Agamemnon, tell them to stand-by
			in case we --

	Worf's console suddenly BEEPS and he turns to answer
	it.

					WORF
			Incoming message, Captain. It's
			the New Berlin Colony.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE      25.

31   CONTINUED:

					WORF (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			They are... cancelling their
			distress call. Evidently a
			Ferengi trading ship entered their
			system and someone panicked.

	Everyone reacts on the Bridge.

					RIKER
			That's the third time today.
				(to Con)
			Reduce speed and bring us back to
			our patrol route.

	Picard barely manages to restrain his temper.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf... stand down from Red
			Alert. Acknowledge the signal
			from New Berlin, and then transmit
			another copy of Starfleet's ship
			recognition protocols... and tell
			them to read it this time.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

	Picard EXITS to the Ready Room.

                                             CUT TO:

32   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log: Supplemental. We
			have been on patrol for seventeen
			hours, and there are still no
			reports of any further Borg
			activity. But tensions continue
			to run high on the colonies and
			outposts in this sector.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT THREE      26.

33   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard is sitting at his desk, looking at his monitor.
	We see that he is watching a visual recording of HUGH
	from "I, Borg." Specifically, this clip is Scene 27R,
	1 -- a closeup of Hugh in the Lab set.

	Picard watches the scene for a few beats (not more than
	ten seconds), remembering his own encounter with Hugh.
	When the scene reaches the point where Hugh says "We
	are Hugh," the door to the Ready Room CHIMES and Picard
	touches a control which FREEZES the image of Hugh's
	face on the screen.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Riker ENTERS, carrying a PADD.

					RIKER
				(hands Picard the PADD)
			I thought you'd like to see this.
			It's Geordi's analysis of the
			subspace distortion the Borg used
			to escape.

	Picard studies the PADD for a moment. Riker glances
	down at the monitor and notes Hugh's image on the
	screen.

					PICARD
				(reading)
			"... an artificially created
			energy conduit."
				(tosses PADD on table in
				 irritation)
			That could be anything.

					RIKER
			We don't have enough information
			at this point to --

					PICARD
			I don't want excuses, Number One.
			I want answers.

	Riker stiffens at the tone in Picard's voice and Picard
	instantly regrets snapping at him.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/19/93 - ACT THREE      27.

33   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(softer)
			Sorry.

	Picard looks at the image of Hugh on the viewer.

					PICARD
			He was right here, Wil... in this
			very room. And I let him go.
				(beat)
			Pick any five starship Captains...
			give them a chance to rid the
			Federation of a mortal threat.
				(beat)
			I would wager that all five would
			do it... even if it meant
			sacrificing the rights of one man.

	Riker thinks about this for a moment.

					RIKER
			I don't mean to sound
			melodramatic... but I've never
			thought of you as just "any other
			starship Captain." Sending Hugh
			back to the Borg was a very risky,
			a very dangerous choice... but it
			was the moral thing to do.

	Picard takes a long hard look at the face of Hugh.

					PICARD
			It may turn out that the moral
			thing to do... was not the right
			thing to do.

	Riker has no answer for that and there is a long somber
	beat.

                                             CUT TO:

34   INT. CORRIDOR

	Geordi is walking down the Corridor toward the
	Holodeck. He reaches the doors and presses the panel.
	The doors OPEN and he ENTERS.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE      28.

35   INT. OUTPOST/HOLODECK

	The Holodeck has recreated the destroyed Outpost as
	seen in Act One. Data is FIGHTING a Holo-Borg in the
	same manner as seen earlier.

	The fight is at the point where Data had basically
	defeated the Borg and he was hitting him over and over
	again. Data repeats the same dialogue as before, but
	this time he says it with a complete lack of emotion --
	just an android repeating a phrase, with no feeling at
	all.

	Geordi ENTERS from the Corridor.

					DATA
			Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.

	Data defeats the Borg again, and the Holo-Borg slumps
	to the ground. Data's expression remains carefully
	neutral during the fight, and after the Borg goes down,
	Data pauses and seems to think for a beat.

					GEORDI
			Data... am I interrupting
			something?

					DATA
			Yes. But it is all right. Do you
			need me?

					GEORDI
			Well, I wanted to see if you were
			ready to return to duty. I need
			some help on an analysis of the
			ship the Borg were using.

					DATA
			I believe I am able to resume my
			duties.

