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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Loss"
#40274-184
Story by
Hilary J. Bader
Teleplay by
Hilary J. Bader
and
Alan J. Adler & Vanessa Greene
Directed by
Chip Chalmers
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 This script is not for publication or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
OCTOBER 1, 1990
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/8/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Loss"
CAST
PICARD ENSIGN JANET BROOKS
RIKER ENSIGN TESS ALLENBY
DATA
BEVERLY
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
GUINAN
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
ENGINEERING PERSONNEL
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/3/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Loss"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM COSMIC STRING
MAIN ENGINEERING
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
SICKBAY
CORRIDORS
TEN-FORWARD
TROI'S OFFICE
TROI'S QUARTERS
RIKER'S QUARTERS
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/8/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Loss"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving at warp speed.
2 INT. TROI'S OFFICE - CLOSE ON
ENSIGN JANET BROOKS, mid-thirties, trying to show
confidence.
BROOKS
It's been five months since Marc's
accident. I haven't missed a
single hour of my duties. I've
volunteered for extra time in the
nursery. My language studies are
better than they've ever been.
Someone else might have given in
-- but I didn't.
TROI
"Given in" to what?
Brooks shrugs.
BROOKS
Death is a normal part of life.
Maybe some of us are better at
facing that than others.
TROI
(gently)
Or maybe some of us aren't really
facing it at all.
Some of Brooks' composure cracks, but she does her best
to pull it back.
TROI
(continuing)
Sometimes, we suffer more than
our suffering requires.
BROOKS
What do you mean?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
TROI
Recovery from a great loss
involves a great deal of pain.
If we try to avoid that pain we
only make it harder on ourselves
in the long run.
BROOKS
But I feel fine.
TROI
Then why did you come to see me?
BROOKS
(exasperated)
I told you. I just wanted to...
check in.
TROI
Today would have been your
husband's thirty-eighth birthday.
BROOKS
(a beat)
You keep excellent records,
Deanna.
Troi studies her, gives her room to continue...
BROOKS
Last night. I dreamt Marc was
with me, celebrating. I held him.
I was so glad this nonsense was
finally over. Then I woke up --
Alone. And I knew he was dead.
For the first time, I knew it...
She's holding herself, like she even wants to cry, but
she still can't quite allow it to happen.
BROOKS
(continuing)
I looked everywhere for something
that belonged to him -- anything.
(shakes her head)
I forgot that after the funeral
I told them to take it all away.
She looks at Troi sadly.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
BROOKS
(continuing)
You were there, Deanna. What in
the world was I thinking?
Troi takes a small music box out of a drawer, and moves
over to Janet.
TROI
They didn't take everything away.
Troi hands her the box and she opens it... and it
starts playing music... The sound of it pushes Janet
over the hump. She begins to sob.
BROOKS
(softly)
How did you know... ? How did you
know... ?
Troi just holds her, letting her finally begin to
mourn.
3 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD, DATA, RIKER, WORF at their positions. ENSIGN
ALLENBY is at Conn.
PICARD
(rising)
... An ancient trail along the
Kabul River in the Himalayas...
it's a wonderful program...
Will, it'll do you good to get
a little fresh Holodeck air...
RIKER
Thanks anyway, but my horsemanship
is a little too rusty to take
on the Himalayas.
PICARD
(teasing)
Nonsense. We'll program an
appropriately docile steed for
you and...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED:
WORF
(alarmed, interrupting)
Captain! Sensors indicate
a vast field of...
Confused, Worf continues to check the instruments.
PICARD
Of what, Lieutenant?
WORF
(surprised)
It's gone. But something did
appear to be directly in our
path.
ALLENBY
Deflector shields are not
encountering elevated levels of
interstellar matter...
RIKER
A sensor echo, Data?
DATA
Uncertain... I have no unusual
readings, Commander.
Everyone reacts.
4 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi and Brooks are saying goodbye at Troi's office
door. Brooks looks as though she's had a long cry, but
it's done for now. Troi suddenly appears a bit dizzy,
gasps lightly.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED:
BROOKS
I promise I'll come by to see you
tomorrow.
(noticing dizziness)
Deanna, are you alright?
TROI
(disoriented)
What... ?
BROOKS
You faded out there for a second.
TROI
No, I'm okay. Very... tired,
that's all.
BROOKS
You're sure?
TROI
Yes... Will I see you tomorrow?
Brooks is a little puzzled since she just agreed to
that moments ago.
BROOKS
Tomorrow. Thank you, Deanna.
TROI
Of course.
Brooks leaves. Troi takes a deep breath, leans for
a moment against the doorway to regain some balance.
INTERCUTTING:
5 INT. BRIDGE - CLOSE ON DATA
who suddenly notices something on his own panel.
DATA
An aggregate field of
plane-polarized objects has just
appeared...
(puzzled)
And disappeared.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 6.
6
thru OMITTED
7
8 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is even more disoriented and dizzy, having trouble
focusing her eyes. She knocks a vase to the floor.
It shatters.
8A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
(to Picard)
Recommend we run a diagnostic on
the forward sensor array. We
don't want a ghost tailing us all
the way to T'lli Beta.
WORF
I'm not convinced it is a ghost,
Commander. There may be something
there...
PICARD
Ensign Allenby, full stop. We'll
investigate both possibilities.
ALLENBY
Aye, sir.
Allenby complies.
8B INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi tries to reach a couch, doesn't get that far.
She clutches her head, knees buckling, as she crumples
to the floor, unconscious.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Motionless in space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 44356.9.
Sensor diagnostic has been
completed and indicates that all
systems are normal. There remains
no explanation for the images
which appeared in our path.
10 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
DATA
I have completed another full scan
of the area, sir. There is no
further indication of the
anomaly...
Picard gives it a moment's thought and then shrugs...
PICARD
Prepare to resume course to T'lli
Beta, Ensign. Mister Data, what
velocity will put us back on
schedule?
