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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"First Contact"
#40274-189
Teleplay by
Joe Menosky & Ronald D. Moore
and
Michael Piller
Story by
Marc Zicree
and
David Bischoff & Dennis Russell Bailey
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 This script is not for publication or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
NOVEMBER 28, 1990
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"First Contact"
CAST
PICARD CHANCELLOR DURKEN
RIKER MINISTER MIRASTA YALE
TROI MINISTER KROLA
DATA DOCTOR NILREM
BEVERLY DOCTOR TAVA
GEORDI DOCTOR BEREL
WORF NURSE LANEL
MALE INTERCOM VOICE
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES Non-Speaking Malcorians:
MALE NURSE 3 N.D. DOCTORS
2 MEDICAL TECHS
2 NURSES
A SECURITY GUARD
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"First Contact"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM MALCOR (MATTE SHOT)
TRANSPORTER ROOM CAPITAL CITY
TEN FORWARD
MAIN ENGINEERING
CORRIDOR
MALCOR
MEDICAL FACILITY (HOSPITAL)
CORRIDOR
RIKER'S ROOM
CHANCELLOR DURKEN'S OFFICE
MIRASTA'S SCIENCE LAB
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/30/90 - PRONUNICATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"First Contact"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ADRULMINE ah-DROOL-mine
BEREL BER-rul
COSTAL CAHS-tul
DURKEN DURH-ken
ICHOR EYE-kohr
KROLA KROH-la
LANEL lan-EL
MALCORIAN mahl-KOHR-ee-an
MARTA MAR-tah
MIRASTA mear-AST-ah
NILREM NILL-rehm
OCTARES OKT-tairs
PENTADS PEHN-tahds
QUADROLINE KWAHD-row-leen
RIVAS JAKARA REEV-ass ja-KAH-ruh
SIKLA SICK-la
TAVA TAH-vah
TELENCEPHALON tell-en-SEHF-ah-lahn
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"First Contact"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. ALIEN MEDICAL FACILITY - CORRIDOR - DAY
CLOSE ON a wide sliding door opening... TWO MALCORIAN
MEDICAL TECHNICIANS rush someone on a gurney through
the doors and into a small room crowded with medical
equipment for emergency trauma care. The level of
technology in evidence is approximately mid 21st
century Earth with just enough differences to tell us
that this is an alien world. There are two treatment
bed/tables, cabinets and trays with medical
instruments, and a display for reading scans. The
Malcorians are humanoid with a slight difference in
facial features... their hands are shaped like mittens
without fingers (and if this is a difficult makeup job,
they can all wear gloves.)
There is a sense of urgency as the Technicians rush the
gurney into the Emergency Room... two young Malcorian
physicians, NILREM (male) and TAVA (female) quickly
move equipment and get a table ready for the incoming
patient. Throughout the following scene, we should
NOT SEE the face of the man lying on the gurney, but
he is in Malcorian civilian garb and has a large
bandage on his head. We may notice he does wear gloves
(mittens) on his hands. They have the gurney in
position and the Technicians help to move the victim
off the gurney and onto the table.
NILREM
Ready... lift!
They all lift and move the victim on the table. The
Technicians now move away and EXIT.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
The two doctors move with the smooth efficiency of
hurried professionalism. They begin to attach the
victim to alien emergency equipment...
NILREM
He took a severe blow... possible
trauma to the telencephalon...
TAVA
(examining patient)
Start fifteen octares of
quadroline. We'll need a complete
del-scan series.
Nilrem takes stethoscope-type device and puts it on the
patient's STOMACH. Nilrem listens... frowns...
NILREM
(incredulous)
I can't find his cardial organ...
Tava quickly grabs the patient's wrist...
TAVA
What do you mean? I'm reading
a steady circulation...
Nilrem goes searching for the heart with his scope...
moves it around... finally places it on his chest...
NILREM
There it is... up here...
TAVA
In his digestive tract?
NILREM
Have you ever seen anything like
this... ?
They exchange a puzzled look and then Nilrem gets back
to work as Tava gingerly uses his hands to probe the
man's stomach...
TAVA
He's missing three costal struts
on one side and four on the other...
NILREM
You think that's something... look
at this...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
Moving to see Nilrem at the man's feet, having removed
his shoes and socks, showing toes --
NILREM
He has digits on his terminus...
Reactions... they move to his hands and peel off his
gloves... to reveal fingers on his hand... more
reactions. They exchange a look. Look at him.
TAVA
(quietly)
What are you?
MOVE TO REVEAL RIKER lying unconscious on the table.
His face has been altered so he looks like a Malcorian.
On Riker...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
2 INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY
Close on Riker in a bed, head bandaged, monitors
working... waking up... he gropes for his bearings a
second, then reacts as he sees --
3 ANGLE - A GROUP OF SIX DOCTORS
including Nilrem and Tava are at the foot of his bed,
watching him with extraordinary curiosity... Riker
feels the pain in his head...
RIKER
What happened?
A senior physician (BEREL) has joined the group... an
overworked man who doesn't need any more in his life
right now, certainly not an alien in his hospital.
BEREL
You're in the crisis room at the
Sikla Medical Facility. You've
had a severe injury, but you're
going to be all right.
Riker takes this in for a moment... nods again in
understanding. His head hurts terribly.
RIKER
I was caught in the riot when the
police moved in... that's the last
thing I remember.
BEREL
Can you tell us your name?
Riker is careful... it's all starting to come back to
him and he wants to make sure he doesn't say the wrong
thing.
RIKER
Rivas. Rivas Jakara.
BEREL
Rivas Jakara. Where do you live?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT ONE 4A.
3 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(well-rehearsed)
In the Marta community on the
southern continent...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 5-5A.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
TAVA
You're a long way from home.
(beat)
Are there any members of your
family we should notify...
RIKER
No... I have no family.
He lifts his hand as if to rub his head and then sees
the primitive equipment he's attached to.
RIKER
I can't stay here... I have to
get back...
BEREL
You're in no condition to leave
yet...
Berel studies him with an experienced eye... doesn't
believe Riker's telling the truth... still, using very
good bedside manner, he manages a reluctant grin as
he moves to a more intimate position, perhaps sitting
on the corner of the bed...
BEREL
There are several... unusual
things about your case, Mister
Jakara... your cranial lobes, for
example. They seem to be surgical
implants...
RIKER
I did have some cosmetic
surgery... to correct a genetic
birth defect...
Picking up his hand... looking at the fingers...
