STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Masks" #40277-269 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 DECEMBER 9, 1993 STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Masks" CAST BEVERLY ERIC DATA/IHAT/MASAKA/BOY/ELDER/VICTIM GEORDI PICARD RIKER TROI WORF Non-Speaking N.D. SECURITY N.D. STARFLEET OFFICER STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Masks" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE CLASSROOM BRIDGE TROI'S OFFICE TEN FORWARD ENGINEERING READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE DATA'S QUARTERS CORRIDOR TEMPLE 9:[5,#b],15:[2,#b] STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Masks" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE D'ARSAY dar-SAY FORTANIUM for-TANE-ee-um IHAT EE-hot MASAKA mu-SAH-kuh KORGANO kor-GAH-no NARSU NAHR-sue STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: The Next Generation "Masks" TEASER FADE IN: 1 INT. CLASSROOM TROI and an N.D. TEACHER are supervising an art class. SEVERAL N.D. STUDENTS, roughly junior high-school age, are making CLAY SCULPTURES. Troi is here as a kind of "guest-lecturer", and DATA is here as well, working on a sculpture of his own. Troi is standing with a twelve year old student, ERIC, who's working his clay into a shape vaguely recognizable as some kind of animal. Troi inspects his work, not exactly sure what it's supposed to be. TROI (encouraging) That's very nice. Eric stops working and looks unhappily at his sculpture. ERIC (frustrated) No, it isn't. I just can't get it right. Do you think the wings are too big? She now realizes what he's trying to make. TROI Not at all... birds have wings of all sizes, Eric. But you shouldn't worry about making it look perfect. Eric indicates the N.D. Teacher who's working with one of the other students in the background. ERIC But Mrs. Narsu said we should try to make our sculptures as realistic as possible. TROI She's right... it is important for you to be able to give the clay the shape you want it to have. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: TROI (Cont'd) But today you're not supposed to concentrate on technique. I'm here to help you focus more on the feelings you want to convey with your sculpture. Eric still looks confused. Troi tries to coax it out of him. TROI (continuing) For instance... What do you think about when you see a bird? ERIC (hesitant) Flying? TROI Fine. Then try to make your sculpture make me think of flying, too. Eric brightens, understanding, and begins eagerly reshaping his clay. Troi smile and moves away... 2 FOLLOW TROI as she leaves Eric and walks through the classroom. She approaches Data. TROI How's it going, Data? DATA I have finished. Troi reacts as Data shows her his sculpture: it's a flawless CLAY REPLICA OF A PADD. Troi looks at it, unsure how to react. DATA (continuing) The dimensions are accurate to within one-point-three percent. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 3. 2 CONTINUED: TROI I'm sure they are... (beat) You obviously have no trouble with realism, Data, but you're here to work on using your imagination. Maybe you should try something a little more... abstract. Troi picks up the clay PADD and puts it aside. She continues talking as she gets another raw LUMP OF CLAY and sets it down in front of Data. TROI (continuing) I want you to start a new piece... I'd like you to sculpt... music. DATA (puzzled) Music? Troi nods. DATA Counselor. Music is a collection of acoustic vibrations. How can I reproduce a sound with clay? TROI Think of the effects that sounds have on people... the images that music brings to your mind... then give them a form. Data thinks for a beat then pounds the clay flat. In a few seconds, he has molded the clay into the form of a large MUSICAL NOTE. He shows it expectantly to Troi. TROI (continuing, looks at the shape) It's a start. Troi moves away. Data looks curiously at his clay, not sure what to do next. RIKER'S COM VOICE Riker to Data... please report to the Bridge. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - TEASER 4. 2 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (taps combadge) Acknowledged. I am on my way. Data EXITS. CUT TO: 3 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) is following a mysterious-looking COMET, a smoky chunk of icy material with a small GLOWING TAIL of gas coming off one side. On the opposite side of the tail, in the far background behind the comet, is a star -- a small disk at this distance. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 47615.2. We have encountered a rogue comet in sector one-one-five-six. It is not native to this region of space, and there is no previous record of this object on any Federation charts. 4 INT. BRIDGE PICARD, RIKER, and Data are at their stations; N.D. STARFLEET officers man the other positions. Everyone is studying the Viewscreen. DATA (off console) Based on its present trajectory, the comet appears to have originated in the D'Arsay system. RIKER That's over two sectors from here... DATA That is correct, sir. This object has been en route for eighty-seven million years. RIKER That's a long time alone in the dark. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - TEASER 5. 4 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Data) Begin a full sensor analysis, Mister Data. Log the results for the Federation Astrophysical Survey. DATA Aye, sir. Data begins to work his console. DATA (continuing) The comet's outer shell is composed primarily of gaseous hydrogen and helium surrounding an icy mantle. The inner core consists of heavier elements-- Suddenly, the bridge LIGHTS FLARE, becoming significantly brighter for a brief moment. Data cocks his head sharply (it's not enough of a movement to be suspicious, but in retrospect, we will realize that something happened to him at this moment). As the lights quickly return to normal, Data recovers and returns his attention back to his console. PICARD What was that? DATA (off console) There is distortion within the comet's inner core. I believed we experienced an intense sensor echo. RIKER Can you correct for it? DATA I am attempting to do so now, sir... A beat as Data works his console... DATA (continuing) I've compensated for the effect. Sensors are reconfigured for a low intensity sweep. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 6. 4 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (Cont'd) We are still picking up some interference, but the distortion is manageable... (beat) At these settings, the scan will be complete in thirty-nine hours. Picard nods. OFF his expression. CUT TO: 5 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS as Troi and BEVERLY ENTER, in mid-conversation. Beverly is carrying the 24th century equivalent of a GYM BAG. BEVERLY ... Worf said he's going to be teaching us some Mok'bara throwing techniques today. Troi moves directly to her dresser and takes out her martial arts gi. She continues speaking as she puts the gi into a bag similar to Beverly's. TROI More like falling techniques... the last time we did that I was sore for a week... BEVERLY (O.S.) What's this? Beverly is looking at a strange, solid-looking ARTIFACT sitting on the table. It is a rectangular column, on the top of which sits an oval that is reminiscent of a head. Troi moves over to join her and stares at the artifact for a puzzled beat. TROI I have no idea. BEVERLY Maybe Wil left it here... a little present? Troi picks it up and examines it more closely. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - TEASER 7. 5 CONTINUED: TROI It's not quite his style... BEVERLY Then maybe you've got a secret admirer. TROI (smiles) That's an interesting thought... Beverly takes the artifact out of Troi's hands and puts it back on the table. BEVERLY Well, you can figure it out later. We're going to be late. Troi nods, and with a last look at the artifact, the two women EXIT. 6 CLOSE ON THE ARTIFACT (OPTICAL) A short beat after they leave, a strange MATERIALIZATION EFFECT occurs: four pairs of lines suddenly appear on the "head" -- if there were a face, the lines would be running up the forehead, down the nose, and across both eyes in a four cardinal direction COMPASS DESIGN. OFF the mystery... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 7 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse, following the comet. 8 INT. TEN FORWARD Riker, WORF and GEORDI are at a table. Geordi has a TRICORDER in front of him, a PADD is next to it. Riker idly reaches for a small BOWL of bar-type snacks. GEORDI We've been getting some pretty strange readings from that comet... now it looks like there's some kind of energy generation coming from the core. WORF Is that unusual? GEORDI The core is normally just a chunk of rock... it should be completely inert. RIKER (shrugs) Maybe we've discovered a new kind of comet... Riker takes a bite of a nut-like object from the bowl -- reacts with a scowl as he chokes it down. RIKER (continuing) They must be changing the snacks around here. Geordi takes one of what Riker just had from the bowl, inspecting it carefully. GEORDI I don't recognize it. The waiter arrives with THREE DIFFERENT DRINKS, setting them on the table. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 9. 8 CONTINUED: RIKER (re: snack) Well, whatever you do, don't put it in your mouth. They each pick up their drinks and with a "cheers" tip of the glass, take a sip. Again, Riker scowls. RIKER (continuing) This is terrible. He sets it down -- it is bluish and viscous. Worf picks up Riker's drink and takes a sip. WORF I like it. RIKER Then you can have it.. but it's not what I ordered. Geordi playfully aims his tricorder at the glass. GEORDI (lightly) Let's see what they're trying to poison you with... His face changes when he sees the readout. GEORDI (continuing) Wait a minute... this stuff is bio-organic... there are oxygenated cells... serum electrolytes... This looks like some kind of... blood. Riker reacts. RIKER You're joking. GEORDI I'm serious. RIKER I'm gonna have a little talk with the bartender. Riker stands. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 10. 8 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI It might not be his fault. We should check out the replicator. With a final grimace at the glass, Worf, Riker and Geordi leave the table, heading for the bar. 9 INT. CLASSROOM The clay-modelling class continues as before -- including Data working next to Eric. But some of the students have moved on to other projects. Eric is working in front of a computer which displays a GRAPHIC clearly visible as text. Troi is walking slowly along, checking the clay-work. TROI Nice... Very good... I like that... When she gets to Data she reacts with surprise. 10 INCLUDE DATA'S SCULPTURE A MASK -- a kind of cross between Venetian and Mayan. The lower face is open to leave the mouth exposed -- the upper section covers the nose and has holes for eyes. The cheekbones sweep down and outward -- like wings. The mask is a striking combination of the simple and the sophisticated. TROI Data... This is amazing. How did you come up with this? DATA I followed your advice, Counselor. I used my imagination. Troi examines the unusual design of the mask. TROI That's an understatement... DATA For some reason, as I shaped the clay, the image of the mask was exceptionally clear in my mind... the design seemed to flow quite... naturally. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 11. 10 CONTINUED: Data picks up a SMALL TOOL and begins to scribe another design into the clay. It's the distinctive COMPASS DESIGN: a small pair of lines running vertically up the forehead, another pair down the nose, two others horizontally across the eyes -- like cardinal points of direction. Exactly like the COMPASS DESIGN on the artifact in Troi's quarters. TROI (recognizing it) Data, have you been in my quarters? DATA No, Counselor. TROI Somebody left an object in my room... it was some kind of artifact... and it looked similar to this. (beat) You don't know anything about that? DATA I do not. Eric is suddenly frustrated at his computer. He moves to Troi. ERIC (re: screen) Excuse me, Counselor, could you help me with my terminal? It's not working right. 11 INCLUDE THE COMPUTER SCREEN (OPTICAL) which displays a few dozen, individually distinct, alien-looking ideographic symbols -- ICONS -- which themselves are arranged in the same paired line, COMPASS DESIGN on the mask and artifact. Data and Troi react. DATA Perhaps we should investigate this matter further. OFF their expressions. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 12. 12 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Geordi and Data are working intently at the consoles. Riker is watching over their shoulders. A screen displays rows of normal alphanumeric characters -- and interspersed are several pockets of the alien ICONS, always grouped together in the same COMPASS DESIGN arrangement. (NOTE: As Riker and Geordi talk, Data's attention will become progressively more focused on the screen displaying the alien symbols.) RIKER (to Geordi) These symbols don't match anything in Federation linguistic banks. GEORDI Some kind of alien information has been downloaded into our main computer. I'm not exactly sure how it's working, but it's reconfiguring our systems. RIKER How did it get in? GEORDI I was able to trace its path from the replicators to our sensor array. RIKER The sensors? (thinks) They've been scanning that comet for the last eighteen hours... A beat as the implication sinks in. GEORDI (nods) Those energy readings from the comet's core... the sensor echo... (beat) We still don't know what's inside that thing. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 13. 12 CONTINUED: RIKER Maybe it's time we found out. (beat) Could we use the phasers to melt away the outer shell of the comet? GEORDI (considers) A dispersed wide-field beam might do the trick... it wouldn't take long to come up with the firing parameters... (to Data) What do you think, Data? But strangely, Data does not respond immediately -- he's intently studying the alien symbols on the screen. Geordi and Riker exchange a look, and then Geordi moves closer to Data. GEORDI (continuing) What's the matter? Data slowly turns to his friend. DATA I believe I recognize these symbols. RIKER How? DATA I do not know. GEORDI Do you think your systems may have been affected? DATA It is a possibility. I do not believe my systems are currently impaired, but I will run a full self-diagnostic to make certain. RIKER (beat; re: screen) What do these symbols mean? STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 14. 12 CONTINUED: (2) Data taps a control and one of the compass design arrangements is isolated and expanded to fill the screen. He points to one of the icons. DATA (continuing, as if reading) "Boundary." He continues to point at what he recognizes. DATA (continuing) "Border." "Road." "Companion." "Message." "Messenger." Data taps the console again, and the compass design is replaced by that of a stylized sun image. Data studies it. DATA (continuing) "Death." OFF their exchanged looks -- what is going on... ? 13 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data and Worf at their posts. Geordi is at the aft science station. Worf works his console, glances up. WORF Captain, phasers are set for wide dispersal, ten percent maximum power. The beam will terminate automatically when the comet's core is reached. PICARD (nods) Very well, Mister Worf. Fire... Worf works his console, firing the phasers... 14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship fires a wide phaser beam that hits the comet, which starts to vaporize slowly and spectacularly away. Hold for several dramatic beats. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 15. 