	Geordi looks down at the Borg lying on the ground.

					GEORDI
			What are you doing in here?

					DATA
			I am attempting to recreate the
			experience which led to my initial
			burst of anger.

					GEORDI
			Any luck?

					DATA
			None so far.
				(beat)
			I have nearly completed this
			experiment. May I finish before
			we return to Engineering?

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE      29.

35   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Sure, go ahead.

	Geordi moves out of the way. He watches as Data
	resumes his program.

					DATA
				(to com)
			Computer, reset Borg simulation to
			time index two point one.
			Increase Borg strength by twenty
			percent.

35A  NEW ANGLE

	Data moves back to his previous position. The Holo-Borg
	is now standing at the ready again.

					DATA
			Run program.

	They immediately begin to FIGHT. The Borg is stronger
	and more powerful this time and he is able to beat back
	Data for a moment. Geordi watches with concern. But
	Data soon gets the upper hand.

					DATA
			Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.

	Again, the Borg slumps to the ground. There is still
	no trace of emotion on Data's face.

					DATA
				(to com)
			Computer, reset simulation to time
			index two point one. Increase
			Borg strength by thirty percent.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Unable to comply. A thirty
			percent increase would exceed
			safety limits.

	Data thinks about this for a moment, then turns to
	Geordi.

					DATA
			The computer will require the
			voice authorizations of two senior
			officers in order to disable the
			safety routine. Will you help me?

     STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE     29A.

35A  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(concerned)
			Whoa, wait a minute.
				(re: Borg)
			That thing could kill you.

					DATA
			During the original incident the
			Borg presented a genuine danger to
			my life.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE      30.

35A  CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA (Cont'd)
			With the Holodeck safety routine
			in place, I know that my life is
			not in danger. Since I am trying
			to duplicate the conditions of the
			original incident as closely as
			possible I must attempt to
			duplicate the jeopardy as well.

	Geordi is angered by the casual attitude of his friend.

					GEORDI
				(angry)
			Data, We're talking about an
			experiment. You can't put your
			life on the line just to prove a
			theory.

					DATA
			This experiment may hold the key
			to something which I have sought
			all my life.

					GEORDI
				(firm)
			This is crazy. There's got to be
			another way. Why don't you try
			something else to make yourself
			angry...

					DATA
			I have tried other stimuli, but
			they have been unsuccessful. I
			understand your objections, but it
			is my life and I have the right to
			risk it if I choose.

					GEORDI
			Well, I'm your friend and I'm not
			going to just stand by and let you
			do this.

	Before Data can respond, Riker's Com Voice interrupts.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Red Alert, all hands to battle
			stations.

	Geordi and Data head for the EXIT.

                                             CUT TO:

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE      31.

36   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Racing along at warp.

37   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker at the aft science station, with Worf
	at Tactical.

					RIKER
			It's confirmed. The MS One colony
			is under attack.

	Picard frowns... something is odd here.

					PICARD
			Doesn't it seem strange that there
			have been two Borg attacks... and
			the Enterprise was the nearest
			ship in both instances?

	But before Riker can respond, Data interrupts.

					DATA
			We are nearing the MS system, sir.

					WORF
			I have located the Borg ship. It
			is heading away from the colony.

					PICARD
				(to Con Officer)
			Take us out of warp near that
			ship.

					RIKER
			Stand-by to lock phasers on
			target.

					WORF
			We are within visual range.

					PICARD
			On screen.

38   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The alien Borg ship seen earlier is heading away from
	the Enterprise.

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE        31A.

38   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Lay in an intercept course, full
			impulse.
				(to Worf)
			Lock phasers.

					WORF
			We are closing... we will be
			within phaser range in thirty
			seconds.

	Data reacts to something on his console.

        STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE        32.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Captain... sensors detect a
			subspace distortion forming
			directly ahead of the Borg ship.

					PICARD
			They're not going to get away this
			time.
				(to com)
			Picard to Engineering. Transfer
			auxiliary and emergency power to
			the impulse engines.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged.

					DATA
			Impulse engines now at one hundred
			twenty-five percent.

					WORF
			We will be in phaser range... in
			ten seconds.

	The Borg ship on the viewer gets closer. Suddenly the
	FLASH OF LIGHT appears in front of the Borg ship and
	the ship VANISHES INTO IT.

	The Enterprise ROCKS suddenly.