BEREL
And these? Another birth defect?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 6.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER
(acknowledges, of
course)
Yes, isn't that something? My
father's were the same way...
NILREM
(sharp)
You want us to believe that all
your abnormalities are inherited
genetic traits?
Berel shoots him a look, and Nilrem backs off.
RIKER
I understand your confusion. My
personal physician is much more
familiar with these... genetic
irregularities... to be honest,
I'd feel better if I were back
home under her care...
BEREL
Why don't I talk to her about
that... what's her name?
RIKER
(beat)
Crusher... but actually, I'm not
sure you'll be able to reach her.
BEREL
Why not?
RIKER
She's taking... a sabbatical.
A long look by Berel. Then...
BEREL
Well, we'll do the best we can
for you.
Berel pats him on the wrist, rises. About to leave, a
'Columbo' afterthought...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 7.
3 CONTINUED: (4)
BEREL
Oh, there was one other thing...
(he pulls a phaser out
of his pocket)
We found this curious looking
device in your clothes... what
is it?
RIKER
Oh, it's just a toy I was taking
home... a present...
BEREL
I thought you didn't have any
family...
RIKER
For a neighbor's child.
(beat)
Did they find anything else, I
had one piece of jewelry... a
metal pin...
BEREL
No, I'm sorry. This was all we
found...
Berel glances at the others, they all leave. Riker
immediately breaks his pretense, looks to the heavens
with an 'oh shoot' look, tries to get up... but pain
shoots through his head and he must retreat back to
bed...
4 INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CORRIDOR
As the group comes out. Tava moves to Berel...
NILREM
(voice rising)
"Genetic irregularities"?... that
thing isn't even the same species
as we are...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 8.
4 CONTINUED:
BEREL
(looks hard at him)
Keep your voice down.
(beat)
The last thing we need is a panic
in here over some...
He sighs, cannot bring himself to say it... Nilrem
finishes it...
NILREM
It's all the space flights...
they've attracted creatures from
outer space...
BEREL
Now, that's exactly the kind of
thing I don't want to hear ... is
that understood?
TAVA
What are you going to do?
BEREL
(sighs)
With all the medical facilities
available, why did he have to end
up here?
NILREM
I think we ought to call Central
Security.
BEREL
I'm not calling anybody yet. Not
until we've done a lot more. A
lot more. I want his story
checked out...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 9.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
BEREL (Cont'd)
Run a complete search through the
medical library... be absolutely
certain there's never been
anything like him...
NILREM
What if there're more of them?
They could be everywhere...
BEREL
(calm down)
Somebody get Nilrem a calmative.
(beat)
We ought to see if we can find
the physician Crusher. And give
this thing...
(handing the phaser to
Nilrem)
... to somebody in technical to
check out.
On the move --
TAVA
What about him?
BEREL
Cordon off this wing... I want
security on his door twenty-nine
hours a day... and I want this
kept quiet...
(frowns)
They've already questioned my
judgement on the diagnostic
center, criticized my resource
allocations... all they need to
hear now is that I'm treating
alien creatures...
The last is said going away as they turn a corner, down
a hallway...
5 EXT. CAPITAL CITY (MATTE SHOT) - DAY
A large, metropolitan city that could be from mid 21st
century Earth, with a few alien touches. Moving in on
an impressive government building...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE 10.
6 INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY (OPTICAL)
DURKEN is the leader of his people and this is a
fitting office for a man of his stature, oval shaped
with windows that look outside. Durken himself is in
his fifties, slight in stature, no Ronald Reagan here,
there is a gentle, Woodrow Wilson quality, thoughtful,
brilliant, committed. With him here is MIRASTA, a
woman 30-35 years old, and the Minister for Internal
Security, KROLA. He is older than Durken, with a keen
intellect and piercing eyes. Two other non-speaking
members of the cabinet are present.
Mirasta, the Minister of Science, is displaying a star
chart with some rough animation on a wall monitor...
MIRASTA
At twelve-point-four after launch,
the warp field generator will be
activated...
DURKEN
That's when it would break the
light barrier?
MIRASTA
Yes, Chancellor. If we're
successful, the craft will leave
our star system in a matter of
minutes and will be on its way
toward the Garth system...
KROLA
(non-supportive)
And then what?
MIRASTA
(with a disarming smile)
And then, Krola, we'll see what's
there...
DURKEN
How long, Mirasta?
MIRASTA
We have the prototype design for
the warp engine... it would simply
be a matter of building the
actual production units. If I
get your approval today... ten
months, maybe less.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE 10A.
6 CONTINUED:
Krola shakes his head, but is extremely pleasant and
politic throughout... this is an argument they've had
many times before, there is even a smile on his face...
KROLA
Chancellor, I'll admit Mirasta's
enthusiasm for her work is
seductive, but perhaps we're
moving too fast...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE 11.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
DURKEN
(acknowledging, with
humor)
As fast as the speed of light,
Krola...
KROLA
Why am I always the only realist
in a room full of dreamers... ?
All laugh...
KROLA
Please, I must be serious...
there was another demonstration
today... some violence. Your
opponents will see this as another
example of your determination to
pull us further from our
traditional ways...
Durken stands, moves as he talks...
DURKEN
My opponents look back as I look
forward. I cannot believe that
my people would choose to retreat
after all we've done...
MIRASTA
I agree.
KROLA
The people were willing to accept
your social reforms because they
believe in you, Chancellor. But
there are many who say we have
gone far enough... all of these
new ideas... new technology...
and now space travel... it
confuses them, frightens them...
DURKEN
And I will not allow them to
remain in the dark ages... the
warp program will proceed as you
have outlined, Mirasta...
(beat, smiles to Krola)
And then we will slow down, Krola,
to let everyone catch their breath
including you...
Krola nods and as they all rise to leave...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE 12.
7 INT. MIRASTA'S LAB - DAY (OPTICAL)
From this room, a person can personally supervise and
control rocket launches, satellite operations, radio
and optical telescope functions, receive telemetry,
etc. If the head of NASA wanted to be completely
"hands-on" in the next fifty years, this is the kind
of place he/she would have. There should be computers,
monitors, printers, observational equipment, models
of spacecraft, etc.
Mirasta enters... sits down at one of the computer
monitors and taps in a few commands.
Behind her, Picard and Troi MATERIALIZE. Mirasta
turns in her chair toward the door reacting to the
noise... Picard is dressed in his uniform, Deanna in
conservative civilian garb. They are not posing as
aliens.
PICARD
Excuse me, Mirasta Yale?
She glances at them curiously.
MIRASTA
Yes?
