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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Darmok"
#40275-202
Written by
Joe Menosky
Directed by
Rick Kolbe
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
JULY 8, 1991
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Darmok"
CAST
PICARD CAPTAIN DATHON
RIKER TAMARIAN FIRST OFFICER
DATA
BEVERLY
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
Non-Speaking
O'BRIEN TAMARIAN OFFICERS
ALIEN CREATURE
ENSIGN LEFLER
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
N.D. FEMALE SECURITY OFFICER
SHUTTLE CO-PILOT
N.D. MALE OFFICE
SHUTTLE PASSENGER
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Darmok"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM TAMARIAN STARSHIP
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
ENGINEERING PLANET EL-ADREL
TRANSPORTER ROOM PLANET SURFACE
SHUTTLE
TAMARIAN BRIDGE
(ON VIEWSCREEN)
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Darmok"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ANNULAR ann-YOU-ler
ANZO AHN-zoe
BAHAR buh-HAHR
BAKOR bah-CORE
CALLIMAS kah-lee-MAHS
CHENZA CHEN-zuh
DARMOK dahr-MOCK
DATHON DAY-thahn
EL-ADREL el-AH-drel
GALLOS GAHL-ohs
JIRI JEE-ree
JALAD juh-LAHD
KADIR kuh-DEER
KANDA KAHN-duh
KANZA KAHN-zuh
KITEO key-TAY-oh
KITUAY KI-too-AY
LASHMIR lahsh-MEER
LERISHI LEHR-ish-ee
LOWANI low-AH-nee
LUNGHA LOON-guh
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - PRONUNCIATION
CONTINUED:
MALINDI muh-LIN-dee
MIRAB mee-RAHB
MO MOTEH moe-moe-TAY
RAI RIE
RAZNA RAHZ-nuh
SHAKA SHAH-kah
SHANTIL SHAHN-till
SHIKU MARU SHEE-koo mah-ROO
SOKATH soh-KAHTH
TAMA TAH-mah
TAMARIAN tah-MAH-rian
TANAGRA tuh-NAH-gruh
TEMARC teh-MARK
TEMBA TEM-buh
UBAYA oo-BUY-uh
UZANI oo-ZAH-nee
ZIMA ZEE-mah
ZINDA ZIN-dah
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Darmok"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Travelling at warp speed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 45047.2.
The Enterprise is en route to an
uninhabited planet in the El-Adrel
system. The location is mid-way
between Federation space and the
territory occupied by an enigmatic
race known as "The Children of
Tama."
2 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
PICARD, RIKER, TROI, DATA and WORF. The Enterprise is
at warp. A schematic of a Tamarian spacecraft is
displayed at Data's end of the table.
PICARD
The Tamarians apparently arrived
at El-Adrel Four nearly three
weeks ago. They've been
transmitting a subspace signal
toward Federation space ever
since.
DATA
The signal is a standard
mathematical progression. It does
not carry a specific message.
RIKER
But they want us to know they're
there.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - TEASER 1A.
2 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Apparently so. Starfleet
believes their presence is an
attempt to start a dialogue.
(to Data)
Commander.
Data indicates the graphic display -- the ship is
formidable looking, covered with alien lettering.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Federation vessels have
encountered Tamarian ships seven
times over the past one hundred
years. Each meeting was without
incident, but formal relations
were never established because
communication was not possible.
RIKER
Why?
DATA
The Children of Tama were called
"incomprehensible" by Captain
Silvestri of the Shiku Maru.
Other accounts are comparable.
WORF
A cause for concern. For all
we know, they are threatening
our border.
TROI
Everything in the previous
encounters suggests a peaceable
race. We have to start from
there.
PICARD
Agreed. I appreciate your
prudence, Lieutenant Worf. But
given the evidence, Starfleet has
arrived at a reasonable
conclusion. The Tamarians have
extended a hand -- we must do the
same.
A beat as Worf lets it go for now. Riker turns to the
graphic display.
RIKER
The "Children of Tama." I've
heard rumors about them for years.
PICARD
As have I, Number One.
Picard glances at the graphic of the Tamarian ship.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(continuing)
Are they truly "incomprehensible"?
In my experience, communication
is a function of patience and
imagination. I'd like to think
we have both qualities in
sufficient measure.
3 ANGLE ON THE TAMARIAN GRAPHIC
A beat on the mysterious, powerful-looking vessel.
4 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise and a Tamarian starship, as formidable
as the graphic, slightly more robust than our own
craft. The ships are facing each other, in orbit above
a reddish planet.
5 INT. BRIDGE - THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
displays a TAMARIAN -- CAPTAIN DATHON -- flanked by
his FIRST OFFICER, and TWO OTHER OFFICERS. Their
uniforms are rich with insignia -- and each wears a
small ceremonial dagger across his or her chest. But
all look the very embodiment of "well-meaning."
DATHON
... Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai
of Lowani. Lowani under two
moons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya of
crossed roads. At Lungha.
Lungha. Her sky grey.
He smiles in all friendliness, as if waiting for a
response.
6 THE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf. All are staring at the
viewscreen, a stupefied expression on each face. Data
cocks his head in the android equivalent.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - TEASER 4.
6 CONTINUED:
DATHON
(continuing;
re-emphasizing)
Rai and Jiri. At Lungha...
A beat. Picard glances at Troi.
PICARD
Counselor...
TROI
I'm picking up nothing but good
intentions, Captain.
PICARD
Data?
DATA
The Tamarian seems to be stating
the proper names of individuals
and locations.
PICARD
But what does it all mean?
DATA
I am at a loss, sir.
Picard faces the alien on the viewscreen.
PICARD
(to screen)
Captain, I invite you to consider
the creation of a mutual
non-aggression pact between our
two peoples. Possibly leading
to a trade agreement and cultural
interchange. Does this sound like
a reasonable course of action?
7 INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Now it's the Tamarians' turn to stare open-mouthed.
They haven't a clue...
The First Officer turns to Captain Dathon.
FIRST OFFICER
Kadir beneath Mo Moteh.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED:
The other officers laugh -- but the Captain doesn't
find it funny.
DATHON
The river Temarc.
The officers immediately stop their laughter -- as if
ordered to.
DATHON
(continuing; for
emphasis)
In winter.
His officers look sheepish.
8 RESUME BRIDGE
Picard and Riker exchange a glance.
PICARD
Impressions, Number One.
RIKER
They seem to be trying their best.
PICARD
As are we. For what it's worth.
WORF
(indicating screen)
Captain.
Picard and Riker look up at the screen.
9 THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Where the aliens appear to be having a spirited
discussion amongst themselves.
DATHON
Darmok.
The First Officer looks very concerned -- objects.
FIRST OFFICER
Darmok? Rai and Jiri at Lungha.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - TEASER 6.
9 CONTINUED:
DATHON
(shrugs)
Shaka. When the walls fell...
