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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Best of Both Worlds, Part I"
#40273-174
Written by
Michael Piller
Directed by
Cliff Bole
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 1990 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
APRIL 6, 1990
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Best of Both Worlds"
CAST
PICARD ADMIRAL HANSON
RIKER LT. COMMANDER SHELBY
DATA BORG LEADER
BEVERLY PICARD/BORG
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
WESLEY Non-Speaking
SEVERAL BORG
GUINAN
O'BRIEN
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
TECHNICIAN
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Best of Both Worlds"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM JOURET FOUR SURFACE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TURBOLIFT BORG SHIP
CORRIDOR
TRANSPORTER ROOM
TEN-FORWARD
MAIN ENGINEERING
PICARD'S QUARTERS
RIKER'S QUARTERS
SHELBY'S QUARTERS
BORG SHIP
INTERIOR CHAMBER
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Best of Both Worlds"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Leaving warp as it approaches a planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43994.1.
The Enterprise has arrived at
Jouret Four in response to a
distress signal from one of the
Federation's outermost colonies.
2 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker enters, meets Geordi, Data and Worf. O'Brien at
the console.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Anything from the surface?
WORF
Nossir. There have been no
communications from the colony
for over twelve hours.
RIKER
Sensors picking up any signs of
life?
WORF
None.
Riker frowns. Anticipating the question --
O'BRIEN
The surface environment is safe
for transport, Commander.
Riker acknowledges as they move into transport
position... he nods to the technician and they
DEMATERIALIZE.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - TEASER 2.
3 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAY
Fairly close so we have no clear bearings yet... the
away team reacts to what they see... pulling back
slowly.
RIKER
(keying insignia)
Mister O'Brien, verify these are
accurate coordinates for New
Providence colony.
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
Coordinates verified, sir. You're
at the center of town.
4 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - WIDE - DAY (MATTE SHOT)
To see the away team is standing on an empty site...
where the colony should be, there is now a shallow
depression... as though it has been scooped out and
taken away.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 3.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit. Another starship, transport class, has
joined them.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43997.6.
Admiral Hanson and Lieutenant
Commander Shelby of Starfleet
Tactical have arrived to review
the disappearance of New
Providence colony. No sign
remains of the nine hundred
inhabitants.
6 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM
Picard, Riker, Hanson -- fifties, high ranking, hard
driving -- and Shelby. She is late twenties, very
beautiful, energetic, extremely motivated and
ambitious. The mood is somber.
HANSON
The truth is... hell, we're not
ready. We've known they were
coming for over a year... we've
thrown every resource we've got
into this but still...
RIKER
Then, you're convinced it is the
Borg... ?
SHELBY
That's what I'm here to find out.
The initial descriptions of these
surface conditions are almost
identical to your reports from
system J-two-five.
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Mister Riker wrote those
reports... he agrees with you.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 4.
6 CONTINUED:
HANSON
(setting protocol)
Commander Shelby took over Borg
tactical analysis six months ago.
I've learned to give her a wide
latitude when I want to get things
done... That's how I intend to
operate here.
It is clear that she's in charge as far as the admiral
is concerned.
SHELBY
My priority has been to develop
some kind, any kind of defense
strategy...
RIKER
Obviously nothing we have now can
stop them.
SHELBY
(acknowledges)
We've been designing new
weapons... but they're still on
the drawing board.
HANSON
We expected much more lead time.
Your encounter with the Borg was
over seven thousand light years
away...
PICARD
If this is the Borg, it would
indicate they have a source of
power far superior to our own...
SHELBY
I'd like to see the colony site
as soon as possible, Captain.
RIKER
It'll be night at the site in
thirty minutes. We've scheduled
an away team for dawn.
PICARD
(to Riker)
Why don't you show the commander
to her quarters...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 5.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker rises to escort her to the door...
RIKER
It's our poker night, Admiral.
There's always an open seat for
you...
HANSON
(would love to, but... )
Next time, Commander. Your
captain and I have a lot to cover.
But rumor has it that Commander
Shelby's played a hand or two...
Riker reacts, exchanges a look with Shelby who grins
as they EXIT. Hanson smiles. After the door closes...
HANSON
Keep your eye on her, Jean-Luc.
One impressive young lady...
Picard grins, obviously has a special affection for
this particular admiral.
PICARD
You seem rather taken with her,
J.P.
HANSON
Just an old man's fantasies. When
Shelby came into tactical, every
damned admiral's uncle had a take
on this Borg business... she cut
through it, put us on track.
Picard moves to a teapot, pouring...
PICARD
Earl Grey?
HANSON
Four sugars.
(beat)
She'd make you a hell of a first
officer.
Picard raises an eyebrow...
PICARD
I already have a hell of a first
officer.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 6.
6 CONTINUED: (3)
HANSON
Don't tell me he's gonna pass up
another commission?
PICARD
One's available?
HANSON
The Melbourne. It's his if he
wants it. Hasn't he told you?
Picard sighs, shakes his head, no... resigned to the
inevitable.
PICARD
Well, I guess I knew this day
would have to come... he'll make
a fine captain, J.P.
HANSON
You may want to tell him that.
(off Picard's look)
We're still waiting for his
decision. Hell, this is the third
time we've pulled out the
captain's chair for Riker. He
just won't sit down. And I'll
tell you something -- there are
a lot of young hotshots like
Shelby on their way up. Riker
could suddenly look like he's
standing still next to them. He's
hurting his career by staying put.
If I were you, I'd kick him in
the rear end for his own good.
As he drinks again, Picard reacts and...
7 INT. CORRIDOR
Riker moving with Shelby.
SHELBY
We know the Borg have no interest
in power or political conquest...
RIKER
(acknowledges)
They identify what's useful to
them, then consume it. Or try
to at least...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 7.
7 CONTINUED:
At her quarters, they pause...
SHELBY
But here's the question -- after
they take what they want... what
happens to the rest?
(off his look)
There has to be some evidence...
residue... something that tells
us they've been here.
8 INT. SHELBY'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
As the door slides open and they ENTER.
SHELBY
I don't know exactly what I'm
looking for... but we've tested
the sections of the Enterprise's
hull that were damaged by the
Borg. There were some unusual
magnetic-resonance traces...
RIKER
A Borg footprint?
SHELBY
That's my theory. I'll see if
it holds up tomorrow.
(beat)
I've reviewed your personnel...
I'll be assigning Mister La Forge
and Mister Data to accompany me
on the away team...
Riker barely reacts... isn't prepared to allow her to
make crew assignments...