PICARD
My name is Jean-Luc Picard. This
is my associate Deanna Troi. May
we come in?
Mirasta is already on her feet... their appearance is
clearly not of local origin.
MIRASTA
Who are you?
TROI
Please don't be alarmed by our
appearance... we've come with
some... important information.
MIRASTA
About what?
PICARD
About space. About the universe
you are preparing to enter.
Off her look...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/4/90 - ACT ONE 13.
7 CONTINUED:
TROI
We are from a federation of
planets, Mirasta... Captain Picard
is from a planet called Earth more
than two thousand light years from
here. I am from another planet
called Betazed.
MIRASTA
(beat)
Uh huh.
PICARD
We have been monitoring your
progress toward warp drive
capability. When a society
reaches your level of technology
and is clearly about to initiate
warp travel, we believe it is time
to make first contact. We prefer
meeting like this rather than a
random confrontation in deep
space.
TROI
We've come to you first because
you are a leader in the scientific
community. And scientists can
generally accept our arrival more
easily than others.
PICARD
We almost always encounter fear
and shock on this sort of mission.
We hope you will be able to help
facilitate our introduction.
A beat as Mirasta digests this, then...
MIRASTA
Is this a joke? Did Lupo and the
others at the lab put you up to
this?
PICARD
(grins)
I assure you this is no joke.
(holding up his hands)
You can see we are quite
physically different than
Malcorians.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/4/90 - ACT ONE 14.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
And with your permission, I am
prepared to prove what I am
saying.
MIRASTA
(tentative)
All right...
PICARD
(keys insignia)
Picard to Enterprise. Three to
beam up.
They DEMATERIALIZE.
8 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
As they MATERIALIZE... she reacts, astounded. Worf
and Beverly are there to greet them. SUPERNUMERARY
at transport.
WORF
Welcome aboard.
And this is standard procedure. Worf is there for
security precautions. Beverly is there in case the
newcomer faints... and as Mirasta looks around with
awe and wonder, somewhat shaky as Picard leads her off
the transporter pad....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit.
10 INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL)
Picard, Troi and Mirasta ENTER...
MIRASTA
It's beyond words... everything
I've ever dreamed about...
(beat)
When I was a child, my parents
would take me to the
planetarium... and we would sit
in the dark and it was as if I
was on a spaceship on my way to
another world... to meet people
from other planets...
TROI
Now that you're about to travel
beyond your own solar system, you
will meet a great many more people
from other planets, Mirasta...
PICARD
The Federation prefers to make
first contact like this... rather
than a random confrontation in
deep space.
MIRASTA
A part of me still expects the
lights to come up as the program
ends...
They sit at a table looking down at the planet...
MIRASTA
How did you know about me?
This becomes a little more touchy and Picard and Troi
are well experienced in breaking the ground...
PICARD
We try to learn as much as
possible about a planet before
first contact.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 16.
10 CONTINUED:
TROI
(gently smiles)
One of the things we do is monitor
broadcast signals... We listen
to your journalism, your music,
your humor... try to better
understand you as a people...
MIRASTA
I hate to think how you would
judge us based on our popular
music and entertainment.
PICARD
To be sure, we get an incomplete
picture from long distance...
that's why we also do on-surface
reconnaissance.
Mirasta does not react negatively to this and has yet
to grasp the hard realities of what lies ahead... she's
enchanted by the moment... her reaction is almost like
she's just been let in on a wonderful secret...
MIRASTA
You've had people on our planet?
TROI
For several years.
PICARD
(off her reaction)
We've found that the most
hazardous aspect of this kind
of mission is a lack of sufficient
information...
MIRASTA
You don't have to explain. I
understand.
(beat)
But not everyone on my planet
would. They'd think you were
trying to infiltrate our society.
PICARD
We do have a complication here,
Mirasta. One of our people is
missing. My first officer,
Commander William Riker.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 16A.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
He was on the surface to
coordinate the final details with
our observation team when he
disappeared. Our people have made
inquiries... but we have not been
able to locate him. If there's
any way you can help...
MIRASTA
Of course. Where was Riker's last
known location?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 17.
10 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
The capital city. He was there
under the name of Rivas Jakara,
a tourist from the Marta
community.
Mirasta acknowledges.
MIRASTA
We've got to find him before
someone realizes what he really
is... if this gets out prematurely,
it will seriously complicate
matters.
And now she begins to take stock of what is
forthcoming.
MIRASTA
Introducing you to this world
will not be an easy matter.
TROI
It never is.
MIRASTA
You must already know that my
people are in a transitory
stage... an old staid culture
has been pulled into the future
by Chancellor Durken... but it
is not easy to discard deep-rooted
beliefs. Our entire ideology is
based on the assumption that the
Malcorian is the supreme lifeform
and that our world is the center
of the universe. Your arrival
will change our entire
understanding of life...
(beat, frankly)
Some will not want it to change.
PICARD
What about Durken?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 18.
10 CONTINUED: (4)
MIRASTA
Durken will be open-minded. But
cautious. I strongly suggest that
you do not discuss your
surveillance teams with him...
not right away at least.
PICARD
But, with the disappearance of
Commander Riker, wouldn't it be
prudent...
MIRASTA
(interrupting)
Captain Picard, you must trust
me on this. If you tell the
Chancellor about Commander Riker,
it would undermine everything you
hope to accomplish here.
(Picard and Troi react)
Durken would assign Krola, the
Minister of Security, to find him.
Krola has his own political
agenda. He will perceive you as
the greatest threat my people have
ever known. And he will not
hesitate to use Riker to prove
he is correct.
Off Picard's reaction...
11 INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CORRIDOR - DAY
Berel enters to see the hallway is full of doctors and
nurses and medical personnel talking in hushed
voices...
NILREM
(to a pretty nurse)
It doesn't make sense that he's
the only one... think about it...
As Berel passes people we catch snatches of
conversations... as they see him, they stop talking,
get back to work... moving with him --
OVERLAPPING VOICES (VARIOUS O.C.)
From another planet, hundreds of
them... invasion from space...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO 18A.
11 CONTINUED:
OVERLAPPING VOICES (Cont'd)
Somebody said he's not bad
looking... what if that's just
a disguise... meat-eaters... I've
heard he can see through walls...
thousands of them...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT TWO 19.
11 CONTINUED:
Berel's face grows more and more concerned as he
walks... he comes to Tava...
BEREL
I thought I said this was to be
kept a secret...
TAVA
(much prior
experience)
You know Nilrem...
BEREL
(nods, sighs)
Well, it's getting out of
control...