FIRST OFFICER
Zima at Anzo. Zima and Bakor.
DATHON
(firm)
Darmok at Tanagra.
FIRST OFFICER
Shaka!
(indicates situation)
Mirab. His sails unfurled.
DATHON
Darmok.
FIRST OFFICER
Mir--
DATHON
--Temarc!
The First Officer shuts up.
DATHON
The river Temarc...
The First Officer bows his head in complete compliance
-- he's lost the argument.
Captain Dathon reaches out and takes the First
Officer's ceremonial DAGGER.
10 INCLUDE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard watches as the alien captain turns to him -- now
armed with two daggers.
DATHON
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
A beat. Suddenly both Picard and the Tamarian Captain
DEMATERIALIZE in a transporter beam.
RIKER
Block their transporter with the
shields! Extend to maximum range!
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER 7.
10 CONTINUED:
Picard completely disappears as Worf hits his console.
WORF
Not enough time!
RIKER
(to Data)
Where is he?
DATA
(off instruments)
The Tamarians have transported
Captain Picard to the surface.
With their own captain...
RIKER
(touches insignia)
Riker to O'Brien --
DATA
-- Transport will not be possible,
Commander. The Tamarian ship has
created a particle scattering
field in the planet's ionosphere.
Riker looks at the viewscreen -- which goes back to an
image of the Tamarian ship.
11 EXT. PLANET
A desert filled with scrub-brush and rock. Picard and
the Tamarian Captain are facing each other, separated
by thirty feet of bare ground. Two daggers are in the
alien's hands.
OFF Picard's expression: "What the hell is this all
about?"
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
12 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
and the Tamarian ship, facing each other in orbit above
the planet.
13 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, Troi, Worf.
RIKER
Riker to Captain Picard...
(no response)
Captain, do you read me?
Riker turns to Data.
RIKER
(continuing)
Can we compensate?
DATA
(off instruments)
No, sir. The Tamarians are
projecting a particle sustaining
beam into the upper atmosphere.
The result is a hyperionization
that disrupts virtually all EM
and subspace carriers.
Riker thinks for a moment.
RIKER
That means they can't communicate
with their man, either. Or beam
anybody through the field.
DATA
That is correct. However, they
have left sensor frequencies
clear.
RIKER
So they can read what's going on?
Analysis, Mister Worf. What the
hell is going on?
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT ONE 9.
13 CONTINUED:
WORF
(shrugs)
A contest, perhaps.
(in explanation)
Between champions. Our captain
against theirs.
Riker considers this for a moment.
RIKER
(remembering)
Theirs was armed...
OFF everyone's reaction.
14 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
Picard and the alien captain are still thirty feet
apart, facing each other.
DATHON
Darmok and Jalad.
The Tamarian extends the dagger-like weapon he took
from his first officer, as if offering it to Picard.
PICARD
(re: the weapon)
You expect me to fight -- is that
it? A challenge?
DATHON
Darmok and Jalad.
PICARD
I don't know who or what Darmok
and Jalad are. But I didn't come
here to start a war.
Picard makes no move to accept the weapon.
DATHON
(insistent)
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
PICARD
I refuse.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT ONE 10.
14 CONTINUED:
Picard crosses his arms. The Tamarian stares for a
beat, then tosses the weapon toward Picard, landing it
a couple of feet away from him. Picard doesn't even
look at it.
PICARD
(continuing)
Would you attack an unarmed man,
Captain? There's not much of a
challenge in that.
The alien watches him for a moment. Scowls. The
Tamarian takes his own weapon out of its chest sheath,
points at the one in front of Picard.
DATHON
Temba. His arms wide.
PICARD
(shakes head)
I'm sorry, Captain.
Picard picks up the weapon, tosses it back in front of
the alien.
They stare at each other for a few beats. The
Tamarian looks frustrated. He reaches down, picks up
the dagger.
DATHON
(almost to himself)
Shaka... When the walls fell...
He moves slowly off toward the edge of the clearing,
keeping an eye on Picard all the way. Picard does the
same, moving toward the opposite end of the clearing.
The Tamarian now ignores Picard completely and starts
clearing out rocks to form a campground. Picard
watches for a few beats. Then starts to do the same.
15 INT. BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION
Data looks up from his instruments. Riker is standing
behind him, waiting for Data's report.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT ONE 11.
15 CONTINUED:
DATA
Sensors show the captain and the
Tamarian in apparent good health,
approximately twenty meters from
each other.
Everyone considers Data's words. A beat as Riker
thinks for a moment.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Lieutenant, hail the Tamarian
ship.
Worf works the panel.
WORF
On screen.
16 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Tamarian First Officer in his chair, surrounded by
his senior staff. All are grim-faced.
RIKER
(to screen)
You are holding our captain. I
want him released.
FIRST OFFICER
Darmok at Tanagra.
RIKER
Your actions can be interpreted
as an act of war.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT ONE 12.
16 CONTINUED:
FIRST OFFICER
(to his staff)
Kiteo. His eyes closed.
(to Riker)
Chenza at court. The court of
silence.
(flash of anger)
Chenza...
RIKER
(to Data)
Is there any way to get through
to them?
DATA
Not without further study.
Riker stares at the viewscreen for a long beat.
RIKER
Mister Worf, close the channel.
WORF
Gladly, sir.
Worf touches the console and the viewscreen switches to
the image of the Tamarian ship.
RIKER
(to Worf)
I want you and a security team
to take a shuttle down to the
planet. Bring back the captain.
WORF
Aye, Commander.
Worf heads for the turbolift.
DATA
Sir, the Tamarians are fully
capable of stopping a shuttle.
RIKER
I'm aware of that. But disrupting
our transporter beam is one thing.
Firing on a shuttle is something
else entirely. I'm betting
they're not gonna push it that
far.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE 13.
17 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT
18 CLOSE ON A STICK
being twirled by Picard's hands. As a slight tendril
of smoke rises off a small pile of straw...
19 REVEAL PICARD
working the stick. He quickly drops it, blows on the
straw, adding more material, until he has a small fire
going... which quickly sputters out.
Picard scowls, looks over across the clearing.
20 THE TAMARIAN
is staring back at him, sitting next to a roaring
campfire. He smiles at Picard's failed attempt.
DATHON
Shaka. When the walls fell.
21 INCLUDE PICARD
not pleased with the situation.
PICARD
"Shaka" indeed.
Picard stands, giving up on the fire.
PICARD
(continuing)
What now, Captain? Will you
attack me in my sleep?
Picard rubs his arms against the growing chill.
PICARD
(exaggerating)
If I don't freeze to death
first...
DATHON
Darmok of Kanza. Jalad of the
Kituay.
Picard thinks a moment.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE 14.
21 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Picard of the Federation.
The Tamarian looks at him blankly.