15 INT. BRIDGE The sound of the phasers stops. WORF (off console) Phasers have terminated... the outer shell is gone... 16 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) as Picard and the others watch the steaming mass on the screen finally clear away. In place of the comet is an incredible, huge, Mayan-esque, geometric piece of technology, vestiges of the frozen gasses of the comet still clinging to its alien surface. It is decorated with the same type of ICONS that have appeared mysteriously on the Enterprise. OFF the reactions... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO FADE IN: 17 INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) Continuous. Everyone stares at the awe-inspiring object on the screen. PICARD Mister Data... What are we looking at? Is it a ship? Data is working his console, reading the results. DATA I do not believe so. The object is nearly solid, composed primarily of fortanium and several unknown materials... It is more than eighty-seven million years old. RIKER That's older than the comet itself. Could someone in the D'Arsay system have built it? PICARD (considers) There are no technologically advanced cultures in that system now... but perhaps there were eighty-seven million years ago. RIKER But why would anyone hide something like that inside a comet? PICARD It's possible the frozen gasses simply accumulated over time as it travelled through space... Geordi breaks in from his position at Aft Science. GEORDI In any case, it's definitely responsible for the system anomalies we've been experiencing. It's been using our sensor beam as a carrier wave to get information into our computers and replicators. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 17. 17 CONTINUED: PICARD But the question remains: why? What is its purpose? A beat as they all ponder the question. Data turns away from his console before he speaks. DATA Captain, I believe this object is an informational archive. PICARD What makes you say that? Data seems a little puzzled by his statement himself. DATA I... do not know, sir. However, I seem to have an intuitive understanding of its function. Everyone reacts -- it's a strange thing for Data to say. Geordi moves over to Data's console and looks over his shoulder, studying the readouts. GEORDI (to Picard) The internal structure of that thing is pretty complex... and it's got a repetitive node configuration which might suggest a database of some kind... but it could be practically anything. (to Data) I don't see how you could know for sure what it is. Picard looks at Data, concerned. PICARD Data... do you believe you're in communication with that object? DATA It is a possibility, sir. I recommend that we perform a level one diagnostic of my positronic net immediately to determine if that is the case. PICARD Very well... Mister LaForge, give him a hand. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 18. 17 CONTINUED: (2) Geordi and Data acknowledge and move away, EXITING the Bridge. An N.D. Starfleet Officer takes over Data's position at Ops. Picard and Riker continue to study the alien object. RIKER (to Picard) Do you think it's just trying to make contact with us? PICARD (thoughtful) Perhaps. And if this really is an archive from some ancient civilization, we should allow it to do so. But we must be careful... (beat) Mister Worf, keep an eye on the sensors. If the Archive poses any danger to the ship, I want you to sever the connection immediately. WORF Aye, sir. OFF Picard's fascinated expression. 18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship following the ancient object. 19 INT. READY ROOM The room is now dotted with ARTIFACTS -- on the shelves, on the desk, on the floor -- collected from all over the ship. They all share the same vaguely Mayan look we've seen before. Picard is standing in the middle of the room, examining the artifact from Troi's room. The cylinder has the now-familiar COMPASS DESIGN carved on its surface. Picard studies it carefully, jotting an occasional note on a PADD -- if not for the surroundings, he might be an archaeologist on a dig. The door CHIMES. PICARD Come. Riker ENTERS -- and stops short, reacting to the sight. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 19. 19 CONTINUED: RIKER Captain... Picard motions Riker in but doesn't stop working. PICARD Come in, Number One... Riker moves closer. RIKER We've confined the system corruption. It's not spreading any further, but we've still got alien symbols floating around inside our computer... Picard merely nods and jots another note onto his PADD and moves to study another object. RIKER This is quite a collection you've assembled... Riker picks up an object and looks it over... RIKER (continuing) I've seen these things all over the ship. They all look the same... primitive and non-functional. PICARD (correcting him) Ceremonial... and deceptively primitive. Only an advanced technological culture could have built that object out there. These artifacts must have played a ritualistic role in their society. RIKER Do you think Data's right? Have we stumbled across some kind of alien library? STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 20. 19 CONTINUED: (2) Picard clearly likes the notion. PICARD It's possible... and if so, this could be a find of enormous significance. This "library" seems designed to do far more than simply store information. Who knows how much we could learn from it? Riker smiles at Picard's obvious excitement. He glances at the COMPASS DESIGN carved on the stone cylinder seen earlier. RIKER I keep seeing this design... PICARD (nods) It seems to be a symbol of some significance. RIKER What do you think it means? PICARD (offers) The concept of the four cardinal compass directions is common to many different cultures... RIKER The words Data recognized on the computer -- "boundary," "border," "road" -- they were also arranged in that design. PICARD Perhaps everything with the compass design is part of the same theme -- movement. Finding a direction, travelling a path, crossing a boundary-- RIKER And "death." One of the symbols was "death." STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 21. 19 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD The ultimate boundary. Picard turns and picks up a small STONE NECKLACE with a stylized SUN-DESIGN PENDANT (similar to the symbol seen in Act 1.) He turns it over. 20 INSERT - THE PENDANT On the back is a small symbol -- off to one side, as if not wanting to be the center of attention. It is the symbol of what we will come to know as the moon. PICARD'S VOICE I keep seeing this symbol, too.... but it's never prominently displayed... 21 BACK TO SCENE PICARD Always in the background... smaller than the others... RIKER Do you know what it represents? PICARD I have no idea. OFF their expressions as they share the mystery. CUT TO: 22 INT. ENGINEERING Data is sitting calmly; a section of his head is open. GEORDI Lower synaptic functions are completely normal... Autonomous systems all check out... DATA I suggest we examine the memory sub-systems next. GEORDI All right... STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 22. 22 CONTINUED: As Geordi begins to work a panel, Data suddenly makes an abrupt head tilt. He looks puzzled. GEORDI (noticing) Data... what's the matter? DATA I am... not certain. I am experiencing a curious sensation... GEORDI What is it? DATA An... impulse. Geordi reacts. GEORDI Impulse? What kind of impulse? DATA I do not know. GEORDI I'm checking your higher functions. A beat. Data's voice is a little uneven. DATA Geordi... What does it feel like when a person... loses his mind? GEORDI Data, you're scaring me. What's the matter? DATA I... do not... know... GEORDI You're gonna be all right. You're with me, okay? Data glances up at his friend. DATA Okay. Geordi turns back to the console -- sees a violent change in the reading. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 23. 22 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI What's going on... ? He quickly rushes to Data, and sees that inside Data's head is a web of alien circuitry, similar to the artifacts we've already seen, as if the positronic brain itself has been transformed. GEORDI (stunned) Data... Data suddenly turns toward Geordi -- the compass design he scribed on the mask is now on his own face, in raised, tiny scars. A ceremonial NECKPLATE with a distinctive design has also appeared around Data's neck. Data looks at Geordi and smiles, his voice animated and playful. DATA/IHAT Masaka is waking. Geordi reacts with a horrified look. OFF Data's smile... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 24. ACT THREE FADE IN: 23 INT. ENGINEERING Data, his head plate now back in place, is moving around the room in an energetic, very non-Data fashion, curiously inspecting his surroundings as though he's never seen this place before. Geordi watches him, concerned. Picard ENTERS with TWO N.D. STARFLEET Security Guards. As the guards fan out cautiously, watching Data, Geordi turns to Picard. GEORDI Captain, he just-- DATA/IHAT (interrupting) I waited for you, Captain. You should feel honored... I don't usually wait for anybody. Picard reacts to Data's loose manner. PICARD (cautiously) What is it you want? DATA/IHAT Masaka is waking. PICARD Are you Masaka? Data/Ihat rolls his eyes and turns to Geordi. DATA/IHAT What were my exact words? GEORDI You said, "Masaka is waking." DATA/IHAT And isn't that what I've been saying since we first met? Geordi nods. Satisfied, Data/Ihat turns back to Picard. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 25. 23 CONTINUED: DATA/IHAT I'm not "Masaka", Captain... (proudly) I am Ihat. PICARD What have you done to Commander Data? DATA/IHAT Commander Data... ? Data/Ihat seems to be momentarily at a loss, apparently not understanding what Picard is referring to; but then, he brightens, and indicates his own body. DATA/IHAT (continuing) You mean the one who was here? Picard reacts to the phrasing. PICARD Yes. DATA/IHAT He's gone. And who can say where? Picard has seen enough to know that he's going to need some help here. He discreetly taps his combadge. PICARD (to com) Counselor Troi, report to Engineering immediately. Ihat is again moving around the room, taking in his surroundings. While he waits for Troi, Picard is trying to get as much information out of him as he can. PICARD (continuing) Ihat. The place you came from... Is it a cultural archive of your species? Data/Ihat doesn't seem to understand the question. DATA/IHAT (simply) I come from Masaka's city. Picard reacts. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 26. 23 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Are there others like you there? DATA/IHAT (laughs) There are no others like me. PICARD Who is Masaka? There is a trace of wariness and fear when he responds. DATA/IHAT You will find out... Picard and Geordi react. Data/Ihat indicates the room. DATA/IHAT (continuing) I don't think Masaka will like this place... at least not the way it is now... PICARD (pressing) I would like to know more about this Masaka... perhaps we can speak -- Data/Ihat whirls on Picard, intense. DATA/IHAT Do you understand pain? Death? That is all you need to know about Masaka... that is what she is. Data/Ihat looks around furtively, as if someone were after him. DATA/IHAT You must go... leave this place before she finds you. It can be done... I did it... At that moment, Troi ENTERS. TROI What's going on, sir? Data/Ihat whirls at the sound of her voice, surprised. When he sees Troi, all trace of swagger vanishes, replaced instantly and completely with fear. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT THREE 27. 23 CONTINUED: (3) DATA/IHAT Masaka... ? He barely manages to gasp out the one, terror-filled word before he jerks violently and falls to his knees with a strangled cry. GEORDI Data! Geordi rushes over to help his friend to his feet, but when Data looks up, he has changed again: he's wearing a NEW NECKPLATE with a different distinctive design than before. Data stares at Troi with wild eyes and a blissful, toothy grin. He speaks with a fanatical, zealous fervor. DATA/VICTIM Masaka! I am yours! Every part of me is yours! PICARD (gravely, to N.D. Security) Get him to Sickbay. As Geordi and the N.D. Security Guards move to take Data away, Picard and Troi exchange a concerned look... CUT TO: 24 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as before, travelling with the ancient archive. 25 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Beverly, Troi, and Geordi. BEVERLY Every time he saw Deanna, he'd fall to his knees screaming "Take me, Masaka -- take me." TROI Data was acting as if he were a sacrificial victim of some kind... STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 28. 25 CONTINUED: PICARD And apparently one all too willing to go to his death. BEVERLY I put him in isolation in his quarters. He's under guard... he seems to have calmed down a little. RIKER Couldn't we just shut him down and purge his memory systems? Geordi shakes his head grimly. GEORDI I don't think it's going to be that simple... Geordi gets up, moves to the monitor, where there is a GRAPHIC of a complex web of interconnections, but the connections have been radically reorganized into several centers -- nodal points with complex webs radiating from each. The structure suggests the vaguely Mayan alien designs we've seen before. GEORDI This is a micrograph of what's happened to Data's positronic net. As near as I can tell, these are behavioral nodes... I've found fourteen of them so far. (beat) I think the Archive is using Data to create different "people" from its culture... in the same way it used our replicators to create artifacts. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT THREE 29. 25 CONTINUED: (2) TROI As a result, his real personality has been completely buried. In a sense, Data has the android equivalent of multiple personalities. GEORDI And the Archive hasn't stopped yet... Data's positronic net is still being transformed. There's no way to tell how many more personalities might emerge... There's a stunned beat as everyone takes in the information. RIKER Our sensors are still in contact with the Archive. Would there be a risk to Data if we severed that connection? GEORDI I don't know... but I wouldn't want to take the chance. Right now, our only link to the Archive is that sensor beam. If there's a way to reverse what's happened to Data, I think we're going to need that link to do it. Picard takes a beat to consider his limited options. PICARD Mister La Forge, continue to scan the Archive. Try to find some way to access it. In the meantime, I'll see what I can learn from these "people" inside Data. OFF Picard's grim expression. 26 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS The DOOR OPENS and Picard ENTERS. Two Security Guards can be seen standing outside. Data is on the floor, curled up tightly in a corner of the room (he is still in his "Victim" personality). As Picard approaches him, he recoils. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT THREE 29A. 26 CONTINUED: PICARD (gently) It's all right... I'm not going to hurt you... DATA/VICTIM Only Masaka can hurt me... I am for her alone... PICARD (continuing) I need to speak to Ihat. Do you understand me? Ihat... STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 30. 