STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Host" (f.k.a. "E Pluribus Unum") #40274-197 Written by Michel Horvat Directed by Marvin Rush 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 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. FINAL DRAFT MARCH 1, 1991 STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/7/91 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Host" CAST PICARD AMBASSADOR ODAN RIKER GOVERNOR LEKA DATA KALIN TROSE BEVERLY LATHAL BINE TROI GEORDI WORF KAREEL NURSE ALYSSA OGAWA ENSIGN TAGGERT'S COM VOICE COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking NURSE BLUE BARBER SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Host" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM SHUTTLECRAFT OBSERVATION LOUNGE CORRIDOR UNMARKED SHUTTLECRAFT SICKBAY BEVERLY'S OFFICE PELIAR ZEL TWO SYSTEM: BEVERLY'S QUARTERS ONE PLANET DATA'S QUARTERS TWO MOONS ODAN'S GUEST QUARTERS SHUTTLE BAY TEN-FORWARD TURBOLIFT BARBER SHOP SHUTTLCRAFT STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/8/91 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Host" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE EOSINOPHILIA eh-yuh-sin-oh-FEE-lee-ah KALIN TROSE kay-lin TROSE KAREEL kah-REAL LATHAL BINE lay-thl BINE LEKA LAY-kuh ODAN oh-DAHN PELIAR ZEL peh-lee-ar ZEHL SYMBIONT SIM-bee-nt TRILL trill STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Host" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) travelling through space. BEVERLY (V.O.) Doctor Beverly Crusher, Personal Log, Stardate 44821.3. Began an analysis today of the respiratory problems being experienced by the populations on the two moons of Peliar Zel. (beat) Finally got an actual letter from Wesley... topped the class in exo-biology, but he's still struggling in Ancient Philosophies. (beat) And... there's... a new man in my life. CUT TO: 2 CLOSE ON BEVERLY AND ODAN KISSING A passionate kiss of some duration which, when they break, leaves them both flushed and breathing deeply. They stare into one another's eyes for a brief instant, and then start as they hear a door opening. 3 INT. TURBOLIFT - WIDER SHOT We now realize they are in a turbolift, the doors of which have opened to admit DATA, who greets them with delighted surprise. If he notices their flushed and rumpled condition, he gives no indication. DATA Ambassador Odan... Doctor Crusher... I was just on my way to see you. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: Beverly tries to compose herself, resisting the impulse to smooth her hair and check her lipstick. Odan, on the other hand, seems perfectly comfortable. BEVERLY Hello, Data... DATA I have completed my study of the atmospheric variations which have occurred on the moons since the new technology was implemented. ODAN Thank you, Commander. That will be most helpful in my efforts to mediate the quarrel. DATA I could go over them with you now. It would not require more than two hours. A brief, electric silence. BEVERLY We do appreciate it, Data... but the Ambassador and I have set aside this time... to analyze the incidence of lung disease among the moons' inhabitants. DATA Then it is perfect timing, Doctor -- what better occasion to integrate my results into your study? Another silence, as Beverly and Odan exchange glances past Data's innocent eyes. Her message: "You get rid of him." ODAN Now that I think about it, Commander... you're absolutely right. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling well... perhaps Doctor Crusher could get you started, inputting your information... but I must I return to my quarters. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY (picking it up) Ambassador, are you still having those awful headaches? I'll bring you a hypospray to take care of it... ODAN (rubbing temples) I would be most grateful... The turbolift stops, and Beverly takes Data by the arm, steers him out of the turbolift. 4 INT. CORRIDOR (CONTINUOUS) as Beverly and Data exit. She turns back to Odan. BEVERLY Put a cold cloth on your forehead and lie down, Ambassador. I'll be with you shortly. And the turbolift doors shut on Odan, unable to resist an anticipatory smile. Beverly pulls Data down the corridor at a good clip. BEVERLY I'll set you up at the medical monitor, Data... it'll take you a while to input the figures, won't it? DATA (puzzled by the speed) At least an hour... but I do not believe much time can be saved from that estimate by exhibiting such haste now... BEVERLY Data... there are times... when every second does count. And she propels him down the corridor, oblivious to his perplexed expression. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - TEASER 4. 5 INT. ODAN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL) Odan ENTERS and begins removing his shirt. He is a handsome, strapping man with a well-defined musculature. He moves toward the mirror, and places his hand on his diaphragm. A grapefruit-sized area on his mid-section begins to change color... then it swells into a purplish, green-veined lump. Odan takes a device from the counter, aims it toward the bulbous protuberance, and envelops it in a spray of light. The growth throbs there for a moment, then begins to recede again. Whatever it is, Odan has just fed it, and it is content once more. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - TEASER 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: 5A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) drops out of warp. 6 INT. ODAN'S QUARTERS Beverly is donning her jacket, stops in front of the mirror to run her fingers through her hair. Odan puts on a robe and comes up to her, putting his arms around her from behind. In the background, the bed is discreetly rumpled. ODAN Somehow, I had an unnatural fear that Data was going to barge in and ask to discuss the peripheral effects of magnetospheric energy taps. Beverly giggles and he kisses her hair. BEVERLY If I don't get back and look at his projections, he might come looking for me. She pulls loose, but he turns her around, facing him, not letting go. ODAN When I first met the formidable Doctor Beverly... I thought to myself... "This woman is ice... through to her bones... " He puts his face in her neck, murmuring. ODAN Who would have dreamed... that instead of ice, there is fire... Beverly closes her eyes, yielding to his soft nuzzling. BEVERLY I can't believe this has happened... in just a week... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 5A. 6 CONTINUED: ODAN (kissing her face) Stay here... don't go... Blood is coursing now, but Beverly manages to pull away slightly. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT ONE 6. 6 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Odan... are we... is this... interfering? With your work on the Peliar Zel problems? ODAN Fortunately I've done about as much as I can until we get there. (bending to her again) Because I wouldn't be able to keep my mind on work now... BEVERLY Odan... I have to get back... ODAN Promise me we'll be together tonight... BEVERLY I promise... ODAN Then go, Doctor Beverly... She reaches out fingertips, touches his lips. BEVERLY It's just Beverly... ODAN Not just Beverly. It's Beverly's smile and her kindness, her beauty, within and without. So much more than just Beverly... He takes her wrist, turns it and kisses it gently on the inside. Then -- PICARD'S COM VOICE Picard to Ambassador Odan... The two lovers jump guiltily apart. Odan reaches for his tunic, presses the com badge. ODAN Yes, Captain? This is Odan... PICARD'S COM VOICE The Federation representative from Peliar Zel has come on board. (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 7. 