PICARD
(continuing)
Of the starship Enterprise... Of
the planet Earth...
Picard's words mean nothing to the alien.
DATHON
(to himself)
Kadir beneath Mo Moteh...
The Tamarian shrugs, turns away, ignoring Picard. He
adds some wood to his fire, then crouches on his
haunches like a Bedouin. He takes five ornamental
objects off of his garments, carefully placing them on
the ground.
22 THE TAMARIAN
begins a strange ritual, alternately picking up one or
more of the objects and dropping them on the ground,
touching his forehead after each pattern formed by
their fall. His manner is not particularly religious
-- more like habit or custom done without much thought.
23 PICARD
watches with curiosity. He rubs his arms unconsciously
against the chill.
24 THE SCENE
The alien finishes his ritual, leaving the objects on
the ground. He glances over at Picard -- who is
walking back and forth, keeping his blood going. The
Tamarian turns from him, laying down in front of the
fire.
25 THE TAMARIAN
closes his eyes, attempting to sleep. A couple of
beats later, his eyes open. He rolls over, looks back
at Picard.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT ONE 15.
26 THE TAMARIAN'S POV
Picard isn't life-threatened by the cold -- but he
looks increasingly uncomfortable. It's going to be a
miserable night.
27 RESUME THE TAMARIAN
He sighs -- with a hint of guilt. The alien sits up,
pokes around the fire until he pulls out a branch
burning at one end only.
28 THE SCENE
The Tamarian stands with the flame-tipped wood, and
in one smooth motion, hurls it end over end across the
clearing -- where it lands at Picard's feet.
DATHON
Temba.
Picard looks down at the branch, then back up at the
Tamarian, who is watching him. Picard picks it up.
PICARD
(continuing)
Temba? What do you mean? Fire?
Temba means fire?
DATHON
Temba. His arms wide.
PICARD
Temba is a person? His arms are
wide. Because he's holding
them apart? In generosity?
In giving? In taking?
Dathon indicates the branch.
DATHON
Temba. His arms wide.
Picard gives up on the specific meaning for now. The
gift is progress in any case.
PICARD
Thank you.
(indicates branch)
Thank you.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE 16.
29 PICARD
holds the brand to his pile of straw and it immediately
ignites. He adds kindling and branches and quickly has
a cheery fire. He looks back toward the alien.
30 PICARD'S POV
The Tamarian appears to be fast asleep.
31 RESUME PICARD
as he watches the alien for a few moments. OFF the
thoughtful look on his face.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
above the planet, head-to-head with the Tamarian ship.
A SHUTTLECRAFT is leaving the Enterprise.
RIKER (V.O.)
First Officer's log, supplemental.
I am sending a shuttlecraft to
find Captain Picard, gambling that
the Tamarians will back down
rather than risk an exchange of
phaser fire. But I feel like I'm
playing a deadly game -- the
captain's life is the prize, and
I still don't know the rules.
33 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Worf is at the controls, one N.D. SECURITY OFFICER
(female) is in the co-pilot position.
WORF
(off instruments)
The positron density is point zero
one three. Electron concentration
is seven point nine-five.
34 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, and Troi.
WORF'S COM VOICE
(heavily fritzed)
We are two hundred fifty
kilometers from the planet's
surface.
DATA
The shuttle has reached the E
region of the planet's ionosphere.
RIKER
How long can we maintain
communications?
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 18.
34 CONTINUED:
DATA
The scattering layer induced by
the Tamarians is concentrated in
the upper D region. The shuttle
will enter that area in
approximately two minutes.
35 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Tamarian vessel, hanging silently in front of them.
RIKER
The Tamarian ship?
DATA
Unchanged, sir. They appear to
be making no attempt to stop us.
Riker considers this for a moment as he stares at the
viewscreen.
RIKER
Maybe we called their bluff.
36 INT. SHUTTLE
Worf works the controls.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(extremely fritzed)
Status, Mister Worf.
WORF
Navigational, life-support,
propulsion normal. Onboard
systems do not appear to be
disrupted by the field. But I
can barely read you, Commander.
37 INT. BRIDGE
RIKER
(to com)
Acknowledged, Lieutenant.
Maintain contact as long as
conditions permit --
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 19.
37 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off instruments)
-- Commander! I am reading a
power surge in the Tamarian plasma
reactor.
RIKER
(to com)
Mister Worf! Evasive maneuver
sequence delta!
38 INT. SHUTTLE
Worf at the controls. Riker's voice is barely
understandable.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(totally fritzed)
-- Maneuver sequence delta!
Maneuver sequence --
39 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
A single, tiny, phaser beam burst fires from the
Tamarian ship, away from both vessels, down toward the
planet.
39A EXT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
as it gets HIT by the phaser.
40 INT. SHUTTLE
The BLAST rocks the shuttle. Worf and company nearly
fall from their seats.
41 INT. BRIDGE
DATA
(off instruments)
Commander, the shuttle has been
hit.
RIKER
Damage.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 19A.
41 CONTINUED:
DATA
The starboard nacelle has been
rendered inoperable.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 20.
41 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(surprised)
That's all?
(to com)
Riker to Lieutenant Worf.
42 INT. SHUTTLE
The crew has recovered from the blast.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(fritzed)
Report.
WORF
(to com)
Starboard thrusters destroyed.
Commander, I may be able to land.
I will not be able to take off.
43 INT. BRIDGE
RIKER
(to com)
Understood, Lieutenant. Return
to the Enterprise.
44 INT. SHUTTLE
Worf plots a course.
WORF
Aye, sir.
45 INT. BRIDGE
Riker turns to Data.
RIKER
Enough to make them turn back,
but not enough to hurt them.
DATA
Yes, sir. The phaser pulse
appears to have been carefully
attenuated for just that effect.
Riker looks up at the viewscreen.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 21.
46 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Tamarian ship.
RIKER
(begrudgingly)
Nice shooting...
47 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Riker, Data, Troi, GEORDI, Worf.
Geordi is indicating a graphic display of the planet's
upper atmosphere -- a glowing umbrella effect indicates
the spread of the Tamarian scattering field. Graphic
representations of the Enterprise and the Tamarian ship
are in orbit above it.
GEORDI
I'm pretty sure I can punch up
the annular confinement beam --
enough to transport the captain
through the field. But it's gonna
take a full day at least.
TROI
Captain Picard could be dead by
then.
WORF
I do not believe so.
They turn to him in surprise.
WORF
(continuing)
I have confidence in his ability
as a warrior. He will be
victorious.
TROI
You're still assuming this is some
sort of a challenge ritual. We
can't be certain of that.
RIKER
Agreed. We're making educated
guesses about their motivations
-- no more than that.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 22.
47 CONTINUED:
WORF
Then why do we wait? If we attack
the ship directly, they will be
unable to maintain the scattering
field.
RIKER
Which could start a shooting
match, and for all we know, a war.