(beat, concerned)
... I don't know what else he is,
but he's still a patient in this
medical facility and we have a
responsibility for his care and
recovery... remind them of that,
will you?
TAVA
(acknowledges)
Berel, you're not going to be able
to contain this much longer.
BEREL
(sighs)
I know.
TAVA
If people get scared enough,
anything could happen...
He considers this seriously, sighs, turns and walks
on...
12 INT. RIKER'S ROOM
As Berel enters... Riker is awake...
BEREL
Mister Jakara, we have been unable
to confirm anything you told us.
No physician named Crusher is on
file... not on this planet...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT TWO 20.
12 CONTINUED:
BEREL (Cont'd)
Your address in Marta is an eating
establishment... the cook has
never heard of Rivas Jakara.
RIKER
There's obviously been some
misunderstanding...
BEREL
There's a growing number of people
on the other side of that door
who believe you are not one of
us.
RIKER
Not one of you... ?
BEREL
That you're from another planet.
Riker reacts, 'incredulous'...
BEREL
Are you, Mister Jakara?
RIKER
(laughs)
Do you realize what you're saying?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT TWO 21.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
BEREL
I know how it sounds. And I am
not anxious to make a fool of
myself.
(beat)
Mister Jakara, this new era of
space flight, it does fire the
imagination. People see
unidentified vessels in the sky
that turn out to be weather
balloons.
RIKER
It is far more likely that I'm
a weather balloon than an alien.
BEREL
(shrugs, suggesting
another possibility)
Our medical journals have
documented several cases of
genetic mutation in recent
history... some unusual physical
disfigurations have occurred...
RIKER
I guess I'm another case for the
medical journals then...
BEREL
Perhaps. But you, Mister Jakara,
are hiding something. Unless you
tell me the truth about yourself,
this rumor will persist and grow
and could even become dangerous.
Most especially to you.
He EXITS... off Riker's growing concern...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT TWO 22.
13 INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - CLOSE ON AN INTERCOM DEVICE
Pulling back to see Durken at his desk studying
documents, stamping a few...
MALE COM VOICE
... the delegate from the Central
Province at four-point-three...
the conference with capitol
journalists is at six-point-one...
and Minister Yale of the Space
Bureau would like to introduce
you to someone...
DURKEN
(frowns)
Call her back and see if the
Vice-Chancellor will do...
MALE COM VOICE
They're out here waiting to see
you, sir...
DURKEN
All right. Send them in.
The door opens and Mirasta enters with Picard... he
rises, puts on his best political smile...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT TWO 23.
13 CONTINUED:
DURKEN
Always time to meet your friends,
Mirasta.
MIRASTA
Chancellor, please sit down...
you may want to clear your
afternoon schedule for this.
As Durken sits and glances curiously at Picard...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 24.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
15 INT. CORRIDOR
Picard, Durken, Mirasta walking away from the
transporter. Worf and Beverly trail and quickly go
their separate ways...
PICARD
The security chief and a medical
officer are always present during
a first contact transport -- a
matter of policy... we've learned
to expect the unexpected...
MIRASTA
Your fortitude is impressive,
Chancellor... my knees buckled
the moment we... we... what do
you call it... ?
PICARD
"Beamed up"...
MIRASTA
Yes, beamed up...
Durken is always thinking ahead, reserved, not showing
his own hand, fishing for as much information as he can
get...
DURKEN
It sounds as though you have done
this quite often.
PICARD
Personally, I have been involved
with four first contact missions.
DURKEN
And what happened to those other
four planets?
Picard grins knowingly.
PICARD
They're still there, Chancellor.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 25.
16 INT. ENGINEERING
As they ENTER.
MIRASTA
This is their warp drive,
Chancellor. Do you believe it... ?
Our theories were correct...
Durken studies the impressive machinery, calmly nods...
without looking at Picard...
DURKEN
I can only imagine the sort of
armaments your vessel carries,
Captain Picard.
PICARD
This vessel also carries families
and children, Chancellor. It is
not a warship. The Federation
is dedicated to the peaceful
exploration of space.
Durken looks Picard in the eye now... measures him.
A beat. Walks on. Walking away --
DURKEN
And do you expect all the worlds
you contact to become members
of your federation?
PICARD
Not at all, Chancellor. Some
desire membership. Some do not.
And in some cases the
philosophical differences are so
great, it is not even a
consideration...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 26.
17 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA is in the Command Chair. WORF and supernumeraries
fill the other posts. The door opens, Picard, Durken,
and Mirasta ENTER. Data stands in greeting.
PICARD
This is my bridge.
DATA
Captain.
PICARD
Mister Data. Allow me to
introduce Chancellor Avel Durken
and Space Administrator Mirasta
Yale.
DATA
How do you do?
Both Durken and Mirasta react to Data's appearance.
And can't help but glance at Worf as well.
PICARD
Data is my Second Officer.
MIRASTA
He is an android, Chancellor.
(off Durken's
puzzlement)
A constructed being.
DURKEN
A machine?
DATA
In a manner of speaking. The term
"artificial lifeform" is more
accurate.
Durken nods and takes a deep breath, clearly
overwhelmed.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 27.
17 CONTINUED:
Mirasta is staring at the forward screen, smiling.
MIRASTA
Chancellor.
He glances over and she indicates the screen.
18 INCLUDE THE SCREEN (OPTICAL)
And the planet below. Durken can't completely suppress
his wonder.
DURKEN
Captain Picard. Is there
somewhere we might speak together?
Without distraction?
Picard nods.
MIRASTA
Chancellor, with your permission,
I will... beam back to the
surface.
(with a glance toward
Picard, re: Riker)
I have several matters to attend
to.
DURKEN
(nods)
Not a word to anyone about this,
Mirasta.
MIRASTA
Of course.
PICARD
Mister Data will escort you to
the transporter room.
Picard and Durken go into the Ready Room. As Data
leads the way to the turbolift...
MIRASTA
Has there still been no
communication from Commander
Riker, Data?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE 27A.
18 CONTINUED:
DATA
No, Minister. He has not returned
to our designated transport
coordinates. We have continued
to scan the capitol city without
success.
They EXIT into the turbolift...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE 28.
19 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM
Picard pours two glasses from his bottle of Chateau
Picard...
PICARD
I've been saving this for a
special occasion. My brother on
Earth produces fruit known as
grapes which he turns into wine.
He's really quite good at it.
He raises the two glasses... offers one to Durken.
PICARD
We have a tradition, Chancellor,
called a toast... a drink to
salute one's friends and good
fortune. I propose a toast to
a new friendship.