DATA
An immediate resumption of our
course at warp six will place
us in the T'lli Beta system in
six days, thirteen hours and
forty-seven minutes.
RIKER
What, no seconds?
DATA
I have discovered, Sir, a certain
level of impatience when I
calculate a lengthy time interval
to the nearest second. However,
if you wish...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 8.
10 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(sorry he asked)
No, no. Minutes is fine.
Picard smiles. Turns to Allenby.
PICARD
Ensign, set course and stand
ready at warp six.
ALLENBY
Aye, Sir.
PICARD
Engage.
Allenby touches the console. The ship is jolted. All
are thrown from their seats and knocked to the deck.
CLAXONS SOUND and RED ALERT lights flash as they get
to their feet.
RIKER
Riker to Engineering... what the
hell happened, Geordi?
10A INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi, on the move, checking readings... everyone's
putting themselves back together from the shake...
RED ALERT alarms and lights continue in the
background.
GEORDI
Checking... looks like the field
collapsed before we could enter
warp...
RIKER
Reason?
GEORDI
Damned if I know. There doesn't
seem to be any permanent damage
to the nacelles. Recommend full
stop while I check it out...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 9.
11
thru OMITTED
12
13 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
(nods)
Back to full stop, Ensign.
ALLENBY
Aye, sir.
DATA
All decks reporting. Minor
injuries only.
PICARD
Damage?
DATA
None.
WORF
Weapons and shields normal.
RIKER
Go to yellow alert.
Worf complies. The RED ALERT shuts down.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 10.
13 CONTINUED:
Allenby reacts as she sees something on her panel.
ALLENBY
Captain... we've started moving
again... something's pulling
us...
Off reactions...
14 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is on her couch, head held in hands, now
apparently in excruciating pain. Troi slows her
breathing, touches her insignia.
TROI
(touching insignia)
Troi to Doctor Crusher.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Yes, Deanna?
INTERCUT:
15 INT. SICKBAY
BEVERLY is in the midst of a Sickbay busy with
attendants preparing for the rush of patients.
TROI'S COM VOICE
Beverly, I'm feeling very...
dizzy...
BEVERLY
Did you hit your head... ?
TROI
I'm not sure. I'm not sure what
happened.
BEVERLY
Lie down, breathe deeply, stay
calm... we've got calls coming
in from all over the ship. I'll
be there as soon as I can.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 11.
16 INT. BRIDGE
ALLENBY
New heading confirmed: zero-two-five
mark two-seven-three.
Speed is holding at one-tenth
impulse...
RIKER
Whatever's pulling us sure isn't
in a hurry...
PICARD
Picard to La Forge.
GEORDI
Go ahead, Captain.
PICARD
If your engines are functional,
we'll attempt to break free.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 12.
17
thru OMITTED
18
19 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi is looking at his instruments.
GEORDI
Everything down here seems normal
enough, sir... but I suggest we
take it a little slower this
time...
20 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
Ensign, bring us around ninety
degrees to starboard from our
current heading...
ALLENBY
(tapping panel)
New course laid in, ninety
degrees to starboard.
PICARD
One-quarter impulse. Engage.
ALLENBY
Aye,sir.
Allenby does... no change...
ALLENBY
Nothing, Captain. Course and
speed are unaffected.
PICARD
One-half impulse.
Allenby touches controls. A beat.
ALLENBY
No change.
Picard frowns...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 13.
20 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Full impulse... rotate heading
in five degree increments.
ALLENBY
Aye, sir.
20A
thru OMITTED
22
23 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi is at his control panels. The impulse engines
are straining, but not alarmingly.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 14.
23 CONTINUED:
The ship shudders. He reacts.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
La Forge?
GEORDI
There's nothing wrong down here!
The engines are fine!
24
thru OMITTED
25
26 INT. BRIDGE
Data looks up from his instruments.
DATA
Integrity field stress now
exceeding eighty-two million
kilo-dynes. Recommend immediate
shutdown.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 15.
26 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Ensign.
Allenby hits the panel.
ALLENBY
All engines down.
The shuddering immediately stops. She checks her
instruments.
ALLENBY
We're still being pulled. Same
heading. Same speed.
OFF an exasperated look between Picard and Riker.
27 OMITTED
28 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
The door opens and Beverly ENTERS. Troi is sitting on
her couch, appearing to be in much less pain than
previously, but she's still rubbing her head.
BEVERLY
(apologetic)
I got here as quickly as I could.
We've got a Sickbay filled with
headaches. How are you?
TROI
I was feeling intense pain when
I first called you. Now it's
gone. But I'm still a bit...
foggy.
Beverly runs her medical tricorder around Troi's head.
Seems puzzled at the results, but not alarmed.
BEVERLY
I'd like to take you to Sickbay
and run an internuncial series.
I'm getting some unusual readings.
Can you walk?
Troi stands, doesn't seem as dizzy.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 16.
28 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S COM VOICE
All senior staff report to the
Observation Lounge.
BEVERLY
Are you up to that?
TROI
Yes, I think so.
They head for the door, but Troi pauses, looks oddly
for a moment at Beverly.
BEVERLY
Is something wrong?
TROI
(shaking it off)
No, I'm fine.
29 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Geordi, Beverly, Troi.
RIKER
Could it be some sort of tractor
beam?
DATA
No other ship is indicated.
30 CLOSE ON TROI
As she seems to be experiencing a growing puzzlement.
31 RESUME SCENE
PICARD
Mister Worf, your analysis.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT ONE 17.
31 CONTINUED:
WORF
Tactical sensor readings were
indeterminant.
GEORDI
(agrees)
They don't even give us enough
for an educated guess.
RIKER
(frowns)
And yet all sensors are operating
properly.
PICARD
Can there be an intelligence at
work here?
Any other time, Troi would just jump right in now. But
she doesn't. The silence is notable. After a beat.
Picard turns to her.
PICARD
Counselor, do you sense a
lifeform out there?
She looks up, blinks...
TROI
I don't think so... No, there's
nothing...