And we still might not be able
to save the captain.
WORF
It will end this stalemate.
RIKER
There's too much at risk. I'll
take that course when it's the
only one left.
A silent beat as Riker looks around the room, the
frustration obvious in his voice.
RIKER
(continuing)
Who the hell are these people?
There's got to be some way to get
through to them.
DATA
As I have said, with further study
it may be possible to --
RIKER
-- Then do it.
(to Troi)
Deanna, help him. I want
something by oh-nine hundred
hours.
The meeting's over. Riker gets up and leaves, Worf and
Geordi follow him out.
OFF a glance between Data and Troi -- they've got a
daunting task in front of them.
48 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
Picard is curled up asleep by the now burned-out
campfire. He takes a ragged breath, his eyes open.
Picard sits up, takes in his surroundings, glances
across the clearing.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 22A.
49 PICARD'S POV
The alien's campsite is empty -- the Tamarian is
nowhere to be seen.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 23.
50 RESUME
Picard stands, dusting himself off, still looking
across the clearing.
PICARD
(to himself)
Where have you gone to, my friend?
Picard stares for another beat, glances around, doesn't
see anybody, and makes a decision.
He strides away from his campsite, crosses the
clearing, looking around at each step for the alien.
Picard arrives at the campsite, pausing at the rocks
that have been piled around it. Still no sign of the
Tamarian. Picard looks at the campsite -- several
personal objects appear to have been left. He can't
resist.
PICARD
(to himself)
Forgive the intrusion, Captain.
But I need some answers.
Picard steps over the rock perimeter. He moves to the
burned out campfire and crouches down.
51 CLOSE ON THE CEREMONIAL OBJECTS
Two of the small pieces the Tamarian worked the ritual
with the previous night. Picard's hand reaches down
and picks one of them up.
52 RESUME
Picard turns it over in his hand, studying it. The
object is metallic and crystalline, dull like lead
rather than shining, but has a beauty nonetheless.
He puts it down. Something catches his eye a few feet
away...
52A PICARD'S POV -- A BOOK
belonging to the alien captain -- the same type of
lettering on the Tamarian ship adorns its cover.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO 24.
52A RESUME
Picard reacts. OFF the look of curiosity on his face.
INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Data and Troi are at the table, facing a computer
monitor. The monitor is running a recording of the
first encounter with the Tamarians, as seen on the
bridge viewscreen.
DATHON
(firm)
Darmok at Tanagra.
FIRST OFFICER
Shaka!
(indicates situation)
Mirab. His sails unfurled.
DATHON
Darmok.
DATA
Freeze.
The computer freeze-frames the scene.
TROI
"Darmok." It seems to be a point
of contention between them.
Perhaps something the Tamarian
captain proposed but his First
Officer didn't like?
DATA
The apparent emotional dynamic
does seem to support that
assumption. As with the other
terms used by the Tamarian, it
appears to be a proper noun. The
name clearly carries a meaning
for them.
TROI
Computer, search for the term
"Darmok" in all linguistic
databases compiled for this
sector.
COMPUTER VOICE
Searching...
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 25.
53 CONTINUED:
They wait a moment.
COMPUTER VOICE
(continuing)
"Darmok" is the name of a seventh
dynasty emperor on Kanda Four...
Troi and Data exchange an excited glance -- a
breakthrough? Then...
COMPUTER VOICE
(continuing)
A mytho-historical hunter on
Shantil Three... A colony on
Malindi Seven...
Troi's face falls -- Data gives the android equivalent.
COMPUTER VOICE
(continuing)
A frozen dessert on Razna Five...
A --
TROI
-- Stop search. Computer, how
many entries for "Darmok"?
COMPUTER VOICE
Forty-seven.
A beat. Troi stares at Data for a moment, shakes her
head.
TROI
(continuing)
All our technology and experience:
our universal translator, our
years in space -- contacts with
more alien cultures than I can
remember...
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO 26.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I have encountered one-thousand,
seven-hundred, fifty-four
non-Human races during my tenure
with Starfleet.
TROI
(smiling)
... and we still can't even say
"hello" to these people.
DATA
That is correct.
TROI
A single word can lead to tragedy.
A word misspoken, misunderstood.
(re: Tamarians on
screen)
That could happen here, Data.
If you and I fail...
Troi and Data exchange a look. Data turns to the
monitor.
DATA
Replay at time index
one-four-four.
The video monitor starts the replay at the same place
we opened the scene.
DATHON
(firm)
Darmok at Tanagra.
DATA
Freeze.
The image freezes.
DATA
Computer, search for the term
"Tanagra." All databases.
COMPUTER VOICE
Searching... Tanagra is the name
of the ruling family on Gallos
Two...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 27.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
COMPUTER VOICE (Cont'd)
A ceremonial drink on Lerishi
Four... An island-continent on
Shantil Three --
DATA
(immediately)
-- Stop.
TROI
(excited)
Shantil Three? Computer, cross-
reference the last entry with
the previous search index.
COMPUTER VOICE
"Darmok" is the name of a
mytho-historical hunter on Shantil
Three.
Troi turns to Data.
TROI
I think we've got something.
54 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
Picard is still standing ALONE in the alien's campsite.
In his hands is the book, and he is pouring through
it with great interest.
55 CLOSE ON THE BOOK
A thin notebook of high-tech material. On its pages is
a jumble of Tamarian writing, reminiscent of the
lettering on the Tamarian ship. Picard's fingers
carefully, respectfully turn the pages. The last entry
ends in the middle of the page.
56 RESUME
PICARD
(to himself)
A captain's log... ?
DATHON (o.s.)
(shouting)
Darmok!
It's so loud and near, Picard drops the book, startled
--looking towards the source of the shout.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO 28.
57 INCLUDE THE TAMARIAN
flying over the perimeter of the campsite, daggers in
both hands. He violently extends one hand to Picard.
DATHON
(continuing)
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra!
PICARD
(indicating campsite)
I was curious. I meant no harm.
DATHON
Shaka!
He practically shoves the weapon in Picard's hand.
DATHON
(continuing)
Temba! His arms wide! Temba---
Picard takes a step backwards -- angered by the
insistence.
PICARD
--Enough! I'm not going to
fight you. You'll just have to---
A TREMENDOUS ANIMAL ROAR sounds offscreen. Picard
whips around at the noise. The Tamarian is not
surprised -- this is what he's been agitated about.
DATHON
(re: noise;
matter-of-factly)
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Another terrifying roar -- closer.
OFF the stunned look on Picard's face.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
58 INT. BRIDGE
Worf glances up in alarm from his post.
WORF
Commander! Sensors are picking
up an electromagnetic disturbance
-- approaching the captain's
position.
RIKER
Analysis?
WORF
(off instruments)
A variable induction field...
possibly a life-form.
RIKER
How close is it to the captain?