26 CONTINUED: For a moment, Data/Victim returns nothing but a fearful stare, uncomprehending and empty. But then, Data jerks suddenly -- when he turns back to Picard, he has changed into his Ihat personality. DATA/IHAT Captain... Picard is almost glad to see him. Data/Ihat goes into his customary high-energy mode and starts pacing around the room. DATA/IHAT (continuing) That was a cruel joke to play on me. For a moment -- a brief moment -- I actually thought that woman was Masaka. PICARD Whoever took your place wasn't afraid of Masaka -- he almost seemed eager for his fate. DATA/IHAT Pitiful, isn't it? (mock Victim voice) "Take me! Take me!" Ha. You wouldn't catch me humiliating myself for a woman -- even if she were a queen. PICARD Then Masaka is your queen... ? DATA/IHAT She's a lazy creature... she spends most of her time sleeping... (beat) The problem is what she does when she's awake. Picard has no choice but to play along. PICARD Then should we try to keep her asleep? DATA/IHAT (laughs) Try to keep the sun from climbing the sky? Only Korgano can do that. And he's not here. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 31. 26 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Where is he? Suddenly, Data/Ihat collapses onto the floor, pulling himself inward, knees huddled together, head down, arms tight. DATA/BOY Help me... please... Picard steps over and Data looks up. The Ihat neckplate is gone. In its place is ANOTHER NECKPLATE with yet another distinctive design -- Data has now assumed the personality of a frightened Boy. PICARD What's wrong? DATA/BOY I'm afraid. PICARD Of what? DATA/BOY Of her. PICARD Masaka? DATA/BOY Her. Suddenly, the SHIP TREMBLES. Lights go out; emergency lighting comes on. PICARD (taps combadge) Picard to Bridge! Report! 27 INT. BRIDGE Lots of activity. Riker is on his feet, Geordi is at Aft Science. Worf is heading quickly toward the Turbolift. RIKER (to com) The Archive just activated some kind of tractor beam, sir. We can't disengage it. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 32. 27 CONTINUED: PICARD'S COM VOICE Has there been any damage to the ship? RIKER (to com) Nothing major, sir, but Ten Forward reported an emergency. Worf's on his way. Geordi glances up from his console. GEORDI (to com) Captain, there's some kind of energy pulse coming through the tractor beam... 28 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS GEORDI'S COM VOICE It's overriding our control systems... PICARD (to com) I'll be right there... Picard starts to move away but stops short -- Data/Boy has a vice-like grip on Picard's wrist. DATA/BOY Don't leave me. Data's hand slowly grips tighter with his android strength. Picard stifles a cry of pain. PICARD I... I... won't... leave you... (beat) Please... let go... DATA/BOY Does it hurt? PICARD (barely) Yes... DATA/BOY She's going to hurt us all... STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 33. 28 CONTINUED: Data stares at him for a moment longer and then abruptly releases his grip. As Picard grabs his wrist in pain, Data jerks and stares up at Picard -- he has changed again and is now back in his Ihat personality. He smiles ruefully at Picard. DATA/IHAT Now you've done it. Masaka is awake. OFF Picard's reaction... 29 INT. CORRIDOR Worf and Two Security Guards are hurrying up a corridor. They arrive at Ten-Forward and step quickly through the entrance. 30 INT. TEN-FORWARD - CONTINUOUS Worf and his officers are shocked at what they find. The room has been transformed. Tropical foliage is everywhere, green vines and huge, red, fern-like fronds. Half the tables are gone -- stone slabs take their place. The patrons are standing around in stunned silence. The bar has been partially transformed into rough stone; a stone column stands near it, and inscribed prominently on it is a LARGE FEMALE FACE IN THE RADIANT SHAPE OF A SUN. OFF their stunned expressions... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 34. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) A powerful beam is being continuously projected from the Archive into the saucer section of the Enterprise. 32 INT. TEN FORWARD Like the rest of the ship, the room is dark and lit only by emergency lights. All non-essential personnel have been cleared, and Geordi and Worf are using tricorders to scan the vegetation and stone slabs. Picard circles around the sun image, studying it, trying to fit things together as Troi watches nearby. TROI (re: sun image) Who is this? PICARD I'd say it's Masaka. Ihat referred to her as a queen... it's not unusual in ceremonial cultures for royalty to be symbolized by a sun. TROI You said the personalities inside Data were in awe of her... even terrified. PICARD (nods) According to Data, the sun image is also the symbol for death. They move to the back of the column, where Picard notices something. PICARD There it is again... this U-shaped symbol... small and insignificant... almost like an afterthought... But before Troi can respond, Geordi and Worf approach. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 34A. 32 CONTINUED: GEORDI Captain, this is incredible... These artifacts weren't beamed over here from the archive... the matter in Ten Forward was transformed. PICARD Into living plants? How is that possible? STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 35. 32 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI I'm not sure. But bit by bit, the ship's being transformed. WORF We have received reports from the rest of the ship. Part of deck twelve is now an aqueduct. TROI What are we being transformed into? GEORDI I'm not sure I want to find out. Picard takes in the information. It's a difficult decision for him to make, but there's no alternative. PICARD I don't think we have a choice... we'll have to destroy the Archive. Mister Worf? WORF Sir, our weapon control systems are inoperative. However, we could configure a photon torpedo for manual launch... PICARD Make it so. Geordi and Worf turn and EXIT. Picard and Troi look around the strangely transformed room. PICARD There's so much here we could have learned... I regret losing that opportunity. Troi acknowledges his ambivalence. CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 36. 33 INT. ENGINEERING Emergency lighting only. A PHOTON TORPEDO lies on a cradle between the pool table and the warp core. A control panel on the torpedo casing flickers with several lights. Geordi works at the pool table console as Worf scans the torpedo. GEORDI Okay... I've locked in the targeting parameters... what's the phase alignment now? WORF Less than point seven percent. GEORDI That'll do it. I'm setting the yield at maximum... But at Geordi works, the control panel lights on the torpedo go dead. WORF (puzzled) Sir... the onboard power systems are not functioning... Geordi crosses to the torpedo, tries to activate it manually, but it doesn't work. GEORDI What's going on here... ? Geordi opens up the casing and both men look inside... 34 INSIDE THE TORPEDO It is full of writhing snakes. 35 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL) Worf and Geordi react and jump back -- then they turn around and see the awesome IMAGE OF MASAKA which now fills the entire back panel of Engineering. A few vines are hanging on the walls. GEORDI Something tells me we'd better get out of here... STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 37. 35 CONTINUED: They quickly move toward the exit -- only to be driven back by a roaring WALL OF FLAMES that shoots up in front of the them... The room around them has become a nightmarish, hell-like place. WORF (taps combadge) Engineering to Bridge -- emergency transport! Two to beam out... Geordi and Worf DEMATERIALIZE. CUT TO: 36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship still held by the beams from the Archive. 37 INT. BRIDGE The Bridge is dark, lit only by the emergency lights. The walls are hung with strange, ominous vines. Picard and Troi are near the Aft Science station, heading for the Observation Lounge when those DOORS OPEN and Riker comes out onto the Bridge. He's a little shaken from seeing something in that room. RIKER Maybe we'd better talk in here. The Observation Lounge seems to have become a swamp. Nobody argues with him. They gather around the command area, where Worf, Beverly, and Geordi join them. PICARD (to Geordi) What's our status? GEORDI So far the Archive's transformed over twenty percent of the ship... and we've lost main propulsion and weapons systems in the process. RIKER What about communications? Sensors? Life support? STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FOUR 38. 