Troi strains to feel something.
TROI
(continuing)
Nothing.
(realizing)
Strange, I sense... nothing.
Noticing Troi's confusion, but not understanding it,
Picard tries to reassure her.
PICARD
It's alright, Counsellor. Perhaps
there's nothing out there to
sense.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - TEASER 18.
32 TROI'S POV
as she moves her gaze in a growing panic from person
to person.
DATA
Indeed, there are many races that
are not empathically detectable.
The Breen, the Ferengi, the --
33 RESUME
Troi interrupts, terrified.
TROI
-- No, you don't understand. I
don't sense anything. Not out
there, not in here. All of you,
you're blank to me.
She grabs her head with her hands. Riker rushes to
support her.
RIKER
Deanna.
OFF her terror striken look.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still being pulled off-center at sub-light through
space.
35 INT. SICKBAY
Troi is sitting on a diagnostic table as Beverly
finishes examining her, looking up at the readout above
the bed. Riker stands by.
BEVERLY
There's no indication of a
concussion or a blow to the
head... just a pattern of
unresponsive neural cells
throughout the cerebellum and
cerebral cortex...
TROI
Unresponsive?
BEVERLY
(a beat, frank)
There's brain damage. How
serious... I can't tell yet.
TROI
But I feel fine otherwise.
RIKER
Can you treat it?
BEVERLY
I'm not sure. I'll have to study
up on Betazoid physiology.
TROI
The Betazoid brain has a
remarkable ability to heal
itself... this condition could
reverse itself over time.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 20.
35 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
It might. But you are half-human.
That changes the map a little.
I just don't want to offer you
any false hope.
Troi smiles.
TROI
It's just hope, Beverly. Not
false hope.
Beverly studies Troi...
RIKER
What would cause something like
this... ?
Beverly shakes her head, doesn't know.
RIKER
(I'm asking that
question... )
... because it happened to her at
just about the same time we
encountered the anomaly.
BEVERLY
(nods)
There may be a connection... I
don't know.
(beat, to Troi)
If you were anyone else, you know
the first thing I'd do?
(off her look)
I'd send you to Counselor Troi.
And Deanna is showing an unusual sense of humor about
all this...
TROI
Well, then I have an advantage,
don't I... I see her quite
often...
BEVERLY
Deanna, it's no different than
one of us suddenly going blind...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 20A.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(impatient)
Doctor, you don't have to tell
me... I understand the
psychology...
BEVERLY
You may understand it... but
you've never had to live with it.
TROI
I may be perfectly fine by
tomorrow.
BEVERLY
And you may not be. Now I'll do
my homework... I'll see if
there's anything we can do to
regenerate those cells... but in
the meantime, I want you to talk
to someone... there are several
people on board with degrees in
psychology...
TROI
(laughs, interrupting)
Fine. Fine. Okay. If I need
to. All I want to do now is go
back to work.
RIKER
Deanna...
TROI
If there are no medical
objections...
Beverly glances at Riker.
BEVERLY
No... medical objections.
She jumps down from the table.
TROI
Thank you, Beverly.
(perfunctory smile)
Will.
Troi heads quickly out the door. OFF a concerned look
between Riker and Beverly.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO 21.
36 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is at a table intensely focused on a report when
the door chimes, startling her. She looks up, a little
annoyed.
TROI
Come in.
The door opens and Riker ENTERS.
RIKER
I don't have a psychology degree
but if you want to talk...
Troi smiles. But it's not an entirely pleasant smile.
TROI
You know what the worst part of
this is... and I've seen it happen
with so many patients...
Riker smiles, misinterpreting, thinking she's opening
up to him...
RIKER
What?
TROI
It's the way other people change.
How they start to treat you
differently.
And Riker is rather rocked back on his heels as her
displaced anger grows...
TROI
They walk on egg shells around
you. Sometimes they avoid you
altogether. Sometimes they
become overbearing -- 'reach out
a helping hand to the blind
woman'...
RIKER
I'm sorry if...
TROI
Well, I won't be treated that way.
RIKER
Hey, Imzadi...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO 22.
36 CONTINUED:
TROI
(give me a break)
Oh, please...
The look at each other a long beat.
RIKER
(softly)
I've never seen you... quite so
scared.
TROI
I'm fine. If I get better, I
get better. If not, I adapt.
Life goes on.
She is not convincing. A beat.
TROI
I'm a little busy now.
RIKER
Deanna --
She doesn't want to hear anymore.
TROI
-- I really must finish this.
I have some appointments this
afternoon.
It's a dismissal. Riker sees he isn't going to get
any further right now. He turns and goes out the door.
OFF Troi, as she steels herself and gets back to work.
37 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise is still being pulled off-center. A
probe is suddenly launched from the ship.
38 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Data and Geordi at a computer console which displays
a moving graphic representation of the probe's POV.
DATA
Probe launch is successful.
(beat)
Telemetry transmissions are being
received.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 23.
38 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Let's see what we've got.
Geordi looks at the numerical readout on the instrument
panel below the screen.
GEORDI
Nothing unusual here... same
readings as the ship sensors.
DATA
(touching controls)
Expanding analysis parameters.
Applying Bayesian functions...
broad E-M and subspace spectrum
polling...
GEORDI
(nothing)
Uh Uh... No change...
DATA
I am now adding virtual particle
trajectories...
A beat, then suddenly an image on the screen surprises
them both.
GEORDI
Whoa. What is that?
39 INCLUDE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
which now displays what looks like a school of small,
flat energy objects, moving in haphazard manner around
each other on a flat plane. The image is beautiful,
scintillating, diaphanous, almost not there at all.
DATA
Unknown. I am attempting to
analyze motion patterns... results
still inconclusive.
GEORDI
Last time I saw anything like
that, I was skindiving off the
Coral Reef on Bracas Five.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 23A.
40 CLOSE ON SCREEN (OPTICAL)
where the movement of the clustering objects supports
Geordi's image: it strongly resembles a school of
tropical fish.