6 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD'S COM VOICE (Cont'd) Could you meet us in the Observation Lounge? ODAN I'll be right there, Captain. He and Beverly exchange smiles. PICARD'S COM VOICE And Ambassador... if you should run into Doctor Crusher, would you ask her to join us as well? ODAN By all means. If I run into her. He turns smiling to her and, though feeling a little like a naughty child who's been found out, she smiles back. 7 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - A BIT LATER (OPTICAL) Picard is already there, standing with LEKA, a representative of the Federation planet Peliar Zel, RIKER, TROI, and Data. Beverly ENTERS, nods toward Picard, who nods back, expressionless. She moves toward a seat next to Troi. TROI (sotto) Where've you been? BEVERLY (likewise) With a patient. Minor emergency. Troi nods and then -- from the opposite door -- Odan walks in. PICARD Ambassador Odan, this is Governor Leka Trion, of Peliar Zel. LEKA Ambassador... thank you for coming. (beat) I knew your father. (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 7A. 7 CONTINUED: LEKA (Cont'd) His efforts helped keep our people at peace for several generations. ODAN I would hope to serve you as well as he. Picard has gestured people to their seats; Odan finds himself next to Data, who leans to him and says, in an aside: STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 8. 7 CONTINUED: (2) DATA I hope Doctor Crusher was able to help you with your headache. ODAN Thank you. Actually, she was. A little flicker between Odan and Beverly. PICARD Governor Leka has intercepted us before we reached her planet in order to update us on the situation. LEKA It has grown progressively worse. The people on our moons have been in discord ever since they migrated from the planet five centuries ago. For us on the planet... it is like having two squabbling children. We try to help settle their arguments without taking sides... but this time, we are at a loss. ODAN I've been studying the information you sent... If I understand correctly, the people of Alpha moon have found a way to tap directly into the magnetic field of your planet, and now rely exclusively on that energy source. LEKA Yes. But the Beta moon seems to be suffering some environmental damage as a result. DATA My design models suggest that Beta will begin to experience rising temperatures... erratic tide surges... and in general the beginnings of global warming. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT ONE 9. 7 CONTINUED: (3) BEVERLY The impact on the health of the Betan people is clear. There will be profound medical repercussions. LEKA Alpha is unwilling to lose their new-found energy source... Beta accuses them of intentionally courting genocide... our efforts to find a compromise have failed. And now -- (beat) -- we've received intelligence that both sides are arming for war. If that happens... the people of my planet will begin to take sides... the outcome can only be disastrous. PICARD We will be in orbit around Peliar Zel within six hours. If you can arrange for the representatives of Alpha and Beta to be there, Ambassador Odan can beam directly to the planet. Picard rises, indicating an end to the meeting. ODAN Excuse me, Captain... I would prefer to shuttle to the surface. LEKA I would not recommend it. There are many radical factions involved in this dispute. It would be difficult to guarantee your safety. ODAN (good-natured) I'm sure I'm not the first who has expressed discomfort with the idea of molecular transport. Thank you, but I much prefer to keep myself intact. I'll shuttle down. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 10. 7 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD As you like. The group files out. 8 ANGLE - TROI quietly watching the room empty. Picard sees her, approaches, curious. PICARD Counselor... ? TROI It's Ambassador Odan... I continue to feel such... fluctuations... of emotion from him. PICARD (dryly) Maybe it's just spring, Deanna... (off her look) Or perhaps these sensations are perfectly normal among the Trill. TROI It could be... we know so little about them... She shakes her head as though to rid it of a nagging doubt. TROI But he seems a lovely person... very much a gentleman, don't you think? PICARD Yes. Quite. Troi leaves and we stay on Picard. 9 INT. BARBER SHOP - LATER (OPTICAL) Our blue barber works on N.D. crew in the background. Beverly reclines on a lounge, either hand draped in a bowl of translucent liquid. Her feet are bare, toes freshly painted, held apart by a special little drying rack. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT ONE 11. 9 CONTINUED: A cloth of special astringent is folded across her eyes. Troi ENTERS, spies her, goes to an adjacent lounge. She speaks nonchalantly... TROI Is that the colgonite astringent you have on your eyes? I've never tried it... Beverly starts a bit... lifts one corner of the cloth... sees Troi looking at her innocently. Beverly feels a little embarrassed to be found cosseting herself. BEVERLY Yes... I mean, I guess it is... someone just put it on me... TROI I never knew you even came in here... BEVERLY I don't. I mean, not usually... TROI But sometimes it feels good just to indulge yourself... BEVERLY I guess so... TROI Especially when you haven't done so for a while... Beverly pulls the cloth off, gives her a look. Is there a double meaning here? BEVERLY What's that supposed to mean? TROI Beverly... you're in love. Beverly is nonplussed. Is it that obvious? BEVERLY How... how did you know? STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 12. 9 CONTINUED: (2) TROI (gently) I don't really think it's much of a secret. BEVERLY It isn't? TROI No. You've been -- glowing. Beverly gives her a look, then, realizing Troi is absolutely right, she smiles... luxuriating in the feelings. BEVERLY "Glowing... " Well, yeah... that's just how I feel, Deanna... She looks to Troi for approbation... but sees something else... a doubt, a misgiving... BEVERLY What... ? TROI Nothing -- BEVERLY Yes, there is, I can tell. What is it? TROI Just... something I sense in Odan. BEVERLY What? What do you sense? TROI I'm not sure how to describe it... and I'm not saying there's anything wrong, it's just... (beat) Beverly... how well do you really know him? BEVERLY I... I feel like I know him better than anyone I've ever known... but... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 13. 9 CONTINUED: (3) She sits up, her overwhelming feelings now tapped, and pours out a litany of vacillation. BEVERLY Am I being foolish? I don't think so... and yet... it's only been a couple of weeks... Of course, maybe that means it's just infatuation... but I'm a grown up, I know the difference between love and infatuation... Troi regards her with amused tolerance. She is happy that her friend is re-capturing some long dormant feelings. Surely that's more important than that nagging sense that Odan isn't what he seems... BEVERLY But one thing I'm sure of... is that I haven't felt like this in a long time... TROI And you like it... Beverly looks at her, smiles. BEVERLY I like it. And Troi returns the smile. Love covers many blemishes. 