RIKER
I've... already assigned them to
the away team, Commander. And
I'll be with you as well.
A quick awkwardness.
SHELBY
(smiles)
Of course. I appreciate any
assistance you can offer.
She measures him for a beat. Examining the quarters---
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 8.
8 CONTINUED:
SHELBY
Tell me, something, Commander...
is serving aboard the Enterprise
as extraordinary an experience
as I've heard?
RIKER
Every bit of it.
SHELBY
Good.
(intimately sharing a
secret)
Because I intend to convince
Captain Picard that I'm the right
choice for the job.
RIKER
(beat)
Job? Which job... ?
SHELBY
Yours, of course.
(off his look,
"embarrassed")
I'm sorry... I heard you were
leaving.
And she's very good -- it could be taken as an innocent
faux pas by a lesser man, but Riker knows a fishing
expedition when he sees one... their eyes connect, he
won't bite...
RIKER
If I am... I'm sure you'll be the
first to know, Commander.
(beat)
Poker's at seventeen hundred
hours, my quarters, deck eight...
He EXITS. Hold just a beat on her reaction and...
8A INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS - POKER TABLE
Troi is the dealer, Wesley, Geordi, Riker, Data,
Shelby... five card stud... four cards have been dealt.
DATA
I will buy another card,
Counselor.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 9.
8A CONTINUED:
Throws a pair of chips in...
WESLEY
Got another king in the hole,
Data?
DATA
I am afraid I cannot answer that
Wesley. And as you are a newcomer
to the game, may I say it is
inappropriate to ask.
Troi deals Data his last card.
TROI
No help there.
GEORDI
(bad night)
Fold. Again.
WESLEY
I'm in.
Throws in his chips. His card is a third jack.
TROI
Three jacks looking back for the
handsome young ensign.
Reactions around the table. Data folds.
GEORDI
Beginner's luck.
Shelby puts her chips out... gets a worthless card.
TROI
Pair of deuces stands.
Riker throws in his chips... gets a card that continues
his straight flush... reactions.
TROI
Possible flush, possible straight
flush. The bet is yours, Mister
Crusher.
Wes looks nervously at Riker.
WESLEY
I'm in for ten...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT ONE 10.
8A CONTINUED: (2)
He throws in a pair of chips. Shelby studies Wesley
carefully... and then throws in her two chips to stay
in. But the tension is clearly between Riker and
Wesley. Riker gives him his best poker face.
RIKER
(to Wesley)
Time to put on the long pants,
Wes. I'll see your ten. And
raise you a hundred.
GEORDI
He's got the straight flush.
DATA
Not necessarily. Commander Riker
may be bluffing, Wesley.
Wes studies Riker's face. Breaks...
WESLEY
I don't think so. I fold.
GEORDI
(groans)
With three jacks?
(shakes his head)
Wesley, you may get straight A's
in school, but you've still got
a little to learn about poker...
And so the attention turns to Shelby... who looks at
Riker and they look at each other and after a long look
beat...
SHELBY
I've only got two pair, Commander.
But I've got to see that blind
card. I'll call.
She puts in her chips. Riker blinks... looks down at
his card... turns it over. It busts his straight
flush. He's bluffing. Reactions. Wesley groans,
hangs his head.
GEORDI
(delighted)
You got him!
Riker and Shelby's eyes meet. She collects the
winnings.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 11.
9 OMITTED
10 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit. The other ship alongside.
11 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
O'Brien at the controls as Riker and Geordi arrive
together... Geordi carrying a work kit...
RIKER
Mister Data and our guest appear
to be tardy...
O'BRIEN
Sir, Commander Shelby and Data
beamed down to the planet surface
an hour ago...
RIKER
(reacts, angry)
On whose authority?
O'BRIEN
(blinks)
On... hers, sir.
Riker exchanges a look with Geordi as they get in
position on the transporter...
12 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAWN (OPTICAL)
Shelby and Data are examining exposed rock strata with
their tricorders as Riker and Geordi MATERIALIZE.
SHELBY
Morning. Early bird gets the
worm, eh? We've had some
interesting results...
RIKER
(interrupting, burning)
Commander Shelby...
(he pauses, will not
do this in front of
the other officers)
Walk with me, Commander.
It is an order. She obeys. Geordi and Data exchange a
look...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT ONE 12.
12 CONTINUED:
DATA
I believe Commander Shelby
erred... there are no known
avifaunal or crawling vermicular
lifeforms on Jouret Four.
GEORDI
That's... not what she meant,
Data... but, uh, you're right,
she erred...
On Data's reaction...
13 ANGLE - MOVING WITH RIKER AND SHELBY
SHELBY
(responding)
I'm sorry... I woke up early and
I saw a weather system was moving
in... it could have affected the
soil readings...
RIKER
So without any regard to the risk
of coming down alone...
SHELBY
Really, Commander... if we ran
into the Borg, two extra bodies
wouldn't've made a hell of a
difference, would they? We had
three hours before the storm front
hit, less than two hours now.
Data was available. I took him.
We came. I don't see your
problem...
RIKER
My problem, Commander, is I expect
to be notified before there's a
change in my orders...
SHELBY
(tight)
Noted for future reference. Do
you wish to hear my report, sir?
RIKER
Go ahead.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/10/90 - ACT ONE 13.
13 CONTINUED:
SHELBY
The soil contains the same
magnetic-resonance traces...
That's our footprint. There's
no doubt any more. It's the Borg.
On Riker's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 14.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit. The transport ship is gone.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43998.5.
With confirmation of the Borg's
presence in Federation space,
Admiral Hanson has returned to
Starbase three two four to discuss
strategy with Starfleet Command.
Lieutenant Commander Shelby
remains on board to continue
tactical preparations.
15 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM
Riker and Picard.
RIKER
... a standing Yellow Alert...
all Federation and allied outposts
have been warned... Ops will
continue to monitor long range
sensors... I've assigned Data,
La Forge and Mister Crusher to
work with Commander Shelby.
Picard nods... a beat.
PICARD
Very good, Number One. You've
covered all the bases. As usual.
(beat)
What's your impression of Shelby?
RIKER
She knows her stuff, Captain.
Picard notes a vague hesitation in his attitude.
PICARD
She has your full confidence...
RIKER
Well, I think she needs...
supervision.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 15.
15 CONTINUED:
RIKER (Cont'd)
She takes the initiative a little
too... easily. Sometimes with
risks.
Picard nods, smiles slightly...
PICARD
Sounds a little like a young
lieutenant commander I once
recruited as my first officer.