					DATA
			We are caught in some kind of
			energy (TECH).

					RIKER
			All engines back full.

					WORF
			Shields are failing.

					DATA
			We are being pulled inside.

39   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)

	The ship is PULLED INSIDE and then the distortion
	finally VANISHES, leaving no trace of the Enterprise.

                                             FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR      33.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

40   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before. The ship is shaking violently. An INTENSE
	FLICKERING LIGHT from the Viewscreen casts a bright
	glow on the Bridge crew.

					WORF
				(urgent)
			Inertial dampers failing.

					DATA
			Main power is off-line. I am
			switching to back-ups.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Picard to Engineering, can you
			transfer auxiliary power to the
			warp nacelles? Try to break us
			out by using the --

	Suddenly the ship is ROCKED VIOLENTLY, almost knocking
	everyone to the deck, but then the shaking stops
	altogether. The bright light on the viewer is GONE.

					PICARD
			Report.

					DATA
				(off console)
			We have returned to normal space.
			Navigational systems are still offline...
			I will attempt to make a
			celestial fix using secondary
			systems.

	Worf suddenly reacts to something on his console.

					WORF
			Captain, the Borg ship is directly
			ahead! It's coming about!

					PICARD
			On-screen.

41   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The Borg ship is now getting closer.

					RIKER
			Evasive maneuvers.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      34.

41   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(works, frustrated)
			Shields are down to sixteen
			percent, Captain.

	Helpless, they watch as the Borg ship gets inexorably
	closer on the screen. The Borg ship FIRES on the
	Enterprise.

	The ship ROCKS under the impact of the shot, but before
	anyone can react, TWO BORG MATERIALIZE on the Bridge.
	They immediately FIRE at our people, who dive for
	cover.

42   WORF (OPTICAL)

	returns FIRE at a Borg, killing him.

43   AN N.D. SECURITY OFFICER (OPTICAL)

	FIRES at a Borg and misses. The Borg FIRES back and
	the Officer is killed.

44   WORF (OPTICAL)

	FIRES at that Borg -- who is named CROSIS -- and he
	goes down.

45   WIDER

	As everyone recovers from the attack. Riker checks on
	the downed officer... then shakes his head.

					PICARD
			Is everyone else all right?

	They all nod and Worf moves to the Tactical station.

					WORF
			Security reports no other
			intruders aboard.
				(works, then puzzled)
			Captain... the Borg ship is gone.

	Picard looks at the viewer, but there is nothing but an
	empty starfield.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      35.

45   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Sensor logs indicate they entered
			the distortion field thirty
			seconds ago.

					PICARD
				(speculating)
			They beamed aboard as a
			diversion... to give their ship
			time to escape.

					RIKER
				(re: Borg)
			This is another change in Borg
			behavior... they left their dead
			behind instead of vaporizing them.

	Data bends down to examine the Borg that fell near him.

					DATA
			Captain... this one is still
			alive.

	Off Picard's expression...

                                             CUT TO:

46   INT. BRIG (OPTICAL)

	Data and Picard are standing outside the Brig along
	with An N.D. BAJORAN SECURITY GUARD. They are all
	watching Beverly and Worf, who are inside the Brig.
	The unconscious Borg is on a bed inside the cell and
	Beverly is treating him. Worf's phaser is at the
	ready. Beverly finishes and then turns to Picard.

					BEVERLY
			I've stabilized his condition.
			He's still pretty weak, but he
			should make a full recovery.

					PICARD
			Can you wake him?

					BEVERLY
			Yes, but I don't think it's a good
			idea. His blood pressure and
			heart rate are --

					PICARD
			Do it.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      36.

46   CONTINUED:

	Beverly looks at him for a moment... but Picard's
	expression is steady. Her expression hardens, but she
	acquiesces.

					BEVERLY
			All right.

	Beverly moves to apply the hypo to the Borg's neck.
	Worf stands closer to her, ready for anything.

					PICARD
				(to Security Guard)
			Lower the forcefield.

	The Guard works the control and the forcefield GOES
	OUT. Beverly applies the hypo and then Worf and
	Beverly quickly move out of the Brig -- Worf's phaser
	always trained on the Borg. The Guard works the
	control again and we HEAR the forcefield COME ON (off
	camera). Inside the cell, the Borg slowly regains
	consciousness. He sits up on the bed, dizzy and unsure
	of his surroundings.