10 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around a large planet; two moons are also in evidence. 11 INT. READY ROOM Picard at his desk; the door Chimes. PICARD Come. The doors open and Odan ENTERS. ODAN You wanted to see me? STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 13A. 11 CONTINUED: PICARD Yes, Ambassador. We've entered orbit... the shuttle will transport you to the surface in a few minutes. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 14. 11 CONTINUED: (2) ODAN I am ready, Captain. PICARD How will you proceed once you're there? ODAN I cannot answer that. I never know until I am into the situation... meet the people involved. I work very much by instinct, not by pre-arranged plan. PICARD It seems to work well for you. ODAN I do like to go into a situation as well informed as possible... and your staff has been quite helpful in briefing me on the problems involved here. (beat) Particularly Doctor Crusher. PICARD My staff is quite capable. I'm glad they've been useful. ODAN Your Doctor Beverly is an extraordinary person... both as a scientist... and as a woman. Picard is becoming uncomfortable with the frank nature of this discussion. PICARD I'm sure that's true. Well... shall we make our way to the Shuttlebay? ODAN Captain... you know her better than I... do you have any idea how -- committed -- she is to remaining with Starfleet? This catches Picard by surprise. Is Odan planning to take Beverly off the Enterprise? STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT ONE 15. 11 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD I wouldn't presume to speak for her. ODAN Of course not. I just thought... you've known her for so long... But before Picard can answer -- ENSIGN'S COM VOICE Ensign Taggert to Captain Picard... PICARD Yes, Ensign? ENSIGN'S COM VOICE The shuttle is ready to transport the Ambassador. PICARD Very well. ODAN I can find my own way, Captain. (beat) I hope to bring good news when I return. And he is gone. Picard stares after him, discomfited by this conversation. 12 INT. SHUTTLEBAY Odan moves with Geordi toward the shuttle, where Riker and Beverly wait. Odan carries a small case. GEORDI Commander Riker asked to pilot you himself, Ambassador. ODAN I am honored. But his eyes are on Beverly, and he goes to her, takes her aside from the others. ODAN I don't know when I'll be back... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 16. 12 CONTINUED: BEVERLY I know... have a safe trip. He smiles warmly, puts his arms around her as though it were the most natural thing in the world, even with the crew nearby. ODAN I will stay safe, Doctor Beverly... I have good reason to return... He opens his case, withdraws a rose... lovely and graceful. ODAN I have researched earth customs. This flower is given to express love. BEVERLY Yes, it is... She takes the rose, touched by this romantic gesture. They smile at each other... he takes her wrist, turns it to the inside, and kisses it. Then he moves toward the shuttle. Beverly sniffs the heady fragrance of the rose. 13 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Data, Worf, SUPERNUMERARY at Conn. DATA Initiate shuttle pre-flight sequence. RIKER'S COM VOICE Pre-flight under way... counting to clearance... There is a beat; then -- DATA Shuttle has cleared the Bay door. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 17. 13 CONTINUED: Beverly ENTERS from the turbolift, takes a seat to view the proceedings. WORF Commander Riker, you will be out of shield range in five seconds. 14 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - INTERCUTTING (OPTICAL) Riker piloting; Odan at his side. RIKER Acknowledged, Lieutenant. We'll be entering the upper ionosphere in two minutes, twenty seconds. WORF Captain... an unidentified ship is emerging from the limb of the moon. PICARD Hail the vessel. RIKER I have visual contact. I don't recognize it. Worf works his controls. WORF Sir, it claims to be an escort vessel from the Beta moon. PICARD There was no mention of an escort... request a security clearance code. A beat as Work does so... WORF They do not answer, sir. PICARD Commander, stand by to return to the Shuttlebay. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT ONE 18. 14 CONTINUED: WORF Captain -- the escort ship is loading its phaser banks! RIKER Increasing power to the shields... coming about... 15 thru OMITTED 16 17 EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE AND THE ESCORT (OPTICAL) The shuttle banks to return to the Enterprise, but the strange ship unloads phasers. The shuttle takes a hit. 18 INT. SHUTTLE The impact throws Odan from his seat; he strikes his head on the bulkhead and lands unconscious. Riker struggles to control the helm. PICARD Engage tractor beam. Number One -- report. RIKER We've lost the port thruster and both back-up stabilizers... I'm losing control... PICARD We're bringing you in. 19 EXT SPACE - SHUTTLE AND ESCORT SHIP (OPTICAL) The tractor beam has locked on to the shuttle. The other ship has turned and is headed once more to the moon. 19A INT. SHUTTLE - INTERCUTTING RIKER Captain, the shuttle hull has been weakened. We're breaking up... you can't tow us. Better beam us directly on board... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 19. 19A CONTINUED: Odan, on the floor, raises his head at this. ODAN (weak) No... don't do it... RIKER I can't stabilize the shuttle... ODAN If you transport me, it will kill me... please... Riker stares at him, swiftly weighing the elements. PICARD Number One... we're ready to beam you aboard. RIKER Belay that, Captain. I'm going to bring her in manually. (beat) Advise Doctor Crusher we have a medical emergency. Beverly pales at this, realizing it could mean only one thing. 20 INT. SICKBAY Beverly and NURSE OGAWA work over Odan's nearly lifeless body. He has a gash in his head and various contusions to the upper body. BEVERLY He's in shock... he's lost a lot of blood... but that doesn't account for these readings... She passes the Tricorder over him again, disturbed by what she reads. BEVERLY Eosinophilia in the cerebrospinal fluid at forty-six percent. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT ONE 20. 20 CONTINUED: NURSE OGAWA Sedimentation rate is twenty-nine... but his lymphocytes are intact... Beverly looks up at her. BEVERLY It's as though there's a parasite at work... Odan stirs and groans; Beverly leans in to him. BEVERLY Odan... I have to do exploratory surgery. You may have a parasitic infection... His hand reaches out and grasps her wrist. ODAN You must not. BEVERLY But... you won't survive... Still holding her with one hand, Odan places the other over his diaphragm. 21 ANGLE - ON ODAN as the purplish lump begins to rise. Beverly stares in stunned amazement. BEVERLY What is that... ? ODAN Beverly... that... is me... BEVERLY What... ? ODAN This body... is just a host. I am that parasite... and that is what must survive. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT ONE 21. 21 CONTINUED: Beverly stares at him, then at the throbbing, green-veined thing on his chest. She is horrified. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT TWO 22. ACT TWO FADE IN: 22 INT. SICKBAY Beverly and Odan; the nurse has departed. ODAN It has always been this way... the Trill are a joined species... a host and a symbiont... and in this fashion we have survived for millenia... BEVERLY You're dying... what can I do? ODAN The host body is dying... You must contact the Trill quickly... tell them I need another host. They will send a replacement. He holds her wrist tightly. ODAN I know it is hard to accept... but I beg you, Doctor Beverly... help me... this mission must be completed. He grips her wrist and she smiles down at him, rocked by his revelation, but her love undiminished. 23 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - LATER Beverly, drained and exhausted, sits at the table with Picard, Riker, Troi, Geordi and Worf. She has been recounting the bizarre tale, and the others listen quietly in various states of contained amazement. BEVERLY Odan's host body died of the injuries just over an hour ago. But the symbiont being... Odan... is still alive. Even for a staff used to unusual life forms, this is unique. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT TWO 22A. 23 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Odan is the one who negotiated the last treaty. The man everyone thought was his father was just another host body. RIKER And the reason Odan refused the transporter... BEVERLY (acknowledging) It would have damaged the symbiont. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT TWO 23. 23 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (to the others) We have contacted the Trill. Another host will arrive within forty hours. BEVERLY I've placed Odan in stasis. He can survive for an hour... maybe two... but not beyond that. DATA Is it possible I could serve as a temporary carrier? BEVERLY No, Data. The relationship requires a biological being. There is a small silence. PICARD We are at a desperate impasse with the situation in the Peliar system. The attack on our shuttlecraft has inflamed the dispute. TROI Who was responsible, Captain? PICARD No one will admit anything. Each side accuses the other and threats are mounting. We need Odan... RIKER Doctor... could a human host carry him? All eyes turn to him, realizing what he's suggesting. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT TWO 24. 23 CONTINUED: (3) BEVERLY I... believe so. From Odan's description of the process... it should be possible. But -- RIKER (rising) Then I volunteer. BEVERLY There's been no precedent for a human host. I couldn't guarantee what... what might happen. PICARD Would you be able to remove the symbiont when the new host arrives? BEVERLY In theory, yes. I just don't know what might happen to a human body in the process. PICARD Commander... the risk is too great. RIKER Weigh it against the prospect of war. Picard hesitates, considering the options. Finally -- PICARD It is your choice, Will. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT TWO 25. 23 CONTINUED: (4) RIKER Then let's get to it. And he heads for the door. 24 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL) Riker lies on a bio-bed with his shirt off. On a nearby table is a containment dome which holds the purplish blob that is Odan. Beverly plays a Tricorder over Riker. BEVERLY I've given you a local anesthetic... but you must be conscious while the implantation takes place. Drugs might damage the symbiont. RIKER I understand. Beverly looks toward Nurse Ogawa. BEVERLY Laser scalpel. Ogawa hands her the instrument and Beverly activates it, then bends toward Riker, making an incision in the navel. She completes the incision, then reaches for the glass container, lifts the domed lid, and takes the blob... Odan. She places it on the area in which she has made the incision. 25 CLOSE ON RIKER - INTERCUTTING (OPTICAL) as he draws a deep breath. Ogawa sponges off his forehead. BEVERLY How are you feeling? Is there pain? RIKER No... just... strange sensations... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT TWO 25A. 25 CONTINUED: BEVERLY (to Ogawa) Vital signs? NURSE OGAWA Heart rate one hundred ten... blood pressure ninety over forty... She exchanges a concerned glance with Beverly. Riker's teeth are clenched and he is drenched in perspiration. BEVERLY I can't close yet... the assimilation isn't complete... NURSE OGAWA Pulse one thirty... and climbing... E.E.G. erratic. BEVERLY He's going to start fibrillating. Two hundred milligrams metrazene... Ogawa turns to an instrument cart. BEVERLY Will... hang on... He draws a deep shuddering breath and goes unconscious. Ogawa hands Beverly the hypospray and she administers it. BEVERLY I'm closing... She bends to Riker with a laser suture, repairs the incision. NURSE OGAWA (reading tricorder) No change... BEVERLY The metrazene should have stabilized him... I'll give it ten seconds more before we go in again. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT TWO 26. 25 CONTINUED: (2) There is an agonizing wait as Beverly finishes suturing. Then -- NURSE OGAWA Blood pressure leveling off... I think he's stabilizing. Bev now takes a tricorder and scans. BEVERLY That's better... signs are returning to normal. Beverly strips off her gloves. 26 thru OMITTED 27 28 ON RIKER'S CHEST where the parasite is now completely assimilated. There is no indication of it whatsoever. 29 ANGLE - RIKER as Beverly sponges off his forehead. He stirs, rolls his head... his eyes flicker a bit... BEVERLY Will... it's Beverly. Can you hear me? Now his eyes are open, slightly glassy... then looking around the room... focusing on Beverly. A little smile. RIKER Hello... STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT TWO 27. 29 CONTINUED: BEVERLY (smiling back) You're going to be all right. How do you feel? Riker reaches out and holds her wrist. RIKER I am just fine... but you look tired, Doctor Beverly. Weakly, he turns her wrist to the inside and kisses it. Beverly stares at him... realizing that Odan is now very much alive -- in Riker's body. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 30 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around Peliar Zel. 31 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Riker stands with Picard before the viewscreen, addressing Governor Leka. RIKER I realize it will be disturbing, Governor... but you must convince the inhabitants of the moons that I am Odan... I have his thoughts, his memories, his skills... LEKA They will perceive you as a Starfleet officer... perhaps with your own agenda... RIKER The man they knew as my father... the man who stands before them now... both are merely hosts. It is your task to help them understand. LEKA I will try. I cannot promise they will listen. They are more factionalized than ever, and listening is a skill which seems to have evaporated in the heat of argument. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT THREE 29. 31 CONTINUED: RIKER Speak softly, Governor. People who cannot hear an angry shout... will often strain to hear a whisper. LEKA (after a beat) I will do what I can. Riker nods and the screen returns to the starfield. PICARD Well done. But suddenly Riker stumbles slightly. He reaches out to balance himself on Picard's shoulder. RIKER Sorry... a little dizzy... PICARD Mister Worf, take the Ambassador to his quarters. RIKER I'll be all right... just need to lie down a minute... Worf is there, helping him out. Picard watches them go for a moment, then -- PICARD Bridge to Crusher...  STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 30. 