37 CONTINUED: GEORDI We have communications, and limited sensor control. Life support seems unaffected. BEVERLY I've been analyzing samples of these alien plant forms. They've been formed from biological matter we have on the ship... GEORDI The stone, the artifacts... they're made the same way -- extrapolated from the ship's own alloys. BEVERLY Apparently the Archive can reorder and transform molecular structures -- including DNA -- to make whatever it wants. PICARD So it's using our ship -- our alloys, our DNA, -- to create elements of its own culture... STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 39. 37 CONTINUED: (2) TROI But why is all this happening? What is the Archive trying to accomplish? WORF It could be a weapon. They all look at him. WORF It is powerful and insidious. It has completely disarmed us. RIKER Maybe it's more benign than that. If a civilization were dying... they might have created this technology to preserve their culture, and re-create it at some later point... Picard paces, trying to fit the pieces together. PICARD It could even be a sophisticated terraforming device. The others look at him quizzically. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 40. 37 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD The Archive creates an environment... all the elements which enable a culture to exist... They realize there are many possibilities -- and that they may never know the real reason behind this technology. PICARD But whatever the intent behind the process, I don't want this ship transformed into an alien city. Mister La Forge, do you have any ideas? GEORDI We still haven't been able to cut off that beam... but I've managed to access the Archive by sending an energy pulse back along their signal path. If I can locate the transformation program, I might be able to get control of it. PICARD Good, keep at it... Picard turns to gaze at the Viewscreen. 38 ON THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) as Masaka's mask looms over them. PICARD'S VOICE But somehow... I believe the answer lies there... 39 RESUME SCENE PICARD ... with Masaka. We need to find her... access her... talk to her. The others acknowledge -- this must be done. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 41. 40 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Even darker than the Bridge. The door opens and Picard steps inside. A small fire is burning on the other side of the cabin -- on the now dirt-covered floor. Data is crouched down besides it, warming his hands. As Picard approaches, he sees that Data is wearing a NEW NECKPLATE, one he hasn't seen before. PICARD (cautious) Hello... Data's voice is old and tired, and he moves slowly and with difficulty like an old man. DATA/ELDER It's difficult... to stay warm... Picard sits down next to him. PICARD The fire feels good... Data/Elder looks at him quizzically. DATA/ELDER But it's not warm enough. Not for an old man. PICARD Tell me... about Masaka. DATA/ELDER My daughter? Picard reacts, amazed. PICARD Yes... how can I talk to her? Data/Elder laughs -- a dry, cackling rasp. DATA/ELDER Talk -- to Masaka? PICARD Yes. It's important. Can you tell her I must speak with her? DATA/ELDER Children grow... forget their parents... no, only Korgano can talk to Masaka. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FOUR 42. 40 CONTINUED: PICARD Korgano... who is that? Data/Elder seems to lose interest... stares back into the fire. DATA/ELDER So cold... can't stay warm... Suddenly, Data/Elder seems to crumple into a limp heap... and then he jumps up, vital and hyper (NOTE: he is now wearing his Ihat neckplate). DATA/IHAT Well, you're a persistent one, aren't you? PICARD Ihat? DATA/IHAT Is anyone else so charming? PICARD Masaka is taking over my ship. DATA/IHAT I told you she would. PICARD I want to talk with her... but I'm told only Korgano can do that. Data/Ihat is wary, alert. DATA/IHAT Who told you that? PICARD An old man... Masaka's father... DATA/IHAT Ah, yes... legends say she chopped him up and used his bones to make the world. (beat) Any wonder he doesn't like to talk about her? PICARD How can I find Korgano? STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 43. 40 CONTINUED: (2) DATA/IHAT I don't know. He's not chasing her anymore. PICARD Where has he gone? Data/Ihat paces, agitated, uncomfortable with all this. DATA/IHAT Stop asking these questions. I was fast enough to avoid her once... I don't want her to find me again. I'll end up on her sacrificial slab. PICARD If Masaka is looking for a sacrifice... she can take me instead. (beat) Perhaps then she'd stop looking for you. DATA/IHAT (a chuckle) Well, there's an idea. Better you than me. PICARD All right. Tell me what to do... There is a hesitation, as though Ihat is coming to a decision. Then -- DATA/IHAT You must build Masaka's temple... the Queen's temple. That will get her attention. PICARD Very well. How do I do that? DATA/IHAT You need the sign. (beat, coy) I could give it to you... so could the Old Man. But just try getting it out of him. PICARD Give me the sign. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 44. 40 CONTINUED: (3) Data/Ihat in an agony of indecision. DATA/IHAT If she finds out... (beat) You can't imagine her rage... she lets people die of thirst... a terrible death. Sometimes she burns them alive... (beat, in awe) She is glorious. But Picard is impatient with all this. PICARD Ihat... the sign. What is it? Data/Ihat looks around him, as though ascertaining that no one else is around. DATA/IHAT If she comes... you'll take my place? PICARD Yes. DATA/IHAT All right. Quickly. Give me your hand. Picard holds out his hand. Data/Ihat takes it, turns it face up, and starts "drawing" a line with one finger across Picard's palm. DATA/IHAT (continuing) A line, as the unending horizon... (beat) A curve as -- Suddenly Data freezes. A look of terror crosses his face. DATA/IHAT (continuing) She has found me. Picard looks for another change in Data. PICARD Masaka, show yourself. I'll go with you... STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 45. 40 CONTINUED: (4) But Data/Ihat sinks to his knees. DATA/IHAT (continuing) It seems... I was not fast enough... His head droops. Picard crouches down beside him. Then Data looks up -- he's wearing the Elder's neckplate. Data crumples into a seated position near the fire, stretches his hands toward it. DATA/ELDER So hard to stay warm... Picard needs to find a way to reach this man. He moves closer to him and helps him build up the fire. PICARD Let me help you... Data/Elder glances at him. DATA/ELDER Are you one of my children? (turns to fire) I don't remember anymore. PICARD I need your help. I need the sign for the temple. (beat) Masaka's temple. DATA/ELDER It won't help you. Korgano no longer pursues her. No one else can stop her. Picard cautiously reaches out and takes Data's hand, guiding it to the floor, using Data's fingers to draw a line in the dirt, repeating Ihat's words from memory. PICARD A line... as the unending horizon... (beat) A curve... Picard doesn't know any more. The old man doesn't resist, but isn't responding either. Picard tries again, tracing the pattern and repeating the words. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 46. 