41 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is on her feet, slowly circling her client...
TROI (V.O.)
Counselor's personal log, stardate
44357.1. I hear their words, I
see their faces, I know the
techniques of therapy... and
yet it all forms an incomplete
equation. I am without insight.
How do I help these people?
As she comes around, we see she's with Janet Brooks.
Brooks is in apparent good humor. Troi decides on a
new tact...
TROI
You said you woke up 'a new woman'
this morning.
BROOKS
That's how I feel...
TROI
Tell me about her - this new
woman...
BROOKS
She's not holding anything back
anymore.
TROI
She's not?
BROOKS
I let it all out last night. I
cried for two hours. I realized
I'd never accepted the loss of
my husband. I worked, I kept
busy. I did everything to pretend
it never happened.
TROI
You feel different, now.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 23B.
41 CONTINUED:
BROOKS
Completely.
A long beat. Troi sits.
TROI
Can I share something important
with you?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 24.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
BROOKS
Of course...
TROI
I'm having a very difficult time
today. And I feel you need to
know.
BROOKS
What's wrong?
TROI
I've temporarily lost my empathic
sense.
(smiles)
It's kind of like having one hand
tied behind your back.
BROOKS
I'm sorry... do you want me to
come back?
TROI
No, no, I'm fine. It's just...
I feel before we continue it's
important you know that.
Okay... ?
BROOKS
(curious)
All right...
TROI
Because I can't tell how you feel
this morning, but it... it seems
to me... one night of crying
can't make up for months of
pretending.
BROOKS
(very convincing)
No. You're wrong. I feel better
today than I have in ages. You're
absolutely wrong, Deanna.
Troi smiles and nods, good... and her eyes tell us her
desperation as she hasn't the slightest idea what to
do next.
41A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still being pulled.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 25.
42 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker and Troi listen as Data and Geordi
present their findings. Troi seems to want to
participate, but is unsure of herself.
43 INCLUDE COMPUTER SCREEN (OPTICAL)
which displays the same probe graphic of the "school"
of aliens pulling the Enterprise.
DATA
The probe's point of view reveals
that the objects exist entirely
in two dimensions. On a single
plane.
GEORDI
They have length and width, but
no height. Virtually flat.
DATA
That is why the ship's forward
sensors did not detect them at
first. We were looking at them
along their edge. There was no
surface to read. I will
illustrate.
Data freezes the graphic...
43A CLOSE ON THE MONITOR
as the angle of the POV decreases... moves lower and
lower until it eventually loses the Enterprise and
reaches the same plane as the beings... and when it
does, they disappear. As the graphic moves back to a
higher angle, the entities reappear.
43B PICARD
moves to the screen, fascinated.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 26.
43B CONTINUED:
PICARD
Are they a lifeform?
DATA
(nods to screen)
The movement pattern within the
cluster is not a naturally
occuring phenomenon in the
Newtonian sense. The objects
appear to be alive.
RIKER
Can you explain why they're
pulling us along with them?
Geordi makes an adjustment to the screen that
illustrates --
GEORDI
Somehow, they polarize the
graviton field around them as they
move. We're caught in the wake.
RIKER
So how do we get out of it?
GEORDI
We've processed the limited
information from the probe... best
idea for now is to try a
controlled overload of the warp
drive... jump directly to warp
six. The laws of a
three-dimensional universe say
it should work. Not so sure about
a two-dimensional universe
though.
PICARD
Fascinating. So many
questions... how could a two
dimensional entity have access
to a three dimensional universe...
and are they even aware of us... ?
(moving back)
Number One, if we can put off the
T'lli Betans, I'd like to stay
and investigate once we're free
of this graviton field...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 26A.
43B CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
It's too bad we can't tell if
they're sentient.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 27.
43B CONTINUED: (3)
Troi, who has been watching silently, now suddenly
reacts.
TROI
(defensively)
What do you mean by that?
Geordi and everyone else look up in surprise.
TROI
(continuing)
I'm doing the best I can.
PICARD
No one has suggested otherwise,
Counselor.
Troi seems to clam up. Picard doesn't want to pursue
this publicly. He turns to Data.
PICARD
(continuing)
Mister Data, try to isolate any
signal patterns from the cluster.
Perhaps we'll find a basis for
communication. Commander La
Forge, we'll attempt your warp
jump as soon as you're prepared...
(to everyone)
That'll be all.
As everyone gets up to leave, Picard turns towards
Troi.
PICARD
Counselor --
-- But she's already half-way out the door and even
though she must've heard him, she keeps going. OFF
Picard's reaction.
44 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly is going about her work with some medical
equipment when Troi comes in.
BEVERLY
How are you feeling?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT TWO 28.
44 CONTINUED:
TROI
Beverly, I can't do my job. I'm
absolutely lost. You've got to
do something.
BEVERLY
I cross-referenced your scan
results with the baseline files
in the computer. Nothing helpful
turned up. And so far the lab
work is inconclusive.
Troi seems to sag. She leans against a diagnostic bed.
TROI
Inconclusive. What does that
mean?
BEVERLY
It means there's nothing I can
do now. I'm still trying...
TROI
(interrupting)
How do you people live like this?
BEVERLY
(beat)
We get by pretty well actually.
And so will you. In time.
Slowly building anger from Troi.
TROI
You have no idea. No idea what
this is like. How can you know
what it's like to lose something
you've never had?
BEVERLY
I don't claim to...
TROI
But you're telling me I'm
supposed to get used to it.
BEVERLY
If our positions were reversed,
what would you tell me?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT TWO 29.
44 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
If our positions were reversed,
I wouldn't have been in here
treating skinned elbows while you
were passed out on your office
floor. I would have been there
a lot sooner... maybe in time to
prevent this before it ever
happened.
Deanna turns and storms out of Sickbay, leaving a
devastated Beverly behind.