WORF
The field is erratic -- appearing
and disappearing -- but it seems
to be moving toward him.
RIKER
Attacking?
OFF Worf's look at Riker -- that's a reasonable
assumption.
59 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)
Another ROAR -- and a strange low CRACKLING. Picard
and the Tamarian both are facing toward the still
unseen source. The alien turns to Picard, gravely
offering him the dagger.
DATHON
(urgent)
Temba. His arms wide.
PICARD
I'll go along with that.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 30.
59 CONTINUED:
Picard grabs the weapon and both turn in time to see a
HUMANOID BLUR appearing on a ridge. It is at this
point just a distortion in the air -- kicking up dust
and brush.
INT. BRIDGE
RIKER
(to com)
Riker to La Forge.
INTERCUT:
61 INT. ENGINEERING
La Forge and ENSIGN LEFLER are working quickly at
their respective consoles.
GEORDI
(touches combadge)
La Forge here.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
How close are we on the
transporter?
GEORDI
About two hours -- maybe three.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
I want the captain out of there
now.
Geordi and Lefler share a look.
GEORDI
That's not... likely, sir.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
I don't want to hear that,
Commander.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 31.
61 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(to Lefler)
What's the resonance frequency?
LEFLER
(off instruments)
Point three four over standard.
GEORDI
I want a resolution of point five
three at the very least.
(to com)
I'll need two more minutes,
Commander. But there's a good
chance this isn't gonna work.
62 INT. BRIDGE
Riker and Worf look at each other -- the dynamic is
more like two generals discussing strategy than a
superior officer and his subordinate.
WORF
If it fails...
RIKER
I know. We'll have tipped our
hand to the Tamarians. But that's
a chance we've got to take.
Worf nods.
WORF
Agreed.
RIKER
(to com)
La Forge. Proceed.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
We're on it. La Forge out.
RIKER
(to com)
Riker to transporter room one.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 32.
63 INT. TRANSPORTER
O'BRIEN at his console.
O'BRIEN
O'Brien here, Commander.
64 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, his face grim.
RIKER
(to com)
Stand by, Mister O'Brien...
65 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)
The creature is now across the clearing, an almost
imperceptible ripple in the air, a low electrical
CRACKLING SOUND coming from it. Picard indicates
they should retreat. The Tamarian shrugs him off --
as if he knows better.
DATHON
Mirab -- his sails unfurled?
Picard starts to move away from the distortion. Again
motioning for Dathon to follow.
PICARD
Come on.
DATHON
(hanging back)
Shaka. When the walls fell.
Dathon indicates the blur in the air. A beat and it
suddenly CRACKLES LOUDLY and disappears. A silent
beat. Suddenly it reappears with a loud CRACKLE, much
closer, cutting off the path Picard would have taken
-- almost as if to demonstrate its prowess. There's
clearly no way to out run it.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 32A.
65 CONTINUED:
DATHON
(re: creature's speed;
hopeless)
Shaka. When the walls fell.
PICARD
Shaka... You said that before.
When I couldn't build a fire.
A failure? An inability to do
something?
The Tamarian squares off toward the creature, weapon
ready. Picard does the same.
DATHON
Darmok and Jalad --
PICARD
-- at Tanagra.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 33.
65 CONTINUED: (2)
The alien looks surprised.
PICARD
(continuing)
I remember the words. But I don't
understand...
The creature crackles loudly, threateningly. Picard
and the Tamarian await its attack...
66 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi and Lefler at their consoles, working furiously.
GEORDI
Matrix levels.
LEFLER
Annular convergence holding at
four three nine point two oh five.
Confinement resolution at point
five two seven.
GEORDI
That isn't gonna do it. Increase
thermal input coefficient to one
hundred fifty-percent.
LEFLER
(working console)
Increasing now...
67 INT. BRIDGE
Riker and Worf.
RIKER
(to com)
Status, La Forge.
68 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi keeps working without missing a beat.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 34.
68 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(to com)
We're almost there, Commander.
(to Lefler)
Shunt the overload to the phase
transition sequencers in
transporter one.
LEFLER
Yes, sir.
Lefler's fingers fly over the console.
GEORDI
(to com)
La Forge to O'Brien.
69 INT. TRANSPORTER
O'Brien at the controls.
O'BRIEN
Go ahead, Commander.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Confirm phase sequencer linkage.
O'Brien touches the panel.
O'BRIEN
Link confirmed. Ready whenever
you are, sir.
70 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
71 THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)
roars and moves toward them, a distortion in the air...
72 PICARD AND THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)
The alien captain motions Picard away, indicating there
should be more distance between them, using his hands
to indicate the split.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 35.
72 CONTINUED:
The creature is still hovering near, its blur wavering
in the air, the low electrical noise around it.
DATHON
Uzani. His army at Lashmir.
Picard stares at him in the heat of the moment, trying
desperately to understand -- their lives depend on it.
PICARD
At Lashmir. Was it like this at
Lashmir? Similar to what we're
facing now?
The creature CRACKLES loudly, disappears. Silence.
Picard and Dathon tense up, anticipating the creature's
next location. They urgently try to connect with each
other.
DATHON
Uzani...
The Tamarian takes another step to the side -- again
indicating more distance between Picard and himself.
DATHON
His army. With fist open.
PICARD
(excited)
A strategy? With fist open...
Picard opens his hand.
PICARD
(continuing)
With fist open. Why... ? To lure
the enemy...
DATHON
His army. With fist closed.
PICARD
(closing his fist)
With fist closed. An army.
Open... to lure the enemy.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT THREE 35A.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
Then closed... To attack. That's
how you communicate, isn't it?
By citing example. By metaphor.
(indicating creature)
Uzani's army. With fist closed!
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE 36.
72 CONTINUED: (3)
DATHON
(eureka!)
Sokath. His eyes uncovered!
A VIOLENT CRACKLING ROAR. Both turn toward the sound.
73 INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)
directly in front of them, wavering between the two,
divided about which to attack. It chooses Picard --
SUDDENLY BECOMING VISIBLE -- and lunges toward him.
It is a horrifying creature surrounded with a
shimmering electrical field.
Picard moves sideways, slashing out with his dagger as
he goes. The dagger contacts the field (not flesh);
the creature shrieks angrily in response.
74 THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)
leaps in from the creature's blind side, slashing it
with his weapon -- also contacting the field around
it. Sparks fly, the creature again shrieks, whipping
around to the new source of attack, leaving Picard
alone.
75 PICARD (OPTICAL)
executes the same move the Tamarian just made,
attacking from the creature's blindside, distracting it
from the Tamarian.
76 THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)
again attacks, and as the creature turns toward him...
77 PICARD (OPTICAL)
begins to DEMATERIALIZE! Picard reacts -- struggling
against the beam, not wanting to abandon his comrade.