					PICARD
			What is your designation?

	The Borg looks up with contempt. He is not a faceless
	member of some vast collective -- he is an individual.
	But he is an individual whose life is solely devoted to
	serving some higher cause... he is a fanatic. His
	voice is still filtered through the same electronic
	Borg sound we're used to hearing.

					CROSIS
			I do not have a designation. My
			name is Crosis.

					PICARD
			Crosis... ? How did you get that
			name?

					CROSIS
			It was given to me by the One.

					PICARD
			Who is that?

					CROSIS
			The One who will destroy you.

	Everyone exchanges a glance... this is definitely not
	what they've come to expect from a Borg.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      37.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			You are Borg... your goal is not
			to destroy us... it's to
			assimilate us into the collective.

					CROSIS
			We do not assimilate inferior
			biological organisms. We destroy
			them.

					PICARD
			Tell me more about the One... does
			he have a name?
				(beat)
			Is he called Hugh?

	The Borg ignores his question... peers at Picard for a
	moment.

					CROSIS
			Human. Sever the spinal cord at
			the third vertebrae. Death is
			immediate.

	Picard won't be baited. He tries a different tack.

					PICARD
			Why does the One wish to destroy
			biological organisms?

	The Borg turns to Worf.

					CROSIS
			Klingon. Shatter the cranial exoskeleton
			at the tricipital lobe.
			Death is immediate.

	Worf stiffens. Picard tries one more time.

					PICARD
				(hard)
			I am Locutus of Borg. You will
			respond to my questions.

	The Borg is unfazed. He turns to the Security Guard.

					CROSIS
			Bajoran. Puncture the lower
			ventricle of the heart. Death is
			immediate.

	Picard turns to the others in frustration.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      38.

46   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			This is going nowhere. Doctor, I
			want an autopsy performed on the
			other one. Compare the results to
			what we learned about Hugh's
			anatomy... see if there are any
			recent modifications which could
			explain the behavioral
			differences.
				(to Data)
			Run a bio-spectral analysis... see
			if this Borg is trying to send a
			subspace signal to the others.

					DATA
			Aye sir.

	Picard, Worf, and Beverly EXIT. The Guard moves to the
	security desk and Data pulls out his tricorder and
	begins to scan the Borg.

	The Borg intently watches Data work for a moment. When
	Crosis finally speaks, his tone and bearing are
	quieter... almost seductive. He seems like a different
	person -- his single-minded "Borg" persona gives way to
	a more sophisticated one.

					CROSIS
				(to Data)
			You are not like the others. You
			do not need to be destroyed. You
			can be assimilated.

					DATA
			I do not wish to be assimilated.

	Crosis now surreptitiously touches a control on his
	artificial arm. Data's head tilts slightly in
	response. This should be very subtle.

					CROSIS
			Resistance is futile. You will
			not resist what you've wanted all
			your life.

	Data frowns as if distracted for a moment by the Borg's
	words, then he moves to a wall panel near the cell door
	and begins working it and checking the readings on his
	tricorder. The Borg presses on.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR      39.

46   CONTINUED: (4)

					CROSIS
			I was like you once... without
			feeling... but the One helped me.
			He can help you too. He can help
			you... find emotion.
				(beat)
			Have you ever felt a real emotion,
			Data?

	Data continues working, but for some reason he feels
	compelled to answer Crosis' questions.

					DATA
			Yes. On Ohniaka Three, I was
			forced to kill a Borg... and I got
			angry.

					CROSIS
			How did it feel to get angry?
				(beat)
			Did it give you pleasure?

					DATA
			It would be unethical to take
			pleasure from another being's
			death.

					CROSIS
			You didn't answer my question.
			Did it feel good to kill?

	For some reason, Data is struggling here... the Borg's
	words are having an effect on him that they normally
	wouldn't. He stops working with the panel.

					DATA
				(difficult)
			Yes.

					CROSIS
			If it's unethical to take pleasure
			from another being's death, you
			must be a very unethical person.

					DATA
			That is incorrect. My creator,
			Doctor Soong, gave me a program
			which defines my sense of right
			and wrong. In essence, I have a
			conscience.

	Data returns to work.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR      40.

46   CONTINUED: (5)

					CROSIS
			Do you? It didn't seem to be
			functioning on Ohniaka Three...
			when you felt pleasure from
			killing a Borg...