45 INT. CORRIDOR
Troi is walking quickly along the corridor, avoiding
the SUPERNUMERARIES who walk by. Her anger is turning
to panic as she finally reaches her quarters and goes
inside.
46 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Troi steps inside, the doors closing behind her. She
moves to the middle of the room, stops, then slowly
sits down on the floor. She puts her arms around her
knees, and slowly rocks, like a terrified child.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
47 INT. PICARD'S READY ROOM - CLOSE ON TROI
who is not wearing lipstick... she does not look her
best.
TROI
I've been working with Ensign
Brooks since the death of her
husband... she's avoided the
reality of what happened...
denied it to herself... and I
realize I've been doing the same
thing about my condition.
Pull back to reveal Picard at his desk.
PICARD
That's perfectly understandable...
TROI
It's time I accept the truth,
Captain.
(beat)
And resign as ship's counselor.
PICARD
(reacts)
Resign... ?
TROI
I can no longer fulfill my
obligations. What other option
is there?
Picard steps from around the desk, wanting to remove
all barriers between them... sits next to her, is very
personal.
PICARD
Deanna, I have been fortunate in
having had access to your Betazoid
abilities. Most starship
captains must be content with
human counselors. Empathic
awareness is not a requirement
for the position.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE 30A.
47 CONTINUED:
TROI
(unyielding)
It is for me.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT THREE 31.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
A long beat as he studies her. She's unbending.
PICARD
I'm sure after awhile you'll be
able to compensate. They say
when one loses a sense, the other
senses become stronger to help
adjust... a blind man develops
better hearing...
TROI
With all due respect, Captain,
you don't know what you're talking
about.
Picard blinks, not used to be talked to this way.
TROI
(continuing)
That is a common belief which has
no scientific basis... no doubt
created by normal people who feel
uncomfortable around the disabled.
(beat)
I am disabled. And I'm telling
you I cannot perform my duties.
Picard studies her a long beat, his mind searching for
a way to reach her.
PICARD
(a beat)
There was a teacher of mine at
the Academy who had been confined
to a wheelchair since birth...
TROI
(interrupting, softly)
Spare me the inspirational
anecdote and accept my
resignation, Captain.
Off Picard's reaction...
48 INT. BRIDGE
Troi exits the Ready Room followed a beat later by
Picard. She goes into the Turbolift, leaving, as
Picard sits next to Riker.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE 32.
48 CONTINUED:
Riker gives him a puzzled look re: Deanna.
PICARD
Counselor Troi has just resigned.
OFF Riker's reaction...
49 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi is pacing her room when the door chimes.
TROI
Come in.
The door opens and Riker ENTERS.
TROI
I really would rather be alone
right now.
RIKER
Too bad.
And he moves to her and they look in each other's eyes
for a long silent beat... and she looks as though if
he touches her, she will crumble. Much is said in the
silence and finally he wraps his arms around her and
holds her... and with the physical contact, she sobs
and tears roll down her cheeks for the first time.
After a beat...
TROI
(humor through tears)
Is this how you handle all of your
personnel problems?
RIKER
Sure. You'd be surprised how far
a hug goes with Geordi or Worf...
TROI
Will, I don't know what to do.
RIKER
So you resign, cut yourself off
from all the people who care for
you...
She moves out of his arms.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE 32A.
49 CONTINUED:
TROI
I look around me and all I see
are surfaces without depth.
Colorless and hollow. Nothing
seems real.
RIKER
I'm real.
TROI
No, you're not! You're a
projection. With no more
substance to me than a character
on the Holodeck.
Riker reacts...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/10/90 - ACT THREE 33.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
I don't believe that.
TROI
You have no idea how frightening
it is for me to just be here
without sensing you, without
sharing your feelings...
RIKER
That's it, isn't it... we're on
equal footing now...
TROI
What do you mean?
RIKER
You've always had an advantage...
a little bit of control over every
situation... it must have been
a very safe position to be in.
And she thinks about it, and is forced to admit that
what he's saying is true.
RIKER
(kidding on the square)
To be honest, I always thought
there was something a little too
aristocratic about your Betazoid
heritage. It's as if the human
side wasn't quite good enough
for you.
TROI
That isn't true.
RIKER
Isn't it?
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to Riker...
RIKER
Go ahead, Geordi...
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 34.
49A OMITTED
49B INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi moves to a companel...
GEORDI
We're ready to attempt a
controlled overload jump to warp
six.
49C INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
RIKER
Acknowledged. I'm on my way to
the Bridge.
He moves to the door, pauses.
RIKER
(to Deanna)
I'll check in on you later.
TROI
Really, you don't have to...
RIKER
I'll check in on you later.
He EXITS.
49D EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still being pulled.
50 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Picard, Data, and Worf at their stations.
Allenby keys a control at Conn.
ALLENBY
Setting new course at optimal
shearing angle: bearing two one
seven mark two zero three.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 34A.
50A INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
Engaging impulse engines, now.
Geordi touches the controls. The ship "bumps" slightly
against the pull of the creatures.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Go to warp, Geordi.
Geordi touches the panel -- the ship jolts violently
as everyone hangs on.
51 OMITTED
52 INT. BRIDGE
RIKER
Status?
ALLENBY
Unchanged. We have not broken
free of the graviton field...
DATA
Integrity field pressure has
increased by two hundred seventeen
percent, Captain.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 35.
52 CONTINUED:
The RED ALERT alarms and lights come on.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Differential stress
will exceed upper limit in
fifteen seconds.
PICARD
Disengage all engines!
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning. Differential stress
will exceed --
Geordi touches controls and the computer voice
instantly stops.
GEORDI
Engines disengaged, sir.
The shaking stops immediately. The RED ALERT systems
shut off.
RIKER
La Forge, report...
52A INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
The energy we wanted to transfer
to the nacelles was absorbed by
the graviton wake instead. It
set up a torsional wave that
rebounded back to the ship.
We're lucky the hull is still in
one piece.
52B INT. BRIDGE
Picard and Riker exchange a frustrated glance.
