STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "Interface" 
                          #40277-255 
                              
                          Written by 
                          Joe Menosky 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Robert Wiemer 


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 This script is not for publication or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

                        JULY 14, 1993

           STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/16/93 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Interface" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             ADMIRAL HOLT
                RIKER              DOCTOR LA FORGE
                DATA               SILVA LA FORGE
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                WORF               
                GEORDI   
          
                Non-Speaking      
                  N.D. CREWMEMBERS   

           STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/16/93 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Interface" 
                       
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              JEFFERIES TUBE
              LAB
              BRIDGE
              READY ROOM
              GEORDI'S QUARTERS
              BEVERLY'S OFFICE
              DATA'S QUARTERS
              SICKBAY
              TROI'S OFFICE
              OBS LOUNGE
          
            SCIENCE SHIP
              ENGINEERING
              CORRIDOR
              AUXILARY CONTROL
              ENGINEERING

    STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Interface" 
                       
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 DOOSODARIANS    doo-so-DAIR-ee-nz
                 HERA            HAIR-uh
                 LACUNAE         luh-KOO-nye
                 MARINE          muh-RAIN
                 PALIO           PAL-ee-oh
                 RAMAN           Ruh-MAHN

         STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER         1.

                STAR TREK: The Next Generation                  
                          "Interface"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. JEFFERIES TUBE

	GEORDI is rushing up a ladder in the tube. The RED
	ALERT CLAXON is sounding around him -- this is clearly
	an emergency. He is wearing his Starfleet uniform, but
	not his VISOR; his eyes are not clouded and his temple
	inputs aren't in place.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(concerned)
			Geordi... Have you found it yet?

					GEORDI
			Not yet...

	He reaches a point where tendrils of SMOKE start to
	appear from up ahead.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Starting to get fumes... Ammonia,
			fluorine, potassium cyanide...

	Geordi continues through the smoke -- starts COUGHING.

2    INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Close on Riker's face as he reacts with concern to
	Geordi's cough.

3    INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi stops coughing, continues climbing.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I can feel the heat from here.

	He reaches a horizontal juncture and sees the fire down
	the tube.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			There it is!

         STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER         1A.

3    CONTINUED:

	He enters the horizontal tube and starts toward the
	fire.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER       2.

3    CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			How far?

					GEORDI
			About ten meters. Along the ODN
			line. It's hot -- over two
			thousand degrees.
				(beat)
			I'm going in.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Geordi, wait.

	Incredibly, Geordi goes RIGHT INTO THE BLAZE; he
	crosses to a panel and works some controls. We watch
	for several incredible seconds as Geordi works,
	seemingly impervious to the violent flames...

	He trips a control and a plume of gas erupts, putting
	out the fire.

					GEORDI
			We're okay... I've activated the
			emergency supression system.

	The walls of the room are streaked with black.

4    INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			It's under control.

	Geordi is hooked up to a complex INTERFACE UNIT, a
	sleek headpiece that connects to his VISOR terminals..
	He is wearing a body-suit, with a half-dozen blinking
	nodes at points that correspond to his meridians.
	There is a complex control and monitoring console
	several feet away.

	DATA is monitoring the interface unit on Geordi's body;
	BEVERLY is studying the console; RIKER is standing by,
	watching Geordi.

					BEVERLY
				(off console)
			All his vital functions are
			completely normal.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER       3.

4    CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The interface unit is operating
			within expected parameters.

					RIKER
			Why did he start coughing when he
			went through the gasses?

					BEVERLY
				(shrugs)
			Psychosomatic response.

	When Geordi speaks, he obviously can't see his
	colleagues, since his eyes are covered. So his voice
	has a certain removed quality, as if talking to them
	from a distance.

					GEORDI
			I feel like I'm actually here...
			I mean there -- in the Jefferies
			tube. I saw the smoke and I
			couldn't help coughing.

					DATA
			No one else has reported so
			complete a sensory experience.

					BEVERLY
			The interface is perfect for
			Geordi because his VISOR inputs
			allow the probe to transmit
			information directly into his
			cerebral cortex.

	Riker nods his understanding.

					RIKER
			It looks like this is going to
			work. Let's get the probe out of
			the Jefferies tube and into the
			launch bay before we reach Marijne
			Seven.

					GEORDI
			Will do...

5    INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi goes to start down the tube ladder, but he has
	trouble placing his foot on the lower rung.

					GEORDI
			Something's wrong. I'm having
			trouble controlling my left leg.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER       4.

6    INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi's left thigh appears to be twitching slightly.

					RIKER
				(to Beverly)
			What is it?

	Beverly is studying the interface monitor.

					BEVERLY
			The probe is designed to respond
			to the movements Geordi intends to
			make -- when his brain sends a
			message to move his leg, the
			interface moves the probe instead.

					DATA
			Apparently the gain on the tactile
			sensors is too low; I will
			increase the input.

	Data makes an adjustment and Geordi's leg stops
	twitching.

					GEORDI
			There it goes.

7    INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi successfully plants his left foot in the ladder
	rung and starts down the tube.

					GEORDI
			I'm on my way down.

7A   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Riker is eyeing the apparatus.

					RIKER
			Why the body-suit?

					DATA
			It provides tactile sensations so
			that Geordi will feel as if he is
			in the same environment as the
			probe.

	Riker nods.

         STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER         4A.

7B   INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS

	as Geordi leaves the Jefferies tube and crosses past
	the pool table, he sees something offscreen that
	startles him.

8    INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi has the same startled look on his face.

					BEVERLY
			What's wrong?

	Geordi smiles, relaxes.

					GEORDI
			Nothing...

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER       5.

9    INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi is looking at "his" reflection in a glass panel --
	only it's not him looking back. He sees THE PROBE --
	a two-foot long metallic CYLINDER. Tiny force beams --
	like pencil-thin needles of light -- project constantly
	from its surface, sweeping over everything around it.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I just saw my reflection in a
			panel.
				(wry)
			I forgot what a handsome guy I am.

	Off Geordi's smile...

                                             FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE      6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

10   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit above a huge, greenish, Neptune-like planet.
	The swirling, violent quality of its atmosphere can be
	seen even from here.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 47215.5.
			We are responding to a distress
			call from the science vessel
			Raman, which is apparently trapped
			inside the turbulent atmosphere of
			an unusual gas giant planet. We
			will use an experimental interface
			probe in our attempt to rescue it.

11   INT. BRIDGE

	Worf and the CON officer are at their posts.

	PICARD ENTERS from his Ready Room and heads for the aft
	science station where Riker, Data and Geordi are
	working.

	They're looking at an OKUDAGRAM that shows a cross-section
	of the atmospheric layers of the planet. The
	science ship is marked in one of the middle layers.

					DATA
			I have reviewed the vessel's
			mission plans. The Raman was to
			descend to the lower atmosphere,
			eleven thousand kilometers below
			its current position...

	Data indicates two atmospheric layers deeper.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			The crew was to sample the
			atmosphere at that level, and then
			return to a safer orbit.

	Data indicates a position much higher than the ship's
	present location.

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE      7.

11   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Something must have happened down
			there. Maybe the shields failed,
			or they had an inversion reaction
			in the nacelles.

	Picard nods.

					PICARD
			Any life signs?