RIKER
(returns smile)
Perhaps.
And all this is played with great warmth and personal
connection...
PICARD
You're the best officer I've ever
served with, Will.
Riker crinkles his forehead, nods, thanks.
PICARD
(most gentle)
But what are you still doing here?
RIKER
(reacts)
Sir?
PICARD
I hear you've been offered the
Melbourne.
Riker acknowledges, believes the captain will be
pleased when he says --
RIKER
I've decided not to pursue the
commission at this time.
But Picard surprises him by not showing pleasure, but
rather discomfort with the decision.
PICARD
She's a fine ship, Will.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 16.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
She's not the Enterprise.
(beat)
With all due respect, sir, you
need me. Particularly now.
PICARD
Starfleet needs good captains.
Particularly now. I cannot keep
you to myself forever.
Picard takes a long beat... this is most difficult.
PICARD
I want you to reconsider your
decision.
RIKER
(reacts)
Are you asking me to leave,
Captain?
PICARD
I'm asking you to look at your
career objectively and make the
best decision.
(beat)
I know it's hard to walk away.
But you're ready to work without
a net, my friend. You're ready
to make the life and death
decisions a captain must make.
And, hard as it is to accept, if
you choose to leave, the
Enterprise will go on just fine
without you.
Riker looks hard at Picard and on that look...
15A INT. TEN-FORWARD
Troi and Riker at a table. Riker is troubled,
confused.
RIKER
What am I still doing here,
Deanna? I've pushed myself hard
to get this far...
(glancing at her)
... sacrificed a lot.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT TWO 17.
15A CONTINUED:
RIKER (Cont'd)
I've always said I wanted my own
command. And yet something's
holding me back. Is it wrong to
want to stay... ?
TROI
What do you think?
RIKER
(shakes his head,
doesn't know)
Maybe I'm just afraid of the big
chair.
TROI
I don't think so.
RIKER
(unconvinced)
The captain says Shelby reminds
him of the way I used to be. And
he's right. She comes in here,
full of drive and ambition,
impatient, taking risks... I look
at her and I wonder whatever
happened to those things in me? I
I liked those things in me.
(shakes his head)
I've lost something.
TROI
(suppressing a smile)
You mean you're older, more
experienced... a little more
seasoned...
RIKER
(grins)
"Seasoned". What a horrible thing
to say to a man.
TROI
I don't think you've lost a
thing... and you've gained a lot
more than you realize. You're
much more comfortable with
yourself than you used to be...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 18.
15A CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
Maybe that's the problem. Could
be I'm too comfortable here.
TROI
I'm not sure I know what that
means.
(But I do know that.. )
You're happy here... happier than
I've ever known you to be. It
really comes down to a simple
question -- what do you want, Will
Riker?
Riker laughs to himself.
TROI
What?
RIKER
Stupid. An old song I heard when
I was a kid. Keeps running
through my mind...
(off her look, he begins
to sing)
"Didja ever have the feeling that
you wanted to go... still had the
feeling that you wanted to stay...
You knew it was right... wasn't
wrong... still you knew you
wouldn't be very long... it's
tough to have the feeling that
you wanted to go... "
15B ANGLE - GUINAN
moving by with a tray of drinks reacts as she hears
Riker...
RIKER
(continuing)
"... still had the feeling that
you wanted to stay... start to
go... change your mind... "
He stops as he realizes Guinan is looking at him...
GUINAN
You start on Friday -- two shows
a night, matinee on Wednesday.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 19.
15B CONTINUED:
RIKER
I play the trombone too...
She nods, and walks on...
16 INT. ENGINEERING - CLOSE ON MONITOR
shows an Okudagram, a graphic representation of the
Borg ship...
SHELBY (O.S.)
... a manipulation effect in the
Borg ship's subspace field...
a definite pattern -- at
four-point-eight minute intervals
during your first confrontation
with them.
17 ANGLE - AT THE POOL TABLE (OPTICAL)
Shelby, Riker, Geordi, Wesley, Data and three other
supernumeraries, at least one other woman in the group.
It's been a long day... fatigue is clear on all
faces...
GEORDI
Might indicate high-output
auxiliary generators kicking in.
SHELBY
(acknowledges)
One theory is that their systems
are decentralized with redundant
power sources located throughout
the ship.
DATA
It is a reasonable conclusion.
Borg technology has given each
member of their society the
ability to interface and function
collectively. It is likely they
would construct their ship with
the same philosophy.
WESLEY
(shakes his head)
Knock out one generator and
another takes over without
interruption.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED:
RIKER
What kind of damage would we have
to do to shut them down... ?
SHELBY
Projections suggest a Borg ship
like this one could continue to
function effectively even if
seventy-eight percent of it was
inoperable.
Reactions.
WESLEY
(grim)
And our best shot barely scratched
the surface.
Geordi in particular is stumped... moves to a monitor,
presses panels that put up several design schemes...
GEORDI
From what I've seen, I can't
believe any of your new weapons
systems can be ready in less than
eighteen months, Commander.
SHELBY
(acknowledges)
We've been projecting twenty-four.
RIKER
(looking at the designs)
Is there anything here we can try
to adapt to our current defense
systems... ?
GEORDI
(studying them intently)
We'll have to look through the
specs again.
(sighs, tired)
I don't know. My mind's turned
to clay.
WESLEY
Mine too.
He inadvertently looks at Data... there's a beat of
visual humor -- obviously Data's mind could run all
night. Shelby intends to push them until they fall...
moving to the computer, calling up specs...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 21.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
SHELBY
I think we should look at
modifying the plasma phaser
design...
Riker notices the excessive fatigue on everyone's
faces...
RIKER
Commander, I think we should call
it a night.
A beat. Shelby reacts without eye contact... there's
a crisis, how can he think about breaking for the
night? She keeps on working at the computer... eyes
on the screen. Restrained --
SHELBY
All right. Anyone who's really
that tired... if you want to
leave...
Overlapping --
WESLEY
No, that's okay...
GEORDI
Go ahead, Commander...
SHELBY
(quickly back to work)
What would happen if we take the
frequency klystron from the
existing unit...
Riker interrupts, firm, but none of this ever gets loud
--
RIKER
We'll break here. That's an
order. We'll reconvene at oh five
hundred...
SHELBY
Sir, if you'll allow me to
continue with Mister Data, who
does not require rest...
RIKER
You need rest, Commander.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT TWO 22.
17 CONTINUED: (3)
SHELBY
If we have a confrontation with
the Borg without improving our
defense systems...