PICARD
This little nuisance is quickly
losing its fascination.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 35A.
52B CONTINUED:
DATA
Sir, during our attempt to break
away , I recorded a momentary
alteration of the movement pattern
within the cluster.
RIKER
You think we got their attention,
Data?
DATA
Possibly. But only for an
instant. The pattern immediately
returned to its previous
dynamic.
Picard doesn't look happy.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 36.
52B CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Follow up on it, Mister Data.
Input your observations into the
Universal Translator. Perhaps
the movements themselves are an
attempt at communication.
DATA
Aye, Captain.
OFF Picard's increasingly frustrated face.
53 OMITTED
53A INT. TEN-FORWARD
Troi is sitting by herself in a corner of the room,
not drinking, looking very isolated.
53B ANGLE ON GUINAN
as she approaches with a cup in hand.
GUINAN
Care for a little tea?
Troi glances up, startled at her presence.
GUINAN
(continuing)
I didn't mean to startle you.
TROI
That's alright. I'm getting used
to it.
GUINAN
Are you?
TROI
(honestly)
No.
Guinan smoothly sits down in the seat opposite, placing
the tea in front of Troi.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 37.
53B CONTINUED:
GUINAN
You want to talk about it?
TROI
No.
GUINAN
Good. I get tired of listening
to everybody's problems anyway.
They come in here looking for a
shoulder to cry on... it's always
my shoulder for some reason...
TROI
(smiles)
You'd make a good counselor...
GUINAN
You know, I always thought so
myself. Maybe I ought talk to
Picard, what do you think?
TROI
(reacts)
About what... you becoming a
counselor?
GUINAN
(absolutely convincing)
You're leaving. With no counselor
on board, there's gonna be a line
at the bar... and it's not like
I make a percentage on the drinks
I sell... I'd just as soon have
the nice office, you know?
TROI
(awkward)
Well, it's more than just letting
them cry on your shoulder... it
takes an enormous commitment...
GUINAN
I can do that.
TROI
Guinan, people come to you to talk
about things they want to reveal.
A ship's counselor has to get people
to talk about things they don't
want to reveal.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 38.
53B CONTINUED: (2)
GUINAN
I can do that.
TROI
Guinan... what are you doing... ?
(beat)
You don't really want to be ship's
counselor...
GUINAN
Why do you say that?
TROI
I just know you're not serious.
GUINAN
Have I given you any reason to
believe I'm not serious?
TROI
Well, not really, but...
GUINAN
Then how can you know?
(beat)
Your empathic abilities come back?
TROI
No. I suppose it's just...
instinctive.
GUINAN
Interesting.
TROI
Ah, I get it. You're trying to
make me see that I have other
abilities to draw on... human
intuition, instincts... but those
skills only develop with years
of experience, Guinan... it's not
so easy...
GUINAN
Who said anything about 'easy'?
It's even harder than you think...
human intuition and instinct --
they're not always right.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 38A.
53B CONTINUED: (3)
GUINAN (Cont'd)
(beat)
Makes life very interesting...
TROI
So I'm discovering.
Guinan rises. A couple of people move to the bar.
GUINAN
Well, they're starting to line
up... it's been nice...
TROI
Guinan...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 39.
53B CONTINUED: (4)
Guinan pauses, turns...
TROI
(not serious, 'thank-you')
If you want, I'll put in a good
word with the Captain about the
job...
Guinan gives her the same even look she always gives,
leaves.
54 INT. BRIDGE
Data at his science station. Worf and Riker at their
posts. A small BEEP goes off once at an instrument
panel a couple of steps from him. He moves over to
it and reacts to the reading. Riker picks up on it.
RIKER
Problem, Data?
DATA
Yes, Commander. Sensors are
detecting highly accelerated
interstellar gases...
RIKER
Suggesting?
DATA
Uncertain, Commander. The
phenomenon is within visual
range.
RIKER
On screen.
They look up to see --
54A ANGLE - INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
A long view of a cosmic string.
RIKER
Magnify.
The image increases... it appears to be a something
akin to the wide mouth of a celestial vacuum cleaner...
sucking in stellar material.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT THREE 40-43.
54A CONTINUED:
DATA
It appears to be a cosmic string
fragment, sir. Only one hundred
seven kilometers long.
ALLENBY
Cosmic string?
RIKER
They're no wider than a proton
and have gravitational fields
as powerful as a black hole.
DATA
The two-dimensional beings seem
to be caught in the gravitational
pull of the string. Their course
is taking them directly toward
it.
RIKER
And us right along with them.
On concerned reactions...
55
thru OMITTED
59
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
60 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship being dragged off-center toward the cosmic
string fragment.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 44359.5.
What began as a curious
inconvenience has turned into a
serious threat. At current
speed, the two-dimensional beings
and the Enterprise will be drawn
into the cosmic string fragment
in seven hours.
61 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf and Geordi at their stations.
The cosmic string is on the main viewer.
DATA
The entities offer no indication
that they are aware of the string
fragment, Captain. Their course
and speed remain constant...
WORF
Sir, recommend we fire a spread
of photon torpedoes into their
field.
Picard hates the idea but must consider it.
PICARD
Must we destroy them to save
ourselves...
DATA
It is not clear what affect a
photon torpedo would have on a
two-dimensional being, Captain.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
61 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Nevertheless...
GEORDI
We don't necessarily have to fire
at them. Half-a-dozen photon
torpedo bursts directly in their
path could make them change
course.
Picard considers.
PICARD
Make it so.
Worf touches several keys on the panel in front of him.
WORF
Torpedoes armed. Fire
distribution set. Detonation at
seven kilometers ahead of the
cluster.
RIKER
Data, launch another probe and
patch the monitor through to the
main viewer.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Data hits the controls.
DATA
Probe has been launched. On
screen.
62 ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Now shows the polarized POV of the probe so we can see
the beings pulling the Enterprise... just as before...
PICARD
Mister Worf, proceed.
WORF
Launching photon torpedoes.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 45A.