					GEORDI
			Our bio-sensors are useless --
			there's too much interference in
			the atmosphere.

					RIKER
			The crew might still be alive.
			But we'll never be able to tell
			from up here.

					PICARD
			Will the probe be able to transmit
			through the interference?

					DATA
			The probe sends information via a
			focused particle beam that should
			be able to cut through the
			interference.

					GEORDI
			But we may have to operate the
			interface at near tolerance
			levels.

					PICARD
			Will your nervous system be able
			to handle that much sensory input?

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			We've tested the interface at up
			to seventy percent of tolerance.

					RIKER
			There shouldn't be a problem going
			higher -- the safety override will
			kick in at ninety-eight percent
			tolerance and disengage the
			interface.

         STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE         8.

12   INCLUDE WORF

	as he glances up from his console.

					WORF
			Captain, I am receiving a
			transmission from Starfleet
			Command -- Admiral Holt.

	Picard looks up at Worf, a little surprised at the
	message.

					PICARD
			In my Ready Room.

	Picard stands, turns back to the others.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			The seven people on that ship are
			our first priority. Is the probe
			ready for launch?

					DATA
			Yes, Sir.

					PICARD
			Send it directly to the aft
			section of the Raman, through the
			secondary air lock. That'll put
			it one bulkhead away from the
			Bridge.

					GEORDI
			I'll interface with the probe as
			soon as it's in place and take it
			in the rest of the way.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

	Riker stays at the console, Geordi and Data start for
	the Turbolift.

         STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE         9.

13   FOLLOW PICARD

	as he crosses the Bridge and goes into the Ready Room.

14   INT. READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Picard steps around to the monitor on his desk.

					PICARD
			Onscreen.

	ADMIRAL HOLT appears on the small screen. Picard
	smiles -- they are on familiar terms.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Hello, Marcus.

					ADMIRAL HOLT
			Jean-Luc.

	The Admiral returns the smile, but it's a little
	forced.

					PICARD
			How's life on DS-Three?

					ADMIRAL HOLT
			We're hosting this year's palio.
			The Ferengi have already been
			accused of trying to bribe the
			Breen pilot into throwing the
			race...

	Picard smiles.

					PICARD
			Nothing unusual about that.

					ADMIRAL HOLT
				(nodding)
			Nothing at all...

	A beat. The Admiral's face becomes serious.

					ADMIRAL HOLT
				(continuing)
			I wish I could say I was just
			calling to catch up on things.
				(beat)
			Nine days ago, the Hera left here
			on a routine courier mission. We
			were in contact with them for five
			of those days. Then the ship
			disappeared without a trace.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE        10.

14   CONTINUED:

	Picard reacts strongly.

					PICARD
			The Hera?

					ADMIRAL HOLT
			I'm afraid so.

	A long silent beat.

					ADMIRAL HOLT
			The Excelsior and the Noble have
			spent the last seventy-two hours
			retracing its course. Nothing.
			I'm going to keep them at it for
			seventy-two more.
				(beat)
			But to be honest, I don't think
			another week would make any
			difference.

	Picard nods. Another long beat.

					PICARD
			I'll tell Commander La Forge...

	OFF Picard's grim face.

15   INT. LAB

	Geordi is fiddling with the interface console as Data
	is applying a pen-like instrument to the interface
	unit, checking everything out.

	The door opens and Picard steps over to where the pair
	is working.

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE      11.

15   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Mister Data, I need a word with
			Commander La Forge.

					DATA
			Yes, Sir.
				(to Geordi)
			I will be on the Bridge.

	Picard waits for Data to go out the door, then turns
	back to Geordi.

					PICARD
			I've just spoken to Starfleet.
				(gently)
			The Hera is missing.

	Geordi is stunned.

					GEORDI
			Missing... ?

	Picard nods. Geordi then asks the question to which he
	already seems to know the answer.

					GEORDI
			What about my mother... ?

					PICARD
			Captain La Forge has disappeared
			along with the rest of her crew...

	Geordi nods. OFF his grave expression.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        12.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

16   INT. GEORDI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi is watching a message on the monitor from
	CAPTAIN SILVA LA FORGE, Geordi's mother. She is
	dressed in a red Starfleet uniform.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			-- I saw your father last week and
			your sister about ten days before
			that. I decided I missed my
			favorite son...

	Geordi smiles sadly at the inside joke.

					GEORDI
				(quietly to himself)
			Your only son, Mom...

					SILVA LA FORGE
				(continuing)
			You're going to have to see the
			Hera again. We've got a lot of
			new faces on board. Including a
			chief engineer who juices up the
			nacelles every chance she gets.
			I think she's the best technician
			in the fleet.
				(smiles)
			Okay, second best.

	Geordi smiles to himself. The door suddenly CHIMES.
	Geordi touches a control and FREEZES the recording of
	his mother.

					GEORDI
			Come in...

	The door opens and Riker steps inside the room. He
	pauses when he sees the still frame of Geordi's mother
	on the monitor.

					RIKER
			I didn't mean to interrupt.

					GEORDI
			Don't worry about it.

	Geordi touches the console and the message continues.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        13.

16   CONTINUED:

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Maybe you should meet her. We're
			going to be in the same sector
			next week. Take a shuttle over
			and I'll introduce you.

					GEORDI
				(to Riker)
			Mom's always trying to find me a
			wife.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			But if you're too busy, I'll see
			you at your father's birthday
			party. Remember, if you talk to
			him -- it's a surprise.

	She puts her finger to her lips in the "shush"
	position. The message ends with the insignia of
	Starfleet across the screen.

					GEORDI
				(to Riker)
			This came in about three weeks
			ago.
				(beat)
			I never got back to her...

					RIKER
				(gently)
			Geordi, the probe has entered the
			planet's atmosphere. I'm ready to
			move it inside the ship.
				(beat)
			If you want to take a couple of
			days off, I'll run the interface.

					GEORDI
			The interface is calibrated
			specifically for my VISOR inputs.
			You'd need at least ten hours to
			convert it. Those crewmen down
			there can't wait...

					RIKER
			The interface doesn't have to be
			fully compatible. I could use it
			right now. I wouldn't have the
			control you'd have, but it would
			still work.

	Geordi reacts a little too strongly.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        14.

16   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Forget it. I'm the best one for
			the job, and there's no reason not
			to go ahead as planned.

					RIKER
				(gently)
			The Hera is reason enough.

					GEORDI
			The Hera is missing. That's all.
			Until I hear something more, my
			mother might just as well have
			taken the crew on an unscheduled
			holiday.

	Geordi stands.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Let's go.

	He heads for the door. OFF the concern on Riker's face
	as he turns to follow.

17   INT. BRIDGE

	Worf is at tactical, Riker is at aft science, Picard is
	in his seat, and various N.D.s are at other posts.
	Riker turns from his console.

					RIKER
			Sir, the probe is through the
			airlock and in position aboard the
			Raman.

	Picard acknowledges with a nod.

					PICARD
			Picard to Commander Data. Report.

18   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi is wearing the interface helmet; Data is
	adjusting it and Beverly is working at a nearby
	monitor.

					DATA
				(to Com)
			We are ready to bring the
			interface on line.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        15.

18   CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Proceed.

					DATA
			Activating the remote sensors...