They drink.
DURKEN
(surprised, recognizing
the taste)
We have something very much like
this here on Malcor Three.
PICARD
I am sure we will find much in
common.
DURKEN
And much that is not in common.
PICARD
An opportunity to learn from one
another.
Durken studies Picard, stands, thoughtful...
DURKEN
You speak the language of
diplomacy very well, Captain
Picard... it is a language I
appreciate and understand... but
I have learned to not always trust
it...
PICARD
Trust requires time and
experience...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE 29.
19 CONTINUED:
DURKEN
My world's history has recorded
that conquerors often arrived
with the words, "we are your
friends."
PICARD
Chancellor, we are not here to
conquer.
DURKEN
What do you want?
PICARD
Today, all I wish to have is a
drink between friends.
(Durken smiles)
A beginning. How we proceed is
entirely up to you...
DURKEN
(reacts)
And if my wishes conflict with
yours... ?
PICARD
There will be no conflict.
DURKEN
(only a test)
And if I were to tell you to leave
and never return to my world...
PICARD
We would leave and never return.
(beat)
We are only here to help guide
you... into a new era. I assure
you we will not interfere with
the natural development of your
planet... that is, in fact, our
Prime Directive.
DURKEN
(beat)
I could infer from that directive
that you do not intend to share
all this extraordinary technology
with us...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE 30.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
That is not the whole meaning...
but it is part of it.
DURKEN
Is that your way of maintaining
superiority?
PICARD
To instantly transform a society
with technology would be harmful
and destructive...
DURKEN
(a slow nod)
You're right of course.
(beat)
I am overwhelmed, Captain Picard.
Quite overwhelmed.
(looks out the window)
I come home each night to a loving
wife and two beautiful
daughters... we eat the evening
meal together as a family, I feel
that's important... and they
always ask me if I've had a good
day.
PICARD
How shall you answer them tonight,
Chancellor?
Durken turns...
DURKEN
Well, I'll have to say... this
morning, I was the leader of the
universe as I knew it... this
afternoon, I am only a voice in
a chorus.
(beat, a nod)
But I think it was a good day.
He exchanges a solid look with Picard... and the first
brick of the new foundation is in place. On Picard's
pleased reaction...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT THREE 31.
20 INT. RIKER'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Riker is on his feet, battling the pain in his head and
dizziness... he looks in the closet and finds the
clothes he wore when he was brought in, starts to get
dressed...
21 ANGLE - THE WINDOW
he examines it... it is sealed shut... as he begins
to look for something he can use to break it, a nurse
(LANEL) ENTERS the room. She stops short as she sees
Riker at the window, but instead of crying out for
help, she glances out toward the guard and allows the
door to close with her inside. She is quite nervous.
LANEL
There are guards out there.
You'll never escape that way.
Riker reacts, curious about suddenly having an ally...
LANEL
(tentative)
I'm not afraid of you.
RIKER
Good. Because there's nothing
to be afraid of...
LANEL
We shouldn't fear the unknown.
We should embrace it.
RIKER
Can you help me get out of here?
LANEL
Are you really an alien? It's
all right to tell me.
RIKER
No, I'm not an alien...
LANEL
I don't believe you. You are an
alien.
RIKER
Listen, I really have to leave...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT THREE 32.
21 CONTINUED:
LANEL
I could divert the guard's
attention. You might have a
chance if you took the service
exit down the hall to the left...
RIKER
To the left. All right. Let's
do it.
LANEL
Why should I?
Riker takes a deep breath... moves closer to her...
with dramatic flair...
RIKER
You know why. Because I don't
belong here. Because I have to
get back to my ship in space.
She looks into his eyes.
LANEL
I believe you.
RIKER
Now, will you help me?
LANEL
If you make love to me.
RIKER
What?
LANEL
I've always wanted to make love
with an alien.
RIKER
Listen, Miss...
LANEL
Lanel...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 33.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
I really have to get going... all
the... other aliens are expecting
me...
She moves closer and puts her arms around him...
LANEL
It's not so much to ask. And then
I'll help you escape.
RIKER
It's not that easy. There are...
differences... in the way my
people make love.
LANEL
I can't wait to learn.
RIKER
But...
LANEL
(firm)
It's your only way out of here...
my alien...
He doesn't move to get away.
DISSOLVE TO:
22 OMITTED
23 INT. CORRIDOR
A GUARD is stationed outside Riker's room. Lanel
rushes out, apparently upset...
LANEL
Something's happened to him...
I think he's dead... hurry, go
get help...
The guard rushes down the hallway to the right... after
a beat, she opens the door for Riker...
LANEL
Okay...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 33A.
23 CONTINUED:
He moves out quickly, glances in both directions... He
starts to move, she moves with him a few steps...
LANEL
Will I ever see you again... ?
RIKER
I'll call you next time I'm
passing through your star system.
And he rushes quickly down the hallway as she watches
him go with a sad, satisfied smile.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE 34.
24 ANGLE
shooting past Riker... Nilrem and another physician
turn the corner walking toward him... react as they
see him...
NILREM
Hey!
Riker reacts, sees his escape is blocked... freezes,
turns... Nilrem and the other man run toward him...
NILREM
Stop him! Somebody stop him!
He's escaping! The alien's
escaping!
Riker looks the other way and now A DOZEN OTHERS are
arriving from other directions... people yell, somebody
screams...
VOICES
(ad lib)
He's loose! Get him! Don't let
him get away! Kill him! Stop
him! Where's he going? He's
dangerous! Block the exits!
Knock him down! Kill him!
LANEL
(over the walla)
Leave him alone!
And people are grabbing things... chairs, and bottles
and... and it's funny but not so funny... as this is
turning into a mob scene... Riker takes his best shot
at the doctor with Nilrem... downs him with a solid
blow to the chin and that leads to more noise, yells,
screams... he tries to get to the service exit... as
Nilrem jumps on his back, Riker throws him off, but
the others have arrived and overwhelm him, pummel
him... and he could very likely be dead if it weren't
for the arrival of Berel and Tava...
BEREL
Stop it! All of you! Stop it
now!
His booming voice of authority gets their attention
slowly... and as they release Riker, he looks in worse
shape than before... he falls slowly to the ground...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE 35.
24 CONTINUED:
BEREL
Have you all lost your minds?
He kneels down and looks at Riker's wounds...
TAVA
They've aggravateded the injury
to his telencephalin... he's
bleeding internally...
BEREL
(to orderlies)
Get him into a surgical cubicle...