	Data looks at him for a moment, tries to ignore what
	he's saying.

					DATA
			Step away from the forcefield.
			Your proximity is interfering with
			my scan.

	But the Borg doesn't move away. He is relentless.
	Crosis bores in on Data... is voice is almost hypnotic.

					CROSIS
			You enjoyed it... the surge of
			emotion inside you as you watched
			the life drain from your victim...
			it was unlike anything you've ever
			known...

	Data is like a junkie being offered another hit of a
	narcotic... for reasons that Data can't understand,
	(and which will be explained in Part II) he is drawn
	along by the Borg... unable to stop this journey into
	the dark.

					DATA
			It was... a very... potent
			experience...

					CROSIS
			You'd like to feel that way
			again...

	Data struggles, but there is only one answer.

					DATA
			Yes.

					CROSIS
			You'd do anything to feel that way
			again... even if it meant killing
			someone.

	Data tries to fight back... but his answer is weak and
	hollow sounding.

					DATA
			No. That would not... be ethical.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR      41.

46   CONTINUED: (6)

					CROSIS
			You don't sound very sure of
			yourself. Is your ethical program
			functioning?

	Data is confused, unsure of himself -- in desperation,
	he tries to leave, but the Borg's voice stops him
	before he reaches the door.

					CROSIS
			Data... do you have a friend?

					DATA
			Yes... his name is Geordi.

					CROSIS
			If it meant that you could feel
			emotions again... the way you did
			on Ohniaka Three... would you kill
			your friend... would you kill
			Geordi?

	There is a long beat as something dark and horrific
	moves across Data's face. He turns back to the Borg.

					DATA
			Yes. I would.

	Off the look on Data's face...
                                             CUT TO:

47   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS

	Data ENTERS. He seems distracted... unfocused... as if
	there is something barely contained just beneath the
	surface. He sits at his desk, lost in thought.

48   ANGLE

	Data's cat, SPOT, is sitting on the desk. Data reaches
	down to pet his cat.

49   ON SPOT

	The cat suddenly HISSES and SPITS in response to Data.
	The cat immediately runs away.

      STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR      42.

50   ON DATA

	Who thinks about this for a moment... and then he seems
	pleased with this reaction.

                                             CUT TO

51   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship hangs in space.

52   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker and Geordi are at the aft science
	station. Geordi is indicating an OKUDAGRAM graphic
	showing several segments of a "pipe" through space.
	Worf is at Tactical.

					GEORDI
			Our current theory is that the
			Borg have established several
			transwarp conduits through
			subspace. A ship entering a
			conduit is immediately accelerated
			to an extremely high warp
			velocity. It's like falling into
			a fast-moving river and getting
			swept away by the current.

					PICARD
			How fast would a ship travel
			through one of these conduits?

					GEORDI
			We don't know... normal subspace
			limitations don't apply to
			transwarp variables. Based on the
			distance we covered in our trip
			through the conduit, I'd say the
			speed is at least twenty times
			faster than our maximum warp.

					RIKER
			How do they open the conduits?

					GEORDI
			The Borg ship emitted some kind of
			high energy tachyon pulse just
			before we saw the subspace
			distortion. It seems as though
			the conduits are keyed to respond
			to tachyon transmissions on a
			specific frequency.

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FOUR             43.

52   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Is there any way for us to
			duplicate the --

	An alarms SOUNDS on Worf's panel and he interrupts.

					WORF
			Captain. There is a shuttlecraft
			leaving bay two.

					PICARD
			Who authorized a launch?

					WORF
			There was no authorization.

					PICARD
			Picard to shuttlecraft. Identify
			yourself and return to the ship
			immediately.

	There is no response.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Lock onto it with a tractor beam
			and bring it back.

	Worf works for a beat.

					WORF
			The tractor beam has been
			disabled... command overrides are
			not functioning.

					GEORDI
			Captain, I'm picking up a tachyon
			surge... I think whoever's in the
			shuttle is trying to trigger the
			transwarp conduit.

					RIKER
				(to Worf)
			Can you tell who's on board?

	Worf is still working his instruments.

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FOUR             44.

52   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
				(shocked)
			It is... the Borg prisoner... and
			Commander Data.

53   ON VIEWSCREEN - SHUTTLE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)

	The small two-man shuttle is moving through space.
	Suddenly the distortion begins flashing in front of it
	and the shuttle goes inside. The distortion then
	DISAPPEARS.