	Data works the controls.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Initiating interface... now.

	Data turns to Geordi, whose face changes, as if he's
	suddenly somewhere else.

					BEVERLY
				(off monitor)
			Vital signs normal... How do you
			feel, Geordi?

	It takes Geordi a beat to answer.

					GEORDI
			Fine...

					DATA
			Do you have visual contact?

19   CLOSE IN ON GEORDI'S FACE

	He answers as if from far away.

					GEORDI
			Not yet...

                                             DISSOLVE TO:

20   INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)

	Everything is dark, murky.

					GEORDI'S VOICE
			Increase the input signal, Data.
			I'm not seeing anything...

					DATA
			Acknowledged.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        16.

20   CONTINUED:

	A beat. Suddenly, the darkness clears -- we see the
	corridor, mysteriously lit and clouded with tendrils of
	gas. But everything is in BLACK & WHITE.

21   INT. LAB

	Geordi's face suddenly becomes animated.

					GEORDI
			I can see. But no colors.

					DATA
			Increasing signal strength of
			seventy-five percent of tolerance.

	Data works the controls on the console.

22   INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)

	As before in Black & White. Suddenly, the scene
	becomes COLORED, and we can see the glare from the Red
	Alert.

23   ON GEORDI

	standing in the corridor, looking around (the same
	convention we used when he was using the probe to fight
	the fire in the Teaser).

					GEORDI
			That's better.

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
			Your pulse has gone up...

24   INT. LAB

	Beverly is watching the monitor.

					BEVERLY
			It might take your nervous system
			a little while to get used to this
			input level.

					GEORDI
			I'm excited, that's all. This is
			like being on a roller coaster.

                                             INTERCUT:

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        17.

25   INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Or a first date... Everything's
			okay.

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
				(lightly)
			I'll be the judge of that, Geordi.
			If your heart rate goes too high,
			we'll disconnect you.

					GEORDI
			Understood. But don't pull the
			plug yet...

	A beat as he continues to look around.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			It's a mess in here. There must
			be a hull breach somewhere. I'm
			picking up atmospheric gasses
			inside the corridor -- methane and
			ammonia primarily.

	Geordi starts slowly to walk up the corridor.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm heading toward the Bridge.

	He continues for a few silent beats. As he goes, the
	fumes increase.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			It's getting worse the closer I
			get. The break in the hull might
			be on the Bridge itself.

	He rounds a corner, sees a collapsed piece of material --
	and a body beneath it.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I found somebody!

					DATA'S VOICE
			What is your position?

	Geordi hurries forward.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO        18.

25   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			About twelve meters up the main
			corridor! A section of the
			bulkhead collapsed on top of him.

	Geordi reaches the trapped crew member and puts both
	hands underneath the bulkhead material.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I can't move it. I need more
			power to the tractor beams.

26   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Data looks over to Beverly to see if he should comply
	with Geordi's request. She checks Geordi's vital signs
	for a beat, then nods a cautious go ahead.

					BEVERLY
			Go to eighty percent of tolerance --
			no higher.

	Data nods and works the controls.

27   INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Suddenly, Geordi's hands move strongly upwards,
	removing the fallen material and casting it aside. He
	bends down to investigate the crew member.

					GEORDI
			He looks pretty bad.

	Geordi places his hands on both sides of the man's
	neck.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			He's dead.

	He goes a couple of meters up the corridor to a heavy
	door. He tries to open it but can't.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Data, the door halfway down the
			left corridor... what's it lead
			to?

					DATA'S VOICE
			A magnetic storage bay.

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT TWO      19.

27   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			If there was a breach on the
			Bridge, that would be the safest
			place to go.

	He sees a control panel next to the door, gets an idea.
	Geordi holds a hand out in front of him, palm up.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Data, I need a phaser burst. Wide
			focus, level four intensity.

	The control panel is hit by a sudden burst of phasers
	from Geordi's hand -- it sparks and the door slides
	open, revealing the storage bay behind it.

	Geordi steps inside, sees six bodies.

					GEORDI
			I've found them!

	Geordi gets closer, checks one of the bodies.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			They're dead... all of them.

	Suddenly FLAMES flash up directly in front of Geordi.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			There's a fire in here...

	The flames suddenly leap out at him... Geordi
	instinctively raises his hands to shield his face, and
	when the flames make contact with his palms he cries
	out in pain. The flames seem to advance on him, and he
	swats at them, again crying out on contact.

28   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	And again -- Geordi cries out in pain.

					BEVERLY
			Data! Disconnect him!

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT TWO      20.

28   CONTINUED:

	Data quickly hits some controls and Geordi's face loses
	its grimace.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			What happened?

					GEORDI
				(dazed)
			I don't know... My hands...

	Geordi slowly brings up his hands -- his palms are
	burned.

					BEVERLY
				(stunned)
			They're burned...

	OFF everyone's reactions.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

      STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT THREE 21-21A        

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

29   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit above the huge, greenish planet.

30   INT. SICKBAY

	Geordi has both hands inside a small clear BOX that is
	bathing his burns in a blue light. His wounds are
	partially healed and he's still wearing the interface
	suit. Picard and Beverly are standing around him.

					PICARD
			How did this happen?

					BEVERLY
			There was some kind of energy
			discharge in the interface suit.

					PICARD
			Shouldn't the safety over-rides
			have prevented that?

					BEVERLY
			Yes... but I have a theory why
			they didn't.

	Picard nods that she continue.

					BEVERLY
			The tolerance levels on the
			interface were set extremely high.
			I think Geordi's neural response
			to the input was so strong that it
			created a feedback loop.

	Geordi pulls a hand from the burn-box and looks at the
	sensors that attach to his his hands.

					GEORDI
			The sensors that were transmitting
			the sensation of heat to my hands
			must've overloaded.

	Picard considers for a moment.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       22.

30   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			I know it seems hard to believe,
			but the probe was sending huge
			amounts of sensory data directly
			into Geordi's brain. The
			tolerance levels on the interface
			were set extremely high.

	Picard nods -- if his experts are telling him it's
	possible, that's good enough for him.

					PICARD
			The Raman's crew is dead. I'd
			like to retrieve their vessel, but
			not if it means risking Geordi's
			safety.

					GEORDI
			If we turn down the sensory input
			from the probe, I should be fine.

	Geordi sees that Picard is still unsure.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Seven people lost their lives down
			there... we should at least
			retrieve the data they were
			collecting. Otherwise their
			deaths won't have any meaning.

	Geordi's response is a little too emphatic. Picard and
	Beverly exchange glances -- clearly recent events are
	making Geordi feel strongly about this.

					PICARD
			Doctor?

	Beverly considers for a beat.

					BEVERLY
			If we operate the interface at
			lower input levels, I'd say the
			risk is acceptable.

					PICARD
			Alright.
				(touches combadge)
			Picard to Riker.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker, here.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE     22.

30   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			The Raman's crew is dead. I'd
			like to retrieve their vessel, but
			not if it means risking Geordi's
			safety.

					GEORDI
			If we turn down the sensory input
			from the probe, I should be fine.

	Geordi sees that Picard is still unsure.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Seven people lost their lives down
			there... we should at least
			retrieve the data they were
			collecting.

	Geordi's response is a little too emphatic. Picard and
	Beverly exchange glances -- clearly recent events are
	making Geordi feel strongly about this.