32 INT. SICKBAY - INTERCUTTING BEVERLY Yes, Captain? PICARD The Ambassador is not well. Please see to him in his quarters. She stands for a moment, as though unwilling to face what she might encounter. But -- BEVERLY Right away, sir. 33 INT. ODAN'S QUARTERS - MINUTES LATER Beverly scans Riker with a Tricorder. She is cool, professional, detached. BEVERLY I'm getting a slightly elevated white cell count... six-tenths of a degree of temperature... (casts a glance toward him) ... nothing that indicates rejection. RIKER That's good... BEVERLY But you look awfully pale... RIKER Just a little weak... light-headed... Beverly uses an instrument to peer into one of his eyes. BEVERLY Cerebral blood flow looks normal... He reaches for her hand, puts it briefly in his. Beverly becomes extremely uncomfortable, withdraws it, moves to pack her Tricorder. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 30A. 33 CONTINUED: BEVERLY I'll leave you a metabolic booster... use it if the symptoms get worse... STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT THREE 31. 33 CONTINUED: RIKER Beverly... BEVERLY Beyond that, I don't know what to do. (beat) This is... all new for me. RIKER For me as well. She leaves the hypospray near him, snaps shut her medical carrier, and rises. RIKER Please don't go... we need to talk about this... BEVERLY I... don't know what to say... where to begin... RIKER Nor do I... but I know that silence will injure us... Beverly looks at him. The shock and discomfort of this whole thing rise up in her. BEVERLY Maybe you should have thought about that sooner. Maybe you should have told me what you were. It didn't bother you to stay silent yesterday... Riker shrugs in honest puzzlement. RIKER But... it never occurred to me. This is what I am... did you tell me you are only a single being? Of course not... it is normal for you... And of course, that's reasonable. Her anger has no place to go. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/12/91 - ACT THREE 32. 33 CONTINUED: (3) BEVERLY I don't know how to handle this... I just... don't know who you are... RIKER (sadly) I understand... but whoever I seem to be... I am Odan... the man who loved you... and that has not changed. I still love you. I can't help that. Anguished, she turns away from him. RIKER But if that causes you pain... I will suppress it. I will keep my distance, Doctor Beverly. I would never hurt you. She turns, looks into his eyes, also searching. Who is in there... is it the man she loved so desperately? She can't tell. Without a word, she turns and EXITS. Riker stares after her, in pain both physically and psychically. 34 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS - LATER Worf, Geordi, and Data play poker. Data deals. DATA Five card draw. Ante up. The door CHIMES and Riker ENTERS the room. Geordi and Worf look happy to see him. GEORDI Commander -- come on in... DATA Geordi... I believe the correct term now would be "Ambassador." Riker smiles wanly. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 33. 34 CONTINUED: RIKER You can call me anything you like. I know this must be difficult for you. (beat) May I join you? GEORDI (too quickly) Sure! Sit down... right here... WORF We are pleased you're here. Their eagerness sounds a false note. This is an unusual situation for everyone. Riker sits and picks up the deck. DATA Are you familiar with this game, Ambassador? RIKER No. He shuffles and ruffs the cards with ease. RIKER But... I seem to have done this before... He begins dealing. With his guileless honesty, Data gets right to the point. DATA Ambassador, what is the precise nature of the symbiotic joining? Are you Odan? Or Commander Riker? Or a combination of both? RIKER I wish I could give you an answer as simple as the question. Ordinarily, the host body has no personality. This time... is different somehow. He looks down as he deals out the cards -- which he does effortlessly and faultlessly. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 34. 34 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER I've never done this... and yet I know how. He looks up to see them all looking at him. RIKER And something compelled me to come here tonight... though I didn't consciously know what would await me. It is as though... Will Riker is here with me... I have never felt that with other hosts. The others regard him with a measure of discomfort. It is weird... seeing the Riker who is so familiar to them... but hearing someone else discuss him as though he weren't there. GEORDI (rhetorical) I guess the question is... will the Commander be alright... when he comes back? A dampening thought. Riker looks around the table... realizes his presence makes them uneasy. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 35. 34 CONTINUED: (3) RIKER Gentlemen... I am making you uncomfortable. Please... continue without me. He EXITS, and no one argues with his going. 35 INT. TEN FORWARD Beverly sits by herself at a table in the corner. She gazes out at the brilliant star field, lost in thought. Someone approaches the table; she senses, rather than sees it, and looks up. Troi stands there. TROI May I join you? Wordlessly, Beverly gestures to a seat, and Troi slides in. For a moment the two stare out at the brilliant mosaic. BEVERLY (finally) The first man I ever loved unconditionally... was named Stefan. She turns her chair around, plays with her teacup. BEVERLY He was a soccer player... I would watch him race down the field and I thought my heart would stop because he was so beautiful... She stirs her darkening tea. BEVERLY We married and had three children... twin boys, Andrew and Alex, and then a girl, Jennifer... Stefan became a famous artist and created huge, breathtaking metal sculptures... I kept house and made the world easy for him... and he came to adore me as much as I worshipped him... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT THREE 36. 35 CONTINUED: She looks up to see Troi's eyes on her. BEVERLY At least in my daydreams. Stefan was eleven... and I was eight. He never even knew I existed. A sad little smile from Troi, an unspoken moment between them... When Beverly speaks, it is from utter vulnerability. BEVERLY Deanna... I loved Odan. I'm sure of that... I had no doubts, no fears... (beat) ... and now... I don't know what it was I loved. His eyes... his hands, his mouth... his body? They're gone. If that was all it was, I should mourn him and go on... She hesitates, working the whole strange thing over in her mind. BEVERLY But there was so much more... I felt completely free with him... unguarded... at ease with myself... There were so many things that made him special to me. Where are they? Are they still here... alive in Will Riker? I look at Will and I see someone I've known for years... a kind of brother. But... inside... is it really Odan... ? She looks imploringly at Troi, a raw wound. BEVERLY Help me, Deanna... please... Troi feels overwhelmed. She wants to comfort her friend... but this whole situation is beyond anyone's experience. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT THREE 37. 