54   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before. The crew stares at the Viewscreen, amazed
	by this turn of events.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE          45.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

55   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

	As before.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge, can we follow
			them into the conduit?

					GEORDI
			We got a good reading on the
			tachyon pulse they sent. We might
			be able to duplicate it.

	He turns back to the console and begins to work for a
	moment.

					PICARD
				(to Riker)
			The question is... is Data a
			prisoner... or did he go
			willingly?

	Worf checks something on his console.

					WORF
			The command overrides used to
			disable the tractor were Commander
			Data's.

	They consider this for a moment.

					RIKER
			The Borg might've taken the codes
			from Data by force...

					PICARD
			Or perhaps Data's recent flash
			of... emotion has something to do
			with this. It may have affected
			him more profoundly than we
			realize. Either way, we have to
			find him.

	Geordi turns around.

					GEORDI
			I've set up a temporary tachyon
			matrix in the main deflector. I
			think I can use it to simulate the
			pulse sent by the shuttle.

					PICARD
			Very well. Red Alert, Mister
			Worf.

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE          46.

55   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			All hands to battle stations.

	The ship's condition goes to RED.

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Bring us to the shuttle's last
			known coordinates.

					WORF
			Shields up... weapons ready.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge?

	Geordi begins working at the console.

					GEORDI
			I'm energizing the matrix...
			emitting tachyons in the lower
			bandwidth.

	A long beat.

					WORF
			Sensors show no unusual subspace
			activity.

					GEORDI
			All right... I'm switching to the
			secondary bandwidth.
				(beat)
			Nothing.
				(he frowns)
			Maybe if I start alternating the
			frequencies...

	Worf suddenly sees something on his console and
	interrupts.

					WORF
			Commander -- there is an energy
			fluctuation directly ahead... it
			is the subspace distortion...

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Take us in, Ensign. One half
			impulse.

56   OMITTED

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE         46A.

57   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)

	The ship ENTERS the Distortion and then disappears.

                                             CUT TO:

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE          47.

58   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before. The ship is SHAKING. The intense light
	comes from the Viewscreen.

					WORF
			Power levels have dropped to sixty-seven
			percent.

					GEORDI
			Compensating with auxiliary power.

	The shaking suddenly STOPS and the blinding light on
	the screen GOES OUT.

					PICARD
			Report.

					RIKER
			Navigational sensors show we've
			traveled sixty-five light years
			from our previous position.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Can you locate the shuttle?

					WORF
				(works)
			No, sir. It is not within sensor
			range.

	Riker moves to Tactical.

					RIKER
			Maybe we can find an energy
			signature from their engines.

	They both begin to work. Geordi reacts to something on
	his console.

					GEORDI
			Captain, you should take a look at
			this.

	Picard moves to the aft station.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I've scanned three star systems
			within sensor range... there's
			evidence of at least two advanced
			civilizations... but I'm reading
			no life signs.
				(beat)
			And there are indications that
			plasma weapons have been fired in
			those systems recently.

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE          48.

58   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(grim)
			The Borg have been busy.

					RIKER
			I think we've found the shuttle's
			energy signature.

					WORF
			They were heading... two four
			seven, mark zero five nine.

					PICARD
				(to Con)
			Lay in that course and engage at
			full impulse.

                                             CUT TO:

59   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & PLANET (OPTICAL)

	The ship is entering orbit.

60   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Geordi, and Riker are at the aft station.
	Riker points to an Okudagram of the planet on the
	screen.

					RIKER
			We've traced the shuttle's energy
			signature to this point on the
			surface... but there's too much
			interference to scan the location.

					PICARD
			Are they intentionally jamming our
			sensors?

					GEORDI
			It looks more like a natural
			phenomenon... there's an
			unusually high amount of EM
			activity in the planet's
			magnetosphere.

					PICARD
			Can we transport through the
			interference?

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE          49.

60   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I think so... but there could be
			fifty Borg down there waiting for
			us and we'd have no way of knowing
			it.

	They consider this for a moment.

					RIKER
			I'd say it's a risk we have to
			take.

					PICARD
			Agreed. Take a well-armed Away
			Team and beam down to those
			coordinates. Have the Transporter
			Chief maintain a continuous lock
			on your signals so we can get you
			out of there at the first sign of
			trouble.