					PICARD
			Doctor?

	Beverly considers for a beat.

					BEVERLY
			If we operate the interface at
			lower input levels, I'd say the
			risk is acceptable.

					PICARD
			Alright.
				(touches combadge)
			Picard to Riker.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker, here.

    STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE    22A.

31   INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE STATION

	Riker is at the station.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			I've decided to proceed with the
			probe.

					RIKER
				(to COM)
			We'll have to take it into the
			Raman's auxiliary control room --
			the Bridge is too badly damaged.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			How long before you can get it
			into position?

					RIKER
			A few hours -- we're going to have
			to cut through a bulkhead.

32   INT. SICKBAY

	As before.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE     23.

32   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Acknowledged.

					BEVERLY
				(to Geordi)
			Looks like you'll have some time
			to recuperate.

	Geordi nods.

					GEORDI
			There's something I need to do
			anyway.

33   INT. GEORDI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi is watching his father, DOCTOR LA FORGE, on the
	small monitor. Doctor La Forge is wearing science
	blue, and has three pips on his collar.

					GEORDI
			How are you, Dad?

					DOCTOR LA FORGE
			As well as expected, given the
			circumstances. Are you okay?

					GEORDI
			Yeah...

	His father nods. A beat.

					DOCTOR LA FORGE
			I talked to your sister this
			morning. She said she'd get in
			touch with you in a few days.
			Right now she's pretty upset.
				(beat)
			The service for the Hera will
			probably be on Vulcan -- most of
			the crew was from there. But your
			sister and I want to have a
			private ceremony --

					GEORDI
			-- Dad. Don't you think
			everybody's jumping the gun here?
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       24.

33   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI (Cont'd)
			Last I heard, two starships were
			still out there looking. They've
			found no debris, no residual warp
			distortion --

					DOCTOR LA FORGE
			-- And no ship.

					GEORDI
			Not yet. That doesn't mean they
			won't.

					DOCTOR LA FORGE
			Starfleet is considering the Hera
			lost. The search isn't much more
			than a formality at this point.
				(beat; quietly)
			Geordi, your mother's gone...

	Geordi is harsh.

					GEORDI
			You can think that if you want.
			But until I see some hard
			evidence, I'm not going to give up
			hope.

	His father starts to say something, then changes his
	mind.

					DOCTOR LA FORGE
			All right, Geordi. Call me if you
			need anything...

	Doctor La Forge touches a control and the screen goes
	blank.

	OFF Geordi's flat expression.

34   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS

	Data is staring at a blank computer screen. The door
	CHIMES.

					DATA
			Come in.

	The door opens and Geordi ENTERS.

					GEORDI
			Hey, Data. Still working?

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       25.

34   CONTINUED:

	Data continues staring at the blank screen, as if
	riveted.

					DATA
			No. I have completed the
			adjustments on the interface. I
			am now waiting for Commander Riker
			to finish moving the probe.

	Geordi nods, crosses over toward Data. Data turns to
	his friend.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Do you wish to be comforted?

	Geordi reacts a bit negatively to Data's bluntness.

					GEORDI
			No... I was just passing by.
			Wondered what you were up to.

					DATA
				(re: monitor)
			I am using the time to catch up on
			my study of poetry.

	Geordi steps closer, stares at the blank monitor.

					GEORDI
			Data, there's nothing on the
			screen.

					DATA
			That is not entirely correct.
			While it is true the display is
			currently blank, this emptiness
			has a poetic meaning. So it
			cannot be considered "nothing" as
			such.

					GEORDI
			Says who?

					DATA
			The ancient Doosodarians. Much of
			their poetry contained such
			"lacunae" or empty spaces. Often
			these pauses measured several days
			in length, during which poet and
			audience were encouraged to fully
			acknowledge the emptiness of the
			experience.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       26.

34   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			I remember some lectures at
			Starfleet academy that seemed like
			that.

	A beat as Data considers his friend again.

					DATA
			Are you certain you do not wish to
			talk about your mother?

	Geordi again reacts to Data's overly direct manner.

					GEORDI
			Why do you ask that?

					DATA
			You are no doubt feeling emotional
			distress as a result of her
			disappearance. Though you claimed
			to be "just passing by," that is
			most likely an excuse to start a
			conversation about this
			uncomfortable subject. Am I
			correct?

	Geordi overreacts.

					GEORDI
			Well, no. Sometimes "just passing
			by" means "just passing by."

	Data thinks about this for a moment.

					DATA
			Then I apologize for my premature
			assumption.

	Data turns back to the monitor.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			This particular poem has a lacuna
			of forty-seven minutes. You may
			experience the emptiness with me
			if you wish.

					GEORDI
				(unsure)
			Thanks...

	Data and Geordi watch the blank screen for several
	silent seconds. Geordi glances at Data who appears
	perfectly content to stare at nothing. Geordi scowls.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       27.

34   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI
			Data, maybe you gave up too fast.

	Data turns from the screen -- with some hesitation, as
	though very interested in what he was watching.

					DATA
			I do not understand.

					GEORDI
			When I said "just passing by"
			means "just passing by" -- I
			didn't really mean it.

	Data cocks his head, realizing.

					DATA
			My initial assumption was correct.
			You do wish to speak of your
			mother.

					GEORDI
			Am I crazy to think she's still
			alive?

					DATA
			Your sanity is not in question.
			However, your evaluation of the
			available information is...
			biased.

					GEORDI
			She's the captain of a starship!
			She's gotten herself into and out
			of impossible situations before.
			Why should this be any different?

					DATA
			Disappearances fitting the profile
			of the Hera have rarely ended with
			the safe recovery of ship and
			crew.

					GEORDI
				(sharp)
			That makes me feel better.

	Data doesn't answer. Geordi feels a little guilty.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm sorry, Data. I didn't mean to
			snap at you.

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       28.

34   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA
			I am not offended. You are upset
			and your reactions are not
			surprising.

	Geordi quiets down.

					GEORDI
			I guess I am a little... on edge.

	A long beat as Geordi looks away.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			It's just that... If she really is
			dead...
				(quietly)
			I don't know what I'm going to
			do...

	Geordi puts a hand on Data's shoulder for a moment in
	silent thanks for his support, then turns and goes out
	the door.

	Data turns again to his blank monitor for a beat, then
	pauses and glances toward where Geordi disappeared, as
	if still thinking of his friend...

35   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit above Marijne Seven.

36   INT. LAB

	Beverly is checking over the interface unit on Geordi's
	head as Data works with the console.

					BEVERLY
				(to Geordi)
			We're receiving the probe's
			telemetry.

					DATA
			The input levels are currently at
			fifty-three percent of tolerance.

					GEORDI
			That's too low, Data. I won't be
			able to do anything down there.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE     29.

36   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			I want to start with as wide a
			margin of safety as possible. We
			can adjust upward as needed.
				(beat)
			Ready?

					GEORDI
			Go ahead.

	Data works the console.

					DATA
			Initiating interface...

37   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)

	Everything is dark.

					GEORDI'S VOICE
			I can't see anything.

					DATA'S VOICE
			I am increasing input now...

	The room beings to take form in the slowly increasing
	light -- a spare interior with several banks of control
	consoles.

38   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Data works the controls.