RIKER
If we have a confrontation, I
don't want a crew fighting the
Borg at the same time they're
fighting their own fatigue...
Dismissed.
Their eyes meet in conflict. She EXITS.
18
thru OMITTED
19
20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit.
21 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Shelby, Data, Geordi, Worf, Beverly.
On the monitor Admiral Hanson is addressing them.
HANSON (MONITOR)
At nineteen hundred hours
yesterday, the USS Lalo
departed Zeta Alpha Two on a
freight run to Sentinel Minor
Four. At twenty-two hundred hours
and twelve minutes, a distress
signal was received at Starbase
one five seven. The Lalo reported
contact with an alien vessel...
(with emphasis)
... described as cube-shaped. The
distress signal ended abruptly.
She has not been heard from since.
Reactions.
PICARD
How long to get there at warp
nine, Mister Data?
DATA
One hour, seventeen minutes, sir.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 23.
21 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Make it so.
Data acknowledges, rises and EXITS.
HANSON
We're coming with every available
starship to assist, Captain. But
the closest help is six days away.
PICARD
(dry)
We'll try to occupy them pending
your arrival, Admiral.
HANSON
I know you will. Hanson out.
RIKER
All hands will stand to battle
stations...
PICARD
Commander Shelby, status of
defense preparations?
SHELBY
Mister La Forge has a plan to
modulate shield nutation...
hopefully, that'll hold them off
for awhile.
GEORDI
At the same time, we're retuning
phasers to higher EM-base
emitting frequencies -- we'll try
to disrupt their subspace field.
PICARD
Your assessment of our potential
effectiveness?
GEORDI
Shot in the dark, Captain. Best
we can do for now.
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Dismissed.
22 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 24.
22A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at warp.
23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Worf, Data, Wesley at their positions...
Shelby is also on the bridge...
WORF
Sir, reading an unidentified
vessel just entering sensor range,
bearing two-one-zero mark
one-five-one...
PICARD
Hail them, Mister Worf...
WORF
No response, sir...
PICARD
Move to intercept.
WORF
(beat, reacting to
console)
Sir, the vessel has already
changed course to intercept us.
Approaching at... warp nine point
three... Entering visual
range...
PICARD
On screen.
24 ANGLE - VIEW SCREEN (OPTICAL)
Long range... a small dot...
PICARD
Magnify.
The shot changes to a closer angle -- it is the Borg
ship.
PICARD
Mister Worf, dispatch a subspace
message to Admiral Hanson -- we
have engaged the Borg.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT TWO 25.
24 CONTINUED:
And on reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
25 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise and the Borg ship face each other. Both
ships have dropped out of warp.
26 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
We are now at Red Alert.
WORF
Captain, you are being hailed.
PICARD
I am?
WORF
Yes, Captain. By name.
RIKER
Data, is it the same ship we faced
at J-two-five?
DATA
Uncertain, Commander. However,
dimensions are precisely the same.
PICARD
On screen.
He takes a defiant pose. The interior of the Borg ship
appears on the viewscreen -- a great chamber with
stacks and stacks of thousands of slots in which are
individual Borg.
PICARD
I am Jean-Luc...
Speaking with a hundred voices --
BORG
Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the
Starship Enterprise, registry
NCC-1701D, you will lower shields
and prepare to transport yourself
aboard our vessel. If you do not
cooperate, we will destroy your
ship.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 27.
26 CONTINUED:
Picard reacts, does not respond to the demand.
PICARD
You have committed acts of
aggression against the United
Federation of Planets. If you
do not immediately withdraw...
BORG
You will surrender yourself or
we will destroy your ship. Your
defensive capabilities are unable
to withstand us.
Riker signals Worf to mute transmission.
RIKER
(to Picard)
What the hell could they want with
you?
SHELBY
I thought they weren't interested
in human lifeforms... only our
technology.
PICARD
Their priorities seem to have
changed. Open channel.
(to the viewscreen)
We have developed new defense
capabilities since our last
meeting and we are prepared to
use them if you do not withdraw
from Federation space. If you
do so immediately, I will agree
to arrange a conference of our
peoples at a neutral location.
27 INT. ENGINEERING
On Geordi taking readings...
GEORDI
(to comm)
Shields are being probed... I'm
modulating nutation...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 28.
28 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As the Borg ship sends out their tractor beam... the
shields deflect it...
29 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
Sir, the Borg are attempting to
lock on to us with their tractor
beam...
PICARD
Load all torpedo bays... ready
phasers... target coordinates on
the source of the tractor beam...
RIKER
Status of shields...
DATA
Holding...
SHELBY
(encouraged)
The nutation modulation has them
confused...
RIKER
(cautious)
They have the ability to analyze
and adapt, Commander...
Suddenly the ship shakes violently...
INTERCUT:
29A INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi scurrying around trying to make adjustments in
vain...
GEORDI
Shield modulation has failed...
they've locked on...
WORF
Shields are being drained...
ninety per cent... eighty...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 29.
29A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Trying to recalibrate nutation...
damn...
WORF
Shields have failed.
PICARD
Fire all weapons...
30 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
An extraordinary sequence... as the Enterprise is
grabbed by the tractor beam... we give them everything
we've got... the Borg ship takes full impact and still
the beam has us...
31 INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
Their subspace field is intact...
new phaser frequencies had no
impact...
INTERCUT:
32 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
Reverse engines...
GEORDI
Full reverse... we're not
moving...
PICARD
Fire at will...
WORF
Launching torpedos... phaser
spread continuing...
DATA
Still no damage to the Borg
vessel, sir...
33 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The second Borg beam reaches out to the Enterprise...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 30.
34 INT. ENGINEERING
A deafening crack of thunder... the ship shakes...
Geordi looks up...
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Outer hull breach.
INTERCUT:
35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
They're cutting into the hull...
Engineering section...
RIKER
Geordi... evacuate Engineering...
36 INT. ENGINEERING
People running... the thunder continuing... on the move
--
GEORDI
Computer. Evacuation sequence...
COMPUTER VOICE
Redirecting Engineering control
to bridge. Sealing doors to core
chamber...
GEORDI
Move it people!
The door is sliding down... and as he runs the hell out
of there...
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Inner hull failing.
Decompression danger, deck
thirty-six, section four.
Sealing Main Engineering.
36A OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 31.
37 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
SHELBY
Data, fluctuate phaser resonance
frequencies... random settings...
keep changing them... don't give
them time to adapt...
38 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise fires another furious round... this time
with fluctuating laser frequencies... unlike our usual.