(to a nurse)
And call Central Security. This
has gone too far.
As the mob dissipates, on Riker...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR 36.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
25 INT. MEDICAL FACILITY - NIGHT
Riker is in surgery... they're working on his forehead
below his hair line... Berel in surgical clothes works
carefully but quickly... but is confused by what he is
encountering... Tava assists... two other medical
assistants are present... with urgency --
BEREL
Recommendation?
TAVA
I don't know... it doesn't match
anything...
BEREL
(interrupting)
Forget your training. What do
you see?
TAVA
The ichor pooling under the
cranial bone... it seems to be
exerting abnormal pressure.
Ordinarily, I'd say we have
to drill to relieve it.
BEREL
Agreed.
(to nurse)
Suction...
She puts an instrument into the wound that we can hear
suck out the blood...
BEREL
(to another nurse)
Three-point-six aspiration drill.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FOUR 37.
25 CONTINUED:
Berel sighs as the nurse hands him a drill, he studies
Riker...
BEREL
I wonder what his own kind would
do for him...
(beat)
I have to believe it'd be better
than this...
As he starts the drill and moves toward Riker's head we
pan away and we hear the drill meet bone... and the pan
ends on a wall with a window.. and standing there
looking through it, watching, is Krola. And as we push
in on him, we can see in his hand is the phaser. As
he glances at it...
26 EXT. CAPITOL CITY (MATTE SHOT) - DAY
27 INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY
The cabinet, including Mirasta and Krola, have just
been told the facts of life by Durken. Durken is on
his feet... the others are seated...
DURKEN
Their leader, Picard, has made
it clear that how we proceed is
entirely our own decision...
KROLA
You cannot possibly be suggesting
surrender, Chancellor...
MIRASTA
They are not hostile...
KROLA
Mirasta, you are incredibly naive.
Can you be so enraptured with the
notion of space travellers that
you are blind to the threat they
represent... ?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 38-38A.
27 CONTINUED:
DURKEN
I have seen their vessel, Krola...
if they chose to be hostile, I
don't think we would be standing
here now...
KROLA
Why should they use force when
we are ready to lay down in
fear...
DURKEN
(angry)
I do not lay down in fear... to
them or to you, Krola.
KROLA
(sincerely)
Chancellor, I mean no disrespect.
But I have repeatedly warned you
about your policies... taking us
so quickly where we had no
business going in the first
place... New philosophies, new
economics, new technologies.
There are many people who still
value our traditional way of
life... and I for one am willing
to die to defend it.
MIRASTA
Open your eyes, Krola. We are
part of a greater community now.
We cannot ignore it.
KROLA
You would ignore them... as they
infiltrate and spy on us...
Mirasta sits up in her chair at the sound of that...
does he know about Riker?
DURKEN
What are you saying, Krola?
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 39.
27 CONTINUED: (3)
KROLA
We have captured one of their
spies.
Reactions.
MIRASTA
Chancellor, he is Captain Picard's
first officer, Commander Riker.
DURKEN
You knew about this?
MIRASTA
He has been missing for two days.
I told Captain Picard not to
discuss it because I was afraid
this is exactly what would
happen...
Durken is furious and disappointed with her, and
expresses it with his eyes...
DURKEN
What else do you know, Mirasta?
Everything.
MIRASTA
(beat)
They've been on our planet,
observing us for several years...
KROLA
Years... Imagine what they have
done... influenced our young,
stirred up dissent...
MIRASTA
They were collecting
information...
Durken holds up his hand to silence her. Softly
controlled, to Krola --
DURKEN
Where is this Commander Riker now?
Krola doesn't immediately answer, stares at Mirasta and
the message is clear... he doesn't trust her to know.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 39A.
27 CONTINUED: (4)
Off the look, Durken turns to Mirasta and in his
softest voice...
DURKEN
You will not discuss this with
Picard or the other aliens. If
you are not comfortable with that,
Mirasta, you may leave now.
She swallows hard, remains. Durken turns back to
Krola, nods go ahead...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 40.
27 CONTINUED: (5)
KROLA
He is at the Sikla Medical
facility, recovering from
surgery... he suffered head
injuries in an attempt to escape.
He will recover consciousness in
a few hours.
Off Durken's reaction...
28 INT. RIKER'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Riker is attached to monitoring equipment, still
unconscious... pull back to see Krola entering with
Berel.
KROLA
Will he survive?
BEREL
I didn't think he would have
survived the injuries. The real
question is can he survive the
treatment..
KROLA
I have to interrogate him before
he dies.
BEREL
At least give him time to regain
some strength. Come back
tomorrow.
KROLA
It cannot wait until tomorrow.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR 41.
28 CONTINUED:
Mirasta ENTERS, reacts as she sees him.
MIRASTA
Krola, we can get help from his
ship. With their medical
technology, he might recover.
KROLA
We're not giving him back. He
is the one advantage we have now.
(to Berel)
Use your drugs to revive him...
BEREL
(reluctant)
Those drugs increase cardial rate
and vascular pressure... that's
the last thing we want to do to
him right now...
MIRASTA
It will probably be enough to kill
him... you can't do it...
KROLA
Revive him.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR 42.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
And Berel is not a forceful man but he is a decent
one... he sort of scratches his cheek and clears his
throat as he takes a beat.
BEREL
I'm just a physician, Minister.
I don't know much about affairs
of state. But he is a living,
intelligent being. I don't care
if the Chancellor himself calls
down here. I have sworn an oath
to do no harm. And I will not.
KROLA
Then I will find someone to
replace you.
Furious, he wheels and EXITS. Mirasta looks at Berel
with great admiration.
BEREL
He won't have any trouble finding
someone, you know.
Mirasta nods, moves closer to Riker, studies him, her
conscience struggling...
29 INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY
Finding Durken silhouetted against the tall window as
he looks out, his hands folded behind his back, a
thoughtful pose. He turns to the sound of the
transporter effect...
30 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as Picard MATERIALIZES.
PICARD
(greeting)
Chancellor...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 43.
30 CONTINUED:
DURKEN
You are punctual, Captain.
PICARD
(toss away)
I know how busy you are.
DURKEN
Do you?
It is an odd response and Picard reacts curiously.
Durken sits and Picard follows.
DURKEN
I think you know a great deal more
about me than I know about you.
PICARD
In what respect?
DURKEN
I can't know what motivates you...
how you make decisions... what
value you place on life... you
speak of trust and peace and
working together to enter a new
era... at the same time you
conduct secret surveillance...
posing as Malcorians...