					GEORDI
			That's better... but I need
			more...

	Data keeps going...

39   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi is standing in the room, staring straight ahead,
	with a dumbfounded look on his face.

40   INCLUDE - SILVA LA FORGE

	standing directly in front of Geordi, facing him.

					DATA'S VOICE
			Is this level sufficient?

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE       30.

40   CONTINUED:

	Geordi is too stunned to answer. He continues to stare
	at his mother.

					DATA'S VOICE
				(continuing)
			Geordi?

	No answer.

					DATA'S VOICE
				(continuing)
			Geordi, can you hear me?

	OFF mother and son staring at each other...

                                             FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     31.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

41   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi is staring at his mother standing in front of
	him.

					GEORDI
				(barely)
			Mom...

42   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Data and Beverly react to Geordi as he says the words.

					GEORDI
			Mom, is it you?

                                             INTERCUT:

43   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Silva La Forge stares at him for a moment -- there's a
	confused look on her face.

					SILVA LA FORGE
				(hesitantly)
			Is it you... ?

	A beat, Geordi seems puzzled -- then suddenly
	remembers.

					GEORDI
			I forgot! All you're seeing is a
			probe. Yes, it's me. I'm on the
			Enterprise. I'm interfaced with
			this probe.

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
			Geordi. Who are you talking to?
				(beat)
			What are you seeing?

	Geordi ignores her, too amazed by the woman before him.

					GEORDI
			But is it really you?

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR        32.

43   CONTINUED:

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Yes, Geordi. It's me.

					GEORDI
			How can it be... ? How is it
			possible --

					SILVA LA FORGE
			There's no time to explain. We
			have to go down...

	A beat as Geordi studies her.

					GEORDI
			Down where?

					SILVA LA FORGE
			The surface.

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
			Geordi. Report.

	He seems to hear Beverly for the first time.

					GEORDI
				(to Beverly)
			Hang on, Doctor...

	He takes a careful step toward his mother.

					GEORDI
			Why? Why do we have to go to the
			surface?

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We're dying.

	Geordi is puzzled.

					GEORDI
			"We?" Your ship? The Hera is
			down there?

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     33.

43   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
			Geordi, we're disconnecting you
			right now...

					GEORDI
				(to Beverly)
			No. Wait...

	Beverly and Data pause.

	Geordi takes another step toward his mother.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We need your help. I need your
			help... Geordi...

	Geordi reaches out with both hands, placing them on her
	arms -- at the contact, there is a violent SHOCKING
	ARC. He cries out in pain --

44   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	The safety cut-off has disengaged the interface but the
	overload has caused Geordi to lose consciousness.

					DATA
				(to Beverly)
			The cut-off has been automatically
			activated.

	Beverly rushes to Geordi's side.

					BEVERLY
			He's in neural shock --

	She grabs a MEDICAL DEVICE and begins to work on
	Geordi. Data tries to give her room to work by
	removing the interface from Geordi's head...

                                             TIME CUT TO:

45   INT. SICKBAY

	Geordi is now sitting on the big diagnostic bed, as
	Beverly runs various scans on him. He's wearing the
	interface suit and his VISOR and seems a little shaken
	up. Picard and Data are standing by.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR        34.

45   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
				(to Picard)
			The sensory overload didn't cause
			any permanent damage -- but I
			wouldn't want to expose his
			nervous system to that much
			stimulus again.

					PICARD
			Is there any indication of what
			caused the hallucination?

	Geordi reacts to this characterization of his
	experience.

					BEVERLY
			His brain functions are normal --

	Geordi interrupts:

					GEORDI
			I told you, I wasn't
			hallucinating.

	There is an uncomfortable moment -- Picard glances at
	Data and nods that he should go ahead and report.

					DATA
			Geordi, I have analyzed the
			probe's sensor logs -- there are
			no readings that would indicate
			the presence of a living human on
			board the Raman.

					GEORDI
			She wasn't actually there. Her
			ship is on the surface.

	Picard tries to sort out what Geordi is saying.

					PICARD
			Then you believe you saw some kind
			of... transmission?

					GEORDI
				(nodding)
			Somehow she managed to contact me.

					DATA
			We have no indication of a
			transmission of any kind.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     35.

45   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Maybe I'm the only one who could
			detect it -- because I was
			interfaced with the probe.

	Data sees what he's getting at.

					DATA
			The probe does allow Geordi to
			sense quantum fluctuations,
			subspace anomalies, and other
			phenomena not perceptible to other
			kinds of sensors.

					PICARD
			Granted. But why would he
			perceive his mother visually, as
			if she were standing in the room?

					BEVERLY
			I'm not sure... I do know that our
			brains aren't designed to process
			the kind of sensory information
			Geordi was getting. When the
			brain receives something it can't
			understand, it interprets the
			input as best it can -- sometimes
			as a sound or smell, sometimes
			visually.

	Geordi seizes on the validation he thinks he's getting.

					GEORDI
				(to Picard)
			You see?

	Beverly knows what Geordi is going through, and she
	tries to be as gentle as she can.

					BEVERLY
			Geordi, that doesn't mean you're
			mother was really communicating
			with you. I'm just trying to
			explain why you might've thought
			she was.

	Geordi can't hide his frustration.

					GEORDI
			I'm telling you, my mother's ship
			is trapped down there -- they need
			our help.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     36.

45   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
				(gently)
			The Hera's last reported location
			was over three hundred light years
			away. How could it have ended up
			here?

	Geordi has no answer.

					DATA
			If the Hera is on the surface, its
			hull could not possibly withstand
			the pressure of the atmosphere.

	Geordi doesn't have an explanation but he knows what he
	saw.

					GEORDI
			Just let me go back so we can be
			sure.

	It hurts our people to have to reject his plea.

					BEVERLY
				(to Picard)
			I don't recommend he use the
			interface again -- the sensory
			overload nearly killed him.

					GEORDI
			I'll be all right.

					PICARD
			I'm sorry, Geordi. But I won't
			risk your life.

	Picard turns to Data.

					PICARD
			Mister Data, find another way to
			salvage the Raman. I want to hear
			an alternate plan in two hours.

					DATA
			Yes, Captain.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     37.

45   CONTINUED: (4)

	Data heads for the door. Picard turns to Geordi.

					PICARD
				(gently)
			In the meantime, I'd like you to
			talk with Counselor Troi. She's
			expecting you.

	Geordi seems about to object -- then he catches
	himself.

					GEORDI
			Aye, Sir...

	OFF Geordi's frustrated look.

46   INT. TROI'S OFFICE

	Troi is seated in a chair, watching as Geordi (now in
	uniform) paces slowly in front of her. He's impatient --
	he doesn't want to be here.

					TROI
			What's your mother like, Geordi?

					GEORDI
			Counselor, if you think I'm going
			to start talking about my
			childhood, you're way off.

					TROI
			That's not what I asked.

	Geordi stops pacing.

					GEORDI
			No, I guess not.
				(beat)
			She was --
				(catching himself)
			She is... brilliant, funny...
			really perceptive. She knows
			people. Knows what they're all
			about even before they open their
			mouths. She's always been like
			that. A good judge of character.

					TROI
			When did you see her last?

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR     38.

46   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Seven months ago, when she first
			took command of the Hera. I went
			to a party she had for her crew...