PICARD
No --
But the word is fritzed, Picard is silenced by the
transporter.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 37.
78 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Picard's image SEMI-MATERIALIZES on the pad, flickering
between more- and then less-solid states.
79 INCLUDE O'BRIEN
at the controls.
O'BRIEN
(to com)
I've got a piece of him Commander.
But that's all...
80 INT. BRIDGE
Riker is on his feet.
RIKER
(to com)
La Forge, boost the confinement
beam!
81 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi and Lefler at their consoles.
LEFLER
(to Geordi)
One fifty-seven over standard.
GEORDI
(to com)
It's as solid as it'll go,
Commander.
82 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
The Tamarian is hurled violently into frame -- burn
marks slashed across his chest. TIGHT on the creature
as it leaps upon him.
83 PICARD (OPTICAL)
continues to MATERIALIZE in and out as...
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 37A.
84 THE SCENE (OPTICAL)
Without Picard to distract it, the creature is all over
the Tamarian. He desperately tries to roll away from
it, but nothing works -- he's at its complete mercy,
being battered and slashed by claws and electrical
charge.
85 INT. BRIDGE
Worf looks up from his controls.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT THREE 38.
85 CONTINUED:
WORF
The Tamarian and the entity are
in close proximity. The
Tamarian's lifesigns are
fluctuating.
Riker glances at the instrument panel over the shoulder
of the Conn Officer.
RIKER
(off instruments)
The scattering field is still in
full force.
(indicates screen)
What the hell is wrong with them?
86 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
and the Tamarian ship.
RIKER
(continuing)
Their sensors can read what's
going on as well as ours can.
(to com)
Riker to O'Brien. Report.
87 INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)
O'Brien works the controls as Picard continues to
MATERIALIZE in and out -- only it's getting weaker.
O'BRIEN
(to com)
The field's still deflecting the
signal. There just isn't enough
of him, sir.
88 INT. BRIDGE
Riker turns to Worf.
RIKER
Open a channel to the Tamarian
ship.
WORF
(touches controls)
Aye, sir.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE 39.
89 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as the Tamarian bridge appears, the First Officer
looking frustrated and angry.
RIKER
(to screen)
Your captain is under attack.
Drop your particle field.
The First Officer stares at Riker for a hard beat, then
turns to his tactical officer.
FIRST OFFICER
Kailash...
(facing Riker)
When it rises...
The screen goes dead.
WORF
They have closed the channel.
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
O'Brien to bridge.
90 INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)
Picard's image begins to completely DEMATERIALIZE on
the pad.
O'BRIEN
(to com)
I can't hold him, Commander.
91 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)
Picard MATERIALIZES back into place, just in time to
see the creature blur out and disappear in a crackling
snarl, leaving the fallen Tamarian behind.
Picard runs to him, crouches down at his side. The
Tamarian is still conscious, but seriously injured.
Burned, slashed, white blood appearing at open wounds.
Dathon steals himself against the pain -- a heroic
warrior.
DATHON
Shaka...
Picard nods, remembers the phrase -- completes it.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE 40.
91 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(nodding)
... when the walls fell.
The Tamarian gives him a weak smile -- and slumps into
unconsciousness.
OFF Picard's face.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
92 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
Still facing each other.
RIKER (O.S.)
First Officer's log, stardate
45047.8. Our attempt to transport
Captain Picard back to the ship
has failed. My options are
narrowing. And my patience is
all but gone.
93 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Data and Troi are waiting at the table. Geordi is
sitting nearby.
The door opens and Riker ENTERS with Worf and BEVERLY.
They sit down.
RIKER
Here's the situation on El-Adrel.
The entity has moved off several
hundred meters.
BEVERLY
Captain Picard's bioscan readings
are stable. The Tamarian's are
not.
TROI
He may have been injured...
RIKER
If the entity attacks again, the
captain could be facing it alone.
GEORDI
The transporter's completely out
of the question. The Tamarian
ship has deepened the scattering
field to the D region of the
ionosphere. There's no getting
through.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR 42.
93 CONTINUED:
WORF
Unless we attack the ship itself.
RIKER
Can you pinpoint the source of
their particle beam?
GEORDI
They're using a polarity coil
generator located aft of their
warp drive. It's heavily
shielded.
RIKER
Can we get through with our
phasers?
GEORDI
Not with the first spread. It'll
take a few hits.
RIKER
That's not good enough. I want
to be able to knock out the
scattering field in one shot and
have the captain back on the
Enterprise before they know what
happened.
A beat.
GEORDI
If we selectively target the
amplification pathways around the
generator, it should be just as
effective. And we can do it in
one burst.
RIKER
How long to set that up?
GEORDI
Worf and I will have to adjust
the prefire chambers. That'll
give us the focus we need.
(shrugs)
A few hours.
RIKER
Get started.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 43.
93 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
Geordi and Worf stand and leave the room. Riker turns
to Troi and Data.
RIKER
(re: Worf and Geordi)
I'd prefer to find a peaceful
solution. If we can talk our way
out of this -- so much the better.
Troi and Data exchange a glance.
TROI
Unfortunately, it's not that
simple.
RIKER
What have you found?
DATA
The Tamarian ego structure does
not seem to allow what we normally
think of as self-identity. Their
ability to abstract is highly
unusual. They seem to
communicate through narrative
imagery -- by reference to the
individuals and places which
appear in their mytho-historical
accounts.
TROI
It's as if I were to say to you
"Juliet. On her balcony."
BEVERLY
An image of romance.
TROI
Exactly. Image is everything to
the Tamarians.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 44.
93 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI (cont'd)
It embodies their emotional
states, their very thought
processes. It's how they
communicate, and how they think.
RIKER
If we know how they think, can't
we get something across to them?
DATA
No sir. The situation is
analogous to understanding the
grammar of a language but none
of the vocabulary.
BEVERLY
(nodding)
If I didn't know who Juliet was
or what she was doing on that
balcony, the image alone wouldn't
mean anything.
TROI
That's correct. We know, for
instance, that "Darmok" was a
great hero -- a hunter. Tanagra
was an island. But that's all.
Without the details, there's no
understanding.
DATA
It is necessary for us to learn
the narratives from which the
Tamarians are drawing these
images.
(beat)
Given our current relations, that
does not appear likely.
OFF Riker's reaction -- they're at a dead end.
94 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT
The Tamarian Captain is on the ground, lying on his
back.
Picard is sitting upright on rock a few feet away, both
daggers in hand, alert and protective.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 45.
94 CONTINUED:
DATHON
(indicating scene)
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
His voice has a certain finality -- as though the
incident with the creature made his point. He settles
back.
PICARD
Our situation is similar to
theirs. I understand. But I need
to know more. Tell me more.
About Darmok and Jalad. Tell
me...
Picard searches his memory.
PICARD
(continuing)
You used the words "Temba. His
arms wide" when you gave me the
fire. And the dagger. Could that
mean give?