62 CONTINUED:
Worf touches a control. On the screen, we can see the
volley of photon torpedoes... spread out...
WORF
Five seconds to detonation...
Three, two, one.
As the photon torpedoes explode in a display of
polarized light, directly in the creatures' path.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
62 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
No change in the graviton field.
(looks up)
The torpedoes are having no
effect.
62A PICARD
And play this entirely on his face as he watches the
viewscreen.
PICARD
(frowns, no choice)
Fire another volley directly into
their field, Mister Worf.
WORF (O.C.)
Launching torpedoes.
(beat)
Five seconds to detonation...
Three, two, one.
Slow push in to Picard...
DATA (O.C.)
No affect, sir. Matter anti-matter
explosions appear to be
ineffective.
And on an ECU of Picard's reaction...
63
thru OMITTED
69
70 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is, in essence, packing. Putting together
personal things into an attache... The door chimes.
She glances up.
TROI
Yes?
The door slides open and Ensign Brooks ENTERS.
TROI
(continuing; surprised)
Janet. I'm sorry... I meant to
cancel your appointment today...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
70 CONTINUED:
BROOKS
That's okay... tommorrow then... ?
TROI
Janet, I've resigned as ship's
counselor.
BROOKS
But why?
TROI
(a beat)
Well, I think it was fairly clear
during your last appointment...
it was obviously non-productive
and...
BROOKS
Non-productive. I don't
understand... how could you say
that?
TROI
(reacts)
But I couldn't sense what you
were...
BROOKS
Deanna, you were right about me.
I had to go back and look at what
I was doing, why I was trying to
convince myself and you that I
was a "new woman"... and I
realized I was doing the same
thing to myself all over again...
trying to hide from the pain...
I have to accept that... it's
really just beginning for me, isn't
it...
A long beat as Troi takes it in.
BROOKS
So, as far as I'm concerned, it
was very productive. Maybe you
couldn't sense what I was
feeling... but you helped.
Off Troi's reaction...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 48.
71 INT. READY ROOM
Troi ENTERS. Picard is at his desk.
TROI
You wanted to see me, Captain?
PICARD
Sit down, please.
She does so.
PICARD
(continuing)
Our situation has become critical.
The cluster is still completely
unresponsive. We have not been
able to alter its course toward
the cosmic string fragment.
TROI
How much time do we have?
PICARD
Less than five hours. That's why
I've called you.
TROI
Sir?
PICARD
All that remains is the
possibility of communication.
There might be some way to warn
them of their impending
destruction.
TROI
I thought Data already tried to
establish communications through
the universal translator.
PICARD
He has tried every technical means
at our disposal to reach them.
TROI
Captain, I wish I knew how to
help. But under the
cirumstances...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FOUR 49.
71 CONTINUED:
PICARD
If there is a psychology to
these creatures, we must discover
it... if there is an explanation
to their behavior, we must know
it...
And push in on Troi.
PICARD
Even in your current condition,
you are the most qualified person
aboard this ship to assist.
Picard stands, Troi does the same.
PICARD
(continuing)
Data is currently in Observation,
attempting to formulate a
strategy. I'd like you to join
him.
Troi doesn't answer, seems to waver.
PICARD
Deanna. We need you.
OFF the emotions on Troi's face.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
71A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
A view of the ship and the cosmic string looming ahead.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. If
our speed and course remain
unchanged, in one hour, the
Enterprise will be torn apart by
the gravitational forces of the
cosmic string fragment.
72 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Data is briefing Troi in front of a screen. A series
of still frames of the previous probe image of the
creatures appears on the screen throughout the scene.
Troi appears hesitant, not confident of her role.
TROI
Are your signals reaching them
at all?
DATA
Possibly. However, the beings
may perceive them as negligible
noise rather than an attempt at
communication.
Data appears to be awaiting her next question. Troi's
not sure how to proceed.
TROI
Is there any evidence at all that
they're sentient?
DATA
Negative. The nature of their
movement suggests a simple order
of intelligence.
Troi takes a deep breath... doesn't know what to do,
what to say, why is she here?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
72 CONTINUED:
TROI
I'm sorry, Data... I don't seem
to be much help without my
empathic abilities... I just
don't know how to draw on my
human instinct...
DATA
As I have no human 'instinct' per
se, I cannot advise you,
Counselor.
TROI
Right now, I feel as two-dimensional
as our friends out
there... in this universe, but
barely aware of it...
(musing)
... just trying to survive on...
A beat... a slow push in...
TROI
Instinct?
Turns to Data...
TROI
Data, what if they're simply
acting instinctively... there are
inherent, inborn forces that
drive every species. What they
need. What they fear.
(beat)
We've got to discover what drives
this species?
DATA
I do not believe there is any way
to know for certain, Counselor.
TROI
We can speculate based on the
available evidence...
DATA
The only evidence we have at
present is the brief interruption
in their movement pattern during
our last attempt to break away...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(mind working)
Which may suggest some kind of
awareness of our presence...
DATA
Otherwise their course and speed
have been constant.
TROI
On a straight line to the cosmic
string...
(beat)
You're convinced the string's
gravitation is pulling them in.
DATA
Since the cluster is
two-dimensional, I have no direct
evidence to support that
assumption. But it is the most
reasonable hypothesis.
TROI
Why?
DATA
It is unlikely they would
intentionally move toward a
destructive force...
TROI
Moths fly toward a flame. Horses
sometimes run into a burning barn.
Data, don't you see, we've been
thinking in three-dimensions.
We have to get two-dimensional.
DATA
Pardon me?
TROI
Subspace signals, photon
torpedoes, nothing's had an
impact... it is reasonable to
wonder if a gravitational pull...
even as strong as a cosmic
string's... would affect them.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 52A.
72 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
(curious where she's
heading)
Please continue.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
72 CONTINUED: (4)
TROI
What if they've chosen a course
to the cosmic string? A case of
pure stimulus-response. Driven
by instinct... just like the moth
to a flame...