40 CONTINUED: (5) PICARD (continuing) A line... as the unending horizon. PICARD DATA/ELDER A curve... A curve... DATA/ELDER ... as a rolling hillside. Data finishes the curve and makes a dot above it. DATA/ELDER (continuing) A point... as a distant bird. And another line drawn vertical to the horizon. DATA/ELDER (continuing) A ray... as the rising sun. He stops, finished. The symbol is complete. PICARD Thank you. DATA/ELDER Now sit with me... tend the fire... Data suddenly slumps over. He is completely still for a beat, then he looks up, wearing the neckplate of the Frightened Boy. DATA/BOY I'm alone... there's no one left to help me... she's coming. Picard pulls him upright. PICARD Are the others dead? Did Masaka kill them? DATA/BOY No. She sent them away. It will take them days to die. Data suddenly freezes. His mouth opens in a circle and holds perfectly still. And out of the open mouth comes an eerie wail -- a child's scream plunging into a bottomless nightmare. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 47. 40 CONTINUED: (6) The voice finally disappears. Data slumps over. Picard pulls back his head: the neckplate is gone and there are NO SCARS on his forehead. Data stares into space, his eyes wide, as if there were nothing behind them. OFF Picard's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 48. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship still being held by the Archive's beam. 42 INT. BRIDGE As before, only the emergency lights are functioning and ominous vines hang across several consoles; but now, the normal command seats have been transformed into simple STONE PEDESTALS. 43 ANGLE ON AFT SCIENCE Picard, Riker, and Troi are gathered around Geordi. The screen displays a GRAPHIC of the TEMPLE SYMBOL drawn by the Elder. GEORDI I think I've found the Archive's transformation program. PICARD Will it accept the symbol for Masaka's temple? GEORDI I think so. I've isolated the program's input pathways. They're keyed to accept symbols... He gestures toward the display. GEORDI (continuing) If I input this one, it should initiate the transformation process... RIKER And create the temple? STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 49. 43 CONTINUED: GEORDI I hope so... if this is the wrong symbol, it might turn the Enterprise into a big chunk of rock. There's no way to be sure. It's a tough choice. TROI The question is... can we trust a personality from an alien Archive that seems bent on taking us over? PICARD (considers) Ihat risked his life to show me that symbol... and Masaka killed him for doing it. (beat) I think we have to risk it. OFF their expressions. CUT TO: 44 INT. CORRIDOR as Worf rounds a corner, where he meets Picard and Troi. Worf has a PHASER, Picard and Troi have TRICORDERS. WORF Captain. The entire deck has been cleared of personnel. We can proceed. Picard nods and taps his combadge. PICARD (to com) Commander Riker, we're ready... 45 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE Riker and Geordi. Geordi is tapping commands on his console. RIKER Understood. (to Geordi) Initiate the transformation. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 50. 45 CONTINUED: GEORDI Aye, sir. I'm inputting the symbol... Geordi looks at the temple icon on his display and takes a deep breath. GEORDI (continuing) Now... He taps a final button on his console... 46 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) For a moment, nothing seems to happen. Picard, Troi, and Worf exchange puzzled looks, and then suddenly, the walls dissolve into... 47 INT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS It's a huge, cavernous room that seems to have been carved out of a rockface. Stone slabs and columns are placed here and there, some adorned with engraved figures and symbols. Sitting on a raised platform is a GOLDEN THRONE in the shape of a solar disc. The group turns around, looking at the trappings, taking everything in. PICARD (re: throne) This would seem to be Masaka's temple... Worf looks warily around the room. WORF There's no one else here. PICARD Ihat said creating the temple would get her attention... it may take time before she shows herself. WORF And how will she do that? PICARD I don't know. Troi has been off to one side, looking at the columns. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 51. 47 CONTINUED: TROI Captain... look at this. They join her and she gestures to -- 48 A STONE COLUMN In the face of the column is carved two different images: Masaka's sun symbol is shown large and prominent in the foreground; but smaller, and to one side, as if receding into the distance, the small "horns" symbol Picard has seen before is also evident. 49 RESUME SCENE as Picard looks closely at the symbols. PICARD This is the first time I've seen these two symbols paired... That could be significant... He glances around, sees other instances of the two symbols together. PICARD (continuing) There it is again... and again. Clearly this is an important pairing... He stops, remembering something. PICARD (continuing) "He's not chasing her anymore... " They look at him quizzically. TROI Sir? PICARD Ihat said that someone named Korgano was not chasing Masaka anymore. And the old man said, "he pursues her no longer... " He gestures to the horn symbol. STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FIVE 52. 49 CONTINUED: PICARD (continuing) In a sense, this smaller symbol is chasing Masaka. Perhaps it represents Korgano. WORF The symbol suggests antlers of some kind... horns. Maybe it's meant to represent an animal... TROI Animal gods are worshipped in many cultures... PICARD Both Ihat and the old man said that Korgano was the only one who could control Masaka... (beat, thinking) Many ritualistic cultures incorporate the idea of "balance" into their belief systems. Masaka is a queen, a powerful, god-like figure... it's not unreasonable to assume that she might have a counterpart... or a consort... Picard begins to look around the room. PICARD (continuing) Spread out... see if you can find that horn-like symbol anywhere else. And they begin to move around the room. CUT TO: 50 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data is sitting on the floor, eyes closed, in the same catatonic-like state he was in when last seen. 51 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE as his eyes abruptly snap open. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 53. 52 ON DATA - WIDER As he stands. He moves toward a table which contains a richly colored version of the MASK he first molded in clay -- MASAKA'S MASK. He lifts it to his face. 53 INT. CORRIDOR as the DOORS OPEN and Data, wearing the mask, steps out into the hall. Before the two N.D. Security Guards even have a chance to react, Data disables them both, knocking them to the ground unconscious. Without another look back, he walks on down the hall... CUT TO: 54 INT. TEMPLE Picard, Troi, and Worf are clustered in front of another STONE COLUMN, studying another glyph showing Masaka's sun image and the horn symbol. However, this time, the horn symbol is large and prominent while Masaka's sun is small and receding. TROI This is the most prominent instance of the horn symbol we've seen yet... WORF But now it appears as though Masaka's sun is chasing it. Troi is thinking aloud, trying to piece it together. TROI An animal chasing the sun... ? PICARD Maybe it's simpler than that. (beat) Maybe the relationship between them is more like the sun and the moon. WORF I see... Masaka and Korgano changing positions... the sun setting and the moon rising. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FIVE 54. 54 CONTINUED: PICARD Exactly. Two powerful rulers, changing places in a continuous cycle... A beat as they consider the notion. TROI And like the sun and the moon, only one of them can be in ascendance at any given time... PICARD If we could find Korgano within the Archive and bring him out... perhaps he could force Masaka to leave. WORF But would we be any better off with him? PICARD (considers) Ihat and the others didn't seem to be afraid of Korgano... Suddenly, the SHIP TREMBLES. The group whirls to see Data/Masaka as she ENTERS the temple and moves majestically toward the throne. PICARD (continuing) Masaka... Data/Masaka sits down upon the throne and silently looks out at her temple. Picard, Troi, and Worf cautiously approach the throne. PICARD (continuing) Masaka, I am Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation-- DATA/MASAKA (cutting him off) Go away. Data/Masaka doesn't even look at them when she speaks. PICARD (presses on) Please listen to us. Your Archive is destroying our ship-- STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 55. 