	Geordi takes a deep breath.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			The Enterprise and the Hera were
			in the same sector three weeks
			ago. She wanted to see me. We
			were both pretty busy though...
				(quietly)
			I guess I could have made the
			time. But I didn't think... I
			mean I just didn't think...

	His voice trails off.

					TROI
				(gently)
			You didn't think it would be your
			last chance to see her...

	Geordi is angered.

					GEORDI
			You don't know that! None of us
			does!

	A long silent beat.

					TROI
			I'm going to suggest something.
			Call it a theory. Alright?

					GEORDI
				(calms down)
			Alright...

	Troi stands.

					TROI
			You're very worried about the
			disappearance of your mother...
			and guilty over not seeing her
			when you had the chance. So
			you're unwilling even to consider
			that she might be dead. This need
			to believe she's alive is so
			strong, it manifested itself as a
			physical image.

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR     39.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			But she told me she's trapped on
			the planet! She's in danger! If
			this was some kind of wish
			fulfillment, don't you think I'd
			fantasize her being safe and
			sound?

					TROI
			No. Because that would end the
			fantasy -- you'd know it wasn't
			true. The more involved and
			complicated and unending your
			story is, the longer you can
			believe your mother is still
			alive.

	Geordi stops pacing. He thinks for a moment, then
	looks at her.

					GEORDI
			That's your theory, Counselor.
			I've got a different one.

	Geordi EXITS. OFF the concern on Troi's face.

47   INT. OBS LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker and Geordi. Data is presenting his
	report; Geordi looks impatient.

					DATA
			I have been exploring the
			possibility of using a tractor
			beam to pull the Raman from the
			atmosphere. However, there is so
			much interference that it prevents
			a positive lock.

					RIKER
			If we could set up some sort of
			relay system...

					DATA
			That is my conclusion as well,
			Commander. Two shuttlecraft,
			staggered between the Enterprise
			and the Raman, with their shields
			adjusted to refocus the tractor
			beam.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR        40.

47   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Can we get those shuttles close
			enough without putting them in
			danger?
				(to Geordi)
			Mister La Forge.

					GEORDI
				(shrugs)
			I suppose so.
				(beat)
			Yes. As long as you keep them
			above the troposphere, they'll be
			alright.

	Picard nods, turns to Data.

					PICARD
			In that case --

					GEORDI
				(interrupting)
			What about the Hera?

	Everyone turns to him.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			We'll be leaving my mother and her
			crew stranded on the planet. We
			have to save them.

	Picard reacts, displeased but also concerned with
	Geordi's insistence...

					PICARD
			Commander --

					GEORDI
				(interrupting)
			-- I've been thinking about
			this...

	Geordi stands.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			A few weeks ago I got a message
			from my mother. She said she had
			a new chief engineer who was
			always experimenting with the warp
			drive.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR     41.

47   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI (Cont'd)
			Well, I've seen the Hera -- it
			uses trionic initiators in the
			warp coil. They have a history of
			strange side effects -- especially
			if you start playing around with
			them.

	Picard glances at Data for confirmation.

					DATA
			There have been reports of warp
			bubbles and other subspace
			deformations.

					GEORDI
				(nodding)
			So what if that's what happened?
			Not a warp bubble, but a subspace
			funnel.

					DATA
			Connecting two points through
			subspace.

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			The Hera could have accidentally
			created a distortion that emptied
			out right here, on Marijne Seven.

	It seems unlikely to everyone but Geordi.

					PICARD
			Why here?

					GEORDI
			The Hera passed near this planet
			just ten days ago. There's a lot
			of subspace distortion in the
			atmosphere -- the ship might've
			picked up some residual traces
			that directed the funnel back
			here.

					RIKER
				(disbelieving)
			And the Hera is still in one
			piece, down on the surface?

       STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR       41A.

47   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI
			Maybe it's surrounded by some kind
			of subspace field that's keeping
			it together. But who knows for
			how long?

	Geordi looks absolutely convinced.

					PICARD
			Do you have any evidence to
			support this... hypothesis?

					GEORDI
			I did get some strange subspace
			readings when I was interfaced
			with the probe.

					RIKER
			Geordi, that could be anything.

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR        42.

47   CONTINUED: (4)

					GEORDI
			I talked to her. She asked me to
			take the Raman closer to the
			planet.

	Picard turns to Data.

					PICARD
			Is any of this possible?

	Data considers the fantastic story for a couple of
	beats.

					DATA
			Yes.

	Geordi smiles.

					GEORDI
			There.

	Data seems conscious of not wanting to offend his
	friend, but he still has to do his job.

					DATA
			However, I believe it is...
				(hesitates)
			unlikely.

					PICARD
			How unlikely?

					DATA
			Nearly impossible, Sir.

	Picard nods, considers for a moment.

					PICARD
			Proceed with the shuttle plan.

					GEORDI
			Captain --

					PICARD
			-- Mister La Forge. Stay here for
			a moment.

	Picard nods to the rest of the staff in dismissal.
	Everyone heads out the door, as Geordi sits back down.
	When the door closes behind the last one --

        STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR        43.

47   CONTINUED: (5)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Geordi, I'm not unsympathetic
			about what you're going through.
			But I want you to consider my
			position as well.

	A beat. Geordi reluctantly decides to listen.

					GEORDI
			Yes, Sir.

	Picard looks at him for a moment.

					PICARD
			Your mother's disappearance...
			It's... a tragic thing...
				(beat)
			But I can't risk your safety on
			the basis of a dubious hypothesis.

	A beat.

					GEORDI
			If there's even one chance in a
			million I'm right and she's
			alive...

	Picard reacts -- this is a no-win situation for him.

					PICARD
			I'm sorry, Geordi. I've made my
			decision.

	A beat. Geordi appears to have given up.

					GEORDI
			I understand, Sir.

	Picard heads for the door to the Bridge. Geordi stays
	for a beat. Then with resolve, heads for the opposite
	exit...

48   INT. LAB - ON THE INTERFACE CONSOLE

	As all its readouts and monitors light up.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR         44.

49   INCLUDE GEORDI

	readying the unit. He is wearing the interface suit.
	Suddenly the door OPENS and reveals Data standing
	there. Geordi reacts; he's been caught.

					DATA
			I suspected you would decide to
			operate the interface alone.

					GEORDI
				(surprised)
			You did?

					DATA
			I am familiar enough with your
			behavior patterns to predict
			certain... decisions.

					GEORDI
			I guess you know me pretty well...

					DATA
			You are disobeying the Captain.

					GEORDI
			I can't just sit back and do
			nothing when my mother might be
			down on that planet.

					DATA
			I can not allow you to endanger
			your well being.

					GEORDI
			If we leave here without knowing
			for sure...

	He stops, all the pent up emotions inside him finally
	come to a head. He's so overcome that he turns away.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'll have to live with it for the
			rest of my life... wondering... if
			I left her to die... I couldn't
			take that, Data... I couldn't...

	There is an anguish in Geordi's voice that Data can't
	ignore.

					GEORDI
			That's why I have to do this.


          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR        44A.

49   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			I could have you confined to
			quarters for the duration of the
			mission.

					GEORDI
			If you want to do that to me,
			Data, then go ahead. Because
			nothing less is going to stop me
			from trying to save my mother.