Unbroken beam, the beam is divided into "dots and
Dashes" with slight color changes... and finally the
Borg tractor breaks off...
38A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The ship shakes with the release.
WORF
The tractor beam has been
released.
PICARD
Warp nine. Course one-five-one
mark three-three-zero... engage...
39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
warps away... the Borg ship follows quickly...
40 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
They are in pursuit, Captain.
PICARD
Maintain course.
Geordi ENTERS from the turbolift...
RIKER
Damage report, Geordi.
GEORDI
(still in shock)
Hull rupture in Main
Engineering... damage is heavy...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 32.
40 CONTINUED:
GEORDI (Cont'd)
We lost a lot of good people down
there.
DATA
Eleven dead... eight more
unaccounted for, Captain.
Moving to the Engineering station, taking readings...
RIKER
(to com)
Repair teams to Engineering...
seal hull breach...
GEORDI
They didn't get to the core...
I can control functions from
here...
WESLEY
Approaching the Paulson Nebula,
sir...
PICARD
Drop to impulse... take us in,
Ensign...
41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving at impulse into the solar nebula, swirling
clouds...
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
as we whiz by large rocks and clumpy material...
43 ANGLE - WESLEY
drawing on all of his navigational talents... Picard
moves up next to him...
WESLEY
The field is getting too dense,
sir...
PICARD
Steady... Mister Data, analysis
of the nebula cloud...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 33.
43 CONTINUED:
DATA
Eighty-two percent Dilithium
hydroxyls... manganese, chromium.
It should provide an effective
screen against their sensors,
sir...
44 PICARD
PICARD
Prepare to take us in, Mister
Crusher. Now. Mister La Forge,
prepare to reverse engines, full
stop.
45 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise moves into the spiral cloud and
disappearing from view.
45A EXT. SPACE - THE BORG (OPTICAL)
slows at the cloud's periphery, does not go in.
46 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
The Borg ship is continuing
scans... attempting to locate
us...
PICARD
Good. As long as they're looking
for us... they can't hurt anyone
else.
RIKER
Shut down all active sensors,
passive scanners only. Deflectors
to minimum emissions.
PICARD
We'll maintain position.
(looks at Riker and
Shelby)
Until we have a better idea.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/11/90 - ACT THREE34.
47 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Barely visible through the dense cloud.
48 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - CLOSE ON MONITOR (OPTICAL)
Showing a silent replay of the Borg ship as seen from
the Enterprise...
SHELBY (O.S.)
Time index five-one-four... Data
started to fluctuate phaser
resonance frequencies... the
Borg's beam breaks contact...
Freeze picture.
49 ANGLE
Riker is at the head of the table, Wesley, Geordi and
Data are with Shelby. They are reporting progress to
him.
SHELBY
Take a close look, Commander...
Mister La Forge?
(please narrate)
50 MONITOR - FREEZE FRAME (OPTICAL)
The same shot in slow motion... there is a slight
wobble in the entire Borg power system.
GEORDI (O.S.)
There's a two percent power drop,
just for an instant... but it's
system-wide... The phaser
frequency spread was in a high
narrow band.
51 ANGLE - WIDE
DATA
Conceivably, the ship's power
distribution nodes are vulnerable
to those frequencies.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 35.
51 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
If we can generate a concentrated
burst of energy with that same
frequency distribution... I mean
a lot more than anything our
phasers or photon torpedos could
provide...
RIKER
How do we do that?
WESLEY
The main deflector dish.
GEORDI
It's the only component of the
Enterprise designed to channel
that much power at controlled
frequencies.
SHELBY
Unfortunately, there is one slight
detail -- in the process, the
blast completely destroys the
Enterprise as well.
RIKER
(muses)
But if we could get far enough
away... increase the deflector
range...
SHELBY
(nods)
It could work. In the meantime,
we should retune all phasers,
including hand units, to the same
frequency.
RIKER
(acknowledges)
Proceed. I'll inform the
Captain...
SHELBY
There's one other recommendation
I'd like to make, Commander.
Separate the saucer section...
assign a skeleton crew to create
a diversion...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT THREE 36.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(shakes his head)
We may need power from the saucer
impulse engines...
SHELBY
But it would give them more than
one target to worry about.
RIKER
(beat)
No, it's too great a risk...
SHELBY
I'd like the captain to make that
decision, sir.
RIKER
(cool)
I bring all alternatives to the
captain's attention, Commander.
(dismissing them)
That'll be all.
As the others EXIT, Geordi lingers a moment...
GEORDI
I'll need to install
higher-capacity power transfers
to the deflector dish,
Commander...
RIKER
How long...
GEORDI
Better part of a day.
Riker acknowledges, stands, still bristling about
Shelby...
RIKER
She gets a full head of steam up,
doesn't she...
GEORDI
Yessir... she's... a formidable
presence to say the least. But
I'm convinced she can help us
here, Commander...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 37.
51 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER
I am too, Geordi. Don't worry
about it. I can handle Shelby.
Riker nods and they EXIT.
52 INT. BRIDGE
Riker walks to the Ready Room door and rings the
chime... Worf in command.
PICARD'S VOICE
Come.
53 ANGLE - THE DOOR
slides open and as Riker steps forward, he reacts as
he sees Shelby with Picard.
54 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
PICARD
Come in, Number One... Commander
Shelby was just telling me of your
concerns about her plan...
RIKER
I'm sorry that she troubled you,
sir... I already informed her...
PICARD
Yes, I entirely agree with you.
It's not the time. But I am
afraid the time may eventually
come when greater risks are
required. I'd like you to
consider her plan as a fall-back
position and make the necessary
preparations.
RIKER
Very good, sir.
55 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker and Shelby EXIT the Ready Room and you can cut
the tension with a knife... she moves to the turbolift
and he's on her heels.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 38.
56 INT. TURBOLIFT
As they ENTER...
SHELBY
Deck eight. Battle bridge.
The doors close. Shelby avoids his eyes. No guilt
from her. Just unstoppable.
RIKER
(to comm)
Halt.
(to Shelby)
You and I have to talk, Commander.
SHELBY
You never ordered me not to
discuss this with the captain...
RIKER
You disagree with me, fine. You
want to take it to the captain,
fine. Through me. You do an end
run around me again, I'll snap
you back so hard, you'll think
you're a first year cadet again.
SHELBY
May I speak frankly, sir?
RIKER
By all means.
SHELBY
You're in my way.
RIKER
Really? How terrible for you.