54 CONTINUED: (2) DATA/MASAKA I do not hear you. Worf slowly draws his phaser, but Picard stays his hand. He motions to the other two to back down, and they all move slowly away from the throne. WORF She won't even listen to us. PICARD Then we'll have to find someone she will listen to. OFF their expressions. CUT TO: 55 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE (OPTICAL) Geordi is working his console as Picard watches anxiously; Troi and Riker are standing nearby. Worf is in the b.g. at Tactical. The mood is tense and serious. GEORDI I've found it, sir... Geordi indicates his monitor which displays a single GRAPHIC: it's Korgano's moon symbol. GEORDI (continuing) This is the only place in the Archive where Korgano's moon symbol is by itself and not paired with Masaka's. Picard stares at the image for a moment, pondering. PICARD Mister La Forge, access the transformation program. Geordi begins working controls. PICARD (continuing) When you're ready, input the symbol. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 56. 55 CONTINUED: RIKER Isn't that a little risky? TROI We have no way of knowing what the result would be. The symbol might generate anything from Korgano's temple... to Korgano himself. PICARD In some sense, Korgano is Masaka's nemesis. Whatever this symbol represents -- it might give us a way to control her. (beat) If you have a better idea, I'd be glad to entertain it. A brief silence. GEORDI I've accessed the program, sir. Picard looks to the others, takes a breath... PICARD Initiate the transformation. Geordi hits a command on his console. There's a tense moment; no one's sure what's going to happen and they're ready for anything. Then a simple, SILVER MASK APPEARS -- on its forehead is Korgano's moon symbol. RIKER Another mask... Picard picks up the mask and looks at it thoughtfully. PICARD Perhaps we've been approaching this incorrectly. We're dealing with a highly ritualistic culture... a society based on symbol and myth. Maybe we need to confront them on those terms instead... (beat) If I can incorporate myself into their rituals, perhaps Masaka will listen to me. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 56A. 55 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER (catching on) You're going to pose as Korgano. Picard nods and holds the mask up to his face, testing the fit. TROI Captain, we know so little about this culture... and even less about Korgano himself. How will you convince Masaka that you're him? PICARD I'm not entirely sure. But there are similarities between this culture and others I've studied. (beat) I suppose I'll just have to improvise. There's a grim beat -- but they all know that there's really no other choice. PICARD Mister Worf, what's our status? WORF (off console) I estimate we have less than two hours before there's nothing left of the ship... at least nothing that we recognize. Picard nods grimly and heads for the Turbolift. He holds the mask in his hands as he EXITS. CUT TO: 56 INT. TEMPLE (OPTICAL) Data/Masaka is sitting on the throne. PICARD (O.S.) Masaka! STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 57. 56 CONTINUED: Data/Masaka reacts as Picard approaches -- he is wearing the Korgano mask. For the first time, we see a real reaction from Data/Masaka -- she's shocked at the sight. DATA/MASAKA Korgano... ? Picard takes a step closer -- he's playing it by ear, choosing his words carefully, taking it one step at a time... PICARD Are you surprised to see me? Data/Masaka rises from the throne, begins walking down the stairs. She's regained her bearings now, and is trying to maintain control of the situation. DATA/MASAKA I thought I had escaped you. Picard smiles. PICARD You should know that's impossible. DATA/MASAKA You are a fine hunter... but I am a powerful prey. You will never catch me. PICARD Do you really want to be the prey... forever? Data/Masaka seems to consider this. DATA/MASAKA I thought I was alone here. I thought I wouldn't have to share the sky with you... Picard moves toward Data, carefully, not threatening, a reasonable man. PICARD But without me... you aren't complete. I know you, Masaka... you live for the chase just as much as I do. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 58. 56 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (Cont'd) (beat) Won't you miss being the hunter... pursuing me... forcing me from the sky so that you can rise again? A hesitation. DATA/MASAKA You know me well, Korgano... Picard now senses he has the upper hand. PICARD I think you may be getting tired... it's difficult to brighten the sky forever... Data/Masaka smiles wanly... does seem a little weary. DATA/MASAKA I am getting sleepy... you always do that to me... PICARD Only so you can wake at dawn... and begin the hunt again... Another smile. Data/Masaka slowly sits on the throne, head still erect and queenly, but eyes heavy. DATA/MASAKA Begin the hunt again... (beat) I am eager for that. PICARD As am I. Data's eyes close. The ship TREMBLES. The room DISSOLVES to -- 57 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS The temple is gone. Everyone is back in the corridor, reacting to the transformation. And to Data -- who stands before them, not wearing a mask (neither is Picard), blinking a bit in confusion. RIKER'S COM VOICE Riker to Picard... I don't know what you did, sir... but it looks like everything's back to normal. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 59. 57 CONTINUED: PICARD Acknowledged. (to Data) Mister Data -- are you all right? DATA I believe so, sir. But I am not entirely certain what has happened. Have I been dreaming again? Picard puts his hand on Data's shoulder. PICARD I'm afraid it will take some time to explain. He smiles reassuringly and Data accepts this, his old equanimity having returned. Off their relieved expressions -- 58 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship at impulse. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 47612.4. Commander La Forge has managed to disable the alien transformation program. Starfleet will send an archaeological team to study the Archive further. 59 INT. READY ROOM Data with Picard; Picard holds the mask Data wore as Masaka, turning it in his hands. PICARD I don't understand... I thought all the alien artifacts had disappeared from the Enterprise. DATA This was not created by the Archive... this is the clay mask I originally made. I have since glazed it. Picard is intrigued. STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 60. 59 CONTINUED: DATA Yes. Although I am relieved to be rid of those alien personalities... there is a sense in which I am now... empty. PICARD I can imagine. Doctor Crusher said there might have been dozens of personalities inside you. DATA I suspect the number was much greater. Data pauses, reflecting on the unusual experience. DATA My impression is that there were thousands... of all ages and walks of life. (beat) It was a remarkable experience. PICARD Well, Data, you may never become fully human... but you've had an experience that transcends the human condition. (beat) You have been an entire civilization. Data briefly ponders the significance of this... then Picard hands him back the mask. PICARD (wry) Nonetheless... it's time to stand watch on the night shift. DATA Yes, sir. Good night. He turns and EXITS. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END