	Geordi turns and continues setting up the interface.
	Data considers for a long moment, then takes up
	position next to the console.

					GEORDI
			What are you doing?

					DATA
			I will monitor the interface and
			attempt to keep you safe.

	Geordi looks at him, surprised. Data is seizing on a
	point of logic in order to rationalize helping him.

					DATA
			I can not have you confined to
			quarters for something you have
			not yet done.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR         45.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

	Geordi realizes what Data is doing.

					GEORDI
			Data, we could both end up in a
			lot of trouble for this.

	Data is already working the interface controls.

					DATA
			There is a high degree of
			probability that you are right.

	Geordi is touched.

					GEORDI
			Thanks, Data.

	Geordi removes the VISOR and pulls the interface unit
	over his head.
					DATA
			However, I have a request.

					GEORDI
				(surprised)
			What's that?

					DATA
			I would ask you to consider the
			possibility that what you see is
			not real.

	Geordi pauses for a moment -- Data has gotten through
	to him.

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			I will. I promise.

	Data works the console.

					DATA
			I am establishing the interface...

	OFF Geordi's face and the tension of the moment as the
	interface comes alive around him...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

50   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship in orbit above Marijne Seven.

51   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL

	Geordi as probe is standing inside Auxiliary Control.
	He glances around the room -- he is alone.

					GEORDI
			Mom... ?

					SILVA LA FORGE (O.S.)
			Hello, Geordi...

	Geordi whips around at the voice.

52   INCLUDE SILVA LA FORGE

	standing nearby, where Geordi was looking only a moment
	before.

					GEORDI
			How did you get here?

	A moment as Silva stares at him.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			I'm not really with you, Geordi.
			I'm on my ship, on the surface.
			We were pulled into a warp funnel.

					GEORDI
			That's just what I thought!

	He stares at her -- it seems he was right.

					GEORDI
			How are we communicating?

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We found a way to send a subspace
			signal that could cut through the
			atmospheric interference.

					DATA'S VOICE
			Geordi, are you seeing the image
			of your mother... ?

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         47.

53   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Data is carefully watching Geordi's reactions.

					GEORDI
			Yes, and she just confirmed
			everything I've been saying.

					DATA
			I am reading some unusual subspace
			energy in your vicinity -- similar
			to what the probe sensors recorded
			the first time you encountered
			your mother.

					GEORDI
			That's how she's communicating
			with me. It's the only kind of
			signal they could send that would
			get through the interference.

	We see on Data's face that Geordi's story is starting
	to seem more plausible.

54   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We need your help.

					GEORDI
			I've been thinking about this --
			I'm going to take the Raman into
			a low stationary orbit and
			initiate an inverse warp cascade.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Why?

					GEORDI
			The subspace distortion from the
			cascade should reverse the warp
			funnel -- your ship will end up
			right where it started.

55   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

					DATA
			Geordi, the atmosphere becomes
			increasingly turbulent the farther
			down you go -- you may not be able
			to bring the Raman close enough to
			the Hera before being destroyed.

            STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE            48.

55   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I have to try, Data.

56   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We're running out of time.

	Geordi works the console.

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			Shields back on line... we're
			starting our descent...

	He glances at his mother as she watches over his
	shoulder.

					GEORDI
				(continuing; quietly)
			Thank god...

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Thank... god...

					GEORDI
			That you're alive -- that I was
			right about all this.
				(beat)
			I can't wait to call Dad. He and
			Ariana had given up...

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We're going home...

	Geordi reacts -- puzzled at her use of the word. He
	turns to her.

57   GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI'S VOICE
			Eventually, yeah.

	His mother smiles. Suddenly everything in his field of
	vision seems to fade.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         49.

57   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI'S VOICE
				(continuing)
			Data -- everything's fading in and
			out.

58   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm losing the interface.

	Data studies the console.

					DATA
			The probe is descending out of
			range.

					GEORDI
			You're going to have to turn up
			the input gain to maintain my
			connection.

					DATA
				(hesitates)
			It is already at seventy-five
			percent of tolerance.

					GEORDI
			You can take it all the way up to
			a hundred if you increase it
			slowly enough -- give my nervous
			system time to adapt.

					DATA
			That is theoretically true. But
			even at this input level you have
			already experienced dangerous
			neural feedback.

					GEORDI
			Data, there are over three hundred
			people on board the Hera. We're
			the only chance they've got.

	Data considers, then works the console.

					DATA
			I will increase the gain
			incrementally as you descend.

            STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE           49A.

59   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	As he looks around:

					GEORDI
			It's working.

            STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE            50.

60   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

					DATA
			When we are ready to disconnect
			the interface, we must allow
			sufficient time to lower the input
			levels -- otherwise your nervous
			system would go into shock from
			the sudden drop in input.

61   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	As Geordi works the console.

					GEORDI
			Once I initiate the warp cascade
			we can start dropping the gain.

	Geordi glances back at his Mom and smiles that
	everything will be all right.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			We'll be in sensor range of your
			ship within a few minutes.

	He works the controls for a moment.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm sorry I didn't get over to see
			you a few weeks ago.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			You were... too busy with work.

					GEORDI
			I'm sorry; it won't happen again.

61A  INT. BRIDGE (FORMERLY SCENE 65)

	Picard, Riker, Worf, the CON officer. Worf reacts to
	his console.

					WORF
				(off console)
			Captain, the Raman is descending
			toward the planet.

	Picard and Riker exchange a look.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         51.

61A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Geordi...

62   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Data is studying a readout with concern.

					DATA
			Geordi, we are now at ninety
			percent of tolerance.

	Geordi reacts with concern.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			My calculations show that you will
			reach one hundred percent of
			tolerance before you are in range
			of the Hera.

					GEORDI
			Then we're going to have to go
			beyond tolerance.

					DATA
			That is not advisable. You must
			cease your descent.

63   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	Silva reacts with alarm to Data's words.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Geordi, don't stop... please.

	Geordi gestures that everything will be all right.

					GEORDI
			Data, I'm taking this ship down.
			If you don't boost the gain past
			tolerance levels, I'll lose the
			interface when we go out of range
			and my nervous system will go into
			shock.

64   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

					DATA
			You are putting me in a very
			difficult position. Please cease
			your descent.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         52.

64   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I won't do it... so you'd better
			increase the tolerance...

	Data hears the resolve in his voice. After a beat he
	works the console.

					DATA
			Disengaging safety systems...
			going to full tolerance levels...
			now.

					GEORDI
			Thanks, Data.

65   OMITTED

66   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL

	Geordi continues to work the Raman's console, as his
	mother looks on.

					GEORDI
				(to his mother)
			We're getting close...

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Thank god...

					PICARD'S VOICE
			La Forge.

	Geordi reacts.

					GEORDI
			Yes, Captain?

67   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Picard and Beverly are now with Data. Picard is facing
	Geordi.

            STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE            53.

67   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Stop your descent and prepare to
			disengage the interface.

	Geordi hates to do this, but he feels he has no choice.

					GEORDI
			I'm sorry, sir. But I can't do
			that.

					PICARD
			Damn it, Geordi -- you're going to
			kill yourself...

68   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

					GEORDI
			If I come back now, my mother and
			her entire crew will die.
				(reads monitor; to
				 Silva)
			I'm scanning for your ship...
				(puzzled)
			I'm not getting anything.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			We're still too far away...