35 CONTINUED: (2) TROI What... what do your feelings tell you? BEVERLY I feel the pull... it's powerful... In her frustration, her anguish, she grasps for anything that might have spared her this pain. BEVERLY I wish he'd never come on this ship... I was happy tending patients and doing my research... TROI Don't wish that, Beverly... you can never be open to love if you won't risk pain... BEVERLY I don't care... I'd give anything not to feel the way I do now... there's no happiness that's worth this... She looks up as though she's heard an unseen voice and sees -- 36 RIKER entering Ten-Forward, looking around, moving toward a table. 37 BACK TO TROI AND BEVERLY Beverly is pale. BEVERLY He's here. He just walked in. Troi does not turn around. She looks right at Beverly. TROI Look at him. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 2/8/91 - ACT THREE 38. 37 CONTINUED: BEVERLY I don't want to look at him... Talk to me Deanna, please... keep talking. Troi looks at her for a brief moment, leans in, takes Beverly's hands. TROI The first man I ever loved... was my father. He was strong and tall... he carried me when the ground was muddy... he chased away the monsters who hid under my bed at night... he sang to me and he kept me safe. And then he went away. A pause, then... TROI What I wouldn't give to hear his songs again... to feel his arms protect me. I never will. But I can still feel his warmth, his love... as though he were here with me. (Beverly acknowledges) Beverly, if you can feel those things from the man we know as Will Riker, accept them, accept the love. Beverly looks at her... feels the strength and affection in her grip. Slowly, she turns her head... like a homing device, it finds Riker... 38 RIKER - HER POV His eyes are on her, his gaze burning into her. Odan's eyes. 39 BEVERLY feels the pull as though there were a steel cord between them. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FOUR 39. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around Peliar Zel. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 44823.8. Representative of the moons of Peliar Zel have agreed to come on board to meet the new Ambassador Odan. 41 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Beverly, and Riker. Riker doesn't look good... weak, pale, and shaky. Beverly scans him with a Tricorder. BEVERLY White count is elevated... it's higher every time I read it... (beat) Are you in pain? RIKER (lying) Not much... PICARD Ambassador... I can stall the representatives... RIKER No. They would consider it deception. I must meet them. PICARD Surely... to present yourself in this condition... will not help our cause. RIKER I promise you, Captain... they will not know I am ill. At that moment the doors open and Worf ENTERS. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FOUR 40. 41 CONTINUED: WORF Captain... the emissaries. Leka ENTERS, followed by two representatives of the Peliar moons. LEKA May I present Kalin Trose, of Alpha moon... and Lathal Bine, of Beta moon. KALIN TROSE Thank you for receiving us, Captain. LATHAL BINE Is this Ambassador Odan? He moves toward Riker, looking him up and down, inspecting him. Riker has pulled it together, looks a little pallid but otherwise all right. RIKER Lathal Bine... It was your aunt who represented Beta thirty years ago... LATHAL BINE That is correct. RIKER A formidable woman. I had the utmost respect for her. Riker gestures everyone into seats. The two representatives sit opposite him, scrutinizing him carefully. KALIN TROSE And who was it who spoke for Alpha... so long ago... ? Riker smiles at him, easy-going and comfortable. RIKER It was you, of course, Kalin Trose. Then you were a young man, bristling with passion and zeal... (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT FOUR 41. 41 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER (Cont'd) But wise enough to see that your people needed peace to ensure their future... The two of them look at Riker... surprised by his thorough knowledge of them... but still wary. KALIN TROSE And... how did you manage to achieve a compromise... between that young man and the iron-willed woman of Beta moon? A smile from Riker. RIKER They agreed to trade places for a week... understand each other's situation with more informed eyes... after that -- an agreement came swiftly. KALIN TROSE Nothing you have said is beyond what a school child could learn from a history book. RIKER But it's not commonly known... that during those negotiations... Kalin Trose, you quelled a plot by radicals on your moon to assasinate the Beta delegation. KALIN TROSE It... is true. There is a pause as the representatives digest this. LATHAL BINE Perhaps he was wiser in his youth than he is now. Odan -- you must convince him to stop -- Riker holds up a hand, stopping him. RIKER Do you accept me? Will you allow me to work with you? STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FOUR 41A. 41 CONTINUED: (3) There is a hesitation. The representatives look from one to the other. Silence. Then -- LATHAL BINE Yes. The people of Beta moon accept you. RIKER And Alpha moon? Kalin Trose stares at him, unresponding. Finally -- KALIN TROSE I will consider it. But I must consult others. LATHAL BINE This is a typical tactic... he is an obstructionist, you can see that -- RIKER Kalin Trose, you may confer with your people. But we must have your answer within eight hours. The three Peliar aliens rise. KALIN TROSE You shall have it. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FOUR 42. 41 CONTINUED: (4) They head for the door, Leka the last out. Before she leaves, she turns and smiles at Riker; she is encouraged. The doors close. Riker sinks into his chair, hands clenching the table. The others hurry to him. He looks up, finds Beverly, his eyes frantic with pain. RIKER Beverly... help me... 42 INT. SICKBAY - LATER Riker lies on a bio-bed, groggy. Beverly completes a final test, and then moves off to the side, out of ear-shot, where Picard is waiting. BEVERLY All his vital functions are overworked. His immune system is under attack. I can only guess that he's going through classic rejection syndrome. PICARD Is there any treatment you can give him? BEVERLY I can administer an immunosuppressant. It would help with the symptoms... but it wouldn't correct the underlying cause. He's carrying a foreign organism in his body. She runs a hand through her hair, tired and frustrated. BEVERLY I don't know what to do... medical school didn't exactly prepare me for a situation like this... PICARD You're doing all you can... Beverly gives him a look, a rueful laugh. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT FOUR 43. 42 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Thank you. I wish that were more comforting. She takes a breath, shrugs off anguish. BEVERLY Don't worry about me, Captain. I'm fine. They lock eyes for a moment, each acknowledging the lie. Picard turns to Riker. PICARD Ambassador... when you feel up to it, please join me in my Ready Room. He EXITS. Beverly goes to Riker, takes a hypospray from an instrument table. BEVERLY I'm giving you something that should help you feel better. At least temporarily. Beverly administers the injection. Riker takes a few deep breaths... seems to relax... the pain goes from his eyes as he gets relief. RIKER The pain is gone... thank you... Then he takes her wrist, holds it firmly. Beverly feels a wave of heat rising in her. BEVERLY Please... don't... RIKER Let me touch you... just for a moment... For a brief moment, she allows herself to yield to the feelings. She reaches out... touches his face... caresses his cheek... starts to bend to him... But she stops herself. This isn't right... Riker is like her brother... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FOUR 44. 42 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY No... please... Never taking his eyes off Beverly, still holding her wrist, he sits up. Then, forcing himself, he releases her. 43 INT. READY ROOM - A LITTLE LATER Riker with Picard. PICARD It was a fast decision, which we must take as positive. The Alphan representative has agreed... somewhat dubiously... to let you mediate the dispute. RIKER I was sure they would. They are reasonable people... just trapped in their own anger. PICARD I have no doubt, however, that they will bolt if anything goes wrong in your discussions. RIKER (grinning) Then it's up to me to make sure nothing goes wrong. Picard looks at him curiously; Riker is puzzled. RIKER Have I said something wrong... ? PICARD No... it's just... for a moment... you sounded more like Will Riker. There is a brief, uncomfortable moment. Then Picard goes on briskly. PICARD We have received word that your new host will arrive in eighteen hours. Will you be all right until then? STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FOUR 45. 43 CONTINUED: RIKER The medication which Doctor Beverly gave me has helped. I will find a way to keep going. Picard hears the quaint phrasing of Odan's reference to Beverly... it still makes him uneasy. They eye each other. RIKER It is an awkward situation for her. As you can imagine. PICARD Yes. Yes, I certainly can. (beat) And for you as well. Riker looks at him sadly. RIKER My life has been spent... trying to help others find solutions to insoluble problems. And now... I am confronted with one of my own for which there is truly no answer. Whether for Beverly, for Riker, or for the thoughtful, sensitive being who speaks through Riker's mouth -- Picard feels profound sorrow. 44 INT. BEVERLY'S QUARTERS - THAT NIGHT (OPTICAL) Beverly ENTERS, weary from the day's anxieties, wanting to unwind. She stretches her arms as she walks across the room, then drops her neck and rolls her head. She goes to the replicator. BEVERLY Lemon tea... The replicator provides the tea and Beverly takes it, sipping as she moves to a comfortable chair. She sits. On the end table by the chair is the single rose that Odan gave her before taking the ill-fated shuttle. She regards it for a moment, then bends to inhale the still-heady aroma. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FOUR 46. 45 INT. ODAN'S QUARTERS - INTERCUTTING Riker paces, agitated. RIKER Computer... location of Doctor Beverly Crusher. COMPUTER VOICE Doctor Crusher is in her quarters. He starts toward the door, then flops down on a chair, staring at nothing. 46 INT. BEVERLY'S QUARTERS - INTERCUTTING Beverly holds the rose in her hands, staring at it, as though in that way she could somehow leap back in time to that day when she was so happy... when all the universe was contained in Odan's eyes... She looks up... as though hearing something -- someone -- calling out to her... 47 INT. ODAN'S QUARTERS Riker is up, pacing, unable to sit still. He goes to the computer monitor, flips it on, stares at it, switches it off again. He goes to his replicator. RIKER Can you make balso tonic? COMPUTER VOICE There is no formula on record. Please supply a molecular structure. RIKER Never mind. Riker looks toward the door... takes a step toward it... stops, turns back. He is in an anguish of tension and indecision. Suddenly, the door CHIMES. Riker whirls as though struck. He stares at the door. It CHIMES again. RIKER Come in... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FOUR 47. 47 CONTINUED: The door opens and Beverly is there. They look at each other for a second, and then she ENTERS the room. The Rubicon is crossed. During the next, their eyes are never off each other. BEVERLY I thought... I should see how you're doing. If you needed another hypospray... RIKER I don't think so... the symptoms have not returned... BEVERLY Ah. Well... that's good. RIKER Yes. They take one more step toward each other. BEVERLY Tomorrow is an important day. Do you feel -- ready for it? RIKER I think so. I have been preparing. BEVERLY That's good. RIKER Yes. One more step. BEVERLY I'll check your vital signs in the morning... before the representatives get here. They are very close now... the atmosphere between them is as charged as an electrical storm... their eyes are locked on each other. RIKER They must not know I'm taking medication... STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT FOUR 48. 47 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY You could arrange to take a series of breaks... RIKER That's good... BEVERLY Yes... There is silence, waiting to be filled, but nothing more to say. No more small talk. Beverly is all but trembling... she must take one more step, just one, toward him... RIKER Beverly... I want you... She takes a breath, as though there is suddenly not enough oxygen in the room... RIKER If you are going to leave... you must go now... One last beat... but she knows the answer. BEVERLY I'm not leaving. And she flows into his arms. Their lips meet, and it is as natural, as inevitable, as breathing. For the moment she can't remember why she ever resisted. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FIVE 49. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 48 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) still in orbit. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 44824.4. The representatives of Peliar Zel and its two moons are ready to transport on board. We have learned that they each have troops massed and are ready for combat if this final effort at peace is not successful. 49 INT. READY ROOM Picard, Riker, and Beverly. She is scanning Riker with a Tricorder; he looks weak -- pale and clammy. BEVERLY White count is back up... temperature elevated... the effects of the medication are wearing off faster every time. (reaches for her bag) I'll administer one now... and hope it holds for an hour or two... But Riker stops her arm. RIKER No... no more. Beverly looks at him, puzzled. PICARD Ambassador... it's clear you're in pain. You can't get through the next hours without help -- RIKER I must. He looks from one to the other. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT FIVE 50. 49 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Are the injections damaging the host body... Riker's body? RIKER Yes. I cannot put him at further risk. Beverly stares at him, helpless, torn... what is the right thing to do? Medical ethics never tackled this problem... BEVERLY But how can you function? Conduct the meeting? He looks at her, gives a wan smile. RIKER I'll manage. The look between them carries many messages... and Picard is witness to them. There is an intimacy that has never existed between these two before. He turns away, feeling somehow an intruder. PICARD We will respect your wishes. RIKER Further... I will conduct the mediation today... but at the end of today, regardless of the outcome... I must be removed from Riker's body. Even if the new host has not yet arrived. Beverly is stunned by this. BEVERLY But... you wouldn't survive... RIKER Riker will not survive unless I am removed. He has given enough... BEVERLY Odan... RIKER Your word. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT FIVE 51. 