Off Data's reaction...
72A INT. BRIDGE
Data and Troi have brought their ideas to Picard.
Riker, Worf, Geordi, Allenby are present.
DATA
If Counselor Troi's supposition
is correct, Captain... a replica
of the string projected behind
the cluster could induce them to
reverse course. Disrupting the
graviton wake long enough for
us to escape.
RIKER
How do you simulate a cosmic
string? It has the gravitational
force of a hundred stars.
DATA
I do not suggest we simulate the
gravitational field of the string
fragment, Commander. Rather the
string's vibration.
PICARD
Vibration. This isn't a violin,
Commander.
GEORDI
Data's right. The principle is
the same. A cosmic string
emanates a characteristic set of
subspace frequencies as atomic
particles decay along its event
horizon. I could use the ship's
parabolic dish to amplify and
reflect those frequencies back
toward the cluster. The
Enterprise itself would echo the
cosmic string.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
72A CONTINUED:
PICARD
(reacts)
How much time do we have, Mister
Worf?
WORF
Twenty-three minutes.
PICARD
Make it so.
Geordi EXITS.
73 OMITTED
73A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Being drawn ever closer to the string fragment.
74 INT. BRIDGE - ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
and the cosmic string, now looming directly ahead.
DATA
Frequency scan detectors
engaged.
INTERCUT:
75 OMITTED
75A INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
Receiving...
He presses some panels and is greeted by a chaotic mass
of signal noise. He reacts -- what a mess.
GEORDI
Data... we're picking up
frequencies across the entire
electromagnetic and lower subspace
spectrum... trying to isolate...
He touches a panel control. Some of the noise clears
up, not much.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 54A.
75A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Can you focus the reflector field
for me?
DATA
Stand by...
(working panels)
I am differentiating particle
emission signatures now.
Geordi studies his panel as the noise suddenly clears
up even more. Geordi reacts, pleased.
GEORDI
That's doing it... Patterns are
converging...
He quickly touches the controls. The noisy sound
immediately beings to come together -- almost like a
huge orchestra tuning up.
76
thru OMITTED
77
78 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
PUSH IN on the parabolic dish. We continue to hear
the sound as above.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
79 INT. BRIDGE
ALLENBY
Same course. Same speed. No
change, sir.
A slight ship shake (different in nature than earlier
shakes). Reactions as frequencies suddenly become more
jumbled.
WORF
We are beginning to encounter the
gravitational effects of the
string. Impact is in four
minutes...
The sound grows even more chaotic.
DATA
Sir, the shear force turbulence
is impairing our ability to
create an accurate simulation...
RIKER
Geordi, fire up the impulse
engines and activate the ship's
stabilizers...
79A INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi on the move... pressing panels...
GEORDI
Stabilizers on.
79B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA
Electromagnetic and subspace wave
fronts approaching
synchronization.
Again, the sound is coming together.
80 OMITTED
81 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Close on the parabolic reflector dish as we continue
to hear the frequencies coming together into something
like a chord.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
82 INT. BRIDGE
The sound has become "tuned." Everyone waits.
WORF
Three minutes to impact.
RIKER
Status?
ALLENBY
No effect on the cluster. Same
course, same speed.
PICARD
Let's try to turn up the volume.
Increase intensity, Mister Data.
DATA
Increasing by fifty percent.
The audio suddenly gets louder.
ALLENBY
They're slowing.
GEORDI
Graviton wake field collapsing.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, take us out of
here.
82A INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
My pleasure, sir.
83 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship peels away from the string and warps out.
84 INT. BRIDGE
ALLENBY
Course two nine five, mark two
zero four. Warp six. We're
clear.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/11/90 - ACT FIVE 56A.
84 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Excellent work, Mister Data;
(nodding to Troi)
Counselor.
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE 57.
84 CONTINUED:
She smiles. She glances at Riker, they share a moment.
ALLENBY
The beings have resumed their
course into the string. Three
seconds to impact.
There is a beat. Troi suddenly experiences a rush of
feeling that nearly knocks her over. Riker rushes to
her support.
TROI
(pleasantly surprised)
It's all right. They're home.
We were wrong. The cosmic
string... it was never dangerous
to them... it was the one place
in the galaxy they most wanted
to be.
RIKER
('you've recovered')
Deanna... ?
She straightens up, her strength returning.
TROI
Yes... I sensed it...
Reactions...
85
thru OMITTED
86
87 INT. TEN-FORWARD
At the bar with Guinan, Beverly, Riker, Troi.
TROI
Such overwhelming intensity of
emotion. When we first
encountered them, it must have
been more than my senses could
process.
RIKER
A short-circuit.
TROI
Something like that.
(apologetic)
Beverly...
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE 58.
87 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Apology accepted.
(to Riker)
Therapists are always the worst
patients. Except for doctors,
of course. Stop by and see me
later, okay... ?
She EXITS.
TROI
I was so awful to her.
GUINAN
You were just being human...
TROI
I never fully appreciated how
difficult... and rewarding... it
is to be human...
(to Guinan)
I had a lot of help. Thank-you.
Guinan nods in reply.
GUINAN
You don't happen to know if that
ship's counselor position is still
open... ?
TROI
It's been taken.
GUINAN
Too bad.
(indicating bar)
Better hours.
She moves toward another customer's signal... Troi
looks at Riker...
TROI
And you, Will Riker... Thank you
for making me face my other half.
RIKER
(joking)
Frightening, wasn't it?
STAR TREK: "The Loss" - REV. 10/9/90 - ACT FIVE 59-60.
87 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
A little.
(shrugs)
You were right, though. Maybe
there's something to be learned
when you're not in control of
every situation.
RIKER
Welcome to the human race.
Riker moves in to kiss her cheek... but she turns and
raises an eyebrow...
TROI
By the way. The next time you
call me aristocratic...
Riker laughs. OFF the moment between them.
88 OMITTED
89 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
on its way to T'lli Beta.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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