					GEORDI
			Not really. I should be picking
			something up by now.

	He turns back to the console. Though he can't see it,
	Silva now has a look of fear on her face.

69   GEORDI (OPTICAL)

	works the commands. Behind him, we see Silva
	approaching him -- an intense look on her face.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm not finding anything... No
			warp funnel... No ship... There's
			nothing there.

	She reaches up to grab the sides of Geordi's head --
	ENERGY TENDRILS arc from her hands to his head as she
	makes contact. His head is shocked with wave after
	wave of pain as she holds him, her eyes crazed with
	fury and terror.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         54.

70   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi's face is contorting with pain. An energy pulse
	is crackling around his VISOR inputs.

					BEVERLY
				(off monitor)
			His neural synapses are
			overloading.
				(to Picard)
			He can't survive this...

					PICARD
			Geordi -- what's happening to you?

71   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Silva La Forge continues to hold the sides of Geordi's
	head -- his agony appears to increase.

					PICARD'S VOICE
			Geordi!

					GEORDI
				(barely)
			Reverse tractors -- Reverse --

					DATA'S VOICE
			Reversing tractor beams...

	Suddenly, Silva La Forge's hands spring away from
	Geordi's head and she is pushed away from Geordi as if
	by an unseen force.

	Geordi recovers, no longer in immediate pain. As he
	watches, her body transforms into a FLAME, like the
	ones that seemed to attack Geordi before.

	After a moment the flame transforms back to the form of
	Silva La Forge.

					GEORDI
			What are you?

					SILVA LA FORGE
			You are killing us... We must go
			down.

	Geordi reacts to the statement.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE         55.

72   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	The energy arcs have stopped.

					PICARD
			Geordi... Report.

	Everyone exchanges looks.

					GEORDI
			You're trapped... ?

	(Geordi's dialogue is included on a page at the end of
	the script and will play underneath the following:)

					PICARD
			Is there any way we can disconnect
			him?

	Data and Beverly consider the options.

					BEVERLY
			If we cut him off abruptly, he'll
			go into neural shock.

					PICARD
			How can we lower the input
			gradually and still get him out
			before it's too late?

					DATA
			Perhaps we can deceive his neural
			receptors.

					PICARD
			Deceive them?

					DATA
			By feeding them the sensory
			information recorded from his
			earlier experiences with the
			probe.

					BEVERLY
				(catching on)
			We could disconnect the interface
			and still maintain the input
			levels.

					DATA
			We could then lower them in a
			controlled manner.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FIVE        55A.

72   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Like a decompression tank.
				(off their nods)
			Let's try it.

	Beverly and Data get to work. Suddenly Geordi speaks
	to our people.

					GEORDI
			Captain. I have to take the ship
			into the lower atmosphere...

73   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS

	Geordi is working the console. Silva is standing in
	the background, as if waiting. Picard's voice is
	barely audible.

					PICARD'S VOICE
			Explain.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FIVE         56.

73   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			As I understand it... when the
			Raman got close to the planet,
			they accidentally picked up some
			lifeforms that live in the lower
			atmosphere. Subspace beings of
			some kind -- intelligent. When
			the ship went back into a higher
			orbit, the beings were trapped.

					PICARD'S VOICE
			How do you know all this?

					GEORDI
			One of them is able to communicate
			with me. It must have read my
			thoughts through the probe
			interface and took the form of my
			Mother -- to try to talk me into
			taking the ship closer to the
			surface.

					PICARD'S VOICE
			Were these beings responsible for
			the death of the Raman's crew?

					GEORDI
			Yes, but I don't think it was on
			purpose. They probably tried to
			communicate with them the same way
			they're communicating with me --
			by directly accessing their
			thoughts. That must've been fatal
			to the crew... I guess the
			interface protected me.

74   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Everyone reacts to Geordi's report.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I have to take them back -- they
			can't survive so far up in the
			atmosphere.

75   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'll turn the ship around and come
			back as soon as we're --

	Suddenly the ship JOLTS VIOLENTLY. A console EXPLODES.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE         57.

75   CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S VOICE
			La Forge! What happened?

	Geordi recovers and starts working the console.

					GEORDI
			The atmosphere is getting more
			turbulent. It's overloading the
			systems.

	The ship rocks again. Geordi holds onto the console,
	working like crazy. Small explosions can be heard
	offscreen -- the ship is coming apart.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm having trouble keeping the
			shields up.

					SILVA LA FORGE
			Geordi...

	Geordi turns to her.

					SILVA LA FORGE
				(continuing)
			We're safe now...

	Geordi stares at her -- it's a strange moment, she is
	and is not his mother.

					SILVA LA FORGE
				(continuing)
			Good bye...

	Before Geordi can say anything -- she becomes a flame.
	And quickly moves straight through the bulkhead,
	disappearing completely.

	Geordi turns back to the console. Suddenly the ship
	SHAKES and another console EXPLODES.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I'm losing power...

76   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	Beverly continues to work as fast as she can.

            STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE            58.

76   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Total shield failure in eight
			seconds...

	Picard turns to Beverly and Data.

					PICARD
			Are you ready to switch inputs?

					BEVERLY
			Almost.

77   INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Geordi at the controls.

					GEORDI
			Shields are failing...

	Geordi cries out as the ship suddenly EXPLODES and his
	link to the probe is severed.

                                             HARD CUT TO:

78   INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS

	As Geordi continues the same cry, Beverly hits a
	control on the interface console.

					BEVERLY
			Switching inputs!

	Geordi's face suddenly seems to freeze in its
	expression. Everyone watches for several tense beats.

					PICARD
			Is it working?

	Beverly reacts to the monitor and administers a hypo to
	Geordi's neck. After a beat, Geordi's face relaxes.
	Beverly responds to what she sees on the monitor,
	smiling.

					BEVERLY
			His vital signs are stabilizing.
			He's going to make it.

	Everyone reacts with relief.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE         59.

79   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is at impulse across a field of stars.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, supplemental. We
			have succeeded in disengaging
			Mister La Forge from the interface
			and are en route to Starbase four-nine-five.

80   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard is behind his desk, Geordi standing somewhat
	formally in front of him -- he's been called on the
	carpet.

					PICARD
			You disobeyed my direct order, and
			you put yourself in grave danger.
				(beat)
			I'm not happy.

					GEORDI
			It's my fault, sir. Data was just --

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			I'll deal with Data at another
			time. Meanwhile, I'll have to
			write this incident into your
			permanent record.

					GEORDI
			Yes, sir.

	Geordi turns to go.

					PICARD
			Geordi...

	A beat as Picard crosses around his desk. His tone
	softens.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I'm very sorry you didn't find
			your mother.

	Geordi nods sadly.

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE        59A.

80   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Thank you, sir.
				(beat)
			When I was down there... it was so
			real. It's funny, but in a way...
			I feel like I got a chance to say
			goodbye...

	Picard puts a comforting hand to Geordi's shoulder...
	A moment between them...

81   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it moves slowly away...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

          STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE        59B.

	GEORDI'S DIALOGUE - PAGE 55, SCENE 72

					GEORDI
			You're trapped?

	A long beat as he listens.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Caught on the ship...

	Another long beat.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			You killed the Raman's crew?

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			What do you want?