Picard finally understands...
PICARD
Commander Riker.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
DURKEN
Commander Riker.
PICARD
(beat)
Mirasta felt it would be a
mistake to discuss...
DURKEN
(interrupting)
Yes, she's tried to accept the
responsibility.
Picard takes a long, thoughtful beat... then nods.
Cut your losses and start to rebuild...
PICARD
You're right. It was my error,
not hers.
Picard rises.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
30 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Chancellor, no starship mission
is more dangerous than first
contact. We never know what we
face when we open the door to a
new world. How will we be
greeted? What are the dangers?
Centuries ago, a disastrous first
contact with the Klingon Empire
led to decades of war. It was
decided then that we must do
surveillance before making
contact. It was a controversial
decision. But I believe it
prevents more problems than it
creates.
Durken leans back, more comfortable with what Picard is
saying, but still not satisfied...
DURKEN
I appreciate the logic of your
position, Captain. But it would
seem a full disclosure after
contact would have been in order.
PICARD
(nods)
In time, there would have been
full disclosure. I know I can
only ask you to believe that.
On some worlds, it is not even
an issue. But here, everything
our observers reported suggested
the people of this world would
almost certainly react negatively
to our arrival. We could see
our surveillance might even be
interpreted as an act of
aggression.
(beat)
I was hoping that we would find
Commander Riker before you did...
so the matter would not
complicate our introduction. And
it was a mistake.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
30 CONTINUED: (4)
A more open expression appears on Durken's face... he
almost smiles.
DURKEN
A mistake I might have made in
your place.
(beat)
I rather like it actually.
PICARD
Like it?
DURKEN
That you make mistakes like any
man.
PICARD
Oh, I've made some fine ones in
my time.
There is another connection between the two men that
goes a long way toward healing this rift.
PICARD
Will you release my officer?
And Durken never changes expression and his eyes never
leave Picard's...
DURKEN
We'll talk again later, Captain.
That's the best Picard can do for now. He
acknowledges.
PICARD
(to insignia)
Enterprise, one to beam up.
He DEMATERIALIZES. Durken stares a beat at the empty
space and thinks.
31 INT. RIKER'S ROOM - NIGHT
On Berel who is on a telephone like device.
BEREL
Yes I understand.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
31 CONTINUED:
He hangs up. Turns to Nilrem who is standing with
Mirasta and Krola. In an even voice --
BEREL
I've been relieved of my duties...
as I'm sure you already know.
You are acting director of the
facility, Nilrem.
Nilrem avoids Berel's look. Berel EXITS.
KROLA
Revive him.
After a beat, Mirasta EXITS, frustrated and alarmed...
and as Nilrem prepares a syringe... push in on Riker
and...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
32 EXT. CAPITOL CITY - DAY (MATTE SHOT)
33 INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY
Close on Riker's bandaged face as he regains
consciousness... he is in bad shape... the pain in his
head is suffocating and yet the drugs in his system
won't let him rest... there is a drugged intensity in
his eyes... on the monitors, graphs measuring his life
signs make beeping sounds which move more quickly as
the drugs take hold. He cannot raise his head. As we
pull back, he sees Krola and Nilrem.
KROLA
(to Nilrem)
Leave us.
Nilrem EXITS. Krola moves closer to Riker. He is
deceptively calm, sympathetic.
KROLA
I am Minister Krola from Internal
Security. You are Riker, an
alien...
Riker's eyes narrow.
KROLA
Yes, we know.
Riker struggles to speak...
RIKER
Please. Bring my people here.
The beep on the monitor skips a beat. Riker blinks
with the shock of his internal agony.
KROLA
In time. In time. But first,
I need to ask you some
questions...
34 INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY
As Mirasta ENTERS...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 49.
34 CONTINUED:
MIRASTA
Thank you for seeing me.
Durken looks at her, still disappointed.
DURKEN
If I did not depend so much on
your expertise in space matters,
I would have asked for your
resignation.
MIRASTA
I felt I was acting in the best
interests of our people,
Chancellor.
DURKEN
(sharp)
When you are selected to occupy
this office, then you'll have the
privilege of deciding the best
interests of our people.
(softens, personal)
Picard, I can excuse. But you,
Mirasta, you should have trusted
me.
Her eyes drop, she nods, understands.
MIRASTA
(beat)
Chancellor -- we must release
Riker to Picard... Any hope for
a relationship with these people
depends on it...
Durken knows what's she's after, shakes his head.
DURKEN
I cannot afford to be the idealist
you are, Mirasta.
MIRASTA
Riker...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
DURKEN
(interrupting)
I am prepared to release Riker
after we've interrogated him...
MIRASTA
Are you prepared for him to die,
Chancellor?
(off Durken's look)
His injuries are extremely
serious. A mob at the medical
facility almost killed him. Krola
has ordered drugs to be used to
revive him for questioning, drugs
that are dangerous in his
condition. Without medical aid
from his ship, I believe Riker
will not survive the day. You
must tell Picard where he is.
Off Durken's look...
35 INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY
The interrogation continues. Riker is exhausted.
KROLA
You have lied since the moment
of your capture... and I believe
you are lying now, Commander.
RIKER
We... are here on a mission of
peace...
KROLA
Such noble creatures.
He pulls out the phaser.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
35 CONTINUED:
KROLA
Why do peaceful people develop
such lethal weapons?
Riker looks at the phaser...
KROLA
(continuing)
Or do you still insist it is a
toy?
36 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Krola aims it at a lamp in the corner and destroys it.
KROLA
Yes, my experts were able to make
it function. An interesting toy
to be sure.
RIKER
It is... for defense...
The beeper on the medical monitor flutters... Riker's
eyelids come halfway down... Krola glances at the
machines...
KROLA
Perhaps, like many conquerors,
you believe your goals to be
benevolent. I cannot. For
however you would describe your
intentions, you still represent
the end to my way of life. I
cannot permit that to occur.
Riker reacts, puzzled. Explaining --
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
36 CONTINUED:
KROLA
Eventually, Durken would choose
to welcome your people with arms
open and eyes closed. I must
force him down another path.
He puts the phaser in Riker's limp hand... aims it at
himself...
KROLA
When they find us, I will be dead,
killed by your weapon. The lines
will be drawn. A peaceful accord
will no longer be an option.
Struggling for one word...
RIKER
No...
KROLA
(quietly)
For my people.
A calm smile comes to his lips... and he presses
Riker's finger on the phaser, fires at himself. He
goes down.