(pointing to Dathon)
Temba. His arms wide. Darmok.
Give me more about Darmok.
Picard makes a "give me" or "come on" motion with his
hand. Dathon smiles to hear Picard's efforts in his
own language. But he understands.
DATHON
Darmok on the ocean.
Picard thinks out loud, trying to understand. (NOTE:
the alien does not understand Picard's "English" --
only when Picard repeats a Tamarian phrase or image
will Dathon show a glimmer of recognition.)
Picard takes a tiny stone and places it on the sand in
front of them.
PICARD
(indicating stone)
Darmok.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 45A.
94 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard draws a big circle around the stone.
PICARD
(indicating circle)
The ocean.
He sweeps his hand to indicate the small scene he has
created.
PICARD
(continuing)
"Darmok on the ocean."
The Tamarian gives an appreciative chuckle.
PICARD
(continuing)
A metaphor. For being alone?
Isolated? "Darmok on the ocean."
The alien laughs again -- then spasms painfully,
quickly covering his distress.
PICARD
(standing)
Are you alright?
The alien waves him off.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 46.
94 CONTINUED: (3)
DATHON
Kiazi's children. Their faces
wet.
Picard sits back down.
PICARD
(indicating Dathon)
Temba. His arms wide. Give me
more. "Darmok on the ocean... "
DATHON
Tanagra on the ocean. Darmok
at Tanagra.
PICARD
"At Tanagra." A country?
"Tanagra on the ocean." An
island.
(a "more" motion)
Temba... His arms wide.
DATHON
Jalad on the ocean. Jalad at
Tanagra.
PICARD
"Jalad at Tanagra." He went to
the same island as Darmok. To
Tanagra.
DATHON
The beast at Tanagra.
PICARD
The beast. A creature on the
island? On Tanagra. Darmok and
Jalad -- did they fight the beast?
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 46A.
94 CONTINUED: (4)
Picard suddenly thinks he understands.
PICARD
(continuing)
They arrived separately. They
struggled against a common foe.
(beat)
"The beast at Tanagra. Darmok and
Jalad."
DATHON
Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.
PICARD
(realizing)
They left together.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 47.
94 CONTINUED: (5)
Picard indicates the two of them.
PICARD
(continuing)
Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.
Dathon looks pleased.
DATHON
On the ocean--
The alien is wracked by a terrible spasm of pain.
Picard again moves toward him, this time the Tamarian
is angered.
DATHON
(continuing)
Zinda! His face black... His eyes
red...
Picard backs off respectfully. The Tamarian gets the
pain under control. Smiles weakly -- as if to make
up for the outburst.
DATHON
(continuing)
Callimas at Bahar.
Picard stares at him for a moment.
PICARD
You hoped this would happen,
didn't you? You knew there was
a dangerous creature on this
planet. And you knew from the
tale of Darmok that danger shared
can sometimes bring two people
together.
(indicating situation)
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
You and me, here -- at El-Adrel.
The Tamarian gives a confirmatory shake of his
shoulders. Then fights another wave of pain. When it
passes, he takes a ragged breath. Then appears to be
waiting for something. He gives a "go-ahead"
indication to Picard.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 48.
94 CONTINUED: (6)
DATHON
(weakly)
Kira at Bashi.
Picard doesn't quite get it. The alien mimics Picard's
"you give me" motion.
DATHON
(continuing)
Temba. His arms wide...
PICARD
(realizing)
My turn? I'm afraid I'm not much
of a story teller. And you
wouldn't understand me anyway.
(shakes head)
Shaka... when the walls fell.
The Tamarian smiles -- but is disappointed. Picard
picks up on it.
PICARD
(continuing)
Perhaps that doesn't matter. You
want to hear it anyway...
The Tamarian is waiting... Picard thinks for a moment,
wanting to find the most fitting tale...
PICARD
(continuing)
There is a story... A very ancient
one. From Earth. I'll try to
remember...
He attempts to match the Tamarian's "story-telling"
voice.
PICARD
Gilgamesh. Was a king. At Uruk.
He tormented his subjects. He
drove them to anger. They cried
out -- "Give our king a companion.
Spare us his madness."
Picard glances at the Tamarian -- the alien's eyes are
glazed, but rapt.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 49.
94 CONTINUED: (7)
PICARD
(continuing)
Enkidu. A wildman. Of the
forest. Entered the city. They
fought in the temple. They fought
in the street. Gilgamesh defeated
Enkidu. They became friends.
(beat)
Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At Uruk.
The alien's voice is extremely weak. As if he's just
repeating Picard's words unconsciously.
DATHON
(weak; mimicking)
At Uruk...
Picard can see that Dathon is failing. Picard's voice
becomes almost a whisper, softly making the transition
to his own way of speaking.
PICARD
(quiet)
The new friends went into the
desert, where the Great Bull of
Heaven was killing men by the
hundreds. Enkidu caught it by
the tail, Gilgamesh struck it with
his sword.
DATHON
(barely audible,
mimicking)
Gilgamesh...
PICARD
They were victorious. But Enkidu
fell to the ground. Struck down
by the gods...
The alien closes his eyes... Picard looks at him. The
Tamarian shudders once -- and is completely still.
PICARD
(continuing; a whisper)
And Gilgamesh wept bitter tears,
saying, "He who was my companion
through adventure and hardships,
is gone forever... "
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR 50.
94 CONTINUED: (8)
Picard stops speaking. The clearing is utterly silent.
OFF Picard's face.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT FIVE 51.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
95 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
Facing each other in orbit.
RIKER
First Officer's log, supplemental.
I have no choice but to break the
stalemate. If war is the
result... Maybe it was
inevitable. Perhaps the distance
between our races is so vast that
nothing else was ever possible...
96 INT. BRIDGE
The turbolift opens and Worf steps out onto the bridge.
Riker turns to him as he heads for his post. Data and
Troi are at their posts.
WORF
Phasers are nearly ready, sir.
Worf steps into position at tactical.
RIKER
Stand by to fire, Mister Worf.
DATA
(off instruments)
Commander. The Tamarian's
bioscans have become unreadable.
(beat)
He may be dead, sir.
Everyone reacts.
RIKER
If we know it -- so do the
Tamarians.
(to CON)
Riker to La Forge.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge here.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE 52.
96 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(to com)
I need those phasers --
DATA
(interrupting)
Sir -- sensors are tracking the
entity. It is approaching Captain
Picard's position.
97 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY
98 THE TAMARIAN
is laid out on his back, eyes shut.
99 INCLUDE PICARD
standing next to him, his manner one of great respect.
Both Tamarian daggers are stuck into Picard's
waistband.
He crosses the dead Tamarian's arms over the alien's
chest -- Egyptian-like.
A CRACKLING ROAR in the near distance. Picard glances
up at the sound. Then turns back to the dead alien.