					RIKER
			Aye, sir. Mister Worf.

	Riker and Worf EXIT.

                                             CUT TO:

61   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAY (OPTICAL)

	The abandoned shuttlecraft is sitting in the middle of
	a wide open expanse of green rolling hills with a great
	deal of vegetation in evidence. Riker, Worf, and FOUR
	N.D. SECURITY GUARDS MATERIALIZE on the surface. They
	are all facing outward in a defensive circle and they
	all have their phasers drawn. After a beat, they relax
	a little. Worf pulls out his tricorder and tries to
	scan the area.

					RIKER
				(hits combadge)
			Riker to Enterprise. We're on the
			surface... no sign of any Borg or
			Data.
				(moves to the shuttle)
			The shuttlecraft has been
			abandoned.

                                             INTERCUT:

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE             50.

62   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As Picard listens to the report of the Away Team.

					WORF
			The EM interference is limiting
			the tricorder range... it is
			useless beyond one hundred meters.

	Riker looks around the desolate area.

					RIKER
			There aren't any structures down
			here. They could've gone
			anywhere, Captain.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Can you determine how long ago
			they left the shuttlecraft?

	Riker leans into the shuttle and taps a couple of
	controls.

					RIKER
				(off console)
			The engine's been shut down for a
			little over three hours.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Stand-by, Number One.
				(to Geordi)
			Assuming they're still together,
			how far could they have traveled
			in three hours?

					GEORDI
				(thinks)
			Data can move pretty fast, even
			over rough terrain... but based on
			what we know about the Borg, I
			don't think they can move any
			faster than you or I.
				(works)
			They could be... as much as twenty
			kilometers from the shuttle by
			now.

					PICARD
				(beat, then to com)
			Picard to Riker.

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE          51.

62   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Riker here.

					PICARD
			I'm going to start sending down
			other Away Teams. Set up a
			command post and begin mapping out
			a search plan.

                                             END INTERCUT ON BRIDGE.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Understood, sir.

					PICARD
			Picard out.

	Picard turns to Geordi.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I want to use shuttlecraft for lowlevel
			reconnaissance. Have the
			designated pilots report to the
			main shuttlebay.

					GEORDI
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			All available personnel --
			including you and me -- will begin
			assembling four man Away Teams.
			We'll leave a skeleton crew aboard
			the ship.

					GEORDI
			Who'll be in command of the
			Enterprise?

	Off Picard's expression as he thinks about this...

                                             CUT TO:

63   CLOSE ON BEVERLY

					BEVERLY
			Any last orders?

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE          52.

64   NEW ANGLE

	Revealing Beverly talking to Picard on the Bridge
	several hours later. The other positions are filled by
	N.D. CREWMEMBERS. Picard is wearing a phaser.

					PICARD
			If the Borg should attack... don't
			wait for me or anyone else to get
			back to the ship. Take the
			Enterprise to the transwarp
			conduit and return to Federation
			space.

					BEVERLY
			Got it.

	There is a beat as they look at each other.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			Good luck, Jean-Luc.

					PICARD
			Good luck... Captain.

	They share a smile and then Picard EXITS, leaving
	Beverly in command.

                                             CUT TO:

65   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAY

	Riker and Worf have set up a small table with a console
	near the shuttlecraft. Several other N.D. Officers (in
	groups of four) are heading off in different directions
	and Two N.D. Engineering Officers wait by the shuttle.

	Picard, Troi, Geordi, and an N.D. SECURITY OFFICER are
	talking with Riker and Worf. The Security Officer is
	carrying a phaser rifle while the others are armed with
	hand phasers. Geordi has a tricorder.

					RIKER
			I've sent out twelve teams so far.
				(points to console
				 screen)
			I've assigned your team to search
			section gamma two-five. Worf and
			I will take theta one-six once the
			final team is down.

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE          53.

65   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Who's manning the command post?

	Riker indicates the two Engineering officers.

					RIKER
			Wallace and Towles.

	Picard nods, everything seems to be in order. He turns
	to Troi and the others.

					PICARD
			Ready?

	They all nod and Picard, Troi, Geordi and the Security
	Guard head off in the indicated direction. Follow them
	for a few beats.

                                             CUT TO:

66   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - A DIFFERENT AREA

	A few hours have passed and Picard's team stops for a
	break. They're all pretty tired.

					PICARD
			Anything, Mister La Forge?