SHELBY
All you know how to do is play
it safe... I guess that's why
someone like you sits in the
shadow of a great man for as long
as you have, passing up one
command after another.
(to comm)
Proceed to deck eight.
RIKER
When it comes to this ship, to
this crew, you're damned right
I'll play it safe.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT THREE 39.
56 CONTINUED:
SHELBY
If you can't make the big
decisions, Commander, I suggest
you make room for someone who can.
The door opens and she EXITS. On Riker's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
57 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
hiding in the dust cloud in the nebula... moving back
to find the Borg ship hovering over the swirl.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. The
Enterprise remains concealed in
the dust cloud. And to my
surprise, the Borg have maintained
their position, waiting for us
to come out of hiding. I have
no explanation for their special
interest in me or this ship.
57A INT. ENGINEERING
Much activity. Repairs are continuing...
supernumeraries working at the last patches in the
breach area... at consoles, Geordi, Wesley, Shelby and
Data huddle and compare notes... as Picard ENTERS,
taking a slow, respectful inspection. The crew members
look up to acknowledge Picard, who just nods,
"carry-on" as he passes through...
PICARD (V.O.)
We continue to prepare our
defenses for the inevitable
confrontation. But, I must admit,
on this night I contemplate the
distinct possibility that no
defense may be adequate against
this enemy...
57B INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL)
Dark and deserted. The view out the windows blinded by
the nebula fog. Picard ENTERS, walking slowly... takes
a long look...
GUINAN (O.S.)
Trouble sleeping?
Picard turns...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FOUR 41.
57C ANGLE - GUINAN
at the bar
PICARD
Something of a tradition,
Guinan... touring the ship before
a battle...
GUINAN
Before a hopeless battle, if I
remember the tradition correctly.
Picard moves to the bar.
PICARD
Not necessarily. Nelson toured
the HMS Victory before
Trafalgar...
GUINAN
But Nelson didn't come home from
Trafalgar, did he?
PICARD
No, but the battle was won.
GUINAN
And you, Picard, do you expect
this battle to be won?
PICARD
We may yet prevail. It is a
conceit but a healthy one.
(beat)
I wonder if the Emperor Honorious
watching the Visigoths coming over
the seventh hill could truly
realize that the Roman Empire was
about to fall. This is really
just another page of history,
isn't it? Will this be the end
of our civilization?
(shrugs)
... Turn the page.
GUINAN
It is not the end.
PICARD
You say that with remarkable
assuredness.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 42.
57C CONTINUED:
GUINAN
With experience. When the Borg
destroyed my world, my people
scattered throughout the
universe. But we survived. And
so will humanity. As long as
there is a handful left to keep
the spirit alive. You will
prevail. Even if it takes a
millennium.
Picard nods with appreciation for her... and then the
ship shakes and they react, turn to see --
57D ANGLE - THE WINDOWS (OPTICAL)
somewhere beyond the fog, bright explosions are
visible...
WORF'S COM VOICE
Captain Picard, report to the
bridge.
On the move...
PICARD
(keys insignia)
On my way, Lieutenant.
And EXITS.
58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard ENTERS... Riker, Worf watch the viewscreen as
the explosions continue periodically. Supernumeraries
at conn and ops.
RIKER
They're some kind of
magnetometric-guided charges.
As one "depth charge" explodes perilously close by...
PICARD
Status of shields.
WORF
Back to forty-eight percent,
Captain.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 43.
58 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to comm)
Mister La Forge, I may have to
take us out of the nebula... I'll
need all the power you can give
me.
Another huge explosion rattles us...
59 INT. ENGINEERING
Data, Wesley, Shelby working at stations in the
background.
GEORDI
Engines are ready, Captain.
Recommend you adjust shield
harmonics to favor the upper EM
band when you proceed...
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Acknowledged.
And this time a direct hit...
60 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
Direct hit... deck nine...
RIKER
Damage report...
WORF
Structural latching system
integrity breached...
PICARD
Take us out of here, Number One...
RIKER
Fire up the engines... half
impulse until we clear the
nebula... then punch it to warp
nine.
PICARD
Ready phasers... load forward
torpedo bays...
RIKER
Engage.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
moves out of the cloud... immediately the Borg ship
follows...
62 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
WORF
Borg tractor beam is attempting
to lock on...
PICARD
Fire at will. Continue rotating
shield frequ...
WORF
Shields are failing...
The ship is rocked as the tractor beam locks on...
people are almost knocked down...
WORF
Tractor beam has locked on.
RIKER
They're holding us...
A Borg MATERIALIZES...
Borg #1 looks around, identifies Picard, moves calmly
toward him... Worf fires his phaser... the Borg's
force field is ineffective... it breaks down and the
Borg is blown down... immediately two more Borg
MATERIALIZE... one by the fallen Borg, another behind
Picard... Worf fires at the Borg (#2) near Picard.
But this time the Borg's force field has changed color
and repels the phasers...
RIKER
It's no use... they've already
adapted to the new frequencies...
Riker charges Borg #2 going for Picard but the Borg
easily sends Riker crashing against a far wall, and
grabs Picard. Worf moves toward Picard as...
62A OMITTED
62B BORG #3
removes parts of the dead Borg #1...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
62C ANGLE - PICARD (OPTICAL)
Worf reaches him just as he DEMATERIALIZES along with
Borg #2 and Borg #3... a beat later, dead Borg#1 withers
away into dust... and...
62D WORF
quickly moves back to Tactical...
WORF
The Borg ship is disengaging...
leaving at warp speed...
RIKER
(to conn)
Maintain pursuit...
WORF
Borg vessel has reached warp
nine... nine-point-four...
nine-point-six...
RIKER
Stay with them.
(to comm)
Riker to O'Brien. Can you get
a fix on the captain?
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
Negative, sir. There's some kind
of interference. I can't lock
in on his signal.
RIKER
Senior officers report to the
bridge.
WORF
Sir, the coordinates they've
set... they're on a direct
course... to sector zero-zero-one.
The Terran system.
RIKER
(reacts)
Earth.
On Riker's reaction...
63 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in pursuit of the Borg ship.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/17/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
64 INT. BORG SHIP
Picard is escorted by two Borgs... he reacts as he sees
--
65 OMITTED
66 INT. BORG SHIP (MATTE SHOT)
The same massive chamber we saw on the Main Viewer
earlier... thousands of Borg lined up... as Picard
ENTERS. They speak with a thousand deafening voices:
BORG
Captain Jean-Luc Picard, you lead
the strongest ship of the
Federation Starfleet. You speak
for your people.