49 CONTINUED: (3) A pause. Beverly looks to Picard. He holds her look for a moment, and then nods. Beverly turns back to Riker. BEVERLY Very well. WORF'S COM VOICE Worf to Captain Picard... PICARD Yes, Mister Worf? WORF'S COM VOICE The representatives have arrived. I will escort them to the Observation Lounge. PICARD Thank you. Picard turns to Riker, who rises. Taking a breath and standing tall, he starts for the door. He passes Beverly, stops... looks into her eyes... touches her cheek... and EXITS. Beverly looks after him, then turns to find Picard's eyes on her. A little embarrassed, she becomes brisk and professional, closes up her medical case. BEVERLY I'll stand by with the medication, just in case. The pain may become so intense -- PICARD Beverly... The tone of his voice, not at all that of her Captain, makes her look up at him instantly. PICARD Whatever else I have been to you... I am your friend. I cannot imagine what you are going through... but it must be a kind of hell. I want you to know... I am here... to help you... in any way I can. STAR TREK: "The Host" - 3/1/91 - ACT FIVE 52. 49 CONTINUED: (4) This unexpected gesture pulls the aplomb right from under Beverly. She sinks onto a chair, head bowed, unanticipated tears welling in her eyes. BEVERLY Jean-Luc... He comes to her, puts his hand on her shoulder. She places her hand on his, and they remain there for a moment, two old friends, sharing strength and pain. 50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in orbit around Peliar Zel. 51 INT. BRIDGE - LATER Picard, Beverly, Data, Worf, SUPERNUMERARIES as needed. Beverly is a nervous wreck, trying to maintain control. Picard covers better, but is as anxious. PICARD Computer, what time is it? COMPUTER VOICE Fifteen thirty five hours. BEVERLY They've been in there almost six hours... WORF Captain... a message from the ship carrying the Trill host... Beverly turns to him, eager. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT FIVE 53. 51 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Are they here? WORF No. They are experiencing difficulty. They do not anticipate their arrival for another nine hours. Beverly goes pale. BEVERLY Nine hours... The door to the Observation Lounge opens, bringing both of them to their feet. Riker steps through the door and it shuts behind him. Beverly is on her way to him. PICARD Ambassador... RIKER It was worth it... He staggers, then collapses. Beverly is right there, scanning him. RIKER They will not go to war... And he passes out. Beverly looks terrified by what she sees on the Tricorder. PICARD Mister Worf, make sure the representatives are safely transported off the ship. (to Conn) Ensign, set a course to intercept the Trill ship. Prepare to go to warp nine. DATA Sir, it could take more than two hours to reach the vessel. Picard looks down at Beverly, working over Riker. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/8/91 - ACT FIVE 53A. 51 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY I have no choice... I gave my word. I have to remove him. Let's hope we reach the new host in time. 51A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at warp. STAR TREK: "The Host" - ACT FIVE 54. 52 INT. SICKBAY - LATER Picard ENTERS, sees Beverly moving away from Riker's bed. She looks exhausted -- ashen and drawn. BEVERLY Will is all right. His vital signs have stabilized... he's sleeping now. PICARD And... how is Odan? BEVERLY I have placed him in stasis. He's fine for the moment. Picard nods, assimilating all this. PICARD You need some rest, Doctor. BEVERLY No. If Odan is to survive, he must be implanted in the host as soon as he arrives. I'll wait here. PICARD It will be some time yet. BEVERLY I know. He hesitates a second, then yields to her wishes, turns and EXITS. Beverly moves to a stool, next to a domed container, and sits like a sentinel next to the strange, throbbing mass that is Odan. CUT TO: 53 WIDE SHOT OF DARKENED SICKBAY where Beverly dozes, head against the wall, near Odan. Worf ENTERS. WORF Doctor... Beverly comes awake, stands quickly, getting her bearings. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FIVE 55. 53 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Is the Trill host here? WORF Yes. BEVERLY Thank goodness... bring him in. She takes no notice of Worf's reaction to this, and begins readying a bio-bed for the host. WORF (O.C.) Doctor... Beverly looks up, smiling... the smile freezes on her face in a moment of astonishment as she sees -- 54 KAREEL - HER POV Standing with Worf at the door is a beautiful young woman. She smiles... a strange, blank smile, empty of personality. KAREEL I am Kareel. I am to become host to Odan. 55 INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE - LATER Beverly sits dictating. BEVERLY ... the operation to implant Odan into the new host was completed at nineteen hundred hours and appears to have been successful. There have been no difficulties with assimilation... 55A KAREEL appears in the doorway. The woman is subtly transformed. She is still sinewy and beautiful... but there is spark to her eyes and dignity in her bearing. KAREEL Doctor Beverly... STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FIVE 56. 55B ANGLE - BEVERLY Beverly turns off the dictation device, turns, sees not an empty shell, but a woman of substance and feeling. KAREEL Could we talk for a moment? Beverly nods wordlessly and Kareel ENTERS, sits, looks at her with sad, understanding eyes. BEVERLY You should be sleeping. You need rest. KAREEL I've never felt better. (a gentle smile) Except once or twice... This reminder is uncomfortable for Beverly, who looks down at her desk. KAREEL My poor Beverly... this has been so hard for you... Her voice is throaty, rich... as warm as velvet... KAREEL I want to thank you... for your caring... for standing by me... BEVERLY I congratulate you. You averted a war that would have cost many lives... KAREEL Yes. It seems... everything has turned out for the best. Beverly gives her a glance... their eyes lock. An unspoken question... KAREEL And yes... I am still Odan... and I still love you. I cannot imagine that ever changing. Beverly doesn't answer. What is she to answer? She feels drained, exhausted... it's all been too much, too fast. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/6/91 - ACT FIVE 57. 55B CONTINUED: BEVERLY I'm glad you're all right. A silence... disappointment in Kareel's beautiful eyes. KAREEL Is there to be nothing more? Beverly runs her hand through her hair, exhausted. BEVERLY Perhaps it is a human failing... but we are not accustomed to these kinds of changes. I can't... keep up. How long will you have this host? What would the next one be? I couldn't live with that kind of uncertainty... Kareel looks at her with sorrow. BEVERLY Perhaps... someday... our ability to love will not be so limited. KAREEL I understand. Kareel rises and starts for the door. BEVERLY Odan... Kareel turns back. BEVERLY I do love you... please remember that. Kareel's smile is full of sadness and longing... and love. She goes to Beverly, takes her wrist. KAREEL I will never forget you. And she kisses the inside of Beverly's wrist. STAR TREK: "The Host" - REV. 3/7/91 - ACT FIVE 58. 56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) and the Trill ship part company. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END