36A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
36B INT. READY ROOM
Picard studying something on his computer.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Captain, Chancellor Durken has
requested your immediate presence
on the surface. It's in regard
to Commander Riker.
Picard is already on his way out the door...
PICARD
Acknowledged, Lieutenant.
... and he's out.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 52A.
36C INT. RIKER'S ROOM
Riker struggles to reach out toward the phone device...
but the sound of the VITAL SIGN MONITOR STUTTERS...
and he collapses... as we PAN to a monitor displaying
very low peaks, widely separated...
37 A MATCHING MONITOR
at a station in a corridor... manned by Tava and
Nilrem, a few medical personnel around, reacting...
TAVA
(urgent)
Life signs failing on one...
Nilrem just looks at her... rushing past him...
TAVA
... he's dying, Nilrem... you
can't just stand here... or can
you... ?
She runs down the hall, Nilrem finally follows along
with two others...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/3/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
38 INT. RIKER'S ROOM
As they ENTER... react to the scene before them...
TAVA
What... ?
NILREM
(adding it up)
He shot him. The alien shot
Krola...
Tava goes to Riker as Nilrem goes down to see if Krola
is alive... everybody moving with expert efficiency,
controlled chaos...
TAVA NILREM
Get me three octares I have a circulation
of adrulmine... high pattern, very weak...
frequency E-M charge we need to get him
unit... now! on vital buffers right
now...
They turn and react frozen in terror to the sound of...
39 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Beverly, a MALE STARFLEET NURSE and Worf
MATERIALIZING... she goes directly to Riker and uses
the tricorder to assess his condition... Tava and
Nilrem back away in fear...
BEVERLY
I'm a physician... don't be
frightened...
(seeing Krola)
What happened?
NILREM
(terrified)
The... he shot him...
(re: phaser)
with that thing...
The nurse goes to Krola. Beverly gives Riker an air
hypo...
BEVERLY
(keys insignia)
Crusher to Picard.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 53A.
39A INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE
Picard is with Durken and Mirasta.
PICARD
Go ahead, Doctor.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Commander Riker is near death.
But there is still brain
activity... I've got to take
him back to the ship...
PICARD
Acknowledged.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Minister Krola has a phaser wound
in his upper chest.
Reactions from Picard, Mirasta, Durken.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
I should take him with us.
PICARD
(tacit approval)
We'll meet you on the
Enterprise.
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
39B INT. RIKER'S ROOM (OPTICAL)
BEVERLY
Enterprise, five to beam up...
directly to Sickbay...
energize...
They DEMATERIALIZE. On Tava and Nilrem's reaction...
40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
41 INT. SICKBAY
Picard escorts Mirasta and Durken in... Beverly greets
them...
BEVERLY
They're both going to be okay...
we were able to stabilize Will...
if we'd been any later...
The ending is obvious...
DURKEN
Krola?
BEVERLY
He was never in any real danger...
the phaser was on stun...
MIRASTA
Stun?
PICARD
It is a defensive weapon. We do
not use it to kill.
(to Beverly)
Have you been able to ascertain
what happened?
BEVERLY
I have a good idea. Based on the
angle of impact... it suggests
that Krola had his right hand on
the phaser when it went off...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
41 CONTINUED:
DURKEN
They were struggling for the
weapon?
BEVERLY
(shakes her head)
Commander Riker was in no position
to offer any kind of struggle,
Chancellor.
MIRASTA
Krola was trying to be a
martyr... ?
Durken takes a deep breath... moves over to Krola...
who opens his eyes... sees where he is. Durken takes
his hand, holds it in his two hands.
KROLA
Where is this?
DURKEN
(gently, with a sad
smile)
You are aboard the starship, my
foolish old friend.
KROLA
No. Chancellor... you must not...
you must not pursue relations with
them... you must not...
Durken pats his hand... nods...
DURKEN
(softly)
I know. I know.
42 INT. READY ROOM
Mirasta, Durken, Picard.
MIRASTA
But Chancellor...
DURKEN
Mirasta, it goes against every
instinct in my being...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
42 CONTINUED:
DURKEN (Cont'd)
(to Picard)
... but my people are not ready
to accept what you represent.
Everything that happened at the
hospital proves it. Krola is the
best evidence of all. We must
slow down and allow all those like
him to join us in the present
before we move into the future.
MIRASTA
But when we encounter other beings
in space, our people must be
ready...
DURKEN
The warp program will have to be
delayed... we will divert more
resources into education and
social development to prepare for
the day when we are ready.
MIRASTA
Chancellor, I strongly disagree.
DURKEN
(nods, sadly)
I know.
(beat)
Captain Picard, you once said that
if I ask you to leave, you would
without hesitation. I'm afraid
I must ask you to do just that.
PICARD
It is your decision, Chancellor.
But I must say I regret that we
won't have the opportunity of
knowing your people better.
DURKEN
(acknowledges)
We are a good people, Captain.
A society with much potential.
Once we cross this threshold of
space, we will have to give up
the self-importance, the conceit
that we are the center of the
universe.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE 57.
42 CONTINUED: (2)
DURKEN (Cont'd)
But this is not the time. For
now, it is better that we continue
to enjoy that sweet innocence.
PICARD
But how can you keep us a
secret... when so many have seen
and heard so much?
DURKEN
The stories will be told for many
years, I have no doubt... of the
ship that made contact... of an
alien who was held prisoner in
a medical facility... there will
be charges of a government
cover-up... some of the witnesses
will tell their tales and most
people will laugh at them and go
back and watch more interesting
fiction on the daily broadcasts.
It will pass.
MIRASTA
I'm sorry to say... he's probably
right.
Picard rises.
MIRASTA
Captain, I have one last
request... take me with you.
Picard reacts, glances at Durken.
DURKEN
(tacit approval)
She will be unhappy with the
restrictions I must place on her
at home, Captain.
PICARD
(to Mirasta)
We may not be back in your
lifetime. And I have to believe
that you are not fully prepared
for the risks of space, Mirasta...
STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE 58.
42 CONTINUED: (3)
MIRASTA
I have been prepared for the risks
of space since I was nine years
old sitting in a planetarium.
PICARD
Mister Worf, to my Ready Room...
Worf ENTERS.
PICARD
Escort Chancellor Durken to the
transporter room, Lieutenant...
and then assign quarters to
Minister Yale. She'll be staying
on board.
WORF
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Until we return then...
DURKEN
With luck, we will both still
be around to renew our friendship,
Captain.
As they EXIT...
43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As the ship slowly moves out of orbit, leaving the
planet behind.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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