PICARD
I have nothing to say to you, and
I will resist you with my last
ounce of strength.
BORG
Strength is irrelevant.
Resistance is futile. We wish to
improve ourselves. We will add
your biological and technological
distinctiveness to our own. Your
culture will adapt to service ours.
PICARD
Impossible. My culture is based
on freedom and self-determination.
BORG
Freedom is irrelevant. Self-determination
is irrelevant. You must comply.
PICARD
We would rather die.
BORG
Death is irrelevant.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
66 CONTINUED:
PICARD
What is it you wish of me?
BORG
Your archaic cultures are
authority driven. To facilitate
our introduction into your
societies, it has been decided
that a human voice will speak for
us in all communications. You
have been chosen to be that voice.
On Picard's reaction...
67 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in pursuit of the Borg vessel.
68 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker, Shelby, Geordi, Data, Troi, Worf, Beverly,
Wesley. Supernumeraries are at Conn and Ops.
WORF
They're leading us into the heart
of our own defenses...
GEORDI
So far, they haven't had any
reason to worry about our
defenses...
WESLEY
Commander, if the Borg stay at
warp nine-point-six, we'll be
forced to discontinue pursuit and
power down in less than three
hours.
DATA
Two hours, forty minutes and three
seconds.
RIKER
(to Geordi)
How soon before the deflector is
ready?
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FOUR 48.
68 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
We're close. Few hours maybe...
(before Riker has to
tell him)
I know I'll get it done in two...
somehow... but Commander, I need
serious power from the warp
engines to make this weapon work.
We're using all we've got just
to keep up with them...
SHELBY
We've got to get that ship down
to impulse.
RIKER
I'm leading an away team over
there to get the captain back.
We'll find a way to bring them
out of warp...
(orders)
Ensign Crusher... continue to
assist Mister La Forge...
Commander Shelby, you will take
the bridge and coordinate with
Starfleet... Data, Worf, Doctor
Crusher, you're with me...
SHELBY
(protesting)
Excuse me, sir... with my
knowledge of the Borg...
RIKER
(not now)
Those are my orders, Commander.
Shelby blinks. Troi fills the breach.
TROI
Commander Riker...
(beat)
It is inappropriate for you to
lead the away team. Until the
return of Captain Picard, you are
in command of the Enterprise.
We are in a state of war. Your
place is on the bridge.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FOUR 49.
68 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker frowns... every bit of his soul wants to lead
the charge to the rescue... and suddenly he feels what
it takes to command... to delegate authority, to think
of the greater needs... but it's frustrating as hell.
RIKER
(softer)
Commander Shelby, you will lead
the away team.
And he sinks into the big chair...
RIKER
Make it so.
The others scramble and...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
69 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still at warp... pursuing the Borg ship.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's log, supplemental.
Our pursuit of the Borg continues
at high warp on a course that
will take us to the very core of
the Federation. The devastation
they could bring is beyond
imagination.
70 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Shelby, Data and Beverly wait with O'Brien as Worf
arrives, hands out phasers...
WORF
These phasers have been retuned.
Each has a different frequency
spanning the upper EM band.
SHELBY
All right... a reminder... we only
get to use each of these once,
maybe twice before the Borg learn
to adapt. Don't fire until you
have to...
BEVERLY
What kind of resistance can we
expect?
(Beverly wasn't around for the Borg last year.)
DATA
At our last encounter, the Borg
virtually ignored us when we
beamed aboard their vessel,
Doctor. They clearly did not
consider our being there a
threat.
SHELBY
That could very well change,
however, if we start interfering
with their plans.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
70 CONTINUED:
They move to the transporter...
SHELBY
Shelby to bridge. Away team
ready.
INTERCUT:
71 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker, Troi and supernumeraries.
RIKER
(to com)
We've got fifty-eight minutes
before we have to power down and
disengage.
SHELBY
Understood.
RIKER
Proceed.
(quick)
Commander, no unnecessary risks.
If it becomes clear you can't
succeed, I want you back here,
alive... I don't want any dead
heroes. Clear?
SHELBY
Very clear, sir. Shelby out.
O'BRIEN
We've matched warp velocity for
transport, Commander.
SHELBY
Energize.
72 INT. BORG SHIP (OPTICAL)
Shelby, Data, Worf and Beverly MATERIALIZE...
73 CLOSER
assume a defensive posture. There is no resistance.
Many of the Borg are in stasis. Occasionally, one
walks by and ignores the away team.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
73 CONTINUED:
WORF
(checking tricorder)
Tricorder functions are minimal.
SHELBY
Any signs of human life?
WORF
Inconclusive.
He continues to make adjustments on the tricorder.
Beverly gets her first look at the Borg up close and
personal... studying the gridwork structures...
BEVERLY
(awe)
Look at this... this is
extraordinary.
DATA
(acknowledges)
These appear to be some kind of
power waveguide conduits which
allow them to work collectively
as they perform ship functions.
SHELBY
There's no way to take out enough
of these to slow them down.
DATA
(agreeing)
The decentralized power system
makes it virtually impossible.
Cautiously moving forward...
BEVERLY
(studying the
configuration)
What about looking at it... from
the mosquito's point of view.
DATA
(puzzled)
An interesting metaphor, Doctor.
What is your idea?
BEVERLY
If we sting them in a tender
spot... at least we might get them
to stop a minute to scratch.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
73 CONTINUED: (2)
Data and Shelby exchange a glance... not a bad plan.
As they move into an intersection to see the awesome
conduit box...
DATA
Distribution nodes.
SHELBY
If we take out a few of these,
it just might make them scratch...
Data acknowledges as Worf picks up something on his
tricorder.
WORF
The captain's communicator...
it is still activated.
BEVERLY
(keying insignia)
Crusher to Picard, can you hear
me, Captain...
No response.
SHELBY
Can you locate it, Worf?
WORF
(checking)
This way...
He leads them down a corridor...
73A INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Admiral Hanson on the monitor... Riker notably
standing, not sitting in the captain's chair...
RIKER
I strongly recommend redeploying
all available defenses to protect
sector zero-zero-one, Admiral...
HANSON
(acknowledges)
We're moving to intercept at Wolf
three five nine. We'll make our
stand there. How much longer can
you maintain pursuit?
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
73A CONTINUED:
RIKER
Twenty-two minutes if they stay
at current speed. If we can't
bring them out of warp, we'll
do as much damage as we can before
we have to disengage.
HANSON
(nods)
Picard?
RIKER
Nothing yet, sir.