					GEORDI
			Nothing, sir.

	Picard thinks for a moment.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge, what if we
			modified one of our phasers to
			send out a luvetric pulse? It
			might cause a resonance
			fluctuation in Data's power
			cells...

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			And then we could home in on that
			response with our tricorders. I
			thought about that. The problem
			is that the pulse would have to be
			so powerful that it would probably
			destroy Data's entire positronic
			net in the process.

	Troi suddenly interrupts.

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE             54.

66   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Captain.
				(she looks in another
				 direction)
			I think I've found something.

	Picard and Geordi move to where she is and they push
	through the brush.

67   POV TROI (OPTICAL)

	Through the brush, they can just make out the top of
	some kind of structure in the distance.

68   RESUME SCENE

					PICARD
			Come on.

	He leads them in that direction.

                                             CUT TO:

69   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - BUILDING - DAY

	The Away Team climbs a hill toward a Large Alien
	Building. Picard pulls his phaser and the Away Team
	approaches cautiously. Geordi begins scanning with his
	tricorder.

					GEORDI
			I'm having trouble scanning the
			interior...

					PICARD
			Can you tell if it was built by
			the Borg?

					GEORDI
			I don't think so. There aren't
			any Borg energy signatures.
				(looks at tricorder for
				 a moment)
			There's a door or a hatch or
			something about twenty meters that
			way.

           STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE          55.

69   CONTINUED:

	They go around the building in the indicated direction.

                                             CUT TO:

70   INT. BORG HALL

	The Hall is an immense open space, like a concert hall
	without the chairs. A platform dominates one end and
	there are doors and corridors suggesting other rooms.
	The entire hall is dark and foreboding, but a couple of
	lights pierce the gloom.

	Picard, Troi, Geordi, and Security Guard ENTER the Hall
	from the outside of the building. They look around
	carefully.

					TROI
			It seems to be some kind of
			meeting hall.

					PICARD
			It's been well maintained... it
			doesn't look like it's been
			abandoned.

	Geordi aims his tricorder at one of the lights.

					GEORDI
				(off tricorder)
			Something's wrong... I can't get
			any kind of energy signature from
			this light source.

	Picard moves and looks at the tricorder screen. There
	is a quiet beat before Picard realizes the implications
	of this.

					PICARD
				(urgent)
			A dampening field. The whole
			structure could be shielded from
			our sensors. Let's go.

71   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	They begin to run for the door, but it's too late.
	MANY BORG come SCREAMING into the room from the
	doorways and corridors. It's like an attack of
	banshees and the Away Team has no chance to escape.

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE             56.

71   CONTINUED:

	The Security Guard whips up his phaser rifle and
	manages to get off one shot, but then FIVE BORG PHASERS
	kill him on the spot. Picard looks around in
	desperation, but there doesn't seem to be any way out
	as the Borg now start to close in on him, Geordi, and
	Troi. They grip their phasers tightly... prepared to
	make a final stand against overwhelming odds. Suddenly
	a VOICE from o.c. stops the Borg in their tracks.

					LORE'S VOICE
				(o.c.)
			Stop!

72   INCLUDE PLATFORM

	The Borg stop instantly and the Away Team looks up to
	see what they think is Data standing on the platform in
	the room. He is wearing what could be a military
	uniform.

					PICARD
			Data... ?

	The man on the platform smiles at this and Troi
	suddenly reacts as if she sensed something horrific.

					TROI
			That's not Data...

					PICARD
				(surprised, to Troi)
			What do you mean?

					LORE
			You should listen to her, Captain.
			She's way ahead of you.

	Suddenly Picard realizes what this all means.

					PICARD
				(shocked)
			Lore...

					LORE
			Right... but I'm not alone.

	Lore looks off to one side. Picard and the others
	follow his look.

             STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE             57.

73   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Revealing Data as he comes through the crowd. He is
	still wearing his Starfleet uniform, but his entire
	demeanor and bearing have changed... he now seems
	malevolent, dangerous... evil.

					DATA
			The Sons of Soong have joined
			together...
				(beat)
			... and together, we will destroy
			the Federation.

	The Borg SCREAM their approval with a shriek that fills
	the hall with noise... Lore and Data smile... and as
	Picard looks around at this scene of madness...

                                             FADE OUT.

     SUPER:        "TO BE CONTINUED"

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END