PICARD
I understand your sacrifice,
Captain.
He places one of the daggers on the alien's chest.
ANOTHER ROAR. There's a calmness in his voice, as if
he's resigned to his fate.
PICARD
(re: the roar)
Unfortunately, if our friend out
there has its way, no one will
ever know what you tried to do...
THE ROAR sounds -- much closer. Picard turns toward
the noise.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE 53.
100 THE CLEARING
The quiet, crackling BLUR -- the creature is very
close...
101 RESUME PICARD
as he pulls out his dagger and waits calmly for the
attack.
102 INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)
The distorion CRACKLES LOUDLY, and disappears --
103 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, Worf, Troi.
DATA
(off instruments)
Nine meters and closing...
Commander...
The waiting is unbearable.
DATA
(continuing)
Six meters...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to bridge. You have
phasers!
Riker whips around to Worf.
RIKER
Fire!
Worf hits the console.
104 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise simultaneously fires six narrow-focused
beams, striking the Tamarian ship at six different
spots on her hull.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE 54.
105 INT. BRIDGE
WORF
(off instruments)
Their particle beam emitters are
inoperative.
DATA
The scattering field is down.
RIKER
(to com)
O'Brien! Energize!
106 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
O'Brien works the controls...
107 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)
A LOUD CRACKLE as the creature appears in bodily form,
becoming VISIBLE in all its ferocity, rushing in --
just as Picard DEMATERIALIZES.
108 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
O'Brien at his console -- Picard MATERIALIZES on the
pad.
109 INT. BRIDGE
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
We got him, Commander.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Maximum shields.
WORF
(touches controls)
Aye.
110 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Tamarian vessel fires a phaser blast at the
Enterprise, striking the hull and right nacelle.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE 55.
111 INT. BRIDGE
The bridge is rocked severely.
RIKER
Red Alert.
The ship goes to RED ALERT.
WORF
Starboard shields holding at
fifty-two percent. Forward
shields gone.
RIKER
Let's get out of here.
DATA
That will not be possible,
Commander. The starboard nacelle
sustained a direct hit. Warp
engines are off-line.
RIKER
Go to impulse. Back us off.
WORF
(off instruments)
They are matching our maneuver.
And firing...
Again the bridge is ROCKED -- this time more severely.
RIKER
(no choice)
Return fire, Mister Worf. Full
phasers.
WORF
Firing, sir.
112 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise fires an intense phaser blast at the
Tamarian ship. No apparent damage.
113 INT. BRIDGE
WORF
Their shields are holding. They
are firing again.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT FIVE 56.
113 CONTINUED:
The bridge is ROCKED -- the worst yet.
WORF
(continuing)
Our shields have failed!
DATA
Commander -- we cannot survive
another hit.
The turbolift door opens and Picard ENTERS the bridge,
quickly moving toward his command.
Riker immediately steps aside, then reacts to the
dagger in Picard's hand.
PICARD
(as he moves)
Hail the Tamarian ship.
WORF
(touches controls)
Aye, Captain.
114 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Tamarian bridge. The First Officer rises to his
feet -- reacts with anger at seeing a Tamarian dagger
in Picard's hand.
FIRST OFFICER
Zinda! His face black. His eyes
red --
PICARD
--Temarc!
Dead silence on the viewscreen. Picard has adopted the
same tone he saw used by the Tamarian Captain.
PICARD
(continuing)
The river Temarc. In winter.
The Tamarians are taken aback by Picard's words. They
look at him in a new light, anger suddenly evaporating
into surprise.
FIRST OFFICER
Darmok...
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE 57.
114 CONTINUED:
PICARD
... And Jalad. At Tanagra. Darmok
and Jalad on the ocean.
The aliens all react -- their Captain's plan worked.
Picard understands.
FIRST OFFICER
(to others; amazed)
Sokath! His eyes open!
The aliens stare at him, all ears -- awaiting news of
what happened on the planet.
PICARD
(continuing)
The beast at Tanagra. Uzani.
His army.
(shaking his head)
Shaka. When the walls fell.
The aliens appear saddened. They lower their eyes.
Each Tamarian ritualistically touches his dagger, then
his forehead.
The aliens again face Picard. Picard takes the small
book -- the Tamarian captain's "diary" -- and holds
it out in his hand.
The Tamarian First Officer glances at one of his
officers, who touches a console. The book is
immediately DEMATERIALIZED, MATERIALIZING next to the
alien First Officer. He picks it up, showing it to
Picard.
FIRST OFFICER
(re: book)
Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel.
Picard nods. The alien sets the book down. Turns back
to Picard.
FIRST OFFICER
(continuing)
Mirab. With sails unfurled.
Picard extends the Tamarian dagger toward the First
Officer, offering it back to him.
PICARD
Temba. His arms open.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE 58.
114 CONTINUED: (2)
The alien makes a motion with his hands -- as if
declining Picard's offer of the weapon.
FIRST OFFICER
Temba at rest.
Picard nods, lowers the dagger.
PICARD
(almost to himself)
Thank you...
The viewscreen goes to a shot of the Tamarian ship,
as it turns and moves off.
A beat. Riker and the others are taken aback by
Picard's performance.
RIKER
(re: Tamarians)
New friends, Captain?
PICARD
I can't say, Number One.
Picard glances at the dagger.
PICARD
(continuing)
But at least they're not new
enemies.
115 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Cruising at warp.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE 59.
116 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is at his terminal, engrossed. The door
chimes.
PICARD
Come.
Riker ENTERS, carrying a PADD.
RIKER
I hope I'm not intruding, Captain.
Picard, in fact, is in an introspective and thoughtful
mood. He doesn't look up.
PICARD
Not at all, Number One. Please.
RIKER
Damage reports are ready for your
review.
PICARD
Thank you.
Riker steps over, places the PADD on the desk, and
glances at the captain's viewscreen.
RIKER
Greek, sir?
PICARD
The Homeric Hymns.
(glances up)
One of the root metaphors of our
own culture.
RIKER
For the next time we encounter
the Tamarians...
PICARD
(nodding)
More familiarity with our own
mythology might help us relate
to theirs.
STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE 60.
116 CONTINUED:
Picard sits in silent thought for a moment -- as if
this subject has been greatly occupying his mind. He
pushes away from the terminal, stands.
PICARD
The Tamarian was willing to risk
all of us -- just for the hope
of communication, of connection.
And now the door's open between
our peoples. That commitment
meant more to him than his own
life.
A long beat.
PICARD
(continuing)
Would I do the same... ?
Picard glances away -- Riker is silently dismissed.
He turns and leaves the room. The door shuts behind
him.
Picard looks down at his desk -- and the Tamarian
dagger laying on top of it. Picard touches it, then
brings his hand up to his forehead in the Tamarian
ritual honoring.
He lowers his hand. OFF his face.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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