74 OMITTED
74A INT. BORG SHIP
Down another corridor, Worf leading the way with his
tricorder... he stops... a series of large drawers line
one wall... it might almost remind us of a morgue...
WORF
In here.
An exchange of concerned glances... Data moves forward
and pulls out the heavy drawer... they react as they
see inside --
75 ANGLE - PICARD'S UNIFORM
folded neatly, the communicator is visible. His empty
boots.
75A RESUME - SHELBY
SHELBY
Shelby to Enterprise.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Go ahead.
SHELBY
We've found the captain's uniform.
And his communicator.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
75B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker frowns... exchanges a worried look with Troi...
SHELBY'S COM VOICE
We're resuming our search.
Behind him Wesley and Geordi ENTER from the
turbolift... as Riker sees them --
RIKER
(to com)
Stand by, Commander.
WESLEY
We're in business.
GEORDI
It'll burn out the main
deflector... but it'll be one hell
of a bang.
RIKER
Radiation danger?
WESLEY
We'll need to evacuate the entire
forward half of the secondary
hull. And the lower three decks
of the saucer.
TROI
I'll see to that.
She moves off the bridge.
RIKER
(to com)
Commander Shelby... we have only
seventeen minutes of warp power
left. Do what you can to get
them out of warp.
75C INT. BORG SHIP (OPTICAL)
The away team continues to move cautiously into an
intersection.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
75C CONTINUED:
SHELBY
(to comm)
Acknowledged. Shelby out.
(to the team)
Let's take out some of these
distribution nodes and see what
happens...
(beat)
Get ready. This may rile up our
friends.
Data fires his phaser at the top of the conduit box...
nothing... then Worf and Data fire together... this
time, the conduit box shorts out and sparks fly...
they move quickly out...
76 INT. BORG SHIP
The Borg are stirring.
77
thru OMITTED
79
80 ANGLE - THE AWAY TEAM
reacts as the Borg begin to exit their shelves... as
many as we can muster... they see our guys... and move
calmly toward them... we retreat...
80A INTO ANOTHER INTERSECTION (OPTICAL)
and Worf and Data shoot out another conduit box... more
sparks...
81 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As more Borgs exit their shelves... see us... come at
us...
SHELBY
Ready phasers...
They raise their weapons... the Borg move in on them...
SHELBY
Fire.
Shelby and Data fire one direction... Worf and Beverly
the other...
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/6/90 - ACT FIVE 57.
82 ONE SET OF BORGS (OPTICAL)
go down...
83 ANOTHER SET OF BORGS (OPTICAL)
go down... but more come right behind, climbing over
them...
84 THE AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)
moves down a clear corridor...
SHELBY
Enterprise, encountering
resistance, prepare to beam us
back on my signal...
... into another intersection... Data and Worf fire
and destroy a third conduit box.
85
thru OMITTED
87
88 INT. BORG SHIP
A portion of the lights fail...
89 THE AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)
is cloaked in shadows... the sparks creating almost a
strobe effect...
89A ANGLE - MORE BORGS (OPTICAL)
coming... the away team fire phasers... the Borg have
adapted... none of the phasers affect them this time...
we retreat again.
SHELBY
Enterprise... beam us...
WORF
Wait! Look --
He points... and
90
thru OMITTED
92
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FIVE 58.
93 ANGLE - ANOTHER ROW OF BORGS EMERGING FROM THEIR
SLOTS
in the strobe effect... and one of them at the far
end... is Picard... seen in profile, he looks normal.
94 THE AWAY TEAM
WORF
Captain!
95 PICARD
turns slowly, calmly... and push in as he does to see
he has been turned into a Borg. Half his face is
gone... replaced with machinery.
96 REACTIONS - CLOSEUPS
of the away team... stunned.
97 PICARD
moves toward them... with the Borg as they surround...
98 THE AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)
Worf bursts forward trying to get to his captain...
is repelled violently by a Borg aura around Picard...
falls to the floor.
SHELBY
Enterprise, get us out of here.
As sparking effects continue from the damage to the
distribution nodes, they DEMATERIALIZE.
99 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker, Troi, Wes at Conn... Geordi at Engineering
station.
WESLEY
Sir, they did it... the Borg ship
is dropping out of warp...
RIKER
Go to impulse.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/11/90 - ACT FIVE 59.
99 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Diverting warp energy to main
deflector...
RIKER
Move us to within forty thousand
kilometers, match velocity.
Commence arming sequence...
Increase deflector modulation to
upper frequency band...
The away team ENTERS from the turbolift... Worf moves
to Tactical...
RIKER
The captain?
DATA
Sir, Captain Picard has been
altered by the Borg. We were
unable to retrieve him...
RIKER
Altered... ?
WORF
He is a Borg, sir.
Riker reacts, stunned.
SHELBY
We'll go back... I need more
people... we need to retune the
phasers again... we'll get him
out of there...
GEORDI
Commander, reading subspace field
fluctuations within the Borg ship.
Looks like they're regenerating...
restoring power. They could be
capable of warp any minute.
Riker's mind working... covering the options...
RIKER
Is the deflector ready?
GEORDI
(registering import of
the pending decision)
Ready, sir.
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/9/90 - ACT FIVE 60.
99 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
Will, he's alive... if we get him
back, I might be able to
restore...
Push in to Riker...
RIKER
This is our only chance to destroy
them... if they get back into warp,
our weapon becomes useless.
SHELBY
We'll go back... we'll sabotage
them again if we have to...
RIKER
(shakes his head)
We can't maintain pursuit. We
don't have the power.
(beat)
Prepare to fire.
SHELBY
At least consult with Starfleet
Command.
(to Worf)
Get Admiral Hanson on subspace...
RIKER
Belay that order, Lieutenant.
There's no time...
WORF
Sir, we are being hailed by the
Borg...
RIKER
On screen.
100
thru OMITTED
101
102 ANGLE (OPTICAL) - VIEWSCREEN
Picard-Borg appears... he speaks with a single but
metallic Borg voice... a version of his own... and
during the speech we
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "Best of Both Worlds" - REV. 4/10/90 - ACT FIVE 61.
103 MATCHING PUSHES TO CLOSEUPS OF RIKER AND PICARD
(OPTICAL)
PICARD/BORG
I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance
is futile. Your life as it has
been is over. From this time
forward, you will service... us.
And on an extreme closeup of Riker... a deep breath,
then firm without raising his voice...
RIKER
Mister Worf... fire.
FREEZE FRAME
SUPER: TO BE CONTINUED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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